The following is text of a news release from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB):
(WASHINGTON) — The National Transportation Safety Board announced Thursday its intention to hold a board meeting April 28 at 9:30 a.m. (EDT) to determine the probable cause of the fatal July 19, 2018, amphibious passenger vessel sinking in Branson, Mo.
Stretch Duck 7, an amphibious passenger vessel (DUKW), had 29 passengers and two crewmembers aboard for a tour when weather conditions deteriorated on Table Rock Lake. One crewmember and 16 passengers died in the accident.
In keeping with established federal and local social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, while also ensuring the NTSB’s compliance with the Government in the Sunshine Act, the board meeting for this investigation will be webcast to the public, with the board members and investigative staff meeting virtually. There will be no physical gathering to facilitate the board meeting.
The NTSB issued Safety Recommendation Report MSR-19-01 on Nov. 13, 2019, calling for sufficient reserve buoyancy and improved emergency egress on DUKW amphibious passenger vessels.
A link to the webcast will be available shortly before the start of the meeting at http://ntsb.windrosemedia.com/.
