Digest

Disney ride mishap injures six people

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published May 30, 2007

LAKE BUENA VISTA

Five Walt Disney World visitors and an employee were injured Tuesday after a water ride that simulates a trip down a rain forest river malfunctioned, authorities said.

Bo Jones, Reedy Creek's deputy fire chief, said the injured guests were a family of four and a teenager. He said they suffered neck and back pain and bumps and bruises, but no serious injuries.

Disney spokeswoman Jacquee Polak said a sensor on the Kali River Rapids ride tripped, forcing it to stop and riders to exit suddenly. She said the injuries happened while people were evacuating, and Disney determined the problem was a faulty exit platform. The park removed the platform and reopened the ride Tuesday.

ORLANDO

Man who jumped ship is held on sex charges

A man who jumped from a cruise ship off Florida's coast in March and was rescued about eight hours later by the Coast Guard, was arrested Tuesday on sex charges, authorities said.

Michael Mankamyer, 35, of Orlando was charged with sexual battery not likely to cause injury and lewd or lascivious molestation on a victim older than 12.

The FBI reviewed cruise ship records that revealed Mankamyer had escorted at least four teenage boys on separate cruises, Sgt. Rich Mankewich of the sheriff's sex crimes unit told the Orlando Sentinel.

[Last modified May 30, 2007, 01:09:02]