Woman Dies After Fall Aboard Historic Tall Ship in Galveston

A woman has died after falling some 60-feet from the mast of a tall ship in Galveston, Texas.

Police confirm the 58-year-old woman, who was a volunteer on the tall ship Elissa, fell as the ship was docked at Galveston’s Pier 21. The victim was reportedly wearing a harness at the time of the fall.

Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF), which owns and operates the ship, confirmed the accident on its website.

“Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) board, staff and the volunteer crew of ELISSA are saddened at the loss of a fellow volunteer and staff member. The accident is still under investigation by authorities and GHF is conducting its own internal review,” the organization said.

Built in 1877, tall ship Elissa is a square-rigged iron barque and one the oldest tall ships still in operation. The Galveston Historical Foundation, which has owned the ship since purchasing it from a Greek shipyard in 1978, maintains the ship as floating museum and U.S. Coast Guard inspected Sailing School Vessel. The ship also serves as the Official Tall Ship of Texas and a National Historic Landmark.

“ELISSA is a crew of dedicated men and women who operate the ship with passion and dedication. We extend our condolences to the crew member’s family and friends,” the Galveston Historical Foundation said.