NEWPORT — A single-vessel crash on Lake Memphremagog Saturday night left one person with life-threatening injuries and five others hurt.
The incident occurred around 11:03 p.m. between Black Island and Bell Island, according to Vermont State Police.
Brian McLaughlin, 57, of Lowell, Massachusetts, was operating a 1993 Mariah BT when it struck several large boulders and trees. McLaughlin suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported from North Country Hospital to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.
Five passengers in the boat sustained non-life-threatening injuries: Natalie Jackson, 27, of New Hampshire; Alexander McLaughlin, 22, of Lowell, Massachusetts; Sean McLaughlin, 21, of Lowell, Massachusetts; Joseph Gershman, 28, of Washington, New Hampshire; and a juvenile from Lowell, Massachusetts. They were all taken to North Country Hospital.
Good Samaritans heard the crash and rescued all occupants, transporting them to Eagle Point where emergency personnel were waiting.
The boat was severely damaged but did not sink. None of the occupants were wearing life jackets, police say.
Vermont State Police are investigating the incident and ask anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact the Derby Barracks.
