The Delta Queen riverboat left Paducah for the last time on Monday, October 27. The riverboat will no longer be allowed to sail the rivers of the midwest due to a refusal by Congress to issue an exemption as has been done since 1966.
In 1966 Congress passed a Safety of Life at Sea Law that forbids the Delta Queen from operating because it is primarily constructed of wood. The current exemption expires on November 1, 2008.
I understand, from people who were at the riverfront watching it leave, that Paducah didn't want to let go. Apparently there was enough of a breeze blowing that it wasn't able to easily leave our riverport.
Bill, what a shame. The Delta Queen is a real historic icon.
That is a shame. We drive through Paducah every time we drive back to my husband's hometown in Missouri. I always get excited going through Paducah knowing we are getting close (somewhat) to the end of our 8 hour roadtrip.
It is sad that we regulate our history and make it have to go to pasture. I would make bets that anyone wanting to take the boat would have signed a safety waiver just to preserve history.