Girl, 10, Grandmother Die From Capsizing Of Pontoon Boat During Fierce Storm

  • Friday, July 6, 2012

A 10-year-old girl who was on a pontoon boat that capsized on Lake Chickamauga during a severe storm on Thursday night has died. Her grandmother, who is in her 50s, also died on Friday after being taken to Erlanger Hospital in critical condition.

There were 12 persons aboard the 30-foot inboard-outbooard pontoon when the storm hit about 8 p.m.

Dan Hicks of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency said those on the boat were aware of the storm and were trying to get to shore.

He said due to the boat's design, with an upper deck, that the wind lifted it up and turned it over.

The girl and her grandmother were trapped under the boat for eight-10 minutes.

The girl was wearing a life vest.

She was taken to Children's Hospital.

Both victims were given CPR at the scene.

Some of those who had been on the boat were rescued by a person in a bass boat. Other vessels, including jet skis, came to help.

The location was at Pumphouse Slough near Booker T. Washington State Park.  

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