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Updated: 10:10 PM Oct 7, 2008
The Delta Queen's Last Voyage?
The Delta Queen Steamboat is docked in Point Pleasant for what may be the last time.
Posted: 11:58 AM Oct 7, 2008Reporter: Carrie Cline Email Address: carrie.cline@wsaz.com |
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7 Comments 
UPDATE: 6pm
POINT PLEASANT, W.Va (WSAZ) -- Long live the queen -- the Delta Queen! The old-fashioned riverboat is one of the last overnight passenger steamboats in the world. But, at the end of the month, she could be grounded permanently.
During her last stop in our region Tuesday, we walked along her decks as we strolled down memory lane for what could be her last bon voyage.
Peggy Swisher is from Union, Missouri--two hours southeast of St. Louis. For nearly 20 years, she's cruised the Delta Queen more than 15 times. For her, this majestic vessel holds the key to a peaceful life and death.
“We’d like to have our ashes sprinkled here behind the paddle wheel,” said Swisher.
Built in 1926, the queen cost nearly one-million dollars--even back then. She's made of the finest steel, exotic woods and priceless Tiffany crystal.
“We’re not asking Congress for a bailout, just permission to continue to operate,” said Bill Wiemuth, employee with the Delta Queen.
The DQ is making its last stop in Pt. Pleasant for the year. But, if Congress doesn't act, it could be the last stop ever. The queen has operated under a 42-year exemption of the Safety of Life at Sea Act. The law forbids any vessel that's constructed primarily of wood from carrying more than 50 passengers overnight in U.S. waterways. On October 31st, the Delta's exemption runs out. Those against renewing it claim safety is an issue.
“One example is most hotels have interior walls that are flammable. But, what hotel has a Coast Guard trained fire crew that lives there? We do!” said Wiemuth.
The Delta Queen has sailed the Ohio River for 60 years. Virginia Courts from Montana and Betty Vincent from California have each cruised her majesty more than 25 years. But, that's just part of her attraction.
“It just gets in your blood,” said Jim Armstrong.
Armstrong is from Catlettsburg, Kentucky, but now lives in Pittsburgh. He’s responsible for securing a proclamation from the Pennsylvania legislature supporting the queen. He once helped save the riverboat more than 30 years ago--then, he was just 14. He's confident he can do it again.
“She just means so much to me” said Armstrong.
If you'd like to help save the Delta Queen, go to: http://www.save-the-delta-queen.org
ORIGINAL STORY: Tuesday Morning
POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- The Delta Queen Steamboat is docked in Point Pleasant for what may be the last time.
The Queen has operated under a 42-year exemption of the safety of life at sea act. The law forbids any vessel from operating in U.S. waterways carrying more than 50 passengers overnight that's constructed primarily of wood.
On November 1st, the Delta Queens’ exemption runs out if legislation to extend the exemption is not passed by congress. The legislation does have the support of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.
The historic steamboat arrived at 8am, and will remain in the city until 1pm when it will continue it’s journey down river.
Latest Comments
Senator Obama released a statement recognizing the importance of the delta queen, and its final stop in point pleasant: "As the last remaining authentic, operable riverboat in the world, the Delta Queen is a valuable part of our nation's heritage that we have a duty to preserve and protect for future generations. As she makes her final stops in Point Pleasant, I urge Congress to support this effort to ensure the Delta Queen may continue to serve the people of Ohio and West Virginia for years to come." It's a needless end, please email senator byrd and senator rockefeller, as well as rep capito and rep rahall
I have worked the river for 30 yrs and this is truly going to be a sad day.I talked to the capt. just last week and if you have not visited the web site Save The Delta Queen please do and let your politicians know that you are watching the actions on this and you will vote accordingly this is the right thing to do to preserve a major piece of our river heritage for future generations to enjoy thank you and God Bless the Queen
Having grown up on the beautiful Ohio river, I am saddened that there is no hope in saving the Delta Queen once again. As children, my brother and I eagerly waited for the Delta Queen to pass our house so that we could hear the calliope being played and to wave at the passengers on deck. Sometimes the captain would blow the horn. I was only on the Delta Queen one time as a child when she used to dock at Gallipolis and they would give tours. I regret that I was never able to board her again. I will miss seeing her cruise past Gallipolis. What a shame to lose this part of our river history. Bon Voyage! Delta Queen.
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