jungle cruise boat sinks compensation

Disney World's Jungle Cruise partially sinks, leaving passengers soaked from waist down

A boat attraction at Disney World's Magic Kingdom in Florida, partially sank Thursday, leaving some guests submerged in water from their waists down.

All the parkgoers riding the Jungle Cruise boat in Adventureland got off the ride safely, a Disney spokeswoman said. The ride lasts about 10 minutes and is listed on Disney World's website as a "slow" ride for "all ages." The "river cruise" is lined with animatronic wild creatures.

pic.twitter.com/G1tFF29Xu0 — Matthew Vince (@synewaves) February 27, 2020

Park staffers immediately called the Reedy Creek Fire Department when they noticed the ride was going awry, the Disney spokeswoman said. They then worked with affected guests individually to help them enjoy the rest of their day at the Orlando theme park.

People claim they want more immersive, realistic experiences, but then complain when their Jungle Cruise boats begin sinking. Like, that happens sometimes, k? — Squishy Whale Underbelly Candle Co (@theWillSource) February 27, 2020

It's unclear how many passengers were on the boat or what caused it to sink.

The Jungle Cruise reopened later Thursday.

Elisha Fieldstadt is a breaking news editor for NBC News.

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Disney World jungle cruise boat sinks while passengers are on board

Theme park guests joined the bathing elephants in the faux nile.

"The most magical place on earth " lost some of its enchantment Thursday.

For some passengers, the Jungle Cruise attraction became a true adventure in Disney World's Magic Kingdom. One of the ride's boats, "Bomokandi Bertha" began sinking into the water around 12:30 pm EST forcing all passengers on board to slush through murky ankle-deep water to high ground. The ride was shut down for nearly 2 hours as passengers were safely evacuated off the ride and the boat was towed away.

DISNEY NAMES BOB CHAPEK CEO; IGER TO CHAIR BOARD THROUGH 2021

Although no one was injured, Thursday's accident with Disney's water system recalled memories for some of another water-related incident at the Orlando theme park.

In 2016, a 2-year-old Nebraska boy was eaten by an alligator at a The Grand Floridan beach resort hotel. In his book, "Ride of a Lifetime," Disney executive chairman Bob Iger ger called  that event “the saddest day of my career.”

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Disney World features "hundreds of lagoons and canals" Iger also wrote. Florida's alligators live in freshwater but since the death of Lane Graves, Disney has removed more than 100 gators from its properties, has placed signs, fences and rocks along the resort's water areas to protect visitors and has a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to remove up to 400 alligators through April 2023.

According to FOX 35 (WOFL) in Orlando, Disney worked with guests from the "sunk" Jungle Cruise individually so that they could enjoy the rest of their day in at the theme park.

The Disney World web site declares that the Jungle Cruise is a "10,000-mile journey that you won't soon forget!" That was certainly true for Thursday's passengers.

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Boat at Disney World's Jungle Cruise sinks during ride; guests filmed being rescued by staff

Disney World guest's angry rant about 'childless' millennials flooding the park goes viral

The anonymous mom says people without children should be banned from the parks.

It was time to sink or swim.

Walt Disney World visitors on the aquatic Jungle Cruise ride were in for a shock on Thursday when they had to be rescued after the boat took on water.

No one was injured and all passengers were safely evacuated by firefighters from the Reedy Creek Fire Department, a Disney World spokesperson said.

DISNEY WORLD ASKS WORKERS WHO TRAVELED TO ITALY TO STAY HOME OVER CORONAVIRUS CONCERNS

The incident occurred around 12 p.m., according to Disney World guest Matthew Vince said, who claimed that the passenger-filled boat "went from floating to sunk in about a minute,” WPTV reports.

A person is seen standing knee-deep in water aboard a Jungle Cruise boat after the vessel took on water on Thursday, Feb. 27. (Matthew Vince via AP)

Fortunately, help soon arrived.

“Everyone was fine and we were rescued in about 20 minutes,” Vince said.

“Our skipper was awesome, used a radio to get help, and we did not have wet feet or wet clothes on for very long,” the parkgoer shared on Twitter . “I can rest easy being part of the best Disney metaphor of all time.”

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Following the incident, Disney officials individually worked with guests to ensure they could enjoy the rest of their day at the theme park, the spokesperson said. The Jungle Cruise has also since reopened.

Located in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park, the classic Jungle Cruise attraction takes theme park guests “on a scenic and comedic boat tour of exotic rivers across Asia, Africa and South America,” according to Disney. The slow-moving ride welcomes visitors of all ages and heights.

The theme park has not yet revealed how many passengers were aboard the Jungle Cruise boat when it sunk, or why it took on water in the first place.

Passengers aboard a Jungle Cruise boat stand on seats after the vessel took on water at Walt Disney World. (Matthew Vince via AP)

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The Jungle Cruise attraction has also inspired a "Jungle Cruise" film starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Emily Blunt, premiering in July.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Disney World Jungle Cruise Boat Sinks with Passengers on Board in Mid-Ride Mishap

All the riders were safely rescued from the vessel

One Walt Disney World attraction just became a little too immersive for riders.

Around midday on Thursday, one of the boats used in the classic Jungle Cruise ride at the Orlando theme park started sinking while filled with passengers.

Witnesses documented the mishap on social media , showing guests still standing inside the boat as the murky water slowly rose around their legs. All those on board were safely rescued, but later images captured the vessel nearly completely submerged , its canopy roof still visible and what appears to be a lone park employee on board.

“Our boat on the jungle cruise sank today. Fun times! #wdw,” one park-goer tweeted .

“The water in the boat was about a foot and half. Happened about noon,” wrote the same Twitter user. “We went from floating to sunk in about a minute. Everyone was fine and we were rescued in about 20 minutes.”

The ride, located in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland area, is for all ages and lasts approximately 10 minutes, according to the official Disney World website , which describes it as a “journey that you won’t soon forget.”

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A Disney spokesperson told PEOPLE that employees immediately engaged the Reedy Creek Fire Department to respond to the event.

Everyone made it off the boat safely, and staff members worked individually with the guests to ensure the rest of their park visit went smoothly, the representative said. The attraction has since reopened.

According to the official description of the ride, visitors can “Board a canopied tramp steamer piloted by your trusty skipper, who will expertly navigate you through some of the world’s most treacherous waters.”

The beloved attraction is best known for its quirky skippers, who entertain guests with jokes throughout the riverboat excursion. Animatronic wildlife can also be seen along the banks.

Jungle Cruise is set to be adapted into Jungle Cruise the movie this summer. It will star Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt and comes to theaters July 24.

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A Jungle Cruise Boat Sank Into Murky Waters At Disney's Magic Kingdom

"Looks like Jungle Cruise now features the underside of water."

BuzzFeed News Reporter

A Jungle Cruise boat sank into murky waters at Disney's Magic Kingdom in Orlando on Thursday, putting passengers at grave risk of encountering attacks in the wild from...ducks.

The news was first broken by Blog Mickey , which obtained this photo of patrons clinging to the boat as it went down in the treacherous waters of Magic Kingdom Park.

BlogMickey.com @Blog_Mickey Here's a photo sent to us of the Jungle Cruise boat sinking that we reported earlier Story: https://t.co/oFhltI9dVz 07:30 PM - 27 Feb 2020 Reply Retweet Favorite

One of the guests on the doomed boat, Matthew Vince, tweeted a photo of people's feet submerged in water while they stood on the seats.

Matthew Vince @synewaves Our boat on the jungle cruise sank today. Fun times! #wdw 07:17 PM - 27 Feb 2020 Reply Retweet Favorite

Here's another photo of the boat well underwater.

Matthew Vince @synewaves 07:39 PM - 27 Feb 2020 Reply Retweet Favorite

Disney confirmed to BuzzFeed News that a Jungle Cruise boat took on some water and that the park immediately called the Reedy Creek Fire Department to respond to the incident.

Everyone got out of the boat safely and the attraction was reopened, Disney said.

According to WDW Stats, a non-Disney affiliated Twitter account that is dedicated to tweeting about the wait times and ride interruptions at Walt Disney World, the Jungle Cruise ride reopened after an interruption of 105 minutes on Thursday afternoon.

WDW Stats @WdwStats Jungle Cruise has been reopened after an interruption of 105 minutes. https://t.co/vQYBwvBzj7 #MagicKingdom #WDW #WaltDisneyWorld #DisneyWorld 06:46 PM - 27 Feb 2020 Reply Retweet Favorite

The incident prompted some classic Jungle Cruise humor on Twitter.

Snarky ☃️ Twin @SnarkyTwin Looks like Jungle Cruise now features the underside of water https://t.co/lxa3thc0px 07:13 PM - 27 Feb 2020 Reply Retweet Favorite

Brian @HoffBriannn My mom’s thoughts on the Jungle Cruise boat sinking sent me 💀✈️ 07:31 PM - 27 Feb 2020 Reply Retweet Favorite

Theresa - No-Guilt Disney Podcast @GertieTheDino The 8th wonder of the world - the inside of water! #JungleCruise https://t.co/dcaDdUxVdO 07:28 PM - 27 Feb 2020 Reply Retweet Favorite

Some wondered if it was just a giant publicity stunt for the upcoming Jungle Cruise movie.

Just A Dream Away @JustADreamAway1 I know Disney needs publicity for the new #JungleCruise movie, but sinking a ship with guests in it seems extreme. 07:35 PM - 27 Feb 2020 Reply Retweet Favorite

Others sent thoughts and prayers to first-time riders who had never before experienced the adrenaline-pumping 10-minute riverboat ride traversing down the rivers of Asia, Africa, and South America, while encountering dangerous (animatronic) beasts.

Francis Dominic✨ @francisdominiic Imagine riding Jungle Cruise for the first time and thinking THIS IS PART OF THE RIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!! https://t.co/00rNbXGYeN 07:25 PM - 27 Feb 2020 Reply Retweet Favorite

Topics in this article

• Jungle Cruise

Disney World jungle cruise boat sinks while passengers are on board

"The most magical place on earth " lost some of its enchantment Thursday.

For some passengers, the Jungle Cruise attraction became a true adventure in Disney World's Magic Kingdom. One of the ride's boats, "Bomokandi Bertha" began sinking into the water around 12:30 pm EST forcing all passengers on board to slush through murky ankle-deep water to high ground. The ride was shut down for nearly 2 hours as passengers were safely evacuated off the ride and the boat was towed away.

DISNEY NAMES BOB CHAPEK CEO; IGER TO CHAIR BOARD THROUGH 2021

Although no one was injured, Thursday's accident with Disney's water system recalled memories for some of another water-related incident at the Orlando theme park.

In 2016, a 2-year-old Nebraska boy was eaten by an alligator at a The Grand Floridan beach resort hotel. In his book, "Ride of a Lifetime," Disney executive chairman Bob Iger ger called that event “the saddest day of my career.”

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Disney World features "hundreds of lagoons and canals" Iger also wrote. Florida's alligators live in freshwater but since the death of Lane Graves, Disney has removed more than 100 gators from its properties, has placed signs, fences and rocks along the resort's water areas to protect visitors and has a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to remove up to 400 alligators through April 2023.

According to FOX 35 (WOFL) in Orlando, Disney worked with guests from the "sunk" Jungle Cruise individually so that they could enjoy the rest of their day in at the theme park.

The Disney World web site declares that the Jungle Cruise is a "10,000-mile journey that you won't soon forget!" That was certainly true for Thursday's passengers.

READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS BY CLICKING HERE

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Disney World Jungle Cruise boat full of passengers sinks, hilarious reactions ensue

Thankfully, the angry hippos aren't real.

Disney World's Jungle Cruise ride, which takes passengers on a gentle tour through a river filled with robot animals, went awry on Thursday, when a boat full of passengers sank into the shallow, murky water.

Though  Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson , who is starring in an upcoming adventure film inspired by the ride, wasn't there to leap to the rescue, Florida's Reedy Creek Fire Department responded to the event, Disney World representatives confirmed to USA TODAY.

Every passenger exited the boat safely, and park officials worked to help wet guests enjoy the rest of their day.

Later that day, a passenger aboard the sinking vessel posted photos of the mayhem to his unverified Twitter account @synewaves .

"Our boat on the jungle cruise sank today," the user wrote, adding a picture of passengers' feet underwater. "Fun times!" 

He added a picture of a man standing on the boat by himself with water nearly up to his waist.

"Our skipper was awesome, used a radio to get help, and we did not have wet feet or wet clothes on for very long," the user continued . "I can rest easy being part of the best Disney metaphor of all time"

It wasn't long before jokes about the sinking started coming to the surface.

"Imagine being a casual tourist on a Jungle Cruise boat and it just straight up sinks and you don’t know if it’s part of the ride or not," wrote Twitter user @DisneyDweller .

User @theWillSource said evacuating a sinking ship adds to the Jungle Cruise adventure.

Emily Blunt joins Disney's 'Jungle Cruise' where she'll drink tequila with The Rock

"People claim they want more immersive, realistic experiences, but then complain when their Jungle Cruise boats begin sinking," he wrote. "Like, that happens sometimes, k?"

User  @themeparkjosh  wondered how the skipper, who provides punny commentary throughout the ride, responded.

"God, I hope that Jungle Cruise skipper hammed it up while guests were being evacuated," he wrote. " 'Well, if this isn't a perfect metaphor for my love life: you're all leaving and I'm left sinking.' "

A video of the event earned a comparison to the 1997 blockbuster "Titanic," with user  @nahtanoJcimsoC sharing a scene of passengers evacuating the vessel as Celine Dion belts "My Heart Will Go On."

User @WALTBACON jokingly pointed out how the ship sank two days after Bob Chapek replaced Bob Iger as CEO of The Walt Disney Company.

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Disney World’s Jungle Cruise Boat Sinks While in Operation: Watch

A group of Walt Disney World guests went on a boat ride and ended their voyage on a sinking ship this week!

On Thursday (February 27), the Bomokandi Bertha Jungle Cruise boat sank with guests on board around 12:30 PM. The ride shut down for an hour and a half and left passengers' feet and legs wet. Cast members were quick to escort guests off of the sinking boat. There were no reported injuries.

Ironically, during the ride, the captains (or "skippers") tell numerous jokes about water and reportedly about turning the boat ride into a "swimming lesson."

This isn't the first time that a Jungle Cruise ride ended with a "swimming lesson." In 2004, the Sankuru Sadie sank after taking on water, but was quickly fixed and put back into operation.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Emily Blunt are set to star in a movie about the iconic ride.

One Twitter user created an alternate Jungle Cruise movie trailer with a montage of the actual trailer and the sinking ship along with Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" playing in the background.

“A boat took on some water," a Walt Disney World spokesperson told Laughing Place . "Reedy Creek Fire Department responded immediately to this event. Everyone got out of the boat safely. We worked with guests individually so that they could enjoy the rest of their day in the park. The attraction has reopened.”

See all of the puns and reactions on social media and watch the sinking ship, below.

20 Inappropriate Scenes in Disney Movies

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Jungle Cruise boat sinks

• Thread starter bcla
• Start date Feb 27, 2020

Disneylover99

• Feb 29, 2020

Jimmy Mouse said: It's not personal, being a frequent Disney guest I see people all the time demanding free stuff, arguing with CM's at the FP+ tap points, arguing with CM's at dining etc. I think there are more unhappy guest every visit. Like I said, I do agree with the damage being taken care of but so what if you get wet. We all walk around in the rain and no one that I know of demands compensation for that or do they? It wouldn't surprise me. And …. I had a few drinks. Enjoy your night or better yet, enjoy my post! Click to expand...

DIS Veteran

When I first saw the headlines that the boat sank, I was concerned - but this boat did not sink - it was partially submerged, there were areas to be above the water (for the most part) and it stopped from going any lower because it was in shallow water.  

MrsCobraBubbles

Life's too short to wear pants all the time.

VeronicaZS said: I'd love to know how the guests were compensated. Click to expand...

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Tomsk: Cultural treasure of central Siberia

Tomsk. Church of the Resurrection on Resurrection Hill. East view. September 24, 1999

At the beginning of the 20th century the Russian chemist and photographer Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky developed a complex process for vivid color photography. His vision of photography as a form of education and enlightenment was demonstrated with special clarity through his images of architectural monuments in the historic sites throughout the Russian heartland.

In June 1912, Prokudin-Gorsky ventured into Western Siberia as part of a commission to document the Kama-Tobolsk Waterway, a link between the European and Asian sides of the Ural Mountains. The town of  Tyumen  served as his starting point for productive journeys that included Shadrinsk (current population 68,000), established in 1662 on the Iset River. By the time of Prokudin-Gorsky’s visit, the town already had several enterprises, including a ceramics factory, and a population of some 15,000. 

Prokudin-Gorsky’s photographs of Shadrinsk include the rapid construction of pine log buildings for a railroad station complex – part of a secondary rail line built in 1911-1913. The partially completed buildings show an efficient use of standardized design, with measured log stacks in the foreground. Tall, spindly pine trees complete the picture.

Shadrinsk. Construction of standardized log buildings for a railroad station complex. Summer 1912

In a broader context, these photographs reflect the expansion of Russia’s rail system from Yekaterinburg to the Far East. Although Prokudin-Gorsky did not reach Tomsk (in central Siberia), I visited there in the late Summer of 1999 and saw the extensive use of log structures in an urban environment.

Tomsk beginnings

Tomsk. Church of Kazan Icon of the Virgin at Virgin-St. Aleksy Monastery, south view. Built in 1776-89; bell tower added in 1806. September 26, 1999

Archeological evidence suggests that Tomsk Region, part of the vast Ob River basin in central Siberia, has been settled for at least four millennia.

Epiphany Cathedral, southeast view. Built in 1777-84; expanded in 19th century; severely deformed in Soviet period for use as factory. This historic photograph shows the process of restoration, completed in 2002. September 25, 1999

By the time detachments of Russian Cossacks arrived in 1598, the native inhabitants included the Khants and Siberian Tatars, who, in 1603, accepted the authority of Tsar Boris Godunov.

In 1604, a fort was founded on the banks of the River Tom (a tributary of the Ob) and, throughout the 17th century, the Tomsk settlement served as a bulwark against the Kalmyk and Kirghiz steppe tribes.  

Church of the Resurrection on Resurrection Hill, north view. Built in 1789-1807; excellent example of "Siberian Baroque" architecture. September 26, 1999

With the expansion of Russian control to the south during the 18th century, the military significance of Tomsk was replaced by trade and transportation, centered on caravans of tea from China.

Former Stock Exchange Building, begun in 1825. September 25, 1999

The expansion of the Moscow Road through Siberia in the middle of the 18th century provided further stimulus for growth that was reflected in the construction of large brick churches, such as the Epiphany Cathedral (first completed in 1784) and the Church of the Resurrection (1789), a masterpiece of Siberian baroque architecture.             

Alexander Vtorov & Sons Building, Lenin Prospect 111. Built in 1903-05 as a department store & hotel; a major example of Art Nouveau architecture in Siberia. September 24, 1999

During the 1830s, the development of gold mines in the territory greatly increased the town's significance as a center of mining operations and administration. Tomsk Region also continued to serve as a place of political exile, as it had in the 17th and 18th centuries.             

‘Diverted’ opportunities

N. S. Zaslavsky "Fashionable Store," Lenin Prospect 105. Built in 1898-99; example of "Brick Style" commercial architecture. September 24, 1999

During the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway at the end of the 19th century, Tomsk missed a second golden opportunity when the Ministry of Transportation decided to place the railroad crossing over the Ob’ River to the south. There are conflicting explanations for this decision, which slighted Tomsk, but created the town of Novonikolaevsk, subsequently to become the major Siberian metropolis of Novosibirsk.

Former building of the Flour Exchange, Lenin Square 14. Built in 1906-08; an example of Art Nouveau architecture. September 25, 1999

Tomsk settled for a branch line constructed in 1896 through the small junction of Taiga (80 kilometers south of the city) and that spur enabled Tomsk to remain a center of trade and agricultural development in central Siberia.             

Commercial building of A. V. Shvetsov, steamboat magnate. Built in 1882 in the "Pseudo-Russian" style (based on late medieval Russian architecture). September 25, 1999

The impressive scale of its commercial and residential architecture illustrates the diversity of Siberian culture at the turn of the 20th century. The Vtorov firm built one of Siberia’s largest department stores, which still graces Tomsk’s central district. Tomsk also became one of Siberia's preeminent educational centers, the location of Siberia's first university, founded in 1878. Among Russian institutions of higher learning, Tomsk State University is distinguished not only by its academic luster but also by its attractive, spacious campus.             

Main Building of Tomsk University. Built in 1885 in a late Neoclassical style. September 27, 1999

It should be emphasized that Tomsk accepted religious faiths in addition to Russian Orthodoxy. By 1910, the city had a Catholic Church of the Holy Rosary (now restored for use), two mosques (both of which have been restored), a Lutheran church (rebuilt), an Old Believer Orthodox church and a large synagogue that is among the most beautiful in Russia. The dome over its entrance has now been reconstructed.

Catholic Church of the Rosary of the Blessed Virgin. Consecrated in 1833 for the community of Polish exiles. Bell tower added in 1856. September 26, 1999

Architectural heritage

In 1911, the city’s northern area gained the neo-Byzantine Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul, the only church to remain open for most of the Soviet era. Some of the churches were built of wood, such as the Old Believer Church of the Dormition, completed in 1913 and lovingly maintained today by the parish. I was particularly honored to be asked to photograph Metropolitan Alimpy (Gusev; 1929-2003), who was visiting Tomsk at the same time.             

Choral Synagogue, Rosa Luxemburg Street 38. Built in 1902 to replace a wooden synagogue built in 1850. View before restoration of dome above main entrance. September 25, 1999

The most distinctive part of the city’s architectural heritage is displayed in its neighborhoods of elaborately decorated wooden houses, structures of solid logs often covered with plank siding.

Cathedral of Sts. Peter & Paul, southeast view. Built in 1909-11 in Neo-Byzantine style. September 24, 1999

It is no exaggeration to say that the "lacework" of Tomsk's wooden architectural ornament – particularly the window surrounds, or nalichniki – is unrivaled in Russia for its lavish detail and the extent of its preservation. Many of these extraordinary wooden houses were built for merchants who lived in the Tatar Quarter.  

Old Believer Church of the Dormition, southwest view. Wooden structure built in 1909-13 for the Old Believer Orthodox community in Tomsk region. September 27, 1999

The Tatar Quarter also contains the renovated White Mosque and a cultural center, located in a mansion built at the beginning of the 20th century for Karym Khamitov, a Tatar financial magnate.  Other ethnic groups include Russian  Germans, composed of settlers who moved to the area beginning in the 19th century. One of them was Viktor Kress, the governor of Tomsk Region in 1991-2012. 

Old Believer Church of the Dormition. Historic photograph of Metropolitan Alimpy (Gusev), spiritual leader of Russian Orthodox Old Believer Church. Photograph taken with the blessing of the prelate, who is standing in front of icon screen. September 27, 1999

Decline & rebirth

The many positive trends in the region’s development during the early 20th century were crushed by the savage fighting of the Civil War between 1918-1921. After that conflict, Tomsk entered a decline that was reversed by the evacuation to the city of industrial and research facilities during World War II.

Wooden house, Belinsky Street 19. Excellent example of "Carpenter Gothic" style. September 24, 1999

This momentum, reinforced by strong institutions of higher education in Tomsk, continued after the war with the development of nuclear research installations for both military and energy purposes.             

Wooden house built by architect Andrey Kryachkov. Fine example of Art Nouveau architecture in wood. September 26, 1999

With over a half a million inhabitants and a regional population of almost a million, Tomsk remains a leading Siberian center for administration, education, industry and energy resources.

Wooden house & courtyard gate, Tatar Street 46. One of many distinctive wooden houses built in the district of Tatar merchants. September 26, 1999

Protecting the environment has been a major concern, particularly in an area of stunning natural beauty. 

White Mosque, built in Tatar District in 1912-16. September 26, 1999

At the same time, dedication to the city’s historical environment – including its houses of worship – has succeeded in preserving an architectural legacy that represents a Russian national treasure.

House of merchant Karym Khamitov, built in Tatar District in 1894. Under conversion into cultural center for Tatar community of Tomsk region. September 25, 1999

Indeed, a walk through the historic neighborhoods of Tomsk reminds just how much Russian culture belongs to the forest.  

Ornamental wooden gate leading to courtyard of house on Solyanoi Lane 18. September 26, 1999

In the early 20th century, Russian photographer Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky developed a complex process for color photography. Between 1903 and 1916, he traveled through the Russian Empire and took over 2,000 photographs with the process, which involved three exposures on a glass plate. In August 1918, he left Russia and ultimately resettled in France, where he was reunited with a large part of his collection of glass negatives, as well as 13 albums of contact prints. After his death in Paris in 1944, his heirs sold the collection to the Library of Congress. In the early 21st century, the Library digitized the Prokudin-Gorsky Collection and made it freely available to the global public. A few Russian websites now have versions of the collection. In 1986, architectural historian and photographer William Brumfield organized the first exhibit of Prokudin-Gorsky photographs at the Library of Congress. Over a period of work in Russia beginning in 1970, Brumfield has photographed most of the sites visited by Prokudin-Gorsky. This series of articles juxtaposes Prokudin-Gorsky’s views of architectural monuments with photographs taken by Brumfield decades later.

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