The sister ship is not identical, but is very close in design to the Ethan Allen. It appears that the NTSB is also awaiting information on the actual weight of the passengers, although it would be difficult and perhaps not possible to determine where heavier individuals were sitting.
The Ethan Allen was taken to the Warren County Airport, where NTSB inspectors found no problems with the boat. They are hoping to take it back to the lake this afternoon to perform tests on it.
The Ethan Allen was built in 1966 and was owned by a Connecticut company before being sold to Shoreline Cruises in 1979. Officials are trying to track down records from the previous owners.
You don't even have to put a call in to a lawyer in this lawsuit-happy age. The lawyer calls you. Ironically, some family members of the victims have already stated that they aren't angry at Shoreline Cruises; that they consider it a tragic accident.
Lawyers are saying that they believe Shoreline Cruises has "significant civil liability" and that having 1 pilot on board for 47 passengers is a "legal abomination." Other possible defendants are the Canadian tour company that arranged the cruise and any other municipal agencies or officials involved in those arrangements. Although Shoreline is insured, one lawyer has stated that he thinks it is likely that clients will go after the assets of the cruise company. Of course.