diff --git a/distribution/changelog.txt b/distribution/changelog.txt
index fdb2228acb..db7741f31d 100644
--- a/distribution/changelog.txt
+++ b/distribution/changelog.txt
@@ -54,6 +54,7 @@
 - Fix: [#2681] When lowering/raising land/water with clearance checks off, walls still get removed.
 - Fix: [#2693] Multiplayer chat caret does not show true position.
 - Fix: [#2704] OSX Command Key not read for keyboard shortcuts.
+- Fix: [#2728] Closing a boat ride with passengers causes empty boats to leave the platform (original bug).
 - Fix: [#2925] Screenshots don't show night filters.
 - Fix: [#2941] Enter does not work on input box when on the title screen.
 - Fix: [#2948] New Ride window incorrectly said there were track designs available when in multiplayer mode.
diff --git a/src/ride/vehicle.c b/src/ride/vehicle.c
index 6dd028cb21..32c1fe748f 100644
--- a/src/ride/vehicle.c
+++ b/src/ride/vehicle.c
@@ -1304,8 +1304,9 @@ static void train_ready_to_depart(rct_vehicle* vehicle, uint8 num_peeps_on_train
 	}
 
 	if (!(ride->lifecycle_flags & RIDE_LIFECYCLE_BROKEN_DOWN)){
+		// Original code did not check if the ride was a boat hire, causing empty boats to leave the platform when closing a Boat Ride with passengers on it.
 		if (ride->status != RIDE_STATUS_CLOSED ||
-			ride->num_riders != 0){
+			(ride->num_riders != 0 && ride->type != RIDE_TYPE_BOAT_RIDE)){
 			ride->train_at_station[vehicle->current_station] = 0xFF;
 			vehicle->sub_state = 2;
 			return;