WASHINGTON, May 14 (Xinhua) -- A cruise ship ran aground off the coast of the U.S. state of Alaska early Monday, and over 200 passengers and crew members are being evacuated, U.S. TV networks reported.

    The accident took place off Alaska's eastern peninsula near Juneau, CNN quoted Coast Guard officials as saying.

    The Coast Guard has sent a cutter and a helicopter to the scene, and has asked all boats nearby to help evacuate the 281 passengers and crew, Fox News reported.

    Dozens of people have been rescued from the 110-meter-long Empress of the North, the report said.

    The ship, operated by Majestic America Line of Seattle, was listing at about 8 degrees after hitting a rock. There have been no reports of injuries so far, CNN reported.