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Two Capsize Incident Survivors Sue

Two women who survived the recent "Ethan Allen" boat capsizing in upstate New York have filed lawsuits in federal court against the boat?s operator and captain. 65-year-old Margaret Kidon and 73-year-old Barbara Bommarito filed suit in Detroit this week.

They are accusing Shoreline Cruises and captain Richard Paris of gross negligence. Twenty of their 47 companions on the boat died on October 2. The lawsuits claim damages in excess of $75,000, accusing Shoreline Cruises Inc., which owns the boat, and Paris of gross negligence.

A spokesperson for the women says they have severe upper respiratory problems from swallowing diesel fuel and water. Federal investigators are trying to determine whether the boat was overcrowded or rendered unstable by modifications.