By The News & Observer (Raleigh, North Carolina)

DURHAM, NC — Durham firefighter Erick Rozier was critically injured by the boat he had just fallen out of during a training exercise, according to a Fire Department report released Thursday.

Rozier remains in critical condition at UNC Hospitals. He was hurt Sept. 9 during a search-and-rescue exercise at Jordan Lake.

Rozier was not wearing the safety helmet or life vest that department policy requires, nor were the two other firefighters conducting the exercise with him. Nor was the boat's operator connected to the motor's emergency kill switch.

"That's also a procedural problem," said Assistant City Manager Ted Voorhees, who presented the report along with Fire Chief Bruce Pagan.

According to the report, the firefighters were returning to shore when the operator, Daniel Pennell, tried to steer around some debris. Rozier lost his balance and started to fall out. The third firefighter, Leonard Rhew, tried to grab Rozier but began falling overboard himself. When Pennell reached for Rhew, he accidentally pushed the tiller and sent the boat into a turn so sharp that all three went into the water.

Pennell and Rhew were not hurt. Rozier suffered severe head injuries and a fractured clavicle.

The Durham findings are consistent with those of an investigation by the state Wildlife Resources Commission, Pagan said.

Pagan said the report next goes to a review committee for recommendations on policy changes and possible disciplinary action. Pennell and Rhew have returned to duty, he said.