Video: Delta Queen riverboat at Ross's Landing

An e-mail sent to Bridgeport, Ala. Mayor John Lewis concerning the Delta Queen

By Mike O'Neal

Staff Writer

The Delta Queen may be making its final visit to Chattanooga unless Congress exempts the stern-wheel steamboat from rigid enforcement of maritime law.

"This should be a permanent exemption for the Delta Queen because it is on the National Registry of Historic Landmarks," said Bridgeport, Ala., Mayor John Lewis. "Putting it out of commission is like cutting a redwood forest."

Mr. Lewis, who served as a purser aboard the Delta Queen in 1964, said even then congressional hearings were called to deal with claims that the steel-hulled ship's wooden superstructure was a fire hazard.

The Safety at Sea Law of 1966 includes a clause that forbids vessels involved in overnight passenger service from having wooden superstructures, but the ongoing process has been for Congress to grant exemptions to that law, according to Duffy Hudson, who is coordinating a rally Monday that is part of a national grass-roots movement to preserve the Delta Queen.

In continuous service since being built in 1927, the Delta Queen has transported Presidents Harding, Truman and Carter, and it was named to the National Registry of Historic Landmarks in 1989, Mr. Hudson said.

On Aug. 1, Majestic America Line announced that the Delta Queen would cease operations at the end of the 2008 season because of its temporary exemption not being renewed, he said.

"This is part of our heritage," Mr. Hudson said.

Mr. Lewis said that more than 40 years ago charges were made that wood structures were unsafe. However, in the 21st century hotels all over the country are being framed, sheathed, floored and roofed with wood, he said.

"My question is, 'Is it safer to jump from the third floor of a burning building to concrete or safer to jump from the Delta Queen into the water with a life preserver?' " Mr. Lewis said. "Maritime laws are not truly applicable to a boat operating on our inland river systems."

Iain Dewar, who in October visited Chattanooga as a passenger, sent an e-mail Friday that read in part:

"I think perhaps people may be missing the point. This is a world-famous vessel, an essential part of America's heritage, which offers exactly the sort of experience that most Brits would regard as quintessentially American. Threshing-stern paddle wheels, wonderful wooden paneling, a splendid saloon, deeply courteous crew taking pride in offering the sort of old-fashioned service typical of the South and all traveling along small scale waterways which allow the visitor to see the detail of the country whilst appreciating its vast scale. It is inconceivable that all this could be lost."

Mr. Lewis said that the rally Monday at Ross's Landing will allow Chattanoogans to show support for the historic steamboat and their city's riverfront heritage.

"The Delta Queen is something as American as grandma's apple pie," he said. "It is a moving monument."

E-mail Mike O'Neal at moneal@timesfreepress.com

IF YOU GO

* What: A rally to support continued operation of the Delta Queen riverboat

* Where: Chattanooga Pier at Ross's Landing, near the Tennessee Aquarium

* When: Monday from noon until 2 p.m.

* Cost: Free

Tech Talk