[UconnTim97]

Originally Posted by MBAtarga

My understanding is the drive shaft seals on these things are normally the culprit - boat takes on water, etc... The canopy causes confusion and can trap folks trying to escape under water.

Recalling Arkansas Duck-boat tragedy from 1999, and the NTSB report - Philly

I remember when that happened. The pilot of the tugboat was on his cell phone. He ended up in prison.

A few years later a woman crossing the street was hit and killed by a duck boat here. She may have been on a cell phone at the time. Either way, the duck boats were shut down after that.