Kelleys Island Ferry

Kelleys Island woman killed, 2 others hurt in Ballast Island boat crash

PUT-IN-BAY-TOWNSHIP --A Kelleys Island woman was killed late Tuesday when a 27-foot boat struck the Ballast Island Marina breakwall around 10:30 p.m.

Two people on board, operator Donald R. Dunn, of Put-in-Bay, and Tina M. Callari, of Lakewood, were found in the water near the vessel, according to Bill Staiger, Northern Region manager for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft.

A third person, Jennifer C. Ulisse, was found unconscious near the vessel, ODNR reported. Ulisse was treated at the scene, but did not survive her injuries.

Paramedics from Put-in-Bay Township pronounced Ulisse dead.

The others were taken by the U.S. Coast Guard to the Miller Ferry dock on Catawba and transported to Magruder Hospital with severe head trauma and other injuries.

Ballast Island is a 13-acre island a mile northeast of South Bass Island and a mile east of Middle Bass Island. According to federal navigation charts, the water is about two feet deep at the crash site.

A Coast Guard crew training nearby was on the scene within about three minutes, according to the Guard's Ninth District Public Affairs Office.

At the time of the incident, the area was experiencing thunderstorms and waves were about 3 feet, according to the Coast Guard.

According to reports, none of the occupants had on a life jacket.

Staiger said investigators believe the trio had just departed South Bass Island and was heading to Kelleys Island.

"They were on plane and probably going about 30 miles per hour," Staiger said.

He described the vessel as a rigid hull inflatable. Most such vessels are constructed of a fiberglass hull with one or more outboard engines, with the hull surrounded by an 18- to 24-inch inflatable structure.

Staiger said a second investigation crew is working on the crash, and that the vessel has been removed from the water and is being inspected.

"It is always a good idea to wear your life jacket, especially in times of bad weather, wind or waves," he said.

"Weather can change and negatively affect boating conditions quickly, so seek safe harbor or just wait storms out before venturing out onto the water."

Vessels from the Coast Guard's station in Marblehead, Put-in-Bay Police and the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office also responded to the accident.

Kelleys Island is Feeling Groovy: Kelleys Island Celebrates 37th ...

Festivities start at 11 a.m. with a parade along the south shore that ends at the picnic pavilion on Addison St, where the fun continues. Last year’s parade featured a collection of classic cars, hand-made floats, and lots of unusual costumes and decorated golf-carts and cars.

The parade is open to anyone, and only your imagination can limit your entry. Golf carts, classic cars, trucks, lawnmowers, tractors, bikes and people are all welcome to participate. There will be trophies for the top three theme-related entries based on originality and imagination.

This year there will be THREE concerts featuring Frank [Sinatra] & Dean [Martin], followed by the 7:30 Club and Mary Spayd McCormick and finally the super big band sound of the North Coast Band, returning for their 16th year. All through the day there are fun things for the family to do. Get your fill of hotdogs, roast pork and Italian sausage and sip cold beverages while shopping the craft and gift booths. Take in Mona Rutger’s Back to the Wild show and enter the pie contest (yum).

Fill the afternoon with children’s games and competitions that include a lip smacking snack cake eating contest and a round of marshmallow golf. Bring your special pet and compete in the pet parade. There are gift cards from Pet Supplies Plus for the Most Talented, Best Costume and Pet that Looks the Most like its Owner. This is a day full of games, prizes and fun for the family. New this year are corn hole tournaments, a silent auction featuring magnificent island-related prizes, and a bounce castle for the kids. Put an island in your life with an old fashioned, small town celebration. Ferry service to the island is provided by the Kelleys Island Ferry Boat (419-798-9763) from Marblehead every 30 minutes all day and well into the night. The festivities are just a short walk from the ferry dock.

For information on booths, the parade, or any of the activities, contact the Landowners Association at KILandowners@aol.com or Leslie Korenko at 419-746-2432.

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