Community honors 20 lives lost in Ethan Allen boat tragedy

LAKE GEORGE, N.Y. (NEWS10) – Thursday marks 20 years since the capsizing and sinking of the Ethan Allen tour boat on Lake George. On October 2nd, 2005, at 2:55 PM the boat started to capsize with nearly 50 passengers on board. The majority of those passengers were seniors. The Ethan Allen sank just south of Cramer Point in the village of Lake George. 20 passengers died, and nine others were injured.

A vigil was held Thursday outside Lake George's historical courthouse. It began at 2:50 PM which was a few minutes before the actual boat was capsizing. There was a moment of silence to show respect and to honor those who have died on that day. A bell also rang 20 times for the 20 people who had lost their lives. This was to show that even though they may be gone, they are not forgotten. Lastly, there was also some speakers. One of them included the Mayor of Lake George, Ray Perry, who talked about what happened on that day but also explaining how it was a day just like it any other before it happened. 

"Our history was a day just as beautiful as this. There was a concert in the park. I remember walking. My wife was pregnant with her, our oldest child. And I just, it’s just an incredible unfortunate way the day ended as opposed to the way the day began" said Mayor Perry.

This was a tragedy the community hopes to never see again. That is why when this accident happened, it led to stronger and safer boat safety standards in New York.

"New York State Parks and Recreation continues to inspect boats for stability and things like that for the public vessels. They're required to have an annual inspection where people come up from Albany. They inspect each of the public vessels, whether it be fishing charter or the big boats, things like that. Make sure they have enough personal flotation devices and they’re in an area where everybody can get them" said Joe Johns, U.S. Director of Law Enforcement and Marine Patrol.

There are other standards such as limiting the number of passengers on a boat, taking boat courses, weather monitoring before you get on the water, safety briefings and more.

Mayor Perry reminded those who gathered not to forget history because that is when you relive it. That's why they are adding 20 plaques of the 20 individuals that have died to the sides of the Ethan Allen monument as a sign of remembrance.