Sightseers Slam Borrowed Boat Into Dock Workers Witness Crash, Pull Woman From Water

A dock repair crew rescued an injured California couple whose boat broadsided a private dock near Point Hayden Friday.

Steven J. Gero, 40, and Susan A. Gero, 38, were motoring along the shore in a borrowed 17-foot Fourwinns boat about noon. They were sightseeing on the hillside and did not realize how close they were to the dock, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department.

Steven Gero, who was piloting the boat, suddenly realized he was on a collision course and swerved to avoid the dock. But the starboard side of the boat caught the dock, throwing Susan Gero into the water.

M&M Docks employees were working nearby.

“They motored over real quick and pulled her out of the water,” Sgt. Dan Soumas said.

“They are lucky - she was not wearing a life vest,” Soumas said.

M&M also secured the boat, which was totaled, and stopped it from sinking.

Marine deputies brought paramedics to the scene. They then took the injured couple, by boat, to the Honeysuckle Boat dock where they were picked up by ambulance.

Steven Gero suffered cuts and bruises and was able to walk to the ambulance.

Susan Gero was placed in a neck brace and a leg splint, then was strapped to a back board. Both were taken to the Kootenai Medical Center.

Steven Gero was expected to be treated and released. Susan Gero was still under observation late Friday.

The boat is owned by Katie Brodie of Hayden. It was towed by marine deputies to Tobler’s Marina.

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