| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact: Anne Davis Burns |
| September 20, 2001 |
(703) 841-9300 |
THE AMERICAN WATERWAYS OPERATORS OFFER CONDOLENCES
TO TEXANS OVER SOUTH PADRE ISLAND BRIDGE ACCIDENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In the aftermath of the tragic
accident in Port Isabel, Texas involving the vessel allision with
the Queen Isabella Causeway, American Waterways Operators (AWO)
President Tom Allegretti sent the following message on behalf of
all members of AWO to the Honorable Rick Perry, Governor of Texas.
September 18, 2001
The Honorable Rick Perry
Governor of Texas
1100 San Jacinto Street
Austin, TX 78701
Dear Governor Perry:
On behalf of the 375 members of the American Waterways Operators
(AWO), I would like to express our deep regret over the loss
of life that has resulted from the vessel allision with the
Queen Isabella Causeway and extend our deepest sympathy to the
families of the victims of this terrible accident. While the
causes of this accident are not yet known, we pledge our fullest
cooperation in the accident investigation now underway.
AWO is the national trade association for the American tugboat,
towboat and barge industry. Safety is the number one priority
of AWO members, and we are therefore committed to complete and
thorough accident investigations that help us improve the safety
of our operations. Our industry's commitment to safety is real.
All AWO members have committed to meeting the strict requirements
of the Responsible Carrier Program, a set of industry safety
standards that go above and beyond those required by law or
regulation. AWO also works closely with the U.S. Coast Guard
in examining safety issues and developing safety improvements
through the Coast Guard-AWO Safety Partnership.
Waterways transportation is historically the safest form of
cargo transportation, with the least number of accidents. However,
any accident, especially one that results in fatalities, is
completely unacceptable and of the greatest concern to our members.
It indicates the need for us to fully understand its causes
and make any improvements that the investigation shows to be
necessary.
We hope you will convey to the people of Texas our deepest sympathy
and our pledge to do all that we can to prevent any future accident
of this kind.
Sincerely,
Thomas A. Allegretti
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AWO is the leading national advocate for the tugboat, towboat,
and barge industry.
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