Indianapolis congressman re-introduces duck boat safety bill

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A U.S. representative from Indianapolis wants to make duck boats safer.

The proposal comes nearly a year after nine members of one Indianapolis family died while riding one in Missouri.

U.S. Rep. André Carson, a Democrat serving Indiana, announced Wednesday he is re-introducing a duck boat safety bill. He first brought forward the legislation last session.

The bill calls on the U.S. Coast Guard to implement recommendations to make duck boats more floatable and better equipped to withstand flooding or sinking. The law would also require prior recommendations such as replacing canopies from the boats and requiring all passengers to wear life jackets to finally be implemented.

Seventeen people died in July when a duck boat sank near Branson, Missouri. Tia Coleman, who lost several members of her family, said she supports Carson’s legislation.