Trump, Pence offer condolences to families of Missouri boat tour victims

President Trump offered his condolences Friday after 17 people were killed when a tourist boat in Missouri sank.

Trump tweeted that his “deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those involved in the terrible boat accident” that happened late Thursday.

My deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those involved in the terrible boat accident which just took place in Missouri. Such a tragedy, such a great loss. May God be with you all!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 20, 2018

Vice President Pence also said that he and second lady Karen Pence “send our deepest sympathies and are praying for the victims’ families and friends today.”

Our hearts break for the tragic loss of life in Missouri today. Karen and I send our deepest sympathies and are praying for the victims’ families and friends today. https://t.co/DA7uW4Drxf

— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) July 20, 2018

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A tourist-carrying “duck boat,” which can travel on both land and water, sank when a microburst storm hit Table Rock Lake by Branson, Mo., on Thursday. Fourteen people survived.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement that Trump and first lady Melania Trump “extend their deepest sympathies to all those affected” by the accident.

“We are thankful for the brave first responders and dive crews, whose quick and decisive actions have saved many lives, and we continue to pray for their safety as their search, rescue, and recovery operations continue,” Sanders said.

Sanders added that the administration has been in touch with state and local officials, including Gov. Michael Parson (R), and that the president will receive regular updates on the situation.