Two ships collided during the fishing tournament on Wednesday in Alabama and killed three people, the officials said.
Major League Fishing said in a statement that during the second day of Invitational warehouse equipment there was an accident on a paddle, which took place on Lewis Smith Lake, a popular recreational destination about 70 miles north of Birmingham.
The Alabama Law Agency, which investigates the accident, said the bass fishing ship hit the central console vessel early on Wednesday morning. Three people aboard the vessel were killed and Alea said that three more people were injured.
Neither the state agency nor the main league fisherman published information about what led to the accident. Major League Fishing said in a statement that Flint Davis was involved.
The state agency said Joey M. Broom, 58, from Altooon, Alabama, was fatally injured in the collision. John K. Clark, 44, from Cullman, Alabama and Jeffrey C. Little, 62, from Brandon, Mississippi, were thrown overboard and drowned, the agency said.
“It’s a heartbreaking moment for our whole organization,” said Kathy Fennel, executive vice president and CEO Major League Fishing. “Our deepest condolences go to the families and friends of those who are affected by this tragedy.”
The organization canceled the third and last day of the competition, which was scheduled for Thursday. Professional fishermen competed for the highest price of up to $ 115,000.
Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
