Previous Story
Two hurt in banana boat accidents
|
Posted on Sep 30 2004
Two women were hurt while on separate banana boat rides earlier in the week, according to the Department of Public Safety.
Police reports indicated that the first of the two incidents occurred on the waters off the shore of Hafa Adai Beach Hotel on Garapan.
The report disclosed that 27-year-old Yuko Kakegawa sustained a fractured collarbone after falling off a banana boat at 9:10am on Sept. 28.
A responding officer was told by the captain of the vessel pulling the banana boat that the victim and three other friends were on the boat when he made a turn. The banana boat flipped, causing the four to fall into the water. The victim and her friends were then taken to shore.
The captain told officers that the victim was taken to the Pacific Medical Center for treatment. The officer went to PMC, where it was learned that the victim fractured her right collarbone, was treated, and released.
On Sept. 29, another female, 21-year-old Manami Seki, sustained a bruise on her nose after falling off a banana boat and hitting her nose on a friend’s elbow. The incident occurred off the shores of the Saipan Grand Hotel beach site.
Investigation by responding officers indicated that the victim and two other female friends went on the banana boat ride at about 8:40am. About eight minutes later, the boat tipped over, resulting in the occupants falling off.
The report showed that the captain of the boat saw the victim crying and holding her nose. When asked if she needed medical attention, the victim reportedly refused and instead said she wanted to go to Managaha Island.
One of her companions advised the captain to take them to shore. The captain again checked if the victim needed medical attention, but was told that the victim would go to the hospital on her own.
The report further indicated that the captain has a valid captain’s license.
Both incidents were handled by the DPS Boating Safety Section.
