duck tours in philadelphia

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Ride The Ducks of Philadelphia

6th and Market St Philadelphia, Philadelphia, 19106, PA

• Infants 0-2
• Little Kids 3-6
• Big Kids 7-9
• Tweens 10-12
• Teens 13-17

If this is your first visit, or even if you have been here before, a fun place to get acquainted with Philadelphia is on a Duck tour. Ducks are amphibious buses that ride on land and water. Kids love them. My son, who is obsessed with vehicles of all shapes and sizes, had a great time riding the ducks. Even the history that he learned on board made an impression.

We took the Ride the Ducks tour, which departs at 6th and Market and runs every half-hour from March through November. You can purchase your tickets at Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market Streets, which is just across from the Liberty Bell. It is a good idea to arrive about 15 or 20 minutes before the tour departs, and even earlier during warm weather days. This ensures you will get a seat on the bus. Tickets are $26 for adults and $16 for children under 12. It is definitely worth it. Our tour guide, Fred, who is the captain of the duck on most weekends, has a corny sense of humor; he kept us laughing for a good part of the 90-minute tour. He also provided history, jokes, and tidbits about good places to eat and visit.

Family Hotels Near Ride The Ducks of Philadelphia

Penn’s View Hotel

BEST WESTERN PLUS Independence Park Hotel

Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing

Sheraton Philadelphia Society Hill Hotel

Sheraton Society Hill

Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District

Family Attractions Near Ride The Ducks of Philadelphia

Spruce Street Harbor Park

Fireman’s Hall Museum

Betsy Ross House

Museum of the American Revolution

Independence National Historical Park

Franklin’s Print Shop

Family Restaurants Near Ride The Ducks of Philadelphia

Franklin Fountain

Campo’s Deli

Jones Restaurant

Tommy DiNic’s at Reading Terminal Market

Beiler’s Bakery

Miller’s Twist

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Philadelphia Duck Tour

• 80-minute water and land tour
• Local taxes
• Wacky Quacker
• Food and drinks
• Hotel pick up and drop-off
• Valley Forge, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
• Location Name: 6th Street and Chestnut Street, across from the Liberty Bell Location Address: 1 North Independence Mall W. Philadelphia, PA 19106 Directions: Between 6th and Chestnut St. Return Location: Returns to original departure point
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Departure times vary by season; please call to reserve a time
• Infants (ages 0-3) must have a ticket to ride, so please ensure you include them in your reservation
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

• TimothyM1804 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Fun. Don't miss this. Get a great tour of Philly with a history lesson from on land and in the water. These ols landing vehichles make the trip even more fun. Read more Written 12 January 2020
• WARNINGSHOTBILL 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Ducks went down after sunk at sea Closed down after fatal accident. Seemed like decent operation but could not recover after accident. Big bus is way to see city now. Read more Written 4 July 2018
• Wayne W 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Relaxing tour of the city Our group from class needed a break at the end of the day and this was the ticket. 80 minute ride through town and on the Deleware river. Warm day and would have been better in shorts. Sunglass a must! Great group activity. Starts at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Read more Written 14 September 2016
• mastiffdad 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Touristy But Fun OK - REALLY touristy. Drive around town passing by some of the highlights in the city - Independence Mall area, Chinatown, Reading Market, Museums, Churches, the Rocky Statue, etc. Our guide was OK - tried to be funny but just a bit off. Did know where things were and what they were but needed a refresh every now and then. And really need to up the accompanying soundtrack - music was a bit dated. Then into the river for a short, I think a little too short, cruise along the waterfront - again just not hitting the right humor vs. information balance. And back on dry land for the return leg back to the Mall. Yeah - it's for the tourists, yeah it's a bit cheesy. A bit pricey, but does give a good overview of some, but not all, of the key sights and attractions in the city. Of course also subject to how good the guide is - ours was OK, but could have been better. Read more Written 1 August 2016
• mullknapc 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun! Thought this was one of the best touristy things I could do. With the temperatures as high as 100 degrees, the water was welcome, the guide was easy to understand and crowd was relaxed and ready to have a good time. I'm not big on tourist attractions but would definitely recommend this one - it lasts a little over an hour and you get a good feel for the city without dying from the heat of the summer. Pricey (amount $30 for each adult) but worth it! Read more Written 25 July 2016
• sbp123 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun! Great way to see the city. Quick only 80 mins. Scuba Steve was our guide. Funny! Kids and adults will like this. Read more Written 9 July 2016
• Somdream 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to see Philly Gave a good overview of the city and the boat part is always fun. the guide gave a lot of historical explanations and good tips on things to do and to eat :-) Read more Written 21 June 2016
• MammaD08872 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome as always First I must say "Dancing Fred and our driver Ro kin' Rick" we're both fantastic! So much fun! Informative yet kept it light. The songs jokes and music had is dancing in our seats !( literally). The stroller was conveniently parked and watched until we returned . The kids loved the little du k Quakers . Splashing into the river is always exciting! This is our second time . Read more Written 20 June 2016
• OksanaDE 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun, informative, a must try family trip This trip definitely added excitement to our fun and eventful day in the city! Trip lasted about 80 min. First was a ride through historical areas, with a very knowledgeable and fun guide Andrew, that appr 30 min on water. Would return, and recommend this trip to friends. Read more Written 19 June 2016
• rarasgl 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Ride the ducks best ever Omg the best thing ever. Kids loved it as well as adults. The guide was friendly and knew his facts well. He was also very funny. Read more Written 24 April 2016
• Melissa B 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles So much fun! Our guide was really spunky and funny and has us laughing the whole time. It was a quick trip with lots to see that we wouldn't have had time to see otherwise. We were only here 2 days. Splashdown was great! It was fun and unique. Read more Written 8 April 2016
• TammyLamk 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles I learn history and I feel nice. Everytime I do this it is sooo much fun. We always go with my sister and my nephew, and my sister's husbsand, and it is soooo much fun, and then I learn history, and I feel nice. Read more Written 21 September 2015
• Chris R 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Sounded really good, poor execution. Was pretty dissappointed with this one, we were only in Philly for one night so I wanted to see as much as possible and figured this was the way to go. Traffic was bad so it wasn't all the drivers fault, but he insisted on driving around the same loop in south Philly and point out all his favorite watering holes and say hi to everyone he knew. Maybe would be more entertaining in a previous life, but was looking forward to seeing the sites. We circled Penn Hospital half a dozen times, went down South St a couple times and eventually flew by the sites in the last 10 minutes when we were going back at the end. Also the water part was less than thrilling, 10 minutes of working against the tide up to no particular view of anything and then back to the launch in 30 seconds with the tide. Definitely wouldn't do it again. Read more Written 11 September 2015
• rosshelley 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Literally Drive Right into the River! What a pleasant surprise! I enjoyed this so much. It was definitely worth the money. The guide was awesome and the whole atmosphere was great. Such a great idea to literally drive into the water and see the sites from the river! Read more Written 26 August 2015
• Cheryl W 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Okay experience, great guide This is a short trip, only one hour 20 minutes. One hour on land spotting highlights and 20 minutes or less in the water on the Delaware. The water portion is very short..... The guide did a great job. He was friendly and knowledgeable. The check in and loading is laborious since they line you all up and take your picture with a float ring before you can board. Read more Written 23 August 2015

More to explore in Philadelphia

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Philadelphia Duck Tour provided by Ride The Ducks of Philadelphia

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• Pennsylvania
• Philadelphia

Philly Duck Tour

600 Market St, Philadelphia , Pennsylvania 19106 USA

• Independent
• Credit Cards Accepted
• Not Wheelchair Accessible
• No Public Restrooms
• More in Philadelphia

“a fun duck tour of Philadelphia”

The Ducks tours include an entertaining and informative experience through the streets of Philadelphia on one of our amazing land and water “Duck” vehicles. See and learn about the Historic District like never before! Cruise down the "hippest street in town" – South Street. Then splash down and cruise the Delaware River. Laugh and learn aboard this 70-minute city adventure.

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• Sun, Sat: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Mon - Fri: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Philly Duck Tour

Philadelphia, pa, where are we going.

About this activity

The Philly Duck Tour the best way for families to tour Philadelphia, because they combine fun and music with history and sights. Adults and seniors will have just as much fun as kids, as the Captains lead you through Philly's historic streets and a splash into the Delaware River at Penn's Landing.

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How much does it cost, last updates, philly duck tour faq’s, what people are saying, rate & write a review, top activities near philadelphia.

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What is a Philadelphia Duck Tour

Philadelphia is one of the most famous cities for tourists in the United States. Known for its connection to the American Revolution, the town is filled with historical landmarks, monuments, museums and other interesting attractions. However, thanks to the area’s local culture, it is also possible for visitors and residents to visit a haunted house in Philadelphia or check out local shopping opportunities as well. With so many options, there are a variety of constitutional walking tours, Philadelphia bus tours , and even Philadelphia Segway tours for those looking to see the sights. However, of these choices, there is none quite like a Philadelphia Duck Tour. Read on to learn why this touring option should be a part of your next trip to Philadelphia!

Philadelphia Duck Tours are the only tour in Philadelphia that takes place on both land and water. Taking place on a specially-designed vehicles, the duck tour first drives around the City of Brotherly Love, passing by a variety of historic attractions as the guide shares interesting stories about the area. Next, the vehicle will turn to the Delaware River, taking passengers for a short cruise. This option is a valuable one in a city that is famous for its plentiful landmarks and attractions, allowing visitors to see more of Philadelphia than they would on other tours.

Philadelphia Duck Tours are also more advantageous because of their set up: while bus tours only give you a brief glimpse of passing attractions and Segway tours can be physically precarious, Duck Tours are engaging, unique, and fun. They are also safe: the vessels, which use the latest in marine design and safety, are regularly inspected and certified by the U.S. Coast Guard. As a result, Philadelphia Duck Tours are the perfect option for any group looking to experience the most the city has to offer in style and comfort. If you’re planning a trip to Philadelphia, add this to your itinerary today!

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Your trip is a once in a lifetime experience, and we take pride in exceeding your expectations. we work hard to ensure your memories are unforgettable and last for years to come, contact info, call us at 877-397-5700, to set up your trip today, 18221 salem trail kirksville, mo 63501.

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Ride The Ducks of Philadelphia - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Philadelphia

The fatal history of Philly’s duck boats

Philadelphia had a rocky past with Ride the Ducks before the company suspended its local operation in 2016.

At one time, it was not uncommon to see flocks of tourists carted throughout Philadelphia in boats on wheels.

Ride the Ducks — an amphibious city tour — was once a popular Philadelphia tourist draw. But in October 2016, the company suspended operations in the city .

In the wake of a duck boat disaster that claimed the lives of 17 people in Branson, Mo. on Thursday, the vehicles and their use for tourism are being scrutinized again. Here's a look at duck boats' fatal history in Philadelphia.

>> READ MORE:  Death toll from Missouri duck boat accident climbs to 17

The Ride the Ducks franchise, which is headquartered where the Missouri tragedy took place, began operating in Philadelphia in 2003.

A deadly accident on the Delaware

Less than a decade later,  the company was involved in its first fatal accident in the city.

On July 7, 2010, a barge pushed by a tugboat struck a duck boat stranded in the Delaware River off Penn's Landing after an engine fire.

Once struck, the amphibious craft capsized and two Hungarian tourists drowned.

The tugboat's pilot, the Inquirer reported , was on his cellphone handling a family emergency. He served a one-year sentence for "the maritime equivalent of involuntary manslaughter."

>> READ MORE:  What are duck boats? An explanation of the amphibious vehicles

Ride the Ducks and K-Sea Transportation Partners, which owned the tugboat, faced lawsuits and were ordered to give the families of the deceased $15 million. They also were required to pay $2 million to be split among the survivors of the crash.

Fatal crash in Center City

Five years after that incident, a duck boat was involved in another fatality, this time on land.

Elizabeth Karnicki, 68, was run over and killed by a Ride the Ducks vehicle in May 2015.

Witnesses said Karnicki was crossing the street against a red light while looking at an electronic tablet near the Convention Center when she was struck,  the Inquirer reported at the time .

The operator of the vehicle had a green light, and was unable to see Karnicki, likely because duck boat drivers sit high and about ten feet behind the front of the boat, said the Inquirer .

>> R EAD MORE:  Duck boats have a history of fatalities

Karnicki's family sued the boat's operator and manufacturer, as well as the city, citing the vehicle's blind spots, distracted driving and inadequate crossing signals.

The lawsuit was settled during summer 2017 under undisclosed terms.

On-again, off-again operations

With the two deadly incidents, Ride the Ducks had a start-and-stop tenure in Philadelphia. The company's operations on the Delaware were halted after the 2010 accident. A months later, Ride the Ducks planned to move to the Schuylkill , but that shift was halted when the city rejected its proposal  and the company instead resumed boat tours on the Delaware , with some changes .

In October 2016, the company announced it would "indefinitely" suspend operations in Philly due, in part, to a 330 percent increase in insurance premiums, the Inquirer reported .

>> READ MORE:   Ride the Ducks suspends operations in Philadelphia

Robert J. Mongeluzzi, the lawyer who represented the families of all three victims, had been vocal in his opposition to the boats. When Ride the Ducks left Philadelphia, he  told the Inquirer  he would not miss the sightseeing vehicles.

"The ducks are dangerous," he said. "They are inappropriate for city streets, they're a danger on the land and on the water, and I'm glad to see them go."

Philadelphia Duck Tour

• 80-minute water and land tour
• Local taxes
• Wacky Quacker
• Food and drinks
• Hotel pick up and drop-off
• Valley Forge, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
• Location Name: 6th Street and Chestnut Street, across from the Liberty Bell Location Address: 1 North Independence Mall W. Philadelphia, PA 19106 Directions: Between 6th and Chestnut St. Return Location: Returns to original departure point
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Departure times vary by season; please call to reserve a time
• Infants (ages 0-3) must have a ticket to ride, so please ensure you include them in your reservation
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

• TimothyM1804 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Fun. Don't miss this. Get a great tour of Philly with a history lesson from on land and in the water. These ols landing vehichles make the trip even more fun. Read more Written January 12, 2020
• WARNINGSHOTBILL 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Ducks went down after sunk at sea Closed down after fatal accident. Seemed like decent operation but could not recover after accident. Big bus is way to see city now. Read more Written July 4, 2018
• Wayne W 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Relaxing tour of the city Our group from class needed a break at the end of the day and this was the ticket. 80 minute ride through town and on the Deleware river. Warm day and would have been better in shorts. Sunglass a must! Great group activity. Starts at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Read more Written September 14, 2016
• mastiffdad 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Touristy But Fun OK - REALLY touristy. Drive around town passing by some of the highlights in the city - Independence Mall area, Chinatown, Reading Market, Museums, Churches, the Rocky Statue, etc. Our guide was OK - tried to be funny but just a bit off. Did know where things were and what they were but needed a refresh every now and then. And really need to up the accompanying soundtrack - music was a bit dated. Then into the river for a short, I think a little too short, cruise along the waterfront - again just not hitting the right humor vs. information balance. And back on dry land for the return leg back to the Mall. Yeah - it's for the tourists, yeah it's a bit cheesy. A bit pricey, but does give a good overview of some, but not all, of the key sights and attractions in the city. Of course also subject to how good the guide is - ours was OK, but could have been better. Read more Written August 1, 2016
• mullknapc 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun! Thought this was one of the best touristy things I could do. With the temperatures as high as 100 degrees, the water was welcome, the guide was easy to understand and crowd was relaxed and ready to have a good time. I'm not big on tourist attractions but would definitely recommend this one - it lasts a little over an hour and you get a good feel for the city without dying from the heat of the summer. Pricey (amount $30 for each adult) but worth it! Read more Written July 25, 2016
• sbp123 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun! Great way to see the city. Quick only 80 mins. Scuba Steve was our guide. Funny! Kids and adults will like this. Read more Written July 9, 2016
• Somdream 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to see Philly Gave a good overview of the city and the boat part is always fun. the guide gave a lot of historical explanations and good tips on things to do and to eat :-) Read more Written June 21, 2016
• MammaD08872 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome as always First I must say "Dancing Fred and our driver Ro kin' Rick" we're both fantastic! So much fun! Informative yet kept it light. The songs jokes and music had is dancing in our seats !( literally). The stroller was conveniently parked and watched until we returned . The kids loved the little du k Quakers . Splashing into the river is always exciting! This is our second time . Read more Written June 20, 2016
• OksanaDE 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun, informative, a must try family trip This trip definitely added excitement to our fun and eventful day in the city! Trip lasted about 80 min. First was a ride through historical areas, with a very knowledgeable and fun guide Andrew, that appr 30 min on water. Would return, and recommend this trip to friends. Read more Written June 19, 2016
• rarasgl 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Ride the ducks best ever Omg the best thing ever. Kids loved it as well as adults. The guide was friendly and knew his facts well. He was also very funny. Read more Written April 24, 2016
• Melissa B 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles So much fun! Our guide was really spunky and funny and has us laughing the whole time. It was a quick trip with lots to see that we wouldn't have had time to see otherwise. We were only here 2 days. Splashdown was great! It was fun and unique. Read more Written April 8, 2016
• TammyLamk 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles I learn history and I feel nice. Everytime I do this it is sooo much fun. We always go with my sister and my nephew, and my sister's husbsand, and it is soooo much fun, and then I learn history, and I feel nice. Read more Written September 21, 2015
• Chris R 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Sounded really good, poor execution. Was pretty dissappointed with this one, we were only in Philly for one night so I wanted to see as much as possible and figured this was the way to go. Traffic was bad so it wasn't all the drivers fault, but he insisted on driving around the same loop in south Philly and point out all his favorite watering holes and say hi to everyone he knew. Maybe would be more entertaining in a previous life, but was looking forward to seeing the sites. We circled Penn Hospital half a dozen times, went down South St a couple times and eventually flew by the sites in the last 10 minutes when we were going back at the end. Also the water part was less than thrilling, 10 minutes of working against the tide up to no particular view of anything and then back to the launch in 30 seconds with the tide. Definitely wouldn't do it again. Read more Written September 11, 2015
• rosshelley 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Literally Drive Right into the River! What a pleasant surprise! I enjoyed this so much. It was definitely worth the money. The guide was awesome and the whole atmosphere was great. Such a great idea to literally drive into the water and see the sites from the river! Read more Written August 26, 2015
• Cheryl W 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Okay experience, great guide This is a short trip, only one hour 20 minutes. One hour on land spotting highlights and 20 minutes or less in the water on the Delaware. The water portion is very short..... The guide did a great job. He was friendly and knowledgeable. The check in and loading is laborious since they line you all up and take your picture with a float ring before you can board. Read more Written August 23, 2015

More to explore in Philadelphia

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Philadelphia Duck Tour provided by Ride The Ducks of Philadelphia

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Barge hits tourist duck boat on Delaware River in Philadelphia; 35 rescued, 2 missing

PHILADELPHIA – An amphibious sightseeing boat that stalled in the Delaware River was knocked over by an oncoming barge Wednesday, spilling 37 people overboard and leaving two passengers unaccounted for after a frantic rescue effort.

Ten people were sent to a hospital after the capsizing of the six-wheeled duck boat, which offers tours of Philadelphia by water and land. Only minor injuries were reported. Witnesses said many passengers were wearing life vests as rescuers plucked them from the water.

Searchers spent hours looking for a 16-year-old girl and a 20-year-old man believed to have been aboard the vessel, police Lt. Frank Vanore said.

"It's remarkable that we're only looking for two people," police Deputy Commissioner Richard Ross said.

The search was scaled back to two boats at nightfall from nearly 20 boats earlier, along with a Coast Guard helicopter.

"Right now we're at a point where, I'll be honest, hope is fading, but we've not given up hope completely," said Coast Guard Capt. Todd Gatlin, deputy sector commander in Philadelphia.

He said divers were able to reach the duck boat but could not get inside to see if the missing people were there.

The duck boat had driven into the water just after 2:30 p.m. and suffered a mechanical problem and a small fire, officials said. It was struck about 10 minutes later by a barge used to transport sludge, then sank.

Gatlin said there was no recording of a mayday call from the boat.

Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey said divers found the duck boat in water about 50 feet deep. Vanore said crews would not attempt to recover it until Thursday at the earliest.

Late Wednesday, Robert Sumwalt, a board member of the National Transportation Safety Board, said the agency would investigate the sinking, including trying to figure out why the two vessels collided and "how conspicuous would that duck have been" to the tugboat that was pushing the 250-foot-long barge.

Gatlin said the duck boats are not allowed to go more than 100 yards out into the river. As far as the barge's ability to avoid a collision, he said, "People don't realize how tough it is to stop on the water."

There were 35 passengers and two crew members aboard the duck boat, said Coast Guard Senior Chief Bud Holden. Coast Guard boats assisted by police and fire crews rescued people from the water, he said. A spokeswoman for the duck boat company said 39 people were aboard, and the reason for the discrepancy was unclear.

"A barge went into us," one of the duck boat's passengers, Sandy Cohen, told WPVI-TV. "We had engine trouble, so we were just waiting for somebody else to come and tow us."

Bystanders screamed as the barge hit the boat, said a security guard who was patrolling the waterfront.

"I whirled around as the barge began to run over the duck boat," said Larry Waxmunski, a guard for the Delaware River Waterfront Corp. "After the barge hit it — it almost looked like slow motion — the duck boat began to turn over."

"Fortunately, you began to see the life vests popping up almost immediately," Waxmunski said.

Television footage showed at least five people being pulled from the water wearing life vests in an area of the river near the Old City neighborhood, popular with tourists. Helicopter footage showed people being helped from boats onto a dock and at least one person on a gurney.

Terri Ronna, 45, of Oakland, N.J., said she was on a ferry going from Camden, N.J., across the river to Philadelphia when the captain announced there was someone overboard from another ship and that they were going to rescue him.

"We were not even halfway over when they said there was somebody overboard and we were going to get them," Ronna said. "There were people all over; we could see all these orange life vests."

At a waterfront news conference, Mayor Michael Nutter said authorities were trying to figure out exactly what happened.

"This is a very serious situation, and we are going to do everything we can to get to the bottom of it," he said.

Hahnemann University Hospital spokeswoman Coleen Cannon said 10 people were taken there, but two refused treatment. The other eight were released Wednesday night.

The American Red Cross said members of a Hungarian church group were among the passengers aboard the capsized boat.

One crew member from the duck boat was rescued by the ferry that the Delaware River Port Authority was operating on its scheduled route between Philadelphia and Camden, authority spokesman Ed Kasuba said.

Officials said the barge was owned by the city and being directed by a tugboat owned by K-Sea Transportation Partners of East Brunswick, N.J.

The city Water Department uses the barge to transport sludge from a sewage plant in northeast Philadelphia to a recycling plant down river, said Maura Kennedy, a Nutter spokeswoman. The city has a contract with K-Sea, which operates the tugboat that pulled the unmanned and unpowered barge.

The duck boat was operated by Ride the Ducks, which also operates tours in San Francisco, Seattle, Stone Mountain, Ga., Newport, R.I., and Branson, Mo.

Ride the Ducks has been in Philadelphia since 2003. Passengers board the duck boats at the Independence Mall and are driven on a tour of Old City. Afterward they ride into the Delaware River from a ramp south of the Ben Franklin Bridge.

The sites seen along the 70-minute voyage include Penn's Landing, Adventure Aquarium across the river in Camden, the Liberty Bell and Ben Franklin's gravesite. About 25 minutes of the journey are spent on the river and, according to its website, the top speed is around 7 mph.

Sharla Feldscher, a local spokeswoman for Ride the Ducks, declined to provide any details about the crash. She said safety is the company's top priority.

In a statement on the company's website, Ride the Ducks said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with our Philadelphia guests, crew members and their families. We are attending to their needs first. In the interim, we have suspended our operations in Philadelphia."

Holden, of the Coast Guard, said the duck boats are inspected annually, but he did not know when the boat involved in Wednesday's crash was last inspected.

Another Coast Guard spokesman, Thomas Peck, said neither craft was in a wrong lane.

A duck boat sank at Hot Springs, Ark., in May 1999, killing 13 of the 21 people aboard after its bilge pump failed. The NTSB blamed inadequate maintenance and recommended that duck boats have backup flotation devices.

In June 2002, four people were killed when an amphibious tour boat, the Lady Duck, sank in the Ottawa River near Canada's Parliament.

Some of the vehicles are amphibious military personnel carriers dating back to World War II that have been restored and reconditioned for peacetime use. Known by their original military acronym as DUKWs, they were first introduced in the tourism market in 1946 in the Wisconsin Dells, where about 120 of the vessels now operate.

As of 2000, there were more than 250 refurbished amphibious vehicles in service nationwide, according to the NTSB.

Associated Press writers JoAnn Loviglio, Kathy Matheson, Patrick Walters and Ron Todt contributed to this report.

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Jurassic Quest Dinosaur Exhibit makes stop in the Philadelphia region

OAKS, Pa (WPVI) -- A new exhibit is coming to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center this weekend.

Action News got a sneak peek of 'Jurassic Quest,' which features life-sized animatronic dinosaurs.

There are also activities such as a giant fossil dig and a play area for little ones.

Visitors can learn all about the giants that roamed the earth millions of years ago in this new walk-through exhibit.

It will be playing Friday, April 19 through Sunday, April 21, 2024 and the hours are Friday 12 p.m.- 8p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.- 7 p.m.

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