One-year sentence for tug operator who caused Ride the Ducks crash

Sentencing is set for Tuesday for the tug boat operator who pleaded guilty this summer to the fatal duck boat crash on the Delaware River in July 2010.

Matthew Devlin admitted he was using his laptop and cell phone to deal with a family emergency while operating the tug boat that was pulling a vessel towing a barge. The barge struck a Ride the Ducks tour boat, sending passengers into the water. Two Hungarian tourists drowned.

Devlin faces three to four years in prison, but his attorney will argue for a reduced sentence.

Update, 2 p.m. Devlin has been given 12 months and a day in prison and three years probation, with no fines.

Update, 11:30 a.m. There’s been very emotional testimony from Devlin, Dave Davies tells us from court, with Devlin telling the court room, “I am so so sorry.” Devlin’s wife says he’s been sick with grief since the accident and has nightmares, while video of the accident — shot from the Camden aquarium — was played during the hearing.