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Nautica Queen Accident Leaves One Person Injured

Aug 4, 2009 | Mehret Tesfaye | Ethiopian Review

CLEVELAND - A dinner cruise ended with the Nautica Queen smacking into the east bank of the Cuyahoga River Monday night injuring one woman.

The boat was headed out for its evening dinner cruise with more than 100 people on board when a generator problem sent smoke into the lower level.

"Right now, the Nautica Queen can't sail because we're checking the conditions of the generators and propulsion engines for utmost safety," said U.S. Coast Guard Commander Linda Sturgis.

The Coast Guard is investigating Monday's incident. Cmdr. Sturgis says the Nautica Queen cannot sail until all of its equipment is fully operational and safe. "Ideally ships and machinery work all the time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but just like with a vehicle, things break," she added.

Passengers said when the smoke appeared, the crew started to usher everyone to the upper level.

Many of the passengers were with the International Deaf Catholic Association.

"It was difficult because the staff was saying hold on brace yourself and many couldn't hear so we're jumping hold on hold on so that was hard," Interpreter Renee Rawlings said.

A representative for Nautica said the crew turned the boat around as soon as the generator problem appeared, but on the way back to the dock the ship lost power.

"It did have an impact to the side wall of the river, but that was rather than run into the bridge trestle, the captain did a great job as did the crew," Michael Mercer, Director of Special Services at Nautica said.

People on board felt the impact.

"They said hold on hold on and I wasn't sure why but then at the corner of my eye I started to see us go right toward the dock area and right before my eyes we crashed into the dock the wood splintered into the air," David Evanko said.

One woman was transported to MetroHealth Medical Center for injuries as a result of the impact. Her condition is unknown.

The ship remained docked Tuesday.

Mercer said refunds will be issued to passengers.