Boatman who drowned people in Lake Belaye was drunk

Ten people were using a motor boat that belonged to a 40-year-old resident of Zhytkavichy in Lake Belaye on July 14. Nine were on board and one person was riding a ring-buoy.

The driver made a steep turn and lost control of the boat. It turned over and sank. Five passengers drowned: Salihorskers – there boys (4, 5 and 7 years of age), the mother of the oldest boy (born in 1983), and a resident of Zhytkavichy born in 1983.

Investigators have revealed a number of violations committed by the boatman. The boat was not registered, its construction was modified and there were too many people on board. All the passengers had no life jackets, BelaPAN reports. Furthermore, the boatman was tipsy…

Zhytkavichy Investigation Committee has opened a criminal case under Article 316 (2) in Penal Code: violation of safety regulations while using a boat which caused the loss of life. The suspect was detained.