5 Hospitalized After Boat Flips Near Colorado River Sandbar

(San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department)

On Saturday, May 24, 2025, just after 5:00 p.m., a boat carrying five individuals flipped over while navigating a turn near Blankenship Bend on the Colorado River, in San Bernardino County. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Marine Enforcement Unit responded quickly to the emergency, discovering the overturned vessel in shallow water and multiple victims injured.
According to the Sheriff’s report, witnesses stated that the boat was moving at a high speed during a turning maneuver when the port sponson caught a chine, causing the vessel to capsize.
Key injuries include:

• The boat operator and a female passenger with major injuries, airlifted to hospitals in Nevada—Sunrise Hospital and University Medical Center, respectively.
• Three additional passengers sustained minor injuries and were transported to Havasu Regional Medical Center.

As of now, names and ages of those involved have not been released, and the incident remains under investigation. However, officials noted that excessive speed appears to be a contributing factor.

Legal Perspective – Is This a Personal Injury Case?
This incident may very well involve personal injury liability, especially considering:

• The reported high speed and loss of control of the vessel.
• The severity of injuries sustained, particularly those requiring hospitalization in trauma centers.
• The potential negligence of the boat operator—if their handling of the vessel was unsafe, those injured may have grounds to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Under California personal injury law, boating accidents fall under premises and operator liability. If negligence played a role—due to speeding, improper maneuvering, or lack of safety precautions—the victims might be entitled to file claims.

Have You or a Loved One Been Hurt in a Boat Accident?
If you or someone you know was injured in this boat accident or in any boating-related incident on the Colorado River or elsewhere in California, we want to help.
Contact our experienced personal injury attorney, Miguel Custodio at Custodio & Dubey LLP to explore your legal options. We’re here to fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.

📞 Call us today at (213) 593-9095
📍 445 S. Figueroa St., Suite 2520, Los Angeles, CA 90071
🌐 Visit us at CD-LAWYERS.COM