A Ride the Ducks tourist boat capsized and sank in Branson, Missouri, Thursday evening.
Stone County Sheriff Doug Rader told Time magazine that at least 11 people, including children, died in the incident. Four adults and three children were treated at a nearby hospital for injuries, with two of the adults in critical condition.
According to ABC News, severe evening thunderstorms struck the area at the time of the incident, with winds reaching in excess of 60 mph. Eyewitness video obtained by ABC News shows the amphibious craft taking on water as high waves lashed at its sides.
"The wind really picked up bad and debris was flying everywhere,” Allison Lester, a passenger on a nearby boat, said on "Good Morning America” Friday morning, according to the ABC News report. "The waters were rough.”
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident that occurred at Ride The Ducks Branson,” Ride the Ducks said in a statement on its website. “This incident has deeply affected all of us. Words cannot convey how profoundly our hearts are breaking. We will continue to do all we can to assist the families who were involved and the authorities as they continue with the search and rescue.”
Ride the Ducks said it will be closed for business as it supports the investigation and to allow families and the community time to grieve.
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