A man suffered injuries after being ejected from a boat and struck by the propeller on South Holston Lake Wednesday evening, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Douglas Vance, 21 of Bluff City, Tn. was a passenger onboard an 18-foot bass boat when he fell overboard and was struck by the boat’s propeller. The boat was nearing the “No Wake” zone at Laurel Marina when the incident occurred. The boat’s operator and other passenger retrieved Vance from the water and took him to the marina where his injuries were treated. Members of Sullivan County EMS transported the victim to Bristol Regional Medical Center where he is being treated for non life-threatening injuries to his upper body and head. Mr. Vance was reportedly not wearing a life jacket.
The investigation is being handled by TWRA Officer David Carpenter who offers this advice for avoiding propeller strike injuries - “As the boating season approaches, the TWRA reminds boaters that in order to reduce the possibility of an ejection, stay seated while the boat is traveling and always wear a life jacket.”