On September 11, Alaska State Trooper Ketchikan post received a 911 call from a passenger regarding a boating accident on Stikine River in Wrangell. Wrangell Fire Department responded with a float plane with three medics onboard as well as a boat with EMT’s on board.  A boat carrying five Petersburg passengers struck a log, injuring several.  One injured passenger was transported by plane to Wrangell and then on to Seattle for medical treatment.  The remaining four passengers were transported by boat to Wrangell with two being admitted for treatment at Wrangell Medical Center.  Alcohol is believed to be a factor and Troopers are continuing to investigate.

Report taken from Alaska State Troopers Dispatch and Wrangell Sentinel.

Boating Safety Tips

Always wear a life jacket and insist that your crew and guests do the same.  Make sure that children are wearing appropriate life jackets that fit correctly.  Operate at a safe speed and maintain a careful lookout.  Never drink alcohol while boating.  Stay safe by leaving the alcohol on dry land.  Take note of visibility, traffic density and the proximity of navigation hazards.   Don’t invite a collision by going faster than is prudent.

Accidents happen so fast that it is difficult to know what really happened or who was really at fault.  It is crucial that you contact a personal injury attorney immediately so the proper steps can be taken to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your damages.  Time is of the essence.  Contact the personal injury attorney’s at Ringstad Law Office, P.C. today.