Hingham Teen Struck by Boat Badly Injured

A 13-year-old Hingham boy suffered serious injuries to his head and arm when he was struck by a boat while tubing on Labor Day.

The victim and two friends, both 13-year-old boys from Hingham, were tubing Monday at around 3:30 p.m. between World's End and the Hingham Yacht Club when one of the teens fell off the tube going over the wake.


The lone boat operator, also a 13-year-old Hingham boy, turned around and hit one of the boys still on the tube, running him over, according to a statement from the Hingham Police Department.

Hingham Harbormaster Kenneth Corson and the Massachusetts Environmental Police are investigating the incident. It took place in a designated water ski and tubing area.

The victim was at South Shore Hospital Wednesday morning and improving, Sgt. Steven Dearth said in an email.

All three teens in the water were wearing personal flotation devices.

"The boat operator had not completed a Safe Boating Course required for those ages 12-16 to operate a motorboat without being directly supervised by a person 18 years or older," the statement said. "The course is offered each year in the spring locally by the Hingham Harbormaster’s Office. The course is free and open to anyone."

The boat, a 13-foot Boston Whaler, is owned by one of the boy's families.

Police describe the action after the victim was struck:

"One of the teens climbed back into the boat. He and the boat operator pulled the victim onto the boat and immediately drove to the Hingham Yacht Club for assistance. The fourth teen, who remained in the water,was picked up by another boat a short time later. He was not injured. Bystanders and Officers assisted at the scene until Hingham Fire Department Paramedics arrived."