1 injured after boat hits breakwater

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. 

LUDINGTON — One person was injured after a 34-foot boat hit the north breakwater around 9:30 p.m. Sunday. According to Mason County Sheriff’s Marine Deputy Matt Warmuskerken, the boat was traveling between 25 to 35 mph, heading south. Warmuskerken said captain/owner James Winfield, 68, of Harrison Township, Macomb County, told him that the boat was about 200 yards north of the breakwater when it hit a bank of fog. At that time, Winfield checked his GPS and discovered that the electronics had shut down on the boat. The boat then hit the breakwater, severely damaging the bow.

In addition to Winfield, six other people were on board. One male passenger was transported to Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital by Life EMS ambulance after complaining of neck pain. Warmuskerken said his injuries were non-life-threatening, adding that alcohol was not a factor in the crash and that no criminal charges were being pursued.

The sheriff’s office has jurisdiction over all area marine-related incidents.

In addition to the sheriff’s office and Life EMS, other agencies responding included Ludington Police Dept., Ludington Fire Dept. and U.S. Coast Guard. Harbor 1, the fire/rescue boat jointly operated by LPD and LFD, also responded.

The crash took place in the final 1/3 of the breakwater closest to the north lighthouse. The LPD/LFD ATV was used to remove the injured man from the breakwater.

Abrahmson Marina will be salvaging the Tiara Pursuit fishing boat named “Reel People”. The boat is out of Harborview Marina.