"Ride the Ducks" will resume operations in select locations

The Newport, Kentucky location is expected to open shortly.

Philadelphia "Ride the Ducks" operations will remain closed until further notice. Due to the seriousness of collision between a tugboat, barge and RTD amphibious vehicle and out of respect to the families, the company voluntarily suspended operations nationwide on Thursday, July 8.

"While we are completely confident in our standard operating procedures, we felt it was appropriate to review procedures and vehicles at each of our company-owned locations," said RTD President Chris Herschend. "Our inspections confirmed our vessels are safe and adhere to a robust set of operating and training standards which meet or exceed U.S. Coast Guard or local requirements."

History of Ride the Ducks

According to the Ride The Ducks website, the company claims to be the nation's largest amphibious tour operator with a fleet of over 90 vehicles, carrying more than 1.2 million guests each year around the United States.

In Philadelphia, the sightseeing tour begins on the corner of N. 6th and Market Streets next to the Independence Visitor Center. On land, the tour goes through historical Philadelphia, passing by such landmarks as Independence Hall, The Philadelphia Mint, Christ Church and the Betsy Ross House.

The bus then enters the Delaware River at Penn's Landing for sightseeing of the Adventure Aquarium, Battleship New jersey and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.

The company says that their vehicles are regularly inspected, tested and certified by the United States Coast Guard.

Ride The Ducks was started in 1977 in Branson, Missouri by Bob McDowell. In 2001 Ride The Ducks partnered with the Herschend Family Entertainment in pursuit of a national and international expansion and then in 2003, Ride The Ducks of Philadelphia was opened.

Herschend Family Entertainment also owns Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey.

In 2004 The Herschend Family Entertainment company, headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, became the sole owner of the company.

The Duck vehicles are based on the classic WWII DUKW amphibious design, first built by General Motors in 1942. The company says they build their vehicles from the ground up using "the latest in marine design and safety."