ORLAND, Maine — Officials have identified the body recovered in Toddy Pond as 26-year-old Ryan Conary of Sanford.
The collision happened around 1:00 p.m. during a family and friend gathering. A boat was struck from behind by a personal watercraft operated by a 17-year-old girl who was also part of the group.
The boat and personal watercraft were traveling through a headway speed portion of Toddy Pond when the personal watercraft abruptly accelerated and crashed into the boat's stern. Officials say headway speed is defined as the minimum speed necessary to maintain steerage and control of a watercraft while it is moving.
Conary was sitting on the back of the boat with several others dangling their feet in the water at the time of the incident. Conary, who was not wearing a life jacket, was struck by the personal watercraft and thrown into the water.
A 13-year-old boy who was wearing a life jacket was also injured by the personal watercraft. He was first brought to Eastern Maine Medical Center before being transported to Maine Medical Center with leg, head, and possible internal injuries.
Conary's body was recovered around 2:30 p.m. and transported to the Mitchell and Tweedie funeral home in Bucksport.
According to officials, there were 13 people aboard the 23-foot water skiing boat, and a driver and passenger on the personal watercraft.
Orland Fire Department, Bucksport EMS, Peninsula Ambulance Corps and the Maine Warden Service responded to this boating accident on Toddy Pond.
The crash remains under investigation by the Maine Warden Service, and no other information is available at this time.