Alaska State Troopers were tipped off on Sunday that a boater traveling to Bethel on the Kuskokwim River observed boat wreckage involving two boats. When the observer stopped to help, an adult male was located deceased inside one of the boats. A child was also found that had life-threatening injuries.
Two other adults from that boat were also located with what Troopers say appear to be non-life-threatening injuries. All injured parties were transported to receive treatment.
The deceased has been identified as David Berlin of Bethel. Next of kin has been notified. The condition of the occupants of the other boat has not yet been reported.
Trooper dispatch notes that the investigation into the boating collision is still ongoing.
The Coast Guard’s 2019 Recreational Boating Statistics report shows that Alaska saw an improved 2019 with regards to boating accidents and deaths, posting far fewer numbers than the previous three years. Boating safety information can be found at the Alaska Office of Boating Safety website.