West Virgina Reports Decline in Boating Fatalities

Recreational boating fatalities are continuing to decline in West Virginia.

Statistics released by the U.S. Coast Guard show three people were killed in boating accidents in 2013. That’s down from four in 2012, eight in 2011 and 2010, and 15 in 2009.

All three fatal accidents in 2013 were drownings.

Twenty people suffered nonfatal injuries in eight accidents in 2013.

There was only property damage in another five accidents.

The total number of boating accidents declined from 19 in 2012 to 16 last year.

Seven accidents were collisions. Other causes included flooding or swamping, skier mishap, capsizing and carbon monoxide.

Nationwide, 560 people were killed in recreational boating accidents in 2013.