Boating tragedy on Florida lake claims third victim

By Calvin Palmer

The death toll from a boating tragedy on a central Florida lake climbed to three last night when a five-year-old boy from Fernandina Beach died in hospital.

A severe thunderstorm on Sunday afternoon created 4-foot waves that capsized a 20-foot boat on Lake George at the mouth of Silver Glen, trapping four children and adult.

Dennis Clayton Lennon, aged four, of Umatilla, and Ciara N. Puskas,  aged 14, of Eustis, drowned.

Cole Bizuk had been in critical condition in the intensive care unit of Florida Hospital South in Orlando.

He died last night, according to Joy Hill of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

His seven-year-old sister, Cayla Bizuk, escaped unharmed, along with Morgantina Garofono, aged11, of Eustis.

Two other children, Cayla Bizuk, 7, of Fernandina Beach, and Morgantina Garofono, 11, of Eustis were unharmed.

Ann Lennon, 36, of Umatilla was taken to Putnam Community Medical Center in Palatka, where she was treated and discharged.

Dennis Todd Lennon, 37, was the captain of the Sea Ray Laguna Cuddy Cabin.

According to FWC reports, he pulled up the anchor while the others on board went below to the cabin.

As Lennon turned left to avoid other boat traffic, two 4-foot waves came over the boat’s bow and flooded the vessel.

Another wave came over the side and caused the boat to capsize, trapping Ann Lennon and the five children in the cabin.

All the children except Puskas were wearing life jackets.

Hill said that a passing boater and the U.S. Coast Guard were able to set the boat upright and pull out the victims.

“These folks were outside the mouth there and they just couldn’t get in,” Hill said. “I don’t know if they waited too long. We just don’t know.”

She said the FWC is investigating the accident and a full report is expected in a few weeks.

[Based on a report by Ocala.com.]