FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Linda E. Christenson, Esq.
Executive Director
Office: 410-539-1151
Fax: 410-539-1190

Baltimore, Maryland, September, 6, 2005. Pride of Baltimore II, Maryland’s Goodwill and Economic Development Sailing Ambassador experienced rig failure while sailing from Torquay, UK to Santander, Spain. Pride II has been in Europe since late May fulfilling her mission as ambassador for the State of Maryland and the Port of Baltimore.


The 18 people on board, including the Captain, crew and guests, are safe and no one sustained any injuries. Pride II motored the 80 miles to the port of Saint-Nazaire, France, where the rig is being assessed and repairs planned. The location for repair work is to be determined.

The incident occurred late yesterday, as the ship was underway during a squall, when the bowsprit broke, leading to the rig failure. Due to the skill and quick thinking of Captain Jan Miles and the crew, the rig landed primarily over the side of the vessel and no one was injured. Captain Miles has been with Pride, Inc. since 1981. He served as one of the two Captains aboard the original Pride and has been a Captain aboard Pride II for the past 17 years. An experienced seaman, he has sailed numerous voyages throughout Europe, Asia and North America. As a result of the rig failure, Pride II’s remaining 2005 European and Mediterranean sailing schedule is halted.

Linda E. Christenson, Esq., Executive Director of Pride, Inc., the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that operates the vessel, stated, “We are especially grateful that there were no injuries as a result of this incident. Pride, Inc. is committed to operating and maintaining Pride II in the highest, most seaworthy conditions, and will continue to take all steps necessary in achieving this goal again.”

Repairs to the vessel will take approximately three months. Port locations for the repair work are being evaluated. Donations to the “RAISE THE RIG” Capital Campaign may be sent to RAISE THE RIG, World Trade Center, 401 E. Pratt Street, Suite 222, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 or contact Pride, Inc. at (410) 539-1151.

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