Boston Duck Tours Comments On Missouri Tragedy That Killed 17

BOSTON, MA — The company behind Boston's Duck Boat Tours issued a statement following a duck boat tragedy in Missouri that resulted in 17 dead, including children. Boston Duck Tours expressed support for the families of those who were lost, while reassuring the public that its iconic Boston Duck Boats only go into the Charles River when conditions are safe to do so.

"Our thoughts go out to the families of all those involved in yesterday's tragedy in Branson, MO.," Boston Duck Tours said Friday morning, hours before four more bodies were recovered from scene, raising the fatality total to 17.

>>>Read: More Than A Dozen Dead In Missouri Duck Boat Tragedy

"The incident is currently under investigation, so it would not be prudent for us to comment or speculate as to what may have caused the incident, but extreme weather seems to have been a major factor," Boston Duck Tours said.

The company said it always monitors weather and do not allow the boats to go into the Charles River "if there is lightning in the area of conditions are forecasted to exceed our operating parameters set by the US Coast Guard."

Boston Duck Tours instituted more safety measures following a 2016 crash that killed a 28-year-old woman who was riding a moped.

Photo by Jenna Fisher, Patch