CINCINNATI -- In the length of time it takes to order a drink, workers at a landmark riverfront restaurant said the boat started to lean. The waves came up over the sides and now officials are concerned about what's left of the boat.
High winds and heavy rains sank the Fore & Aft in the swollen Ohio River Saturday afternoon,
News 5's John London reported.
The restaurant in Sayler Park was almost submerged in 15 to 20 feet of water.
Since the river level is so high, the U.S. Coast Guard said there are concerns that the water pressure could destroy the top of the Fore & Aft, sending chunks of it downriver into the path of barges and other boats.
The ramp was ruined and the deck was destroyed. It's not even certain if the cupola bearing the familiar name can be salvaged, London reported.
Some said the boat seemed to lean more than usual recently and that the lower bow would sometimes take on water and had to be pumped out.
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The double-decker river restaurant has been overtaken by what it once overlooked -- the river itself.
Like other floating restaurants connected to land, the Fore & Aft was inspected every six months.
The previous walk-through revealed problems with existing extinguishers, the kitchen sprinkler system and an exit light. But all problems had been corrected by Feb. 9, the date of the last inspection on record.
Along the Kentucky shore, the state fire Marshal and northern Kentucky inspectors are on the boats at least three times each year, checking emergency lighting, evacuation plans and the hull areas, London reported.
Inspectors look for weak seams and any indication of leaks. The hulls are also equipped with emergency alarms.
"I am more than confident that they do a great job in all the life safety issues," said Capt. Alan Bernstein.
Bernstein, a lifelong river captain, said the sinking of the restaurant sent a shudder through the tight-knit river community.
Investigators are trying to determine if there was a failure in the seams of the barge.
There was no word from the owner about rebuilding the boat, but an insurance adjustor examined the wreckage, saying hiring a salvage company is the next step.
Two employees escaped safely and no injuries were reported.
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