Alaska Tourist Boat Runs Aground, 76 Rescued
One hundred years after the RMS Titanic sank, an Alaskan boat rescue was needed in Glacier Bay after a sightseeing vessel ran aground in the frigid waters off Alaska.
Seventy-six people needed to be rescued from the boat after the ship struck ground and started to fill with water, reports Reuters.
Fortunately for the passengers of the Baranof Wind, the boat owners and ship captain apparently had the proper safety measures in place and all the passengers were rescued with no major injuries reported. The ship was even saved and will be towed back to shore.
When a ship filled with tourists hits rocks or a glacier in cold water, there is always the risk of mass tragedy as survivors will have to deal with elements that can kill them within minutes.
This was probably most evident in the Titanic tragedy where over 1,500 people died as well as the Costa Concordia earlier this year where 30 people died. With a shipwreck, survivors have to deal with ocean currents, staying afloat, as well as dangerous water temperatures.
With the Glacier Bay Alaskan boat rescue, most of the passengers were transferred to a large Holland America cruise ship, that had responded to the emergency call, reports Reuters. A few other passengers were taken aboard a National Park Service vessel. Several crew members of the Baranof Wind also remained aboard and helped keep the vessel from sinking by pumping water out and there were no immediate signs of spills or other pollution.
Given the success of the Alaska boat rescue and minimal injuries reported, the operators of the ship probably face little legal liability. They appear to have had the proper safety measures in place and helped avoid a tragedy in Glacier Bay.
Related Resources:
- Sightseeing boat runs aground in Alaska bay; 76 rescued (NBC)
- Holland America cruise ship rescues tourists in Alaska (USA TODAY)
- Cruise Ship Injuries: What are Your Rights? (FindLaw's Injured)