Boat operator charged after crash during fishing tournament on Lake Norman, officials say

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — A bass boat driver participating in a fishing tournament was charged Wednesday after crashing into another boat on Lake Norman, Wildlife officials said.

0 of 7

It happened shortly after 7 a.m. in the area of Lake Norman State Park in Troutman, Iredell Communications told Channel 9.

ALSO READ: Driver identified in deadly Iredell County crash, troopers say

Wildlife officers said there was a fishing tournament when the bass boat struck another boat while traveling 50-60 mph. The impact knocked both boaters into the water.

“Just make sure you’re keeping a proper lookout,” Lott said. “Looking in front of you, behind you. Don’t get too fixated on one thing, and I think that’s what happened here.”

Authorities said Jesse Ayers, who caused the crash, was participating in the tournament. The other boat operator was fishing but was not part of the tournament.

They were wearing life jackets, and there were boaters nearby who helped.

“One boat heard the crash and turned around and went up to go help render aid,” said Wildlife Officer Michael Lott. “And then there was a pontoon boat passing by that saw the aftermath of everything and helped get the other operator out.”

Ayers was charged with careless and reckless operation of a boat.

The men were hospitalized, and their injuries appeared to be non-life-threatening.

First responders are preparing for warmer weather that will bring more people to the lake.

“It could happen anytime, any day,” said John Jackson, with Mount Mourne Fire. “There wasn’t any fog this morning. No wind. There was really no reason for it. It goes to show the day you don’t expect it to happen, it can happen.”

WATCH BELOW: Man dead after crash in Gastonia, troopers say