$100 Fine for New York Boat Accident That Killed 20
Del Williams
October 04, 2005
With 20 people dead, Shoreline Cruises faces a fine of $25 to $100 for not having the required two crew members. State officials suspended the licenses of the company and the Captain. Warren County Sheriff Larry Cleveland said, I do not believe there is any criminal culpability on any of the parties.”
What was meant to be a nice one-hour tour of the fall foliage turned into a nightmare as 20 people died after the boar overturned. Captain Richard Paris, 74, told authorities that the boat was hit by waves from at least one other vessel and turned over as he tried to steer out of them. He was one of the 28 survivors.
Few of the passengers were wearing life preservers, since it was not required. When the accident occurred there was no time for the group of senior citizens to respond. They were tossed and thrown by the wave, which shifted the weight so the boat capsized.
Considering the number of tourist in New York that rides boats, it would seem that they should have made preservers mandatory. Further, the boat should have been inspected to make sure that the required second crew member was aboard. Shoreline Cruises may not be responsible for the wave, but they do have a responsibility to follow the law. $100 is a small price to pay for the 20 lives lost. Civil suits may follow, but with the suspension of the boats, most likely Shoreline Cruises will be closing their door.
What was meant to be a nice one-hour tour of the fall foliage turned into a nightmare as 20 people died after the boar overturned. Captain Richard Paris, 74, told authorities that the boat was hit by waves from at least one other vessel and turned over as he tried to steer out of them. He was one of the 28 survivors.
Few of the passengers were wearing life preservers, since it was not required. When the accident occurred there was no time for the group of senior citizens to respond. They were tossed and thrown by the wave, which shifted the weight so the boat capsized.
Considering the number of tourist in New York that rides boats, it would seem that they should have made preservers mandatory. Further, the boat should have been inspected to make sure that the required second crew member was aboard. Shoreline Cruises may not be responsible for the wave, but they do have a responsibility to follow the law. $100 is a small price to pay for the 20 lives lost. Civil suits may follow, but with the suspension of the boats, most likely Shoreline Cruises will be closing their door.
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