2009-0018
Title
Proclamation: "George Prince Ferry Memorial Dedication 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 ninety-five 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, seventy-seven 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, the St. Charles Parish Council and the Parish President offer the most profound and sincere condolences to the families of those who perished in this disaster and a monument in honor of them will be dedicated on Saturday, October 17, 2009.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE ST. CHARLES PARISH COUNCIL AND THE PARISH PRESIDENT DO HEREBY PROCLAIM SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2009, TO BE
"GEORGE PRINCE FERRY MEMORIAL DEDICATION DAY"
IN ST. CHARLES PARISH AND ENCOURAGE ALL RESIDENTS OF ST. CHARLES PARISH TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DEDICATION FESTIVITIES ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2009, FROM 11:00 A.M. TO 2:00 P.M. AT THE EAST BANK BRIDGE PARK.
V.J. ST. PIERRE, JR. CAROLYN K. SCHEXNAYDRE
PARISH PRESIDENT COUNCILWOMAN AT LARGE, DIV. A
TERRY AUTHEMENT PAUL J. HOGAN, PE
COUNCILMAN AT LARGE...
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