Man Crashed Into Cruise Boat, Injured Passengers And Fled: Wisconsin Authorities

OSHKOSH, WI — An Oshkosh man is accused of abandoning boat passengers who pled for aid after he struck their vessel, injuring multiple people over the summer on the Fox River, according to authorities.

The state justice department announced charges Wednesday against 52-year-old Jason Lindemann in connection with the July 9 incident.

Lindeman was driving a powerboat 31 mph when it hit “On the Loos,” a paddlewheel cruise vessel carrying 44 people, around 10 p.m., authorities said. The cruise boat was significantly damaged, and passengers begged Lindemann for help, but instead, he dropped off injured people who were aboard his own vessel and fled to Lake Winnebago, where he stayed until morning, before eventually abandoning his boat at a nearby marina, according to authorities.

Lindemann was drinking at the Dockside Tavern ahead of the crash, authorities said, adding that Lindemann was traveling as fast as 46 mph shortly before the collision and that multiple passengers were hurt in the incident.

Lindemann faces two counts of second-degree reckless endangerment, 18 counts of failure to render aid, and a charge of negligent boat operation, according to authorities.