Kansas City, MO personal injury attorney Geordie McGonagle talks about what happened in the duck boat drowning case. He explains that this was a heartbreaking incident that occurred several years ago in Branson, Missouri, a popular resort town known for its beautiful Table Rock Lake and various attractions. One of the main draws in Branson was the duck boat ride. Duck boats are amphibious vehicles capable of traveling both on land and in water. Originally used by the military during World War II, including in the D-Day invasion at Normandy, these vehicles had seen little change in design since their military use.

In this case, the clients were elderly grandparents who had received a vacation package to Branson as a 60th wedding anniversary gift. The family had planned a special trip that included a duck boat ride on Table Rock Lake. However, a severe weather front was approaching. Despite being aware of the incoming storm, the duck boat operator attempted to race ahead of it. Once they were out on the lake, the storm hit, bringing strong winds and rough waves. The boat, which sat very low in the water, was overwhelmed by the waves, causing it to capsize.

Due to the boat’s design, which featured small, slat-type windows that were difficult to open in an emergency, many passengers were unable to escape. The grandparents were found holding hands at the bottom of the lake by divers. The tragedy resulted in the loss of 17 lives, even though the boat’s capacity was 30.

While this tragedy could have been prevented, it led to significant changes. The design of the duck boats was altered, new regulations were enacted to control when boats could enter the water, and the victims’ families were compensated for their loss. Although nothing could bring back the lives lost, this case resulted in changes that improved safety and helped prevent similar tragedies in the future.