Philadelphia Duck Boats Will Not Operate On 1-Year Anniversary Of Deadly Barge Crash
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The company that operates Philadelphia's amphibious "duck boat" tours has announced that it will halt service for one day, July 7th, to mark the one-year anniversary of the deadly accident in which two Hungarian tourists riding in a duck boat on the Delaware River lost their lives (see previous stories).
In a written statement, "Ride The Ducks" company president Chris Herschend said, "Our prayers continue to be with all of those involved in this horrible tragedy, especially the families of Dora Schwendtner and Szabolcs Prem. Our closure is intended to honor the people on board and the first responders who helped that day. It is also a reminder to our team of what we learned, and our ongoing commitment to assure nothing like this ever happens again."
Today, many along Independence Mall, where the duck boat tours board passengers, say the halt in service is the appropriate thing to do.
"You know, it's a good thing, and they are still going to remember these people I think," said one woman.
Some tourists said they didn't event know about the tragedy.
The families of the two students who lost their lives have filed wrongful-death lawsuits against the City of Philadelphia, the operators of the tug boat pushing the barge that ran into the disabled duck boat, Ride The Ducks, and others (see related story).
Reported by John McDevitt, KYW Newsradio 1060
