November 3, 2016 – The following was released by the Maine Department of Marine Resources:
Douglas Stevenson, 44 of Bowdoinham has been charged with operating a watercraft under the influence as a result of a boating accident in the early morning hours of October 30 that left two women seriously injured.
Marine Patrol Officer Clint Thompson responded to the accident, which was reported just after midnight. Other responding agencies included Dresden Fire Department, Gardiner Fire Department and Sagadahoc County Sheriff and Richmond Police Department.
According to Marine Patrol reports, Stevenson was operating his 29-foot Four Winns power boat heading north in the Kennebec River when the boat ran aground near the south end of Swan Island. Initial investigation by the Marine Patrol indicates he was travelling at a high rate of speed.
According to Marine Patrol Officer Thompson, there were three passengers on-board, two of whom received serious but non-life threatening injuries. They were Krista Hurst, 41 of Birmingham, Michigan and Lesia Tatarsky, 37 of Warren, Michigan.
All individuals were rescued by Dresden Fire Department, paramedics from Gardiner Fire Department and Sagadahoc County Sheriff Corporal Ian Alexander. The injured were transported to Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick by Gardiner Rescue.
Marine Patrol Officer Thompson transported Stevenson to Richmond Police Department where he charged him with operating a watercraft under the influence.
Stevenson’s blood alcohol level several hours after the accident was .16, which is double the legal limit. Boating under the influence is a criminal violation in Maine with penalties that include a fine and imprisonment.
“This is a serious incident that underscores the importance of boating sober,” said Marine Patrol Colonel Jon Cornish. “Operating a watercraft on Maine’s waterways is challenging enough but when operators are intoxicated and traveling at night, it can be a recipe for disaster.”
The accident investigation continues and additional charges may be coming.
PHOTO CAPTIONS:
Douglas Stevenson’s boat after it went aground on Swan Island in the Kennebec. (Photos courtesy of Maine Marine Patrol)
Douglas Stevenson’s boat aground on Swan Island. (Photo courtesy of Ed Friedman, Point of View Helicopter Services)