Brooke Mejeur 11 year old Florida girl killed when struck by a boat propeller after being thrown off pontoon during outing at Lake Osborne. FWC to now investigate what caused tragedy.
An 11-year-old Florida girl was killed when she was thrown from a boat and then struck by its propeller, during what was supposed to be a pleasant lake outing.
Brooke Mejeur was one of three children with two adults on a 20-foot pontoon boat on Lake Osborne in Palm Beach County on Saturday when the bow suddenly dropped, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission [FWC].
She was knocked overboard and struck by the propeller in front of the other passengers, the FWC said.
What caused boating accident?
The young girl was pulled from the water and rushed to the shore but died of her injuries. ‘Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Brooke Mejeur during this incredibly difficult time,’ the agency said as it continued investigating.
The tragedy raises serious questions about the factors that could have caused a 20-foot pontoon boat to react so unpredictably. Investigations have sought to understand how the accident might have occurred, examining several possible causes, including weight distribution, speed, wave conditions, and mechanical issues.
One potential factor is the weight distribution on the pontoon boat at the time of the accident. Pontoon boats, though generally stable, can be sensitive to weight shifts, especially toward the front or bow. If multiple passengers had moved forward, either to look over the side or due to uneven seating, this could have forced the bow down suddenly, particularly if the boat was traveling at higher speeds. An unexpected forward weight shift can compromise a boat’s balance, causing it to dip and lose stability momentarily.
Another factor to consider is the speed of the boat, especially if the pontoon was moving quickly at the time of the accident. While pontoons are not typically known for high speeds, they can still produce enough forward force to create a sudden ‘plowing’ effect, where the bow dips into the water.
This phenomenon is known as ‘bow stuffing,’ and it can occur when the boat hits a wave or wake from another boat, or simply if it accelerates too quickly under specific conditions. Bow stuffing can rapidly destabilize the boat, causing passengers to lurch forward or, in tragic cases like this, to be thrown overboard.
Mechanical issues with the pontoon boat, such as steering or throttle problems, might have exacerbated the situation. If the boat’s trim was not adjusted correctly, the bow may have been too low in the water to begin with, making it more susceptible to sudden dips. Mechanical malfunctions can sometimes go unnoticed until they cause a critical issue.
Investigators will likely inspect the boat’s engine, propeller system, and controls to rule out any technical factors that may have contributed to the fatal accident.
Lake Osborne is a popular destination for recreational boaters, fishermen and nature-lovers.
Authorities urged people to take precautions when in the water.
