Accidents of the Week - April 26, 2025
BoatTEST publishes “Accidents of the Week” as a public service for our VIP Subscribers to acquaint them with potential boating dangers and by inference their prevention.
Three Killed in 2-Boat Collision During Fishing Competition
4/16/25 - Cullman County, AL
Three people were killed after two boats collided on an Alabama lake on 16 April, authorities said.
The incident occurred during a Major League Fishing tournament and involved one of the event's anglers, the organization said.
The two-vessel crash occurred shortly after 7 a.m. local time on Smith Lake in Cullman County, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).
A Nitro bass boat struck a Center Console vessel, according to ALEA. The three people killed in the crash were all on board the Center Console boat, ALEA said. Among them, Joey Broom, 58, of Altoona, Alabama, was "fatally injured" in the crash, ALEA said in a press release.
Additionally, John Clark, 44, of Cullman, Alabama, and Jeffrey Little, 62, of Brandon, Mississippi, were both thrown overboard during the incident and drowned, ALEA said. Their bodies were recovered from the lake, ALEA said on the evening of 16 April.
Two other people on board the Center Console, including its operator, were injured in the collision and transported to an area hospital for treatment, ALEA said in an update the following day. The operator of the Nitro bass boat was also injured and transported to a hospital for treatment, ALEA reported.
Competition Organizers Lament ‘Heartbreaking Moment’
Major League Fishing said the "serious boating accident" had occurred during the second day of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational.
"This is a heartbreaking moment for our entire organization," Kathy Fennel, the executive vice president and general manager of Major League Fishing, said in a statement. "Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by this tragedy."
The organization announced that the final day of the competition, scheduled for 17 April, had been canceled.
One Injured in Boat Crash During Pro Fishing Event
4/15/25 – Troutman, NC
At least one person was injured in an apparent boat collision on the opening morning of a National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) tournament event on Lake Norman in North Carolina.
The NPFL issued a statement stating that at about 7:30 a.m. on 15 April, emergency personnel responded to a “boating accident on Lake Norman involving two vessels, including one operated by National Professional Fishing League angler Jessie Ayers of Antlers, Oklahoma.”
Everyone involved was accounted for and transported for medical evaluation, according to the release. No life-threatening injuries were reported.
“The cause and circumstances of the accident will be investigated by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and other appropriate authorities,” the release reported.
‘We Take Boating Safety Extremely Seriously’
According to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, two boats were involved in the crash, with Emergency Medical Services, the sheriff’s department, and local fire personnel responding to the scene. One person sustained injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, the report said.
“We’re extremely grateful that this incident did not result in any severe injuries,” said NPFL President Brad Fuller in a statement. “Our primary concern is always for the health and safety of our anglers and anyone else using the water. We take boating safety extremely seriously.”
Boaters Rescued from Sinking Vessel in Charleston Harbor
4/15/25 – Charleston, SC
Boaters were rescued from South Carolina’s Charleston Harbor on 15 April, after their vessel began to take on water.
The Charleston Fire Department said its firefighters and partners with the Charleston Metro Marine Unit were dispatched to a watercraft in distress with people in the water.
Fire officials said all individuals were safely recovered and taken back to shore, but they did not say how many were pulled from the water.
Crews also helped with dewatering efforts to stabilize and salvage the sinking vessel.
Coast Guard Calls Off Search for Missing Fisherman
4/15/25 – Honolulu, HI
The Coast Guard suspended its search on 15 April at 3:30 p.m. for a fisherman who went missing off the coast of Hawaii Island.
The missing fisherman is Earl “Oa” Hind, 42, who was last seen in the vicinity of Kaulana boat ramp, in Hawaii’s Kaulana Bay. Coast Guard and partner agency crews searched 200,048 square nautical miles for over 242 combined hours.
“We are deeply saddened to announce that despite widespread efforts, our search for Mr. Hind is now suspended,” said Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Raphael Sadowitz, search and rescue mission coordinator, Sector Honolulu. “We appreciate the tireless work of our partners and the local community and extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Hind’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Coast Guard Sector Honolulu watchstanders received notification at 2:17 p.m. Thursday from Hawaii County Fire Department personnel. Watchstanders directed the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point HC-130 Hercules airplane crew and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and diverted the crew of Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak (WPC 1126) to aid in the search.
Coast Guard Rescues One from Sailboat After Hitting Jetty
4/16/25 – Georgetown Co., SC
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) rescued a boater in Georgetown County, South Carolina, after his boat started taking on water on 16 April.
The USCG said it responded to the call for a 41-foot sailboat that had struck a jetty and was taking on water in Winyah Bay. A good Samaritan rescued one person on board, and the Coast Guard took him ashore.
The owner of the boat was working with the USCG to coordinate salvage.
Man Dies After PWC Overturns at Arizona Lake
4/20/25 – Peoria, AZ
A man lost his life after a personal watercraft (PWC) overturned at Arizona’s Lake Pleasant, authorities reported.
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) said a married couple had rented the PWC from Scorpion Bay Marina on the afternoon of 20 April. The craft seemed to be malfunctioning and the man attempted to turn around and drive back, when they were both thrown into the water.
“When (the woman) got her bearings, she noticed her husband was face down in the water. She attempted to roll him over. She couldn’t get him rolled over," MCSO public information officer David Moyer said.
Passengers on another boat noticed the couple was struggling and attempted to help. The 43-year-old man was pulled from the water and CPR was initiated, authorities said. The man was pronounced deceased at 3:30 p.m.
“A drowning is just devastating to everyone that’s involved," Moyer said. The man's wife did not sustain any injuries. Both individuals were wearing life jackets, authorities said. The identities of those involved were not released at the time.
Deputies Save Boater Clinging to Overturned Boat
4/5/25 – Spoil Island, FL
A Saturday on the water turned into a nightmare for a group of boaters in Tampa Bay, Florida, on 5 April.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies released video of them saving an overturned boater from a sinking boat on the waters near Spoil Island. The deputy used a throw rope to pull the man out of the water.
Four other people were on the boat, according to deputies, and had already been rescued by nearby vessels that came to help. HCSO reported that they had sent their marine section to find the boat after getting a 911 call.
Deputies reported that all five people were brought to the Williams Park boat ramp, and were all okay.
"This rescue is a reminder of the life-saving role our 911 dispatchers play every day," said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Their fast thinking and coordination with our Marine Section ensured a quick response that helped bring everyone to safety."
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