Missouri boat capsizing: 17 dead, nine from same family

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An amphibious tourist boat carrying 31 people sank in a lake in the US state of Missouri Thursday night, killing 17 people, including children, as severe thunderstorms struck the area, officials said.

Among the 17 dead, nine were from the same family, governor of Missouri Michael Parson told CNN, adding the only survivors of the family were an aunt and her 13-year-old nephew.

A total of 14 people survived, including seven who were injured when the Ride the Ducks tourist boat sank in Table Rock Lake in Branson Thursday evening, local media quoted Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Jason Pace as saying.

Among the seven injured, four are adults and three are children. Two adults were in critical condition, and others were being treated for minor injuries, officials said.

Some 29 passengers and two crew members were on board the amphibious boat when it plunged into 80 feet of water and landed upright on its wheels, Stone County Sheriff Doug Rader said.

Rader said life jackets were on the boat, but he dId not know whether or how many people were wearing them.

US President Donald Trump tweeted his condolences early Friday, extending his deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those involved.

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"It's a sad occasion, a lot of people involved. Right now is just a time for thoughts and prayers," Missouri Governor said.

Parson said other details of the accident remained unclear as local, state and federal authorities began an investigation.

The Coast Guard will conduct an investigation, said Pace. A team from the National Transportation Safety Board will travel to the scene Friday.

(With input from Xinhua)