New Hampshire

2 Dead, 1 Injured in Boat Crash on Lake Winnipesaukee

Authorities believe two vessels collided with one another Saturday evening on the north side of Bear Island

The New Hampshire Marine Patrol says two men are dead and a woman is seriously injured after a boating accident on Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith.

Authorities say they were initially notified of a boating accident around 6:11 p.m. Saturday on the north side of Bear Island, which has about 200 residents and is only accessible by boat until the lake freezes over. 

Emergency responders found a 20-foot Sea Ray boat adrift just north of the Bear Island Post Office.

Aboard the boat, EMS personnel found a woman suffering from head injuries. She was taken to Lakes Region General Hospital in Laconia with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The man who was operating the boat was pronounced dead at the scene.

As the investigation continued Saturday night into Sunday morning, investigators determined that there was likely another unidentified vessel or structure involved in the collision.

While investigating the cause of the accident, Marine Patrol officers received a report of a possible missing boater from Bear Island. Evidence that had been collected at the scene was determined to match the description of the missing boater's vessel.

Specialized equipment was used to conduct grid searches in an effort to find the location of the collision. Divers from New Hampshire Fish and Game ended up locating a second vessel in approximately 48 feet of water. Moments later, the divers discovered a deceased man within the submerged vessel.

Authorities believe the two vessels collided with one another, based on initial evidence obtained at the scene and a witness account. All facts and circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation. 

Marine Patrol is requesting anyone who may have witnessed this incident or may have heard anything on the water in the area of Bear, Pine or Three Mile islands, to contact Sgt. Dave Ouellette at 603-227-2111.

The names of the victims have not been released pending notification of family.

New Hampshire State Police – Marine Patrol was assisted by Officers from the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department, Gilford Fire and Rescue, the Laconia Fire Department, Meredith Fire and Police Departments and the New Hampshire State Police Air Wing.

Copyright A
Contact Us