Nebraskaland Magazine
LINCOLN – A Lincoln man was hospitalized with serious injuries to his chest and arm in a boating accident late Monday afternoon at Branched Oak Reservoir in Lancaster County. He was struck by the propeller of the boat in which he was riding.
Kent Seevers, 26, of Lincoln, was a passenger seated in the front of a motorboat along with four other occupants. The boat, a 19-foot 1995 Caravelle, is owned and was operated by Jon Muehlmeier 26, also of Lincoln. Muehlmeier turned sharply to the right after the wake boarder he was towing fell. Seevers fell out of the boat and was struck by the propeller.
Immediate first aid was given and Seevers was transported by boat to Area 11 near the marina, where he was airlifted to Bryan LGH West Hospital. The injuries required emergency surgery and the victim is in stable but serious condition.
The incident is under investigation by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
With the temperatures and recreational boating on the rise, Game and Parks’ Law Enforcement Division stresses passengers in boats should remain properly seated and boat operators and passengers wear life jackets at all times. More safety tips are available at boatsafenebraska.org.
