Two Tourists Killed in Philadelphia Duck Boat Tragedy
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the Ride the Ducks boat tour company suspended tours nationwide after one of its amphibious boats caught on fire before being hit by a barge and sinking on the Delaware River on July 7. The boat accident in Philadelphia killed two tourists from Hungary.
Dozens of duck boats tours are offered each day in several U.S cities. They are a popular Philadelphia tourist attraction and are based on amphibious WWII boats capable of land and sea travel. The boat involved in the PA boating accident suffered mechanical trouble and a small fire shortly after entering the water with a full load of sightseers. The 2-man crew had radioed for help and passengers were awaiting rescue when the huge barge hit them.
The Philadelphia Inquirer mentions that the passengers had to quickly secure lifejackets and abandon ship before the barge hit. The Inquirer also reported that the barge is owned by the city, but operated by a contractor, and hauls sludge to a Water Department recycling plant. It was being directed by a tugboat owned by K-Sea Transportation Partners. The tugboat crew said it was unaware of the Duck boat in its path.
The Ride the Ducks company is owned by Herschend Family Entertainment. In 1999, a duck boat sank in Arkansas after a bilge pump failed. Thirteen people aboard died in that accident.
The NTSB is investigating the cause of the Philadelphia duck tour boat accident and whether owner and/or operator negligence played a part in the duck boat’s failure to operate prior to the collision or the collision with the tug-barge combination. They are also investigating why the tugboat did not station a crew member as a lookout on the barge.
Families of victims involved in such tragic Pennsylvania boat accidents similar to this one would be advised to contact an experienced Philadelphia wrongful death lawyer.
When needless death occurs due to negligence of another party, wrongful death lawsuits can be filed. In these lawsuits, the decedent’s heirs sue the negligent party or parties for damages related to the loss of life and their own pain and suffering. It is recommended that families who think their family member’s death was wrongful first contact a wrongful death attorney for a case assessment. If the case is valid, the attorney can help investigate the claim, gather evidence, represent them in court, and collect the compensation they deserve.
The Pennsylvania boat accident wrongful death attorneys at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP can help you find justice and compensation for your loved one’s death. Your case consultation with one of the Philadelphia, PA wrongful death attorneys is free of charge and completely confidential.
