A duck boat carrying tourists overturned Saturday afternoon at a Cambridge, Massachusetts boat ramp, injuring at least six people in an incident that drew a substantial emergency response from multiple agencies.
The amphibious sightseeing vehicle tipped onto its side at a boat ramp near the entrance to the Charles River, according to state police officials. Fortunately, none of the passengers aboard the vessel ended up in the water during the incident.
The Cambridge Police Department reported that while some injuries were classified as minor, two individuals sustained what authorities described as “more serious” injuries. All passengers aboard the vessel have been accounted for, according to Cambridge fire officials who responded to the scene.
State police confirmed that their troopers and Marine Unit personnel responded alongside the Cambridge police and fire departments. Photographs from the scene showed the overturned duck boat appeared significantly damaged, with a large contingency of emergency responders working the incident.
Duck boats, which are amphibious vehicles designed to operate both on land and water, have become popular tourist attractions in several American cities. These vessels, originally designed as military transport vehicles during World War II, now ferry sightseers through city streets before entering bodies of water for the aquatic portion of tours.
The incident occurred at one of the region’s well-known tourist destinations, where these distinctive vehicles regularly transport visitors seeking a unique perspective of the historic Boston and Cambridge areas. The Charles River, which separates Boston from Cambridge, serves as a centerpiece for many of these tours.
The exact cause of the capsizing remains under investigation. Authorities have not yet released information regarding what may have caused the vessel to overturn at the boat ramp, nor have they provided details about the specific circumstances leading up to the incident.
This accident adds to a troubling history of duck boat incidents across the nation. These vehicles, while popular with tourists, have been involved in several serious accidents over the years, prompting ongoing discussions about safety regulations and operational procedures.
Emergency responders worked efficiently to ensure all passengers received appropriate medical attention. Those with more serious injuries were transported to area hospitals for treatment, though authorities have not released specific information about the nature or extent of those injuries.
The investigation into this incident continues, with state police taking the lead in determining the circumstances that led to the vessel’s capsizing. As authorities work to piece together exactly what happened, questions about the safety protocols and mechanical condition of the duck boat will likely be central to their inquiry.
The scene has since been cleared, and the damaged vessel removed from the boat ramp. No further details were immediately available regarding the total number of passengers aboard at the time of the incident or the operational status of the tour company involved.
