NTSB investigators: Duck boat didn’t have axle fix

Investigators say it will likely take a year to determine the exact cause of the crash.

Investigator said Saturday that the left front axle of the duck boat was sheared off, but they hadn’t determined if that damage happened before the collision or during it.

The NTSB is now investigating whether Ride the Ducks Seattle was notified and why they did not make the fix, Weener said.

John Mundell, who said he was on the bridge at the time of the collision, is quoted as stating “We could hear the screech and twisted metal. The UTC will meet Monday to address its authority to suspend company operations pending completion of those inspections and review”, said Governor Inslee.

As the NTSB arrives at more answers, the Associated Press has announced that Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is seeking to halt operations of Seattle’s duck boat fleet pending the outcome of an investigation by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. She had previously been listed in critical condition. The bus was carrying 45 new global students and school employees on an outing to see sites in Seattle. The crash killed 5 people and injured dozens more. Four people remain in serious condition at Harborview Medical Center, and 11 others are also still being treated.

The AP noted that these vehicles are used for tours all over the world, in such cities as Philadelphia; Austin, Texas; Miami; Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and London. They feature former military landing craft repurposed as tour vehicles.

The Duck involved in the crash, identified by the Coast Guard as Duck No. 6, was built in 1945 and last refurbished in 2005, Weener said. The results of the federal probe are not expected to be made public for a year. They plan this week to interview the driver of both the Duck and the charter bus, which was operated by Bellair Charters & Airporter, Weener said.