Stretch Duck 07, the 10-metre-long amphibious vessel that sank in rough weather on July 19th at Table Rock Lake, Branson, Missouri, leading to the deaths of 17 people, was not supposed to operate in water if winds in the area clocked in at 35 mph or waves were higher than 2 feet, according to the vessel’s certificate of inspection, released by the US Coast Guard.
The USCG has convened a formal Marine Board Investigation into the duck boat incident, the highest level of investigation in the Coast Guard.
On the night of July 19th winds on the Table Rock Lake hit 73 mph, and the waves were higher than 3ft, officials said.
Suzanne Smagala, public relations manager for Ripley Entertainment Inc, the owner of the Ride The Ducks operation in Missouri, said that the company was “deeply saddened by the tragic accident” but that no conclusions would be made until the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation was complete. “We remain deeply saddened by the tragic accident that occurred in
Branson and we are supportive of the affected families. The investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board is still underway and no conclusions have been reached. We cannot comment at this time.”