TOWN OF OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office says two arrests were made, following a boat crash Saturday night.
It happened on Lake Butte des Morts in the Town of Oshkosh.
Lieutenant Steve Brewer of the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office tells FOX 11 authorities responded to the call around 9 p.m., after two boats collided.
“At night, you know, obviously you don’t have headlights on a boat, so you have to go slower, you gotta be more careful, make sure you’re looking around, know your surroundings; where you’re going.”
Brewer says one of the boats had six people onboard, the other had two.
“There were several occupants that were in the water, at that time, and there were injuries.”
The 26-foot boat was having mechanical issues and had been traveling slowly toward Rainbow Park.
It was then that police say a 17-foot boat, heading the same way, struck it.
The impact of the crash caused the boats to merge together. They were towed to shore, where, as of Sunday afternoon, they remained that way.
Police say operators of both boats involved were arrested for operating while intoxicated.
This comes almost exactly two years after a double-fatal boat crash on nearby Lake Winnebago.
The August 2018 collision killed Lauren Laabs, 26, and Cassandra Laabs, 20.
Brian Sullivan, the driver of the boat that crashed into the sisters’ boat, is now facing charges of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle.
“It’s against the law to operate a boat while intoxicated, being impaired,” Brewer said. “Alcohol, it affects you differently, so have a sober, designated driver.”
Authorities say both crashes are unfortunate, but important reminders of what can happen when you aren’t responsible on the water.
In Saturday’s crash, three people were transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
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