Lady Duck News

Canadian Transport Minister David Collenette released the following statement concerning the sinking of the tour boat Lady Duck, which resulted in the deaths of four passengers. The accident happened in the late afternoon of June 23, 2002, on the Ottawa River. “I would like to convey my condolences to the families and friends of those who died in this tragic accident. “We are cooperating fully with the Transportation Safety Board’s (TSB) investigation. A Transport Canada marine safety inspector is on the scene to keep me informed of the investigation’s progress and a Ministerial Observer will be appointed. Should safety deficiencies be identified, Transport Canada will take immediate action.

Transport Minister David Collenette today announced that Transport Canada has issued a Ship Safety Bulletin reminding vessel operators of recent amendments to the Lifesaving Equipment Regulations and Small Vessel Regulations that require safety briefings on all Canadian passenger vessels. In the course of its investigation into the sinking of the amphibious vessel Lady Duck on June 23, 2002, the Transportation Safety Board issued a Marine Safety Advisory to Transport Canada on July 19, 2002, suggesting that the department take steps to ensure that safety briefings are conducted by vessel operators. As of March 2002, all operators of passenger vessels are required to provide safety briefings to their passengers on or before the departure of the vessel.