One of the owners of Ottawa’s own amphibious bus tour says riders need not worry for their safety here after a tragedy in Missouri claimed the lives of over 10 people on Friday.
Dianne Beauchesne is one of the owners of the Lady Dive in Ottawa and assures all potential riders that her vessels are completely safe and follow safety protocols given by Transport Canada.
“Safety and security on board are the same as all boats in Canada,” said Beauchesne. “Everybody has a life jacket which is located under their seats and there are several emergency exits off of the vessel.”
Video captured of the vessel in Missouri shows it trying to make its way through very choppy waters. Beauchesne says this would not be possible with her vessels as the captains do not allow the vehicles to launch in inclement weather.
“We take safety very seriously,” said Beauchesne. “We celebrated our 20th anniversary this year and we are happy to offer this service in the capital.”
According to Beauchesne, the vessel in Missouri is what’s known as a duck boat. The Lady Dive is a completely different vehicle.
The Lady Dive company was involved in an incident in 2002 that saw one of its vessels at the time, a modified Ford truck called the Lady Duck, sink. Four people died in the incident.
The company then overhauled its safety procedures and purchased specially constructed amphibious vehicles. A training program for small vessels has been implemented by Transport Canada since 2002.