CLEVELAND — The United States Coast Guard Marine (USCG) Safety Unit in Cleveland is investigating after the Tiki Barge collided with the Nautica Queen on the Cuyahoga River Saturday.
The U.S. Coast Guard Station Cleveland Harbor and other local agencies responded at approximately 12:50 p.m. on Saturday.
The Tiki Barge was on the river for a scheduled two-hour voyage with 20 passengers on board when it collided with the Nautica Queen, according to a news release.
The company that operates the barge released the following statement Tuesday:
We are cooperating with the U.S. Coast Guard as it investigates the circumstances surrounding the accident that occurred May 22 on a routine cruise involving one of our barges. This was an unfortunate incident, and we are relieved no one was seriously injured.
While this matter remains under investigation, and we need to be careful about going into detail, we want our customers to know that the captain of the barge in this incident is no longer operating our vessels.
Our purpose is to provide customers with a fun, safe experience on the water. We are redoubling our efforts to make sure we meet that commitment on every cruise and have reviewed our safety procedures with our entire team. The Coast Guard has inspected the barge involved in the accident and has cleared it to resume service pending a minor cosmetic repair. We hope to have the repair completed very soon.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation. The Coast Guard said one minor injury was reported.
All boaters are asked to remain alert at all times and should keep an eye out for one another, the USCG said in the news release.
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