Boat operator charged in accident on Lake Burton

LAKE BURTON — Around midnight on Saturday, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) responded to a boating incident where two individuals were airlifted for medical treatment as a result of a boater under the influence.

Michael Kevin Phelan, 58, of Clarkesville, was arrested and charged with boating under the influence (BUI), serious injury by vessel and 100-foot law violation.

According to Mark McKinnon Public Affairs Officer DNR, Game Wardens responded to the accident around 11:15 p.m. on Lake Burton.

Rabun County Emergency Personnel were also on the scene of the accident and were working tirelessly to load one female and one male onto the life flight for treatment of sustained wounds from the crash. They were both transported to North Georgia Medical Center.

“Upon arrival, the officers determined that a single vessel, with seven people aboard, struck two large trees overhanging from the lake bank,” McKinnon said.

WRBN/WGHC News will reveal further details of this specific incident as they come available.