Branson, Mo. – Multiple fatalities have been confirmed involving a capsized ‘Ride the Ducks’ boat on Table Rock Lake. The accident was initially reported as a “mass casualty incident” involving a “tourist type boat” on Table Rock Lake.
Stone County Sheriff Doug Rader confirmed that 17 people are dead, some children, after Missouri State Highway Patrol dive teams found the four remaining people missing this morning. 14 people survived. Sheriff Rader said there were 29 passengers and 2 crew members on board the Duck when it capsized and that one of the victims was the boats driver.
Officials have now released the names of the 17 victims who are said to range in age from one to 70 years old. Authorities say nine of the dead came from one family, two other members of the family who had been on the trip survived.
Officials say it is one of the deadliest duck boat accidents in United States history.
The first 911 call regarding the accident came in at 7:09pm, reporting a “Duck” tour boat had sank near the Branson Belle and there were people in the water. Numerous agencies, including the Stone County Sheriff, Taney County Sheriffs Office, the MO Highway Patrol, Branson Police Department, Western Taney County Fire, Southern Stone Fire, TCAD ambulances and Stone County Emergency Management responded to the scene. The Western Taney County Fire dive team searched until 11:30 p.m. Thursday looking for survivors. The MO Highway Patrol Dive team will took over the water recovery this morning.
Cox Branson reported seven people were taken to the hospital with injuries. Hospital personnel say one patient was evaluated and released while the six others were admitted last night. As of 4:00 p.m., July 20, two others, one adult and one child have been released. Two children remain in the hospital in stable condition while two adults remain in the hospital in critical condition.
Emergency crews responded to the area just after 7pm. Two ‘Ride the Ducks’ boats were attempting to get back to the dock when powerful thunderstorm winds estimated around 70 miles per hour hit. One boat made it back while the other capsized and sank to the bottom of the lake. Video shared with FOX 5 shows intense winds tossing the Ride the Ducks boats in large waves before one of the boats begins to capsize.
Crews have set up a staging area near the Showboat Branson Belle, however the Branson Belle is not involved in the incident. Authorities are asking the public to stay away from the area as the investigation and rescue efforts continue.
Anyone who is missing a family member has been asked to go to the Branson City Hall for additional information. Concerned family members can call (417) 337-8515 for more information.
Khadijah Forrest 