Crime & Safety

After Falmouth Boat Captain's Arrest, Coast Guard Issues Drunken Boating Warning

In another incident this summer, a woman's arm was sliced off by a propeller near Spectacle Island.

Coast Guard officials this week issued a warning against drunken boating after a series of incidents over the summer.

Earlier this month, a Falmouth boat captain was charged with OUI after one of his passengers called for help because he appeared so intoxicated, police said.

In May, a woman’s arm was sliced off by the propeller of a boat that was operating by a drunk man near Spectacle Island, police said. The woman survived.

Find out what's happening in Falmouthfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Coast Guard officials said alcohol is the biggest contributor to fatal boating accidents.

“The marine environment—the sun’s heat and water’s motion—intensifies the effect of alcohol,” the Coast Guard said in a statement.

Find out what's happening in Falmouthfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

New England Coast Guard crews conduct boardings ”every day” and will perform sobriety tests on operators if they suspect they’ve been drinking.

“Legal repercussions, coupled with the severe risks to life and property, are real, terrifying consequences of drinking and boating,” the Coast Guard said.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.