Fisherman injured when boat strikes break wall in Racine
A 65-year-old Mt. Vernon, Iowa man was injured early this morning when the 33’ long fishing boat he was crashed into the Lake Michigan break wall near the 16th Street Lagoon in Racine. According to the Racine County Sheriff’s Office, witnesses saw the vessel run into the break wall around 4:15 AM Saturday.
When first responders arrived at the scene they found five people and a dog aboard the boat. The injured man was picked up by a passing boater and eventually taken to Wheaten Franciscan Hospital in Racine. A fish hook was removed from his neck and he was treated for additional cuts to his neck and legs. None of his injuries were considered life-threatening.
The four other occupants of the boat, including the 41-year-old captain from Kenosha, were not injured. The dog was unharmed.
The fishermen were taking part in the Salmon-O-Rama in Racine when the boat struck the break wall.
The accident is under investigation, but alcohol is not considered a factor in the collision.
Responding to the accident were Racine County Deputies, Racine Police Officers, the Racine County Boat Patrol, DNR, Racine Fire and Rescue and the U.S. Coast Guard.