I think that this video unlocked a completely new fear within me, especially as someone who lives near the Boston area. A woman and her friend captured the moments after a duck boat went through a series of rather unfortunate events.
In this particular clip, she shows the part where those in the duck boat were evacuated on what appears to be an embankment below the Boston bridge. She then shows off the boat itself and the state it was left in once everyone was safely removed.
It seems as though the boat was holding a variety of people when the events that unfolded occurred, resulting in what was supposed to be a peaceful ride turned nightmare. Unfortunately, it also looks as though someone was injured, judging by the visible gurney towards the end.
The video doesn’t explain the entire story, but does show off just how bad it really was for those who were involved.
Passengers Suddenly Found Themselves Climbing to Safety
@abby_blount what a day #fyp #boston #saxophone #accident #trending @The Boston Globe ♬ Saxophones getting louder – Sped Up – AntonioVivald
In the video, the original poster can be seen trying to make the best of a scary situation as she shows off the different people also on the boat wearing red life jackets. She then pans the camera to what looks like a steep wall with two people climbing down, likely helping people out one by one.
Once safely at the top of the embankment, you can see that the boat had actually been turned over on its side, making it difficult for rescuers to reach those inside. Fortunately, it appears that everyone was able to safely evacuate the vehicle.
Realistically, this part of the accident was just the end of a series of events that led up to the boat being on its side in the first place. According to WCVB 5, 11 people were injured, one seriously.
A Broken Tow Rope Set off a Chain of Events
The Boston Duck Tours are essentially on every single tourist’s to-do list in the city. The tours take place in a vehicle that can drive through the streets as well as maneuver through water; that’s kind of the whole thing.
Unfortunately, one duck boat lost power, resulting in another boat having to tow them to a nearby ramp. However, as the boat in front was pulling the one behind it, the tow rope snapped, hurling all of the 31 people aboard back into the river.
Boston Duck Tours wrote in a statement, “While being towed on our boat ramp, one of our vehicles rolled onto its side when the tow rope broke As a precaution, we have suspended operations for the remainder of the day. We are working with Massachusetts State Police and the U.S. Coast Guard to review the incident.”
The incident occurred on June 28, and the Boston Duck Tour operations have since resumed.
Commenters Were Just as Shocked as the Passengers
Commenters also expressed shock at the entire situation, with one person writing, “That was so crazy it happened out of nowhere I was so shocked. I was on the boat towing you guys out.”
Others came from sources that spoke about the news as well, with another person writing, “omg! i’ve been watching this on the news. I don’t know you, but I’m so glad you’re okay!!!” Similarly, another commenter wrote, “This video is the exact reason I came to TikTok this am. Thank you!! Because I’m confused as to what even happened. Like HoW!!!! I know it’s probably a nervous giggle, but I’m glad you guys are ok.”
As detailed above, 11 people were injured and taken to the hospital for their injuries. It doesn’t appear as though the girls primarily featured in this video were among those injured.