Historic R.I. Tall Ship Toppled By Strong Wind Gusts
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A Revolutionary War replica tall ship has been toppled by strong wind gusts during the snowstorm that's pounding Rhode Island.
Thorpe Leeson, owner and captain of the Continental Sloop Providence, says Tuesday the 110-foot ship was extensively damaged when it fell on its side overnight at the Newport Shipyard. It was stored there for the winter.
Leeson says the mast is broken and the hull is punctured. Extra supports had been added as a precaution but couldn't sustain the heavy winds.
Leeson vows that the ship will "come back to life."
Leeson says he expects insurance to cover the damage, and he plans to get the ship in the water by the end of the summer.
The replica of the USS Providence is the state flagship and tall ship ambassador.
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