Marine Patrol To Boaters: Maintain Safe Speed, Report Crashes

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Department of Safety Marine Patrol is investigating the crash of a 23-foot powerboat on Lake Winnipesaukee Friday. Marine Patrol was sent to an area near Lockes Island in Gilford for a report of a powerboat lodged on a rock breakwater near the shoreline, according to Lt. Crystal McLain of the Marine Patrol. The department's preliminary investigation revealed that a 58-year-old man from Carlisle, Massachusetts, was operating the boat at the time.

"He and one passenger were attempting to return to a residence on the island when he struck a moored boat, continuing up onto the breakwater," McLain stated. "There were no reported injuries."

While no charges have been filed, the investigation remains open, she said.

McLain added that New Hampshire law requires all boat operators who know – or reasonably should have known – that they have been involved in an accident, to immediately stop the boat at the scene, render any assistance they are capable of giving, and immediately notify Marine Patrol or local police about the crash. She added that all boaters must maintain a safe speed and safe distance from objects in waterways, including floats, swimmers, docks, mooring fields, other boats, and the shore.

Anyone who has further information related to this incident or who witnessed it is encouraged to contact Sgt. Dave Ouellette at 603-227-2111 or by email at dave.ouellette@dos.nh.gov.

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