Rescuers Praised By Governor Parson
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July 26, 2018
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Isaac Estes-Jones
Governor Mike Parson spent much of the day Friday, July 20, in the area, meeting with victims, families, rescuers and responders.
Sheriff Rader said that there were many members of the public who assisted in the rescue efforts while first responders arrived.
“I had a Stone County Deputy that was on the Branson Belle doing off-duty security work that was involved in the rescue,” Rader said. “I also understand there were employees of the Branson Belle that jumped in to help and that there were even passengers of the Branson Belle that were assisting. That is very outstanding.”
One staff member of the Branson Belle, who did not want to be named, said there were at least three crew members that jumped into the water to save people. “Many others were on the barge and tugboat pulling people out of the water,” they said, adding “The rest of us found dry clothes or towels to dry the survivors off, giving them water or coffee.”
“We were asked to keep the chatter to a minimum out of respect for those involved. The only think I want is a little recognition for the staff and crew that stepped up to help,” they said. “Everyone jumped in to help,
Sheriff Rader thanked the owners of the Branson Belle, Herschend Family Entertainment, for all of their help and support.
Stone County Sheriffs Office, Taney County Sheriffs Office, the MO Highway Patrol, Branson Police Department, Western Taney County Fire, Southern Stone Fire, Taney County Ambulance District ambulances, Mercy Ambulance and Stone County Emergency Management responded to the scene.
“The courageous efforts of emergency responders and civilian rescuers helped avert an even worse tragedy, as people rushed to help in extremely dangerous conditions. I was inspired by the stories I heard from some of those who were part of the rescue effort and tremendously encouraged by the strength of the family members of victims I met with today. We pray for all those who were affected by this terrible tragedy,” said Governor Parson.
In a release about Parson’s visit, the Governor’s team stated:
“After meeting with Stone County Sheriff Doug Rader and others leading the recovery operation early Friday morning, Gov. Parson traveled to Cox Medical Center Branson to meet with survivors and some of the medical personnel who helped treat some of those injured Thursday night. The Governor also met with some of the civilians and emergency responders who helped with rescues Thursday and with the loved ones of some of the victims.
Thirty-one people were onboard the Ride the Ducks amphibious vehicle when it sunk in strong winds and large waves Thursday evening. After working throughout the night and into today, nine Missouri State Highway Patrol divers have recovered the remaining four bodies from the water totaling 17 fatalities. The Patrol divers were among several dive teams that all worked expeditiously to recover the victims. Many of the victims were out of state visitors to the Branson area. Of the 14 survivors, seven were injured, one seriously.
The investigation into the boat sinking is being led by the National Transportation Safety Board and the U.S. Coast Guard. The Governor pledged the support of all state resources necessary to assist with the investigation.
On Friday, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Critical Incident Stress Management team deployed to Branson to assist State Parks concessionaire staff and visitors who helped in search and rescue efforts Thursday. The concessionaire staff and visitors helped rescue two of the survivors and recovered the bodies of three victims immediately after the boat sank.
Other state resources that have responded to assist include the Department of Conservation and DNR State Parks rangers, the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Department of Mental Health, and the State Emergency Management Agency’s Disaster Mortuary Assistance Team.
Other agencies that have played critical parts in response and recovery efforts include the Stone County Sheriff’s Department, Taney County Sheriff’s Department, Christian County Sheriff’s Department, Branson Police Department, Branson Fire Department, Southern Stone County Fire, Western Taney County Fire, Taney County Ambulance District, and Mercy Ambulance.
Gov. Parson cautioned the public to follow their local forecast and to always take protective action when severe weather strikes.”
Governor Mike Parson spent much of the day Friday, July 20, in the area, meeting with victims, families, rescuers and responders.
Sheriff Rader said that there were many members of the public who assisted in the rescue efforts while first responders arrived.
“I had a Stone County Deputy that was on the Branson Belle doing off-duty security work that was involved in the rescue,” Rader said. “I also understand there were employees of the Branson Belle that jumped in to help and that there were even passengers of the Branson Belle that were assisting. That is very outstanding.”
One staff member of the Branson Belle, who did not want to be named, said there were at least three crew members that jumped into the water to save people. “Many others were on the barge and tugboat pulling people out of the water,” they said, adding “The rest of us found dry clothes or towels to dry the survivors off, giving them water or coffee.”
“We were asked to keep the chatter to a minimum out of respect for those involved. The only think I want is a little recognition for the staff and crew that stepped up to help,” they said. “Everyone jumped in to help,
Sheriff Rader thanked the owners of the Branson Belle, Herschend Family Entertainment, for all of their help and support.
Stone County Sheriffs Office, Taney County Sheriffs Office, the MO Highway Patrol, Branson Police Department, Western Taney County Fire, Southern Stone Fire, Taney County Ambulance District ambulances, Mercy Ambulance and Stone County Emergency Management responded to the scene.
“The courageous efforts of emergency responders and civilian rescuers helped avert an even worse tragedy, as people rushed to help in extremely dangerous conditions. I was inspired by the stories I heard from some of those who were part of the rescue effort and tremendously encouraged by the strength of the family members of victims I met with today. We pray for all those who were affected by this terrible tragedy,” said Governor Parson.
In a release about Parson’s visit, the Governor’s team stated:
“After meeting with Stone County Sheriff Doug Rader and others leading the recovery operation early Friday morning, Gov. Parson traveled to Cox Medical Center Branson to meet with survivors and some of the medical personnel who helped treat some of those injured Thursday night. The Governor also met with some of the civilians and emergency responders who helped with rescues Thursday and with the loved ones of some of the victims.
Thirty-one people were onboard the Ride the Ducks amphibious vehicle when it sunk in strong winds and large waves Thursday evening. After working throughout the night and into today, nine Missouri State Highway Patrol divers have recovered the remaining four bodies from the water totaling 17 fatalities. The Patrol divers were among several dive teams that all worked expeditiously to recover the victims. Many of the victims were out of state visitors to the Branson area. Of the 14 survivors, seven were injured, one seriously.
The investigation into the boat sinking is being led by the National Transportation Safety Board and the U.S. Coast Guard. The Governor pledged the support of all state resources necessary to assist with the investigation.
On Friday, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Critical Incident Stress Management team deployed to Branson to assist State Parks concessionaire staff and visitors who helped in search and rescue efforts Thursday. The concessionaire staff and visitors helped rescue two of the survivors and recovered the bodies of three victims immediately after the boat sank.
Other state resources that have responded to assist include the Department of Conservation and DNR State Parks rangers, the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Department of Mental Health, and the State Emergency Management Agency’s Disaster Mortuary Assistance Team.
Other agencies that have played critical parts in response and recovery efforts include the Stone County Sheriff’s Department, Taney County Sheriff’s Department, Christian County Sheriff’s Department, Branson Police Department, Branson Fire Department, Southern Stone County Fire, Western Taney County Fire, Taney County Ambulance District, and Mercy Ambulance.
Gov. Parson cautioned the public to follow their local forecast and to always take protective action when severe weather strikes.”