New York Vessel Ethan Allen capsizes; 20 passengers on board killed
Released on = May 24, 2007, 1:50 pm
Press Release Author = Lala C. Ballatan
Industry = Law
Press Release Summary = The Ethan Allen, the certificated public vessel of New York State, with 47 passengers on board, capsized near Cramer Point after encountering some waves generated by some vessels on its starboard side. In the aftermath of the accident, 20 passengers were killed and 9 received injuries.
Press Release Body = The Ethan Allen, the certificated public vessel of New York State, with 47 passengers on board, capsized near Cramer Point after encountering some waves generated by some vessels on its starboard side. In the aftermath of the accident, 20 passengers were killed and 9 received injuries. The accident caused damages to the vessel and its components worth approximately $21,000.
Los Angeles, California, May 23, 2007 - Accounts from Lake George, New York reported that the Ethan Allen departed the Lake George Marina for a cruise of the lake with its 47 passengers and a licensed New York State operator.
The vessel advanced northbound through the Lake George's western side with the likely speed of 8 mph. When it came near Cramer Point, the operator began to turn the vessel around toward its right. However, the Ethan Allen encounters a wave or some waves, which was caused by some vessels near its starboard side.
After some seconds, the Ethan Allen rolled to its port side and completely overturned. Approximately 15 minutes later, it begun to sink and the other operators of nearby recreational vessels started immediately to rescue the survivors of the accident.
The Safety Board investigated the accident and turned up with some major safety issues.
1.) Passenger vessels' stability standards and procedures as regulated. 2.) Use of manufacturer's capacity plates according to New York State regulations in determining loading capacity of passenger vessels 3.) New York States' regulation regarding public vessels
According to the conclusions of the National Transportation Safety Board, the probable cause for the capsizing of Ethan Allen was the insufficient stability of the vessel to withstand the joined forces of a sharp turn and passing waves. Thus, these factors caused the involuntary shift of passengers to the vessel's port side.
Aggravating the condition was the insufficient stability of the vessel. It should have been carrying only 14 passengers instead of 48 according to stability calculations during post accident. Another contributing factor is the failure to do a reassessment of the vessel's stability when it was modified.
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