Branson, MO — A recent investigation has raised serious concerns about the safety compliance of the duck boats operating in Branson, Missouri, following a deadly accident that claimed multiple lives. A certified vehicle expert, Steven Paul of SSP Vehicle Litigation Services, revealed in an exclusive interview that key safety standards may have been ignored.
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Paul, a specialist in vehicle safety inspections with over 30 years of experience, inspected 24 of Branson’s duck boats just months before the tragedy. His findings were troubling: the boats featured front-mounted exhaust systems, a configuration not compliant with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. According to Paul, “If the exhaust takes on water, the engine’s going to seize up. Without propulsion, the boat becomes a dead stick – dead in the water.”
Video footage from the day of the disaster confirms Paul’s fears: as waves crashed over the bow of one vessel, water may have compromised the front exhaust, leading to engine failure. Paul explained that such a failure not only eliminates propulsion but also disables bilge pumps, leaving the vessel unable to remove incoming water.
Despite Paul’s detailed inspection reports citing these noncompliant exhaust placements, the situation was complicated by jurisdictional confusion. “The DOT told me it had no jurisdiction over these amphibious vehicles,” said Paul. “Instead, the Coast Guard oversees them. Yet neither agency seemed to enforce corrective measures.”
When asked whether any modifications were made following his inspections, Paul was uncertain. The parent company of the duck boats declined to comment when contacted.
This incident underscores what an automotive expert witness describes as a critical regulatory gap. “Both agencies need to work together. Set a standard. These vessels shouldn’t be on the road or water unless those standards are met.”
For Paul, who inspects vehicles ranging from commercial trucks to recreational vehicles across the nation, this tragedy serves as a grim reminder of what can happen when safety warnings are ignored.
Stay tuned for updates as federal agencies continue their investigation.
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