One Man Killed and Two Injured in East Tennessee Boating Crash

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is examining a deadly boating accident on the Tennessee River near the Fort Loudon Dam in Loudon County. Per WKRN News, one man died when the boat capsized after getting too close to the dam’s floodgates. The water spilling from one of the floodgates pulled the boat into the dam. As it was pulled in, the boat overturned, causing the three men to fall out of the boat.

Local fisherman saw the boating accident. One of the three men died. The two other men were taken to a nearby hospital. Officials from the TWRA said it appeared all three men did have their personal flotation devices on prior to the accident. Officials claim the rush of the water forced the devices to be torn from their bodies.

The TWRA is warning boaters that recent intense rainfall means the waterways have very high levels. Extreme caution should be used.

New Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency regulations

As of July 1, boat users need to comply with two new TWRA regulations. The new rules are aimed at boating safety. The first law is similar to the “move over” laws that apply to land vehicles. Boat operators now need to slow down if they see a law enforcement vessel that is flashing its blue lights. Operators within 100 feet of the vessel must slow down to “no wake speed.” Obeying safety laws can help you avoid injury and death.

The second regulation applies to Tennessee residents who were born after the first of January 1989 – essentially, residents 29 or younger as of that date. These residents must show that they passed a TWRA-approved boater education examination before they’ll be permitted to operate any motorized boat that has more than 8.5 horsepower. Non-Tennessee residents born after that date must be able to show proof they passed an approved National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) boat operation safety course.

If your loved one drowned or died in a Tennessee waterway boating accident, or if you were injured while out on the water, the experienced trial lawyers at Bailey & Greer, PLLC are able and ready to investigate the cause of the accident and who is responsible. Families of loved ones and victims may have a strong claim for pain and suffering, payment of all medical bills, lost income, and loss of support and companionship if a loved one died. To schedule an appointment, please 901-680-9777 or fill out our contact form. We see clients in Memphis, Jackson, West Tennessee, and neighboring areas.