Overview
- Authorities confirmed late Saturday that a recreational boat coming from Illinois struck a submerged breakwall at the entrance to Hammond Marina and sank.
- First responders rescued six people from the water and found a seventh passenger unresponsive on the breakwall; crews performed CPR and took him to a hospital where he later died.
- Local reports identify the victim as Herman Woods, 66, of Round Lake Beach, Illinois, and officials say seven people were aboard the vessel at the time of the collision.
- The Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Lake County first responders are leading an investigation into the cause, and no determination has been released about weather, mechanical failure, operator error, or impairment.
- The incident could prompt renewed attention to marking and lighting of nearshore hazards, and officials are expected to release further findings as conservation officers complete the inquiry.