The Stretch Duck 7, a modified WWII DUKW amphibious passenger vessel, shown in this July 25, 2018 after it was re- covered from Table Rock Lake near Branson Missouri following its sinking during a heavy-winds storm on July 19, 2018. (NTSB Photo by Brian Young) Photo source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ntsb/49808840698


Three individuals to face criminal charges over 2018


Stretch Duck 7 sinking This is the most distressing story and sharply focuses the mind. Picture the scene on Missouri’s Table Rock Lake on the morning of 19 July 2018. No-one involved could have imagined the looming disaster that was to unfold later that day resulting in the death of 17 people.


I watched the video on YouTube - it was a harrowing watch - as the drama unfolded when U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison dramatically announced on television a total of 63 charges against Scott McKee, the boat’s Captain, and Operations Supervisor Charles Baltzell and General Manager Curtis Lanham.


For the record, the captain of a World War II era duck boat and two other employees at Ride the Ducks Branson have been served with criminal charges in relation to the sinking of the Stretch Duck 7.


According to a probable cause statement, the vessel was under the command of McKee when it entered Table Rock Lake during a severe thunderstorm warning and later encountered severe weather and rough winds, causing the boat to take on water and sink.


The probable cause statement alleges that Scott McKee, the Captain, failed to exercise his duties as a licensed Captain by entering the lake during a severe thunderstorm warning, and failed to follow policies and training by not having passengers affix flotation devices as the boat took on water.


McKee was charged with 17 counts of First Degree Involuntary Manslaughter, a Class C Felony, 5 counts of First Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A felony, and 7 counts of First Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class D felony. Baltzell and Lanham were each charged with 17 counts of First Degree Involuntary Manslaughter, a Class C Felony.


This is a distressing case and will probably end with a custodial sentence being handed down. It is surely right that people who contravene the regulations in such a manner are made to pay. We rely on people for their experience and knowledge when we board a tourist boat to keep us safe. As I said, I have no doubt that the captain never started that fateful day at work imagining how it would end. One can but only have compassionate thoughts for those who perished and for those they left behind in what was an accident that should have never happened.


Mike Schwarz


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