Three dead after pontoon capsizes at Lake Powell
Jul 27, 2024, 10:24 PM | Updated: 10:26 pm
A pontoon capsized Friday in the Navajo Canyon area of Lake Powell, killing three people. (Coconino County Sheriff's Department)
(Coconino County Sheriff's Department)
PAGE, Ariz. — Two four-year-old boys and an elderly woman died at Lake Powell after a pontoon boat being towed capsized, trapping several passengers.
The accident happened Friday afternoon at 3:18 p.m., according to information from Coconino County, Arizona, and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. It took place in the Navajo Canyon area of the lake.
The National Park Service said another boater was towing the 25-foot pontoon on Lake Powell when it capsized, amid reported strong waves. At least 11 people were on board the pontoon when it capsized.
Pontoon accident kills three, injures more at Lake Powell
Rangers responded quickly, finding one member of the party atop the boat, several others in the water, and still more missing. According to the release, other boaters helped rescue people from the water.
A 72-year-old woman, Melissa Bean, and two four-year-old boys were pronounced dead. Neither Coconino County nor the park service provided the identities of the young boys. It was not immediately clear whether the victims drowned or suffered other injuries that led to their deaths. Crews transported at least two other people to area hospitals. The sheriff’s department said one, a minor, was in critical condition.
Multiple agencies assisted with the rescue effort, including Big Water Fire, the Kane County Sheriff’s Department in Utah, and the Page, Arizona Fire Department.
The National Park Service will investigate the accident alongside Coconino County authorities.
