CONROE, Texas — High winds on Lake Conroe flipped a double-decker party boat just after 8 p.m. throwing at least 51 passengers into the water, police said.
Deputies with the Montgomery County Constable Precinct 1 said a sudden storm fell on the loaded party boat, bringing high winds and large waves.
Officials said residents of the nearby Regency Point community noticed the vessel in distress and quickly jumped into action. Witnesses said one resident, a former Navy Seal, jumped into the water to rescue at least 20 people single-handed.
Deputies said at least four people are in route to the local hospital, one of which is in critical condition.
The vessel appeared to be on its side near a boat dock close to shore. Debris from the ship was scattered about in the water including many life jackets.
There is also a large quantity of diesel fuel in the water, which covered those thrown overboard and those jumping in to help save lives.
The Montgomery County Fire Department and the Montgomery County Health District helped treat injuries and rinse the fuel off of passengers and rescuers.
The Precinct 1 Chief Deputy, also in charge of the agency's Lake Patrol division, said in passing this was the "worst scene ever on Lake Conroe."
This is a developing story.