Boater drowns after he’s hit by propeller climbing in inner tube, Lake Tahoe cops say

A 28-year-old man drowned at Lake Tahoe after he was hit by a boat propeller while trying to climb onto an inner tube, according to the South Lake Tahoe Police Department.

Police received a call about two people in danger at Lake Tahoe about a mile from Lakeshore Marina on Aug. 10, police said in a news release. David Castorena of Napa, California, was trying to get into an inner tube behind a rental boat when the boat’s propeller hit him in the leg, according to the release.

Castorena’s leg was badly injured and he was not wearing a life vest, police said. Authorities pulled him out of the water but he later died at the marina, according to the release.

The other man in the water, who was wearing a life vest, was rescued with no injuries, police said.

“This is a tragic situation, and our hearts go out to Mr. Castorena’s family,” Lt. Shannon Laney said. “This incident also serves as a tragic reminder that boating safety is top priority on the water. Wear a life vest, refrain from drinking, and boat responsibly.”