A year after tragedy, Branson debates future of duck boats

[Sherman A1]

BRANSON — One year after 17 people died when a boat sank on a Missouri lake near the tourist town of Branson, the question of whether the boats should return to the lake remains a topic of debate.

Former Branson Mayor Karen Best had to inform the 17 victims' families that they had died when the boat sank during a storm on July 19, 2018, on Table Rock Lake. She said she will never forget the cries and screaming of the families and survivors.

"I don't know that they need to come back to this community," Best said about the duck boats.

The amphibious vehicles, which operated on land and water, were a popular attraction in Branson for nearly 50 years. They are not operating this year, and Ripley Entertainment, which owns Branson Ride The Ducks, has not said whether they will return, The Kansas City Star reported .

The current mayor, Edd Akers, who was elected in April, said it's possible the duck boats could return to Branson if they are altered and have improved safety features.

https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/nation_world/a-year-after-tragedy-branson-debates-future-of-duck-boats/article_25c3c54a-8d0b-544a-80a8-3e0781bd0988.html

[customerserviceguy]

1. How many accidents, even not involving fatalities

have occurred with duck boats? I was on one in Boston several years ago, and I felt perfectly safe the whole time.

These things have been used for entertainment purposes since the end of World War II, and the Branson incident is the first fatality that I can remember hearing about.

[Smackdown2019]

2. Unfortunately others have died

13 people died when the Miss Majestic operated by Land and Lakes Tours sank May 1, 1999, on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Ark.

[customerserviceguy]

3. I did not recall that

thanks for mentioning it. I'd be interested to know what the rate of injury/death is for them, compared to other modes of transportation.