by Daniel Duric

COLCHESTER, VT — A boat carrying eight people struck an unknown object in Lake Champlain late June 27, ejecting several passengers from the vessel.

The Colchester Police Department received a 911 call at 11:11 from a resident on Buckingham Drive reporting the crash near his residence.

All eight occupants were able to walk to shore without assistance.

Two passengers reported minor injuries, with one transported to UVM Medical Center in Burlington by Colchester Rescue.

The operator, Jireth Guardado, 27, of Essex, told police he was navigating north on Lake Champlain from the Burlington area when he struck an unknown object in the lake.

Guardado said he recently purchased the vessel and this was his first time out with it and was not familiar with the area.

Alcohol was not a factor in the crash, according to police.

Colchester Rescue, Colchester Fire Department, Colchester Technical Rescue and Burlington Fire Department also responded to the scene.

The vessel was located north of the Winooski River in shallow water and will be removed from the lake by a salvage company on June 28.

Game wardens and State Police urge Vermonters to boat safely this Fourth of July weekend

The state of Vermont is reminding all Vermonters to boat safely this Fourth of July weekend.

Recently released U.S. Coast Guard data show that alcohol use remains the primary known contributing factor in recreational boater deaths.  In addition, 85 percent of people who drowned in a recreational boating incident were not wearing a life jacket.

The Vermont Warden Service, Vermont State Police and other local law enforcement agencies will be partnering with the National Association of Boating Law Administrators and the U.S. Coast Guard by participating in Operation Dry Water heightened awareness and enforcement weekend which takes place July 3-5, this year.

Operation Dry Water is a national awareness and enforcement campaign focused on reducing the number of alcohol and drug-related incidents and fatalities and fostering a stronger, more visible deterrent to alcohol and drug use on the water.

“The July Fourth holiday means time on the water for boaters in Vermont and across the United States.  With an increased public presence on the water, the data show an increase in the number of boating incidents and fatalities that take place during this time,” said Vermont State Game Warden Lieutenant Dustin Circe.  “Boating while under the influence can have serious consequences and endanger all involved,”

 “Wearing a properly fitting, Coast Guard-approved life jacket is one of the easiest steps you can take to improve your safety on the water,” said Vermont State Police Boating Law Administrator Al Johnson.  “New life jackets are much more comfortable, lightweight and stylish than the bulky orange PFDs of the past.  There are also innovative options such as inflatable life jackets that improve mobility and flexibility for activities including boating, fishing, paddling or hunting, and the new styles are much cooler in the warmer weather.”

VSP and the Warden Service encourage residents and visitors to enjoy Vermont’s beautiful and diverse waterways this summer. While you’re out there, take pictures, make memories, and for your safety, boat sober and wear your life jacket.