On 8-9-12 a boating accident involving a subject that fell overboard took place on Narrow River in Narragansett. RIDEM Off. reported that around 5pm boating operator was riding his boat with his two grandchildren.  As they made way on a westerly course towards Sprague Bridge, subject took a phone call from his cell phone.  He then had his grandson takeover at the wheel. Operator operated the boat into the “No Wake” zone southeast of the bridge. He maintained a 5mph or less speed under the bridge and through the No Wake Zone to the western No Wake buoy.  subject ended his call but allowed operator to continue to operate the boat despite operator not possessing a RI boating license. When the boat cleared the western end of the No Wake zone, operator  increased the throttle and brought the boat up on plane to a speed estimated to be over 20mph. He continued to operate on a westerly course with the throttle somewhere between ½ to ¾ power. subject was standing in between the operator’s seat and passenger’s seat. The vessel subsequently struck the sandbar and came to an abrupt stop. subject was ejected from the boat and landed head-first in around 1ft of water on the sandbar.  Neither of the two passengers were injured when the vessel ran aground. operator jumped out of the boat to assist his grandfather who was unresponsive and kept his face out of the water while the other grandson called 9-1-1.  The NPD and fire/rescue responded to Sprague Bridge.  Two good Samaritans assisted subject and loaded him and his grandchildren on their boat.  They then transported subject to a waiting NFD unit at Sprague Bridge and was treated for life threatening critical injuries. subject was then transported to So. County Hospital.  The attending physician advised Narr. Police Off. that subject sustained severe head and neck injuries and was later transferred to RI Hospital in critical condition. On 8-17-12 subject had passed away overnight.
NARRAGANSETT                  