Search suspended for two missing in tour-boat crash

July 08, 2010|By Troy Graham, Susan Snyder, and David O'Reilly, Inquirer Staff Writers
(Page 4 of 4)

Ride the Ducks is owned by Herschend Family Entertainment, which is based near Atlanta and operates Camden's Adventure Aquarium and the Dollywood theme park.

The ducks can carry 37 passengers and two crew members, said Sharla Feldscher, a local spokeswoman for Ride the Ducks.

"We're doing everything we can for the passengers and our guests," she said.

Ride the Ducks has canceled all tours for Thursday.

In 1999 a failed drivetrain seal caused the drowning deaths of 13 tourists, including three children, when a World War II military surplus amphibious vehicle sank in Lake Hamilton, Ark.

Story continues below.

According to the Ride the Ducks website, the vehicles used in Philadelphia are "based on the classic WWII DUKW amphibious design," but "today we build our vehicles from the ground up using the latest in marine design and safety."

The vehicles are "regularly inspected, tested and certified by the United States Coast Guard," according to the company website.

About three hours after being rescued, Grace seemed remarkably calm. Asked to assess the experience, he said without hesitation, "Life affirming."

 


Contact staff writer Susan Snyder at 215-854-4693 or ssnyder@phillynews.com.

 

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