Fifty years on, victims of US ferry disaster remembered

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 23:02 · Archive

The worst ferry disaster in US history killed 77 people when a Norwegian tanker hit the Destrehan-Luling ferry on the Mississippi River in 1976.

On 20 October 1976, the Norwegian tanker Frosta struck the ferry George Prince on the Mississippi River near Destrehan, Louisiana. More than 100 people were on board the ferry, many travelling to or from work. The collision killed 77 people, including five crew members, with only 18 survivors, making it the worst ferry disaster in US history. Dozens of cars and passengers were plunged into the river.

Documentarian Royd Anderson said the ferry's driver was intoxicated and moved the vessel directly into the path of the ship. The accident occurred during an era when ferries were considered to have right-of-way over large ships. Anderson stated there was no fog that morning and attributed the cause to 'the maneuvering of the vessel'. The ferry disaster had occurred while the Destrehan Bridge was under construction.

The tragic event prompted changes in maritime law. A memorial ceremony was held in Destrehan on the fiftieth anniversary, with St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne among those recalling the disaster. Champagne, a college student in 1976, described arriving at the levee and seeing 'the tip of the ferry with all the boats around it'.

Fifty years on, victims of US ferry disaster remembered — Image: WAFB

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How it is being reported

Fifty years later, victims of Luling-Destrehan ferry disaster rememberedAccident in 1976 claimed 77 lives and prompted changes in maritime lawWAFB · 20 Oct, 22:29
Fifty years later, victims of Luling-Destrehan ferry disaster rememberedAccident in 1976 claimed 77 lives and prompted changes in maritime lawKNOE · 20 Oct, 22:29

In this story: Frosta · George Prince · Destrehan · Luling · Mississippi River · Royd Anderson · Greg Champagne

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