Duck Boat Regulations Proposed After Beacon Hill Death

Boston, MA - Lawmakers introduced a bill Wednesday to increase safety requirements for duck boats, the land-water sight-seeing vessels caught up in debate after a fatal accident that took place just blocks from the statehouse.

One of the vehicles struck and killed 28-year-old Allison Warmuth this spring, when the moped she was riding was struck by a duck boat at the intersection of Charles and Beacon Street.

Her parents joined lawmakers at a press conference announcing the bill Wednesday morning.

"It's an obvious, common-sense action that could greatly improve the safety of these vehicles," Warmuth's father, Ivan, said.

Sen. William Brownsberger, the Belmont Democrat who proposed the bill, stressed it is bigger than this single accident.

"It's important to remember this is not about one incident, this is not about one tour operator, it is not about one city. It is about making the operation of tours safer around the Commonwealth," he said.

According to the bill text, the proposed legislation would require blind spot cameras and proximity sensors on the so-called amphibious vehicles. It would also require two employees on those vehicles during tours - one to narrate the tour, and another to drive.

Boston Duck Tours, which operated the vehicle involved in Warmuth's death, issued a statement on the bill Wednesday morning:

“Safety has always been the number one priority for Boston Duck Tours. We have rigorous standards, training and oversight along with a fleet of modern duck boats, designed to insure the safety of the motoring public and pedestrians. In the weeks since the tragic accident, we have taken several steps to further enhance the safety of the vehicles to ensure that it is at the highest possible level. We have already installed a new camera on each duck, which will complement the eight existing mirrors to address any blind spots. We also plan to add sensory equipment to the front and back of the vehicle in the near term. We await the conclusion of the City of Boston’s investigation and will collaborate with them on any additional safety procedures that they recommend.”

If passed, the regulations would take effect April 1, 2017.