Sediment Build-up Forces Cancelation Of Thunder On The Narrows Boat Races

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—The Eastern Shore's traditional power boat race Thunder on the Narrows is cancelled and shallow water is to blame.

Alex DeMetrick explains.

Since 1955 powerboats have raced on Kent Narrows, but not this year.

"It just breaks my heart to do this, but we have no choice," said Wheeler Baker, Kent Narrows Racing Association.

And organizers stress it is not because of a tragic accident last year, when a 7-year-old girl was killed and three others injured, when a boat went out of control and crashed into spectators.

The accident cast a painful shadow, but races have been canceled because of sediment build-up in the narrows.

American Power Boat Association rules say water must be at least four feet deep, in spots it's only three feet.

"We're encapsulated and you're strapped in, and if a boat goes upside down the driver's in it, divers have to be able to get to him," says Baker. "So you have to have some clearance between and the capsule and the bottom. And there in lies the problem we now face."

Thunder on the narrows drew big crowds on and off the water. On Kent Island it was a summer tradition:

"All the stores are going to miss it. The people just love it. I've had all kinds of remarks in here today. But there's nothing we can do about it," said Baker.

This June Thunder on the Narrows goes silent.

Race organizers say they have repeated asked the state to dredge the sediment build-up, they say nothing has been done.

Organizers are searching for another stretch of water, but are not optimistic it can be set up in time for time for the summer event.