Boater hurt at Lake Chapin

Published 4:37 pm Monday, July 15, 2013

ST. JOSEPH — A boating accident at Lake Chapin in Berrien Township Sunday afternoon between 3:30 and 4 p.m. injured a 27-year-old Chicago man riding a tube behind a personal watercraft operated by a 25-year-old Chicago man.

Lt. Martin C. Kurtz of the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department’s Marine Division reported dispatch received a call from Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles, regarding a boating accident victim seeking treatment.

Dispatch contacted the marine division, which began investigating the mishap.

The personal watercraft swung too close to an anchored vessel, which was struck by the older man. Friends and family transported him to the hospital.

Kurtz said alcohol or drugs were not factors in this accident.

The injured man was being treated at another hospital due to the procedure needed for his injuries.