The Steamer Portland has ran aground just east of The Bridge of the Gods on the Columbia River one and a half miles east of the Bonneville Dam on Friday night, June 27, 2008. An undisclosed mechanical problem caused failure of the propulsion and the Portland hit seom rocks, according to one source. No injuries amongst the 97 passengers has been reported and the hull and structure of the boat hasn't been damaged according to initial reports.

The Portland was on her way to participate...

Franz Neumeier

According to Majestic America Line the US Coast Guard has closed the Ohio River just north of Paducah, KY, until further notice making it necessary to re-route the Delta Queen originally scheduled for a Nashville to Cincinnati cruise. This cruise starting on June 28 at Nashville will now go to Chattanooga instead. The July 1 cruise will start at Chattanooga instead of Cincinnati and will end at Memphis as originally planned where the Delta Queen will return to her regular schedule.

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Franz Neumeier

The unscheduled stop of the Delta Queen at Chattanooga, the only stop of the DQ at this city this year, gives the opportunity to rally for the Delta Queen exemption. The Save the Delta Queen Campaign is calling Delta Queen supporters to meet at the Chattanooga landing on July 1 at noon for a non formal rally.

The Save the Delta Queen Campaign Team has just issued a press release covering the visit of the Delta Queen to Chattanooga:

Delta Queen to Visit Chattanooga Tuesday,...

Franz Neumeier

Just wanted to share some links just discovered. Here is the link to the US Code section with the exemption for the Delta Queen ending Oct 31, 2008:
US Code Title 46,3505. Fire-retardant materials

Then here is the source when the Congress accepted this exemption (it was in conjunction the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act for 1996):
Notes about US Code Title 46,3505

The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996 was Pub. L. 104–324: Search Results - THOMAS (Library of Congress) Pub. L. 104-324)...

Franz Neumeier

Not even one single argument has been given by Rep. Oberstar or any other opponent of the exemption for the Delta Queen. Not one single precise and detailed argument that explains why they think the Delta Queen is a fire hazard. They just repeat the same lies and stupid comparisons with pre-Civil War boiler explosions, 747 aircrafts and other stuff that is far away from truth and reality.

I'd really like to encourage everyone, especially journalist working on a Delta Queen story, to...

Franz Neumeier