The Alaska Wildlife Trooper received a report of a boat accident involving injuries that occurred on 03/24/2023 at about 1413 hours. Later investigation showed the operator was traveling south in the Wrangell Narrows when the vessel struck a tripod shaped navigational marker. 

The vessel (18' Lund) was lodged in the marker and became stuck. It is believed that the operator experienced a sudden onset medical emergency, causing the vessel to collide with the navigational marker. 

Upon impact, the operator was injured by a fall within the vessel. After the collision, the tide was rising rapidly and the operator was unable to remove themselves from the vessel due to their injuries. They were assisted by two witnesses who had heard/seen the collision and responded to help. The witnesses removed the operator from the sinking vessel and transported them to Papkes Landing where EMS was waiting to transport the operator to the hospital. The vessel was later recovered. 

(description adapted from State Trooper report)
Wrangell Narrows
Petersburg                    