Fatal Watercraft incident on Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake, CA September 8, 2015 – A fatal watercraft incident on labor Day was reported shortly after 4:30 pm on Monday September 7th.  The Big Bear Sheriff’s Station and officers of the Municipal Water District Lake Patrol responded to the distress call at Papoose Bay on Big Bear Lake.  Witnesses described what they thought was a life jacket floating in the water but it turned out to be an unresponsive male and a personal water craft was floating nearby. The boaters flagged down the Big Bear Pirate Tour Ship for help. Lake Patrol and Big Bear Sheriff’s deputies responded and once there he was lifted onto the Lake Patrol boat where CPR was started immediately.  He was transported to the West Boat Ramp where paramedics were waiting. Despite their best efforts the victim was pronounced deceased on scene. The watercraft did not appear to be damaged and the 30 year old victim was wearing his life jacket with no obvious signs of trauma reported. The cause of death will be determined by the county coroner. The Boating Accident Investigation Team of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is investigating this incident.