ride the ducks seattle closed

Ride the Ducks Seattle: What Happened?

Ride the Ducks Seattle, a popular tourist attraction known for its amphibious vehicles and entertaining tours, ceased operations in 2019. This closure followed a devastating 2015 accident involving one of their vehicles, raising serious safety concerns and legal repercussions.

The company’s history in Seattle was marked by both enthusiastic tourism and tragic events that ultimately led to its demise.

The 2015 Aurora Bridge Crash

The most significant factor contributing to the closure was the fatal accident that occurred on the Aurora Bridge on September 24, 2015. A Ride the Ducks vehicle, known as a “duck boat”, swerved across the center line and collided with a charter bus carrying international students. Five people died and dozens were injured.

Investigations revealed that the duck boat had a history of axle problems, and negligence on the part of Ride the Ducks in maintaining its fleet was cited as a contributing cause. This incident brought intense scrutiny to the company’s safety practices.

Legal Repercussions and Financial Strain

Following the crash, Ride the Ducks Seattle faced numerous lawsuits from victims and their families. The company was found liable for negligence and ordered to pay significant settlements. These legal battles and the associated financial burdens took a heavy toll. You can read more about the accident and subsequent investigations on Wikipedia’s article on Ride the Ducks of Seattle.

Beyond the lawsuits, the negative publicity surrounding the accident severely damaged the company’s reputation. Ridership declined sharply, further straining its financial resources.

Safety Concerns and Regulatory Oversight

The 2015 crash also prompted increased regulatory oversight of Ride the Ducks operations. State and federal agencies scrutinized the company’s safety procedures and maintenance records. These investigations revealed systemic safety deficiencies.

The heightened scrutiny and stricter regulations made it increasingly difficult and expensive for Ride the Ducks to operate in Seattle. The company ultimately determined that it could not viably continue business in the city.

FAQs About Ride the Ducks Seattle

Why did Ride the Ducks Seattle shut down?

The primary reason for the closure was the 2015 Aurora Bridge crash, subsequent lawsuits, and resulting financial strain combined with increased regulatory pressure.

When did Ride the Ducks Seattle close?

Ride the Ducks Seattle officially ceased operations in 2019.

What happened to the Ride the Ducks vehicles after the closure?

Information on the disposition of the vehicles after the closure is not readily available to the public, but it is likely they were sold or repurposed.

Were there other Ride the Ducks locations besides Seattle?

Yes, Ride the Ducks operates in other cities in the United States. The Seattle location was a separate entity from the other locations.

Was the 2015 Aurora Bridge crash the only accident involving Ride the Ducks?

While it was the most significant and tragic accident, Ride the Ducks vehicles have been involved in other less serious incidents in various cities.

Summary

Ride the Ducks Seattle closed its doors in 2019 due to a combination of factors stemming from a tragic 2015 accident. Legal settlements, damaged reputation, increased regulatory oversight, and the resulting financial strain proved insurmountable, leading to the end of the popular tourist attraction.