Magna Bay speedboat lands in houseboat (2 updates)

Photo courtesy RCMP

RCMP confirm one person dead and several injured in two boat collision.

RCMP.

The Chase RCMP along with the North Shuswap first responders including, the Anglemont Volunteer Fire Dept, BC Ambulance and Chase Fire Rescue attended to the report of a surreal and tragic boating collision late Saturday evening, shortly after calls from residents were received at 11:20 pm, Saturday night July 3th, 2010 near Magna Bay, on Shuswap Lake near Chase BC.

A two vessel collision occurred on Shuswap Lake near Magna Bay at around 11:20 pm, when a 18ft Campion “runabout” collided head on with a 40 foot houseboat. The collision occurred in the middle of the lake near Magna Bay, shortly after a number of boaters had begun to disperse after the viewing of a fireworks display.

“The collision vaulted the Campion directly into the main cabin portion of the house boat where it came to a rest, completely embedding itself into the interior of the houseboat. Other boaters in the area assisted immediately and rendered first aid to the occupants of the houseboat and speedboat. The two vessels were then towed into shore by those assisting where first responders met them”.

“We can confirm that there were 13 people on board the privately owned houseboat and three persons on the speedboat at the time of the collision. The operator of the houseboat, a 40 yr old man from Anglemont BC, died in the collision and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Approximately eight others were injured as a result of the collision. All injured were transported to the Royal Inlands Hospital in Kamloops, two of which were admitted and remain there today. The injuries sustained, ranged from minor bruises to fractures and head injuries” stated Cpl Dan Moskaluk.

Both boats have been secured and plans are underway to have the vessels removed from the lake for physical examination. The Chase RCMP Detachment is being assisted by Central Interior Traffic Services from Kamloops and the Southeast District Reconstructionist. Investigators from Transport Canada and the RCMP West Coast Marine Services are also attending to assist. The Chase RCMP and the BC Coroners Service are continuing their investigation into this incident in order to determine how the collision occurred.

“The Chase RCMP victim assistance personnel was also called out to help, given the traumatic stress that a high casualty incident such as this causes to the direct victims, to the general public who rendered assistance in the first instance and to our emergency services crews who responded.

“The RCMP conveys its most sincere condolences to the family involved and would like to mention our appreciation for the members of the public who did not hesitate to render assistance on the water” added Cpl Dan Moskaluk.

Photo courtesy RCMP

Update July 4, 17:13 PDT

RCMP investigating boating fatality on Shuswap lake –

The Chase RCMP are continuing their investigation into the fatal boating collision which occurred on July 3rd, 2010 on Shuswap Lake near Magna Bay. Investigators have released photos of the damaged vessels.

Correction

RCMP advise that the age of the deceased male from Anglemont was 53 yrs of age.

Update July 5, 14:33 PDT

Investigation into Boating Fatality Continues –

Investigators from the Chase RCMP detachment with the assistance of investigators from Transport Canada and the BC Coroners Service are continuing their investigation into Saturday’s Shuswap Lake fatal boating collision which led to the death of 53-year-old Ken Brown from Anglemont, BC.

Mr. Brown, the operator of a 40 foot houseboat, was pronounced dead at the scene after a 18 ft Campion “runabout” collided head-on with the houseboat. All but two people injured in this collision have been released from Royal Inland Hospital. A man and a woman remain in hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

We understand that there is speculation as to factors that may have contributed to this tragic outcome. However, until investigators have a clearer understanding of what happened in the moments leading up to this event, we are unable to speak to the crash further.

We can confirm at this time that both vessels have been seized and secured in a local marina where they will undergo a forensic examination. Investigators from the RCMP West Coast Marine Services and a collision reconstructionist from the Southeast District are in the area and are assisting investigating agencies in order to determine exactly what led to this collision.

Investigators have spoken to a number of witnesses in relation to this investigation. We are asking anyone who has not spoken to investigators and witnessed this collision or who may have information as to what the occupants of either vessels were doing prior to the collision to contact the Chase RCMP detachment at 250-679-3221.