# ReleasableAccidents

BARDID: NC-2011-8878
Date: 2011-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:57:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bull Bay
County: Tyrrell
WaterConditions: choppy
Wind: moderate
Visibility: good
DayofWeek: SATURDAY
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Person Departed Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
victim jumped overboard to swim without a PFD.  When he lost grip of a water toy, he began to struggle.  Despite the efforts of others onboard, he went under and was located deceased later, by a crab fisherman.


BARDID: NC-2011-9981
Date: 2011-06-25 00:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Wylie
WaterConditions: UNKNOWN
Wind: UNKNOWN
Visibility: UNKN
DayofWeek: SATURDAY
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
Victim suffered seizures after a skier mishap during which he impacted the water at a high rate of speed while attempted to do a kneeboarding trick.  


BARDID: NC-2012-0001
Date: 2012-03-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HICKORY
NearestCityTown: RHODHISS
County: BURKE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On march 4 at approximately 7:00am, vessel 1 was fishing and trolling upstream about 60 yards from the northern shore of lake hickory approximately 1/2 mile below rhodhiss dam.  There were 3 people on board, Operator1, who was on the front deck operating the trolling motor, V1 occupant2, who was located in the middle of the boat and V1 occupant3, who was fishing between the console and the rear deck.  As vessel 1 was trolling upstream, vessel 2 was travelling upstream toward rhodhiss dam at approximately 30 to 40 mph.  Vessel 2 then struck vessel 1 on the port side of stern.  At the time of impact, the occupants of vessel 1, Operator1 and V1 occupant2, jumped over the starboard side of the boat into the water.  V1 occupant3 dropped to the bottom of the boat between the console and the rear deck.  Occupants of vessel 2 said they never saw vessel 1 but they could hear people yelling just before impact.  the operator of vessel 2 said that due to the cold weather he had his head behind the windshield looking just over the depth finder located on top of the console.  He said that he believed he could not see vessel 1 due to the front fishing seat located on the front deck of his boat he was operating.  After impact, Operator2 turned around to assist the two people in the water.  The two people were thrown a type iii pfd and a type iv pfd and then were retrieved from the water.  Both vessels then went to the southern shore and called ems.  V1 occupant3 and V1 occupant2 were transported to frye hospital in catawba county.

********************************************************
Passengers were not wearing pfds at the time of impact, but put one on after they were thrown to them after impact, so in essence, they did have on pfds.


BARDID: NC-2012-0002
Date: 2012-03-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: RANDLEMAN LAKE
NearestCityTown: GUILFORD
County: GUILFORD
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
Two people WERE IN A 14 FT JON BOAT FISHING ON RANDLEMAN LAKE.  THE BOAT WAS TIED TO A TREE ON THE BANK WHILE THEY WERE FISHING.  A STRONG GUST OF WIND ALONG WITH ROUGH WATER CAUSED THE BOAT TO TILT TO ONE SIDE.  Both FELL OVERBOARD.  THE SEAT THAT occupant WAS SITTING IN SLID OUT OF THE RAILS IT WAS IN CAUSING occupant TO FALL OBERBOARD (THE SEAT WENT INTO THE WATER).  TWO MEN IN ANOTHER BOAT CAME BY TO OFFER ASSISTANCE.  EVEN THOUGH occupant WAS WEARING A LIFE JACKET, good samaritan THREW ANOTHER PFD TO HIM.  operator WAS ABLE TO GET BACK INTO HIS BOAT WHILE occupant WAS ASSISTED INTO THE good samaritan BOAT.  occupant WAS CONSCIOUS AND TALKING AT THIS TIME but LOST CONSCIOUSNESS WHILE IN ROUTE TO THE BOAT RAMP IN SOUTHWEST PARK.  AT THE BOAT RAMP, CPR WAS ADMINISTERED TO occupant BY EMT AND PARK OFFICIALS.  occupant WAS TRANSPORTED TO CONE HOSPITAL.  THERE WAS NO SIGN OF ALCOHOL OR DRUG USE AND PFDS WERE WORN BY both subjects.  NO CHARGES WERE FILED.


BARDID: NC-2012-0003
Date: 2012-03-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:45:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE TOWNSEND
NearestCityTown: GREENSBORO
County: GUILFORD
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
AT 16:05 HRS ON MARCH 8, 2012, RECEIVED REPORT OF POSSIBLE BOATING ACCIDENT AT LAKE TOWNSEND NEAR THE VICINITY OF THE NORTH CHURCH STREET BRIDGE IN GREENSBORO, NC.  LAKE WARDEN INDICATED THAT OPERATOR WAS SAFE AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES OR MEDICAL CONDITIONS.  AT 17:05 HRS, I ARRIVED AT N36, 16284 W 079. 78828 AND OBSERVED NC6899AU SUBMERGED WITH ONLY THE MOTOR AND BOW OF THE VESSEL ABOVE THE WATERLINE.  GREENSBORO POLICE DEPARTMENT UNDERWATER RECOVERY TEAM WAS PREPARING THE VESSEL FOR RECOVERY.

OPERATOR AND OWNER, INDICATED THAT HE WAS IDLING WEST ON THE LAKE AT 15-18 MPH WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE COME FROM THE TRANSOM AREA OF THE VESSEL.  INDICATED THAT THE NOISE SOUNDED LIKE FIBERGLASS TEARING/CRACKING.  OPERATOR LOOKED IN THE BILGE AREA DND COULD NOT SEE ANY WATER IN SAME AND STARTED TO MAKE HIS WAY TO SHORE.  STATED THAT A VERY SHORT TIME LATER THE VESSEL BEGAN TO FILL WITH WATER.  Operator WAS ABLE TO GET ASHORE BEFORE VESSEL SUBMERGED AT THE VICINITY OF THE NORTH CHURCH STREET BRIDGE (PHOTO IN WRITTEN REPORT).

AT 20:45 HRS, THE VESSEL WAS TRAILERED AND INSPECTED AT THE LAKE TOWNSEND MARINA.  VESSEL TRANSOM WAS CRACKER/SPLIT AROUND THE AREA WHERE THE MOTOR BOLTS TO SAME.  APPEARED THAT THE TRANSOM MATERIAL HAD FAILED DUE TO ITS AGE AND THE WEIGHT OF THE MOTOR (SEE PHOTO 3 AND 4).

UPON COMPLETION OF INVESTIGATION, NO CHARGES WERE FILED AND OPERATOR DID NOT NEED NOR SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.


BARDID: NC-2012-0005
Date: 2012-03-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:10:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORMAN
NearestCityTown: MOORESVILLE
County: IREDELL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ONE AND VESSEL TWO WERE BOTH FISHING IN A BASS TOURNAMENT ON 3/24/12.  THE TOURNAMENT LAUNCHED AT 7:00 AM MIDWAY MARINA.  AT APPROXIMATELY 7:10AM BOTH VESSELS WERE APPROACHING ROCKY CREEK ON LAKE NORMAN.  VESSEL ONE WAS AHEAD OF VESSEL TWO AND WAS THE STAND ON VESSEL.  VESSEL TWO WAS BEHIND VESSEL ONE AND WAS THE OVERTAKING VESSEL.  VESSEL ONE STARTED TO TURN INTO ROCKY CREEK AND DECELERATED TO FISH THE SHOAL.  VESSEL TWO STARTED TO TURN INTO ROCKY CREEK STILL AT CRUISING SPEED AND FAILED TO YIELD TO THE STAND ON VESSEL.  AT THAT TIME VESSEL ONE OBSERVED WHAT WAS ABOUT TO HAPPEN AND TURNED HIS VESSEL TO THE PORT SIDE (LEFT SIDE).  VESSEL TWO ALSO OBSERVED AT THE LAST MOMENT WHAT WAS ABOUT TO HAPPEN AND TURNED HIS VESSEL HARD TO THE STARBOARD SIDE (RIGHT SIDE).  VESSEL TWO STRUCK THE STARBOARD STERN OF VESSEL ONE WITH THE PORT BOW OF VESSEL 2 APPROXIMATELY 61 INCHES BACK FROM THE BOW OF THE BOAT WITH THE MAIN IMPACT POINT AT APPROXIMATELY 80 INCHES BACK FROM THE BOW PORT SIDE.  THE DAMAGE ON VESSEL 2 WENT APPROXIMATELY 16 FEET BACK FROM THE BOW OF THE VESSEL TO THE STERN.  THE DAMAGE INCLUDED FIBERGLASS AND TRIM DAMAGE TO VESSEL TWO.  VESSEL ONE HAD AN IMPACT POINT ON THE STRBOARD STERN OF THE VESSEL IN THE BEND OF THE VESSEL APPROXIMATELY 12 INCHES DOWN FROM THE TOP OF THE VESSEL'S GUNNEL.  THE MOTOR OF VESSEL ONE HAD SCRATCHES AND TRIM TRANSFER ON IT AND THE STARBOARD SIDE HAD FIBERGLASS AND TRIM DAMAGE 16.5 INCHES TOWARD THE BOW FROM THE STERN.  BOTH VESSELS CAME TO A STOP AND OPERATED TO PINNACLE ACCESS AREA TO MEET WITH THE TOURNAMENT SUPERVISOR AND NCWRC WHERE THE BOAT ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION OCCURRED.

BASED ON THE EVIDENCE AND STATEMENTS I HAVE CONDUCTED, I CONCLUDE THAT THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL TWO'S NEGLIGENT INATTENTION OF HIS RESPONSIBILITIES AS THE OVERTAKING VESSEL WAS THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT.  ALCOHOL WAS NOT A FACTOR NOR INVOLVED IN THIS ACCIDENT.  BOTH VESSELS WERE WEARING THEIR PFDS.  DURING THE INVESTIGATION IT WAS EVIDENT TO ME THAT BOTH VESSELS WERE MOVING AT CRUISING SPEED BASED ON THE IMPACT POINTS/WATERLINE ON EACH VESSEL, AND BOTH VESSELS AT THE LAST MOMENT TRIED TO AVOID THE ACCIDENT.


BARDID: NC-2012-0006
Date: 2012-03-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:15:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: HIAWASSEE LAKE
NearestCityTown: MURPHY
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
RedactedNarrative:
It is our opinion that while Operator and fiancee were fishing the boat was taking on water from the livewell pump.  The livewell overflow hose had an obstruction which did not allow the water to exit the boat fast enough.  When they started to leave, Operator explained that they were traveling slow which would raise the bow of the boat and possibly allow some water to collect in the trough t the stern of the boat.  When Operator felt the engine hit the bottom, he trimmed the engine up which allowed the bow to raise more and the stern to lower closer to the water line.  When they noticed water at their feet, Operator made a left turn maneuver to get closer to shore and shut the engine off.  When the boat stopped, water rushed in from the stern and swamped the rear of the boat.  Operator explained that the water level had risen to the bottom of the steering wheel.  When Operator stood up to get the pfds from the front compartment, his movement to the port side of the boat where fiancee was sitting allowed water to shift to the port side.  His weight along with the shift of the water caused the boat  to roll and capsize.  Operator explained that his weight is 320 poun ds and fiancee’s weight is over 250 pounds.  The capacity plate attached to the boat is 5 persons or 635 pounds and a maximum of 1135 pounds people, engine, and gear.  The combined weight of Operator and fiancee along with the water weight in the livewells, engine, and fishing gear would closely equal the capacity of the boat.  


BARDID: NC-2012-0008
Date: 2012-03-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: FAIRFIELD
County: HYDE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator he was traveling west down the icw/pungo canal.  Approximately 4 miles from the entrance to the pungo river, he met another vessel that was traveling east down the icw.  Operator following the rules of the road deviated approximately 10 feet off the center of the waterway to give proper passage to the other vessel, which moved over as well.  While passing the other vessel, Operator struck a submerged object which separated both rudders from his vessel.  This allowed massive amounts of water to flood his vessel.  Operator was able to ground his vessel before it sank.  Operator advised that he and his passenger both put on type 1 pfds.  He then contacted the passing vessel which turned around to offer assistance.  Operator contacted uscg and tow boat us by radio for their assistance.  Operator advised that tow boat us pumped his vessel out and towed it to the river forest manor in belhaven.  He advised that the uscg surveyed the area and was unable to locate the object that he struck.  Officers inspected the damaged vessel on the railways at river forest manor in belhaven.  When the rudders were torn from the vessel, it opened two large holes for water to flood in.  Both propellers were damaged, and one of the propeller's shafts was completely pulled out and bent.  Water covered both engines and the vessel's generator as well.  The use of alcohol and drugs did not contribute to this accident, and no violations were detected.


BARDID: NC-2012-0009
Date: 2012-03-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: COINJOCK BAY
NearestCityTown: BARCO
County: CURRITUCK
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Throttle
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL 1, operator WAS ATTEMPTING TO ENTER A CANAL IN HIS SUBDIVISION.  AS HE STARTED TO SLOW HIS BOAT, THE LINKAGE ON HIS FOOT THROTTLE BROKE.  operator TRIED TO SHUT THE BOAT OFF BY REACHING DOWN TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF.  THEY KEY TO HIS BASS BOAT WAS LOCATED DOWN NEAR HIS RIGHT FOOT.  AS HE REACHED FOR IT, HE HIT THE STEERING WHEEL OF THE BOAT CAUSING IT TO PULL TO THE RIGHT.  THE BOAT CAUGHT THE CORNER OF THE BULKHEAD OF PROPERTY AND ENDED UP RESTING HALF WAY uP THE BULKHEAD.  THE IMPACT CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO 10 FEET OF THE BULKHEAD AND DESTROYED THE TROLLING MOTOR ON THE BOAT ALSO CAUSING SEVERAL CRACKS AND DEEP SCRATCHES IN THE BOW OF THE BOAT.  ALCOHOL WAS NOT A FACTOR.  IT IS BELIEVED THAT THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED BECAUSE OF FAULTY EQUIPMENT.


BARDID: NC-2012-0010
Date: 2012-03-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORMAN
NearestCityTown: MOORESVILLE
County: IREDELL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On 3/18/12 at approximately 11:00am, a fatal boating accident was discovered on lake norman near lake campus drive in mooresville by a mother and her son while kayaking in the area.  The vessel was a 21 foot 2008 chaparral cabin cruiser with an inboard-outdrive motor.  The boat had a starboard side console, and was owned and being operated by victim.  There were no other passengers aboard the vessel.  It appears that operator fell from his boat while fishing and struck his forehead rendering him unconscious which resulted in drowning.

Subject and her son were kayaking in the area when they saw something floating in the water approximately 20 yards from the shoreline.  They approached the unknown object and discovered the victim's body floating face down.  They did not have a cell phone and paddled into deeper water to wave down a passing boater for help.  Some unidentified recreational boaters on a pontoon boat called 911 at 11:47am.  The iredell county sheriff's office responded and with the assistance of a mount mourne first responder.  They were able to recover the body from the shoreline.  The victim had a small cut on the bridge of his nose between the eyes and his lips and cheeks were blue.  The medical examiner of piedmont pathology pronounced the victim's death on-site.

The motor was not running and the boat was drifting as the victim was apparently fishing from the stern.  Two fishing rods were located within the main passenger area of the boat along with minnow bait buckets and a small closed tackle box.  A lighter and electronic smoking device (used in smoking marijuana) was also found lying in the open floorboard of the boat.  The stern of the boat was a flat platform with no railing or gunwales.  A larger tackle box was standing closed on a rear seat on the starboard side that faced the platform area.  A large cooler was tied to the starboard side of the platform and contained one striped bass.  A beach towel was lying on the port side of the platform in front of a step that led into the passenger area of the boat, which could have caused his fall.  Another fishing rod was found floating in the water approximately 30 yards from where the victim's body was located.  The fishing line was stuck on the bottom of the lake.

During the autopsy at wake forest baptist medical center in winston salem, the medical examiner pointed out that the victim had a very distinct bruise on the skull plate.  The bruise appeared to be about 1 inch wide and approximately 4 inches long.  We are awaiting the official results of the autopsy along with a toxicology report from the chief medical examiner's office in chapel hill which would take 3 to 6 months.  (note:  an addendum will follow in the event that any new or pertinent information becomes available as a result of the chief medical examiner's report or the toxicology report.)

It appears as though the victim was fishing and possibly struggled to get his line unstuck from the bottom of the lake.  He apparently fell from the back of his boat and struck his forehead' rendering him unconscious which resulted in a drowning.  It could not be determined what caused him to fall or what his head struck.


BARDID: NC-2012-0011
Date: 2012-02-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORMAN
NearestCityTown: MOORESVILLE
County: IREDELL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 2/5/12, subject reported a hit and run boating accident occurring on lake norman.  The damaged vessel was a 29 foot 1988 lake craft pontoon boat with a starboard side console.  No one was operating the vessel, as it was moored at both the bow and stern with its port side against the dock at this residence.  Subject stated that the accident most likely occurred on saturday, 2/4/12 based on the last known account of the vessel being secure.

The aluminum side wall on the starboard bow was crushed and ripped from the anchor points which held it in place.  The starboard bow bench seat was ripped from the floor and pushed over upon impact.  A crease was noted at the base of the aluminum side wall, along with a small v shaped indention in the metal strip on the floor decking.  This crease and indention appear to be consistent with the bow of a boat having a v shaped hull.  There was no paint transfer, fiberglass shavings, or other evidence to support this theory.

Neither the vessel nor the operator of vessel 2 could be determined, due to this being a hit and run with very minimal evidence.  It appeared as though a vessel with a v shaped hull struck vessel 1 on the starbord bow at a fairly slow speed.  The top of the bow crushed the aluminum side wall and ripped it from the anchor points.  The underside of the bow struck the metal strip on the floor decking leaving the indention.  The snap on boat cover was ripped as a result of the impact.  It was also noted that vessel 1 had apparently not been operated in some time as the motor was completely covered in algae.  The registration on vessel 1 was also expired as of 3/31/11.  However, it was not being operated at the time of the accident.


BARDID: NC-2012-0012
Date: 2012-04-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ROANOKE RIVER
NearestCityTown: WELDON
County: HALIFAX
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE DID NOT PUT THE PLUG IN THE BOAT.  AFTER LEAVING THE BOAT RAMP THE BOAT BEGAN TO SINK.  THE BOAT FILLED WITH WATER AND CAPSIZED.  THE TWO MEN ON THE BOAT WERE RESCUED BY OTHER BOATERS ON THE WTER AND SUFFERED NO INJURIES.  THE BOAT WAS RECOVERED AND TOWED BACK TO THE WELDON BOATING ACCESS AREA.


BARDID: NC-2012-0013
Date: 2012-04-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:50:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: PAMLICO SOUND
NearestCityTown: FRISCO
County: DARE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
The operator of vessel 1 left scotch bonnet marina and entered the pamlico sound to go fishing.  He found a spot to fish about 200 yards off shore and anchored his 14ft smokercraft on a cleat on the port side of his vessel.  After fishing for a while he noticed the wind had picked up, and that he had water in the back of his boat.  He turned on his bilge pump and decided to pull up his anchor and return to shore.  His anchor was caught on something and as he pulled, he took several waves over the side.  The bilge was unable to remove all the water from the boat.  The small vessel eventually swamped and sunk.  Operator was wearing a pfd and decided to stay with the boat.  Neighbors from a nearby house spotted Operator and called hatteras island rescue.  The rescue squad arrived on scene and were able to get Operator into their boat and return him to the marina.  Operator was met by an ambulance, checked out and determined that he was hypothermic.  At that point, he was taken to obx hospital in nags head where he was treated and released.  There was no alcohol involved and no charges were filed.


BARDID: NC-2012-0014
Date: 2012-04-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: FONTANA LAKE
NearestCityTown: ROBBINSVILLE
County: GRAHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 4/7/12 around 3:30pm, Operator wanted to take his vessel out for a test run because he had not run his 15 horsepower johnson motor in a couple of years.  Operator asked occupant to ride along with him.  Occupant joined Operator as a passenger on Operator's boat.  As Operator was operting his boat on fontana lake near the camel hump on the mousey branch side, Operator had to make a bathroom stop.  As Operator slowed his vessel to an idle speed, Operator stood up to relieve himself.  During the time he was standing up on the boat, he somehow lost his balance and fell.  While Operator was falling, he reached to grab something to catch himself.  Operator was able to grab ahold of the throttle lever on the johnson motor.  By grabbing ahold of the throttle lever, Operator made the engine power up causing the boat to turn over throwing occupant overboard also.  While in the wter occupant swam to Operator to hold him above the water.  

After 30 to 40 mins of treading water, occupant was able to wave down a passing boater named. Good samaritan assisted in pulling occupant out of the water and was not able to pull Operator up in the boat by himself.  During the time Good samaritan stopping to help the overboard victims, Operator and occupant, another man heard all the yelling.  Good samaritan2 ran from his boat house and jumped in his boat to assist Good samaritan in pulling Operator into boat.  Once both Operator and occupant were in Good samaritan's boat, Good samaritan drove his boat to boat dock for ems to help with Operator.  All information was gathered by occupant once he had time to remember what happened and sober up.  At the scene of boat dock, occupant's bac level was a 0.16.  So i met up with occupant a couple of days later in haywood county.  At this time, no boat has been recovered and results from toxicology have not been released.  No other evidence has been recovered at this time.  Operator passed away.

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It has been noted on this report that no alcohol was involved.  However, that will be updated once toxicology information has been released to us.
************************


BARDID: NC-2012-0015
Date: 2012-04-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CAROLINA BEACH INLET
NearestCityTown: CAROLINA BEACH
County: NEW HANOVER
WaterConditions: Very Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
RedactedNarrative:
ON APRIL 5, 2012, AT APPROXIMATELY 12:00PM, operator STATED HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO ENTER CAROLINA BEACH INLET WHEN HE RAN HIS BOAT AGROUND.   BOAT WAS THEN STRUCK BY SEVERAL LARGE WAVES WHICH CAUSED IT TO SWAMP AND CAMPSIZE.  Operator WAS ABLE TO SWIM AND WALK ON TO A SHALLOW SANDBAR TO THE NORTH END OF CAROLINA BEACH.  

Operator SUSTAINED NO INJURIES AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT.

BOAT SUSTAINED APPROXIMATELY $3500.00 IN DAMAGE.


BARDID: NC-2012-0016
Date: 2012-04-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HICKORY
NearestCityTown: HICKORY
County: CALDWELL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
RedactedNarrative:
Operator WAS TRAVELING WEST ON LAKE HICKORY APPROXIMATELY 20 YDS FROM SHORE.  HIS APPROXIMATE SPEED WAS 5 MPH.  HIS BOAT STRUCK AN OBJECT (POSSIBLY A STUMP) THEN BEGAN TAKING ON WATER.  HE IDLED TO SHORE WHERE HE BEACHED HIS BOAT.  LOVE LADY RESCUE ATTEMPTED TO TOW THE BOAT TO A NEARBY DOCK AND IN THE PROCESS, THE BOAT SANK IN 30 FEET OF WATER.  I WAS ABLE TO TOW BOAT TO BOAT RAMP WHERE IT WAS LOADED ONTO BOAT TRAILER.


BARDID: NC-2012-0017
Date: 2012-04-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE MATTAMUSKEET
NearestCityTown: FAIRFIELD
County: HYDE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: People on Gunwale, Bow, or Transom
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator,  he and occupant were traveling west down east main canal on lake mattamuskeet.  Operator advised that they had been fishing and they were returning to the ramp.  Occupant was sitting on a swivel seat that was positioned on the bow of the boat.  Operator was operating the vessel from the standing position behind the console.  Operator advised that they struck a submerged object.  The force from the strike caused operator to move forward.  At this time operator realized that occupant was no longer in the vessel.  Operator scanned the area and noticed occupant in the water behind the vessel.  At this time he noticed occupant had a serious injury to his left arm.  Operator pulled occupant to the shore and assisted him in the vessel and back to the ramp.  Operator then contacted hyde county ems for assistance.  Occupant was transported to vidant hospital in belhaven by hyde ems.  East care then transported occupant from belhaven to vidant hospital in greenville.  Officer met occupant at the hospital in greenville and advised that he suffered lacerations from the boat prop on both his left and right arm.  Officer also described him as having minor abrasions to his head caused by being scraped by the bottom of the vessel as it passed over him.  The vessel was carrying the correct safety equipment and the use of alcohol and drugs were not detected.  No charges were filed in this case.

***********************
It was not specified in this report how occupant ended up in the water.


BARDID: NC-2012-0019
Date: 2012-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: OCEAN ISLE
County: BRUNSWICK
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unkn
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
ON MAY 30, 2012, THERE WAS A BOATING ACCIDENT ON THE ICW NEAR OCEAN ISLE BEACH.  Operator and his wife WERE CRUISING EAST ON THE ICW WHEN THEY MET ANOTHER BOAT CRUISING WEST ON THE ICW.  AS OPerator NAVIGATED THE MOTOR BOAT ACROSS THE WAKE OF THE APPROACHING VESSEL, HIS WIFE FELT PAIN IN HER BACK AS THE BOAT WAKE MET THEIR VESSEL.  RESCUE WAS CALLED AND she WAS TRANSPORTED TO BRUNSWICK MEMORIAL HOSPITAL.  NO ALCOHOL WAS INVOLVED IN THIS ACCIDENT.


BARDID: NC-2012-0020
Date: 2012-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: FALLS LAKE
NearestCityTown: WAKE FOREST
County: WAKE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: unknown
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
RedactedNarrative:
On may 27, 2012 at approximately 11:00am, operator and a friend launched operators vessel at the upper barton access area located on falls of the neuse reservoir.  Operator and friend had traveled approximately 1/4 mile when operator noticed water in the bottom of the vessel.  He turned back toward the dock and stopped on the shoreline 100 yards from the dock.  Operator exited the vessel and checked for the plug.  It was still in.  Unable to locate the possible problem, as much water was bailed out as possible.  Operator was unable to get the engine to crank from this point on.  Operator and friend walked the boat along the shoreline back to the t-pier and tied bow and stern lines, but before the truck could be retrieved, the vessel sank while tied to the dock.  Operator called for assistance and i was notified.  Upon arrival, the vessel was still tied to the dock and tow boat us was on scene.  In order to assist and reopen the t-pier, i shut down the ramps.  Several by-standers myself and officer cut the ropes and drug the vessel to the ramp.  The vessel was flipped back over and the truck was used to drag the vessel up the ramp to drain the water.  All ramps were reopened but one.  The water was cleared from the vessel and trailer was used to push the boat off the ramp.  Once off the ramp, it was loaded back onto the trailer and pulled out of the lake.


BARDID: NC-2012-0021
Date: 2012-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GASTON
NearestCityTown: HENRICO
County: NORTHAMPTON
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: None
Visibility: Unkn
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
subject CONTACTED ME ON FRIDAY MAY 25TH IN REFERENCE TO HIS 27 FOOT PONTOON BOAT BEING HIT AT THE DOCK WITHIN THE LAST THREE WEEKS.  Law enforcement LOOKED AT THE PONTOON BOAT ON SATURDAY MAY 26TH.  DUE  THE LEFT REAR QUARTER PANEL WAS STRUCK BY WHAT LOOKED TO BE ANOTHER VESSEL WHILE TIED TO THE DOCK.  THE COVER WAS ALSO RIPPED BY THE IMPACT.

*******************************************
VESSEL 2 IS THE HIT AND RUN VESSEL, OWNER AND OPERATOR INFORMATION IS UNKNOWN.


BARDID: NC-2012-0022
Date: 2012-03-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORMAN
NearestCityTown: DAVIDSON
County: MECK
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL #1 WAS ATTEMPTING TO DOCK HIS GIRLFRIEND'S BOAT AT DAVIDSON LANDING ON LAKE NORMAN.  HE WAS PULLING INTO DOCK AND WENT A LITTLE TOO FAR.  HE THEN SHIFTED THE BOAT INTO REVERSE AND THE WIND STARTED TO PUSH HIM TOWARDS SOME OTHER BOATS.  AS HIS BOAT DRIFTED BACKWARDS TO OTHER BOATS, HE PUT THE BOAT IN FOREWARD AND GAVE IT THROTTLE REAL QUICK.  IT WAS A NARROW PATH TO THE DOCK BECAUSE IT WAS A COMMUNITY DOCK WITH A LOT OF BOATS.  WHEN HE WENT FORWARD, HE GAVE IT TOO MUCH THROTTLE AND RAN ACROSS THE BACK OF TWO OTHER BOATS BREAKING THE SWIM PLATFORM ON VESSEL 2 AND BREAKING THE OUTDRIVE ON VESSEL 3.

*************************************
NO INJURIES REPORTED, NO OPERATOR ON VESSEL 2 OR VESSEL 3 AS THEY WERE BOTH DOCKED AT THE TIME OF THIS ACCIDENT.


BARDID: NC-2012-0023
Date: 2012-04-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:15:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CAROLINA LAKE
NearestCityTown: SANFORD
County: HARN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On april 15, 2012, at carolina lake at approximately 16:15, operator 1was operating vessel 1, with six people on board when he had a chance to encounter  operator2 operating vessel 2 with one person on board.  While both vessels were near one another in the main part of the lake, the idea came up from vessel 1 to create some wakes so that vessel 2 could jump the wakes created by vessel 1.  Both vessel operators agreed to the idea.  Vessel 1 proceeded to make 2 to 3 large circles with his boat and then moved out of the circle area and put his boat in neutral with the engine running while watching vessel 2 jump the wake.  As vessel 2 was jumping wakes, he had not realized vessel 1 had stopped.  As vessel 2 continued to jump wakes, he committed to a wake jump that put him in a position where he would have to make an emergency decision/action to avoid a collision with vessel 2.  With vessel 1 idling in neutral, vessel 2's decision/action was made to let off the throttle, losing all steering control, causing vessel 2 to strike vessel 1.  The bow of vessel 2 struck the mid-rear port of vessel 1 causing damage to both vessels, with significant damage to vessel 1.  Approximately 1-2 minutes passed from vessel 1 creating wake to vessel 2 jumping wake and striking vessel 1.  Both vessels were able to get to the shore safely with no personal injuries.  No evidence of alcohol or drug use contributing to the accident were detected.  Pfds were available on both vessels and used accordingly.  Vessel 1 operator has a north carolina boating education course certification.


BARDID: NC-2012-0024
Date: 2012-04-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: HOWARDS CHANNEL
NearestCityTown: TOPSAIL BEACH
County: PEND
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Missing or Inadequate Navigation Aids
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
RedactedNarrative:
ON APRIL 21, 2012, operator WAS OPERATING HIS VESSEL AT IDLE SPEED DOWN THE CENTER OF HOWARDS CHANNEL.  OPERATOR REPORTED THAT AS HE CRUISED DOWN THE CHANNEL, A TUG BOAT BELONGING TO SOUTHWIND CONSTRUCTION COMPANY WAS DRAGGING A DREDGE PIPE WHICH CAUSED IT TO RAISE UP.  OPERATOR'S BOAT STRUCK THE UNSEEN AND UNMARKED DREDGE PIPE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE LOWER UNIT AND TRANSOM OF HIS VESSEL.  THERE WERE NO INJURIES THAT OCCURRED IN THIS ACCIDENT.  OPERATOR INCURRED PROPERTY DAMAGE TO HIS BOAT ESTIMATING $16,000.00.  NO CHARGES HAVE BEEN MADE IN THIS INVESTIGATION.


BARDID: NC-2012-0025
Date: 2012-05-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: HIGH ROCK LAKE
NearestCityTown: SALISBURY
County: ROWA
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
The operators of each vessel knew each other and were operating their pwcs in the panther creek section of high rock lake near operator1's residence.  Operator2 had travelled on vessel 2 toward the mouth of panther creek when he came to a stop to work on his vessel.  Operator1 had accelerated vessel 1 to catch operator2 on vessel 2.  Operator1 advised that operator2 had turned vessel suddenly into his path and operator1 was unable to avoid vessel 2 and struck vessel 2 in the center of the vessel on the starboard side.  When the collision occurred vessel 1 continued over the top of vessel 2 striking operator2 in the lower back area and causing operator2 to fall off the pwc.  There was no evidence of alcohol being involved.  Operator1 assisted operator2 to the shore.  Both were wearing pfds.


BARDID: NC-2012-0027
Date: 2012-05-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GASTON
NearestCityTown: LITTLETON
County: WARREN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel one and vessel two were racing jet skiis in song bird creek approximately 50 yards from the dock of the house they were staying in.  Both jet skiis were traveling south with vessel one on the starboard side of vessel two when a boat came in their sight.  Vessel two waived to vessel one to let her know the boat was in front of them.  Vessel one thought that vessel two was slowing down so vessel one tried to turn in front of vessel two.  Vessel two struck vessel one on the port side.  The bow of vessel two struck the subject's left thigh knocking the subject of vessel one into the water.  Both vessels received minimal damage.  The seat was knocked off of vessel one and it also had fiberglass damage on the port side of the bow.  Vessel two only received minimal fiberglass damage to the bow.  Both subjects were wearing pfds.


BARDID: NC-2012-0028
Date: 2012-05-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:15:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: OAK ISLAND
County: BRUN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On may 20, 2012, i received a call from ncwrc dispatch in raleigh of a boat accident resulting in a fatality.  When i arrived at the address, i met an oak island officer and brunswick county deputy who informed me of the witnesses to the accident.  Ems had already transported the victim to dosher hospital in southport.  I spoke with subject who had spoken with the victim shortly before the drowning.  She stated he was in his kayak beside the pier in the marina standing in his kayak.  She stated he seemed to be staggering and having diffuculty standing and noticed a large cup with ice and liquid in the kayak.  She stated he paddled out of the marina toward the main channel of the icw.  Other witnesses stated victim had been paddling for about 2 hours in the area.  At approximately 7:00pm, witnesses at the restaurant observed victim splashing about in the water seemingly trying to get back into his kayak.  They attempted to flag down a passing boat but the boat did not stop.  Another person who was docked at the marina drove his dinghy out to victim and pulled him back to the dock.  The person stated victim was floating near his kayak when he retrieved him from the water.

I spoke with the uscg and asked them to secure the kayak at the cg station until victim's wife could pick it up.  I spoke with wife of the victim, and she stated victim routinely kayaked in the area leaving from their home in caswell beach to southport.  She stated he had no health problems at the time.  She stated he had been drinking alcohol the night before but did not know if he had been drinking that day.

Victim was not wearing a pfd and there were no pfds on board.  Several witnesses stated he had a large cup with ice and liquid and seemed impaired.  Any role of alcohol in the accident will not be known until the toxicology results are returned.

UPDATED 12/6/12 
THIS IS THE COMPLETE REPORT, DUE TO THE MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE DECIDING NOT TO DO AN AUTOPSY.  THERE WILL BE NO FURTHER INFORMATION FOR THIS REPORT.


BARDID: NC-2012-0029
Date: 2012-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:05:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CURRITUCK SOUND
NearestCityTown: POPLAR BRANCH
County: CURRITUCK
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator of vessel 1, he was attempting to perform maintenance on the vessel at the time of the incident.  Operator stated that he had problems with the vessel starting the day before and he had removed the battery and taken it home to charge the night before.  Upon reinstalling the battery, the boat still would not crank properly.  After a few minutes, he removed several spark plugs to see if they were the problem.  Operator then tried to crank the motor.  When he did, fire ignited gas dripping from the engine and quickly engulfed the power head.  

Operator then grabbed a fire extinguisher and tried to put the fire out.  The first extinguisher was unable to contain the fire so he tried to remove a 35 gallon gas tank that was sitting in the rear of the boat and was unable to remove that by himself.  At that time, operator ran to another boat moored to a dock nearby and grabbed another fire extinguisher, which was unable to extinguish the fire.  While this was happening an unidentified onlooker notified currituck 911 of the situation.  Currituck fire dept. Arrived on scene and was able to extinguish both the boat fire and dock to which the boat had been tied to.  The boat was totally gutted on the inside from the fire and the motor destroyed, leaving it a total loss.  The dock which belongs to currituck county had at least several hundred dollars damage to it.


BARDID: NC-2012-0030
Date: 2012-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE JAMES
NearestCityTown: NEBO
County: MCDOWELL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operators were cruising on lake james on pwcs.  Operator of vessel 2 made a sharp left turn and operator of vessel 1 could not react fast enough to avoid striking vessel 2 on the port side.  Operator of vessel 2 was injured and as a result of the impact had a broken pelvis, internal bleeding, major bruises on the back and left side and minor cuts.  Operator 1 helped get operator 2 back to the dock and called for medical assistance.  Operator 2 was flown by helicopter from blackbear boating access are to the ccu at mission hospital.  He was released from the hospital on 6/5/12.

Operator 1's lack of experience on operating a pwc and not being able to react to vessel 2's left turn fast enough was the major cause of the accident.  Operator 1 was charged with operating a vessel under the age of 26 without having completed a boating safety course.  Operator 1 is the step son of operator 2.

************************************************
It was not noted by the officer on the report as to why the operator of vessel 2 made a sharp left turn.


BARDID: NC-2012-0031
Date: 2012-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:40:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE LAKE
NearestCityTown: WHITE LAKE
County: BLADEN
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
Person was ejected from vessel and was struck by lower unit/propeller./propulsion unit.
Contributors to accident:  wake from vessel(s), weather/wind creating hazardous water conditions.

Narrative:
On sunday may 27, 2012, Operator was operating a pwc on white lake.  At 19:40 hrs, Operator was driving the jet ski in a southeastern direction approximately 300 yards off shore.  The vessel was traveling between 10 and 20mph.  Operator made a right turn towards the camp clearwater dock.  While making the turn, the vessel crossed a large wave causing occupant to be thrown into the air and backwards off of the seat.  After crossing the wave, the front of the vessel dipped into the lake causing the stern to raise up.  As occupant was falling towards the lake surface, the water stream from the vessel's jet drive struck her in the vaginal area.  The extreme pressure of the jet drive caused the water to enter occupant's body and cause an internal laceration.  Operator assisted her back to the shore at camp clearwater.  Occupant was taken to the bladen county hospital by ems.  She was later transferred to new hanover regional medical center.  Occupant was hospitalized for several days and treated for her injury.

Citations issued for:
Operator, no boating safety certification, under age possession of alcohol, under age consumption of alcohol.


BARDID: NC-2012-0032
Date: 2012-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:04:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: OSCEOLA LAKE
NearestCityTown: HENDERSONVILLE
County: HENDERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On june 2, 2912, just before 4:pm, two people came out to the beach area located in front of the inn.  Operator drank a little less than half of a 24 ounce bud light in a can and occupant drank about half a peach fuzzy navel in a glass bottle.  The hotel manager and the sheriff's department on scene also stated that they had consumed some alcohol in their room when they had checked in about 3:00pm.  The manager said she saw an empty alcohol bottle in the room, but did not say what kind.  The couple got into a canoe which was at the beach area or on the grass beside the beach area.  The beach area is located beside a wooden dock where three girls were tanning.  They all saw the couple's pfds in the boat but said neither operator nor occupant was wearing one.  Operator and occupant paddled out approximately 25 yards from shore.  The canoe tipped over and the couple went overboard into the water.  The girls on the dock asked if they needed help and occupant said "no".  Occupant also said operator could swim.  Operator tried to flip the canoe back over and started to swim back in.  He yelled "help" and went under the water.  Two people went into the water to try and find operator.  While this was happening, the third called 911.  This was at 4:04pm.  The simmers were unable to locate operator.  One person got in single person canoe and tried to use a paddle to locate operator, but was unsuccessful.  The contributing factors in this accident are that both subjects in the boat had consumed some amount of alcohol before going out on the water.  The subjects in the boat, although not required by law, were not wearing pfds and the vessel may have been overloaded.  The 14ft approximate size canoe did not display a capacity plate for passengers or weight.  The canoe was an older model fiberglass canoe that had been painted over several times.  The canoe also had lower sides than some.  Operators weight according to his sc drivers license states his weight at 285 pounds.  Occupant' weight according to her sc driver license in 2007 indicated her weight was 220 pounds which is a low estimate.  The combined weight of both operator and occupant puts the weight in the canoe at 505 lbs.  Any shift in weight or quick movements would cause a canoe to capsize.


BARDID: NC-2012-0033
Date: 2012-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE RHODHISS
NearestCityTown: CONNELLY SPRINGS
County: BURKE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
On june 3, 2012, operator was operating a pontoon boat on lake rhodhiss.  On board were 4 passengers, his wife, his daughter and his two grandsons.  About 4:30pm, operator was traveling east toward rhodhiss access are at 10 to 20 mph.  His daughter and her two sons were sitting on the bow of the boat with their feet kicking over the water.  One son fell off of the bow of the boat into the water.  Before operator could get the pontoon boat stopped, he had run over his grandson hitting him with the propeller.  Operator then turned the boat around and picked up victim. He had received a major cut to his right upper thigh and his right arm.  victim was wearing a type iii pfd.

***************************************
It was not noted in the report by the officer as to what made victim fall off the bow of the vessel.


BARDID: NC-2012-0036
Date: 2012-06-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE LAKE
NearestCityTown: WHITE LAKE
County: BLADEN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Person Departed Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Subject was one of seven passengers on vessel 1 when the accident occurred.  The vessel had stopped in the lake and victim decided to take a swim.  Victim was wearing a pfd.  Victim jumped overboard and his hand slid between the hinge of the door and the boat rail.  His right pinky finger was caught and was pulled off.  Victim was rushed to fayetteville hospital where he received medical care.  The doctors were unable to re-attach his finger.  Victim stated to a white lake police officer that he had consumed alcohol before the accident occurred.

************************************************
Though victim did consume alcohol before the accident occurred, the officer did not note the bac on this report.


BARDID: NC-2012-0037
Date: 2012-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: PAMLICO SOUND
NearestCityTown: HATTERAS
County: DARE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
According to statements made by the operator of the vessel, he was towing his son behind the boat on a wakeboard.  At some point the son jumped very high off the boat wake, and when he landed, complained of dizziness and neck/head pain.  According to operator, his son has had two previous concussions and he wanted him to get evaluated at the hospital.  Operator's wife drove the son to outer banks hospital where he was treated and released for a sprained neck.  According to operator, the son was wearing a type iii pfd at the time of the accident.  It is not known whether alcohol and/or drugs contributed to the accident.  There were no charges filed.


BARDID: NC-2012-0038
Date: 2012-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: TULLS BAY
NearestCityTown: CURRITUCK
County: CURRITUCK
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
According to statements made by the operators of both vessels, Operator1 was operating vessel 1 alone near the mouth of tulls bay heading east towards the north landing river approximately 150-200 yards from shore.  The operator of vessel 1 stated that he had been having engine troubles and was making long, slow circles in tulls bay waiting for the boat ramp to clear.  The operator of vessel 1 estimated his speed at around 10 mph.  

Operator2 stated that he was operating vessel 2 with two passengers on board.  The operator of vessel 2 stated that he was traveling east at a speed he estimated at 30-35 mph approaching from the rear and slightly to the right of vessel 1 at a distance he estimated of 50-75 feet.  The operator of vessel 2 further stated that he observed the slower moving vessel 1 in front of him and attempted to pass on the starboard side of vessel 1.  The operator of vessel 1 stated that upon observing that the boat ramp was beginning to clear, he made a sharp turn to starboard towards the ramp.  The operator of vessel 2 stated that as he was passing vessel 1, he observed it begin to make a sharp turn to starboard just in front of him.  He stated that he immediately turned to starboard and applied his brakes (his pwc was a newer model that was equipped with a braking system activated by a hand lever on the handlebars) in an attempt to avoid a "t bone" type impact.  

According to both vessel operators, vessel 2 struck vessel 1's starboard aft side, and traveled up and along the starboard side, directly impacting the operator of vessel 1 and ejecting him from the vessel.  The damage to both vessels as well as the injuries sustained by the operator of vessel 1 confirm these statements.  The operator of vessel 1 stated that he was ejected from his vessel and into the water.  The operator of vessel 2 stated that he and his two passengers were also ejected into the water.  Immediately following the accident, the operator of vessel 1 stated that he reboarded his pwc and proceeded directly to the ramp.  The operator of vessel 2 stated that he and his two passengers walked their pwc to the ramp.  The operator of vessel 1 stated that when he arrived at the ramp, he was assessed and treated by an of duty emt paramedic and currituck county ems was notified.  The operator of vessel 1 stated that he was transported by currituck ems to a hospital in virginia where he underwent emergency surgery for a fractured right femur.  The operator of vessel 2 stated that neither he nor his passengers sustained any injuries.  By all accounts, the operators and passengers of both vessels were wearing pfds at the time of the accident.  It is unknown at this time whether drugs and/or alcohol were contributing factors to the accident.  The operator of vessel 2 has been charged with operating a pwc in a reckless and negligent manner due to the speed and distance from vessel 1 in which he was operating.


BARDID: NC-2012-0039
Date: 2012-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: FONTANA LAKE
NearestCityTown: FONTANA
County: GRAHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating a pwc on fontana lake.  Operator has very little experience operating any vessel or pwc and has not had any formal instruction or boating safety education class.  Operator stated that he was between fontana dam and eagle creek area near the middle of the channel and decided to turn the pwc around and proceed back to fontana marina.  Operator stated he thought he was traveling at a speed of around 20 mph.  His passenger riding the back of the vessel was 23 year old.  Upon turning the pwc to the right, the pwc threw both passengers off the pwc.  Operator further stated that he had slowed down considerably before starting the turn and operator was aware of the nimbleness and handling abilities of the watercraft.  operator's passenger had suffered soreness in her left side due to the fall off of the watercraft.  About 1 hour later she decided that she needed to go to the hospital to further check out her injuries.  Graham county ems was contacted at 5:17pm and she was transported by ambulance from the fontana marina to swain county hospital.  She was xrayed for broken ribs and no fractures were found.  She was diagnosed with bruised ribs and was treated and released.  The following day the pain progressed and she went to a hospital located in charlotte nc where further xrays were taken.  Their findings were that she had suffered a fractured left rib.  Operator further stated that upon falling from the pwc, his left elbow struck the passenger.  Operator was cited for not having a boating safety education course.  I feel as if operator would have completed this course, he would have known about the handling and nimbleness of the pwc and this accident could have been prevented.  I also feel as if he were traveling at a speed greater than 20 mph as operator stated.  Both subjects were wearing a type iii pfd.  There were no alcohol or drugs involved in this accident.  No further investigation is needed in this accident.


BARDID: NC-2012-0040
Date: 2012-06-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: HAMPSTEAD
County: PENDER
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 was operating the vessel at the time of the accident.  Operator1 was traveling up greene's channel and while turning into the icw, made a turn that was too sharp throwing out two of the vessel's occupants.  Operator1, the operator and one passenger, was thrown from the vessel.  Another passenger jumped from the vessel upon seeing the approach of a channel marker.  After all occupants were clear of the vessel, the vessel struck channel marker 105 breaking it off in the water.  A witness who observed the operation of the vessel in question stated that the vessel was being operated in a normal fashion.  The witness did not observe the accident.  The witness did see the occupants of the vessel in question in the water and the vessel aground.  There were no faults of equipment detected.  Alcohol or drugs were not a factor in the accident.  Life saving devices were not worn and were not used by the survivors.


BARDID: NC-2012-0041
Date: 2012-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE TILLERY
NearestCityTown: TROY
County: MONT
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On the evening of july 4, 2012, a boat accident occurred on lake tillery, located in montgomery county around 5:00pm.  The accident took place near the emerald shores community and involved two yamaha waverunners.  The waverunners were operated by Operator1 and Operator2 who are both on the football team for duke university.  The waverunners are owned by a step father of another team mate.

Prior to the accident, Operator1 and Operator2 were traveling north up the lake looking for their friends.  They were approximately 20 yards from one another at an angle.  Operator1 was in front of Operator2 when the accident occurred.  Operator2 had glanced down to get water out of his eyes and unknowingly to him, Operator1 turned to the left and stopped the waverunner in front of him.  When Operator2 looked back up, he was unable to avoid hitting Operator1.  The two waverunners collided and Operator2 was thrown from the waverunner he was operating.  Operator1 was struck in the head by the waverunner Operator2 was operating and Operator1 was knocked off his waverunner and became unconscious.  Bystanders at the nearby pier came to the aid of Operator1 and pulled him to shore.  By the time officers arrived at the scene, Operator1 was unconscious, breathing and had a pulse.  He also had a small laceration under his chin.  It was not long before montgomery county ems arrived and transported Operator1 to stanly regional hospital where they immediately airlifted him to chapel hill.  Operator2 refused all medical care.

After interviewing Operator2 at the scene and the following monday, i was able to understand how the accident took place.  The factors that contributed to the accident were:  there were more boats on the water than normal due to it being a holiday, which in turn made the water more rough; both operators were inexperienced at operating a vessel, and their inattention to their surroundings.  Operator2 was charged with an infraction for not having a boating safety class.  No other charges are expected to be filed.  

Due to Operator1 still being in a coma at the hospital, there is no operator's report from him at this time.  Once one is completed for him, it will be included with this report and the report will be complete.


BARDID: NC-2012-0042
Date: 2012-05-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BADIN LAKE
NearestCityTown: BADIN
County: STANLY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
OtherAccidentEvent: Person Struck by Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On thursday may 17, 2012, at around 11:00am, operator and victim were fishing from operator's boat in badin lake in the palmerville area.  At this time operator stated they decided to move from one location to another.  Victim was sitting on the floor in the passenger area to the left of the operator due to the vessel not having a seat in this location.  Operator stated that he had his right knee on the operator's seat and his left knee on the floor.  He stated this is how he usually operates the vessel.  He also stated he was operating the vessel by grabbing the steering wheel with his left hand only.  After the vessel was on plane, he stated something was between his glasses and his left eye.  He stated that he let go of the steering wheel and with his left hand he grabbed his glasses and pulled them down.  He then stated that the vessel turned sharply to the left and he was unable to grab the steering wheel with his right hand.  This was the time when he heard the motor make a loud noise and the vessel collided with the shoreline.

Note:  during my interview with operator on 5/19/12 while at his residence, he stated he had grabbed the steering wheel with his right hand first, then let go of the wheel with his left hand and pulled his glasses down using his left hand.  He had initially stated to lieutenant in a very specific and clear manner that he had let go of the wheel with his left hand and did not have the opportunity to grab it with his right due to the boat making the sudden  left turn.

Once the vessel made impact with the embankment, the operator was thrown against the passenger side console, striking it with his left shoulder and then cartwheeling over and onto the front of the vessel.  The passenger was ejected over the left side landing face down partially on the rocks and in the water.  Due to the final resting position of the passenger, the vessel ran over the passenger and the propeller then made contact with the passenger's right shoulder, then traveled down his back.  Due to the injury to the lower back, it appeared that the front of the vessel, during impact, went upwards which caused the propeller to go lower causing more tissue damage which caused the body to twist to the right.  The propeller continued to make contact to the upper left thigh.

It was determined that alcohol was not a factor in this incident.  The vessel was equipped with all of the proper safety equipment.  Life jackets were on board but were not being work by either occupant of the vessel.  I found the equipment and machinery of the vessel to be in proper working order.


BARDID: NC-2012-0043
Date: 2012-05-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORMAN
NearestCityTown: CORNELIUS
County: MECK
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1was sitting still in the water talking to his brother operator2.  They were about 150-200 yards from their dock and decided to go back to the dock.  Both operators were side by side with operator1 on the left and operator2 on the right.  When they took off to go back to the dock, operator1 made a loop to the left and operator2 made a loop to the right.  When they came back around from making a circle, they were both pointed right at each other.  They let off the throttle but it was too late to steer away from each other and vessel 2 ran head on into vessel 1.  Vessel 2 ran over the bow of vessel 1 striking operator1 in the face.  Both operators were ejected from the pwcs and operator1 was not conscious.  Operator2 swam over to his brother and turned him over with his face up so he could get air.  Tow boat us was working at a dock nearby and after hearing what happened, they went to pull both boys out of the water.  Charlotte pd was just around the corner in ramsey creek.  They got over to the scene and transferred the operators to their vessel and took them to ramsey creek access.  Operator1 was air lifted to cmc hospital in charlotte where he was put in icu and the following morning he underwant facial reconstruction surgery.  He was transported about a week later back to virginia where he lives.  Operator1 will have to go in for more surgeries at a later date.  There was no alcohol or drugs involved and both operators were wearing pfds.


BARDID: NC-2012-0044
Date: 2012-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HICKORY
NearestCityTown: HICKORY
County: CATA
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Narrative:

According to the operator of vessel 2, at approximately 2:30pm on lake hickory just west of the hwy 127 bridge, he was out riding his jet ski on lake hickory and saw some other skis which he proceeded towards.  He was traveling at approximately 25-30 mph when he approached still on plane and did not set the jet ski off plane until he was approximately 6-10 feet from the other vessel 1.  Vessel 1 was being operated at a slow idling speed and both operators said that he made a sudden steering move to try to avoid the oncoming vessel 2.  Vessel 2 struck vessel 1 and landed on top of the vessel raking down the port side and hitting the operator's leg.  Operator of vessel 1 was taken to piedmont urgent care of nc and was looked at by a physician.  His leg was badly bruised, but the did not believe it to be broken or fractured.  I interviewed both operators and the stories did not vary much.  I charged the operator of vessel 2 with careless and reckless operation having determined he was much closer to the other vessel than was legally allowed while not running at idle speed.


BARDID: NC-2012-0045
Date: 2012-05-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityTown: WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH
County: NEWH
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: bilge pump
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
RedactedNarrative:
On may 2, 2012, at approximately 2:15 pm, operator stated he left carolina beach inlet and headed south in the atlantic ocean.  Approximately 15 minutes into the trip, operator stated his boat began to handle sluggishly, at which point he observed approximately 2 inches of standing water on the deck towards the rear of the boat.  Operator stated he attempted to pump the water out of his boat, but his bilge pump was not working.  He took the bilge cover off and noticed the bilge was full of water.  Operator stated the bilge began to pump water after he struck it several times with his hand.

Operator stated the boat was struck from behind by several large waves which raised the water level in the deck of the boat and knocked the power out to the engine.  They were then struck by several more waves which swamped and sank the boat.  A passenger on the boat was able to call 911 and give the dispatcher their approximately location prior to the boat sinking.  Operator and all three passengers aboard the boat swam to masonboro island and were later rescued by wrightsville beach ocean rescue and the us coast guard.

One passenger was transported to the hospital for hypothermia symptoms but was later released.

Operator's boat was never recovered.


BARDID: NC-2012-0046
Date: 2012-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAUFORT INLET
NearestCityTown: BEAUFORT
County: CART
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 2 HAD JUST DEPARTED SHACK HEADING WEST TOWARDS BEAUFORT.  VESSEL 1 WAS AT ANCHOR FISHING NEAR BEAFORT INLET.  VESSEL 2 WAS UNDERWAY TRAVELING BACK TOWARDS BEAUFORT.  THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL 2 WENT TO THE STERN TO PUMP THE FUEL BALL BECAUSE HIS ENGINES WERE RUNNING ROUGH.  WHEN THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL 2 LOOKED BACK UP HIS VESSEL WAS TRAVELING TOWARDS VESSEL 1.  VESSEL 2'S STARBOARD SIDE STRUCK VESSEL 1'S STARBOARD SIDE BREAKING THE BOW RAIL OF VESSEL 1.  

VESSEL 2 WAS AT FAULT DUE TO AN IMPROPER LOOKOUT.  Occupant on V2 was injured when his finger was impaled by a fish hook.


BARDID: NC-2012-0047
Date: 2012-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GASTON
NearestCityTown: LITTLETON
County: WARREN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/9/12 at approximately 10:30am, victim was wakeboarding in stonehouse creek on lake gaston.  The vessel with 7 persons onboard was being operated by operator.  Operator stated that victim fell after attempting a jump while wake boarding.  Operator turned the vessel around to pick up victim.  Operator stated that it was apparent that something was wrong.  He stated that victim was conscious but was not moving or swimming.  Victim complained that he could not hear and that he could not move and then victim began to panic.  Operator jumped into the water and pulled victim over to the boat.  Victim needed assistance getting into the boat.  Operator pulled the boat to the shoreline  near outdoor world and called 911.  Halifax ems one responded and victim was transported to halifax regional medical center.  He was later transferred to vidant medical center in greenville.  Victim sustained a fractured skull and brain bruising and swelling from being hit by the wakeboard.  Victim was wearing a type iii pfd and alcohol was not involved.


BARDID: NC-2012-0048
Date: 2012-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: OCEAN ISLE
County: BRUNSWICK
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 2 WAS TRAVELING SOUTH ON THE ICW NEAR OCEAN ISLE BEACH WHILE VESSEL 1 WAS TRAVELING NORTH.  VESSEL 1 WAS CAUGHT BY A PASSING BOAT WAKE AND PUSHED HEAD ON INTO VESSEL 2.  BOTH OPERATOR AND PASSENGER OF VESSEL 2 WERE WEARING PFDS,fell upon impact, and suffered injuries.  OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT.  NO ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS WERE PRESENT.


BARDID: NC-2012-0049
Date: 2012-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:45:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GASTON
NearestCityTown: LITTLETON
County: HALIFAX
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On july 6, 2012 at approximately 11:45am, Operator1 was operating a pwc.  Operator1 was operating vessel 1 with his 9 year old daughter sitting behind him.  Operator2 was operating vessel 2 with his 10 year old son, V2 son sitting in front of him.  Vessel 2 was operating in front of vessel 1.  Both vessels were traveling north out of hamlin creek in the area of a residence.  According to witnesses both vessels were operating at a speed between 10 and 20 mph.  Vessel 2 slowed down to watch a wake boarder that was traveling in hamlin creek.  According to witnesses, vessel 1 was operating approximately 40 ft behind vessel 2.  The operator of vessel 1 noticed that vessel 2 had slowed down.  The operator of vessel 1 stated that he let off the throttle and tried to turn to the starboard side.  Vessel 1 continued to travel directly towards vessel 2.  Vessel 1 struck vessel 2 on the starboard side of the stern.  Vessel 1 traveled across the stern of vessel 2.  The collision caused all four subjects from both vessels to be thrown from, or knocked off of both vessels.

At the time of the collision, all four subjects were wearing pfds.  According to witnesses, the daughter of Operator1 who was sitting behind her dad flew approximately 6 feet into the air.  The operator of vessel 1, Operator1 and daughter were not injured.  V2 son, who was sitting in front of his dad, Operator2 was not injured.  The operator of vessel 2 was severely injured by the collision.  Operator2 was pulled from the water. According to ems personnel, the victim sustained blunt force trauma to the back, a severe laceration across his back and internal bleeding.  Occupant on V1 was pulled from the water by her dad, Operator1 and transported to the west shore line.

Vessel 2 sustained fiberglass damage to the starboard side of the stern and broke the hand rail behind the seat on the stern.  The rear of the seat of vessel 2 sustained small tears.  The impact point on vessel 1 appeared to be approximately 8-10 inches below the bow eye on the keel.  Vessel 1 sustained cracked and broken fiberglass, scratches, and paint transfer along the keel extending approximately 35-40 inches back towards the stern from the point of impact.

Halifax dispatch received the boating accident call at 11:57am.  Ems arrived on the scene at 12:16pm.  I received the call from sgt at 12:35pm notifying me of the boating accident.  Operator2 was treated on the scene by ems personnel at 70 w drumgould st.  He was transported to halifax regional medical center where he died from his injuries at approximately 2:15pm.  V2 son was transported to halifax regional medical center where he was evaluated and released with no injuries.

The operator of vessel 1 was charged with reckless and negligent operation of a vessel.  The incident was not alcohol related.

At the time of this report, the medical examiner's report has not been reviewed.


BARDID: NC-2012-0050
Date: 2012-06-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: HIGH ROCK LAKE
NearestCityTown: SALISBURY
County: ROWA
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
Operator launched his vessel at second creek access area and traveled west on second creek.  As Operator turned the vessel around to go back to the access area, he noticed the vessel was not handling properly.  His daughter went below deck into the cabin and noticed the vessel was taking on water.  At this time, Operator had everyone aboard the vessel put on pfds.  He then smelled and noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment.  At this point his daughter called 911.  He flagged down a passing vessel and his two passengers boarded that vessel and were taken to the access area.  Operator then drove the vessel to the access area to meet the fire department and rescue squad.  The vessel had taken on a large amount of water in the cabin and engine compartment. 

This vessel was not involved in a collision.  The only damage to the vessel is water damage to the interior and engines in excess of two thousand dollars.  The passengers were not injured.

****************************************************
There was no explanation as to what caused the vessel to take on water other than faulty machinery and faulty equipment.


BARDID: NC-2012-0051
Date: 2012-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: WOOD LAKE
NearestCityTown: VASS
County: MOOR
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On the morning of 6/19/12 i was notified by det. from the moore county so of a boating incident that took place on the date of 6/16/12 at wood lake involving property damage only and had been investigated by his office.  I asked him to email me the incident report.  After reviewing the incident report and noticing the amount of property damage, i opened an ivestigation of the case.  On the afternoon of 6/21/12 myself and mo contacted the victim in the case and met with him at his residence to survey the damage and to start our investigation.  

Pier owner met us and showed us the damage to his vessel and to his pier.  We photographed the vessel, pier and damage.  While we were at the scene, we were approached by a neighbor,  who stated that his wife and a friend actually heard and witnessed the incident.  Witness himself stated that he also observed moments after the incident, a pontoon boat with a man and a woman on board heading out of the cove under the bridge out into the main lake, as well as a small kayak with another male heading toward a dock a few houses up.  Pier owner stated that he had gone and talked to Subject, who resides at the residence who told him that his 94 year old father had been operating his pontoon boat during that time and was in the area of his dock but had not been involved in an accident.  

Upon reviewing the incident report from the so, subject also told this to the investigator who observed fresh damage to the vessel docked at the residence.  After getting the report information from Pier owner, we proceded to the residence of subject.  We were greeted by subject who said he would talk to us, but he didn't want us to talk to his father due to the fact that it would upset him.  We were also in the company of a caretaker of Operator1., and a resident.  Subject told me that he had taken another vessel out on the lake to check a propeller and told his father not to operate while he was gone.  When he came back, he saw his dad and caretaker in the pontoon just down the cove in distress.  He stated he took his kayak to assist getting a rope unwrapped from the propeller in which he cut out.  He said he did not see him hit anything.  

Caretaker stated she was in the vessel and they had gotten the rope wrapped around the propeller and were not able to go anywhere and drifted up on the bank.  She also stated that subject did not hit another boat and that she witnessed a runabout boat with 4 adults one with bright red hair "speeding" out of the cove, and they must have been the ones that hit the boat.  I advised them that i would like to inspect the pontoon boat and they agreed.  Upon inspecting the front starboard pontoon, i noticed an old bend in the point of the pontoon that appeared to have very fresh metal to metal scars that were initially consistent with the damage and scratches to the victim's vessel.  We questioned Subject again and he stated that it was possible but he didn't know anything, but would pay for the damage.  I advised him that the investigation was ongoing and that he may want to notify his insurance provider that his property was suspected to be involved in an accident, and he stated he would turn it in to the insurance company.  On the morning of 6/22/12, myself and mo again visited the scene and took measurements and photos of damage, met with caretaker and got a statement.  We also attempted to talk to Operator1. But were denied by caretaker due to him having had a bed accident.  She asked us to come back later.  She also stated that whoever said they saw her at the accident was a lie and that she was in that boat and they didn't hit anything.  At that point, we proceeded to the wood lake management office to check on the ownership and insurance information and found tha


BARDID: NC-2012-0052
Date: 2012-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE WYLIE
NearestCityTown: MOUNT HOLLY
County: GASTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator, he purchased a boat for $1800.00.  He put all his safety equipment into the boat and backed it down into lake wylie at dale's access at approximately 7:15pm on 6/16/12.  He had drifted just away from the dock away from his boat trailer and attempted to crank the boat.  He said he heard a very loud explosion and was struck in the back of the head by some debris.  He looked back to see the boat in flames and jumped overboard soaking both his work cell phone and his personal cell phone.  The boat burned completely down to the hull including all his safety equipment and some recreational equipment.  No injuries were sustained and the operator was the only one involved in the accident.  The boat fire was put out by the local fire department and the boat was loaded back onto the trailer.  When i arrived on scene, the boat was on the trailer and was still smoldering.  It was obviously a complete loss.  The operator's story appeared to be accurate and he was very cooperative with the investigation.  The primary factor contributing to the accident was found to be faulty machinery in the boat motor, possibly including lack of backfire flame arrester.  No charges have been filed.


BARDID: NC-2012-0054
Date: 2012-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORMAN
NearestCityTown: SHERRILLS FORD
County: CATA
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Throttle
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On june 24, 2012 around 9:30am, Operator1 had driven the starboard side of the boat up to the mountain creek marina dock for fueling.  There were 4 passengers on board the pontoon other than Operator1.  After fueling, Operator1 was operating the pontoon and was trying to turn the vessel around and head away from the dock back into the open water on lake norman.  Operator1 was going forward and trying to turn the port side of the vessel around away from the other boats.  At this time he was still going forward and he tried to pull the throttle back to change direction so that he would miss hitting the docked vessels.  At this time the throttle became stuck in the forward position.  He then was trying to pull the throttle to the neutral position.  By the time Operator1 got the throttle back to the neutral position he was headed straight towards the port side of vessel 2.  He then tried to put the throttle in reverse but the motor had cut off.  He did not have time to start the motor up before the front starboard side of his vessel hit vessel 2.  According to statements made by the staff at mountain creek marina, the passengers on board the pontoon tried to hold off the pontoon as it collided with the sea ray. The staff also stated that the motor on the pontoon turned off when Operator1 pulled the throttle back to change direction of the pontoon so that it would not hit any of the boats.  The staff stated that they believed the accident was caused by the throttle sticking.  The sea ray was tied to the dock with the starboard side of the vessel against the dock.  At the time of the accident, the sea ray was not occupied and the owner was not on the premises of mountain creek marina.  There was minimal damage to the aluminum pontoon on the starboard side of vessel 1.  There was significant damage to the port side of vessel 2 that had made a gash in the gelcoat and into the fiberglass hull.  The pontoon was equipped with the correct number of pfds.  The pfds were not being work at the time of the accident.  The use of alcohol and/or drugs was not believed to be a contriuting factor in the accident.  With the evidence and statements given, it is clear that the cause of the accident was due to the fault of equipment and machinery due to the throttle getting stuck in the forward position and the motor cutting off.

Operator1 was given a citation for not meeting the boating safety education requirements.


BARDID: NC-2012-0055
Date: 2012-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GASTON
NearestCityTown: LITTLETON
County: WARR
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
ON JUNE THE 24TH AROUND 5:30PM, Operator WAS HEADING NORTH IN LIZZARD CREEK ON LAKE GASTON.  Operator HIT THE WAKE FROM A LARGE VESSEL AT A BAD ANGLE CAUSING HIM TO BE THROWN OVER THE HANDLEBARS OF HIS PWC.  Operator STATED THE VESSEL WAS ABOUT THREE HUNDRED FEET AWAY FROM HIM.  Operator SUSTAINED THREE FRACTURES TO HIS LEFT KNEE CAP.  Operator WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL.  THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE PWC.


BARDID: NC-2012-0056
Date: 2012-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: SURF CITY
County: PEND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On june 25, 2012, at approximately 12:00pm, Operator was operating his vessel southbound on the icw in surf city, nc.  Operator was attempting to pull up skier when Skier fell back into the water.  Immediately after falling, Skier complained of severe right lower extremity pain.  Pender county ems was notified and they retrieved him from the icw and transported him to cape fear memorial hospital where he received treatment.  No criminal charges were made in this accident investigation.


BARDID: NC-2012-0057
Date: 2012-06-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: JORDAN POND
NearestCityTown: EAGLE SPRINGS
County: MOOR
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
Preliminary investigation revealed that the evening on june 26, 2012, victim's family called for help in locating the victim who had not returned home from fishing.  Victim had left home to go fishing at jordan farm pond around 1800 hrs.  The victim's vehicle was found at the dam of the pont and victim's vessel was found in the pond with water inside and a small anchor out in the water.  Vessel was located approximately 40 or 50 yards from the shore line.  Rescue and investigators search the surrounding area and the mud on the shoreline for victim and any foot prints or evidence that victim may have made it out of the water.  No evidence of foot prints on the shore were found and there was no sign of victim in the area surrounding the pond.

Rescue and recovery attempted to search the pond for victim during the night, but had to terminate the search due to extreme fog and uncontrollable conditions.  Search for victim resumed the following morning and lasted all day by a series of efforts which included numerous diving teams and multiple rescue personnel.

Further investigation showed that victim was a hard worker who worked third shift the night before and also worked on the farm after.  After working his two jobs back to back, he proceeded to jordan farm pond to go fishing in vessel 1 a red kayak.  He proceeded on the pond without a pfd.  Interviews from family member stated that the victim had not had the vessel very long, but he could swim.  Further investigation revealed that victim did not use any alcohol or drugs.  It was also noted that victim had a prescription for blood pressure medication but may have not taken it the day of the incident.

On june 28, 2012, at first light, victim was located floating in the pond approximately 30 feet from the vessel which was still anchored at the location in which it was found.  Victim was recovered from the pond and determined that there was nothing suspicious regarding the incident.

It is concluded that victim fell from the vessel.  The victim was not wearing any type of flotation device when located.  Medical examiner on the scene determined that the victim passed from either drowning or natural causes and one may have assisted the other.  The victim had little experience with the vessel and could have had a major factor in the cause of the incident due to the frequent tipping of a kayak type vessel.  If victim was wearing a pfd, then he may have been able to make it to land and may have survived this incident.  If natural causes were the primary cause of this incident, then the overall result of this incident may have had no change.

***************************
No medical examiner's report was sent with this report.


BARDID: NC-2012-0058
Date: 2012-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GASTON
NearestCityTown: HENRICO
County: NORT
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
The operator of vessel 1 and his father were cruising the shorelines looking at houses in pea hill creek.  The operator was approaching an island that he thought he was familiar with because he had traveled between it and the shoreline in the past.  He knew that the water between the shoreline and the island was shallow.  As he approached the island, he became uncertain if he could make it, so he began to reduce his speed.  At that point, he ran aground.  The impact threw him and his father from the boat.  The operator suffered a broken right arm, and his father suffered bruised ribs.  It was later determined from the interview with the operator, that he became confused with another island that was beyond the one in which he ran aground.


BARDID: NC-2012-0059
Date: 2012-06-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORMAN
NearestCityTown: CATAWBA
County: CATA
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator he and his family and some friends were water skiing about 3oo yards below the hudson chapel road bridge on lake norman.  They were skiing 2 at a time and were attempting to have another girl switch to the skiing position behind the boat.  The operator said he had just shifted the vessel into neutral and subject attempted to climb onto the back of the vessel.  Her leg was swung into the propeller which was still spinning.  She was air lifted to charlotte to the carolina medical center where she was given medical treatment for her wounds to her left leg.  From my observations and investigation, there were no charges involved and it appears to have been an accident.


BARDID: NC-2012-0060
Date: 2012-06-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: FONTANA LAKE
NearestCityTown: ROBBINSVILLE
County: GRAH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/30/12, victim was swimming around the pwc in cross creek on santeetlah lake along with his girlfriend.  Victim climbed up on the pwc and tried to do a flip off of the pwc and slipped and hit his head on the stern of the pwc splitting his head open.  Ems was called and victim was checked out and was told by ems that he would need to get staples.  Victim's mother transported him to the hospital and he received medical treatment/staples and was released.


BARDID: NC-2012-0061
Date: 2012-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: PANTHER CREEK
NearestCityTown: ROBBINSVILLE
County: GRAH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
MachineryFailure: Shift
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/1/12 operator was operating nc 1892 bt in panther creek on fontana lake.  Operator was attempting to pull up to a floating dock where vessel 2 was tied up.  During the docking process Operator went to put his vessel in reverse and the linkage broke causing Operator to run into vessel 2's starboard side pontoon.  Operator then pulled the kill switch and shut off vessel 1.  Operator and passengers fled back to their boat house on fontana lake where i later confronted them about the boating accident.

*********************************************
This narrative and report is all the information provided by the officer.


BARDID: NC-2012-0062
Date: 2012-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LURE
NearestCityTown: LAKE LURE
County: RUTH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 LAUNCHED HIS BOAT AT LAKE LURE MARINA IN THE ATTEMPT TO TURN THE BOAT TO THE RIGHT, Operator1's ARM BUMPED THE THROTTLE WHICH IS LOCATED ON THE STEERING WHEEL.  HE HIT V2 IN THE LEFT CORNER GLANCING OFF INTO THE OUTBOARD MOTOR.  Operator HAD JUST PURCHASED THE BOAT AND THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THE BOAT HAD BEEN LAUNCHED ON THE WATER BY HIM.

NO ALCOHOL/DRUG INVOLVEMENT DETECTED THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT.

Operator1 HAD ONE TYPE III PFD LOCATED NEAR THE OPERATOR AREA OF THE BOAT, NO TYPE IV THROWABLE PFD ON BOARD AND NO USCG APPROVED FIRE EXTINGUISHER ON BOARD.


BARDID: NC-2012-0063
Date: 2012-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BADIN LAKE
NearestCityTown: NEW LONDON
County: MONT
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with governmental vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On the evening of july 7, 2012, a boat accident occurred on badin lake, located in montgomery county near the whip o wheel access area.  The accident involved a montgomery county lake deputy.  The accident happened around 10:30pm.

Operator1 was patrolling badin lake, and had gone near the access area known as whip o wheel.  He shut off his motor and was watching other boaters coming in for violations.  In doing so, Operator1 heard a boat that was heading in the direction he was in.  As he turned around to look, a boat operated by Operator2 ran into Operator1's boat.  At that time, Operator1 contacted me by phone and stated he had just been involved in a boat accident.  I told Operator1 that i would not be able to get over to the accident and instructed him to do a safety inspection on the other boat, collect all Operator2's information, and that i would get in contact with him about the accident.  Later that night, i was able to gather all the information on the accident and examine the damage to Operator1's boat.  Both boats had all safety equipment and the lights were working on both boats.  Operator2 stated to me on july 11, 2012 that the accident was his fault.

In conclusion, no one involved in the accident was hurt.  Operator2's boat was not damaged in the accident.  Operator1's boat received a hole in the motor cover and are unsure of any other damages to the boat.  On july 11, 2012, Operator2 was cited for operating a vessel in a careless and neglectful manner.


BARDID: NC-2012-0064
Date: 2012-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:15:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: HATTERAS INLET
NearestCityTown: OCRACOKE
County: HYDE
WaterConditions: Very Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator he and three others had taken his grady white approximately 15 miles off shore fishing.  Their trip was cut short due to heavy surf being created by tropical storm berryl.  As they were coming in hatteras inlet at the second marker, the subject advised that it was extremely heavy surg, "nothing but white water".  Then operator advised he went up one big sea and the next one capsized him.  The operator advised that he had to look for daylight to find his way out from inside the cabin.  All four subjects were able to stay with the vessel as they drifted almost two and 1/2 miles down the ocracoke beach.  One subject swam to shore and contacted 911.  The others eventually drifted to shore with the vessel.  Nps, hyde county ems, and hyde county so arrived on scene  us coast guard helicopter flew one person to vidant medical center in greenville, nc.  Spencer beach towing removed the destroyed vessel and debris from the beach.  The use of alcohol and drugs was not detected in this incident.  Proper safety gear was on board due to the operator advising that they had been inspected by the uscg on their way out that morning.  An mb4.1 is not included because i have been unsuccessful in contacting the subject since i initially made contact with him by phone.


BARDID: NC-2012-0065
Date: 2012-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: PAMLICO SOUND
NearestCityTown: HYDE
County: HYDE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Person Struck by Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator, Operator and his girlfriend were riding a pwc they had rented on ocracoke island.  Operator stated that the guide had mentioned to them about a sandbar where sand dollars are often collected.  Operator observed a female standing in the water near this location and she appeared to be picking up shells.  While approaching location, Operator cut his pwc engine off.  The momentum from Operator's pwc continued forward causing the pwc to collide with bystander while she was standing in the water.  Bystander had rented a pwc as well.  At the time of the collision, bystander was standing in the water beside her rented pwc, while her eight year old daughter was sitting on it.  Bystander was crushed between Operator's pwc and her pwc.  After the collision Operator and his companion asked bystander if she was okay.  Bystander stated she was sore.  The pwc guide, who witnessed the accident, stated that Operator killed his engine approximately 20 yards from bystander.  Witness estimated his speed between 15 and 20 mph.  At the time of the collision he estimated Operator's speed between 10-15 mph.  As bystander and her daughter started heading back to the rental company, the effects from the collision became noticeable to bystander.  She had to have her eight year old daughter take control of the pwc due to the onset of injuries sustained in the collision.  Bystander and her daughter returned to the dock where she collapsed once she got off the pwc.  The guide contacted ems.  East care (helicopter) transported bystander to vidant medical center in greenville where she was treated for a fractured rib.  subject spoke with bystander at vidant medical center and she said the pwc rental company advised them to stay at least 200 feet apart during operation.  The use of alcohol and drugs did not contribute to this accident.  All persons involved were wearing a pfd at the time of the accident.  Operator was charged with operating a pwc on the waters of the state in a reckless manner.  General statute 75a-10(a) causing injury to bystander.

************************************************
Please note:  this accident involved only 1 pwc that hit an individual while the individual was standing in the water looking for shells.  The individual's pwc was not involved in this accident.


BARDID: NC-2012-0066
Date: 2012-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CASHIE RIVER
NearestCityTown: WINDSOR
County: BERT
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On july 3, 2012, about 4:57pm a boating accident was reported.  The accident occurred on the cashie river approximately 1 mile up river from sans souci access area.  Operator1 stated around 4:45pm the boat he was operating, vessel 1, was heading down river toward sans souci access area.  Operator1 also stated he was test driving the boat.  The vessel owner was sitting to the right of Operator1.  As Operator1's boat approached the left hand turn, he stated he was closer to the left river bank than the right river bank.  Around the same time vessel 2 was coming up river from the sans souci access area.  Vessel 2 had 6 passengers onboard, 3 adults and 3 kids ages 5, 7 and 8.  All the kids had pfds on.  At the curve, Operator2 had to make a right turn.  While in the turn he noticed vessel 1 coming toward them.  Operator2 stated he then turned hard right more to avoid vessel 1.  At this time, Operator1, vessel 1, turned hard left, which caused the two vessels to hit broadside to broadside.  Both vessels were pointed at the wood line.  Operator2 stated that his boat was still in the turn to the right and the left side of his boat was high out of the water.

Looking at the damage to both vessels, vessel 1 had major damage to its starboard side (right side) and vessel 2 had major damage to its port side (left side).

Operator1's boat, vessel 1, center console and seat was knocked off the floor.  Vessel 1 turned 180 degrees and went across the river to the opposite bank after the collision.  Operator1 and occupant were ejected from the vessels on impact.  Also two adults from vessel 2 were ejected into the river on impact.  They swam back to vessel 2, but the vessel was sinking.  Everyone ended up in the water; the kids were pulled to the nearest bank.  Another boat on the river came to everyone's aid.

Operator2's boat, vessel 2, went under in 30 plus feet of water due to the fiberglass damage and a hole below the waterline.

Operator1, the operator of vessel 1, has been charged with operating a vessel in a reckless and negligent manner.


BARDID: NC-2012-0067
Date: 2012-04-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: CEDAR POINT
County: CART
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
On april 6, 2012, vessel 1 was being transferred along the icw from southport to cherry branch on the neuse river.  At approximately 1:00pm the ferry was passing cedar point, nc.  Apparently the ferry was at a speed which created a sizeable wake. Another subject went to his 2001 23 foot maycraft which was tied to a dock in an attempt to protect it from being damaged by the wake.  The wake struck the vessel causing it to pull from the dock pilings snapping the bow and stern lines, damaging a wood piling, a steel piling, dock deck boards and washing the vessel up onto the shore rip rap causing damage to the gelcoat and lower unit of the outboard motor.  subject boarded the damaged vessel and pursued the ferry to notify the captain of the damage sustained during the incident.  The captain had him contact the cherry branch office to report the incident.  subject has submitted a report to the ncdot investigator along with damage estimates.  There were no injuries sustained during the incident.


BARDID: NC-2012-0068
Date: 2012-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ADAMS CREEK
NearestCityTown: BEAUFORT
County: CART
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
RedactedNarrative:
WHILE OPERATING THE VESSEL NEAR SEA GATE MARINA, operator STRUCK WHAT HE BELIEVES WAS A SUBMERGED OBJECT.  operator STRUCK THE OBJECT AS HE WAS PASSING ANOTHER VESSEL IN ADAMS CREEK.  operator ATTEMPTED TO BEACH THE VESSEL, BUT IT SANK WITHIN ABOUT 10 SECONDS.

************************************************
IT IS NOT KNOWN WHAT THE SUBMERGED OBJECT WAS THAT HE STRUCK


BARDID: NC-2012-0069
Date: 2012-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: CAROLINA BEACH
County: NEWH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: engine damage
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 3:30pm on june 6, 2012, Operator1 was traveling north on the icw, at approximately 40 mph, when a boat traveling in the same direction pulling an innertube cut in front of him.  Operator1 stated he had to put his boat in reverse in an effort to avoid a collision.  Damage to the engine occurred as a result of shifting into reverse while traveling at a high rate of speed.  Operator1 believed that the boat pulling the inner tube did not see him and was not aware that he had almost caused an accident.

Wildlife officers searched the area for the boat pulling the inner tube, but they were not successful.

There was approximately $9500.00 in damage to Operator1' motor.


BARDID: NC-2012-0070
Date: 2012-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BANKS CHANEL
NearestCityTown: WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH
County: NEWH
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Person Departed Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and his family were preparing to ski.  He had his youngest daughter in the water ready to ski.  He pushed the motor into gear, it tangled the ski rope in the propeller.  Operator then jumped into the water to free the line from the propeller.  He did not jump out far enough and he came down on the propeller causing a severe laceration on his hand as well as a laceration on his leg.  He then docked the boat and went directly to the medac office where he received stitches and a tetanus shot.


BARDID: NC-2012-0071
Date: 2012-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: MASONBORO INLET
NearestCityTown: WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH
County: NEWH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
Victim and female companion were swimming at masonboro inlet.  They were using a noodle for flotation.  Victim noticed a boat headed toward them.  He attempted to shove the female out of the way and dove under the water.  The boat's propellet struck him in the back causing a laceration and puncture would.  Victim was transported to the coast guard station where he took a cab.  Victim later went to the hospital where he received 28 stitches.  Victim was unable to provide any information as far as the female subject's name, or a description of the boat.


BARDID: NC-2012-0072
Date: 2012-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORMAN
NearestCityTown: TERRELL
County: CATA
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
AccidentCause3: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with Fixed Object
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator of vessel 1, his vessel was docked at the lake norman hotel and restaurant and he and his passengers were inside eating when they were notified that his vessel had been struck by another vessel which was maneuvering out of the dock area.  There were 4 occupants on the other vessel - 2 males and 2 females.  The operator of vessel 2 swung the bow around at a high rate of speed and slammed into the motor of vessel 1 with its port side, cracking the cover on the motor and possibly damaging interior parts.  Also pushing the bow of vessel 1 into the dock.  The witnesses were not able to get any boat numbers from the boat and i was not able to make contact with the operator of vessel 2.


BARDID: NC-2012-0073
Date: 2012-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:50:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CAPE FEAR RIVER
NearestCityTown: ELIZABETHTOWN
County: BLAD
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
The boat was traveling upstream from tory hole access area.  One subject was at engine, adjusting the throttle manually.  There was a person sitting in an elevated swivel seat at the bow of the boat, 2 persons sitting midway of the vessel, one on each side.  The operator was stationed in a seated position on the starboard side of the boat, directly behind the passenger seated midways of the vessel.  As the person adjusting the throttle on the engine turned it to full throttle, the boat struck an underwater object.  The boat became airborne and rolled to port mid air.  All passengers were thrown from the vessel.  The operator became aware soon after the accident that his leg had been cut.  Neither he nor anyone else at the scene is sure as to what he cut it on.  By the time the boat was recovered, it had been in the water overnight and any traces of blood that may have existed had washed away.  The operator and both female passengers were taken to the hospital.  The operator received 22 staples in his shin.  The juvenile passenger was examined and was given a sling to keep her arm still.  (no mention of what the injury to her arm was).  The adult female passenger sustained a back injury (no mention of to what extent she was injured).  The boat was recovered the following day by a resident of the cape fear river.  The boat was examined at that person's private boat ramp.


BARDID: NC-2012-0074
Date: 2012-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:20:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BADIN LAKE
NearestCityTown: NEW LONDON
County: MONT
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Other
OtherEquipmentFailure: activity equipment
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On sunday, july 15, 2012 at approximately 5:20pm, Operator was operating a pwc on badin lake near herring bay while pulling 3 children on a tube.  Operator pulled the tube a short distance out of the cove at herring bay and turned the pwc to the right back into the direction of the cove when he heard a loud "pop".  When he looked back, the tube that the children were riding on had hit a nearby pier.  One of the children had hit the pier.  He was complaining of chest pain, had lacerations to the face and a concussion was suspected.  One of the older children on the tube was able to secure victim and hold him in the water until adults got to them.  Montgomery county ems was called to the scene and victim was air lifted to carolinas medical center.  Victim was in stable condition and tests were conducted for chest and head injuries and asperation.  He was to be kept overnight for observation.

Upon further investigation at the accident scene, it was discovered that the strap on the tube that secured the rope to the tube had frayed and torn open and allowed the rope to come loose from the tube.  This caused the rope and tube to come free from the pwc and strike the pier.

Operator told me he had drank 2 or 3 beers prior to eating lunch around 2:00pm.  Operator was tested for impairment on the scene and tests were negative for impairment.  An alcosensor reading was taken and registered 0.0.  There was no evidence of drugs contributing to the accident.

Operator was wearing a type 3 pfd and all 3 children were wearing type 3 pfds.  The pfds were serviceable and fitted properly.

During the investigation, it was discovered that the pwc that Operator was pulling the tube with was rated for 3 persons.  Operator was charged with exceeding the manufacturers maximum safe load recommendation.


BARDID: NC-2012-0075
Date: 2012-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: PANTEGO CREEK
NearestCityTown: BELHAVEN
County: BEAUFORT
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
Two couples were heading toward pungo hospital in belhaven on pentego creek to go eat dinner.  A small creek with a park and nearby eating places are located there.  Approximately 50 to 75 yards from shore, a passenger stood up on the bow of the boat.  All three other witnesses gave similar stories.  This was the same time the operator was slowing down to enter the park area.  It should be noted that passenger had been consuming alcohol.  He lost his balance and fell over the bow of the boat.  The boat ran over him and the prop cut him in the shoulder and arm areas.  The boat circled back and a type 3 pfd was used for victim.  He was carried to the hospital a few yards away, then taken to greenville for surgery.


BARDID: NC-2012-0076
Date: 2012-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:27:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: PAMLICO RIVER
NearestCityTown: WASHINGTON
County: BEAUFORT
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
V1 occupants were leaving the washington area on the pamlico river around 12:00am and headed east along the north shore with Operator1 operating the boat.  They were approximately one half mile from their residence and Operator1 started to operate the boat closer to the shore line.  V1 occupant had gone to the front of the boat to retrieve Operator1 pocketbook.  When V1 occupant looked up, he noticed they were near the crab pots.  He ran back to the console to tell Operator1 to turn away from the shore.  He looked back up and noticed a dock in front of them and he reached over and turned the wheel to the right.  As soon as he turned to the right, the boat made impact with the dock and ramped the boat on top of the dock and through another boat that was sitting on a boat lift connected to that dock.  Operator1 said she had only operated a boat 1-2 times and they were not using a spotlight.


BARDID: NC-2012-0077
Date: 2012-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: HOLDEN BEACH
County: BRUNSWICK
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 WAS TRAVELING WEST ON THE ICW NEAR HOLDEN BEACH.  THE OPERATOR WAS PULLING A TUBE WITH ONE OCCUPANT.  OPERATOR WAS ATTEMPTING TO MOVE TO THE CENTER ON THE NAVIGATION CHANNEL WHEN THE TUBE AND OCCUPANT SWUNG OUT TO THE RIGHT AND STRUCK A PIER CAUSING INURIES.  BOTH OPERATOR AND OCCUPANT OF THE TUBE WERE WEARING PFDS.  OPERATOR INATTENTION IS BELIEVED TO BE THE CONTRIBUTING FACTOR FOR THE ACCIDENT.  ALCOHOL OR DRUGS WERE NOT A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT.


BARDID: NC-2012-0078
Date: 2012-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: SOUTHPORT
County: BRUNSWICK
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was traveling north up the cape fear river from southport.  The operator was trying to give a wide birth to an oncoming tug boat and struck a concrete dock left of the navigation channel causing 3 injuries and 1 death.  None of the occupants were wearing pfds at the time of the accident.  Operator inattention is believed to be the contributing factor for the accident.  Alcohol nor drugs were a contributing factor in the accident.

*********************************************************
There was no mention by the officer as to the extent of injuries received other than what is noted under the people tab section.  Nothing noted as to what caused the death other than trauma received from the accident.

UPDATED 11/19/12:
Subject DIED OF HEAD TRAUMA RECEIVED AS A RESULT OF COLLIDING WITH THE CONCRETE STRUCTURE IN THIS ACCIDENT, DUE TO HER INJURIES,  WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE HOSPITAL.
Occupant1 WAS VAULTED FROM THE VESSEL INTO THE WATER AS A RESULT OF THE COLLISION
Occupant2 ENDED UP UNDERNEATH THE MANGLED REMAINS OF THE HULL AS A RESULT OF THE COLLISION 
THE CURRENT WAS SO STRONG victim WAS PULLED ABOUT A MILE FROM THE WRECKAGE.
CRIES FOR HELP WERE HEARD AND ASSISTANCE CAME TO THE RESCUE WHICH SAVED THE LIVE OF Occupant2 AS HE HAD A HUGE GASH ON HIS HEAD AND WAS ALIVE; WAS REACHED AND RESCUED AT THE LAST POSSIBLE MOMENT BEFORE GOING UNDER FOR THE FINAL TIME.  HIS CLOTHES HAS BEEN RIPPED FROM HIS BODY AS A RESULT OF THE SUDDEN STOP IMPACT OF THE VESSEL WITH THE MONSTROUS CHUNK OF CONCRETE THAT JUTTED OUT 8 FEET FROM THE WATER JUST EAST OF THE RIVER CHANNEL NEAR DEEP CREEK MARINA.
 
ALL INJURED PARTIES RECEIVED THEIR INJURIES AS A RESULT OF THE "SUDDEN STOP" IMPACT OF THE VESSEL WITH THE CONCRETE CHUNK.


BARDID: NC-2012-0079
Date: 2012-07-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: HAMPSTEAD
County: PENDER
WaterConditions: Very Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with Fixed Object
RedactedNarrative:
On july 20, 2012, at approximately 8:00pm, Operator was operating the vessel on the icw.  Operator was traveling south on his vessel.  Operator stated that his vessel hit the wake of a passing vessel and caught, ejecting him from his seated position.  Operator was removed from the water by a passing vessel.  After being ejected, Operator vessel struck a dock.  The bow of Operator' vessel struck two pillings at the center of the dock.  The dock is located at the end of sloop point road in hampstead, nc.  The dock containing two electric boat slips received extensive structural damage.  The estimate for damage to the dock is approximately $15,000.  Operator' vessel received extensive fiberglass damage to the bow.  Operator was charged with operating while under the influence of an impairing substance, careless and negligent operation, and no fire extinguisher.  Operator was transported to new hanover regional medical center where he received an examination and was subsequently treated for a cut received on his upper arm.

************************************************
No blood alcohol content amount was noted on the report and is unknown.
There was no mention in the report by the officer as to what Operator cut his arm on.


BARDID: NC-2012-0080
Date: 2012-06-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: THE STRAITS
NearestCityTown: HARKERS ISLAND
County: CARTERET
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with Fixed Object
RedactedNarrative:
At or around 4:30pm on 6/8/12, vessel one was traveling east through the harkers island drawbridge.  Operator was operating vessel one with his wife behind the console, and immediately to his right.  While making a left turn near marker 47a, the starboard side chine caught a wave and immediately threw subjects from the boat.  Vessel one proceeded to go around in circles until striking the harkers island bridge.  subjects were not wearing personal flotation devices but were picked up shortly after the incident by a passing boater.


BARDID: NC-2012-0081
Date: 2012-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALBEMARLE SOUND
NearestCityTown: HERTFORD
County: PERQUIMANS
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
The victim was knee boarding behind the vessel.  The vessel was turning back and forth.  Operator made a turn and Kneeboarder fell off of the knee board.  The knee board struck Kneeboarder in the head.  At the time of the incident, Kneeboarder had a bump on his head and a swollen lip.  The next day, june 25, 2012, his back and head was still hurting so he went to the emergency room at vidant chowan hospital.  Kneeboarder has a history of back problems so he wanted to be sure he hadn not re-injured himself.  He was prescribed pain medication and released the same day.


BARDID: NC-2012-0082
Date: 2012-05-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BADIN LAKE
NearestCityTown: BADIN
County: MONT
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was traveling south coming from the tuckertown dam.  At approximately 12:00am, vessel 1 collided with vessel 2 on vessel 2's left side which was adrift unoccupied and with no lights being displayed.  Owner of vessel 2 admitted that he was the owner of the vessel for approximately 2 weeks.  He also admitted to tying the vessel to the property of alcoa on the montgomery county side approximately 600 feet on the low side of the tuckertown dam in badin lake.  The owner of vessel 2 stated that he was at this vessel taking items out of it at 5:00pm the day before, which was 5/4/12, in which he stated it was still secured to the shore line.  

Alcohol was determined not to be a factor in this collision.  All safety items were current and present in vessel 1.  Considering the time of night and in this particular area, it was very dark.  Vessel 2 was seen by the front passenger of vessel 1 at the last moment before impact.

*************************************************************
There was no mention by the officer as to what caused vessel 2 to become unsecured from where it was tied to the shore line.
subject was injured in the neck/throat area when he collided with the vessel striking his throat on the boat's windshield.


BARDID: NC-2012-0083
Date: 2012-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: SILVER LAKE
NearestCityTown: OCRACOKE
County: HYDE
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
According to accident reports and statements made to me by both operators, vessel 1 was at anchor in silver lake, ocracoke nc on july 1, 2012 in hyis 55 foot cabin motorboat when a storm came up unexpectedly.  An auxiliary sail/inboard diesel boat was in the vicinity and had just set anchor when the wind from the storm approached.  The wind was so strong that the anchor from boat2 began to drag.  He attempted to reset the anchor using the electric anchor line winch but was unable.  His dragging anchor caught the anchor chain of vessel1 and the boats collided.  V1 attempted to get a fender between the boats but he stated that it happened so fast he was unable.  The bow of v2's boat rubbing against v1's boat damaged the varnish and teak rail on the port side.  V1 has estimated the damage between $2000 and $5000 because he has not been able to determine if there was damage to the hull or stabilizer and will not be able to until he hauls his boat out in september or october.  There was no drug or alcohol use suspected and no charges were filed against either vessel operator.

I spoke by phone on july 2, 2012 with v1 and by phone on july 18, 2012 with v2.


BARDID: NC-2012-0084
Date: 2012-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LITTLE RIVER
NearestCityTown: ELIZABETH CITY
County: PASQ
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 was the operator of vessel 1.  One person accompanied him on the little river near bogues beach.  Operator1 vessel was also pulling a three person tube. Operator2 was operating his vessel in the same area with two people on board

At approximately 5:45pm operator2 had made some wakes and stopped his vessel.  His engine was turned off.  He was adrift just offshore of the bogues beach area with his bow (front of vessel) facing the middle of the river.  Operator1 had pulled the tube up river towards halls creek turned around and was heading back down the river pulling the tuber back and forth across the wake of his boat.  Operator1's attention was being directed towards the tube and the riders.  As he approached bogues beach area, he was making a right hand turn when he looked forward to see vessel 2 in the path of the tube he was towing.  The tube arced out past the wake of operator1's vessel and impacted the starboard (right side) rear of vessel 2.

Operator2 were sitting in vessel 2 talking and watching vessel 1 pulling a tube.  As vessel 1 approached them, they noticed operator1 looking back at the tube.  Operator1 vessel appeared to be close to vessel 2 as he made the right hand turn.  Vessel 2 occupants began yelling for the tube ridges to jump off just before the tube impacted their vessel.  One tuber rolled off of the tube just before it made contact with vessel 2.  He was not injured.  The other two stayed on the tube as it crashed into vessel 2.  Tuber3 was ejected from the tube and presumably hit the outboard motor and landed on the other side of vessel 2.  Tuber2 hit the side of the vessel and was ejected from the tube into vessel 2.  Operator1 turned vessel 1 around and jumped into the water to assist tuber2 back to vessel 2.  When he got her to the stern (back) of the vessel, operator2, and two occupants brought her into vessel 2.  Operator2 called 911 and requested ems to meet them at the boat ramp at dances bay.  When operator2 attempted to start towards dances bay, he realized that his steering rod on his engine was bent due to the accident.  The girls were then moved to vessel 1 and operator1 took them to meet ems at dances bay.  Tuber2 was transported by ambulance to albemarle hospital in elizabeth city and later transferred to norfolk general.  She suffered a broken left arm and fractured pelvis.  Tuber3 was transported by nightingale helicopter to norfolk general.  She suffered a broken arm, ruptured spleen, lacerated liver, the loss of a kidney, and severe internal bleeding.  As of the writing of this report she is still in the hospital.

All three individuals on the tube were wearing coast guard approved pfds and all individuals on board the two vessels had the appropriate coast guard approved pfds readily available to them.
No drugs or alcohol contributed to this accident.

The operator of vessel 1 is being investigated for violations pertaining to ncgs 75a-10(a); 75a-13(d).


BARDID: NC-2012-0085
Date: 2012-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: KITTY HAWK BAY
NearestCityTown: KILL DEVIL HILLS
County: DARE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
RedactedNarrative:
According to owner and operator of vessel 1, he and a friend had left avalon access area in kill devil hills on his pwc.  After some time on the waters of kitty hawk bay, operator stated that the pwc quit running correctly.  The engine would run but there was no propulsion coming from the jet engine.  Operator said that he took the seat off of the pwc and noticed the engine compartment had started filling with water.  At that time, the two men pulled the vessel to the shore and up onto the platform of a nearby duck blind.  They were able to drain the water and decided to get the jet ski back into the water to see if they could get back to the boat ramp.  Operator stated that when he tried to start the pwc, it would turn over but would not start, eventually killing the battery.  They noticed a storm approaching them and they tried to pull the pwc back to shore.  The pwc continued to fill with water and eventually sank.  The two men abandoned the vessel and swam about 1000 yards to shore.  The vessel has still not been recovered to my knowledge.

***************************************************
There was no mention by the officer of this report as to the cause of the pwc filling with water.


BARDID: NC-2012-0086
Date: 2012-08-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:45:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GASTON
NearestCityTown: LITTLETON
County: WARR
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
ON AUGUST 14, 2012 AT APPROXIMATELY 12:45PM, Operator WAS OPERATING A PWC ON LAKE GASTON NEAR THE LIZARD CREEK AREA.  Operator WAS TOWING two people ON AN INFLATABLE TUBE BEHIND THE PWC WHEN HE MOVED CLOSER TO A DOCK TO AVOID A COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VESSEL.  AFTER THE VESSEL HAD PASSED, Operator TURNED TO THE LEFT TO MAKE A LOOP AT WHICH POINT THE GIRLS WERE THROWN INTO THE DOCK.  BOTH GIRLS SUSTAINED SERIOUS INJURIES IN THE COLLISION WITH THE DOCK.


BARDID: NC-2012-0087
Date: 2012-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:15:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: BEAUFORT
County: CARTERET
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: People on Gunwale, Bow, or Transom
AccidentCause3: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
At or around 12:15pm on june 17, 2012, vessel one was traveling south in the icw approximately one mile north of sea gate marina.  While cruising at just over 20 mph, victim was riding on the bow of vessel one.  She had the bow rail between her legs with her legs hanging over.  When operator came through the slight turns, he saw two large sport fishing boats coming towards him throwing large wakes. Operator reduced speed and attempted to cross the wakes on the right side of the creek.  While crossing the second wake, the bow of the boat dropped rapidly leaving victim in the air.  She immediately fell back down landing in the position she was seated earlier.  The impact from the fall damaged the vertebrae in victim's back.  Ems was notified and victim was taken to sea gate marina where she was then transported to carteret general hospital.

The name on the back of the first sport fishing boat was "honey hush" out of hatteras, nc and the name of the second sport fish boat as unknown.  I contacted the owner of "honey hush" who advised me that he was unaware of this situation.  With the two larger vessels traveling together, it is unclear for sure which wake vessel one was crossing when this incident occurred.

Based on my investigation, i would conclude that the injury sustained in this boating accident would have been avoided if victim had not been bow riding.  The operator and other passenger of vessel one were not affected by the wake due to positioning in the boat.


BARDID: NC-2012-0088
Date: 2012-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE WYLIE
NearestCityTown: CHARLOTTE
County: MECK
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On june 28, 2012 Operator was operating a pwc she had borrowed from a friend and just got through getting fuel.  She took off across the water to go to the sandbar in a northwesterly direction.  She came up to a wake and didn't let off the gas.  When she hit the wake, it threw her up forward into the air.  Her leg caught the handlebar as she was being thrown thus breaking her right leg causing a compound fracture.  She was unable to remember anything after that.  The owner of the pwc came to look for her and she was in the water holding onto the back of the pwc.  The owner went to the nearest house and called 911.  She was transported by ambulance to carolinas medical center in charlotte where she underwent surgery.  Alcohol and/or drugs were not a factor, and the operator was wearing a pfd.


BARDID: NC-2012-0089
Date: 2012-06-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:20:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: EAGLE LAKE
NearestCityTown: BREVARD
County: TRAN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
RedactedNarrative:
a 49 year old white male who was visiting with friends at eagle lake in transylvania county near brevard took a whitewater type 9 foot kayak out into the lake for a paddling trip.  Operator didn't have on a pfd or didn't have access to it onboard his vessel.  Several type ii pfds were found at the rental house where Operator left the shore.  Subject overturned his kayak and his foot became trapped inside the kayak.  The kayak had no water skirt on it and therefore took in water when tipped over slightly.  Subject swam pulling kayak with his leg trapped inside back to shore.  Subject injested water and nearly drowned.  Subject was helped from the lake and treated by ems personnel.  Subject was airlifted to greenville memorial hospital in greenville, south carolina after being assessed by ems personnel.  No other information was available to the investigator.


BARDID: NC-2012-0090
Date: 2012-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:35:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityTown: ATLANTIC BEACH
County: CART
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
AT OR AROUND 8:35AM ON JULY 1, 2012, VESSEL ONE WAS TRAVELING OUT BEAUFORT INLET TO GO FISHING.  VESSEL ONE GOT HIT FROM THE STARBOARD SIDE BY A LARGE WAVE PUSHING THE BOW OF THE BOAT TOWARDS THE SHIPPING CHANNEL.  WHEN VESSEL ONE WAS PUSHED LEFT, A WAVE WASHED INTO THE BOAT AND PUSHED IT BACK TOWARDS THE SHOAL.  AFTER TAKING SEVERAL WAVES INTO THE BOAT, IT BECAME FLOODED AND STUCK ON THE SHOAL.  THE BOAT CONTINUED TO GET POUNDED BY WAVES UNTIL A TOWING COMPANY TRANSFERRED THE PASSENGERS FROM THE VESSEL TO THE USCG BOAT.

***********************************************
THIS IS ALL THE INFORMATION THE OFFICER INCLUDED IN THIS REPORT.


BARDID: NC-2012-0091
Date: 2012-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORTH RIVER
NearestCityTown: HARKERS ISLAND
County: CART
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
AT OR AROUND 6:45PM ON JULY 5, 2012, operator WAS ATTEMPTING TO PADDLE VESSEL ONE FROM THE STRAITS AREA ACROSS TO THE BEAUFORT SIDE OF NORTH RIVER.  HE WAS HEADING INTO THE STRONG WINDS AND ALSO TRYING TO PADDLE THROUGH SWIFT CURRENTS.  VESSEL ONE BECAME SIDE TO THE WAVES AND WAS IMMEDIATELY CAPSIZED.  operator HELD ONTO THE KAYAK WHILE DRIFTING IN THE WATER FOR FIVE HOURS.  HE SAID IT WAS SO ROUGH THE WAVES WERE CONSTANTLY BREAKING OVER HIS HEAD.  operator AND VESSEL ONE WASHED UP TO THE SHORE NEAR THE HWY 70 BRIDGE OVER NORTH RIVER.  HE WAS BRIEFLY HOSPITALIZED FOR HAVING SALT WATER IN HIS LUNGS.


BARDID: NC-2012-0092
Date: 2012-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ROANOKE SOUND
NearestCityTown: NAGS HEAD
County: DARE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator of vessel 1 and the operator of vessel 2, the incident occurred around 2:00pm on july 21st.  The operator of vessel 1 was anchored to a dock behind the oasis condos in nags head.  He noticed a boat approaching the entrance to pond island where his boat was moored.  He also noticed that the vessel appeared to be traveling a little too fast.  The operator of vessel 1 shouted to the other vessel to slow down, but the vessel continued on at greater than no wake speed.  The wake from the boat got to vessel 1 and caused it to rock against the pilings it was tied to.  This caused the rub rail to be pulled away from the boat and also caused the screws holding it to damage the fiberglass by scratching up and down on the side of the vessel.  Operator 1 tried to get the operator of vessel 2 to come back, but he continued on to his dock.  

On august 11th, i contacted the operator of vessel 2 and interviewed him about the incident.  He stated that he remembered the incident and that he did not feel as though he had done anything wrong.  The no wake signs were not present and he felt as though he had entered the creek a little faster than normal in order to clear a sandbar at the mouth of the pond island area.  He also stated that he thought the operator of vessel 1 had tied his vessel in a dangerous area and had not properly secured it to the pier.  After investigating the accident, i feel as though the absent "no wake" signs contributed to this incident and that the county of dare needs to replace them as a reminder to boaters to slow down in this area.  There were no charges against either boater.


BARDID: NC-2012-0093
Date: 2012-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: HOLDEN BEACH
County: BRUN
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL 1 WAS THROWN FROM PWC BY A WAVE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENTER AN INLET FROM THE OCEAN.  PWC LANDED ON OPERATOR'S RIGHT LEG CAUSING INJURY.  OPERATOR OF VESSEL 1 WAS WEARING A PFD AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.  OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE WAS THE CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT.  ALCOHOL NOR DRUGS WERE THE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT.


BARDID: NC-2012-0094
Date: 2012-07-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityTown: EMERALD ISLE
County: CART
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On or around 2:30 on july 27, 2012 vessel one was traveling from the atlantic ocean into bogue inlet.  The stern of vessel one floated up due to a large wave.  When the stern went up, the bow dove down into the back of another wave.  When the bow went into the wave, the boat took on a lot of water and immediately flipped.  This threw victim out and trapped victim2 under vessel one.  He was able to swim between the bimini top braces and surface near the stern of vessel one.  Victim2 held onto the motor while victim1 held on to a nearby buoyfor 30 minutes until the uscg spotted them while conducting a training exercise.  Vessel one was equipped with proper flotation devices but the two passengers were unable to get to them and put them on.  Vessel one was left adrift after the two were rescued.  It washed onto the beach in emerald isle around 7:00pm


BARDID: NC-2012-0095
Date: 2012-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:16:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BACK SOUND
NearestCityTown: HARKERS ISLAND
County: CART
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Drug use
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
On or around 4:14pm on july 29, 2012, vessel one was being operated in the area of back sound between harker's island and cape lookout.  While vessel one was traveling on plane, subject asked operator to stop the boat so she could get off and use the restroom.  Operator stopped the boat and subject2 said she had to as well.  Both ladies then jumped into the water off the front of the boat.  Neither of the ladies were wearing a life jacket and were having to tread water due to the depth.  At or around 4:16pm subject made her way back to within arms reach of the front of the boat to climb back on while subject2 was off the port side. Without any discussion, operator gives the boat throttle running over subject and striking her with the propellers.  Several passengers began yelling to stop but it was too late.  Subject2 and several passengers swam to subject and put her back onto vessel one.  Vessel one made its way to the cape lookout national seashore boat harbor where they were met by harker's island fire dept.  Subject was transported to carteret general hospital where she was then transported to new hanover hospital.  Alcohol and drug use were the primary contributing factors in this boating incident. 


BARDID: NC-2012-0098
Date: 2012-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: CAROLINA BEACH
County: NEWH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
ON 7/21/2012 AT APPROXIMATELY 8:00PM, THE DOCUMENTED VESSEL, CAPT. BRANDON WAS TIED TO THE DOCK AT THE END OF SEABREEZE RD.  THE VESSEL CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED WHILE TIED TO THE DOCK.  I WAS INFORMED OF THE OCCURRENCE AT ABOUT 7:00PM ON THE 23RD OF JULY.  I DROVE TO CAROLINA BEACH AND MET WITH THE OWNER ON THE 24THOF JULY.  HE TOLD ME THAT THE VESSEL HAD BEEN TIED TO THE DOCK FOR TWO YEARS.  HE SAID HE HAD COME DOWN THURSDAY AND CHARGED THE BATTERIES AND THAT WAS THE LAST TIME HE HAD BEEN ON BOARD BEFORE THE FIRE.  I ASKED owner IF HE HAD INSURANCE ON THE BOAT.  HE SAID HE WAS UNABLE TO GET INSURANCE DUE TO THE AGE OF THE BOAT.  IN MY OPINION, THE BOAT WAS BURNED BEYOND REPAIR AND THE FIRE HAD ALSO BURNED SIX PYLONS AND ABOUT FORTY FEET OF THE DOCK.  I CONTACTED THE FIRE MARSHALL who INFORMED ME THAT HE BELIEVED THE FIRE HAD STARTED IN THE LOWER FORWARD PART OF THE BOAT, BUT IT WOULD BE UNDETERMINED WHAT HAD STARTED THE FIRE.


BARDID: NC-2012-0099
Date: 2012-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: WILMINGTON
County: NEWH
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On july 22, 2012, on or about 3:30pm, operator was idling south from carolina beach inlet. Operator was operating his 2003, seapro when he noticed a jet ski approaching from his stern.  He saw the operator and the passenger fall off the jet ski and the jet ski continue toward his boat.  He sped up to try and avoid the vessel from hitting his boat, but the jet ski struck his vessel causing damage to the stern of his boat.  I heard the call to the coast guard station and contacted operator.  I then drove my boat to the inlet watch and met with operator.  I observed the damage to the stern of his vessel.  I estimated the damage i saw between $500 to $700.  I then drove to the north end jet ski rental dock where i talked with one of the owners and asked were there any damages to the jet ski.  He told me that he had not noticed any damages that the jet ski was out on another rental and would be back in about 5:30pm.  He gave me the operator's information.  I drove my boat on toward the ramp where i stopped the jet ski that was being operated at the time of the accident  i noticed the plastic piece was missing off the front of the jet ski, and there was a small hole in the stern on the port side.  I called owner on the phone and asked about the damage.  I had observed he said that the damage was already there before the accident.  I then called the operator of the jet ski when the accident occurred.  Operator2 advised that he had already left carolina beach and was on their way back to raleigh.  I asked operator2 what had happened.  He told me that he was operating the jet ski when they struck a wake causing the passenger to fall off and pull him off and the jet ski continued on and struck the boat.  I advised all three parties from the damages i had seen that the accident was not a reportable accident on august 1, 2012, i received a message from operator.  I called operator1 back and he advised that he had his boat looked at by 2 repair men and they found a crack in the motor cover as well.  He told me that one of the estimates was over $2,000.  I had him forward the estimates to me.


BARDID: NC-2012-0100
Date: 2012-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH
County: NEWH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
On tuesday, july 24, 2012 at approximately 12:30pm, Operator was operating vessel 1 at the intersection of the icw and mason's inlet near wrightsville beach.  On board the vessel was Operator's wife and their 17 year old son. Being towed behind the vessel on a knee board was their daughter.  Operator was towing his daughter on the knee board into the channel going into mason's inlet when she fell off the knee board.  He then circled around to her and operator’s wife noticed that her daughter's life jacket was twisted.  They then advised their daughter to come on board the vessel to fix her life jacket before getting back on the knee board.  Operator said that he thought he put the motor in neutral before his daughter came around to the stern of the boat to climb onto the ladder.  As daughter went to the stern, she screamed that she was cut by the prop.  Everyone helped her on board and discovered that her right leg was cut from her ankle to her calf.  They called 911 and wrightsville beach fire and ems met them at the wrightsville beach boating access area.  Daughter was then transported to cape fear hospital by ambulance and then to new hanover regional hospital by ambulance.  She was treated at the er and had surgery to repair an extensive cut from her heel to her calf muscle.  Her achillies tendon was severed and required pins in her foot and ankle.  Operator stated on august 1, 2012, that her leg was in a cast and she was recovering well. 

Operator was not charged in this incident.  He was instructed that he should always cut the motor off when someone’s in the water near the boat, especially near the stern because the propeller is still turning when the motor is in neutral. Operator stated that he thought the motor was in neutral, but was not sure.  Based on the extent of the cut, it appears that the motor was probably still in gear.


BARDID: NC-2012-0101
Date: 2012-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: HOLDEN BEACH
County: BRUN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 AND 2 WERE TRAVELING SOUTH ON THE ICW NEAR HOLDEN BEACH.  VESSEL 1 TURNED SHARP TO THE RIGHT IN FRONT OF VESSEL 2.  VESSEL 2 WAS UNABLE TO TURN IN TIME TO AVOID A COLLISION TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF VESSEL 1.  BOTH OPERATORS WERE WEARING PFDS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.  OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE WAS THE CONTRIBUTING FACTOR FOR THE ACCIDENT.  ALCOHOL AND OR DRUGS WERE NOT A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT.


BARDID: NC-2012-0102
Date: 2012-07-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:45:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BADIN LAKE
NearestCityTown: NEW LONDON
County: MONT
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
On tuesday, july 31, 2012, Operator took her father's boat out on badin lake.  The accident occurred around 3:45pm.  Operator had three of her friends with her.  

They were out swimming in the lake when occupant got into the boat and noticed it was on fire.  He was able to grab the car keys and three pfds.  Three other boats came by to help put out the fire, but was unable to.  Badin lake fire department was able to put out the fire with their boat.  Operator lost $130 in cash.  Subject2 lost an iphone 4, sunglasses, and his wallet which had about $250 in cash.  It was a total of $1150 in losses for subject2.
 
In conclusion, no one was hurt and the boat was recovered.  The boat seems to be a total loss.  From talking to the badin fire department, they seem to think the fire was started from a wiring problem.


BARDID: NC-2012-0103
Date: 2012-08-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BADIN LAKE
NearestCityTown: NEW LONDON
County: STAN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
ON FRIDAY AUGUST 3, 2012 AT 6:30PM, operator WAS OPERATING THE VESSEL ON BADIN LAKE PULLING subject, WHO WAS SKI JUMPING PREPARING FOR THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS.  AS subject APPROACHED THE SKI RAMP TO JUMP, HE WENT BACK ON HIS HEELS IN AN AWKWARD POSITION.  WHEN HE HIT THE RAMP AND WENT AIRBORNE, HE LOST CONTROL AND HIT THE WaTER HARD.  subject HAD AN OBVIOUS INJURY TO HIS ELBOW AND STANLY COUNTY EMS WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE.  subject WAS TRANSPORTED TO STANLY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER.  THE BOAT WAS EQUIPPED WITH THE PROPER AMOUNT, SIZE AND TYPE OF PFDS.  THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT.


BARDID: NC-2012-0104
Date: 2012-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityTown: HARKERS ISLAND
County: CARTERET
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: navigation system
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
RedactedNarrative:
Operator launches his vessel on saturday morning august 4th, 2012, from harkers island nc and intended to cross over to the east side of the shoals near cape lookout and shark island in order to go fishing.  Operator stated this is a route he has traveled hundreds of times, and he had a track saved on his gps.  Operator stated the conditions were clear with choppy waves in the range of 2 feet and winds of approximately 7-14 mph.  This is consistent with the reported weather conditions for the day.  Operator was also carrying two sons on board.
 
When nearing the shoals at around 8:00am, the gps on board the vessel lost is data/sattelite connection.  Operator stated he then backed off the shoals and began trying to get his gps back to normal functioning.  The vessel then began to drift into shallow water.  Operator, unable to restore his gps's functioning, said he then attempted to navigate through the shoals without the aid of the gps and ran aground while traveling between 10 and 20 mph.  While aground, the boat began to take on water.  Operator then contacted the uscg and towboat us for aid.  Towboat us retrieved the vessel which was moved to the boat house marina in beaufort, nc.
 
No injuries/fatalities resulted from the boat accident.  There was minimal damage to the vessel's fiberglass hull.  However, both engines suffered electrical damage due to partial submersion resulting in a total loss of both engines.  The reason for the gps's failure is unknown, and operator stated he had never had any issues with the gps before.  Operator reported extensive boating experience (100+ hours of boat operation experience and a captain's license) as well as familiarity with the waters he was navigating.  The accident is most likely the result of a combination of factors including shallow shoals, the gps's failure, and poor discretion on part of the operator in attempting to make the pass through the shoals in what he realized was already shallow water without the aid of gps navigation.


BARDID: NC-2012-0105
Date: 2012-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:45:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: JORDAN LAKE
NearestCityTown: PITTSBORO
County: CHAT
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of vessel 1 was pulling his 2 sons on a goliath tube.  Operator originally had a 40 foot rope but had recently added a 60 foot rope and a booster ball to the rope.  As operator went into a sweeping right hand turn, to cause the tube to go outside the wake, he failed to notice a vessel sitting still in the water.  The tube rope contacted the rear of the vessel about half way the rope.  This caused a sudden change in direction for the tube.  Both occupants of the tube were ejected.  Tuber1 head struck the tube and his mouth hit the handle.  This caused the busted lip and his head to hurt.  Tuber1 complained of his head hurting, so he was taken to unc hospital.  There a ct scan was done and a concussion was the diagnosis.


BARDID: NC-2012-0106
Date: 2012-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HICKORY
NearestCityTown: TAYLORSVILLE
County: CATA
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating a sea doo with her son, victim, riding behind her.  Operator was towing a young girl on a knee board.  At the time of the accident, operator had shut off the engine and was drifting while waiting for the young girl to climb back onto the knee board.  Victim was sitting at the rear of the sea doo and facing toward the girl being towed.  Victim had grabbed the tow rope and pulled it tight in an attempt to keep it from being sucked into the sea doo's impeller.  While thinking the rope was pulled out of the way, it was actually wrapped around the jet housing.  When operator started the engine and pressed the throttle, the tow rope was sucked into the impeller jerking victim into the stern of the sea doo and into the water.  Victim's face struck the sea doo and suffered fractures to his upper and lower jaw bones.  He also had several teeth knocked out and lacerations to his forehead.


BARDID: NC-2012-0107
Date: 2012-08-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GASTON
NearestCityTown: LITTLETON
County: WARR
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On august 13, 2012, at approximately 3:00pm, operator1 and operator2 were riding two pwcs in the lizard creek area of lake gaston.  Operator1 was operating vessel number 1 and made a hard left turn to avoid a skier who had fallen into the water in front of him causing his brother, to run into his port side.  Operator2 pwc struck operator1 on his port side injuring his left leg.  Operator1 was taken to halifax regional hospital and shortly afterward airlifted to pitt memorial hospital.  Both subjects were operating within 100 feet of another at the time of the accident.  Neither operator1 or operator2 had not taken a boating safety certification class.


BARDID: NC-2012-0108
Date: 2012-08-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CURRITUCK SOUND
NearestCityTown: COROLLA
County: CURR
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
operator was operating a pwc on the currituck sound.  He had launched from the whale head club and was headed south towards the wright memorial bridge.  Being unfamiliar with the area, he was staying within 200 yards of the east shoreline.  Operator was operating the vessel at greater than no-wake speed and estimated his speed to be between 21-40 mph when he noticed a grass bed just ahead of him. As the vessel entered the grass bed, it ran aground forcing operator forward abruptly and causing him to strike his head on the handlebars.  Operator was temporarily dazed and the impeller was clogged with grass so he sat on the pwc for a few minutes.  A passing boater approached him and asked if he was alright and operator told them what had happened.  The boater called 911 and assisted him in cleaning out the impeller.  After cleaning out the impeller, the boater followed operator back to the whale head club where currituck ems was waiting.  After an initial observation, ems recommended for operator to go to the hospital for a more thorough screening.  Operator took their advice and rode in the ambulance to the outer banks hospital.  Operator was seen by the er doctor and was released a shor time later ith a minor concussion.


BARDID: NC-2012-0109
Date: 2012-08-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:15:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityTown: NAGS HEAD
County: DARE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
ACCORDING TO THE OPERATOR HE AND THREE OTHER PEOPLE WERE CRUISING IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN TO GO FISHING.  14 YEAR OLD SON WAS ATTEMPTING TO HOOK A BUNGEE CORD NEAR THE BOW (FRONT) OF THE BOAT AND SLIPPED AND FELL.  HIS FACE HIT THE DECK AND FRACTURED HIS TEETH AND SEPTUM.  THE USCG WAS CONTACTED AND SENT A PARAMEDIC ON BOARD.  THEY REACHED THE OREGON INLET FISHING CENTER WHERE THE INJURED SUBJECT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE OUTER BANKS MEDICAL CENTER FOR TREATMENT.  THERE WAS NO DRUG OR ALCOHOL USE SUSPECTED AND NO CHARGES WERE FILED.


BARDID: NC-2012-0110
Date: 2012-04-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:45:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GASTON
NearestCityTown: LITTLETON
County: WARR
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
ON AUGUST 16, 2012, AT APPROXIMATELY 3:45PM ON THE MAIN LAKE OF LAKE GASTON NEAR EATON'S FERRY BRIDGE, operator WAS OPERATING A VESSEL AND TOWING HIS SON ON A WAKE BOARD.  son HIT A WAVE THAT CAUSED HIM TO LOSE BALANCE AND FALL.  WHEN THIS HAPPENED, HE HIT HIS HEAD ON THE BACK OF THE WAKE BOARD.  HE WAS TAKEN TO HALIFAX REGIONAL HOSPITAL AND RECEIVED STITCHES IN HIS HEAD.


BARDID: NC-2012-0111
Date: 2012-08-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE WACCAMAW
NearestCityTown: LAKE WACCAMAW
County: COLU
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
At 6:39pm on 8/19/2012, a call came into columbus county 911 in reference to a boat at lake waccamaw that was going around and around in circles with no one on board.  Emergency response teams located the vessel and began a search for the operator.  It was later determined that the owner of the boat had told his cousin and a friend that he was going fishing that evening.  A search of the owner's residence and his vehicle was in the yard.  Out on the lake, the search continued but was soon called off due to darkness.  It continued the next day at dawn.  The owner's body was located the next afternoon at approximately 6:50pm near the location the boat was first seen.  There were no apparent marks on the body of any trauma.  It is not known how the operator fell overboard.  He was a very experienced operator.  We do know that the kill switch for the motor of the boat was not engaged and that he was not wearing a life jacket.  The toxicology report indicated a blood alcohol content of .16.


BARDID: NC-2012-0112
Date: 2012-08-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:40:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE TILLERY
NearestCityTown: MT GILEAD
County: MONT
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR ADVISED THAT SHE HAD BEEN PULLING HER SON ON A WAKE BOARD FOR SOME TIME PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.  SHE STATED THAT HER SON JUMPED THE WAKE OF THE BOAT AND APPEARED TO LAND WRONG.  SHE WAS ABLE TO GET THE VICTIM WHO IS HER SON INTO THE BOAT AND SHE WAITED FOR ASSISTANCE TO GET HIM TO THE DOCK.  SHE STATED HER SON IS EXPERIENCED ENOUGH TO DO TRICKS ON THE WAKE BOARD, BUT IN THIS INSTANCE, HE APPEARED TO LAND WRONG.  AS A RESULT OF THIS INCIDENT, HE SUFFERED INJURIES TO HIS RIGHT LEG.  THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF ANY FAULT OF EQUIPMENT OR MACHINERY.  THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF DRUG OR ALCOHOL USE.  THE VICTIM WAS WEARING A TYPE III PFD AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.
 
***************************************************************
THERE WAS NO MENTION BY THE OFFICER OF THIS REPORT AS TO WHAT THE INJURY WAS TO THE SON'S LEG.


BARDID: NC-2012-0113
Date: 2012-08-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:15:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: YADKIN RIVER
NearestCityTown: JONESVILLE
County: YADKIN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and victim put their canoe on the yadkin river at the hwy 77 bridge and proceeded to float down river to the confluence of the yadkin and mitchell rivers.  This stretch of river that they planned to float and fish is approximately 4.45 miles.  After floating the river and fishing for the first part of the day, Operator and victim stopped to have lunch on the riverside.   After lunch they proceeded to float downstream where they came to an island in the yadkin river that is approximately 0.48 miles from the confluence of the yadkin and mitchell rivers where they planned to end their float.  Operator said that they usually take the channel to the left of the island, but that victim made the decision to go to the right this time.  Operator sitting in the front seat of the canoe and victim sitting in the back seat of the canoe, they proceeded around the island.  As they went around the right side of the island, Operator saw a branch that struck out from a tree on the bank.  As they passed the branch, Operator said that he avoided it, however, victim grabbed the limb as he passed by it.  When victim grabbed the branch, the canoe came to an abrupt stop, which startled Operator.  Operator turned around to see what had happened and as he did this, the canoe started turning and flipped over.  Operator and victim both fell out into the water.  Operator was immediately able to grab the canoe, but he could see victim struggling to stay above the water out past the canoe.  Operator then managed to get the canoe flipped back over.  He then pushed the canoe out to victim.  Victim was then able to grab the canoe and hold on.  Operator then swam to shore and followed victim downstream along the shore.  Operator said that victim and he exchanged a few words and that victim just laid his head down on the canoe as it floated downstream.as Operator made his way down the riverbank, he lost sight of the canoe and victim for about 30 yards.  When the canoe and victim came back into view, victim was not holding on to the canoe.  Victim was then lying face down in the water.  Operator then ran through adjoining fields and woods to the closest road where he called out for help.  A female individual on a golf cart saw him and came to help.  She took him to a telephone to call 911.
 
Operator and victim did have pfds in the canoe.  However, they were using them to sit on and not wearing them.  Operator said that victim did not know how to swim.  There were also two coolers in the canoe (48 qt cooler and small soft cooler).  Operator and victim were life long friends and went to a local church together.


BARDID: NC-2012-0114
Date: 2012-08-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BRICES CREEK
NearestCityTown: NEW BERN
County: CRAV
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
While under way, the passengers began smelling smoke and then saw smoke emitting from the engine compartment.  The passengers immediately put on their pfds.  operator shut down the motor and lifted the engine cover and deployed a fire extinguisher to put out the fire.  subject turned off the batteries and called for assistance to get back to the boat ramp.  The fire appears to be an electrical cause which ignited the foam insulation in the engine compartment.  The batteries indicate the possibility of faulty wiring due to the fact that the engine still has power after the battery switch is placed in the off position.  Damage by the fire to the engine and wiring is unknown at this time and is possibly well over $2000.00


BARDID: NC-2012-0115
Date: 2012-08-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:51:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: HATTERAS INLET
NearestCityTown: HATTERAS
County: DARE
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On august 26, 2012 operator and three friends launched his boat at teaches lair in hatteras at 6:000am to go fishing in the ocean.  Operator stated that at 10:51 am they were coming into hatteras inlet from the ocean back into the sound.  Operator stated the inlet was rough maybe 6 foot seas.  Operator also stated that a large wave maybe 12 foot picked up the stern (rear) of the boat and then rolled the boat to the left side before he could react; the boat then capsized.  Operator and his three friends stayed with the boat for about 20 minutes until the us coast guard came and picked them up.  Operator stated that no one was wearing a personal flotation device.  Operator' boat came ashore about 3 miles away on ocracoke island.


BARDID: NC-2012-0116
Date: 2012-08-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLIGATOR CREEK
NearestCityTown: COLUMBIA
County: TYRRELL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator, he was attempting to load his vessel onto its trailer at the little alligator barge landing.  When he drove the vessel onto the trailer, water began to pour into the vessel over its stern.  Occupant, who had been in the boat with operator was helping him to load the vessel.  When operator noticed that the vessel was filling with water, he had occupant release the winch cable from the bow of the vessel.  After occupant released the cable, he jumped into the vessel with operator.  Operator backed the vessel off the trailer.  This caused the vessel to take on even more water over the stern, completely filling the vessel with water.  After the vessel flooded, it capsized about 15 feet from shore.   Both men grabbed a hold of the bow of the overturned vessel and remained there until deputies from tyrrell county sheriff department arrived and got them to shore.   Drugs or alcohol were not a factor in this incident.  No charges were filed against the operator.  No one was treated for inuuries.


BARDID: NC-2012-0117
Date: 2012-08-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:20:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CURRITUCK SOUND
NearestCityTown: GRANDY
County: CURR
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentCause3: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 had been fishing in the little narrows and was returning to waterview shores by way of neals creek and snake creek.  According to the operator of vessel 1, he stated that he was on plane about half way through snake creek when he saw a larger boat heading straight for his boat.  Vessel 1 tried to maneuver to the right to avoid a head on collision but stated that he was as far to the right as he could get without actually hitting land.  Vessel 2 struck vessel 1 at a 45 degree angle on the front port side (left side) and ending up resting on top of vessel 1.  The impact knocked the operator of vessel 1 and his wife out of the boat on either sides of vessel 2.  The operator of vessel 1 was unconscious, but was recovered by passengers of vessel 2.  

The operator of vessel 2 stated that she had entered snake creek planed out but not at full speed and that she simply did not see vessel 1 until it was too late to react to avoid the collision.  After the collision, the operator of vessel 2 assisted others on the boat by rendering first aid to the operator of vessel 1 and returned him and his wife to the dock at waterview shores.  The operator of vessel 1 was air lifted to norfolk sentara hospital and was released later that evening.  Both operators were interviewed once again on august 9th, and both stated that they felt they were equally at fault.  

On sunday august 12th, i contacted the operator of vessel 1 and he voluntarily submitted the results of his blood test from sentara norfolk general hospital.  The results of the blood test drawn at 7:38pm august 3 showed that he had an ethanol serum content of .09, which was converted by fta to a .07 bac.  At this time, i plan to charge both operators with careless and negligent boat operation due to the speeds of both vessels operating in this dangerous creek.  I spoke with assistant district attorney and was advised not to pursue an owi charge since the bac was .07.


BARDID: NC-2012-0118
Date: 2012-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: PASQUOTANK RIVER
NearestCityTown: SHILOH
County: CAMD
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On august 1, 2012, operator's sailboat, grace, was heading southeast down the pasquotank river.  Operator turned the vessel to the left to sail across the river before returning to elizabeth city.  He was attempting to put up the spinnaker (sail) as he approached the center of the channel.  Operator stated that he never used the spinnaker (sail) and that he was relying on the two passengers that he had on board to manage the sail for him.  He was so distracted by fixing the spinnaker (sail), that the vessel went into the shallow water.  He dropped the main sails and turned the boat hard to the left and tried to get back into the main channel.  Before he could get into the main channel, he hit bottom.  He then started to bring down the spinnaker (sail), but it pulled the vessel onto a submerged piling.  The vessel then hit the piling on the port side (left side), putting a hole in the hull.  The vessel then started to take on water.  Operator advised all passengers to put on a pfd.  Operator contacted the uscg by vhf radio requesting assistance.  The uscg launched their small boat vessel to render assistance.  Initially they attempted to pump water out of the cabin of the sailboat but found the vessel to be taking on too much water and noticed a 6 -12 inch gash in the port side (left side) of the hull.  The uscg then took operator, and two others off the vessel and took them to lambs marina where operator began to make plans to recover his vessel.  The uscg noted in their report that there was no pollution and the vessel posed no risk to navigation.  Operator had the vessel re-floated and taken to lambs marina.


BARDID: NC-2012-0119
Date: 2012-09-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CAPE FEAR RIVER
NearestCityTown: ELIZABETHTOWN
County: BLAD
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
RedactedNarrative:
Officer received a call concerning a boating accident involving his vessel.  Operator was the operator and owner of the vessel.  The accident occurred on september 9, 2012 around 7:30pm.  Operator stated he and a friend had launched the boat at lock and dam #2 in elizabethtown.  Operator stated they were fishingand noticed the vessel had water in the bilge.  Operator tried to operate the vessel back to the boat ramp and could not make it.  He stated he tried to bail some of the water out of the vessel, but it started sinking.  Operator and his passenger made it to the shore.  Operator thinks the water was entering the vessel from somewhere around the motor or jet seal.
 
The operator and his passenger walked for several hours before returning to his vehicle.  Operator stated the boat was equipped with two portable six gallon fuel tanks; one tank was empty and the other contained fuel.  He stated he threw one tank on the shore line and the other floated up while the vessel was sinking.  All fishing equipment, coolers, tackle and vessel have not been recovered. Officer searched the shore line for any sign of the vessel and did not find anything.
 
Neither the operator or passenger suffered from any injuries.
No charges were filed.
Operator stated he was going to try to recover the vessel and any equipment he could find.
The vessel's value was estimated around $10,000.00, other equipment lost was estimated around $3000.00.
Exact location of the place of the accident is not known at this time.  Gps coordinates on page 1 are not accurate.


BARDID: NC-2012-0120
Date: 2012-09-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:15:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ROSE BAY
NearestCityTown: SWAN QUARTER
County: HYDE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
the boat owner/operator, stated that he had been fishing in rose bay with two friends on his vessel.  Operator stated he dropped his friends off at rose bay and began heading out of rose bay back towards his home in beaufort county.  It was dark, so he followed the right hand shore line of rose bay.  Operator stated he got lost in the darkness and did not know where he was.  While moving along he noticed land in front of his vessel, so he made a quick turn to the left running his vessel aground.  The impact with the land threw operator to the front of the vessel causing a cut to his leg.  Operator stated that this happened around 8:15pm on september 14, 2012.  Operator was supposed to arrive home around 10:00pm the same evening.  At 1:30am on september 15, 2012, operator's wife called the uscg who dispatched a helicopter to search for him.  Around 7:00am, the uscg located operator with their helicopter and transported him to safety.  Operator then went to vidant beaufort hospital where he received treatment for his injured leg.
 
************************************************
There was no mention in this report as to what injured his leg on.


BARDID: NC-2012-0121
Date: 2012-09-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE WYLIE
NearestCityTown: SOUTH POINT
County: GAST
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
At 9:30pm, vessel 2 being operated by operator2 was traveling south on lake wylie at estimated 14 mph with 1 passenger on board when he collided with vessel 1.  Vessel 1 was drifting and was facing north.  The two vessels collided bow to bow.  Operator2 was thrown into his steering column upon impact and suffered a laceration to his nose and arm as well as a concussion.  At the time vessel 2 collided with vessel 1, operator2 stated that there were no visible lights on vessel 1.  Given that the vessels collided in a bow to bow manner, the bow lights of vessel 1 should have been clearly visible before vessel 2 hit them.  A witness also confirmed the report of vessel 1 not having on any visible lights when the accident occurred.  No one was injured on vessel 1.  Extensive damage was caused both to the fiberglass hull of vessels 1 and 2.  Both the passengers on board vessel 2 as well as the charlotte mecklenburg police department officer that responded to the accident stated that it was clear that the operator and passenger on vessel 1 had been drinking.  However, there were no preliminary breath tests given or any blood drawn to determine the blood alcohol concentration.  Both subjects on vessel 2 stated that the passengers on vessel 1 made the comment "you guys better get rid of your beer too before the cops get here" and observed the passengers of vessel 1 sinking their beer cans.  Although vessel 1 was not under power, the consumption of alcohol may have contributed to the decision to not run navigation lights or being unaware that the navigation lights were not on.


BARDID: NC-2012-0122
Date: 2012-10-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: FRENCH BROAD RIVER
NearestCityTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: MADI
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On october 5, 2012, around 4:00pm, two people were canoeing down the french broad river.  As they were passing through a small section of lower rapids, the canoe turned over.  occupant was able to get to safety.  The last time occupant saw operator, he was floating/paddling down the river with his feet down stream.  Occupant informed local authorities for help.  Operator was found october 6, 2012 around 11:30am a short distance down river.  Autopsy results are underway.  Two wearable pfds were found in the canoe.  One pfd was lying in the seat.  The other pfd was affixed to the side of the canoe.  Contact has not been made with occupant at this time.  The canoe did have registration numbers affixed to the side.  No records were found through dispatch.


BARDID: NC-2012-0123
Date: 2012-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BOGUE INLET
NearestCityTown: EMERALD ISLE
County: CART
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OPerator was operating vessel one through bogue inlet at or around 4:00pm on monday, september 3, 2012.  Just before reaching the coast guard channel, he took an immediate right turn after passing the number 5 green marker.  After turning at the pole, he traveled another 50 yards or so and immediately hit a shoal which threw his daughter and dad out of the boat.  During the departure of his dad collided with operator’s daughter causing her neck sprain.


BARDID: NC-2012-0124
Date: 2012-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: TAYLORS CREEK
NearestCityTown: BEAUFORT
County: CART
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
On august 11, 2012 at or around 3:15pm, vessel one caught fire during a simulated scene in the pirate invasion week in beaufort.  Vessel one was anchored up in the center of the creek while they were having a "pirate fight".  Half way through the pirate fight, something was happening at the stern of the boat. subject and company was at the bow of the boat at this time.  The stern of vessel one suddenly burst into flames.  subject and passenger made an unsuccessful attempt to extinguish the fire.  By this time, the owner of captain hook brought another vessel bow to bow to get everyone off safely.  A seatow boat came along side and extinguished the fire. The definite cause of the fire is unknown, but the flames started in the area of the batteries, commercial water pump, and fuel tank.


BARDID: NC-2012-0125
Date: 2012-09-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: PAMLICO RIVER
NearestCityTown: WASHINGTON
County: BEAU
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On the 28th of september, 2012, at approximately 9:00pm, operator was operating an 18ft sea hunt triton 186 open motorboat on the pamlico river near the moss landing docks located on the washington, nc waterfront.  Occupant was the only passenger on board the vessel with operator.  The two men were leaving a restaurant on the washington waterfront just before the accident occurred.  While the vessel was drifting, occupant went to the bow to urinate and unexpectedly fell into the river landing face down and was unresponsive.  Operator then attempted to throw a rope to occupant and yelled for him to grab it.  Occupant remained unresponsive floating face down in the water.  At that point, operator jumped in the water and attempted to pull occupant's head up.
 
While the two men were in the water, the boat drifted over to the washington boardwalk near moss landing.  subject was outside of his residence located on water street when he heard operator yelling.  He jumped on his motor bike and drove down to the dock.  He jumped in the boat that operator had been operating and maneuvered over to operator.  Subject then pulled operator out of the water and onto the vessel.  At approximately 9:02pm, a call came and the 911 dispatch was notified.  At approximately 9:29pm the washington fire dept on board fire boat 1 pulled occupant's body into their boat and started cpr.  Occupant was transported to vidant beaufort hospital where he was pronounced dead due to cardiac arrest.
 
North carolina wildlife officers and i arrived at he hospital and interviewed operator.  Operator described the incident and stated that occupant had been consuming alcohol.   We then spoke with the medical examiner who stated that the cause of death was cardiac arrest.
 
We then went down to the moss landing docks and performed a safety inspection on the vessel.  On board the vessel we found 1 type ii pfd, 7 adult type iii pfds, 1 type iv pfd, and 1 type b1 fire extinguisher.  All of the pfds and the fire extinguisher were serviceable and readily available.  The running lights on the vessel were in operable condition also.  On board the vessel we found a small cooler containing two 12 ounce beers and a 20 ounce soda bottle that contained some carbonated liquid with the smell of an alcoholic beverage.  Two empty 12 ounce beers were found in a rear compartment located at the stern of the vessel.


BARDID: NC-2012-0126
Date: 2012-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BOGUE SOUND
NearestCityTown: CAPE CARTERET
County: CART
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
On or around 4:30pm on september 3, 2012, vessel one was operating close to the docks on the mainland side of bogue sound just east of the emerald isle bridge.  Operator was operating vessel one while his niece was sitting in front of him.  While traveling west, Operator got too close to the docks striking the skeg of a boat that was up on a lift.  Just before vessel one struck the skeg, the two passengers jumped off striking parts of the dock.  The handle bars of vessel one were completely torn off as a result of the impact with the skeg.  Operator was traveling too fast and too close to these docks to avoid a collision.  After talking with Operator at the hospital a few hours later, it didn't appear to me that alcohol or drugs played a role in this incident.
 
***************************************************
Please note:  even though vessel one hit the skeg of vessel 2, vessel 2 was on a boat lift attached to the dock, a fixed object.


BARDID: NC-2012-0127
Date: 2012-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BACK SOUND
NearestCityTown: HARKERS ISLAND
County: CART
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Drug use
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
****PLEASE NOTE****  THIS WAS ONE OF TWO BOATING ACCIDENTS operator HAD ON THIS SAME DAY
 
ON OR AROUND 3:14PM ON JULY 29, 2012, VESSEL ONE WAS BEING OPERATED BY OPERATOR IN THE AREA OF BACK SOUND BETWEEN TAYLORS CREEK AND SHACK.  VESSEL ONE RAN AGROUND ON A SANDBAR AND subject GOT OUT TO ATTEMPT TO PUSH THE VESSEL.  WHILE PUSHING THE BOAT, OPERATOR HAD THE BOAT IN GEAR.  Subject WAS STANDING BEHIND THE BOAT ON THE PORT SIDE WHEN HIS TOE MADE CONTACT WITH THE ENGAGED PROPELLER.  THEY CONTINUED THEIR DAY ON THE WATER UNTIL ONE HOUR LATER WHEN OPERATOR RAN OVER ANOTHER ONE OF HIS PASSENGERS CAUSING SEVERE INJURIES.  (NC-2012-0095)  subject WENT TO THE ER IN NEW BERN ON THE NIGHT OF JULY 29 FOR TREATMENT TO HIS TOE.


BARDID: NC-2012-0128
Date: 2012-09-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 03:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ROANOKE RAPIDS LAKE
NearestCityTown: GASTON
County: NORT
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Person Struck by Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
***PLEASE NOTE THAT THE INJURED PERSON WAS THE SWIMMER HIT BY THE UNKNOWN HIT AND RUN VESSEL***  THE ONLY WAY THE INJURED PERSON COULD BE ENTERED INTO BARD IS TO ASSIGN IT TO A VESSEL.
 
NARRATIVE:
 
ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2012 AT ABOUT 3:30 IN THE MORNING, THE VICTIM STATED HE AND A FRIEND WERE SWIMMING IN ROANOKE RAPIDS LAKE.  THE VICTIM WAS SWIMMING ABOUT 40 FEET FROM THE DOCK. A VESSEL CAME TOWARDS THEM AND THEY BEGAN TO SWIM BACK CLOSER TO THE DOCK. THE VESSEL WENT BETWEEN THE SWIMMERS AND TURNED TO GO IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION.  THE VICTIM THOUGHT HE WAS NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO AVOID THE VESSEL SO HE DOVE UNDER THE WATER.  THE VESSEL STRUCK THE VICTIM CAUSING A BROKEN RIGHT LEG.  THE VESSEL CONTINUED BACK DOWN THE LAKE.  THE WITNESSES COULD NOT GIVE A DESCRIPTION OF THE VESSEL.
 
PER THE OFFICER, NOT MUCH TO GO ON EXCEPT THE WITNESS STATEMENTS.


BARDID: NC-2012-0129
Date: 2012-10-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BOGUE INLET
NearestCityTown: CEDAR POINT
County: CART
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Throttle
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On october 6, 2012 at approximately 5:30pm, operator was operating his vessel from the bogue inlet pier to bogue inlet with his friend after a day of fishing.  In route to the inlet the throttle started to malfunction according to operator, and he decided at that time to keep in route to the icw.  According to operator, he regained partial throttle before he got to the inlet and as he entered the inlet, he had to throttle down.  After he throttled down, he lost all throttle and was reduced to only idle speed.  With the intensity of the waves in the inlet along with the wind and the current at the breaker waves, he was unable to avoid the vessel taking on water in the rear of the vessel from waves hitting the rear of the vessel.  After a couple of sets of waves flooding the rear of the vessel, the vessel started to turn on its side.  At that time the operator and te passenger exited the vessel.  A good samaritan, offered assistance to them.  The coast guard was notified via 911 call and arrived on scene shortly after that and anchored the vessel where it was and transported them to the coast guard station to be picked up by family.  The next day the vessel had washed a few miles inland where the coast guard recovered the vessel and tied it to a no-wake buoy.  Operator recovered his vessel on 10/7/12 and met me in jacksonville where we completed the report.  It is my conclusion that the accident occurred due to the mechanical failure of the vessel's throttle and the location where the mechanical failure happened.  There is no evidence of alcohol or drugs contributing to the accident and no pfds were used in the accident.


BARDID: NC-2012-0130
Date: 2012-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BOGUE SOUND
NearestCityTown: MOREHEAD CITY
County: CART
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and 3 others had intended to go flounder fishing the night of july 27, 2012.  After launching their vessel from the wrc access area, they experienced motor trouble, went back to the dock and tied off the vessel.  While tied to the dock and attempting to restart the boat motor, the motor began to "run out of control" in neutral.  Operator then attempted to utilize the kill switch.  While reaching for the kill switch, the boat motor slipped into reverse and the motor lock failed causing his left hand to be crushed between the boat motor and transom.  Operator received medical treatment at carteret general hospital for a broken finger, broken in 4 places, and also received twelve stitches for lacerations on his hand.  No one else was injured and there was no property damage.  This accident appears to be the result of an equipment failure.


BARDID: NC-2012-0131
Date: 2012-08-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:40:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CURRITUCK SOUND
NearestCityTown: CAROVA BEACH
County: CURR
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 operated by operator1 was entering the canal at carova beach traveling east.  At the same time, vessel 2 operated by operator2 was leaving the canal traveling west.  Also in the canal were two kayakers (canoes) on the northern side of the canal.  As operator2 approached the kayakers, she operated her vessel to the south side of the canal to go around the kayakers.  After operator2 passed the kayakers, she increased her speed.  Operator1 was on the south side of the canal and saw operator2's vessel coming straight toward him.  Operator1 did not change speed, but just before impact, he did turn sharply to his left (port) side.  Also just before impact, operator2 turned her vessel to the right (starboard).  Upon impact, operator1 was ejected from his vessel and operator2's passenger was also ejected from her vessel.  Operator2's vessel had travelled over operator1' vessel.  Operator1' vessel kept going in a spinning motion until it ran aground.  Operator2's vessel was still operational, so she retrieved operator1 and her passenger from the water.


BARDID: NC-2012-0132
Date: 2012-10-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:15:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BANKS CHANNEL
NearestCityTown: WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH
County: NEWH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On october 5, 2012 at approximately 2:47am, wildlife officers were notified by raleigh dispatch of a boating accident that occurred at wrightsville beach.  Upon arrival, contact was made with operator2 who was the operator of vessel 2.
 
Operator2 stated that he was traveling north n banks channel when he struck another vessel.  Upon impact, the two occupants from the other boat were thrown into the water.  The people that were in the water were struggling to stay afloat.  They were trying to get on top of vessel 1.  Operator2 jumped into the water to assist them.  Vessel 1 drifted south in the channel towards a moored vessel owned by another.  This person helped operator2 and the two occupants from vessel 1 into his boat to render first aid and also contacted the uscg station at wrightsville beach.
 
 at approximately 6:21am contact was made with operator1, the operator of vessel 1 at new hanover regional medical center.  Operator1 stated that he and several friends were hanging out on masonboro island.  He stated that at approximately 1:00am, he and a friend decided to head to one of the bars at wrightsville beach.  Operator1 drove via boat to the wrightsville beach public docks.  He and a friend stayed at the bar until approximately 1:45a.  Operator1 and his friend then walked back to the town docks where his boat was docked and then headed back to masonboro island.  He stated that shortly after leaving the dock, he struck another vessel while traveling south in banks channel.  Operator1 stated that he was talking with his passenger and never saw vessel 2 until just before impact.  Operator1 stated that after impact, his boat capsized and he and his passenger were ejected from the boat and landed in the water.  Operator1 stated that he and his passenger were assisted by the operator of vessel 2 after the accident.
 
Contact was made with a passenger on vessel 2 whose story coraborated with operator2's.
Contact was made with a witness who was fishing on the pier adjacent to the dock where vessel 1 was docked.  Witness stated that he saw the operator of vessel 1 practically drive up onto the dock and then strike the dock several times while he was attempting to back his boat away from the dock. 
Upon investigation by wildlife officers, it was revealed that both boats were traveling approximately 25 mph when the accident occurred.  Based on the damage to both vessels, it appeared that they hit head on.
Both passengers on vessel 1 were transported by ambulance to new hanover regional medical center for treatment of their injuries.  All three passengers on vessel 2 refused medical treatment at the accident scene.
 
Charges:
Vessel 1 was charged with boating while impaired and reckless operation of a motorboat.
Vessel 2 was charged with boating while impaired, reckless operation of a motorboat, possess alcohol by a 19 or 20 year old and use and possession of an id not belonging to him.


BARDID: NC-2012-0133
Date: 2012-11-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: DAVIS CREEK
NearestCityTown: NAVASSA
County: BRUN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On november 16, 2012 at approximately 3:00pm, operator put his boat on at davis creek boat ramp in navassa and headed out to go fishing.  According to a witness who was operating another vessel on the creek that day, operator had been having motor trouble and the witness began towing him back to the boat ramp.  Operator was able to get his motor cranked and so he advised the witness that he was ok and he untied from the towing vessel and went back up the creek to go fishing.  The witness also headed out to go fishing and passed by operator who was tying his boat to a tree limb in preparation to begin fishing that spot.  The witness had been gone about 2 hours, and upon heading bck up davis creek to the ramp, he found operator slumped over the gunwale with his head and upper body underwater. operator was deceased.  The vessel was tied to an overhanging limb from the bow and the cover was off the motor as if operator had been working on it.  The witness called 911.  It is unclear what caused this accident.  It is my opinion that only an autopsy will be able to determine the exact cause of death.  It did not appear that the death was caused by any fault of the hull or the machinery of the vessel.  The brunswick county sheriffs office notified the next of kin.  Myself and sgt secured the vessel and stored it at the dot lot in belville for safe keeping.  The next of kin was made aware of the location of the vessel.  It is unclear based upon the investigation as to the exact cause of the accident that lead to operator's death.  Based upon information from the deceased father, operator had recently gotten out of a treatment facility for drug addiction but had been clean and doing well.  Perhaps there was an underlying and unknown medical condition or an adverse reaction to detox that could have lead to the death.  Based upon my investigation, the cause of death is something beyond the expertise of this investigator.  It is unclear until autopsy results are submitted as to whether or not alcohol or drugs played any part in this accident.


BARDID: NC-2012-0134
Date: 2012-10-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CLUBFOOT CREEK
NearestCityTown: HAVELOCK
County: CRAVEN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 2:00pm, on october 14, 2012, operator was taking a cruise on clubfoot creek in his 18 foot leader 180 cat.   one of operator's neighbors who lives on the creek remembers seeing operator pass by him and they both waved to each other.  Neighbor also stated he saw operator turn his vessel around after heading up the creek only a little bit further.
 
Operator then began to cruise back down the creek and collided with a dock while on plane at a speed of approximately 25 mph.  Operator has no memory of the accident other than waking up in the bottom of the vessel with several people trying to help him.  The last person to see operator before the collision was another resident living on the creek.  She remembers seeing operator operating his vessel near the docks as he headed down the creek.  She tried waving to him because of his close proximity to the docks, but operator was unresponsive.  subject stated that operator appeared almost "like a mannequin" and rigid.
 
No one saw the actual collision take place, but several residents heard the impact and said it sounded like an explosion.  The first people on the scene indicated that the bow of the vessel was struck up on top of the dock where it had impacted.  They found operator awake in the bottom of the vessel but non-responsive and it took several minutes to get him to respond to questions.  Operator was sent to vidant medical center in greenville, nc for treatment of his injuries which included various cuts, bruises, fractures, and a concussion.
 
I interviewed operator, and he believes his accident was the result of some kind of a medical event, possibly a seizure.  Operator takes medication for seizures and had taken his medication that morning.  Neither alcohol or drugs contributed to the accident.
 
The dock suffered minor damage.  Several light fixtures were knocked loose or off.  The wooden access ladder to the dock was destroyed and several planks on the walkway near the end of the dock were damaged.  Operator's vessel sustained much damage t the bow which was broken off across the entire front.  The center console and seat were ripped off their mounts and there were stress fractures at about mid ship just at the end of the hand rails on the gunwales.
 
It is my opinion that operator most likely suffered a seizure while operating the vessel, causing him to become unresponsive and to collide with the dock.


BARDID: NC-2012-0135
Date: 2012-10-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:20:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityTown: BRUNSWICK
County: BRUNSWICK
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
RedactedNarrative:
ON OCTOBER 25, 2012 AT APPROXIMATELY 5:20PM, THERE WAS A BOATING ACCIDENT IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN NEAR OAK ISLAND. subject WAS FISHING ON HIS 1969 SEA CRAFT CENTER CONSOLE VESSEL WHEN HE NOTICED THAT HIS BOAT WAS TAKING ON WATER.  subject ADVISED THAT HE TRIED TO GET THE BOAT TO PLANE OFF, BUT HIS MOTOR WAS NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO PUSH HIS BOAT WITH ALL THE WATER INSIDE THE HULL.  HE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE A WAVE CRASHED OVER THE STERN, SINKING HIS VESSEL.  WHILE FLOATING ON HIS PFD IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN, subject WAS ABLE TO CALL 911 FROM HIS CELL PHONE.  A FISHING VESSEL SAW HIM FLOATING AND PICKED HIM UP AND TOOK HIM TO SHORE.  NO ALCOHOL WAS INVOLVED IN THIS ACCIDENT.
 
PLEASE NOTE THAT EVEN THOUGH HE WAS NOT WEARING A PFD, HE USED ONE TO FLOAT ON AFTER HIS VESSEL SANK.


BARDID: NC-2012-0136
Date: 2012-08-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: HOLDEN BEACH
County: BRUN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 2, 50FT SHRIMP BOAT WAS TRAVELING WEST IN THE ICW NEAR HOLDEN BEACH, NC WHEN THE RUDDER OF THE SHRIMP BOAT MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BOW TO DRIFT INTO A DOCKED 44 FOOT SAIL BOAT CAUSING DAMAGE TO SAILING EQUIPMENT AT THE CENTER BOW.  BOTH VESSELS WERE EQUIPPED WITH PFDS.  FAULT OF EQUIPMENT (RUDDER MALFUNCTION) WAS TO BLAME.  NO INDICATION OF AN IMPAIRING SUBSTANCE TO BE A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO THE COLLISION.


BARDID: NC-2012-0137
Date: 2012-11-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: SHALLOTTE
County: BRUN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On november 18, 2012 at approximately 11:30 am, operator and his uncle were setting nets in the icw near shallotte river. two large yachts came by and created large wakes. The wakes came over the back of his vessel and swamped it.  The vessel filled with water and rolled over ejecting the two.  They retrieved the pfds and put them on.  The two yachts never slowed or changed course and headed on their way.  Another large vessel saw what had happened and came over to assist the two boaters in the water.  They called 911 and the uscg was dispatched and assisted the two men and got them out of the water.  They were taken to brunswick memorial hospital and treated for mild hypothermia.  operator was released and occupant was kept overnight because of his age and his recent medical history (stroke).  It does not appear that alcohol or drugs played any role in this accident.  This accident is a result of two large vessels not being aware of the large wake that they were producing.  Pfds were used by the survivors.


BARDID: NC-2012-0138
Date: 2012-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: FALLS LAKE
NearestCityTown: WAKE FOREST
County: WAKE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On september 2, 2012, at approximately 3:00pm, operator was driving his family's bow rider boat with a total of 6 people on board. They were on falls lake and were approaching the new light road bridge from the se heading towards hwy 50. As they approached the no wake zone at the bridge, a large cabin cruiser boat was leaving the no wake zone in the opposite direction. As the larger boat accelerated past, it created a large wake that operator had to cross. As his boat came down over the wake, his wife was thrown to the floor. As a result, she fractured her arm. operator called 911 and then drove the boat to the hwy 50 state park boat access are where he contacted ems and his wife was transported to the hospital for attention. 

In my opinion, this accident was caused by the poor crossing of a large wake. There is no indication that drugs or alcohol were a factor and no charges have been filed.


BARDID: NC-2012-0139
Date: 2012-11-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: PAMLICO RIVER
NearestCityTown: WASHINGTON
County: BEAU
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR AND OWNER WAS CRUISING ABOUT 150 YARDS OFF THE SOUTH SHORE LINE OF THE PAMLICO RIVER WITH ANOTHER SUBJECT WHEN HE STRUCK WHAT HE BELIEVES TO BE A 2 BY 8 BY 8 BOARD.  THE OBJECT CAUGHT UNDER THE BOAT AT THE LOWER UNIT AND CAUSED THE BOAT TO TURN WHAT HE DESCRIBED AS A 180 DEGREE TURN AND FLIP AT ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR.  THE OPERATOR AND PASSENGER FOUND THEMSELVES UNDER THE WATER UNDER THE BOAT WITH THE MOTOR RUNNING.  THE MOTOR QUIT AND BOTH SUBJECTS CLIMBED ONTO THE OVERTURNED BOAT.  A SAILBOAT IN THE AREA DROPPED ITS SAIL AND MOTORED OVER AND PICKED UP THE TWO MEN ON TOP OF THE BOAT.  NO ALCOHOL WAS INVOLVED.  NO PFDS WERE USED BECAUSE THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED TOO FAST.  THE PASSENGER'S DOG DID DROWN IN THE ACCIDENT AND WAS FOUND UNDER THE BOAT THE NEXT DAY. 


BARDID: NC-2012-0141
Date: 2012-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HICKORY
NearestCityTown: HICKORY
County: ALEXANDER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 9/3/12, at approximately 17:30 hrs, a boat accident occurred.  The vessel was a 24 ft princecraft pontoon with a 90 hp evinrude.  The pontoon was owned and operated by subject.  Her husband was lying asleep on the back seat located behind the starboard side console.  The operator was inattentive while operating the pontoon.  The pontoon collided with a pontoon secured out of the water on a lift and dock. 

Operator and occupant were in their pontoon boat returning from near the highway321 bridge.  They departed and traveled east toward lakeside marina.  Their pontoon was stored and docked in a boat slip at lakeside marina.  Operator was operating the vessel.  Occupant was asleep in the back seat of the pontoon with his head lying on the port side.  It started raining and operator noticed cell phone, purse, food and clothes getting rained on.  They were lying on the deck left of her.  She leaned over to stow away the items while still cruising.  Operator was inattentive to the pontoon's direction of travel.  The pontoon veered left toward the pontoon lift and dock.  The right front pontoon of the vessel impacted with the secured pontoon on the lift.  The lift's wooden pylons pushed against the adjoining covered boat dock roof and structure.  The collision caused damage to the edge of the roof, structure and wooden column of the dock.  Upon collision, occupant fell from his sleeping position to the deck of the pontoon.  Operator fell forward toward the console.  No injuries were reported. 

subject witnessed the incident.  His dock is the next dock west.  Witness was at his boat dock doing some maintenance and observed the collision.  He advised he heard a boat come near his dock.  He looked up and observed it pass by.  Within a few seconds, it collided into the lift and dock.  He advised operator was operating the vessel but appeared to be leaned over as if sleeping. occupant was in the back area of the vessel.  He advised occupant was not seen in the pontoon till it collided.  Witness went over to see if everyone on board was uninjured.  Occupant left their contact information with him to give to the owner of the property.  

In conclusion, the accident occurred by the operator taking her attention from the direction the pontoon was traveling.  Most important, no one was physically injured or killed as a result of the collision.  The damage to boat and lift and dock was covered under occupant's homeowners insurance at $23,000.00.  The damage to operator's pontoon was estimated by him at $1500.00 which consisted of two rips approximately 6 inches on the outer right side of the right pontoon and front right railing damage.  He advised that he would repair it himself.  No other damage was reported.  Operator will be charged with careless and negligent operation of a motorboat in alexander county district court.


BARDID: NC-2012-0142
Date: 2012-11-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BOGUE INLET
NearestCityTown: EMERALD ISLE
County: ONSL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Person Departed Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
TWO MALE SUBJECTS WERE OPERATING THE VESSEL IN BOGUE INLET.  THE ENGINE STOPPED WORKING ON THE VESSEL.  SUBJECT, ENTERED THE WATER TO PULL THE BOAT OUT OF THE CURRENT. 
THE CURRENT WAS PUSHING THE BOAT INTO OPEN WATER.  RESULTED IN HYPOTHERMIA.  SUBJECT WAS TRANSPORTED BY USCG TO MEET EMS.  EMS TRANSPORTED SUBJECT TO CARTERET GENERAL HOSPITAL WHERE HE WAS TREATED FOR HYPOTHERMIA AND SUBSEQUENTLY RELEASED.
 
***********************************************************
THERE IS NO MENTION BY THE OFFICER OF THIS REPORT AS TO WHAT CAUSED THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING.


BARDID: NC-2012-0143
Date: 2012-12-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALBEMARLE SOUND
NearestCityTown: EDENTON
County: CHOW
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Overloading
AccidentCause3: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
subject was fishing with two friends at approximately 1:30pm saturday december 15, 2012 in the albemarle sound.  They were in a 12 foot vessel owned by subject  The men were trolling in the albemarle sound between the second and third power line tower.  Operator indicated that the wind had gotten stronger and they didn't realize it at the time.  According to operator as they were trolling he was turning the vessel around and water began to come across the bow, front, of the vessel.  The water pushed the bow of the vessel under before anyone could react.  After the vessel had capsized all three of the fishermen were thrown into the water.  It took a moment for operator to find owner.  Once operator found owner, he pulled him to the vessel.  The vessel was upside down.  The three men hung onto the side of the overturned vessel and called for help.  No one had on pfds at the time this occurred and owner was not a swimmer.  The men had been in the water for about an hour when water began to splash in owner's face which caused him to panic.  Operator tried to calm owner but was unsuccessful.  Owner went under pulling operator with him several times before finally letting go.  Operator and his son said that was the last time they saw owner.  Around 3:30 pm subject2 heard voices calling for help from the albemarle sound.  Subject2 held launched his pontoon boat and went to investigate.  Subject2 found two men hanging onto the back of an overturned vessel.  The two men were loaded onto subject2's vessel.  Subject2 dialed 911.  The men were taken to midway access area to meet ems. A call o r rescue was placed to chowan central at 3:23 pm.  Chowan county so deputies edenton police department and ncwrc responded.
 
I launched a patrol boat at edenton marina after receiving a call of a missing fisherman.  I was able to find the vessel just off from the fourth power line tower.  I searched the area for roughly thirty minutes when another boat came to assist with the search.  Once the second boat arrived, deputy and i went to the overturned vessel.  After approaching it we turned the vessel right side up.  There was a blue rope attached to the bow of the vessel that was in the water.  The back of the vessel acted as if there was an anchor holding it down.  As deputy pulled on the rope, he pulled up what we thought was an anchor, but it was owner's body.  Owner was face down in the water with the rope wrapped around the outboard motor and his left arm from his elbow to his shoulder.  At this time we pulled body into my patrol boat.  Victim’ clothes were not out of place.  Owner's eyeglasses were still tucked neatly into his shirt at the bop button.  We proceeded to midway access area and loaded body into the ambulance,  body was transported to vidant chowan hospital.


BARDID: NC-2012-0144
Date: 2012-08-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE TILLERY
NearestCityTown: NORWOOD
County: STAN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 WAS BEING OPERATED NEAR THE HYDRO DAM PULLING TWO WAKE BOARDERS.   A WAKE BOARDER, FELL FACE DOWN IN WHICH THE WAKE BOARD STRUCK HIM IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD.  He WAS TRANSPORTED TO STANLY REGIONAL BY PERSONAL VEHICLE WHERE HE RECEIVED STITCHES DUE TO A SMALL LACERATION TO THE HEAD.  HE WAS TREATED AND RELEASED.  ALL SAFETY EQUIPMENT WAS ACCOUNTED FOR.  ALCOHOL WAS NOT A FACTOR IN THIS INCIDENT.
 
*******************************************************************
 
THERE IS NO  MENTION BY THE OFFICER OF THIS REPORT AS TO WHAT CAUSED him TO FALL WHILE WAKE BOARDING.


BARDID: NC-2012-0145
Date: 2012-08-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:20:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE TILLERY
NearestCityTown: MT GILEAD
County: MONT
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Preliminary investigation revealed that on the afternoon of august 22, 2012, a friend of operator/victim 1 called for assistance when she and operator/victim 1 was thrown off the vessel/pwc and went under water where operator/victim 1 never recovered to safety.
 
Through further investigation, two witnesses who had been on the lake fishing saw operator/victim 1 and his passenger speeding through a no wake zone proceeding from the main water of lake tillery to the lilly's bridge access area.  Witnesses stated that operator/victim 1 and his passenger were not wearing pfds.  The witnesses stated that operator/victim 1 started doing 360s in a rapid manner and jumping his own wake.  It was at this time that operator/victim 1 and his passenger were thrown from the pwc.  Another boater who was in the area saw the incident and went over to the passenger first and pulled her from the water.  Once the passenger was on board, both the boater and the passenger looked to the location where operator/victim 1 had been and saw that operator/victim 1 had gone under.  The boater and the passenger of the vessel/pwc looked for victim 1, but was unable to locate him.
 
At approximately 8:45pm, rescue and recovery attempts began for operator/victim 1.  After several hours of searching, rescue and recovery found the body at approximately 1:15am on august 23, 2012.
 
In conclusion, operator/victim 1 was not wearing a pfd which is required to ride/operate a pwc.  Operator/victim 1 and his passenger were thrown from the vessel/pwc while maneuvering the vessel/pwc in tight rapid circles.  In my opinion, if operator/victim 1 had been wearing his pfd, operator/victim 1 would have been kept above water long enough to be rescued or could have swam to shore.


BARDID: NC-2012-0146
Date: 2012-12-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:40:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: HYCO LAKE
NearestCityTown: ROXBORO
County: PERS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On december 1, 2012, approximately 12:40pm, a boat accident occurred on hyco lake in person county, nc.  The accident happened in the southern portion of hyco lake between the concord  church rd bridge and the semora rd bridge.  And occupied with one passenger was participating in a local fishing tournament and was in the midst of traveling to a different fishing location.  Operator1 said that as he came around the bend of the lake, he saw vessel two, occupied twice with the operator and owner., and his passenger to his starboard side ahead of him.  Operator1 stopped the boat to get himself a pack of crackers.  As Operator1 proceeded down the lake and got up on plane going approximately 45-50mph he said he lost sight of vessel two.  The last time Operator1 said he saw vessel two was right before he struck the vessel and he did not have enough time to stop so he throttled up to try and clear vessel two.
 
Operator2, operator of vessel two, said he was idling/drifting along looking at his fish finder.  vessel two passenger, said he looked up and saw vessel one approaching them at approximately 100 feet and said "i hope they see us".  At approximatley 30 feet v2 occupant said to Operator2 repeatedly to hit reverse! It was at this time vessel one struck vessel two on the port side mid-ship and going over top of vessel two and coming to a rest on the other side in the water.  Vessel one traveled back around to vessel two and upon arrival noticed that Operator2 was unconscious for approximately one or two minutes.  Operator2 of vessel two has no recollection of the accident and complained of back pain.  V2 occupant of vessel two also complained of back pain.  Vessel one put the passengers of vessel two in their boat and towed vessel two back to the boat dock.
 
Ems was dispatched and took both Operator2 and v2 occupant of vessel two to person county hospital.  Both the passengers of vessel one had no complaints of injury.  Both the passengers of vessel two were released from the hospital later that day both having minor back injuries and Operator2 having a concussion.  There is extensive damage to vessel two on the port side and console.  Vessel one had damage to the prop and propeller but the boat was still able to operate smoothly.an off duty wildlife officer, master officer, was nearby when the boats arrived at the dock.  He collected the contact information and initial statements from the occupants of vessel one.  He was unable to make contact with the occupants of vessel two.  Officers went to Operator1's residence.  They interviewed the occupants and had Operator1 complete mb 4.1.  They also met with Operator2, interviewed him, and had him to complete mb 4.1.
 
After reviewing the evidence and the statements of all witnesses, it is reasonable to believe that this collision was caused a lack of visibility caused by the geography of the area.  Neither party was at fault per se.  At this time no charges are filed against either party. 
 


BARDID: NC-2012-0147
Date: 2012-12-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BADIN LAKE
NearestCityTown: BADIN
County: STAN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On tuesday 12/11/12, on or about 1:30 pm, we received a phone call stating there was a possible drowning on badin lake around the palmerville boat access.  When i got to the accident scene, the body of victim had already been pulled to shore along with the survivor.  The vessel was pulled to shore 3/4 full of water.  Officer1 had talked to the operator of the vessel who stated that they were sitting stationary when victim stood up in the boat to urinate.  As he was standing up, he fell overboard.  Victim had a pfd and a throw cushion when he fell in.  As victim was falling he grabbed the side of the boat causing water to fill the boat.  Victim started to swim towards shore and was told to stay calm by operator who stayed with the boat.  Operator stated that he never saw victim head go under water. Operator made it to shore there he noticed that victim had stopped talking to him for 15 or 20 minutes.  Operator waded out to victim and pulled him to shore.


BARDID: NC-2012-0149
Date: 2012-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: MOSS LAKE
NearestCityTown: KINGS MOUNTAIN
County: CLEV
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
Subject launched the vessel at moss lake, drove it around to the family's dock where it was then tied to the dock and engine was shut off.  When the subject attempted to start the motor again, it cranked and ran good for a minute or two, when there was a small explosion under the hood of the motor.  The two occupants jumped out of the boat on to the dock.  Fire then errupted in the motor area. That's when the subject attempted to put the fire out with two marine fire extinguishers and was unsuccessful.
 
In this boat accident, i conclude that there was some kind of mechanical failure that occurred due to possibly the age of the vessel that caused the fire.
 
**************************************
The officer if this report did not specify the type of fire extinguishers that were used other than they were marine fire extinguishers.


BARDID: NC-2012-0150
Date: 2012-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: HIGH ROCK LAKE
NearestCityTown: ROCKWELL
County: ROWA
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Improper loading
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and his 5 guests were fishing from vessel 1 in the dutch second creek portion of high rock lake.  Vessel 1 was a 1971 fiberglass glastron.  The occupants of the vessel consisted of 3 subjects over 250 pounds, 2 subjects over 200 pounds, and operator who weighed approximately 140 pounds.  Operator began maneuvering his vessel toward dutch second creek access area.  The area of the lake that operator and his guests were fishing was about half a mile north of the bringle ferry road bridge.  The access area was located on the south side of bringle ferry road bridge.  There is a no wake zone located at the bringle ferry road bridge.  As the vessel slowed to enter the no wake zone, water began to swamp the vessel from the bow.  As the water began entering the vessel from the bow, the two occupants seated in the front of the vessel shifted to the rear of the vessel.  At that time, water began coming in over the transom.  Almost immediately the vessel sank.  All of the occupants were immediately in the water.  No pfds were used.  There were several other vessels in the vicinity of the accident which were able to render assistance and rescue all of the occupants.  There were no injuries.


BARDID: NC-2012-0151
Date: 2012-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ABBOTTS CREEK
NearestCityTown: LEXINGTON
County: DAVD
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person Departed Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
ON FRIDAY, JULY 6, 2012, operator AND TWO PASSENGERS WERE IN AN 18 FOOT GLASSMASTER DRIFTING OFF OF HIGH ROCK LAKE IN THE MOUTH OF ABBOTT'S CREEK, WHEN THEY NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.  THE OPERATOR, LIFTED THE ENGINE COVER PROVIDING A POTENTIAL FIRE WITH AMPLE OXYGEN.  FIRE ERUPTED AND THE THREE PEOPLE ON BOARD ABANDONED THE VESSEL.  THE VESSEL WAS COMPLETELY BURNED AND WAS A TOTAL LOSS.  NO ONE WAS INJURED IN THIS ACCIDENT.  PFDS WERE AVAILABLE, ON BOARD AND USED IN THIS INCIDENT.  THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT ALCOHOL OR DRUGS HAD ANY BEARING ON THIS INCIDENT.


BARDID: NC-2012-0152
Date: 2012-11-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 04:45:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: TAYLORS CREEK
NearestCityTown: BEAUFORT
County: CART
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Around 4:45am, vessel 1 was traveling west in taylor's creek when it collided with vessel 2.  Vessel 2 was at anchor with his bow pointed northward.  Vessel 1 ran into vessel 2's starboard side around mid ship.  A surf board on vessel 2 took most of the impact.  The lines and rigging on the starboard side of vessel 2 were torn off and hanging.  Vessel 1 did not have any damage except for some slight gel coat chipping.  Subject  was asleep on vessel 2 when it was struck by vessel 1.  No one showed signs of any injuries at the time of the accident.  No other parties witnessed the incident.
 
After speaking with both individuals by phone, i met with owner of marga.  After further investigation of his vessel, i confirmed that subject had a solar powered all around light.  I was unable to see either vessel's lights before impact, therefore i do not know the configuration of lights they were displaying at the time of impact.
 
The latitude and longitude of this accident are not exact.  The coordinates given on page one of this report are taken from the general location of the area in which the incident occurred.


BARDID: NC-2012-0153
Date: 2012-12-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: COINJOCK BAY
NearestCityTown: MAPLE
County: CURR
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
According to family members and other sources, the operator of vessel 1 had told his wife that he was going to go feed his bait area for the next day's hunt.  Operator had an area about 300 yards away from his duck blind where he placed corn to attract waterfowl.  Around 4:30pm, he left his house and headed to the canal where he kept his canoe.  It is unknown exactly what happened after that, but at some time after dark, the family realized that operator had not returned.  Family members then went to the canal and located his truck, but he was no where around.  At approximately 8:44pm, the currituck county sheriff's department was notified of the overdue boater.  I was notified by currituck co so by phone around 9:00pm and advised them that  i was off, but could assist at any time if needed.  The deputy stated that they were checking with friends of operator. To see if they knew of his where abouts and trying to use his cell phone to track him.  I advised the deputy to call me back if he needed me.  The next morning i contacted the currituck co sd to see if operator had been located.  Captain currituck co sd stated that he had not.  I arrived on scene and started my investigation.  I was able to find out that vessel 1 had been located by friends of operator around 3:00am near the bridge on the bells island causeway.  They had also stated that the canoe had been swamped and that they had located operator’s chest waders along with his cell phone.  This is all the information we have on this incident at this time, as recovery efforts are still ongoing. 

Update:  the body of operator was recovered by local commercial fishermen around noon on january 13th.  Cause of death is presumed to be drowning, but has not been confirmed at this time.  The family has requested an autopsy and results will be several weeks away.
 
In addition, until autopsy results come back, it is not know if alcohol or drugs played a role in this incident.


BARDID: NC-2012-1000
Date: 2012-07-05 00:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Robinwood Lake
NearestCityTown: Gastonia
County: Gaston
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unkn
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
Victim is assumed to have fallen overboard and drowned.  He was reported as overdue at 12:10 am by his father.


BARDID: NC-2012-1001
Date: 2012-05-26 00:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pond
NearestCityTown: Charlotte
County: Mecklenburg
WaterConditions: unknown
Wind: unknown
Visibility: unkn
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
USCG entered this accident because it occured on a private body of water.  According to news media reports, two men were on a boat, fishing, when it capsized.  The cause of the accident is unreported.  Allegedly, the victims were not wearing life jackets (it appeared one person had tried to fasten his in haste but wasn't successful). The bodies were recovered after midnight.  The time of accident is unknown.  The last known communication was around 330pm. http://www.wcnc.com/news/Military-veterans-identified-as-drowing-victims-154867075.html


BARDID: NC-2012-1002
Date: 2012-04-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:20:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: private pond
NearestCityTown: Maxton
County: Robeson
WaterConditions: unknown
Wind: unknown
Visibility: unkn
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
USCG entered this accident report because it occured on a private pond.  According to news media reports, the victim was fishing on a 10-acre private pond with permission from the owner.  He was witnessed as capsizing and his body was later recovered.  The victim was not wearing a life jacket and waters were allegedly 42 degrees F. http://www.laurinburgexchange.com/view/full_story/18272924/article-Maxton-drowning-investigated


BARDID: NC-2013-0001
Date: 2013-01-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: QUEENS CREEK
NearestCityTown: SWANSBORO
County: ONSLOW
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Victim launched his kayak at about 13:00 on saturday january 12, 2013 to fish in queens creek.  After dark, victim's girlfriend became concerned when he had not returned home from fishing.  She went to queen's creek bridge where he launched and saw his vehicle.  She did not see victim or his kayak.  She called someone, who called sergeant with marine fisheries.  This occurred about 17:00.  Onslow county communications received a call from sgt about 20:00 for more assistance.  The search continued until sunday january 13, 2013.  The body of victim was found at 23:00 sunday night one hundred yards from the kayak.  Victim was face down in the water.  Victim's face was scratched by the oyster bed he was floating over.  Victim was not wearing a pfd when his body was recovered.  A pfd was not found in the boat, which was overturned, nor near the scene.  The medical examiner conducted an autopsy and stated that it did not appear that alcohol was a factor.  A toxicology screen of the subject's blood was ordered but will not be available for eight months.  Victim was taking an opium inhibitor.  
 
***************************************************
There is no mention from the officer of this report as to what caused this accident other than the deceased was not wearing a pfd at the time of the accident.


BARDID: NC-2013-0003
Date: 2013-01-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE TILLERY
NearestCityTown: MT GILEAD
County: MONT
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On january 13, 2013, a boat accident occurred on lake tillery located in montgomery county around 11:30am.  At the time of the accident, operator Was traveling south down the lake.  Operator stated he struck an object that was submerged under the water and the impact threw them out of the boat.  As the two got back in the boat, they noticed it was still running and the lower unit was missing.  Also, operator noticed his steering wheel was bent and the console was cracked during the accident.  I met operator at swift island and could tell he was in pain.  Operator stated he was having pain from his hip and back.  Both gentlemen went to the emergency room to be checked out and it was determined that they sustained significant bruising and would be in pain for several days.
After operator got his boat out of the water and returned home, i was able to look at the boat and talk to both operator and occupant. i personally believe there was nothing operator could have done to avoid this accident.  He is still unsure to what he hit and he was unable to see anything in the water.


BARDID: NC-2013-0004
Date: 2013-02-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: MOREHEAD CITY
County: CART
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On february 2, 2013, slightly before 9:30am, vessel one departed pelletier creek in morehead city and began traveling south in the icw for a buyers sea trial.  Only minutes after going on plane, vessel one got too far to the south side of the channel striking the sandbar.  Vessel one came to an abrupt stop throwing three of the four passengers around in the vessel.  The uscg arrived and carried two people to the dock where they were taken to the hospital.  Towboat us towed vessel one back to harbor master in pelletier creek.
 
The operator's face struck the helm causing a laceration to his upper lip and possible damage to his teeth.  He was seeking treatment from a dentist.  Victim2 was standing in the middle of vessel one immediately to the operator's left.  When vessel one stopped, victim2 fell through an open cabin door onto a table which broke and then sent him to the cabin floor.  The cabin floor was 2.5 to 3 feet lower than the deck floor where he was originally standing.  He was taken to carteret general hospital where his back x-rays were negative.  He was having tremendous pain in his lower back which was believed to be a pulled muscle.  Victim3 was standing in front of the seat on the port side of the boat immediately to victim2's left.  When vessel one stopped, he was thrown into the dash area of the boat.  His x-rays were negative as well, but he was having soreness in his neck and back.  A forth passenger that was not injured was standing on the port side deck behind victim3's seat.


BARDID: NC-2013-0005
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-01-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:53:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BOGUE INLET
NearestCityTown: SWANSBORO
County: ONSL
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On wednesday, january 16, 2013, at approximately 17:53pm operator was operating his vessel in the bogue inlet in onslow county, nc.  Onboard with operator were two passengers.  Operator had just purchased the vessel.  Operator was taking the boat from oriental, nc to his home in myrtle beach, sc.  Operator was entering the bogue inlet in order to anchor over night.  Operator was using maps/charts that did not have the new channel marked.  The vessel did not have a depth gauge or chart plotter and the sun had gone down.  Operator could not find the channel markers.  During this time, operator, using the outdated maps ran the vessel aground in the old channel.  After running aground, the vessel began taking on water.  All the occupants put on pfds and the uscg was called.  A vessel from uscg station emerald isle responded to the location and rescued all occupants on board.  All victims were subsequently transported to uscg station emerald isle.  No injuries were reported.  Operator contacted a private towing operation for salvage operations.  Operator reported that the vessel would most likely be a total loss.  Upon leaving the area of boat accident, operator reported that the vessel was taking on water and being beaten up by breakers.  Operator reported $5000.00 damage to the vessel and $1000.00 to his other property.
 
There were no injuries reported with this incident.


BARDID: NC-2013-0006
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-01-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:21:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: PAMLICO SOUND
NearestCityTown: ENGELHARD
County: HYDE
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Equipment failure
AccidentCause3: Weather
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator, a party of three gentlemen were duck hunting in the wysocking bay area.  Operator and his hunting partner decided to go and scout for a new location.  He said as they came around the point, the water became too rough.  As operator decelerated, a wave broke over the back of the vessel.  He attempted to use the bilge pump, but it failed to work.  Operator then put the stern, back, of the vessel toward the bank in order to have the bow, front of the vessel, facing into the wind while they tried to bail out the water.  The vessel then started taking waves over the bow and both passenger and operator exited onto land holding type iv pfds.  They attempted to retrieve the rest of their gear that was in the vessel.  Due to the wind and sea action, the vessel capsized after the subjects got on land.  They anchored the vessel to the shore, set out two life jackets, and toed duck decoys to a game land sign with their information written on the decoys.  They fired three distress shots, but due to the wind, the shots were not heard.  Operator and friend began to gather wood for a shelter and build a fire.  The owner of the vessel had called to report his friends being gone for several hours and he was not able to contact them by cell phone.  Officer and i picked up the owner of the vessel at the duck blind the three subjects hunted earlier.  After securing him, we began to search in the direction he last saw his friends.  We found them at the site that they had built the fire.  There were no personal injuries and all safety equipment was on board the vessel.  There was no alcohol or drug use detected in this incident.
 
*************************************************
There was no mention by the officer of this report as to what caused the vessel to take on water except for the waves and weather conditions.


BARDID: NC-2013-0007
Date: 2013-03-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: PAMLICO RIVER
NearestCityTown: WASHINGTON
County: BEAU
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
operator and his wife were taking their first boat ride of the year when they spotted a duck caught in a net near their home.  The duck was rescued, but their prop got caught up in the net.  Another boat came to help them and they thought they were free, but was still hung on the top line.  Thinking the prop was free, the operator gave the boat some gas to free itself of the net and got hung up again.  The bilge pump quit and the boat filled up with water and capsized.  911 was called.  The second boat that had come to assist them picked up the occupants of the boat.  No pfds were used and no alcohol or drugs were involved.  There were no injuries in this incident.


BARDID: NC-2013-0008
Date: 2013-04-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:16:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CAPE FEAR RIVER
NearestCityTown: BALD HEAD ISLAND
County: BRUN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
On april 25, 2013, there was a boating accident in the cape fear river near bald head island.  Southport police department came into contact with operator at southport marina where he docked his mother's boat that was involved in the accident.  Operator had been drinking and blew a 0.19 on the ac.  On april 26, 2013, i spoke with operator about the accident.  He had drank so much the day of the accident that he could not remember where he had been or what he had hit with his mother's boat.  He said that he remembered leaving indigo marina but that was it.  Later that day, i spoke with the manager of bald head marina.  He advised me that some customers of the marina saw operator come into the marina at a high rate of speed and run into the fuel dock.  They advised he stumbled up to the dock office to see that it was closed.  Operator then got into his boat and tried to pull away several times at max throttle not realizing he was still tied to the dock.  They said after he left the marina, they heard a loud crash.  Subject advised that the right side exit marker of the marina was damaged.  Alcohol was a major factor in this accident!


BARDID: NC-2013-0016
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALBEMARLE SOUND
NearestCityTown: EDENTON
County: CHOW
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On friday may 31, 2013, Operator was operating a motor boat on the albemarle sound and yeopim river with two passengers. The vessel was on the yeopim river heading back towards the mouth of the albemarle sound. Survivor said that he and Operator had been taking turns operating the vessel. Survivor said that they purchased a 12 pack of busch beer earlier that morning and that each of them had consumed 3 or 4 beers a piece. According to Survivor, the vessel was being operated by Operator at the time of the accident. Survivor said he was in the stern, back or rear, of the boat with the engine cover pulled off and Victim2 was riding in the bow, front, of the vessel. Survivor stated he was checking the engine out to ensure that everything was working correctly. Survivor had recently purchased this vessel and performed some repairs. The repairs included replacing the gimbal bearing, lower unit seals, and lower unit lubricant. Survivor said that he was having a really tough time trying to get the engine cover back in place and getting it latched back down correctly. Survivor said he was facing the stern, back or rear, of the vessel when he heard one of the other men yell whoa or ho. That's when the vessel impacted d on with a cypress tree. Survivor also said that he didn't feel the boat make any sharp turns or sudden movements prior to hitting the tree. Upon investigating the scene of the accident, i saw a large stump in the water just in front of the tree that the vessel impacted. 

Witness a commercial fisherman stated he saw Survivor's vessel prior to the crash operating in the albemarle sound heading east. Witness indicated that the vessel was operating close to the chowan county shoreline. Witness also said that a few minutes after seeing this vessel, he heard an engine running very loudly then saw smoke and went to investigate. Witness called 911 after he arrived on the accident scene. He found two men who appeared deceased and one injured person, Survivor. Operator was still in the vessel. Victim2 and Survivor were thrown out of the vessel over the starboard side, right side, of the vessel. The engine on the vessel was still running at high speed when Witness arrived. The engine had caught on fire, so Witness extinguished the fire by covering it with a wet burlap sack. Witness told me that when he arrived Survivor was trying to get the engine shut off. Harvey point law enforcement officers arrived on scene next, followed by chowan county sheriff officers and ncwrc officers. Survivor was transported to albemarle hospital in elizabeth city for treatment. When i arrived on scene, i found Operator deceased in the floor of the vessel and Victim2 deceased in the cypress, knees on the starboard side, right side of the vessel. 
Survivor said that he had been a boater most of his life and that he knew the area and water. He stated had he known that the vessel was so close to shore, he would have warned Operator and had him to change his course. 
I, officer, did find a small cooler containing 2 unopened cans of busch beer. One of the cans of beer had split open from the impact of the vessel with the tree. I also found an empty busch beer can in the water floating next to the engine cover on the starboard side, right side of the vessel. The steering wheel was broken and pushed downward towards the floor of the vessel. The shifter was completely broken away from the vessel. The vessel outdrive was broken away from the vessel. None of the occupants were wearing pfds when the crash occurred. Survivor was treated and released later that afternoon. No charges are pending at this time. 
Please note that the blood alcohol content of the other two persons is un


BARDID: NC-2013-0017
Date: 2013-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORTH RIVER
NearestCityTown: SHAWBORO
County: CAMD
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
The evening of may 26, 2013, operator was operating the vessel with family members on the north river in camden county.  Operator was operating the vessel around thorough fare island.  Operator begins to tow his 16 year old niece, kneeboarder on a knee board.  His brother in law was spotting for kneeboarder.  She readied herself to be towed once more.  Operator began to accelerate the boat in order to bring kneeboarder up onto the knee board, but before they reached cruising speed, a wake came over the front of the board.  When this happened, kneeboarder turned sideways and fell into the water at a speed somewhere between 12-14 mph according to operator.  Operator circled the boat around to retrieve kneeboarder.  When they arrived, kneeboarder complained of neck pains.  Kneeboarder climbed on board the boat under her own power.  Operator contacted ems of currituck and met them at the indiantown creek boat ramp on the camden/currituck county line.  From there, currituck ems had kneeboarder airlifted to sentara norfolk general hospital for medical treatment/screening where she stayed overnight and was released the next day.  Kneeboarder's father reported that her injuries were spinal cord injury without radialgraphic abnormality, which caused her some temporary numbness in her arm and hand.  He also reported that she has made a full recovery as of 5/31/13 except for some minor, temporary soreness in her neck and back area.


BARDID: NC-2013-0018
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-05-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORMAN
NearestCityTown: CATAWBA
County: IRED
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
OWNER AND OPERATOR, AND subject LAUNCHED THEIR BOAT FROM LONG POINT LANDING ON TO LAKE NORMAN ON THE EVENING OF 5/18/13.  THEY TRAVELED NORTH ON LAKE NORMAN AND STOPPED CLOSE TO THE HWY 70 BRIDGE TO FISH.  SHORTLY AFTER STOPPING, THEY NOTICED WATER COMING INTO THE VESSEL. Operator SAID THEY CHECKED AND NOTICED THAT THE BILGE PLUG HAD COME OUT AND THE BOAT WAS TAKING ON WATER.  OPERATOR STATED THAT BEFORE THEY LEFT THE LANDING THEY BOTH CHECKed THE PLUG TO MAKE SURE IT WAS IN PLACE.  THEY TRIED TO GET THE BOAT TO SHORE BUT WERE UNABLE TO DO SO BEFORE IT SWAMPED.  THEY WERE PICKED UP FROM THE SHORE BY ANOTHER FISHERMAN AND TAKEN TO THE HWY 70 BRIDGE WHERE EMS MET THEM.  THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED.  BOTH OPERATOR AND subject HAD BEEN CONSUMING ALCOHOL.  OPERATOR HAD BEEN DRINKING AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT BUT WAS NOT IMPAIRED ACCORDING TO OFFICER.  THE VESSEL WAS LEFT IN THE WATER AND LATER RECOVERED BY TOW BOAT US.


BARDID: NC-2013-0019
Date: 2013-04-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: MOUNTAIN ISLAND LAKE
NearestCityTown: HUNTERSVILLE
County: MECK
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
EquipmentFailure: Seat broke loose
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
On april 13, 2013 around 14:30pm Operator was traveling down river, main channel, on mountain island lake, when he decided to go full throttle.  Operator stated the boat is capable of speeds of 85 plus mph, and guesses he was doing at least 60 plus mph.  The operator's captain's style chair then broke causing him to fall backwards into the motor.  Operator states he recalls nothing from this time to the time huntersville emergency medical services arrived on scene.  Operator was airlifted to carolina medical center main in charlotte, nc where he was treated for an open head wound requiring 13 staples, 2 broken ribs, a broken jaw requiring 4 metal places and 15 screws, and a dislocated shoulder.  Based on Operator's admission of having consumed some quantity of alcohol and possible may have taken non-prescribed xanax, he gave verbal and written consent for a blood draw.
Upon examination of the vessel, all us coast guard required safety equipment was on board, serviceable, and readily accessible.  The operator's seat base was severely rotten and would have been concealed by the seat's upholstery.  Based on Operator's statement, that he was closer to the right side of the channel traveling down river, it would appear the vessel continued traveling a distance between 94 yards and 394 yards before the vessel ran aground 15 yards up an elevated wooded embankment.  The vessel was not equipped wth a lanyard style kill switch, that in this officer's opinion would have reduced the speed and distance the vessel would have traveled minimizing injuries after the initial fall, and possibly avoided grounding. 
No charges to date have been made, but are pending blood test results.
*******************************************************************************
Please note, accident report will be updated when bac results are received for this accident.


BARDID: NC-2013-0020
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: HARRIS LAKE
NearestCityTown: HOLLY SPRINGS
County: WAKE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator AND HIS 3 PASSENGERS LEFT THE BOAT RAMP ON HARRIS LAKE IN CHATHAM COUNTY.  HE HEADED DIRECTLY INTO THE WIND.  WATER WAS VERY CHOPPY DUE TO HIGH WINDS.  THE BOW OF THE BOAT WAS BOUNCING SO HE INSTRUCTED THE 3 FEMALE PASSENGERS TO GO TO THE FRONT OF THE BOW WITH INTENTIONS OF KEEPING THE BOW DOWN.  WHEN THE BOW WENT DOWN INTO A WAVE, THE NEXT TIME THE BOW WENT UNDER WATER DUE TO THE EXTRA WEIGHT ON THE FRONT, THEREFORE CAUSING THE VESSEL TO CAPSIZE.  OPERATOR AND ALL PASSENGERS WERE WEARING PFDS AND WERE PICKED UP BY WITNESSES AND TAKEN TO THE RAMP IN WALE COUNTY.  UPON MY ARRIVAL, FIREFIGHTERS FROM APEX FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD ARRIVED AND HAD GOTTEN BOAT TIED OFF IN A COVE STILL UPSIDE DOWN.  THERE WERE CONCERNS ABOUT MILD HYPOTHERMIA BUT ALL VICTIMS WERE RELEASED WITH NO FURTHER MEDICAL ATTENTION NEEDED.  BOAT WAS RECOVERED BY MYSELF AND A DEPUTY FROM WAKE COUNTY SO.  NO CHARGES WERE FILED.


BARDID: NC-2013-0022
Date: 2013-05-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE JAMES
NearestCityTown: GLENN ALPINE
County: BURK
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/13/13, about 2:00pm operator left linville river access area located on lake james operating a small 12 foot sail boat.  He sailed about 1/2 mile across the lake.  While on the south side of the lake, the wind pushed him up against the bank into some trees.  Operator got into the 55 degree water and started swimming while trying to pull the sailboat away from the bank.  After being unsuccessful, Operator got out of the water onto the bank.  Two hours later, Operator got back into the water and began to swim across the lake back to linville river boating access area.  About halfway across, a fisherman picked up Operator out of the water and took him to linville river access area.  Operator was wearing a type ii pfd.  Later that night Operator was taken to the hospital where he was treated for hypothermia.
 
***********************************************
Please note:  there was no hull identification number on the hull of the boat, the year of the boat noted in this report is an estimate as the exact year is unknown.


BARDID: NC-2013-0023
Date: 2013-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GASTON
NearestCityTown: HENRICO
County: NORT
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
MachineryFailure: Throttle
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/2/13, at about 19:30 hrs, i received a call from sgt. stating that a boating accident had occurred on lake gaston at edwards beach.  The information received was that a young male was swimming and was struck by a jet ski.  The subject was being transported to halifax regional medical center for treatment.

Upon my arrival at halifax regional medical center, i met with the father of victim1, who is the young male that was struck by the jet ski.  Father stated that victim1 was standing in the water close to the bank along with two others, who were sitting on a tube.  Father stated that operator was driving the jet ski on the lake and turned back heading to shore.  Father stated that when operator came back to shore that he did not stop and that the jet ski ran over victim1, and hit the tube that the two girls were sitting on.  Father stated that he picked his son up and handed him to other people that then placed him into a vehicle to transport him to the hospital.

Father stated that he was about 10 feet from victim1 when he was hit by the jet ski, but that everything happened so quickly that he was not able to do anything.  Father stated that victim1 had his back to the jet ski and did not see it coming at him.  Father stated that he was not sure if the jet ski malfunctioned or if operator was just going too fast when he came back to the shore.

Operator stated that he took the jet ski out on the lake because it was not running correctly, and he was trying to evaluate it.  Operator stated that the throttle would hesitate and the jet ski engine would rev up, causing it to take off.  Operator stated that when he was coming back to shore, that the engine reved up and the jet ski took off.  Operator stated that before he got to shore, the engine cut off and he tried to turn the jet ski to avoid colliding with the victims.  However, when the engine cut off, the jet ski would not steer.  Operator stated that he was yelling at the victims to move and watch out.  Operator stated that Father picked up victim1 out of the water then laid him back down.  Operator stated that he then picked up victim1 and placed him in his vehicle to transport him to the hospital.

I spoke with a witness to the incident.  Witness stated that she had just stepped out of the port-a-john when observed operator trying to turn the jet ski before it struck the victims.

Victim1 received eight stitches to the back of his head for a laceration.  All test performed by doctors on victim1 came back negative.  All test performed by doctors on the other two victims came back negative.  All three victims were treated and released from the hospital.

Operator was issued a citation for careless and reckless operation of a pwc.

I spoke with several people at the hospital that were present at the lake when the incident occurred.  However, the only witnesses were operator and Father.


BARDID: NC-2013-0024
Date: 2013-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GASTON
NearestCityTown: LITTLETON
County: WARR
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/27/13, at about 1400hrs, i was notified by ncwrc dispatch that a possible boating accident had occurred on lake gaston , and a 12 year old boy was being transported by ems to halifax regional medical center due to difficulties breathing.
Officer and myself met with Operator and victim at the hospital.  Operator stated that he was pulling victim on a tube behind his pwc when victim fell off the tube.  Operator stated that victim was complaining of pain in his left side and having difficulty breathing.
Victim stated to officers that he was on a tube being pulled behind a pwc by operator when he fell off the tube.  Victim stated that he heard something pop when he fell off the tube, and that the left side of his body was hurting.  Victim stated that he was having hard time breathing.
Both involved parties stated that there was no else on the pwc or tube.  Both parties also stated that there was no collision with any other boats or objects.
All xrays and tests that were performed on victim came back negative.  Victim was treated and released from the hospital.  Victim was advised to take tylenol for any pain or soreness.


BARDID: NC-2013-0025
Date: 2013-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:20:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CURRITUCK SOUND
NearestCityTown: DUCK
County: DARE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On thursday june 6, 2013 at approximately 12:20pm, duck police department sgt and duck fire department responded to a pwc accident on the waters located in front of soundside watersports.  
Upon investigation, vessel 1 and vessel 2 were both operating pwcs rented from soundside watersports.  Each vessel was heading in a westerly direction away from the rental facility.
Vessel 1 was riding approximately 30 yards to the left and slightly behind vessel 2.  Vessel 1 looked over his left shoulder and continued in a straight line.  Vessel 2 also looked over his left shoulder and at the same time made a sharp left turn directly into the path of vessel 1.
Vessel 1 crashed into the port side, left side, of vessel 2 causing the pwc, vessel 1, to go up the side of vessel 2 and knocking the operator of vessel 2 into the water.  The operator of vessel 2 was unconscious when he entered the water.  The operator of vessel 1 hit his head on the handlebars causing him to lose consciousness and was also thrown into the water.
The witness, who was also on a pwc in the vicinity of the accident assisted in removing the victims from the water.  The owner of the soundside watersports, , also heard the impact of the pwcs and rode out to the victims to assist while fire and ems workers arrived on scene.


BARDID: NC-2013-0026
Date: 2013-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ROANOKE SOUND
NearestCityTown: NAGS HEAD
County: DARE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On may 31, 2013, operator2 on the island girl, vessel 2, was attempting to dock his vessel at the oregon inlet fishing center boat ramp.  Operator2 was heading towards the pier when the wind started to push his vessel into vessel 1, which was moored next to the pier.  Operator2 quickly put the vessel into reverse to keep from hitting moored vessel, vessel 1.  As soon as vessel 2 started to go into reverse he heard people shouting that there was another vessel behind him.  So, operator2 quickly stopped his vessel.  Then the wind started to push operator2's vessel into moored vessel outboard engines.  Operator2's bow, pull/pit, made contact with outboard engines cracking the starboard outboard cowling and scratching the middle and port outboard cowling.


BARDID: NC-2013-0027
Date: 2013-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: HIGH ROCK LAKE
NearestCityTown: SALISBURY
County: ROWAN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/27/13, a 16 foot vessel operating on high rock lake by operator was stopped for a safety inspection.  Operator told the inspecting wildlife officers that while pulling his friend, tuber, on a tube, tuber fell off and pulled his shoulder out of joint.  Operator stated that an ambulance was called and tuber was transported to the hospital for medical treatment.  The inspecting officers advised operator that a boat accident report would need to be completed and directed operator to the boat access area where i was waiting.
I interviewed the operator of the vessel at dutch second creek access area at approximately 5:00pm.  The water conditions were choppy due to high boat activity.  The weather was clear and calm with an ambient air temperature of 80 degrees.  Operator stated that the accident occurred at approximately 2:00pm.  Operator advised that as he was pulling his friend, tuber on a tube, the tube hit a wake/choppy water causing tuber to be ejected.  Operator stated that his vessel had just transitioned from plowing to planing as the incident occurred.  Operator advised that he was traveling between ten and 20 mph; therefore, speed was not a factor.  Tuber was wearing a serviceable type iii pfd at the time of the incident.  Also, during the course of my investigation, i concluded that neither drugs nor alcohol were a factor in the incident.  In conclusion, i believe choppy water due to high boat activity caused tuber to be ejected from the tube resulting in a shoulder injury.


BARDID: NC-2013-0028
Date: 2013-04-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORMAN
NearestCityTown: CORNELIUS
County: MECK
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
I received a call from charlotte mecklenburg officer about a boat accident that occurred near the sandbar and a hispanic male was brought into blythe landing.  Officer advised me that the victim was struck by the boat prop while trying to move the boat off a sandbar and is being taken to cmc in charlotte.  I met with the victim, victim and his wife at the hospital and interviewed wife about the accident.  I also interviewed the other people on board the vessel later.  Victim could not read or write in english and could not speak or understand english very well.  I had his wife translate to me what happened because the people in the boat did not see what happened.  There were no eye witnesses.  Victim stated that his father in law, wife’s father had just purchased the vessel and they didn't know their way around the lake very well, and ran across a sandbar and got stuck.  As the new owner/operator was trying to get the vessel off the sandbar, victim jumped off the back and started pushing without the people in the vessel knowing he jumped in not thinking about it being in gear.  As he pushed it loose, the vessel kicked sideways and the prop struck him in the right calf doing extensive damage.  He walked through the water to shore and found some people in a pontoon and had those people to take him to get help.  The people on the pontoon did not see anything.  He was taken to blythe landing and then transported by vehicle to cmc.  Drugs and/or alcohol were not a factor in this accident and they had all safety equipment.


BARDID: NC-2013-0029
Date: 2013-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: HIWASSEE LAKE
NearestCityTown: MURPHY
County: CHER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On june 9th at approximately 5:30pm, officer was contacted by phone by the cherokee county dispatch.  Officer was informed that a young girl was being sent to the murphy medical center because of a jet ski accident.  When officer got to the emergency room, he spoke with the operator of the jet ski and the injured girl's father.  the jet ski owner and operator, said that he was pulling 15 year old victim on a kneeboard.  Just after coming out of the "no wake zone" and coming up on plane, victim hit a wave that knocked her off the board.  Operator said she entered the water head first and must have hit her head on the board.  Operator also stated that when victim went to get on the jet ski, she said that she felt dizzy and her head hurt.  So they decided to have it checked out just to be sure it wasn't something more serious.  After being examined by a doctor in the emergency room, victim was released to her father with a bump on her head.


BARDID: NC-2013-0030
Date: 2013-06-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORMAN
NearestCityTown: SHERILLS FORD
County: CATA
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 and several of his friends rented a pontoon and two jet skis from mountain creek marina.  When they returned the boats, the owner noticed a lot of damage to the pontoon boat.  When we arrived on the scene, we talked with operator1 about what happened.  He advised that nobody knew how the damage occurred.  Upon further interiews with all of the subjects, we were able to determine that they took the pontoon to the sandbar and tied it up with other boats.  This is where the starboard light got broken off and the port side railing bent beyond repair.  Operator1 advised they stayed there about 30 to 45 minutes.  When they left and were making their way back, 2 subjects on the jet skis were trying to spray the boat, but operator1 advised that the jet skis didn't come into contact with the boat.  He advised that the water from the jet of one of the jet skis had damaged the port side door.  Upon further investigation, we determined that both doors had been hit by the jet ski.  The imprint of the nose of the jet ski was visible on the doors of the pontoon.  Officer asked who the operator1 of the jet ski was and nobody knew.  The subjects did not cooperate with the investigation at all.  Operator1 had no idea where they were on the lake when the damage occurred, and he had no idea what time it was that it occurred.  We examined both jet skis and could find no damage to either one of them.  At this time, we don't know who was operating the jet skis.  There were no injuries or property damage other than the pontoon boat.
***********************************
Please note:  the time of this accident is an approximate time.


BARDID: NC-2013-0031
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-06-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE JAMES
NearestCityTown: MORGANTON
County: BURK
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
On june 15, 2013, the owner/operator,and his wife and their 2 children launched their vessel at linville access area.  They drifted away from the ramp and turned the ventilation system on and started the engine.  The vessel exploded causing the fire and totally destroying the vessel.  The ventilation system only ran for about 30 seconds before starting the engine.  The owner/operator grabbed his children and jumped off the vessel along with his wife and swam to shore.  The children were wearing pfds.  One child had on a swim vest the others a type iii.
The explosion was caused by the vapors not being totally vented out of the engine compartment.  However, the spark or flame could not be determined due to the total loss by fire.  Based on experience and research, i feel there was the possibility of a loose wire inside the compartment that could have caused a spark.  It could not be determined if the engine had a back fire flame arrestor or not due to total loss by fire.  The owner had a fuel pump put on the engine two days prior.  I do not feel this was a cause of the ignition.
Note:  the owner bought the vessel two days before the accident from someone who had bought it one week earlier from someone who died.  The new owner had not sent in the paperwork to title the vessel in his and his wife's name.  All paperwork involving the sale of the vessel was destroyed in the fire.


BARDID: NC-2013-0032
Date: 2013-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORMAN
NearestCityTown: MOORESVILLE
County: IRED
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
RedactedNarrative:
On june 17, 2013, at approximately 10:30pm, a boating accident occurred on lake norman.  The accident transpired 141 yards off the stumpy creek access area in mooresville, north carolina.  The vessel was a 15 foot mackie indus plastics being powered by a trolling motor.  The boat was operated by someone other than the owner.    

The three gentlemen launched the boat that owner had let them borrow for the evening at the boat ramp located at stumpy creek access area.  They had intentions of going fishing that night and had not gotten far from the ramp when they noticed that the vessel was taking on water.  Operator turned the vessel around and started heading back to the ramp.  At this point the vessel started submerging rapidly.  According to operator, he and occupant jumped off the vessel and were able to grab a hold of a cooler they had on board the vessel.  They looked back at the vessel at which point they saw victim going under water with only his hands above the water.  They never saw victim after this point.

A nearby fisherman heard cries of “help” a couple coves away.  They headed toward the voices and found operator and occupant latched on the same cooler afloat in the water.  Good sam could see the lights of the sunken vessel but no sign of victim.  Good sam tossed his type iv and a pfd to the gentleman but said they would not let go of the cooler to grab either device.  At this point, good sam grabbed his rope and jumped in the lake to retrieve operator and occupant in order to get them aboard his vessel.  Good sam stated that he tried several times to dive down towards the submerged vessel in order to attempt to locate victim, but was unable to do so.

There also were two female witnesses, who were fishing on their dock located a few houses down from the stumpy creek access area.  They stated they heard people yelling for help and proceeded to call 911.  They stayed on the phone with 911 until the police arrived at the access area.

Good sam took both of the survivors to the stumpy creek access area.  The iredell rescue squad, fire department, sheriff deputies, and mooresville police department were on scene by this point.  The rescue dive team was unable to locate the body of victim, approximately 12:04am, about one hour and 34 minutes after the occurrence.

According to the survivors, operator and occupant, victim did know how to swim.  Operator stated that there were no pfds aboard the vessel.  However, after the vessel was recovered the following morning, there were 3 type iii pfds, a fire extuingisher and proper nagivational lights aboard the vessel.  The drowning of victim could have possibly been prevented if they knew that there were in fact pfds aboard the vessel.  It was also discovered that the cause of the accident appeared to be due to the absence of the drain plug.  After interviewing everyone involved in this accident, it is reasonable to believe that operator did not have over 100 hrs worth of boating experience as he had filled out on the form mb 4.1.  Operator was not aware of the purpose of a drain plug or where it was located.

No one was charged as a result of this accident.  It appeared as though no drugs or alcohol was involved, it is my opinion that operator inexperience was the result of the accident and perhaps if everyone aboard would have known that coast guard approved pfds were present, then maybe it could have prevented the fatality.


BARDID: NC-2013-0033
Date: 2013-06-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE WACCAMAW
NearestCityTown: LAKE WACCAMAW
County: COLU
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
The victim in this accident, and his family and another family were on lake waccamaw in his pontoon boat.  They had been experiencing motor problems.  Victim had called a friend who was on the lake also to bring him a wrench so that he could make repairs.  At the time of the accident, operator was operating the pontoon boat of victim.  They had stopped and were waiting on the other boat to arrive to deliver the wrench for repairs.  The second boat arrived and victim was handed the wrench and he leaned over the back seat of the boat to work on the motor.  The operator stated that he saw victim leaning over the back seat working on the motor.  The motor was running at this time.  The two boats started drifting toward one another and someone stated to look out they might bump into one another. Hearing this operator bumped the motor into reverse to back away from the other boat.  He did not see that victim had jumped into the water to work on the motor.  Victim was struck by the prop and severely cut by it.  He managed to get back into the boat and was taken to the dock of a friend where he was transported to the hospital.


BARDID: NC-2013-0034
Date: 2013-03-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: OCEAN ISLE BEACH
County: BRUN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 WAS TRAVELING WEST ON THE ICW NEAR OCEAN ISLE BEACH, NC.  VESSEL 2 WAS TRAVELING IN FRONT OF VESSEL 1.  VESSEL 2 TURNED SHARPLY TO THE SOUTH THROWING ITS PASSENGER INTO THE WATER IN FRONT OF VESSEL 1.  IN ORDER TO AVOID HITTING THE PASSENGER, VESSEL 1 TURNED SHARPLY TO THE NORTH AND WAS UNABLE TO AVOID A COLLISION WITH A DOCK.  THE INATTENTION AND CARELESS OPERATION OF VESSEL 2 IS CONSIDERED TO BE THE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS OF THIS ACCIDENT.  ALCOHOL NOR DRUGS WERE DETECTED.


BARDID: NC-2013-0035
Date: 2013-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: SUNSET BEACH
County: BRUN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: person strikes propeller
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 WAS ADRIFT NEAR SUNSET BEACH, NC.  THE OPERATOR WAS SECURING A TOWED RECREATIONAL TUBE WHEN AN INDIVIDUAL WITH THE PARTY IN THE WATER DRIFTED INTO THE PROPELLER OF VESSEL 1 CAUSING INJURIES TO THE BACK OF THE LEFT LEG.  TIDE CURRENT IS BELIEVED TO BE THE CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT.  NO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS WERE DETECTED.


BARDID: NC-2013-0036
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BELEWS LAKE
NearestCityTown: PINE HALL
County: STOK
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Improper loading
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
RedactedNarrative:
On monday may 27, 2013 at approximately 14:00 hrs a small vessel was being operated.  Operator and his family were on board and were traveling in the northern most section of belews lake near the dam.  Operator stated his intentions were to beach the vessel so the family of 6 could recreate on the shoreline.  As he approached approximately 50 yards from the shore, he decided to choose an alternate location to beach his vessel.  He maneuvered the small vessel into reverse with his stern facing the open water.  Because of the overloaded vessel and the small amount of freeboard at the stern, waves quickly came over the transom.  Within less than one minute the vessel had taken on so much water the bow began to rise, and the passengers fell into the water.  Operator stated the vessel was completely under water within two minutes.  The water depth at this location was approximately 13 feet.  Therefore, when the vessel sank, the motor and stern rested on the bottom of the lake.  There were adequate us coast guard approved pfds on board, but none of the survivors were wearing them.  Upon investigation, officers could not find a capacity plate on board the vessel.  Due to the size of the vessel, 40 horse power motor, and gear, it is the opinion of the investigating officer that the vessel was overloaded and inexperience of the operator was a contributing element of the accident.  Alcohol was not a factor and the approximate monetary damage to the vessel and property was estimated at $2000.00


BARDID: NC-2013-0037
Date: 2013-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:45:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORMAN
NearestCityTown: MOORESVILLE
County: IRED
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On june 4, 2013, at approximately 7:45pm, a boating accident occurred on the davidson creek portion of lake norman.  The accident occurred off the dock approximately 2.5 miles southeast of williamson rd.  Two vessels were involved in the accident with vessel 1 being a 17 foot 2005 bayliner capris with a 185 hp outboard/inboard motor, and a starboard side console.  The boat was operated by the son of the owner.  There were a total of six passengers aboard their vessel.  Vessel 2 which was not being operated or occupied was docked at the time of the incident.  Vessel 2 a 27 foot chaporral inboard/outboard.  Vessel 1 struck vessel 2 bow to bow, while trying to undock and maneuver back out into the channel of the creek.
According to Owner’s son, he and his friends pulled up to dock, to swim and hang out.  After a while they decided to leave to go get some wings to eat.  The other five passengers were already in vessel 1 while he was still on the dock ordering wings.  Owner’s son stated that friend cranked up the boat putting the boat in reverse and rushing him, so Owner’s son ran and jumped in the boat.  At this point, Owner’s son was operating the steering wheel while friend was operating the throttle.  Both Owner’s son and friend were standing up behind the wheel.  Owner’s son said that friend throttled forward rapidly because they were getting ready to hit the shore which thrust them rapidly forward towards vessel 2.  Friend stated that he was trying to prevent them from hitting the shore and that is why he throttled forward to aggressively.  Owner’s son was unable to steer away from vessel 2 causing them to collide, which resulted in fiberglass damage to the bow as well as shattered the windshield to vessel 1.  It damaged the bow eye bolt plate located on the keel and minor scratches to the fiberglass on the bow of vessel 2.  There were three female passengers sitting up front of vessel 1 at the time of the collision, which had to quickly maneuver into a crouched position so they did not get hit by the hull/bow of vessel 2.  One of the females had a minor scratch on her back caused by the eye bolt of vessel 2 that did not require medical treatment.  The three female passengers said they were not paying attention to Owner’s son and friend enough to be able to state what exactly happened.  There was another male present as well in the passenger seat on the port side that received no injury.  All passengers stated that both Owner’s son and friend were behind the wheel operating the boat.
It appears as though Owner’s son was operating the wheel while friend was operating the throttle, therefore having two operators at the time of the incident.  Upon investigation there were the appropriate personal flotation devices aboard vessel 1 and appears to have been no alcohol involved.  There were no charges filed to either of the operators.


BARDID: NC-2013-0038
Date: 2013-06-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: OCEAN ISLE BEACH
County: BRUN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On june 21, 2013 at approximately 18:30, i received a call from an er nurse at brunswick regional medical center regarding a boat accident victim admitted to the hospital earlier in the afternoon.  I arrived at the hospital and met subject who was on the vessel at the time of the accident.  Subject stated that he and his two sons were riding on a pwc they had rented from ocean isle beach fishing center.  They were traveling east on the icw between sunset beach and ocean isle beach. One son was operating the pwc at the time.   The other’s son was in the middle and the father was on the back of the pwc.  Father said they were cruising along about 30 mph when the pwc hit the wake from another vessel traveling the opposite direction.  When the pwc crossed the wake, the middle and last ocucpant fell off the pwc.  operator immediately picked them up.  Middle occupant cut his leg just below the knee when he was thrown off.  I was unable to determine what caused the injury as victim did not know what he hit.  They continued to travel to ocean isle beach fishing center and father transported his son, victim, to the emergency room at brunswick regional.  All persons on board were wearing a uscg approved pfd.  Father said operator was experienced operating a boat but did not have much experience operating a pwc.  Father stated that this fact along with the wake contributed to the incident.  No charges were made.


BARDID: NC-2013-0039
Date: 2013-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:10:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORMAN
NearestCityTown: SHERRILLS FORD
County: CATA
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
 According to the operator of vessel 1 at approximately 4:10pm on june 20, 2013, she and her sister were riding vessel 1 behind her older sister and youngest brother on vessel 2 at approximately 4.5k rpms when she heard a boat somewhere nearby and looked to find it.  When she looked back vessel 2 had slowed nearly to a stop and vessel 1 was closing the distance behind it at a high rate of speed.  She tried to turn to miss vessel 2 but could not and collided from the rear at an angle slightly to the starboard side.  
Vessel 1 struck the back of vessel 2 hitting v2 occupant from behind and then vessel 2 operator, in the back near the top of her ribs, then slid across vessel 2 coming to rest slightly in front of vessel 2.  Both the operator and passenger were thrown from vessel 1 into the air and into the water in front of the wreckage.  Neither operator nor passenger on vessel 1 were seriously injured.  Both the operator and passenger of vessel 2 were knocked into the water face down.  One witness, stated she saw the incident from the shore and corroborated the account of the operator of vessel 1.  She stated that when the vessels came to rest they appeared to her to be head on, but after further interviewing her she stated that due to distance she was judging from the color contrast of the vessels and could not tell for sure their direction.  She did state she saw and heard the impact as well as seeing the passenger of vessel 1 flying over the wreck at a significant height and speed.  Several bystanders called 911.  All the witnesses stated they heard a very loud crashing sound and the screams of the passengers and operators for help from the wreckage.  
A pontoon boat with bystanders made its way to assist as well as a trained life guard from a nearby camp.  They succeeded in rescuing the victims into the pontoon and good samaritan performed cpr on v2 occupant until the ems providers relieved her.  The emergency medical technicians stated they felt v2 occupant to be dead upon impact, and the medical examiner for catawba county corroborated the account saying he had suffered a broken neck and head trauma and most likely died upon impact.  The operator of vessel 2 was transported to catawba valley medical center where nurses said she suffered a bilateral apical pneumo, and a mild concussion, but nothing broken.  She was then transported to charlotte medical center trauma center for further observation.  the owner of both vessels, and the grandfather of all the victims was keeping the victims at his home on mountain creek in sherills ford for the week and let them operate in the cove known as turners knob where there was very little boat traffic and the water was very calm.  Both operators had boater safety certifications taken online through nasbla.  No charges were filed with any of the parties involved, and no alcohol or drugs were detected.
 
In my opinion, the accident was a combination of operator inexperience as well as a momentary lapse in attention on the part of the operator of vessel 1.


BARDID: NC-2013-0040
Date: 2013-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:29:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityTown: WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH
County: NEWH
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
Operator:

On the 27th of may around 4:45pm, me and two of my friends came out the masonboro inlet headed north.  We had some friends out on the beach and we were just going to do a friendly wave.  Running parallel to shore with my bearings telling me we were in deeper water which i was reading 8.5 ft.  All of a sudden we seemed to have run aground.  It was just about peak low tide and that was my negligence.  My port engine stalled and with the volvo diagnostics, you can’t immediately fire the engines.  So with just my starboard engine in play and no bow or stern thrusters, i was in a difficult situation.  I still thought if i could get my starboard engine in reverse, it would swing the bow back to the open ocean and i could maneuver out of any situation.  At this point the current and waves were pushing my bow in shore and all i could do was anchor and hope that it held.  No drugs were on the boat just alcohol.  We all used pfds to get off the boat due to the instruction of the lifeguard and police.

Sr wildlife officer:

On the 27th of may around 4:45 pm operator along with two friends came out of the masonboro inlet headed north in the atlantic ocean.  Operator had been at masonboro island most of the day, having traveled down from southport, nc that morning.  Operator was operating the 51 foot sea ray “always rushing.”  Operator had some friends out on the beach, and stated that he was just going to get close enough to wave at them.  Operator’s vessel was located in close proximity to the johnnie mercer pier.  As operator got closer to the shore he ran aground.  Operator stated that the filter’s on his engine got clogged up with sand and cut out leaving his boat dead in the water.  The current and waves pushed the vessel closer to the shore and johynnie mercer’s pier.  Operator threw his anchor out in order to prevent his vessel from washing closer to the shore and the pier.  The current and waves pushed the stern of the vessel into the pillings of the pier.  No damage was caused to the pier, but operator’s vessel received extensive damage.  Damage occurred to the propeller, shaft, and rudder from the grounding of the vessel.  Damage occurred to the swim platform on the stern of the vessel and rails around the vessel.  This was caused by the collision with the pier.  Operator and both of the passengers used pfds and abandoned the vessel as instructed.  They were subsequently rescued by the lifeguards and police.  Alcohol was onboard the vessel and operator was subsequently arrested for operating a vessel on the waters of this state under the influence of an impairing substance.  During the whole course of action, operator and his passengers were polite and cooperative with emergency services.  Operator’s vessel was salvaged by a tow boat operation.


BARDID: NC-2013-0041
Date: 2013-06-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:15:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: CAROLINA BEACH
County: NEWH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating vessel 1 with her uncle on the back.  She was following her cousin's jet ski.  Operator's cousin told me that she was waving at operator to move over to the left because there was a sandbar coming up.  Operator said she did not see her cousin waving at her.  At that point, operator hit the sandbar and came to a complete stop.  They got off vessel 1 and waved her cousin over.  When i arrived on the scene, there was another vessel that was driving by at the time of the accident.  Operator was on the vessel.  They had placed flip flops on her wrist and arm to stabilize it.  Operator and her uncle got a ride back to their vehicle by the vessel.  Operator's uncle took her to the hospital.  Operator ended up having surgery the next day to have a metal plate put in her wrist.


BARDID: NC-2013-0042
Date: 2013-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:51:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CURRITUCK SOUND
NearestCityTown: DUCK
County: DARE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On thursday, june 20, 2013, at approximately 11:51am, raleigh office reported a pwc accident at kitty hawk kites on duck road in duck, north carolina.  Upon investigation, vessel 1, age 17, and vessel 2, age 17, were both operating pwcs rented from s & s watersports llc.  Each vessel was heading in a southern direction side by side approximately 15 yards apart.  Vessel 2 was riding on the right of vessel 1 when vessel 2 hit a wake that caused the operator to turn left towards vessel 1.
Vessel 1 made impact with vessel 2 on the port side, left side, of the pwc in a 45 degree angle causing damage to the upper plastic cowling and the port side fiberglass.  the mother of vessel 2 operator was also on a pwc in the same area and witnessed the accident.
After the accident, both operators were able to drive the pwcs back to the kitty hawk kites dock to report the accident.  Vessel 2 operator had bruising and a cut on his left knee.  Both operators were offered medical treatment, but refused any treatment.
Both operators received a citation for operating a pwc at greater than no wake speed within 100 feet of another vessel.  G.s. 75a 13.3(e)(4).


BARDID: NC-2013-0043
Date: 2013-05-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: SILVER LAKE
NearestCityTown: OCRACOKE
County: HYDE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Throttle
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator he was attempting to dock the "double eagle" at the anchorage marina located on silver lake.  Operator said that as he began to dock, there was confusion as to his slip assignment.  He advised that maneuverability became difficult with the large vessel and that he struck the stern, back, of the "dream on" which was tied to the anchorage inn marina's dock.  The collision caused two of the dock lines to break.  Operator felt that the stabilizers on the vessel did not function properly, thus causing him difficulty maneuvering.  After the collision, the staff of the anchorage marina discovered two broken pilings to their dock as well.  The uscg responded to the incident and no charges were filed.


BARDID: NC-2013-0044
Date: 2013-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: FALLS LAKE
NearestCityTown: DURHAM
County: DURH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
This accident occurred on falls lake at rollingview marina in durham county.  A few minutes before 5:00pm on june 16, 2013, operator1 was operating her pontoon boat with 8 passengers on board and pulled in to refuel at the marina.  She pulled to the pump on the left when facing the marina.  At 5:00pm, she began to pull away from the pump she began to reverse away and was moving backwards parallel with the dock and parked boats.  The rear of the boat began to drift towards the parked boats.  At this time, the operator said she began to panic and put the boat in forward gear.  When she did this, the wheel was turned to the right and she gave the engine too much throttle.  As a result, the front of her pontoon hit a parked pontoon which belongs to the marina damaging both vessels. also, the parked boat was pushed into the floating dock that it was tied to.  The frame of the dock finger and main walkway were bent from the impact.  It does not appear that impairment was involved in any way in this accident and there were no injuries.  The causes of this accident are operator inexperience and negligent operation.  The operator of vessel 1, operator1, was charged with reckless and negligent operation of a motorboat.  There were no other charges issued.


BARDID: NC-2013-0045
Date: 2013-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: SHEARON HARRIS LAKE
NearestCityTown: APEX
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
This accident occurred on shearon harris lake on 5/26/13 at approximately 11:30pm.  Vessel 1 was drifting in a cove on the chatham side of the lake.  There were 3 subjects in vessel 1.  Vessel 2 was on shearon harris lake with 2 more passengers and were noodle fishing for catfish.  There was a third vessel with 3 more subjects who were partners on the fishing trip.

Vessel 2 was moving locations and entered cove vessel 1 was located in.  By all accounts from all occupants, vessel 2’s lights were working.  Vessel 2 was cruising at approximately 25-30 mph.  The passengers were located in the following positions:  vessel 1 driver seat, passenger seat, and front v-seat.  Vessel 2 driver seat, front deck facing backward, front deck facing forward.

Upon collision all occupants from vessel 2 were ejected.  None from vessel 1 were ejected.  Vessel 1 assisted with getting people back into vessel 1.  The third vessel came upon accident and could hear people yelling.  They turned on spotlight and could see people in the water and equipment floating.  They also assisted with getting 1 subject back into their boat.  Vessel 1 lights were not on; vessel 2 lights were still on from all accounts.  Once all were back into boats and equipment was gathered, info was exchanged and some heated words from vessel 2 to vessel 1 for not running lights.  Passengers from vessel 1 stated they were not running their lights to passengers in vessel 2.  Boats went separate ways.

I received call on 5/27/13 at approximately 8:30am.  I then contacted Operator1 from vessel 1.  He stated all occupants were okay but there was vessel damage and were towed into chatham ramp.  I met at ramp, took photos of damage and had Operator1 complete accident form along with starting my investigation.  Operator1 stated lights were working at the time of the accident.  We checked and now nothing works.  I did check stern light bulb.  The filament was broken and not burned out.  I tried to photo this but couldn’t make clearly visible.  Stern light shaft was broken in several places but was in socket.  Also damage to stern platform and driver side windshield.
Contacted vessel 2 operator on 5/31/13.  Operator2 completed accident forms and had all other witnesses there to give statements.  All stated vessel 1 had no lights.  Person with best view was passenger1.  He was on vessel 2 front deck facing forward.  He saw no lights and heard a yell just before the collision.  This fits with the broken filament and not burnt filament.  Vessel 2 impacted vessel 1 on stern passenger side, rode up and over on an angle toward driver seat.  All in vessel 2 were ejected.  Vessel 1 assisted in getting 2 men back in their boat and 1 went to third boat.

Passenger from vessel 1 did tell me he yelled just before impact which fits with statement of v2 passenger.  None of the vessel 2 occupants saw a light even after accident including third vessel statements.  Some heated words were exchanged and 2 passengers from vessel 1 admitted they were not running their lights.  This fits with the broken filament instead of a burnt filament in bulb.  I do not believe vessel 1 was running lights for this fact and statement by v2 passenger who had the best view.


BARDID: NC-2013-0046
Date: 2013-06-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:22:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: FONTANA LAKE
NearestCityTown: BRYSON CITY
County: SWAIN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/22/13, operators were operating two new pwcs on fontana lake near the fontana estates boat ramp portion of fontana lake.  Operator1 was operating vessel 1, and operator2 Was operating vessel 2.  Both vessel 1 and 2 were cruising around 3o mph down the lake heading towards the dam.  Vessel 1 thought it would be a good idea to take a picture of vessel 2.  So vessel 1 shut off his engine and was coming to a stop.  While vessel 1was coming to a stop, vessel 2 was following too close and was not paying attention to vessel 1.  Vessel 2, still cruising at 30 mph, hit vessel 1 on the port side of the stern.  During the collision with vessel 1, vessel 2's bow hit operator1 in the back pushing him towards the steering column.  Then vessel 2 slid off of vessel 1 on the port side of vessel 1.  Both vessels involved were pwcs.  The weather was clear and calm.  Air temperature was around 82 and the water temperature was around 74.  The time in which the accident occurred was 8:22pm.  Operator1 was transported to harris regional hospital in sylva north carolina.  During visit to the emergency room, the doctors there did not find anything abnormal with operator1's spine or any other matters to deal with the accident.  Operator1 was released and told to get plenty of rest.  Operator2 Was charged with one count of careless and reckless, and one count of following too close to another pwc.


BARDID: NC-2013-0047
Date: 2013-05-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: JORDAN LAKE
NearestCityTown: APEX
County: CHAT
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 3:15pm on may 12, 2013, i, a wildlife enforcement officer with the north carolina wildlife resources commission was dispatched to vista point on b everett jordan lake in reference to a possible drowning/missing person.  Upon my arrival, i spoke with vessel 1 operator, victim's spouse and 1 witness, victim's daughter.
According to vessel 1 operator she, the witness, two grand kids, and the victim were participating in tubing activities as a family near mile marker 3 on b everett jordan lake.  The victim was in a tube with his two grand kids, which was being pulled by vessel 1. At one point she looked back and observed the tube tip over and both grand kids fall out of the tube.  She immediately stopped vessel 1 and the victim jumped from the tube to retrieve the grand kids.  Vessel 1 operator stated the victim was able to assist one child back into the tube, but was struggling with the second child.  At some point witness 1 entered the water from vessel 1 to assist the victim.
According to the witness, she entered the water when she observed the victim struggling with the second child.  At that point she reached the two in the water, she took the second child and placed them in the tube, but was unable to assist the victim who went under the water and never re-surfaced.
Both vessel 1 operator and the witness stated the victim was not wearing a pfd but the grand kids were.  Vessel 1 operator stated the victim had been sick for approximately two weeks with some type of chest congestion, possibly from allergies, but was not taking medication.
A thorough search of the area was conducted for the victim by emergency crews for a period of four days before he re-surfaced and was located.
There was no evidence in this investigation which revealed the use of alcohol or illegal drugs.  Both vessel 1 operator and the witness stated no one was drinking alcohol during the outing.  All five persons involved in the boat outing were wearing pfds, with the exception of the victim.  There was no indication of equipment malfunction.
Please note:  the victim was the only one not wearing a pfd.  The cause is unknown.


BARDID: NC-2013-0048
Date: 2013-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CRANE CREEK
NearestCityTown: SALISBURY
County: ROWA
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
An open hull, aluminum vessel was heading in a south easterly direction downstream toward the mouth of cane creek off of high rock lake while pulling victim on a wake board behind the vessel.  Victim attempted to turn completely around, 360 degrees, when the edge of the wake board dipped below the surface of the water creating a large amount of resistance.  This resistance caused victim to fall.  Upon his descent to the water's surface, victim failed to release the ski rope from his grip causing the dislocation of his left shoulder.  Victim was wearing a type iii pfd and the boat was equipped with all proper safety equipment at the time of the incident.  Neither alcohol nor drugs were a factor in this incident.  There have been no charges filed at this time.


BARDID: NC-2013-0049
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: PEE DEE RIVER
NearestCityTown: ROCKINGHAM
County: RICH
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Overloading
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On june 9, 2013 at approximately 12:00pm, two subjects launched a 10 foot aluminum boat at the pee dee/74 access area in richmond county nc.  Operator was the owner and would be considered the operator of this vessel.  The vessel was not equipped with mechanical propulsion.  Each occupant in the boat was wearing a vest type pfd, had a paddle, and there was a cooler in the vessel.  Their intent was to float the pee dee river from rockingham to cheraw, which at the time was extremely swollen and had a very swift current from the excessive amounts of rain that the area had received over the past 36 to 48 hours from tropical storm andrea.  Upon reaching the first island roughly 1/2 mile from the access area, the two subjects decided to stop and adjust the equipment on the boat.  As the 2 subjects pushed off from the island, water entered the boat from the rear, stern, which swamped the boat and caused it to capsize.  subject grabbed a limb and pulled himself up onto the island.  Operator clinging to the boat, floated down the pee dee river until reaching the boating access area at the diggs tract of the pee dee game lands.  He was recovered and picked up by richmond county rescue.  Operator's boat and paddles have not been recovered.


BARDID: NC-2013-0050
Date: 2013-07-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: NEW RIVER
NearestCityTown: CRUMPLER
County: ASHE
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On july 13, 2013 at approximately 2:30pm, subject was in a canoe on the south fork of new river in crumpler north carolina.  Victim was accompanied by operator and a small child in the canoe.  Victim, who had a history of having seizures had a seizure and fell backwards out of the canoe.  Several witnesses saw victim and said he just locked up and was not moving as he fell in the water.  operator tried to get to victim and hold him but couldn't do so.  The water where the fall overboard occurred was swift and murky.  Victim went under the water and never came back up to the surface.  Victim was recovered from the river approximately 300 yards down stream from where he fell overboard.  Victim was not wearing a pfd.  There were no drugs or alcohol involved.


BARDID: NC-2013-0051
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HICKORY
NearestCityTown: CONOVER
County: CATA
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
RedactedNarrative:
On july 3, 2013 at approximately 1200 hrs, an explosion, fire and sinking of a boat occurred on lake hickory just outside the wake buoys of oxford access area.  The vessel was a ski boat type four winns with an inboard outdrive.  The boat was owned and operated by the same person.

Operator and his wife trailered the boat to a gas station on hwy 16 near the oxford access area.  Operator fueled the boat with 25 gallons of gas.  They drove the boat to the oxford access area.  Wife drove the vehicle and trailer back to the residence.  Once the boat was in the water, operator immediately started the boat motor.  He explained the motor started right up with no problem.  He advised he did not turn the engine blower or open the cowling of the engine compartment prior to starting.  He advised he idled just outside the wake buoys of oxford access area.  He advised he was traveling less than 10 mph.  Once outside the wake buoys, an explosion from the engine compartment occurred throwing him forward into the windshield of the boat.  He advised he attempted to get to the fire extinguisher but the fire in the engine area was too intense.  Operator jumped into the water and swam from the boat.  An unknown pwc operator arrived and picked him up and brought him back to oxford access area.  Oxford fire boat crew responded and extinguished the fire.  Flames erupted once more while firemen attempting to tie up the damaged boat to tow it to shore.  The fireboat personnel attempted to battle the fire again.  The boad had drifted across the lake and sank near taylorsville beach marina.  Operator advised he had just had the motor replaced on the boat.  They got the boat back from the shop in march 2013.  He had been operating the boat for approximately 6 weekends with no issues.  They had put about 20 hours on the engine since getting it back from the mechanic.  They had refueled 3 or 4 times prior to the accident.  Operator had some minor burns on his arm and foot from the flames of the fire.  

He advised he just put light bandage on the burns.  Catawba emergency management responded and provided equipment to contain the fuel and oil from spreading in the water.  Operator will be removing the sunken boat from lake hickory.  Operator did not have any insurance on the boat.  In conclusion, the boat had just been refueled and then immediately launched from a trailer.  The fuel moving in the engine compartment and fuel tank released vapors.  The boat had not been ventilated prior to starting the engine as stated by operator.  Gas vapor build up and a spark from the engine area caused the explosion.  The delay in time of the explosion occurred due to traveling on the water allowed the introduction of fresh air into a fuel vapor saturated compartment and a spark allowing ignition/explosion.


BARDID: NC-2013-0052
Date: 2013-06-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: OREGON INLET
NearestCityTown: NAGS HEAD
County: DARE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On friday june 28th the raleigh office was notified of a possible boat accident that occurred on wednesday june 26, 2013 at approximately 6:00pm just east of the bonner bridge at oregon inlet.
Upon investigation, vessel 1 was drifting on the oregon inlet waterway just east of the bonner bridge when the vessel had a wave come over the bow.  The wave then pushed the vessel to the left and the boat took two more waves over the starboard side, right side.  Operator then turned on the bilge pump and looked over the side to make sure that it was pumping.  The weight of the operator caused the water to rush to the port side, left side, causing the vessel to capsize.  When the vessel capsized, the operator was thrown into the water.  Operator then got onto the hull of the vessel and started yelling for help.
Bystanders on the nearby rock jetty called the uscg to assist the distressed vessel.  The uscg arrived on scene at approximately 6:30pm and rescued operator.  The uscg then helped operator get his vessel upright and off the rock jetty.  They then towed it to the oregon inlet boat ramp where operator was offered medical treatment, but refused.


BARDID: NC-2013-0053
Date: 2013-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:15:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: OAK ISLAND
NearestCityTown: OAK ISLAND
County: BRUN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
ON JULY 4, 2013, THERE WAS A BOATING ACCIDENT ON THE ICW NEAR THE OAK ISLAND BRIDGE.  Operator1 WAS OPERATING HIS 17FT DYNASTY WHEN HE WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND BY A LARGER VESSEL.  THIS ACCIDENT OCCURRED AFTER THE FIREWORKS IN SOUTH PORT.  Operator1 WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND WHILE HEADING BACK TO BLUE WATER POINT.  THE LARGER VESSEL NEVER SLOWED DOWN AND DUE TO ALL THE TRAFFIC, NOBODY WAS ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE VESSEL THAT STRUCK Operator1.  Operator1 WAS ABLE TO DOCK HIS BOAT AT OAK ISLAND ACCESS AREA WHERE WE FILLED OUT THE ACCIDENT REPORT.  NO ONE WAS INJURED IN THIS ACCIDENT.
 
***********************************************************************
THE OTHER VESSEL IS UNKNOWN, AS IT DID NOT STOP AFTER THE ACCIDENT.


BARDID: NC-2013-0054
Date: 2013-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH
County: NEWH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
On june 5, 2013, at approximately 10:00am, operator left the wrightsville beach access area and headed south on the icw.  Shortly after leaving, he heard a loud pop come from the back of his boat.  Operator stated that he turned around to see where the noise came from and noticed his boat engine was on fire.  Operator attempted to put the fire out with a fire extinguisher and water but was unsuccessful.  He then jumped into the water where he was picked up by a passing boat.  a sea tow captain, who was nearby heard about the boat fire via thf radio and responded to the location.  Tow boat captain was able to put the fire out with the use of multiple fire extinguishers that he had aboard his boat.  Tow boat captain then towed the boat to the wrightsville beach access area.
 
There were no injuries as a result of the boat fire.
 
There was approximately $10,000.00 in damage done to the boat.
 
*******************************************************
Please note:  there was no mention in this report of what actually started the fire.


BARDID: NC-2013-0055
Date: 2013-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: PIGEON RIVER
NearestCityTown: CRUSO
County: HAYW
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Unkn
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On july 4, 2013 at approximately 09:00am, seven individuals met in asheville, nc to plan a kayaking trip.  They decided to paddle the big east fork of the pigeon river in haywood county.  At approximately 12:00pm, the group drove three vehicles into haywood county.  They parked one vehicle at the big east fork trail head.  This was to be the group's take out point.  They then took two vehicles to graveyard fields off the blue ridge parkway.  This is located at the headwaters of the big east fork river.  The group then hiked down from the parkway to the river.  They started their trip at what is known as the skinny dip hole.  On this day, the weather consisted of hard rain and flooding waters with high winds.  After seeing the water and observing the weather conditions, the group discussed the safety of paddling the river.  They decided to paddle the river after considering the weather.  
The group came to a set of falls that was said to have been a class five rapid.  Two kayakers paddled the rapid without trouble.  A third kayaker paddled the rapid but had a hard time navigating the rapid.  At this time, victim attempted to navigate the rapid.  Upon entering the rapid, he was swept to the far right of the river and into the overhanging tree branches.  He then made it through the overhanging branches and to the bottom portion of the rapid.  At this time victim flipped his kayak in the rapids.  He then exited his kayak into the water.  He then became caught in a recirculating current for a short period of time.  After exiting the recirculating current, he started floating down the river face up in the water.  One individual threw a rope to victim in an attempt to rescue him from the rapids.  Victim was described to be very dazed and to the point of unconsciousness and was unable to grab the rope.  He then floated on down the river and through another set of rapids.  The group then began to search the river for victim but was unable to locate him.  It was approximately 13:30pm at this point in the day.  They then hiked out to the big east fork trail head where they were able to locate officer with the usfs  a search and rescue was then conducted to find victim.  Over the next two days, search and rescue groups searched the river.  At approximately 19:30pm on july 5, 2013, the body of victim was found on the big east fork river.  On july 6, 2013 at approximately 1:30am, the body of victim was finally recovered from the river.  There were numerous cuts and bruises on the body including one located on victim's head.  His kayak and paddle was also recovered from the river.


BARDID: NC-2013-0056
Date: 2013-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE TILLERY
NearestCityTown: TROY
County: MONT
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On july 4, 2013, two pwcs were travelling south in "horseshoe bend" of lake tillery.  The two pwcs were traveling between 21-40 mph and were very close to each other.  As they were cruising, vessel 2 abruptly turned in front of vessel 1.  The operator of vessel 1 tried to turn, but let off the throttle causing her to lose all steering of the pwc.  Vessel 1 then struck vessel 2 hard on the port side.  Both operators were thrown into the water.  Neither operator received serious injuries.
This accident was caused by careless operation and inattention to where each vessel was on the water.  Had the vessels been far enough away from each other, they would never have collided when vessel 2 abruptly turned.  Also, the operator of vessel 2 was unaware of the location of vessel 1 when he abruptly turned.


BARDID: NC-2013-0057
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GASTON
NearestCityTown: LITTLETON
County: WARR
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/6/2013, i, wildlife enforcement officer responded to the scene of a boat fire.  We arrived at the scene around 7:00pm.  We found that the fire had been extinguished by the littleton fire department.  The vessel was being towed by a relative of the owner of the vessel to a nearby boat ramp.  At the ramp, we found the operator of the vessel age 17 and three other teenage boys that were passengers on the vessel.  The operator stated that they filled the vessel with five gallons of gas just before launching the vessel from the dock to go water skiing.  The operator ran the boat for a short time in order to warm up the engine.  The operator stated the engine started to sputter and he shut it off.  He stated that he let it sit for a short time and then turned on the blower to the engine.  He then re-cranked the engine and the vessel caught fire near the engine.  He stated that they were unable to use the fire extinguisher because it was located in a rear compartment near the fire.  The operator put the vessel in forward gear and the vessel burst into flames.  The operator and the other three passengers jumped from the boat into the water while holding on to personal flotation devices and then swam to shore.  The vessel burned down to the waterline.  Due to the extensive damage from the fire, the exact cause of the fire is unknown.  There were no injuries that needed medical treatment.
 
There are two pictures showing the damage to the vessel.  The first picture marked pic #1 is the vessel being towed after the fire.  The second picture marked pic #2shows the damage to the inside of the vessel.


BARDID: NC-2013-0058
Date: 2013-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BLEWETT FALLS LAKE
NearestCityTown: LILESVILLE
County: ANSO
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Improper loading
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On july 8, 2013 at approximately 6:00pm, four people put in at mountain creek access on blewett falls lake.  Once out of mountain creek, they turned left into the thoroughfare.  Once they exited the thoroughfare into the main channel, the water became very rough with waves between 2 and 4 feet.  Two waves came over the front of the vessel swamping it.  A third wave then came over the front causing the vessel to capsize.  All four occupants were thrown into the water.  None were wearing a pfd.  Three of the occupants were able to grab on to floating debris and make it back to the overturned boat.  Victim was seen holding a bag of life jackets under his head to stay afloat.  Operator stated that the last time he saw victim, he and the life jackets were floating away from each other.  He called out to victim but received no answer.  The three survivors were able to swim the vessel to shore where they yelled for help and even sounded an air horn.  They tried to dial 911 but their cell phones had been destroyed by the water.  At approximately 8:00pm, another vessel found them and dialed 911.  Another fisherman found the body of victim floating in the river about 45 minutes later.
Heavy rains in the area had caused strong currents in the river and also caused strong currents in the river and also caused the waves that swamped the vessel.  The vessel was designed for four people to ride in the rear area of the vessel.  However, only two were riding in the rear and two were in the front.  This extra weight in the front o the vessel significantly contributed to the vessel being swamped by these waves.  Without the extra weight in the front, the vessel should have been able to cut through those waves.  Speed was not a factor in the accident.  Also it is unclear whether or not victim would have survived had he been wearing a pfd.


BARDID: NC-2013-0059
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:50:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CHATUGE
NearestCityTown: HAYESVILLE
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
On july 16, 2013, clay county dispatch received a call of a boat fire on lake chatuge.  I heard the call and patrolled to the clay county rescue boat at gibson cove.  I went to the boat fire with the rescue squad.  The fire fighters put the boat fire out and took me over to the boat operator.
 
The operator said that he pulled into a cove to get out and swim.  He turned the boat off and was getting into the water.  He said the engine tried to start all by itself, then the fire started.  When the fire started, he got most of their belongings and got in the water with the other passengers.  Another boat saw what was happening and called 911.
 
No one was injured in the accident.  The boat was a total loss.
*************************************************************************
There is no mention by the officer of this report as to what caused the fire other than fault of machinery.


BARDID: NC-2013-0060
Date: 2013-07-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: VARNUMTOWN
County: BRUN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
RedactedNarrative:
ON JULY 19, 2013, operator CONTACTED ME AND REPORTED THAT HE HAD STRUCK AN UNDERWATER FISHING NET WHILE OPERATING HIS BOAT ON THE ICW NEAR LOCKWOOD FOLLEY INLET ON JULY 17, 2013.  HE STATED HE FELT THE ENGINE HIT SOMETHING BUT IT WASN'T VERY SOLID AND HE KEPT ON GOING.  OPERATOR SAID HE CONTINUED TRAVELING TO INLET VIEW RESTAURANT IN SHALLOTTE AND DROPPED SOME PASSENGERS OFF FOR SUPPER.  AS HE WAS DOCKING HIS BOAT, HE NOTICED HIS ENGINE WASN'T RESPONSIVE.  HE TRIMMED THE ENGINE OUT OF THE WATER AND NOTICED PART OF A FISHING NET WRAPPED AROUND HIS PROP.  OPERATOR CALLED A FRIEND TO COME PICK HIM UP AT THE RESTAURANT  HE HAD HIS BOAT CHECKED OUT THE NEXT DAY AT OCEAN ISLE MARINA WHERE THEY STATED THE NET CAUSED THE GEARS IN THE LOWER UNIT TO FAIL.  THE INITIAL ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIR WAS $2,240.  NO ONE ON BOARD WAS INJURED IN THIS INCIDENT.


BARDID: NC-2013-0061
Date: 2013-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: HIAWASSEE LAKE
NearestCityTown: MURPHY
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
ON JULY 27, 2013, victim WAS WATER SKIING BEHIND A BOAT OPERATED BY HIS BROTHER.  victim FELL WHILE WATER SKIING AND INJURED THE LEFT SIDE OF HIS CHEST.  operator AND FAMILY WERE ABLE TO ASSIST victim IN THE BOAT AND TRANSPORT HIM TO BEAR PAW MARINA WHERE EMS PERSONNEL MET THEM AND TRANSPORTED victim TO ERLANGER MEDICAL CENTER.  victim STAYED OVERNIGHT AT ERLANGER MEDICAL CENTER AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH FOUR BROKEN RIBS. victim EXPLAINED TO THIS OFFICER THAT THE MAJOR CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THAT HE WAS WATER SKIING OVER HIS ABILITY.


BARDID: NC-2013-0062
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CURRITUCK SOUND
NearestCityTown: DUCK
County: DARE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
Around 10:30am on wednesday 7/24/2013, i received a call reporting a boat fire on the shoreline.  I arrived on scene at approximately 11:00am.  On scene were duck fire department, dock police department, beach rescue, and colington rescue.  Vessel 1 was already burned to the waterline when i arrived on scene.  After speaking with personnel on scene, i went to speak with the owner and operator of vessel 1.  After speaking with him, i learned that the vessel was put over at nor banks sailing and watersports in duck.  Operator traveled north from nor banks.  Once in deeper water, operator and his passenger dropped anchor to test the water's depth.  After sitting at anchor, operator tried to restart the vessel.  But it never turned over after several failed attempts.  The odor of fuel was present.  Operator turned on the blowers and lifted the cover on the inboard-outboard motor.  After waiting approximately 15 minutes, operator tried to start the motor again.  After this unsuccessful attempt, operator called his boat mechanic  after speaking with the mechanic, operator tried to start the motor once again.  After his attempt, grey and black smoke started coming out of the engine compartment.  Flames started, operator grabbed his fire extinguisher.  Operator and his passenger jumped overboard because he was unable to use his fire extinguisher due to the size of the flames.  The vessel continued to burn as it drifted north.  The vessel struck a shoal and continued to burn.  Vessel 1 was a total loss, burned to the waterline.  Owner, operator had the vessel removed from the water.


BARDID: NC-2013-0063
Date: 2013-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: CEDAR POINT
County: CART
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On july 14, 2013, at approximately 2:30pm, operator was operating his aqua blue and white colored 2013 model ranger 2310 bay fiberglass motorboat, vessel 1, on the icw about one mile west of the hwy 59 bridge in emerald isle, nc.  Along with operator there were five adults and two 16 year old passengers on board the vessel.  Operator was cruising at approximately 40 mph on the icw headed west when he met an oncoming 40-45 foot yacht cruising down the icw headed east throwing a four to five foot wake.  The large yacht passed on vessel 1's port side.  Operator slowed down vessel 1 to a speed of approximately 15 mph.  According to operator, he slowed down just enough to keep his boat on plane and turned vessel 1 to the port to minimize the impact from the large wake created by the yacht.  Operator wanted to turn vessel 1 to the starboard to avoid the large wake,l but the channel was too narrow.  Upon hitting one of the -5 ft wakes created from the yacht's wake, vessel 1 came up and slammed down considerably hard.  
The impact from hitting the large wave caused occupant, who was sitting on the seat located in front of vessel 1's center console to bounce up and slam down on the edge of the seat.  Moments after the impact with the large wake, operator noticed occupant screaming in pain.  Operator continued heading west down the icw just a few hundred yards when he noticed a coast guard patrol vessel traveling towards them.  Operator and the passengers were able to flag down the coast guard vessel.  The medic on board the coast guard vessel immediately began assisting the injured passenger.  The coast guard crew attached their patrol boat to vessel 1 and began giving occupant medical assistance.  The coast guard crew was able to get occupant comfortable and escorted vessel 1 to the ncwrc boating access area located at cedar point, nc.  Ems then transported occupant to the carteret general hospital where she was examined and treated for a fractured l4 vertebrae.  There were no injuries reported from any of the other passengers on board vessel 1.


BARDID: NC-2013-0064
Date: 2013-07-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:40:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GASTON
NearestCityTown: HENRICO
County: NORTHAMPTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On july 26, 2013 at approximately 7:40pm, operator Was operating a bayliner boat in jimmy's creek on lake gaston with two children being towed on a tube.  His wife was also on the boat.  His son and family friend were tubing and both boys were wearing personal flotation devices.
The operator was operating a red and white bayliner boat at the time of the incident.  The operator was pulling tubers at a moderate speed and then he turned.  At that time, the tube hit a wake which caused the occupants to be thrown off the tube.  As they were thrown off the tube, friend’s foot hit or kicked son in the chin and mouth causing a lip and chin laceration.  At this time, the operator and wife carried their son to roanoke rapids emergency room where he was put in room #1 and checked by the doctor.  As i arrived at approximately 9:05pm, the nurse stated that son would need a few stitches.  The next day i talked to operator and he said that his son received three internal stitches in his chin and five external stitches and four stitches in his lip.
Due to my investigation, operator/witness statements and interview, i have found that son was thrown from the tube as it hit a wake causing friend foot to collide with m which caused minor injury to his lip and chin.


BARDID: NC-2013-0065
Date: 2013-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:20:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ROANOKE SOUND
NearestCityTown: NAGS HEAD
County: DARE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of vessel 1 rented a jet ski from causeway water sports in nags head.  According to worker at causeway water sports, she noticed operator' jet ski going outside the designated riding area.  Staff stated she started towards operator and observed the jet ski crash into a pier.  She then observed the operator being thrown backwards behind the jet ski.  Staff jumped into the water to retrieve the jet ski.  That's when operator told staff that she had just had a seizure and started to have another one.  Operator was then taken back to causeway water sports parking lot where emts were waiting.  Staff advised me that they flew her to norfolk, virginia hospital.
I spoke with operator; she stated that she had no memory of the incident and she was still undergoing medical treatment.
Damage to the jet ski was on the starboard side, right side.


BARDID: NC-2013-0066
Date: 2013-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE LAKE
NearestCityTown: WHITE LAKE
County: BLAD
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On july 5th, at approximately 2:00pm, officer received a call from raleigh regarding a young female being transported from white lake to elizabethtown hospital with injuries.  Officer and i patrolled to elizabethtown hospital to investigate the accident.  The victim was a 14 year old female.  Her uncle was the driver of the boat.  Operator completed the 4.1boating accident form, and told us that he was pulling the victim around white lake on a tube when she hit a very large wave from all the other boat wakes on the lake.  He stated that he was towing her about 10-15 mph at the time of the accident.  After the hard hit, she gave the driver a signal to stop the boat.  At that time, she was in pain in her left arm and lower back.  The driver took the victim to the dock at holiday resort then across the street to white lake fire department.  She was then carried to elizabethtown hospital.  The injuries she sustained were a strained shoulder and lower back.  She was released from the hospital the next day.
No damages to boat or property.
Driver was not impaired.


BARDID: NC-2013-0067
Date: 2013-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORMAN
NearestCityTown: CORNELIUS
County: MECK
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On the evening of june 23, 2013, at approximately 4:30pm,  operator operated a honda aquatrax pwc on lake norman in the area of davidson creek near his residence.  Operator was traveling northeast towards his residence and dock coming from the area of the "sand bar".  Operator was traveling approximately 25 mph and was not in the vicinity of any other vessels when he struck a wake coming from boat traffic leaving the sand bar area.  The pwc struck the wake and became airborne for a brief period of time.  While in the air, the pwc rotated toward the port side of the vessel.  The port side of the vessel came into contact with the water's surface first.  The impact of the pwc with the water's surface caused operator to land with all of his weight on his left foot and ankle before he was thrown from the pwc on the port side.  Operator's left ankle was broken upon impact; it had been weakened by a previous injury.  He had injured it eight years previously and he had two screws and a metal plate in it.  The kill switch stopped the pwc after operator was thrown from the vessel.  Operator was able to re-board the vessel and operate it back to his dock despite being in tremendous amount of pain in his left ankle.  Operator made it to his dock, he called 911 and was taken by ambulance to huntersville presbyterian hospital where he received medical treatment for his broken left ankle.  Operator was wearing his type iii pfd during the accident.  Alcohol and drugs were not a factor in the accident.


BARDID: NC-2013-0068
Date: 2013-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:32:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: HIWASSEE LAKE
NearestCityTown: MURPHY
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was fishing a bass tournament out of hanging dog access area.  He was traveling toward nottley river at a speed of approximately 70 mph.  Just before making a right turn, the lower unit of the motor stopped working.  The nose of the boat went down and the boat went into a right hand spin.  Operator tried to turn the boat, but it wouldn't steer without power.  He saw that the boat was going to collide with a rock cliff, so he jumped out of the boat.  The boat collided with the rock cliff on the port side.  The operator was wearing a mustang inflatable type ii pfd that he had rearmed within the last month.  The pfd did not inflate.  When i opened the inflatable, the co2 cartridge was not anywhere to be found.  He advised that he did put it in.  He remembers the guage turning green when he engaged it.  The impact of hitting the water at a high rate of speed may have dislodged the co2 cartridge.
 
Operator swam to the boat and climbed into it.  It was still running, but the propeller would not turn.  Two subject fishing the tournament came upon him and towed him to hanging dog access area.  Operator had a sore and swollen right knee and a sore hip.  He did not require medical attention.


BARDID: NC-2013-0069
Date: 2013-06-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: PAMLICO SOUND
NearestCityTown: SWAN QUARTER
County: HYDE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Missing or Inadequate Navigation Aids
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator, he was navigating the swan quarter narrows when he struck a submerged object.  Operator and his wife immediately noticed their vessel was taking on water.  Operator turned on his bilge and ran his boat on plane back to the juniper bay wrc access area.  After loading his vessel, operator observed a large crack in the starboard, right side, bottom of his hull.  After reviewing chart maps, operator realized that he struck the platform of a tower that used to be visible above the water line.  Operator and i are contacting the uscg aids to navigation team and are asking them to mark the obstruction.  No violations were detected and the use of alcohol and drugs did not contribute to this accident.


BARDID: NC-2013-0070
Date: 2013-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: HATTERAS INLET
NearestCityTown: HATTERAS
County: DARE
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
ON JUNE 25, 2013,  OPERATOR OF VESSEL 1, WAS ENTERING HATTERAS INLET FROM THE ATLANTIC OCEAN iN HIS HYDRA SPORT VESSEL.  WHEN HE WENT BY THE ENTRANCE BUOY, HE NOTICED THE WAVES WERE HIGHER COMPARED TO THE WAVES EARLIER THAT MORNING.  AS HE PASSED THE FIRST SET OF BUOYS, HE GOT CAUGHT IN BETWEEN TWO WAVES.  WITHIN SECONDS THE TRAILING WAVE PUSHED HIS VESSEL BOW, FRONT OF THE BOAT, INTO THE LEADING WAVE CAUSING THE VESSEL TO CAPSIZE.  operator AND HIS PASSENGER SWAM FROM UNDERNEATH THE VESSEL AND CLIMBED ONTO THE VESSEL MOTOR MOUNT.  operator AND HIS PASSENGER STAYED WITH THE VESSEL.  A CHARTER BOAT PASSING PICKED THEM UP.
 
THERE WERE NO INJURIES WITH THIS INCIDENT.


BARDID: NC-2013-0071
Date: 2013-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: PAMLICO SOUND
NearestCityTown: RODANTHE
County: DARE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of vessel 2 was heading north at approximately 7 knots with the water tower on his right about 500 yards from his vessel.  Vessel 2 had 2 passengers on board.  When vessel 2 noticed vessel 1  with one passenger on board coming at him from his starboard side, right side, at a high rate of speed.  Operator2 continued his course and speed thinking vessel 1 would turn.  Vessel 1 collided with vessel 2 on its starboard side launching vessel 1 across vessel 2 hitting its engine as it traveled completely over vessel 2.  One of vessel 2 passengers was ejected into the water.  The operator of vessel 1 informed me that he had paid for both vessel to be repaired.  Vessel 1 operator is being cited in violation of g.s. 75a-10 and g.s. 75a-13.3


BARDID: NC-2013-0072
Date: 2013-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:37:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CURRITUCK SOUND
NearestCityTown: DUCK
County: DARE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause3: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On tuesday july 16, 2013 at approximately 09:30am, raleigh dispatch reported a pwc accident on the waters located in front of sunset grill in duck, nc.
Upon investigation, vessel 1 was headed in a southerly direction a rented pwc from duck sunsets water sports inc.  Vessel 1 had two other passengers on board.
Vessel 1 was riding approximately 400 yards from the dock when the pwc turned left and a wave caught the starboard side, right side, of the vessel causing all three passengers to be thrown off the pwc and into the water.  Middle occupant hit her head on the hull of the pwc causing her to be knocked unconscious and got a cut on her right eye.
The two others were not injured in the accident.  They assisted victim in the water and started yelling for help.  They turned victim face up in the water while she was unconscious.  the safety monitors from duck sunset water sports drove pwcs to the accident location.  They put victim onto their pwc and drove her back to the pier and waited for ems to arrive.  Duck fire department and ems made the decision to airlift the victim to norfolk general hospital.
There was no mention by the officer of this report as to what caused the laceration to the victim's eye.


BARDID: NC-2013-0073
Date: 2013-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:20:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: PELETIER CREEK
NearestCityTown: MOREHEAD CITY
County: CART
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On july 6, 2013 at approximately 7:20pm, operator1 was operating a red 1986 model glassmaster 18ft fiberglass motorboat, vessel 1, on the icw directly underneath the atlantic beach, nc high rise bridge.  Operator1’s parents were also on board vessel 1.  Operator1 was cruising underneath the bridge heading west at a speed of approximately 30 mph when a larger twin engine regulator boat passed them on her starboard side.  According to operator1, the regulator boat’s wake almost caused vessel 1 to impact the bridge pylons.  According to Regulator boat operator, there was plenty of room between his boat and vessel 1 when he passed them underneath the bridge.  Operator1 continued cruising west in vessel 1 down the icw following the regulator boat that had passed her.  Operator1 observed the regulator boat that had passed her turn north into peletier creek, which is a no wake zone.  Operator1 then turned into peletier creek and pulled up to the rear port side of the regulator boat.  According to Regulator boat operator and eye witness, vessel 1 came into peletier creek on plane and idled down right behind the regulator boat.  Operator1 then began yelling at Regulator boat operator confronting him about passing her underneath the bridge.  According to operator1, the regulator boat’s stern turned towards vessel 1’s bow.  However, Regulator boat operator claimed that he was idling up the creek and never turned his boat.  According to operator1, she then pulled back on the throttle to avoid colliding with the regulator boat.  Once her boat was clear, operator1 accelerated around the regulator boat’s starboard side at an estimated speed of between 10 and 20 mph in an attempt to pass the regulator boat.  Vessel 1’s bow then struck a large wooden pylon.  Operator1 claimed that she attempted to pull back on the throttle and turn, but was unable to do so.  The impact from vessel 1’s bow colliding with the pylon pushed the pylon over, almost completely submerging it underwater.  Upon impacting the pylon, v1 operator’s mother, who was sitting in a seat located in front of vessel 1’s windshield, was thrown forward towards the bow.  After the initial collision with the pylon, vessel 1 continued on in a north easterly direction striking the yamaha 250 outboard engine of anoter boat, 26 ft seaswirl boat named the “snaggletooth” vessel 2.  Vessel 2 was elevated out of the water on a boat lift located on the south side of his dock.  After colliding with vessel 2, vessel 1 continued moving forward and struck the starboard stern of yet another boat, a 31 foot fountain boat, vessel 3.  Vessel 3 was also out of the water on a boat lift located on the north side of dock.  The operator of the regulator boat then called 911 and reported the accident.  According to Regulator boat operator, everyone appeared to be ok so he continued idling up peletier creek.  Operator1 then idled up peletier creek in vessel 1 and docked in front of harbor national marina.

No serious injuries were reported by any of the passengers in vessel 1.  Vessel 1 sustained significant structural damage to the fiberglass bow on the starboard and port side, a broken windshield, and damage to the bow rub rail.  Vessel 2 sustained significant damage to the outboard engine cowling and lower unit.  Vessel 3 sustained scratched to the starboard stern hull, starboard trim tab, and starboard outboard engine lower unit.

After completing the investigation and interviewing witnesses, operator1 was charged with operating a motor boat on the waters of this state in a reckless and negligent manner so as to endanger life, limb, or property of any person. N.c.g.s. 75a-10(a).


BARDID: NC-2013-0074
Date: 2013-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: TAYLORS CREEK
NearestCityTown: BEAUFORT
County: CART
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
At or around 4:30pm on june 20, 2013, vessel 1 departed the dock and began to try to exit the marina at beaufort docks.  The tide was rising with a strong current running at a 90 degree angle from starboard to port of vessel 1 as it tried to exit the area.  Vessel 2 was tied to the dock with bow facing out between vessel 1's location and the exit of the dock area.  As vessel 1 attempted to pass vessel 2, some portion of vessel 1 impacted vessel 2's starboard bow making scratches in the paint.  After impact, vessel 1 docked back at beaufort docks and ncwrc was notified.
The two people aboard vessel 2 stated that the impact moved their 60 foot sport fish hard enough to make them lose their balance.  passenger on vessel 2, said that he just waxed the boat in the boat yard and there were no scratches on vessel 2 at that time.
The passengers on vessel 1 stated that subject was able to hold the boat off with his hands preventing it from striking vessel 2.  They went on to say that the only part of vessel 1 that touched vessel 2 was a fishing rod.
High tide in that area would have been shortly after 5:35pm.


BARDID: NC-2013-0075
Date: 2013-07-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CURRITUCK SOUND
NearestCityTown: DUCK
County: DARE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Around 12:00pm on wednesday, july 31, 2013, i arrived at 1310 duck rd, nor banks sailing regarding a pwc accident that occurred around 2:15pm tuesday july 30, 2013.  After speaking with jet ski owner, i went to the rental house of the jet ski operators.  Vessel 1 traveled west out and around the boundary buoy then proceeding back south as vessel 2 traveled south out and around another boundary buoy then proceeding back north.  As the two vessels traveled toward the same central point, the operator of vessel 1 looked to the side at another operator who was in the water.  When he looked back in the direction he was traveling, vessel 2 was in vessel 1's path.  Vessel 1 and vessel 2 collided.  Neither of the operators was hurt, but the damage to vessel 1 was estimated around $819.16 (rounded up to $820), and the damage to vessel 2 was around $2,794.42 (rounded up to $2,800.).
 
Operator of vessel 1 was charged for violating 6.s. 75a10 and g.s. 75a-13.3.


BARDID: NC-2013-0076
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-08-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CATAWBA RIVER
NearestCityTown: MORGANTON
County: BURK
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Dam/lock
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 8/3/13, at approximately 1600 hrs, operator was operating vessel 1 on old town otter kayak traveling downstream.  He was on the catawba river just above morganton at the city of morganton water intake low head dam.  Operator was accompanied by 4 other people in two other canoes.  The operator and passengers of the canoes took out to portage around the dam. Operator attempted to cross the low head dam in his kayak.  The witnesses on the banks with the canoes said that it appeared that he was trying to slow down just before going over as if he had changed his mind at the last second.  Operator was thrown from the kayak as he went over the dam and he was trapped in the recirculating current below the dam.  The four people with operator attempted to link arms together and reach to operator for approximately three minutes.  As they attempted to rescue him they said he went under one last time for approximately 5 minutes before he reappeared approximately 25 yards down stream.  Two of the people on the bank swam to operator and pulled him to the shore and began cpr.  They performed cpr for approximately 5 mins until the rescue squad arrived and took over.  Operator was wearing his pfd when he fell out of the vessel but sometime during the rescue, the pfd came off of his body.  Witnesses were sure he had the pfd on, but were unsure if he had it properly attached and unsure exactly when it came off of him.  The kayak operator was operating had not been located.  The water was very high and rough at the time of the incident.  Operator was taken to grace hospital and then airlifted to cmc in charlotte where he is still in icu in critical condition.


BARDID: NC-2013-0077
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-08-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE JAMES
NearestCityTown: MORGANTON
County: BURK
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
AccidentCause2: Failure to vent
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 STALLED OUT NEAR THE MOUTH OF MILLS CREEK AS HE WAS TOWING HIS CHILDREN ON A KNEE BOARD.  OPERATOR TRIED TO RESTART THE VESSEL AND WAS UNABLE TO GET IT STARTED.  OPERATOR ANCHORED HIS VESSEL NEAR THE SHORE, OPENED THE ENGINE COVER, AND NOTICED A STRONG ODOR OF GAS.  HE LEFT THE COVER OPEN TO AIR OUT AND WENT IN THE WATER TO SWIM WITH THE CHILDREN.  OPERATOR REBOARDED HIS VESSEL AND ATTEMPTED TO START IT AGAIN.  HE HEARD A NOISE IN THE STERN AREA OF HIS VESSEL AND TURNED TO SEE FLAMES.  OPERATOR GRABBED A TYPE IV PFD AND JUMPED IN THE WATER WHERE HIS CHILDREN WERE SWIMMING.  OPERATOR GATHERED THE CHILDREN AND SWAM TO SHORE.  THE CHILDREN WERE ALL WEARING TYPE III PFDS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, AND OPERATOR USED THE TYPE IV PFD TO SWIM TO SHORE.


BARDID: NC-2013-0078
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: HARBOUR VILAGE MARINA CANAL
NearestCityTown: HAMPSTEAD
County: PEND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
ON JULY 3, 2013, AT APPROXIMATELY 7:30PM IN HARBOUR VILLAGE MARINA CANAL, operator WAS ATTEMPTING TO START HIS VESSEL.  operator REPORTED THAT UPON SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO START HIS ENGINE, THE WIRING SPARKED IGNITING GAS FUMES CAUSING AN EXPLOSION THAT RESULTED IN A FIRE ON HIS BOAT.
 
HAMPSTEAD FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO THE CALL AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE.  NEITHER operator NOR HIS WIFE WERE INJURED DURING THIS INCIDENT.  HE DID REPORT THAT HIS BOAT WAS A 'TOTAL LOSS" WITH OVER $7200.00 IN PROPERTY DAMAGE.  THERE WERE NO CHARGES MADE IN THIS INVESTIGATION.


BARDID: NC-2013-0079
Date: 2013-07-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CAPE FEAR RIVER
NearestCityTown: SOUTHPORT
County: BRUN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On july 28, 2013 at approximately 6:00pm, operator was operating his 25 foot hydra sport on the waters of the cape fear river.  Operator had 4 passengers on board, one of whom was a family friend.  According to operator, they were heading back to the dock from a trip out on the ocean.  As he was making his way through the inlet back into the cape fear river, he was overtaken by another vessel that was passing from his right side to his left.  Victim was seated on the elevated position and as such her feet were off the ground.  As operator went to cross over the wake that was produced by the other vessel, his vessel rolled to the left and victim fell off the leaning rest and onto operator.  When this happened, it caused operator to turn the wheel to the left causing the vessel to turn sharply, which sent victim over operator and into the water.  Operator then immediately regained control of the vessel and turned around and went and retrieved victim from the water.  He then went to south port where ems was called because victim was complaining of back pain.  She was taken to brunswick memorial hospital where it was found that she had cracked three ribs and also had a laceration to her spleen.  She was then taken to cape fear memorial hospital where she was treated and released.  It is the opinion of this investigator that the accident occurred as a result of the wake that was produced by the passing vessel coupled with the speed at which operator attempted to pass over it.  The speed was not excessive, but the wake was larger than operator realized, and as a result the vessels pitched hard to the port resulting in the fall overboard.  It appears that victim's injuries occurred from her striking the gunwale of the vessel as she was falling out of the vessel.  It does not appear that alcohol or drugs played any role in this accident.  The vessel was equipped with uscg approved life saving devices; they were not used in this incident.


BARDID: NC-2013-0080
Date: 2013-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: HOLDEN BEACH
County: BRUN
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On saturday, june 29, 2013, there was a boating accident near lockwood folly inlet.  Subject pulled his boat onto the shore near holden beach when a wave came over the side and flooded the vessel.  As he pulled away from the shore, the boat continued to take on water where it then capsized.  Bystanders were able to rescue all four subjects in the vessel.  Once all four subjects made it to shore, subject2 had a seizure.  Rescue was dispatched and transported her to brunswick hospital.  Sea tow was called and they recovered the capsized vessel.  Alcohol was not a factor in this accident.

There was no mention by the officer of this report as to what caused the victim to have a seizure.


BARDID: NC-2013-0081
Date: 2013-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: OAK ISLAND
County: BRUN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 8/1/13, there was a boating accident on the icw just north of davis canal.  Operator2 was operating his 24 foot pontoon boat on the icw when he was struck by a pwc.  The pwc was operated by operator1.  Operator2 advised that it was raining at the time of the accident and that operator1 had his head tilted down and to the side to shield his face from the rain when the collision occurred.  Operator1 struck the port side of the pontoon boat with his pwc.  Damage was done to the port side, center of the pontoon boat and bow/surface damage to the pwc.  Operator1 suffered severe injuries, and he was air lifted to chapel hill hospital.  Alcohol was not involved in this accident.
It was not mentioned by the officer of this report as to the extent of operator1's injuries, just that they were to his arm and face.


BARDID: NC-2013-0082
Date: 2013-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CAPE FEAR RIVER
NearestCityTown: CASTLE HAYNE
County: NEW HANOVER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
On june 23, 2013, around 2:30pm operator was operating vessel 1 with occupant in the passenger seat.  They were coming down the north east cape fear river heading towards castle hayne boat access area.  They went between what is known as the cut through.  At this point, occupant said she saw the log floating in the water but did not have enough time to tell operator.  That is when operator felt that he had hit something, but before he could stop the boat, the motor came up into the boat.  Operator went to push occupant away with his left arm.  The motor smashed into occupant's shoulder dislocating it.  Operator left arm got stuck in the propeller as the propeller began to work its way up his arm starting at his finger tips all the way up to his chest.  As the propeller got to his chest, operator fell into the water.  His pfd inflated.  Occupant reached over to try to help operator, but caught the propeller with her hand leaving minor cuts.  Operator still in the water reached back up into the boat and pulled the kill switch rope to stop the propeller and motor.  At this point, a boat happened to be going by and assisted operator and occupant.  The passing boat towed operator' boat to the river landing private boat ramp.  At this point neighbors came out and helped operator and occupant.  Both operator and occupant were brought to new hanover hospital where eventually operator was flown to chapel hill, nc.  On june 30, operator got an infection in his left arm and was rushed into emergency surgery.  The doctors had to amputate his left arm to stop the infection from spreading any further.  Operator is currently out of the icu.


BARDID: NC-2013-0083
Date: 2013-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CAROLINA BEACH INLET
NearestCityTown: CAROLINA BEACH
County: NEWH
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
ON JULY 5, 2013, operator WAS COMING IN FROM THE OCEAN AT CAROLINA BEACH INLET FROM A DAY OF FISHING.  HE SAID HE WAS IN ABOUT 10 FEET OF WATER, THEN HE NOTICED THE DRASTIC CHANGE OF COLOR IN THE WATER.  HE PUT THE BOAT IN NEUTRAL AND WENT TO ASK HIS BROTHER IN LAW ABOUT THE COLOR OF THE WATER AND IF HE WAS GOING THE RIGHT WAY.  HE WASN'T SURE IF HE WAS IN THE CHANNEL.  HE WAS LOOKING AT THE BUOYS AT THE OTHER END OF THE INLET.  BY THE TIME HE COULD ASK HIS BROTHER IN LAW, THEY WERE IN ABOUT 2-3 FEET OF WATER WITH THE WAVES PUSHING THEM INTO THE SHALLOW WATER.  THE BOAT GROUNDED AND STARTED TAKING ON WATER.  THEY CALLED FOR HELP AND WAS ASSISTED BY CAROLINA BEACH LIFE GUARDS AND NEW HANOVER SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT.


BARDID: NC-2013-0084
Date: 2013-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CAPE FEAR RIVER
NearestCityTown: CAROLINA BEACH
County: NEWH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On july 6, 2013, operator was heading towards snows cut boating access area from the cape fear river when his vessel ran aground on a sand bar across from carolina beach state park.  Operator was not inside the navigation channel markers.  He was just on the outside of them.  Operator told me that he has navigated that channel hundreds of times.  The tide was almost at low tide when operator ran aground.  Two of operator' four passengers were injured when the vessel came to an abrupt stop. Victim1 was sitting up on the front of the vessel, and when the vessel stopped abruptly, she slid into the railing.  Victim2 was the second injured passenger.  She was sitting by the steering wheel when the vessel stopped abruptly.  Both were taken to the hospital.  Victim1 suffered a fractured rib.  Victim2 suffered bruises.  No one on board was wearing a pfd at the time of the accident.
 
*********************************************
It was not mentioned by the officer of this report where the second victim received bruising on her vody.


BARDID: NC-2013-0085
Date: 2013-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:45:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHADWICK BAY
NearestCityTown: SNEADS FERRY
County: ONSL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and the juvenile son of an individual went out on operator's boat before dark.  After sunset, operator and the juvenile were traveling in chadwick bay, sneads ferry.  Operator was operating the vessel when the dock was struck.  The dock was damaged.  One of the supporting beams was broken off and some damage to the dock was sustained.  Operator was operating the vessel, seated at the starboard rear of the vessel manipulating the motor (tiller steering), received severe damage to the front of his head and chest.  The juvenile passenger was on the port rear of the vessel and did not sustain any injury.   Operator was transported to new hanover regional medical center trauma center via airlink helicopter.
Operator was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.  Operator's level of impairment was severe.  Alcohol was a contributing factor in the accident.  Personal flotation devices were not used by any of the survivors.
Operator has been charged with boating while under the influence of an impairing substance, negligent and reckless operation of a motor vessel, and misdemeanor child endangerment.


BARDID: NC-2013-0086
Date: 2013-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityTown: SURF CITY
County: PEND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On july 27, 2013, operator was operating his vessel north on the icw about a half mile north of surf city while pulling a tube.  At about marker 59, the tube shot to the right after being pulled on top of a wake for some time and glanced off of a channel marker. Tuber1, who was on the right side of the tube, saw that the tube had a chance of striking the channel marker thus trying to jump off of the tube before impact consequently putting himself in line with the marker causing him to impact the marker by accident.
Operator and subject immediately turned and retrieved tuber1 from the icw.  Operator and subject started cpr as soon as they retrieved tuber1 from the water because of his lack of consciousness.  After a few seconds, tuber1 began breathing again on his own.  Tuber1 was then transported to the surf city access area where he was then taken to new hanover regional medical center in wilmington.


BARDID: NC-2013-0087
Date: 2013-08-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORMAN
NearestCityTown: TERRELL
County: CATA
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
MachineryFailure: Shift
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator of vessel 1, he was operating his vessel at nearly no wake speed which he estimated to be 5-10 mph near the midway marina boat slips just off highway 150 in terrell.  He attempted to maneuver his vessel into a slip so he could visit the restaurant and noticed his vessel was not responding when he tried to throttle down further.  He tried to put his vessel into reverse and said that it kept going forward even faster.  He tried to pit it into neutral but did not seem to slow down, so he tried reversing another time which sped the vessel up further.  He then tried to put it into forward gear to see how it responded.  The vessel went forward and by then, he was in close proximity to another vessel which was docked in the slip.  He tried to come to the bow of the vessel and brace the impact with a long pole in his vessel, but was unable to pad the impact.  His vessel made contact with vessel 2 breaking the swim platform on vessel 2 loose as well as breaking the swim ladder and knocking a piece of the swim ladder into the passenger area of the vessel, and breaking the trap door which covered the ladder.  Also the bow hook on his vessel broke through the fiberglass on the stern of vessel 2 pushing vessel 2 into the dock hard enough to break off the metal cleat on the dock that it was tied to and dented the fiberglass in the front of the vessel.  The operator of vessel 1 contacted the owners of vessel 2 and exchanged information including phone numbers and names and addresses.  Both owners had insurance on their vessels.  I filed no charges on the operator of vessel 1, as i determined the cause of the accident to be faulty machinery.  Neither alcohol nor any other impairing substances were present.


BARDID: NC-2013-0088
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: MOUNTAIN ISLAND LAKE
NearestCityTown: MOUNT HOLLY
County: GAST
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
On august 11, 2013, operator along with 5 other adult passengers and 2 juvenile passengers (both under 13 years old) dropped their vessel into the water at river bend access area on mountain island lake.  As they left the access area and approached the edge of the no wake zone, operator began to accelerate out of the no wake zone heading northeast on mountain island lake.  Only seconds after accelerating, she and the other passengers on board heard an explosion in the engine compartment and began to smell smoke and quickly after saw a fire coming from the engine compartment.  Operator's husband, who was a passenger on board attempted to extinguish the fire with a type b1 fire extinguisher, but was unsuccessful at putting out the fire.  Another vessel who witnessed the fire quickly pulled beside the burning vessel and got everyone off the boat safely and took them back to shore at river bend accesss area.  Myself and officer got on board at mt. Holly fire department vessel and assisted in extinguishing the fire.  The vessel was fully engulfed in flames when we arrived at the vessel.  After extinguishing the fire and towing the vessel back to the dock, in interviewed the passengers and all stories matched the operator's.  There was no alcohol or drugs involved in the accident and appeared to be started by an explosion of gasoline vapors in the engine compartment.


BARDID: NC-2013-0089
Date: 2013-08-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: NEWPORT RIVER
NearestCityTown: BEAUFORT
County: CARTERET
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating his vessel in the newport river in the vicinity of chimney island with a northwest heading.  Passengers on board included operator's son and his daughter-in-law.  While underway, operator encountered a self-described "large wake".  Operator attempted to reduce speed in an effort to minimize the impact of the wake on this boat.  Victim was facing aft and in a seated position in the bow of the boat.  The wake caused the bow to rise suddenly causing victim to be launched upward into the air.  The bow then dropped as the boat entered the trough.  This increased the distance from which victim would then fall back into her seat.  Victim then fell back into the area that she had previously occupied and injured her back.  Victim's chief complaint was pain in and around her lower back.  Upon reaching shore, victim was transported to the carteret general hospital emergency department where she received treatment for her injuries.  She was interviewed following an x-ray examination in the hospital.
In my opinion, there was no reason to believe that alcohol or drugs were involved or a contributing factor.  There was no indication that victim's injuries were a result of negligent operation.


BARDID: NC-2013-0090
Date: 2013-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:45:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: PAMLICO SOUND
NearestCityTown: FRISCO
County: DARE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On june 23, 2013, at approximately 8:45 pm, operator of vessel 1 was cruising on the pamlico sound when he came in contact with a fishing net (pound net).  Operator stated in his attempt to avoid the fishing net, he rolled his pwc and was ejected into the fishing net.  His leg was entangled in the fishing net causing severe lacerations.  Operator stated he called 911.  While adrift on his pwc, he began yelling for help and subject responded to his call by directing him ashore at the rental property where he was staying.  subject and his two sons-in-law assisted operator.  subject contacted 911 to advise emt of his location.  Operator told subject that he had been drinking beer and advised subject of what happened.  Operator was airlifted to norfolk general hospital in virginia where he spent several weeks and later had his leg amputated.  No charges were filed.


BARDID: NC-2013-0091
Date: 2013-08-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:20:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: KERR LAKE
NearestCityTown: TOWNSVILLE
County: VANC
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On august 31, 2013, around 8:20pm, vessel 1 was traveling north toward the dam on john h kerr reservoir in little nutbush creek for an evening boat ride.  Vessel 2 was traveling south in little nutbush creek toward steele creek marina.  Vessel 2 was under power not sail as it was making its way to steele creek marina.  Vessel 2 had ran its power source dead to run the navigation light, but clipped a white light to the bow rail of the vessel.  Vessel 2 was operating with an 8 horse power motor and by law was only required to have a white light visible due to the motor being less than 10 horse power.  Vessel 2 tried to turn left to avoid the collision but was limited to mobility due to the vessel being 25 feet long with only an 8 horse power  motor.  The operator of vessel 2 said he was yelling trying to get vessel 1's attention to try to avoid the collision.  The operator of vessel 1 told me he was out for a late evening cruise and looked down to turn the radio down in vessel 1 and when he looked back up, he saw vessel 2 approaching head on.  Vessel 1 turned left to try to avoid a collision with vessel 2 but was too close to vessel 2 to avoid the collision.  Vessel 1 collided with vessel 2's starboard side bow to vessel 1's starboard side bow.  Vessel 1 turned around and came back up to vessel 2 to see if everyone on board was ok.  Vessel 2 received damage to the starboard side gunnel rail and the bow eye. Vessel 1 received major cracks down the starboard side from the bow to the stern through the fiberglass.  Both vessel 1 and 2 operated back to steele creek marina under power.  No one was injured in this case and no charges were made.  Neither vessel was operating recklessly and both vessels had the proper lighting.


BARDID: NC-2013-0092
Date: 2013-08-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: HOOP POLE CREEK
NearestCityTown: ATLANTIC BEACH
County: CART
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator2, vessel 2, was traveling in a northerly direction along hoop pole creek and was approaching operator1, vessel 1, who was heading in a southerly direction toward operator2 along hoop pole creek.
As the two vessels approached each other, vessel 2 turned toward the east in an effort to avoid colliding with vessel 1.  At nearly the same time vessel 1 turned east to avoid colliding with vessel 2.  Just prior to impact vessel turned sharply to the east in an effort to avoid a collision.  The additional course adjustments made by both vessels failed to prevent a collision.  The course corrections made resulted in a collision of the two vessels with the bow of vessel 1 impacting the aft/port area of vessel 2.
The gps coordinates of the collision contained in this report are an approximation based on statements from both operators.  Conflicting statements from both vessel operators and a lack of further evidence make it difficult to determine the exact location of the collision or the position of the vessels in relation to the main channel of the creek.  As such, these coordinates are not specific to the exact location of the collision and are only useful for showing the approximate area where the event occurred.
Operator1 stated high vessel traffic in the creek made it difficult for him to maneuver in such a way as to avoid a collision.  Operator2 claims vessel traffic was low.  Lack of further eye witness testimony makes it difficult to determine what role, if any, other vessel traffic contributed to the collision.
It is my opinion that both the operators of the vessels in this collision share some responsibility for the collision by failing to make the proper speed and course adjustments at the appropriate time.  Based on their own statements and the evidence available, the collision was most likely avoidable had each operator simply slowed down to idle speed.  Alcohol or other impairing substances do not appear to have played a role in this collision.


BARDID: NC-2013-0094
Date: 2013-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:20:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: HYCO LAKE
NearestCityTown: ROXBORO
County: PERS
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 3:30pm on the 6th of july, operator was towing victim in an inner tube on hyco lake.  Operator slowed the vessel to a stop to allow victim to climb back on board.  Although the operator thought he had shifted the vessel's motor into neutral, in reality it was still in gear.  Due to the high volume of lake traffic, he was unaware of this, as was victim.  While attempting to climb aboard the vessel using the rear ladder, a wake pushed victim away from the ladder and into the rotating propeller.  Based on first responder report, victim was cut on the left lateral inner leg at the knee area and also on his right lower leg.  Once cut, victim screamed for operator to cut off the motor.  Operator along with other vessel passengers helped victim into the vessel.  They maneuvered back to the dock.  Semora vfd was first on the scene followed by the caswell co ems.  Victim was transported to danville regional hospital where he underwent surgery on his leg.  He was kept overnight and was released in the afternoon of july 7th.  Through my investigation, it is my belief that no drugs, alcohol, or careless operation was involved in this accident.  Therefore no charges will be made.


BARDID: NC-2013-0095
Date: 2013-08-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:15:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CHATUGE
NearestCityTown: HAYESVILLE
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On august 24, 2013, i received a call from raleigh that a boating accident had occurred on lake chatuge.  I patrolled to gibson cove to meet with operator1s and eye witnesses.  When i arrived at gibson cove, the ambulance was there and victim was inside.  She was the passenger of vessel 1.  The paramedics told me they had the helicopter on the way and she was going to be flown out to mission hospital.  I talked with her for a couple of minutes and could not make anything out of what she was saying.  I then talked to the operator1 of vessel 1.  I noticed an odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath.  I performed a couple field sobriety tests and determined that he was not impaired.  I did horizontal gaze mystagmus test, finger to nose test and asked him to do numerous other tasks associated with the accident.  I talked with operator1 and he told me they had operated vessel 1 from georgia to the dam.  They were headed back to georgia when they were hit from behind by vessel 2.  I asked operator1 if his stern light was on.  He said he thought the stern light was on because he had a glare in the cab of the boat.  He never would tell me yes or no.
Vessel 2 operator said that he had been fishing at the dam.  While fishing near the dam, he saw a boat traveling from georgia without a stern light on.  Operator2 said he thought the boat went toward ledford chapel.  He said he was not catching any fish next to the dam, so he was going to move to fieldstone marina.  He had a 200 hp motor on the boat and he was running between 50 and 60 mph.  It was a very dark night with no moon.  He said he caught a glimpse of something from his bow lights and he jerked the steering wheel to the left but it was too late.  They went airborne.  He said there was no stern light on operator1's boat.  Operator2 said "he did not see any lights whatsoever."
At gibson cove i talked a fisherman close by and saw everything.  He said vessel 1 only had front lights on.  witness said that vessel 1 was pointed toward georgia.  Another boat coming from the dam hit vessel 1 from the stern.  witness said he and his partner went over to the accident and asked if they could assist.  He pulled vessel 1 to gibson cove access area.
I talked with 13 witnesses around clay county recreation park campground that heard the accident.  None of them saw a boat without a stern light.  witness was the only witness that saw the accident.


BARDID: NC-2013-0096
Date: 2013-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:13:00
State: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GASTON
NearestCityTown: LITTLETON
County: WARREN
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/6/13, at or about 02:13hrs, a pwc, registrtion number mc9583sc, kawasaki stx12f, was traveling west along the shoreline of pigeonroost creek when it struck a dead tree that had fallen over and was laying parallel to the water’s surface.  The operator and the passenger were thrown from the jet ski into the water.  The operator sustained serious face, head, and neck injuries.  The passenger was not severely injured.  A boat arrived to pick the operator and passenger up approximately 3 to 5 minutes after the collision occurred.  The operator and passenger were taken back to mill creek landing.  Warren county unit r153 responded to mill creek landing.  The operator and passenger were transported to halifax regional medical center.  Halifax county ems station 1 medic assisted in transport.  The passenger was not treated and was interviewed by lt. Barger at halifax regional medical center.  The operator was treated at halifax regional medical center and then transported to vidant medical center in greenville.

According to halifax medical emergency staff, the operator sustained mouth and tongue lacerations, lower teeth missing, possible fractured neck, and possible broken ribs.  On 7/6/13, at about 03:30 hrs, the operator’s blood alcohol concentration was .169 grams/100 mililiters.

At the time of the accident, the operator and passenger were wearing pfds.

Note:  the correct registration number on the pwc should be nc-6243ds.  A copy of the registration card with the correct information was located on the pwc.  At the time of the accident, the correct registration numbers had not been placed on the pwc.

On 8/13/13, the operator was charged with owi, operating a pwc after sunset and before sunrise, reckless and negligent operation of a pwc, and operate a vessel by a person less than 26 years old without a boating safety education course.

Photos of the accident and location are in the hard copy file in the raleigh office.


