Woman Hospitalized as Boat Propeller Accident Sparks Investigation

A 34-year-old woman from California remains hospitalized after suffering severe injuries from a pontoon boat propeller accident last weekend. The incident is currently under investigation by the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO).

Kyler Cox, a member of MCSO’s Division of Boating Safety Dive Rescue and Recovery Team, reported that the woman is in critical but stable condition. She sustained “multiple large lacerations all over her body” consistent with numerous strikes from the propeller.

The incident has sparked concerns among watercraft rental companies about the operator’s qualifications. This comes amid a rise in illegal boat charters and rentals.

The boat involved was listed on getmyboat.com as a captained vessel suitable for up to 18 individuals, despite also listing a capacity of 12 guests.

According to Cox, the boat operator holds a United States Coast Guard Captain’s License. The watercraft is registered to a corporation located in a different state.

As the probe progresses, MCSO is collaborating with the U.S. Coast Guard Investigations Division.