NTSB Expected To Release Report On Duck Boat Investigation
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The National Transportation Safety Board is expected to release a report Monday morning on its continuing investigation into last July's deadly collision along the Delaware River involving a tug/barge and "Ride the Ducks" tour boat.
Two Hungarian tourists drowned when a barge collided with a disabled duck boat full of passengers on July 7th. The NTSB says it will release reports prepared by the investigative team, including interview transcripts, photographs and other documents. This is not the final report.
Robert Mongeluzzi, attorney for the families of the two Hungarian tourists, says he is anxiously awaiting Monday's report.
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"This information is critically important and a critical piece of the puzzle. You have to remember that we have had no opportunity to ask any of the defendants or their employees questions," Mongeluzzi said. "These people were under oath being examined by a federal agency."
Mongeluzzi adds that the families of the deceased still need more information.
"We still haven't learned the identity of who was operating the tug boat at the time of this catastrophe," Mongeluzzi said. "The parents (of the Hungarian students) want to know."
The city of Philadelphia says it is continuing to talk with the "Ride the Ducks" company as a plan to operate passenger tours on the Delaware River is being worked out and that the duck boats could be on the river in a few weeks.
The U.S. Coast Guard will allow the vessels back on the river once city and state permits are secured.
Reported by John McDevitt, KYW Newsradio
