NTSB EXAMINES REPORTS ON SUNKEN PASSENGER VESSEL AND LOUISIANA HAZMAT SPILL

Washington D.C. - The National Transportation Safety Board will hold a meeting on Tuesday, April 2, 2002 at 9:30 a.m. at its Board Room and Conference Center, 429 L’Enfant Plaza, S.W., Washington, D.C. Final reports for two investigations are on the agenda:

1) On May 1, 1999 the Miss Majestic, an amphibious vessel with 20 persons on board, entered Lake Hamilton, Arkansas as part of a regular tour. During the lake portion of the tour, water flooded the vessel’s hull. About 7 minutes after entering the water the vessel sank by the stern, 60 feet to the bottom of the lake. Thirteen passengers drowned as a result of the sinking.
Media Contact: Lauren Peduzzi (202) 314-6100

2) On Saturday, May 27, 2000, a Union Pacific Railroad train derailed near Eunice, Louisiana. Of the derailed cars, 15 contained hazardous materials and 2 contained hazardous materials residue. The derailment resulted in a release of hazardous materials with explosions and fire, and the evacuation of 3,500 people from the immediate area. No one was injured during the derailment of the train or the subsequent release of hazardous materials.
Media Contact: Keith Holloway (202) 314-6100

The Board will begin discussing the first agenda item at 9:30 a.m. The second item will be considered after completion of item one.

Directions to Board Room: Front door located on Lower 10th Street, directly below L’Enfant Plaza. From Metro, exit L’Enfant Plaza station at 9th and D Streets escalator, walk through shopping mall, at CVS store take escalator down one level. Board Room will be to your left.