Authorities are continuing to investigate a duck boat accident that occurred Saturday afternoon near the Charles River in Cambridge, Massachusetts, leaving at least six people injured after the amphibious sightseeing vehicle overturned while being towed.
The incident happened around 3:00 p.m. on Education Street, near the entrance to the Charles River, prompting a rapid response from local emergency personnel. Firefighters, police officers, and medical teams quickly arrived at the scene to assist passengers and secure the area.
According to Cambridge police, six people sustained injuries during the accident. Four individuals suffered minor injuries and were treated by emergency responders, while two others sustained more serious injuries and were transported for further medical evaluation and treatment. Officials have not released updates regarding the conditions of those injured.
Emergency crews confirmed that every person aboard the duck boat was accounted for following the incident. Rescue personnel worked swiftly to ensure that no passengers remained trapped inside the overturned vehicle and to provide immediate medical assistance to those who required care.
Boston Duck Tours later released a statement explaining the circumstances surrounding the accident. According to the company, the duck boat was being towed on its boat ramp when the tow rope broke, causing the vehicle to roll onto its side.
The company stated:
“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 U.S. Coast Guard to review the incident.”
Following the accident, Boston Duck Tours voluntarily suspended operations for the remainder of Saturday while investigators began examining what led to the equipment failure. The company indicated it is cooperating fully with authorities as they conduct a comprehensive review of the incident.
The Massachusetts State Police have assumed responsibility for the investigation. Investigators are expected to examine the mechanical components involved in the towing operation, review maintenance procedures, and determine the sequence of events that resulted in the duck boat overturning.
The U.S. Coast Guard is also assisting in the investigation due to the vessel’s amphibious nature and its operation near the Charles River. Officials have not indicated whether any mechanical defects or procedural issues contributed to the accident, and no conclusions have been announced as the investigation remains ongoing.
The incident drew significant attention from passersby and nearby businesses, with emergency vehicles quickly filling the area surrounding Education Street. Authorities temporarily secured the scene while first responders treated the injured and crews worked to stabilize and recover the overturned vehicle.
Duck boats have long been a popular attraction for visitors to Boston, offering tours that travel on both city streets and waterways while highlighting many of the area’s historic landmarks. Saturday’s accident occurred during a towing operation rather than while the vehicle was conducting a regular sightseeing tour on the water.
Officials have not released the identities of those injured, and no additional information regarding their conditions has been made public. Likewise, investigators have not yet announced when normal operations for Boston Duck Tours will resume.
As investigators continue gathering evidence and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the accident, authorities are encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or captured relevant photos or videos to cooperate if contacted as part of the ongoing investigation.
Additional information is expected to be released as the Massachusetts State Police and the U.S. Coast Guard continue their investigation into the Education Street duck boat accident near the Charles River.