Boating Accident - Little Squam Lake, Ashland

On Saturday, August 31, 2019 at approximately 4:05 PM, New Hampshire State Police – Marine Patrol received a call reporting a boating accident with injury on Little Squam Lake in Ashland.

NHSP – Marine Patrol Officers responded and initial investigation revealed that a 20' Harris pontoon boat with a 75 horsepower motor was being operated by Archana Selvaraj, age 34, of Manchester, NH. There were six adults and four children aboard. They were traveling above headway speed in the vicinity of Evans Cove on Little Squam Lake in the town of Ashland. One of the children, a nine-year old male who was wearing a life jacket, was sitting on the bow of the vessel with his legs hanging over the side towards the water. He fell off the boat and was struck by the propeller/outdrive, causing injuries to his arm, lower leg, and pelvic/groin area. Other passengers on the boat saw the victim in the water and one of them swam to him, brought him to the boat, and removed the victim from the water. He was brought to Evans Beach where he was met by first responders.

The victim was transported to Speare Memorial Hospital where he was preliminarily treated and flown to Dartmouth Hospital for further treatment.

Additional responding agencies included Ashland Fire/Rescue, Ashland Police Department, Holderness Police Department, Holderness Fire Department and the Plymouth Fire Department.

All aspects of this incident remain under investigation. Anyone who has further information related to this accident or who witnessed it is encouraged to contact Sgt. Joshua Dirth at 603-227-2115 or by email at Joshua.Dirth@dos.nh.gov.