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CNN Live Saturday
Will Hillary Clinton Be Next VP Candidate?; Boat In Baltimore Harbor Capsizes
Aired March 06, 2004 - 18:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN ANCHOR: CNN SATURDAY just ahead, but first these headlines. The AP reporting divers still searching for 10 people in the frigid waters off of Baltimore's inner harbor, where a water taxi capsized near Fort McHenry. The fire department says 12 others have been rescued. A woman and a child were injured. We'll have much more on this developing story as news comes.
The National Security Council confirms an American ship has left Libya with all the known remaining equipment associated with that country's nuclear weapons program. Libya has agreed to terminate the program.
President Bush and Mexican President Vicente Fox talking security, immigration and trade at the Bush ranch in Crawford, Texas. Fox welcomed word that the U.S. is working to loosen restrictions on short-term visits by Mexicans to the United States.
And California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is moon-lighting. He is taking the post of executive editor for the magazine, "Muscle, Fitness & Flex". The magazine says Schwarzenegger won't be paid directly, instead they'll contribute his Council on Physical Fitness. However, a Schwarzenegger spokesman says the governor also will be paid an undisclosed amount.
SAVIDGE: I'm Martin Savidge in for Carol Lin. Welcome to CNN LIVE SATURDAY.
Also, this hour, an American citizen just back from Haiti, where she has spent her own time and money talking with the rebels and working to help Haiti's poorest people. You'll hear her amazing story.
Well, she used to be a first lady, now she's a senator. Could Hillary Clinton's next job be second on a presidential ticket? We'll handicap John Kerry's choices for running mate.
Now, for more on our top story, a water taxi capsized in Baltimore's Harbor. That about two hours ago, shortly after 4 o'clock. Dumping at least 25 people into the frigid water there. And, now, a major search effort is underway.
Baltimore Fire Department Spokesman Kevin Cartwright (ph) has been keeping us informed. Right now, the information we have is that at least 12 people have been rescued from the water. Two other people were pulled from the water, a mother and child, said to be in cardiac arrest. The search goes on for 10 other people. However, as we point out, this incident happened about two hours ago, so concerns for the welfare of those still missing continue to mount as the moments go by.
It was being reported that at about the time of the capsizing of this water taxi, which is sort of a pontoon boat, that a storm had come through the area with high winds and heavy downpours of rain. It still remains to be seen if that weather impacted in any way the accident that has taken place.
You are looking at live images, now, of Coast Guard and police vessels on the scene in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, where the search is underway to try to find 10 other people still missing. A total of 24 people were said to be on board the vessel at the time of the incident.
The other problem now, of course, darkness beginning to set in. That is going to complicate the effort by search and rescue teams. We have already pointed out how cold the water is. That makes it very difficult for anyone trying to survive and it has been over two hours. Divers have been going into the water searching beneath it to try to locate those that are still missing.
We are now standing by with a telephone call now, with more information. Go ahead, please.
KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Hello, this is Kathleen Koch. I have just arrived here at Fort McHenry. There are a number of ambulances here on standby, several have already taken survivors to the hospital.
The latest numbers that we have gotten from Kevin Cartwright (ph), who is the spokesman for the Baltimore City Fire Department, is that of the 25 people who were believed to be on this water taxi some 18 have been rescued.
Six of them were taken to the hospital. As I pulled up here, just a few minutes ago, I saw two ambulances going by. Of those who were taken to the hospital, we're being told, that one adult and one child were in cardiac arrest. And we don't know about their condition right now.
But we are told, again, there is some roughly seven people still unaccounted for; about 15 divers in the water right now searching the area where this boat capsized, off of Fort McHenry, trying to find anyone else.
Martin?
SAVIDGE: Kathleen, do we know anything about this particular boat? Why it was operating? Is this a standard water taxi working in the area, or some sort of special excursion today?
KOCH: No, Martin, these can -- if you have ever visited Baltimore's very scenic Inner Harbor, you can take these pretty much throughout the day. And they give you just a lovely tour of the harbor area and then coming our here to Fort McHenry, of course, where Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the "Star-Spangled Banner".
So this is the sort of thing that goes on everyday and, frankly, it was a beautiful afternoon here. Temperatures in the mid-60s, but I will tell you it is very -- the winds are very gusty right now. So, I don't know if that had anything to do with it.
SAVIDGE: Yes, and weather was talked about at the time of this incident. At least, it was reported. Are they looking into that? I know it is early.
KOCH: I'm assuming that is something they are looking into, but I have had very little opportunity to speak with many people right now. I'm going up to where the main body of rescue workers are, right now, to try to get more information.
But as I said, the water is a bit choppy. It is very windy. But it was a very clear afternoon.
SAVIDGE: And as far as those people who have been taken to hospital, we mentioned the two that were in cardiac arrest, do we know anything about the well-being of the other people?
KOCH: No, we don't, Martin, not at this point. But I'm going to do my best to get an update as soon as we can. But as I said, not eight minutes ago, I saw two ambulances going past me. So, they may physically not even arrived at the hospital yet.
SAVIDGE: All right, Kathleen Koch, on the scene in Baltimore's Inner Harbor.
Recapping for you now, where a water taxi about two hours ago overturned. It was said to have about 24, 25 people onboard. And there are still about seven people that are unaccounted for as darkness begins to set in. We will, of course, continue to follow this developing story and bring you information as soon as more becomes available.
Moving on now, President Bush hosted Mexican President Vicente Fox at his Texas ranch today. The two leaders talked over common issues, trade, immigration and border security. But as Dana Bash reports, U.S. presidential politics got in the way.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: When a citizen (ph) travels to...
DANA BASH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Addressing for the first time controversial images of September 11 in his new campaign ads, the president brushed aside the criticism.
BUSH: First of all, I will continue to speak about the effects of 9/11 on our country and my presidency.
BASH: Some firefighters, families of victims, and Democrats say these ads politicize tragedy. Mr. Bush insisted the 9/11 attacks will be part of his campaign.
BUSH: How this administration handled that day, as well as the war on terror, is worthy of discussion. And I look forward to discussing that with the American people.
BASH: The president spoke at his Texas ranch after a summit with his invited guest, Mexican President Vicente Fox, and there was no escaping it is an election year.
After relations frayed over issues like the Iraq War, the public reconciliation between the two men is critical for the president ...
BUSH: Hola, cata! (ph)
BASH: Aggressively courting Hispanics in must-win states.
Mr. Bush made a concession that will no doubt appeal to those voters, committing to back off a U.S. security plan to photograph and fingerprint Mexicans who frequently come into the country.
VICENTE FOX, PRESIDENT OF MEXICO (through translator): We welcome the news that it was confirmed today that with regard to visitors to the U.S. from Mexico, but we recognize the value to those who come to the United States to work, to study, to contribute.
BASH: Both presidents praised free-trade between their countries. Mr. Bush taking a not so subtle whack at his Democratic opponent who says NAFTA should be reviewed.
BUSH: This nation must reject economic isolationism. We need less regulation.
BASH: And a day after the president got a bad news job report, he insisted the economy is recovering. Again, hitting Senator John Kerry and making sure the constituency he was trying to reach, understood.
BUSH: Make sure to tell'em, don't raise taxes.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (Translating Bush into Spanish)
BUSH: Like some others want to do.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (Translating Bush into Spanish)
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BASH: Senator Kerry, here in Texas today, criticized the president's immigration plan to give illegal workers temporary legal status, calling it phony.
Mr. Bush, for his part, did talk up the plan with Mexico's president, but conceded passing it this election year won't be easy.
Marty. SAVIDGE: Dana, have they pretty much buried the political hatchet, here; the hardship that was going on between President Fox and President Bush?
BASH: Well, they're certainly trying. You can tell by the body language today. Certainly, they have spent a lot of time together --- not just the two of them, but with their wives who have also known each other for quite some time --- meeting, talking about policy but also spending some time walking around and touring around the president's 1600 acre ranch.
So they are trying to put issues like the Iraq war and differences over the war on terrorism behind them. Certainly, it is beneficial to both of them for their domestic audiences.
Martin.
SAVIDGE: Yes, it is. Dana Bash, live in Crawford, Texas. Thank you very much for joining us.
Well, apparently, Democratic nominee to be, John Kerry, as you heard, just happened to be in Texas today. The Lone Star State, along with Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida, are holding presidential primaries Tuesday. Senior Political Correspondent Candy Crowley is with the Kerry campaign.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CANDY CROWLEY, CNN SR. POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice over): One of four Gulf states holding a primary next Tuesday, Texas may well be out of any Democrat's reach come November. Still, Bush country, what better place to come and attack the president.
John Kerry came to Houston just 200 miles from where the president is currently resting in Crawford, to take a Texas style swipe at the president.
JOHN KERRY (D), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: He promised he was going to reduce the debt of our country by $1 trillion. He's added $1 trillion to the debt of our country. As the phrase goes, Houston, we've got a problem.
(APPLAUSE)
CROWLEY: Kerry spoke more than an hour and 20 minutes to an enthusiastic crowd of Texas Democrats. The topics range everywhere from Iraq to the price of bottled water. You can hear inside Kerry's speech and inside his answers the beginnings of a response to what they expect to be the Republican assault on Kerry, that is that he is a liberal from Massachusetts.
KERRY: I want to bring business to the table. You know last time I looked chief executives of corporations have kids and grandchildren and care about the same things we do. They also care about a bottom line and I understand that. So we need to figure out ways of doing things reasonably. Not just always one cookie cutter, one-size-fits- all approach.
CROWLEY (on camera): Kerry spent part of his time in Texas talking to fundraisers hoping to set up some sort of network here. And next week, the Edwards finance team and the Kerry finance team will meet to exchange tips.
Candy Crowley, CNN, Houston.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SAVIDGE: We will also be talking politics at the bottom of the hour, after all, there is a lot of ground to cover. The ad wars, John Kerry to-do list, and of course, Florida's new voting machines.
Well, how do you go from living in Hugh Hefner's Playboy Mansion to living and working in one of the poorest countries of the world, Haiti we're talking about. It involves children in need. Our guest tells us about her journey, when we come back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SAVIDGE: Top stories this hour, a water taxi capsizes in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Eighteen people have been rescued but seven are still missing. As you can see, darkness now beginning to set in. A major rescue effort is underway. Live images now coming from Baltimore.
The water taxi, apparently, capsized around 4 o'clock this afternoon in what was described as a storm that swept through the area. And again, it is said that 18 people have been pulled from the water. Two of them were said to be in cardiac arrest; others have been taken to the hospital, their condition is unknown.
The search underway, including divers in the water, goes on, as does our coverage. We will bring you more as it comes in.
SAVIDGE: Mexican President Fox, Vicente Fox, meets with George Bush at the president's Crawford, Texas ranch. And a New York TV station dumps Martha Stewart's show, that a day after her conviction.
Well, a fresh round of violence has rocked Iraq. The latest incident happened in that Sunni Triangle today. U.S. troops fired on a truck rigged as a bomb. It crashed through a bridge, exploded, killing the driver. Three U.S. soldiers were wounded. That incident comes just hours after seven British soldiers were hurt when their patrol came under fire in southern Iraq.
Despite the continued signs of instability coalition officials say the signing of Iraq's interim constitution is on track. The ceremony was to take place yesterday but Shiite members of the Iraqi governing council objected to a clause. They are now in the holy city of Nejaf, considering their next steps. The Iraqi Governing Council reconvenes Monday. Members hope to resolve the dispute by then.
Now, to Haiti, where international troops try to restore order. U.S. Marines are patrolling the capital of Port-au-Prince. But they hope that a reduced military presence will signal they are not an occupying force. CNN's Lucia Newman joins us now on the telephone with more.
Lucia?
LUCIA NEWMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (via phone): Hello, Martin.
Indeed, they are here to try and help beef up security in this country, but at this very moment there is a lot of looting going on at a major industrial park here in Port-au-Prince. Neither the Marines nor the Haitian police have been there all day to stop it.
In fact, the Marine PIO told us that the Marines are not here to stop looting but rather to help the Haitian police do that, but there is still a lot of disorganization on that front, Martin.
In the meantime, the U.S. Special Forces are now Gonaives and Cape Haitian, where as you remember an area that has been controlled by the rebels and where the rebellion against the former president began in Gonaives. The rebels there say that they have put down their weapons, but they are not going to hand them in. They are not turning them over, they say, until the pro-Aristide armed gangs do likewise.
Now, the Marines, as you mentioned, are trying to keep a lower profile now in some areas, some key areas, such as the presidential palace. Yesterday there were huge protests, furious Haitians, very angry at seeing U.S. armored cars on the front lawn and the main driveway of their presidential palace; lots and lots of armed Marines, there. They said it looked more like an occupation force than a security force.
Today, the Marines have withdrawn. There is a far more discreet presence now of U.S. forces guarding those key areas of the city, Martin.
SAVIDGE: Lucia, what about the presence of other international troops over there? I believe France and some other nations in Central and South America had sent them. Are they scaling back their presence?
NEWMAN: They are here. There are about 130 Chileans, 150 more are on the way. And the French are here as well. Eventually there will be about 500 French. But they are less visible than the U.S. Marine force, until now. They are keeping mostly guard of French interests, the French embassy and other areas like that.
Now, I did forget to mention, that there has been one key step forward in trying to establish a new government here; a council of elders or of wise men was appointed. And they are expected to appoint a brand new prime minister that would in turn appoint a new government, perhaps as soon as Monday, Martin. And this will be an important step in filling the power vacuum that was left by the departure of President Aristide.
SAVIDGE: We will be watching. Lucia Newman, thank you very much, joining us on the telephone from Port-au-Prince. Well, it is a long way from the Playboy Mansion to the tough streets of Port-au-Prince, but one woman has made the unlikely journey to make a difference for Haiti's children.
Susie Scott Krabacher, founder and president of the Mercy & Sharing Foundation, joins me now from Miami.
Thank you very much, Susie, for being with us.
SUSIE SCOTT KRABACHER, FOUNDER & PRES., MERCY & SHARING FOUNDATION: Thank you so much.
SAVIDGE: You have just returned from Haiti. Obviously, coming through a very violent and changing time there. What are the people, especially those that you deal with, the poorest of Haiti, think about what has transpired in their country?
Well, what I've seen -- I just got in this morning, to Miami. We fled through the Dominican border because the commercial flights have all been canceled until early next week. And the borders were actually closed in the Dominican Republic. But with a whole lot of fast talking we made it through the secured border.
But what I saw, there is something that I'm not seeing a lot of television; that the people are jubilant. There is a handful of pro- Aristide supporters that are supporting -- or that are demonstrating, but I think for the most part everybody has breathed a huge sight of relief.
I know myself, I'm so ecstatic that now maybe we have the chance to operate in the country without fear. Because for the last 10 years we have been threatened, we've been terrorized --
SAVIDGE: Well, have you been threatened? Were you fearful during the time of this transition here?
KRABACHER: Well, I was fearful for my children. We have a compound that has handicapped and terminally ill orphanage on that compound, as well as a school, and one of our storage units. And that facility was surrounded three times by the Shimar (ph), and the last time that we were surrounded they did threaten to kill every one of the children in the orphanage.
SAVIDGE: And --
KRABACHER: I'm sorry?
SAVIDGE: Well, that is a horrible thing to even consider. Fortunately, it didn't happen. But I understand looting has been a problem, as Lucia mentioned, for yourself, for your efforts.
KRABACHER: Absolutely. We had a warehouse that was filled to the brim of diapers, beans, rice, wheelchairs, some medical equipment. Every single thing was stolen. And it is -- right now, we haven't a single diaper left in the facility and with 1,889 children, you can imagine there is a sanitary issue there. SAVIDGE: Well, you met with rebel leaders, I believe. How did that go? And what do you think it means for the future of the people, especially, who you serve?
KRABACHER: Well, I met with them the day before Aristide left. And when I met with them they were very confident that Aristide was staying and that was exactly what he was saying. I had heard that he was leaving. So, I didn't talk to them about that. I try to be as non- political as possible but when it is thrown in my face I have to deal with it.
But the gang members had, at that point, agreed with me that they would protect our facilities in Sithe Sole (ph), which was one of the hottest areas. And they did agree that if we would continue to give them water, which we supply about 6,000 people in that area with water. And we agreed not to close our wells if they would keep us safe, because one of our children was shot. And that is why I met with them.
SAVIDGE: Right. What needs to be done now? I mean, we've had a change of leadership in Haiti, but what really will change for the people who seem to suffer under poverty?
KRABACHER: The only thing that is going to change the country, I believe, is the next generation. I believe that the children that we're raising -- well, a funny story.
Before I left we had a little goodbye celebration. And I asked a few of them, well, what do you want to be when you grow up and -- well, all of them, just about all of them said they wanted to be the next president.
(LAUGHTER)
KRABACHER: But I think they've got a few years to go.
SAVIDGE: I think they do. What? Will you go back?
KRABACHER: Of course, yes. I will probably back down there in a couple of weeks. I go every other month. That is my second home.
SAVIDGE: I'm sure it is. Susie Krabacher, thank you very much for talking to us. And we wish you well with your efforts as we wish well for the people of Haiti. Thank you.
KRABACHER: Thank you.
SAVIDGE: Well, Kathleen Koch, as we have been reporting is at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. That is the other big story we have been covering, the capsizing of a water taxi. We will get her back on the phone for the very latest on the situation there as darkness closes in. Right after this break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SAVIDGE: We continue to monitor a tragedy and rescue effort that is underway in Baltimore, in the Inner Harbor there, as darkness begins to set in on rescue efforts by police and Coast Guard officials. CNN's Kathleen Koch on the scene. She joins us now on the telephone.
Kathleen, an update, please?
KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (via telephone): Martin, we have sad news to report, at this point, at least one person has died as a result of this water taxi that apparently flipped over around 4 o'clock this afternoon.
A spokesman for Baltimore City Police Department, Troy Harris, says that is when they go their first reports. Apparently, no one actually saw the taxi flip over. But we do have a report now, again, there was some 25 people on board; 18 accounted for, seven missing right now.
But Nar Izzano (ph), who is a spokesman for Seaport Taxi, that runs the boats, confirms that it was one of their boats. And in a statement, Mr. Izzano (ph) says that what apparently happened was that a front was coming through, the statement reads on that the boat was attempting to tie up, to secure, but before it could get to that point, the wind hit it and caused it to flip over.
Mr. Izzano (ph) points out this is a very unusual wind that hit, very uncommon. That these boats have had been in service in this harbor for over 10 years, and that this is the first such accident. He concludes the statement, saying, that these boats are Coast Guard certified.
Now, you may hear, overhead, we have a lot of helicopters still in the area, as well as divers in the water, looking for the remaining seven people who are missing. Again, six of the people who were rescued, six of the 18 were taken to the hospital.
And again, Martin, the sad new right now is that at least one person has died.
SAVIDGE: Kathleen, do we know, did this vessel have any sort of radio and were they able to communicate they were in distress? Or how do we know exactly what happened then?
KOCH: Martin, it is my understanding of Coast Guard regulations that every vessel -- and certainly a vessel carrying a large number of passengers, and these apparently do have the capacity to carry as many as 60 passengers -- that every such vessel does have to have a means of communicating.
But we have not heard any reports, at this point, from either Baltimore City Fire Department or Baltimore City Police Department that anyone received any sort of Mayday. Maybe we will get some of that information later.
But again, according to Troy Harris, the spokesman with the Baltimore City Police Department, it was people on shore who spotted it and then called authorities. SAVIDGE: And these people who have been rescued, were they rescued by other boaters that were in the area? Was it the Coast Guard? Who exactly came to their aid first?
KOCH: Mr. Harris said that, apparently, there was a Marine Unit, a Baltimore City Police Department Marine Unit that then was immediately dispatched. He said it was able to pull a few people out of the water, he couldn't confirm to me exactly how many. But they were the first on the scene and then of course, Coast Guard and others joined in afterward.
SAVIDGE: Kathleen Koch, in Baltimore, watching developments there as the rescue continues. We will have more news on this and on other stories coming up right after the break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Baltimore Harbor Capsizes>
Aired March 6, 2004 - 18:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN ANCHOR: CNN SATURDAY just ahead, but first these headlines. The AP reporting divers still searching for 10 people in the frigid waters off of Baltimore's inner harbor, where a water taxi capsized near Fort McHenry. The fire department says 12 others have been rescued. A woman and a child were injured. We'll have much more on this developing story as news comes.
The National Security Council confirms an American ship has left Libya with all the known remaining equipment associated with that country's nuclear weapons program. Libya has agreed to terminate the program.
President Bush and Mexican President Vicente Fox talking security, immigration and trade at the Bush ranch in Crawford, Texas. Fox welcomed word that the U.S. is working to loosen restrictions on short-term visits by Mexicans to the United States.
And California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is moon-lighting. He is taking the post of executive editor for the magazine, "Muscle, Fitness & Flex". The magazine says Schwarzenegger won't be paid directly, instead they'll contribute his Council on Physical Fitness. However, a Schwarzenegger spokesman says the governor also will be paid an undisclosed amount.
SAVIDGE: I'm Martin Savidge in for Carol Lin. Welcome to CNN LIVE SATURDAY.
Also, this hour, an American citizen just back from Haiti, where she has spent her own time and money talking with the rebels and working to help Haiti's poorest people. You'll hear her amazing story.
Well, she used to be a first lady, now she's a senator. Could Hillary Clinton's next job be second on a presidential ticket? We'll handicap John Kerry's choices for running mate.
Now, for more on our top story, a water taxi capsized in Baltimore's Harbor. That about two hours ago, shortly after 4 o'clock. Dumping at least 25 people into the frigid water there. And, now, a major search effort is underway.
Baltimore Fire Department Spokesman Kevin Cartwright (ph) has been keeping us informed. Right now, the information we have is that at least 12 people have been rescued from the water. Two other people were pulled from the water, a mother and child, said to be in cardiac arrest. The search goes on for 10 other people. However, as we point out, this incident happened about two hours ago, so concerns for the welfare of those still missing continue to mount as the moments go by.
It was being reported that at about the time of the capsizing of this water taxi, which is sort of a pontoon boat, that a storm had come through the area with high winds and heavy downpours of rain. It still remains to be seen if that weather impacted in any way the accident that has taken place.
You are looking at live images, now, of Coast Guard and police vessels on the scene in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, where the search is underway to try to find 10 other people still missing. A total of 24 people were said to be on board the vessel at the time of the incident.
The other problem now, of course, darkness beginning to set in. That is going to complicate the effort by search and rescue teams. We have already pointed out how cold the water is. That makes it very difficult for anyone trying to survive and it has been over two hours. Divers have been going into the water searching beneath it to try to locate those that are still missing.
We are now standing by with a telephone call now, with more information. Go ahead, please.
KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Hello, this is Kathleen Koch. I have just arrived here at Fort McHenry. There are a number of ambulances here on standby, several have already taken survivors to the hospital.
The latest numbers that we have gotten from Kevin Cartwright (ph), who is the spokesman for the Baltimore City Fire Department, is that of the 25 people who were believed to be on this water taxi some 18 have been rescued.
Six of them were taken to the hospital. As I pulled up here, just a few minutes ago, I saw two ambulances going by. Of those who were taken to the hospital, we're being told, that one adult and one child were in cardiac arrest. And we don't know about their condition right now.
But we are told, again, there is some roughly seven people still unaccounted for; about 15 divers in the water right now searching the area where this boat capsized, off of Fort McHenry, trying to find anyone else.
Martin?
SAVIDGE: Kathleen, do we know anything about this particular boat? Why it was operating? Is this a standard water taxi working in the area, or some sort of special excursion today?
KOCH: No, Martin, these can -- if you have ever visited Baltimore's very scenic Inner Harbor, you can take these pretty much throughout the day. And they give you just a lovely tour of the harbor area and then coming our here to Fort McHenry, of course, where Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the "Star-Spangled Banner".
So this is the sort of thing that goes on everyday and, frankly, it was a beautiful afternoon here. Temperatures in the mid-60s, but I will tell you it is very -- the winds are very gusty right now. So, I don't know if that had anything to do with it.
SAVIDGE: Yes, and weather was talked about at the time of this incident. At least, it was reported. Are they looking into that? I know it is early.
KOCH: I'm assuming that is something they are looking into, but I have had very little opportunity to speak with many people right now. I'm going up to where the main body of rescue workers are, right now, to try to get more information.
But as I said, the water is a bit choppy. It is very windy. But it was a very clear afternoon.
SAVIDGE: And as far as those people who have been taken to hospital, we mentioned the two that were in cardiac arrest, do we know anything about the well-being of the other people?
KOCH: No, we don't, Martin, not at this point. But I'm going to do my best to get an update as soon as we can. But as I said, not eight minutes ago, I saw two ambulances going past me. So, they may physically not even arrived at the hospital yet.
SAVIDGE: All right, Kathleen Koch, on the scene in Baltimore's Inner Harbor.
Recapping for you now, where a water taxi about two hours ago overturned. It was said to have about 24, 25 people onboard. And there are still about seven people that are unaccounted for as darkness begins to set in. We will, of course, continue to follow this developing story and bring you information as soon as more becomes available.
Moving on now, President Bush hosted Mexican President Vicente Fox at his Texas ranch today. The two leaders talked over common issues, trade, immigration and border security. But as Dana Bash reports, U.S. presidential politics got in the way.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: When a citizen (ph) travels to...
DANA BASH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Addressing for the first time controversial images of September 11 in his new campaign ads, the president brushed aside the criticism.
BUSH: First of all, I will continue to speak about the effects of 9/11 on our country and my presidency.
BASH: Some firefighters, families of victims, and Democrats say these ads politicize tragedy. Mr. Bush insisted the 9/11 attacks will be part of his campaign.
BUSH: How this administration handled that day, as well as the war on terror, is worthy of discussion. And I look forward to discussing that with the American people.
BASH: The president spoke at his Texas ranch after a summit with his invited guest, Mexican President Vicente Fox, and there was no escaping it is an election year.
After relations frayed over issues like the Iraq War, the public reconciliation between the two men is critical for the president ...
BUSH: Hola, cata! (ph)
BASH: Aggressively courting Hispanics in must-win states.
Mr. Bush made a concession that will no doubt appeal to those voters, committing to back off a U.S. security plan to photograph and fingerprint Mexicans who frequently come into the country.
VICENTE FOX, PRESIDENT OF MEXICO (through translator): We welcome the news that it was confirmed today that with regard to visitors to the U.S. from Mexico, but we recognize the value to those who come to the United States to work, to study, to contribute.
BASH: Both presidents praised free-trade between their countries. Mr. Bush taking a not so subtle whack at his Democratic opponent who says NAFTA should be reviewed.
BUSH: This nation must reject economic isolationism. We need less regulation.
BASH: And a day after the president got a bad news job report, he insisted the economy is recovering. Again, hitting Senator John Kerry and making sure the constituency he was trying to reach, understood.
BUSH: Make sure to tell'em, don't raise taxes.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (Translating Bush into Spanish)
BUSH: Like some others want to do.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (Translating Bush into Spanish)
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BASH: Senator Kerry, here in Texas today, criticized the president's immigration plan to give illegal workers temporary legal status, calling it phony.
Mr. Bush, for his part, did talk up the plan with Mexico's president, but conceded passing it this election year won't be easy.
Marty. SAVIDGE: Dana, have they pretty much buried the political hatchet, here; the hardship that was going on between President Fox and President Bush?
BASH: Well, they're certainly trying. You can tell by the body language today. Certainly, they have spent a lot of time together --- not just the two of them, but with their wives who have also known each other for quite some time --- meeting, talking about policy but also spending some time walking around and touring around the president's 1600 acre ranch.
So they are trying to put issues like the Iraq war and differences over the war on terrorism behind them. Certainly, it is beneficial to both of them for their domestic audiences.
Martin.
SAVIDGE: Yes, it is. Dana Bash, live in Crawford, Texas. Thank you very much for joining us.
Well, apparently, Democratic nominee to be, John Kerry, as you heard, just happened to be in Texas today. The Lone Star State, along with Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida, are holding presidential primaries Tuesday. Senior Political Correspondent Candy Crowley is with the Kerry campaign.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CANDY CROWLEY, CNN SR. POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice over): One of four Gulf states holding a primary next Tuesday, Texas may well be out of any Democrat's reach come November. Still, Bush country, what better place to come and attack the president.
John Kerry came to Houston just 200 miles from where the president is currently resting in Crawford, to take a Texas style swipe at the president.
JOHN KERRY (D), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: He promised he was going to reduce the debt of our country by $1 trillion. He's added $1 trillion to the debt of our country. As the phrase goes, Houston, we've got a problem.
(APPLAUSE)
CROWLEY: Kerry spoke more than an hour and 20 minutes to an enthusiastic crowd of Texas Democrats. The topics range everywhere from Iraq to the price of bottled water. You can hear inside Kerry's speech and inside his answers the beginnings of a response to what they expect to be the Republican assault on Kerry, that is that he is a liberal from Massachusetts.
KERRY: I want to bring business to the table. You know last time I looked chief executives of corporations have kids and grandchildren and care about the same things we do. They also care about a bottom line and I understand that. So we need to figure out ways of doing things reasonably. Not just always one cookie cutter, one-size-fits- all approach.
CROWLEY (on camera): Kerry spent part of his time in Texas talking to fundraisers hoping to set up some sort of network here. And next week, the Edwards finance team and the Kerry finance team will meet to exchange tips.
Candy Crowley, CNN, Houston.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SAVIDGE: We will also be talking politics at the bottom of the hour, after all, there is a lot of ground to cover. The ad wars, John Kerry to-do list, and of course, Florida's new voting machines.
Well, how do you go from living in Hugh Hefner's Playboy Mansion to living and working in one of the poorest countries of the world, Haiti we're talking about. It involves children in need. Our guest tells us about her journey, when we come back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SAVIDGE: Top stories this hour, a water taxi capsizes in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Eighteen people have been rescued but seven are still missing. As you can see, darkness now beginning to set in. A major rescue effort is underway. Live images now coming from Baltimore.
The water taxi, apparently, capsized around 4 o'clock this afternoon in what was described as a storm that swept through the area. And again, it is said that 18 people have been pulled from the water. Two of them were said to be in cardiac arrest; others have been taken to the hospital, their condition is unknown.
The search underway, including divers in the water, goes on, as does our coverage. We will bring you more as it comes in.
SAVIDGE: Mexican President Fox, Vicente Fox, meets with George Bush at the president's Crawford, Texas ranch. And a New York TV station dumps Martha Stewart's show, that a day after her conviction.
Well, a fresh round of violence has rocked Iraq. The latest incident happened in that Sunni Triangle today. U.S. troops fired on a truck rigged as a bomb. It crashed through a bridge, exploded, killing the driver. Three U.S. soldiers were wounded. That incident comes just hours after seven British soldiers were hurt when their patrol came under fire in southern Iraq.
Despite the continued signs of instability coalition officials say the signing of Iraq's interim constitution is on track. The ceremony was to take place yesterday but Shiite members of the Iraqi governing council objected to a clause. They are now in the holy city of Nejaf, considering their next steps. The Iraqi Governing Council reconvenes Monday. Members hope to resolve the dispute by then.
Now, to Haiti, where international troops try to restore order. U.S. Marines are patrolling the capital of Port-au-Prince. But they hope that a reduced military presence will signal they are not an occupying force. CNN's Lucia Newman joins us now on the telephone with more.
Lucia?
LUCIA NEWMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (via phone): Hello, Martin.
Indeed, they are here to try and help beef up security in this country, but at this very moment there is a lot of looting going on at a major industrial park here in Port-au-Prince. Neither the Marines nor the Haitian police have been there all day to stop it.
In fact, the Marine PIO told us that the Marines are not here to stop looting but rather to help the Haitian police do that, but there is still a lot of disorganization on that front, Martin.
In the meantime, the U.S. Special Forces are now Gonaives and Cape Haitian, where as you remember an area that has been controlled by the rebels and where the rebellion against the former president began in Gonaives. The rebels there say that they have put down their weapons, but they are not going to hand them in. They are not turning them over, they say, until the pro-Aristide armed gangs do likewise.
Now, the Marines, as you mentioned, are trying to keep a lower profile now in some areas, some key areas, such as the presidential palace. Yesterday there were huge protests, furious Haitians, very angry at seeing U.S. armored cars on the front lawn and the main driveway of their presidential palace; lots and lots of armed Marines, there. They said it looked more like an occupation force than a security force.
Today, the Marines have withdrawn. There is a far more discreet presence now of U.S. forces guarding those key areas of the city, Martin.
SAVIDGE: Lucia, what about the presence of other international troops over there? I believe France and some other nations in Central and South America had sent them. Are they scaling back their presence?
NEWMAN: They are here. There are about 130 Chileans, 150 more are on the way. And the French are here as well. Eventually there will be about 500 French. But they are less visible than the U.S. Marine force, until now. They are keeping mostly guard of French interests, the French embassy and other areas like that.
Now, I did forget to mention, that there has been one key step forward in trying to establish a new government here; a council of elders or of wise men was appointed. And they are expected to appoint a brand new prime minister that would in turn appoint a new government, perhaps as soon as Monday, Martin. And this will be an important step in filling the power vacuum that was left by the departure of President Aristide.
SAVIDGE: We will be watching. Lucia Newman, thank you very much, joining us on the telephone from Port-au-Prince. Well, it is a long way from the Playboy Mansion to the tough streets of Port-au-Prince, but one woman has made the unlikely journey to make a difference for Haiti's children.
Susie Scott Krabacher, founder and president of the Mercy & Sharing Foundation, joins me now from Miami.
Thank you very much, Susie, for being with us.
SUSIE SCOTT KRABACHER, FOUNDER & PRES., MERCY & SHARING FOUNDATION: Thank you so much.
SAVIDGE: You have just returned from Haiti. Obviously, coming through a very violent and changing time there. What are the people, especially those that you deal with, the poorest of Haiti, think about what has transpired in their country?
Well, what I've seen -- I just got in this morning, to Miami. We fled through the Dominican border because the commercial flights have all been canceled until early next week. And the borders were actually closed in the Dominican Republic. But with a whole lot of fast talking we made it through the secured border.
But what I saw, there is something that I'm not seeing a lot of television; that the people are jubilant. There is a handful of pro- Aristide supporters that are supporting -- or that are demonstrating, but I think for the most part everybody has breathed a huge sight of relief.
I know myself, I'm so ecstatic that now maybe we have the chance to operate in the country without fear. Because for the last 10 years we have been threatened, we've been terrorized --
SAVIDGE: Well, have you been threatened? Were you fearful during the time of this transition here?
KRABACHER: Well, I was fearful for my children. We have a compound that has handicapped and terminally ill orphanage on that compound, as well as a school, and one of our storage units. And that facility was surrounded three times by the Shimar (ph), and the last time that we were surrounded they did threaten to kill every one of the children in the orphanage.
SAVIDGE: And --
KRABACHER: I'm sorry?
SAVIDGE: Well, that is a horrible thing to even consider. Fortunately, it didn't happen. But I understand looting has been a problem, as Lucia mentioned, for yourself, for your efforts.
KRABACHER: Absolutely. We had a warehouse that was filled to the brim of diapers, beans, rice, wheelchairs, some medical equipment. Every single thing was stolen. And it is -- right now, we haven't a single diaper left in the facility and with 1,889 children, you can imagine there is a sanitary issue there. SAVIDGE: Well, you met with rebel leaders, I believe. How did that go? And what do you think it means for the future of the people, especially, who you serve?
KRABACHER: Well, I met with them the day before Aristide left. And when I met with them they were very confident that Aristide was staying and that was exactly what he was saying. I had heard that he was leaving. So, I didn't talk to them about that. I try to be as non- political as possible but when it is thrown in my face I have to deal with it.
But the gang members had, at that point, agreed with me that they would protect our facilities in Sithe Sole (ph), which was one of the hottest areas. And they did agree that if we would continue to give them water, which we supply about 6,000 people in that area with water. And we agreed not to close our wells if they would keep us safe, because one of our children was shot. And that is why I met with them.
SAVIDGE: Right. What needs to be done now? I mean, we've had a change of leadership in Haiti, but what really will change for the people who seem to suffer under poverty?
KRABACHER: The only thing that is going to change the country, I believe, is the next generation. I believe that the children that we're raising -- well, a funny story.
Before I left we had a little goodbye celebration. And I asked a few of them, well, what do you want to be when you grow up and -- well, all of them, just about all of them said they wanted to be the next president.
(LAUGHTER)
KRABACHER: But I think they've got a few years to go.
SAVIDGE: I think they do. What? Will you go back?
KRABACHER: Of course, yes. I will probably back down there in a couple of weeks. I go every other month. That is my second home.
SAVIDGE: I'm sure it is. Susie Krabacher, thank you very much for talking to us. And we wish you well with your efforts as we wish well for the people of Haiti. Thank you.
KRABACHER: Thank you.
SAVIDGE: Well, Kathleen Koch, as we have been reporting is at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. That is the other big story we have been covering, the capsizing of a water taxi. We will get her back on the phone for the very latest on the situation there as darkness closes in. Right after this break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SAVIDGE: We continue to monitor a tragedy and rescue effort that is underway in Baltimore, in the Inner Harbor there, as darkness begins to set in on rescue efforts by police and Coast Guard officials. CNN's Kathleen Koch on the scene. She joins us now on the telephone.
Kathleen, an update, please?
KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (via telephone): Martin, we have sad news to report, at this point, at least one person has died as a result of this water taxi that apparently flipped over around 4 o'clock this afternoon.
A spokesman for Baltimore City Police Department, Troy Harris, says that is when they go their first reports. Apparently, no one actually saw the taxi flip over. But we do have a report now, again, there was some 25 people on board; 18 accounted for, seven missing right now.
But Nar Izzano (ph), who is a spokesman for Seaport Taxi, that runs the boats, confirms that it was one of their boats. And in a statement, Mr. Izzano (ph) says that what apparently happened was that a front was coming through, the statement reads on that the boat was attempting to tie up, to secure, but before it could get to that point, the wind hit it and caused it to flip over.
Mr. Izzano (ph) points out this is a very unusual wind that hit, very uncommon. That these boats have had been in service in this harbor for over 10 years, and that this is the first such accident. He concludes the statement, saying, that these boats are Coast Guard certified.
Now, you may hear, overhead, we have a lot of helicopters still in the area, as well as divers in the water, looking for the remaining seven people who are missing. Again, six of the people who were rescued, six of the 18 were taken to the hospital.
And again, Martin, the sad new right now is that at least one person has died.
SAVIDGE: Kathleen, do we know, did this vessel have any sort of radio and were they able to communicate they were in distress? Or how do we know exactly what happened then?
KOCH: Martin, it is my understanding of Coast Guard regulations that every vessel -- and certainly a vessel carrying a large number of passengers, and these apparently do have the capacity to carry as many as 60 passengers -- that every such vessel does have to have a means of communicating.
But we have not heard any reports, at this point, from either Baltimore City Fire Department or Baltimore City Police Department that anyone received any sort of Mayday. Maybe we will get some of that information later.
But again, according to Troy Harris, the spokesman with the Baltimore City Police Department, it was people on shore who spotted it and then called authorities. SAVIDGE: And these people who have been rescued, were they rescued by other boaters that were in the area? Was it the Coast Guard? Who exactly came to their aid first?
KOCH: Mr. Harris said that, apparently, there was a Marine Unit, a Baltimore City Police Department Marine Unit that then was immediately dispatched. He said it was able to pull a few people out of the water, he couldn't confirm to me exactly how many. But they were the first on the scene and then of course, Coast Guard and others joined in afterward.
SAVIDGE: Kathleen Koch, in Baltimore, watching developments there as the rescue continues. We will have more news on this and on other stories coming up right after the break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Baltimore Harbor Capsizes>
