Woman whose feet were amputated after collision with ‘park’ on Lake Michigan speaks out – NBC Chicago

Woman says she is struggling to adjust to her new reality after she was hit by a boat in Lake Michigan ‘park’ over the weekend, a collision which ultimately prompted doctors to amputate her both feet.

Lana Batochir was on an inflatable raft with several friends in the ‘park’ on Saturday afternoon when a large boat backed up towards the device, injuring her and another person.

Batochir suffered serious leg injuries and doctors were forced to amputate both of his feet.

“It’s only been three days and I’m in recovery mode,” she told NBC 5’s Regina Waldroup.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help pay for his medical care, raising nearly $125,000 since the collision.

During the interview, Batochir recounted the horrific incident, which was captured on cellphone video. She was sucked under the boat, along with another individual, and was clinging to her husband when she was rescued and brought ashore.

“Everything can change,” she said. “I didn’t expect to find myself without legs.”

Woman says she’s struggling to adjust to her new reality after she was hit by a boat in Lake Michigan ‘park’ over the weekend, a collision that ultimately prompted doctors to amputate her both feet.

She pleaded with boaters to exercise more care and caution when out on the water, especially in busy areas.

These sentiments were echoed by Coast Guard Sgt. Rachel Ault, who said safety cannot be an afterthought for boaters, especially with more people spending time on the water during warmer summer temperatures.

“What we need is for people to be extra vigilant,” she said.

Chicago police and the Coast Guard are also investigating after another incident occurred near the “park” Wednesday night. Authorities say one person went overboard on a boat near the Jardine Water Treatment Facility, just north of Navy Pier, and another person was carried ashore after being fell unconscious on another ship.

The ‘park’ will be closed to boats from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday this weekend due to the Chicago Air and Water Show, but officials hope boaters and swimmers will adopt safe habits on the water .