SINKING BLAMED ON MISCONDUCT AND NEGLIGENCE

The U.S. Coast Guard has found probable cause that the sinking of a tourist boat on a Missouri lake last month that killed 17 people “resulted from the misconduct, negligence, or inattention to the duties” by the captain of the boat, according to a court motion filed Wednesday.

The U.S. attorney’s office also said in the motion the captain of a second duck boat that made it safely to shore when the storm kicked up on Table Rock Lake near Branson acted in a “grossly negligent manner” but doesn’t elaborate.

The Coast Guard referred the investigation to federal prosecutors. No criminal charges have been filed.

Three federal lawsuits have been filed against the duck boat operators.