World

SeaWorld guests stranded 60 metres high for hours on Skytower ride

Dozens of people were stranded more than 60 metres up on a revolving tower at SeaWorld San Diego for hours Sunday when a power failure stalled the ride, authorities said.

Ride stalled at about 60 metres for hours due to power failure

Forty-six guests and several SeaWorld became stranded on the vertical Skytower ride for hours Sunday after a power failure left them dangling 60 metres in the air. (Matt Stroshane/Canadian Press)

Dozens of people were stranded more than 60 metres up on a revolving tower at SeaWorld San Diego for hours Sunday when a power failure stalled the ride, authorities said.

Forty-six visitors and two park employees were on the Skytower when it halted. The ride features a revolving capsule that rises to the top of a 98-metre tower to give visitors a panoramic view.

The capsule stopped about 60 metres up, city fire spokesman Lee Swanson said.

"The guests were never in danger and park officials were in constant communication with them while the power failure was being addressed. Two SeaWorld employees were also in the Skytower providing guests with water and snacks," park spokesman David Koontz said in a statement.

After four hours, power was restored and the ride descended shortly before 7:30 p.m.

Firefighters stood by and were prepared to rescue the riders but that proved unnecessary, Swanson said.

No injuries were reported but a 17-year-old boy was taken to a hospital for treatment of anxiety, Swanson said.

The cause of the power failure is under investigation.