2021-0253
Title
Proclamation: “George Prince Ferry Memorial Day”
Body
P R O C L A M A T I O N
WHEREAS, on October 20, 1976, the worst Ferry Disaster in the history of the United States occurred on the Mississippi River in St. Charles Parish; and,
WHEREAS, just after 6:00 a.m., at 40 degrees Fahrenheit, dark, with no fog, the 50-year old George Prince Ferry, with 95 passengers aboard, was making its passageway across the Mississippi River from Destrehan to Luling; and,
WHEREAS, the Frosta, a 22,000 ton Norwegian Tanker, sighted the George Prince dangerously close to the front of the ship’s bow and signaled the Ferry several times, but it was too late; and,
WHEREAS, less than two minutes time had elapsed since the George Prince departed the East Bank dock when she was struck near the middle of the port side by the bow of the Frosta; and,
WHEREAS, 77 lives were lost including the Ferry pilot and the four members of his crew; and,
WHEREAS, the Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge was under construction at the time of the Ferry Disaster. It was opened in 1983, thus ending the Destrehan-Luling Ferry run; and,
WHEREAS, a monument was established at the East Bank Bridge Park on October 17, 2009, to memorialize the deceased and the survivors of the Ferry Disaster; and,
WHEREAS, the St. Charles Parish President and Parish Council offer the most profound and sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who perished in the disaster on what is the 45th anniversary of this tragedy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT WE, THE MEMBERS OF THE ST. CHARLES PARISH COUNCIL AND THE PARISH PRESIDENT, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021, AS
"GEORGE PRINCE FERRY MEMORIAL DAY”
IN ST. CHARLES PARISH AND ENCOURAGE ALL RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMEMORATING THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 77 LOST AND THE 18 SURVIVORS IN WHAT IS THE MOST TRAGIC DAY IN ST. CHARLES PARISH HISTORY.
MATTHEW JEWELL DICK GIBBS
PARISH PRESIDENT COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT III
BETH A. BILLINGS NICKY DUFRENE
COUNCILWOMAN AT LARGE, DIV. A COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT IV
HOLLY FONSECA MARILYN B. BELLOCK
COUNCILWOMAN AT LARGE, DIV. B COUNCILWOMAN, DISTRICT V
LA SANDRA DARENSBOURG GORDON BOB FISHER
COUNCILWOMAN, DISTRICT I COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT VI
MARY K. CLULEE JULIA FISHER-PERRIER
COUNCILWOMAN, DISTRICT II COUNCILWOMAN, DISTRICT VII
George Prince Ferry Memorial Proclamation.pcl