Wave sends boaters through windshield

Tue, Sep 2, 2008    to del.icio.us

A Lake Michigan wave and some faulty power steering apparently combined to send two boaters to the hospital Friday evening.

Michael and Barbara Stine of Shelbyville told authorities that they had been having problems with the power steering of the 28-foot Wellcraft boat they were using and the vessel veered sharply after coming down on a 2-foot wave. The Stines were both ejected from their seats and into the boat's windshield, said Sgt. Keith Koeman of the Ottawa County Sheriff's Marine Division.

Koeman said the accident happened on Lake Michigan about a half-mile west of the Grand Haven piers.

Michael Stine, 45, suffered lacerations, a fractured back and neck injuries, and was transported to North Ottawa Community Hospital, Koeman said. Stine was later transferred to Spectrum Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. Stine was not wearing a lifejacket, Koeman said.

Barbara Stine, 46, suffered lacerations and was transported to North Ottawa Community Hospital. According to Koeman, she was wearing a lifejacket at the time of the accident.