Tug pilot in deadly Philly duck boat crash is pulled off the water during investigation

Tug pilot in deadly Pa. boat crash is off water

PHILADELPHIA — The tug pilot in last week’s deadly duck boat crash in Philadelphia is off the water while authorities investigate.

Defense lawyer Frank DeSimone told The Associated Press on Wednesday that his client is not working. DeSimone says he instructed the mate to invoke his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and not discuss the crash with federal investigators.

DeSimone declined to identify him. K-Sea Transportation Partners confirms he has been “relieved of his duties” on the tug.

Witnesses say the tug pushed a barge into the stalled tourist boat, killing two Hungarian tourists. The duck boat crew has told investigators its radio calls to the tug went unanswered.

The National Transportation Safety Board hopes to test another duck boat on the Delaware River this week.