Boat Capsizes in Utah Lake Sending Six Men into Utah Lake

Posted By Ron Kramer on June 23, 2009

Utah County Sheriff’s officers continue their search for one of the six men who went overboard when their boat capsized on Monday, June 22. Five of the men have been successfully recovered but one man is still missing.

The six men launched from American Fork boat harbor for an afternoon of fishing. Around 5:45 pm the boat was hit by big waves near the American Fork and Provo Boat marinas. The boat eventually capsized forcing all six men into the water. One man swam for about three hours to the shore near Sleepy Ridge Golf Course where he called for help. Searchers found two other men in reeds around the same area and two more were found about a half-mile from the shore.

“The five men who have been recovered had either life jackets or a seat cushion,” said Lt. Dennis Harris of the Utah County Sheriff’s Office.

A total of 65 people searched for the men with helicopters, an airplane and 10 boats reports KSL News. The current water temperature is 63 to 65 degrees but Harris says the lakes conditions change quickly and can be very treacherous. I wish the rescue crews success as they continue to search for this missing man.

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

This story reminds us that lake conditions can change very quickly and that it is essential that all passengers on boats have ready access to life jackets. It is also helpful to have a radio or phone so that as conditions worsen, calls can be made to advise others of our location and situation.

Ron Kramer is an attorney that does accident and injury law, including boat accident cases in Utah County, Salt Lake County and other areas of the state.