While Noah’s ark might have survived the heavy rains and the flooding, its replica in Williamstown, Kentucky could barely survive the rain and its owners are suing the insurers for damages.
The wooden ship made in the image of the ark in the Bible is perfectly fine, according to Ark Encounter: owners of the 510-foot wooden ship, which was built on bedrock, except for its insurers and underwriters who are refusing to pay the full cost of the damage suffered by the theme park that houses the giant replica of Noah’s Ark as a result of heavy rain in 2017 and 2018.
Owners of the attraction have gone to court seeking $1 million to cover the cost of the damage incurred as a result of flooding.
“Subsequent to heavy rains, a significant landslide occurred along portions of the slope, which eliminated the structural support for the roadway, caused significant damage to the road surface itself and the incorporated improvements, and rendered portions of the road unsafe and unfit for use,” alleged the plaintiff.
Admitting that Ark Encounter’s loss was covered by the policy, the insurers denied liability claiming the damage was due in part to design deficiencies and faulty workmanship. Court documents reveal that insurers told the owners of the ark that opened in 2016 to go ahead with the repairs but since then have only paid “a very small portion” of the total cost.
“Contrary to some reporting, the damage to certain areas of the Ark Encounter themed attraction was not caused by a ‘flood’ It was also not at risk. The ark was built on bedrock and was never in jeopardy,” Ark Encounter came out to dismiss initial reports that claimed that the damage was caused by flooding.
Its owners are seeking punitive damages and have accused the insurers of breach of contract and acting with “oppression, fraud, and malice.”