What Happened to the Branson Duck Boat Victims
On July 19, 2018, a Ride the Ducks Branson vessel sank during a severe thunderstorm on Table Rock Lake, Missouri. The boat carried 31 people, and 17 passengers and crew died, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Who Were the Victims
Victims included tourists from several states and crew members. Most deaths were attributed to blunt-force trauma and drowning after the vessel took on water and capsized quickly in high winds and waves.
Legal and Safety Outcomes
Families filed wrongful-death lawsuits, leading to settlements and changes in operator training and maintenance. The incident prompted stricter oversight of amphibious tour vehicles and renewed focus on weather-safety protocols for tourist boats.
For details on the NTSB investigation, see the official report at NTSB Marine Accident Report.
