LARGO, Fla. -- The tragic duck boat accident in Branson, Missouri that left 17 people dead was the latest in a series of deadly incidents involving the amphibious passenger boats.
The newest generation of the popular tour vehicles, which can operate on the land and water, is being manufactured in the Tampa Bay Area.
Their goal is to create a design that’s more reliable and safer.
Like so many people, Captain Kevin Buck, the owner of Trolley Boats in Largo, was heartbroken by the tragedy unfolding in Branson.
“It’s terrible when an accident like this happens,” he said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.”
Buck operated a duck boat off and on for nearly a decade, so he knows how much fun they can be. He knows their safety flaws too.
“I’ve had many close calls,” he said.
At his Largo warehouse, Buck is building the next generation of amphibious passenger vessels he calls trolley boats. It's the same idea – with a different approach.
“We, are actually a boat that’s made to drive down the road. Whereas those vehicles or truck frames and they put the boat body on them,” Buck said.
What’s the difference?
Buck’s design has fewer holes, so it takes on less water. The steering is closer to the front for better visibility. The vessels have jet drives instead of propellers to operate in shallower water.
There are also cameras and sensors to avoid accidents on land.
“Everything, in general, to keep it as safe as possible,” Buck said.
Currently, there are no duck boat operations in the Tampa Bay area, but there used to be.
Still, there are plenty of charter options for tourists. One of the most popular tours is the Pirates Ransom Pirate Ship, which ran aground when fog unexpectedly rolled in New Year’s Eve 2012.
“Zero visibility. I happened to be the captain that day. I’ll own it,” said Capt. Gerry Graham, who still operates the tour.
Graham said fortunately no one was hurt that night, but he and other tour operators know how quickly the weather can turn.
They monitor weather reports and radar constantly.
“I mean you could have a blue sky and all of a sudden there’s a gray cloud right over you,” said Graham. “So, it’s very important to us.”
Fortunately, tourist boat accidents are rare in our area. And visitors presume, for the most part, that proper safety precautions are being taken.
“Obviously, I don’t let things like that play on my mind too much, because then you just wouldn’t do anything,” said Pamela Heffernan, taking her family on an afternoon charter in Clearwater.
However, if there’s something to be learned from the tragedy in Branson, Capt. Buck says he will try to incorporate It into the next generation of his hydro hybrids.
“Find out what happened,” said Capt. Buck, “And keep it from happening again.”
