NTSB gives briefing on investigation into duck boat accident

The National Transportation Safety Board held a briefing Saturday on the investigation into the Thursday duck boat accident.

Earl Weener, NTSB board member, thank all the survivors and first responders for allowing interviews.

Weener said the NTSB searched duck boat 54, the other boat on the water Thursday evening, to get a clear understanding of the capsized boat.

A U.S. Coast Guard captain was present at the briefing, and said they requested information from Ride the Ducks owners on the latest inspections, records and history of those inspections.

According to Weener, the owner is cooperating.

In addition, investigators with NTSB said they want footage that may be down in the water with the boat, and as soon as the boat is salvaged they will know more.

“The Coast Guard will be working with the owner to develop a salvage plan. The development of that salvage plan is currently underway, and we expect and are putting together the resources to effect that salvage. We’re hopeful that will happened in the early part of next week and we will certainly provide notice of the plan for the salvage of the vessel,” U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Scott Stoemer said.

The NTSB said their objective is focused on safety, identifying what happened, why it happened and how to prevent it from happening again.

Weener is asking the public if they have any photos or videos to send them to witness@ntsb.gov