GLENHAVEN — Lake County Sheriff”s Department Marine Patrol is continuing its investigation of a boating accident that occurred Tuesday evening in the Glenhaven area. One man suffered major injuries in the incident.
James Wickersham, 60, of Paradise Valley was transported via REACH 6 to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash.
According to Sgt. Dennis Ostini, marine patrol, response was requested at approximately 4:23 p.m. for a boat into a rock wall. Sgt. Ostini said the when the boat went into the rocks it was a secondary collision.
Sgt. Ostini said that there was a dock suspended on cables in the area of the incident. He said the dock was raised about three feet above the water. “We found evidence that he had gone under the pier while under power,” he said. “It was a secondary collision when it came to rest on the rocks. We are fairly convinced that (the boat) went under the pier.”
Sgt. Ostini said it appears that the boat went under the pier, hit the pilings and came out on the other side. He said the boat then did circle-type motion, turned around and then hit the rocks on the east side of Glenhaven Beach Resort.
Sgt. Ostini said that Wickersham”s girlfriend, Natasha Young, 54, of San Ramon, was a passenger in the boat; however, she said she did not recall seeing the pier or the rocks because she was not facing forward at the time of the accident. She was transported to Sutter Lakeside for minor injuries. “She was hit in the head but was not hurt as badly as the man driving the boat,” he said.
Sgt. Ostini said that investigators had a lead on a possible witness; however, that individual only heard the impact and did not see the accident. Investigators urge anyone who may have seen the accident to contact the Marine Patrol at 279-1591.
Northshore Fire Protection District (NFPD) responded to the incident with a medic unit and CalFire responded with two engines. NFPD Fire Boat personnel assisted with marine patrol and cleanup.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
