The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is investigating a boat crash that occurred Saturday night on East Okoboji Lake causing property damage and sending the boat operator and his passenger to the hospital.
According to initial reports, a 42-foot-long catamaran style racing boat was operating on East Okoboji Lake between Stoney Point and the Narrows, when it struck a dock and launched over a boat hoist containing a boat, came ashore, and crossed 255th Avenue before coming to rest. The incident occurred around 7 p.m., Saturday.
The operator, Duane Ver Meer, 73, and passenger, Lisa Ver Meer, 68, both of Spirit Lake, were taken to Lakes Regional Health Care before being transferred to Sioux Falls. Their condition is not currently available.
The Iowa DNR, along with Iowa State Patrol, Spirit Lake Fire and Rescue, Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department and Spirit Lake Police Department, responded to the scene. The incident remains under investigation.