A collision on Lake Wallenpaupack involving two boats and a personal watercraft resulted in three people being taken to the hospital occurred Sunday at approximately 8:30 p.m. near Ledgedale in Pike County.
“The personal watercraft was operated by a female from Phillipsburg, New Jersey, who was carrying a passenger at the time of impact. After the accident, she was airlifted to ER in Danville. Her condition is unknown at the time of deadline,” according to Larry Bundy, assistant regional supervisor for the PA Fish and Boat Commission who is investigating the incident.
“She was married to the operator of the third boat which was carrying another passenger involved in the accident. That craft capsized and took on water,” Bundy said.
Both of these persons were taken to Community Medical Center in Scranton. Their condition is unknown as of Monday afternoon.
The operator of the second boat left the scene immediately after the accident.
Currently, both Fish and Game and Pennsylvania State Police are searching for the operator. “Why he would leave the scene is under investigation, as well,” according to Bundy.
As of yet the cause of the accident is undetermined.
However, according to Bundy, citations will be issued when the investigation is complete.
“This is just like a car accident and hurts just as much when boats smash
into each other,” he said, offering additional information. “Whether one
boat did not give the right of way to another boat is under speculation,” he said.
“This was a severe impact,” Bundy said.
Andy Anderson, of Lake Watch said that, although they were not called out,
commented, “This was late to be out in the water.” He stressed how
important it is to follow boat safety regulations.
