CHICAGO — What was meant to be a festive celebration of summer and community on Lake Michigan turned dangerous over the weekend, as Black Yacht Weekend drew large, overcrowded gatherings of party boats — resulting in injuries, fights, and calls for stricter regulations from frustrated attendees.
Though the unsanctioned event has no official organizer, hundreds of people joined the annual tradition Saturday aboard dozens of yachts and watercraft anchored off the lakefront. But as videos began circulating showing overpacked boats, fistfights, and people leaping between vessels, many attendees said the celebration quickly spiraled into chaos.
“It was completely unregulated — I saw people getting injured and falling into the water,” said one woman who asked to remain anonymous. “No one was watching. We were on our own out there.”
Viral Video Shows Dangerous Conditions
Clips posted to Instagram and TikTok show some boats holding more than 50 passengers, with decks crowded and people climbing across vessels. In one video, a man is seen falling between boats while trying to jump, prompting screams from bystanders…