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Boaters hospitalized after head-on collision in Brunswick County

Reported by Max Winitz - bio|email
Posted by Theresa Swenson - email 

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) - Two vessels, carrying a total of five people, collided head-on along the Intracoastal waterway near Holden Beach Friday night.

One boat was carrying a family of three and the other had two people aboard.

"The vessel with the family was headed northbound on the Intracoastal waterway, starboard side of the channel, " said Coast Guard Petty Officer David Burr.  "The other vessel was headed southbound on the portside of the channel."

Burr said the operator of the second boat was under the influence of alcohol.

"His t-top ripped off," said Burr.  "There was a large amount of damage to the front of the vessel. It was also taking on water in the stern section." 

An 11-year-old girl and her mother were taken to the hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

To prevent alcohol related boating accidents, Coast Guard Officials were out in full force for the Fourth of July holiday.

"Just understand that when you're on a boat, the alcohol limit is .08, just as you would be driving a car," said Burr.  "Make sure you have a designated driver for your vessel and take necessary precautions."

The operator who was under the influence of alcohol is now facing several charges.

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