Duck Boat Capsizes Killing Young Child

ByVictoria Negron

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Updated onJuly 31, 2018

This case involves a ‘duck boat’ accident in South Carolina. Before leaving the dock, the tour group was told that the boat would remain in designated “no-wake zones” to avoid choppy waters. About 40 minutes into the tour, the boat entered an area of open water to get a closer view of dolphins that had surfaced. While the boat was approaching the dolphins, a larger high-speed boat passed through the area creating a barrage of rough 3-foot waves causing the boat to capsize. Several of the passengers were seriously injured and one 5-year-old child drowned.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Please describe your experience in boat tour operations, specifically with duck boats.

2. What precautions are taken to guarantee passenger safety?

Expert Witness Response E-162331

inline imageAs a marine surveyor, marine engineer, retired USCG officer, USCG licensed master and marine safety consultant I am very familiar with DUKW boat stability, operations, and their inherent problems. This is a well-known problem with these vessels and this is not the first time this type of accident has happened. The group should not have entered a high-wake zone. The operator should have returned to the dock, found another dock if there was one closer, or run the vessel aground and had the passengers exit the vessel. The operator should have immediately told passengers to don their life jackets and requested assistance either via radio or cell phone. I have been retained as an expert on cases involving improperly handled tour boats and tour boat accidents.

About the author

Victoria Negron

Victoria Negron

Victoria Negron has extensive experience in journalism and thought leadership in the legal space, with a background crafting content, whitepapers, webinars, and current event articles pertaining to the role of expert witnesses in complex litigation matters. She is a skilled professional specializing in B2B product marketing and content marketing. Currently, she serves as an Enterprise Product Marketing Manager at Postman, and previously held the position of Technical Product Marketing Manager at Palantir Technologies, where she developed her skills in launch strategies, go-to-market strategy, and competitive analysis.

Her expertise in content marketing was further refined during her tenure at the Expert Institute, where she progressed from a Marketing Writer to Senior Content Marketing Manager, and eventually to Associate Director of Content & Product Marketing. In these roles, she honed her abilities in digital marketing, SEO, content strategy, and thought leadership.

Educationally, Victoria holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida - Warrington College of Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, Art, and Hispanic Studies from Hamilton College. Her diverse educational background and professional experience have equipped her with a robust skill set in product marketing, content development, and strategic marketing initiatives.

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