(BRACEBRIDGE, ON) On Thursday August 1, 2013 just after 2:00am Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police along with Muskoka EMS and Milford Bay Fire Department were notified of a boat collision on Lake Muskoka. All emergency services arrived at Milford Bay area to find that a boat had crashed into an unnamed and uninhabited island located on the northern shore. Five girls had been traveling in the boat when it crashed.
Bracebridge OPP along with the help of a neighbour and fire were able to transport 4 to shore for medical attention, the 5th was transported by EMS utilizing the fire rescue boat due to the extent of her injuries.
Investigation found that 2 of the 5 girls were less than 18 years old. The girls had been traveling from a gathering at one cottage to return to their own cottage, it had been raining at the time and visibility was greatly reduced. Three of the girls had suffered superficial injuries the other two remain in the hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries. All the victims are from southern Ontario.
Investigation is continuing into this crash with the assistance of Central Region Traffic Reconstructionist. Alcohol is believed to be the factor in this crash.
Bracebridge OPP would like to remind everyone that alcohol consumption in any vessel or vehicle can lead to incidents such as this. A reminder to stay where you are or get a designated driver or operator and to know the waters you are boating on before heading out, especially during inclement weather.