Crime & Safety
Authorities Seeking Boat in Hit and Run Accident on Lake Lanier
A couple was injured in Friday's accident, authorities say.
Updated 8:10 a.m., May 26
Authorities with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources are seeking a watercraft that fled a boating collision that injured two people on Lake Lanier on Friday night (May 24), according to media reports.
The Gainesville Times reported that two occupants on a Sea-Doo jet boat were injured when their craft was struck by the boat that left the the scene.
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The victims reportedly were a 23-year-old man and 20-year-old woman. Their names have not been released, the Times reported.
“The young man had numerous facial fractures. The female a possible broken left foot and hand, and also facial injuries,” DNR spokesperson Melissa Cummings said in the Times. “My understanding is they are at Northeast Georgia in Gainesville, and I believe he was going back in to surgery today.”
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The accident happened around midnight Friday near Old Federal Park, the Times reported.
The Sea-Doo was reported to be running at low speed with its lights on when the collision occurred.
11alive.com reported that authorities are possibly seeking a pontoon boat in connection with the accident.
Investigators think the boat that fled sustained significant damage, including a broken windshield. It may also have yellow and white "transfer paint" on it from the watercraft that it hit.
Authorities say that anyone with tips on the accident can contact the DNR at 800-241-4113.
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