VIDEO: Trip boat capsizes with 53 on board
The Lake Conroe Queen capsized with 53 on board. Image courtesy of CNN
Harrowing footage was captured as a double-decker boat capsized in bad weather with men, women and children on board on a lake north of Houston in the USA. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department confirmed an 80-year-old man is dead and at least one other passenger was injured following the tragic incident on 14 August on Lake Conroe.
According to local reports, the double-decker Lake Conroe Queen was carrying 53 passengers when it capsized at around 8pm local time. In the video below captured by bystanders, the double-decker stern-wheeler paddleboat is seen rocking in the stormy conditions before it capsized.
Neighbours and bystanders helped to rescue people from the water, with some jumping into the lake to help the casualties.
Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough wrote on Facebook: “Around 8pm Saturday night several 911 calls came in regarding a capsized vessel on Lake Conroe with multiple people in the water. Rescue crews from Conroe Fire, Montgomery County Constable Precinct 1 Lake Patrol, North Montgomery County Fire, Texas Game Wardens, Montgomery Fire Department, Montgomery County Hospital District all began to rush to the scene with boats and land equipment. Upon arrival a large number of passengers were still in the water with diesel fuel in the water.”
Keough continues: “Rescue crews were able to get everyone out of the water. Out of 53 passengers and crew 2 were transported to the hospital. One in critical condition and one stable. (Update: the gentleman in critical condition was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. )The remaining passengers were all examined by medical personnel. Decontamination was then done to get the diesel off the passengers.
Lead image courtesy of CNN.
