Branson’s Duck Boats Canned This Summer

The company that owns a duck boat that sank on Table Rock Lake last year, killing 17 people, won’t operate the boats this year and will instead open a replacement attraction in Branson. Orlando-based Ripley Entertainment announced plans for the new attraction today, called Branson Top Ops.

Branson Top Ops, will include indoor laser tag, an interactive outdoor maze with barriers, and a tower. Ripley spokeswoman Suzanne Smagala-Potts said work will begin soon and that the venue is expected to open for Memorial Day weekend. She said 10 percent of this year’s proceeds, with a minimum amount of $100,000, will be donated to local first responders, such as police and firefighters. “Branson thrives on tourism, so we want to make sure we continue to give back to the community,”

Smagala-Potts declined to comment on whether the boats would ever float again on Table Rock Lake, saying that the company is focused on 2019 and hasn’t “looked in the future of what we may or may not do.”

For nearly 50 years, tourists have toured the Branson area on refurbished amphibious vessels originally used by the military during World War II, with Ripley purchasing the duck boats in 2017. The company suspended operations after one sank during a storm last July. Those killed were from Missouri, Indiana, Illinois and Arkansas.

Ripley still faces several lawsuits alleging that it launched the doomed boat despite warnings of severe weather. The boat’s captain was indicted on 17 counts accusing him of failing to tell passengers to put on flotation devices or prepare them to abandon ship even after waves crashed into the boat.

Smagala-Potts said the company is pursuing mediation with the families, adding “We want to do the right thing for the families and the community.”