According to the Houston Chronicle, a man was seriously injured after his speedboat catches on fire and crashes during a drag boat race in Marble Falls, Texas.
Boat Reached Speeds of 260 MPH
Scott “Scotty” Lumbert was participating in a Top Fuel Hydro boat race at LakeFest when his boat, the “Spirit of Texas,” caught fire and flipped multiple times during a final round race.
Lumbert was rushed to Austin’s University Medical Center Brackenridge Hospital and placed in an induced coma to reduce the swelling in his head. Although he was released from the hospital and his condition is improving, according to the Houston Chronicle, he still suffers from blood clots and other complications.
According to Lumbert’s wife, Lynn, he is able to move his extremities in a limited capacity and occasionally react to his environment, including the couple’s dog.
Recreational Boating Statistics
The following information is provided by the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division:
- In 2015, the Coast Guard counted 4,158 accidents that involved 626 deaths and 2,613 injuries.
- In addition, $42 million dollars of damage was caused to property as a result of recreational boating accidents.
- Where cause of death was known, 76% of fatal boating accident victims drowned.
- Of those drowning victims with reported life jacket usage, 85% were not wearing a life jacket.
- Excessive speed was the second highest primary contributing factor to recreational boating injuries in 2015.
