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General Category => Branson Talk => Topic started by: pintrader on December 12, 2010, 08:16:13 AM
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Branson Belle ran aground at around 6 p.m. last night during dinner cruise. Looks like it stranded 642 people which 72 are workers. They had to rescue 9 people for medical reasons which I presume were not injury related from the cruise. Built 50 yard road to get down to the Belle and are building a ramp to get to first level for rescue. As of 8:15 this morning passengers are still on the boat. Looks like High winds caused the accident.
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Wow, my brother just told me about this. Sounds like they's doing alot'a hard & fast paced work to get to them.
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StL news reported the high winds in SW MO were to blame for the Belle to run aground at Poverty Point on Table Rock Lake. It stated that crew had to wait for winds to die down before a rescue could be attempted. A tug was used to pull the boat out , but it ran aground again. Water just has not been good venture for HFEC this season.
Unloading has begun, and busses are taking passangers back to the Belle lots, it should take a few hours.
I am curious as to how much damage the showboat sustained. From what I know this is the first time that the boat has run aground.
(Photo on News Leader website)
http://www.news-leader.com/article/20101212/BREAKING01/101212001/Branson-Belle-unloading-has-now-begun (http://www.news-leader.com/article/20101212/BREAKING01/101212001/Branson-Belle-unloading-has-now-begun)
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This isn't the first time the Belle has been blown aground, rube. It's happened on a couple of other occasions that I know of, and come very close at still other times. The showboat has powerful maneuvering thrusters on it's sides that it uses in cases of high winds and also when docking. Apparently there was a failure of some sort with those thrusters after it got underway, otherwise they would never have taken it out in those windy conditions.
Those passengers will have interesting stories to tell when they get back home. They were well taken care of, being fed during the night and having a "lunch" for breakfast. And no accident related injuries occurred either, although a few received medical care for pre-existing conditions.
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thank god, NO injuries... Would be a pretty good story to tell later on.. I was on the belle last month, it was windy then, and u could really feel the motors running/vibrating... AND i plan on a more trip after christmas. weather permitting. ;D
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I drove up there this morning, and it looked like everything was well under control.
I also took some close-up photos, which may be seen on my blog: Showboat Branson Belle Photos (http://bransoninfo.org/the-branson-belle-has-run-aground/)
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Free cruise and food + free Branson lodging for one night + free 2011 SDC Season Passes? WOW!!! :o
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oh man!! Rube, where do we sign up for that cruise? Must be a limited christmas promotion.
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I've never heard of the boat running aground before. This came as a big shock to me. So happy to hear no one was injured and the boat not damaged. Good to see the employees and other agencies come together to get things taken care of as soon as possible. :)
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Got a kick out of the article that said the reason for the grounding was a problem with the boat's "propulsion" system, Like it was the Starship Enterprize. IT'S A PADDLE WHEEL, FOLKS!!! LOL :D
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If I recall correctly, the boat doesn't actually use the paddle wheel to move...
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actually the paddles are the MAIN drive and steering forces ;D ;D, but they do have auxilary thrusters on the side to help park at the dock. ;D My understanding of the accident were the thruster failed as they were parking after the cruise and trhe wind kicked in.. ALSO has anybody heard if there was actually any damage to the boat.. Hull damage??
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The Showboat is back at the dock now, awaiting inspection by the Coast Guard. No word on damage yet, or when it will be able to resume operation.
http://articles.ky3.com/2010-12-13/cruise-ship_25190053
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thanks, I had seen that update ;D.... Just wondering if anybody close by had early details ::) Guess we will know in the next day or so :o :o...
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Ah, okay. Thanks for the clarification, Dune!
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YOU BET!! I aim to please, I am however hearing now that one or both of the paddle wheels actually failed due to electrical problems... that would be a big problem... Still waiting on details on actual damage and true malfunction.. Good thing they have well trained captains and crew members! Could have been a lot worse!!
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Also good that this did not take place during peak tourist season!
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I heard from a reliable source that since they had to cut through the woods that the Army corp of engineers charged them 500 per tree and had someone there to watch
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Good News concerning the Showboat! Shows will go on as planned next week, however, the Belle will not be able to leave the dock.
http://www.ky3.com/news/ky3-story-showboat-branson-belle-cleared-for-shows-12212010,0,6053446.story
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well thanks for that info.. i have been watching for an update and had not seen one yet!,
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Will the showboat offer these shows at a reduced price since guests don't get to ply the waters of Table Rock Lake?
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nothing indicates reduced rate.. i wondered the same thing..
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I received an email today about Showboat cruises -- nothing about reduced prices.
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called them up, no discounts on shows this week or next unless you have coupon from the times..or season pass holders
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this just in.
Showboat Branson Belle was just cleared to run its show schedule as planned for the week following CHRISTMAS. 2010's final week's shows are the last shows of Showstoppers! featuring Todd Oliver and his Amazing Talking Dogs and the schedule includes a New Year's Eve show. Check the link for more info!
Branson dinner shows and cruises on Table Rock Lake, Branson, Missouri - The Showboat Branson Belle
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This was in an e-mail I received from SDC today (emphasis mine).
"Don't miss your last chance to see Todd Oliver and Showstoppers! aboard the Showboat Branson Belle! After more than a decade of uproarious laughter, standing ovations and encores, one of Branson's top-rated shows, Showstoppers! featuring Todd Oliver and his amazing talking dogs, will sail into nautical history. Sing along to your favorite hits, laugh with great comedy, and enjoy a 3-course feast during Christmas dockside dinner shows December 26-31, 2010!"
"Celebrate this special occasion in style! Your New Year's Eve experience aboard the Showboat Branson Belle includes the very last performance of Showstoppers! The three-course meal is followed by dancing and a New Year's Eve toast with sparkling grape juice. Limited seating is still available for this 8pm dockside dinner show and celebration, beginning at $67 per person (plus tax). Reserve yours today by calling 800-475-9370!"
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good job parson.. "Now we know the rest of the story".
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Reported by Associated Press today: The Showboat Branson Belle, which ran aground in December, is expected to reopen March 25. Officials with Herschend Family Entertainment said the 15 year old boat needed repairs to the hull. It's also getting a new propulsion system and has undergone extensive remodeling. Looks like the 2011 season will be a bright one for our favorite showboat! :)
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the remodeling was scheduled for this winter.. looking forward to see it! after 15 years of the same interior..
They have updated their schedule. they were actually to be opening a week earlier!
I will be there on the 25th for my birthday cruise and then hit SDC!
PAST ready for 2011 season!