According to Sgt., witnesses claimed the injured subject was operating an older, Cobalt runabout (1977) when he stopped the boat and entered the water from the back of the boat. They all then claimed that the wake from a barge caused him to make contact with the propeller causing serious injuries to his legs. 

One of the passengers made a makeshift tourniquet and put it on the worse leg. Examination of the boat revealed it was not equipped with a kill switch lanyard. According to the OPD report, all passengers had been consuming alcohol.

A sober driver was sent to the scene to take possession of the boat and trailer and informed Officer and I that the victim had a problem with alcohol. Although it is suspected that alcohol played a role in the accident, the victim was in surgery when Officer and I got to the hospital and could not be interviewed. No family members were present at the hospital nor were any of the witnesses.  It is believed the engine was engaged at the time victim entered the water.
ohio river
owensboro                     