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Duck Tour sinking caused by not enough foam

The incidents one in Liverpool in June and one on the River Thames in London in September - resulted in passengers, including small children, going into the water. In the case of the Liverpool sinking, insufficient foam had been inserted into the DUKW.

"The sinking of Wacker Quacker 1 in Salthouse Dock, Liverpool, and the fire on board Cleopatra on the River Thames were serious marine accidents involving WW2 DUKW amphibious vehicles that had been modified for use as sightseeing tour vehicles.

"Both accidents resulted in the rapid abandonment into the water of passengers, including small children, and crew. It was extremely fortunate that, on both occasions, there were no serious injuries or loss of life."

– Chief Marine Accident Inspector, Capt Steve Clinch

The Liverpool incident on June 15 resulted in 31 passengers and two crewmen abandoning the vessel and going into the water. All were recovered without serious injury.

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Latest statement from Yellow Duckmarine

A Yellow Duckmarine spokesperson said:

Yellow Duckmarine works closely at all times with the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, the marine industry's independent regulatory body, to ensure it complies with all of it's health and safety and regulatory obligations.

"The MCA has confirmed that Yellow Duck's active fleet meets all required safety standards.Yellow Duckmarine will continue to follow all direction from and fully cooperate with the MCA.

"The matter is being investigated in the normal way as a marine accident by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch(MAIB), who are carrying out an exhaustive investigation and we will continue to provide every assistance to the MAIB in that regard."Yellow Duckmarine is proud of the reputation it has earned and the contribution it has made to the economy and image of the City Region during the many years it has safely carried almost 2 million passengers in Albert Dock.

– Yellow Duckmarine spokesperson
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Duckmarine investigation

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Merseyside Police statement - a cordon remains at Salthouse Dock in Liverpool city centre after the sinking of a vessel as an investigation begins.

Emergency services were called just before 4pm. Firefighters from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service rescued three people from the water. A number of people were taken to hospital for treatment for minor injuries. All people from the vessel have been accounted for.

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  2. 14 updates
Duckmarine investigation
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