Seventeen people killed by a shipwreck on Missouri Lake

The wreck of a ship with tourists in a lake of the state of Missouri in United States ] left 17 dead between one and 70 years old, police said Friday.

The ship carried 31 persons on board as detailed by the sheriff at a press conference Stone County Doug Rader. Six people were hospitalized as a result of the accident, which occurred on Thursday at Table Rock Lake at a time when the Midwest was hit by violent storms . Preliminary reports indicating that there were children among the victims the Commissary Office of Stone County reported that the age of the 17 deceased varies from one to 70 years, including the driver of the boat.

After the sinking, some passengers managed to reach the shore, but the number of victims increased after the rescue operations carried out by divers on Friday, according to the authorities.

Meanwhile, the local branch of Cox Medical Center, a Missouri-based hospital, confirmed that six people are still hospitalized

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of this tragic event" . Missouri Governor Mike Parson at a press conference.

SOUTHERN STORM
The accident occurred when the amphibious ship, able to move both by land and by water, attempted to return to the continent and that a strong wind capsized

. A bigger boat that was nearby, called "Branson Belle", jumped into the water to help people on the boat, Rader said.

"(The rescuers) came quickly to the place," Curt Elleman, witness of the fact, told MSNBC.

"The first ones to come to the rescue were private boats … and they started taking people immediately," he said.

This Friday, the divers spotted the boat 25 meters under the water, perched on its wheels.

The National Transportation Safety Council (NTSB ) sent a team to investigate the site, and the commissioner called witnesses to provide additional videos of the accident.

"My office spoke at the NTSB," tweeted Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill. "They have a big team going to Branson … and they will have investigators for a few weeks," he added.

QUESTIONS TO ANSWER
Another witness, Rick Kettels, owner of Lakeside Resort, a resort located on the lake, told AFP that the storm "arrived very quickly" towards 6:15. pm.

Kettels recorded a video of the shoreline, where you can see large waves crashing on the pier, before learning the wreckage.

Investigation questions will indicate whether the ship's crew was aware of climate warnings, and whether passengers were wearing lifejackets.
"I understand that there were jackets on the boat," Rader said.

Missouri meteorologist Steve Lindenberg told AFP that a series of violent storms had hit the area, with winds of up to 119 km / h, causing falls of trees and power cuts.

30 minutes after the fact.

"SENTIDAS CONDOLENCIAS"
The artificial lake of Table Rock near the town of Branson south of Missouri at the border of Arkansas, is frequented by tourists.

This holiday destination is known for its theaters and country music, which includes an attraction of singer Dolly Parton inspired by the Civil War.

President Donald Trump tweeted his condolences

"My deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who were touched by the terrible accident of the boat that just happened." In Missouri, a great tragedy, a great loss, may God be with you! "writes the President.

Meanwhile, the company Ripley Entertainment, owner of the boat, said by her spokesperson, Suzanne Smagala-Potts, it will do "everything I can help the families who were involved, as well as the authorities in the continued search and rescue efforts. "

This attraction of Ripley Entertainment was included in the company's offer last year.

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