Injuries were sustained after two boats crashed on Okanagan Lake.
On Sunday at about 11:28 a.m., an 18-foot bow-rider Seadoo boat was travelling west in the Fintry area when it collided with a 16-foot Hourston Glascraft outboard boat.
“The two boats were travelling directly at one another until the operator of Hourston attempted to get out of the way at the last minute,” said Gord Molendyk, RCMP spokesperson.
“He turned to the right, which caused the Seadoo (boat) to broadside the lef) side of the boat and launch up on top of it. The Hourston boat suffered a broken hull. The Seadoo boat only suffered scrapes to the bow.”
The owner of the Hourston, and the sole occupant of that boat, sustained a sprained or broken ankle.He was transported by paramedics to Vernon Jubilee Hospital.
The owner of the Seadoo and his six passengers were uninjured.
“Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash,” said Molendyk, adding that the Hourston boat was towed to shore and loaded on a trailer while the Seadoo boat was still operational.
“Our officer has reviewed the Canada Shipping Act Collision Regulations. Rule 14 states that since both vessels were under power and meeting on a reciprocal course, each vessel has the responsibility to alter their course to the starboard so that each shall pass on the port side of each other.”
This file is still being investigated, with a possibility of charges under the Canada Shipping Act.
