Boat steering recklessly in Alton Bay draws responders; operator found dead

ALTON - A 911 call for a boater who appeared to be steering their craft in a reckless manner drew first responders to Alton Bay on Sunday.

Dispatchers took the call around 6:10 a.m. for a 14' outboard open style fishing boat that was reported to have performed a couple of fast circles. Shortly, thereafter, it came to a stop and was adrift, according to a New Hampshire Marine Patrol statement sent Sunday afternoon.

A Good Samaritan boater who was in the area approached the vessel and found the single occupant, an elderly male, unresponsive. The Good Samaritan called for help, flagged down first responders, and assisted in securing the boat.

The victim was transported to Concord Hospital in Laconia where he was pronounced deceased. He was later identified as Donald Longhi, 76, of Hooksett.

Responding agencies included New Hampshire State Police-Marine Patrol and Alton Fire Department.

The cause of the incident is under investigation. Anyone who witnessed it or has further information is encouraged to contact New Hampshire State Police - Marine Patrol Sergeant Nicholas Haroutunian at Nicholas.M.Haroutunian@dos.nh.gov or (603) 227-2112.