Three Injured In New Melones Boating Accident

By Bill Johnson Published Sep 26, 2005 03:00 pm Updated Jan 31, 2009 02:31 pm

San Andreas, CA — Three Fremont men are recovering from injuries sustained in a boating accident at New Melones Reservoir Friday.

Officials say 40-year-old Rick Aberle, 25-year-old Jeffery Koopen and 20-year-old Scott Denny were part of a group staying on a houseboat for the weekend.

The three men and three others were reportedly travelling in a 17-foot power boat to meet friends at the lake´s launch ramp.

Authorities say two of the men were ejected from the craft when it struck a submerged island and came to a sudden stop near Carson Cove.

Koopen was airlifted to Doctor´s Medical Center in Modesto with serious head injuries.

Denny was transported to Sonora Regional Medical Center suffering from a leg injury.

Officials say Aberle wasn´t ejected but received an injury to his nose.

The accident remains under investigation by the Calaveras County Sheriff´s Marine Safety Unit.