Missouri Tourist Boat Capsizes in Stormy Waters, Killing 13

Thursday evening, a tourist boat carrying 31 people capsized in Table Rock Lake outside of Branson, Missouri. The boat, known as a duck boat, is equipped for traveling on both water and land, however, due to a sudden storm, was unable to ride out the waves to make it safely back to shore.

Among the 13 deceased were children. Four people, including the driver of the boat, remain missing today.

“An off-duty sheriff’s deputy working security for the boat company” noticed the sinking vessel and went to assist the passengers, according to KCRA. With his help, 14 were able to survive.

“Branson was under a severe thunderstorm warning issued shortly before 6:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. ET), about half an hour before the boat capsized,” CNN reports, “Pattison said he believes the weather was calm when the duck boat went into the water,” they said of the president of Ride the Ducks Branson’s parent company. "Partway through coming back is when ... the waves picked up and then obviously swamped the boat," he said Friday morning.”

7 of the 14 survivors were injured in the event and were taken to a hospital, including the captain. 2 remain in critical condition.

Rescue and recovery efforts continue today to locate the missing passengers.

Please join us in prayer for the victims and family members affected by this tragedy.

Publication Date: July 20, 2018

Photo Courtesy: Getty Images