Alton man arrested for BWI after crash at The Witches

The Witches have been the scene of many boating crashes. (Courtesy photo)

GILFORD, N.H. - An Alton man was arrested for boating while intoxicated on Saturday after his boat crashed near a Lake Winnipesaukee island in the area of The Witches.

Marine Patrol responded to a 911 call for a boat crash with injury just south of Timber Island around 9:50 p.m.

When they arrived at the scene Marine Patrol officers were able to remove the stricken boat from the rocks and tow it to Gilford Town Docks where they met Fire Rescue personnel.

The operator of the boat and two male passengers on board refused medical treatment.

Marine Patrol Officers investigating the crash administered field sobriety tests to the operator and arrested Tyler Finethy, 24, for boating while intoxicated.

The witches are a group of rocks near Timber Island that are often submerged when the water is high and have been the scene of countless vessel crashes over the years.

In a press release Marine Patrol officials to the opportunity to remind boaters that Boating While Intoxicated is the same as Driving While Intoxicated with identical penalties.

Boaters are urged to plan ahead if they are going to consume alcohol and make sure they have a sober operator.