On June 13, 2020, at approximately 2:30 p.m. a storm cell blew in from the southwest producing winds in excess of 40 mph and 4 foot waves on Dillon Reservoir, causing multiple boats to capsize.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 14, 2020
Contact: Erin Opsahl
(970) 423-8901
Erin.Opsahl@SummitCountyCO.Gov
BOATING ACCIDENT DEATH IN DILLON RESERVOIR
SUMMIT COUNTY, CO – On June 13, 2020, at approximately 2:30 p.m. a storm cell blew in from the southwest producing winds in excess of 40 mph and 4 foot waves on Dillon Reservoir, causing multiple boats to capsize. At the time of the storm, Dillon Yacht Club’s Peak One Regatta had just finished racing and the competing boats were attempting to return to Dillon Marina. A 21 ft Star Class 2 racing sailboat was traveling downwind toward the marina and performed a jibe to change course. During this maneuver, the boat lost control and broached, causing the captain to fall overboard. At the time of the incident, the captain was not wearing his personal floatation device (PFD) but it was on the vessel. The boat then collided with a race committee boat that was moored to a buoy. Boats in the area immediately began searching for the captain that had fallen overboard.
The Sheriff’s Office immediately began a land and water search and was assisted by the Summit County Rescue Group in conjunction with the Summit County Water Rescue Team, Dillon Police Department, Dillon and Frisco Marinas, Dillon Yacht Club boats, Fishing Guides, Summit Water Taxi and Flight for Life. The search continued throughout Saturday, June 13, utilizing water search dogs, underwater sonar and a VideoRay Underwater Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). The search was suspended at 11:00 p.m. due to storms with high winds.
On Sunday, June 14 at 6:30 a.m., the search resumed with our operational focus shifting to a body recovery. The resources deployed were two water search dogs, underwater sonars and ROVs deployed by the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Summit County Water Rescue Team and Colorado State Parks Marine Evidence Recovery Team.
At approximately 3:30 p.m. the victim, a 68-year-old male, was located in approximately 180 feet of water by the VideoRay Underwater ROV. The body was recovered at 5:00 p.m. and turned over to the Summit County Coroner. This incident remains under investigation. The identity of the boating accident victim is being withheld until notification of the next of kin has been made by the Summit County Coroner. The Summit County Coroner has taken over the investigation into the cause and manner of death.
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