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Ocean Jewel Gamblers Stuck Out at Sea24 August 2005ST. PETERSBURG, Florida – As reported by the St. Petersburg Times: "One man missed his cancer treatment. A father scrambled to reach his 11-year-old daughter, who was left home alone. Others had to call in to work. "…Nearly 100 weary gamblers returned to St. Petersburg on Tuesday after spending up to 26 hours aboard the Ocean Jewel casino boat. The shuttle that was supposed to bring the customers and 70 employees ashore Monday broke down. "A tugboat was called Monday evening, but the operator, aware of the casino boat's bankruptcy status, refused the job unless it got a $20,000 bank wire. "So hour after hour, the Ocean Jewel sat there, stranded 9 miles out to sea. "…As night wore on, fears about a storm began circulating. "…Just after noon Tuesday, a replacement shuttle pulled into the Port of St. Petersburg, unloading its hot and frustrated cargo. Then it was a half-hour bus trip to John's Pass, where customers had parked. "…The ordeal was only the latest in a string of mishaps for the Ocean Jewel, including some that have resulted in other sleepovers. "…The crew attempted to comfort passengers, offering free food and liquor, and also tablecloths in lieu of blankets…" |