A man involved in a boating accident in Cape Coral nearly two weeks ago remained hospitalized Tuesday.
Jason T. Baldner, 35, of 2110 Maplewood Drive, Onalaska, Wis., remained in critical condition at Lee Memorial Hospital, according to officials. Two other men who were on the vessel at the time of the crash have been discharged.
Jason B. Williams, 36, of 2011 S.E. 13th St., Cape Coral, was driving a 37-foot boat at the end of Coral Point Drive when the vessel hit a seawall near Cantry Canal at about 7:23 p.m. May 8, according to authorities. Baldner was a passenger on the boat, along with Eric J. Terpsman, 31, of 1041 S.E. 20th Ave., Cape Coral.
Traveling at a high rate of speed, the boat topped the seawall and partially landed on land. The three men were trauma-alerted to Lee Memorial Hospital.
“They hit a seawall and ended up in a vacant lot,” said Gary Morse, spokesman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Alcohol is suspected to have played a role in the accident, and officials are awaiting test results.
“It’s under investigation,” Morse said.
According to Morse, boaters and their passengers should:
— Always wear a life vest.
— Keep a proper lookout and be aware of your surroundings.
— Operate a vessel at a safe speed.
— Never operate a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, even prescription drugs.
The investigation continues.