KSDK: Company says it was told duck boats were OK before sinking

Branson Duck Boat Tragedy Raises Questions Over Safety Warnings and Regulatory Oversight

Authorities have confirmed that none of the 31 passengers aboard the “Ride the Ducks” vessel were wearing life jackets when it tragically sank on Table Rock Lake, resulting in 17 fatalities last week.

Read “Company says it was told duck boats were OK before sinking” on KSDK

Read “Illinois vehicle inspector assessed ‘Ride the Ducks’ boats last year” on KSDK

In the wake of the disaster, 5 On Your Side’s Rachel Menitoff spoke with Stephen Paul, a vehicle inspection expert, who evaluated several of the amphibious boats just last year. Paul, who operates out of the St. Louis area, performs over 400-point inspections for various vehicle types, checking everything from engine fluids to structural components underneath.

In August 2017, he was contacted by Ripley Entertainment, the parent company of Ride the Ducks in Branson, to assess whether the vehicles met Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. Paul’s inspection revealed immediate concerns. Notably, he discovered that the boats’ exhaust systems were routed to the front of the passenger compartment and below the waterline—design choices that pose serious risks. According to DOT guidelines, exhaust systems should be positioned behind the passenger area to avoid hazardous exposure. Moreover, submersion of the exhaust can lead to water intake, potentially stalling the engine.

Despite submitting a comprehensive report, Paul says he received no follow-up from the company. “They thanked me for the report, paid me, and that was it,” he said.

At the time of Paul’s inspection, Ripley Entertainment was in the process of acquiring the duck boats and had sought the evaluation for DOT compliance. However, it’s important to note that in Missouri, duck boat safety is primarily overseen by the U.S. Coast Guard—not the DOT. The Coast Guard had given the vessels clearance.

Paul expressed deep concern that regulatory responsibilities are split between federal agencies, and he hopes this tragedy sparks collaboration between them. It could be beneficial if the Coast Guard and DOT coming together for better oversight.

Though Paul did not inspect the specific boat involved in the accident, he also raised alarms about the canopy design visible in public footage of the incident. He warned that such structures could prevent passengers from escaping during emergencies, particularly in the face of sudden weather changes like those seen that day.

Note: The above summary includes commentary from a news report and paraphrased narration. Direct statements attributed to Stephen Paul are limited to his technical observations. He did not inspect the specific vessel involved in the incident, and his comments were provided solely in the context of general vehicle inspection findings.