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You'll Be Happy to Know Where the Infamous Montgomery Boat Brawlers Are a Year Later

The racially charged boat brawl took the internet by storm and resulted in several investigations..

On August 5, 2023, history was nearly made following a worldwide viral brawl between a group of ignant white boaters and seemingly, the entire Black population of a Montgomery, Alabama riverboat.

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Last summer, a group of boaters docked their small boats in the area reserved for the Harriott II riverboat. As the riverboat returned, the white folks in the smaller boats refused to move for at least 45 minutes, drawing the captain, Dameion Pickett, to confront them. However, that confrontation got heated QUICK.

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Next thing you knew, one white guy shoved Pickett, Pickett stepped back, tossed his hat in the air like he was sending the Batman signal to all the Black folks in the surrounding area, and the brawl kicked off.

The whole ordeal quickly bubbled into a larger fight as more Black people shuffled in the mix to defend Pickett while he got dogpiled on. The internet reeled over the comical scene of it all: a fully-clothed teen swimming across the river to immediately join the action, a man wielding a folding chair to contribute in the ass whoopin’. Overall, the incident symbolized a sense of unity across all Black folks who knew their brother was a victim of a racially charged attack.

Ever wonder what happened to everyone after the fact? Let’s see what came of all the characters of Fade in The Water Day.

Dameion Pickett

The captain who sent the Avengers assemble signal was originally charged with third-degree assault and pleaded not guilty. However, the count was dismissed, per the Montgomery Advertiser .

Daniel Warren

The 16-year-old deckhand did not receive any criminal charges in the incident. He received a formal apology from one of the white brawl-starters who punched him in the ribs, per court records.

The folding chair wielding vigilante pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and sentenced to a 90-day suspended jail sentence. He was ordered to 50 hours of community service, per the Montgomery Advertiser .

Aaren Hamilton Rudolph

Rudolph or “Black Aquaman,” as we named him, went off to work at a summer swimming program serving kids in the inner city. He also created an aquatic comic book about bullying, as he previously said in an NABJ interview.

Richard Roberts

The Selma native who threw the first punch at Pickett pleaded guilty to two counts of misdemeanor assault against Pickett and Warren. He was sentenced to 32 days of a four-month suspended jail sentence as well as 100 hours of community service and court fees, per the Montgomery Advertiser .

Mary Todd and Allen Todd

The troubling siblings both entered guilty pleas in connection to the incident. Mary pleaded guilty to misdemeanor harassment in her assault against Pickett and was ordered to attend an anger management class. Her trifling brother pleaded guilty to harassment and was sentenced to 100 hours of community service as well as an anger management course, the Montgomery Advertiser .

Zachery Shipman

Shipman, like his buddy Allen, pleaded guilty to harassment and was ordered to serve 100 hours of community service and attend an anger management course.

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Deckhand Assaulted in Viral Alabama Riverboat Brawl Breaks His Silence: 'Just in Shock'

“I went to work to work, not to be in a fight or get jumped on," Damien Pickett told 'GMA' co-anchor Robin Roberts

Julie Bennett/Getty

Damien Pickett, the deckhand assaulted in last month’s viral riverboat brawl in Montgomery, Alabama, is speaking out for the first time since the incident occurred.

Pickett, who is Black, spoke to Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts in an ABC News interview published Monday about his account of events when a brawl spilled across the deck after he confronted a group of white men about moving their pontoon boat so they could dock the Harriott II riverboat.

"I didn't expect this to happen at work today. I was expecting another peaceful, nice crew,” recalled Pickett. “I was in shock, just straight shock.”

On how the fight broke out, he explained: “It was just a lot of people that were in the way of us docking and the boats just wouldn’t move. We could’ve docked but we would end up hitting a couple of boats and be responsible for.”

"Everybody [on the riverboat] was yelling, ‘Could y'all move y'all boat?’ By the captain's orders, we got off and moved the boat. Four steps to the right, that’s it,” he continued. “Words were exchanged and I was like, ‘I'm just doing my job… After we dock, we don’t mind y’all staying there, but not at this time while we’re trying to dock.' ”

Pickett said the men then used “some nasty cuss words” in response. He also claimed that “alcohol [was] involved” as the men had “beers in their hands while they [were] on the dock.”

In that moment, Pickett told Roberts, 62, that he was just thinking about “the people of the boat, their safety, getting them in and getting everybody off and getting them home.”

“I’m thinking of his boat also ‘cause if I broke his boat it’s gonna sink,” he added.

Videos show Pickett arguing with a man who was asking him where the sign was to not dock there even though Pickett said he had “been there before [and] knows the rules and regulations.”

That’s when a shirtless white man rushed to punch Pickett, which sparked the melee that spilled all across the dock.

"This man just put his hand on me. I was, like … it's my job, but I'm still defending myself at the same time. So when he touched me, I was, like, 'It's on,'" Pickett said.

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However, Roshein "RahRah" Carlton and Aaren Hamilton-Rudolph immediately sprung to action to defend their colleague. 

“Me walking up to the guys and asking them, ‘Well, why did you all jump on him like that? and he, referring to me, [goes,] ‘Who the f--- you think you are?” Carlton recalled, adding that the White men used “a lot of racial slurs.”

Hamilton-Rudolph, 16, meanwhile, jumped into the river and swam to the dock to protect Pickett. “When they first started hitting on him and no one helped, I couldn’t just watch and sit around and just let him get beat on while everybody else was just recording,” he explained.

Montgomery Police Department

As for how he is doing physically after the fight, Pickett told Roberts, “I'm just a little sore, little bumps and bruises here and there. But I'm here by the grace of God."

Even in the midst of the brawl, “I was still trying to get that boat in while that fight was going on. I’m still telling the captain, ‘We gotta get these folks here safely to this dock,’ ” he said.

“I went to work to work, not to be in a fight or get jumped on. It’s a cause and effect to every situation,” added Pickett.

One day after Richard Roberts, 48, turned himself over to the police and was charged with two counts of third-degree assault in August, the Montgomery Police Department (MPD) said that three others — Mary Todd, 21, Allen Todd, 23, Zachary Shipman, 25 — had turned themselves in as well. They were each charged with one count of third-degree assault but pleaded not guilty.

MPD later arrested Reggie Ray, a Black man who could be seen in videos hitting someone with a folding chair, for disorderly conduct. He pleaded not guilty, according to ABC News.

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Montgomery restaurant's riverboat sinks into Alabama River, creating minor fuel leak

• Updated: Apr. 02, 2012, 3:33 p.m.
• | Published: Apr. 02, 2012, 2:33 p.m.
• Natalie Wade, al.com

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- A boat owned by Montgomery's Capitol Oyster Bar sank into the Alabama River this morning.

WSFA reports the riverboat no longer contained an engine or fuel. However, residual fuel in the vessel led to a minor fuel leak. Montgomery Fire and Rescue floated a charge line to contain and absorb the fuel. Environmental Management and the EPA were notified.

Owner Lewis Mashburn said when the boat started to sink, it went quickly, but he isn't sure what happened.

The boat is primarily used for events, like birthday parties and weddings. Mashburn said there were people on it yesterday taking pictures, and there was a baby shower last weekend.

Mashburn will be responsible for recovering the boat, although he's not sure how he's going to get it out at this point.

"We're going to re-float it somehow. I really don't know what I'm going to do. I'm just waiting on ideas right now from people who are smart than me," Mashburn said.

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The restaurant was severely impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf in 2010, and almost closed in September 2010 . The restaurant had been located on East South Boulevard for 15 years. Initial community support kept the business afloat, but Mashburn did close eventually.

Mashburn was one of 1,600 Alabama business owners that filed damages claims against BP.

The restaurant reopened in June 2011 at 617 Shady St. in downtown Montgomery.

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Spend A Perfect Day On This Old Fashioned Paddle Boat Cruise In Alabama

Experience Alabama's scenic beauty aboard the Harriott II, a 19th-century replica paddle boat offering various cruises on the Alabama River.

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Alabama is no stranger when it comes to natural scenic beauty. Luckily, we're able to experience this beautiful scenery in a variety of unique ways. One way in particular is by taking a cruise down one of Alabama's most scenic rivers while aboard the Harriott II. For more information about the Harriott II, including why it should be experienced by everyone, take a look below.

The Harriott II is an authentic replica of a 19th century paddle boat that's docked beside the amphitheater in Montgomery's Riverfront Park. It's one of the city's greatest attractions.

Measuring approximately 96 feet long, this charming paddle boat can accommodate up to 350 passengers. People travel from all across Alabama to take a ride on the Harriott II.

When it comes to dining on the Harriott II, lunchtime cruises and dinner cruises are offered. Lunchtime cruises take place the first Wednesday of the month from April to November, and on Saturdays from June to July. It lasts an hour (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) and is perfect for the entire family. Dinner cruises take place each Friday from March to October for two hours (7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.). For more information, including ticket prices, click here .

While enjoying your meal, the Harriott II will take you down the scenic Alabama River. If you choose to partake in the dinner cruise, you'll also get to experience a spectacular sunset.

Several specialty cruises are also available throughout the year, including the Mother's Day Lunch Cruise (May 12), Father's Day Dinner Cruise (June 16), Haunting on the Harriott II (October 26), Holidays on the Harriott (December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21), New Year's Eve Cruise (December 31), and more.

The next time you plan to spend the day visiting Alabama's capital city, consider having lunch or dinner aboard the Harriott II. It'll be a dining experience like no other.

For more information about the Harriott II, including its cruise schedule, click here . This old fashioned paddle boat is located at 200 Coosa St., Montgomery, AL 36104.

Have you ever taken a ride on the Harriott II? If so, please share your experience with us in the comments.

Another unique attraction in Montgomery is Old Alabama Town, which you can read all about here .

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The One Alabama Park Where You Can Feed Alligators

One of the state's best wildlife attractions, Alligator Alley in Summerdale, Alabama, is an animal adventure you won't forget.

Run, don't crawl to South Alabama for one of the state's best wildlife attractions, Alligator Alley in Summerdale, Alabama, an animal adventure you won't forget. This wildlife sanctuary protects and cares for over 600 rescued alligators and is open daily so you can give them a little love, too.

Alligator Alley owner Wes Moore founded the sanctuary in 2004, creating a safe place for alligators who found themselves in unnatural areas and faced imminent danger. According to the sanctuary's informational materials, any alligator over four feet long and determined dangerous to people or their property must be removed. Thanks to Moore and his team, many have found a safe home over the last two decades.

The sanctuary is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with feeding times at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 4 p.m. Final admission is 30 minutes before closing. When you arrive, you can explore the property on your own. You can get a bird's-eye view from a platform and stroll an elevated boardwalk overlooking gators just hanging out in a natural habitat along with other creatures like turtles, bullfrogs, ospreys, and owls.

While staff members interact up close with the gators during the live feedings, you can also participate by feeding them gator chow. The staff will guide you on the appropriate feeding method and happily answer any questions you may have about these impressive creatures.

This is the place for anyone who wants to learn ALL about alligators, from the earliest stages of their lives to maturity. (Did you know the typical life span for an alligator is 50 years?) One revered resident is Captain Crunch, who is just over 13 feet long, weighs more than 800 pounds and is the world record holder for bite strength at 2,982 pounds.

Naturally, new generations of gators have originated at the sanctuary, which also has dedicated viewing areas for the hatchlings. The staff will even help you hold one of the babies before you leave.

As you might guess, Alligator Alley is a huge hit with animal-obsessed kiddos and a popular spot for birthday parties. Even so, people of all ages and walks of life will gain knowledge and a better understanding of alligators and conservation efforts. See the Alligator Alley website for admission fees and party pricing, and follow Alligator Alley on Facebook for the latest sanctuary news.

Looking for more family fun in this neck of our piney South Alabama woods? Be sure to check out Wales West Light Railway & RV Resort in Silverhill, Alabama – just nine miles and a 15-minute drive west from Alligator Alley. The park has a popular swimming hole in the summer and offers year-round train rides, including popular holiday-themed rides around Easter, Halloween, and Christmas.

There is a lot more to explore in this little area of Baldwin County, making it perfect for a little getaway. If you make the trip, consider this spacious Airbnb in Summerdale for your home base. This rural retreat is a guest favorite, and with three bedrooms and two baths, it sleeps up to six people.

Let us know if you visit! We would love to hear all about it!

Tiny But Mighty, The Smallest State Park In Alabama Is A Hidden Gem Worth Exploring

Lake Jackson RV Park at Florala, Alabama's smallest state park, offers camping and various water activities on the state's only natural lake.

Alabama is home to 22 beautiful state parks that offer a little bit of everything. One of these state parks is Lake Jackson RV Park at Florala, which happens to be the smallest state park in Alabama . To learn all about this tiny, but mighty, Florala State Park, take a look below.

Lake Jackson RV Park at Florala, which is formerly known as Florala State Park, is located in Florala, Alabama.

Covering approximately 40 acres, Lake Jackson Rv Park at Florala is Alabama's smallest state park. It offers both 30 and 50 amp sites for anyone wishing to camp here.

Lake Jackson RV Park at Florala is situated on the banks of Lake Jackson. This 500-acre lake is Alabama's only natural lake. In addition to Alabama, Lake Jackson also shares its shores with Florida.

Throughout the year, numerous people spend time on Lake Jackson because of its clean water. People also enjoy a variety of water activities this lake offers, including boating, tubing, skiing, fishing, and so much more.

Even though Lake Jackson RV Park at Florala is on the smaller side, it's still a great place for a day trip. It's also located on the Alabama Birding Trail, so you'll likely spot several beautiful birds during your visit.

If you do decide to visit the smallest state park in Alabama, be sure to stay at least until dusk. This way you'll get to experience a beautiful sunset.

For more information about Lake Jackson RV Park at Florala, including rates and other activities offered, you can view the Alabama State Parks website.

Have you ever been to Lake Jackson RV Park at Florala? If so, what did you think about it? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Another one of Alabama's smallest state parks is Blue Springs State Park in Clio. For information, be sure to take a look at the following article: Everyone In Alabama Must Visit This Epic Natural Spring As Soon As Possible. Or for those who love a good trek, the best hiking in Alabama can be found on Alltrails.

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War News | Military History | Military News

Nearly 80 years after sinking, the ss richard montgomery still a cause for concern.

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During the summer of 1944, the SS Richard Montgomery left port in Philadelphia for the United Kingdom. Carrying thousands of tons of munitions, the trip was intended to be the liberty ship’s final voyage – and it was. That August, she anchored in the Great Nore Anchorage and began to drift, hitting a sandbank and suffering damage during low tide. The impact caused a shipwreck that remains a danger to those who reside along the shoreline.

The short service life of the SS Richard Montgomery

The SS Richard Montgomery was an American liberty cargo ship constructed in the final years of the Second World War . Laid down in March 1943 under a Maritime Commission (MARCOM) contract, she was named for Maj. Gen. Richard Montgomery, an Irishman who served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War . She launched in June of that year as the seventh liberty ship built by St. Johns River Shipbuilding Company in Jacksonville, Florida.

In August 1944, Richard Montgomery left Hog Island, Philadelphia for what was intended to be a convoy mission to Cherbourg, France, which had been liberated by the Allies during the Battle of Normandy . The vessel anchored at the Thames Estuary while awaiting the convoy’s creation, falling under the authority of the Thames naval control. She was ordered to anchor in the Great Nore Anchorage, and on August 22, 1944 ran aground along the Kent coastline.

The initial salvage effort

The effort to recover the SS Richard Montgomery ‘s over 6,100 tons of munitions began on August 23, 1944. The vessel grounded amidships, resulting in her weak spot, the back, breaking. During the salvage effort, her hull cracked open, causing several cargo holds toward the bow to flood.

Using Richard Montgomery ‘s own cargo handling equipment, crews removed approximately half of the munitions. While reports vary as to what was emptied, it’s said the two stern holds were likely cleared. An investigation by the Southend Chamber of Trade concluded that all of the fused bombs had also been removed, but this finding is considered to be inconclusive.

Efforts to unload the ship ended on September 25, 1944, following the wreckage becoming flooded.

The British government jumps into action

Presently, the SS Richard Montgomery contains approximately 1,400 tons of munitions: 2,000 cases of fragmentation cluster bombs and 208 tons of TNT-containing explosives. The site is monitored 24/7 by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency  and subject to a 500-meter exclusion zone.

The area was made a prohibited site under the 1973 Protection of Wrecks Act , due to the danger of disruption, with Medway Ports given the responsibility of marking and guarding the wreckage on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. According to a 2000 government study , there are three main risks associated with the wreck: a vessel colliding with it; the ship breaking apart due to deterioration; and the wreck being significantly moved.

A report by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency concluded holes had formed that could allow the explosives held within to escape. This corroborated the government report, which said both the wreck and the seabed’s topography showed minor changes.

Surveys conducted in 2017 and ’18 show Richard Montgomery to be in stable condition, but with accelerated levels of deterioration. Another study using multi-beam sonar and lasers heightened concerns that a chain reaction would occur if the detonators became unstable, resulting in the ignition of the entire load of munitions.

The risk factor surrounding the SS Richard Montgomery is debated

Opinions are divided regarding the explosive risk of the SS Richard Montgomery . Labour peer Lord Harris argues the cargo is “deteriorating together in an unstable environment, unguarded and unprotected,” while Conservative frontbencher Baroness Barran counters that the fuses have likely become so degraded that the possibility of an explosion is remote.

While Barran’s theory was reinforced by members of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, scientists found the opposite to be true, explaining the TNT itself is not inert and could explode if detonated. This conclusion mirrors those of the government report and a 1997 survey review, which found the TNT has likely experienced limited property change, as it’s encased in metal.

Many believe the wreck should be left as is to keep the likelihood of an explosion low, arguing the risk only grows when attempts are made to remove the cargo. However, a survey conducted by the Department of Transport found the ship’s masts were at risk of breaking off and triggering an explosion. According to Ministry of Defence documents obtained by The Telegraph , this could cause a “worst-case scenario” of civilian deaths and damage to nearby oil and gas facilities.

According to experts, if Richard Montgomery were to explode, the ship would create a tsunami wave of between 4 and 16 feet in height. Its impact would lead to flooding in London. A 2004 report from New Scientist stated the explosion itself would be one of the largest ever non-nuclear blasts, with a force so strong it would damage buildings and blow out windows.

Efforts to make the SS Richard Montgomery ‘safe’

Should the SS Richard Montgomery be removed, it’s stated an area of around 25 miles would need to be evacuated for months at a time. Those advocating the wreck be left alone believe it will gradually degrade over time, meaning the cargo will get wet and become neutralized.

More from us: Georgios Averof: The Greek Armored Cruiser With An Impressive Service History

Toward the end of 2021, a survey was conducted to check for spilled explosives. The Ministry of Defence subsequently tasked bomb disposal experts with the British Royal Navy and 29 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group with removing the ship’s masts. While work was initially slated to begin in June 2022, it was delayed until 2023, following the Department of Transport stating divers needed to carry out further checks of the wreckage.

Harriott II Riverboat

Come on down to the River and re-live history while enjoying a relaxing cruise on Montgomery's downtown attraction, the Harriott II. Docked beside the uniquely built Riverwalk Amphitheater, this elegant 19th-century riverboat is center stage of Montgomery's entertainment district and hosts public and private cruiseswtihgreat food, drinks, music, entertainment, and fun along the scenic Alabama River.

Getting There

• 255 Commerce Street
• Montgomery, AL 36104

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Find the sweetest Alabama vacation spot perfectly suited just for you. Customize your next Alabama vacation by the type of experience you are looking for, then filter by the region of Alabama you want to visit. Don't know what your Alabama destination should be? Let our interactive location map be your guide. Now, where is your next Alabama Sweet Spot?

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Looking for information on state parks, hot spots to have fun in the sun, or the best places for fishing or bird-watching? How about the world’s best museums or science centers? The Alabama Vacation guide will help you discover so many new and unique experiences. No matter where you’re headed or what you feel like doing, the Alabama vacation guide will get started on the right path.

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SS Richard Montgomery Shipwreck In The Thames Estuary

For years, the East Coast of the UK has been the main area that I have sailed in. It makes for some fantastic, challenging sailing. Dodging sand banks, managing strong tidal flows, and navigating the shipping. It’s a fun place to sail, and not without it’s fantastic sites, one of the most famous of which is the SS Richard Montgomery Ship Wreck, which lies in the Thames Estuary.

Below you will find lots of facts and figures, and general info about the SS Richard Montgomery shipwreck which has been laying in the Thames Estuary, on Nore Sands for over 80 years.

The wreck of the Montgomery is a famous ship wreck in the UK. The SS Richard Montgomery was an American Liberty Ship, which carried cargo and was built during World War 2. She was launched in June 1943, with a LOA of 135 metres. She ran aground in the Thames Estuary in August 1944, and has laid in that same place ever since.

The wreck lies across the tide on the Nore sandbank, close to the River Medway approach channel (near buoy #7), on the east coast of the UK, in the Thames Estuary.

Lat: 51 28.013’ N. Long: 0 47.119’ E

In August 1944, the SS Richard Montgomery left Philadelphia, USA laden with 6,127 tonnes of munitions, for use in WW2. She travelled from the Delaware River to the Thames Estuary, where she anchored while awaiting the formation of a convoy to travel to Cherbourg, France, which had come under allied control.

On arrival off Southend the harbourmaster, responsible for all shipping movements in the estuary ordered the Richard Montgomery to anchor off the north edge of Sheerness middle sands, and area known as the Great Nore Anchorage. Within hours the Montgomery dragged anchor, and ran aground, in a depth of 7.3m. Later, as the tide went out the ships back broke.

An enquiry that followed, ruled that the harbourmaster that had instructed the Montgomery’s captain to anchor on Nore sands, had placed the ship in jeopardy, and the captain of the Montgomery was returned to duty within a week. Incidentally, several ships that were moored nearby at the time, spotted that she was dragging anchor, and tried to raise the alarm by sounding their sirens, but to no avail.

Potentially, Yes. When the SS Montgomery went aground on the Nore sandbank in 1944, she was laden with a huge cargo of munitions, for use during WW2. Some munitions were initially offloaded, but it quickly became too dangerous and the task was abandoned. The ship broke in half and sunk a few weeks later. A significant quantity of explosive cargo still remains, making this shipwreck a potential explosion risk, should the load ever detonate.

The wreck site is surveyed regularly to keep a close eye on the sensitivity of the wreck and her cargo. Various recent surveys have concluded that the cargo onboard the Richard Montgomery is still deadly, and that it could detonate if there was a collision, an attack, or even if there is a shifting of the cargo due to a strong tide. The most significant risk currently though, comes from the state of the ship itself. After decades of exposure to the elements and tides, the masts are in a terrible state, and are at risk of collapse. If they were to collapse, this could cause a detonation.

There is currently a tender process underway to get the masts removed, at a cost of c.£5m. It is hoped that the masts will be removed in the summer of 2022.

There are currently approx. 1,400 tonnes of high TNT explosives onboard. This is made up as follows…

• 286 x 910kg high explosive bombs
• 4,439 x 450kg bombs of mixed variety
• 1,925 x 230kg bombs
• 2,815 fragmentation bombs/bomb clusters
• Various explosive booster charges
• Phosphorus bombs
• Smoke bombs
• Various pyrotechnic signals

Surveys show the at wreck is a risk, but it is unlikely that she will explode in the near future. Various predictions have been made about what the impact will be if the ship wreck of the Richard Montgomery was to explode. These predictions vary, but one prominent report suggests that if the Montgomery explodes, it would throw a 300 metre-wide column of water and debris nearly 3,000 metres into the air. It would also generate a wave 5 metres high (almost 16 ft). Almost all windows on the Isle of Sheppey (population of 40,000) would be shattered by the blast. Coastal settlements nearby could be flooded, including coastal towns like Whitstable and Southend.

Yes, you can see the wreck. It is is now sitting at a depth of approx. 15m, and is leaning to Starboard. At all states of tide her 3 timber masts are visible above the water, although naturally the best time to view the wreck is at low water, where the masts are most exposed.

Due to the significant quantity of unexploded munitions that lie within the wreck, the SS Richard Montgomery is closely monitored by the MCA. It is also clearly marked on charts, and has an exclusion zone around her. This is marked by the presence of 4 huge yellow buoys (or special marks) which are lit at night. Between the buoys lie chains, which will physically stop most smaller vessels from straying too close! The exclusion zone is monitored visually and by radar.

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River Cruises

Visit Montgomery’s scenic access to the Alabama River and choose from two unique ways to cruise the historic waterway. Pick a relaxing riverboat cruise onboard the elegant Harriott II or bring your friends and provide your own pedal power with a Sip-N-Cycle Pedal Cruise.

More than a glance back to stylish river travel in the 19th century, the Harriott II offers today’s cruisers experiences that include dinner, dancing and live entertainment. The options are ideal for a fun family outing or a romantic couple’s evening on the river. Step onboard from the convenient dock alongside the Riverwalk Amphitheater. 

Getaway Cruises on the Harriott II are two hours in length and include live entertainment and a cash bar. The Wheel House Grille has a variety of food items for purchase. Indoor seating is available inside two climate-controlled decks as well as on the outside patio. The Dinner Cruise is also two hours and features a full plated dinner plus the cash bar. Dinner cruises require advance ticket purchase. 

Great fun for a group of friends, the Sip-N-Cycle Pedal Cruise offers an interactive way to enjoy the Alabama River. The boat can welcome 20 passengers and has 12 pedal stations around a central bar. Try the Mixer Cruise where you can bring your own food and alcohol and share the cruise with others. If you prefer to have the boat to yourself, the Private Cruises are perfect for family reunions, birthdays, and bachelor/bachelorette parties. 

The 90-minute river excursion has a high-energy atmosphere with a sound system to keep the partying rocking. If you and your crew tire out before the trip is over, the U.S. Coast Guard-certified captain and the first mate will take over and let you relax. 

1 dead after St. Pete boat crash, teens aboard vessel identified

Good samaritan helps after deadly boat crash.

Jennifer Kveglis reports

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - One of the teens that was ejected from a boat that crashed in St. Petersburg on Sunday night died, according to officials.

On Sunday around 4:30 p.m., authorities responded to reports of a boating accident near Bayshore Boulevard in St. Pete.

PREVIOUS: 2 teens injured in St. Pete boat crash

Two teenagers were hospitalized in critical condition after a boat crash in St. Pete Sunday evening. Jennifer Kveglis reports.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), United States Coast Guard (USCG), St. Petersburg Police Department, St. Petersburg Fire Rescue and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) all responded to the scene.

Two 15-year-old boys, Collin Moorefield and Christian Tharakan were both on the 18-foot vessel when it hit a dock, according to FWC.

PREVIOUS: 2 teenagers injured after being ejected in St. Pete boat crash

The investigation revealed that both boys were thrown into the water.

Jonathan Carlon hopped onto the 2024 18-foot Key West Center Console boat after it crashed the second time, into his seawall four houses away from where the teens were ejected. 

"It was like something out of a movie, an unmanned boat going full speed at the seawall," Carlon said. "My immediate concern was I knew my wife and my daughter were outside. My daughter loves going on the dock."

Carlon said he quickly jumped into action and hopped over his fence, onto his seawall. "...off the seawall, into the boat and killed the power, turned the motor off, grabbed the anchor line and lassoed it around the neighbor's dock," he said.

Carlon noticed a cell phone on the boat was still playing music.

"At that point, it was very unclear how many people were on the boat originally," he said.

As the scene began to wrap up, an unknown man showed up.

"The father of one of the kids came into the backyard. We didn't know who he was at the time. He asked if there was anything that he could do," Carlon recalled. "My wife, she was holding my daughter at the time, and she gave me my daughter, and she said, 'I have to give him a hug' and she hugged him, and you could hear them both bawling. It was heartbreaking."

Officials say Tharakan, the operator of the boat, was recovered from the water.

The FWC, PCSO and St. Petersburg Fire Rescue says they searched for Moorefield who was found by a good Samaritan and a St. Petersburg Police Department Officer. 

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The teens were taken to a local hospital, which is where Moorefield died, according to authorities. FWC says Tharakan has non-life threatening injuries.

"We would like to express our condolences to the Moorefield family and ask that the public give the family space during this difficult time," said Major Evan Laskowski, Southwest Regional Commander in a statement. "As a father myself, I can only begin to imagine the pain they are experiencing right now. I want them to know we are thinking and praying for them during this time."

The FWC is leading the active investigation with assistance from St. Petersburg Police Department.

Carlon believes it was a freak accident.

"We see people driving their boats recklessly, doing things that they shouldn't be all the time. This wasn't that. It just seemed like a terrible accident," he shared.

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