One person died and at least four others were seriously injured when two boats collided on Lake Michigan near downtown Chicago on Thursday night.
The Coast Guard reported a 14-person crash in Monroe Harbour about 11:45 p.m. The victims ranged in age from 18 to 26. have identified a 26-year-old West Loop woman who died in a collision between the two boats, but investigators have released scant details about what caused the disaster.
According to the Chicago Fire Department, the two boats were returning to port when one overtook the other about 1.5 miles off the shore.
The Coast Guard stated that both boats involved are leisure vehicles. According to CFD, one is roughly 38 feet and the other is about 42 feet long.
The Coast Guard said that one of the boats had nine individuals and the other had five.
Crews arrived to find several persons in distress on the smaller boat.
According to the Chicago Fire Department, the two boats were returning to port when one overtook the other about 1.5 miles off the shore.
According to CFD, two people ended up in the water, but others on the boats immediately pulled them out before officials arrived.
Within seven minutes of the initial report, first responders arrived on the site, and five people were taken to the hospital in serious to critical condition, according to CFD.
CFD reported that three persons, including a woman in critical condition, were transported to Northwestern Hospital. Two more were transported to Stroger Hospital.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed Johanna H. Gregory, a 26-year-old woman, had died.
According to investigators, Gregory, a Chicago resident, was aboard one of the vessels involved in the incident.
Gannon University’s director of athletics issued a statement Friday, saying, “Johanna was a beloved member of our volleyball programme and the Gannon family. During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and loved ones.
CFD said that nine other people involved in the boat disaster declined treatment.
The Coast Guard dragged one boat to Queens Landing, just across from Buckingham Fountain. Chicago police towed the most damaged watercraft to the CPD Marine Unit headquarters. While the facts are being investigated, this serves as a sombre reminder that safety on the sea begins far before you leave the dock,” Coast Guard Lt Cmdr James Alling said in a statement. “Boaters should always wear a life jacket, keep a proper lookout, travel at a safe speed, and never operate a vessel while intoxicated. ” Taking these simple precautions can mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy.”
The enquiry is being handled by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and according to CFD, everyone involved is cooperating.
According to Chicago Fire Department Deputy District Chief Jason Lach, preliminary evidence indicates that both vessels were returning to port. Two vessels were returning to dock,” he said. “We are not exactly sure if they were both coming back in here to Monroe Harbour or Burnham Harbour; one vessel overtook another one, and there was a collision that happened.”
Officials stated both boats were severely damaged, with the one carrying the injured passengers suffering the most damage to her stern. Investigators said that lake conditions were not a factor in the incident, and it is unclear whether alcohol played a part.
Authorities have not determined whether either vessel’s running lights were turned on at the time of the incident. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is overseeing the investigation.
CFD asked boaters to use caution, highlighting the importance of being aware of lake conditions, understanding the vessel being operated, having life vests on hand, and respecting other boaters.
Authorities did not immediately share any information on the crash.
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