duck boat tours in branson

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You're in for a treat when you ride on Branson's all new duck boat tours! When you ride the ducks, you'll tour by land through the streets of Historic Branson while enjoying stories, jokes, and history—singing and laughing along the way. Then your carpool mates turn into crew-mates as you set sail onto Lake Taneycomo! up to 1.5 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

• Journeys through historic downtown Branson and splash into Lake Taneycomo.
• Revolutionary new style of foam-filled amphibious vehicle, specifically designed to float similar to a life preserver.
• Tours last approximately 60-90 minutes.
• Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure time for check-in and seating.
• Ducks are not fully enclosed. You may experience light spray upon entering the water or get wet if it's raining.
• Fun for all ages.
• Not wheelchair accessible.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring weather appropriate items like sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, etc.

Description

Branson Duck Tours Reviews

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Branson Duck Tours is located at 1940 W. 76 Country Boulevard • Branson , MO 65616

Nearby Things to Do

• Branson Country USA
• Comedy Jamboree
• Down Home Country Show
• Grand Jubilee
• New South Gospel

Nearby Hotels & Lodging

• Grand Country Inn/ Indoor & Outdoor Water Park
• Rosebud Inn
• Thousand Hills Resort Hotel
• Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills

Frequently Asked Questions about Branson Duck Tours

How long are the branson duck boat tours.

Branson Duck Tours last approximately one hour, including a trip on land and by the lake. Hear the local history and tall tales, sing songs, and get a complete view of downtown Branson and The Landing’s famous fountain from the water! The tour length may vary due to weather, traffic, and road construction. Approximately 20 minutes of the tour will be on the water.

Where do the Branson duck boat rides depart?

The duck tours depart from Branson Landing at 204 Promenade Way, Branson, MO.

When do I need to arrive?

All passengers should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure/launch. This time is needed to check-in and get you seated.

What clothes should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. You will need to climb a small ladder to the board the vessel. They also recommend a light jacket, since it can get cool on the open air, amphibious vehicle. Branson Duck Tours set sail rain or shine, but they are constantly monitoring the weather. If the staff or the coast guard determine that sailing is not safe, they will cease all tours.

Is the tour fun and safe for all ages?

Yes! Guests of all ages will safely enjoy the tour, from young children to older adults. It is safe for pregnant women, as well.

Do people get seasick?

The boats are engineered not to sway, and guests rarely get seasick. If you are extremely susceptible to motion sickness, you may want to take preventative actions for your own comfort.

Is there a place for my child’s stroller?

To ensure easy access and comply with emergency exit protocols, strollers are not allowed on tours. Please keep all strollers in your vehicle or at the kiosk while on the tour. Baby seats are allowed on board.

My child will sit on my lap, do I need to buy him/her a ticket?

They are required by the U.S. Coast Guard to count every guest on board. Even though the child will be on your lap, they must still have a ticket. Children 0 - 2 years old may purchase a ticket for $1. By having a ticket for every guest, they ensure that they stay at the approved limit of passengers.

Is there a bathroom on the tour?

There are no bathrooms on board. Please make sure to use the facilities before boarding the vessel.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair ramp on the vessel. In order to board the vessel, one must be able to climb a small foldout ladder with seven steps.

Are food or drinks allowed on the tour?

Food and drinks are welcome, however, alcoholic beverages are prohibited by law and for the safety and comfort of all the guests.

Can I bring a pet on the tour?

Service animals are allowed. Dogs are permitted if space allows, please call the number on your e-ticket prior to your tour to check for availability.

Is it appropriate to give a gratuity?

Gratuities for the Captains and staff are appreciated for a job well done. This is done at the discretion of the guest and is not included in the price of the tour.

Is the tour safe?

Your safety and that of the employees is their top priority! They do absolutely everything they can to make sure you have an enjoyable experience. Branson Duck Boats are a new style of amphibious vehicle, specifically designed and built for safe duck tours.

Will I be required to sign a waiver?

Yes, all adult tour participants must sign a tour waiver. Minors must be listed on a waiver and have their parent / legal guardian sign for them.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. You will need to climb a small ladder to the board the vessel. We also recommend a light jacket in the spring and fall, since it can get cool on the open air, amphibious vehicle.

Does the Branson Duck Tour set sail in the rain?

Branson Duck Tours set sail rain or shine, but we are constantly monitoring the weather. If their staff or the coast guard determine that sailing is not safe, they will cease all tours.

Are there life jackets / PFDs onboard?

Yes, life jackets / PFDs for each adult guest are located under each seat and guests weighing under 90lbs will find their life jackets on the walls next to the seat.

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1-800-590-8125.

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Branson Duck Tours

Location & Hours

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1940 W 76 Country Blvd

Branson, MO 65616

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Overall rating

Laiken, James and Brian were excellent. Felt safe and learned a bit about the Branson area.

While I enjoyed the views of this tour, our group found the entire experience to be very annoying and irritating. To begin with, I purchased tickets online. This was an easy process and went smoothly. However, afterwards I received an email to sign the waivers for every ticket purchased. They were signed with ease and I figured that was the end of it. A couple of days later I received an email asking for additional signatures of waivers. Those were signed (because I thought maybe I had forgotten one.) A day later I received ANOTHER notice to sign. I had been saving all of the emails from the waivers and I knew every one of them had been signed. When I mentioned this to the woman at the ticket desk, she laughed it off and said that it happens all of the time. When it was time for the ride, we boarded with no problem. The tour guide, Luis, was incredibly loud but I figured it would get better as we went along. I was VERY wrong. His horrible guiding and lack of good information made this trip a terrible experience. He tried to make jokes but they were inappropriate and annoying at best. At one point he talked about a store that sells dinosaur poop. He went on and on for WAY too long about how to trick co-workers that you don't like and make them rub the poop on their skin. It was highly inappropriate. Several people on this tour actually had their ears plugged with their fingers to attempt to drown him out. The captain obviously knew what he was doing, but he was incredibly impersonal. He never smiled and barely spoke a word to any of the passengers. They both missed an incredible opportunity to discussed the history of the DUCK vehicles as well. That would have been cool information to know. All in all, I honestly would not recommend this tour unless there were some MAJOR changes. Don't waste your money.

Great ride, and driver and tour guide were friendly and enjoyed the ride and on the lake!! Beautiful day and beautiful lake.. We thought it was be a little longer ride. We didn't get a the duck thing, even though we had a coupons, we did read the coupons

Had a great time on this today! Luis was a great tour guide, great sense of humor and very knowledgeable too. Highly recommend this fun tour of Brandon.

Great time!! Charlie was an amazing guide and a lot of fun! Learned a lot about the area too!

Family Reunion!

Fun tour, safety first, with Luis as guide, very knowledgeable with a great since of humor.

Fun fun fun if you want air conditioning go to a show or a museum. If you want a land and lake tour look no further! Kids blowing the duck whistle's families anticipate the fun yet to come. We finally board the vessel and the fun began. Our guide was new but very knowledgeable. He him told us many facts about the history of Branson and Lake Taneycomo also a couple thing to do that don't cost anything but you will hafta ride to know that inside information. My wife and I were very satisfied and will recommend to our friends.

Stopped in on a whim to ride with my grandsons since the last time we rode was in 2015 and in 2026 when they were much smaller. I have been so excited to have this attraction back in Branson since I only live 35 miles away now that we have retired here. I felt very safe on these boats but then again I always felt safe in the other ones as well. I REALLY wish they would do free quackers with the ride like they did before. But good ones. The quackers they sell for 5 bucks don't even quack loud and the harder you blow the more silent they get.. One of the funnest things about the prior boats, was these crazy loud quacker things and as we were going on the ride we would all quack at everyone walking by. It was so much fun and everyone got involved. Bring the good quackers back and let's have some DUCK BOAT FUN!!!

What a fun time! My family and I really enjoyed learning a little more about Branson & getting out onto the water for a little while. I would recommend booking this early because they sell out quick! Also - book this at the beginning of your trip. Charlie (our tour guide) had FANTASTIC recommendations!

Laikin, James and Brian were FABULOUS drivers and tours guides. Don't take Laikin's Dads tour as he isn't near as funny!! Just kidding!! Totally enjoyed the tour!!!

1 other review that is not currently recommended

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Branson Duck Tours

Description of Branson Duck Tours Experience:

Journey by land through the streets of Historic Downtown Branson, singing songs, hearing jokes and tall tales, and learning local history. Then, without getting up from your seat, you'll splash on to Lake Taneycomo, where you'll have the opportunity to see Branson from the water, a memorable experience you'll cherish for ages! Join the fun of our 60 minute tour, making memories aboard our innovative, amphibious buses. It's not a trip to Branson without a tour on the Ducks!

About The Company:

Branson Duck Tours is a new, locally owned and operated family business. Our family is so excited to show your family a great time on land and water. Join the fun, making memories aboard our innovative amphibious buses. It's not a trip to Branson without a tour on the Ducks!

About TheTour:

As part of the Branson community, we welcome you and your loved ones to a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Journey by land through the streets of Branson, singing songs, hearing jokes and tall tales, and learning local history. Then, without getting up from your seat, you'll splash on to Lake Taneycomo, where you'll have the opportunity to see downtown Branson from the water, a memorable experience you'll cherish for ages!

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Duck Boat rides returning to Branson, Mo. for summer season

BRANSON, Mo. (KY3) - Duck Boat rides will return to Branson nearly four years after a duck boat tragedy killed 17 people on Table Rock Lake.

The Branson Duck Tours is newly owned and operated. Chief Communications Officer Josh Blumenthal says the tours will feature newer, safer, and U.S. Coast Guard-approved vehicles.

The duck tours will leave from the Branson Landing and set sail on Lake Taneycomo. The tours will take place on the Hydra-Terra amphibious vehicle. A vehicle staff says is the biggest asset to their safety plan.

“The largest improvement to our vehicles that differentiates them is the foam-filled hull that prevents sinking,” said Josh Blumenthal.

Blumenthal says additional safety measures include captain visibility from all passenger seats, wider aisle ways, and an improved fire suppression system.

”Our boats will not have side curtains and I think that’s really important,” said Blumenthal. “That was such a big part of what added to the 2018 tragedy.”

Branson Landing marketing director Nikki Kinney says having entertainment for families in Branson is very important. She hopes the added safety measures put visitors at ease.

”I’m going to put my family on it, I’m going to ride it this spring,” said Kinney. “I have no issue at all getting inside one and I’m very excited about the brand new vessel they have for us.”

Duck Boat Survivor Tia Coleman lost nine family members in 2018. Her attorney Andrew Duffy says the families would not be okay with bringing Duck Tours back to Table Rock Lake. The family, however, is okay with the change of location and increased safety of these boats.

”As long as this new duck boat company puts safety first and makes sure their people are adequately trained, can turn off the entertainment and turn on safety procedures immediately, then I don’t say this type of duck boat should not be allowed anywhere,” said Duffy.

Blumenthal says the tours will begin at the end of April or beginning of May.

To report a correction or typo, please email [email protected]

Copyright 2022 KY3. All rights reserved.

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Branson Duck Tours

Experience an amazing Branson activity that combines some great sightseeing cruise adventures with a fun adventure with the brand new Branson Duck Tours attraction. This amazing amphibious tour is great for the entire family. Book it today to experience tons of fun in the Ozarks. 

About the Tour on Land

About the tour on the water, about the vehicles.

After adventuring out on the lake, the vehicle will make its way back out of the water and back on land. Enjoy further sightseeing as you travel back to the boarding spot. With tons of sightseeing opportunities both on land and on the water, the Branson Duck Tours offer some brilliant fun for the entire family. 

• What methods of transportation does the Branson Duck Tours use? Coast Guard certified amphibious vehicle.
• Approximately how long does the Branson Duck Tours last? It lasts approximately 60 - 90 minutes.
• For what ages is the tour appropriate? It is great for all ages!
• What type of dress & footwear are recommended? Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Bring a light jacket in the spring and fall.
• Where does the Branson Duck Tours depart from? 1940 W 76 Country Blvd Branson, MO 65616
• What sights will be seen from the motor coach? Branson Landing, Downtown Branson, Lake Taneycomo.
• Is photography / video recording allowed on the Branson Duck Tours? Yes.
• Is the Branson Duck Tours handicap accessible? In order to board the vessel, one must be able to climb a small foldout ladder with seven steps.
• What is the policy in case of inclement weather? Tours go out rain or shine but weather is monitored for safety.
• Are coolers allowed? Food and drinks are welcome, however, alcoholic beverages are prohibited by law and for the safety and comfort of all our guests.
• Can I store my child's stroller? No, there are no spaces for strollers due to safety.

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What Are Branson Duck Tours and Why Are They Fun?

Branson Duck tours. The phrase leaves a lot to be answered. Does Branson have a famous duck population? Are there giant waterfowl in the city that can be mounted and rode like horses? Are they something completely different? The answers in order are: No, No, and Yes. So what are they?

What’s A Duck Tour?

Branson Duck tours have nothing to do with ducks, actually. The name comes from a WWII-era amphibious military vehicle, the DUKW. For a visual reference, think of a cross between a boat and a truck. According to The Free Dictionary , “D means 1942, U means utility (amphibious), K means all-wheel drive, W means 2 powered rear axles.” Quite a mouthful, right? It’s easy to see why people call the GMC product a “Duck.” No longer used in combat, these swimming vehicles have found new lives as tour mobiles in waterfront cities like Boston and Seattle, as well as Branson. Ride the Ducks Branson offers tours in replicas of the famous crafts , pairing their iconic look with modern features. Thanks to the Duck’s ability to cruise both land and sea, you’ll learn and see much more than on a bus or boat tour.

What Makes Branson Duck Tours Fun?

What’s not to love about seeing downtown Branson, driving through the Ozarks, and splashing into the water, all without leaving your seat? Ride The Ducks offers Branson Duck Tours of Table Rock Lake and Branson Landing, and each one is a unique experience.

On the Table Rock Lake tour, passengers will see the famous Branson Entertainment District, enjoy stunning views from the top of Baird Mountain, ride the waters of Table Rock Lake and more. Or, head to Branson Landing and enjoy a tour of Lake Taneycomo, while also riding through downtown Branson and by the College of the Ozarks. Plus, passengers will have the chance to actually drive the vehicle while it’s in the water! Take either tour , and enjoy family fun, music, and beautiful scenery.

Not only is a Duck tour of Branson fun, but educational! According to Ride The Ducks’ website, Duck captains narrate the tours, offering fascinating facts about local history, the story of the DUKW, and more. Ride The Ducks also has options for field trips, birthday parties, and work outings ! Ride the Ducks!

Now you know not only what Branson Duck tours are, but also why you should go. See Branson with Ride The Ducks, and you’ll be hooked. Visit them online for tickets, group prices, tour details, and more, or call (877) 887-8225. Ride The Ducks is located at 2320 West Highway 76, Branson, MO.

See the Best of Branson and Stay With Amazing Branson Rentals

Hundreds of live theatre performances and concerts, the beauty of Table Rock Lake , Branson Landing , and family fun at Silver Dollar City – do we have your attention yet? Branson offers big time fun, without the crowds of a big city. The best way to experience the excitement of the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World” is to stay with Amazing Branson Rentals . We offer Branson vacation cabins that feature the perfect blend of rustic appeal, modern amenities, and comfort. Fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, hot tubs, WiFi, and more are what you can expect when you book a stay with us. Plus, you’ll be only minutes away from the best things to do in Branson. Contact us online or call us at (972)-849-6363 and start planning your Branson vacation today.

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Branson Duck Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

3 years after tragedy on Table Rock Lake, new duck boat company plans Branson operation

Three years after an amphibious duck boat sank on Table Rock Lake, killing 17 people onboard, a new duck boat company is planning an operation in Branson.

Earlier this month, a group called Branson Duck Tours posted on its Facebook page that it would be launching a "newer and safer" amphibious boat tour in Branson this coming spring.

Jaredan Braal, who described himself as the owner and operations manager of Branson Duck Tours, said his company will use tourist vessels that are much different and more modern than the Word War II-era DUKW boat operated by Ripley Entertainment that sank during a fast-moving storm on Table Rock Lake in July 2018 — the last time duck boats operated in the area.

Braal said duck boat tours are part of Branson's history going back decades. He said he is heartbroken over the 2018 tragedy but still feels like an improved duck boat operation could have a place in the city.

"We think there’s a great opportunity to bring tours back in a better and safer way," Braal said.

Branson Duck Tours posted on its Facebook page that its vessel, the Hydra-Terra, has proven to be "unsinkable" by the U.S. Coast Guard because of its "positive-buoyancy foam-filled compartments."

Previous:    Criminal counts dismissed in Missouri duck boat deaths

Lieutenant (junior grade) Sondra-Kay Kneen with the U.S. Coast Guard said that for a passenger vessel to be Coast Guard-approved (like the Hydra-Terra is) it must meet a set of requirements related to things like stability, fire safety and lifesaving equipment, but the agency would not certify any vessel as "unsinkable."

Andrew Duffy, a Philadelphia-based lawyer whose firm represented several victims of the Table Rock Lake sinking and other duck-boat related deaths across the country, said it is insensitive to people like his clients (which include an Indianapolis woman who lost nine family members in the 2018 sinking) to bring a duck boat operation back to the Branson area this quickly.

"I think Table Rock Lake should never see a duck boat operation again," Duffy said. "I think it’s insensitive to bring them back soon and basically run duck boats and have people basically riding over the watery graves of 17 wonderful souls."

Duffy said he has major problems with the safety of duck boats in general, but he did acknowledge the Hydra-Terra vessel appears to be much safer than the World War II remnant duck boat that sank on the lake in 2018.

However, Duffy said, the Hydra-Terra does not solve all of the problems that the World War II-era vessels had.

Through its investigating, the National Transportation Safety Board decided there were two major flaws with the older-style duck boats: they lacked reserve buoyancy and the overhead canopy trapped people when the vessels sank.

From 2019:    After Table Rock Lake tragedy, NTSB again recommends changes to duck boats

Duffy said the Hydra-Terra purports to solve that first issue of buoyancy, but the Hydra-Terra still has a canopy.

Braal, owner of the new Branson Duck Tours company, said the canopy would not be an issue because his vessels will not sink, plus they are designed to provide more space between the wall and the canopy to make it easier to escape in an emergency situation. 

Duffy pushed back about the "unsinkable" claim — adding that the same thing was said about the Titanic more than 100 years ago.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Josh Hawley passed through the U.S. Senate in December which would require duck boat operators to remove canopies from their vessels. 

Braal said Branson Duck Tours is not part of a company operating in any other cities and does not have any affiliation with Ripley Entertainment.

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17 people died in July 2018 when a Duck Boat sank on Table Rock Lake

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Four years after a tragedy that killed 17 people on Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri, duck boats are returning to the popular tourist destination.

But, organizers say these are not the same "ducks" so to speak, and the tours will seek new scenery on a different lake.

A new group, The Branson Duck Tours, announced the return of the amphibious tours to Branson this spring, calling the tours a beloved Branson tradition.

According to the company's website, the group will be using a different vehicle — the Hydra-Terra.

"The Hydra-Terra is the only state-of-the-art amphibious tour bus specifically designed and built for safe duck tours," the company said on its website .

“The largest improvement to our vehicles that differentiates them is the foam-filled hull that prevents sinking,” said Branson Duck Tours Chief Communications Officer Josh Blumenthal in an interview with KY3 .

Blumenthal also said the new vehicles have captain visibility from all passenger seats, wider aisle ways, and an improved fire suppression system.

”Our boats will not have side curtains and I think that’s really important,” said Blumenthal. “That was such a big part of what added to the 2018 tragedy.”

Also different from the boats used in the 2018 tragedy — the location. The new Hydra-Terra boat tours will take place not on Table Rock Lake, but on nearby Lake Taneycomo.

A Duck Boat full of 31 tourists capsized in rough waters and sank on Table Rock Lake in July 2018 — 17 people, including children, died. Terrifying video from a passenger onboard a different boat showed "Stretch Duck 7" struggling during severe weather.

The boat's operators entered the water during a Severe Thunderstorm Warning . That boat was ultimately unable to handle the storm's rough winds. Video and audio recovered from the boat by divers showed that the lake was calm when the boat entered the water. But the weather suddenly turned violent. Within minutes, the boat sank.

The original duck boats were developed during World War II as a way to get supplies and reinforcements for troops. After the war, they were modified for sightseeing. However, since 1999, the boats have been linked to dozens of deaths.

In May 1999 the Miss Majestic duck boat sank on Lake Hamilton near Hot Springs, Arkansas — 13 people died.

After that tragedy, the NTSB recommended the removal of canopies and side curtains on the boats, which experts said acted as a "barrier to vertical escape."

Stretch Duck 7, part of the fleet owned and operated under Branson's "Ride the Ducks" franchised owned by Ripley Entertainment, still had its canopy.

Ripley suspended operation on Table Rock Lake, and the r emaining vehicles in the Branson group's fleet were sold to an Arkansas-based investment company.

The Branson Duck Tours group announcing the new attraction compared the Hydra-Terra's design to the WWII DUKW's on its website .

The group said the new boats follow all DOT and U.S. Coast Guard regulations — whereas the old boats had grandfathered protections and exemptions from certain safety standards.

Blumenthal told KY3 the tours are scheduled to begin at the end of April or the beginning of May.

17 Dead: The Latest on the ‘Terrible Tragedy’ of the Branson Duck Boat Sinking

S eventeen people are dead after an amphibious duck boat with tourists on board sank in a heavy storm near Branson, Missouri on Thursday.

The Stone County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the death toll on Friday morning after a dive team concluded recovery efforts to find four missing bodies.

The boat, from Ride the Ducks Branson, was one of two vessels caught in a heavy storm that rolled into the area about 7 p.m. local time. Videos posted on local media showed two boats struggling to make it to shore on Table Rock Lake amid heavy windy and choppy waters.

There were 31 people – 29 passengers and two crew members – aboard the capsized boat, according to the Stone County Sheriff’s Office. At a press conference Friday morning, Stone County Sheriff Doug Rader said the driver of the duck boat died in the accident, but the boat’s captain was among the survivors. He said an off-duty sheriff’s deputy working on security for the nearby Branson Belle riverboat in Table Rock Lake helped to rescue people in the water after the accident.

“It’s been a long night and a very trying night,” Rader said.

Seventeen people have been confirmed dead, including children. Fourteen survived, with seven taken to hospital. Those who died ranged in age from 1 to 70 years old, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Jason Pace.

Rader said Friday morning that he did not have more information about whether the boat operators had checked the weather forecast before leaving shore or whether passengers had been wearing life jackets on board.

The National Transportation Safety Board has dispatched a team to investigate the cause of the accident.

“Right now, it’s just a time for thoughts and prayers. There’s a lot of healing that has to take place right now,” Missouri Governor Mike Parson said at Friday’s press conference. “All those details will come in time, but for right now, it’s about really trying to protect the families, to unite the families and to deal with the situation they’re in. I think that’s the most important thing.”

WOW - video captures duck tour boat sinking in Missouri w/31 people on board. 11 people are dead, including children, 5 people are still missing in the lake and 7 are in the hospital. You can see there was terrible weather. A severe thunderstorm warning was issued 30 mins before. pic.twitter.com/w8T17pE37B — Erica Rakow (@EricaRakow) July 20, 2018

Who are the victims of the duck boat accident?

The Stone County Sheriff’s Office on Friday released the names of the 17 victims. They include nine members of the same family , a couple from St. Louis , a couple from Higginsville , a father and son from Arkansas and a grandmother who died saving her granddaughter , according to local media reports. The boat’s driver, Bob Williams , was also among the deceased.

Why did the duck boat sink?

Stone County Sheriff Doug Rader attributed the sinking to heavy winds.

The National Weather Service had issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Branson area Thursday evening. Wind speeds reached 60 mph, a weather service meteorologist in Springfield told the Associated Press.

“They were coming back to land. There were actually two ducks. The first one made it out and the second one didn’t,” Rader said at a press conference Thursday night.

Video posted to the Springfield News-Leader showed the two boats struggling to make it to shore in heavy wind and waves. Onlooker Jennie P. Carr, who was on the Branson Belle Showboat as people had dinner, recorded footage of the boat’s nose sinking below the water. The camera turned away before the boat sank.

“It got closer to us on the Showboat and you could see water going into the boat. I did see he was starting to sink. It was leaning to the right,” she told the newspaper.

She said the boat was out of sight when it sank.

What is the duck boat operator saying?

On Friday morning the operators’ website was replaced by an image of a black ribbon, with a statement reading: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident that occurred at Ride The Ducks Branson. This incident has deeply affected all of us. Words cannot convey how profoundly our hearts are breaking.”

It continued, “We will continue to do all we can to assist the families who were involved and the authorities as they continue with the search and rescue. The safety of our guests and employees is our number one priority. Ride the Ducks will be closed for business while we support the investigation, and to allow time to grieve for the families and the community.”

“Thank you for your support, and we ask that your thoughts and prayers be with the families during this time.”

Have there been other fatal duck boat accidents?

In 1999, a duck boat on Lake Hamilton, Arkansas, sank, drowning 13 of its 21 passengers. After that incident, the National Transportation Safety Board said the roof canopy of the boat was to blame, after finding four of the victims pinned against the roof at the bottom of the lake. Three more were also trapped inside the boat.

In 2015, a duck boat collided with a charter bus on a bridge in Seattle, killing five people and injuring 69. And in 2016, a duck boat in Boston struck and killed a motorist , sparking a debate over the vessels’ safety.

What is a duck boat?

A duck boat is the colloquial name for an amphibious vehicle that can operate on land and in the water. The vehicles are based off a military design first used during World War II. They are now a common vehicle in lake tours around the world.

Ride The Ducks Branson was acquired by entertainment giant Ripley in December 2017.

How are officials responding?

Missouri Governor Mike Parson ordered all flags at government offices in the state to be flown at half-staff for a week to honor the victims of the boating accident.

Very sad to hear about this horrible accident - prayers for all those involved and the first responders who are assisting. https://t.co/PQ56zagc0s — Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) July 20, 2018

President Donald Trump tweeted his condolences to the victims of the accident, saying “My deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those involved in the terrible boat accident which just took place in Missouri. Such a tragedy, such a great loss. May God be with you all!”

My deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those involved in the terrible boat accident which just took place in Missouri. Such a tragedy, such a great loss. May God be with you all! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 20, 2018

Tragedy here in Missouri this evening. Heavy hearts for the families of those who have died and are hurt. And as always sincere thanks to the first responders. https://t.co/RrASkl0fcU — Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) July 20, 2018

Deeply saddened by the tragedy at Table Rock Lake. My prayers are with the families and friends who lost their loved ones. Thank you to the first responders who are assisting. — Senator Roy Blunt (@RoyBlunt) July 20, 2018

Terrible tragedy on Table Rock Lake last night. Erin and I are praying for the families involved and for the missing. My office ready to assist law enforcement as needed in investigation. https://t.co/KM0XaR541z — Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) July 20, 2018

Just spoke with Gov. Mike Parson of Missouri about the tragic loss of life in Branson from the boat incident. I am grateful for the divers at work and our heart goes out to the families. Arkansas stands ready to help. — Gov. Asa Hutchinson (@AsaHutchinson) July 20, 2018

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