Two Killed in North Carolina Jet Ski Accident

The bodies of two victims in an apparent jet ski accident were found on the Cape Fear River near Elizabethtown, NC recently, according to a WWAY 3 ABC report.

Details of the Fatal Jet Ski Accident

• At about 6:55 a.m. on May 14 two fishermen reported finding a body near Lock and Dam No. 2 on Cape Fear River. Investigators responded and located a second body nearby.
• The victims have been identified as Thomas Bradley Carter, 30 and Charlotte Paige McLellan, 27.
• Investigators believe the two were involved in a jet ski accident that happened sometime after dark the prior evening. It is believed they were travelling upstream when their jet ski struck a tree that had blown into the river.
• Both victims were wearing life jackets.

Authorities noted that it is illegal to operate a jet ski between sun down and sun up.

Recreational Boat Accident Statistics

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) reports the following statistics:

• There were 4,062 accidents that resulted in 560 deaths and 2,620 injuries involving recreational boats in 2013.
• In 77% of those killed, the cause of death was ruled as drowning.
• 84% of drowning victims were not wearing life jackets.
• The primary factors involved in fatal boating accidents were: operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, excessive speed, and machinery failure.