During the early morning hours of July 2nd 2023 approx. 0050 a 1989 Sundancer boat with one operator and one passenger traveling on the Ohio side of the river was heading to the Mason boat ramp located in Mason WV. The boat operator said he observed a concrete pillar like object sticking out of the water and attempted to avoid collision. The boat operator swerved his boat starboard but impacted the object with the port side of his boat. The collision knocked both himself and his passenger down on the boat. Before he was able to regain control the boat beached itself on the Ohio side of the river near fruths pharmacy in Pomeroy which is addressed. The location the boat was beached in is heavily vegetated and two boats from Mason County fire departments were launched to rescue the stranded boaters. The boaters were taken to the Pomeroy river front ramp to be assessed by medical personnel. The boat operator and passenger were both cleared by emergency medical personnel. The operator and passenger both gave statements to Natural Resources Police Officer. During the interview with the operator an odor of alcohol was detected on the operator's breath. The operator was questioned about drinking alcohol but due to previous injuries not related to the boat accident was physically unable to conduct standardized field sobriety tests, but ultimately agreed and consented to have his blood drawn for testing. The Operator was transported by NRPO to Pleasant Valley Hospital for a blood draw and was then given a courtesy ride back to his residence.
Ohio River
Mason/Pomeroy                 