(Muscatine, IA) -- Crews with the Muscatine Fire Department and Search and Rescue team were dispatched just before noon today (Wednesday, April 14th) because 80-foot yacht in the Mississippi River was taking on water.
The Lady Chateau out of Stillwater, Minn., reportedly broke a drive shaft that punch a hole into the gear box where the starboard propeller shaft tore apart this morning. Two people on board initially called the U.S. Coast Guard, who then notified Muscatine County Emergency Management, the Muscatine Fire Department, and the Muscatine County Search and Rescue team.
“They had the hole repaired and units assisted the boat to the floating dock at the river front because they lost their ability to steer to the port side,” Battalion Chief Gary Ronzheimer said. “Units remained ready to assist in case we had to take the two individuals off the boat.”
Ronzheimer says the boat will remain in Muscatine while the owners determine when they can move it to a dry dock that can handle the 62-ton craft and make repairs.
Photo: City of Muscatine