Emergency crews and boaters rescue a capsized boat on Lake Powell near Buoy 12 at the entrance to Navajo Canyon in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Coconino County, Arizona, July 26, 2024 | Reader-Submitted Photo, St. George News
PAIGE, Arizona — At approximately 3:18 p.m. Friday, the National Park Service Glen Canyon Regional Communications Center was alerted that a vessel had capsized on Lake Powell near Buoy 12 at the entrance to Navajo Canyon within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Coconino County, Arizona.
According to a press release from the park service, a 25-foot-long privately owned pontoon boat was being towed by another boater when a wave caused the towboat to capsize.
“Several of the 11 people on the pontoon were trapped under the capsized boat,” the media release said.
Rangers from Glen Canyon National Recreation Area were immediately dispatched and found one member of the party on the pontoon boat and another in the water, but some members of the party are still missing.
Nearby boaters assisted in the rescue of the victim, the media continued. Glen Canyon Rangers and Page Fire Department personnel were at the scene to provide emergency medical treatment.
Both patients were transported by Classic Air Medical helicopter and Page Fire Department ambulance for further treatment.
A 72-year-old woman, Melissa Bean, and two 4-year-old boys were killed, park officials reported Saturday, July 27.
“The National Park Service would like to thank our partners at Big Water Fire Department who responded to fire and medical calls and assisted with response, as well as Glen Canyon National Park Rangers, Coconino County Sheriff's Office and the Kane County Sheriff's Office for their assistance with information while the Page Fire Department responded to the incident,” the media release continued. “The National Park Service and Coconino County Sheriff's Office extend their condolences to the family.”
Authorities say the incident is currently under investigation by the National Park Service, the Coconino County Sheriff's Office and the Coconino County Coroner's Office.
No further information has been released at this time.
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