EUSTIS, Maine — A tragic boating accident on Flagstaff Lake Sunday afternoon left two women dead and another critically injured after a pontoon boat carrying seven people capsized near Cathedral Pines Campground.
Authorities said the crash occurred around 1:30 p.m. when a 2024 18-foot Sea-Doo Switch Pontoon boat departed a dock carrying seven occupants. While traveling near the beach area, the bow of the boat began dipping beneath the water. Despite efforts by the driver, identified as John Morris, 50, of Eustis, the vessel flipped, ejecting all seven passengers about 180 feet from shore.
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Nearby boaters and bystanders rushed to help, pulling everyone from the water. Three women were found unresponsive, and CPR was performed immediately.
Tragically, Farhana Nasir, 53, of Selden, New York, and Kiran Akbar, 23, of Lake Grove, New York, were pronounced dead at the scene. A third passenger, Noor Nasir, 22, also of New York, was airlifted to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, where she remains in critical condition.
Officials confirmed that none of the passengers were wearing lifejackets at the time of the accident. Investigators said alcohol does not appear to have played a role, though the incident remains under investigation.
The accident has left both the Maine and New York communities in shock, as loved ones grieve the sudden and devastating loss.