NTSB TO HOLD PUBLIC FORUM ON AMPHIBIOUS "DUCK" VESSELS IN MEMPHIS, TN 

Washington , D.C. - The National Transportation Safety Board will conduct a public forum on December 8-9, 1999 on safety issues involving the operation of amphibious passenger vessels known as "Ducks."  The two-day event will be held in Memphis, Tennessee.  NTSB Board Member John Hammerschmidt will chair the forum.

The Safety Board is currently investigating the May 1, 1999 Duck (Miss Majestic) accident in Hot Springs, Arkansas.  This accident claimed 13 lives.

True to their original design during World War II, Ducks that are in service today operate on both land and water.  Currently, these vehicles transport more than 1 million passengers a year, usually as part of a tourist excursion and are in service in more that 16 states.  Like other watercraft the amphibious vessels are required to be inspected.  Ducks operating on federal waters that carry more than six passengers are regulated and inspected by the Coast Guard.  Those operating on waters under state supervision fall under the jurisdiction of the state.

A mult box will be provided for electronic media.  Television crew should be prepared to provide their own lighting.