3 Injured In Narragansett Jetty Boat Crash: DEM

NARRAGANSETT, RI — Three people were injured when their boat crashed into the jetty in Narragansett Sunday night, according to the Department of Environmental Management. While the investigation is still in the early stages, it's believed that the driver was momentarily distracted at the time of the crash.

The crash was reported to DEM just after 7:15 p.m. Because the department had no boat in the water at the time, two environmental police officers responded from the shore. The approximately 30-foot boat hit the inside west wall of the jetty at a considerable speed, believed to be 15 to 20 knots, causing the boat to "climb" the wall slightly before falling back down.

Four people were on the boat — two fathers and two sons, friends who were out on a fishing trip. All are locals, according to the DEM, and the operator is an experienced boater who keeps his boat in Jerusalem. Both adults and one of the children were taken to the hospital and have since been released.

Mike Healey, a spokesperson for the DEM, told Patch that it's "almost miraculous" that no one was seriously injured or killed, considering the speed and severity of the crash. All of the injuries reported were bumps and bruises from hitting the center control panel and front windshield, and no one was thrown from the boat in the impact.

Based on statements the two men made to environmental police after the crash, it's believed the crash was caused by "momentary distractedness" similar to texting and driving, Healey said. The driver could have been looking down at the instrument panel or turned around to talk to one of the others, and was unable to correct the course in time.

Because of the impending nor'easter, the DEM required that the operator have the boat salvaged Monday. Once in a sling on land, the department will be able to conduct the accident reconstruction process to continue the investigation. Because of the storm, the investigation could be delayed, but it expected to take about a week.

Alcohol is not believed to have been a factor in the crash.

At this time, it's unclear if the boat owner will face a fine or other consequences, Healey said. That will be determined during the investigation.