BEAUMONT, Texas — Two boaters were injured, one seriously, when a boat ran aground on an island on Sam Rayburn Lake early Friday morning.
Thick fog and low lighting contributed to the accident in which the boat struck Rattlesnake Island at about 5:40 a.m. Friday morning, according to Lindon Wood, Lead Ranger for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the lake.
Rattlesnake Island is about 675 feet from the boat ramps at Twin Dikes boat ramp. The boat was launched from the ramps but Wood did not say if the boat was leaving the ramp or coming back in.
One man was seriously injured after the boat landed on top of him, according to Jasper County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Karli Cherry.
Both of the boaters were taken by ambulance to Christus Jasper Memorial Hospital after a requested medical helicopter could not fly due to the weather Cherry said.
"Corps of engineers always advises boaters to wear life jackets and be aware of the conditions," Wood said.
"Safety is our number one priority when we talk to anyone about boating. It's a lot more than just wearing your life jacket."
We don't know yet if the two were part of the "Brandon Belt's Grand Slam Tournament" taking place at the lake throughout the weekend.
Firefighters from the Lake Rayburn Fire Department responded along with Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens and Jasper County deputies.
Wood says it's important to stay aware of changing weather conditions while boating.
"Say for example low visibility. Reduce speed and be aware of your surroundings because while your graphs are a great navigation aide, it kind of creates a false sense of security sometimes," he said.
While having enough life jackets for everyone on board is important, there are other items to have on your list.
"Make sure your fire extinguisher isn't expired or needs to be replaced and that you've got a throw cushion or life ring on your boat and that also you've got a sound producing device whether that's the horn on the boat, an air horn or a whistle. Something to get the attention of a passing boat or somebody on land in case you need to call for help," said Wood.
Wood tells 12News that the U.S. Army Corps encounters many people who take these simple safety tips for granted. The number one issue is simply not having enough life jackets for everyone on the boat.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.