Duluth tourism boat Vista Star strikes breakwater; 1 hospitalized, others injured

DULUTH, Minn. (FOX 9) - One passenger aboard the Vista Star, a tourism boat that embarks on sightseeing cruises along the Duluth waterfront, was taken to the hospital Saturday night after the vessel struck a breakwater. Several others on board were assessed for minor injuries.

What we know

The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office said it and other authorities responded to the Wisconsin Entry around 10:45 p.m. 

The boat, carrying 84 people, was reportedly "against the breakwater" but was not taking on any water. 

The U.S. Coast Guard then evacuated the injured person, who was then taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. 

Authorities at the scene then learned the boat was "listing to one side" and was in five-foot waves, according to the sheriff's office. "Listing" is a nautical term that means a vessel is tilting to one side. 

The crew was then able to move the vessel off the breakwater before it was escorted back to the dock by the U.S. Coast Guard, St. Louis County Rescue Squad and the Duluth Fire Department. The Vista Star reportedly made it back under its own power without further incident. 

The Duluth Fire Department, along with crews from Mayo Ambulance, then assessed "several people" for what are described as minor injuries. 

The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office said it is still investigating the incident. 

After an inspection of the boat's hull by the Coast Guard, giving the all clear for operations to resume, according to Vista Fleet owner Justin Steinbach. 

What they're saying

Steinbach told FOX 21 that the Vista Star hit the breakwater when the ship turned because of five-foot waves.

Steinbach said the captain found there was "too much wave interference to be a comfortable cruise back" and then decided to return through the Superior entry, which is according to protocol. 

Steinbach said the captain "must've gotten disoriented on the opening for the entry" and "ran too close to the rock break wall" causing the boat to hit the barrier.

A diver from the U.S. Coast Guard is expected to assess the Vista Star later on Sunday. If the all-clear is given, the boat is set to depart as normal on Monday. 

Steinbach added this is the first time that any of the vessels in the Vista Fleet have been involved in any collision since he bought the company in 2011.

Passengers on the boat also shared the following images of the wedding party aboard the Vista Star and the subsequent rescue by the U.S. Coast Guard:

FOX 21 also shared an image showing where Vista Fleet owner Justin Steinbach said is the general area of the boat's impact. 

General area of the Vista Star's impact according to Vista Fleet owner Justin Steinbach (Courtesy: FOX 21). (Supplied)