Stranger Helps Rescue Woman Injured In Boating Accident

MOORESVILLE, N.C.,None — A Charlotte man helped pull a 26-year-old woman to safety after a boating accident at Lake Norman.

Investigators said Deondra Scott was in surgery for several hours Saturday night at Carolinas Medical Center.

Authorities said Scott is listed in critical condition.

The accident happened early Saturday afternoon at the 21st Annual Lake Bash event in Mooresville.

Boater Cliff Coleman noticed some people trying to tether their boats together, but was struggling to get in position.

"It kind of seemed like they were novices, in a sense," he said.

Investigators said Scott jumped off the boat into the water. Officers said the boat was still moving in reverse, and she was struck by the propeller.

"She was conscious. Her eyes were kind of fading, going to the center of her head," Coleman said.

Coleman pulled her to a swim platform, and he used towels as tourniquets to help stop the bleeding from her arm.

"The amount of blood loss, it almost looked like a shark attack. I just pray that she's OK, and I'm just glad to have had the opportunity. I know it sounds corny, but I'm glad to have had the opportunity to help her," he said.

Other witnesses said Iredell County sheriff's deputies were patrolling the party.

"They were immediately on the scene. Almost instantaneous; within seconds after it happened," said eyewitness Eric Stevenson. "And as soon as the lady was back up on the swim platform, Iredell County was calling for EMS," he said.

Investigators said alcohol was not a factor in the accident.

Lake Bash is an annual event at Lake Norman that's been going on for more than 20 years. The organizer said while he's heartbroken over the accident, he couldn't have done anything to prevent it.

The North Carolina Wildlife Commission said the boat had 15 people onboard, but it was only made to hold 14 people. There also were not enough lifejackets onboard, officers said.

Police interviewed dozens of witnesses, and said they expect to interview more people in the coming days to determine exactly what happened.

Investigators said no charges have been filed, but the investigation is ongoing.

Resources: BOATING BASICS: NC Boating Safety Course BOAT SAFETY: Understanding the Danger of Propeller Strikes

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