One man dies in Lake Tahoe boating accident

UPDATE 8/11/20: A 28-year-old man from Napa, California has been identified as the person who died in a tragic boat incident off shore from South Lake Tahoe on Monday. The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) Marine unit responded along with South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District and the U.S. Coast Guard.

When the call came in around 3:40 p.m., two men were in the water and a third was inside a rental boat. One of the men, David Castorena, had a major injury to his leg and he as not wearing a personal floatation device, or PFD.

Castorena was pulled out of the water and attempts were made to save him. He ultimately passed away and was pronounced dead at the Lakeside Marina. The other man in the water was wearing a life vest. He was rescued and brought to shore with no injuries. A third man remained on the boat and was also uninjured.

“This is a tragic situation, and our hearts go out to Mr. Castorena’s family,” said SLTPD Lt. Shannon Laney. “This incident also serves as a tragic reminder that boating safety is top priority on the water. Wear a life vest, refrain from drinking, and boat responsibly.”

SLTPD believes Castorena was trying to get into an inflatable tube tied to the boat when he was struck by the propeller. The investigation into this incident continues.

For those considering boating on Lake Tahoe this summer, SLTPD also advises all to take boating safety courses. They can be found online at www.boat-ed.com/california. While California Boater Cards are mandatory for those driving personal boats they are not required for those in rental boats. The law is being phased-in by age for all operators. At this time, all persons 35 years of age or younger must have a card.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Multiple agencies responded Monday afternoon at 3:40 p.m. to a report of two adult men who had become separated from their rental boat with one of them severely injured. They were about 1.5 miles off shore from Timber Cove Marina.

Reports said one victim and the boat were found immediately. The unidentified man received medical aid at the scene.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, South Lake Tahoe Police Department, Tahoe-Douglas Fire District, Douglas County Sheriffs Department and the Coast Guard all joined in the search for the second victim. A helicopter was being called in to assist, but the second victim was found, 45 minutes after rescue boats arrived at the scene.

Life-saving measures were attempted for an hour with the assistance of the CalTahoe JPA paramedics in an effort to revive the second victim, but unfortunately he succumbed to his injuries.

The incident is still under investigation by the South Lake Tahoe Police Department and no names or hometowns will be released by the coroner until next-of-kin is notified officially.

"Although tragic, this event is a reminder to all boaters to know proper boat operations, boat safety and to always wear a life jacket," said South Lake Tahoe Fire Chief Clive Savacool.