MOBILE, Ala. (AP) - A Carnival spokesman says the towing of a disabled cruise ship that has been stranded in the Gulf of Mexico for days is taking longer than anticipated.

Spokesman Vance Gulliksen says the Triumph is now expected to arrive alongside the cruise terminal in Mobile between 8 and 11 p.m. Thursday. Earlier, it had been expected Thursday afternoon.

Gulliken says four tugs are towing the vessel that initially set sail from Galveston.

Passengers have described dismal, filthy conditions onboard, but the company has disputed the accounts and says employees are doing everything to ensure people are comfortable.

An engine-room fire Sunday left the ship powerless. More than 4,000 people are on board.

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