Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a personal watercraft (PWC) accident that occurred on Bass Lake in Starke County.

At approximately 4:15 p.m., Conservation Officers patrolling Bass Lake responded a report of a serious PWC accident with injuries.  

Michael O’Malley, 30, of Chicago, was operating a PWC when he collided with the side of another PWC being operated at a high rate of speed. The impact caused O’Malley to be ejected from the PWC and lose consciousness. O’Malley was immediately removed from the water and brought to shore.

O’Malley was transported to South Bend Memorial Hospital by Memorial Medflight helicopter in serious condition.

Alcohol is believed to be a factor. The investigation is ongoing and additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Indiana Conservation Officers were assisted by the Starke County Sheriff’s Department, Bass Lake Fire Department, Starke County EMS, and Memorial Medflight.