# ReleasableAccidents

BARDID: SC-2013-0009
Date: 2013-04-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:30:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ashley River
County: Charleston
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Unit 1, while attempting to leave dock, was caught by the current causing unit 1 to turn broadside and collide with unit 2 bow and anchor causing significant damage to unit 1 port side cabin.


BARDID: SC-2013-0010
Date: 2013-04-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:50:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Murray
County: Lexington
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
All occupants and operator of units 1 & 2 were taken to the hospital. 
 
Unit 2 struck Unit 1 while unit 1 was double anchored on Lake Murray in Lexington County. victim2, in unit 1, received a broken arm and was transported to the hospital. victim1 received head, neck, hip and leg injuries. victim3 received three broken ribs. subject passenger of unit 1, was checked out and released from the hospital. The impact point of Unit 2 was on the bow.  Operator2 had a .15 blood alcohol content.


BARDID: SC-2013-0011
Date: 2013-04-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Keowee
County: Oconee
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and three witnesses pulled up and stopped to look at the water fall. According to eighteen year old witness, victim started shaking "like he was having a seizure" and fell overboard. He made no attempt to swim. The victim was not wearing a PFD. Witness stated that victim had 3-4 beers earlier in the day. Completed report is pending the toxicology report. Medical examiner reported that the combination of pain medication and alcohol could cause seizure like symptoms.


BARDID: SC-2013-0012
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-04-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Charleston Harbor
County: Charleston
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On april 18 at approximately 0900 l/cpl head a distress call on channel 16 to the coast guard about a capsized vessel with two subjects in the water. L/cpl copied the coordinates and advised that he and 1st sgt would be responding with an estimated time of five minutes. Upon arrival, the two survivors have been picked up by the sailing vessel that called in the distress call. The vessel was noted to be upside down at the location of the coordinates. The two survivors were given personal floatation devices and moved to the dnr vessel. The two survivors were then transported to the sullivan's island landing o be checked by paramedics.  The two survivors said they had been in the water for approximately 15 minutes prior to being rescued. They advised that their vessel had taken a wave over the stern and before they knew it the boat had capsized putting them into the water. Neither survivor was wearing a pfd. Both survivors were released by paramedics and the vessel was towed by sea tow at the owners request.


Vessel anchored at the stern.


BARDID: SC-2013-0013
Date: 2013-04-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Marion
County: Orangeburg
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
RedactedNarrative:
WHILE COMING OUT OF THE COVE IN EUTAW CREEK, THE OPERATOR WAS SPEEDING UP AND RAN UP ON A SUBMERGED STUMP AND PUNCTURED THE BOTTOM OF THE BOAT.


BARDID: SC-2013-0015
Date: 2013-05-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:22:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Murray
County: Lexington
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Unkn
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Unit 1 was being operated while operator's son served as a spotter for the other son who was knee boarding. Unit 1 drove between knee board and kneeboarder. Unit 1 was in reverse idling when impeller shaft caught the ski rope pinning son's head between PWC and rope. son sustained a broken jaw bone.


BARDID: SC-2013-0016
Date: 2013-05-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atlantic Ocean
County: Charleston
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
According to witnesses Title Anchor Line became entangled in the engine and when they tried to unwrap the line a boat wake swamped unit 1 causing it to capsize and sink.


BARDID: SC-2013-0017
Date: 2013-05-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:45:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Hartwell
County: Anderson
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR WAS IN PROCESS OF LOADING VESSEL FROM DOCK TO TRAILER. opERATOR NOTICED FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COVER. OPERATOR USED TYPE B FIRE EXTINGUISHER OPERATOR AND WITNESS JUMPED IN THE WATER (NO INJURIES) VESSEL BURNED TO THE WATERLINE.  Cause of the fire is unknown.


BARDID: SC-2013-0018
Date: 2013-05-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Winyah Bay
County: Georgetown
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Missing or Inadequate Navigation Aids
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
unit 1 was traveling east out of Winyah Bay jetties at 09:00 to go fishing.  It was dark and operator was using GPS and buoy lights to navigate. Buoy number 12 was supposed to be lit red but the light was out. The operator saw the unlit buoy at the last second and turned his vessel to port, striking the buoy on the front of his vessel. This caused a large hole near the bow area of vessel. At the time of impact, there were four other occupants on board. One occupant struck his head and caused a cut above his eye. Sea tow and Coast Guard were called and the vessel was  taken back to South Island Ferry where it was loaded on a trailer. DNR was called after the vessel had been taken to operator's residence.


BARDID: SC-2013-0019
Date: 2013-05-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Private Pond
County: Greenwood
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
Two people were fishing in a private pond. Operator pulled hard to set the hood on a fish and fell over backwards out of the boat. He came to the surface and was dog-paddling. occupant tried to reach him with a paddle. operator went under and drowned. operator had been drinking prior to going out.


BARDID: SC-2013-0020
Date: 2013-05-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Winyah Bay
County: Georgetown
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Missing or Inadequate Navigation Aids
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
Unit 1 was traveling east out of Winyah Bay through the jetties at 05:00. The operator was using a  GPS and buoy lights to navigate in the darkness. The light on buoy #12 was out, this was not known to the operator struck the unlit buoy with the vessel starboard front end. This caused a large hole in the vessel. There were five other occupants on the vessel but none of them were hurt. They returned to Ball Park landing and called DNR.


BARDID: SC-2013-0021
Date: 2013-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:38:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cooper River
County: Berkeley
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Unit 1 was traveling up river on the cooper river on the vicinity of Day Board #31 when victim stood up on the transom of unit 1 and jumped from the moving vessel. Unit 1 turned around to retrieve victim with no success. victim could not be located. body was recovered pm 5/28/2013 at approximately 0628 hours.


BARDID: SC-2013-0022
Date: 2013-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:31:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Marion
County: Clarendon
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
Unit 1 was tubing in Wyboo. During a sharp turn, the tuber lost grip and fell. She hit a wake and began bleeding from the nose and ears after a head first collision with the water.


BARDID: SC-2013-0023
Date: 2013-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:41:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Beaufort River
County: Beaufort
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Unit 1 was leaving the dock. After untying from the dock the operator attempted to turn the vessel in between two finger docks. The outgoing tide pushed unit 1 into unit 2 striking the stern then striking unit 3 in the stern as well.


BARDID: SC-2013-0024
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:20:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wando River
County: Charleston
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/24/2013 unit 1 struck three docks causing severe damage. Two vessels were also knocked from their lifts but were not damages, and one was capsized. Operator1 is at MUSC and has not recollection of the incident.


BARDID: SC-2013-0025
Date: 2013-06-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:40:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Hartwell
County: Oconee
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
vessel one was coming up on plane. The vessel was struggling to come up. The operator stopped and trimmed the motor down. On his second attempt, the nose went under water and the boat rolled over. A 18 gallon fuel tank had been mounted in the bow changing the characteristics.  The operator died from a heart attack. operator of vessel 1, had a tracheotomy due to a previous heart Condition and surgery that he had. He was morbidly obese at 350+ pounds. When the boat capsized he went in the water and was rescued by a passing boater. Upon being pulled out of the water, he had a heart attack and died. He did not ingest water through the tracheotomy tube.


BARDID: SC-2013-0026
Date: 2013-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW/Myrtle Beach
County: Horry
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
Unit 1 was starting the engine at the boat ramp to unload from trailer. When the operator turned the key the boat exploded knocking the console off. Victim was burned on the left elbow and singed about the head and legs. Subject went for treatment at Doctor's Care. According to the officer's conversation with the arson investigator, he stated that "the arson investigator noted that the additional of fuel vapors from recent fueling was ignited by an arch that occurred from two loose battery terminals. The operator tightened the wing nuts on the battery which caused spark and boom.


BARDID: SC-2013-0027
Date: 2013-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Great Pee Dee
County: Darlington
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Unit 1 was in the river assisting a person. Unit 2 was looking at another boat and not watching what was in front of him. Unit 2 stuck unit 1 on the starboard side at the windshield.


BARDID: SC-2013-0028
Date: 2013-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Great Pee Dee
County: Darlington
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
operator was cruising and noticed he had water in the bottom of his boat. He pulled the plug out to drain the water out of the boat as he was running. He attempted to put the plug back in and as he got it in he let go of the tiller handle and the boat took a sharp left turn and ejected him from the boat. The boat then ran over him, cutting his foot on the prop.


BARDID: SC-2013-0029
Date: 2013-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:15:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ashley River
County: Charleston
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Other
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
subject states that the auto pilot was malfunctioning and he could not release control of the helm when the vessel was approaching the bridge, causing the vessel to collided with the bridge abutments. operator became injured somehow.


BARDID: SC-2013-0030
Date: 2013-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ashley River
County: Charleston
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 left its boat slip and got caught by the tide Vessel 1 ran into the bow of Vessel 2 and Vessel 1 also hit the dock pilings causing damage to the bow of vessel 1.


BARDID: SC-2013-0031
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:10:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Greenwood
County: Laurens
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Boat 1 comes over the tressel at Idle Speed and starts to accelerate. Boat One sees Boat Two coming at a high rate of speed from the 11:00 position. Boat One decelerates to stop position and turns starboard. Boat One blows horn and yells at boat two. Boat One goes into reverse swinging bow to port side. Boat two hits boat one on the port side of the bow. Boat two never looks forward. Boat two operator was found to be under the influence of alcohol by the hospital when he arrived. The blood alcohol level was .213 as noted on the hospital report. Operator two died due to blunt force trauma.


BARDID: SC-2013-0032
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:52:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cooper River
County: Berkeley
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Unit 1 and 2 were on reciprocal courses. Unit 1 was just clearing a blind turn Unit 2 was in the straight away just left of center. Unit 1 and 2 collided resulting in 1 fatality and 2 injured in Unit 2.Unit 1 & 2 collided, all on board unit 2 were thrown over board. One of the people thrown over died due to injuries sustained from the collision. Unit 1 had one individual thrown overboard and that person had minor injuries.


BARDID: SC-2013-0033
Date: 2013-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Black River
County: Georgetown
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was traveling up the Black River near the middle of the channel on the PWC. Occupant1 was sitting directly behind him, Occupant2 was directly behind her. While underway Occupant1 yelled out to Operator to watch out that there were people in the water. Operator looked down and saw two swimmers in the water right in front of him. Operator turned the PWC hard to port in an effort to avoid hitting the swimmers The PWC struck one of the swimmers, a male. Operator turned around and took Swimmer back to the sandbar area. Swimmer had some lacerations on his right back side. Swimmer went to Georgetown Hospital where he received stitches for the lacerations.


BARDID: SC-2013-0034
Date: 2013-10-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:14:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Hartwell
County: Oconee
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
Four occupants on vessel 1 were traveling east on Tugaloo River. occupant was riding in a pedestal seat on the bow of the boat. He had seizure like symptoms according to other passengers, and fell forward out of the boat. He was not struck by the propeller. He was not wearing a PFD and drowned. The operator was charged with negligent operation because of seating.


BARDID: SC-2013-0035
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Murrells Inlet
County: Georgetown
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause2: Hull failure
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
While under way making way unit 1 hit a large wave causing the pontoon to break in half. The outboard motor and part of the super structure sank. The pontoons (2) and seats were towed to the beach and secured. No injuries to report.


BARDID: SC-2013-0036
Date: 2013-06-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Murrells Inlet
County: Georgetown
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of Unit 1 was attempting to travel east out of Murrells Inlet jetties. Operator 1 stated he lost his footing cresting a swell. Operator 1 struck his right knee and forehead on the rear of the PWC. The operator received a cut on his forehead requiring 17 stitches and a cut on his knee resulting in 4 stitches.


BARDID: SC-2013-0037
Date: 2013-05-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:19:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BROAD RIVER
County: Newberry
WaterConditions: Very Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
Victim put in on the tyger river in Newberry county with red kayak. Victim entered the Broad River. At some point victim was separated from kayak. Victim located 1 mile north of Heller creek landing floating in the river. The river was rough due to flooding from recent rain and victim had kayak for a couple of months. Victim was a non-swimmer and the victim was using alcohol.


BARDID: SC-2013-0038
Date: 2013-06-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Murray
County: Lexington
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Unit 1 stated that he was heading southeast out of the cove and saw Unit 2 heading straight towards him so he turned his boat to the right then he saw Unit 2 turn his boat to the left which was heading the same direction as unit 1. Then unit 1 turned back left and throttled down to neutral position and finally into reverse. By that time unit 2 was too close to avoid contact. 

Unit 2 stated that he never saw unit 1 until 1 it was too late. Unit #2 boat struck Unit 1 boat with the right front corner portion hitting unit 1 boat on the left front 3rd of the boat. No one reported any injuries and they both docked their boats at unit 2 lake house. Unit 1 boat had a hole into the upper side of the hull/top that you can see through. And a compartment cover from the front of unit 1 was knocked off. Unit 2 boat had damage to the welding area under the floor that connects the pontoon to the floor board. Also there was damage to the side and railing on the front and right side of his pontoon.


BARDID: SC-2013-0040
Date: 2013-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:51:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Murray
County: Newberry
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
When the boat began to move, heavily intoxicated victim fell forward and hit the side metal brace (windshield)with his head. victim was transported to the Richland Hospital and was released a few days later.


BARDID: SC-2013-0041
Date: 2013-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Hartwell
County: Anderson
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
The operator of unit 1 was refueling at a gas dock. He mistakenly tried to put gas in the oil reservoir. Gas spilled over into engine compartment. Unit 1 blew up when operator tried to start it. Operator was not injured. Operator was knocked off jet ski after the explosion and into the water. Operator was wearing a PFD.


BARDID: SC-2013-0043
Date: 2013-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Charleston Harbor
NearestCityTown: Mount PLeasant
County: Charleston
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Unit #1 was struck by unit #2 in the starboard side of vessel by the bow of unit#2.  Unit #2 failed to keep proper lookout running into unit#1.  According to statement, victim was relaxing with his arms out, then he was hit in the head by the passing boat.


BARDID: SC-2013-0044
Date: 2013-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Murray
County: Saluda
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Fuel
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Officer received a call on 6/28/2013 re: a jet ski explosion in Saluda County involving a male and female subject. Officer was informed that the male subject was airlifted to Palmetto Richland Hospital. 1st Sgt responded to the actual scene. Both subjects were gone when they arrived. 

Once both individuals arrived at the hospital the officer was able to identify them. After the doctor's first assessments there did not seem to be severe injuries. However, Officer went back to the hospital on July 1, 2013 and received new information. 

Occupant's injuries consisted of left tibial plateau fracture with a distal fibula fracture left fracture of takar neck and cuboid bone, left lis frac type fracture proximal #2-5 meditatarsal fracture with lateral subluxation, right lig frac ligament tearm right communited cuboid fracture, T-12 compression fracture, and tears to the PCL, LCL, and MCL in her left knee. Operator's injuries consisted of bilateral calcaneal fractures, 2nd degree burns on his right leg and arm, and post -concussive syndrome. Due to the officers investigation he contacted the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) about looking at the jet ski to determine the cause of the explosion and the responded to the request by stating they didn’t have a person qualified to do so and neither did the fire marshalls office. The officer was only able to determine that there were gas vapors trapped inside the jet ski and something sparked causing the explosion that was contained to a confined space.


BARDID: SC-2013-0045
Date: 2013-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:37:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Thurmond
County: McCormick
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
Unit 1 was fishing around an island. After a nights fishing, unit started motor to head to the landing. At this time unit 1 struck a submerged rock causing the hull to burst and the vessel quickly took on excessive water. Both passengers were able to remain in the vessel until DNR arrived.


BARDID: SC-2013-0046
Date: 2013-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: WAPPOO CUT
County: Charleston
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
Unit 1 was traveling toward Charleston Harbor made two passes waiting on the bridge to open up. Unit 1 operator stated the next swing to go through the bridge current caught him and pushed him into the bridge. SV received bow/starboard side damage. It is unknown how the victim received her injuries.


BARDID: SC-2013-0047
Date: 2013-04-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:43:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW/Myrtle Beach
County: Horry
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
Unit 1 was traveling North on the ICW approximately 200-300 yards of Dock Hollidays. The vessel hit a wake and the passenger fell off. The operator looked to see her and struck a cement pylon propelling the operator into it.


BARDID: SC-2013-0048
Date: 2013-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:33:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW/Myrtle Beach
County: Horry
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Unit 1 slowed as he approached a group of jet skis and blew the horn. Unit 2 passed unit 1, then turned and struck unit 1 on the port side.


BARDID: SC-2013-0049
Date: 2013-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:22:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW/Mt. Pleasant
County: Charleston
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
While traveling south on the icw unit 1 hit a walkway connecting dock. The dock was located off of goat island across from the isle of palms. Throughout the day two people were captains of the vessel. however, original statements put subject1 as the operator at the time of the accident. At approximately 2200 hours the vessel left the morgan creek area with subject2 as the captain. After a small boat passed them headed north of the icw he operator was changed to subject1 being that he had local knowledge of the area and was more familiar with the boat operation. It is noted the distance between the closest dock north and the hit dock is approximately 800 yards on the goat island side of the icw. Injuries: victim2 cut to the right side of head/ear. Victim3 head injury, ribs, and c2 fracture. Victim1 head injury, right arm, and right ear.


BARDID: SC-2013-0050
Date: 2013-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:30:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wateree River
County: Kershaw
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Unit 1 was going up river. Unit 1 might have hit something in the river causing both subjects to fall overboard. The female was able to hold on to the boat the male has not been located at this time.


BARDID: SC-2013-0051
Date: 2013-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:53:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW/Myrtle Beach
County: Horry
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
UNIT 1 WAS FOLLOWING UNIT 2 ON THE ICW. UNIT 1 ATTEMPTED TO PASS UNIT 1. UNIT 2 ATTEMPTED A TURN AND STRUCK UNIT 1 IN THE AFT STAR BOARD SIDE


BARDID: SC-2013-0052
Date: 2013-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:35:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: MACKEY CREEK
County: Beaufort
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
RedactedNarrative:
SUBJECTS WERE FISHING AND THE BOAT STARTED TAKING ON WATER. THE BOAT SUNK IN ABOUT 15 SECONDS. PER CONVERSATION WITH INDIVIDUALS IN THE BOAT, THEY STATED THAT EARLIER IN THE DAY THEY HAD TROUBLE WITH THE PLUG AND HAD TO PUT THE BOAT ON THE TRAILER TO DRAIN HE WATER.


BARDID: SC-2013-0053
Date: 2013-07-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: EDISTO RIVER
County: Aiken
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
UNIT 1 WAS REPORTED BY FAMILY TO BE OVERDUE HIS RETURN TIME. A SEARCH AND RESCUE INITIATED FROM DAVIS BRIDGE LANDING.victim WAS LOCATED APPROXIMATELY TWO MILES UPSTREAM FROM DAVIS BRIDGE LANDING. UNIT 1 WAS TIED OFF TO TREE LIMBS.victim WAS LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 35 YARDS FOR THE VESSEL DECEASED IN THE WATER. It is assumed the victim fell overboard.


BARDID: SC-2013-0054
Date: 2013-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:45:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Murray
County: Lexington
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
UNIT 1 WAS GOING NORTH AT NIGHT IN A STORM. UNIT 1 RAN AGROUND AT 132 WINDSONG LANE IN THE LARGE ROCKS. The victim hit his face on the console after striking a floating object cuasing his lip to bust.


BARDID: SC-2013-0055
Date: 2013-08-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Marion
County: Clarendon
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
After reviewing the written statement, and examining the vessel the following can be concluded. On August 14, 2013, operator was operating a 15 foot Jon boat with a 25hp tiller handle motor in Potato Creek on Lake Marion, with his son as a passenger. The vessel was traveling up Potato Creek; the occupants were in the process of letting water drain out of the vessel as it went up the creek. During the process of letting the water out, Operator let go of the handle on the motor, this action caused the vessel to turn sharp to the right. This turn caused both occupants to be ejected from the vessel and into the water. While in the water both men began swimming towards the shore. son returned to the vessel to retrieve life jackets for himself and his father, as he was approaching his father's location in the water, operator went under water and did not resurface. The body of operator was recovered on 8-16-2013, his death was ruled a drowning.


BARDID: SC-2013-0056
Date: 2013-09-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Greenwood
County: Laurens
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of vessel one was traveling home down the lake and got off course. Operator hit a retaining wall. The vessel jumped he wall and rested in the yard.  The victim was thrown into the dash but was not ejected.


BARDID: SC-2013-0057
Date: 2013-10-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Kinlock Creek
County: Georgetown
WaterConditions: Calm
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Congested waters
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Unit 1 was traveling North on Kinlock Creek. Unit 2 was traveling South on Kinlock Creek. Both units were approached a blind curve in the creek at about 15mph. Each unit rounded the cave at the same time striking bow to bow. All three people in Unit 2 were thrown from the vessel. victim1 had some soreness in his knee and rib and drove himself to Georgetown hospital. victim2 had some bruising on his thigh as well as some minor lacerations. He also drove himself to Georgetown Hospital. The creek was very narrow and neither unit could see the other until he collision happened.


BARDID: SC-2013-0059
Date: 2013-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Black River
County: Georgetown
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
WHILE UNDERWAY UNIT 1 TURNED TO STARBOARD INSTEAD OF PORT. THIS CAUSED THE VESSEL TO TURN INTO A TREE ON THE BANK of the black river. Elderly operator of unit 1 was just released from the hospital. Age and confusion was a major cause of this incident. Warning issued Neg Ops.


BARDID: SC-2013-0060
Date: 2013-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW/Myrtle Beach
County: Horry
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Unit 2 and unit 1 were operating on the icw with pwc in a circular manner. Unit 1 came to slow stop and unit 2 ran into the back of unit 1 causing injury to passenger’s hip and both pwcs.

Both V1 persons were thrown into the water and one was taken to grand strand hospital.

this unit was dispatched to gsrmc in reference to jet ski incident.  Upon arrival, V1 victim stated that she was on the back of a jet ski operated by Operator1, and her friend (V2 occupant) was on the back of a ski operated by Operator2.  V1 victim stated that both operators were driving in circles and in a manner that had her worried for her safety.  V1 victim asked them to slow down and stop driving in this manner. V2 occupant stated that Operator2 ran into the back of the ski striking V1 victim in the hip. Both V1 victim and Operator1 were thrown into the water.  The parties drove V1 victim back to dock. V1 victim was surprised that Operator1 and Operator2 had not called ems like they had discussed after the incident.  

Operator2 stated to V1 victim that he couldn't drive her cause he didn't want to get a dui.  V1 victim was driven to the hospital by V2 occupant.  V2 occupant wrote a statement. V1 victim was unable to write a statement do to her pain and medicine at that time.  V1 victim was directed that she could write a statement when she was feeling better.  This units response to the hospital was the following day after the incident.  Operator2 had not called to report the injuries to V1 victim or to his watercraft (owner of both vessels).  This unit went to the residence of Operator2 and advised him what i was there for, miranda warning was completed, and stated what the law was regarding reckless operation, proper look out, etc.  

Operator2 gave a verbal and written statement after signing wavier of rights.  Operator2 stated that he was sorry the incident took place, that he had called his insurance company to take care of V1 victim’s injuries, and he would help in any way he needed to.  Operator2 agreed that his actions were reckless and posted the bond for the violation which was taken directly to the magistrate and turned in to assistant with judge present.

This unit believes after talking with all parties that V1 victim arrived on flight to myrtle beach airport.  She was picked up by her friend V2 occupant and went to the water directly.  They boarded with listed parties and headed north on the intracoastal waterway.  Very shortly after, the operators, Operator2 and Operator1 started showing off by cutting it close and spraying.  At least V1 victim stated that she didn't want to continue in this manner.  Operator2 lost sight and control which brought him to strike the rear of the unit Operator1 and V1 victim were on. V1 victim received broken/fracture to her hip.  The Operator2 and Operator1 didn't want to drive her because they were concerned about blood alcohol content.  Operator2 didn't call until he learned that scdnr was at gsrmc and was concerned about going to jail for title 50 violations.


BARDID: SC-2013-0061
Date: 2013-07-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW/Myrtle Beach
County: Horry
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
UNIT 1 WAS PULLING A TUBER ON THE ICW HEADING NORTH AS UNIT 1 APPROACHED A DOCK THE TUBE CAUGHT A WAKE AND DRIFTED TOWARDS THE DOCK. THE TUBER ATTEMPTED TO FALL OFF BEFORE IMPACT BUT STILL STRUCK THE DOCK FEET FIRST. TUBER WAS TRANSPORTED TO GRAND STRAND HOSPITAL FOR ANKLE AND LEG INJURY.


BARDID: SC-2013-0062
Date: 2013-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: cHATOOGA rIVER
County: Oconee
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VICTIM WAS ALONE IN HIS CANOE PADDLING DOWNSTREAM ABOVE SANDY FORD WHEN HIS CANOE CAPSIZED. THE CANOE FLOODED ON DOWN RIVER victim WAS SWIMMING WHEN HIS FEET AND LEGS LODGED UNDER A ROCK THE CURRENT FORCED HIS BODY OVER BACKWARDS AND HE WAS UNABLE TO PULL HIMSELF UP.


BARDID: SC-2013-0063
Date: 2013-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:25:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SECESSION
County: Abbeville
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
UNIT 1 WAS TRAVELING UPSTREAM ON LAKE SECESSION AT IDLE SPEED. UNIT 2 WAS ALSO TRAVELING UPSTREAM ON LAKE SECESSION AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH. UNIT 2 FAILED TO MAINTAIN PROPER LOOK OUT CAUSING THE PORTSIDE OF UNIT 2 TO COLLIDE WITH THE REAR STARBOARD SIDE OF UNIT 1. UNIT 2 PASSENGER WAS EJECTED AFTER CONTACT.


BARDID: SC-2013-0064
Date: 2013-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW CHARLESTON
County: Charleston
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
UNIT 1 WAS TRAVELING EAST AT APPROXIMATELY 30-35 MPH. UNIT 1 HIT WAVE/WAKE AND victim FELL IN WATER OFF BACK OF JET SKI (UNIT 1).


BARDID: SC-2013-0065
Date: 2013-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Keowee
County: Pickens
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
UNIT 2 WAS PULLING A SKIER AND HE STATED HE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75 FEET FROM THE DANGER BUOY AND STRUCK A ROCK JUST UNDER THE WATER CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF BOAT AND OUTDRIVE.


BARDID: SC-2013-0066
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:35:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW/Myrtle Beach
County: Horry
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
UNIT 1 WAS TRAVELING SOUTH ON THE ICW. AS THE PWC CAME OFF OF A WAKE NEAR CHANNEL MARKER IT DRIFTED STARBOARD AND COLLIDED WITH THE CHANNEL MARKER/ NO INJURIES OCCURED.


BARDID: SC-2013-0068
Date: 2013-07-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Santee River
County: Calhoun
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
The water on the river was extremely high due to rain. Unit 1 was traveling downstream on the Santee River headed back towards Low Falls Landing. When unit was on straight away before trussel and the boat struck an unknown object in the water resulting in ripping bottom of fiberglass off 1/3 of the hull of the boat. The victim hit his face on the console after striking a floating object cuasing his lip to bust.


BARDID: SC-2013-0069
Date: 2013-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:25:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW/Myrtle Beach
County: Horry
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
UNIT 1 WAS TRAVELING SOUTH ON THE ICW WHEN THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE PWC AND RAN UNIT 1 UNDER AN AFFIXED DOCK. OCCUPANTS OF UNIT 1 WERE THROWN FROM UNIT 1 AND STRUCK A FIXED DOCK.


BARDID: SC-2013-0070
Date: 2013-08-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:50:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW/Little River
County: Horry
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
UNIT 1 WAS HEADED SOUTH ON THE ICW. UNIT 2 WAS HEADED NORTH. UNIT 1 AND UNIT 2 WERE MEETING HEAD ON AND WERE UNABLE TO MANEUVER AROUND EACH OTHER. UNIT 1 HAS DAMAGE TO THE PORT SIDE AND UNIT 2 HAS DAMAGE ON THE STARBOARD SIDE.


BARDID: SC-2013-0071
Date: 2013-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Combahee River
County: Colleton
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
subject fell off of towed tube. when unit1 circled around to pick up sbject, unit 1 idled over victim. victim was struck by the propeller across the back side and both ankles. victim was not wearing a PFD. victim was driven to Colleton E/R by operator.


BARDID: SC-2013-0072
Date: 2013-08-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:15:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Marion
County: Clarendon
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 CAME IN TO THE COVE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND EXECUTED A VERY SHARP RIGHT HAND TURN. VESSEL 1 WENT UPON ITS SIDE SO MUCH SO THAT THE MOTOR CAME OUT OF THE WATER. THE OPERATOR WAS THROWN FROM THE BOAT OUT THE STARBOARD SIDE. THE BOAT CONTINUED CIRCLING INTO TIGHT TURNS AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. VICTIM WAS STRUCK BY THE PROP.


BARDID: SC-2013-0073
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-08-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atlantic Ocean
County: Charleston
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Person departed vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Unit 1 hit a sand bar causing the keel to penetrate the floor of the vessel. Vessel hit the sand bar and began to rotate with the wind and the current. Due to waves Unit 1 was raised and lowered repeatedly causing he keel to penetrate the floor of the sail boat. Unit 1 was then guided as close to the beach as possible, when captain ordered "abandon ship'. All four people on boat made it to the shore. victim reported to the officer later that he received 6 stitches for a cut to his leg. Upon recovery Unit 1 had its keel completely removed, missing motor, and damaged mast Unit 1 is a total loss at the value of approximately $10,000.


BARDID: SC-2013-0074
Date: 2013-06-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW/Mt. Pleasant
County: Charleston
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
on or about 8/7/2013 at approximately 1600 reporting officer received a call from the radio room in reference to a boating accident. Officer was given the contact information for the owner of a 6ft. Triton name Squid Fishous (unit 1).After speaking with owner, Officer learned the accident occurred on June 21, 2013 and owner’s son was the vessel operator at the time of the accident. It was also determined that the vessel was struck from behind by unit 2. The two vessels were traveling together south on the ICW with the determined destination of Moise Island. Unit 2 was following Unit 1 in close proximity. Unit 1 stopped suddenly and Unit 2 was unable to stop in time to avoid collision. 

One passenger sustained a head injury and later went to East Cooper hospital where she was treated for minor injuries and released the same day. victim did not want to give a statement and was unable to be reached. Officer met with the operators on Unit 1 & 2, both provided statements. Officer spoke with the Marine Service Center and fiberglass repair shop responsible for the repairs on both units. Based on the statement provided and the damage from each vessel. Reporting Officer cited Unit 2 with 50-21-110, failure to maintain proper lookout. Both parties are in violation of failure to report and accident within 24 hours.


BARDID: SC-2013-0075
Date: 2013-08-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Murray
County: Lexington
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
unit 1 was anchored on Lake Murray when unit 2 approached. During the approach Unit 2 made contact with Unit 1.


BARDID: SC-2013-0076
Date: 2013-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW/Myrtle Beach
County: Horry
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Unit 1 traveling south on the ICW and saw unit 2 coming towards his vessel so unit 1 turned slightly right and unit still struck unit 1's port low pontoon. Unit 2 victim was thrown into unit 1 and fractured her left forearm and hurt her elbow.


BARDID: SC-2013-0077
Date: 2013-08-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wando River
County: Berkeley
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Failure to vent
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
L/Cpl responded to a boat fire call. She arrived on scene and met with the owner operator of unit 1, the fire department and Sgt. . Per Operator's statement he backed  unit 1 into the water started the motor and turned the bilge on for 5 minute.  Operator then backed unit 1 off of the trailer, turned it around and tied it off to the dock. Operator then heard an explosion in the engine compartment (i/o motor) saw smoke and fire immediately turned the motor and both bilge switches off and extinguished the 2 fire using  fire extinguishers that he had on board. he then turned the batteries off and dialed 911 per the fire departments incident report the cause of the fire is unknown. There was damage to the engine, its compartment and the areas around it that appears to be caused by the fire.


BARDID: SC-2013-0078
Date: 2013-08-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:20:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW/Myrtle Beach
County: Horry
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
BOTH UNITS WERE TRAVELING NORTH ON THE ICW. UNIT 1 SAW A SOUTH BOUND VESSEL AND TURNED AROUND TO AVOID SOUTHBOUND VESSEL. UNIT 2 WAS FOLLOWING UNIT 1. UNIT 2 RAN INTO UNIT 1 CAUSING UNIT 2 TO RIDE UP ONTO UNIT 1.According the the statement attached to the BAR, operator1 was riding a rented jet ski and he was turning to avoid a boat and when he turned around he ran into vessel 2. Operator1 hit his head and fell into the water. He stated he received minor injuries. operator2 stated that she was riding on a jet ski and was  going straight. The other jet ski turned to avoid a boat and she stated she ran into the other jet ski head on and fell into the water. She stated that she received minor injuries.


BARDID: SC-2013-0079
Date: 2013-08-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Stono River
County: Charleston
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
UNIT 1 WAS TRAVELING DOWN THE STONO RIVER WITH 2 PEOPLE ON BOARD. THE STEERING CABLE CAME LOOSE UNDER THE CONSOLE AND CAUSED UNIT 1 TO SUDDENLY TURN TO THE RIGHT THROWING BOTH PASSENGERS INTO THE WATER. UNIT 1 THEN STARTED CIRCLING AT APPROXIMATELY 30-35 MPH UNMANNED. THE VESSEL CONTINUED TO CIRCLE UNIT IT HIT A DOCK ABOUT 1/2 MILE UP RIVER FROM WHERE THE PASSENGER WERE THROWN OUT.


BARDID: SC-2013-0080
Date: 2013-08-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:40:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW/Myrtle Beach
County: Horry
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
UNIT 1 WAS ON THE ICW TESTING OUT NEW ENGINES AND BREAKING THEM IN. THE VESSEL LOST CONTROL WHEN THEY EITHER HIT SUBMERGED OBJECTS OR STEERING CABLE MALFUNCTIONS AND VESSEL MADE sHARP TURN INTO THE WOODS BUT THE VESSEL HAD NO DAMAGE TO THE LOWER UNIT. THE BOAT MAY HAVE HIT A SUBMERGED OBJECT IN THE WATER.  ACCORDING TO subject. THEY MADE IMPACT WITH THE WOODS AND IT THREW HIM ON THE FLOOR OF THE BOAT AND UP BETWEEN THE CONSOLE AND GUNWHALE ON THE STARBOARD SIDE. WHICH BUSTED THE TOP OF HIS HEAD OPEN AND PUT A KNOT ON THE FRONT AND RIGHT SIDE OF HIS HEAD. HE ALSO HURT HIS LOWER BACK AND RIGHT ELBOW.


BARDID: SC-2013-0081
Date: 2013-08-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:55:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake William C. Bowan
County: Spartanburg
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of vessel 1 stated that he was just cruising and went into a big cove to just pass through and come out. As he was getting ready to make a wide turn to exit the cove he was distracted by a wasp and turned to spray it and he dropped the spray and he reached down to pick it up, sprayed the wasp and then turned back around just as his pontoon struck a sailboat anchored in the cove (unit 2).


BARDID: SC-2013-0082
Date: 2013-08-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Private Pond
County: Williamsburg
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Unit 1 began taking on water. While turning left toward the bank, the weight in the boat shifted, capsizing the boat leaving two subjects in the water. One subject drowned. There was no plug found in the boat.


BARDID: SC-2013-0083
Date: 2013-08-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:45:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Hartwell
County: Pickens
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
UNIT 1 WAS TURNING TO PICK UP A DROPPED SKIER WHEN ELDERLY OPERATOR INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATEd QUICKLY. THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION CAUSED victim TO FALL OFF THE BACK OF UNIT 1 ONTO THE SKI ROPE CAUSING INJURY TO THE GROIN AREA.


BARDID: SC-2013-0084
Date: 2013-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Marion
County: Clarendon
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
UNIT 1 WAS TRAVELING TOWARDS DOCK A WHEN OPERATOR LOST CONTROL AND TRIED TO TURN WHILE LETTING OFF OF THE THROTTLE. UNIT 1 STRUCK DOCK B THROWING PASSENGER OFF OF UNIT 1. DOCK B WAS STRUCK BREAKING 2X6 CROSS MEMBER END.


BARDID: SC-2013-0085
Date: 2013-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAIGLER
County: York
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
BOAT WAS FOUND CAPSIZED AT 1915 BY PERSON WALKING AROUND LAKE WITH NO PEOPLE VISIBLE. DUE TO THE SIZE OF THE VICTIMS AND BOAT design, THS BOAT WAS OVERLOADED. BOAT WAS CAPSIZED WITH TWO NON-SWIMMERS AND NO PFDS.


BARDID: SC-2013-0086
Date: 2013-09-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:20:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: WIMBEE CREEK
County: Beaufort
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
UNIT 1 WAS TRAVELING ON WIMBEE CREE TRAVELING SOUTH EAST WHEN STEERING WHEEL POST FAILED SENDING THE OPERATOR AND STEERING WHEEL OUT OF THE UNIT 1. UNIT 1 THEN TURNED HARD RIGHT GOING IN CIRCLES. UNIT 1 PASSENGER WAS THROWN INTO THE BOW PORT SIDE FLOOR. the passenger STOOD UP AND STOPPED VESSEL.


BARDID: SC-2013-0087
Date: 2013-09-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Greenwood
County: Greenville
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
UNIT 2 WAS FOLLOWING ANOTHER BOAT WHEN UNIT 1 JUMPED THE LEADING BOATS WAKE UNIT 1 and operator1 MADE AN ABRUPT TURN IN FRONT OF UNIT 2 AND WAS STRUCK ON THE STARBOARD SIDE BY THE BOW OF UNIT 2


BARDID: SC-2013-0089
Date: 2013-09-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Winyah Bay
County: Georgetown
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
UNIT 1 WAS ATTEMPTING TO DISLODGE ITS ANCHOR LINE BECAUSE IT WAS ENTANGLED IN THE MOTOR PROP. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CUT THE ANCHOR LINE FROM THE PROP, A WAVE CAME OVER THE TRANSOM. THE BOAT BECAME UNSTEADY AND CAPSIZED. BOTH PEOPLE WERE IN THE WATER. THE HUSBAND WAS TRAPPED UNDER THE BOAT BUT MANAGED TO ESCAPE. HE ATTEMPTED TO ASSIST HIS WIFE BUt SHE DRIFTED AWAY WITH THE CURRENT AND DROWNED.


BARDID: SC-2013-0090
Date: 2013-09-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Murray
County: Lexington
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Unit 1 was headed north east when it struck unit 2 on the starboard side midpoint of unit 2 with the front starboard pontoon of unit 1. Unit 1 had a 360 light that was in a rear facing position not visible 360 at the time of the investigation on 9-13-2013


BARDID: SC-2013-0091
Date: 2013-09-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW/Little River
County: Horry
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
UNIT 1 SWERVED ATTEMPTING TO SPRAY WATER ON UNIT 2. UNIT 1 STRUCK UNIT 2 INJURING THE OPERATOR'S RIGHT HEEL. UNIT 2 WAS TRANSPORTED TO SEA COAST MEDICAL CENTER FOR TREATMENT.


BARDID: SC-2013-0092
Date: 2013-09-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Charleston Harbor
County: Charleston
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
UNIT 1 ATTEMPTED TO ENTER THE CHARLESTON HARBOR VIA DYNAMITE HOLE OPENING. UNIT 1 STRUCK THE SOUTH JETTY CAUSING DAMAGE BUT DID NOT PENETRATE THE HULL. ALL THREE PASSENGERS WERE ASSISTED. 1 WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL WITH MINOR INJURIES. UNIT 1 RETURNED TO DOCK UNDER OWN POWER.


BARDID: SC-2013-0093
Date: 2013-07-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW/Myrtle Beach
County: Horry
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Units 1 and 2 were rental skis from Level 10 Water Sports. Grand Father #1 grand son #2 were stopped talking and then turned to go in opposite directions. #2 crossed in front of #1 striking #1 in the right side puncturing the hull of the jet ski. The operator was not familiar with the area of the accident.


BARDID: SC-2013-0094
Date: 2013-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:53:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW/Myrtle Beach
County: Horry
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
UNIT 2 WAS FOLLOWING UNIT 1. UNIT 1 LOOKED BACK AT #2. UNIT 2 HIT A WAKE AND WATER SPLASHED IN THE OPERATORS FACE AND SHE STRUCK UNIT 1.


BARDID: SC-2013-0095
Date: 2013-09-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Murray
County: Lexington
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Six year old girl was sitting in her dad's lap driving the boat. 6-yr old unexpectedly pulled the throttle back to near idle from a 20 mph speed causing her 8year old sister to lose her balance and fall over the front of the rail of the pontoon and become injured. Officers stated that near the end of September 2013 the officer began to hear rumors about a boat accident on Lake Murray involving a child that was airlifted to the hospital. The officer got a name and contacted the mother of the injured child. The officer set up a meeting on October 6, 2013 with the mother, and the father. They Gave statements as to what happened and I went to the location that the boat was kept and took pictures. Apparently the injured 8 year old child fell over front rail of the pontoon after the throttle was suddenly and unexpectedly cut back to near idle from approximately 20 miles and hour. Victim's 6year old sister, was sitting on her fathers lap driving the boat. Operator said that he pulled the throttle the rest of the way to neutral after he saw his daughter, Victim, fall over the front rail of the pontoon boat. The boat was turned around and operator jumped into the water and help Victim, who was wearing a PFD, back into the boat at the swim ladder. This is when he noticed the cut on the back side of Victim. She was wrapped in a towel and they headed back to their house on the lake. EMS responded and took Victim o a waiting helicopter to take her to Palmetto Health Richland. There was a deep laceration on Victim's upper buttock and a cut on one of her toes that was also broken. the offficer is not sure whether the victim was struck by the propeller.


BARDID: SC-2013-0096
Date: 2013-09-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
County: Charleston
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
unit 1 attempted to launch boat at buck hall. unit 1 backed off the trailer at which time the motor on his boat caught fire and completely engulfed the motor causing some melting damage to the transom. Fire extinguishers were used to put out the fire. the cause was unknown.


BARDID: SC-2013-0097
Date: 2013-09-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:20:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Little Pee Dee River
County: Horry
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
UNIT WAS HEADING SOUTH/EAST ON THE LITTLE PEE DEE RIVER THEN HE STRUCK A LOG IN THE RIVER. THE VICTIM WAS NOT WEARING A PFD OR KILL SWITCH, was ejected from the boat, and was struck BY PROP IN HEAD AND HAND


BARDID: SC-2013-0098
Date: 2013-09-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Stono River
County: Charleston
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
RedactedNarrative:
UNIT 1 WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TAKE SHELTER FOR THE NIGHT PROEEDED CLOSE TO STONO NLET WHERE IT RAN AGROUND ON THE SHOALS CAUSING ALL (pob) TO BE AIR-LIFTED OFF OF THE VESSSEL. AS A RESULT OF THE ROUGH OCEAN THE VESSEL HAS NOT BEEN FOUND.


BARDID: SC-2013-0099
Date: 2013-10-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:50:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW/Myrtle Beach
County: Horry
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Unit 1 left Myrtle Beach Water Sports traveling north on the ICW. After a short ride north, unit 1 struck a submerged rock near Myrtle Wood Golf Course 18th hole and operator was thrown from the ski on to the rocks on the east side of the waterway.


BARDID: SC-2013-0101
Date: 2013-10-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW/Myrtle Beach
County: Horry
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
Unit 1 was traveling north on the ICW when large vessel #2 traveling south throwing a large wave knocked out the operator of unit 1 striking objects upon exit of the vessel. Operator #1 was unconscious and inflatable PFD brought him to the surface o the water.  V1 also was flooded.


BARDID: SC-2013-0102
Date: 2013-10-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:25:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Murray
County: Lexington
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was operating the boat. Victim stopped the boat to "pee" victim fell in the water from stern of the vessel. Wife of victim dove in and kept victim afloat until help arrived.


BARDID: SC-2013-0103
Date: 2013-10-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Waccamaw River
County: Horry
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Unit 1 docked on the end of the dock. 1 occupant on board doing maintenance. Unit 2 trying to back up into slip next to unit 1. Boat was out of the position and driver of unit 2 throttled too much trying to correct and struck dock and starboard box of unit 1. Victim on unit 1 lost his balance and his hand was smashed between the dock/pole and gunwale of unit 2.


BARDID: SC-2013-0104
Date: 2013-10-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:40:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Folly River
County: Charleston
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
Unit 1 was attempting to dock at Sunset Cay Marina on the Folly River. Unit 3 & 4 were tied to the dock at the marina. Unit 2 was attached to unit 3's davot. Unit 5 was attached to Unit 4's davot. Unit 1 made several attempts to dock when it got caught in the current. Unit 1 made an attempt to power out of the marina when it struck units 2,3,4,&5. The stantion was ripped out of the deck on Unit 1. Unit 2which is the dingy to Unit 3 had the starboard side float popped and the tiller broken off of the motor. The davot on Unit 3 was bent. Unit 5, which is the dingy to Unit 4, had the outboard motor broken in half. There appeared to be no damage to unit 4.\cell \lastrow\row}


BARDID: SC-2013-0105
Date: 2013-09-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:20:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Marion
County: Orangeburg
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Unit 1 was traveling up lake Marion (north west)towards I95 bridge coming from Mill Creek direction and struck a channel marker. Damage was to the front post side of boat. This accident occurred on 09/20/2013, Officer was notified about the boating accident on 9/23/2013 by 1st SGT . Officer  located the vessel at Johnson's Marine in Orangeburg SC on 9/23/2013. Officer  took pictures of the boat, registration number SC2648BV, and checked the vessel for all safety equipment or any evidence. The vessel had all the required safety equipment. Officer  then contacted the operator and owner of the vessel, and interviewed him. operator states he and 5 other people traveling up Lake Marion towards I95 bridge when he struck a channel marker. operator states it was channel marker 81, 82, or 83, e was unsure of the number. operator stated as he was traveling when he saw the marker at the last minute so he turned right but still hit the marker on his port side. Out of the 6 people aboard, 3 were injured including himself operator suffered a stomach injury. victim1 suffered a cut on his lip which resulted in 5 stitches. victim2 suffered a head injury which resulted in 4 stitches in the back of her head. All were treated at TRM and released. operator stated his vessel made it back to the landing without any assistance. operator said the channel marker was not visible due to darkness. As of this date Officer  has not heard about any damages to any markers. After Officer  investigation no citations were issued.


BARDID: SC-2013-0106
Date: 2013-11-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Carolina
County: Richland
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 11-30-2013, operator was fishing on Lake Carolina, in Richland County, by himself. Around 1100 hrs a witness observed the vessel capsized. The witness then notified 911, at approximately 1341 hrs. SCDNR Diver recovered the body in the area of the capsized vessel. The contributing factor to this boating fatality is a fall overboard. The cause of death was determined to be drowning.


BARDID: SC-2013-0107
Date: 2013-12-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:05:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Combahee River
County: Hampton
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was discovered face down in the water floating. Operator was found by a fishing partner in another boat who discovered victim after he was late to meet at the Riverside Public Boat Ramp at 1600 hrs. boat was recovered 4 days later from the bottom of the river by SCDNR dive team.  THe boat was overloaded. It is assumed the boat took on water and sank.  THe operator subsequently drowned.


BARDID: SC-2013-0108
Date: 2013-11-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big Pee Dee
County: Florence
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
The operator of Unit 1 fell overboard while following his son in law to Bluff Landing from their campsite. Boat, hat, and light were found down stream. Boat motor off, in forward gear, navigation lights on, kill switch attached and Q beam on and in the water. Boat overpowered. The motor was a greater horse power than the capacity recommended.


BARDID: SC-2013-5000
Date: 2013-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Hartwell
WaterConditions: unknown
Wind: unknown
Visibility: unkn
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
According to a news media report, a personal watercraft exploded causing minor injuries to thte operator after the operator had mistaking put fuel in the oil spot.


BARDID: SC-USCG-2010-0001
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2010-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:34:00
State: SC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cooper River
NearestCityTown: Charleston
County: Charleston
WaterConditions: rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: unknown
Visibility: poor
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
The Coast Guard received a report of a 12' kayak overturned in the Cooper River in Charleston, SC.  When the kayak was righted, it was found to be anchored and had a fishing pole with line out.  Due to heavy storms, search efforts by air were limited.  Station Charleston and Charleston County Sheriff's Department searched with negative results.  One person onboard is assumed dead.


BARDID: SC-USCG-2010-0002
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2010-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:12:00
State: AT
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atlantic Ocean
NearestCityTown: N Myrtle Beach
WaterConditions: rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: moderate
Visibility: good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: grounding
RedactedNarrative:
The owner/operator of the P/C HEADS OR TAILS is missing and presumed lost at sea after he was reported overdue and his recreational fishing vessel was found aground with the engine running on Myrtle Beach, SC.  GPS data indicated the vessel was travelling offshore of Myrtle Beach when it experienced a sudden course correction to the northwest until running aground.  When the vessel was found, it was rigged for fishing with 2 outriggers.  One outrigger still had a line out and the other line was snapped off.  The boat had three sandwiches in the cooler, one beer can in the console, two in the trash and fishing gear.  The operator intended to fish offshore for the day and return, a trip he had regularly completed according to his wife. Search efforts were concentrated in the area of the course correction. An extensive search of the area was unable to locate any persons in the water.  Notification was made to the immediate family and a Letter of Presumed Death was issued.


BARDID: SD-2010-0001
Date: 2010-04-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE FRANCIS CASE
NearestCityTown: CHAMBERLAIN
County: BRULE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 (SD 828 DF) WAS TRAVELING NORTH AT A SLOW CRUISING SPEED (25-30 MPH).  VESSEL 2 (SD 2423 AA) WAS TRAVELING SOUTH AT A SLOW CRUISING SPEED (25-30 MPH).  BOTH VESSELS WERE OPERATING WITH NAVIGATION LIGHTS FULLY LIT AND WERE TRAVELING IN A PREDOMINATELY STRAIGHT COURSE.

AT APPROXIMATELY 9:30 PM BOTH VESSELS APPROACHED THE I-90 BRIDGE.  VESSEL 2 BEGAN TO SLOW IN PREPERATION FOR FISHING.  THE OPERATORS OF BOTH VESSELS BECAME AWARE OF THE OTHER VESSEL AT APPROXIMATELY THE SAME TIME (WITH <30 FEET SEPERATION) AND IMMEDIATELY TURNED THEIR RESPECTIVE VESSEL RIGHT.  THE VESSELS COLLIDED PORT SIDE TO PORT SIDE, CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO EACH VESSEL.

THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED.  O/O OF EACH VESSEL SUBMITTED TO A PRELIMINARY BREATH TEST AT THE REQUEST OF THE RESPONDING WCO.  BOTH OPERATORS PBT RESULTS WERE 0.000.

DAMAGE TO VESSEL 1:  EXTENSIVE BUCKLING OF PORT SIDE ALUMINUM SKIN
                                     BUCKLING OF BOAT FLOOR NEAR IMPACT SITE (NEAR WINDSHIELD).
                                     CRACKING/BUCKLING OF STORAGE COMPARTMENTS AND DASH STRUCTURE.
                                     RIVETS IN SKIN POPPED/LOOSENED ALLOWING WATER TO ENTER BOAT.

DAMAGE TO VESSEL 2:  EXTENSIVE BUCKLING OF PORT SIDE ALUMINUM SKIN.
                                      POSSIBLE/PROBABLE DAMAGE TO STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS IN PORT SIDE.


BARDID: SD-2010-0002
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2010-04-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: BELLE FOURCHE RIVER
NearestCityTown: BELLE FOURCHE
County: BUTTE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentCause3: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday april 28, 2010 at approximately 12:45 pm male kayaker and female kayaker launched individual kayaks into the belle fourche river near the confluence of the redwater river and belle fourche river.  They intended to kayak from that location to where they had left a vehicle down stream (they had left a vehicle along the belle fourche river where it crosses under olson cut-off road).  Male kayaker and female kayaker were not wearing personal floatation devices (pfd’s).   Nor did they have any with them at the time.   They kayaked down stream until they arrived at the diversion dam.  At this location water can be diverted from the belle fourche river to orman dam (aka belle fourche reservoir).  The kayakers went to shore to investigate options for going around the dam structure.  At approximately 1:30 pm they made the decision to operate their kayaks through the diversion spillway. 
The female kayaker was the first to go over the spillway.  Her boat was overturned by the turbulent water and undertow at the base of the spillway.  The male kayaker then operated his kayak over the spillway.  When he saw female kayaker out of her kayak and going under water he exited his kayak to rescue her.  Both persons were overwhelmed by the turbulent water for what female kayaker believed to be approximately 20 minutes.  
After relaxing her body the current took female kayaker down stream and away from the turbulent water.  Once she regained her composure she saw the male kayaker about 50 feet down stream face down.   Once she got to him, she believed him to be unconscious, not breathing and without a pulse.  Female kayaker does not know how long male kayaker was unconscious but believes it to have been 5 minutes or longer.  Female kayaker did cpr on male kayaker for 15 to 20 minutes until be began breathing on his own.  
At approximately 3:00 pm female kayaker was able to contact butte county 911 to report the incident.  Butte county deputies, the belle fourche vfd and the belle fourche ambulance services responded.  
On thursday april 29th butte county deputys informed wildlife conservation officer (wco) of the incident.  He provided wco with shift report and accident victim information.
On friday april 30th wco and blm ranger met with male and female kayaker.  An audio taped interview was completed.


BARDID: SD-2010-0003
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2010-05-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:15:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OAHE
NearestCityTown: MOBRIDGE
County: CORSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unforeseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Floating Object
RedactedNarrative:
O/O1 WAS OPERATING BOAT IN GRAND RIVER DURING TOURNAMENT.  O/O1 OBSERVED ANOTHER BOAT THAT APPEARED TO BE HAVING PROBLEMS. O/O1 TURNED TOWARDS THE OTHER BOAT AND STRUCK A LARGE WATER INTAKE PIPE FLOATING NEAR THE SURFACE OF THE WATER.


BARDID: SD-2010-0005
Date: 2010-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:45:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE MITCHELL
NearestCityTown: MITCHELL
County: DAVISON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Governmental Vessel
AccidentEvent2: PERSON STRUCK BY VESSEL
RedactedNarrative:
ON 5-25-10 WCO WAS ON LAKE MITCHELL IN HIS PATROL BOAT. WCO WAS DOING A FAMILIARIZATION RIDE WITH PERSONneL FROM THE CITY OF MITCHELL FIRE AND RESCUE PERSONNEL. WCO SAW A PWC NEAR SANDY BEACH ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE LAKE. THE OPERATOR APPEARED TO NOT BE WEARING A PFD. THE PWC LEFT THE AREA HEADING BACK TO THE EAST. WCO FOLLOWED BUT LOST SIGHT OF THE PWC. WCO THEN DROVE TO THE SPORTSMAN’S BOAT RAMP AND SAW A VEHICLE WITH A TWO SPACE PWC TRAILER. ONE PWC WAS ON THE TRAILER AND IT LOOKED SIMILAR TO THE ONE HE HAD JUST SEEN. WITHIN A FEW MINUTES A PWC CAME INTO THE BAY AND WAS HEADING TO SHORE. THE PWC NOW HAD TWO OCCUPANTS AND NEITHER ONE HAD A PFD ON.

WCO THEN GOT OUT OF THE DRIVERS SEAT AND STOOD ON THE BOW. WCO THEN WAVED THE PWC OVER TO HIS PATROL BOAT. THE PWC TURNED TOWARD WCO’S BOAT, AND MOTORED OVER. THE PWC WAS POINTED RIGHT AT THE BOAT INSTEAD OF A COURSE TO COME ALONG SIDE. THE PWC WAS GOING TOO FAST TO STOP AND THE DRIVER WAS TOO INEXPERIENCED TO KNOW THAT PWC'S DO NOT STOP UNLESS THEY ARE SHUT OFF AND THEY ALSO DO NOT HAVE BRAKES. WCO REACHED DOWN TO TRY TO PUSH THE BOAT AWAY, BUT COULD NOT BECAUSE IT WAS GOING TOo FAST. OPERATOR 1 ALSO TRIED TO STOP THE BOATS FROM COLLIDING. WHEN OPERATOR 1 REACHED DOWN TO PUSH THE BOAT HIS HAND BECAME PINCHED BETWEEN THE TWO BOATS. WHEN THE PWC STOPPED WCO PULLED IT ALONG SIDE. AT THAT TIME OPERATOR 1 WAS HOLDING HIS HAND LIKE IT HAD BEEN INJURED. WCO ASKED IF OPERATOR 1 WAS ALRIGHT. OPERATOR 1 REPLIED THAT HE THOUGHT HE WAS BUT HAD PINCHED HIS HAND. WCO LOOKED AT OPERATOR 1’S HAND AND IT APPEARED THAT THE NAIL ON THE RIGHT THUMB HAD BEEN PARTIALLY RIPPED OFF AND THE MEAT ON THE THUMB WAS CUT. WCO EXPLAINED TO OPERATOR 1 THAT HE HAD BEEN STOPPED BECAUSE HE AND HIS PASSENGER DID NOT HAVE PFDS ON WHILE RIDING A PWC. OPERATOR 1 SAID HE KNEW THAT AND THAT HE WORKED FOR PALACE MOTOR SPORTS AND WAS TESTING THE PWC AFTER HE HAD WORKED ON IT. WCO ASKED OPERATOR 1 WHY HE DID NOT HAVE A PFD ON AND OPERATOR 1 SAID THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY AT THE SHOP. AFTER A SHORT TIME OPERATOR 1’S THUMB STARTED TO BLEED PROFUSELY AND OPERATOR 1 SAID IT WAS BEGINNING TO HURT. THE TWO MITCHELL FIRE AND RESCUE PERSONNEL ADMINISTERED FIRST AID WITH WCO’S  FIRST AID KIT IN HIS PATROL BOAT, BUT DID NOT HAVE THE PROPER EQUIPMENT TO CARE FOR IT. WCO INSTRUCTED OPERATOR 1 TO LOAD HIS PWC AND GET TO THE HOSPITAL WHERE WCO WOULD TALK TO HIM AGAIN.

WCO DROVE TO QUEEN OF PEACE HOSPITAL IN MITCHELL. WCO MADE CONTACT WITH OPERATOR 1 AND MADE SURE HE WAS ALRIGHT, AND THEN WAITED FOR HIM IN THE WAITING ROOM. WHEN OPERATOR 1 WAS FINISHED WCO EXPLAINED THE PFD LAW AND ISSUED OPERATOR 1 A CITATION FOR NOT WEARING A PFD ON A PWC. OPERATOR 1 HAD BROKEN HIS THUMB IN TWO PLACES AND NEEDED SEVERAL STITCHES.


BARDID: SD-2010-0008
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2010-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:15:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: BELLE FOURCHE RIVER
NearestCityTown: BELLE FOURCHE
County: BUTTE
WaterConditions: Very Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: HAZARDOUS WATERS
AccidentCause3: Dam/lock
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
PropertyDamageDescription: NO DAMAGE LISTED ON REPORT
RedactedNarrative:
On june 27, 2010 at 1:30 pm, wco was called to a canoe accident that had occurred on the belle fourche river in butte county, south dakota. The initial call was from a passing motorist that spotted a little girl (p1) wearing only a life jacket on the side of the road, next to the bridge on sd highway 212 that goes over the belle fourche river. The motorist stopped to ask the girl what was wrong and she told the motorist she was in a canoe that had tipped over by the dam. The motorist called 911 and reported the following to butte county dispatch. The caller relayed the information from the little girl that her dad (o/o1), his dad's friend (p2) and her sister (p3) were all still in the water and she did not know where they were. P1 also said the o/o1 and p2 were not wearing life jackets.
  
Wco responded to the scene with other law enforcement and emergency personnel to begin the search and rescue / recovery of the other people. Information at this point was that p3 was wearing a life jacket while o/o1 and p2 were not. The information was also uncertain as to the time frame of how long the people had been in the water. P1 said she walked a long time as well as waited by the water's edge waiting for her dad to come back for a while.
 
Law enforcement had the diversion dam's metal water gates closed to allow the water in that portion of the river to flow out. The water dropped about 8 to 10 feet in a matter of a couple hours. Two life jackets were recovered from the churning water at the base of the chutes. Two oars were also recovered in the same location. It was determined through the bureau of reclamation data that the water was flowing at a rate of 600 cubic feet per minute on that sunday afternoon. 
  
Wco located two halves of the canoe about 1/4 to 1/2 of a mile from the diversion dam to the east. The break was in the middle of the canoe with both halves being about equal length. There was one pfd tangled in a mess of rope that was attached to the bow of the canoe. The report from p1 was that p3 was wearing a jacket while they were in the canoe. While wco was pulling the canoe halves out of the river, the airplane spotted the body of o/o1 about 1/4 mile from where the canoe halves were at. 

Wco began to walk that direction in the water when he located the body of p2. After these two bodies were recovered from the river, the airplane located the body of p3 a little further down the river. P3 was found without a pfd on her. P3's body was recovered and all were taken the funeral home of the black hills in belle fourche, sd. 

On june 29, 2010 wco spoke with p1. P1 walked wco through the events of what may have happened. P1 began by saying they had just gone under the bridge that went over the road and came around the bend when she remembers the dam. P1 can remember going over the "waterfall" which would be the three chutes of the diversion dam. P1 then talks about the canoe getting hung up against the concrete walls of the chutes and that is when she remembers it breaking in half. P1 also talks about p3 spinning in circles after going through the chutes. This might explain how p3 may have come out of the pfd she was wearing before the canoe tipped. P1 talks about how she never saw p2 after he went into the water. P1 also talks about how o/o1 came out of the water and told her to stay there until he came back. P1 said she only saw o/o1 and p3 for a short time and then they were gone. P1 then talks about walking along the water's edge back to where she saw the last bridge.


BARDID: SD-2010-0009
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2010-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:16:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: ANGOSTURA RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: FALL RIVER
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: GROUNDING
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR WAS BOATING IN THE MAIN BODY OF WATER.  SHE STOPPED TO FIX HER HAIR-TIE.  SHE REMOVED THE LANYARD AND PLACED IT OVER THE RIGHT HAND GRIP.  SHE LEFT THE MACHINE RUNNING.  A WAVE CAUSED HER TO LOOSE HER BALANCE.  SHE LOST BALANCE AND BEGAN FALLING OFF THE PWC.  AS SHE WAS FALLING, SHE GRABBED FOR THE STEERING GRIPS.  SHE BELIEVES SHE PULLED ON THE LANYARD.  IT LOOPED OVER THE THROTTLE LEVER AND PULLED TIGHT.  THIS RESULTED IN THE THROTTLE STICKING OPEN.  THE PWC HEADED TOWARD SHORE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND UN-MANNED.  WITNESSES REPORTED THE PWC STRUCK A TREE AT THE EDGE OF THE WATER.  WITNESS ALSO STATED HE OBSERVED THE LANYARD LOOPED OVER THE THROTTLE LEVER WHEN HE GOT TO THE MACHINE.  WITNESS CONTACTED THE FALL RIVER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE.  NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED OR OBSERVED.  PARK RANGER ASSISTED WITH THIS INVESTIGATION.


BARDID: SD-2010-0010
Date: 2010-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:15:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: SOUTH BUFFALO
NearestCityTown: SISSETON
County: MARSHALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
AT APPROXIMATELY 1:15 PM ON JULY 4TH 2010 WCO 1 RECEIVED A CALL ABOUT A BOAT ACCIDENT THAT HAPPENED ON S. BUFFALO LAKE IN MARSHALL CO. SOUTH DAKOTA.  WCO 1 CALLED WCO 2 AND STATED THAT THE O/O1 WAS TAKEN TO AND ADMITTED INTO COTEAU DES PRAIRIE HOSPITAL (CDP) IN SISSETON SOUTH DAKOTA.  WCO 2 CONTACTED THE O/O1 AT CDP.  O/O1 STATED THAT HE WAS RIDING HIS JET SKI WHEN A BOAT PASSED HIM AND CAUSED A WAKE.  O/O1 STATED THAT HE THOUGHT HE WOULD JUMP ACROSS THE WAKE.  O/O1 STATES THAT HE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50 YARDS BEHIND THE BOAT WHEN HE HIT THE WAKE.  O/O1 STATED THAT HE HIT THE WAKE, ATTEMPTED TO STAND UP AND AT THAT POINT HE WAS THROWN OVER THE HANDLEBARS OF THE JET SKI AND HIT THE HOOD WITH HIS HEAD.  AFTER THAT POINT HE DOES NOT REMEMBER ANYTHING ELSE.  O/O1'S FATHER STATED THAT AT THAT TIME A PASSING BOAT SEEN THE ACCIDENT AND PICKED O/O1 OUT OF THE WATER AND TOOK HIM TO THE DOCK, SO THE FAMILY COULD LOAD HIM INTO THEIR TRUCK TO TAKE HIM TO CDP.  O/O1 STATED THE HE DID WEAR A PFD AND THANK GOD SINCE HE WAS UNCONSCIOUS, HE WOULD HAVE POSSIBLY DROWNED.


BARDID: SD-2010-0011
Date: 2010-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BYRON
NearestCityTown: HURON
County: BEADLE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentCause3: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: PERSON STRUCK BY VESSEL
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR 1 WAS FACING A SOUTH DIRECTION, WHEN OPERATOR 2 CAME UP FROM BACK LEFT TO MAKE CONTACT WITH OPERATOR 1.  OPERATOR 2 PULLED UP ON LEFT SIDE OF OPERATOR 1 AND COLLIDED WITH LEFT SIDE OF OPERATOR 1 PINCHING OPERATOR 1 LEFT LEG BETWEEN VESSELS AND EJECTING PASSENGER. WCO MADE CONTACT WITH INJURED AT EMERGENCY ROOM. - BAC FOR OPERATOR 1 WAS .08%

CITATIONS FOR RECKLESS & CARELESS OPERATION WERE ISSUED TO OPERATOR 2


BARDID: SD-2010-0012
Date: 2010-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SHARPE
NearestCityTown: FT PIERRE
County: STANLEY
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
O/o1 was driving the pwc with p1 on the back of it.  The wind was blowing hard straight down the channel.  O/o1 said he was just driving straight up the channel with no boats around when a large wave made him and p1 fall off of the pwc and capsized it.  They righted the pwc but were unable to climb back aboard it.  They were in the water by o/o1 best estimate 15-20 minutes.  O/o1 said the wave action was really rough and cold and that he and p1 had swallowed a bunch of water.  A fishing boat was nearby with o/o2 and p2 on board when they noticed the pwc without anyone on board so they went over to investigate and found o/o1 and p1 in the water.  They helped them into their vessel and called 911.  They also towed the pwc back toward the swim beach area in the oahe downstream area. 

Wco received the call and responded to it and was met by the park ranger and the stanley co so deputy.  During the initial contact wco interviewed both o/o1 and p1 and o/o2 and p2.  O/o1 was very cold but was doing ok.  P1 was lying on the beach with a towl around her and was vomiting and shaking.  An ambulance arrived and p1 received initial treatment, o/o1 also received some treatment.  It was the recommendation of the emt's to bring p1 to the hospital.  She refused initially but o/o1 ended up taking her to the hospital after the ambulance left.  

The rescuers o/o2 and p2 did not actually see the accident they only came upon the pwc and o/o1 and p1 afterwards.  

Wco interviewed all people involved and administered a pbt to o/o1 after interviews were conducted.  There was no damage to the pwc and based on interviews wco based the cause of the accident on the o/o1 inexperience and inattention to the waves and the conditions of the water


BARDID: SD-2010-0013
Date: 2010-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:24:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: ANGOSTURA RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: FALL RIVER
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR WAS PULLING GRANDSON ON A TUBE WHEN THE PONTOON ENCOUNTERD A LARGE WAVE THAT CAME OVER THE BOW THROWING OCCUPANTS WITHIN THE BOAT CAUSING THE INJURIES. BOAT DID NOT CAPSIZE OR SINK. OPERATOR STATED HE WAS TRAVELING APPROX. 20MPH.


BARDID: SD-2010-0014
Date: 2010-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: ANGOSTURA RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: FALL RIVER
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
ON 07-24-2010 AT APPROXIMATELY 7:00 PM  WCO1 AND WCO2 WERE PATROLLING THE WATERS OF ANGSOTURA RESERVOIR.  OFFICERS OBSERVED A BOAT HEADING INTO THE NO WAKE ZONE NEAR BREAKER'S BEACH IN VIOLATION OF THE POSTED WATERS.  OFFICERS RESPONDED AND MADE CONTACT WITH THE BOAT.  THE BOAT OPERATOR VISITED WITH OFFICERS AND ADVISED HE WAS TRANSPORTING A PASSENGER WHO HAD BROKEN HIS WRIST.  OFFICERS VISITED WITH THE INJURED PERSON.  HE WAS LATER IDENTIFIED AS INJURED1 OF RAPID CITY.  OFFICERS ASKED INJURED1 IF HE WANTED AN AMBULANCE.  HE AND HIS FRIENDS STATED THAT THEY DID NOT AND WOULD JUST TRANSPORT THEMSELVES TO HOSPITAL.  WCO1 RECOGNIZED THE BOAT AND OWNER.  WCO1 MET WITH THE OPERATOR AND PASSENGER A SHORT TIME LATER.  INFORMATION WAS COLLECTED ON THE DETAILS OF THE ACCIDENT.   OPERATOR1 STATED HE WAS DRIVING THE BOAT OWNED BY OWNER1.  OPERATOR1 SAID THAT THEY WERE PULLING INJURED1 ON A TUBE.  THEY SAID HE HIT A BIG WAVE AND FLIPPED ON THE TUBE.  THEY BELIEVE HE GOT HIS WRIST CAUGHT IN THE ROPE OR STRAP - RESULTING IN THE INJURY TO HIS WRIST.


BARDID: SD-2010-0015
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2010-05-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:15:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OAHE
NearestCityTown: MOBRIDGE
County: CORSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unforeseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Floating Object
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATING BOAT IN GRAND RIVER DURING TOURNAMENT, OBSERVED OTHER BOAT APPEARED TO BE HAVING PROBLEMS, TURNED TOWARDS OTHER BOAT AND STRUCK A LARGE WATER INTAKE PIPE FLOATING NEAR THE SURFACE OF THE WATER.


BARDID: SD-2010-0017
Date: 2010-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OAHE
NearestCityTown: GETTYSBURG
County: POTTER
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
AT APPROXIMATELY 2:00 PM ON JULY 17, 2010, O/O1 AND P1 WERE FISHING OFF OF A SUBMERGED ISLAND AT EAST WHITLOCK IN WHITLOCK BAY ON LAKE OAHE. WHILE PULLING CRANKBAITS, P1'S LURE SNAGGED BOTTOM. O/O1 PUT THE VESSEL INTO NEUTRAL AND ATTEMPTED TO UNSNAG THE LURE. WHILE O/O1 WAS ATTENDING TO THE LURE, THE WIND BLEW THE VESSEL IN BEHIND THE ISLAND. AFTER FREEING THE LURE, O/O1 REALIZED THE VESSEL WAS IN SHALLOW WATER, AND STARTED THE MOTOR. O/O1 PUT THE MOTOR INTO GEAR TO MANEUVER OUT OF THE SHALLOW WATER NOT REALIZING HE WAS IN BEHIND THE ISLAND. O/O1 NAVIGATED HIS BOAT TOWARD AND ONTO THE ISLAND. THE LOWER UNIT OF THE VESSEL STRUCK THE ROCK ISLAND AND BROKE THE SKEG OFF OF THE LOWER UNIT. THE PROPELLER WAS DAMAGED AS WELL AS THE GEARBOX AND SHAFT INSIDE THE LOWER UNIT. 

NO ONE WAS INJURED DURING THE INCIDENT.


BARDID: SD-2010-0019
Date: 2010-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE FRANCIS CASE
NearestCityTown: CHAMBERLAIN
County: BRULE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
O1 AND O2 WERE DRIVING PWC'S HEADED SOUTH.   P1 WAS RIDING WITH O1.  THEY WERE CRUISING SOUTH OF THE OLD HIGHWAY 16 BRIDGE HEADED TOWARD THE INTERSTATE 90 BRIDGE.  O2 DROVE AT O1 AND P1 TURNED SHARPLY JUST BEFORE GETTING TO O1 PWC SPLASHING O1 AND P1.  O2 DROVE OFF.  O2 DROVE AT O1 AND P1 AGAIN COMING IN FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF O1.  O2 TURNED SHARPLY TRYING TO SPLASH O1 AND DID NOT TURN QUICKLY ENOUGH.  O2 HIT THE RIGHT SIDE OF O1 PWC CAUSING A CRACK AND BREAKING THE FIBERGLASS ON THE O1 PWC AND THROWING P1 OFF O1 PWC.

Operator WILL BE CITED FOR RECKLESS OPERATION.


BARDID: SD-2010-0023
Date: 2010-08-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:30:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: SHERIDAN LAKE
NearestCityTown: HILL CITY
County: PENNINGTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On 8/21/2010 Wildlife Conservation Officer (WCO)  was on duty at a public information booth at Cabelas in Rapid City.  At approximately 12:00PM WCO  received a call from State Radio dispatch, stating that there was a boating accident at Sheridan Lake.  WCO responded.

At approximately 1:00 PM WCO  arrived at the Sheridan Lake Marina (North Side) and made contact with both parties involved in the accident.

After interviewing both parties, WCO found the following:

Boat A (the boat that received minor injury and damage) 
     -was occupied by 7 individuals 
          -Owner/Operator 
          -Passengers: 6
     -They were sitting in the boat (engine off), and P1 was getting ready to knee-board.
     -The Rope (75') was extended in the water behind the boat
     -P1 was standing on the stern of the boat about to jump into the water with the knee-board
     -A black Tracker boat (Boat B SD6485AA operated by OP1) came extremely close to the boat                                
     -The Tracker boat ran over the top of the extended ski-rope
     -The rope wrapped around P1 leg and knocked her into the water
     -The rope became taught and pulled hard enough on the tow-tower to leave stress fractures in the boat (where the 
      tower mounted to the boat) and torqued the tower from it's original shape.
     
Boat B (the boat that caused the minor injury and damage)
     -Was occupied by 6 individuals
          -Operator: OP1
          -Owner: OW1 (on tube)
          -Passengers: 4
     -OP1 was pulling a tuber (OW1)
     -The tuber fell off of the tube and OP1 slowed down and was going to turn around
     -A ski-line appeared behind Boat A and OP1 ran it over
     -OP1 stated that he was not going over 5mph when he hit the ski-rope
     -OP1 feels that it is Boat A's negligence for leaving their rope extended
     -OP1 and his passengers did not feel a jerk when the rope became taught

WCO2 arrived and took pictures of P1 ankle, stress fractures on the boat, and the torqued tow tower.  WCO2 also completed a boat accident report for Boat A, as WCO  completed one for Boat B.

WCO  had the boat owners exchange insurance information for the damages caused to boat A.  Both parties were cordial to each other and everyone was happy that nobody was severely hurt.

After visiting with OP1 for a time, WCO  found that no alcohol was involved.

WCO  issued OP1 a citation for careless operation.  WCO explained to OP1 (who was very cooperative) that his actions were careless because of the proximately that he came to the other vessel.  WCO explained to OP1 that it was his responsibility to stay a safe distance away from other boats as to not cause undue hazard.

There were also 2 children on Vessel #1 and 2 children on Vessel #2 that were not named.


BARDID: SD-2010-0024
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2010-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE FRANCIS CASE
NearestCityTown: CHAMBERLAIN
County: BRULE
WaterConditions: Choppy
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentCause3: SHARP TURN
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
O/O 1 WAS OPERATING A JET SKI IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO O/O 2 WHO WAS PULLING A TUBE. O/O2 WAS OPERATING IN A RELATIVELY STRAIGHT LINE. O/O1 MADE A COUPLE OF CLOSE PASSES TO O/O2 IN ORDER TO SEE WHO WAS ON THE JET SKI AND TUBE. O/O1 THEN SPUN A COOKIE, WHEN HE CAME OUT OF THE LEFT HAND TURN O/O1 STUCK O/O2.


BARDID: SD-2010-0025
Date: 2010-10-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE FRANCIS CASE
NearestCityTown: FT THOMPSON
County: LYMAN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Restricted Vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 WAS FISHING IN THE TAILRACE OF BIG BEND DAM IN LYMAN COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA.  AFTER FINISHING A DRIFT O/O1 BEGAN DRIVING HIS BOAT (SD 281 EH) TOWARDS THE DAM TO SET UP FOR ANOTHER DRIFT.  O/O1 ALLOWED ONE OF HIS PASSENGERS TO REMAIN SEATED IN THE FORWARD FISHING SEAT, PARTIALLY BLOCKING THE OPERATOR'S VIEW.  VESSEL 1 WAS TRAVELING EAST/SOUTHEAST NEARLY DIRECTLY IN TO THE SETTING SUN.  O/O1 NEVER BROUGHT THE VESSEL FULLY ON TO PLAIN, BUT KEPT THE BOW HIGH AND KEEPING HIS SPEED DOWN.  

VESSEL 2 WAS ENGAGED IN FISHING ACTIVITY IN THE SAME AREA AND HAD A FOWLED HANDLINE THAT O/O2 WAS ATTEMPTING TO FREE.  O/O1 DID NOT SEE VESSEL 2 (SD 648 CG) AND STRUCK VESSEL 2 ON THE AFT PORT SIDE, CAVING IN THE GUNNEL AND DAMAGING THE ENGINE COWLING.

NO PFD'S WERE USED IN EITHER VESSEL, NO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL HAD BEEN USED BY EITHER O/O


BARDID: SD-2010-0026
Date: 2010-11-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:30:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: RED LAKE
NearestCityTown: CHAMBERLAIN
County: BRULE
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: operator behavior
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
O/O 1 WAS HUNTING WATERFOWL ON RED LAKE WITH ANOTHER GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS IN A SEPARATE BOAT.  SECOND VESSEL LEFT THE AREA, O/O 1 STAYED IN ORIGINAL SPOT WEST OF THE BOAT LANDING ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE LAKE.  APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES AFTER LEAVING, THE SECOND VESSEL RETURNED TO THE ORIGINAL AREA AND FOUND VESSEL 1 CAPSIZED APPROXIMATELY 100 YARDS NW OF THE BOAT LANDING.  THE OCCUPANTS OF THE SECOND VESSEL COULD NOT INITIALLY LOCATE O/O 1, HOWEVER LOCATED HIM SEVERAL HUNDRED YARDS DOWNWIND OF THE BOAT, HAVING WASHED UP ON SHORE.  

CPR WAS PERFORMED BY THE OCCUPANTS OF THE SECOND VESSEL AND BY MEDICAL PERSONAL UPON ARRIVAL, SUBJECT WAS NEVER REVIVED.

O/O 1'S STOMACH WAS PUMPED IN THE AMBULANCE, UPON ATTEMPTING TO PUMP THE STOMACH A TWIST OFF BOTTLE CAP WAS REMOVED FROM THE SUBJECTS AIRWAY.

CURRENT ASSUMPTION IS O/O 1 CHOKED ON THE BOTTLE CAP, LOST CONSCIOUSNESS AND EITHER FELL OVERBOARD IMMEDIATELY, OR THE BOAT CAPSIZED WITH THE SUBJECT STILL IN IT.


BARDID: SD-2011-0002
Date: 2011-04-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE FRANCIS CASE
NearestCityTown: FT THOMPSON
County: LYMAN
WaterConditions: Very Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: HAZARDOUS WATERS
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On april 30, 2011 o/o 1 and p1 were fishing on lake francis case approximately 3 miles downstream of big bend dam.  While fishing they were in a secluded bay and were not aware of how strong the wind had become.  

When o/o1 noticed the wind he called the hotel operator where they were staying (a well known fishing guide) for advice on where to go.  After discussing the situation they decided to try to make it 3 miles to big bend dam where someone would meet them with the trailer rather than attempt the 18 miles back to the ramp where they had launched.

After driving the boat several hundred yards upstream, they were hit by a very large wave (reported to be 10 feet plus).  This wave bent the windshield and completely swamped the boat.  O/o1 immediately turned the boat to shore and beached it until they could get help.  The boat was tied to a tree stump and a large rock, however the constant wave action continued to pound the boat against the shore and rocks.

The majority of the damage to the boat, including large chips out of the fiberglass and areas rubbed completely through the gel coat were caused at this point.  Once the wind died down on 5/2/2011 o/o1, p1 and a local marina owner retrieved the boat from where it was beached.  

Photos available of boat as it was beached and photos of damage.


BARDID: SD-2011-0003
Date: 2011-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: WALL LAKE
NearestCityTown: HARTFORD
County: MINNEHAHA
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentCause3: OVERLOADING
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
RedactedNarrative:
ON 05/30/2011 AT APPROXIMATELY 3:30PM WCO1 WAS CALLED TO WALL LAKE IN MINNEHAHA COUNTY, SD FOR A CAPSIZED BOAT.  WCO1 RESPONDED AND SPOKE TO AN INTERPRETER FOR O1.  O1 SAID THE BOAT WAS DRIFTING TOWARD THE NORTH SHORE AND GOT CAUGHT IN THE RIP RAP. O1 COULD NOT START THE BOAT AND THE WATER BEGAN TO SPLASH AND FILL THE BOAT AND IT BEGAN TO CAPSIZE. O1 SAID SHE JUST BOUGHT THE BOAT AND IT WAS HER FIRST TIME ON THE WATER.  NOTHING FOLLOWS.


BARDID: SD-2011-0004
Date: 2011-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE FRANCIS CASE
NearestCityTown: CHAMBERLAIN
County: BRULE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
RedactedNarrative:
O1 WAS DRIVING THE PONTOON NORTH ON LAKE FRANCIS CASE JUST NORTH OF THE HIGHWAY 16 BRIDGE.  P1 WAS PUTTING AWAY FISHING POLES AND O1 WAS WATCHING AND HELPING PUT POLES AWAY WHEN O1 LOOKED UP AND SAW THAT THEY WERE GOING TO HIT THE FATHEREST EAST OLD BRIDGE PIER.  O1 TURNED THE BOAT HARD TO THE LEFT.  THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF THE PONTOON HIT THE BRIDGE PIER CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE PONTOON.   O1 DROVE THE BOAT INTO THE MARINA.


BARDID: SD-2011-0005
Date: 2011-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:04:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: EAST LAKE VERMILLION
NearestCityTown: CANISTOTA
County: MCCOOK
WaterConditions: Choppy
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentCause3: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 6-25-2011 wco was patrolling east lake vermillion by boat when he got a report of a boating accident near the east boat ramp of east lake vermillion. O/o1 and p1 were operating the boat near the east boat ramp waiting to put the boat back on the trailer and pull it out of the water. O/o1 was driving south along the east side of east lake vermillion when he noticed he was heading for a rock jetty at full throttle. O/o1 stated the throttle stuck and he turned the boat east towards shore. The boat struck the rock jetty as it was turning resulting in the boat sustaining damage to the hull on the starboard side near the bottom. 

The o/o1 was thrown through the windshield of the boat and landed on the rock jetty where he struck his head on the rocks and split his upper lip vertically. 

O/o1 was arrested by wco for operating a boat under the influence of alcohol. The resulting blood results came back with a .266 percent alcohol by weight. 

No pfds were worn at the time of accident.


BARDID: SD-2011-0006
Date: 2011-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE KAMPESKA
NearestCityTown: WATERTOWN
County: CODINGTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: SHARP TURN
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
O1 WAS OPERATING A PWC W/P1 RIDING BEHIND HIM ON THE SAME PWC.  THEY WERE RIDING JUST EAST OF THE SWIM BUOYS AT SANDY SHORE STATE PARK.  O1 AND P1 WERE TRAVELING NORTH BOUND WHEN O1 MADE AN ABRUPT RIGHT TURN CAUSING P1'S NOSE TO STRIKE THE BACK OF O1'S HEAD


BARDID: SD-2011-0007
Date: 2011-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:15:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HERMAN
NearestCityTown: MADISON
County: LAKE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentCause3: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On July 9, 2011 operator one (o1) was boating on lake herman with one passenger (p1) on board and two passengers (p2, p3) being pulled in a tube.  P1, p2, and p3 were all wearing their pfd's.  P1 was sitting in the passenger seat facing towards the stern of the boat observing p2 and p3 being pulled in the tube.  (note: there were four people total on board and only three pfd's.  Operator was cited for insufficient number of pfd's.)

Operator two (o2) was boating on lake herman with two passengers (pp1, pp2) on board and one passenger (pp3) wearing a pfd being pulled in a tube.  Pp1 and pp2 were sitting in the back of the boat.

At approximately 4:15 pm, o1 was heading northwest out of the south bay of the lake.  O2 was heading southeast out of the north bay of the lake.  The two operators were heading towards each other and met in a narrow stretch of the lake that connects the north and south bays.  This narrow stretch is approximately 200 yards wide.

O1 observed the other boat traveling in his direction and turned slightly to starboard, while o2 observed o1 and turned his boat to port.  O1 counteracted by turning slightly back to port while 02 mirrored o1 and turned his boat to starboard.  The boats were still inline with one another traveling at approximately 15 - 20 mph.

To avoid a collision (and avoid sending the tube with his kids into the path of the oncoming boat being operated by o2) o1 turned hard to port and shut down the throttle of his boat.  O2 responded by turning sharply to starboard and had slowed down slightly but was still maintaining enough speed to be on plane. O2's turn to starboard caused the tuber he was towing to be directed into the starboard side of 01's boat.  The passenger (pp3) being towed by 02, ran head first into the starboard side of 01's boat.


BARDID: SD-2011-0008
Date: 2011-07-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:20:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BRANDT
NearestCityTown: CHESTER
County: LAKE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
BT1 WAS UNDER POWER PULLING A TWO PERSON TUBE ON THE WATER OF LAKE BRANDT WITH TWO PERSONS ON THE TUBE, P1 AND P2.  BT2 WAS GETTING READY TO PULL TWO TUBES WITH A TOTAL OF FIVE PEOPLE ON THE TWO TUBES.  BT1 AND BT2 WERE AT APPROXIMATELY 90 DEGREE ANGLES OF ONE ANOTHER. 

BT1 WAS UNDERPOWER GOING BY BT2 WHEN BT2 WENT UNDERPOWER STARTING TO PULL THE TWO TUBES UP ON PLANE.  BT2 IMEDIATELY NOTICED THE TUBE LINE OF BT1 OFF THE BOW OF BT2 WHICH WAS APPROXIMATELY 15 FEET AWAY.  BT2 IMMEDIATELY DECREASED POWER THROWING THE BOAT INTO REVERSE AND STOPPED THE BOAT OVER THE TUBE LINE OF BT1, HALF WAY BETWEEN BT1 AND THE TUBE.  BT1 STOPPED POWER BUT MOMENTUM CONTINUED TO PULL THE TUBE INTO BT2.  P1 AND P2 OF THE TUBE PULLED BY BT1 CONTINUED INTO THE BOW OF BT2 AND P1 AND P2 WENT HEAD FIRST INTO THE BOW OF BT2.

NAMES OF OTHER PASSENGERS ON VESSEL COULD NOT BE OBTAINED


BARDID: SD-2011-0009
Date: 2011-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: ANGOSTURA
NearestCityTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: FALL RIVER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentCause3: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR AND PASSENGERS OF O/O #1 BOAT WERE CRUISING 1/2 THROTTLE HEADING TOWARDS THE NORTH MARINA OF ANGOSTURA WHEN THEY ENCOUNTERED A MALE ON A PWC (OPERATOR #2) JUMPING THEIR WAKE. OPERATOR #2 LOST CONTROL OF THE PWC WAS EJECTED AND THE PWC STRUCK THE LEFT SIDE OF THE O/O #1 BOAT. OPERATOR #2 WAS CITED FOR CARELESS OPERATION OF BOAT AND ARRESTED FOR BUI.

2 OTHER PASSANGERS NOT LISTED IN PEOPLE TAB WERE MINOR CHILDREN


BARDID: SD-2011-0010
Date: 2011-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE MITCHELL
NearestCityTown: MITCHELL
County: DAVISON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 7-4-11 wco #1 received a call from the mitchell police department. The dispatcher said operator v1 called and reported a boat incident that he had been involved in on lake mitchell. Wco #1 called operator v1. Operator v1 told wco #1 that he was involved in a two boat collision on lake mitchell, around 7:30pm. Operator v1 said that both boats were off the water. Since wco #1 was on lake mitchell working the fireworks display wco #1 told operator v1 he would meet in the morning.

On 7-5-11 at approximately 10:30am wco #1 met with operator v1 at his residence. Operator v1 told wco #1 that he was operating the 18' alumacraft with three other occupants. The boat that hit his was a pwc operated by operator v2. Operator v1 said that he was cruising off shore, the pwc came out of a bay area with operator v2 on it, not wearing a life jacket. Operator v1 stated that operator v2 was showing off for the occupants in the boat. Operator v2's pwc came too close and attempted to turn but collided into the side of operator v1's boat. Operator v1 said he also tried to turn away but could not in time. Operator v1 said that the pwc was turned over and the seat came off from the collision. Operator v1 and operator v2 then went to shore and trailered their boats. Operator v1 then discovered that considerable damage had been done to the lund boat. Wco #1 made note that it appeared that the bumper of the pwc struck the side and made an indention on the seam above the top chime about midway down the port side of the boat. Operator v1 also said the boat was now leaking water.

On 7-5-11 at approximately 11:00am wco #1 met with operator v2. Operator v2 told wco #1 that he was not wearing a lifejacket and that operator v1's boat had collided with his pwc. Operator v2 said he came out of the bay and that operator v1 boat had come to close and turned into his and they collided. Operator v2 said the pwc belonged to owner v2 and was located at owner v2’s home. Wco #1 then went to look at the pwc and met with the owner v2. Wco #1 made note of fresh cracks on the starboard side bumper a little forward of the steering column.

Wco #1 determined from the damage and witness statements that both boats were underway. Both boats were traveling in the same general direction. The pwc hit the boat on the port side with the pwc's starboard side, because of this wco #1 was able to determine that the pwc did not yield the right of way to the boat.

On 7-19-11 wco #1 mailed operator v2 a citation for careless operation of a boat and a citation for not wearing a lifejacket on a pwc.

On 8-15-11 wco #1 received the signed citations back from operator v2.


BARDID: SD-2011-0013
Date: 2011-08-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE FRANCIS CASE
NearestCityTown: PICKSTOWN
County: CHARLES MIX
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Improper Loading
AccidentCause2: OVERLOADING
AccidentCause3: Other
OtherAccidentCause: PASSENGER/SKIER BEHAVIOR
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: SINKING
RedactedNarrative:
O/o1, and p1,p2,p3,p4,p5 said that they were traveling north along the dam face when the p1,p2,p3,p4  said they wanted to dive off and swim. O/o1 stopped the boat so p1,p2,p3,p4 could dive off the boat into the water. Once in the water p1,p2,p3,p4 splashed the o/o1 and p5 left in the boat. P1,p2,p3,p4 repeated climbing in to the boat and jumping out for an unknown amount of time. During this time a few boats passed and their wake splashed over the rear of this boat. The o/o1 noticed all the water and thought the plug had come out. Once the o/o1 saw the water coming in he saw another wake come in boat and the back end of the boat sunk below the surface letting in more water. Everyone jumped out then to see if they could save the boat from sinking. Once everyone was out the group tried to pull the boat to shore but too much water and the only part of the boat out of the water was the nose and fairly soon that went under. One cooler and some seat cushions were floating when rescue arrived. O/o1 and p1,p2,p3,p4,p5  made it to shore without injury. None of the passengers or operator were wearing pfds during the time of the accident. Wco asked o/o1 if he had been drinking and he said about two beers. Wco did not smell any odor of alcoholic beverage but asked o/o1 to blow on a pbt which o/o1 did, resulting in a bac of .002.    


BARDID: SD-2011-0015
Date: 2011-09-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: ROSCOE LAKE
NearestCityTown: ROSCOE
County: EDMUNDS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
Operator HAD ONLY OPERATED THE AIR BOAT FOR A SHORT WHILE BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. Operator WAS TRAVELING AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED, EST. TO BE ONLY 10 TO 20 MPH AND TURNED THE WHEEL. THE AIR BOAT TOOK ON WATER AT THE BACK AND STARTED TO GO UNDER. THE OPERATOR AND PASSENGERS WERE ONLY A SHORT DISTANCE FROM SHORE AND EVERYONE MADE IT TO SHORE. NO EXPERIENCE IN OPERATING AN AIR BOAT IS THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT.


BARDID: SD-2011-0016
Date: 2011-11-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:15:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LYNN LAKE
NearestCityTown: WEBSTER
County: DAY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
RedactedNarrative:
O1 WAS NOT THE OWNER OF THE BOAT. P1 WAS THE OWNER OF THE BOAT.  O1 WAS ON PLANE GOING ACROSS THE LAKE AT APPROXIMATELY 11:30 AM WHEN AN UNSEEN OBJECT WAS STRUCK BY THE BOAT.  THE OBJECT PUT APPROXIMATELY A 6” HOLE IN THE AFT PART OF THE HULL OF THE BOAT.  O1 STOPPED THE BOAT AFTER P2 NOTICED THE BOAT WAS TAKING ON WATER.  O1 ATTEMPTED TO GO TO SHORE BUT WAS UNABLE TO MAKE IT AS WATER OVERTOOK THE BOAT AND ENGINE.  THE BOAT SANK AFT FIRST AND “TOSSED” THE OCCUPANTS OF THE BOAT INTO THE WATER.  P1 AND P2 WERE ABLE TO HANG ON TO THE BOW OF THE BOAT.  O1 WAS NOT ABLE TO GET TO THE BOAT.  P1 REPORTED THE FIRST TIME HE SAW O1 AFTER THEY WERE ‘TOSSED “FROM THE BOAT O1 WAS LAYING MOTIONLESS FACE UP IN THE WATER.  P1 AND P2 DRIFTED WITH THE BOAT UNTIL THEY CAME TO AN ISLAND ON THE LAKE AT APPROXIMATELY 12:30 PM.  P1 AND P2 STAYED ON THE ISLAND UNTIL THEY WERE RESCUED BY ANOTHER BOATER AT APPROXIMATELY 1:45 PM.


BARDID: SD-2011-5000
Date: 2011-05-09 00:00:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: Angostura Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Rapid City
WaterConditions: UNKNOWN
Wind: UNKNOWN
Visibility: UNKN
DayofWeek: MONDAY
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Person Departed Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Victim suffered a broken neck after jumping from a boat to swim. It is presumed that he hit the bottom.


BARDID: SD-2012-0002
Date: 2012-04-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:30:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: BIG STONE LAKE
NearestCityTown: BIG STONE CITY
County: ROBERTS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Improper loading
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
ON APRIL 21, 2012 VESSEL ONE (V1) WAS OPERATED BY OPERATOR ONE (O1) NEAR THE ROBERTS AND GRANT COUNTY LINE NEAR THE SOUTH DAKOTA SHORELINE ON BIG STONE LAKE.   

O1 HAD GONE OUT ONTO BIG STONE LAKE IN V1 FROM A LAKE CABIN AND DOCK LOCATED ON THE SOUTH DAKOTA SHORELINE AT APPROXIMATELY 0130 HOURS TO RETRIEVE A FISHING BOBBER THAT HAD BROKEN FREE FROM A FISHING LINE.   

AT APPROXIMATELY 0800 HOURS ON APRIL 21, V1 WAS LOCATED WASHED UP ON THE SOUTH DAKOTA SHORELINE OF BIG STONE LAKE APPROXIMATELY 150 YARDS NORTH OF THE LOCATION THAT O1 HAD ENTERED THE WATER. 

AT APPROXIMATELY 1200 HOURS ON APRIL 21 THE DECEASED BODY OF O1 WAS LOCATED IN THE WATER APPROXIMATELY 75 YARDS NORTH OF THE LOCATION THAT O1 HAD ENTERED THE WATER AND APPROXIMATELY 80 YARDS FROM SHORE IN 6.5 FEET OF WATER. 

O1 HAD BEEN DRINKING ALCOHOL PRIOR TO OPERATING V1.  O1 WAS NOT WEARING A PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (PFD) AND NO PFD WAS FOUND IN V1.  IT IS UNKNOWN IF A PFD WAS IN V1 AS NO PFD'S WERE LOCATED.

Investigator believes that alcohol was a cause of the capsizing.


BARDID: SD-2012-0003
Date: 2012-04-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE FRANCIS CASE
NearestCityTown: CHAMBERLAIN
County: BRULE
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause3: Hull failure
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
ON APRIL 21, 2012, AT APPROXIMATELY 11:30 AM, O1 WAS OPERATING HIS 2004 CRESTLINER WITH P1 ABOARD.  BOTH OCCUPANTS WERE WEARING PFDS.  O1 WAS TRAVELING NORTHBOUND NEAR KIOWA GPA AREA ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE MISSOURI RIVER NORTH OF CHAMBERLAIN, SD.  O1 STATED THAT THE WAVES WERE APPROXIMATELY 4-5 FEET.  O1 NOTICED THAT THE BOAT WAS LEANING TO THE PORT SIDE.  O1 SAW THAT THE PORT SIDE PONTOON HAD A SPLIT NEAR ITS BOW.  O1 SAW THAT THE PONTOON WAS TAKING ON WATER, CAUSING THE ENTIRE BOAT TO LEAN TO THE PORT SIDE.  O1 BEACHED THE BOAT TO PREVENT IT FROM SINKING.   

O1 STATED THAT HE HAD NOT STRUCK ANYTHING IN THE WATER OR RUN THE BOAT AGROUND PRIOR TO NOTICING THE BOAT TAKING ON WATER. 

THE WATER CONDITIONS DID NOT ALLOW THE BOAT TO BE TOWED IN THE SAME DAY.  THE BOAT SUSTAINED ADDITIONAL DAMAGES TOWARDS THE STERNS OF BOTH PONTOONS.  THE LOWER UNIT OF THE MOTOR WAS ALSO DAMAGED.  O1 THOUGHT THE DAMAGE OCCURRED WHILE THE BOAT WAS BEING TOWED THROUGH THE SHALLOW WATERS.


BARDID: SD-2012-0004
Date: 2012-04-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: WAUBAY LAKE
NearestCityTown: GRENVILLE
County: DAY
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
ON APRIL 21, 2012 VESSEL ONE (V1) WAS OPERATED BY OPERATOR ONE (O1) ON WAUBAY LAKE WITH THREE PASSENGERS (P1, P2, P3) ON BOARD. P2 AND P3 WERE WEARING PFD'S. THE WIND WAS BLOWING AT 40MPH AND THERE WERE 4-6 FOOT WAVES ON THE LAKE. V1 WAS UNDERWAY IN ROUGH WATERS AND HAD A WAVE COME OVER THE BOW. THE BOAT FILLED WITH 6" OF WATER. ANOTHER WAVE STRUCK THE BOAT FROM BEHIND AND BROKE THE SPLASH GUARDS ON THE BACK OF THE BOAT, AND SWAMPED THE BOAT. O1 POINTED THE BOAT TOWARDS AN ISLAND 100 YARDS FROM THEIR LOCATION AND WENT FULL POWER TOWARDS IT. WAVES WASHED OVER THE BOAT AND SWEPT SOME FISHING TACKLE AWAY. O1 BEACHED THE SWAMPED BOAT ON THE SHORE OF THE ISLAND. P1, P2, P3 ALL EXITED THE VESSEL.  O1 REMOVED HIS BELONGINGS FROM THE FRONT OF THE BOAT. O1 STOPPED REMOVING THESE ITEMS WHEN THE WAVES BECAME TOO HAZARDOUS. 

P1 CALLED 911 FOR HELP. HURON STATE RADIO NOTIFIED WILDLIFE CONSERVATION OFFICER. WCO WENT TO THE WEBSTER OFFICE TO GET A BOAT FOR RESCUE. WCO WENT TO THE WEBSTER OFFICE AND GOT HIS BOAT ALSO. 

WCO LAUNCHED A BOAT, AND WCO LAUNCHED A SECOND BOAT INTO WAUBAY LAKE AT THE WAUBAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE BOAT RAMP. WCOS TRAVELLED TO THE ISLAND WHERE THE BOATERS WERE STRANDED. WCO PICKED UP O1, P1, P2, P3. THEY WERE ALL COLD AND WET, BUT UNINJURED. P1 HAD AN OPEN BEER CAN IN HER HAND WHEN ENTERED THE WCO BOAT. WCO TOOK THE CAN FROM HER AND EMPTIED IT. 

WCOS TRANSPORTED O1, P1, P2 AND P3 BACK TO WAUBAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. AT THE REFUGE O1 ADMITTED TO DRINKING ALCOHOL IN THE MORNING BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. HE SAID THAT HE HAD A BLOODY MARY FOR BREAKFAST, AND A COUPLE OF BEERS IN THE AFTERNOON AROUND LUNCH. O1 DID NOT APPEAR TO BE IMPAIRED. 

WCO TRANSPORTED O1 TO HIS VEHICLE PARKED ON THE OTHER SIDE OF WAUBAY. O1 DROVE HIS VEHICLE BACK AND PICKED UP P1, P2, P3.


BARDID: SD-2012-0005
Date: 2012-05-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: ANGOSTURA RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: FALL RIVER
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL AND OCCUPANTS WERE OUT FISHING ON THE WATER OF ANGOSTURA RESERVOIR.  THEY WERE FISHING NEAR THE MOUTH OF THE CHEYENNE RIVER.  THE OPERATOR STATED THAT STRONG WINDS CAME UP VERY FAST AND THEY WERE HEADED TO THE BOAT RAMP.  WHILE IN ROUTE, THE BOAT NOSED INTO A COUPLE LARGE WAVES WHICH FLOODED THE BOAT.  THIS CAUSED THE BOAT TO FILL AND CAPSIZE.  THE FOUR OCCUPANTS WENT INTO THE WATER.  THE CHILD WAS WEARING A PFD AND WAS ASSISTED BY ONE OF THE ADULT OCCUPANTS.  ANOTHER BOAT WITNESSED THE ACCIDENT AND WENT TO THE ASSISTANCE OF THOSE IN THE WATER.  TWO OF THE SUBJECTS WERE TRANSPORTED TO SHORE.  THE OPERATOR OF THE CAPSIZED VESSEL AND HIS SON WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE NORTH BOAT MARINA WHERE THE CHILD WAS CHECKED OUT BY EMERGENCY MEDICAL PERSONNEL.  HE WAS RELEASED AND DETERMINED TO BE OK.  WCO MET OPERATOR AT THAT LOCATION, RECORDED INFORMATION, THEN WENT AND RECOVERED BOAT.  THE BOAT WAS THEN RETURNED TO THE OPERATOR AND LOADED ON THE TRAILER AND REMOVED FROM THE RESERVOIR.


BARDID: SD-2012-0006
Date: 2012-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE FRANCIS CASE
NearestCityTown: PLATTE
County: CHARLES MIX
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Carbon monoxide exposure
AccidentEvent1: Carbon Monoxide Exposure
RedactedNarrative:
WCO WAS CONTACTED ABOUT 2 INDIVIDUALS FOUND DECEASED ON A CABIN CRUISER MOORED AT DOCK 44 MARINA AT SNAKE CREEK. AN SO DEPUTY MADE FIRST CONTACT WITH THE VESSEL. SO DEPUTY BOARDED THE VESSEL AND FOUND A GENERATOR RUNNING IN THE BILGE OF THE BOAT. SO DEPUTY SHUT DOWN THE GENERATOR AND OPENED WINDOWS IN THE CABIN OF THE BOAT. AFTER THREE HOURS OF FRESH AIR VENTILATION TO THE CABIN SO RETURNED TO THE VESSEL AND WAS STILL GETTTING HIGH CARBON MONOXIDE READINGS.  WHEN WCO ARRIVED AGENTS FROM DCI AS WELL AS SO WERE ON SCENE. WCO, DCI AND SO WAITED UNTIL CARBON MONOXIDE LEVELS REGISTERED ZERO BEFORE BOARDING THE VESSEL. ONCE ABOARD THE VESSEL BOTH PASSENGERS WERE FOUND WITHIN THE CABIN AREA OF THE BOAT DECEASED ALONG WITH THEIR TWO DOGS, ALSO DECEASED. 
WCO VISUALLY INSPECTED THE EXHAUST SYSTEM OF THE GENERATOR AND FOUND NO LOOSE FITTINGS OR CONNECTIONS IN THE DISCHARGE HOSE WHICH APPEARED TO BE IN GOOD CONDITION. THE GENERATOR IS BELIEVED TO BE THE LIKELY SOURCE OF CARBON MONOXIDE WITHIN THE VESSEL.


BARDID: SD-2012-0007
Date: 2012-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:53:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE MADISON
NearestCityTown: MADISON
County: LAKE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS TRAVELING IN A SOUTH EAST DIRECTION AND WAS LOOKING TO MAKE TURN BACK TO CABIN WHEN LOOKED UP AND SAW V2 TRAVELING NORTHBOUND. V1 STRUCK V2 ON V2 PORT SIDE OF VESSEL.  O2 FROM V2 WAS EJECTED FROM VESSEL INTO WATER. O1 FROM V1 WAS INJURED FROM THE COLLISION. 

BOTH JET SKI'S HAD 990 CC MOTORS ON THEM


BARDID: SD-2012-0008
Date: 2012-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: MISSOURI RIVER
NearestCityTown: PLATTE
County: CHARLES MIX
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with Fixed Object
RedactedNarrative:
ON JUNE 24TH VESSEL ONE (V1) WAS OPERATED BY OPERATOR ONE (O1) ON THE MISSOURI RIVER WITH FOUR PASSENGERS ON BOARD (P1, P2, P3, P4). P2, P3, AND P4 WERE WEARING PFDS. O1 WAS MOORED TO THE 3RD PILLAR ON THE PLATTE-WINNER BRDGE FROM THE EASTERN BANK. P1 RELEASED THE MOORING  O1 ALLOWED THE BOAT TO DRIFT DOWNSTREAM. 

O1 DROVE THE BOAT TO THE NEXT PILLAR TO THE WEST (4TH PILLAR FROM THE EASTERN BANK). P1 THREW A ROPE AROUND THE PILLAR IN AN ATTEMPT TO MOOR THE BOAT TO IT. O1 SLOWLY ACCELLERATED TOWARDS THE PILLAR. O1 TRIPPED ON A TACKLE BOX ON THE FLOOR OF THE BOAT. O1 FELL, AND WHILE FALLING GRABBED ONTO THE STEERING WHEEL AND PUSHED THE TROTTLE FORWARD TO FULL POWER. THE BOAT ACCELERATED INTO THE PILLAR AND  TURNED SIDEWAYS UPON IMPACT. 

O1 WAS ABLE TO STOP THE THROTTLE AND ALLOW THE BOAT TO DRIFT AWAY FROM THE PILLAR. O1 DROVE THE BOAT BACK TO THE PLATTE BOAT RAMP. 

P1 EXPERIENCED MUSCLE PAIN AND SPASMS LATER THAT EVENING. SHE WAS TAKEN TO ACUTE CARE


BARDID: SD-2012-0009
Date: 2012-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE FRANCIS CASE
NearestCityTown: OACOMA
County: LYMAN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
ON JULY 1, 2012 V1 WAS BEING OPERATED ON LAKE FRANCIS CASE NEAR OACOMA WITH TWO OCCUPANTS (O1 AND P1).  AT THE SAME DATE AND TIME V2 WAS BEING OPERATED ON LAKE FRANCIS CASE, ALSO WITH TWO OCCUPANTS (O2 AND P2).  ALL OCCUPANTS OF BOTH VESSELS STATED THEY WERE WEARING THE REQUIRED PFD'S AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. 

AT APPROXIMATELY 4:00 PM V1 WAS TRAVELING NORTH/NORTHWEST IN THE BAY SOUTH OF CEDAR SHORE MARINA ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE HWY 16 CAUSEWAY WITH O1 AND P1.  BOTH O1 AND P1 STATED THAT THEY DID NOT SEE ANY OTHER VESSELS IN THEIR IMMEDIATE VICINITY.  MOMENTS BEFORE IMPACT AS O1 WAS ACCELERATING, P1 SAW V2 WITH O2 AND P2 ON BOARD APPROACHING FROM THEIR STARBOARD SIDE TRAVELING WEST/SOUTHWEST.   

O2 STATED SHE ALSO DID NOT SEE V1 UNTIL 1-2 SECONDS PRIOR TO IMPACT.  AT THIS TIME O2 LET OFF THE THROTTLE AND ATTEMPTED TO TURN AWAY FROM V1 BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO (NO OFF-THROTTLE STEERING).   

V2 STRUCK V1 JUST AHEAD OF THE DRIVER'S POSITION AT WHAT APPEARED TO BE JUST OVER A RIGHT ANGLE (APPROXIMATELY 100 DEGREES) CREATING A HOLE IN THE FIBERGLASS BODY OF V1.  V2 RODE PART WAY OVER THE BOW OF V1 AND THEN SLID OFF FORWARD, CREATING GOUGES AND PAINT TRANSFER IN THE COWLING IN FRONT OF THE HANDLE BARS AS WELL AS PAINT TRANSFER ON THE SIDE MIRROR.  VERY LITTLE DAMAGE WAS NOTED ON V2, V2 WAS UNABLE TO BE DOCUMENTED PRIOR TO FURTHER USE.


BARDID: SD-2012-0010
Date: 2012-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: DEERFIELD LAKE
NearestCityTown: HILL CITY
County: PENNINGTON
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
ON 5/28/12 AT APPROXIMATELY 2:30PM THE MOTHER OF O1 DROPPED O1 OFF AT DEERFIELD LAKE NEAR THE MOUTH OF DITCH CREEK.  THE MOTHER STATED THAT SHE WOULD PICK UP O1 AT A DESIGNATED MEETING PLACE AROUND 5:00PM-5:30PM.  THE MOTHER STATED THE O1 WAS WEARING HIS LIFE JACKET THE LAST TIME SHE SAW HIM.  O1 DID NOT SHOW UP AT THE DESIGNATED MEETING PLACE.  THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS BEGAN SEARCHING THE LAKE AREA FOR O1.  AT APPROXIMATELY 7:00PM A FAMILY FRIEND FOUND O1’S KAYAK ON THE EAST SHORE OF GOLD RUN.  THE KAYAK WAS FOUND FULL OF WATER AND THE OAR WAS LOCATED NEXT TO THE KAYAK. 

ACCORDING TO O1’S MOTHER, A NEIGHBOR WAS DRIVING WESTBOUND ON DEERFIELD RD AT APPROXIMATELY 4:00PM AND WITNESSED O1 PADDLING HIS KAYAK NEAR THE MOUTH OF GOLD RUN.  THE SEARCH BY FAMILY AND FRIENDS CONTINUED UNTIL LAW ENFORCEMENT WAS CALLED AT ABOUT 9:00PM. 

ON 5/29/12 A LIFE JACKET WAS FOUND AT THE SOUTH END OF GOLD RUN BY A MEMBER OF THE GROUND SEARCH TEAM AND IT WAS LATER IDENTIFIED BY THE FAMILY AS BEING O1’S LIFE JACKET.  A TENNIS SHOE WAS ALSO FOUND BY SEARCH AND RESCUE MEMBERS ON 5-29-12.  ON 6/5/12 A MATCHING SHOE WAS FOUND ON THE EAST SHORE OF GOLD RUN.  THE SHOES WERE IDENTIFIED BY THE FAMILY AS BEING O1’S SHOES. 

AN EXTENSIVE SEARCH WAS CONDUCTED OVER THE NEXT TWO WEEKS IN SEARCH OF O1.  RESOURCES INVOLVED INCLUDED: SAR GROUND CREWS, SAR DIVERS, CIVIL AIR PATROL, SO, WCO USING SIDE-SCAN SONAR, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS USING SIDE-SCAN SONAR, AND DOGS.   

ON 6/13/2012 AT APPROXIMATELY 4:30PM O1’S BODY WAS FOUND IN  47 FEET OF WATER (59°F) USING SIDE-SCAN SONAR. 

IT IS ASSUMED THAT O1’S KAYAK CAPSIZED IN WINDY WEATHER AND HAZARDOUS WATERS AT APPROXIMATELY 4:00PM ON 5/28/12.


BARDID: SD-2012-0012
Date: 2012-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: ROY LAKE
NearestCityTown: LAKE CITY
County: MARSHALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
ON JULY 1, 2011 VESSEL ONE (V1) WAS OPERATED BY OPERATOR ONE (O1) ON ROY LAKE IN MARSHALL COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA WITH ONE PASSENGER (V1P1) ON BOARD. AT APPROXIMATELY 1:00PM V1 OPERATED BY O1 WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 10-15MPH HEADING WEST FROM THE EASTERN SHORELINE OF ROY LAKE. V1 CAME INTO CONTACT WITH LARGE ROCKS APPROXIMATELY 6-8 INCHES BELOW THE SURFACE OF THE WATER 200 YARDS OUT FROM MAIN ISLAND ON ROY LAKE.  THE DAMAGE WAS TO V1'S MOTOR SPECIFICALLY LOWER UNIT AND SKAG OF MOTOR. NO ONE WAS INJURED AND NO LIFEJACKETS WERE USED IN THIS INCIDENT.


BARDID: SD-2012-0013
Date: 2012-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:45:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: ROY LAKE
NearestCityTown: LAKE CITY
County: MARSHALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
ON JULY 4, 2012, VESSEL ONE (V1) WAS OPERATED BY OPERATOR ONE (O1) ON ROY LAKE IN MARSHALL COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA WITH EIGHT PASSENGERS (V1P8) ON BOARD. 

AT APPROXIMATELY 2:45PM, V1 OPERATED BY O1 WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 20-25MPH, HEADING NORTHEAST FROM THE SOUTHWEST SHORELINE OF ROY LAKE. 

V1 CAME INTO CONTACT WITH LARGE ROCKS APPROXIMATELY 6-8 INCHES BELOW THE SURFACE OF THE WATER 200 YARDS OUT FROM MAIN ISLAND ON ROY LAKE. 

V1 HAD DAMAGE ON THE KEEL PORTION OF THE VESSEL AND HULL DAMAGE AND DENTING WITH MAJOR GOUGING 1/4" TO 1/2" DEEP ON THE PORT SIDE APPROXIMATELY 12 INCHES FROM THE KEEL. 

THE DAMAGE WAS ALSO TO V1'S MOTOR, LOWER UNIT CRACKED, SKAG BROKEN OFF MOTOR AND ALL BLADES BROKE OFF PROPELLER OF MOTOR. 

NO ONE WAS INJURED AND NO LIFEJACKETS WERE USED IN THIS INCIDENT. 

THE 5 OTHER PASSENGERS ON THE VESSEL WERE ALL MINOR CHILDREN BELONGING TO THE OPERATOR AND ANOTHER PASSENGER.


BARDID: SD-2012-0014
Date: 2012-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:55:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE POINSETT
NearestCityTown: LAKE NORDEN
County: HAMLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
O1 LEFT THE DOCK AND BEGAN DRIVING ACROSS THE LAKE IN VESSEL 1. VESSEL 1 WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY HALF THROTTLE, NOT ON PLANE.  O1 DROPPED A BOTTLE OF POP ON THE FLOOR OF THE BOAT. O1 REACHED DOWN TO PICK UP THE BOTTLE AND BEGAN HEARING SCREAMING AND YELLING. WHEN O1 LOOKED UP HE NOTICED A BOAT, O1 TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE STARBOARD SIDE. VESSEL 1 RAN OVER THE OUTBOARD MOTOR OF VESSEL 2. VESSEL 1 STRUCK VESSEL 2 WITH THE STARBOARD SIDE OF THE BOAT. VESSEL 2 WAS STRUCK ON THE STARBOARD TRANSOM CORNER AND MOTOR. THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL 2 (O2) STATED HE COULD NOT SEE THE DRIVER OF VESSEL 1 BEFORE IMPACT.


BARDID: SD-2012-0017
Date: 2012-08-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:15:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: ANGOSTURA
NearestCityTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: FALL RIVER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: PASSENGER/SKIER BEHAVIOR
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR WAS PULLING HIS SON (P1) ON A WAKEBOARD AND THE WAKEBOARDER ATTEMPED A TRICK FLIP WHICH RESULTED IN HIM FALLING OFF AND CAUSING A POSSIBLE CONCUSION.  WITNESSES INDICATED THAT (P1) WAS UNCONSIOUS FOR APPROXIMATELY 90 SECONDS. HE WAS BROUGHT TO THE NORTH MARINA RAMP WHERE HE WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULACE TO RAPID CITY. OPERATOR STATED HE WAS TRAVELLING AT EXACTLY 22.5 MPH.  (P1) WAS WEARING A TYPE V STYLE NON- CG APPROVED PFD AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.


BARDID: SD-2012-0018
Date: 2012-08-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:10:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SHARPE
NearestCityTown: PIERRE
County: HUGHES
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
RedactedNarrative:
O1 OF THE ABOVE BOAT WAS CRUISING INTO THE SHORE AREA OF LAKE SHARPE.  01 TOLD WCO 1 THAT HE WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MPH ABOUT 35 YARDS FROM THE SHORE AND HIT A SUMERGED ROCK PILE.  BOAT WAS LODGED ON ROCK PILE AND TAKING ON WATER WHEN WCO 1 ARRIVED.  THE PIERRE RESCUE SQUAD PULLED THE BOAT OFF OF THE ROCK PILE AND O1 ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE BOAT TO NEAREST RAMP.  THE BOAT MOTOR DIED AND WAS TOWED TO RAMP WHILE O1 CONTINUED TO EVACUATE WATER FROM THE VESSEL.  AT RAMP WCO 1 AND WCO 2 OBSERVED AN APPROXIMATELY  30 INCH GASH TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE FIBERGLASS BOAT FROM THE COLLISION WITH THE SUBMERGED ROCK PILE.  THE VESSEL'S SELF CONTAINED BILGE PUMP COULD NOT KEEP UP THE INFLOW OF WATER AND O1 HAD TO BAIL WATER WITH A BUCKET TO KEEP VESSEL FROM SINKING.  VESSEL WAS LOADED AT THE POLO FIELD BOAT RAMP.


BARDID: SD-2012-0019
Date: 2012-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: PICKEREL LAKE
NearestCityTown: ROSLYN
County: DAY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
O1 WAS PULLING P1, P2 & P3 ON A TUBE.  THE TUBE WAS ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE WAKE ON THE OUTSIDE OF A TURN.  P1 FELL OFF AND RECEIVED A BACK INJURY.  ADDITIONAL PASSENGERS IN THE BOAT PULLED P1 ONTO THE TUBE, THEN INTO THE BOAT.


BARDID: SD-2012-0020
Date: 2012-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:51:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE MADISON
NearestCityTown: MADISON
County: LAKE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
ON JULY 8TH, 2012, WCO RESPONDED TO A SIGNAL ONE (ACCIDENT WITH INJURIES) JET SKI ACCIDENT AT LAKE MADISON.  WCO RECEIVED THE CALL AT 1751 HOURS AND ARRIVED ON SCENE NEAR THE BROADWATER RESORT AT 1834 HOURS.  WCO SPOKE WITH V1O1 CONCERNING THE DETAILS OF THE EVENT.  V1O1 STATED THAT HE WAS OPERATING V1 NEAR PENINSULA POINT APPROXIMATELY 1/4 MILE NORTH FROM THE SOUTH SHORELINE OF LAKE MADISON WITH HIS SON V2O2.  V1O1 STATED THAT HE WAS TRAVELING EASTBOUND AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH.  V2O2 WAS OPERATING V2 AT SIMILAR SPEEDS BUT WAS PRACTICING SUBTLE LEFT TO RIGHT TURNS.  V2O2 WAS OPERATING TO THE SOUTH OF V1O1.  V1O1 STATED A BOAT WAS TRAVELING FROM EAST TO WEST IN THE DIRECTION OF THEIR TRAVELS PRODUCING A WAKE.  V2O2 CONTINUED TO PRACTICE SUBTLE LEFT TO RIGHT TURNS AS V2O2 APPROACHED THE WAKE.  V2O2 HIT THE WAKE CAUSING V2 TO TURN SHARPLY LEFT (NORTH) DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF V1O1.  V1O1 HAD MINIMAL TIME TO REACT TO THE CHANGE IN DIRECTION OF V2O2.  AT THE TIME OF IMPACT, V1O1 WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, V1O1 EXPERIENCED OFF-THROTTLE STEERING AS V1O1 LET OFF THE THROTTLE, AND COLLIDED WITH V2 AT APPROXIMATELY A 270 DEGREE ANGLE ON THE PORT.   V2O2 EXPERIENCED DIRECT IMPACT OF V1 IN THE FEMUR/PELVIC REGION OF THE BODY.  V2O2 WAS EJECTED FROM THE VESSEL OFF THE STARBOARD SIDE. 

V1 HAD MINIMAL DAMAGE TO THE BOW; HOWEVER, V2 EXPERIENCED IMPACT INDUCED DAMAGE TO THE LENGTH OF THE PORT. 

V1O1 AND V2O2 WERE RESCUED FROM THE WATER BY ANOTHER VESSEL.  V1 AND V2 WERE OPERATED AND BEACHED AT THE BRAODWATER RESORT BY THE FIRST RESPONDERS.  V1O1 AND V2O2 WERE TAKEN TO THE BROADWATER RESORT TO RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION.  V2O2 WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE MADISON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL TO RECEIVE MEDICAL CARE.  V1O1 SPOKE WITH WCO AT THE BROADWATER RESORT AND PROCEEDED TO THE HOSPITAL AT 1859 HOURS. 

V101 HAD BAC OF . 007%.


BARDID: SD-2012-0022
Date: 2012-09-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:10:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: BELLE FOURCHE RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: BELLE FOURCHE
County: BUTTE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2012 AT APPROXIMATELY 9:10 PM A BOAT OPERATED BY O1 - CARRYING THREE PASSENGERS - RAN A GROUND WHILE CRUISING FROM ONE FISHING LOCATION TO THE NEXT ON ORMAN DAM / BELLE FOURCHE RESERVOIR. AT THAT TIME DROUGHT CONDITIONS LOWERED THE RESERVOIRS WATER CAPACITY TO APPROXIMATELY 38 PERCENT - EXPOSING MUCH OF THE SHORELINE. THE FISHERMAN HAD LAUNCHED THE BOAT AT APPROXIMATELY 6:30 PM. THEY HAD SPENT THE EVENING FISHING ON THE SOUTH END OF THE RESERVOIR WHEN THEY DECIDED TO FISH NEAR THE FACE OF THE DAM (LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE NEAR THE NORTH/SOUTH MIDPOINT OF THE RESERVOIR). THE BOAT WAS EQUIPPED WITH A GPS UNIT AND O1 HAD BEEN NAVIGATING OFF THE MAP SCREEN. THE EVENING WAS VERY DARK AND CAUSING LIMITED VISIBILITY. THE BOAT LIGHTS WERE ON BUT WHILE CRUISING TO THE DAM FACE O1 WAS NAVIGATING BY THE USE OF THE GPS MAP. THE BOAT WAS TRAVELING PARALLEL TO THE EAST SHORELINE. AS THE BOAT ROUNDED A LONG POINT (CCC POINT) THE GPS INDICATED THE SHORELINE WAS STILL SEVERAL FEET AWAY. THE BOAT RAN A GROUND AFTER ROUNDING THE POINT WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 22 MPH. WHEN O1 REALIZED THEY WERE HITTING SHORE HE THROTTLED DOWN AND TURNED THE BOAT SHARPLY TO THE PORT SIDE. O1 AND THE THREE PASSENGERS WERE THROWN FROM  THE STARBOARD SIDE OF THE BOAT. ALL BUT ONE OF THE PASSENGERS LANDED OUTSIDE THE BOAT ON THEIR FEET OR KNEES WITH NO INJURES. ONE OF THE PASSENGERS LANDED ON HER KNEES BUT INJURED HER HEAD/NECK. SHE WAS LATER TREATED AND RELEASED AT THE SPEARFISH, SD HOSPITAL WITH ONLY SORENESS. 
AFTER THE ACCIDENT O1 OPERATED THE BOAT MAKING A SHORT LOOP JUST OFF THE SHORELINE. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE BOAT/VESSEL.


BARDID: SD-2012-0023
Date: 2012-10-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SHARPE
NearestCityTown: FT PIERRE
County: STANLEY
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Struck by Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
V1 is a Lund fishing boat and had drifted down stream in the tailrace of Lake Sharpe and was travelling back up-stream to start another drift when it struck V2, V2 is a pontoon type deck boat.  The collision took place just below the handicap fishing pier on the Stanley County side of the tailrace.  V2 was drifting downstream while trolling slightly across the current with the starboard side facing downstream.
O1 on V1 never saw V2  before impact and never tried to make any evasive maneuvers before the bow of V1 struck the starboard bow side of V2.  P1 on V1 was sitting in the bow seat and upon impact, was ejected from the vessel.  O1 on V1 was thrown into the windshield of V1 and broke the windshield and cut his forehead.  P2 on V1 was sitting in the passenger seat on the port side behind the windshield and was uninjured.
O2 in V2 saw V1 about to impact V2 and heard someone yell 'look out'.  There were two other passengers on V2.  P1 in V2 was sitting on the starboard side of the bow just in front of the steering column.  P2 in V2 was sitting on the port side of the bow.  Both fishermen had broken lines and were trying to retie their lines at the time of the incident.
After impact P1 in V2 was struck in the back of his head and was knocked unconscious, he ended up in P2 of V2's lap.  V2 bow was pushed upstream to the port side as V1 glanced off of the bow. 
After the accident P1 of V1 was in the water and was pulled aboard V2 by O2 of V2, he was not wearing a lifejacket.  Both vessels were then driven to the Oahe Downstream Marina.  V1 was pulled into a slip at the courtesy docks and V2 was pulled up to the dock at the ramp.
(Insurance information was exchanged by the parties but no law enforcement was contacted so there is no information regarding the involvement of alcohol and/or drugs in causing or contributing to the accident except for phone conversations with all parties involved.)


BARDID: SD-2013-0001
Date: 2013-05-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SHARPE
NearestCityTown: PIERRE
County: HUGHES
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Drug use
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/22/13 O1 and P1 left the American Legion in Pierre, SD. O1 and P1 were traveling back to the Bad River boat ramp. On the way O1 explained that he became distracted and tried to grab his phone after it fell behind the depth finder. O1 explained that he was trying to grab it and it then fell on the floor of the vessel. O1 continued to try and grab it. O1 didn’t realize his navigation path and ran his vessel ashore on a sandbar causing his vessel to come to a quick stop. The vessel ran ashore near the mouth of the causeway where it flows into Lake Sharpe. O1 and P1 tried to get the boat out of the sandbar. When O1 finally freed the vessel, he continued in reverse causing waves to come over the top of the stern and swamping and flooding the passenger compartment. 
O1 called the 911 for help and informed them that they were sinking at 11:06 PM. O1 and P1 were picked up by emergency services at 11:16 PM. O1 said that PFD's were in the boat but it is unknown if they were used. Both O1 and P1 admitted to drinking alcohol before leaving the American Legion. O1 was taken to the hospital by emergency services for groin pain. Before leaving the scene a Pierre Police Officer took a Preliminary Breath Test and O1 blew a .108, P1 was given a PBT as well and blew a .200. Blood test on O1 also revealed the use of marijuana.


BARDID: SD-2013-0002
Date: 2013-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:20:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SHARPE
NearestCityTown: PIERRE
County: HUGHES
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/20/13 at approximately 4:20 pm, v1 was traveling up stream, to the north, on lake sharp. O1 was driving v1. P1 was sitting in the front passenger seat behind the windshield. P2 was sitting in the back left of v1, in the lower level. P3 was sitting directly behind p2 on the upper deck. P4 was sitting in the back right of v1, on the upper deck.  

  v1 was traveling north on the east side of the river, upstream from the railroad bridge. O1 turned v1 west and began to go across the river to the west side. O1 was trying to read a sign and was not aware there was a sandbar ahead. V1 was traveling at cruising speed and continued west until it ran ashore. V1 was stopped abruptly causing p3 and p4 to be thrown forward into the lower level of v1. P3 hit a cooler and sustained a leg injury, and a head injury. The pierre rescue team was called to the scene. V1 was then pulled out of the sandbar by the pierre rescue team. 
 wco1, wco2, and wco3 were all on scene and picked up o1 to take back to the ft. Pierre boat ramp. V1 was driven back to the boat ramp and sustained no damage from running ashore. P3 was taken to the hospital by ambulance. No other injuries were sustained from the accident. O1 was interviewed and was not under the influence. The passengers in the vessel were consuming alcohol at the time of the accident. Pictures were taken of v1. Interviews of the passengers were consistent.


BARDID: SD-2013-0003
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 03:00:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: PICKEREL LAKE
NearestCityTown: GRENVILLE
County: DAY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On june 6, 2013 vessel one (v1) was operated by operator one (o1) on pickerel lake with one passenger (v1p1). V1o1 and v1p1 were not wearing pfd's. V1o1 was sitting in the driver seat of v1 and facing towards the bow of the boat. V1p1 was sitting in the front passenger seat of v1 facing towards the starboard side of the boat. 

At approximately 3:00 am, v1o1 and v1p1 decided to go boating on pickerel lake after admitting to consuming alcohol prior to the voyage. V1 was heading north along the east side of pickerel lake. Unknowingly v1o1 was heading toward the north shoreline of pickerel lake. 
V1 made contact with a cut bank on the north shoreline on the starboard side. V1o1 and v1p1 estimate the boat collided with the shoreline at a speed around 20 mph. V1 grounded between the shoreline on the starboard side and a tree on the port side bow.

V1o1 and v1p1 were both thrown forward into the windshield of v1 at the point of impact. Both v1o1 and v1p1 remained conscious and inside v1 after the impact with the shoreline. V1o1 and v1p1 received head/face injuries.


BARDID: SD-2013-0004
Date: 2013-06-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:28:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: SPLITROCK CREEK
NearestCityTown: GARRETSON
County: MINNEHAHA
WaterConditions: Very Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
ON 6/30/13 AT APPROXIMATELY 15:30 HOURS OO1, P1, AND P2 WERE KAYAKING DOWN SPLITROCK CREEK IN PALISADES STATE PARK.  ALL THREE SUBJECTS WERE IN ONE KAYAK.  NEAR THE PALISADES BRIDGE THE SUBJECTS RAN INTO A ROCK RAPIDS.  THE KAYAK WAS LODGED IN A ROCK AND THE SUBJECTS WERE THROWN OUT ONTO THE ROCKS.  P1 SCRAPED HIS LEG AND ANKLE ON THE ROCKS. THE TWO JUVENILES WERE WEARING PFD'S AND OO1 WAS NOT. SIOUX FALLS FIRE AND RESCUE REPELED OFF THE NEARBY CLIFFS TO PULL OUT THE THREE SUBJECTS.  P1 SUFFERED ONLY MINOR INJURIES AND WAS TREATED BY EMS.


BARDID: SD-2013-0006
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-08-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: EAST LAKE VERMILLION
NearestCityTown: CANISTOTA
County: MCCOOK
WaterConditions: Choppy
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was heading north on East Lake Vermillion in McCook County South Dakota. V1 was in the northernmost portion of the lake where it can be shallow. O1 noticed water in the rear of V1. O1 turned on V1 bilge pump. O1 noticed more water in V1. O1 slowed down. O1 and P1 climbed into the front of V1 to offset the weight of the water. O1 handed P1 a PFD. As V1 went completely underwater P1 handed O1 the PFD because O1 could not swim and P1 could. The other PFD went down with V1. O1 and P1 waved down another vessel. The additional vessel towed in the submerged V1 along with O1 and P1. 
WCO observed V1 submerged at the east boat ramp of East Lake Vermillion. O1 was able to get V1 onto the trailer. WCO inspected the damage to V1. There was a hole approximately 12" in diameter punched into the starboard side of the hull about 2/3rds of the way back from the bow. WCO determined from interviewing O1 and P1 and based on the location of the accident that V1 struck a submerged rock. WCO investigated for the presence of alcohol. O1 showed few indications of alcohol consumption. WCO could detect the odor of an alcoholic beverage on O1. WCO ran O1 through field sobriety test as well as a PBT. O1 's PBT result was a .007BAC.


BARDID: SD-2013-0007
Date: 2013-08-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:10:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OAHE
NearestCityTown: MOBRIDGE
County: CORSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
EquipmentFailure: Other
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 08/02/2013 vessel one (V1) was operated by operator one (O1) on Lake Oahe with one passenger (V1P1). Neither O1 or V1P1 were wearing PFD's. At about 9:10pm V1 was heading north under the Highway 12 Bridge heading back to the boat launch area. O1 was sitting near the tiller motor in a chair. V1P1 was sitting on the top of a blue and white cooler in the middle of the boat. O1 said they were traveling 28 mph and he trimmed the motor up with the foot pedal. O1 said the motor turned at a 90 degree angle and V1 turned sharp to the east in a circle. O1 and V1P1 were thrown from the V1. O1 said he came to the surface and observed V1 driving in circles. O1 yelled for V1P1 and was unsure if V1P1 had been thrown from V1. O1 said V1P1 came to the surface about 15 yards from O1. O1 asked V1P1 if he was ok. V1P1 replied he was hurt. O1 said he noticed a red spot on the shoulder of V1P1. O1 and V1P1 started to swim north to gain distance from V1 which was still driving in circles. O1 and V1P1 started to swim back to the south toward the Highway 12 Bridge. V1P1 told O1 that he could not swim any longer. O1 swam to V1P1 and started to rescue swim with him. O1 swam until he was unable to swim with V1P1. O1 told V1P1 he could not swim any longer. O1 said V1P1 said to let go. O1 let go and V1P1 went under water and did not return. O1 continued to swim for the bridge. O1 was at the point of exhaustion and could no longer swim when he was pulled into another boat and taken to shore.


BARDID: SD-2013-0008
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-09-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:20:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OAHE
NearestCityTown: MOBRIDGE
County: WALWORTH
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
MachineryFailure: Fuel
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 report:
 
On 09/14/2013 at 3:20pm police dispatch received a call about  a boat on fire. A deputy from the so responded to the scene and observed vessel 1 on fire as well as vessel 2 and vessel 3. The wco was notified after the fire was out. The wco interviewed o1. O1 told the wco that he was going to take vessel 1 out that day. O1 got into vessel 1 and turned the key on. O1 said he heard a loud pop noise and was forced into the steering column of vessel 1. O1 noticed a fire and exited vessel 1. O1 noticed that the fire on vessel 1 was causing damage to vessel 2 on the north side of vessel 1 as well as damage to vessel 3 on the south side of vessel 1. O1 untied vessel 1 and 2 and moved them away from vessel 1. O1 said the fire department came and put the fire out on three vessels.


BARDID: SD-2013-0009
Date: 2013-09-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: E LAKE VERMILLION
NearestCityTown: CANISTOTA
County: MCCOOK
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS TROLLING AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED AND IN THE PROCESS OF CHANGING DIRECTION FROM SOUTH TO NORTH. V2 HAD JUST LEFT THE NO-WAKE PORTION OF THE LAKE AND HAD INCREASED SPEED. V1 WAS TRAVELING EAST AND V2 WAS TRAVELING NORTH AT THE TIME OF THE COLLISION. O2 IN V2 WAS DISTRACTED BY THE DEPTH FINDER/SONAR ON V2. O2 INFORMED WCO THAT THE SONAR WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND O2 WAS ATTEMPTING TO FIX IT JUST PRIOR TO THE COLLISION.  
O1 SAW V2 HEADING IN HIS DIRECTION AND YELLED AT O2. O2 HEARD AND ATTEMPTED TO AVOID THE ACCIDENT BY TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL OF V2 TOWARD STARBOARD BUT WAS TOO LATE. V2 STRUCK V1 ON THE STARBOARD SIDE NEAR THE CONSOLE. V2 OVERRODE A PORTION OF V1 AND THEN SLID OFF AND BACK INTO THE WATER. O2 STATED THAT A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THE SEAT AT THE BOW OF V2 OBSTRUCTING O2'S VIEW. 
O1 DESCRIBED V1 AS BEING OPERATED AT A VERY SLOW RATE OF SPEED APPROXIMATLEY A COUPLE MILES PER HOUR. O1 DESCRIBED V2 AS OPERATING SOMEWHERE IN THE RANGE OF 15-20MPH. 
O2 DESCRIBED V2 AS BEING OPERATED AT APPROXIMATLEY 10-15MPH AND V1 EITHER NOT MOVING OR MOVING VERY SLOW. 
WCO WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ACCIDENT AND CONDUCTED AN EXAMINATION OF THE VESSELS A FEW DAYS AFTER THE ACCIDENT. V1 RECEIVED ALL DAMAGE TO THE STARBOARD SIDE BEGINNING AT THE CONSOLE AND EXTENDING TO THE BOW. V1 HAD SEVERAL DENTS ON THE TOP OF THE GUNWALE, PAINT TRANSFER FROM V2 ON THE STEERING WHEEL, A BROKEN WINDSHIELD, SCRATCHES DOWN THE STARBOARD SIDE OF THE HULL, A BROKEN CONSOLE AND A BROKEN DEPTH FINDER MOUNT. V2 RECEIVED ALL DAMAGE TO THE PORT SIDE WITH THE MAJORITY OF THE DAMAGE ON THE KEEL. V2 HAD DENTS AND SCRAPES ALONG THE KEEL STARTING FROM THE BOW AND EXTENDING APPROXIMATLEY HALFWAY DOWN THE VESSEL, THERE WERE SCRATCHES RUNNING DIAGONALLY FROM THE VESSELS LONGITUDINAL AXIS APPROXIMATLEY HALFWAY BACK FROM THE BOW ON THE PORTSIDE OF THE VESSEL NEAR THE KEEL. V2 HAD SOME PAINT TRANSFER ALONG THE PORT SIDE OF THE BOAT FROM V1.


BARDID: SD-2013-0010
Date: 2013-09-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LEWIS & CLARK LAKE
NearestCityTown: YANKTON
County: YANKTON
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Missing or Inadequate Navigation Aids
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
ON 09/28/13 VESSEL 1 (V1) WAS BEING OPERATED BY OPERATOR 1 (O1) IN A SAILBOAT RACE ON LEWIS AND CLARK LAKE IN YANKTON COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA WITH TWO PASSENGERS (V1P1/V1P2) ON BOARD. O1 OPERATED V1 WEST WHILE COMPETING IN THE RACE. EVERYONE ON-BOARD V1 WORE A PFD.
VESSEL 2 (V2) WAS BEING OPERATED BY OPERATOR 2 (O2) WITH TWO PASSENGERS (V2P1/V2P2) ON BOARD. EVERYONE ON-BOARD V2 WORE A PFD. O2 OPERATED V2 NORTHWEST WHILE COMPETING WITH V1 IN THE SAILBOAT RACE. 
V2 WAS IN POSITION ON THE PORT SIDE (SOUTH) OF V1. AS V2 APPROACHED V1'S PORT SIDE, O2 MANEUVERED V2 TO TURN BEHIND V1. BECAUSE OF STRONG WINDS, V2 DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH ROOM TO MAKE THE TURN BEHIND V1 AND BOTH O1 AND O2 REALIZED THAT V1 AND V2 WOULD COLLIDE.
V2 WAS HEADING DIRECTLY AT THE CENTER OF THE PORT SIDE HULL ON V1. O2 WAS UNABLE TO CHANGE V2'S DIRECTION. V1 HAD THE RIGHT OF WAY BUT O1 ATTEMPTED TO TURN V1 AWAY FROM THE ONCOMING V2 TO AVOID COLLISION. O1 TURNED V1 SLIGHTLY TOWARD IT'S STARBOARD SIDE (NORTH) BUT WAS UNABLE TO MANEUVER V1 COMPLETELY OUT OF THE WAY OF V2. 
V2'S BOW, BOW RAIL AND ANCHOR COLLIDED INTO THE REAR PORT SIDE HULL AND RAIL OF V1. BOTH V1 AND V2 CONTINUED IN A NORTH-WESTERN DIRECTION AFTER THE COLLISION.


BARDID: SD-2013-0011
Date: 2013-06-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: SD
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE KAMPESKA
NearestCityTown: WATERTOWN
County: CODINGTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
O1 OF VESSEL 1 IS A WCO THAT WAS CONDUCTING SAFETY INSPECTIONS ON THE WATER.  THE LAKE HAD WAVES CAUSED BY WIND AND OTHER VESSELS.  VESSEL 1 STOPPED VESSEL 2 ON THE WATER TO CONDUCT A SAFETY INSPECTION.  VESSEL 1 AND VESSEL 2 CAME INTO CONTACT WITH EACH OTHER DUE TO THE WAVE ACTION.  VESSEL 1 MADE A SMALL INDENTATION ON THE STARBOARD SIDE OF VESSEL 2.  PHOTOS WERE TAKEN OF THE DAMAGE ON VESSEL 2.  THERE WAS NO VISIBLE DAMAGE ON VESSEL 1.


BARDID: TN-2010-0001
Date: 2010-01-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityTown: DAYTON
County: RHEA
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Based on witness statements and investigation at the scene, operator, and three others were heading upstream in the Tennessee River/Chickamauga Reservoir above Richland Creek to go deer hunting.  They were all on board operator's boat inside the camper cover.  The water was "whitecapping" and a wave did come over the front of the vessel swamping the boat.  The men were able to make it out of the camper and hold on to the bottom of the overturned boat.  operator tried to swim for the bank but only made it 10-20 feet before going under water.  The other three men stayed with the boat until another hunter saw them and rescued them.

operator was found at approximately 8:15 am by the Meigs County rescue service.

The vessel was impounded by TWRA for investigation and towed by Towboat US.


BARDID: TN-2010-0002
Date: 2010-01-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:50:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: DECATURVILLE
County: DECATUR
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Equipment Failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
PropertyDamageDescription: Miscellaneous personal items, clothing, and safety equipment.
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday January 9, 2010 at approximately 1650 hrs I was dispatched to a boat fire at Fisherdale Dock and Restaurant in Decatur county.  Officer arrived at 1758 hrs and began to gather information about the owner and the vessel.  I arrived at 1808 hrs and learned that the Decatur county fire department had extinguished the fire and had already left the scene.   I met with a witness who had cut off the power to the dock where the vessel was moored.  He stated he saw smoke coming from the back of the Tea Room behind the restaurant while he was in his home watching television.  He went to the dock and saw the boat on fire and immediately shut off the power to the dock.  The fire department arrived on scene at 1701 and had the fire under control at 1720.  The boat was burned completely out except for the outer shell.  The boat was taking on water and was beginning to sink lower into the water.  It eventually sank to the bottom.
     I phone interviewed the owner of the boat and learned that he had been to the boat on Thursday January 9, 2010.  He had found that the extreme cold weather had froze up a water pump to the cabin.  The owner already had a ceramic heater in the engine compartment and he went to a local store and purchased another ceramic heater for the cabin area.  An arson/fire investigator determined that an electrical fault in this ceramic heater had caused the fire.  The vessel had a halon unit in the engine compartment and it did deploy lessening the damage to that area of the boat.


BARDID: TN-2010-0003
Date: 2010-01-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityTown: SPRING CITY
County: RHEA
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Sharp Turn
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Departed Vessel
AccidentEvent3: CAPSIZING
RedactedNarrative:
BASED ON INFORMATION TO DATE:  Based on inconsistent operator and occupant statements, The two subjects were hunting ducks in Muddy Creek.  They were moving slowly, possible on plane, when the operator either lost control of the tiller handle or let go and the vessel took a sharp turn to the starboard side ejecting the occupant.  The operator then stated he jumped in to save the ejected party and the vessel capsized.  They did cling to the boat until they were rescued by the Rhea County Sheriff's Office.


BARDID: TN-2010-0004
Date: 2010-01-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityTown: SMYRNA
County: RUTHERFORD
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
PropertyDamageDescription: REFRIGERATOR, FURNITURE, CLOTHING, DIVE EQUIPMENT, TELEVISION
RedactedNarrative:
ON 1/20/10 AT APPROXIMATELY 11:00 AM, operator WAS MAINTAINING THE FUEL SYSTEM ON HIS WIFE'S 1993 SILVERTON BOAT WHEN IT CAUGHT FIRE AND EVENTUALLY BURNED TO THE WATERLINE. THE FIRE BEGAN INSIDE THE MOTOR ROOM WHILE THE FUEL FILTER WAS OFF AND operator LEFT TO GRAB SOME RAGS TO HELP CLEAN UP. HE RETURNED AND NOTICED SMOKE AND A FLASH THAT IGNITED THE BOAT. operator and one other person WERE ABLE TO PUSH THE VESSEL AWAY FROM THE SLIP INSIDE THE MARINA WHERE IT WAS HOUSED. EVENTUALLY bystander USED A PONTOON BOAT TO PUSH THE BURNING VESSEL WELL AWAY FROM the MARINA.


BARDID: TN-2010-0005
Date: 2010-03-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:40:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityTown: ANTIOCH
County: DAVIDSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted Vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
BASED ON INFORMATION TO DATE:   On March 19, 2010 at approximately 1200 hrs.  I was contacted by Officer regarding a boating accident on J. Percy Prest Res. .  Officers were headed to the scene when I made contact with them.  The accident involved one vessel with two people on board.  The small aluminum boat struck a column of the Hobson Pk Bridge throwing the occupant out the port side of the boat.  victim's head hit the column.  the operator jumped out of the boat to help victim who appeared unconscious operator did not have as kill switch lanyard on or cut the engine before jumping out.  the boat circled hitting the bridge again and then started doing circles in open water.  When I arrived Officer  had taken a statement from operator and found no sign of alcohol.  victi  was being transported to Vanderbilt Hospital to be checked out for head injuries.  I got on our patrol boat and assisted Officer  in stopping the boat by entangling a rope in the prop.  Once the boat had been towed to Long Hunter State Park where they had launched.  I spoke with operator after the boat had been trailerd  He stated they were looking for places to grapple for catfish when the water level reached summer pool. He stated victim was sitting directly in front of him and as they approached the bridge he saw the column to his left and right but didnt't see the one in front of him. He tried to turn to the right and struck the column.  This column was the third column from the south bank. they were headed up stream when they struck the bridge.


BARDID: TN-2010-0006
Date: 2010-03-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:50:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityTown: SMYRNA
County: RUTHERFORD
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Hull Failure
AccidentCause2: OVERLOADING
AccidentCause3: DRUG USE
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: SINKING
RedactedNarrative:
On 03/23/2010 at approximately 11:30 a.m. Operator and two others began a fishing trip at the West Fork Boat Ramp of J. Percy Priest Lake in Rutherford County , Tennessee.  They were fishing in Operator's 16ft Rebel Bass Boat.  At approximately 14:30 hours,  they noticed water ponding in the floorboard of the deck.  Operator started and lowered the outboard engine in order to drive towards the West Fork Boat Ramp.  Water began to fill the boat when Operator put the boat into forward gear.  Consequently, the stern began sinking and Operator moved to the bow with the other passengers.  The boat then rolled and all three passengers entered the water.  They held on as best they could, but eventually tried to swim to shore.  Two people made it to shored uninjured, but Operator did not.  Operator drowned before reaching shore.  The two where rescued by a good samaritan who took them to the West Fork Boat Ramp.

Autopsy examination revealed edematous lungs with abundant frothy fluid which was also present in the upper airway.  An enlarged liver, thickening of the right ventricle, and 95% atherosclerotic narrowing of the right coronary artery were also noted at autopsy.

The boat hull ,specifically the transom, was breaking down or decaying.  Additionally, the transom showed signs of repair using silicone and commerical liquid welding products.   

The boat motor exceded the capacity requirements of the capacity plate.  The additional weight of the motor combined with the occupants and their equipment overloaded the boat.  

Postmortem toxicology revealed acetaminophen, butalbital, diazepam, and its metabolite, nordiazepam.  Diazepam and butalbital have additive effects and were likely intoxicants in this case.

Hull failure, Overloading, and drug use contributed to this accident.


BARDID: TN-2010-0007
Date: 2010-03-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityTown: MEMPHIS
County: SHELBY
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Thursday 03/11/2010 rear operator M/W 63, and front occupant, M/W 57, were occupying a 2007 Wenonah canoe in the Mississippi River near mile 738 and were paddling E/B toward the Loosahatchie Bar south of the #5 Robinson Crusoe Dike.  At approximately 1300 hours their canoe was overturned by swift water flowing over the dike.  Both men were thrown overboard into the river current and swam alongside the canoe for approximately 5 minutes until they were separated by the current.  occupant swam east approximately 100 yards until he reached the west bank of the Loosahatchie Bar.  The canoe followed the eddy current toward the Loosahatchie Bar were occupant was able to retrieve his life jacket and a dry gear bag which contained his cell phone.  occupant called out for operator but did not see him or hear him respond.  operator then called 911 and was later rescued around 1500 hours by the Memphis Police Harbor Patrol who immediately searched the area for operator with negative results.  Two life jackets were in the canoe at the time of the accident but were not being used by the occupants.  occupant was transported to the Coast Guard Ramp where the canoe was originally launched and local agencies were contacted regarding the investigation, search and rescue.


BARDID: TN-2010-0008
Date: 2010-03-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityTown: Munford
County: TIPTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On 03/06/2010 fisherman found a capsized boat on the Mississippi River.  The boat owner is victim.  After finding the capsized boat subject left and called the sheriffs office.  A search team searched for victim.  There were no witnesses and no other occupants on board victim's boat.  When Officer arrived the water temperature was approximately 45 degrees and the river current was very swift.  The rock dikes were barely under the water level which could have contributed to the accident.  The trolling motor was in the locked down position when the boat was discovered.  According to the missing persons family victim wore a self inflating life jacket.  When the boat was turned back over a life jacket matching that description was found.  There were no damages to the boat except one spot damaged during the process of flipping the boat back over.  The key was turned off at the time of discovery.


BARDID: TN-2010-0009
Date: 2010-03-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: BOONE LAKE
NearestCityTown: BLOUNTVILLE
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unforeseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday March 24 2010 at approximately 08:00, there was a boat accident on Boone Lake in Sullivan County.  Operator was operating his 2008 Sea Ark near Point 7 when he struck a submerged log while heading upstream. Operator stated that he had just gone through some debris in the water and was traveling a little over 20 miles per hour when the lower unit of his motor struck a log. I observed a break in the port side cavitation plate and most of it was missing. I also observed scratches in the paint on the lower unit and skeg. There were no injuries and no charges are pending.


BARDID: TN-2010-0010
Date: 2010-03-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CENTER HILL LAKE
NearestCityTown: SPARTA
County: WHITE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: MACHINERY FAILURE
MachineryFailure: UNKNOWN
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
TWo people had stolen the boat from Pates Ford Marina and it quit running on them near the Webb's Camp Boat Ramp in White County. While trying to get the boat running, victim stood up on the bow of the boat to use the restroom over the side. When he did, he lost his balance and fell into the water. He was able to pull himself back into the boat. He remained in the boat for approximately 45 minutes until I arrived and was able to get them to shore. Both individuals were under the influence of alcohol and possibly drugs. victim was transported to White County Hospital by EMS and was arrested the next day for public intoxication, possession of schedule 3 drugs and possession of schedule 2 drugs w/o a prescription. operator was transported to the White County Hospital for a BAC test then transported to White County Jail and booked for BUI and possession of schedule 2 w/o a prescription.


BARDID: TN-2010-0011
Date: 2010-05-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:59:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CENTER HILL LAKE
NearestCityTown: SPARTA
County: WHITE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Dam/lock
AccidentCause2: MACHINERY FAILURE
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, May 9th, 2010 at approximately 16:30hrs operator was fishing in his 1998 16ft Bumble Bee bass boat near the low head dam on the Calfkiller River in Sparta, TN. After unmooring the vessel from the bank he reversed up stream away from the dam, when the engine stalled. He attempted to use the trolling motor to move outside of the swift current, but was unable to do so before going over the dam. Operator stated the vessel stayed upright after going over the dam. The vessel quickly filled with water and became swamped and over-turned in the eddie currents. Unable to free himself from the currents Operator  held to the bow of the vessel and called 911 with his waterproof cell phone and waited for help to arrive. White County Rescue Squad was able to successfully reach Operator. He was transported to the White County Hospital and treated for hypothermia and minor brusing and released. P.F.D.s were on board, but were not being used at time the of the accident.


BARDID: TN-2010-0012
Date: 2010-05-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:26:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: IGNITION OF SPILLED FUEL OR VAPOR
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
BASED ON INFORMATION TO DATE:      On Thursday ,the 20th day of May, I was dispatched  to a sailboat fire near Sale Creek Marina.
Upon my arrival the vessel had completely burned and what remained had sunk to the bottom of lake. The owner of the vessel was the only person aboard the sailboat and had to jump into the water. He was picked up by another boat. operator was brought over to the Sale Creek Marina where I took his statement and all his information.


BARDID: TN-2010-0014
Date: 2010-05-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CENTER HILL LAKE
NearestCityTown: SMITHVILLE
County: DEKALB
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: DRUG USE
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
Fire started on V1 from unknown causes and spread to V2 and V3. V1 and V2 were totally destroyed. V3 was only damaged on the starboard side. Witnesses stated that the owner of V1 was on the dock fishing and had left something on the stove. The owner of V1 said he was on the dock fishing but he had already cooked something on the stove but he turned it off. The cause of the fire was not determined. The owner of V1 stated that he was remodeling the boat and it did have some problems with the wiring. After further inspection of the vessel there was drug paraphernalia found on the stove, but not sure if it contributed to the fire.


BARDID: TN-2010-0015
Date: 2010-05-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: PARIS
County: HENRY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS CRAPPIE FISHING AT THE MOUTH OF MANSARD ISLAND MARINA APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES SOUTH OF HWY 79 BRIDGE IN HENRY COUNTY ON THE BIG SANDY PORTION OF KENTUCKY LAKE. PASSENGER SAW V2 HEADING ON A COURSE TOWARD THEM. HE TRIED TO GET V2 OPERATOR'S ATTENTION BY WAVING HIS ARMS AND YELLING. V2 OPERATOr HAD JUST LEFT ANTIOCH HARBOR BOAT RAMP AND HAD JUST BROUGHt HIS BOAT ON PLANE AND WAS ATTEMPTING TO POWER ON HIS DEPTH FINDER AND WAS NOT KEEPING A CLEAR LOOKOUT AHEAD OF HIM. Operator2 STATED HE LOOKED UP IN TIME TO TRY TO AVOID THE COLLISION BUT WAS UNABLE TO TURN FAST ENOUGH. BOAT2 STRUCK THE LEFT REAR SIDE OF V1 AND SLID DOWN THE LEFT SIDE BEFORE COMING OFF V1.


BARDID: TN-2010-0016
Date: 2010-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT. LOUDOUN LAKE
NearestCityTown: LOUISVILLE
County: BLOUNT
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
BASED ON INFORMATION TO DATE:  According to operator, he was riding his jet-ski around the point coming out of his cove. He passed a bass boat to his starboard side. As he rounded the point he started to turn to his starboard and noticed the bass boat overtaking him. He turned immediately left and struck a dock then some rocks. He stated that he was travelling approximately 35mph. Upon investigation I found no damaged dock but several scuff marks on his jet-ski hull as well as some cracked fiberglass and punctures. Most of the damage appeared to be on the port side and forward hull but there is also damage to the starboard side.


BARDID: TN-2010-0017
Date: 2010-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: WOODS RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was sailing with older brother on a catamaran style vessel. A strong wind blew the sail over causing the vessel to tilt and causing the victim to fall overboard and striking his head on pontoon.


BARDID: TN-2010-0019
Date: 2010-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:15:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: SOUTH HOLSTON LAKE
NearestCityTown: BRISTOL
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentCause3: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: PERSON STRUCK BY VESSEL
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
All damage estimates are based on field operations or owner statements and are not intended for insurance or restitution purposes.

On Saturday May 29 2010 at approximately 13:25 Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Officers were dispatched to a boating accident involving two Personal Watercrafts (PWC’s) with an injury reported.  We arrived at Skyview Campground’s boat ramp at approximately 13:40 and located the two PWC’s involved in the accident.  Those involved in the accident including family members were in route to Bristol Regional Medical Center where a subject was being transported with injuries.

Boating officer arrived at Bristol Regional Medical Center to gather statements from witnesses of the accident.  Officer advised that victim was being held in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with injuries that included five broken ribs on the left side, a punctured left lung, an abrasion to the left knee and an abrasion on the forehead. Officer spoke with Operator2, who was the operator of one of the PWC’s involved in the accident.  Operator2 was uninjured and was the operator of the vessel #2.   The injured individual, victim, was the operator of vessel # 1.  Operator2 stated he and his brother, victim, were the sole operators of two PWC’s at the time of the accident.  He also stated they were riding in circles when they collided with each other and were both ejected.   

victim stated he was riding in circles and did not see his brother at the time of impact. Vessel #1 and Vessel #2 collided with vessel#2 striking victim in the left side. Both operators were ejected upon impact.  Operators of a nearby vessel heard the commotion and assisted with getting the injured, victim, aboard.  The assisting vessel transported victim to nearby Painter Creek Marina where he was then taken to Bristol Regional Medical Center via ambulance.  Vessel #1 and vessel #2 were then driven to Skyview Campground’s boat ramp by an unknown party where they were left unattended.

Both operators involved in the collision were wearing type III pfd’s during the incident.  Vessel #1 obtained damage to the front-left and left side of the PWC.  Vessel #2 obtained damage to the front-left side of the PWC.  The PWC’s involved in the accident were impounded at a Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency controlled facility to be used as part of the investigation.  victim was released from hospital treatment on Sunday June 6, 2010.


BARDID: TN-2010-0024
Date: 2010-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:50:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: EVA
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent3: PERSON STRUCK BY VESSEL
RedactedNarrative:
BASED ON INFORMATION TO DATE:  On Monday May 31, 2010 at approximately 17:50 Officer  with Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency received a call about a boating accident involving injuries that occurred inside the mouth of Beaverdam Creek cove.  Officers responded  to the call and arrived at Beaverdam Marina at approximately 18:00.  Upon arrival, the officers were notified that the operator of V2, a 2006 SeaDoo PWC, had been driven to the hospital.  Operator2 had one occupant on the PWC with him.  A statement was collected from Occupant on V2.  Officer  spoke with Officer2 by phone and requested that Officer2 go to the hospital to obtain information on Operator2's condition and to also get his statement if practicable.  The operator of V1, a 2001 Polar Craft jon boat was identified.  Operator1 had four other occupants in his vessel..  Statements were obtained from Operator1, and occupants.  One more occupant had gone to the hospital when Operator2 went, and she was interviewed by Officer  at the hospital.  
     According to witness statements a storm had blown up and V1 and V2 had both left from sand island and headed west toward Beaverdam cove to get out of the storm and rain.  The rain was causing serious visibility issues and both operators stated that they could hardly see just a few feet beyond the bow of their vessels.  V2 had come through the mouth of the cove and then cut to the left.  V2 encountered a wave on the right side that caused both occupants to be thrown from the PWC.  The kill switch was connected and effectively killed the engine.  V1 was following close behind, unknowingly, because he could not see V2 due to the hard rain.  Before either occupant of V2 could come up to the surface, V1 had driven through them striking Operator2 and then subsequently colliding with V2.  V1 was unaware that he had struck Operator2, and did not see V2 until it was too late to avoid hitting it.  Operator1 then saw Operator2 and Occupant on V2 in the water behind him and could tell Operator2 was hurt.  V1 then turned around and two occupants of V1 jumped in the water and helped Operator2 get back on the PWC and then helped him step over into V1.   V1 then took Operator2 to Beaverdam Marina where he got into a POV and rode to the hospital.


BARDID: TN-2010-0026
Date: 2010-05-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:15:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT. LOUDOUN LAKE
NearestCityTown: KNOXVILLE
County: KNOX
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
MachineryFailure: Fuel
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
AT APPROXIMATELY 19:15 HOURS ON 23 MAY 2010 I RECEIVED A MAYDAY CALL STATING THAT THERE WAS A VESSEL ON FIRE IN THE VICINITY OF SAILBOAT COVE.  UPON RESPONDING TO THE CALL I SAW 4 INDIVIDUALS IN THE WATER NEAR A VESSEL THAT WAS ON FIRE AND ONE INDIVIDUAL ATTEMPTING TO PUT THE FIRE OUT.  AFTER GETTING THE INDIVIDUALS ONOARD MY VESSEL IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE HALON SYSTEM ON BOARD THE INVOLVED VESSEL HAD EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE.


BARDID: TN-2010-0027
Date: 2010-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityTown: LAFOLLETTE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Two vessels collided when both were running generally in the same direction and one turned right into the other, striking it on the port side and riding up slightly onto the side. The struck vessel received structural damage to the fiberglass and the operator received a bruise on both her thigh and shoulder from the throttle and side of the vessel. One occupant in the other vessel received a small cut or scratch on his side from the prop of the other vessel when he jumped in to give assistance.


BARDID: TN-2010-0028
Date: 2010-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityTown: MAYNARDVILLE
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On friday june 18, 2010 at approximately 14:45 tennessee wildlife resources agency officer received a call from an employee at hickory star marina stating a vessel had just been towed in with damage from a collision with something on the water.  The caller also stated the three male occupants on the vessel appeared to be highly intoxicated.  Officer arrived at hickory star marina at approximately 15:15 and found the vessel, bearing tennessee registration 5318 ce, near the boat ramp.  One white male was still sitting in the vessel, and a second white male was standing on shore behind the vessel.  When asked who owned the vessel  the subject indicated the operator did.  Subject stated the owner had gone to get his trailer to remove the vessel from the water.  Officer asked who was operating the vessel at the time of the accident and both subject and subject2 stated Operator was the operator.  The yellow and white 1997 four winn came back registered to operator.  Officer noticed a white male walking towards the vessel and subject stated that he was the owner.  Officer asked Operator if he was the operator of the vessel at the time of the accident and he stated he was.  Operator had an odor of alcoholic beverage about his person, glassy eyes, and did not know where the accident had happened on the lake.  Operator seemed confused, but stated they had went to bubba brews and was on the way back to his lake house when they hit a log causing damage to his vessel.  The lower unit of the vessel had been completely sheered off and some chips in the fiberglass was documented near the stern of the vessel. Officer found no evidence to confirm nor deny the vessel had struck a log.


BARDID: TN-2010-0029
Date: 2010-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityTown: SODDY DAISY
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Commercial Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
RedactedNarrative:
BASED ON INFORMATION TO DATE:  On or about 6/19/2010 I was on patrol on Chickamauga Lake when I was contacted by TWRA Area Boating Officer regarding a boat accident on Chickamauga Lake in the Soddy Daisy Area.  I responded where I found vessel #1 (1977 Glastron) floating vertically out of the water mostly submerged.  According to witness statements the vessel was struck by vessel #2, a commercial tow boat (1991 Bearcat).  The accident resulted in two fatalities who were aboard vessel #1.


BARDID: TN-2010-0030
Date: 2010-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT. LOUDOUN LAKE
NearestCityTown: LENOIR CITY
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
AT APPROXIMATELY 23:00 HRS. ON 6-25-2010 I WAS DISPATCHED TO A BOAT FIRE IN THE CLOYD'S CREEK AREA OF FT. LOUDON LAKE.  UPON ARRIVAL AT APPROXIMATELY 23:10 THE FIRE HAD ALREADY BEEN EXTINGUISHED.  UPON INSPECTION OF THE VESSEL IT APPEARED BASED ON CHARRED WIRING AND THE DIRECTION OF THE FIRE AND THE DAMAGE, THAT THE FIRE HAD STARTED IN AN ELECTRICAL PANEL AT THE HELM OF THE VESSEL.  NOONE WAS ON BOARD THE VESSEL AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES.


BARDID: TN-2010-0031
Date: 2010-06-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:54:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityTown: NASHVILLE
County: DAVIDSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
About 8:55pm on June 10, 2010 a 20’7” stratus, traveling at approximately 40-45 mph collided with a 20’3” skeeter, traveling approximately 55-60mph. According to the damage documented it is believed that the bow of the stratos struck the port side of skeeter just in front of the passenger’s seat. Operator1 said he was turning to the left when the accident occurred.  It is believed that Operator2 was in a sharp turn to the right when the accident happened. After initial contact the boats immediately turned away from each other resulting in a secondary impact. The starboard side of the stratus near the stern impacted the motor of the skeeter. This resulted in both motors coming off the boats. A total of four persons were involved in this accident, two in each boat. The operator of Vessel 1, was ejected. All persons involved sustained injuries. The two on V1 were treated and released from a local hospital. Operator2 and his occupant were admitted to a hospital and due to blunt force trauma to the head of both individuals, they remain in the hospitals care.


BARDID: TN-2010-0032
Date: 2010-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:45:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATAUGA LAKE
NearestCityTown: BUTLER
County: CARTER
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Sharp Turn
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
While patrolling Watauga Lake, in Carter County Tennessee, I noticed a Pontoon Boat with what appeared to be young children on board who were not wearing life jackets. I stopped the the vessel, and performed a safety inspection. The operator of the vessel who informed me one of the juveniles on his vessel had just broken his finger while being pulled behind the vessel on a tube. The operator stated the juvenile fell off the tube while being pulled and his finger got caught on the handle of the tube and broke it. There were two juveniles on board the vessel who were twelve years of age. There were no charges filed against the operator for the cause of the accident.


BARDID: TN-2010-0033
Date: 2010-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: BOONE LAKE
NearestCityTown: JOHNSON CITY
County: WASHINGTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Hull Failure
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/19/2010 at approximately 1230PM a boating incident happened in the Watauga River upstream of Austin Spring's Bridge.  Operator was riding a PWC when she turned to go over a wave and the PWC jerked.  When Operator tried to accelerate, the PWC stopped.  Operator's boyfriend went to help Operator and discovered the hull of the PWC had alot of water in it and still filling up.  Some friends in a boat came over to help Operator and boyfriend stop the PWC from sinking.  They were able to tie the PWC to the back of the boat and tow the PWC to Kinch Landing at Winged Deer Park.  
TWRA Officers met Operator and boyfriend at Kinch Landing.  The PWC was taken out of the water and several cracks in the hull were discovered.  The PWC hull appeared to have extensive repair work done to it.  boyfriend explained to Officers that his cousin had hit a log with the PWC the previous summer and alot of damage was done to the hull.  the cousin had repaired the damage, but the repair work appeared to have failed.
It was discovered that the fire extinguisher on the PWC did not have any pressure in it.


BARDID: TN-2010-0034
Date: 2010-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: MELTON HILL LAKE
NearestCityTown: OAK RIDGE
County: ANDERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
ON 06/23/10 AT APPROXIMATELY 7:30 P.M., VESSEL #3 WAS DOCKED AT THE EDGEMOOR ROAD BOAT RAMP ON MELTON HILL LAKE IN ANDERSON COUNTY. VESSEL #2 WAS UNDOCKING. VESSEL #1TRAVELED INTO THE DOCK AREA BETWEEN 10-20 MPH. THE BOW OF VESSEL #1 STRUCK VESSEL #2 IN THE STERN IN THE ENGINE. THE BOW OF VESSEL #2 THEN STRUCK VESSEL #3 ON THE STARBOARD SIDE.


BARDID: TN-2010-0035
Date: 2010-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityTown: HERMITAGE
County: DAVIDSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday June 13, 2010 at approx. 18:45 hours at Turtle Cove Exit near 7 points boat ramp located on J. Percy Priest Lake located in Davidson County, TN, operator was operating a borrowed personal watercraft. Operator turned into a wake going estimated speed 30 mph. Operator went airborne, came down on the personal watercraft hitting his right upper chest on the steering handles, his face impacting the plastic surrounding the steering column, his right elbow and forarm striking and removing the starboard mirror. Operator was taken to 7 points boat ramp by subject and family. Operator's family drove him to Summit Hospital where I interviewed him and family. Operator was being treated for several lacerations as I left. Operator was to be released after treatment.


BARDID: TN-2010-0037
Date: 2010-06-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: EVA
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
AccidentCause2: Weather
MachineryFailure: Electrical
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person Departed Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday June 15, 2010 at approximately 2110 hrs I was notified of a boating accident involving 1 vessel that was taking on water and beginning to sink.  Officers had already been notified and were enroute to the High Banks Eva Access Area boat ramp.  Upon arrival, Officers found that 2 of the occupants had already made it back to shore aided by the Benton County Rescue Squad.  The other 2 occupants had walked and swam back to the ramp.  Officers began to interview the occupants of the boat and collect their statements on what had happened.  
     According to the occupant statements: they had been cruising and pulling a tube on Kentucky Lake in a 15' Sears open motorboat (V1).  The wind picked up and the water had begun to white-cap and was getting choppy.  The battery died on the vessel which shut the motor off.  Occupant1 jumped in the water and used a rope to pull the boat to the shore of an island.  Two other occupants then walked through the woods on the island to go get help.  Operator switched the batteries and got V1 started again.  He proceeded toward the ramp at Eva when the motor died again and V1 began to take on water from the stern.  Operator called 911 and informed the dispatcher that the vessel was sinking.  He started the vessel and again tried to get to shore, but the motor died again and V1 began to take on more water from stern.  The vessel sank stern down and came to rest on the lake bottom with a portion of the bow protruding up above the surface of the water.  He stayed on the tube while she stayed with the boat.  Meanwhile, the two occupants had swam from the island to the High Banks boat ramp and found two fishermen there.  One occupant used one of the fishermen's cell phone and called her grandmother, who told her that the police were already on the way.  The Sheriff's department and the Rescue Squad showed up approximately 5 minutes later.  The Rescue Squad launched a boat and went to the occupants and picked them up, and brought them back to shore.


BARDID: TN-2010-0038
Date: 2010-06-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:25:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CENTER HILL LAKE
NearestCityTown: SMITHVILLE
County: DEKALB
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Person Struck by Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with Fixed Object
RedactedNarrative:
--According to statements by parties involved, boat owner was attempting to load her boat alone, which Owner said she could not get the engine to start. Two ladies attempted to help Owner load the boat by pulling boat onto trailer with rope. Initially, the trailer was not deep enough in the water and Owner backed truck and trailer farther down ramp. A helper got into boat to help guide the boat while   pulled boat with rope. A helper was then able to start engine. The boat was apparently sitting on the trailer at an angle when throttled forward, causing boat to strike Victim before striking the tailgate of Owner' truck.Victim was pinned between boat and truck for an unknown amount of time. A helper reversed throttle, backing boat away from Victim and the truck before engine died. Victim was assisted by involved parties and bystanders until EMS arrived. She was transported to helicopter landing zone and flown to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga for surgery and treatment.

PropertyDamageDescription:
Tailgate of truck used to pull vessel was damaged (punctured) by vessel's bow eye when vessel overshot trailer during loading.


BARDID: TN-2010-0039
Date: 2010-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: OCOEE RIVER
NearestCityTown: DUCKTOWN
County: POLK
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
The Quest Expeditions raft that victim was a passenger in struck White Face Rock. victim fell overboard and swam Grumpy Rapid. Her ankle was fractured during this time.


BARDID: TN-2010-0042
Date: 2010-06-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:35:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT. LOUDOUN LAKE
NearestCityTown: LENOIR CITY
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Hull Failure
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR LAUNCHED VESSEL TO PARTICIPATE IN A BASS TOURNAMENT. HE BEGAN MOTORING TO A FISHING LOCATION. WHILE IN ROUTE, WATER BEGAN ENTERING THE VESSEL FROM AN UNKNOWN LOCATION. HE CHANGED COURSE, AND BEGAN LOOKING FOR A BOAT RAMP. THE OPERATOR FOUND LENIOR CITY PARK'S RAMP AND STARTED TOWARD IT. ONCE THERE, HIS VESSEL SANK ON THE RAMP. HE MANAGED TO WINCH THE VESSEL ONTO A TRAILER. UPON INSPECTING THE HULL, THE OPERATOR FOUND A LARGE AREA OF DELAMINATED FIBERGLASS. WATER IS BELIEVED TO ENTER FROM THIS AREA.


BARDID: TN-2010-0043
Date: 2010-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:54:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityTown: KINGSTON
County: ROANE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Inadequate Onboard Navigation Lights
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
AccidentCause3: MACHINERY FAILURE
MachineryFailure: Electrical
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
BASED ON WITNESS STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION TO DATE:   On 07/04/2010 at approximately 21:54 Vessel 2 was travelling south on the TN River Channel of Watts Bar Lake.  He was travelling at 3800 RPM (approximately 28 mph) when he noticed a boat in front of him that didnt have navigational lights displayed.  That boat, a 26' Leisure pontoon (Vessel 1)  was anchored watching the fireworks, and operator2 was sitting at the helm.  The position of vessel 1 was just north, and across the channel from Marny Bluff and TN River Mile 565 and flashing red daymark.  When Operator2 noticed the boat he made a hard turn to the right, but couldn't avoid the collision.  The port side of Vessel 2 struck the port side pontoon of Vessel 1 and bent it inward.  The impact also gouged the hull of Vessel 2 causing scuff, and tear marks that were completely pass through in some parts of the damage.  The damage to the side of Vessel 1 was estimated to be approximately 6 ft. in length.  After the impact Operator2 turned around and went back to where vessel 1 was, and said that vessel 1 had it's lights on after he returned.  According to Operator2's statement, the occupant's of vessel 1 said that their battery was dead, and would he mind to tow them back in.  He also stated that the occupants of vessel 1 didnt immediately notify him that they had someone injured aboard their vessel, and that they told him of the injury once he had started towing them back toward Caney Creek Marina.  

According to statements from the occupants of vessel 1, they were sitting anchored watching the Kingston fireworks.  They were having trouble out of one of the two batteries aboard the vessel, and subject was trying to adjust/tighten the battery cables when the impact occurred.  All of the occupants aboard vessel 1 stood up and started yelling at vessel 2 trying to get his attention, but braced for impact when they realized that he wasn't going to stop.  I asked operator1 if they had any lights on at the at the time of impact, and she stated that if they were on, that they were very dim.  an occupant aboard vessel 1 stated that the battery was dead, and they had no lights.  When law enforcement arrived, and located the vessels at approximately 22:30, we noticed that victim was lying in-between the front seats of vessel 1 complaining of back and neck pain.  Officers secured vessel 1 and helped with stabilizing the injured occupant.  

Vessel 2 was drifting just ahead of vessel 1 at the time, and Officers noticed another vessel pull alongside vessel 2 and start speaking with Operator2.  They told the occupants of that vessel to move along.  I had gone to Caney Creek Marina to pick up paparamedics due to vessel 1's batteries being dead, and the vessel not starting.  After returning to their location we were able to secure victim to a backboard with the help of the paramedics and the occupants aboard vessel 1.  She was then placed on the bow of my boat, and transported back to Caney Creek Marina where an ambulance was waiting to transport her to Roane Medical Center.  Officer operated vessel 2 back to Caney Creeek Marina, and Officer towed vessel 1 back to the Marina as well.  Officer conducted field sobriety tests on Operator2 after smelling a strong odor of alcoholic beverages on him.  Operator2 performed poorly on the standardized field sobriety tests administered to him, and Officer placed him under arrest for Boating Under the Influence.  Operator2 was taken to Roane Medical Center where a blood sample was taken, and then transported to Roane County  jail.  Operator2's BAC results came back as inconclusive from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's forensic criminal laboratory.  Later, while I was taking photograph's of the vessel…


BARDID: TN-2010-0045
Date: 2010-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:34:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Subject was working on engine.  They were testing the boat and approaching the dock at a slow rate of speed.  As they neared the dock the engine stalled.  She put her foot out to keep the boat from hitting the dock, her foot slipped and her leg was caught between the boat and the dock.  Her leg hit metal on the dock, cutting a gash about 12 inches long on the inside of her left leg.  


BARDID: TN-2010-0047
Date: 2010-06-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:50:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: BARKLEY LAKE
NearestCityTown: ASHLAND CITY
County: CHEATHAM
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Dam/lock
AccidentCause2: HAZARDOUS WATERS
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday June 26, operator and victim unloaded the boat at Lock B ramp and headed toward Cheatham Dam. operator positioned the boat near Gate 6. Shortly after the discharge alarm went off. opreator tried to start his boat and then the boat took on water and capsized. operator was able to deploy his inflatable life jacket but victim was not.


BARDID: TN-2010-0048
Date: 2010-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:10:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CENTER HILL LAKE
NearestCityTown: SMITHVILLE
County: DEKALB
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
AccidentCause2: SHARP TURN
MachineryFailure: Throttle
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent2: GROUNDING
RedactedNarrative:
Operator left his houseboat and made a sharp left hand turn. He was ejected from his boat and the boat kept going .5 mile up the lake and crashed into a bluff near Edgar Evins Marina. Operator stated that the throttle may have hung when he was ejected. The throttle was designed to return to idle when released.


BARDID: TN-2010-0049
Date: 2010-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityTown: MAYNARDVILLE
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Sharp Turn
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On sunday June 26 , 2010 at around 7:30 pm  tuber was thrown from a tube being towed on Norris lake. The boat was operated by her father. tuber hit the water in an awkward position and began having neck pain. The pain became worse and she was driven to the University of Tennessee Emergency Room. She was released early the next morning. She was diagnosed with a strain / pulled muscle. There are no criminal charges pending.


BARDID: TN-2010-0051
Date: 2010-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityTown: SODDY DAISY
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: carbon monoxide
AccidentEvent1: Carbon Monoxide Exposure
RedactedNarrative:
While checking a vessel on Soddy Creek, I was approached by a man who was very frantic.  He said there was a girl who was dying of carbon monoxide poisoning.  I followed him to the boat he pointed out.  There I found the victim on the back of the boat being held up by several people.  She was breathing but did not remember what happened.  Witnesses said she was swimming near the back of the boat when she appeared to pass out.  She was pulled in the boat immediately.  I called for an ambulance while Hamilton County SO Sgt. gave her oxygen.  She was transported to Memorial Northpark Hospital where she was monitored overnight and released.


BARDID: TN-2010-0052
Date: 2010-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityTown: HARRISON
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: IGNITION OF SPILLED FUEL OR VAPOR
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
Operator indicated he had just added gasoline to his boat at Harrison Bay Marina.  He indicated he started the blower and ran it for about 10 minutes and started his port engine.  He moved away from the dock and attempted to start his starboard engine when an explosion happened.  His wife got in the water and waited for rescue crews to arrive.  Upon my inspection of the boat, the blower was not turned on and both engines were in gear.  The bilge pump was running.

The boat had an automatic halon type fire suppression unit but I could not determine if it discharged.


BARDID: TN-2010-0053
Date: 2010-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:05:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityTown: SALE CREEK
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Sharp Turn
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Based on witness and operator statements, the vessel was cruising in Possum Creek when the operator took a hard turn to the port side.  When he did this, three of his passengers were ejected from the rear of the vessel.  A female was ejected and was entangled in the ski rope which gave her rope burns to her arm, head, and neck.  She was rescued by her friends and pulled in the boat.  She was transported to Memorial NorthPark Hospital where she was treated for her injuries.  At a later date, the other two passengers whom were ejected were seen by a doctor for minor injuries sustained from impacting the water.


BARDID: TN-2010-0054
Date: 2010-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityTown: HARRISON
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: People on Gunwale, Bow, or Transom
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
Based on witness statements, subject approached the front of the vessel to relieve himself.  The people who were there heard a splash and ran to the front of the boat where they did not see the victim resurface.  They also noticed that a piece of railing that was loose initially was broken off into the water.  Numerous attempts were made by friends and witnesses to dive down and locate victim with no success.  911 was called and it took responding officers, firefighters, and divers approximately 2 hours to find victim by utilizing sonar equipment and divers.  He was located under the rear of the vessel that was tied up next to the one he fell from.  He was transported to the Medical Examiner's Office by TWRA officer request.


BARDID: TN-2010-0055
Date: 2010-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityTown: RUTLEDGE
County: GRAINGER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Person Departed Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel # 1 was pulling into slip #49. As the vessel neared the dock the victim reached and grabbed a post on the dock. The vessel then began to pull away from the dock and the victim attempted to jump from the vessel onto the dock.The victim struck the concrete and steel dock with her left side. The victim's husband then jumped into the water to rescue her. At the time of the accident the victim was wearing a type 3 life jacket.


BARDID: TN-2010-0059
Date: 2010-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityTown: ANDERSONVILLE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On monday july 5, 2010, Operator was pulling a tube behind his 1997 bayliner.  The tube was a gladiator super brawler made by performance towables and was attached to the vessel by a 60' tow rope.  The tube was designed to ride three people and had three people on board.  According to witness statements, the tube hit a wake causing victim to fall off the front of the tube hitting the water face first and the tube continued over her.  Victim climbed back on the tube and stated she was not hurt.  As the vessel began pulling the tube again, victim stated she could not see and felt dizzy.  Victim fainted on the tube and did not regain consiousness while on the water.  Operator pulled the tube over to a second vessel that was near by which the victim’s husband was operating.  Operator untied the tube and went to look for a twra patrol vessel he had seen pass a few minutes ago.  Twra officer was leaving waterside marina and was stopped by Operator for assistance.  Victim was laying on the tube unconsious when officer arrived on scene.  Victim was transferred from the tube to the back of husband’s vessel and transported to waterside marina.  Victim was transported by ambulance to the university of tennessee hospital.


BARDID: TN-2010-0061
Date: 2010-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityTown: SODDY DAISY
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Drug Use
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentCause3: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
According to witness statements, Vessel #1 was traveling up stream when they noticed a red boat coming down river directly at them.  The operator of Vessel #1 sounded his horn and steered right to avoid a collision but Vessel #2 collided with the port bow causing substantial damage to both vessels.  The operator of Vessel #1 stated that the operator of Vessel #2 appeared to be passed out prior to the collision.  After the collision, the operator/occupant of Vessel #1 called 911 and attempted to get the information from the operator of Vessel #2 but he left the scene after giving his name and where he worked.

Vessel #1 was located by Hamilton County SO Marine Patrol and escorted in to Harbor Light Marina.  The Vessel #2 was located on the trailer at a residence on Buffalo Lane.


BARDID: TN-2010-0062
Date: 2010-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:50:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityTown: SMYRNA
County: RUTHERFORD
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/05/2010 at ~ 18:50 Operator was operating a personal watercraft near the Jefferson Springs Boat Ramp on J. Percy Priest Lake.  She was traveling upstream when she ran into a column of the Jefferson Pike Bridge.  She stated that she let off the accelerator when she realized she was getting too close to the bridge. As a result, she lost the ability to steer and collided with the concrete column.  Both occupants were wearing life jackets and the operator was wearing a safety lanyard.  They fell off the pwc during the collision, but were quickly boarded into a nearby boat.  They were not seriously injured.


BARDID: TN-2010-0063
Date: 2010-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: ChIlhowee Resevoir
NearestCityTown: TALLASSEE
County: BLOUNT
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
RedactedNarrative:
operator was cruising on Chilhowee Lake near the Calderwood Reservation at about 12:30 on July 15, 2010. Operator struck an object that broke the outdrive off of the boat. The occupents were unijured and manged to tow the boat by hand to shallow water where it came to rest on the bottom without sinking completely.


BARDID: TN-2010-0067
Date: 2010-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityTown: DECATUR
County: MEIGS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentCause3: CONGESTED WATERS
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #2 was fishing at the entrance to agency creek.  Occupant of Vessel #2 was standing at the bow of the boat fishing.  He noticed Vessel #1 moving in his direction pulling a skier.  As vessel #1 got closer to Vessel #2 the occupant of Vessel #2 began waving in an attempt to get the attention of Vessel #1.  Vessel #1 continued in a direct path toward Vessel #2.  Vessel #1 struck Vessel #2 at the midpoint of the boat and traveled across vessel #2 completely.  Occupant of vessel #2 jumped out of the boat to avoid injury.


BARDID: TN-2010-0068
Date: 2010-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:45:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: PICKWICK LAKE
NearestCityTown: COUNCE
County: HARDIN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentCause3: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator STATES HE WAS CRUISING ON A PWC WHEN HE HIT A BIG WAVE AND WAS THROWN FROM THE PWC.  HE WENT OFF THE LEFT SIDE AND THE PWC CONTINUED TO THE RIGHT.  HIS LEFT FOOT GOT HUNG IN THE PWC AS HE FELL AND THE ANKLE SUBSEQUENTLY WAS BROKEN.


BARDID: TN-2010-0069
Date: 2010-07-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: PICKWICK LAKE
NearestCityTown: COUNCE
County: HARDIN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
BASED ON INFORMATION TO DATE:  Operator BORROWED THE PONTOON BOAT.  THE VESSEL WAS PARKED ON C PIER OF THE PICKWICK STATE PARK MARINA.  Owner LAST SPOKE WITH victim AT 11:23AM ON 07/19/10.  AT THAT TIME operator WAS LOADING THE VESSEL AND PREPARING TO HEAD OUT ON THE LAKE.  operator DID NOT SHOW UP TO PICK UP HIS WIFE AS SCHEDULED AT 5:00PM.  ON THE MORNING OF 07/20/2010 owner WENT LOOKING FOR operator AND THE PONTOON BOAT.  owner DISCOVERED THE PORT SIDE OF THE PONTOON BOAT BEACHED ON THE NORTH BANK AT RIVER MILE 209.2.  operator WAS NOT ON THE VESSEL AND WAS NOT IN SITE.  owner DIALED 911 AND DROVE THE PONTOON BOAT TO THE PICKWICK STATE PARK BOAT RAMP.  HARDIN COUNTY CENTRAL DISPATCH CONTACT ME AT 10:14AM AND INFORMED ME OF THE MISSING PERSON.  OFFICER AND I RESPONDED TO THE CALL FROM HENDERSON COUNTY.  WE ARRIVED TO THE SCENE AT 11:10AM.  I INTERVIEWED owner, TOOK PICTURES AND GATHERED EVIDENCE AT THE BOAT RAMP.  owner FOUND THE BOAT WITH THE KEY IN THE OFF POSITION, THROTTLE IN NUETRAL, BACK DOOR OPEN AND SWIM LATTER DOWN.  operator's WALLET, PHONE AND CD'S WERE IN THE CONSOLE OF THE BOAT.  HIS SHIRT AND HAT WERE FOUND LAYING IN THE SEAT NEXT TO THE DRIVER.  HIS SANDALS WERE PLACED NEATLY ON THE DECK BELOW HIS SHIRT AND HAT. THREE EMPTY 12OZ CANS OF BUD LIGHT, ONE EMPTY 12OZ BOTTLE OF BUD LIGHT LIME AND ONE MOSTLY EMtPY BOTTLE OF VODKA WERE FOUND IN THE BOAT.  
IT APPEARS operator LEFT THE BOAT OR FELL FROM THE BOAT AND WAS UNABLE TO RETURN ABOARD.  operator's BODY WAS FOUND AT 2:38PM FLOATING NEAR THE CHANNEL AT RIVER MILE 208.5.  AUTOPSY REVEALED DEATH WAS CAUSED BY DROWNING.  TOXICOLOGY REPORT IS IN PROGRESS.


BARDID: TN-2010-0071
Date: 2010-07-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:25:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Person Departed Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at approximately 4:20 pm two subjects were swimming near a pontoon boat owned and operated by the same person.  The trio were above Moon Hill Bridge in the Muddy Creek section of Douglas Lake.  Operator states that the two had been swimming about 10 to 15 minutes when a strong windstorm blew the vessel approximately 75 to 100 yards away from the swimmers.  subject1 was able to make it to the boat and grab a hold while operator began trying to turn the boat around to pick up subject2.  The wind was too strong to turn the vessel around.  At this point Operator began to back the boat towards subject2 hoping that he would grab a hold.  operator took the motor out of gear but apparantly subject2 was in fear that the propellor would strike him and would not grab hold.  Operator states that he then threw a PFD to subject2 but the wind blew it away.  Operator then threw a Type 4 throwable device towards subject2 but it was just out of the victims reach.  Subject2 then went under the water and may have almost resurfaced once more before disapppearing.  Members of the Jefferson and Sevier County Rescue Squads were able to locate the victim in about 7 feet of water near where he was last seen.  The victim was resurfaced and transported by boat to a nearby ambulance.  The victim was then transported to Jefferson Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.  An autopsy was requested and the victims body was then transported to Knoxville to be examined by the Knox County Medical Examiner.

*Update 10-07-10*
Officer added a toxicology report which is submitted as an eletronic attachment. An autopsoy report is pending.

*Update 01-03-11* 
Officer added the victims BAC to the report and finalized the report by adding the autopsy report and photographs that were taken at the scene.


BARDID: TN-2010-0072
Date: 2010-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityTown: GALLATIN
County: SUMNER
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
The vessel was participating in recreation activities on Old Hickory Lake on the 4th of July, 2010 during the afternoon.  7 people were passengers of the vessel.  5 persons were in the vessel at the time and 2 children were being towed at the time of the accident.  Victim was in the bow of the boat at the time of the accident.  The vessel was traveling upstream toward Gallatin at approx. 16:00 in the Cages Bend area.  At this time a larger vessel traveling downstream crossed and passed the vessel.  Opeartor was traveling at a speed of aprox. 22 mph.  He did not see the oncoming wake of the larger vessel and hit the wake head on.  Due to Victim's position on the bow of the boat this wake propelled her into the air and out of her seat.  When Victim hit the boat on her way down her back was injured.  The party on board called 911 and travelled to the closest ramp which was Cages Bend.  Victim was then transported to Sumner Regional Medical Center.  She was admitted for her injury.  She suffered a compression fracture of her L1 vertebrae and was treated for this injury.  the driver said he had 1 beer while driving the vessel.  He submitted to blood which was sent to TBI.  The test came back negative.


BARDID: TN-2010-0073
Date: 2010-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NICKAJACK LAKE
NearestCityTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1 was cruising down stream at a slow rate of speed of 10 MPH or less, because the night was cool and the ladies on board were getting cold.  According to the passengers on board, the running lights and the all-around-light was in working order. They said they turned their lights on at the River Bend Festival when instructed to do so by an unidentified TWRA Officer.  Vessel #2 struck the rear of Vessel #1 at a high rate of speed, launching itself over the top of Vessel #1, and then landing in front of it.  Two of the people on board Vessel #1 sustained head injuries.  According to passenger in Vessel #2, the younger female on board his vessel was ejected from their vessel and had to be helped back aboard.  Operator2's brother-in-law was traveling with them down stream in his vessel, and towed both vessels to the boat ramp at Raccoon Mountain Pump Storage Plant (TVA facility).  There, they were met by TWRA Officers who began the investigation.


BARDID: TN-2010-0074
Date: 2010-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: BUFFALO RIVER
NearestCityTown: WAYNESBORO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
RedactedNarrative:
operator RENTED A CANOE FROM CRAZYHORSE CANOE RENTAL IN WAYNESBORO, TN ON 5/29/10. THREE SUBJECTS IN CANOE. operator WAS IN BACK. FALLEN TREE BLOCKED MAIN RIVER CHANNEL. CANOE FLIPPED AND PINNED operator BETWEEN CANOE AND TRUNK. operator DROWNED. OTHER PEOPLE IN CANOE PARTY WERE ABLE TO PULL OTHER TWO FEMALE OCCUPANTS OUT OF TREE TOP BUT COULD NOT FREE SUBJECT.


BARDID: TN-2010-0075
Date: 2010-07-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityTown: NASHVILLE
County: DAVIDSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
According to witness statements, at approximately 1330 hours operator1 and passenger were on Percy Priest lake. They noticed a jet ski operating close to them . operator1 decided to try and move away from them. About that time operator2 who was operating the jet ski collided with the pontoon boat. operator2 stated He had just rented the jet ski from nashville shores and was headed out into the middle of the lake. He stated it was his first time and that he didnt feel he had been properly trained to ride it. operator2 also stated he just "lost control of the jetski." There was damage to the bow of the jet ski. The pontoon boat sustained damage to the port side near the stern. No one claimed to be injured while we were on the scene.


BARDID: TN-2010-0078
Date: 2010-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT. LOUDOUN LAKE
NearestCityTown: FRIENDSVILLE
County: BLOUNT
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
AccidentEvent1: Electrocution
RedactedNarrative:
VICTIMS WERE SWIMMING AT STERN OF A HOUSEBOAT (TN 0096 CG) WHILE IT WAS DOCKED AT INTERNATIONAL HARBOR MARINA IN FRIENDSVILLE, TN . VICTIMS WERE AFFECTED BY STRAY VOLTAGE.  VICTIMS SUCCUMBED TO STRAY VOLTAGE IN THE WATER AND HAD TO BE RESCUED BY OCCUPANTS OF THE HOUSEBOAT. one subject JUMPED OR FELL IN WHILE ATTEMPTING TO AID VICTIMS AND ALSO SUCCUMBED TO THE STRAY VOLTAGE. THE STRAY VOLTAGE ORIGINATED FROM IMPROPER WIRING ON THE HOUSEBOAT (TN 0096 CG) .


BARDID: TN-2010-0081
Date: 2010-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORMANDY LAKE
NearestCityTown: MANCHESTER
County: COFFEE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was riding with operator when wake from another vessel capsized PWC. Victim's leg got caught between gunnel and center section of PWC. Operator fell on top of victim before impacting water.


BARDID: TN-2010-0082
Date: 2010-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:55:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: PARIS
County: HENRY
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Inadequate Onboard Navigation Lights
AccidentCause2: Restricted Vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On July 4, 2010 at approx. 00:55 hours vessel 2 was anchored under Hwy 79 bridge on Kentucky lake, fishing with his wife and a friend. He had an anchor light displayed on the stern of his vessel that was approx. 18 inches tall. Vessel 1 was travelling north on Kentucky Lake near TRM 67.  He was using a spotlight to occasionally scan for boats or obstructions in the water. Just as he approached the HWY 79 bridge his passenger told him to turn hard to the right.  They had failed to see the stern light on vessel 2 because of the height of the bow of vessel 1, or occupants in vessel 1 may have obstructed view, or because the stern light was shorter than the required 1 meter.  Vessel 1 turned hard to starboard colliding with vessel 2 on its port side. Vessel 2 operator - said he heard a boat approaching but assumed he could see his stern light and took no action to signal vessel 1 that he was in his path of travel. Vessel 2 was anchored about 20 meters west of the TN river channel in approx. 7 meters water depth.


BARDID: TN-2010-0083
Date: 2010-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityTown: BEAN STATION
County: GRAINGER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentCause2: SHARP TURN
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: PERSON STRUCK BY VESSEL
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/25/2010 at approximately 19:00 hours, vessel one and vessel two were waiting to load on the ramp at the Olen Marshall Access Area.  While waiting in the area, the vessels continued to operate at what operators described as a speed "around 15 miles per hour".  Vessel one began to execute a turn to the right at the same time as vessel two began to operate a turn to the left.  When both operators saw that collision was unvoidable, they put their legs out in an attempt to stop the collision.  Vessel two impacted vessel one just behind the steering controls between the operator and the handlebars.  Vessel two struck the left gunwale of vessel one and launched into the left leg of vessel one's operator.  Vessel two was launched across vessel one and struck the right leg of vessel one's operator as it came back to land in the water.  Both operators went into the water as a result of the impact.  The operator of vessel two began to render aid by assisting vessel one's operator back to shore.  The operator of vessel one suffered two breaks to his lower left leg and a wound to the lower part of his right leg.  The injured operator was taken to Lakeway Regional Hospital by private vehicle for treatment.


BARDID: TN-2010-0084
Date: 2010-03-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityTown: LEBANON
County: WILLIAMSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: SHARP TURN
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
RedactedNarrative:
operator ADVISED HE HAD GONE FISHING BEFORE DAYLIGHT. AFTER FISHING FOR A WHILE HE RETURNED TO HIS VEHICLE TO WARM UP. APPROXIMATELY 1130 HOURS operator RETURNED TO HIS BOAT TO RESUME FISHING. AS HE CLEARED THE NO WAKE ZONE HE INCREASED POWER. WHEN HE SPED UP ONE OF HIS FISHING POLLES BLEW UP. HE REACHED FOR THE POLE AND WHEN HE DID THE BOAT TURNED STARBOARD. operator WAS EJECTED OUT OF THE PORT SIDE OF THE BOAT AND INTO THE WATER. WHEN operator CAME UP THE BOAT HAD CAPSIZED. he WAS ABLE TO REBOARD THE BOAT UNTIL EMERGENCY SERVICES ARRIVED TO RESCUE HIM. HE WAS TRANSPORTED TO UML MEDICAL IN LEBANON FOR TREATMENT FOR HYPOTHERMIA.


BARDID: TN-2010-0085
Date: 2010-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:15:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityTown: BYRDSTOWN
County: PICKETT
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel1 TOWING TUBE WITH TWO OCCUPANTS AND one SPOTTER. TUBE IMPACTED PORT STERN AREA OF HOUSEBOAT AT SLIDE SUPPORT INJURING BOTH RIDERS. OPERATOR STATED HE SLOWED AND BROUGHT TUBE IN CLOSE TO HOUSEBOAT SO PICTURES COULD BE TAKEN OF TUBERS.


BARDID: TN-2010-0086
Date: 2010-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR inexperience
AccidentCause3: navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: PERSON STRUCK BY VESSEL
RedactedNarrative:
BOTH VESSELS WERE RIDING NEAR EACH OTHER JUMPING WAKES. V1 WAS TURNING AND OPERATOR REALIZED THAT THEY WERE HEADED TOWARD V2. OPERATOR OF V1 LET OFF THE THROTTLE TOO LATE AND STRUCK V2'S STARBOARD SIDE. MINOR INJURIES TO PASSENEGERS OF BOTH VESSELS.


BARDID: TN-2010-0094
Date: 2010-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityTown: BYRDSTOWN
County: PICKETT
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
SKIER FELL AND ROLLED ON WATER. FOOT STAYED IN SKI BINDING AND CAUSED INJURY TO RIGHT ANKLE-LOWER LEG.


BARDID: TN-2010-0095
Date: 2010-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:53:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityTown: MOUNT JULIET
County: WILSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Sharp Turn
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
THE INJURED CHILD WAS BEING PULLED BEHIND A PWC ON A TUBE. THE PWC WAS IN A SHARP TURN AND THE TUBE STRUCK A WAKE CAUSING THE CHILD TO BE THROWN UP IN THE AIR. HE FELL HEAD FIRST INTO THE WATER AND WAS KNOCKED OUT FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. WILSON COUNTY EMS TRANSPORTED HIM TO THE HOSPITAL TO BE CHECKED OUT. OPERATOR WAS NOT IMPAIRED IN ANY WAY AND HAD THE MANDATORY BOATING EDUCATION CLASS FOR HIS AGE.


BARDID: TN-2010-0096
Date: 2010-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:26:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityTown: HENDERSONVILLE
County: SUMNER
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/18/2010 operator and passenger were recreating in the Two Foot area of Old Hickory Lake.  subjects and 7 other people had met at Creekwood Marina arriving at different times between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.  The group had left at approx. 2:00 pm and went straight to the Two Foot area where they anchored close to the volleyball net.  Between the time of 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm another person met with the group at Two Foot.  He is the owner of the PWC.  He drove the PWC from the Rockland Rd. area to Two Foot.  Upon his arrival the person had lent the PWC to operator.  At approx. 3:00 pm another subject stated that she was riding the PWC with operator.  She stated that she was wearing a life jacket and operator had an orange life jacket in his lap.  subject stated that both her and operator switched operating the PWC at least once during he time they were both on it.  Witnesses in the group reported that during the time period from when they arrived at Creekwood Marina and on the PWC operator had consumed anywhere from 2-5 beers and 2 shots of Yeagermeister.  Witnesses also stated that on at least 2 occasions they asked operator to put on the life jacket but he would not.  They stated that he would only hold the lifejacket in his lap. another subject stated that operator and passenger rode the PWC for 30 minutes.  Though subject stated that operator was not wearing a lifejacket while they were riding subject thought that operator was wearing the lifejacket at one point, but he had taken it off when he came to pick her up.  subjects switced as passengers on the PWC.  At this point all witnesses stated that operator was not wearing the lifejacket.  subject was wearing one.  subject stated that they were on the PWC for at least 10 minutes.  They were operating just outside of Two Foot in the river channel.  At one point operator asked if subject wanted to go back and she told him it was up to him.  At this point they were facing the volleyball nets at Two Foot.  operator turned the PWC around to head back out into the channel.  At this point subject stated they hit several large waves.  She said they made it through the first few but after that they both fell of the PWC toward the left side of the vessel.  At this point subject said that it looked like operator either swallowed some water or got the air knocked out of him.  She stated that she asked him if he was all right but he could not reply, he would only nod his head at her.  At this point she said they were both approx. 15 feet from the PWC.  She swam back to the vessel and tried to start it to no success.  The key was in operator's hand.  subject looked at operator at this point and he was still visable in the water.  She estimated that he was 50-70 feet away at this point.  subject then took off her lifejacket and attempted to swim with it over to operator.  By the time she got to where she thought he was he was no longer visable.  When she realized that he had gone under she started to call for help.  A pontoon boat picked her up 1-2 minutes later.  good samaritan called 911 at 5:32 pm.  Three officers recieved the call and were the first boat to arrive at the scene.  We initaially thought the call was for the Stark Knob area and went there first.  When we arrived there we saw emergency crews staging.  Two Fire and Rescue and one EMS got on my boat and we went to the scene.  With the help of subject and good samaritan we started the plot the search area.  Upon arrival we found the orange lifejacket that operator had had in his lap floating in the channel.  Along with TWRA, Wilson County EMA searched for the body until 10:20 pm.  The search resumed in the morning of 07/19/2010 at 8:00.  The body was found  at around 9:00.  An autopsy was performed in Nashville.  Toxicology results found a quantity of 154 mg/dL of Ethanol and 60 ng/mL of Diazepam in operator's heart blood.  A Vitreous sample found 164 mg/dL Ethanol.


BARDID: TN-2010-0097
Date: 2010-05-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT. LOUDOUN LAKE
NearestCityTown: LOUISVILLE
County: BLOUNT
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
PropertyDamageDescription: Damage to the lift cable/pulley system and the runner
RedactedNarrative:
All information in this report describing the accident is based on the oral and written statements of the owner of Vessel #1.   owner was loading his boat onto his lift on his dock. He had it approximately 3/4 raised out of the water when another subject's 80'' boat with the documented name "The Good Life", alledgedly cruised within 20-25 ft. of the dock at approximately 40-45 mph. The resulting wake caused owner's boat to sway, knocking his boat into his lift and boat house 15-20 times. There is damage to the cable/pulley system and the runner on the lift. The boat also suffered damage to the rubber trim, scratches and dents, and missing sections to the fiberglass hull.  owner stated that he attempted to contact wake-causing vessel through a mutual person. 


BARDID: TN-2010-0098
Date: 2010-08-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:45:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: BUCHANAN
County: HENRY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentCause3: Missing or Inadequate Navigation Aids
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Floating Object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On August 7, 2010 at or around 1500 hours, I received a call to assist Boating Officer who was towing a swamped boat to Paris Landing State Park.  Following is a synopsis of the events based upon evidence and witness statements:

Operator and his wife launched their newly purchased runabout boat at Paris Landing State Park for an afternoon cruise.  He states that he left the Paris Landing Harbor and went under the bridge and headed towards Eagle Creek.  He states that he was initially going around 30-35 mph after he passed under the bridge, then slowed and was in the process of speeding up when he states his boat hit something hard. He states that he was going around 25 mph according to the speedometer and was plowing through the water.  No one was injured during the allision.   He states that he noticed a log in the water behind them.  The boat began to fill up with water and he signaled to a passing boater for assistance.  The assistance vessel towed Operator's vessel to the Hwy 79 bridge until Boating Officer Riggins took over.  The submerged vessel was towed to Paris Landing State Park where it was loaded onto the trailer.

The vessel was inspected when it was removed from the water.  The entire outdrive was separated from the transom and attached only by hoses and wires.  There was no other obvious damage noted to the vessel.

KY Lake elevation at Paris Landing was around 357.8

Contributing factors and an explanation follows:

1.  Excessive speed:  Operator was traveling fast enough to knock off the outdrive in a shallow area of the lake.   Inland Nav Rule 6 includes "In determining a safe speed the following factors shall be among those taken into account:.....the draft in relation to the available depth of water."The partially submerged log is in approximately 4 feet of water 
2.  Improper Lookout:  The log that was struck is partially submerged with approximately 1 foot of the log sticking out of the water and is visable if keeping a sharp lookout.  Operator was operating the vessel and his passenger was sitting in the seat next to him.  From this position, neither operator or occupant could see immediately in front of the boat when it was plowing.
3.  Operator inexperience:  Operator was operating his vessel outside the marked channel and in shallow/hazardous waters during times when the lake is less than summer pool.  In addition to the partially submerged log, his vessel passed either over or very near a shallow bar that was covered by approximately 2 feet of water.  

The vessel's registration was in the previous owner's name.  Operator states that he purchased the vessel on August 5, 2010 and he had not been to the Court Clerk's office to pay sales tax and to apply for registration.   I took no action on this violation.

It is my recommendation that TVA place a danger buoy near the log.  


BARDID: TN-2010-0099
Date: 2010-07-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:40:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityTown: HIXSON
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
The operator stated that on Saturday, July 31st 2010 at approximately 2:40 pm he and his fishing partner had been fishing a bass tournament and were returning to Chester Frost Park the weigh-in. They came upon a cabin cruiser traveling upstream as they were traveling downstream. He further stated that were traveling approximately 60mph when they hit the cruiser''s wake causing them to impact their own vessel and then be ejected.


BARDID: TN-2010-0100
Date: 2010-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:27:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CENTER HILL LAKE
NearestCityTown: SMITHVILLE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated that he was trying to start his pwc. It would not start. After trying for a while it blew up, throwing him eight feet into the air. When he landed he hit the dock knocking his left shoulder out and injuring his lower back. He also had some small cuts on his knees.

When i went to his slip (#85) i found his pwc tied off inside the slip beside Operator's other boat. It was apparent that the pwc suffered an explosion. After further investigation i found that one of the two sparks plugs was blown out and the other one was loose. The smell of gas was strong as well.

It appears that when the spark plug blew out it sparked the gas fumes causing them to ignite. I found the blown plug in the bottom of the pwc. It showed damage on the threads from where it had been blown out.


BARDID: TN-2010-0101
Date: 2010-06-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:55:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unkn
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
AccidentCause3: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
According to statements of involved parties, both jet skis left Chester Frost Campground heading South.  Operator2 and her sister were on one jet ski (Vessel #2).  Their uncle was on another.  They traveled past Camp Columbus and began to make a turn.  The uncle was in front and successfully made his turn and continued back North toward the campground.  Operator2 apparently almost stopped as she made her turn to the left.  As she accelerated she saw Vessel #1 coming into her travel path.  She explained that she let off the throttle and attempted to turn away from the boat and the tube it was pulling.

DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY INFORMATION FROM OPERATOR/OCCUPANTS OF VESSEL #1


BARDID: TN-2010-0102
Date: 2010-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:50:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: BOONE LAKE
NearestCityTown: JOHNSON CITY
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: PERSON STRUCK BY VESSEL
RedactedNarrative:
    On May 31, 2010 at approximately 1:59pm, TWRA Officer and I were notified of a boating accident on Boone Lake near Rockingham Marina. We were notified by Washington County 911 dispatch about the accident and that Washington County Rescue Services was on scene. Upon arrival at Rockingham Marina, I found that an injured female was being transported by rescue services to Johnson City Medical Center and the vessel operators and other witnesses were still on scene.
     According to operator and witness statements, Vessel #1, a Kawasaki 900 Jet Ski, was struck by Vessel #2, a Yamaha GP1200, during an attempt to spray or splash the occupants of vessel #1. Operator2 stated that she was trying to turn, but her Yamaha PWC would not turn and they hit the other vessel. An inspection of the Yamaha PWC showed no mechanical problems.
     Occupant and operators were uninjured. Only one occupant was injured. She was admitted to Johnson City Medical Center were she later underwent surgery on her right lower leg. She sustained a compound fracture of both the right tibia and fibula near the ankle. She was later released on June 2, 2010.
     After reviewing the statements from those involved and assessing the vessels after the accident, it is my conclusion as the investigating officer that the accident was caused by the reckless activity of attempting to splash or spray by swerving the PWC. Operator inexperience may have also been a contributing factor to the accident as Operator2 may have experienced PWC off throttle steering loss (the loss of steering after releasing throttle). I also found that both operators had not completed the required Tennessee Boating Safety Course.
     

IMFORMATION ADDED ON 08-06-2010: Operator2 has been charged with Reckless Operation 69-9-216(a) and Violation of Boating Safety Requirements 69-9-226 and the citations were presented by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the Sullivan County District Attorneys Office to the Sullivan County Juvenile Services Office. As a condition of dismissal of the charges, Operator2 will be completing Tennessee's Boating Safety Education Course and Sullivan County's Juvenile Services' Better Decisions Course for youth.

Operator1 has been charged with Violation of Boating Safety Requirements 69-9-226 and the citation was presented by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the Sullivan County District Attorneys Office to the Sullivan County Juvenile Services Office. As a condition of dismissal of the charge, Operator1 will be completing Tennessee's Boating Safety Education Course.


BARDID: TN-2010-0103
Date: 2010-08-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:05:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: SOUTH HOLSTON LAKE
NearestCityTown: BRISTOL
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unforeseen water hazaRD
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Floating Object
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday August 14 2010 at approximately 21:45 I received a call from Tennessee Wildlife Dispatch advising a possible boat accident on South Holston Lake near Observation Knob Park in Sullivan County. Upon my arrival at Observation Knob Park, I spoke to operator who stated that he was fishing near the Tennessee/Virginia state line in his 1999 21' Stratos Bass Boat and decided to relocate. He stated that he attempted to bring the boat on plane and struck a floating object in the water. He estimated his speed to be approximately 25 miles per hour. Operator was able to drive the boat to Observation Knob boat ramp and load it on the trailer. Upon visual inspection, I observed a large hole in the lower unit gear casing and long scratches and small gouges on the starboard side of the keel that ran the full length of the boat. There were no injuries and no charges are pending.


BARDID: TN-2010-0104
Date: 2010-08-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: BOONE LAKE
NearestCityTown: BLOUNTVILLE
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted Vision
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
BASED ON INFORMATION TO DATE:
All damage estimates are based on field operations or owner statements and are not intended for insurance or restitution purposes.

On Sunday August 2 2010 at approximately 22:41 I, Officer, received a call from TWRA dispatch advising that there had been a possible boat accident reported on Boone Lake near Devault Bridge. I contacted Officers and advised them of the accident. They advised that they would be in route to Boone Lake from Mountain City.  I arrived at Jay''s Boat Dock at around 23:50. I arrived at Devault bridge by patrol boat at 24:00. At that time I received a call from dispatch advising that one injured male was being transported to Sycamore Shoals Medical Center.  The operator of the vessel involved in the accident was being transported to Davis Boat Dock by some fishermen.  Officers met the operator (51) at Davis Boat Dock. Officer met the injured occupant (18) at Sycamore Shoals Medical Center to perform an interview and collect a statement. I arrived at operator’s vessel at approximately 00:45. The Vessel''s TN number was TN 5399 DX. The vessel was located in a cove east of the TWRA Access Area on Hamilton road.  The majority of the vessel was out of the water and had run aground. The bow of the vessel had plowed through the bank and the trolling motor suffered some apparent damage. There were a few visible gouges in the fiberglass of the hull where the vessel slid up the bank. Several fishermen assisted operator in removing the vessel from bank.  Operator’s vessel was towed back to his trailer where he started the engine before he loaded the vessel onto the trailer.

 Based on witness statements, it appeared that the operator was traveling on plane for a short distance when he was unsure of his location. He struck the bank and ran aground shortly thereafter. operator said he was traveling between 20-25 mph at the time of impact. Upon impact, subject, was propelled forward to the front of the vessel. Subject struck the front of the vessel causing his injuries.


BARDID: TN-2010-0107
Date: 2010-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:05:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityTown: LAFOLLETTE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
A 23 yr old man was operating a pwc at cruising speed, on Norris Lake in the Davis Creek area.  He was travelling in a southward direction attempting to pass under the Old Middlesboro Hwy bridge and struck the concrete cross beam with his head and upper body.  His body took the brunt of the impact with no visible damage to the pwc.   He was knocked off the pwc and the pwc then coasted to a stop.


BARDID: TN-2010-0108
Date: 2010-08-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:15:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityTown: DECATUR
County: MEIGS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/Skier Behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
The operator and victim's sister stated that the victim was skiing behind operator's 2007 Malibu ski boat near Brittsville Shores on Hiwassee River.  They state she was attempting a maneuver on her skis when she landed and one of the ski's tip caught in the water causing her to injure her hip.


BARDID: TN-2010-0110
Date: 2010-08-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityTown: ANDERSONVILLE
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Restricted Vision
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Floating Object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
RedactedNarrative:
ON AUGUST 21, 2010 AT APPROXIMATELY 8:20PM subject OPERATING A 22' 2008 SUN CHASER PONTOON NEAR POINT 19 ON NORRIS RESERVOIR.  Operator STATED HE WAS WEARING A PAIR OF SUNGLASSES TO PREVENT RAIN FROM HITTING HIM IN THE EYES.  AS THE PONTOON APPROACHED POINT 19, Operator SAW A TREE FLOATING IN THE WATER AND STEERED HIS VESSEL TO THE RIGHT TRYING TO AVOID THE TREE.  THE TREE WENT UNDER THE PONTOON STRIKING THE CROSS MEMBERS AND PONTOON ON THE STARBOARD STERN OF HIS VESSEL.  THE TREE BENT THE CROSS MEMBERS AND PUNCTURED THE PONTOON ON THE STARBOARD SIDE OF THE VESSEL ALLOWING WATER TO FILL PONTOON.  Operator  WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VESSEL AGROUND JUST INSIDE THE HARBOR AT WATERSIDE MARINA.


BARDID: TN-2010-0111
Date: 2010-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:45:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: OBEY RIVER
NearestCityTown: CELINA
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
AccidentCause2: MACHINERY FAILURE
MachineryFailure: Electrical
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
ON MONDAY, 7/5/2010 AT APPROXIMATELY 1230 HOURS, operator AND HIS DAUGHTER WERE FISHING FROM HIS 17 FOOT BASS TRACKER WHEN THEY HEARD A LOUD BANG. THEY OBSERVED THE REAR SEAT FLYING THROUGH THE AIR AND UPON INVESTIGATING FOUND FLAMES SHOOTING FROM THE NOZZLE OF A SIX GALLON TANK WHICH WAS NOT HOOKED UP TO THE MOTOR. HE ATTEMPTED TO GRAB THE TANK WITH A RAG BUT IT IGNITED. THE FLAME FROM THAT TANK IGNITED THE OTHER SIX GALLON TANK. BOTH OCCUPANTS THEN JUMPED INTO THE WATER. THE BOAT WAS ONLY ADRIFT. IT APPEARED THAT VAPORS POSSIBLY BUILT UP AND THAT THE BATTERY OR AUTOMATIC BILGE COULD HAVE CAUSED A SPARK WHICH IGNITED THE VAPORS.


BARDID: TN-2010-0112
Date: 2010-08-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT. LOUDOUN LAKE
NearestCityTown: KNOXVILLE
County: ANDERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was traveling in a western direction towards the main channel.  As V1 was about to get on plane, the operator noticed a vessel to his starboard side.  The operator of V1 turned hard to his port side in an effort to avoid a collision.  V2 had just left from a blast off, the start of a bass tournament.  The operator stated that he waved his visor to signal to the tournament participants the start of the blast off.  He stated that he was just getting on plane when he noticed a vessel to his port side and turned hard to his starboard side to try to avoid a collision.  Statements from the occupants of V1 and an independent wittness indicate that V2 started out in a western direction and then turned and started in a southern direction. The operator of V2's statement indicates that his vessel was traveling in a western direction the whole time.  As stated above, the two vessels turned hard in opposite directions in an effort to avoid a collision.  Due to the turning, the left rear corner of V2 contacted the starboard side of V1 at the driver's console.  As a result of the collison, V1 sustained most of the damage.  Once the collision occurred the vessels went to the free launch at Concord on North Shore Rd. where the operators exchanged information.  Then operator of V1 contacted TWRA about the accident.


BARDID: TN-2010-0113
Date: 2010-07-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 04:10:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityTown: CELINA
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Inadequate Onboard Navigation Lights
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentCause3: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
ON 07/31/2010 AT APPROX. 0400 HOURS, V1 WAS AFLOAT AT SOUTHERN POINT OF MOUTH OF WOLF RIVER--V2 APPROACHED HEADED IN A NORTHWESTERLY DIRECTION . V1 WAS ALLEGEDLY NOT DISPLAYING NAV/ANCHOR LIGHTS. OPERATOR OF V1 WAS DRINKING ALCOHOL. V2 OPERATOR SWERVED HARD TO PORT AT LAST SECOND. THE STARBOARD SIDE OF V2 (MID SHIP) STRUCK THE PORT STERN AND CONTINUED FORWARD ON THE PORT GUNNEL UNTIL SLIDING OFF OF V1 AT THE PORT WINDSHEILD. NONE OF THE OCCUPANTS OF V1 OR V2 (TWO IN EACH) WERE INJURED.


BARDID: TN-2010-0115
Date: 2010-08-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: PARIS
County: HENRY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Person Departed Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
THE OPERATOR OF V1, A YAMAHA PWC, WAS PARKING THE PWC ON THE SHORE AND WAS ABOUT 20 FEET FROM SHORE WHEN THE PASSENGER, CHOSE TO DIVE OFF THE PWC INTO 18' DEEP WATER. subject HIT HIS HEAD ON THE BOTTOM OF THE LAKE CAUSING A CONTUSION AND CUTS ON HIS FORHEAD. subject WAS TRANSPORTED BY PRIVATE VEHICLE TO HENRY COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER FOR TREATMENT.


BARDID: TN-2010-0119
Date: 2010-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:10:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityTown: SPRING CITYi
County: RHEA
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Dam/lock
AccidentCause2: HAZARDOUS WATERS
AccidentCause3: IMPROPER LOADING
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator anchored his boat near or on one of the turbines at Watts Bar Dam.  He anchored it from the port side of the bow and starboard side near the stern.  The turbine came on, and he could not get the anchors loose in time.  The waters erupting from the turbine ignition overtook his boat and sank it.  Both occupants were wearing pfd's and were pulled to safety by fishermen in another boat.

The boat resurfaced shortly and was pulled in by another boat.  Only a few personal items were missing, and the boat appeared to be undamaged.


BARDID: TN-2010-0124
Date: 2010-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityTown: MORRISTOWN
County: HAMBLEN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
According to statements victim was attempting to wake board.  She got up and when she fell, she fell face first.  Apparently the board came forward and hit her in the head.  One of the stablizers may have hit her in the head causing the laceration.  There was evidence of drinking in the boat but the operator, did not exhibit enough probable cause evidence to warrent a BAC.  The accident occurred near Panther Creek State Park.  victim was transported.  She was in the ambulance when I arrived.  She was transported to Jefferson Mem. Hosp.  Officer was first at JMH.  Officer administered FST to subject at the hospital and determined there was not enough probable cause to continue BU investigation.


BARDID: TN-2010-0130
Date: 2010-08-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityTown: HERMITAGE
County: DAVIDSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentEvent1: Person Departed Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Propeller
RedactedNarrative:
On August 15, 2010 at approximately 18:20Hrs, myself and Officer were contacted by dispatch of a rescue, recovery effort on J. Percy Priest Res.  We were responding from the Cumberland River near the Old Hickory Dam.  We reached the scene just after 19:00hrs.  At the time, all the statements and information given led us to believe Victim had drowned while swimming.  The pontoon was rented from Elm Hill Marina.  Boat 19 operator was on the scene when we arrived and people were in the water looking for Victim.  Boat 13 operator had returned to Elm Hill and the occupants had gone different places from there.  While collecting statements from the occupants of boat 19, we noticed a large garbage can full of empty beer containers and other contents.  TWRA assisted in the recovery effort until she was found on the 25th of August.  During the recovery responders observed Victim had wounds on her face and head.  The Davidson County Medical Examiner confirmed Victim had been struck by a propeller of a boat. This was determined to be the cause of death.  With the help of Metro Police Department, we re-interviewed all of the occupants.  When asked how much alcohol, they stated there were at least 8 cases of beer on board and at least 6 were consumed.  Vodka was also available to the occupants of the boats.  All of the statements were consistent.  The last 15 minutes, no one could account for Victim.  Two occupants stated they saw her walk off the boat but cannot account for her after that.  The accident is still under investigation, but alcohol is a contributing factor as for all involved.  TWRA received a letter from the Davidson County District Attorneys Office on the January 10th, 2011 stating no charges will be file based on the information we have at this time.


BARDID: TN-2010-0133
Date: 2010-08-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:58:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: BARKLEY LAKE
NearestCityTown: DOVER
County: STEWART
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: operator behavior
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On August 29, 2010 at or around 1746, I arrived at the Lick Creek Boat Ramp on Barkley Lake on a report of a boat circling with no operator.  Based upon evidence and witness statements, a synposis of the events are as follows:

Victim was alone and launched his vessel at the Lick Creek Boat Ramp sometime between 1540 and 1550 hours on August 29, 2010 and headed towards Long Creek.  At or around 1550 hours, his vessel was observed going in circles without an operator.  After witnesses searched the area for survivors, a 911 call was placed at 1554 hours.  At or around 1629 hours, Deputy notified the victim''s wife in person of the accident.

Witnesses state the vessel continued in circles until it ran aground north of the boat ramp.  A bystander stopped the motor and the vessel was later towed by Stewart County Fire Rescue to the Lick Creek Boat Ramp.  A bystander observed a hat and one flip flop floating on the surface.  He collected the items and marked the area with a yellow marker.  Shortly thereafter, a flip flop and a dipping tobacco can floated near the marker.  He also collected the items and they were later identified by subject as belonging to the victim.

Stewart County Fire Rescue performed an extensive rescue and recovery operation and body surfaced at or around 1607 hours on August 30, 2010 near the yellow marker in 8 feet of water.   The body was positively identified as Victim by his brother in presence of the Stewart County Coroner.  

The autopsy report list the cause of death as accidental drowning.

The vessel is a 1975 model 14 foot aluminum Polarcraft with a 20 hp Mercury tiller motor.  The boat is well used with multiple scratches and dents.   The olive green paint is dull and faded.  It was common for the victim to drag the boat over obstacles to get to his favorite fishing holes.  There is no evidence on the  boat or motor of a collision.  The contents inside the vessel indicate a hard roll to port.

The vessel was water tested on September 28, 2010.  There were no mechanical defects found in the motor.  Maximum speed of the vessel was around 22 mph.  When the steering handle was let go at 8 mph, the motor would immediately torque into a sharp starboard turn and decrease speed slightly.  I was unable get the items inside the boat to shift to the position where they were observed the day of the accident.

There are numerous navigational hazards in the area of the accident including submerged stumps and shallow bars.  However, based upon the evidence and the local knowledge of the victim, this does not appear to be a contributing factor. 

Evidence does suggest that for some unknown reason, the victim let go of the tiller handle causing the boat to turn sharply to the starboard throwing the victim off the port side of the vessel.  


BARDID: TN-2010-0136
Date: 2010-08-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityTown: LAFOLLETTE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentCause2: SHARP TURN
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Based on a public report form, the operator made a hard turn and the passenger fell off and hit the water very hard.  One rib was broken


BARDID: TN-2010-0137
Date: 2010-09-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: PICKWICK LAKE
NearestCityTown: COUNCE
County: HARDIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentCause3: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated that he was traveling approximately 65mph coming from between the state line islands headed toward Holiday Hills Cove.  He noticed a large 4-5 foot wave, possibly made by a large yacht headed upstream.  At about 50 feet from the wave he let off the throttle of his bass boat.  He struck the wave at an 80-90 degree angle.  Operator thought the boat went right and his body continued left.  He was ejected from the boat into the water.  When he surfaced the boat was capsized and he grabbed onto the hull.  He had a burning sensation in his legs and he was unable to move them.  Operator has 4 fractured vertebrae, no feeling in his legs, and a large contusion on the left leg.  It appears as the boat capsized, Operator was ejected and struck the front pedestal seat of the bass boat.  The pedestal was bent at approximately a 45 degree angle (original state was  90 degrees) toward the port bow.  


 12-16-10
I spoke with Operator.  He spent approximately 3 weeks in the hospital.  He has several pinched nerves in his back affecting his bladder and bowels.  He has difficulty walking due to numbness and loss of feeling in his legs.  The boat was totaled out by his insurance company.  


The TBI BAC results show a result of .05%.  Drug level finding were negative.  No other persons, vessels or property were involved in the accident.  No criminal charges are being pursued at this time.


BARDID: TN-2010-0139
Date: 2010-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityTown: BYRDSTOWN
County: PICKETT
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentCause3: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: PERSON STRUCK BY VESSEL
RedactedNarrative:
Based on witness/occupant statements, Vessel number 1 in an easterly direction into Wolf River when he collided with land and the vessel overturned ejecting all occupants.  The vessel landed on victim and the occupants were unable to free her.  victim was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.   All other occupants, with the exception of one, were transported to Clinton County Hospital in Kentucky for treatment. 

The investigation is open and ongoing.


BARDID: TN-2010-0140
Date: 2010-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CENTER HILL LAKE
NearestCityTown: SMITHVILLE
County: DEKALB
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
According to statements given by occupants of V2 and lone occupant of V1, both vessels were travelling in same general direction. Apparently, neither operator was aware of proximity to other vessel. Vessels collided (V1 starboard side to V2 port side) and operator of V1 was thrown off of PWC into the water. One occupant of V2 was lying on seat at stern of V2 and was thrown off of V2, striking her head on some portion of V2. Both subjects were rescued from water by occupants of V2 and taken to shore, awaiting arrival of EMS and TWRA. Vessel priority has not been assigned since it has not been determined which vessel was stand-on and which vessel give-way. Case has been reviewed by Asst. District Attorney Strong and, presently, no charges filed. BAC levels were taken from both vessel operators and any charges resulting from these are pending results from TBI lab.


BARDID: TN-2010-0141
Date: 2010-08-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:17:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CENTER HILL LAKE
NearestCityTown: SMITHVILLE
County: DEKALB
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
RedactedNarrative:
According to statements from occupants of V1 (houseboat), they had tied V2 (runabout) to rear port side of houseboat. When V1 was started and throttled in gear, V2 was apparently swamped and flipped upside down. None of the occupants of V1 actually witnessed V2 turning over or being swamped.


BARDID: TN-2010-0142
Date: 2010-08-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CENTER HILL LAKE
NearestCityTown: SMITHVILLE
County: DEKALB
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Sharp Turn
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
According to statements given by occupants, victim was being towed ( with two other subjects ) on a tube by V1. Operator of V1 made a 180 degree turn and all three occupants came off of tube. Victim apparently struck the water with her back or neck area, resulting in neck pain. Another vessel stopped and assisted V1 with loading victim back onto V1 which transported her back to Four Seasons Marina to await arrival of EMS.


BARDID: TN-2010-0143
Date: 2010-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityTown: SPRING CITY
County: MEIGS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper Loading
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
The vessel was locking through Watts Bar Dam lock heading down stream.  While inside the lock chamber, Darlene subject was attempting to free a lodged bumper from between the starboard side mid-deck of the vessel and the lock wall.  subject lost her footing and fell to the rear lower deck area and impacted the transom area with her right foot causing an ankle injury.  subject did not want to go to any Rhea County medical facility, so oeprator continued downstream in the vessel after locking through. operator called 911 at approximately mile #505 to request EMS to meet them at Sale Creek Marina. subject was transported to Memorial Northpark Hospital in Hixson, Tennessee by ambulance.


BARDID: TN-2010-0144
Date: 2010-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:17:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityTown: SMYRNA
County: RUTHERFORD
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentCause3: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/15/2010, at approximately 18:17, a two-boat collision occurred 1/10TH of a mile downstream from the Weakley Lane Bridge on J. Percy Priest Lake in Smyrna, TN.  Upon my arrival, I determined through witness statements that there had been two occupants in each boat.  Vessel 1 was owned and operated by same person and he was joined by one occupant.  On the other hand, Vessel 2 was owned and operated by one person and he was joined by one other person.  

Operator and witness statements, injury records and damage assessments report that the vessels encountered one another "head on" in the narrow channel.  Vessel 1 was traveling downstream and vessel 2 upstream.  Both vessels were traveling above safe speeds for the narrow channel and neither vessel took every action necessary to avoid a collision. All four men were ejected upon impact.  Neither occupant of Vessel 1 was wearing a PFD (personal floatation device).  On the other hand, both occupants of Vessel 2 were wearing PFDs, but they weren''t securely fastened.  deceased's PFD came off when he was ejected.  Everyone but deceased victim (Vessel 2) made it to shore safely.  deceased victim couldn''t swim and drowned.  Operator (Vessel 1) showed signs of being under the influence of alcohol on-scene immediately following the accident.  His toxicology results confirmed he was under the influence of alcohol following the accident.  Operator (Vessel 2) didn''t display signs of impairment immediatley following the accident and toxicology results confirmed he wasn''t intoxicated.   deceased's autopsy confirmed drowning as the cause of death and didn''t report any other contributing factors.


BARDID: TN-2010-0145
Date: 2010-09-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityTown: MOUNT JULIET
County: WILSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator WAS OPERATING THE PONTOON BOAT CRUISING UPSTREAM TOWARD CEDAR CREEK. Subject WAS SITTING IN FRONT OF OPERATOR FACING HIM. THE TWO WERE TALKING AND ENJOYING THE AFTERNOON. OPERATOR WAS NOT KEEPING A PROPER LOOKOUT AND DROVE THE BOAT DIRECTLY INTO A BLUFF DOWNSTREAM FROM CEDAR CREEK. SUBJECT WAS THROWN FROM THE BOAT, HIT THE ROCKS AND HURT HER SHOULDER. OPERATOR HAD MINOR CUTS AND BRUISES AND WAS VISIBLY SHAKEN. FRIENDS FROM THE BOAT HOUSE CAME TO THE ACCIDENT SCENE AND TOOK THE PONTOON BOAT AND ALL INJURED PARTIES BACK TO THE DOCK. THE PONTOON WAS TAKEN FROM THE WATER AND STORED. OPERATOR AND SUBJECT WERE TAKEN TO SUMMITT MEDICAL BY PRIVATE CAR WHERE THEY WERE TREATED AND LATER RELEASED.


BARDID: TN-2010-0146
Date: 2010-08-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityTown: SODDY DAISY
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person Departed Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Electrocution
RedactedNarrative:
There were nine individuals recreational cruising in Soddy Creek on Chickamauga Lake in Hamilton County at approximately 2300 on 8-15-2110. The parties involved were on a pontoon boat. The vessel was returning to Holly Circle boat ramp in Soddy Creek. The occupants state that the vessel struck something and the motor shuddered then stalled out and would not restart. Victim jumped in the water to switch the motor leads to the other battery on the rear of the pontoon. In the process of switching the leads over, Victim grounded himself out on the boat and received a shock from either the motor or the boat battery. Severals individuals on the boat drug the victim back into the boat. One individual called 9-1-1 immeadiately. Two of the men onboard rowed the pontoon to a nearby dock. When I arrived Victim was on the deck of the boat shaking and convulsing. The people on board advised he had vomited right before I arrived on scene. Soon after my arrival, paramedics arrived and began to treat the victim. He was transported to Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga and released the next day.


BARDID: TN-2010-0147
Date: 2010-10-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityTown: ANTIOCH
County: DAVIDSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
On 10/16/2010 I received a call from dispatch stating a boat was on fire at J. Percy Priest Lake. The fire department responded to the call. I spoke with the boat owner by phone. He stated that he was trying to start his boat and heard a noise at his engine that was not consistent with it starting. He then noticed flames coming from the engine. owner and pet abandoned the boat. There were no injuries. The boat was a total loss. He did state that the boat had recently been worked on.


BARDID: TN-2010-0149
Date: 2010-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityTown: CARYVILLE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday June 25, 2010 operator1 was pulling his daughter on a tube while jet skiing on Norris Lake. They were in the Ski Jump cove with a friends boat "the Mother Tucker" anchored nearby. operator1 went toward the anchored while negotiating a large loop to the left. His daughter was riding the tube when she crossed over the starboard wake from the jet ski. oeprator1 tried to pull farther left essentially slinging his daughter into the back of the anchored vessel. She sustained two fractures to her pelvis.


BARDID: TN-2010-0157
Date: 2010-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityTown: LAFOLLETTE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
The victim was wake boarding when he jumped the port side wake moving to the middle his wake board tipped the water and he hit face first. He was being pulled twenty two miles per hour.


BARDID: TN-2010-0158
Date: 2010-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:10:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityTown: TEN MILE
County: MEIGS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: IGNITION OF SPILLED FUEL OR VAPOR
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
While traveling upstream in the Sandy Bottoms area of Watts Bar Lake, Vessel#1 experienced mechanical problems and quit running. victim began attempting to get engine running again.  victim began to "tap" on the fuel pump as they had done several times earlier in the day.  Operator was seated in the operator's seat turning the ignition switch on when an explosion and fire occured in the area of the engine where victim was sitting.  All three occupants of the vessel jumped overboard to avoid the flames.  All three occupants were picked up out of the water by TWRA personnel


BARDID: TN-2010-0160
Date: 2010-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:15:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityTown: SMYRNA
County: RUTHERFORD
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
The two juvenile males were occupants in the vessel when it caught fire while the vessel owner/operator was attempting to start the engine.


BARDID: TN-2010-0161
Date: 2010-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:35:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: TELLICO LAKE
NearestCityTown: LOUDON
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
The vessel was traveling upstream on Tellico Lake adjacent to Tellico Village when they decided to turn and head downstream.  The operator was distracted by a child on the vessel and he was attempting to spread a towel out for the child when he looked forward and realized he was headed for a dock.  The only option was to steer away from the dock toward the bank.  The vessel launched up the bank into the back yard of a residence in Tellico Village.  None of the occupants were injured.


BARDID: TN-2010-0162
Date: 2010-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:25:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: TELLICO LAKE
NearestCityTown: VONORE
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Sharp Turn
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
The vessel was operating in the Bat Creek portion of Tellico Lake and a tube containing two individuals was being towed.  Operator was at the helm of the vessel and two of his grandchildren were onboard the tube.  Operator turned his vessel to the right slinging the tube to the left side of the vessel ejecting it's occupants.  One tuber was the first into the water and then her brother landed on top of her with his shoulder hitting her in the head causing her injury.  She was transported back to the dock and then to the house to await medical personel.  She was transported to Ft. Loudon Medical Center where she was treated and released with a concussion.


BARDID: TN-2010-0163
Date: 2010-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: TELLICO LAKE
NearestCityTown: LOUDON
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
This synopsis is based off of the Operator's statement only---This will possibly change as more statements are taken.

The vessel was returning to the Operator's dock, approaching with the dock on the starbord side of the vessel.  The tube containing three individuals, swung out to the starbord side of the vessel impacting the outside corner of the dock.  One tuber was transported to the ER and admitted to the hospital.


BARDID: TN-2011-0001
Date: 2011-01-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: TELLICO RIVER
NearestCityTown: TELLICO PLAINS
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: UNKNOWN
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, 01-01-11, at approximately 1230 hrs, the victim was with a group of 4 other kayakers on the Tellico River. They put in at the kayak launch immediately above the 1st bridge above Baby Falls. There is a 6 foot ledge in the river approximately 125 yds downstream from the above bridge. The first three kayakers successfully negotiated the ledge. The victim went over next and immediately capsized in the hydraulic. The fifth kayaker was right behind him and his boat struck the victims capsized boat, causing him to capsize as well. Both boaters got caught in the hydraulic under the falls but the fifth boater managed to escape rather quickly. The victim remained in the hydraulic, got separated from his boat, and was recirculated several times before being flushed out. He floated downstream unconscious and face-down several yards before being pulled out by his partners who performed CPR on him until transferred to the responding ambulance crew. He was transported to Sweetwater Hospital and then UT Hospital where he was pronounced dead due to drowning.
The water level of the river at the time of the accident was very high and rising swiftly due to recent rains and snowmelt. See attached River Stage chart. According to many witnesses a combination of three factors contributed to the cause of the accident :  1) the victim''s level of experience  2) the water level of the river  3) the size and style of the victims boat.


BARDID: TN-2011-0002
Date: 2011-03-15 00:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityTown: MT JULIET
County: WILSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On tuesday march 15, 2011 operator was on old hickory lake around the lone branch area in a canoe. At approx. 2:00pm operator's mother contacted the Wilson County sherriff''s department and advised her son was missing. We believe operator may have been fishing at the time of the accident. We do not have answers at this time about how he wound up in the water. operator likely died as a result of drowning.


BARDID: TN-2011-0003
Date: 2011-03-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NOLICHUCKY RIVER
NearestCityTown: GREENEVILLE
County: GREENE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: GROUNDING
RedactedNarrative:
On March 19, 2011, at approximately 1915, WLOs received notification of a boat accident that occurred on the Nolichucky River in Greene Co., Tennessee, and that a victim had been transported to Banks Campground on Bewley''s Chapel Rd.  WLO , who was responding to the scene as part of  EMT training, directed WLO and myself to Matthews Lane where the crash scene was located.  We arrived at approximately 2030 to find the crashed vessel lying on the steep embankment of the river, with the motor completely  underwater.  After securing the vessel, I met with WLOs, who had interviewed two subjects who had come upon the crash.  These subjects found an injured person on the vessel, and they transported him to Banks Campground where Greene Co. 911 was called.  The injured person was airlifted to Johnson City Medical Center, and passed away the next day.  They later returned to the crash scene to search for the operator of the crashed vessel.

     On March 24, 2011, at approximately 1330, the body of the owner of the vessel was recovered in the river by Greeneville Emergency and Rescue Squad approximately 300 yards below the crash site.  The crash site was located approximately 1 mile upriver from Banks Campground.  

     In the initial investigation, it appears that the vessel, while traveling downstream, veered to the left and passed under an over-arching tree damaging the windshield and then striking another tree approximately 30 feet away.  The vessel came out of the water at this point and came to rest on the bank.


BARDID: TN-2011-0004
Date: 2011-04-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: COUNCE
County: HARDIN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Hull Failure
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: SINKING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
According to witness statements on 4-10-11 operator was operating a 1977 Arrow Glass vessel on Kentucky Lake.  one other person and a small dog were occupants in the vessel.  The trio were cruising down river to test the vessel motor that had just been serviced.  The motor quit running and the vessel slowed to a drift.  The operator noticed the vessel was sitting low in the water and was close to coming over the stern.  occupant stood up to walk toward the bow to distribute weight.  As she stood water started coming over the stern and the boat sank in less than 5 seconds near TN River mile 201.  All occupants entered the water as the vessel sank.  An adult PFD and a child PFD surfaced near operator.  He tossed the adult PFD to occupant and she held it as she swam to shore.  operator held on to the childs PFD and swam to shore while pushing the dog away.  All occupants reached the shore then walked to a nearby county road where they found a ride to their residence.  operator then called Hardin County central dispatch who in turn called TWRA Region 1 dispatch.


BARDID: TN-2011-0005
Date: 2011-03-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CANE CREEK
NearestCityTown: PETERSBURG
County: LINCOLN
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: UNKN
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: HAZARDOUS WATERS
AccidentCause3: OVERLOADING
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated he and victim (deceased) launched a borrowed 10'' jon boat at hwy431/cane creek bridge between petersburg and fayetteville at approximately 5:00 pm on 3/5/11. Operator stated that he and victim floated with the current and paddled until their vessel passed the iron bridge at old petersburg pike. Operator stated that shortly after this point their vessel struck an unseen obstruction and capsized their vessel. Operator stated that he and victim held onto the capsized vessel until it struck another unseen object where victim lost his hold on the capsized vessel. Operator stated that he held onto the vessel and exchanged verbally with victim 3 or 4 times to swim to shore and lost contact. Operator stated that he stayed with the vessel until the s. Fishing ford road bridge on cane creek where he separated from the vessel and swam to shore. The water level during this event was heavy flow after heavy rains. The body of the deceased was located below the iron bridge as indicated by Operator statement. The vessel was located below the s. Fishing ford bridge as Operator indicated he had separated from it at the s. Fishing ford bridge.


BARDID: TN-2011-0006
Date: 2011-03-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Restricted Vision
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentCause3: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Commercial Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Based on witness statements from all four parties involved, the following occurrences are believed to have happened in the vessel collision.  Vessel number 1 is a 2008 Allison bass boat. Vessel number 2 is a 1980 custom vessel. At approximately 8:30 am on March 5, 2011 vessel 1 was traveling out of the back of a slough near Gold Point across from Chester Frost Park on Chickamauga Lake at about approximately 45 to 50 mph when he struck vessel number 2 in the port side at the stern and motor with the port side of vessel 1.  Operator1 stated it was raining and he had to squint his eyes to see and did not see vessel 2 until he had struck it.  At the time of the collision, vessel2 was engaged in commercial fishing activities on the bow of vessel 2 and were pulling up gill nets from the water which limited vessel 2''s maneuverability.  Vessel 1 struck vessel 2 causing occupant to be ejected from vessel 2 even though he was not personally struck by vessel 1. This caused minor injuries to his neck and back.  He refused treatment at the scene.


BARDID: TN-2011-0007
Date: 2011-02-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: OCOEE RIVER
NearestCityTown: BENTON
County: POLK
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentCause2: MACHINERY FAILURE
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
RedactedNarrative:
The owner stated that herself and her two sons were fishing on Ocoee River just south of Town Creek in their 14 foot aluminum jon boat while tied up to a tree.  The river began to rise as the Ocoee Dam''s generators began to run, so they untied from the tree.  Her oldest son was the operator of the vessel and tried to start the motor.  The motor would not start, and the boat drifted into a couple of logs as they floated down stream.  The boat started filling with water and sank.

Owner also stated they went back to get the boat, but the wind and water conditions were too hazardous to try to retrieve the boat.  They went back a second time, and the boat was gone.  They have yet to retrieve the boat.


BARDID: TN-2011-0008
Date: 2011-02-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityTown: HARRIMAN
County: ROANE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
On February 25, 2011, officer was patrolling Watts Bar Lake checking for sportfishing compliance when I came upon a juvenile with boat problems on a TWRA Access Area off Webster Rd. in Harriman, TN. And after further inspection operator did not possess a boating education certification, so after speaking with his mother we agreed I would try to help him get his vessel back to the boat ramp. After talking with Operator about how his vessel broke down, it is here where I found out that 4 other juveniles were with him during what was going to be a raccoon hunt. After walking approximately 20 minutes to where the vessel was broke down an inspection of their vessel was conducted and I found only 2 lifejackets on board and the bow light was missing from the vessel (the stern light was working). While traveling back to the boat ramp, Operator grounded his vessel in shallow water and was unable to get free, but while trying to unground the boat Operator became exhausted and displayed first signs of hypothermia, Operator was transported to Roane Medical Center for evaluation. This all occurred in Roane County.


BARDID: TN-2011-0009
Date: 2011-04-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: FLOODING/SWAMPING
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, April 3, 2011, I Officer responded to an accident without injuries on Chickamauga Lake, and upon arrival at Booker T. Washington State Park an individual with Hamilton county Rescue Squad claimed a 24'' sailboat has sunk and the owner is at Privateer Yacht Club.  After talking with the owner / operator, the cause of the accident seemed to be an unexpected heavy gust of wind that caught the operator off-guard.  The operator claimed within his written statement, "the gust occured and I steered closer to the wind. Despite attempts to react we were unable to keep the boat upright. Apparently the gust shifted and increased in force and pushed the boat over."   This all occured in Hamilton County on Chickamauga Lake.


BARDID: TN-2011-0010
Date: 2011-03-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Hatchie river
NearestCityTown: Bolivar
County: HARDEMAN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Boat was drifting against a log jam in the Hatchie River.  Boat capsized as both occupants were urniating. One person was DOA when the resue squad arrived.


BARDID: TN-2011-0011
Date: 2011-04-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT. LOUDOUN LAKE
NearestCityTown: ALCOA
County: BLOUNT
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Hull Failure
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: SINKING
RedactedNarrative:
The operator stated that after launching his boat and traveling a short distance on Ft. Loudon lake his vessel started taking on water. The operator then directed his vessel to the nearest launch site at Louisville point park where it sank while the operator was arranging to get his trailer from the original launch site at Carl Cowan park. A visual inspection of the vessel revealed a crack in the bottom of the hull approximately 18 inches long. The operator stated that he was not aware of hitting any objects in the water though the wave action was significant.


BARDID: TN-2011-0012
Date: 2011-04-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
THE OWNER / OPERATOR LAUNCHED THE VESSEL ON TIMS FORD LAKE AT THE END OF LUTTRELL DRIVE IN WINCHESTER. HE LEFT THE RAMP AND HEADED TOWARDS HIS BOAT DOCK AND SAID THAT HE MADE IT LESS THAN 100 YARDS WHEN THE ENGINE HATCH BLEW OFF AND THE ENTIRE ENGINE AREA WAS ON FIRE. THE OPERATOR STATED THAT HE DID NOT USE THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER BUT DUMPED OUT A TOOLBOX ON BOARD AND TRIED SHOVELING WATER ONTO THE FIRE. HE STATED THAT HE TRIED PUTTING OUT THE FIRE FOR APPROXIMATELY 4 MINUTES THEN GRABBED A P.F.D. AND JUMPED OVERBOARD. FRANKLIN COUNTY RESCUE SQUAD AND WINCHESTER FORE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED ON SCENE. WHEN THE RESCUE SQUAD ATTEMPTED TO TOW THE BOAT TO THE RAMP TO ALLOW THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO PUT OUT THE FIRE, THE BOAT FELL APART AND SANK. THE OWNER WAS NOT INJURED AND REFUSED MEDICAL ATTENTION.


BARDID: TN-2011-0013
Date: 2011-05-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
The vessel was being operated by the owner on Tim's Ford Lake near Owl Hollow.  Victim was being towed behind the vessel on a wakeboard.  The operator said that he was cruising at aproximately 18 mph.  Victim jumped the wake behind the vessel and when he landed he hit the water sideways and twisted his right ankle.  When they got back to their home it was swollen and they decided that it should be checked at the hospital.  Victim's Mother took him to Southern Tennessee Medical Center in Wincester, TN.  They were told that the ankle had a slight fracture.  Victim was treated and released.


BARDID: TN-2011-0014
Date: 2011-04-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:45:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityTown: CELINA
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Sharp Turn
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
According to statements from operator and passenger, V1 was headed North on Dale Hollow Lake above First Island on rough and choppy water.  Approximately 300 yards SE of Holly Creek Island, the vessel took an abrupt direction change --the bow of the boat went > than 40 deg towards the East(starboard) causing the boat to "bite" the water and eject both occupants out the port side.  The occupants inflatable PFDs both deployed, keeping the occupants afloat, however, the "kill switch" lanyard--which was attached to the drivers PFD--failed at the plastic clip at the PFD.  The boat went to idle when the operators foot came off the "hot foot" and went into a circling pattern. Due to the wind, the boat did not circle back into the two occupants but drifted away and towards Holly Creek Island.  Both occupants struggled towards Holly Creek Island for approximately 20 minutes,and had begun to tire physically, when another boater arrived and was able to retreive both of the V1 occupants and get them to a marina where the passenger of V1 was transported by ambulance to the Cumberland River Hospital. V1 was recovered by the operator of Horse Creek Marina. The steering and other components were checked for failure but seemed to be in good working order by responding Wildlife Officer.


BARDID: TN-2011-0015
Date: 2011-03-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityTown: MORRISTOWN
County: HAWKINS
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Restricted Vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Based on statements given by the two occupants of the vessel, on Saturday March 19, 2011 at approx. 11:30 am operator was operating his vessel on Cherokee Lake in Hawkins County.  operator stated that as they were moving in the area of Fall Creek Park he spotted what he believed to be a portion of a log that was possibly partially submerged.  operator stated that he steered the vessel in an attempt to avoid any of the log that might be under the surface.  The log was much larger than operator  had thought and the bow of the vessel slightly struck the submerged object and then immediately the lower portion of the motor struck the object causing the vessel to turn very sharply to the left ejecting operator.  The impact also broke the motor mount and removed the motor from the rear of the vessel causing it to be lost in the lake.  The passenger in the vessel was not ejected from the vessel.  Both men were uninjured in the incident and both were wearing PFDs.  Both men estimated the speed of the vessel at impact to be in the neighborhood of 40 mph.


BARDID: TN-2011-0016
Date: 2011-05-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:11:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: BOONE LAKE
NearestCityTown: BLUFF CITY
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On May 2, 2011 at around 19:11 a white/red triton bass boat and a white/purple jet ski collided at a nearly perpendicular angle approximately 300 yards upstream of Hwy 11E bridge on Boone Lake in Sullivan County at Bluff City. The operator of the jet ski (V2) was seriously injured and spent the night in the hospital. The operator of the bass boat (V1) and his passenger were not injured. I arrived shortly after the incident and found EMS attending to V2 Operator who was still on the stern of V1 with a possible broken left elbow. The operator of V1 and his passenger were also on the dock and briefly described what had happened. V1Operator said that they were heading upstream to the Bluff City ramp and as they passed under the Hwy11E bridge he saw V2 300-400yds ahead of him toward the right of the channel. V1Operator then said that he let off of the throttle and started slowing down to see where V2 was going. V1Operator then said that V2 crossed from the right in front of him between 75 and 100 feet and then turned sharply back to the left and collided with his bow. V1Operator said that he had slowed down to almost idle at the time of the collision. He said that he put the boat into reverse immediately to keep from running over V2 Operator. V1Operator statement is consistent with the damage on V2. I have talked to several eyewitnesses who gave statements consistent with V1Operator.

 There are two witnesses who described V2 coming up stream from 11E bridge toward the right of the channel and V1 coming up from the center of the channel. They said that V1 slowed down after passing under the bridge and that V2 crossed in front of V1 without looking downstream and that V2 crossed back in front of V1 from the left and they collided. They said that V2 never looked before turning either direction. I talked with V2 Operator and his statement had similarities with the others but he said that he did not see or hear V1 until he was being hit. He said that he was traveling upstream to the right of the channel and was looking for his friends. He did not see them and decided to turn around and go back downstream. He said that he did a 180 degree turn in a 10 foot radius and then saw V1 at his right and the collision occurred.

 I checked both vessels for registration and safety equipment and found that V2 did not have his registration numbers and decal displayed, he did not have a visible HIN displayed,and his kill switch was modified with a zip tie to keep it from killing the engine. I checked the damage to V2 and found that the bow eye of V1 came into contact with the starboard side of V2 cutting a gash from the bumper rail up to the engine cover. The steering column was broken at the handle bars and has a gash up the side consistent with coming into contact with the trolling motor of V1. There is fiberglass consistent with V2 on the bow eye of V1. The damage with both vessels is consistent with a near perpendicular collision with V1 colliding with the starboard side of  V2.

Based on the operators and witness statements and the damage to both vessels it appears that V2 Operator did not make proper lookout while crossing in front of V1Operator and was reckless in doing so and the collision occured. V1Operator was slowing down to assess the jet skis actions but was not able  to avoid V2 Operators turn into his boat. There is Probable Cause to believe that V2 Operator violated TCA 69-9-209 Rule and Regulation 1660-2-3-.07 Inland steering and sailing Rule 5 Look-out, TCA 69-9-216 reckless operation of a vessel,TCA 69-9-207 failure to display registration number and decal, and TCA 69-9-503 violation of engine cut off switch. These violations are preliminary and will be discussed with the Sullivan County DA offfice for authorization.


BARDID: TN-2011-0017
Date: 2011-04-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT. LOUDOUN LAKE
NearestCityTown: FRIENDSVILLE
County: BLOUNT
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
ON WEDNESDAY APRIL 20,2011 AT APPROXIMATELY 21:00 operator BECAME DISORIENTED AND RAN HIS VESSEL AGROUND. operator WAS UNABLE TO GET HELP. AT FIRST LIGHT ON APRIL 21, 2011 BLOUNT 911 WAS NOTIFIED OF BOATING ACCIDENT. BLOUNT FIRE AND RESCUE RESPONDED AND SHUTTLED operator TO SAFETY.


BARDID: TN-2011-0018
Date: 2011-05-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:15:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: BARREN FORK RIVER
NearestCityTown: MCMINNVILLE
County: WARREN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating a PWC on Barren Fork River at half throttle when he approached the low head dam and was travelling too fast to stop or turn and he drove the PWC over the dam.  operator fell aprox. 25 ft. to the river and landed bow first into the rocks below.  He remained on the PWC for a few seconds until a fisherman waded out and met him as he was trying to get to the bank.


BARDID: TN-2011-0019
Date: 2011-05-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityTown: NASHVILLE
County: DAVIDSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Restricted Vision
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Boating accident occurred at Elm Hill Marina on 5/21/11 at approximately 4:30 pm.  Vessel number 2, an 85 foot house boat was attempting to dock into his assigned boat slip during a strong afternoon thunderstorm. During the docking process Vessel number 1, a 10 foot Seadoo jet ski and occupied by two passengers, attempted to assist the houseboat by maneuvering behind the houseboat and attempting to push the houseboat from the side with the Seadoo.  During this process the Seadoo ended up at the rear of the houseboat while the houseboat was attempting to back up to straighten its path into its boat slip.  The Houseboat backed into the Seadoo which caused the Seadoo to capsize and eject all three occupants into the water directly behind the houseboat.  Witness signaled operator to shut down the motors and assisted in recovering the Seadoo occupants.


BARDID: TN-2011-0020
Date: 2011-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityTown: DECATUR
County: MEIGS
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
The operator stated he was pulling the victim on one kneeboard and another juvenile on another kneeboard.  The other juvenile fell off his kneeboard, so operator turned around to pick him up.  While he was stopped to pick the other teen up, the victim fell off his kneeboard.  The kneeboard popped back up out of the water striking the victim in the mouth chipping two of his teeth.


BARDID: TN-2011-0021
Date: 2011-04-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: SINKING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Based on operator and occupant statements, at approximately 18:00 operator was operating the 1979 Thundercraft traveling downstream on Wolftever Creek near the Wolftever Creek boat ramp on Chickamauga Lake in Chattanooga, Tn.  There were 4 people riding in the bow of the 15 foot runabout with a total of 7 people on board.  operator stated when they started to slow down as they approached the boat dock water came over the bow swamping the boat.  The four people in the bow ran to the back of the boat, but the boat sank.  Six of the people on board swam to the north bank while one person swam to the south bank.

Responders arrived later at the scene.  Volunteer State Rescue Squad and Tow Boat U.S. operators recovered the boat.


BARDID: TN-2011-0023
Date: 2011-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:08:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Buffalo River
NearestCityTown: WAYNESBORO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
victim was riding in the front of a rental canoe on Buffalo River in Wayne county, TN. She was sitting on top of PFD and raised up to reposition herself and her PFD slipped out causing her to lose balance and fall backward. She fell into a bar hitting and injuring her lower right quandrant of her back. She complained of numbness in her right leg and pain in her back. She was transported to Wayne County Medical Center by local EMS. Treated and released from hospital.


BARDID: TN-2011-0024
Date: 2011-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:55:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
At around 17:55 the vessel was towing the vessel operators son on a knee board near the mile 22 marker.  The operator and passengers on the vessel said that the knee boarder jumped high up over a wake and landed hard on the board.  He said that it hurt his back and they got him out of the water and layed him on his front side on the back seat of the vessel.  At about that time Officer and I came on scene while patrolling on the lake.  When we arrived victim was complaining that his lower back hurt very badly and didnt want to move.  Officer contacted Franklin County dispatch and had them send an ambulance to the access area next to the HWY 130/ Lee''s Ford bridge nearby.  We then followed the vessel to the access area and helped the paramedics get victim loaded into the ambulance.  I then got the vessel owner''s information and filled out an accident report.  victim was treated and released at Southern Middle Tennesse Medical Center.  They found that he had a compression fracture to a vertebra in his lower back.


BARDID: TN-2011-0025
Date: 2011-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:15:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: PICKWICK LAKE
NearestCityTown: COUNCE
County: HARDIN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Person Struck by Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Victim states she was swimming inside the swimming area when a canoe with a trolling motor struck her from behind.  She went under the water and when she came up she was struck again.  Bystanders helped her to the shore.  Ambulance transported her to Hardin Medical Center.  

Witness was swimming within 2 feet of the victim.  witness states a canoe entered the swim area and hit victim twice.  

Witness2 was swimming next to victim.  Witness2 states a red canoe was trying to turn around and he went over the yellow plastic float (delineates swimming area) and hit a little girl in the head.  The canoe operator then tried to back out of the swim area and in the process hit the victim a second time.  She states a male was driving the boat.  

Canoe operator/owner states he was trolling around in the canoe when the wind picked up.  His tolling motor was ineffective in the wind so he let the wind carry him back to the pier near the Inn.  He stated he never entered the swim area or collided with any swimmers.


BARDID: TN-2011-0026
Date: 2011-06-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:48:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityTown: NASHVILLE
County: DAVIDSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: People on Gunwale, Bow, or Transom
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
Two elderly men were fishing in a cove near Hobson Pike Bridge on the morning of June 7, 2011. At approximately 7:30 am the victim / elderly man fishing at the rear of the vessel hung his fishing lure. The man went to retrieve his fishing lure and fell overboard. The driver turned around and saw what happened and immediately entered the water to help the victim get back to the boat. Both men were wearing PFDs.  However the victim did not have his secured properly which caused it to come off of him when he went overboard. The driver called 911 and tried to revive the victim.  EMT''s on the scene could not revive the victim.  (A combination of the fall over board, health medical problems, age, stress of the incident, and water inhalation contributed to victims death.)


BARDID: TN-2011-0027
Date: 2011-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:41:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityTown: RUTLEDGE
County: GRAINGER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
MachineryFailure: Shift
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: limb tangled in vsl equipment
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/28/2011 vessel one was towing vessel two to the shoreline and dock area on Cherokee Lake.  Vessel two was a totally disabled and stripped pontoon shell that the operator of vessel one and the victim decided to pull from the middle of the embayment and tie to shore to prevent a vessel from possibly striking it.  Vessel one was tied to vessel two with a rope that was attached to a ski pole in the rear area of vessel one.  

The victim had tied a knot securing the rope with what she referred to as a "falcon knot", a knot that contains a loop in it commonly used to restrain birds of prey.  The victim noticed the knot starting to slip at which point, she placed her index and middle finger of her left hand in the loop in order prevent the rope from coming loose.  Vessel one has had a recurring problem with the shift linkage, where the engine will often be at a higher RPM than normal before the forward drive engages.  As vessel one lurched forward suddenly, the rope went taught, causing the loop to tighten which in turn caught Victim''s fingers and caused them to immediately sustain injury.  

V1 Operator stated she saw one of the fingers to immediately fly off Victim''s hand and blood soon covered the front of Victim.  V1 Operator (being a nurse) began immediate first aid on the victim by applying pressure to the injury.  She continued aid while summoning help from a neighbor, who took operator from vessel one to vessel two, who operated the vessel the short distance to shore.  V1 Operator continued to care for the victim and kept her immobile until Grainger County EMS arrived at the scene and took over patient care.  The victim was transported to UT Medical Center.  Doctors were unable to reattach the immediately severed finger and were unable to save the other finger that was mangled to the point it could not be attached.


BARDID: TN-2011-0028
Date: 2011-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: PARIS LANDING
County: HENRY
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentCause2: OVERLOADING
AccidentCause3: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 (TN 3349 DX) LEFT PARIS LANDING HARBOR AT APPROX. 12:45 PM ON  05/28/2011. VESSEL 1 WAS HEADED EAST TOWARD THE TENNESSEE RIVER CHANNEL AND WAS TRAVELING PARALLEL TO HWY 79 AT APPROX. 20 MPH. Operator TURNED SOUTH TO GO UNDER HWY 79. AT THIS TIME THE VESSEL NOSED INTO A WAVE AND BEGAN TAKING ON WATER . THE VESSEL THEN CAPSIZED EJECTING ALL 10 OCCUPANTS INTO THE WATER. THE 6 CHILDREN WERE WEARING PFD''S. THE FOUR ADULTS WERE NOT WEARING PFD''S BUT WERE ABLE TO SWIM TO THE BOAT. TWO UNKNOWN VESSEL''S CAME TO AID THE OCCUPANTS AND WERE ABLE TO GET ALL OUT OF THE WATER. THE OCCUPANTS WERE TAKEN TO PARIS LANDING HARBOR. ON 05/28/2011 THERE WAS A HIGH LEVEL OF BOAT TRAFFIC ON THE LAKE AND A STRONG SOUTH WIND CAUSING THE LAKE TO BE EXTREMELY ROUGH AT THE HWY 79 BRIDGE. THE WAVES AT THE BRIDGE WERE APPROX. 4 TO 4.5 FEET HIGH.


BARDID: TN-2011-0029
Date: 2011-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: PARIS
County: HENRY
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/19/2011 Operator was operating a Ranger bass boat (AR 043 AEE) on Kentucky Lake in Henry County Tennessee. Operator was fishing a bass tournament and was in the process of changing fishing spots. Operator was headed north from Standing Rock creek towards Hwy. 79 bridge. Operator stated that the water was rough and that the front pedestal seat that was laying in the floor of the boat started to bounce around. Operator and his passenger (cameraman) both looked down and were trying to catch the seat. Passenger was able to secure the seat and both men looked up. Operator stated at that time they were at the bridge. Operator tried to turn the boat to the left to avoid hitting the bridge but it was too late. The boat impacted the bridge pilon about 5 feet back of the bow on the right side. The impact caused Operator and Passenger to be thrown to the right and impacting the console of the boat. The boat started to sink and Operator and passenger were picked up by a second camera boat that was following them. They were taken to Paris Landing Marina were they were met by EMS.


BARDID: TN-2011-0030
Date: 2011-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:07:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityTown: ANDERSONVILLE
County: ANDERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
The following events occurred on june 11, 2011 after sunset on norris lake, anderson county, tennessee.

Vessel 2 experienced engine failure just outside stardust marina''s harbor. While adrift with navigation lights burning, the operator of vessel 2  saw vessel 1 approaching them. She began waving her arms and yelling in an attempt to gain the attention of vessel 1. All occupants of vessel 2 moved toward the bow except the single injury on board. The injured person ducked and was ultimately struck during the collision. Vessel 1 maintained its course and struck vessel 2. Vessel 1 struck vessel 2 on the starboard side near the stern. Following the collision, the operator of vessel 1 circled around and offered assistance. Vessel 1 returned under its own power to stardust marina. Vessel 2 was towed to stardust marina. Once at the marina, the injured person was transported to mercy west hospital.


BARDID: TN-2011-0031
Date: 2011-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: WAVERLY
County: HUMPHREYS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Both Vessels were stopped just north of the I-40 Bridge on Kentucky Lake, and started down river headed back to Cuba Landing Marina, when the vessel quit and drifted into the path of the potoon boat.  The pontoon struck the PWC on the left side, Lacerating the PWC operator's Left Calf Muscle.  the pontoon operator loaded the injured onto the Pontoon Boat and went to the boat ramp at Cuba landing marina where two officers were at the marina store.  The injured was treated for an laceration and taken by ambulance to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, TN.


BARDID: TN-2011-0032
Date: 2011-04-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: SOUTH HOLSTON LAKE
NearestCityTown: BRISTOL
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
ON 04/21/2011 AT APPROXIMATELY 5:00 P.M., VESSEL #1 AND VESSEL #2 WERE DOCKED AT LAUREL MARINA ON SOUTH HOLSTON LAKE IN SULLIVAN COUNTY. VESSEL #2 BACKED OUT OF THE SLIP AND BEGAN TO MOVE FORWARD TOWARD THE MAIN CHANNEL. THE PORT SIDE OF VESSEL #2 STRUCK THE STERN OF VESSEL #1 TEARING A SLIDE FROM VESSEL #1.


BARDID: TN-2011-0034
Date: 2011-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATAUGA LAKE
NearestCityTown: HAMPTON
County: CARTER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: HULL FAILURE
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
AccidentEvent3: SINKING
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday June 4, 2011 at approx. 19:30 Operator launched his boat at Rat Branch ramp on Watauga Lake.  Operator traveled around and then moored his vessel near the Watauga Dam.  After launching and during their cruising the vessel appeared to be fine and showed no signs of taking on any water.  Operator and a passenger were on shore for a period of about 3 hours.  Upon returning to the vessel and boarding Operator and his passenger observed a large amount of water in the bottom of the vessel.  Operator thought that he might be able to make it back to Rat Branch ramp but along path back to the ramp the vessel was taken over by water.  Operator was able to get his vessel to the bank in the area of Cardens Bluff Campground where he tied the bow off to a small tree, very shortly after tying off the vessel completely submerged.   The vessel sank at apprx. 22:30 and TWRA was not notified until the following day and arrived onscene at approx. 16:05. TWRA believes the vessel accident struck ground prior to taking on water.


BARDID: TN-2011-0036
Date: 2011-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityTown: Kodak
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: SINKING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, June 18, 2011 at approximately 12:30 pm, Operator was operating a 1992 Vision 20 foot bass boat on Douglas lake.  A strong thunderstorm was passing through the area creating hazardous waters with about 5 foot swells.  Operator began heading for the lake shore at the point 2 marker.  The vessel began to take waves over the gunnels and Operator turned the boat head-on into the waves in an attempt keep the boat from swamping.  The waves continued over the bow of the vessel and the boat quickly filled with water.  This caused the bow to ride up higher in the water and Operator tried to change the trim position to get the bow back down.  Operator left the operators position and attempted to use the trolling motor to try and reach the shore.  When it became apparent that the vessel was going to sink, he told his passenger to swim for the shore.  When the passenger refused to leave, Operator abandoned the vessel and swam to the shore with his passenger.  Both occupants were wearing personal flotation devices.  The vessel sank and the two occupants were picked up by Jefferson County Sheriff  and taken to a bait store on Highway 139.


BARDID: TN-2011-0038
Date: 2011-06-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:45:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT. LOUDOUN LAKE
NearestCityTown: KNOXVILLE
County: KNOX
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 19:45 on June 21, 2011 a Sea Ray boat, GA 6610 ZD struck the docks as well as another boat, TN 0046 DO, at Concord Marina.  Operator along with a passenger on board the striking vessel, stated that Operator inadvertently applied too much throttle hitting the dock and causing Operator as well as Passenger to slip on the slick deck and fall, with passenger falling into the water.  As Operator fell he stated that he pulled the throttle causing the boat to go quickly in reverse striking the dock as well as another vessel behind him.  Passenger was able to swim safely to the dock where he was retrieved by Operator.  Operator and Passenger then left the area.  The accident resulted in damage to boat vessels as well as damage to the docks at Concord Marina.


BARDID: TN-2011-0039
Date: 2011-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: PARIS LANDING
County: HENRY
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On the 5th day of June 2011 at approximately 11:00 am, I received a call from TWRA Region 1 dispatch about a vessel that was sinking just north of the Paris Landing Bridge on Kentucky Lake.  Dispatch also informed me that there had been two occupants on the vessel but were not harmed and was on another vessel standing by.  I was able to reach operator by phone and further assess the situation.  Operator stated that the vessel's outboard motor (Mercury 150 hp) was giving him trouble so he and occupant began trying to perform repairs from the stern on the motor.  A wave then came over the stern of the vessel and the vessel quickly submerged.  I advised Operator he could tow his vessel to a nearby ramp if needed.  Once I arrived in the area, Operator had towed the vessel to Paris Landing Marina.  While at Paris Landing Marina, I determined that the subjects combined weight along with other equipment at the rear of the vessel contributed to the vessel swamping.   The wind was approx. 5 mph out of the SSW and boat traffic was low to moderate which contributed to waves approx. 2 feet in height.


BARDID: TN-2011-0040
Date: 2011-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:17:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: DOVER
County: STEWART
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: person struck by vessel equipm
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday June 5, 2011 at approximately 16:17 V1 was anchored in Leatherwood Cove.  The operator started the engine of V1 and began heading toward Leatherwood Marina.  She had failed to retrieve the anchor from the water.  When the rope tightened and the anchor broke the surface of the water, the rope struck the passenger on the right forearm and caused a rope burn.  The rope then struck operator in the back of the neck and thrust her forward into the windshield of V1.  She received a laceration under her left eye and a broken left middle finger.  Passenger drove both injured to the Marina in V1.  EMS personnel decided to have operator flown to Vanderbilt hospital for further treatment.  Passenger was treated and released at the Marina.  The only damage to the vessel or its contents were a broken anchor rope and a lost anchor.


BARDID: TN-2011-0041
Date: 2011-06-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: DOVER
County: STEWART
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
AccidentCause2: IGNITION OF SPILLED FUEL OR VAPOR
MachineryFailure: Fuel
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of Basscat was tournament fishing in Ginger Bay on KY Lake.

He cranked up the outboard and noticed the engine running at a fast idle.  Before he could turn the motor off, there was an explosion which resulted in the cowling flying 4-5 feet in the air on fire and landed in the water.   The outboard motor continued to burn until it was extinguished using fire extinguisher.  

There were no injuries

Photographs of the damage was examined  by marine technician of Dover Marine.   He states the probable cause of the fire is a fuel leak that found an ignition source.


BARDID: TN-2011-0042
Date: 2011-04-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Storm
Visibility: UNKN
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On saturday 4/16/2011 the weather had been deteriorating all day, getting more and more windy. At approximately 14:42 i received a call from twra dispatch of a capsized vessel on douglas lake. I responded on scene at approximately 15:00 to shady grove access area, dandridge, tn. Upon arrival i was told by rescue squad members that the boating victims had been brought in to shore by another fisherman and had been taken by land to the douglas dam free launch by another party. I was able to locate the boat off of ferry hill rd, dandridge, where the boat was being held against the shore line by constant wave motion from the storm. The boat was partially submerged, but was not capsized. After talking with the operator and passenger, the large waves created by the wind had caused considerable trouble for operator and passenger who were trying to drive their vessel back to shady grove access area. According to the two, wakes from passing vessels along with the wind created waves swamped their boat, causing power failure. Due to the power failure, the bilge pump was unable to perform, leaving the boat filled with water. The boat was unable to stay afloat and began to sink in the stern. The occupants in the vessel were picked up by a passing vessel and taken in to shady grove access area. The boat was left and was forced by the waves into a cove near mulberry way where it was pinned to the shoreline near ferry hill rd.


BARDID: TN-2011-0044
Date: 2011-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORMANDY LAKE
NearestCityTown: NORMANDY
County: COFFEE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was cruising along port side of vessel 2. Vessel 2 made a quick turn to the left in front of vessel 1 and was impacted on port side. The bow of vessel 1 impacted the lower leg of operator of vessel 2. Injured victim was admitted to hospital for treatment and surgery.


BARDID: TN-2011-0045
Date: 2011-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:10:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEATHAM RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: NASHVILLE
County: DAVIDSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
AccidentEvent3: SINKING
RedactedNarrative:
Single operator was heading down river on the Cumberland River near mile marker 192 when the vessel struck a floating object in the river channel.(Believed to be a submerged log in the river channel)  The vessel stop and proceeded to take on water.  The operator which was wearing a PFD at the time remained on the vessel until the bow started to raise out of the water and then he proceed to exit the vessel.  He floated down river with the vessel until he managed to swim a few yards to the bank.  The vessel was last seen near the Shelby Park Boat ramp before it sank.  Operator did not sustain any injuries.


BARDID: TN-2011-0046
Date: 2011-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:12:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATAUGA LAKE
NearestCityTown: ELIZABETHTON
County: CARTER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Sharp Turn
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Based on Information to Date:

On June 20th 2011 I, Officer, was notified of a Boating Accident on Watauga Lake in Carter County TN by Carter County Rescue Squad.  The accident occurred on May 28th 2011 at approximately 16:12.   The accident involved a Personal Water Craft with one operator and one occupant.  The accident resulted in a serious injury to an occupant.   The accident resulted in passenger being transported to Sycamore Shoals Hospital where she received treatment for a dislocated right shoulder and a broken right humorous.  The vessel has only been identified as a P.W.C. no specific information.  

Based on Statements:

Occupant stated that on May 28th 2011, she was a occupant on a P.W.C. operated by Operator.  Both left out of a dock, and began traveling on the lake.  While Operator was operating the P.W.C., Operator made a maneuver ejecting Occupant from the P.W.C..  Occupant stated that she believes she dislocated her shoulder by being ejected while tightly grasping Operator''s Personal Flotation Device with her right hand.  Occupant also stated that she broke her right humorous from the impact with the water


BARDID: TN-2011-0047
Date: 2011-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:56:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: WILBUR LAKE
NearestCityTown: ELIZABETHTON
County: CARTER
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On June 18th 2011 at approximately 13:57 Carter County 911 received a call advising of a capsized vessel on Wilbur Lake with two individuals in the water.  Carter County Rescue Squad, Carter County Sheriffs Department, and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency were dispatched to the scene.  Upon arrival on scene at 14:14 by the Rescue Squad, there was one individual still in the lake.  The Rescue Squad used a vessel to rescue the individual who was found with his arm wrapped in a type IV throwable device.  The individual was identified. Victim was transported to Sycamore Shoals Emergency Room.  Victim was later pronounced dead at 18:40 by Emergency Room personnel.  The operator of the vessel was identified. Operator was rescued by another vessel on the lake and received no injuries. 
      Officer arrived on scene at 15:29 on June 18th 2011 along with Lt. and two Officers.  Operator was taken by Lt. to Sycamore Shoals Hospital to perform a blood draw to determine alcohol and drug levels.  The vessel was still capsized on the lake but had been secured by the Carter County Rescue Squad near the southern bank.  The vessel and numerous items were recovered from the lake. The vessel was a 16ft Legend Dagger Canoe equipped with a 28lb thrust trolling motor.  There was evidence of alcohol aboard the vessel when it was recovered.  Also based on a search done by the rescue squad, the capsizing occurred toward the middle of the lake at GPS: 36.341056,-82.120272.  At this location a fishing pole and an empty beer can of same make of alcohol observed on the vessel was observed on the bottom of the lake.  Based on information obtained from The National Service at 13:55 a storm moved through Elizabethton with wind gusts of 35mph.  Tennessee Valley Authority reported releasing an average hourly discharge at Wilbur Dam of 1772 cubic feet at 1pm and 2362 cubic feet at 2pm.
Based on Witness Statements;
     At approximately 13:56 on June 18th 2011, Victim and Operator were fishing on Wilbur Lake when a storm blew in.  The storm was blowing from Wilbur Dam upstream.  Operator was the operator of the vessel while Victim was in the bow seat of the canoe.  Operator then turned toward the southern bank and attempted to reach shore.  At this point the canoe capsized, with the port side gunwale rolling downward and the starboard side gunwale rolling upward.  Both Operator and Victim were thrown into the water.  Operator was rescued by a small aluminum jon boat.  The aluminum jon boat was only equipped with a electric trolling motor.  Victim was in the water holding a type IV throwable,  he did not make it to the bank.  The storm was still over the area, high winds and choppy waves.  Victim remained in the water until the rescue squad pulled him onto the rescue vessel.


BARDID: TN-2011-0048
Date: 2011-06-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
victim died as a result of going overboard from the sailboat that he and the other passengers and operator were in on Tuesday morning June 14, 2011 at approximately 2:30am.  The cause is still under investigation.


BARDID: TN-2011-0049
Date: 2011-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:15:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: BOONE LAKE
NearestCityTown: JOHNSON CITY
County: WASHINGTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentCause2: SHARP TURN
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday June 29 2011, I responded to a boat collision on Boone Lake in Washington County. The vessel was a 1990 model17'' Starcraft with a 120 horsepower Evinrude engine. The vessel was occupied by four people and one person was being towed on a tube with approximately 20'' rope.  After obtaining statements from all available witnesses, I determined that Operator was operating the vessel upstream of Rockingham Marina near point 19. 

Operator was steering the vessel sharply left, then sharply right in a serpentine pattern while heading upstream. Operator was in a right turn when the boat continued to turn until it collided with the tube and Victim. The boat struck Victim on his left side with the starboard bow. After striking Victim, the boat continued to turn until the propeller tangled in the tow rope and the engine stopped. All occupants on the boat pulled Victim onboard while 911 was called. They were instructed by the 911 dispatcher to take Victim to Winged Deer Park. I arrived at Winged Deer and was told that Victim was at Devault Bridge TWRA access area. Upon my arrival at the access area, I observed Victim with scratches on his left forearm and a blue towel wrapped around his midsection. He removed the towel and I observed a puncture wound on his left side near his waistline. The wound was bleeding and I feared that there could be internal injuries. I radioed Washington County Com Center and requested EMS to respond. Emergency personnel transported Victim to Johnson City Medical Center. I determined that both Operator and Victim had been consuming alcohol. I transported Operator to the Medical Center and he voluntarily submitted a blood sample. Victim was treated and released from the hospital later the same day.  
     On July 5 2011, the vessel''s steering was inspected by Watsons Marine in Blountville, TN. The marine mechanics determined that the steering was free of defects and was functioning properly.


BARDID: TN-2011-0050
Date: 2011-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityTown: NASHVILLE
County: DAVIDSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was towing a skier on 7/2/2011 at approximately 0930 on Percy Priest Lake when the skier fell off his board and was temporary knocked out. The operator circled back around and retrieved the skier from the water. The skier was driven to the hospital. He was released the same day.


BARDID: TN-2011-0053
Date: 2011-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityTown: LAFOLLETTE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated that he was sitting at the rear of the vessel and his wife was driving.  They attempted to switch drivers while the boat was underway and ran aground.


BARDID: TN-2011-0054
Date: 2011-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityTown: MORRISTOWN
County: HAMBLEN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
Based on written statements and field interviews:

On the night of 07/06/2011, two people were bass fishing on Cherokee Lake upstream from Fall Creek Boat Dock in the vicinity of the Bible Farm located on Anderson Bend Rd. operator decided to relocate to a different fishing spot. At approximately 22:00 hrs he was traveling upstream from their last fishing spot. Operator stated that the boat had just came on plane and were traveling approximately 25-30 mph when he heard a loud crunching sound and the boat lurched out of the water and onto the ground. Operator advised it was extremely dark and he had been watching his gps mounted in the dash of his 2008 20'' Stratus bass boat.  He stated that the picture showed plenty of water between his boat and the bank.

The boat suffered significant damage to the fiberglass on port side of the hull and the skeg and propeller were also damaged.  The vessel was recovered by the operator and taken back to KY.


BARDID: TN-2011-0055
Date: 2011-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:17:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: PARKSVILLE LAKE
NearestCityTown: BENTON
County: POLK
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was going in circles while towing a large water toy with 8 riders.   Some riders fell off and were reloaded onto the toy and vessel 1 headed back toward no wake zone of Camp Ocoee to dock boat.  Vessel 2 saw vessel one and slowed down and tried to turn away from vessel 1.  Vessel 2 stated every time he turned away from vessel 1, vessel 1 also seemingly turned toward them. Vessel 2 stated he went to neutral to see what vessel 1 was going to do.  Just prior to collision, vessel 2 occupants were yelling and waving arms at vessel 1.  Vessel 2 stated operator of vessel 1 was looking behind boat at raft and never saw vessel 2.  Vessel 1 operator stated he never saw vessel 2 before collision.  Vessel 2 placed boat in gear and turned at last minute to avoid collision in center of boat.  Vessel 1 collided with vessel 2 on port aft portion and rode over vessel 2.  Injured party was in passenger seat of vessel 2.  Vessel 1 assisted vessel 2 to dock and performed first aid and called EMS.


BARDID: TN-2011-0056
Date: 2011-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:25:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT. LOUDOUN LAKE
NearestCityTown: KNOXVILLE
County: KNOX
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
According to statements from operators and passengers involved, V1 was traveling upstream and was traveling with just enough speed to allow it to be on plane.  V1 had been traveling this way for approx. one mile.  The operator of V1 was periodically using a spotlight to locate channel markers and shoreline.  V2 was traveling across the channel and had just came from the Ish Cr./ Prater Flats area.  The operator of V2 had just sat the boat down from being on plane, but was still moving with the motor in gear at an idle speed.  The operator of V2 was shinning a spotlight on the shoreline to make sure he was in the right area.  The operators of the vessels noticed each other and the operator of V1 attempted to avoid the collision by turning hard to his left.  The bow of V2 contacted the starboard side of V1 at the operators seat.


BARDID: TN-2011-0057
Date: 2011-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:35:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityTown: BYRDSTOWN
County: PICKETT
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: limb entangled in activity equ
RedactedNarrative:
victim was sitting in vessel, as vessel increased speed to pull a tube, the rope that was attached to the tube wrapped around her leg severely bruising it.


BARDID: TN-2011-0058
Date: 2011-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityTown: CELINA
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel had turned over and was uprighted. Allowed to sit for a couple of minutes then restarted, stalled and the restarted and explosion took place.


BARDID: TN-2011-0061
Date: 2011-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT. LOUDOUN LAKE
NearestCityTown: FRIENDSVILLE
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating upstream in Ish Creek on Ft. Loudon Lake when he struck a submerged object (likely a rock pile).  Two occupants got in the water to check the drive systyem and found that the props were bent.  They went a bit farther up into the creek and dropped anchor.  Later on they realized that they were taking on water.  They pulled up anchor and tried to return to Fox Road Marina.  Instead they diverted to Choto Marina where myself and Officer got to them.  They were able to move on to Fox Road Marina that night.


BARDID: TN-2011-0062
Date: 2011-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:45:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityTown: SEVIERVILLE
County: SEVIER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: People on Gunwale, Bow, or Transom
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Propeller
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/09/2011, operator rented a pontoon boat from Mnt. Harbor Inn in Dandridge, TN.  three people were passengers on vessel with the operator. Operator was cruising at a low rate of speed in the Flat Creek area of Douglas Lake, allowing his daughters, to drag their feet in the water from the front platform of the vessel while the vessel was underway.  victim fell from the platform and the vessel continued over her.  The prop of the motor struck victim on the lower right leg causing severe lacerations.  victim and mother were transported to Mnt  Cove Marina on officer's patrol vessel. EMS took victim and mother to UT Medical Center in Knoxville, TN.


BARDID: TN-2011-0063
Date: 2011-04-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:05:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityTown: MT JULIET
County: WILSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Floating Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On  Sunday April 17th at approximately 1905 hrs I heard Wilson County Dispatching Officers to a boating accident on Old Hickory Res..  I made contact with Wilson County and our dispatcher.  Rutherford Co. Officer was close to my location and responded with me.  Lt Responded to Cedar Creek Campground.  where we launched our boat.  We were informed That a bass boat had crossed the wake of a house boat and two men were thrown from the bass boat.  Officer went to find the house boat that had rescued one of the occupants that was thrown into the water.   They then went to the site of the accident and inventory the bass boat.  Officer herald responded to Ceder Creek Marina.  The house boat returned to Cedar Creek Marina with The passenger of the bass boat. Sumner Co. Officer and Boat Accident Investigator Responded to the Family of Operator1 and the scene of the accident to help.  Witnesses were interviewed as well as occupant of V2.  Based on the information available we believe that Operator1 was operating a Stratos bass boat (TN 4241 ED).   Operator2 Was operating the house boat (TN 4096 AB) owned by another person .  The house boat was headed up stream at approximately the 234 mile marker and the bass boat coming down stream from outside the channel on the red can side.  Based on the condition of the prop, lower unit and wood pieces found on the unit we believe the bass boat struck a floating log then accelerated into the wake of the house boat throwing both Operator1 And occupant from the boat.  Witnesses from the house boat screamed to their operator to turn around they observed both individuals coming to the surface and one going back under and not seen again.  Members of the house boat pulled occupant out of the water.  Operator1 was found on the 27th of April at approximately 1600 hrs Emergency personnel from Wilson Co., Sumner Co., Davidson Co. , Tennessee Highway Patrol as well as a K-9 team from Clarksville all worked on the recovery effort.  TWRA had 9 Officers and other personnel involved in the investigation and recovery nearly 200 man ours were spent on this accident.


BARDID: TN-2011-0064
Date: 2011-05-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: DOVER
County: STEWART
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
AccidentCause2: OVERLOADING
AccidentCause3: Weather
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person Departed Vessel
AccidentEvent3: CAPSIZING
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, May 14, 2011 at or around 1721 hours, I was notified of a boat that had swamped with 3 persons in the water near Standing Rock Creek on KY Lake.  Based upon the witness statements and evidence on the scene, a synopsis of the events follows:

Operator and two others had been fishing on KY Lake since 600 hours in a 18'' Phantom Boat.  At or around 1530 hours, they decided to leave Standing Rock Creek and noticed the rough water conditions in the main body of the lake.  They all donned PFD''s and as they entered the main channel on KY Lake, Operator states that the waves started coming over the port stern.  He states the outboard motor then quit which allowed more water to come over the stern.  While Operator tried to get the outboard motor restarted, Occupant1 got on the bow and used the trolling motor to turn the boat back towards Standing Rock Creek.  Waves continued to come over the stern and the boat swamped and they entered the water.  The boat later capsized.  Operator later estimated the waves to be around 3 feet.

At or around 1703 hours, Captain onboard the M/V James Paul Ayers noticed what appeared to be a swamped boat at the mouth of Standing Rock Creek and notified the USCG Sector Ohio Valley.  He ordered deckhands to launch the skiff and investigate.  At 1720 hours, the skiff had located Operator, Occupant1 in the water and occupant2 on shore and brought them back to the M/V where they were allowed to dry off and warm up.  

At 1825 hours, Officer and myself arrived at the M/V.  The victims denied any injury and states they did not require any medical attention.   They stated that they were the only 3 onboard the vessel when it swamped.

We transported Operator, Occupants back to the capsized boat where it was secured with a rope to the south bank of Standing Rock Creek and then transported them to Paris Landing State Park. 

The boat was recovered and trailered on Sunday, May 15, 2011 at or around 1530 hours by Operator. 

The capacity plate on the vessel recommends  "4 persons or 550lbs".   The combined weight of the 3 persons on board was 625lbs.  There did not appear to be any structural damage to the vessel.  There was no evidence of alcohol use on the vessel.

In a later interview, Operator states that his motor will have to be rebuilt.  

Dover Marine states that the rebuild of the motor should cost around $2000-3000.

A verbal warning was given to Operator regarding overloading the vessel.  


BARDID: TN-2011-0065
Date: 2011-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityTown: MT JULIET
County: WILSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday May 28 at approximately 1920 hrs. a 2 boat accident occurred on Old Hickory Res. at Shutes Branch Rec. Area.  V1 and V2 reached the  dock at about the same time.  One person from each both got onto the dock to go get their trailer.  V2 operator took control of the 20' pro star.  Operator2 states his knee hit the throttle and causing the boat to go forward and collide with the 23'' Sea Ray.


BARDID: TN-2011-0066
Date: 2011-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityTown: LEBANON
County: WILSON
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: SINKING
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was wakeboarding on Station Camp Creek when a severe thunderstorm developed over the area.  He drove his boat into Spencer Creek on Old Hicklory Lake and pulled into shallow water next to an island known as Tin Can Island.  Operator then dropped the boat''s anchor to secure it. Operator estimated the wind blew approximately 50 mph and waves formed that were approximately three feet high.  Water from the waves and rain entered into the boat, causing it to sink.  The boat sank to the bottom of the creek, approximately three feet deep.  When the rain and wind stopped, Operator and bystanders bailed out the boat until it was floating.  Operator  checked the engine oil and found water had entered into it.


BARDID: TN-2011-0067
Date: 2011-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:51:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityTown: NASHVILLE
County: DAVIDSON
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: SINKING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator launched his 8'' plastic Bass Buddy fishing boat from the Metro Beach Access on the afternoon of June 11, 2011.  The time is not known, perhaps between 16:00 and 17:00 hours.  Operator sent a text to his wife at 15:40, stating he was taking the boat out.  Wife responded by text asking if he was taking it to the cove on the other side.  She was refering to the cove adjacent to the Metro Beach Access.  The last phone conversation Wife had with Operator was at 20:32, she said he stated he was in the cove adjacent to the Metro Beach Access.  At 20:41, Wife texted Operator and asked if he was coming home before she went to bed.  At 20:47, Operator responded he didn''t know.  That was last contact anyone had with Operator.  Wife called Operator''s cell phone at 22:51.  The phone went straight to voicemail.  At 23:54, Wife texted Operator''s cell phone to tell him that lighting and wind was picking up in the area.  Operator did not respond to the text.

Wife called TWRA on June 13, 2011 at approximately 13:30 to report Operator had not returned from fishing on Old Hickory Lake the previous night.  Operator''s truck was parked at the Metro Beach Access area.  TWRA and Davidson County OEM personnel searched the area.  OEM personnel located a fishing rod in the water near the first cove upstream of the Metro Beach Access.  Wife identified the rod as Operator''s.  OEM divers search the cove where the rod was located.  The search was stopped at sunset.

The search for Operator resumed at approximately 08:30 on June 14, 2011.  At approximately 10:30, TWRA and OEM personnel located Operator''s body floating with 20 yards of the shore in the first cove upstream of the Metro Beach Access area.  The medical examiner ruled his death was caused by drowning.  Operator''s boat has not been located. 

I obtained weather data for June 11 and 12, 2011 from the web site "Underground Weather".  Data collected indicated that the wind speed and gusts increased at approximately 22:43 on June 11, 2011.  This may have caused Operator''s boat to become swamped and sink.  Wife stated that Operator usually did not take a pfd when he took his boat on the water.  She stated he usually had a throw cushion in the boat.


http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp-ID=KTNHENDE5andmonth=6andday=11andyear=2011
http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp-ID=KTNHENDE5andmonth=6andday=12andyear=2011


BARDID: TN-2011-0068
Date: 2011-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:55:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: DOVER
County: STEWART
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Person Struck by Propeller
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was riding a tube being pulled by a vessel.  She states she fell off the tube and Operator turned the vessel and came along side of her so she could board the swim ladder at the starboard stern of the vessel.  She states that the motor was off but the vessel was slightly moving.  She states she grabbed the swim ladder and put her right foot on the ladder but her left leg swung and hit the propeller.    She was assisted into the vessel where the bleeding was controlled using a first aid kit.  She was then taken to Piney Campground at USFS-LBL where EMS was called.

She states that she had been around boats "all her life" and that the accident is "more so my fault for being that close to the prop".

The propeller is aluminum and all 3 blades are dented and have jagged edges.

The operator was interviewed at U S Forest Service - Piney Campground.   The operator admitted to drinking but did not show any signs of impairment.  He was given a PBT by USFS LEO Riner at 1746 hours with a reading of 0.052

Operator was given a federal citation for underage consumption by LEO.

Due to the following factors, blood was not taken from Operator:
- Evidence suggest that the accident was due to skier behavior
- No evidence to suggest the operators actions were reckless
- The laceration was minor
- Alcohol did not appear to be a factor in the accident
- PBT results


BARDID: TN-2011-0069
Date: 2011-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:22:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: BUCHANAN
County: HENRY
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operators 1 and 2 were part of a family gathering at KY Lake.  They were both operating a PWC.  Operator2 was following Operator1 as they rode between the powerlines and Sulpher Creek on the Big Sandy River.

Operator1 states that he got water in his eyes and stopped to wipe the water out of his face.  He states he heard the other PWC behind him and turned to see the PWC approaching.  

Operator2 states that when he noticed Operator1 stopped, he let off the throttle and turned but the PWC did not respond and he struck Operator1's PWC from the stern knocking everyone into the water.

Bystanders assisted them to shore and then later to the Port Boat Ramp where EMS took subjects to Henry County Medical Center.  Operator2 refused treatment.

Blood was drawn from Operator2 at Henry County Medical Center.

Blood could not be obtained from Operator1 at Henry County due to his condition.  Investigator collected blood at Vanderbilt after he was transferred.


BARDID: TN-2011-0070
Date: 2011-04-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
AccidentCause2: HAZARDOUS WATERS
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On saturday 4-16-11 at approximately 14:41 i was dispatched by twra dispatcher to shady grove access area, douglas lake, jefferson county, tn for a capsized vessel. I was on scene at approximately 15:00, and learned of Operator's vessel being swamped. The vessel was located on the shoreline at kender rd. The driver and the passenger  were transported from the swamped vessel by the jefferson county rescue squad to the dandridge access area after they had called 911 at approximately 12:00. According to Operator and occupant, the engine of the vessel had recently been worked on, and while they were underway near point 8 when the motor shut off. Due to the high winds and there were 2'' to 6'' waves on the water, when the motor cut off, the waves swamped the boat. They were unable to start the motor back and the boat was blown against the bank, then the large waves began pummeling the boat, rendering them helpless. When i arrived at the disabled vessel, it was submerged on the starboard side, still being swamped by the waves.


BARDID: TN-2011-0071
Date: 2011-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: BOONE LAKE
NearestCityTown: PINEY FLATS
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
AccidentEvent3: CAPSIZING
RedactedNarrative:
On May 29, 2011, at approximately 2:33pm, Officers arrived at the scene of a boating accident on Boone Lake in Sullivan County. At this time there was a red bass boat overturned in the center of the lake and several vessels had stopped to assist and render aid. I made contact with the vessel operator who boarded our patrol vessel and was administered a float field sobriety task. I concluded that Operator was not under the influence drugs and or alcohol. Operator stated that he had struck an object in the water upstream from our location and he had used the trolling motor on his vessel for 5-10 minutes and then another vessel offered to tow him to a safe location. As they were being towed, a large wake from an unknown passing vessel swamped Operator’s vessel causing it to overturn. I assisted Operator in getting his vessel to a nearby private ramp where it could be loaded on a trailer. The following day, a propeller and lower gear housing was found by me and assisting officers in shallow water near point 9, approximately 0.25 miles upstream from where I found Operator''s vessel to be overturned. The gear housing and propeller matched the engine on the vessel operated by Operator. Operator stated on 6-8-2011 that was the area where he had struck something.

In the location where Operator ran aground, there are two rock buoys that mark the area as dangerous. The location of the buoys in relation to where Operator''s vessel ran aground is shown in the above diagram. The rocks in the area were almost completely submerged on the day of the accident, 5-29-2011. Operator collided with the submerged rocks due to inexperience operating in that area of Boone Lake. It is also believed that operator inattention (failing to recognize or yield to buoys) on behalf of Operator is another cause of the accident.

Damage to the vessel includes and may not be limited to: Outboard engine lower unit damage, engine cowling missing, scratches in gel coat and fiberglass, missing equipment due to overturning, water damage.


BARDID: TN-2011-0075
Date: 2011-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:03:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityTown: MORRISTOWN
County: HAMBLEN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentCause3: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
According to witness and participant statements received to date:

On Saturday, July 2, 2011, at approximately 16:00 hrs, operator2 was operating a Mastercraft X-15 (Vessel 2) in a cove just south of Holston River Mile 69.  The owner of the boat was wake surfing behind Vessel 2.  Vessel 1, a Bombardier Personal Watercraft (PWC), approached from astern of Vessel 2.  Wake surfer fell from the surfboard, and Vessel 2 turned to recover him.  Vessel1 passed Wake surfer to port at a distance he estimated to be between 100 and 200 feet, with Operator1 yelling something at Wake surfer.  Operator1 did not see a large "roller", part of the wake which was, according to Wake surfer, most likely created by Vessel2.  Vessel 1 struck the roller and was launched into the air, with Operator1 striking her face on the front compartment lid and her torso on the handlebars of the PWC.  This rendered Operator1 unconscious, and she was ejected from the PWC.

Wake surfer, seeing the accident and that Operator1 was floating face-down, instructed Operator2 to aid Operator1.  A passenger on another PWC, and Operator2 were able to get Operator1 loaded onto the back of Vessel 1.  Operator1 was taken to shore, where she was treated by the Hamblen County EMS and flown by Lifestar Medical Helicopter to the University of Tennessee Medical Center.


BARDID: TN-2011-0076
Date: 2011-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
07-08-2011

Damage synopsis:

On July 3, 2011 at approximately 19:33 hours, I received a telephone call from the subject who operates Lighthouse Point Marina on Douglas lake in Dandridge, TN.  The subject stated that one of his Personal Watercraft (PWC) had been damaged by two of the renters and that they were being uncooperative.  Officer and I were on boating enforcement patrol and responded to the marina. 

Upon arrival, Officer and I spoke with the PWC renters and dock attendants involved.   Operator was identified and his friend was also present.  Both individuals had signed the rental agreement along with the girlfriend of Operator.  Officer viewed the damaged PWC while I took statements from the parties involved.  Niether Operator nor friend claimed responsibility for the damage to the PWC and also stated that they did not see the craft get damaged or notice the damage.  The renters also claim that the damaged PWC was taking on water shortly after they had rented it. friend added in his statement that two of his "workers" had also ridden the PWC at some point.  Operator also stated that the damaged PWC was left in the care of a dock attendant at The Point Marina in Dandridge for a short period of time.  

The dock attendant who rented the PWC to the parties involved reveals that there was no major damage to the craft when rented to these customers.

The subject estimated the damage at approximately $400.00.  

Injury synopsis:

During the investigation, the operator of the damaged PWC stated that while returning the craft to the marina his girlfriend stepped off of the PWC onto the dock and that he was getting his stuff out of the PWC and stepping off at the same time.  He said he then ran up behind another boat and "bumped" it.  He stated that the dock attendants told him to put the vessel in reverse and when he did so, the vessel capsized and he became stuck underneath it when the safety lanyard would not release.   While attempting to re-right the craft he stated to me that he injured his right wrist. He requested a "paramedic" to come out and take him to the hospital.  He later said that he would refuse treatment if it arrived and that he would get his own medical treatment.  

The dock attendants stated that Operator made no mention of his injured wrist before we arrived on the scene and that he used his right hand to re-right the PWC.  Because I could not determine if the wrist was actually injured, I radioed our TWRA dispatcher who sent an ambulance to the scene.  Jefferson County Emergency Medical Service responded to the scene and wrapped the operators wrist.  He was then released.  

An electronic case file is being generated that includes video, pictures, and statements.


BARDID: TN-2011-0077
Date: 2011-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:37:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityTown: DANDRIDGE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On july 3, 2011 at approx 19:37 myself and officer arrived at swann''s marina for the end of our shift. Upon arrival, the manager of the marina approached me and stated that one of his customers had damage that had occurred to his vessel while it was docked at the marina. 

Upon inspection of the vessel i found that something had hit the backend of the pontoon boat across the entire stern, without damaging the motor. Subject1 stated that he had his boat docked at the marina all summer, and the last time he had used his boat was one week prior and there was no damage. The slip that he kept his boat in is on the side of the marina closest to the boat launch. It is unknown what caused the damage, however, it appears that it is possibly caused by a boat with an object on its bow, running into the boat from an angle and the object on the front of the unknown boat causing damage all the way across the stern of Subject1s vessel.


BARDID: TN-2011-0078
Date: 2011-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityTown: ROCKWOOD
County: RHEA
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentCause3: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
The following synopsis is based on Operator and Occupant statements from both vessels:  On 06/25/2011 at approximately 16:30 Operator1 was operating Vessel 1 an 18'' Larson Runabout out of the White''s Creek Marina and Resort with wife, Son, and Daughter as occupants.  Operator2 was operating Vessel 2 a 22'' Deckboat with his wife and daughter as occupants.  Vessel 1 was heading out of White''s Creek Cove toward the main channel of Tennessee River with Vessel 2 directly behind.  Both vessel''s were travelling approximately 20 m.p.h. Vessel 1 decreased their speed to approximately 5 to 10 m.p.h.  Vessel 2 operator  was not looking ahead, and didn''t notice the decrease in Vessel 1 speed.  Wife noticed the decrease in speed of vessel 1 yelling at operator2, but there was not enough time to avoid collision.  

Just before colliding with Vessel 1, Operator2 was able to swerve to the left, but not able to decrease speed to avoid the collision.  The bow of Vessel 2 struck the stern of Vessel 1 pushing the stern down into the water.  As Vessel 2 continued over the stern of Vessel 1 it struck the port (left) side of the wakeboard tower tubing, breaking a portion of that section off, but also slowing the momentum of Vessel 2 enough to deflect it off of Vessel 1.  Vessel 2 came to a halt directly to the left of Vessel 1.  Other than the broken tubing off of Vessel 1''s wakeboard tower, both Vessel''s sustained gelcoat damage to their hulls.  The gelcoat damage on Vessel 1 was partially left of the middle of the stern, and on the port side corner of the stern.  Vessel 2 sustained gelcoat damage on the starboard side of the bow.  There were no injuries in the accident, and this incident occurred in Rhea County, Tennessee.


BARDID: TN-2011-0080
Date: 2011-07-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:32:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityTown: SALE CREEK
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Person Departed Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
The victim and his father were fishing near mile marker 497.0 on Chickamauga Lake.  The victim told his father he was hot, and jumped in the lake to cool off.  He started having difficulty swimming back to the boat and asked his father for help.  His father jumped in to help, and the boat started to drift away.  They yelled for help, and two nearby fishermen responded to help from approximately 200 yards away.  When they got to the father, the victim had already went underwater.  The two fishermen pulled the father over to the bank, went back and got the boat and called 911.


BARDID: TN-2011-0081
Date: 2011-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityTown: BYRDSTOWN
County: PICKETT
WaterConditions: UNKNOWN
Wind: UNKNOWN
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentCause3: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 11 July 2011 at approximately 2:00am Officers responded to a one vessel boat collision on the Wolf River section of Dale Hollow Lake. There were 5 occupants onboard the vessel at the time of the collision. Witnesses stated that they observed the vessel operating on plane when it struck the bank. Witnesses were near the collision sight and rescued all five occupants moments before the vessel sank. Witnesses took the occupants to Wolf River Resort and Marina where EMS was contacted. Two occupants were transported to Clinton County Regional Hospital where they were treated and released. 
One Occupant was transported to Clinton County Regional Hospital where she was then transported to University of Kentucky Medical Center and has since been released. Occupant4 was transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center where he later passed from the injuries he sustained in the collision. The vessel operator refused treatment. The operator admitted he had been consuming alcohol that night and was arrested for Boating Under the Influence. A blood sample was taken from operator. He also took a breath alcohol test which resulted in a .127 BAC. He was booked in to the Pickett County, TN Jail. Other charges are pending by the District Attorney''s Office. This collision occurred in Pickett County, TN.


BARDID: TN-2011-0082
Date: 2011-07-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:44:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityTown: MT JULIET
County: WILSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Person Departed Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On July 19, 2011, at approximately 1845 hours, operator was coming back into Cedar Creek from Spencer Creek on Old Hickory Res.  operator had two occupants on the boat.  When they were approximately 500 yards from Cedar Creek Yacht Club, occupant1 got up and jumped off the porch side of the pontoon boat.  operator turned the boat around to retrieve occupant1.  They saw him resurface and then go back under the water. occupant1 went into the water but was unable to retrieve him.


BARDID: TN-2011-0083
Date: 2011-07-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Sharp Turn
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
operator was operating the vessel towing two people on a tube near Mansford Bridge on Tim's Ford Lake.  She was making a turn when tubers fell off of the tube and one tuber's knee hit the other tuber in the nose which caused a cut.  They took victim to Southern Middle Tennessee Medical Center to be checked out and he recieved two stiches and was released.


BARDID: TN-2011-0084
Date: 2011-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityTown: LAVERGNE
County: RUTHERFORD
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: person struck by vsl equipment
RedactedNarrative:
On July 23, 2011 I respponded to a boating accident at stewerts creek boat ramp. The Driver of the boat stated that they were going down the lake close to stewerts creek and while making a turn the wind caught the tube, which was on the front of the boat and blew it into the air. when this happened the boat anchor which was holding the tube down flew into the air and struck subject on the top of her head. She was transported to the hospital where she received 4 staples for the laceration. No alcohol was involved


BARDID: TN-2011-0085
Date: 2011-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityTown: HENDERSONVILLE
County: SUMNER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentCause2: SHARP TURN
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
The operator of vessel 1, was in the no wake zone at Drakes Creek Marina on 07/23/2011.  He entered the area and moved toward the gas dock.  He turned the vessel in order to reach the gas dock.  As the vessel turned, the portside stern struck the engine of vessel 2.  Vessel 2 was docked at the time in a boat slip.  Vessel 1 had transfer marks on its portside stern.  Vessel 2 had damage to the cowling.  Dock employees of Creekwood Marina thought vessel 2 could have possible damage to its steering.  Creekwood Marina employees gave me the $3000 estimate of damage.


BARDID: TN-2011-0086
Date: 2011-07-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cordell Hull Reservoir
NearestCityTown: GAINESBORO
County: JACKSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On 19 July 2011 at approximately 10:00am Operator was operating his 1978 Alison upstream on Cordell Hull Reservoir. He stated that he struck a submerged object in the water. Operator stated that he continued operating his vessel and noticed that water was coming in his boat. He realized that he was not going to make it back to the boat ramp where he launched his boat. He operated his boat into Doe Creek towards the Free State Bridge to shallow water. Operator''s vessel continued to take on water so he put his lifejacket on and took his Type 4 Throwable Device and jumped into the water. The vessel''s stern sank first and he stated that the bow of the boat was pointed out of the water. Two fishermen came by and saw Operator and his vessel in the water and transported him back to Roaring River Boat Ramp where he launched his boat. He then went into town to call for help. 
I was dispatched to the scene at approximately 11:30am. When I arrived Operator had called a wrecker to come pull his vessel out of the water. They drug his vessel onshore causing more damage to the vessel. I noticed when I arrived that there was not a plug to keep water out of the bilge in place. Operator stated that he did not notice that and believed when he impacted the submerged object that it pulled the plug out causing his vessel to take on water. Operator''s vessel had fiberglass damage to the bow of his boat as well as deep gouges in the cowling of his engine cover. My observations and his statements gave an estimated damage value of $3,000.00. 
This did occur in Jackson County.


BARDID: TN-2011-0087
Date: 2011-07-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityTown: CELINA
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: UNKNOWN
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel one was sitting still with one occupant on it when vessel two approached with two occupants at roughly a ninety degree angle.  Vessel two was approaching at aproximately at 10 to 15 miles per hour and misjudged the distance and struck vessel one in the back right side.  No one from either party was injured in the accident.  Vessel two did have a valid boaters safety certificate.


BARDID: TN-2011-0089
Date: 2011-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: PICKWICK LAKE
NearestCityTown: COUNCE
County: HARDIN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
BOTH BOATS STATED THAT THEY WERE TRAVELING NORTH ON PICKWICK LAKE ABOUT A MILE SOUTH FROM THE MOORING CELLS. OPERATOR AND OCCUPANTS OF THE CROWNLINE(V2) STATED THAT THEY TURN LEFT SPLASHING WATER ON THE PONTOON(V1). BOTH PARTIES STATED THAT THEY DIDN'T THINK THE BOATS CONTACTED EACH OTHER. THE PONTOON(V1) BOAT SHOWED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE PORT SIDE. THE CROWNLINE(V2) HAD A FEW SCRATCHES AND WHAT APPEARED TO BE PAINT TRANSFER ON SCREWS ALONG THE RUB RAIL ON THE STARBOARD SIDE NEAR THE STERN.


BARDID: TN-2011-0090
Date: 2011-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityTown: LAFOLLETTE
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
AccidentEvent1: Electrocution
RedactedNarrative:
Based on witness statements two individuals were swimming behind a houseboat on Norris Lake.  The houseboat had been experiencing some electrical issues, namely a breaker under the sink that was tripping on a regular basis.  While the two individuals were in the water the breaker tripped and was reset by an individual onboard the vessel.  When the breaker was reset the individuals in the water began to feel an electric shock.  One individual had to be pulled from the water as a result of some degree of paralysis due to the stray voltage.  The subject did not receive medical attention until approximately one week later.  The incident was not reported for approximately two weeks, during which time the vessel was repaired and inspected by an electrician.  Electrician inspected the vessel and repaired wiring inssues on board the vessel.  Upon officer arrival on scene vessel had already been repaired.


BARDID: TN-2011-0091
Date: 2011-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:15:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Elk River
NearestCityTown: Kelso
County: LINCOLN
WaterConditions: UNKNOWN
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: HAZARDOUS WATERS
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
The flow of the Elk River was high because of recent rains and dam generation.  The canoe operator took the right fork at Dickey Island which is a straight, deep channel with steep sides.  This side has a greater speed of flow during normal circumstances, but was compounded by rain and dam generation.  operator attempted to stop his vessel by standing and holding onto a tree branch.  This action destabilized his vessel and swamped it causing it to capsize and eject it's occupants.  operator and his son were able to swim to Dickey Island.  victim, who was injured, swam to the other shore which was made up of a rock ledge and a small cliff.  victim held onto a tree on the shore while still in the water.  This lead to mild hypothermia and abrasions to her inner thighs from the tree bark of the tree she held to until her rescue by Lincoln County EMA.


BARDID: TN-2011-0092
Date: 2011-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityTown: NEW TAZEWELL
County: CLAIBORNE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Based on witness statements vessel 1 and vessel 2 had left Cedar Grove Marina together earlier in the evening on July 16, 2011 to go fishing in Dotson Creek on Norris Reservoir.  Vessel 1 and vessel 2 were both returning to Cedar Grove Marina from Dotson Creek at approximately 10:30 p.m.  Vessel 1 had slowed to idle speed entering the no wake area of Cedar Grove Marina.  Vessel 2 was still on plane coming into the no wake area of the marina.  operator of vessel 2, stated he looked to his left and saw the outline of houseboats on the buoy line and when he looked back ahead he was about to make impact with vessel 1.  The bow eye of vessel 2 struck the center of the engine cowl of vessel 1 causing vessel 2 to ramp over vessel 1.  Vessel 2 passed completley over vessel 1 from stern to bow causing extensive damage to vessel 1. Both vessels were able to continue to the houseboats they were staying on at the marina.  No serious injuries were reported from either vessel.


BARDID: TN-2011-0099
Date: 2011-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: TELLICO LAKE
NearestCityTown: VONORE
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator heard "Severe Weather" warnings on the radio and started back toward Tellico Harbor Marina. Almost immediately the storm hit him from behind. He turned into it and tried to make it into Culverts Cove. The waves were approximately 6 feet, which lifted his bow and the wind caught it and flipped the boat right to left. Both occupants were uninjured and were able to climb on top of the overturned boat. Two PWC''s showed up about 40 minutes later and transported the female occupant to Tellico Harbor Marina to call 911.


BARDID: TN-2011-0102
Date: 2011-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityTown: HARRIMAN
County: ROANE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, July 10, 2011, V1 house boat was drifting within the main channel outside Caney Creek Cove on Watts Bar Lake, and at approximately 13:00 V2 was trying to pull along side of the house boat to tie to when she stated the engine died and the boats momentum struck the left side of the house boat''s middle portion. No injuries occured and this all occured in Roane County on Watts Bar Lake.


