Passenger killed while walking on Ketchikan dock

John · 09-20-2007, 05:44 PM

A woman walking on a city dock died after being struck by an amphibious tour vehicle.

The death Monday of Myong S. Thayer, 59, remains under investigation, the Ketchikan Police Department stated.

Thayer, of California, was a passenger off the cruise ship Norwegian Star, Ketchikan Public Safety Director Rich Leipfert said.

The accident happened on the wooden dock portion of Beth II, between the north entrance and the Ketchikan Visitors Center.

The vehicle was owned by Alaska Amphibious Tours. Operations manager Tina Nelson called the incident "a very, very unfortunate accident."

"The details are still under investigation, and it would be inappropriate to make any further comments at this time," she said in the prepared statement.

The Ketchikan-based Alaska Amphibious Tours LLC is owned by John and Jillian Malouf, according to documentation filed with the State of Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing.

The company operates three amphibious vehicles on the "Ketchikan Duck Tour." Part of the tour occurs in Tongass Narrows, with the amphibious vehicles entering and exiting the narrows at Bar Harbor.

(Juneau Empire)

**Ally** · 09-20-2007, 05:54 PM

It's been a very bad season for accidents for Alaska cruises this year

Tragic.

**Ally** · 11-10-2007, 04:40 AM

**Update

Quote:

KETCHIKAN, Alaska (AP) - Authorities in Ketchikan say charges will NOT be filed against the driver of an amphibious tour vehicle that fatally struck a 59-yar-old California tourist.

Myong Thayer had been visiting Ketchikan aboard the cruise ship Norwegian Star when the accident occurred September 17th on a dock. Thayer was dead by the time authorities arrived.

The vehicle is owned by Alaska Amphibious Tours. The company operates three amphibious vehicles on the "Ketchikan Duck Tour."

Police say toxicology samples taken from the driver -- 39-year-old Robert Elliot -- showed no presence of alcohol or drugs.

Rain was falling heavily on the day of the accident.

According to police, Thayer, who was a short woman, stepped in front of the vehicle's blind side as it was stopped on the dock. Police say Thayer crossed in front as Elliot started moving.

KTUU.com | Alaska's news and information source | No charges filed in fatal Ketchikan dock accident