Boating Mishap Nearly Causes Hydro Crash

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By By KOMO Staff

Summary

The Miss E-Lam Plus was out testing on Lake Washington when a Harbor Patrol boat accidentally veered onto the course; hydro hit boat's wake at 170 mph, launching it skyward; everyone's OK.

Story Published: Jun 1, 2006 at 8:59 AM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 8:26 AM PDT

Boating Mishap Nearly Causes Hydro Crash
SEATTLE - A mishap by a Seattle Harbor Patrol boat nearly led to a hydro crash on Lake Washington Thursday morning.

The Miss E-Lam Plus, piloted by local legend Dave Villwock, was out testing near Stan Sayres Pit on Lake Washington Thursday morning.

Meanwhile, Seattle Harbor Patrol boats were nearby trying to keep pleasure boats off the course. However, one patrol boat accidentally veered onto the course.

When the boat's officer was told he was on the course, he quickly tried to exit the area. However, in doing so, the boat generated a significant wake, which then traveled onto the course.

The Miss E-Lam Plus then hit a large wake-generated wave at 170 mph, launching the boat skyward.

The boat landed OK, and Villwock was not injured. The Seattle Police Department apologized for the incident and there will be no formal investigation.

The Miss E-Lam Plus was out training for the start of the hydro racing season, which begins June 23 in Evansville, Ind. and makes its annual stop in Seattle with the annual Chevrolet Cup during SEAFAIR on Aug. 4-6.