Charges Filed Against 3 In Relation To 2018 Duck Boat Tragedy

Stone County Prosecuting Attorney Matt Selby and Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt announced charges against three Ride the Ducks Branson employees in relation to the sinking of a Duck Boat on Table Rock Lake in July of 2018.

In a news release, Attorney General Schmitt announced charges against Kenneth Scott McKee, Charles Baltzell and Curtis Lanham. The sinking of "Stretch Duck 7" on July 19, 2018, resulted in the death of 17 people.

Captain Scott McKee is charged with 17 counts of First Degree Involuntary Manslaughter, 5 counts of First Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and 7 counts of First Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Baltzell was charged with 17 counts of First Degree Involuntary Manslaughter. Lanham was charged with 17 counts of First Degree Involuntary Manslaughter.

Attorney General Schmitt said in total, 63 charges were filed.

According to a National Transportation Safety Board report released in 2020, severe weather, the boat's canopy and a failure by the U.S. Coast Guard all played a role in the sinking of the "Stretch Duck 7."

The report stated that Ride the Ducks of Branson continued to give tours on Table Rock Lake, even though a severe thunderstorm watch had been in effect for several hours. It says a severe thunderstorm warning went out one minute before the boat departed.