Man Dragged Through Gastineau Channel After Boats Collide

Juneau police say a good Samaritan vessel stopped an unattended skiff that was pulling a man through the waters of Gastineau Channel.

Police in a Tuesday statement say the man was unresponsive and had sustained severe facial injuries. He was taken to a Juneau hospital after the Friday night incident.

Investigating officers discovered the 47-year-old man, who hasn't been named, was operating the 14-foot skiff and had struck a 24-foot fiberglass boat.

Police say the skiff operator sustained severe injuries and fell overboard.

Police continue to investigate but say alcohol appears to be a factor. Police served a search warrant at the hospital to obtain blood from the skiff operator, and the skiff was impounded.

There were no injuries reported from the other boat involved in the collision.