A boat operator was arrested for drunken boating Saturday afternoon after a passenger was cut by the propeller in the Willamette River.
The passenger, identified only as an adult female, was transported to an area hospital for treatment of a traumatic leg injury.
The operator, Haley Ronningen, 34, of Portland, was charged with Boating Under the Influence of Intoxicants.
According to the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, at approximately 5:30 p.m. on July 25, the MCSO River Patrol and Portland Fire & Rescue responded to the Willamette River near the Fremont Bridge after the operator called and reported a passenger had suffered a leg injury from the propeller. The operator said the passenger was out of the water and on the boat, but needed immediate medical attention.
Emergency responders reached the 24-foot pontoon boat and found an adult female suffering from a traumatic injury to her right leg. She was transported by rescue boat to PF&R Station 21, where she was taken by ambulance to the hospital for treatment.
Deputies conducting the initial accident investigation arrested the operator. The incident has been referred to the Boat Accident Reconstruction team for further investigation. It team is made up of Oregon State Marine Board members and members from participating agencies around the state including the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office.