DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 2, 2023, at approximately 5:40 p.m.
INCIDENT: Major Injury Boat Collision
LOCATION: Colorado River near Needles Marina, Needles, CA
VICTIM(S): 15-year-old Male Juvenile, Resident of Maricopa, AZ
SUMMARY: On Sunday, July 2, 2023, at approximately 5:40 p.m., marine enforcement deputies, with the Colorado River Station, responded to a report of a boat versus personal watercraft collision involving major injuries near Needles Marina, just south of the Needles Bridge, on the Colorado River. The vessel operator was traveling southbound on the Colorado River when a juvenile riding a personal watercraft turned in front of the vessel. Both operators were unable to avoid the collision.
The juvenile sustained major injuries as a result of the collision and was flown to a nearby hospital for treatment. The vessel operator did not sustain any injuries and deputies found that alcohol was not a contributing factor to the collision.
This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective B. Abell of the Colorado River Station at (760) 326-9200. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may leave information online at www.wetip.com.
Refer: Detective B. Abell
Station: Colorado River Station
Phone No. (760) 326-9200
Case No. 252300040
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
