Boat Accidents

Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner of Clifford Law Offices, spoke to Jon Hansen on WGN radio (720 AM) on Saturday, June 11, 2022, covering dangerous summer activities that can lead to increased injuries and deaths. Hansen referred to Clifford as the lawyer to turn to “when bad things happen.” Aside from additional boaters on the waters who need to take extra precautions such as knowing CPR and storing sufficient life preservers for all…

Summertime boating is a delightful pastime that Chicagoans look forward to all year long. From recreational boating on the infamous Lake Michigan to peaceful kayaking on Maple Lake, boatloads of fun can be had for everyone. Or perhaps you rather float past rush hour traffic and commute for business or pleasure via the Chicago Water Taxi system. Whatever way motor on water, Chicago has something for you. However, just like driving a car, some dangers…

A family from Schaumburg, Illinois, is left grieving during what was intended to be a fun, memory-filled vacation in the Florida Keys. A mother was killed and her son and nephew were injured after they slammed into the old Seven Mile Bridge during a parasailing tragedy west of Marathon, Florida, Monday afternoon. According to an article by NBC, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the U.S. Coast Guard are investigating the crash….

Several major publications are reporting that court records indicate that the deadly duck boats were designed decades ago by a businessman who had no engineering experience. The Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times and USA Today are among those reporting that the designer and entrepreneur, Robert F. McDowell, had completed only two years of college and “had no background, training or certification in mechanics when he came up with the design for ‘stretch’ duck…

The Ride the Ducks Branson company reportedly was warned about dangerous safety issues and design flaws nearly a year ago regarding its amphibious vessels, according to Fox News. It is being reported by Fox News that a mechanical inspector hired by owners of the company, Ripleys Entertainment based in Florida, hired a mechanical inspector to examine 24 duck boats that it was interested in buying at that time. Steven Paul, who served in the U.S….

Investigators updated the public and the media on its ongoing investigation into Thursday’s July 19, 2018) tragic duck boat trip on Table Rock Lake that left 17 people dead and 14 more injured. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Member Earl Weener revealed on Saturday evening that a “black box,” similar to that found on airplanes, had been located on the submerged duck boat and has been shipped to Washington, D.C., for inspection. A preliminary report…

As more details emerge from the investigation into the duck boat that sank near Branson, Missouri, Thursday (July 19, 2018), experts are more carefully examining the weather conditions that day and any safety procedures that might have been followed on the amphibious vessel before leaving on its tourist run. The National Weather Service had issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Table Rock Lake area from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and about a…

A duck boat carrying 31 people sank in a storm while they were on Table Rock Lake near Branson, Missouri, on the evening of Thursday, July 19th. The boat capsized then sunk to the bottom of the lake, killing 17 people on board, reportedly even small children. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating whether life jackets were on board and used. Investigators also are looking into whether warnings about the weather were ignored…

Resources for Hardcore Boaters Take your boating skills, experiences and camaraderie to the next level by joining a boating club like the United States Power Squadron for power boaters.