Boating Accident, Lockes Island - Lake Winnipesaukee, Gilford

On Saturday, August 24, 2019 at approximately 7:11 AM, New Hampshire State Police – Marine Patrol was notified of a single vessel boating accident that occurred near Lockes Island on Lake Winnipesaukee in the town of Gilford. Marine Patrol officers responded to the location.

Upon arrival, officers found a 1976 23' Chris Craft powerboat out of the water and stuck on a rock breakwater near the shoreline. Preliminary investigation revealed that at approximately 11:30 PM the night before (8/23/2019), Robert Koning, age 58, of Carlisle, Massachusetts was operating the boat. He and one passenger were attempting to return to a residence on the island when he struck a moored boat, continuing up onto the breakwater. There were no reported injuries.

Marine Patrol reminds all boaters to maintain a safe speed and distance from objects on the waterways. NH RSA 270-D:2 VI specifically prohibits operation above headway speed when within 150 feet of rafts, floats, swimmers, permitted swimming areas, shore, docks, mooring fields, and other vessels. Additionally, NH RSA 270:1-a requires all operators who know or reasonably should have known that they've been involved in an accident to immediately stop the vessel at the scene, render any assistance that they are capable of giving, and immediately notify Marine Patrol or the local police department of the crash.

All aspects of this accident remain under investigation. Anyone who has further information related to this incident or who witnessed it is encouraged to contact Sgt. Dave Ouellette at (603) 227-2111 or by email at dave.ouellette@dos.nh.gov.