ST. LOUIS -- The U.S. Coast Guard has referred the investigation into last month’s deadly sinking of a Missouri tourist boat to federal prosecutors.
The accident occurred July 19 at Table Rock Lake near Branson, Missouri. An amphibious duck boat sank amid strong winds, killing 16 passengers and a crew member. Fourteen people survived.
Nine of those victims were from on Indianapolis family.
Tia Coleman and her nephew, Donovan were the only two members of their family to survive.
The legal team for the Coleman family says it “supports the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation referral to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Western Missouri for criminal investigation." Adding, "All those who continue to grieve support holding fully accountable those responsible for making the deadly decisions that resulted in the catastrophe.”
Several investigations are still underway from the National Transportation Safety Board, the Coast Guard and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.
The duck boat attraction owner, Ripley Entertainment, says it is cooperating with the investigations.