NEWS SUMMARY:
Three boaters ejected, injured
March 15, 2009

LAKE CONROE- Three people were ejected from a boat just after 2 a.m. on Saturday when the vessel struck rocks and bounced on top of a bulkhead near the Palms Marina, which was formerly known as Anchorage Marina.

Lt. with the Pct. 1 Constable’s Office, Marine Division, said two of the victims were unconscious when the third managed to call 911. All three were launched about 60 feet from the boat, Lt. said. 

Subject 1, 26 of Willis, was driving the 2006 red and white center console 21-foot Kenner boat, with 23-year-old subject 2 of Willis and 24-year-old subject 3 of Waller as passengers. 

Subject 1 and Subject 3 landed on the shore and Subject 2 landed partially in the water on the rocky slope at the water’s edge. Subject 2 lost several teeth and Subject 3’s ankle was “chipped,” but Subject 1 was the most seriously injured, with facial trauma and neck injuries, Lt. said. ....surface temperature (was) at 42 degrees.

Medics transported Subject 1 to Conroe Regional Medical Center. He was later transported to Ben Taub Hospital in Houston, where he remained in stable but serious condition Saturday night. Subject 3 and Subject 2 were taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital in The Woodlands where they were treated and released. 

None of the victims was wearing a life jacket, but three were found in the boat, Lt. said.

Lt. said weather conditions were foggy with drizzle. However, investigators believe there were other contributing factors. 

“There was a strong smell of alcohol and there was an open container inside the boat,” Lt. said. 
A blood alcohol test will be performed on a blood sample taken at the hospital.
Although there is no law against an open container of alcohol in a boat, Lt. said, it is illegal to operate a watercraft while intoxicated. 

Pct. 1 is investigating the accident and will send their findings to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.