are boston duck tours safe

Dad and toddler rescued by Boston Duck Tours boat after falling into Charles River

Police said the father jumped in after the child squeezed through a railing.

A father and his young child are very thankful for Boston's famous duck boats after being rescued Monday morning following a fall into the Charles River, officials said.

The child, who is under 2, "squeezed through the railing" behind the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge and fell into the river, according to Massachusetts State Police.

"The child's father jumped into the river and secured the child," police said.

A passing Boston Duck Tours boat then rescued the pair, bringing the two on board and dropping them off at a nearby dock.

The child was transported to a local hospital as a precautionary measure, police said.

A man who witnessed the incident, Dominic Demasi, captured photos of the man and young child in the river.

"I heard some people screaming," Demasi told Boston ABC affiliate WCVB . "The duck boat happened to be within 50 feet and they just went right over, helped them out."

MORE: A look back at past deadly duck tour incidents

The duck boat's co-captains, Michael Rosario and Kevin O'Neill, told WCVB they first realized something was wrong when they saw people waving them down for help.

They threw the life ring out to the dad and brought the boat closer, then lowered the vessel's ladder to let them onboard, they said. They then wrapped the child, who they said was safe but cold, in a Mylar blanket.

"He was in such a panic -- he just wanted to get his child on board," Rosario said of the father.

In a statement on social media, Boston Duck Tours CEO Cindy Brown credited the two employees for the rescue.

"Mike and Kevin have been outstanding team members at Boston Duck Tours for many years," Brown said. "I'm thankful that the training they have received, along with very lucky timing, put them in a position to help save this father and child."

"I could not be prouder of their quick thinking and smart actions," she added.

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Everything To Know About the Boston Duck Boats and Tours

From Boston’s historic homes to the bustling waterfront, it can be a little overwhelming to make sure you hit all of the city’s most noteworthy sites . But there isn’t much of a better way to fit everything in than the Boston Duck Tours.

Since 1994, the “duck” boats have been a staple in the Massachusetts capital, carrying thousands of passengers in peak season across the city. Today, the fleet consists of 28 replica World War II amphibious landing vehicles that take you through Boston and into the Charles River. Here’s everything you need to know about one of Boston’s most popular tours.

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Hit numerous sites in 80 minutes

With tours taking place every day from the end of March through the end of November, the Boston Duck Tours run every 20-30 minutes (depending on departure area) from 9am to about an hour before sunset. Passengers have the ability to get tickets and board at three locations, including the Prudential Center, Museum of Science and the New England Aquarium.

Once onboard, local drivers take guests on an 80-minute tour of the city, hitting numerous historical and significant sites along the way. You’ll slow down to see the Boston Public Gardens, Beacon Hill, JFK Residence, the Old State House and more than 20 other sites.

During the ride, the quirky ConDUCKtors spew out historical facts and interesting tidbits. Each guide takes on a different persona, bringing a unique – and often humorous – twist to the tour. There’s Bobby Oar, Vincent Van Duck, Robin the Riveter, Lenient Louis the Plunderless Privateer, Captain Super Swift and a crew of many other characters.

While the New England Aquarium boats take a slightly different route than the Prudential Center and Museum of Science rides, they see most of the same places. The Prudential Center and Museum of Science boats are also equipped to give tours in nine different languages and are wheelchair accessible.

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Get on the Charles River

One of the more popular locations along the ride puts visitors right into the Charles. At different points on the trip (depending on your boarding spot), the “Duck” turns from truck to boat, and the drivers take passengers on a 20-minute glide over the river.

Entering the river around the Museum of Science, participants see Boston’s West End and Beacon Hill neighborhoods from the water before cruising under the famous Longfellow Bridge. The excursion gives wide, sweeping views of the Boston and Cambridge skylines and intimately displays the Back Bay, including the beautiful Esplanade, before turning back.

If you’re lucky, you’ll be one of the several passengers picked to drive the boat along the river portion of the tour.

Ride in a little piece of history

While the present-day boats are all replicas, the Boston Duck Tours started with an original fleet of World War II amphibious landing vehicles that were converted for passengers. Code-named “DUKW” (which is where the current name comes from), the last original WWII vehicle was taken out of the fleet in 2014, but the company still owns one for special occasions.

The replicas are known as “truck ducks.” First built in Kansas, these models were purposely made for tourism and have a stronger hull with an enclosed top. The oldest boat dates back to 2006 with the newest being from 2014.

To localize the fleet, the company named each of the 28 duck boats after a Boston landmark or neighborhood, with the name painted along the side of the vehicle. Boats include Back Bay Bertha, Beacon Hilda, Espla Nadia, Olga Ironsides, Symphony Hal, Fenway Fanny and many others.

Ride in the same boats as Boston’s champions

Starting in 2002 with the New England Patriots’ first Super Bowl win, Boston Duck Tours and its boats became the “Official ChampionSHIP” of Boston’s four major sports teams. Whenever one of Boston’s teams wins a championship, the company sends out its “Rolling Rally,” a parade that consists of almost the whole fleet and welcomes the players onboard to travel around the city among crowds of cheering fans.

The duck boats have hosted the championship parade a total of 12 times between all four sports teams since 2002, including six times for the Patriots, four times for the Red Sox and one each for the Bruins and Celtics.

On the day of the championship parade, the summer tours are shut down, and all the boats go towards hosting the rally. In the case of the Patriots, whose Super Bowl parade is in the winter, the fleet is brought back into service for one day in February to celebrate. After you’ve experienced Boston Duck Tours, why not check out our list of the must-visit attractions in Boston .

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Travel Tips for Boston Duck Tours

When to go, how to save on Boston's must-do sightseeing tour

TripSavvy / Violet Smirnova

More often than not, when family or out-of-town guests visit Boston , they all have the same to-do item on their list: a Duck Tour. And the request ranges across all ages – Baby Boomer relatives, friends who are busy executives, artsy friends, friends who are parents to kids of all ages. While this is an activity that many locals don't even experience until they have a friend or relative visiting from out of town, it's one you won't want to miss as a tourist.

Duck Tours are a unique experience that combines sightseeing and history while also getting to go out on the Charles River in the vehicle you just drove around the city in. If you want to see Boston via a Duck Boat , late-spring through early-fall is the perfect time to do so. They run from late March through late November, though peak season for all things related to tourism in the city is certainly during the summer months when the weather is nice and warm. Before you book your spot, follow these tips for making the most of your Boston Duck Tour.

Where to Pick Up

You've no doubt seen the Duck Boats' ubiquitous amphibious vehicles all around Boston, but there are only three places where you can pick them up for a tour: the Museum of Science , the New England Aquarium , and the Prudential Center . Choose the one that's most convenient for your own home base and/or sightseeing itinerary; all are near major tourist attractions, MBTA stations and dining.

How to Save

Are your fellow Duck Boat riders a bunch of early risers? If so, make an online reservation for the 9 or 9:30 a.m. tours from either the Museum of Science or Prudential stops and get an Early Duck discount. (Remember that online-only stipulation: If you show up in person to buy tickets for the early tours, you won't get the discount.) It's also worth noting that only a portion of tickets are released online, so it's still worth checking one of the ticket booths if tickets for the date you want to go are sold out online.

There's also the Ride & Save program for those also planning to visit the Museum of Science and New England Aquarium: Show your Duck Boats ticket and get discounts off the museums' admission, café, gift shop, and theaters. You can also get a free tour of Harvard Square with your Duck Boats ticket, plus numerous discounts at the Prudential Center and other Boston restaurants and gift shops. So save that ticket stub and put it to work – you can save quite a lot!

How to Dress

Duck Boats tour in rain or shine, and they do drive in to the river (although, truth be told, the splash is pretty minimal). Wear layers – it can be breezy out on the water, and if it's rainy, a light raincoat is always a good idea. The Duck Boats are heated and have weather protection, but it's not quite like being enclosed within a typical car or truck, so plan accordingly.

What You'll See

Once on board, the tour is about 80 minutes and guests stay on board the entire duration. Approximately 20 minutes of that is spent on the water, with an hour on land taking in many of Boston's historic landmarks and neighborhoods. What you see will depend on where you pick up your Duck Boat, but popular sites include the Boston Public Garden , Boston Common , Boston Public Library, Newbury Street, Quincy Market and the TD Garden . It's destinations like these that make Boston the great city it is.

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Boston Duck Tours reassures on safety measures after Missouri duck boat sinks

A Boston-based duck tour company said its “thoughts and prayers” go out to the families of the people on the duck boat that sank in a thunderstorm in Missouri on Thursday, and issued a statement reassuring the public that its Boston tours adhere to strict safety standards.

Bob Schwartz, a spokesman for Boston Duck Tours, said the company uses replica World War II amphibious vehicles that were built in the early 2000s, and staff monitors the weather “constantly” from their corporate offices for all three departure locations (at the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and the Prudential Center).

In instances of impending bad weather, Schwartz said the staff is able to communicate with all duck boats simultaneously via two-way radios. Weather alerts can also be received through the marine radios on the vehicles, he said.

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“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of all those involved in yesterday’s tragedy,” Schwartz said in an e-mail. “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 has been operating in Boston since 1994, according to the company’s website. Schwartz said the company has never had an accident on the water.

“No, luckily the Charles River is a very safe and protected river,” he said.

Schwartz said they do not allow the duck boats to go into the Charles River if there is lightning in the area or if conditions “are forecasted to exceed our operating parameters set by the US Coast Guard.” Their duck boats are not allowed to operate if winds are more than 25 knots (about 29 miles per hour) or waves are more than 1 foot high, he said.

The Boston duck boats stay on the water for approximately 20 minutes during the tour, and they’re required to stay within 1,000 feet of shore, he said.

“At Boston Duck Tours the safety of our guests and our employees is our number one priority and [we] will continue to work closely with our partners at the US Coast Guard, Department of Public Utilities, Boston Hackney Division and Department of Transportation to ensure we maintain these safety standards,” he said.

As of Friday afternoon, the Associated Press reported that 17 bodies had been recovered from the lake in Missouri.

It is not the first time that a duck boat has sunk and resulted in deaths. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, 13 passengers — including three children — died when the Miss Majestic sank while touring Lake Hamilton near Hot Springs, Ark., on May 1, 1999.

Another fatal duck boat water accident occurred July 7, 2010, when an empty sludge barge that was being towed alongside a tugboat collided with a duck boat in the Delaware River. The National Transportation Safety Board reported that the duck boat sank in about 55 feet of water. Two passengers were fatally injured, and 26 passengers suffered minor injuries.

Although it hasn’t had any mishaps on the water, Boston Duck Tours was involved in a fatal accident that occurred on land in April 2016, when a woman on a scooter died after she was hit by a duck boat vehicle. In the wake of the accident the company instituted a number of measures to improve safety and help prevent collisions.

Emily Sweeney can be reached at [email protected] . Follow her on Twitter @emilysweeney .

Watch CBS News

Boston Tourists Riding Duck Boats: 'We Felt Very Safe'

July 21, 2018 / 8:32 PM EDT / CBS Boston

BOSTON (CBS) - One by one, sightseers could be seen boarding the famous Boston duck boats near the Prudential Center, just days after tragedy on a Missouri lake.

Lisa Cea is visiting from New York and said she felt safe aboard the boat with friends today.

"That's going to make you nervous in general, but we felt very safe today," she said.

The Missouri duck boat went out in a thunderstorm Thursday and sank, killing 17 out of the 31 passengers on board. Among the victims are the boat's captain and a family of nine.

Although Boston Duck Tours is owned by a different company, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh is assuring people that the popular tourist attraction is safe.

"The fact that we changed the regulations and worked with the company to change their safety procedures will prohibit something like that from happening here," said Walsh.

The Missouri duck boat's owner admits they shouldn't have been out in the first place. The waters were so choppy that it caused the boat the capsize. The life jackets that the passengers so desperately needed were out of reach underneath the seats.

Boston sightseers, like Jeff Marin of Sharon, told us that he's not letting this ruin his day out in the city.

"The people knew there was a storm coming and the waters were treacherous and it wasn't bad luck at all. It was stupidity on the tour people's position. That would've never happened on the Charles River," said Marin.

Boston Duck Tours offered their condolences to the Missouri victims. They're also assuring tourists here that they closely monitor weather conditions to make sure all passengers are safe aboard their vessels.

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Is the Boston Duck Tour Worth It?

• 2024-03-07 2024-03-07

When visiting Boston, there are countless tourist attractions to explore. One popular option that often comes up is the Boston Duck Tour. If you’re wondering whether or not it’s worth your time and money, read on to find out more about this unique experience.

What is the Boston Duck Tour?

The Boston Duck Tour is a guided tour that takes you through the streets of Boston and also allows you to explore the city by water on an amphibious vehicle. These vehicles, known as “ducks,” were originally used in World War II and have been transformed into fun and informative tour vehicles.

What can you expect from the Boston Duck Tour?

The tour typically lasts about 90 minutes and takes you through the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Freedom Trail, Boston Common, and Copley Square. You’ll also have the opportunity to experience the thrill of driving into the Charles River.

The Pros of the Boston Duck Tour

• Informative: The tour guides are knowledgeable and provide interesting commentary about the city’s history and attractions.
• Unique Perspective: The amphibious vehicle allows you to explore both land and water, offering a unique way to see Boston.
• Family-friendly: The tour is suitable for all ages, making it a great option for families visiting Boston.
• Convenient: The tour departs from multiple locations throughout the city, making it easily accessible.
• Memorable experience: Riding in a duck and seeing the city from the water can be a memorable experience for many visitors.

The Cons of the Boston Duck Tour

• Price: The tour can be relatively expensive compared to other sightseeing options in Boston.
• Crowds: During peak tourist season, the tours can be crowded, which may reduce the overall experience.
• Less flexibility: You’re restricted to the predetermined tour route and schedule, limiting your ability to explore specific areas of interest in more detail.

Final Verdict: Is the Boston Duck Tour Worth It?

Whether the Boston Duck Tour is worth it depends on your preferences and priorities. If you enjoy informative and entertaining guided tours, like the idea of a unique amphibious vehicle experience, and are willing to pay a little extra for a memorable outing, then the Boston Duck Tour may be worth it for you.

However, if you prefer more flexibility in your sightseeing and are wary of crowded tourist activities, you might want to consider other options for exploring the city.

Tips for Enjoying the Boston Duck Tour

• Book your tickets in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
• Arrive early to ensure you don’t miss your departure.
• Dress comfortably and bring sunscreen, as you’ll be exposed to the elements during the tour.
• Listen attentively to the tour guide’s commentary to make the most of your experience.
• Consider taking the tour during off-peak times to avoid the crowds.

In conclusion, the Boston Duck Tour can be a fun and informative way to explore the city, offering a unique perspective from both land and water. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and consider your own preferences before making a decision. With proper planning and the right expectations, the Boston Duck Tour can provide an enjoyable and memorable experience during your visit to Boston.

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Boston Duck Tours – tickets, prices, timings, what to expect

If you want to explore Boston, Boston Duck Tours is the best way to see the city from land and water, and that too in the same vehicle. 

These giant and pop-colored amphibian vehicles will take you on a thrilling historical tour via long, busy Boston streets and the pristine Charles River. 

The tours are led by knowledgeable and entertaining guides who provide interesting facts and stories about Boston’s history, architecture, and culture.

Boston Duck Tours is a fun and memorable way to experience the city, and it’s a great option for families, groups, and anyone who wants to see Boston from a unique perspective.

This article explains everything you need to know before buying your Boston Duck Tour Tickets.

Top Boston Duck Tours

# Boston Duck Last-minute tickets

Table of Contents

What to expect from boston duck tours.

Once you step into the truck cum boat, the ConDUCKtors will greet you and narrate all the legendary stories associated with the landmarks the amphibious vehicle passes by. 

Some of the tour’s highlights are the Boston Public Garden, Old State House, Museum Of Science, Boylston Street, Old South Church, Arlington Street Chruch, etc.

Back to top

Boston Duck tours tickets

Where to book the tickets

You can book your Boston Duck Tours tickets online and offline 30 days before your visit. 

Ticket booths are at the Prudential Center, the Museum of Science, and the New England Aquarium. 

But when you buy the tickets online , you can avoid the hassle of standing in long queues.

How online tickets work

When you book tickets for Duck Tours in Boston, you select your preferred time of visit and date.

Immediately after purchase, your tickets get emailed to you. You don’t need to take any printouts. 

Now all you must do is, reach one of the three departure points – Prudential Center, Museum of Science, or New England Aquarium – at least 15 minutes before the time on your ticket. 

Since you have a ticket and are on time, you can show it on your smartphone and board the vehicle. 

Last-minute tickets

A limited number of Duck tour Boston tickets are sold online at 8.45 am five days prior. 

If these tickets are sold out online, they won’t be available at the ticket booths either. 

Ticket prices

Visitors aged 12 to 64 years pay the full Boston Duck Tour ticket price of $50 per person.

Seniors 65 years and above and guests with a Military ID qualify for a Boston Duck tour discount of $8 and pay only $42 for entry. 

Kids aged three to 11 years get a $14 discount on the full ticket cost and pay only $36.

Unfortunately, infants younger than three don’t get free entry – but pay a reduced price of $11.

Adult ticket (12 to 64 years): $50 Children ticket (3 to 11 years): $36 Military ticket (with ID): $42 Senior ticket (65+ years): $42 Infant ticket (up to 2 years): $11

Duck Tour timings

Duck boat tours in Boston depart every hour, starting at 9 am or 10 am until one hour before sunset.

The ticket booths at Prudential Center, the Museum of Science, and the New England Aquarium open 30 minutes before the first tour and close after the last tour departs.

However, we suggest you purchase a Boston Duck Tour ticket in advance to avoid last-minute disappointment. 

How long is the Boston Duck tour

Boston Duck Tours are around 80 minutes long – n hour on land and 20 minutes in the water. 

There are no stops and breaks along the route. 

However, the tour duration may vary depending on external and uncontrollable factors such as weather, traffic, and ongoing construction. 

Best time for Duck tours in Boston

Boston’s Duck boat tour is a fantastic experience that takes you through the past and present of the city. 

If you plan to go sightseeing and witness the beauty of the city’s historic neighborhoods like Charlestown, Beacon Hill, Downtown, and Back Bay on these ducks, then late spring through early fall is the perfect time to do so. 

This tourist-friendly season falls between March and November when the weather is pleasant.

The cool breeze emerging from the womb of the Charles River brushes your hair, and the skyline soothes your body, mind, and soul. 

The rest of the months aren’t bad either – drive by the Boston landmarks and dive into the Charles River by booking your Boston Duck T our tickets today!

Will you get drenched? You won’t get drenched in water as the World War II amphibian vehicles splash into the charming Charles River. However, you may get a light spray of water right on your face depending on the speed of the truck cum boat and the direction and strength of the wind. 

Where do Duck tours depart from

Duck tours Boston has three departure locations: the Museum of Science, Prudential Center, and New England Aquarium.

Each location is conveniently located near public transportation. 

Museum of Science

The Museum of Science is located near Boston’s West End, the Bulfinch Triangle, and Charlestown neighborhoods, and it borders the City of Cambridge on the Charles River. 

The ducks boarding area is in front of the Museum of Science, next to the giant Tyrannosaurus rex! 

Address: 1 Science Park, Boston, MA 02114. Get Directions

New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium is a popular aquatic wonder in Boston. It is located on Boston’s historic Waterfront and is near Faneuil Hall.

Boston Duck Tours departs from the New England Aquarium’s driveway in front of the Whale Watch Booth.

Address: 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110. Get Directions

Prudential Center

Prudential Center is a huge shopping complex hosting nearly 75 stores, and the Boston Ducks depart from here.

Address: 53 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02116. Get Directions

Multi-language tours Now you can experience Duck Tours in Boston in your language. All you need to do is wear the GPS headsets and quack; there you go! These language tours depart from the Museum of Science and are available in Mandarin, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, Cantonese & Korean.

Route of Duck tour Boston

The best way to explore the heritage and history of Boston is through Duck Tours Boston. 

The fun and entertainment begin when you hop on your “DUCK,” a World War II-styled amphibian vehicle that takes you on a land and water excursion.  

You’ll cruise by all the significant places that make Boston the birthplace of freedom and a city of firsts. 

Some of the highlights are – 

• The golden-domed State House, which is the state Capitol and the seat of the government for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• The historical Bunker Hill echoes the stories of the American Revolution
• The multi-purpose Fleet Center, which hosts different sports activities
• Boston Common, which is a perfect picnic site
• Newbury Street, which contains tonnes of restaurants and shopping centers

The DUCK transports you to different neighborhoods where you experience nature and man-made architecture a little closer.

Your ConDUCKtor will give you many little-known facts and interesting insights about Boston city. 

Their witty commentary will make your journey a lot more fun!

To know the path you will take, check out the tour’s route map .

What to wear during the trip For Duck boat tours in Boston, you need not wear a swimsuit. But proper clothing is a must because as the amphibian vehicle travel from land to water, there are chances of getting a little wet despite the ducks being heated and enclosed. Dress according to the weather on the day of your voyage. It is often breezy on Charles River.

Check out all the things to do in Boston

Researched & Written by:

Jamshed V Rajan

He is a two-faced traveler, who enjoys both the hustle-bustle of an urban holiday and the serenity of a break from the rest of the World. During some of his vacations, he is a resort hopper, and on others, he barely spends time in his hotel. He loves to try mouth-watering local cuisines, especially non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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Boston Duck Tours

The quackiest way to see boston.

For years I’ve seen the Boston Duck Tours driving through the streets of downtown Boston. I noticed them as randomly decorated military truck type things, but I never even considered taking a ride on one – that was a  touristy thing to do , and I wasn’t a tourist!

Then one weekend, my cousin and her boyfriend came to town and what did they want to do? One of the Boston Duck Tours!

Fortunately, these days I have two incentives to try out the touristy activities I once ignored: 1. Share my hometown with my husband and daughter who really are like tourists. 2. Get the inside scoop so I can share it with you!

So… we picked a date, bought our tickets online (super easy), and off we went for our first Boston Duck Tour.

The only slight negative of the entire experience was that it was fairly chaotic when we first get to the Prudential Center. There wasn’t a clear line to stand in and we weren’t assigned to a particular duck or group, so we found a bench to sit on and waited to be directed.

From there on, we were nothing less than impressed.

We were seated on “Old Gloria”, the duck with a big American flag painted onto it, and were soon introduced to our tour leader, Captain Kidding (who described himself as a pirate from Wyoming who, trying to follow the call of the sea, took a $57,000 cab ride to Boston and has been working for the Boston Duck Tours in order to pay off his cab fare ever since!).

To say the least, Captain Kidding was highly entertaining and highly informative. I think I could listen to his narrative 10 times over and still learn something new.

Within about a minute of leaving “home base” on our duck, we were “quacking” at the passers by (not required, but actually pretty fun if you let yourself get into it – and, of course, my 3-year old LOVED it!).

Our tour guide did a fabulous job of giving us an understanding of the history of different Boston neighborhoods, sharing important historical events, and showing us the beauty and quirks of our city.

Of course, all of this was done completely “in character” as well, so everyone was engaged and it never felt like we were sitting through a history lesson.

When we got to the Charles River, the W.W.II style amphibious landing vehicle (as the Boston Duck Tours describe it) miraculously transformed into a boat. Which reminds me, there was  one  more downside to our journey…

Captain Kidding let all of the kids on the boat take turns driving it (and even a grown-up or two got in there). However, he either didn’t see Siena, or thought she was too young to want a try, so we were left to calm a very distressed 2.5 year old when we ran out of time to request a turn for her… Alas, the challenges a toddler faces!

A testament to how engaging the duck tour was – Siena managed to stay awake in a moving vehicle right during naptime… until the last three minutes. She slept through lunch, of course, but was talking about the duck boat for days afterwards!

Here are a few logistics for you…

• Museum of Science
• Prudential Center
• New England Aquarium
• Adults: $48.99 ($53.44 with taxes & fees)
• Senior(65+)/Active Military: $39.99 ($43.99 with taxes & fees)
• Children aged 3 to 11: $33.99 ($37.69 with taxes & fees)
• Children under 3 (including infants): $10.99 ($13.54 with taxes & fees)

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• Boston Taxi Companies
• Boston Trolley Tours
• Fenway Park Public Tours

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'safety is no. 1 priority,' boston duck boat operator says after fatal accident in missouri.

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The company that runs duck boat tours in Boston is speaking out about the fatal duck boat incident in Missouri that claimed the lives of 17 people.

A duck boat packed with tourists capsized on a Missouri lake and sank in high winds in the tourist town of Branson.

Authorities blamed stormy weather for the accident Thursday evening on Table Rock Lake. Winds at the time were blowing as hard as 65 mph (105 kph), according to the National Weather Service.

Boston Duck Tours said it continuously monitors weather locations at its locations.

"We do not allow our ducks to go into the Charles River if there is lightning in the area or if conditions are forecasted to exceed our operating parameters set by the U.S. Coast Guard,” said Bob Schwartz, director of marketing and sales for Boston Duck Tours.

Schwartz said the tours do not operate if winds are over 25 knots or waves are over 1 foot.

"The safety of our guests and our employees is our No. 1 priority and will continue to work closely with our partners at the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Public Utilities, Boston Hackney Division and Department of Transportation to ensure we maintain these safety standards," he said.

Duck boat rescues toddler, father from Charles River: PHOTOS

The child, who was under 2, was able to squeeze through a railing near the back side of a cambridge hotel and fell into the river, massachusetts state police said, by asher klein , eli rosenberg and alysha palumbo • published august 19, 2024 • updated on august 19, 2024 at 6:51 pm.

A duck boat that happened to be conducting water rescue training saved a man and his child from the Charles River Monday morning in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The child, who was under 2, was able to squeeze through a railing near the back side of the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge and fell into the river, Massachusetts State Police said. The child's father then jumped in, grabbing the child in the water.

The pair was then picked up by a passing Boston Duck Tours boat. The company's CEO said the boat was conducting safety training exercises in the area, and boat's operators spoke to reporters about the irony of doing "man overboard" training when they were waved down in their vessel, Olga Ironsides.

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"We instantly jumped into action," Capt. Michael Rosario said.

They said they lowered the back stairs to grab the little boy out of the water.

“We knew what we needed to do.” Duck Boat captains Kevin & Mike helped rescue a father and 1-2 year old boy who fell into the Charles River this morning. Ironically, they were doing “man overboard” training when people waived them down. @NBC10Boston @necn pic.twitter.com/ugNOTZ2n5F — Alysha Palumbo NBC10 Boston (@AlyshaNBCBoston) August 19, 2024

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The Cambridge Fire Department said the man and child were being evaluated by EMS, and that Cambridge and state police were at the scene. The child was taken to a local hospital as a precaution.

Companies have responded to the Charles River in the vicinity of 40 Land Blvd. A child & adult have been rescued from the water by a @BostonDuckTours boat & are being EMS evaluated by Squad 3, Division 1, & @ProEMSCambridge PM 1. @CambridgePolice & @MassStatePolice also on scene. pic.twitter.com/KZQaVE9DZ0 — Cambridge Fire Dept. (@CambridgeMAFire) August 19, 2024

The situation remained under investigation.

Images shared with NBC10 Boston showed the pair in the water, clinging to the rocks that line the river, as the duck boat approached.

Dom DeMasi, who took the images, said he "heard somebody screaming, and I looked over across the river and there was a guy jumping into the water."

He thought at first a dog might have been the source of the splashing, but was astonished to see "this guy pick up a baby out of the water." '

Rosario and his colleague, duck boat narrator Kevin O'Neill, said they were happy to have conducted a rescue and that the father and son will live to tell the tale.

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Inspections, new rules keep Boston riders safe

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(Boston, MA, 07/20/18) Boston Duck Tours duck boat floats along the Charles River on Friday, July 20, 2018. Staff Photo by Patrick Whittemore

People pray next to a car believed to belong to a victim of a last night's duck boat accident, Friday, July 20, 2018 in Branson, Mo. The country-and-western tourist town of Branson, Missouri, mourned Friday for more than a dozen sightseers who were killed when a duck boat capsized and sank in stormy weather in the deadliest such accident in almost two decades. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

MISSOURI MOURNING: Emergency workers, above, patrol an area yesterday near where a duck boat, similar to boat below right, capsized Thursday in Branson, Mo. Jasmine Burkhardt, below left, leaves flowers on a car believed to belong to one of the 17 victims.

Flowers and a note rest on a car believed to belong to a victim of a last night's duck boat accident, Friday, July 20, 2018 in Branson, Mo. The country-and-western tourist town of Branson, Missouri, mourned Friday for more than a dozen sightseers who were killed when a duck boat capsized and sank in stormy weather in the deadliest such accident in almost two decades. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

People pray outside Ride the Ducks, an amphibious tour operator involved in last night's duck boat accident on Table Rock Lake, Friday, July 20, 2018 in Branson, Mo. The country-and-western tourist town of Branson, Missouri, mourned Friday for more than a dozen sightseers who were killed when a duck boat capsized and sank in stormy weather in the deadliest such accident in almost two decades. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Jasmine Burkhardt, above, leaves flowers on a car believed to belong to one of the 17 victims.

(Boston, MA, 07/20/18) A Boston Duck Tours duck boat floats along the Charles River on Friday, July 20, 2018. Staff Photo by Patrick Whittemore

(Boston, MA, 07/20/18) Boston Duck Tours duck boats park at the company's terminal on Huntington Ave. on Friday, July 20, 2018. Staff Photo by Patrick Whittemore

((Boston, MA, 07/20/18) Boston Duck Tours duck boats park at the company's terminal on Huntington Ave. on Friday, July 20, 2018. Staff Photo by Patrick Whittemore

(Boston, MA, 07/20/18) Boston Duck Tours duck boats motor through Beacon Hill on Friday, July 20, 2018. Staff Photo by Patrick Whittemore

(Boston, MA, 07/20/18) Boston Duck Tours duck boats float along The Charles River on Friday, July 20, 2018. Staff Photo by Patrick Whittemore

City of Boston first responders work at the scene of a fatal scooter accident, involving a Duck Boat tour bus, at the corner of Beacon and Charles streets, in this April 30, 2016 file photo. Staff Photo by Mark Garfinkel

(Boston, MA, 07/20/18) A Boston Duck Tours duck boat enters the Charles River on Friday, July 20, 2018. Staff Photo by Patrick Whittemore

(Boston, MA, 07/20/18) Boston Duck Tours duck boats float along the Charles River on Friday, July 20, 2018. Staff Photo by Patrick Whittemore

(Boston, MA, 07/20/18) Onboard life jackets are attached to the ceiling of a duck boat on Huntington Ave. in Boston on Friday, July 20, 2018. Staff Photo by Patrick Whittemore

FILE - In this July 9, 2010 file photo, an amphibious craft is salvaged from the Delaware River in Philadelphia. A tug boat pilot who was consumed by a family emergency when the barge he was steering crashed into a stalled duck boat filled with tourists, killing two Hungarian students, pleaded guilty Monday, Aug. 1, 2011 to involuntary manslaughter. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

Emergency responders work at Table Rock Lake after a deadly boat accident in Branson, Mo., Thursday, July 19, 2018. A sheriff in Missouri said a tourist boat has apparently capsized on the lake, leaving several people dead and several others hospitalized. (Nathan Papes/The Springfield News-Leader via AP)

Rescue crews work at the scene of a deadly boat accident at Table Rock Lake in Branson, Mo., Thursday, July 19, 2018. A sheriff in Missouri said a tourist boat has apparently capsized on the lake, leaving several people dead and several others hospitalized. (Andrew Jansen/The Springfield News-Leader via AP)

Emergency workers patrol an area Friday, July 20, 2018, near where a duck boat capsized the night before resulting in at least 13 deaths on Table Rock Lake in Branson, Mo. Workers were still searching for four people on the boat that were unaccounted for. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

“We continuously monitor the weather conditions from our three locations. We do not allow our Ducks to go into the Charles River if there is lightning in the area or if conditions are forecasted to exceed our operating parameters set by the U.S. Coast Guard,” said Bob Schwartz, a spokesman for the company. “Our Certificates of Inspection (COI), issued by the U.S. Coast Guard, states we may not operate if winds are over 25 knots or waves over one foot.”

Katie Gronendyke, spokeswoman for the state’s Department of Public Utilities, said in an email the agency regulates duck boats while on land and the Coast Guard inspects the amphibious vehicles to make sure they’re fit for water travel.

Duck boats are randomly inspected yearly by DPU’s Transportation Division field staff, she said. Every duck boat is inspected before it is issued the proper permits and could be inspected anytime after, Gronendyke said. Duck boat drivers are also issued a motor bus driving certificate and a commercial driver’s license, Gronendyke said.

Petty Officer Andrew Barresi with the U.S. Coast Guard, said duck boats are inspected yearly or after an incident. The Coast Guard has no plans to increase inspections in light of the duck boat tragedy in Branson, Mo., Barresi said.

A duck boat capsized on Table Rock Lake Thursday evening, with 29 passengers and two employees on board. Authorities said 17 have died. It is unclear if there were life jackets on board.

Schwartz said all duck boats in Boston have a life jacket on board for each passenger, but said wearing them is not mandatory.

Two years ago, Massachusetts implemented a law requiring significant safety upgrades on duck boats after 28-year-old Allison Warmuth was hit and killed by a duck boat while riding on a scooter in Beacon Hill.

The law banned drivers from serving as tour guides at the same time and added cameras and proximity sensors to the vehicles. Under a settlement with the Suffolk District Attorney’s Office, Boston Duck Tours agreed to use more stringent criteria for hiring drivers, and avoid the area where Warmuth was killed on the anniversary of her death.

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