Duck Disaster

I have been thinking about the Branson Duck Disaster.

And I have a few thoughts.

First, I will predict the demise of the ancient World War II era landing boats as tourist attractions. Not just because it is obvious they are not safe in unstable water, but also because they will be impossible to insure from this point forward. Way too expensive. And who wants to buy a ticket anyway?

Do you think the victims’ families aren’t being contacted as we speak by major law firms? I predict millions will be paid out over the course of years of litigation.

There are troubling aspects of this story. First of all, it isn’t the first time a Duck has capsized. It happened in 1999 in Arkansas where 13 people lost their lives. Then, and now, the canopies likely became people catchers, making it virtually impossible for 17 people in Branson to escape.

The more troubling aspect of this disaster is the indifference the Duck operator had when it came to the weather. They would have you believe it was a freak storm that blew up quickly and surprised the crew.

There is evidence to the contrary. Eight hours before the tragedy, the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Branson.  A thunderstorm warning sounded at 6:32 pm. The emergency calls came in after 7:00.

The boat had a radio. Ducks are unlike a true boat. All they needed was a beach and out of the lake they could have rolled. But they didn’t…17 people are dead…including nine from the same family.

This was all avoidable.

The passengers deserved better. They went on vacation

…and they aren’t coming back.