# ReleasableAccidents

BARDID: GA-2011-0012
Date: 2011-04-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: BUFORD
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL A WAS STATIONARY IN THE WATER. occupant BECAME UNBALANCED AND FELL OVERBOARD AND INTO THE WATER INJURING HER HIP.


BARDID: GA-2011-0013
Date: 2011-03-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Blackshear
NearestCityTown: Cordele
County: Crisp
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: SHARP TURN
AccidentCause3: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
While the driver and his two passengers were traveling at what was described at about 60 - 65 mph, the PWC struck a wake at an awkward angle resulting in the driver and passengers to be thrown off.  The driver stuck the handlebars with his mouth, neck, and shoulder area.


BARDID: GA-2011-0014
Date: 2011-04-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: limb tangled in vsl equipment
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL A WAS ATTEMPTING TO UNTIE FROM THE DOCK AT PORT ROYALE MARINA. THE VICTIM'S FINGER SLIPPED BETWEEN THE ROPE AND THE CLEAT ON THE DOCK AS A LARGE WAVE STRUCK THE BOAT. THE ROPE TIGHTENED AND SEVERED THE MOST DISTAL JOINT ON THE MIDDLE FINGER.


BARDID: GA-2011-0015
Date: 2011-05-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:40:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE ALLATOONA
NearestCityTown: WOODSTOCK
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentCause3: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel a belonging to someone else was being operated south across the lake. Operator was headed to kellogg creek boat ramp to load the boat on the trailer. All parties on board had been drinking and were very intoxicated. Operator turned into a cove that he thought was the mouth of the kellogg / owl creek area.  Operator realized that he was in the wrong area and began to turn the boat around to go back to the main channel of the lake. Due to the above factors operator struck a dock causing significant damage to boat causing it to sink. There is also damage to dock and boat due to the impact. A passenger suffered from a laceration to his nose but refused medical treatment other than a bandage.


BARDID: GA-2011-0016
Date: 2011-05-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:15:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Blackshear
NearestCityTown: cobb
County: Sumter
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
AccidentCause3: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating his father's boat at approximately 01:15 hours on the morning of May 1, 2011 and hit a cypress tree located approximately 300 yards northwest of his father's boathouse.  Operator stated that he had been at the Cypress Grill in Crisp County with several friends prior to midnight.  He was transporting 4 passengers aboard the vessel as his intention was for all to go to his father's house located on the west side of Lake Blackshear in Sumter County.  A neighbor that lived 2 houses to the north of the home heard the incident and went to render assistance to those in need.  He transported a male and a female subject by vehicle to the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus where both were treated for injuries.  One of the injured was treated and released at the emergency room for a cut to the top of his head.  Another victim was treated for pain and injury to her back and was also released the same day.  The boat operator, although sustaining minor scrapes/cuts to his face, did not have any emergency treatment and stayed at his father's house.  Another of the passengers also stayed the house this same night and slept on a downstairs sofa.  He also needed no emergency medical treatment.  The other passenger aboard the vessel had minor cuts and bruises from the incident but did not require emergency medical attention.  He did not stay at the house for the rest of the night.


BARDID: GA-2011-0018
Date: 2011-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:18:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HARTWELL
NearestCityTown: HARTWELL
County: HART
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Person Struck by Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VICTIM WAS IN WATER SWIMMING AND VESSEL A CAME NEAR TO SPRAY HER AND STRUCK HER. THE CONTACT FROM VESSEL A CAUSED A LACERATION TO VICTIMS FOREHEAD. OPERATOR OF VESSEL A WAS 15 YEARS OF AGE AND WAS BEING SUPERVISED BY A 19 YEAR OLD FROM A NEARBY DOCK.


BARDID: GA-2011-0019
Date: 2011-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:11:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: BRORO RIVER
NearestCityTown: SHELLMAN BLUFF
County: MCINTOSH
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Person Departed Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
"Operator and the victim got in the vessel at the Shellman Fish Camp dock and floated the vessel over to a sandbar across the river. As they got close, the victim jumped out head first and hit bottom. Witnesses yelled at operator, who was at the stern of the boat, to get his attention.  He got out of the boat into the water and placed a life jacket on victim. wife of the operator/owner, had already swam to the sandbar prior to boat being launched. When she heard people yelling, she ran down the sandbar to assist them . Together, she and her husband, put another PFD on him and floated him back across the river to Hunter's dock. EMS personnel arrived and transported the victim to the golf course so he could be airlifted to Memorial Hospital in Savannah for treatment. The victim was unable to feel or move anything below his chest at the time of the flight.


BARDID: GA-2011-0020
Date: 2011-05-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE ALLATOONA
NearestCityTown: ACWORTH
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: DRUG USE
AccidentCause3: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
ON 5/23/11 AN EMPLOYEE OF HOLIDAY MARINA ON ALLATOONA LAKE STATED THAT A SKI BOAT HAD HIT THEIR WAVE BREAK AND HAD GOTTEN STUCK ON IT.  HE SAID THAT THE BOAT WAS STUCK ON THE WAVE BREAK AND THAT WAS THE ONLY THING PREVENTING THE BOAT FROM SINKING.  SGT. ADVISED HE HAD FOUND OUT FROM ACWORTH PD THAT A W/M WITH LONG BLOND HAIR, NOT WEARING A SHIRT HAD LEFT THE INCIDENT DRIVING A GREEN JEEP CHEROKEE PULLING AN EMPTY BOAT TRAILER. THE SUBJECT HAD BEEN REPORTED AT A SONIC'S DRIVE THRU ON BAKER STREET IN ACWORTH WHERE A WAITRESS STATED THAT A GREEN JEEP CHEROKEE PULLING AN EMPTY BOAT TRAILER PULLED INTO THE DRIVE-THRU AND THE DRIVER FELL ASLEEP. SHE SAID HE HAD A SERIOUS LOOKING HEAD INJURY AND HAD CUTS ON HIS ARMS. SUBJECT WAS LATER INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON I-75. SUBJECT WAS ARRESTED AND TRANSPORTED TO THE COBB COUNTY JAIL. SUBJECT WAS LATER TAKEN TO KENNESTONE HOSPITAL TO HAVE HIS INJURIES CHECKED OUT. AWAITING A REPORT FROM THE GBI CRIME LAB IN REFERENCE TO THE ALCOHOL/DRUG CONTENT OF BLOOD SAMPLE.


BARDID: GA-2011-0021
Date: 2011-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Sinclair
NearestCityTown: Eatonton
County: Putnam
WaterConditions: Choppy
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentCause2: CONGESTED WATERS
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
A pontoon type vessel was traveling up stream in the Dedar Creek portion of Lake Sinclair, nearest to the right bank of the creek. A PWC was pushed away from a dock, also on the right bank of the creek. The operator was unable to get the PWC started. A subject at the dock saw the pontoon boat approaching and yelled to get the operator's attention, but was unsuccessful. The operator of the pontoon boat was towing a subject on a kneeboard and was watching him. When the operator of the pontoon boat turned around, there was no time to avoid collision with the PWC. The right pontoon struck the PWC on the port side and rode up over the PWC before coming to a stop. There was damage to both vessels. The operator of the PWC was able to jump off of the vessel before impact, but was still struck and received injury to her left leg, resulting in a sprained kee type injury. She was transported by EMS to the Macon Medical Center and received treatment there.


BARDID: GA-2011-0022
Date: 2011-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:13:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE ALLATOONA
NearestCityTown: WOODSTOCK
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Person Departed Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator AND TWO PASSENGERS WERE TESTING OUT HIS BOAT FOR THE WEEKEND. Operator OPERATED BOAT TO AREA NEAR MARKER 23E AND TURNED ENGINE OFF AND DRIFTED FOR SOME TIME. Operator AND HIS PASSENGERS WERE SWIMMING NEAR THE BOAT AND occupant JUMPED FROM THE BOAT AND NEVER RESURFACED.


BARDID: GA-2011-0023
Date: 2011-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:15:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: CARTERS LAKE
NearestCityTown: CHATSWORTH
County: MURRAY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel a was leaving the area of the dam site boat ramp at cursing speed when the operator looked up and saw vessel b (a mostly white pwc) heading toward the middle of the starboard side of his vessel. At that point both operators made evasive maneuvers by turning away from the collision. Vessel a turned to their port side and vessel b turned to their starboard side. Vessel b struck vessel a in the middle of the starboard side below the waterline with the rear port side of vessel b. Operator a stated that the operator of vessel b immediately left the area and did not stop or check on the occupants of vessel a. Operator a was able to get vessel a back to the dam site boat ramp but because of the damage, the boat sank at the waters edge before it could be put on a trailer. About an hour after the incident occured, gilmer 911 center was notified and officers were sent to check boat ramps around the lake and a dnr boat was put on the water in an attempt to locate the pwc. Officers were not able to locate the pws. In an attempt to trailer vessel a, operator a put tow more holes on either side of the bow.


BARDID: GA-2011-0024
Date: 2011-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: CARTERS LAKE
NearestCityTown: CHATSWORTH
County: MURRAY
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
VICTIM STATED THAT HE WAS WAKE BOARDING BEHIND VESSEL A ON CARTERS  LAKE ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011. HE JUMPED A WAKE, FLIPPED, AND DID NOT LAND PROPERLY ON THE NEXT WAKE AND BROKE HIS TIBIA AND FIBULA IN HIS RIGHT LEG. HE WAS TRANSPORTED TO GORDON HOSPITAL VIA PERSONAL VEHICLE.


BARDID: GA-2011-0025
Date: 2011-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: BUFORD
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
ACCORDING TO THE OWNER OF THE VESSEL, HE WAS OPERATING THE VESSEL WHEN IT BEGAN TO TAKE ON WATER. HE STATES THAT THE PLUG CAME OUT OF THE VESSEL DUE TO THE WAKE. HE STATED THAT HE STARTED taking THE VESSEL TO SHORE BUT WAS UNABLE TO GET THERE BEFORE IT SANK.


BARDID: GA-2011-0026
Date: 2011-04-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Blackshear
NearestCityTown: Cordele
County: Crisp
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
RedactedNarrative:
According to witnesses, the occupants of the vessel had been at the Cypress Grill Restaurant at The Retreat and were going back home when the driver struck a tree.  None of the occupants actually know where the tree was that the oeprator hit but it is apparent from the evident that the vessel did indeed strike a tree.  After striking the tree, the occupants continued to the residence and reported the incident later that day.


BARDID: GA-2011-0028
Date: 2011-05-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Blackshear
NearestCityTown: Warwick
County: Crisp
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentEvent1: Person Struck by Propeller
RedactedNarrative:
Person struck by propeller during boarding. Alcohol use and operator inexperience are the listed causes.


BARDID: GA-2011-0029
Date: 2011-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:20:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Oconee
NearestCityTown: Eatonton
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: limb hits other vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Passenger of Vessel A sustained a broken/deep cut to the right hand. Passenger #1 was attempting to help dock Vessel A when passenger #1 grabbed the prop of vessel B resulting in the above injuries.


BARDID: GA-2011-0032
Date: 2011-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:40:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
RedactedNarrative:
WHILE UNDER WAY ALONG THE LAKE OPERATOR AND A PASSENGER AND SAW SMOKE. Operator STOPPED THE VESSEL AND TRIED PUTTING OUT THE FIRE WITH THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER. WHEN Operator WASN'T ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT ALL THREE PEOPLE ON BOARD JUMPED INTO THE WATER. THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VESSEL WERE NOT USING PERSONAL FLOATATION DEVICES WHEN THEY JUMPED INTO THE LAKE. ANOTHER VESSEL CAME TO THEIR AID. 


BARDID: GA-2011-0033
Date: 2011-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:15:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL A WAS PULLING A TUBE IN BIG CREEK ON LAKE LANIER. THE TUBE STRUCK A LARGE WAKE AND THE VICTIM WAS THROWN INTO THE WATER. HE RECEIVED A MINOR HEAD INJURY WHEN HE STRUCK THE WATER.


BARDID: GA-2011-0034
Date: 2011-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:15:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: BUFORD
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Propeller
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL A PUSHED THE THROTTLE OF VESSEL A DOWN. THE MOMENTUM CAUSED A PASSENGER ON THE BACK TO FALL OFF OF VESSEL A. THE PASSENGER THAT FELL OFF THE VESSEL WAS STRUCK BY THE PROP ON VESSEL A.


BARDID: GA-2011-0035
Date: 2011-05-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:50:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: BUFORD
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Sharp Turn
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL A AND VESSEL B WERE TRAVELING IN THE SAME DIRECTION. VESSEL A MADE A SHARP TURN DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF VESSEL B. VESSEL B CONTINUED STRAIGHT HITTING VESSEL A ON THE STARBOARD SIDE. THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL A WAS FATALLY INJURED FROM THE INCIDENT.  Victim was the operator and victim of V1, which was a PWC.   According to a witness statement both operators were thrown into the lake.  V1 victim was injured due to being hit by V2.  V1 victim injuries were blunt-force injuries of the torso and extremities with immersion in the lake, which were the cause of death.  According to V2 operator witness statement he tried to avoid colliding with V1 but was unable to.;


BARDID: GA-2011-0036
Date: 2011-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:15:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL A WAS PULLING A WAKEBOARDER IN SHOAL CREEK ON LAKE LANIER. THE VICTIM STRUCK A LARGE WAVE AND FELL OFF HIS WAKE BOARD. HE FRACTURED THREE RIBS ON HIS LEFT SIDE WHEN HE STRUCK THE WATER.


BARDID: GA-2011-0037
Date: 2011-06-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:26:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE ALLATOONA
NearestCityTown: WOODSTSOCK
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Restricted Vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL B STATED THAT HE ROUNDED THE ISLAND AT HARBOR TOWN MARINA AND USED HIS SPOTLIGHT TO LOCATE MARKER POLES ON THE LAKE. HE STATED THAT NEAR THE MOUTH OF KELLOGG CREEK HE SPOTTED A VESSEL BROADSIDE ONLY 30 YARDS IN FRONT OF HIM. HE STATED THAT HE TURNED HARD LEFT AND ATTEMPTED TO MISS THE OTHER VESSEL. HIS 20 FOOT TRITON BASS BOAT MADE CONTACT WITH THE BOW OF AN OPEN SKI BOAT.


BARDID: GA-2011-0038
Date: 2011-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentCause3: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL A WAS TRAVELING IN BIG CREEK ON LAKE LANIER. SHE WAS HEADING TOWARDS HOLIDAY MARINA. SHE STRUCK A WAVE AND WAS THROWN FROM HER PWC. HER FACE STRUCK THE STERN OF THE VESSEL AND SHE SUSTAINED FACIAL INJURIES. FUTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT SHE WAS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL.


BARDID: GA-2011-0040
Date: 2011-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
VICTIM WAS PULLING UP ON WATER SKIS AND TWISTED HER LEFT KNEE AS SHE CAME UP. SUBJECT SEEKED MEDICAL ATTENTION AT N.E. MEDICAL CENTER AND HAD STRAINED LIGAMENTS.


BARDID: GA-2011-0041
Date: 2011-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: OAKWOOD
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
ON SUNDAY JUNE 12 AT APPROX. 1600 HRS. I WAS NOTIFIED OF A PWC ACCIDENT IN THE AREA OF BIG CREEK. WHEN WE ARRIVED ON SCENE THE VICTIM HAD ALREADY BEEN TRANSPORTED TO NORTHEAST GA MEDICAL CENTER. ON JUNE 13 I INTERVIEWED THE VICTIM AND A WITNESS BY PHONE. THE VICTIM STATED SHE WAS TRAVELING OUT OF BIG CREEK OUTSIDE OF THE ISLANDS AT VAN PUGH PARK SOUTH, WHEN SHE ENCOUNTERED SEVERAL LARGE WAKES. THE WAVES CAUSED HER TO THE THROWN OFF THE PWC. AS SHE CAME OFF THE PWC SHE STRUCK HER LEFT KNEE ON THE VESSEL. THE IMPACT WITH THE VESSEL CAUSED A FRACTURE TO HER KNEE CAP.


BARDID: GA-2011-0044
Date: 2011-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:29:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
SUBJECT WAS OPERATING VESSEL A AND TRAVELING NORTH FROM LANIER HARBOR AND RAN VESSEL A A GROUND. HE FAILED FIELD SOBRIETY AND INTOX 5000 TESTS AND WAS ARRESTED FOR BUI.


BARDID: GA-2011-0045
Date: 2011-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HARTWELL
NearestCityTown: HARTWELL
County: HART
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR WAS TOWING VICTIMS ON TUBE WHEN THEY HIT A WAKE CAUSING INJURIES. BROKEN BONE, CONTUSIONS TO HEAD OF ONE AND BROKEN ARM TO THE OTHER VICTIM.


BARDID: GA-2011-0047
Date: 2011-06-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:56:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HARTWELL
NearestCityTown: HARTWELL
County: HART
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
SUBJECT IS A NEW SKIER AND JUST AS SHE HAD GOTTEN UP SHE PULLED ON THE ROPE AND FELL FORWARD, THE IMPACT WITH THE WATER INJURED HER KNEE. SUBJECT SUFFERED A BROKEN TIBIA, A DISLOCATED KNEE AND TORN POPLITEAL ARTERY.


BARDID: GA-2011-0048
Date: 2011-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: HARTWELL
NearestCityTown: HARTWELL
County: HART
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL A WAS TOWING TWO SKIIERS ON TUBE AND CROSSED THEIR OWN WAKE. ONE SKIER FELL OFF AND HIT SUBJECT IN HER MOUTH WITH HER FOOT. SHE WAS TRANSPORTED TO HART COUNTY ER WITH DAMAGE TO HER TEETH AND MOUTH.


BARDID: GA-2011-0049
Date: 2011-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHATTAHOOCHEE
NearestCityTown: BLAKELY
County: EARLY
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentCause3: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On June 18, 2011 at approximately 11:45 am, I received a call on the radio from Early Co. S.O. in reference to a boating incident on the Chattahoochee River.  Dispatch informed me the incident took place about one mile south of Odom's Landing and a victim was being transported to southeast Alabama medical center.  When I arrived at the scene, I talked with one of the boat operators.  Operator2 informed me that he was traveling down river and tried to pass Operator1 on the right side in a curve.  While going around the Operator1's vessel at approximately 25-30 miles hours, he tried to cross the wake of Operator1's vessel.  As soon as he crossed the wake of Operator1's vessel, he stated his vessel took a 90 degree turn to the left and struck Operator1's vessel on the right side causing a large gash in the Nautic Star.  

I then asked Operator2 and his three passengers to write statements of what occurred, and I photographed both vessels.  All four written statements supported what Operator2 stated to me.  Operator2 informed me that the victim and driver of the Nautic Star were at the hospital in Dothan.  I then met up with RFC and drove to Southeast Medical Center, interviewed Operator1 and received a written statement from him and the passenger on the Nautic Star.  Both statements matched Operator2 statements.  The passenger of the Nautic State was identified.  She signed a waiver for her medical records to be released for the boating incident investigation.  Her injuries consisted of a fractured toe on her left foot and some abrasions and bruising on her left leg and face.  On Tuesday June 21, 2011, I contact Operator2 and informed him he would be issued a citation for violating rules of the road.  Operator2 informed me he would meet with me on Friday June 24, 2011 to resolve the matter.


BARDID: GA-2011-0052
Date: 2011-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:18:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: CUMMINGS
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentCause3: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL A WAS MOORED UP AT PORT ROYAL'S GAS DOCK. VESSEL B ATTEMPTED TO DOCK AT THE GAS DOCK. THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL B OVER SHOT THE AREA SHE INTENDED TO DOCK. SHE TURNED HER VESSEL SHARPLY TO PORT TRYING TO AVOID VESSEL A. VESSEL B'S STARBOARD STERN MADE CONTACT WITH VESSEL A'S PORT STERN. VESSEL A SUSTAINED RUB RAIL DAMAGE AND HULL DAMAGE. VESSEL B SUSTAINED HULL DAMAGE AS WELL. THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL B STATED THAT SHE DID NOT HAVE MUCH EXPERIENCE IN DOCKING BOATS AND WAS MOVING TOO FAST AND COULD NOT PREVENT THE COLLISION.


BARDID: GA-2011-0054
Date: 2011-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HARTWELL
NearestCityTown: HARTWELL
County: HART
WaterConditions: UNKNOWN
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
VICTIM WAS WAKEBOARDING WHEN TOE OF WAKEBOARD CAUGHT A WAVE AND PULLED HIS FOOT OUT OF THE WAKEBOARD BOOT.


BARDID: GA-2011-0055
Date: 2011-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: GAINESVILLE
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Restricted Vision
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL A WAS TRAVELInG NORTH BOUND ON LAKE LANIER SOUTH OF PORT ROYALE MARINA. THE OPERATOR DID NOT SEE A REEF MARKER DUE TO RAIN AND DARKNESS. THE VESSEL STRUCK THE REEF AND NEARLY CAME TO A STOP. THE VICTIM CONTINUED TRAVELING FORWARD AND STRUCK THE BOW OF THE BOAT. HE SUSTAINED A MINOR HEAD INJURY AND A PUNCTURE WOUND TO HIS SIDE.


BARDID: GA-2011-0056
Date: 2011-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:46:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: BUFORD
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL A WAS BEACHED AND TIED OFF TO A TREE NEARBY. subject DISLOCATED HER SHOULDER WHEN AN INDIVIDUAL WAS TRYING TO HELP HER GET ONTO THE VESSEL A. subject WAS BOARDING FROM THE SHORELINE ONTO THE BOW OF VESSEL A.


BARDID: GA-2011-0057
Date: 2011-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:50:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL WAS TRAVELING NORTH IN THE CHESTATEE RIVER FROM DUCKETT MILL PARK. AS HE ROUNDED THE POINT THE FOOT ON HIS MOTOR.


BARDID: GA-2011-0058
Date: 2011-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:33:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CHATUGE
NearestCityTown: HIAWASSEE
County: HIAWASSEE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
I was contacted by towns county dispatch in reference to a pwc that had caught fire at at the usfs boat ramp at lake chatuge camp ground. I arrived at the scene and observed a blue pwc (ga 0906 kn) with extensive fire damage from front cowl to the rear of the pwc. The seat was lying on its side and was melted. A pair of melted jumper cables were attached to the battery and the cable was melted into the side of the seat approx. 2 inches. I spoke to the operators brother who was there to transport the pwc back to their resident. I videoed the pwc and completed the information from the boat incident form. I went to the chatuge regional hospital and interviewed the operator. Operator stated that he had filled the pwc up with gas on the way to the boat ramp. After launching the pwc from the trailer the pwc would not start and Operator attached a pair of jumper cables from his truck battery to the battery in the pwc. After letting the battery charge Operator was standing beside the pwc on the left side and subject was standing beside the pwc on the right side when Operator touched the start button on the handle bar the pwc exploded into flames causing burns to the right arm and face operator. subject suffered burns to the face & forehead and both victims were treated at chatuge regional hospital.


BARDID: GA-2011-0059
Date: 2011-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HARTWELL
NearestCityTown: HARTWELL
County: HART
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL A WAS PULLING TWO PEOPLE ON A TUBE WHEN THE TUBE HIT A WAKE CAUSING THE TWO OCCUPANTS TO STRIKE EACH OTHER. ONE OF THE OCCUPANTS OF THE TUBE HAD A LACERATION TO THE HEAD AS A RESULT OF THE INCIDENT THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION.


BARDID: GA-2011-0060
Date: 2011-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Oconee
NearestCityTown: Eatonton
County: Putnam
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentCause3: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel B was drifting when vesselA attempted to spray vessel B resulting in a collision and injuring a passenger on vessel B with broken bone to the left ankle.


BARDID: GA-2011-0062
Date: 2011-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: BUFORD
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Carbon monoxide exposure
AccidentEvent1: Carbon Monoxide Exposure
RedactedNarrative:
THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL A WAS ANCHORED OUT IN SUNSET COVE ON LAKE LANIER. HE USED A GENERATOR TO POWER THE BOAT WHILE HE SLEPT. BOTH THE OPERATOR AND A PASSENGER WERE OVERCOME BY CARBON MONOXIDE GAS. THEY WERE BOTH TRANSPORTED TO NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER AND TREATED.


BARDID: GA-2011-0064
Date: 2011-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: GAINESVILLE
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
AS THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL A FINISHED FUELING, SHE ATTEMPTED TO CRANK THE VESSEL WITHOUT VENTING OR OPERATING HER BLINGE BLOWER. THIS RESULTED IN A SMALL EXPLOSION AND WAS FOLLOWED BY A LARGE FIRE. THE VESSEL BURNED NEARLY TO THE WATER LINE.


BARDID: GA-2011-0065
Date: 2011-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL A WAS ATTEMPTING TO AVOID A COLLiSION WITH ANOTHER VESSEL AND FELL OFF OF HER PERSONAL WATERCRAFT. THE VICTIM SPRAINED HER LEFT LEG AS SHE FELL FROM HER PERSONAL WATERCRAFT.


BARDID: GA-2011-0066
Date: 2011-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: UNKNOWN
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL B RAN INTO THE REAR OF VESSEL A CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE STARBOARD SIDE OF VESSEL. THE SWIM PLATFORM ON THE STARBOARD SIDE ALONG WITH THE LID TO THE SWIM LADDER WERE ALSO DAMAGED.


BARDID: GA-2011-0070
Date: 2011-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Oconee
NearestCityTown: Greensboro
County: Greene
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentCause3: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel A struck vessel B causing damage to both vessels. Vessel B was unoccupied and anchored at dock. The operator of PWC was identified as a juvenile. I asked Operator1 what had happened and he stated he and passenger were coming in to the docks too fast and turned to avoid the collision with the docks. Operator1 stated he was behind a vessel and throttled up the PWC. The PWC struck the vessel causing damage to a moored vessel. I asked Operator1 if he had a boating safety class and he stated he had no formal class but his friend had his card. The ladder, back deck, 2 Obrien tubes, the ski platform was damaged.


BARDID: GA-2011-0071
Date: 2011-07-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:35:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE RABUN
NearestCityTown: LAKEMONT
County: RABUN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentCause3: SHARP TURN
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL B STATED THAT HE COULD NOT SEE ANYTHING BECAUSE OF THE SPRAY COMING OFF OF VESSEL A. THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL A STATED THAT HE MADE AN ABRUPT TURN COMING TO A STOP AND VESSEL B HIT HIM ON THE FORWARD STARBOARD SIDE KNOCKING HIM OFF OF HIS VESSEL AND INTO THE WATER. THE COLLISON CAUSED THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL A TO HAVE SOME CUTS AND BRUISING tO HIS LOWER RIGHT LEG AND HIS RIGHT ARM. THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL A WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBLUANCE TO HABERSHAM COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER TO BE TREATED AND EVALUATED. THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL B WAS UNHARMED. BOTH VESSELS HAD DAMAGE TO THE FOWARD STARBOARD PARTS OF THEM.


BARDID: GA-2011-0072
Date: 2011-08-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:12:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HARTWELL
NearestCityTown: HARTWELL
County: HART
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentCause3: SHARP TURN
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
SUBJECT SAID SHE WAS BLOWING STEAM TRAVELING AT A HIGH SPEED THEN MAKING A SHARP TURN. WHILE MAKING THE SHARP TURN SHE WAS THROWN FROM THE PWC CAUSING INJURY TO THE LOWER ARM, WRIST AND HAND.


BARDID: GA-2011-0073
Date: 2011-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HARTWELL
NearestCityTown: LAKE HARTWELL
County: HART
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
VICTIM WAS BEING PULLED ON A TUBE. HE BOUNCED OFF OF THE TUBE AND HIT THE WATER, BREAKING THREE RIBS.


BARDID: GA-2011-0074
Date: 2011-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Harding
NearestCityTown: Hamilton
County: Harris
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
AccidentCause3: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was at the sandbar which is located up the Chattahoochee River on Lake Harding when a storm blew up and everyone began to leave the area. Victim stated that he was with 2 other persons also on PWC's, but that he was the first to leave. He stated that he was traveling at approximately 70 MPH when he evidently hit the wake of another boat or wave and this caused him to be thrown from the PWC. He attempted several times to get back on the PWC, but couldn't due to the pain he was in. After approximately 15 or 20 minutes according to him, he was assisted onto a pontoon boat and taken to Idle Hour Boat Ramp to meet the ambulance. Victim did admit to EMS personnel, Trooper and myself that he had comsumed approximatly 8 beers during the course of the day. Due to this and the odor of alcohol still on his breath when I arrived at the hospital 3 hours after the incident, I read him implied consent and requested blood from Victim. He consented and charges are pending. Victim sustained a broken pelvis bone.


BARDID: GA-2011-0075
Date: 2011-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:10:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HARTWELL
NearestCityTown: HARTWELL
County: HART
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
VICTIM WAS RIDING ON TUBE BEHIND VESSEL A WHEN THE TUBE TURNED OVER THROWING THE VICTIM INTO THE WATER. THE INCIDENT CAUSED AN INJURY TO THE VICTIM SHOULDER.


BARDID: GA-2011-0076
Date: 2011-07-18 00:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL A WAS DRIVING AWAY FROM OTHER PEOPLE IN THE WATER. AS SHE WAS LEAVING, ONE OF THEM CALLED HER CAUSING HER TO LOOK BACK. AS SHE LOOKED BACK THE VESSEL CONTINUED FORWARD HITTING A DOCK.


BARDID: GA-2011-0077
Date: 2011-08-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE ALLATOONA
NearestCityTown: WOODSTOCK
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Equipment Failure
EquipmentFailure: Other
OtherEquipmentFailure: SKI RACK
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: person struck by vessel equipm
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR WAS JUST GETTING THE VESSEL UP ON PLANE WHEN THE SKI RACK BROKE. THE PIECES CAME DOWN STRIKING AN ADULT FEMALE AND MALE IN THE HEAD CAUSING LACERATIONS. THE SKI RACK CRUSHED THE WINDSHIELD ON THE OPERATOR'S SIDE AND PULLED OUT OF THE SIDE OF THE VESSEL AT THE MOUNTING BRACKETS.


BARDID: GA-2011-0079
Date: 2011-07-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Jackson Lake
NearestCityTown: Covington
County: Newton
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentCause3: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On July 18, 2011 at approximately 1156 hours I received a call from RFC advising me of a boat incident on Jackson Lake. RFC advised me that the incident occurred on July 17th at approximately 1630 hours. Subject was requesting a Ranger to contact him in reference to investigation the boat incident. I called Subject via my personal cell phone and met him at his residence at approximately 1350 hours. subject advised me that the accident occurred at his residence. He walked me down to his dock to show me the damage that his dock and pontoon boat sustained. I noticed fresh broken wood on his dock where the walkway and dock bolt together. Subject's pontoon boat was a 1990 Crest Pontoon 22 feet in length. On his pontoon boat I saw a small dent on the back of the port side pontoon. In addition to the dent on the pontoon, I saw where a large section of the side railing was broken and bent. Subject stated to me that he tied the pontoon boat to his dock and secured it to one of the posts on his side railing. That side railing post was bent out far enough that it was nearly broken in half. I next asked Subject to explain to me what happened. 

Subject told me that he and his wife had friends and their children over the previous day to play in the lake. While everyone was playing on the dock and in the water around their home, a neighbor came over and asked if they would like her to pull them on a tube with her PWC. For approximately 30 to 45 minutes Operator pulled two people on a tube. Subject stated that they were going round and round in the cove and they worked their way closer and closer to his dock. Eventually Operator came too close to the dock and the tube brushed the dock and struck Subject's pontoon boat. He also stated that in the course of the accident that one tuber sustained injuries to both legs and her left heel. He described the injuries as a puncture wound to her right calf that required 3 stitches, a laceration to her left calf, and a cut on her left heel that was super glued back together. 

Subject stated that Tuber's mother transported her to the emergency room at Newton General Hospital. I asked Subject and his wife if Operator had an observer on the back of her PWC while she was towing the subjects on her tube and they stated that she did not. Subject also provided me with addresses to both Operator's residence as well as the victim’s residence. I went to Operator's residence at approximately 1500 hours to interview her about the accident. I asked if she had consumed any alcohol before the accident and she stated that she did not. I next asked Operator to describe the accident to me. She told me basically the same story as Subject, except Operator stated that the rope came off the tube while towing. She stated that was the reason that the tube and its occupants struck Subject's dock and pontoon boat. Operator's tube was an O'Rageous, Quick bolt Tube designed with 2 seats made into it. The tube was blue in color with yellow accents. I noticed scuffmarks consistent with the color of Subject's dock on the left rear corner of the tube. I documented the scuffs on my vidmic. I asked Operator to explain how she hooked up the towrope to the tube. The way Operator hooked up to the tube was not the proper way to fasten the cleat and rope together. I did not notice any signs of damage or excess wear on the rope that would be consistent with product failure on the rope. Operator's PWC was a 1999 blue in color Yamaha Wave Runner.


BARDID: GA-2011-0080
Date: 2011-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CHATUGE
NearestCityTown: HIAWASSEE
County: TOWNS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL A WAS DOCKED AT THE RIDGES MARINA SLIP B-32, WHEN VESSEL B ATTEMPTED TO DOCK IN THE SLIP NEXT TO IT AND STRUCK THE STARBOARD SIDE PONTOON AT THE STERN CAUSING A TEAR IN THE PONTOON.


BARDID: GA-2011-0081
Date: 2011-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: GAINESVILLE
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL A WAS TOWING A SKIER ON A WAKE BOARD AND THE SKIER WAS ATTEMPTING TO JUMP A WAKE. THE SKIER LANDED INCORRECTLY AND BROKE HIS LEFT TIBIA WHEN HE LANDED IN THE WATER.


BARDID: GA-2011-0082
Date: 2011-08-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:19:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HARTWELL
NearestCityTown: HARTWELL
County: HART
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: SHARP TURN
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL A WAS TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEED AND ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE SPEED AND DIRECTION RESULTING IN THE TWO VICTIMS FALLING INSIDE OF VESSEL CAUSING CONTUSIONS AND HEAD INJURIES.


BARDID: GA-2011-0083
Date: 2011-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE RUSSELL
NearestCityTown: CORNELIA
County: HABERSHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
VICTIM WAS STATED TO BE FISHING WITH HIS WIFE. VICTIM WAS SEATED IN THE REAR OF THE VESSEL AND HIS WIFE SEATED IN THE MIDDLE. SHE STATED THAT SHE HAD HER BACK TO HIM WHEN SHE FELT HIM GO OVERBOARD. SHE STATED THAT SHE THREW TO HIM TWO LIFE JACKETS BUT HE MADE NO EFFORT TO TRY FOR THEM. SHE STATED THAT HE THEN BECAME SUBMERGED BELOW THE SURFACE.


BARDID: GA-2011-0084
Date: 2011-08-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL A STRUCK A WAVE AND HIS VESSEL WENT AIRBORNE. WHEN HE RE-ENTERED THE WATER, HE INJURED HIS BACK.


BARDID: GA-2011-0085
Date: 2011-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Clarks Hill Lake
NearestCityTown: Washington
County: Wilkes
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday, July 1, 2011, around 6:00 pm victim was skiing behind is father's boat. There were 3 occupants on the vessel including the driver. Operator decided that it was time to end the skiing season. The boat made a sharp turn towards the West and victim crossed over the boat wake gathering speed. victim let go of the rope and began travelling towards the North bank of the lake. He stated he mis-judged his speed and distance to the shore and he ran aground where he fell hurting his left shoulder.


BARDID: GA-2011-0086
Date: 2011-08-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:45:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Oconee
NearestCityTown: Greensboro
County: Greene
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel A struck Vessel B causing minor damage to the right front pontoon of vessel B. Vessel A had damage to the fiberglass on the starboard side near the driver's compartment.


BARDID: GA-2011-0087
Date: 2011-08-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:09:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: SKIDAWAY RIVER
NearestCityTown: SAVANNAH
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: person strikes vessel equipmen
RedactedNarrative:
Child had a pinky index digit cut of in electric fan on the boat;
On 8-5-2011 at 5:30 pm  Folks were out boating in the Skidaway River.  They were in a 20' Regal inboard/outboard boat that had two electric cooling fans that was added to the front of the inboard motor cover. They were just docking up at Skidaway Boat Ramp when the incident happened;
    victim was playing with his binky when it fell into the water, operator and others in the boat was trying to get the binky out of the  water when young Victim accidentally stuck his pinky finger threw the fan guard on the electric motor. victim pinky finger was cut off at the first digit from the front the end of the pinky finger;
    He was carried to Memorial Hospital and admitted to the Emergency Room care, he was treated and released.  His parents carried him up to Memorial Hospital the next day to have a follow up surgery;
    I checked on Victim on Sunday August 8,2011; he is recovering just fine.  End of report


BARDID: GA-2011-0088
Date: 2011-08-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Oconee
NearestCityTown: Greensboro
County: Greene
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
This supplemental incident report is in reference to a vessel collision between two personal watercrafts (pwc's). On 08/21/2011 at approximately 1700 hrs., RFC and myself responded to 160 West Riverbend Eatonton, Georgia in reference to a personal watercraft incident. 

Upon my arrival, I spoke to the driver (of the damaged pwc) and his mother. As I spoke to Operator1, he proceeded to inform me as he was operating his pwc near the jumping rock (located on Lake Oconee in Greene County, Georgia), a bearded male on another pwc forced him into some nearby timber. Operator1 stated the unknown subject caused him to strike some standing timber causing extensive damage to his fiberglass hull. Operator1 advised his engine compartment filled with water and his friends were able to tow his pwc to the bank located next to the jumping rock. 

Operator1 said he then rode with his friends (on thier pwc) to his home, and called the Putnam County Sheriff's Office. When Operator1 was asked where were his friends on the other pwcs, he informed me they had to go home. I proceeded to transport mother and her son, (the pwc operator) back to the incident location to investigate. While inspecting the pwc, 2000 Model Polaris Virage TX GA. Registration number GA 0744 ZX with extensive fiberglass damage, I noticed the damage was not consistent with the striking of timber. The pwc hull had grooves cut into the hull and paint transfer that would be consistent with the striking of another vessel. Operator1 was confronted by my findings, and he finally admitted to striking his friend's pwc. I temporarily repaired the pwc with ductape, foiltape, cardboard,and plastic in order to be able to tow the pwc to the Longshoal's boat ramp. My investigation lead to the Marathon Gas Station located off Hwy 44 Eatonton, Georgia where I spoke to the operator of the second pwc involved (vessel b) and the pwc's owner (a third party). 

The operator of vessel B stated that at approximately 1630 hours earlier that day, he (operator vessel B) and two other PWCs were spraying each other and that Operator1 came out of a turn and struck his vessel. Operator2 was operating vessel B a 2010 Sea-Doo pwc with Georgia Registration number GA 1017 CT.
     My investigation revealed that on 08/21/2011 at approximately 1630 hours, three different pwcs were operating in a manner that was less than safe and reckless. Operator1 appeared to be operating more aggressive than the others. Earlier this same date, RFC and myself stopped these same pwcs in Lick Creek for the same type of reckless operation, warned them firmly, and let them go due to being juveniles. Operators were released to their parents.


BARDID: GA-2011-0089
Date: 2011-08-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BURTON
NearestCityTown: CLAYTON
County: RABUN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Inadequate Onboard Navigation Lights
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL A WAS RUNNING UP MOCCASIN CREEK TOWARD THE BOAT RAMP AT APPROX. 50 MPH WHEN IT ENCOUNTERED VESSEL B BEING OPERATED WITHOUT LIGHTS. THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL B TURNED ON HIS LIGHTS JUST BEFORE VESSEL A ARRIVED AT HIS POSITION. THE OPERATOR OF THE BASS BOAT THEN TOOK EVASIVE ACTION TO THE LEFT AND STRUCK THE REAR SECTION OF THE DECK BOAT RUNNING OVER IT AND COMPLETELY CAUSING THE BASS BOAT TO BECOME AIRBORNE. REALIZING THAT HIS BOAT WAS SINKING, THE OPERATOR OF THE BASS BOAT PROCEEDED TO THE BOAT RAMP, TRAILERED HIS BOAT AND CALLED 911. A SEARCH THEN ENSUED FOR THE VESSEL B AND ITS OCCUPANTS FINALLY LOCATING THEM AT MOUNTAIN LAKE REGIONAL IN CLAYTON.


BARDID: GA-2011-0090
Date: 2011-08-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL A WAS TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. SHE STRUCK A WAVE AND WAS THROWN FROM VESSEL. SHE IMPACTED THE VESSEL AND SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES TO HER BACK AND PELVIS.


BARDID: GA-2011-0093
Date: 2011-08-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:15:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: GAINESVILLE
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL A WAS TRAVELING SOUTH BOUND ON LAKE LANIER. HE WAS EXTREMELY INTOXICATED AND RAN AGROUND. HE SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES FROM THE CRASH AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL FORSYTH. HIS INJURIES INCLUDE MINOR CUTS/ABRASIONS AND A BLACK EYE.


BARDID: GA-2011-0094
Date: 2011-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL "A" STRUCK A LARGE WAVE. THE BOAT LAUNCHED OUT OF THE WATER. A PASSENGER STRUCK THE BOAT AS IT RE-ENTERED THE WATER. SHE INJURED HER BACK.


BARDID: GA-2011-0095
Date: 2011-08-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL "A" HAD APPARENT ENGINE TROUBLE. IT APPEARS AS IF HE FELL OVER BOARD WHILE ATTEMPTING TO FIX HIS VESSEL.


BARDID: GA-2011-0096
Date: 2011-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 04:41:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE ALLATOONA
NearestCityTown: WOODSTOCK
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentCause3: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL WAS TRAVELING SOUTH ON LAKE ALLATOONA FROM VICTORIA TO THE AREA IN FRONT OF HARBOR TOWN MARINA. OPERATOR OF VESSEL WAS NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE LARGE SAND BAR IN FRONT OF MARINA. VESSEL STRUCK THE SAND BAR TRAVELING 16 FEET UP ONTO SANDBAR BEFORE COMING TO REST. ONE PASSENGER ONBOARD RECEIVED INJURIES TO HIS FACE. PASSENGER ONBOARD VESSEL THREW ALCOHOL THAT WAS IN COOLERS ON VESSEL INTO THE WATER.


BARDID: GA-2011-0097
Date: 2011-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:15:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE RABUN
NearestCityTown: LAKEMONT
County: RABUN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
A PWC WITH A CHILD AS A PASSENGER WAS HEADED DOWN THE LAKE IN THE AREA OF THE UPPER BASIN JUST IN FRONT OF LOT NUMBER 249. A MONTEREY SKI BOAT  WAS HEADED IN THE SAME DIRECTION AS AND BEHIND V2 AND WAS TOWING 3 KIDS ON A TUBE. Operator1 STATED THAT ONE OF THE KIDS FELL OFF THE TUBE AND HE WAS CUTTING THE BOAT HARD TO THE LEFT TO TURN AROUND AND PICK UP THE CHILD THAT FELL OFF. AS Operator1 WAS DOING SO, THE OUTDRIVE AND PROPELLER OF HIS BOAT STRUCK THE BACK LEFT PORTION OF THE PWC CAUSING BOTH OCCUPANTS OF THE PWC TO FALL INTO THE WATER. Operator2 SAID THAT SHE WAS HIT BY SOMETHING ON THE BACK LEFT SIDE OF HER HEAD AND HAD A BRUISE ON HER LEFT ANKLE BUT DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.


BARDID: GA-2011-0099
Date: 2011-08-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:10:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: BLUE RIDGE LAKE
NearestCityTown: MORGANTON
County: FANNIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Fire/Explosion (Fuel)
AccidentEvent3: FLOODING/SWAMPING
RedactedNarrative:
The operator informed me (rfc) that he and a friend left the marina and were traveling to the river channel. They spotted the vessel around the "big island" and Operator got in the water to wake board to the dock. When his friend tried to accelerate, the vessel did not want to turn properly. They stopped the engine and they noticed smoke coming from the area in front of the operator. The two men tried to open any compartments that would allow them access to where the smoke was coming from, but had no success. Operator pulled out the cup holder and sprayed the fire extingisher into the opening but the smoke never subsided. The two men finally had to exit the vessel because the smoke was becoming too much. Operator  called 911 after the two men exited the vessel. Operator said that the first place where they saw flames coming from, was the cup holder that he sprayed the fire extinguisher in to. Operator said that the wind was blowing the vessel to the bank but when the fire dept. Arrived they pulled the boat off the bank to prevent a forest fire. When the fire burned down a little the fire dept. Tried to bring the boat back to the bank, but it sank in the process. Hull#usctc13244d111


BARDID: GA-2011-0100
Date: 2011-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: BUFORD
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
subject WAS ATTEMPTING TO STEP FROM THE VESSEL ONTO A FLOAT IN THE WATER. AS HE WAS DOING THIS HE SLIPPED AND FELL HITTING THE BOAT, WHICH CAUSED A FRACTURE TO HIS LEFT ARM.


BARDID: GA-2011-0101
Date: 2011-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:40:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Person Departed Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Subject JUMPED FROM THE DRIFTING BOAT. TWO OTHER MALES JUMPED IN TO TRY TO HELP, BUT COULD NOT HELP HIM. BODY WAS RECOVERED BY HALL COUNTY DIVE TEAM ON MONDAY 9-5-2011 FROM A WATER DEPTH OF 22 FT.


BARDID: GA-2011-0102
Date: 2011-09-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL A WAS TOWING A SKIER ON A WAKE BOARD IN A NO SKI ZONE. THE SKIER FELL OFF THE WAKE BOARD AS THE OPERATOR WAS TURNING. THIS CAUSED THE WAKE BOARD TO SKIP ACROSS THE WATER AND STRIKE THE LEFT PONTOON ON VESSEL B AS THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL A WAS MAKING HIS TURN AT THE END OF THE COVE.


BARDID: GA-2011-0103
Date: 2011-08-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:40:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Blackshear
NearestCityTown: Cordele
County: Crisp
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: FLOODING/SWAMPING
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel struck a fixed object and took on water.  Victims became injured when they fell upon impact.  Alcohol use was a cause


BARDID: GA-2011-0104
Date: 2011-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL A WAS ATTEMPTING TO RETURN TO SHADY GROVE PARK. VESSEL A WAS SWAMPED BY WAKES FROM OTHER VESSELS CAUSING VESSEL A TO SINK.


BARDID: GA-2011-0105
Date: 2011-08-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:13:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL A WAS TRAVELING OUT OF TOTO CREEK. VESSEL B WAS TRAVELING SOUTH OUT OF THE CHESTATEE RIVER. AT APPROX. 1913 HOURS VESSEL A STRUCK THE STARBOARD BOW OF VESSEL B. DUE TO THE COLLISION subject WAS THROWN FROM VESSEL B INTO THE WATER AND DID NOT RESURFACE. Another person, ALSO IN VESSEL B, WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED AND FLOWN TO CHILDRENS HEALTHCARE OF ATLANTA. THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL B WAS TRANSPORTED TO NORTH FULTON FOR A BROKEN JAW. BODY WAS RECOVERED ON AUGUST 28, 2011 AT 1310 HRS. BY HALL COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE DIVE TEAM. AUTOPSY REVEALED BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA TO THE HEAD WITH DROWNING BEING THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF DEATH.


BARDID: GA-2011-0106
Date: 2011-10-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE ALLATOONA
NearestCityTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
MachineryFailure: Throttle
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
VICTIM WAS ATTENDING A FAMILY REUNION. THEY RENTED A BOaT FROM PARK MARINA. IT DEVELOPED MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE IMPELLER WHEN THEY CRANKED IT. THEY WERE IN THE PROCESS OF TRANSFERRING TO ANOTHER BOAT WHEN THE VICTIM FELL OVERBOARD WHILE STRAPPED IN HIS WHEEL CHAIR, INTO APPROXIMATELY 76' OF WATER. THE VICTIM HAS NOT BEEN RECOVERED AT THIS TIME.

NOTE: VICTIM WAS RECOVERED ON NOVEMBER 10, 2011 AT 1355 HOURS BY BARTOW SEARCH AND RESCUE, BARTOW FIRE DEPARTMENT, DNR, GSP DIVE TEAM, CHEROKEE COUNTY DIVE TEAM.


BARDID: GA-2011-0108
Date: 2011-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: DAWSONVILLE
County: DAWSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: NAVIGATION RULES VIOLATION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Governmental Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
A 13 YEAR OLD ON PWC "A" DID A WIDE CIRCLE AND HIT Vessel2 operator, A 10 YEAR OLD, WHO WAS OPERATING PWC "B". THE FATHER WAS ON THE DOCK APPROX.278 YARDS AWAY. OPeratorA WENT BACK TO THE DOCK TO GET HELP FROM HIS FATHER. ANOTHER BROTHER WHO WAS OPERATING A DIFFERENT PWC THAT WAS NOT INVOLVED WITH THE INCIDENT HELD Operator2's HEAD OUT OF THE WATER WAITING ON HELP TO ARRIVE. A BOAT PASSING BY ASSISTED THEM BY TAKING victim TO DOCK. THE BOAT HAD Operator2 ONBOARD AND WAS TAKING HIM TO DOCK BEFORE father COUld GET OUT TO THE LOCATION OF THE ACCIDENT.


BARDID: GA-2011-0109
Date: 2011-10-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: BIG CEADR CREEK
NearestCityTown: CAVE SPRINGS
County: FLOYD
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: SHARP TURN
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent3: Person Struck by Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was heading up brushy branch towards the boat ramp by himself, when his vessel struck a fixed object under water causing his vessel to turn sharply to the right. Which caused Operator to fall overboard in wait deep water. When Operator stood up his vessel was going around in circles stricking him in the abdominal area. After striking him, his vessel ran aground. Operator was being followed by his father, and uncle who saw the incident take place. They rendered aid to Operator taking him to the boat ramp where he was then transported to floyd medical center. He was treated for two lacerations to the abdominal area and scrapes to his arms and back. He was then released from the hospital the same evening.


BARDID: GA-2011-0111
Date: 2011-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:20:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
County: CAMDEN
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: HAZARDOUS WATERS
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
RedactedNarrative:
"ON ABOVE DATE AND TIME, SGT REPSONDED TO A CALL OF A VESSEL IN DISTRESS AT THE ST MARYS ENTRANCE NEAR THE NORTH JETTIES.  AFTER MAKING CONTACT WITH THE NASSAU COUNTY SHERIFF' S OFFICE MARINE UNIT, SGT LEARNED THAT A SAILBOAT HAD STRUCK THE NORTH JETTY WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENTER THE ST MARYS RIVER ENTRANCE.  OFFICERS ADVISED SGT THAT THE VESSEL WAS FREE FROM THE JETTY ROCKS AND WAS ENROUTE TO EGEN'S CREEK WHERE THE VESSEL CAPTAIN HAD MADE ARRAINGMENTS TO HAVE THE VESSEL REMOVED FROM THE WATER.  UPON ARRIVAL AT THE TIGER POINT MARINA, SGT MET WITH THE CAPTAIN OF THE VESSEL who ADVISED SGT THAT HE THOUGHT HE WAS MAKING ENTRANCE TO THE JETTIES THAT WOULD CLEAR THE ROCKS.  UPON STRIKING THE ROCKS, THE CAPTAIN WAS ABLE TO FREE THE VESSEL AND MAKE IT TO THE TIGER POINT MARINA.  DAMAGE WAS NOTICED IN SEVERAL PLACES ON THE BOTTOM OF THE VESSEL AS WELL AS THE RUTTER AND THE KEEL.;INVESTIGATION COMPLETE;NOTHING FURTHER;


BARDID: GA-2011-0112
Date: 2011-12-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:05:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: FLINT RIVER
County: DECATUR
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: IGNITION OF SPILLED FUEL OR VAPOR
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: Fire/Explosion (Fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
"On Saturday, December 17, 2011 at approximately 1820 hrs., I received a phone call from Decatur 911 in reference to  explosions and a boat on fire on the Flint River about half mile north of Flint River Heights Landing.  I launched a boat at Big Slough Landing and met up with Cpl. at Flint River Heights Landing.  When I arrived at the scene, I talked with the operator and owner of the sun tracker pontoon boat with 140 horse power outboard Evinrude motor.  

Operator stated he was driving the boat down river when he struck a stump in the middle of the river causing his gas tank to turn over on his battery, starting a fire on the boat.  He stated there were propane bottles aboard the burning boat causing the explosion.  He then informed me that he and the two occupants aboard the vessel jumped over board and swam to the east bank of the river.  Operator stated they were heading to Reynolds sandbar to go night cat fishing.  Both occupants supported Operator's story of the occurrence and gave a written statement.  Operator also gave a written statement of the occurrence.  Cpl. photographed the vessel still attached to the stump it struck in the middle of the river and I photographed the vessel after it was out of the water.  All three subjects were treated for minor injuries at the scene and released ,"


BARDID: GA-2011-0114
Date: 2011-08-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:35:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: ST. MARY'S RIVER
County: CAMDEN
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On August 28, 2011, Sgt. was notified of a boating accident on the St. Mary's River. At approximately 1735 hours, the Camden County 911 Center received a call in reference to two female juveniles receiving injuries after the tube that they were riding on struck the woods on the Georgia bank of the St. Mary's River.  Reports from the 911 center were advising officers that the victims were being treated by Nassau County EMS at the King's Ferry Landing in Florida.  

Officers were dispatched to Temple Landing to in order to respond to the scene.  Cpl. was also contacted to be en route to Temple Landing as well.  Upon arrival at Temple Landing, Officers launched their patrol vessel and headed up river to the King's Ferry landing on the Florida side of the St. Mary's River.  Upon arrival Sgt. made contact with Operator of Yulee, Florida who advised Sgt. that he was operating the vessel at the time of the accident.  He advised Officers that two juvenile females, his daughter and a daughter of a friend were riding a tube behind their vessel and swung out wide and hit the trees on the bank of the river.    Operator advised Sgt. that the accident occurred up river from the King's Ferry Landing and that he was sure that the girls on the tube had hit the bank on the Georgia side of the River. Officers also learned that both girls were transported to the Shand's Trauma Unit in Jacksonville, Florida with serious injuries.  

Subject was also at the landing and she advised that she was a passenger in the vessel as well as the owner of the vessel. Owner provided officers with a written statement.  As officers continued to discuss the incident with Operator and Owner, Sgt noticed an odor of alcoholic beverage coming from Operator.  Sgt then began to conduct field sobriety exercises (see attached incident report).  Once Sgt. completed obtaining blood from Operator, he was released at the King's Ferry Landing pending results of the blood test from the GBI Crime Lab.  Officers then traveled to Jacksonville, Florida to the Shand's Trauma Unit to meet with another passenger from the vessel.  Upon arrival at the hospital, Officers met with father of one of the victims, of Yulee, Florida.  Father advised officers that he was a passenger in the vessel when the accident occurred.  He also identified the operator of the vessel and was not sure how the girls ended up into the trees on the bank of the river.  Nothing further at this time;
Investigation ongoing;


BARDID: GA-2011-0115
Date: 2011-08-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BLUE RIDGE
NearestCityTown: BLUE RIDGE
County: FANNIN
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Person Struck by Propeller
RedactedNarrative:
"Narrative based on information provided from the operator of Vessel 1 and his juvenile children were boating on Lake Blue Ridge.  Operator was the operator of the vessel, herein referred to as Vessel 1.  He was pulling his children on an inner tube behind Vessel 1, one at a time.  When he stopped to switch tubers, his son, herein referred to as Victim 1, entered the water on the starboard side of the vessel and began swimming back to the inner tube;
As Victim 1 was swimming towards the inner tube, a passing vessels wake pushed Vessel 1 toward the rocky shoreline.  Operator looked back and observed Victim 1 swimming towards the inner tube and away from Vessel 1, so he put Vessel 1 in reverse and backed up slightly to avoid striking the rocks.  He did this a second time to move further away from the rocks and did not notice that Victim 1 had swam back toward the boat.  The propeller of Vessel 1 struck Victim 1 in the foot causing a severe laceration;
Victim 1 was taken to Fannin County Regional hospital where he was treated for the laceration to his foot and released."


BARDID: GA-2012-0001
Date: 2012-02-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SEMINOLE
County: DECATUR
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
"On Saturday February 4, 2012 at approximately 16:00 hrs, I received a phone call from operator of Bainbridge, in reference to a boat incident that just occurred in Lake Seminole.  Operator stated that he and subject of Thomasville were traveling in Fireman's Cut just southeast of the no wake zone when a white bass boat came traveling through the center of the canal at an excessive speed.  Operator stated as soon as he saw the bass boat, he immediately moved to the right causing his air boat right rear cage to strike a tree protruding out in the canal and throwing him into the bank.  When the air boat struck the bank, Operator was ejected from the vessel in about a foot of water.  Both subjects stated the driver of the bass boat briefly paused and looked back but kept going.  When I arrived at the scene, I asked Operator and subject if they needed medical attention and if they knew who the driver of the bass boat was.  The subjects stated they did not know who the driver of the bass boat was and only had minor bruising.  I photographed the right rear damage and front damage to the air boat and had both subjects give written statements of the incident. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0002
Date: 2012-03-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: CLARKS HILL
NearestCityTown: APPLING
County: COLUMBIA
WaterConditions: Very Rough
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
"Vessel swamped and capsized due to waves from high winds.  ,"  "subject was attempting to cross main lake body during extremely strong winds(small craft advisory). The boat engine quit running. The boat swamped from the waves and capsized. subject was thrown from the boat when it capsized.  member of same bass club, saw the boat capsize and pulled operator from the water. They then proceeded to Wildwood Park where they had launched from.  ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0003
Date: 2012-01-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SINCLAIR
NearestCityTown: MILLEDGEVILLE
County: BALDWIN
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
"On the above date and time at the above location I, RFC, was dispatched in reference to an overturned vessel.  He stated that he, along with the passengers, were testing out the vessel because he had just bought it today.  After making several trips up and down the lake they were going along and noticed a gray in color jet ski come up alongside them.  The jet ski rode next to them for a while and then pulled on past them.  Operator stated that once past them, the jet ski turned in front of them.  Operator stated that he felt like they were going to collide so he turned the wheel to avoid them.  When Operator did this he caused the vessel to catch on the corner of the bow and flip.  As the vessel flipped all four of the occupants were thrown from it.  A fishermen that was near the incident saw the vessel flip and went and pulled all of the occupants out of the water.  Once all were in the vessel, Operator stated that the fishermen pulled the boat back to little river park for him.  The vessel was towed back upside down in the water.  Once at little river the occupants and the vessel were left there and eventually the vessel was turned right side up and loaded onto the trailer.  Operator stated that he did not get the registration off of the jet ski but he stated that there were two juveniles on it at the time.  Statements were gathered from the operator and the passengers about the incident.  The witness listed on this report stated that he saw what happened while he was standing on a dock near where the incident took place.  At the time of this report no estimates of possible damage were available. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0004
Date: 2012-03-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: SIDNEY LANIER
NearestCityTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday, March 19, 2012 at approximately 1630 PM, The operator of vessel "1" struck the port side of vessel "2".  He was ejected from his vessel and traveled over the top of vessel "2" landing in the water,  He sustained facial abrasions, lacerations and broken teeth. 


BARDID: GA-2012-0005
Date: 2012-02-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:55:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: FOREST RIVER
NearestCityTown: SAVANNAH
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
MachineryFailure: Steering
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
"On 02-29-12, at approx. 1755 hrs A 20' Key West collided with the pier. Operator stated that he was cruising along the Forest River and lost steerage. The boat made an abrupt right turn and collided with the pier. Operator received minor cuts and bruises. The passenger sustained a broken right elbow and a torn right rotator cuff along with minor lacerations. The vessel sustained severe damage to the bow, bow rail, console and to the hull near the waterline. The pier also received severe damage to the pylons and cross members making the pier unstable. Tow Boat US responded and roved the boat to a dry dock at Hogan's Marine. Upon further inspection of the vessel at dry dock I was unable to find a problem with the steering mechanism; The above statement was written By Officer with the Savannah Chatham Marine Patrol. 


BARDID: GA-2012-0006
Date: 2012-04-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:15:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
RedactedNarrative:
"On Saturday, April 28, 2012 I received a call about a capsized boat near Keith Bridge Park on Lake Lanier.  Investigation revealed that the operator of the vessel ran her boat aground.  The boat went airborne, jumped the island and flipped upon re entry into the lake.  Both the driver and the operator were thrown from the vessel.  They were both trapped under the vessel and swam to shore.  The passenger sustained minor injuries to his head. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0007
Date: 2012-05-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 03:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: TURTLE RIVER / BRUNSWICK RIVER
NearestCityTown: BRUNSWICK
County: GLYNN
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
"     On May 5, 2012  at approximately 2300 hours, two people launched their 16' War Eagle boat (GA Registration 6448KT) at the Sidney Lanier Boat Ramp to go Flounder gigging.  Due to the extremely low tides that the coastal area had been experiencing, and the trouble the two had gaining access into several areas, the men decided to head back at approximately 0300.

     As they navigated their way South on Turtle River past the Port, they suddenly hit "something”. Operator, was thrown to the bow of the stick steer boat, but was able to grab the gunwhale before coming completely out.  As he regained his composure and control of the boat, Operator realized that Occupant was no longer on board.  He immediately began looking for Occupant and located him approximately 15-20 yards from the boat.  Operator advised that Occupant was floating face down in the water.  He continued to call to him, as he pulled him into the boat.  Operator also advised that Occupant, who was presumably in shock, grabbed the boat to try to pull himself on board.

     Operator then called 911 and told the operator where they were, and that they needed an ambulance to meet them at the boat ramp under the bridge.  When Operator and Occupant arrived at the ramp, EMS was on scene.  Occupant was conscious, but was taken to the hospital in Brunswick, due to the water that he had swallowed.

     Contact was made with both subjects on May 6 and interviews were conducted on May 7.  Photos of the vessel were taken, and written statements were gathered from both men. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0009
Date: 2012-05-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:20:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: WEST POINT LAKE
NearestCityTown: LAGRANGE
County: TROUP
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
"At approximately 18:20 hours on May 5, 2012, personal watercraft operator made a high speed left turn ejecting himself and his passenger off of the vessel and into the water.  Operator stated when he looked for Occupant he found her face down floating in the water.  Operator rolled here over and held her head out of the water until friends from another boat came to assist.  The boat delivered Occupant to the bank where she was in and out of consciousness, had no memory of the accident, and was complaining about pain in her jaw.  EMS responded to site #18 at Holiday park and checked Occupant for injuries.  Occupant declined transport to the hospital, stating her brother would transport her to the hospital in Griffin.  The accident was responded to by the Emergency Medical Services, Troup County Sheriff's Office, Corp. of Engineers, and the Dept. of Natural Resources.


BARDID: GA-2012-0010
Date: 2012-05-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:45:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: WEST POINT LAKE
NearestCityTown: LAGRANGE
County: TROUP
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
RedactedNarrative:
"On the evening of May 6, 2012 at approximately 19:45 hours, Operator was operating a 1984 Brunswick Monarch along with two other occupants on Yellow Jacket Creek of Lake West Point.  Operator stated he was traveling from Highland Marina area of the lake headed to Clarks Access off Highway 27, north of Lagrange when he struck a submerged object a few hundred yards east of the Cameron Mill Road bridge.  Operator stated that he did not notice any damage to vessel until he crossed some wakes in the lake.  The vessel then became spongy feeling and began to take on water.  The other two occupants, began to bail water out of the boat as they continued to travel up Yellow Jacket Creek to Clarks Access.  Operator realized that he would not be able to keep the boat afloat at the no wake zone of the Highway 219 bridge, so Operator made the decision to beach the vessel at Sunny Point Access, west of the Highway 219 bridge.  The boat was then loaded onto a trailer at Sunny Point Access and taken back to Operator's residence.  The vessel showed visible damage with a hole in the port side at the stern and damage to the transom.  Troup County Sheriff's Office and Corp. of Engineers responded to the incident.

On May 8, 2012, at approximately 13:00, I arrived at 201 South Bridge Rd. in Heard County, the residence of Operator to inspect the damage to the vessel.  Operator was not home while I was at the residence.  I measured and documented the damage with the camera from my Vidmic.  The hole was approximately four and a half inches long and approximately eight inches wide on the port side of the bottom of the boat, and started approximately six inches from the bottom of the stern and approximately thirty six inches from the boats centerline (keel).  A layer of fiberglass had been pulled off of the transom starting fourteen inches from the top of the stern and nineteen inches off the centerline (keel) all the way to the bottom of the vessel. Nothing further. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0012
Date: 2012-05-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:06:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LANIER
NearestCityTown: OAKWOOD
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
"On Tuesday, May 8, 2012 I responded to a boat incident with injuries at Balus Creek Park on Lake Lanier. Upon arrival, I spoke with the boat operator/owner and two occupants. The victim was on board a life flight helicopter and I was only able to ask her who was driving. She was unsure.  Investigation revealed that the boat had docked at the courtesy dock while passengers off loaded. The victim lowered herself into the water and held on to the swim ladder to urinate.  The responsible party for the boat put the boat into reverse and the victim lost her grip on the swim ladder.  She was struck by the propeller and sustained three large cuts to her right hip and leg.  ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0014
Date: 2012-06-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:03:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: CROOKED RIVER
NearestCityTown: ST MARYS
County: CAMDEN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
"On noted day and time, Sgt. received information that the Camden County EMS was in route assist a person who had been injured while skiing in the Crooked River.  Sgt. arrived at the scene around 1649 hours.  Upon arrival, Sgt. observed a white male being loaded into the back of a Camden County EMS ambulance.  Sgt. then began to speak with the step-father of the victim.  As Sgt. was speaking with step-father, the victim's mother, approached as well.  Both parents told Sgt. that Operator was towing the victim, on Crooked River on a wake board when Victim fell.  After the fall, Victim was complaining of severe pain in his leg.  Mother advised that she immediately called 911 for assistance and Operator then brought the boat back to their dock.  Sgt. then got into the ambulance and briefly spoke with Victim who advised Sgt. that he remembered when he fell and he felt his leg break when he hit the water.  Victim advised that he was wearing his PFD when the incident occurred.  Sgt. then went down to the dock and documented the needed information from the boat.  In the boat, Sgt. located the wake board lying in the floor on the port side of the boat.  The PFD was also lying on the floor forward of the wake board on the port side.  Sgt. also noted that the tow rope was coiled and lying in the floor near the stern of the boat.  Sgt. then traveled to the Camden Medical Center to meet with the parents of the victim to confirm injuries.  Upon arrival, Sgt. was advised by the parents that Victim's right femur was broken and that he would be transported by ambulance to Shand's Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, for surgery to repair the break in his leg later in the evening. Report and Investigation complete.


BARDID: GA-2012-0015
Date: 2012-05-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:44:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALTAMAHA RIVER
NearestCityTown: EVERETT
County: GLYNN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
"Vessel 1 and Vessel 2, both PWCs, were traveling north in the Altamaha River approximately 1/4 mile north of Clark's Bluff Ramp. Vessel 1 was traveling along the east shore and Vessel 2 was located to the left of Vessel 1. Operator1 (V#1) saw  a sandbar in his path and turned the PWC hard to the left to avoid it. This caused Vessel 1 to travel across the path of Vessel 2. Vessel 2 struck Vessel 1 on the port side. Vessel 2 ramped over Vessel 1, striking Operator1 and fracturing his ribs and bruising his left lung. Vessel 2 continued over Vessel 1, breaking the handlebars from the steering shaft.  

A fisherman came to the aid of the subjects. 911 was called and emergency personnel responded. RFC  responded and secured the scene. He acquired information from the subjects and witnesses. Operator1 was transported to the hospital in Brunswick, GA. Two officers, arrived on scene. I photographed the PWCs and interviewed Operator2. His version of the events did not match up with the physical evidence. Operator2 recalled being to the right of Operator1 while operating their PWCs. I did not notice any evidence of alcohol or illegal drug use but performed Field Sobriety Exercises with Operator2. Operator1 did not exhibit any clues on HGN and performed the exercises successfully. A friend of Operator1 arrived and loaded the PWCs on the trailer. Both PWCs were released to Operator2. Cpl. and I went to the hospital and requested a blood test from Operator1. I read Implied Consent for Subjects over 21 yoa and he consented to the test. After the blood test, I interviewed Operator1. His version placed his PWC on the right and explained about seeing the sandbar. This statement coincided with the evidence. The blood test were submitted to GBI Forensic Lab- Savannah. Test results were not available at the time of this report. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0016
Date: 2012-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SINCLAIR
NearestCityTown: EATONTON
County: PUTNAM
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
"On June 17, 2012 at approximately 2015hrs I, Rfc, was notified by Baldwin County Dispatch in reference to a boating incident that occurred on Lake Sinclair.  Dispatched advised me that they received a call from Oconee Regional Medical Center stating that the emergency room had called and stated that they had treated a female for injuries from a boating incident.  When I arrived at ORMC I spoke with the injured subject.  Also on scene was the operator of vessel #2.  Operator2 Stated that he was operating Vessel #2 and his daughter was operating Vessel #1.  As they were traveling near the mouth of Murder Creek area Operator2 stated that his daughter was on his right side the last time he checked.  He then went to turn left and noticed that his daughter had changed sides.  Operator2 then stated that he tried to avoid the collision but could not and both vessels stuck each other on the sides.  

Operator #1 was thrown off of Vessel #1 and struck the passenger of Vessel #2 and then hit the water. The passenger of Vessel #2 was not thrown from Vessel #2.  Operator2 then jumped into the water to make sure his daughter was alright.  Once he established that she was fine he noticed that Vessel #2 was taking on water.  Both jet ski's were towed back to Putnam Beach area where they were put in.  V2 occupant then stated that her arm was hurting and Operator2 took her to the hospital to be checked out.  Once Operator2 got the jet ski's out of the water he noticed the extent of the damage to Vessel #2.  The damage consisted of several cracks in the left side of the hull and the fiberglass around the steering column was cracked.  Vessel #1 showed no visible damage other than scuff marks on the right side fin of the jet ski.  I spoke with the operator of Vessel #1. She stated that she was running on the right side of Vessel #2 and then changed to the left side.  Operator1 stated that she got distracted and when she looked up she saw that she was fixing to hit Vessel #2.  Operator1 attempted to avoid the collision but could not and struck Vessel #2 and flipped off.  Her father jumped into the water to make sure she was ok.  Once they got back to shore her father took v2 victim to the hospital. Statements were taken from all occupants and pictures were taken of the damage to the vessels. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0017
Date: 2012-05-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:15:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: SKIDAWAY RIVER
NearestCityTown: ISLE OF HOPE
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
"On 05-10-12 at approx. 10:15am Isle of Hope marina called the Savannah Chatham Metro Police Dept. to report an accident at their docks. Cpl. responded to the location and spoke to subject who stated there was a vessel ?Relemar? at the docks and was getting ready to leave. They did not ask for help untying their lines by any of the staff and struck two vessels. Subject contacted the vessel via VHF to advise them of what occurred. The reply Subject got was that they were unaware of striking any vessels and they continued on their journey. Witnesses stated the captain of the vessel was at the stern and the owner was operating the vessel. The swim platform backed up and struck the vessel ?Big Wave?, causing damage to the port side exhaust pipe. The vessel then struck vessel ?Chateau Margaux? causing damage to the port/bow railing. Cpl. of Georgia Dept. Of Natural Resources entered the report into the Boating Incidence report.  The investigation was made by Star Cpl. of Savannah Chatham County Metro Marine Patrol. Cpl. did not work the boating incident. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0019
Date: 2012-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:45:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: PUBLIC POND IN BLYTHE ISLAND P
County: GLYNN
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
"On Saturday, 6/16/2012, RFC was on patrol in the Blythe Island Regional Park area when he noticed a Glynn County EMT Squad and Fire truck next to the park pond. He pulled over there to see if they needed any assistance. RFC spoke with a fireman and park employee who told him that the lady had fallen in the boat when she was trying to get out at the bank and struck the back of her head on the metal boat seat. The paramedics were loading her up and the husband was going to follow them to the hospital. RFC got their information from the park employee who knew them both, gathered information from the scene, and proceeded to the hospital to meet with the victim and her husband. RFC met with the subjects at the hospital and gathered the rest of the information for this report. victim was treated for about a 2 inch cut on the back of her head with staples and released. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0020
Date: 2012-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:36:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: WF GEORGE
NearestCityTown: LUMPKIN
County: STEWART
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
RedactedNarrative:
"On Sunday May 27,2012 at around 2145 hours I was contacted by  Florence Marina State Park Assistant Manager. He stated that there was a boat south of the marina on Lake Walter F. George and that it had hit on object in the water. He went on to say that the boat was taking on water. I immediately called Sgt. and we both responded to the scene. 
The vessel had damage to the transom and the foot of the motor. The foot was hanging on by the control cables. Both the owner and operator stated that they were going about 40 mph and struck something unknown in the water. The statements from both parties are included in this report. The subject e-mailed me with an estimate of the damage cost to the vessel. The damage estimate is $5,335.98.,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0022
Date: 2012-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:59:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SEMINOLE
NearestCityTown: DONALSONVILLE
County: SEMINOLE
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
"On Sunday, May 27th at approximately 1945 hours, Seminole State Park Manager was advised that a child was injured while tubing. He was patrolling the loading ramp area of the park when he discovered that the child was injured. He was told that a nine year old female had been injured while she was being towed by a pontoon boat. E.M.S was notified and arrived on scene at approximately 2010 hours. The child was responsive to questioning by parents and E.M.S., she complained of pain to lower left side. She was transported to Bainbridge Memorial Hospital. 

Sergeant arrived on scene at approximately 2010 hours. The boat operator advised Sergeant that he was driving the boat pulling the tube heading west. He advised that he was looking forward when he was advised to watch out that the tube was going to hit the pole. He slowed down, but the tube struck the pole in front of the boat ramps.  Operator advised that all three children on the tube were wearing p.f.d.s. Sergeant noted no signs of alcohol use by the operator. Child was examined and released by the E.R. at 2329 hours. Child sustained only superficial injury to her left side. ,"  

"On Sunday, May 27, Rgr. and I were on a vessel patrol of Lake Seminole. We entered Seminole State park at approximately 2010 hours, and noticed several people around a pontoon boat at the boat ramp dock. We were advised by Park Manager, that a child had been injured when the tube she was riding, struck a pole in the water. We assisted EMS at the scene. The child was transported to the E.R. at Bainbridge Memorial Hospital. I contacted Cpl. and asked him to meet the ambulance there. Rgr. and I secured witness statements at the scene, and then went to the hospital. The incident occured when the vessel operator got too close to the pole and was warned by another occupant in the vessel. He shut the motor down, but the tube continued to swing around the boat, until it hit. A male occupant in the vessel jumped in to assist the girls until the boat could pick them up. The injured child was checked and released from the hospital that night. Sgt.,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0024
Date: 2012-05-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:45:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: CLARKS HILL LAKE
County: COLUMBIA
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
"On the listed date at 1059 hrs I received a call in reference to a boating incident. I responded to the incident location.  Upon arrival, I found that the incident occurred at approximately 0945 hrs.  The injured subject left the scene along with the listed passenger prior to officers arrival. The two were transported to MCG by Gold Cross unit Med 5.  The listed passenger only rode in the ambulance for moral support of the injured passenger not for medical treatment. The listed PWC was found on the trailer at time of officer arrival.   Officers found no signs of damage to the PWC that would indicate a collision.  I spoke to witnesses and the PWC operator at the scene. 

The PWC operator stated that he was traveling north on Keg Creek from the listed location.  The operator further stated that he was transporting 2 passengers.  The injured passenger was sitting on the rear of the PWC with the other passenger in the middle.  The operator further stated that when he got approximately 100yds from shore he made sharp port side turn in attempt to go back to shore, at which time for reason(s) unknown the middle and rear passenger fell off the starboard stern side of the PWC. The injured passenger began to scream when she resurfaced.  The operator and other passenger pulled her back onto the PWC and noticed a large amount of blood coming from her pubic region.  The injured passenger was taken to shore by the PWC operator.  EMS was notified by the PWC owner. Officers found blood on the shoreline which trailed back to the campsite.  The operator stated that he was unaware how the injury occurred.  Officers saw no structure or debris sticking out of the water in the area at time of report.  Officers responded to MCG E.R.  The injured passenger was admitted to the hospital.  The medical report states that the injured passenger sustained a tear to her perineum area. The tear was consistent to that of impacting a solid object (see medical report # 001315986).   The injured passenger underwent emergency surgery for the tear.  Officers investigation found through witness statements and injury that the vessel was traveling north on Keg Creek at the incident location with 2 passengers.  The operator attempted to negotiate a sharp port turn at which point the 2 passengers fell off the starboard stern of the PWC.  The rear passenger struck the starboard stern area with her perineum causing laceration. Written witness statements were taken at the scene and hospital.  Pictures were taken of the incident location.  No charges were filed at time of report.   Operator 122 with SOC was notified of the incident.   ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0027
Date: 2012-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE JULIETTE
NearestCityTown: FORSYTH
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
"     On 6/2/12, at approximately 17:30 hours, I, Corporal received a phone call from RFC in regards to a boating incident on Lake Juliette. RFC said that a sailboat had capsized and that an occupant of the boat had been taken to the hospital. RFC explained to me that Victim had been on the sailboat with her husband when the incident occurred. RFC went on to say that EMS personnel were administering CPR on Victim when the ambulance left the boat ramp and that he would advise me later on her condition. A short time later I received another call from RFC advising me that Victim was pronounced dead at the hospital.  RFC told me the details of the incident and I decided that I would wait until the next day to meet with him and begin the investigation. RFC also told me that he would be in possession of the sailboat when we met.
     On 6/3/12, I met with RFC at the Upson County Sheriff's Office. RFC had the 11 foot sailboat with him in the bed of his truck. RFC explained to me again what Operator  said happened. According to Operator, he and Victim arrived at the lake around 14:30 hours and were on the water by 15:00 hours. They sailed a short distance from the dock and decided to return to shore. Operator said that the wind caused the boat to capsize sending both Operator and Victim into the water. Operator went on to say that Victim panicked and said that she couldn't breathe. Victim continued to have difficulty breathing and she was taking on water from the waves. Operator attempted to give Victim her inhaler to help with her breathing, but Victim panicked and wouldn't use it. Operator took the inhaler from Victim and attempted to administer it, but that didn't work either. Two persons in kayaks, a man and a woman, heard the cries for help and approached them. Their attempts to help were hindered because of the wind and more people in kayaks arrived. With the additional help, Victim was placed on one of the kayaks, but she fell off. Someone in a motor boat pulled up to the incident and carried victim to the boat dock where an ambulance was waiting.
     I photographed the Sundancer sailboat to show its size and also to record the information off of its capacity plate. I called Operator and spoke with him briefly about the incident. While speaking with Operator, I made arrangements for him to meet with RFC later in the day to make  a written statement.      On 6/5/12, I made contact with Assistant Coroner and requested a copy of the coroners report for my case file. Coroner told me that because the treating doctor at Macon Medical Center had found water in Victim's lungs, the cause of death would be listed as a drowning. Coroner also told me that the GBI Crime Lab had also denied an autopsy due to the presence of the water in Victim's lungs.

Conclusion of incident:
     It is my opinion that the boating incident which occurred on 6/2/12 and resulted in the death of Victim was the result of the boat capsizing. After they were in the water, it became difficult for them to reboard the vessel and Victim was having difficulty breathing. According to Operator, at some point during the struggle Victim slipped out of her PFD and submerged below the surface of the water. Attempts to resuscitate Victim were unsuccessful and she was later pronounced dead with a cause of drowning.
     This report is based solely on the information made available to me at the time of the investigation and may be changed or modified with the discovery of new information.


BARDID: GA-2012-0028
Date: 2012-05-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SIDNEY LANIER
NearestCityTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
"Vessel 1 was anchored in sunset cove.  Vessel 1's anchor rope was too long.  The wind captured vessel 1 and began to drift toward Vessel 2, vessel 3 and Vessel 4. Vessel 2 and 3 were tied up together.  Vessel 1 hit Vessel 2 on the Port side causing damage.  Vessel 2 hit vessel 3 in a chain reaction on the starboard side causing minor damage.  Vessel 4 sustained minor damage to the starboard stern attempting to secure vessel 1.  Vessel 3 's owner prepared a witness statement and is included. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0029
Date: 2012-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LANIER
NearestCityTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Rough
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
"On Monday, May 28, 2012 I received a call reporting a boat incident that had occurred on the previous day.  I met with the complainant and began an investigation.

The operator of vessel "1" was traveling West in Shoal Creek on Lake Lanier.  He saw vessel "2" traveling in a cove to his right.  The operator of vessel "1" then slowed down to determine which direction vessel "2" was headed.  Vessel "2" continued driving in circles not paying attention to his surroundings.  The operator of vessel "1" came to a stop and began yelling to the operator of vessel "2" to pay attention.  Vessel "2" then struck the starboard side of vessel "1" near midship.  Both vessels left the scene.

Investigation revealed that vessel "2" was rented from Aquasports Adventures.  Witness statements state that the operator of vessel "2" was a black male.  The person who rented the boat advised me that she was driving the boat at the time of the accident. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0030
Date: 2012-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:41:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LANIER
NearestCityTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
"Vessel 1 was towing two individuals on a tube in Little River on Lake Lanier. One of the individuals fell off. When the vessel returned to the subject in the water to pick him up the operator thought he put the boat in neutral but it was still in gear. As the victim was climbing the ladder to get into the vessel he slipped and fell into the propeller. The victim was transported to Little River park and was flown to Children's Hospital of Atlanta. He underwent surgery for a fractured femur and is expected to make a full recovery.  ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0031
Date: 2012-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SIDNEY LANIER
NearestCityTown: OAKWOOD
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
"On June 18, 2012 at approximately 1330 hours Vessel 1 was being operated.  Operator was towing a skier in the mouth of Flat Creek on Lake Lanier.  Vessel 1 made a sharp right turn and the skier (in a innertube) hit an oncoming wake.  The skier went into the air after hitting the wake.  The skier sustained  a back injury when she fell off the tube.  The skier was flown to Grady Medical Center.   ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0032
Date: 2012-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:20:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
The Operator of the PWC was towing a tuber without an observer in Flat Creek on Lake Lanier. He maneuvered his PWC too close to a dock, causing the tube and tuber to contact a docked boat at a private dock (see skier's injuries report). The operator was in violation of the 100' law and towing a skier without an observer. He was issued a citation for towing a skier on a PWC without an observer. 


BARDID: GA-2012-0033
Date: 2012-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SIDNEY LANIER
NearestCityTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Carbon monoxide exposure
AccidentEvent1: Carbon Monoxide Exposure
RedactedNarrative:
"VESSEL 1 HAD A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF CARBON MONOXIDE READINGS INSIDE THE CUDDY CABIN.  VESSEL 1 WAS BEING OPERATED WHEN THE TWO CHILDREN ON BOARD BEGAN TO VOMIT.  ALL WERE TREATED FOR CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0034
Date: 2012-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 04:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SIDNEY LANIER
NearestCityTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
"Vessel 1 ran a ground at approximately 0430 hours on the morning of May 26, 2012.  The incident location was in Forsyth county just east of Port Royale Marina.  The vessel sustained damage to its underside.  The operator was arrested for operating under the influence. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0035
Date: 2012-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SIDNEY LANIER
NearestCityTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: person struck by vessel equip
RedactedNarrative:
"Vessel 1 has a compartment located at the bow of the vessel.  Vessel 1 encountered some rough water causing the compartment door to open and close suddenly. The compartment door opened then came down on victim's  right foot causing a severe laceration to her right big toe. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0036
Date: 2012-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE RABUN
NearestCityTown: TALLULAH FALLS
County: RABUN
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
"The operator of the boat said that he noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment.  He turned off the engine and extinguished the fire with 4 fire extinguishers that he gathered between himself and other boaters.  The fire boat arrived on scene shortly after and checked out the boat.  There were no injuries during the incident.  The fire appeared to have been an electrical fire and the damage was contained to the engine compartment.  I transported the operator and one of the three passengers to the boat ramp to get their vehicle.  Then I completed a boating incident report form since the damage to the boat appears to be in excess of $2000.00. ,"  "On July 10, 2012 I spoke to Lakemont Marine and he said that the boat engine had to be replaced and that it would cost between $4,000.00 and $5,000.00 to fix it.  He said that the engine and ran so hot that it melted the boots and cracked the block on it.  He said that the freeze plugs had blown out and the boat was still operated until it ran hot and caused the damage. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0037
Date: 2012-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CHATUGE
NearestCityTown: HIAWASSEE
County: TOWNS
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
05/27/2012 Operator cruising in unfamiliar waters. Attempted cutting between a small island and the bank of the lake. Looking at the water between the island it looks as if it is deep enough to go through. Operator's vessel struck a submerged object while transitting through the narrow channel. Immediately after striking object operator advised that he turned around and observed mud in the water. Once operator observed the mud he realized that he was in shallow water. Starboard side motor mount broke through fiberglass, propeller damaged beyond repair, skeg on lower unit bent.


BARDID: GA-2012-0038
Date: 2012-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HARTWELL
NearestCityTown: LAVONIA
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
"Victim was wakeboarding.  Wakeboard slid out from under skier when it hit a wake, and the board flew up and hit victim in the head on his right side, causing a two inch laceration behind the ear and a laceration to top of ear. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0040
Date: 2012-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALTAMAHA RIVER
NearestCityTown: BAXLEY
County: APPLING
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
"Received call from dispatch around 1530 hours on 7-14-12 about a PWC accident on the Altamaha River, just down river from Carter's Bight Landing, with injuries. Arrived at the scene at 1600 hours. Talked with  one of the occupants about what happened. He stated he was riding with operator and his child on the river, when they hit a stump in the water around 300 yards before the Hwy 144 bridge. the operator was riding with his son in his lap, and occupant behind him. When they hit the stump, which struck the starboard side of the PWC, it caused the PWC to turn violently, throwing all three off the vessel. occupant was able to grab son and take him to the nearby sand bar, then go back and get operator and bring him to the sand bar. Someone on the sand bar then escorted them all back to the boat ramp. Operator was able to tell me that he was struck by the handlebars and side of the steering column when he was ejected. No one else was struck by anything, and Operator was the only one with serious injuries. NOTE: Video from interviews will be downloaded on a CD and sent in to the office, along with paperwork and written statements. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0041
Date: 2012-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:23:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OLIVER
NearestCityTown: COLUMBUS
County: MUSCOGEE
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
"On June 23rd, 2012 at approximately 18:23, I, Ranger was contacted by Sergeant of the Department of Natural Resources about a boat accident on Lake Oliver.  When I arrived at the scene, I observed a aluminum Duracraft boat capsized in between the boat house and dock of the residence.  I was then met by the owner of the boat house.  Boathouse owner stated that he was in his residence when he heard the crash and did not realize that an accident had occurred.  Minutes later an individual rang the door bell of the residence to ask for assistance.  The individual was later identified as Subject.  Boathouse owner called emergency service and assisted Subject with the vessel and the operator of the vessel.  Operator was transported by EMS to a medical center in Columbus.

Sgt. and I met with Operator and Subject at the medical center to get a statement.  Operator stated that he was traveling north up Lake Oliver looking for a place to fish, traveling approximately 30-40 mph, when he felt the vessel strike something in the water and turn hard to the right.  Operator stated he attempted to correct the hard right turn but the steering wheel would not turn.  Operator's vessel then entered the doorway area of Boathouse owner's boat house striking Boathouse owner's 2005 Chaparral Suns boat at the lower unit and rear swim deck and then striking the inside wall of the boat house.  Operator and Subject were both ejected from the vessel.  Operator was advised of the condition of his vessel and that he needed to make arrangements to have it removed from the lake.  Subject gave a written statement of the accident.

At approximately 11:19 on June 24th, 2012, I was contacted by Operator to advise me that he was making arrangements to have the vessel removed from the lake.  I was later contacted by Sgt. and he advised that the boat had been removed from the lake and that he did not observe any mechanical problems that would have lead to the boat making the hard right turn.
Damage to vessels and property documented by photography.
Nothing further. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0042
Date: 2012-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:05:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SIDNEY LANIER
NearestCityTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On July 08, 2012 at approximately 1205 hours Vessel 1 was overtaking Vessel 2 on the starboard side of Vessel 2.  Vessel 2 was being towed by a pontoon boat at the time Vessel 1 was overtaking Vessel 2.  Vessel 1 slowed down causing a big wake.  The wake swamped Vessel 2.  All occupants on board Vessel 2 were ejected into the lake. Tow Boat USA later pumped the water out of Vessel 2 and towed them to Balus Creek boat ramp.


BARDID: GA-2012-0043
Date: 2012-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:55:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: DAWSONVILLE
County: DAWSON
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
"RFC received a call from SGT in reference to a boating incident that occurred in Dawson County on Lake Lainer at 15:55. RFC and Wildlife Tech arrived at the residence and Dawson County deputies advised RFC that the operator and victim (the operator's daughter) had been transported via EMS to North East GA Medical Center. RFC contacted SGT and advised him of this information and SGT went to North East GA Medical Center and interviewed the operator. RFC had obtained witness statements. RFC walked to the dock and recorded the information from the vessel involved in the incident. RFC met SGT at the DNR Office in Gainesville and obtained the witness statement of the operator. Operator stated, "I was going about 15mph while pulling victim and two others on a three person tube .Making a turn the tube rolled out of the wake causing Victim and her cousin come off the tube. The fall off the tube was like every other tube, nothing out of the ordinary. When she came out of the water she said something was broken and had to be dragged into the boat by her life jacket". On July 6, 2012 RFC spoke to the operator and she stated that vessel was going straight out of a figure eight turn and the tube hit some waves causing the children to fall off. Victim was taken to Northeast Georgia Medical Center and was treated and released for a sprained hip. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0044
Date: 2012-04-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:15:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, April 28 2012 at approximately 2115 hours, vessel "1" ran aground near Two Mile Island on Lake Lanier.  The vessel capsized as it re entered the water. All occupants of the boat were ejected and none were injured. The occupants spent the night on the island until they were rescued by a fisherman. 


BARDID: GA-2012-0045
Date: 2012-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BLACKSHEAR
NearestCityTown: CORDELE
County: CRISP
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
"On Saturday July 07, 2012 at 1600 hours Cpl and I responded to a boating incident on Lake Blackshear. Upon arrival we met with the operator of Vessel #2.  Operator2 stated that he was operating Vessel #2 along with 6 passengers south on Lake Blackshear adjacent to the Georgia Veteran's State Park swimming area when Vessel #1 with one passenger, made an abrupt left turn and drove into the path of his vessel.  Vessel #1 struck Vessel #2 in the front of the port side pontoon and then overturned ejecting it's operator and passenger. Vessel #1 then continued on and struck the front of the starboard pontoon before coming to rest in the water. 
I spoke with the operator of Vessel #1, who stated that he was operating Vessel #1 north on Lake Blackshear adjacent to the Georgia Veteran's State Park swimming area. Operator1 stated that he made a left turn and accelerated into the path of Vessel #2 causing the collision.  He stated that he did not see Vessel #2 until seconds before the collision.
Vessel #1 sustained gouges to the fiberglass hull on the front and starboard side. The vessel is a rental and appeared to have been in multiple collisions prior to this incident. Vessel #2 sustained damage to the front of both aluminum pontoons.  The tow rings on both pontoons were bent over 90 degrees to the starboard and both pontoons sustained cracks in the aluminum and welds.  There were no complaints of injuries by the occupants of either vessel. Vessel #1 belongs to Coral Hospitality, 2459 Hwy 280.  229 276 1004 ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0046
Date: 2012-07-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:49:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: CLARKS HILL LAKE
County: LINCOLN
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On July 17, 2012 at approximately 14:45 hours a boating incident occurred in the Little River area of Clarks Hill Lake near the Pointes West Recreation Area. A Mastercraft ski boat owned and operated by the same person was traveling west up Little River. The boat was also occupied by two people. The vessel struck a shallow hump and became grounded. The impact with the hump caused the operator to be thrown forward in the boat and strike his face on the windshield. It caused a large contusion on his forehead and his nose to bleed. The other two occupants were thrown to the floor but had no visible injuries. occupant1 signaled a passing pontoon boat which transported the other two to Pointes West Rec Area to meet EMS for treatment. Sea Tow was contacted to remove the vessel and tow it to the marina.


BARDID: GA-2012-0047
Date: 2012-07-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE RUSSELL
NearestCityTown: ELBERTON
County: ELBERT
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
RedactedNarrative:
"On the morning of 07/15/2012, Elbert County Central Dispatch made contact with Corporal who in turn notified me, Corporal of a sunken vessel reported by a boater on Lake Russell in Beaver Dam Creek.  Sergeant and myself responded to the Lake Russell boat house and launched a patrol boat to investigate the incident.  The registration numbers provided information on the registered owner who was contacted by phone and verified the circumstances of the vessel sinking.  Operator was at a residence in Wilkes County and met me at the Wilkes County LEC to file a report.  He stated that on 07-13-2012, he launched his boat at the Elbert Ramp off of Highway 72 on Lake Russell in Elbert County.  He proceeded into Beaver Dam Creek to fish in a timbered  cove near Beaver Dam Marina at day marker number 6 where he discovered his boat filling with water.  He was unable to crank the gas motor on the boat and stayed with the vessel until it sank.   Operator stated that he was able to swim to shore and secured the vessel at the shoreline.  He then discovered that he had failed to install the boat plug when he launched.  Attempts to recover the vessel to date have been unsuccessful but continue."


BARDID: GA-2012-0048
Date: 2012-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:28:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SIDNEY LANIER
NearestCityTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
"On June 19, 2012 I received a call about a boat that had ran aground in Young Deer Creek on Lake Lanier.  I responded to the scene and observed a black Glastron boat approximately thirty feet onto dry ground.  I asked the driver of the boat what had happened.  He stated that he was not paying attention and just did not see the small island until it was too late to turn.  His vessel then struck the island and came to rest approximately thirty feet on dry ground.  The operator failed field sobriety and was arrested for BUI. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0049
Date: 2012-05-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was jumping a wake and lost control of the PWC. She and occupant hit the PWC as they fell off. Both were transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center. 


BARDID: GA-2012-0050
Date: 2012-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:10:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Failure to vent
MachineryFailure: Electrical
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
"On July 5, at approximately 2010 hours, operator was aboard his vessel and attempted to crank it. He heard a loud pop and then the motor cover blew off the vessel. A piece of shrapnel hit him in the right arm around the bicep area causing a deep cut. The vessel then caught fire. Operator was able to put on a PFD and jump over board. A near by boater came to pick up Operator. Operator was transported to Bald Ridge Marina to receive medical attention. I secured the scene until Forsyth Fire personnel arrived. I traveled to Bald Ridge Marina and spoke to Operator. Emergency personnel advised me that Operator had a cut to his right arm that required stitches but he was going to go to the hospital himself. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0052
Date: 2012-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SIDNEY LANIER
NearestCityTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Shift
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
"The operator of vessel (1) was attempting to dock his sailboat at M dock at Holiday Marina.  His engine stalled as he put it in reverse and his vessel struck the port side of vessel (2).  Vessel (1) received minor crush damage to the bow and vessel (2) sustained gel coat damage to the port stern.  The operator of vessel (1) did not report the incident but admitted to causing the damage after being questioned during an investigation. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0053
Date: 2012-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: CLARKS HILL LAKE
NearestCityTown: LINCOLNTON
County: LINCOLN
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
RedactedNarrative:
"On August 2nd 2012, I received a call of a possible vessel incident from the Region 3 office in Thomson.  I was informed to contact Operator in reference to a vessel incident that had occurred the night before.  I contacted Operator who informed me that he had struck a tree in the Little River on Clarks Hill Lake the night before.  I responded to interview Operator of the incident while Rfc. responded to the accident location by vessel.  After a brief interview with Operator, he stated that he was out on the Lake heading upstream around the Winfield Hills Area.  He stated that he was out that night just cruising the Lake with a friend and his dogs. Operator stated that he was traveling about 18-20 mph.  As he was heading upstream towards the Amity Area of the Lake, he noticed a large tree just at the waterline. Operator turned at a 9 O'clock position to avoid the tree but struck the tree on the starboard side of the vessel about six feet from the bow. The collision with the tree caused a 31/2 foot crack/hole on the starboard underside of the vessel's hull just starboard of the keel.  Operator and his passenger were ejected from the vessel.  Operator and Passenger reported no major injuries just minor soreness and bruising.  The vessel did capsize and start to float from the incident site.  Rfc. discovered the vessel near Winfield Hills and also found the tree that Operator struck with his vessel.  The tree had several small shards of white fiberglass imbedded in its interior.  Operator contacted Sea Tow to have the vessel removed.  The area that Operator was boating in has very low water levels and multiple trees and stumps at the waterline or just above the waterline.  Written statements were taken from witnesses.  No further action was taken. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0055
Date: 2012-05-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:14:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE ALLATOONA
NearestCityTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
"  At the above date and time i, rfc of the georgia department of natural resources, was patrolling on lake allatoona with cpl when we were waved down by two fishermen.  The fishermen explained that there was a pwc that they found floating in the lake near the entrance to park marina.  They said that they saw two pwcs operating in the area, heard a loud noise and then saw two black men leave the pwc at the location and travel on the other pwc back to the area of park marina gas dock.  They located the lanyard to the pwc and gave it to cpl and i.  They said that the incident occured approximately 10 minutes before we arrived.  Two employees from park marina boat rentals arrived to retrieve the pwc.  One of the employees informed us that the pwc was new and that there was damage to the pwc.  As the other employee operated the damaged pwc next to our patrol vessel i noticed fiberglass damage on the left side of the pwc at the back and on the back of the seat.  Cpl and i then went to park marina boat rentals to try and make contact with the parties involved.
   once at the dock we were informed that all of the boating party had left the dock.  I went to the upper parking lot and found a 17 year old female and her mother.  I was informed that the step father of the 17 year old was going to get the car.  The adult female was not cooperative at all and could not provide any information for the males that were on the pwcs.  She, according to park marina boat rental, was the one who rented the pontoon boat.  She said that she did not rent the pwcs.
   there is no evidence in this investigation as to who was operating the pwc at the time of the incident.  The woman who rented the pwcs was identified according to the copy of the driver's license she provided at park marina for the rental agreement.   ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0056
Date: 2012-06-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:45:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityTown: EMERSON
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
Slow casual boat ride less than 5mph wife was driving boat through channel and misjudged distance to shore, hitting submerged rocks. 4" of Water. Information regarding the incident came from Department of Homeland Security U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Accident Report.;


BARDID: GA-2012-0057
Date: 2012-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On July 7, 2012, Cpl. and I were on vessel lake patrol on Allatoona Lake in the area of Old 41 Rec Area.  We noticed red flashing emergency lights (from an ambulance and fire truck) in the parking lot of the Old 41 Rec Area Day Use Area and Boat Ramp.  The time was approximately 1500 hrs.

We went over to the area and found a young girl about to be transported to Kennestone Hospital.  She was wearing a neck brace and complaining of pain in her neck and shoulder.  I spoke with her and he explained that they had been tubing just a short time before, in the area of the Cobb County Water Intake and the Railroad Trestle.  The tube hit a wake and launched her and another boy up into the air.  She came down hard, and landed on her neck/shoulder.  They got her into the boat and noticed that she had turned very white in her face, and was nauseous.  The called Bartow County 911 for an ambulance.  The other tuber complained of minor back pain, but declined going to the hospital.

     Although I did not smell any alcohol, or notice any signs of impairment on Operator, I asked him if he would consent to doing a BUI Screening Interview.  He advised that he had no problem with that and cooperated fully.  I did the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, the 1-20, 20-1 number count, the Recitation of the Alphabet, the Finger Dexterity, and the Alco-Sensor exercises on Operator.  He completed all the exercises properly and blew .000g on the alco-sensor indicating that he was not under the influence of alcohol.

     I called RFC and asked him to go by Kennestone Hospital and check on condition.  He found out that they had done a CAT scan and chest x-rays, but the results were not in at the time of his visit.  I received a text from the operator  a couple of hours later saying that the tuber had been discharged from the hospital and that there were no problems or fractures.

     No charges will be filed in this incident.   


BARDID: GA-2012-0058
Date: 2012-05-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
All the subjects in the boat were here for the weekend wake boarding event at Dallas Beach, Acworth GA.    They were in Clark Creek, just up river from the boat ramp.  Victim said she wanted to try wake boarding.  She made 2 attempts with no success.  On the 3rd try, as she was attempting to come up out of the water, she felt a sharp pain in her upper right leg and screamed out.  The persons in the boat jumped in to help her.  They got her out of the water and called "911".  She was transported to the Cartersville Medical Center Emergency Room.  

RFC and I just happened to check this boat, along with 2 more boats tied/rafted together, at the wake boarding event on 5/18/12.  As we were talking to these subjects, they brought up the previous days incident.  We found out who the operator and owner of the boat was, and the passengers (all but Victim were present at the scene).  RFC started gathering information for the boat incident report, we questioned and recorded the witnesses, and found out phone numbers for the victim.  RFC called the phone numbers and left a message, identifying who he was and asking them to contact either of us in regards to the previous day boat incident.  We did not get any return calls that night or the next morning.  I called again the next morning and spoke with a female and identified myself to her and asked how Victim was doing and could I come to the hospital and get some information for this report.  I found Victim awake and somewhat coherent (she had just received some pain killing medication).


BARDID: GA-2012-0059
Date: 2012-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:25:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE ALLATOONA
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
At the above date and time I, RFC of the GA Department of Natural Resources, received a call from Cherokee 911 about a boat incident involving a PWC on Lake Allatoona in the area of Field's Landing.  I went to the incident site by truck and met with Deputy from the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and he informed me of the parties involved.  I spoke with the operator and he said that he and his girlfriend were cruising on the PWC near the no wake markers at the landing.  Operator then said that he made a turn to the left at approximately 35 MPH and passenger fell off the right side of the PWC and then he fell off the left side.  Operator said he called for help and was assisted by a passing boater.  passenger hit the right side of her forehead on an unidentified object causing a laceration approximately 5 inches long.  passenger was transported and treated at Northside Hospital Cherokee.


BARDID: GA-2012-0060
Date: 2012-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:40:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SINCLAIR
NearestCityTown: MILLEDGEVILLE
County: BALDWIN
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
"On July 2, 2012 at approximately 1650hrs I, Rfc, was contacted by Baldwin County Dispatch in reference to a boating incident that occurred in the Rocky Creek area of Lake Sinclair.  They advised me that the occupant that was injured was being taken to Macon Medical Center for his injuries.  I then contacted Cpl. for his assistance.  Cpl. went to the residence while I went to the hospital to speak with the injured party.

When I arrived at Macon Medical Center I spoke with the victim.  He stated that he and his brother, were pulling his nephew on the Vessel #1 near his brothers residence.  Victim stated that the nephew fell off of his board and he jumped in to assist him.  Once in the water his left got his left hand wrapped up in the tow rope.  The rope began to tighten until the rope had cut into his hand.  Victim told his brother that he was in trouble and Subject jumped off of Vessel #1 to help.  Once they were all back on board Vessel #1 they went back to the residence to call 911.  Victim's statement was recorded on my vid mic.
Once I had spoke with Victim I spoke with Subject who was in the waiting room at the emergency room.  Subject  stated that he and Victim were pulling his grandson on a knee board.  He went on to say that his grandson fell off of the board and when we went to turn around to get him Victim fell off Vessel #1 and caught his hand in the tow rope.  Victim then told Subject that he needed help so Subject jumped in the water.  Subject was able to get all individuals and then went back to his residence to call 911.  Subject Injuries that Victim sustained was severe cuts to his left hand and he also possibly fractured the pinky of the same hand. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0061
Date: 2012-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SIDNEY LANIER
NearestCityTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Throttle
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
"Vessel 1 was approaching the dock at Shoal Creek boat ramp on Lake Sidney Lanier.  Vessel 1 hit the dock and proceeded to hit Vessel 2 on the starboard side.  Vessel 2 was on the trailer at the launch ramp when Vessel 1 hit Vessel 2. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0062
Date: 2012-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:42:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HARTWELL
NearestCityTown: HARTWELL
County: HART
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
"While riding in vessel 1, the victim felt pain in her back shortly after vessel 1 had hit a large wake.  The victim began to have trouble breathing and felt severe pain in her back so the operator of vessel 1 took her to the closest dock.  Hart County EMS, Hart County Sheriffs office, Corporal Bunch, and Myself all responded to the scene. The Victim was transported to Anderson County Medical Center for what appears to be a sprained back by Hart County EMS. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0063
Date: 2012-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: SIDNEY LANIER
NearestCityTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Rough
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
"On July 21, 2012 at approximately 1400 hours, Vessel 1 was travelling at approximately 55 miles per hour.  It struck a large wave near the mouth of Shoal Creek on Lake Lanier.  The impact with the wave caused the victim to loose his footing and strike his head on the floor of the boat.  He broke his left arm and sustained a large cut on his fore head. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0064
Date: 2012-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
"Subject was wake boarding behind the vessel and was going approximately 25 mph when he attempted to cross the wake. It was only his second time attempting to wake board. The subject fell and impacted the water knocking himself unconscious. He was floating face up when the boat was able to make it back to him. He was brought aboard the vessel where he regained consciousness. He was transported to Northeast Ga. Medical Center and admitted. He was alert and awake when I spoke to him. He is expected to make a full recovery with no lasting medical issues. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0065
Date: 2012-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SIDNEY LANIER
NearestCityTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Shift
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
"On August 11, 2012 at approximately 1530 hours vessel 1 was docking at Port Royale Marina on Lake Sidney Lanier in Forsyth County.  The operator of vessel 1 put his vessel in reverse but the vessel went forward hitting vessel 2 in the stern causing damage.   ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0066
Date: 2012-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at 1930 hours, I was patrolling Lake Lanier and heading back to our boat slip at Habour Point Marina due to a pending thunderstorm.  I received a phone call from Ranger in reference to a possible boat fire at Sunrise Cove Marina.  Emergency personnel from Hall County were already on scene.  I called a witness who had reported the boat fire to Hall County 911 dispatch.  He said the boat was tied to the dock and had caught fire and he called 911 and that the fire was now out and they didn't think anyone had been injured. 

 Later that night I called Hall County 911 to get more information. I eventually talked to a Lt. with the Hall County Sheriff's Office. He stated subject had been doing some work in the engine compartment of the vessel and there was spilled gas and fumes in the engine compartment of the vessel. Subject tried to hook up the battery so he could turn on the blower to air out the compartment, when he did he created a spark which created a flash burn.  Subject suffered 2nd degree burns to his hands and legs. He was transported Grady Hospital.  I went to Sunrise Cove on Friday, August 10th to look at the vessel. While there, I talked to the marina manager and the boat owner.  Boat owner confirmed what had happened to her boat and Subject. She also stated that Subject was expected to make a full recovery.  She was planning on removing the boat from the water and having her insurance company inspect the vessel.  She stated the vessel was a total loss.

I talked with Subject on Wednesday, August 15 at 1000 hours. He stated he was cleaning the fuel system and when he finished he tried to start the engine and the fire occurred. He said he is not sure what caused the spark that ignited the fumes. He said he will be released from the hospital in a few days and he is expecting to a make a full recovery.


BARDID: GA-2012-0068
Date: 2012-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:05:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BURTON
NearestCityTown: CLAYTON
County: RABUN
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
"Subject was being towed on a tube by her father who was operating the vessel.  While he was making a turn, the tube hit the wake from the boat which caused her feet to fly up and hit her in the back of her head hyper extending and injuring her lower back.  They got her back into the boat and took her to their dock.  She was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center by Rabun County EMS.  There she was examined and treated and released the same night.  The boat is new and was just purchased and there is no registration information available yet. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0069
Date: 2012-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SIDNEY LANIER
NearestCityTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Rough
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 got caught in a severe thunderstorm.  During the storm operator ran Vessel 1 on a sandbar  in order to escape the storm.  Vessel 1 sustained damage to a device located near the outboard motor area.  


BARDID: GA-2012-0070
Date: 2012-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SIDNEY LANIER
NearestCityTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
"Vessel 1 was about to begin towing subject on Lake Sidney Lanier.  subject got his right leg entangled in the ski rope.  The rope tightened and took the skin off of subject right leg between the ankle and knee. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0071
Date: 2012-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: WILMINGTON RIVER
NearestCityTown: THUNDERBOLT
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
"     On Monday July 2,2012 at 11:45 am I received a page from the Brunswick Office in reference to a shrimp boat that had damaged the dock at Hinckley Yacht Services.  Ranger and Corporal went to Hinckley Yacht Services, where we met the General Manager. General Manager carried us out in the yacht services boat where I took pictures of the damaged sail boat Albatros, I also took pictures of the damaged Hinckley dock.  Ranger and myself  went over to Nelson Seafood and talked with the Captain. who wrote a statement as what happened during the storm.  I was able to get statements from a those who saw the three shrimp boats rafted together come by their sail boat that was docked on the north end of the Hinckley Yacht dock, they did not see impact to the sail boat and dock. 
The shrimp boat was built in 1995.
,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0072
Date: 2012-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: SAVANNAH RIVER
NearestCityTown: SAVANNAH
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Congested waters
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
"Vessel 2 was docked, Vessel 1 was attempting to leave dock, on first attempt Vessel 2 fended off vessel 1. On second attempt Vessel 1 was unable to navigate current, starboard front pontoon of Vessel 1 collided with starboard stern end of vessel 2. Vessel 1 contributed to collision by not being able to navigate tidal current in congested area. Both vessels docked during investigation. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0073
Date: 2012-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: FLINT RIVER
NearestCityTown: ALBANY
County: DOUGHERTY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
	On Sunday, August 12, 2012, I was notified by Corporal about a possible boating incident that had taken place on the Flint River in Dougherty County.  The initial information was given to Cpl. by a concerned citizen that had seen a posting on Facebook in reference to a subject that was possibly injured while wakeboarding on the Flint River.  The citizen was able to give the name of the possible injured subject, Victim, but no other information was provided.  With this information, Cpl and I began to make phone calls to the local hospital, sheriff's office and EMS to see if we could locate any patient records for Victim or any reported boat accidents.  Cpl was able to confirm that Victim had been admitted to Phoebe Putney Hospital in Albany earlier on the morning of August 12, 2012.
	At Phoebe Putney Hospital, Cpl and I met with Victim's wife and other family members. Wife briefed us on his condition and the details of incident. She stated that she and her husband had gone to the river the day before, at approximately 14:30 hours. Her husband was wakeboarding behind their 2006 Moomba Mobius ski boat (Georgia registration number: GA 6649 SP), when he fell, face first in the water, at approximately 15:30 hours. She advised that nothing appeared to be out of the ordinary and that Victim continued to wakeboard before they eventually left the river due to inclement weather. She stated that Victim woke up around 00:30 hours (on 8/12/12) complaining of a bad headache. Father was notified and he carried his son to the hospital. Wife also provided us with the names of the operator and the other passengers that were on the boat the previous day.  
	On August 14, 2012, I contacted the operator of the vessel. I asked Operator if anything out of the ordinary had happened while he was driving/towing Victim that might have contributed to the fall; such as, swerving to miss another boat, an object in the water or any other reason.  Operator advised that nothing unusual had happened; Victim had simply fallen while attempting to turn/maneuver the wakeboard. He specified that the fall was a result of the wakeboard's nose going under water during Victim's maneuver, a common occurrence while wakeboarding even for experienced wake boarders.
	Based on the information provided by Operator and Wife and no other evidence to the contrary, my opinion is that this incident and the injuries suffered by Victim were caused by his fall and subsequent impact with the water. 
 ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0074
Date: 2012-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:26:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
"     On June 2, 2012 I, RFC with GA DNR (Georgia Department of Natural Resources), received a call from Ranger about a drowning at Allatoona Lake near the Navy Recreation Area.  Ranger advised that a male subject was missing and that GA DNR Sgt. And otherswere on the scene.  I was told by Sgt. that there were several witnesses that were being interviewed about the incident.  
	(According to witnesses, Operator was operating a Hurricane deck boat while pulling the victim, Victim, on a tube.  Witnesses said that Victim was not wearing a PFD (personal floatation device).  Operator said that Victim was on the tube and it flipped over while traveling across the lake.  As soon as the tube flipped over, Operator said he stopped the boat and circled back to pick up Victim.  Operator said he could see Victim and everything was okay.  Operator said that the tube got between him and Victim and he could no longer see Victim.  Operator asked Victim if he was okay and got no response and saw Victim's arm go up.  Operator jumped in and swam to Victim and grabbed him from behind.  Victim began to struggle with Operator and Operator lost his grip.  Operator and Victim had drifted from the tube and now Operator was struggling to keep himself above the water's surface and hold on to Victim.  At this point Operator was holding on to Victim with his legs while Victim was under the water's surface.  Operator began to struggle so much to stay above the water that he had to let go of Victim.  Operator tried to float close to the area where he had to let go of Victim until he was helped by witness.  Once in boat, subject contacted Bartow 911.  The adult female passengers in Operator's boat were too hysterical to offer any assistance.
	I arrived at the command center set up at the Old Highway 41 Campground boat ramp at approximately 1445 hours.  Cpl. went to the hospital to interview Operator.  Cpl. determined that Operator was not under the influence of alcohol.
	On June 4, 2012 Victim's body was recovered at 1521 hours in approximately 27 to 30 feet of water.  Victim's body was taken by the coroner to the Cartersville Medical Center for identification by the family.  Victims' body was identified by his father.  It was agreed by the family members that no foul play was suspected.  The cause of Victim's death was ruled a drowning.  The family also declined for an autopsy to be performed.
	In conclusion, based upon the evidence, witness statements, and operator admissions, Victim was being towed on the tube without wearing a PFD.  Therefore, Operator was in violation of Georgia Law 52-7-16(b): Towing a skier without wearing a PFD. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0075
Date: 2012-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:38:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: BLUE RIDGE LAKE
NearestCityTown: BLUE RIDGE
County: FANNIN
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Unkn
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
"On July 22nd, 2012 subject reported to me that he found damage to his vessel on the rear port side. Subject stated that he noticed the damage on July 4th and he also stated that the damage was not there two weeks before when he used the vessel. Subject stated that he stores his vessel in a slip in the Blue Ridge Marina's "B" dock.  Subject stated that he checked with the Marina and that they didn't have anyone reports a collision.  I took photographs of the damage and the vessels registration.  End of report.  ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0076
Date: 2012-03-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:50:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityTown: CANTON
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
"     On March 31, 2012, at approximately 1820 hrs, I received a southern linc call from the SOC in Atlanta.  They advised to call Cherokee County S.O. in reference to a boating incident on Allatoona Lake.  After talking to Cherokee County S.O., they advised to contact one of the people involved in this incident.  That number belongs to the other party involved in this incident.  Operator1 briefly advised me what happened and that no one was hurt.  I told Operator1 that I would come to his location.  Both boats were together at Harbor Town Marina when I arrived by vehicle at approximately 1900 hrs.
     The first thing that I did when I arrived was to double check that there were no injuries to anyone involved in this incident.  Both men involved seemed to be fine, and I saw no visible injuries, and each said they were not hurt.  There was only one individual in each boat.  I checked there ID's and briefly spoke to each one.  Operator1 was heading in an westerly direction from the mouth of Kellogg Creek towards Harbor Town Marina.  Operator2 was heading in a more northernly direction, towards Victoria Marina.  Operator1 was on the right and the "stand on' vessel.  Neither boat saw the other and Operator1's boat struck Operator2's boat at the starboard stern (right rear) at about a 40-45 degree angle, running up onto the boat.  When Operator1's boat had gotten down off of Operator2's boat, he had ripped a long gash (whole) in the starboard stern gunwhale, about 24"-30" long.  There were some scratches on the hull (port side in the bow area) on Operator1's boat.  There was one substantial scratch on Operator1's boat, about 4 inches long and down into the fiberglass, beneath the jell coat.
     It was getting dark, and starting to rain/strike lightening, so I asked each operator to write me a personal statement and e-mail it to me the next date.  No charges have been filed in this incident.    ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0077
Date: 2012-09-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: CLARKS HILL LAKE
NearestCityTown: APPLING
County: COLUMBIA
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
"On the listed date at approximately 2200hrs, Officers received a call in reference to a boating incident.  Officers found that the incident occurred at approximately 1915hrs at the listed incident location.  EMS was notified and responded to the scene at 1954hrs.  Gold Cross Med 5 transported the victim to MCG ER for treatment. She was originally seen by ER Dr.   Officers responded to the hospital to speak with the victim. Written statements were taken of the victim and witnesses.  The victim stated that she was attempting to be pulled by the listed vessel on a wake board.  The victim further stated that she let go of the rope due to water being sprayed in her eyes.  The victim stated that while in the water she twisted her body to release her feet from the board.  She stated that she heard a snap and felt pain in her left thigh.  Officers found that the victim has a broken femur.  Officers found no signs of impact on the board or vessel that were consistent with her injuries.  Officers investigation found through witnesses, operator and victim statements that the victim was being pulled by the listed vessel on a wake board.  The victim attempted to remove her feet from the board after being dropped at which time her femur broke for reason(s) unknown.  SOC was notified of the incident.  No further action was taken.   ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0078
Date: 2012-08-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:12:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: EAST BRUNSWICK RIVER
NearestCityTown: BRUNSWICK
County: GLYNN
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Unkn
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
"Brunswick Fire Department responded to a boat fire at the Torras dock on the East Brunswick River. They found a 31ft Fountain vessel that was fully involved. Cause of the fire is unknown at this time. End Of Report."


BARDID: GA-2012-0079
Date: 2012-09-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: FLINT RIVER
NearestCityTown: BAINBRIDGE
County: DECATUR
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
"On 09-16-2012 at approximately 1700 hours A vessel, 20 ft Ski Nautique GA6620WZ, was pulling a wake boarder on the Flint River South of Reynold's Sandbar. The vessel was traveling north. According to the operator, he was traveling at approximately 22 m.p.h. heading straight when the skier went down. He turned and picked up the fallen skier. The skier, advised that when she went down the board struck her in the back of the head cutting her scalp. She was taken to Memorial Manor hospital in Bainbridge where she was treated for a laceration to the scalp and released the same date.  ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0080
Date: 2012-09-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BLACKSHEAR
NearestCityTown: CORDELE
County: CRISP
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
RedactedNarrative:
I Cpl. received a call from the Albany Region Law Enforcement Office in reference to a sunken vessel on Lake Blackshear.  I contacted subject and he stated that he let Operator borrow his 1988 Sunbird inboard/outboard vessel to take to Lake Blackshear. 
	
    I contacted Operator by phone and he stated that he left the Gum Creek Boat ramp, traveled north under the Highway 280 bridge by himself.  Operator stated that after going under the bridge he turned to the right to what he thought was open water.  Operator stated that he was outside of the river channel and hit a stump while traveling on plane.  Operator stated that he did not cause any injuries to himself.  The vessel started taking on water and sank before he could return to land.  Operator was picked up by another boater and took him to shore.
 
    I contacted owner and advised him that he or Operator had to retrieve the vessel from the bottom of the lake.  He was told to contact me when he retrieved it. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0082
Date: 2012-09-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SIDNEY LANIER
NearestCityTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
"On Saturday, September 22 2012, I received a call about a minor boating incident at the beach area of Sunset Cove on Lake Lanier.  I responded and began an investigation.  The investigation revealed the following:
Vessel (1) and Vessel (2) were anchored near the beach at Sunset Cove.  Vessel (1) had too much slack in the anchor line, the vessel began to drift towards vessel (2) and the operator of Vessel (1) attempted to pull away.  His vessel struck vessel (2) on the starboard bow.  The anchor line of Vessel (2) was entangled in the propeller of Vessel (1) and the bow of Vessel (2) was pulled into the water. No injuries were sustained. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0083
Date: 2012-09-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 03:30 A.M. on September 29, 2012 I was notified by GSP Gainesville about a boating incident that had occurred at War Hill Park on Lake Lanier in Forsyth County. I called Forsyth County 911 to get more information about the incident. Forsyth County 911 confirmed that there had been a boating incident and said that Forsyth County Deputies, as well as a Med Unit, were on scene at the campground located at War Hill Park.

At that time they were not sure where the people who had been on the boat were located. I responded and arrived around 04:30 A.M. at War Hill Park.
I met with two Forsyth County Deputies and they introduced me to the two men that had been on the boat. The deputies also informed me that the man who had been sitting on the bow of the boat at the time of the accident had been ejected from the boat had refused medical treatment.  I interviewed Occupant who was intoxicated at the time.  He had burns on the side of this head and neck.  He informed me that these burns had occurred after the boating incident as a result of falling into the campfire.
I also interviewed the driver of the boat. Operator informed me that he did not have any injuries.  I screened Operator for BUI and recorded the results.  He did not meet the criteria for BUI.
After screening Operator I went with him to see the boat. It was grounded in the cut at the end of War Hill Park at the campground. Operator stated that there was no damage to his boat.  I could see no obvious damage to the boat.
On October 1, 2012 occupant came to the DNR Office in Gainesville.  He stated that he had gone to the doctor on Saturday afternoon the day after the accident.  The doctor informed him that he had two cracked vertebrae in his neck.


BARDID: GA-2012-0084
Date: 2012-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:20:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LANIER
NearestCityTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was pulling up to the dock in sunset cove to park. subject reached out to the dock in an attempt to stop the boat. As he caught the dock with his left hand the boat struck his left elbow causing his arm to be crushed between the dock and the boat. The impact caused his left arm to break above his wrist. He was treated on scene by Hall County Fire and transported to Northeast GA Medical Center for treatment.  "


BARDID: GA-2012-0085
Date: 2012-07-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: NOTTELY LAKE
NearestCityTown: BLAIRSVILLE
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Shift
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
"On July 17, 2012 I received a call from GSP Gainesville that someone had rented a boat from Nottely Marina on Nottely Lake and that they had hit something and damaged one of their rental boats.  I responded to the area from Rabun County.  Upon arriving at Nottely Marina I spoke to the owner and she advised me that a subject had rented one of their pontoon boats and called them around 16:00 pm and told them to come and pick them and the boat up because it had broke down.  Then he called and told them to come to the cabin he was renting and pick up their boat because it was broke down and that he was not going to pay them.  Upon inspecting the boat after the marina workers brought it back to the Marina, it appeared that there was some tree bark in the front of the boat and the boat would only go forward even if it was put in reverse.  There didn't appear to be any visual damage to the external part of the propeller and out-drive.  Myself and Union County Deputy went to the cabin where Operator was and interviewed him.  He said that he and his son were fishing in a cove and the boat was drifting close to a tree so he started the boat and went to put it in reverse and it went forward instead and ran up under a tree almost striking his son in front of the boat.  Operator said he called the Marina and asked them to come get them but they didn't have anyone to respond at that time.  He said that he was able to get in the water and push the boat back into the deeper water and drove it back to the cabin they were renting.  He told me no one was injured in the boat and that he didn't want to drive the boat all the way back to the Marina because it was damaged. ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0086
Date: 2012-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:50:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: NOTTELY LAKE
NearestCityTown: BLAIRSVILLE
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
"On August 4, 2012 at 15:50 RFC was contacted via cell phone by the Union County Dispatch in reference to a boating incident that occurred on Nottely Lake. RFC advised GSP Gainesville of the incident by radio and arrived at the scene at 16:16. RFC spoke to the operator of the vessel Operator. Operator stated that he was pulling his wife on a tube in the area of point 6 on Nottely Lake. Operator made a right turn and the tube hit a wake causing his wife to fall off the tube hurting her right shoulder. Operator helped his wife into the boat and drove her to their dock where he called 911. The victim was loaded into a Union County Ambulance and was transported to the Union General ER for treatment. RFC obtained the information from the operator, the victim and vessel at the scene. RFC met Operator at Union General ER where Operator wrote a statement. " I took wife for a tube ride at mile marker 6. We went about 200 yards and I made a right turn. I was traveling aproximately 21mph. The tube went to the left and flipped on the wake. wife flipped off the tube." (See written statement) tuber was in the ER and had been administered pain medication for her injury so a statement was not obtained.    ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0087
Date: 2012-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
AccidentCause2: Failure to vent
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
"The reporting officer received a call from the Bartow County Sheriffs Office that a vessel was on fire and that the operator had jumped from the vessel and was attempting to swim to shore.  The dispatcher for the Sheriffs Office stated that this was occurring just north of the dam.  Upon the reporting officers arrival the operator of the vessel had made it to shore and was being checked out by EMS.  Operator stated he launched his vessel from the Coopers Branch boat launch.  Operator stated he was attempting to get the boat on plane when he heard a popping noise.  Operator stated when he turned around to see were the noise came from he noticed his boat was on fire.  Operator stated he attempted to put the fire out with the fire extinguisher but was unable to do so.  Operator stated after the fire extinguisher ran out and the fire was still burning he exited the boat and swam to shore.  The Bartow County Fire Department responded to the scene and put the fire out.  Operator was treated and released at the scene by EMS with no injuries.     ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0089
Date: 2012-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BURTON
NearestCityTown: CLAYTON
County: RABUN
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
RedactedNarrative:
"On September 3, 2012 at approximately 12:20 pm I got a call from the Rabun County 911 center and they said that someone had struck a submerged tree on Lake Burton with their boat above Camp High Harbor.  They also said that the boat was a rental boat and they gave me the contact information for the owners.  I called the lady from the rental company, and she told me that the boat had some damage to the underside of it and that it was sinking.  I responded to the area of Camp High Harbor and located the boat at a dock that the boat owners did house work for.  The owners were there with the boat and they allowed me to examine the underside of the boat which had some fiberglass damage from where the propeller struck it and the drive shaft was bent.  Also the brass fins on the bottom of the boat were bent.  The rudder was completely gone and the propeller was bent as well.  The engine was also leaking water from each side of it.  I asked the owner how much monetary damage did he estimate was done to the boat and he said around $3,000.00.  He also said that it could be more or less, depending on a more thorough examination.  I asked the owner what was the name and phone number of the person that was renting and operating the boat and he gave me the man's phone number.  I was able to call him and meet with him at the cabin he was renting on Murray Cove Road.  The operator said that he was traveling up in the narrow area of the lake just above Camp High Harbor and he met a boat that was towing a skier.  Then he said that he turned the boat and headed toward the right side of the lake to miss them and when he did so, he hit a submerged tree that was about a foot underneath the water.  He said that none of his 7 passengers were injured and that none of them fell overboard.  I asked (the operator) to write me out and statement explaining what happened and he did so. I asked (the owner of the boat) about the status of the registration since it was expired, and he said that they were in the process of transferring the boat registration over to his son.  ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0090
Date: 2012-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:58:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was driving the boat, and subject was being towed. The boat hit a wake. victim was sitting in the front of the boat. Her right arm hit the metal rail and was broken. The boat met me at Harbor Point. I had a med unit come and pick up victim.  ,"


BARDID: GA-2012-0091
Date: 2012-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:26:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BURTON
NearestCityTown: CLAYTON
County: RABUN
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On August 1st, 2012, at approximately 1700 hours, victim was attempting to ski on Lake Burton.  He was trying to get up on one ski, when he fell forward, falling on top of the water and/or on top of the ski, injuring his left hip. 
 
His injuries included a fractured left hip (in four places = shattered hip).  His Doctor claimed that surgery would not be performed and subject looking at a 4-6 week recovery.


BARDID: GA-2012-0095
Date: 2012-05-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:51:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: WILMINGTON RIVER
NearestCityTown: THUNDERBOLT
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
The wind was light out of the South Southeast and the current was strong moving outbound in a southerly direction with high tide at 0729 hours (8.6 foot high tide). Operator was the skipper and only passenger aboard the vessel “Duso” an aluminum hulled 46 foot sailing vessel. Operator received fuel from the Savannah Bend Marina was attempting to dock at Hinckley Yacht Services marina for an overnight stay. At Hinckley there are two docks one dock extends North and the other extends south with a hoist slip in between the two docks The J-30 was on the North dock facing South where Operator was trying to dock. 

The Beneteau was on the South dock facing North. Operator attempted to hail Hinckley over VHF radio without success. Operator was headed South with the current alongside the dock and began slowing down. Operator advised that he could not slow the boat down enough due to the current pushing the boat. Operator began a turn to change direction Operator stated the boat made contact with a Beneteau Oceanis 311 sailboat "Da Sind Wir" docked and unoccupied both boats made contact starboard bow to starboard bow. There was no damage to Operators boat however the Beneteau received some scrapes and scratches    Operator turned his boat into the current and went forward on his boat to adjust the docking lines for a port side docking attempt. The bow of Operator's vessel turned hard to port and squarely struck the docked and unoccupied blue hulled J 30 sailboat "Ronin" just aft of amidships on the port side. This impact crushed the hull to deck edge of the J 30 and significant scratching of the hull. Operator's boat received a dent on the bow and scratching down the port side of the bow.  I photographed the damage to the hulls of each boat from their respective decks. I interviewed the witnesses, employee at Hinckley, he saw Operator's vessel circling in the river and then came alongside the dock in an attempt to dock. Hinckley employee advised Operator was going to fast. Hinckley employee saw Operator side swipe the Beneteau sailing vessel, then turn the vessel around and leave the helm to move lines. Hinckley employee observed Operator's boat strike the J-30 in a T-bone type fashion. Hinckley employee and other dock staff helped Operator dock his boat. Hinckley employee asked Operator about the accident. Hinckley employee believed Operator was a little slow to respond. I also spoke to witness2 , employee at Hinckley. Hinckley employee2 was on the dock adjacent to where the J-30 was docked. Hinckley employee2 stated when Operator was docking, but could not slow down Operator continued past the North dock and his inflatable dinghy trailing behind Operator's boat caught on the tip of the South dock which swung Operator's boat sideways toward the Beneteau. Hinckley employee2 also observed the collision with the J-30 and heard a loud bang indicating the impact was significant.                                                                                                               

My investigation indicates that Operator did not properly judge the speed and direction of the current when he attempted to dock (common practice is to approach a dock into the current affording the operator with more control and less boat speed.) Operator's vessel was pushed by the current and his dinghy should have been secured closer to the vessel to eliminate fouling of the lines and vessel with other adjacent objects in the water. Operator has a considerable amount of sailing experience starting sailing in 1961 and has owned Duso since 1980 so he is very familiar with the vessels handling characteristics. Operator is responsible for the damages incurred by the collisions.  Operator was not under the influence of any substance.                 


BARDID: GA-2012-0096
Date: 2012-09-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:03:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHIMNEY CREEK
NearestCityTown: TYBEE ISLAND
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
According to news media reports, the victim was witnessed as falling overboard his boat.  A resident was unable to resusitate him after they recovered his body.


BARDID: GA-2012-0097
Date: 2012-11-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LEWIS CREEK
NearestCityTown: COX
County: MCINTOSH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
     On 11/21/2012 at approximately 0830 hours, I was notified by Cpt. of a boating fatality that occurred in McIntosh County in Lewis Creek on 11/15/2012.  Cpt. advised that I would assist in investigating the boating fatality.  
     On Friday,11/23/2012 I met with RFC at the Brunswick office to examine and photograph the vessel involved in the incident.  The vessel had been turned over, but was brought back to the office by RFC to be photographed.  When it was returned to the office many of the items from inside the vessel, as well as the motor, had been removed.  I photographed the vessel with RFC at the Brunswick office and recorded the damage on the bow.  I also received photographs from RFC and Sgt. and an autopsy report from Sgt. 
      Based on the physical evidence at the scene and the statements of RFC, it is my opinion that:  Victim was operating his vessel generally in a South-Southeast direction toward Stud Horse Creek.  The vessel hit a stump in the water, knocking the motor off of the vessel and Victim overboard.  Victim drowned and was recovered near the stump.  
This report is based solely on the information made available to me at the time I received them and the results may be changed or modified with the discovery of new information.  
 ***


BARDID: GA-2012-0099
Date: 2012-09-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:59:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: DUNGENESS
NearestCityTown: ST MARYS
County: CAMDEN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Unkn
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 9-15-2012 I was contacted about a boat incident on Cumberland River. I met the operator of the 2nd vessel at the meeting street Boat Ramp. He advised that he was at anchor in the Cumberland River at the mouth to Dungeness around marker 31. While at anchor he noticed a barge and tug coming towards his boat. He said that he did not notice anybody at the wheel of the tug and the barge was getting closer, about that time the barge struck his vessel on the port side bow and when down that side causing several places to be damaged. He said that he spoke to the Captain of the tug and who Identified himself and that he gave Operator1 his information and told he would fix his boat. I then talked to Operator2 who state that he lost power and was drifting, he went down below to fix the problem and he was not sure if he was still drifting when he struck the other boat or had just regained power and was in reverse. He stated that he stopped and gave Operator1 his information and told he would fix his boat End Of Report.  


BARDID: GA-2012-0100
Date: 2012-08-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: People on Gunwale, Bow, or Transom
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
On August 18, 2012, Cpl. and I were on a vessel stop at Russell Bridge when we noticed MR1 (Hall County Emergency Vessel) headed north with its lights and sirens going at approximately 4:30 PM.  We called and found out that there had been a boating incident out from the gas docks of Aqua Land Marina in Flowery Branch Creek.  We responded to the scene at approximately 4:40 PM and found the paramedics working on a subject.  The paramedics transported the victim from their boat to MR1 and took the victim to the nearest dock.  Cpl. and I identified the operator of the vessel, and got information from the rest of the subjects onboard.

The subjects stated that Victim was sitting on the bow of the boat with her legs dangling off the front of the boat.  Witness1 stated that she saw the victim fall from the boat and felt a bump toward the back of the boat.  Operator stated that he was towing a skier  and the rest of the passengers told him to stop cause she had fell off and was in the water.  He looked back to see where to pick up his friend and saw two people in the water.  He stated that he heard yelling for help and he stopped the vessel and jumped in to help.   
Cpl. and I escorted subjects and vessel to the dock where two people wrote out witness statements of the incident.
The vessel was rented from AQUA SPORTS ADVENTURES ENT INC.  
The victim was transported to Gwinnett Medical Center by land and the subjects and vessel were released at the scene.  
I, RFC, think that operator inexperience played a crucial role in the event that took place.  Having last than ten hours of experience overall and only being on this particular vessel for approximately an hour, stated by Operator.  I also asked him if he had any education in boating and he stated that, “only by other people”, and I said whenever you rent a vessel.  He said "Yes."  Along with the fact that Victim should have not been riding the bow with her legs dangling, the operator is responsible for the vessel including safety equipment and persons on board.  The lake was very active at the time and the water was very wavy.  All of the passengers, except Witness1, attention was at the back of the vessel watching the person being towed.  Unrealizing that a person had fell overboard until it was too late.
I called the suspected operator, on August 23, 2012, of the vessel and stated to him that I needed to meet with him in reference to the boating incident.  He stated that he was going to leave for college on Saturday August 25, 2012.  I called him back and asked would today, August 24, 2012 be a good time.  He stated that he had to do some shopping for school but he should be home.  I told him that I would call him around 3:00 PM.
At 4:21 PM I called Operator in reference to meeting with him.  He stated that he was at his residence and would be there for a while.  He also stated that if possible could this be done over the phone and I told him that I needed to see him in person.  He stated that, that was ok.  I told him that I would arrive in about thirty minutes.  
I arrived at Operator's residence at approximately 5:00 PM.  A family friend met me at the door and stated that Operator had already left.  He stated that he was scared of the whole matter and was not going to speak to anybody about it.  Friend stated that they had talked with an attorney and that they had advised them not to talk.  I told Friend that he had all rights to do so but I was not there to discuss the matter.  I was there in reference to a viola


BARDID: GA-2012-0101
Date: 2012-05-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:46:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: FLINT RIVER
NearestCityTown: OGLETHORPE
County: MACON
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/12/2012, I received a call from Ogelthorpe Police Chief in reference to a possible drowning in the Flint river, south of Hooks Landing.  I advised Chief that we would be on the way.  I asked him to have his officer at the scene to call me which was Officer.  Off. called me and said that EMS was down river with victim and that he had almost cut his hand off when his motor hit an underwater object which knocked the motor off of the transom and landed in the boat with the two occupants.  I placed a call to Sgt. and DNR SOC and advised them of the situation.  RFC and I arrived at Hooks Landing and met Fire Chief.  Chief updated us with a brief description of the incident.  While preparing to launch our patrol vessel, another person drove up and told us that he had picked up the victim by boat, and taken him to Stagecoach rd. to meet with EMS.  Other person stated that we could follow him to Denton's Landing (private) and he would take us to the incident location in his boat.  After getting with Other person, we went down river approximately 1/2 mile and met rescue personnel going back to the landing along with occupant. We briefly spoke with Occupant about Operator's injuries and also inquired if she was injured or not.  She said that she was not injured.  We continued to where their boat was tied up.  Once we arrived, RFC Lawrence began taking numerous pictures of the boat.  We tied the boat to Other person's boat and brought it back to Denton's Landing. 

     RFC and I went to the Flint River Community Hospital Emergency Room to meet with victim and Occupant to take a report.  I took several pictures of left hand and asked Occupant if she could give me a detailed description of what had taken place.  Occupant stated in writing and verbally that while heading up the river towards Hooks Landing, her husband sped the boat up after coming around a curve and into a straight away when the motor flew up in the boat with them toward her husband and he pushed it off of himself.  Occupant stated that the motor fell into the water.  She then wrapped her husband's hand in a towel to keep pressure on it.  Occupant said that they drifted a short distance when she was able to tie their boat to the bank of the river and called 911.  I asked Occupant about the type of outboard that it was and she said that it was a new 20 horsepower motor, one that you operate while sitting in the back of the boat.  
    
     On 5/20/12, I met with Operator at his residence to get a written statement from him. Operator stated that while coming up river towards Hooks landing, he hit a stump and the motor did a somersault into the boat with him and landed between his legs.  Operator said that while trying to push the motor away from him, he noticed that he had cut his hand. Operator also said that his wife wrapped his hand up in a towel and called 911.  they drifted approximately 60 to 70 yards to where they tied up the boat and waited for help to arrive. Operator said that on Thursday  (5/17/12) that he and son went to the river and recovered his motor from the river bottom.  End of report.  ***


BARDID: GA-2012-0102
Date: 2012-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER
NearestCityTown: BLAKELY
County: EARLY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
MachineryFailure: Steering
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
	At approximately 21:00 hours on the evening of June 2nd, I was contacted by DNR-LE Region 5 supervisor, Capt. As the CIRT investigator (Critical Incident Reconstruction Team) for the area, Capt. was calling to notify me and initiate the investigation of a fatal boating incident that had occurred. At the time of notification, he had limited details other than it involved a single boat and a missing passenger, who was presumed drowned. Capt. advised that he was en route to the location and that local Rangers were on scene gathering information from the boat operator and witnesses. He also indicated that a mechanical issue with the boat was suspected. I requested that Capt. have the Rangers seize and secure the involved boat to aid me in my investigation. Capt. notified me at 03:30 hours that the victim's body had been recovered.  

	The following morning, I traveled to the Early County Sheriff's Office where the seized boat was secured. I was met there by Ranger First Class, the lead officer in the previous evening's events, who briefed me on the incident.

Details: The incident occurred in Early County on the Chattahoochee River at an area locally known as “Smith's Bend”. The boat operator was towing Subject on a ski-tube behind the boat. Operator stated that as he was “making a wild turn”, the boat's steering cable snapped causing the boat to “turn(ed) very sharp”. This abrupt and unexpected change in direction resulted in an on-board passenger to be thrown overboard. The passenger had been seated in the bow of the boat and acting as an observer when the incident occurred. Operator identified the general area where Victim went in the water and Rangers, using a side-scan sonar unit, located and recovered Victim's body from the bottom of the river. RFC stated that Victim had severe trauma to his right arm and head that was likely caused by propeller strikes. 

Inspection of the vessel: The boat involved was a 1989 Procraft “Family Fisher 170” [Alabama Registration # AL6345LG, HIN # MPDT1160A989]. The fiberglass hull was a design typically referred to as a “Fish and Ski” and was powered by an Evinrude 150 horsepower, outboard engine [ Model # E150STLCOS]. The boat's dimensions were 17 feet long (bow to stern) with an 84-inch beam width. The manufacturer's capacity plate was mounted in the operator's console area and listed the boat's occupant capacity as 5 persons or 650 pounds and a maximum horsepower rating of 115 horsepower. The boat's exterior showed signs of wear and damage consistent with frequent use and exposure to the elements over a long period. Some of the damaged areas noted included;  a cracked and poorly repaired area on the underside of the boat's hull, below the waterline near the stern (note: a large volume of standing water was present in the rear access hatch); the engine's cowling was removed and evidence of numerous repairs to the power-head were visible (note: Operator stated that the cowling was off at the time of the incident due to repairs that had been made earlier in the day while at the incident location); the engine's “remote control” throttle/shift controller had a broken neutral lock-in release; the lower unit of the engine had damage to the skeg (there was an approx. 5-degree right-to-left bend) and the leading edge of one of the propeller's three blades was broken and missing. Due to the nature of this incident, part


BARDID: GA-2012-0103
Date: 2012-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE WF GEORGE
NearestCityTown: LUMPKIN
County: STEWART
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
We arrived on scene at 2040 hours. Upon arrival at the scene, we found the boat, a Ranger bass boat partially sunk and tied to a stump on the Northeast bank of the channel. The vessel is a model 390V Ranger bass boat registration number GA 6220 WY. The hull identification number on the vessel is RNG94038C787. The vessel has a Honda four stroke engine 225 horse power model number BF225A.
    We met Russell County Alabama Sheriff's Deputies who were already on scene. We were told that only one vessel was involved in the incident, that one person had walked away from the scene and two people were missing. The person who walked away from the scene was later identified. Survivor had returned to the scene with the Russell County Sheriff Deputies. I spoke with Survivor and he said he had been fishing with two people. Survivor said they were heading back to the boat landing at Bluff Creek Campground. Survivor said Operator was driving the boat.  Survivor states in his written statement they had traveled up to River Bend to look.  Survivor said Operator got a call while at River Bend and he told the person on the phone he had scared both Survivor and Victim2 due to his fast driving. Operator told Survivor they were doing 80 mph on way up to River Bend.  Survivor said on the way back they went "a little slower but not much".  Survivor said he believed the vessel was going between 60 and 70 mph.  Survivor said as they went into the section of the river where the incident occurred "the river bent to the left but we were heading straight".  Survivor said "Operator turned the boat and hit the hot foot".  Survivor said the boat turned but he could feel it "skipping across the water".   Survivor said he looked up and saw a sand spot, but does not remember hitting it. Survivor said he did remember hearing the boat break up as it hit the tree.  Survivor said he was thrown out of the boat into the water. Survivor said he made it to shore and he then saw one of the other occupants floating about 25 yards from shore. Survivor said he cannot swim and was disoriented so he did not swim back out to try and rescue the person in the water. Survivor said he set on shore for what seemed to be a couple of hours hoping another boat would come by to help. Survivor said when no boat came he walked out to a nearby road to go get help. Survivor was picked up by a passerby and was taken to a nearby store. At the store he spoke to Alabama Trooper. Survivor told Trooper \what had occurred and that they needed to get help out there right away. Survivor then returned to the scene with the Russell County Sheriff's Deputies.
    Columbus Fire Department Dive Team also arrived on the scene and began a grid search for the bodies in the water. Sea Tow had been contacted by the Russell County Sheriff's Office and had arrived on the scene to assist in looking for the bodies. Subject used his side scan sonar to locate a body later identified as Victim2. Columbus Fire Department divers recovered the body of Victim2's  about 25 yards from the shore at


BARDID: GA-2012-0104
Date: 2012-03-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:34:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SEMINOLE
NearestCityTown: DONALSONVILLE
County: SEMINOLE
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Thursday March 29, 2012 at approximately 9:30 am, I responded to a boating incident at Desser Landing in Seminole County. subject informed me that on Wednesday March 28, 2012 at approximately  7:45 p.m., he and his grandfather wrecked his bass tracker boat. Operator stated while operating the boat, his grandfather asked him to look inside the live well at the fish they just caught.  Operator stated he was running about 30 mph with the trim all the way up on the motor.  As he looked back in the live well, he lost control of the vessel running through about three feet of reeds and striking a tree with the bow of the boat. Operator stated he was thrown from the vessel and his grandfather was  thrown in  the bottom of the vessel.  Both subjects were treated at the landing for minor injuries on Wednesday and released.  


BARDID: GA-2012-0105
Date: 2012-09-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: FLINT RIVER
NearestCityTown: BAINBRIDGE
County: DECATUR
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, August 19, 2012, at approximately 6:00 pm I received a call from Decatur 911 in reference to a boating incident that occurred on the Flint River.  The dispatcher informed me a tubing incident occurred on the Flint River and Decatur County EMS was in route to Flint River Heights Landing.  When I arrived at Flint River Heights Landing, Decatur County EMS had a white female on a back/spine board located in the boat.  After helping EMS remove victim from the vessel and securing her in the ambulance, I asked the remaining three subjects who operated the vessel.  At that time operator informed he was operating the vessel when the incident occurred, and he owns the vessel.  I asked Operator how long he was on the water today.  He informed me that they had been out since about 2:00 pm.  I then asked Operator how much alcohol he consumed today while he was operating the boat.  He stated he had one beer, and he would do any field sobriety I asked.  At that time I performed some field sobriety exercises on Operator.   He showed no signs of impairment or alcohol in his system.  I then asked Operator how the incident occurred.  Operator stated he was heading north pulling a tube and got to Reynolds Sand Bar.  When he arrived at the sandbar, he turned his vessel around causing the tube to get close to the sand bar and throwing the girls into very shallow water.   Operator informed me that two people were on the tube when the incident occurred.  Operator stated one subject went unconscious after the incident occurred.  Operator gave a written statement of what occurred along with the passage of the vessel.  I then drove to Bainbridge Hospital and interviewed two people.  Both subjects' statements coincided with Operator's statement.  Medical records stated minor bruising no serious injuries.  
 ***


BARDID: GA-2012-0106
Date: 2012-05-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:15:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER
NearestCityTown: COLUMBUS
County: MUSCOGEE
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
RedactedNarrative:
         I met with Operator and had him tell me what happened when he launched the boat. Operator said that he had just gotten the boat from an individual on a trade. Operator went on to say that he had traded an aluminum boat and a $2500.00 rifle for the 1985 Peterson. After launching the boat, Operator tied it up to the dock and went to park his truck. Operator went back down to the boat and said that he sat at the dock for a few minutes getting familiar with the vessel. Operator then left the dock and got approximately 50 - 75 yards away when he noticed water in the bottom of the boat. Operator said that he then noticed water coming from the compartments near the transom. While the boat was sinking, Operator said that he stood up in the boat and attempted to call the individual he had got the boat from. It was at this time due to the weight shift, the bow of the boat started to sink as well. Operator then jumped out of the boat and had to swim to the Alabama side of the river where he was later picked up by another boat. 
          The boat floated down stream approximately 3/4's of a mile and was eventually pulled to the Alabama shore by a fisherman. I along with Operator went down the river walk and found an area where we could see the boat from the Georgia side of the river. I gathered what information I needed for the report and told Operator to call me when he recovered the vessel so that I could attempt to determine what caused it to sink. A few hours later Operator called me and said that he had paid someone to tow the boat back to the boat ramp. Operator said that the boat was upside down and that he could see a damaged area in the fiberglass that caused the boat to sink. I informed Operator to leave the boat as it was until I arrived so that I could inspect the damaged area. When I arrived back at the boat ramp, Operator had loaded the boat back on  the trailer. Operator showed me an area on the port side of the vessel where some silicone had been smeared on a fracture. It was apparent that this small area did not cause the boat to sink. Operator then said that there was another area on the bottom of the boat that had been repaired and that it was about an inch long. This area could not be seen due to the boat being on the trailer, but it didn't seem to be the cause of the sinking either. 
          I asked Operator where the boats plug was since he had told me earlier he had seen it in the transom. Operator said that when he flipped the boat upright he had seen the plug floating in the transom area. I told him plugs don't usually float and asked him was he sure that the plug was in the boat at the time it was launched and had he definitely seen it when the boat was turned upright. Operator said that he was sure he had seen the plug. I searched all through the transom area for the plug and couldn't find it. The water at the end of the boat ramp was also searched and the plug was not found. 
          In conclusion, it is my opinion that the transom plug was never in the boat. Due to the amount of water that the boat took on in a matter of approximately 20 minutes, the plug is the only viable conclusion. The boat took on water in the transom area where Operator couldn't see it. When Operator put the boat into reverse to leave the dock it only took on more water. The boat was then shifted into forward and the water shifted causing it to flood the floor of the boat and come out the transom compartments.


BARDID: GA-2012-0107
Date: 2012-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: WEST POINT LAKE
NearestCityTown: WEST POINT
County: TROUP
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
     I arrived on scene and gathered what information I could from the first officers that responded. I was told that the victim was riding her sons PWC and had crashed into a pile of rocks along the shore. Witnesses claimed that Operator was ejected from the PWC and landed on the rock pile. I observed several areas on the sand and rocks that contained blood from Operator. The status of Operator was still unknown at the time and there was speculation of a serious back injury. The PWC was supposedly still floating in the position that it was found in and it appeared to be about 10 feet from the shoreline. 
     I began my investigation by searching the area around the rock pile to determine if the PWC had indeed struck the bank from a perpendicular position. It appeared at first that this was the case, but after looking down the shoreline to the west, I found where the PWC had actually been running horizontal to the shoreline. I located what I believed to be the first rock visible under the waters surface that the PWC struck and marked the trail with yellow flags back to the rock pile. After determining this path, I marked the path that the PWC took after Operator was ejected. I photographed the path that had been marked in yellow flags and took measurements of the overall path. I also took the measurement from the initial rock I found that the PWC came in contact with to the rock pile on the shore. The overall length of the path the PWC traveled was 74 feet. Operator traveled 39.8 feet before striking the rock pile and being ejected. I then photographed the PWC in the location where the first officers on the scene said they had found it. Laying on the shore where they had been placed from EMS personnel was Operator PFD and the PWC safety lanyard. The PFD contained several blood stained areas and I photographed it as I found it. The GPS coordinates of the scene were taken and I sketched the incident area.
     Corporal towed the PWC back to the boat landing at Earl Cook Park where I could perform a damage assessment of the PWC. There was relatively little damage to the PWC other than some chipping to the fiberglass and some scuff marks to the gel coat. All of the damage that I believed to be a result of the incident was photographed and sketched. When I was finished with the damage assessment, I took the PWC to the camp host where the owner was going to pick it up later that evening. 
     I went to the Columbus Medical Center where I met with Operator and her son, the owner of the PWC involved in the crash. It was at this time that I was finally able to determine the exact injuries Operator had sustained. Those injuries were a broken right wrist, 2 lacerations to the right forearm that required stitches, and a laceration to the right temple that also required stitches. I was also able to interview Operator about the incident. Operator said that this was the first time she had been on a PWC and was really inexperienced. Operator said that she was not paying attention to what she was doing or where she was going. Operator then said that she realized she was about to hit the shoreline and that there was no evasive maneuvers taken to avoid the incident. Operator estimate


BARDID: GA-2012-0108
Date: 2012-06-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:44:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SINCLAIR
NearestCityTown: EATONTON
County: PUTNAM
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On June 26, 2012 I, Rfc, was dispatched to a boating incident on Lake Sinclair in the Rooty Creek area.  I made contact with Cpl. at Little River park where all parties were located.  He advised me that five of the occupants of the vessels involved were being transported to Macon Medical Center and two other occupants were unharmed and he was taking statements from them.  Sgt. arrived on scene a short time later and got on Lake Sinclair to retrieve one of the vessels that was still at the incident location.

Once information was obtained about the occupants that were being transported to Macon Medical Center I spoke with the two occupants that were left behind.  One occupant stated that they had been fishing and they just took off from an area in Rooty Creek.  He went on to say that the vessel they were in, Triton bass boat, had just planned off when they saw the boat and it was too late.  Once they struck vessel #1, pontoon boat, they put all occupants from vessel #1 into vessel # 2 and called 911 and transported them to Little River park to meet the ambulance.  One occupant stated that he did not see any lights running on Vessel #1 which was anchored at the time of impact.  Occupant2 stated that he was facing to the rear of Vessel #2 and said that when the Vessel #2 planned out they struck Vessel #1.  Occupant2 also stated that they got everyone on board of Vessel #2 and took them to Little River park. Written statements were taken from both of them.  After statements were taken occupant1 and Occupant2 assisted me in loading Vessel #2 onto its trailer so that it could be transported to the Region IV office for processing.  

After Vessel #2 was loaded Sgt. returned to Little River park with Vessel #1.  I then took pictures of the vessel and the damages and we then were able to find the trailer for Vessel #1 and pull it out of the water.  While Sgt. finished attaching Vessel #1 to his truck I left the scene and took Vessel #2 to the region office.  Sgt. transported Vessel #1 to the region office as well.  Once myself and Sgt. arrived at the region office both Vessel #1 and Vessel #2 were left and locked behind a secure gate.  I then left Sgt. at the region office and went to Macon Medical Center to speak with the remaining occupants.  

Once at Macon Medical Center I attempted to make contact with the occupants in the emergency room.  The emergency room staff advised me that occupant3 would not be available for a statement because  they were conducting emergency surgery on him.  I then went and talked to Operator1.  Operator1, the owner of Vessel #1, stated that he and the occupants of Vessel #1 were anchored in the Rooty Creek area doing some night fishing.  He went on to say that his brother was sitting in the back with him and the two juveniles were sitting in the front of the boat.  As they were sitting there Operator stated that he heard Vessel #2 take off and he then saw the vessel.  Operator went on to say that he noticed Vessel #2 get closer and closer to them and finally he stated that he yelled for everyone to hit the deck.  Operator stated that he does not remember if he was even able to get on the floor of Vessel #1 in time but he does remember falling into the water.  Operator went on to say that once in the water he started yelling for his brother and the juveniles to make sure that they were ok.  Operator advised me that he and his brother were ejected from Vessel #1 but the two juvenile were still sitting in the vessel after the incident.  Operator stated that Vessel #2 was able to get all occupants of Vessel #1 into the boat and transport them to Little River.  Operator stated that both his front and rear lights were burning at the time of the incident.  I then asked Operator where his stern light was located on Vessel #1 and he stated that it was attached to the canopy of the pontoon.  Operator's statement


BARDID: GA-2012-0109
Date: 2012-04-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: CLARKS HILL LAKE
NearestCityTown: APPLING
County: COLUMBIA
WaterConditions: Rough
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
On 04032012 at approximately 0155 hrs I received a phone call from Department of Natural Resources SOC stating that Lincoln County Sheriffs Office needed to speak to a DNR officer.  I called LCSO and was advised of a possible boating incident.  I made contact with the on-scene deputy (Deputy) and he advised that on the Lincoln County side of Little River a boat had been over-taken by rough water and further stated that the operator and passenger were standing-by with him.  I responded to the incident location (arrival time approximately 0242 hrs) and observed a partially sunken vessel in the water approximately 50-75 yards northwest of the Little River Bridge.  The operator was identified.  Both subjects advised that they launched the vessel at approximately 1830-1900 hrs on 04022012 from the Cherokee Boat Ramp in Lincoln County and proceeded to the Little River Bridge to fish.  Operator advised that his gas engine was not operational and that he was using only the trolling motor.  Operator stated that within minutes after arriving at the bridge a severe storm blew in from the east and the vessel began taking on water.  Operator advised that he attempted to maneuver the vessel to the northwest side of Little River to escape the high winds.  He advised that he attempted to tie-off on the rocks when the winds changed direction and began beating them against the shoreline.  At this time Operator and Occupant both decided to exit the vessel and wait the storm out from the shore.  Occupant stated that he tried to remove as many personal belongings as possible while the vessel was beginning to sink.  After both subjects were safely on the shore Operator called his wife to pick them up.  At this time I asked Operator to meet me at Pair of Jacks Convenience Store in order to get vehicles off of the roadway.  They provided written statements at this time.  
 ***


BARDID: GA-2012-0111
Date: 2012-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:59:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OCONEE
NearestCityTown: GREENSBORO
County: GREENE
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday, July 6, 2012, at approximately 17:00 hours, the victim was jumping a wake on a wake board when he landed incorrectly and broke his left leg.  According to witness statements, the victim then asked for the passengers of the vessel to call 911.  The operator of the vessel then jumped in the water to remove the left boot of the wake board and help the victim to shore.  Once EMS arrived on scene, the victim was transported to Athens Region Medical Center for further review.  It was determined that the victim received a compound fracture to his left lower leg resulting in the bone to break through the skin.  The wound was thoroughly cleaned and surgery to repair the injury is forth coming.   ***


BARDID: GA-2012-0112
Date: 2012-03-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:08:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OCONEE
NearestCityTown: GREENSBORO
County: GREENE
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On 3/24/2012 at approximately 1834 hrs., I received a call from Greene County dispatch in reference to a boating incident. Greene County dispatched advised that a seventeen year old female had fallen from a tube and had hurt her neck and back. While responding, dispatch advised due to the her injuries, she was being transported to the Greene County Airport in order to be airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital. While at the airport, I spoke to operator who advised he was the owner/operator of vessel one (and a friend of the victim) and was pulling a tube behind his ski boat that was occupied by the victim and one other person. Operator stated as he was pulling the tube back and forth when Victim fell off the tube and came up with a complaint to her neck and back. While talking with Operator, I never suspected Operator to be under the influence. To confirm this, Operator agreed to blow into my portable alco-sensor and tested negative for the presence of alcohol at 1910 hrs.. At 1932 hrs., victim was airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital. On 03/25/2012 at approximately 1000 hrs., I spoke to the Georgia Department Of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Section, and he advised Victim was released from Grady at 0040 hrs. on 3/25/2012. Cpl. advised the head nurse informed him that Victim had nothing acute/nothing broken and was steady on her feet. On 3/25/2012 at approximately 1630 hrs., I spoke to Victim by phone and she informed me that as she was being pulled by Operator when his vessel turned and the tube proceeded outside the wake causing her to flip backwards off the tube hitting the back of her head on the water. Victim admitted she was not holding on well. The tube Victim was riding measured 70" wide and 78" long. Vessel number one, the tube, and the rope all appeared to be in good working condition. Upon my investigation, vessel number one was being operated overloaded and with an expired registration. Photos were taken of the vessel and of the tube. Operator was warned for the above infractions. 


BARDID: GA-2012-0113
Date: 2012-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:20:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OCONEE/RICHLAND CREEK
NearestCityTown: GREENSBORO
County: GREENE
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 070512 around 0920 hours, I was contacted by the Department of Natural Resources Region Three office in reference to a boating incident on Lake Oconee.  Subject provided me a phone number for the complainant.  I called Complainant and he advised me a vessel had hit a dock and the boat was sitting on the shore.  I asked Complainant if there were any injuries and he stated he did not think anyone was injured.  I advised Complainant I would be en route after I dropped off a patrol boat.  I responded to the scene in the twenty two foot Pro Line.

I arrived on scene and saw damage to the right side of a dock and the seawall at the shoreline.  I also saw a vessel on the shore which was identified as a Cobalt.  I spoke with the owner of the dock and seawall.  Complainant stated the vessel came around the point while he and workers were working on his dock lights.  Complainant stated a female was driving the vessel and was looking towards the back of the vessel.  Complainant stated he and the two workers began yelling and waiving their arms in the air trying to get the operators' attention.  Complainant stated they ran off the dock and the vessel hit his dock and came to rest on the shoreline. I asked Complainant to complete a witness statement.

I spoke with the owner of the vessel.  I asked if they needed medical attention.  Operator stated he was a doctor and did not think they needed medical treatment at the time I was there.  I did note both had ice packs and was using them on the side of their head.  I asked Operator  what had happened.  Operator stated they had gotten a snake out of their vessel a day earlier and while they were cruising down the lake, a snake tried to enter the vessel through the back walkway.  Operator stated he instructed his wife to take the wheel while he tried to get the snake out of the vessel with a net mounted on a pole.  Operator stated he heard his wife scream and saw they were headed for a dock and tried to get to the wheel to turn the vessel.

I spoke with Wife.  Wife stated she took the wheel after she told her husband there was a snake in the boat.  Wife stated her attention was focused on the back of the vessel and did not know the vessel was turning for a dock and when she looked forward, it was too late to avoid the collision with the dock.

The vessel had damage on the port side along the first chine.  There was a hole in the vessel approximately three feet long by one and a half foot tall.  I was unable to see the damage on the bottom of the vessel.  The starboard side came to rest on small trees and did not seem to have damage.  The throttle also was all the way forward.  I took photographs and video of the scene with my vid mic.  They provided me with witness statements.  There was no alcohol involved in the incident.

I took the subjects by vessel to the Ritz.  The vessel was removed by Fricks Dock Builders, which was worked out between the two.  I advised the subjects that I would list them as a complaint of injury and advised them to call me if medical treatment was needed for either of them.

 ***


BARDID: GA-2012-0114
Date: 2012-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
(operator) was turning circles on PWC and was thrown off.  She received a laceration on the underside of her left arm from striking the PWC as she fell.  She was transported from Bald Ridge Marina by ambulance to Northside Hospital of Cumming where she was treated and released. ***


BARDID: GA-2012-0115
Date: 2012-08-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Person Departed Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On August 18, 2012, I was called out to investigate a drowning incident that occurred on Lake Lanier, shortly after midnight on August 18th.  I called the operator of the sailboat, and met him at approximately 14:23 hours at the Shady Grove Campground boat ramp.  

Operator said a passenger on his boat had jumped off the sailboat while it was under sail at around midnight and either swam off or possibly drowned.  Operator said Victim had been drinking.   Operator said Victim had pulled his clothes off and jumped over the rail into the water.  Operator said that it would have been a 300-400 yard swim from where they were to the shore.  Operator said the boat was illuminated, so he thought Victim would come back to the vessel.  Operator said he could not hear Victim anymore.  He said they hollered for Victim and circled back to try to find Victim, but did not find him.  Operator said he called 911 at approximately 0020 hours.

Operator said the party of four had left the campground around 9:00 pm.  Operator said Victim jumped in around midnight or shortly after.  I asked Operator what Victim was drinking.  Operator said he didn't really know, maybe Victim had a beer or two.  Operator said Victim was helping with the sails and didn't think that Victim was drunk.  I asked Operator where Victim was sitting in the vessel.  He said Victim was sitting on the starboard side, up against the transom.  He said the two other occupants were located inside the cabin and he was near the stern.

I took eight photographs of the sailboat

14:37hrs Vid mic recording

On September 3, 2012, I spoke with Operator on the phone to get some information for the boating incident report involving Victim.  I asked Operator if he had insurance on his sailboat.  Operator said that he did not have insurance for his boat. 
I told him that I thought it was odd for a man to jump in the water to urinate when it was more common for a man to stand near the edge of the boat and urinate.  Operator said Victim dove over the rail and swam away from the boat.  I asked him to explain what happened next and he said he turned down wind and came back around to the original location to find Victim.  There was a conversation between Victim and other occupant and, Operator said “I can't see you” to Victim.  A throw cushion was offered but not needed by Victim.  The wind picked up again, causing Operator to lose contact with Victim.  Operator said he thought for a second about getting in the water to search for Victim, but he knew the women on the vessel didn't know how to operate the boat, so he couldn't go in after Victim.
I asked Operator if he would draw a diagram of his vessel position on the lake and add direction of travel with a gibe maneuver, which was described as a maneuver that allowed the vessel to return to the original position, where Victim was last seen.    He said he would e-mail it to me.   

RFC 
17:30hrs 09/03/12


BARDID: GA-2012-0116
Date: 2012-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Below are the statements of the individuals involved in the incident.  From what I can gather the boats were tied up together in Sunset Cove.  The Coast Guard Auxiliary asked them to move for the "Wake Board Event."  Operator1 was waiting to move when the Master Craft being operated by Operator2 hit the starboard side of Operator1's Sea Ray in the middle above the water line.  The collision put a very large hole in the starboard side of the Master Craft.  No one was injured in this incident.

V1 STATEMENT:
At 6 pm we were tied up to two other boats one on each side. We were asked to move over for a wake boarding demonstration by some sort of coast guard, their boat said USMC on it. We then proceeded to untie all the boats and were getting ready to move over. I was waiting for the other 2 boats to move cause I was in the middle. The master craft to our right backed up and then went nose first into our boat. The Driver of the boat, Operator2, was very apologetic and said the throttle was more sensitive than he thought it was. The boat owner then got on the boat, and tried to sort out what happened. We exchanged numbers with both owner and Operator2. Operator2 gave us his number and his mothers number. Owner2 gave us his and his dad's, but the number he said was his dad's was not and he wont answer any phone calls to him. The mastercraft that hit us was mostly white with black and red trim. No one was hurt during the hit. Two people were onboard the boat when it was hit, but several others from another boat saw it, and several people on shore saw it happen.

OPERATOR2 STATEMENT:
I was on Owner2 boat tied up with two other boats and then the patrol boat at sunset cove told us to move closer to shore or to the docks. Owner2 was up on the beach and asked me to move it closer to the shore for him. I wasn't familiar with how touch sensitive the throttle was. The boat next to Owner2's boat untied our boats and I put the boat into reverse to move away from the boat. I put it into idle and barely moved the throttle out of idle when the boat sped up way too fast. 


BARDID: GA-2012-0117
Date: 2012-05-27 00:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SIDNEY LANIER
NearestCityTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Weather
MachineryFailure: Steering
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 backed out of it's dock located at Holiday Marina.  Vessel 1's steering system failed coupled with moderate winds.  Vessel 1 lost control and backed into Vessel 2.  Vessel 2 in a chain reaction hit Vessel 3 causing extensive damage to all three vessels.  Vessel 3 had major damage to the stern.  Vessel 2 had major damage to the hull on the port and starboard sides.  Vessel 2 also had damage to the windshield and front railing.  Vessel 3 had bent docking poles and transfer marks located at the stern.  A witness statement is included in this report. ***


BARDID: GA-2012-0118
Date: 2012-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SIDNEY LANIER
NearestCityTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
The operator of vessel 1 attempted to jump a wake on Lake Sidney Lanier.  The operator of vessel 1 landed and hurt his right hip.  The individual was transported to Northside Medical Center. ***


BARDID: GA-2012-0120
Date: 2012-05-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:55:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 was operating the boat at the time of the accident, and Vessel1 co-owner is the partial owner and was on board when it happened.  I asked them if anybody was hurt.  Vessel1 co-owner advised he fell off between the boats and had to dive under the boat to keep from being squeezed between them, but was unhurt.  The other boat that was involved was tied to the dock from before and no one was in it (although the owner had been called by the Marina and was present at the scene when I got there).  Vessel1 co-owner is a co-owner of this boat, a double decker pontoon boat, along with his daughter, (the boat is registered in her name).  The boat is named "Poly-AH-Chi Girl, and Vessel1 co-owner uses the boat to take out groups of people for birthday parties and such.  They had a group of people on the boat for a party when this incident happened (the subjects from the party were all gone when I arrived).  As they attempted to leave the dock, Operator1 engaged the accelerator stick a bit too much and had to go into reverse, then back into forward quickly.  They had been tied parallel to the dock and had to leave the dock at a funny angle.  There was also a strong wind that day, and it, along with the funny angle that the boat had to leave the dock (and possibly some inexperience of the operator) caused the pontoon boat to hit the docked boat. The bow tip of the port side pontoon hit the port side of the other vessel, amidship, puncturing the side with a 2' gash (approximately).  The Bimini top was also destroyed.  I advised Vessel1 co-owner his boat was at fault.  Vessel1 co-owner's boat is insured.  Vessel1 co-owner traded insurance information.  Vessel1 co-owner both made written statements that were sent via e-mail and are included in the final report.  


Note:  There was another boat that was somewhat involved, but not included in this report because it had barely no damage.  It was docked on the other side of the dock walkway from boat.  When the pontoon boat hit V2 boat, the dock lurched forward and very slightly damaged a boat. He was tying and covering his father's boat and saw the incident.  
The damage done to that boat was a 2-3 inch dent in the port side metal bumper strip.  V3 occupant called his father and told him and his father told him not to worry about it.  V3 father has made a written statement, included in the final report.


BARDID: GA-2012-0122
Date: 2012-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE ALLATOONA
NearestCityTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
     According to a statement Owner1, he and his family were on Lake Allatoona in his boat (1990 blue/white Rinker) on Father's Day around 1530 hours.  Owner1 said that a large party boat from Park Marina was drifting near his boat.  He noticed the boat getting closer to his to boat after the operator of the party boat started the engine and began to operate the boat in his direction.  Owner1 then had to pull his children from the water as they were swimming at the back of his boat.  The party boat then came into contact with his boat causing damage to the fiberglass.  
     After pushing the boats apart, Owner1 said the party boat took off at full speed.  The party boat had the anchor out.  When the party boat left Owner1 boat, the anchor line from the party boat caught Owner1 anchor line and dragged Owner1 boat across the water for a short distance.  The party boat finally stopped and the anchor lines were untangled and the party boat left the area.
     Owner1 provided me with an estimate for the repairs to his boat.  The estimate is from Calm Water Express, Inc. in Woodstock.  The estimate is detailed to the repairs to be made to Owner1' boat and is for $3, 853.25.  (See attachment for estimate repairs)  Owner1 also informed and sent me a link to a video of the incident that had been posted on You Tube.
     The video of the incident that Owner1 sent to me is inconclusive.  The video stops right before the boats collide.  I did notice the children swimming at the back of Owner1' boat.  The party boat could not be identified from this angle but you can tell that there is a large number of people on that boat.  
     I spoke to the rental manager at Park Marina.  Manager informed me that she did receive a call from a man saying that his boat was hit by a Park Marina boat.  Manager stated that the man described the people on the boat as "being latino and very rowdy."  Manager was not provided with any other description of the boat such as a boat letter or the Georgia registration number.  Manager checked the rental information from that day and time and gave me the information for a possible customer.  The information provided to me from Park Marina at this time and the video of the evidence from Owner1 was still inconclusive for the incident.
     On July 11, I was contacted by Park Marina about a new video of the incident that Owner1 was involved in on June 17.  The video is from the opposite angle of the video that Owner1 informed me about.  In this video you can see the party boat with several people on-board.  The party boat has the anchor line out on the right side near the stern and is towing a PWC (personal watercraft).  The party boat then takes off from almost hitting the boat where the incident is being filmed.  The party boat then goes toward the blue and white boat with the man (Owner1) in red shirt and shorts standing at the back of his boat.  Owner1 and passengers from the party boat try to keep the two boats from colliding.  The PWC that is being towed hits the back left corner of Owner1 boat.  The party boat then takes off again and the anchor line from the party boat and from Owner1 boat  gets tangled.  The party boat drags Owner1 boat across the water for a short distance.  The party boat is finally stopped and the anchor lines are untangled and the party boat leaves the area.
     After viewing the video, Park Marina sent me the information on the person who had rented the party boat in the videos.


BARDID: GA-2012-0124
Date: 2012-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:20:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE TOBESOFKEE
NearestCityTown: MACON
County: BIBB
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On July 4, 2012 Sgt. and I were patrolling Lake Tobesofkee by vessel.  At approximately 1620 hours we received a report of a boating incident near the Harbour Club Apartments across from Claystone Park.  Sgt. and I arrived at the scene at approximately 1631 hours.  I saw a Sunchaser pontoon boat with registration GA 6468 EM, which was involved in the incident, near the bank of the apartments.  I could hear children crying on the pontoon boat as we approached.  Additionally, I saw the other boat involved in the incident, a Welcraft cabin boat with registration GA 6056 UC, floating nearby.  I immediately boarded the pontoon boat as we pulled up to it.  I asked who was injured and I was told three juvenile ages six, nine, and fifteen were injured while being towed behind the pontoon boat on a tube.  Within minutes after I boarded the pontoon boat, EMS personnel arrived and I assisted with removing the victims from the boat.  Meanwhile, Sgt. was talking to the driver of the cabin boat.  While on the pontoon boat I noticed several beer bottles lying in the floor of the pontoon boat in a clear trash bag.  

After the victims were taken off the boat and being carried to ambulances I talked to Operator1, the driver of the pontoon boat.  Operator1 said he was towing the three victims on a tube behind the pontoon boat.  Operator1 told me he saw a boat to his left, looked back to his right, and the cabin boat was going across the rope he was using to tow the victims.  Operator1 admitted to consuming alcohol.  Operator1 stated he had "like one beer".  Cpl. was now on the scene and asked Operator1 to perform an alcosensor test.  Operator1 agreed and the alcosensor test showed a BAC of .036g.  Operator1 then left in an ambulance with his son.  All three victims were transported to the Medical Center of Central Georgia by ambulance.

After the victims left the scene I returned to the pontoon boat.  Fire Department personnel and I transported the pontoon boat to the Lake Tobesofkee Law Enforcement Dock where it was secured.  At the dock I performed a boating safety inspection on the pontoon boat.  The boat had all the required safety equipment onboard.  I noticed the tow rope mount and a large piece of aluminum had been ripped off the back of the pontoon boat due to the pressure on the rope when the tube struck the cabin boat.  After examining the pontoon boat and talking to the remaining pontoon occupants, I was able to determine there were nine people on the pontoon when the three children being towed struck the side of the cabin boat.

While I was at the dock, a third boat with two occupants who witnessed the incident arrived.  Both gave me written witness statements.  One person wrote in his witness statement that the pontoon boat was barely moving and the cabin boat was barely moving, if at all, when the tube hit the side of the cabin boat.  he stated the pontoon boat was angled in front of the cabin boat.  Additionally, he stated the cabin boat was barely moving, if at all, when the tube being pulled by the pontoon struck the cabin boat.  Both witnesses stated the tube struck the cabin boat while the cabin boat was either moving very slow or not moving at all.  They stated they jumped in the lake and rendered aide to the victims after the collision.


BARDID: GA-2012-0126
Date: 2012-03-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: FLINT RIVER
NearestCityTown: BAINBRIDGE
County: DECATUR
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On March 14,2012 I was advised by Ranger that there was a boat incident at Horseshoe Bend landing on the Flint River. I arrived by boat at Horseshoe Bend and spoke with Operator2 who was the operator of a 2007 21ft Ranger bass boat. Operator2 stated that he was traveling north on the Flint River on the right side of the channel and was traveling approximately 38mph. He observed a green Lowe boat traveling south on the left side of the channel. As the Lowe boat got closer to him the operator then turned left into his path. Operator2 stated that he turned hard right and cut the gas back to try to avoid a collision. Operator2 was unable to avoid a collision and struck the starboard side of the Lowe boat with the port side of his Ranger boat. Operator2's boat received damage to the underside of the port side of his boat, starting in the bow area and continuing down the length of his boat. The operator of the Lowe boat was identified. Operator1 was being treated by the Decatur county E.M.S when I arrived on scene and he was transported to Archbold Hospital in Thomasville for treatment. Cpl. was contacted and asked to meet the ambulance at the hospital and get statements. I told Cpl. that I would meet him there later that night at the hospital. When I arrived at the hospital I spoke with Operator1. I asked Operator1 what had happened on the river. He stated that he was traveling south on the Flint River. He observed Operator2's boat coming towards him at a high rate of speed. He said that he thought Operator2 was going to run into him so he turned to the left to try to avoid getting hit by Operator2. When operator1 turned left Operator2 turned right and the two vessels hit. Operator1 was struck on the starboard of his vessel near the stern. The impact caused severe damage to the starboard side and stern of his vessel. The impact knocked Operator1 into the floor of the boat and his boat was out of control. Operator2 and his passenger was able to get Operator1's boat stopped and towed him to Horseshoe Bend Landing to meet the ambulance. Operator1 received 12 stitches and had 3 broke ribs. He was treated and released from the hospital. Operator2 and his occupant were not injured. The incident could have been avoided if Operator1 would have followed the rules of the road and turned his vessel right instead of left into the path of Operator2s vessel.


BARDID: GA-2012-0127
Date: 2012-12-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OCONEE
NearestCityTown: GREENSBORO
County: GREENE
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated that at approximately 20:00 hours, he left his residence on his personal watercraft and began operating it at a high rate of speed as well as performing clock wise doughnuts on the lake.  At some point while operating, Operator grounded his vessel on some rocks that were connected to a seawall near the mouth of the cove going into Reynolds Marina.  After the collision, Operator was ejected from the vessel and landed in a nearby yard.  After the collision, Operator walked to a nearby house to ask for assistance.  Operator refused medical treatment on scene, and did not complain of any injuries from the incident.  Upon further investigation, it was determined that Operator was under the influence of alcohol.  Operator was placed under arrest and transported to the Greene County Jail for booking.  The vessel was retrieved during daylight hours the following morning by Reynolds Plantation Marina.  All of the damage to the ski was photographed and shown to a boat repair dealership for evaluation.  The dealership estimated the damage to be in the range of $3,500 - $4,000.  All photos are included in report.  Diagram of incident is listed under the attachments section under the general tab as overview for general overview and close view for the zoomed in map.  Since it is unclear how many doughnuts Operator performed, the total number is not shown in the narrative nor in the diagram.  End of report.


BARDID: GA-2012-0128
Date: 2012-05-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:50:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OCONEE
NearestCityTown: EATONTON
County: PUTNAM
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 052012 around 1155 hours, I was contacted by the Putnam County Sheriff's Office in reference to a boating incident that occurred in front of Great Waters near the Pro Shop.  I was advised there were injuries and fire and EMS personnel had been dispatched to the incident scene.  I advised Putnam I would be in route from Morgan County and to keep me posted of the extent of injuries when more information was available.

I arrived on scene and spoke with deputies from Putnam County.  They advised operator #1 and her son were standing on the dock waiting for my arrival.  The deputies advised me operator #2 and his daughter had been transported to the Putnam General Hospital by EMS personnel for treatment of minor injuries.

I spoke with Operator1.  Operator1 stated she was traveling north on Lake Oconee and her husband was traveling south on Lake Oconee.  Operator1 stated she was going to stop and talk to her husband and was approaching from the left side.  Operator1 advised both skis were in motion but operating at low speeds.  Operator1 stated her husband had turned to the right as she was trying to pull up next to him.  Operator1 stated the personal watercraft she was riding hit the personal watercraft her husband was riding at an angle.  Operator1 stated wakes from where they had been riding also contributed to the incident.  I obtained a written statement from Operator1 and also used my vid mic to record the damages to vessel #2.  Vessel #1 appeared to have no visible damage.  Operator1 did not appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time I interviewed her.  RFC stated that Operator2 did not appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs when he interviewed him.  Operator1 stated she thought her husband and daughter where thrown from the personal watercraft after the impact.  Operator1 was issued a warning for Rules of the Road Violation, 52-7-18.  I also obtained a written statement from Operator1.  My interview with Operator1 was also recorded on my vid mic.  

The personal watercraft were rented from Lake Oconee.  The personal watercraft were taken to South Bay to be removed by forklift so I could inspect the damage more closely.  Vessel #2, GA 1027 EM, had chipped and scratched fiberglass on the port side near the rubber seal, a cracked fiberglass cowl on front of the personal watercraft, the forward/reverse lever was broke off, the plastic housing around the manual cut off button was broken off, and the steering column was loose.  Vessel #1, GA 1027 EM, had sustained no damage from the incident.

I contacted owner concerning the incident and was provided information concerning the insurance on the rental vessels.


BARDID: GA-2012-0129
Date: 2012-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:20:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LANIER
NearestCityTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
After reviewing the eye witness statements from RFC, the evidence that was located on vessel 1 and the tube, and speaking to the adult witnesses on vessel 2, it is my opinion that operator1 operated in a reckless and negligent manner while he was trying to “splash” the occupants on vessel 2 and the tube at the time of the collision. Operator1 approached vessel 2 from the starboard side when he struck the front of the tube. The tube was being towed forty-eight (48) feet behind vessel 2 at the time of the collision. Vessel 1 struck both of the juveniles who were riding on the tube causing serious head and upper body injuries to each of them. (See attached diagrams) On person later died from the injuries that he sustained in this incident and the other is recovering from the serious injuries that she sustained in this incident.


BARDID: GA-2012-0130
Date: 2012-08-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SEED
NearestCityTown: TIGER
County: RABUN
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: restricted vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Two vessels were traveling in a narrow area of the lake in the center of the channel.  V1 was traveling at 20 mph towards the dam.  Both vessels zigzagged to try to avoid the other but crashed head-on, causing V2 to hit the bank afterwards. Operator2 died from head trauma after hitting the front dash after contact with the bank, causing the GPS screen to crack.  V2 occupant had a concussion, large cut on her back and bruises.  V1occupant indicates that Operator2’s vision was obscured by a passenger on the front of his boat.  Investigator believes that reducing speed may have prevented this accident.


BARDID: GA-2012-0131
Date: 2012-08-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:40:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: FLINT RIVER/LAKE WORTH
NearestCityTown: ALBANY
County: DOUGHERTY
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 stated that he observed two boys riding a personal watercraft (PWC) about 100 yards behind his vessel. He noticed they were approaching his vessel very quickly so he threw his arms up to let them know he was slowing down. He stated the operator of the PWC jumped the wake from his vessel and landed on the port side of his vessel. The collision ejected both boys from the PWC and they landed in the water. Operator1 asked if they were injured and noticed that they had damaged his boat. The operator of the PWC was later identified. Operator2 said he would pay for the damages to Operator1' vessel and told Operator1 to follow him to Cleve Cox Landing and they could swap information and take care of repairing Operator1' boat. Before Operator1 could make it to Cleve Cox Boat Landing, Operator2 had loaded the PWC on a trailer and were hastily attempting to leave the area without exchanging information. Operator1 was able to get the tag number from Operator2' vehicle as it left the parking lot. Operator1 called 911 to report the incident and provide the vehicle information. 
OFFICER ACTIONS: I ran the tag number through GCIC; the information on file matched the description of the vehicle that Operator2 was driving. I located the vehicle's registered address, where I spoke with Operator2' grandmother. I informed grandmother of the incident and she put me in contact with Operator2' father. I drove to Father' address and discussed the incident involving his son with him. Father showed me the damaged PWC and I took photographs as part of my investigation. I asked Father of his son's whereabouts but said he did not know where he was. Father stated that his son had dropped off the PWC at approximately 1700 hours and he had not seen him since.
Later that evening, I made contact with Operator2 and advised him that I needed to finish my investigation of the boat incident by meeting with him and his passenger. A meeting was set for 0900 hours at Cleve Cox Landing for the following morning.
SUSPECT STATEMENTS:
Operator2 stated he was the operator of the PWC. He stated he was trying to jump the wake from Operator1' vessel and did not realize how close he was to Operator1' vessel. Operator2 stated that the starboard (right) side of his PWC collided with the port (left) side of Operator1' vessel. He stated several times that he would take care of all damages to Operator1' vessel. He said he exchanged information with Operator1 and they went their separate ways. He also said there was no alcohol or drugs involved in the incident. 


BARDID: GA-2012-0132
Date: 2012-04-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: BUFORD
County: GWINNETT
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
V2 operator and occupant were drifting near a dam on Lake Lanier with their navigation lights on.  Both were outside the cabin on the starboard seat area when they were struck by V1.  V2 operator was struck and ejected.  V2 occupant was thrown to the floor.   V1 began to take on water so the occupants put on PFDs and swam to the bank.   The wind had blown V2 to the shoreline.  V2 occupant was found alive, critically injured with a sleeping bag pulled over her. Operator1 was found to be under the influence of alcohol within three hours of operating his vessel at the time of the collision.  He was charged with OUI.


BARDID: GA-2012-1000
Date: 2012-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
County: Hall
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unkn
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
The drunk operator of a center console boat crashed into a pontoon carrying 13 people.  Two individuals on the pontoon died and three were injured.  One was recovered in over 100 feet of water.  The center console fled the scene and was arrested after 0100.  There had been one other person on his vessel.  No other information.


BARDID: GA-2013-0001
Date: 2013-02-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:15:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
On the night of Saturday, February 9th, 2013, at approximately 2000 hours, RFC and I responded to a report of a boating incident on Lake Lanier.  We received a report of a boat running aground around 1915 hours across from Port Royale Marina.  We arrived at Port Royale Marina and tried to locate anyone who had information about the incident.  A security guard at the Marina showed us the owner of the vessel's boat slip.  We then talked with off duty Forsyth County Deputy who has a boat slip at the same dock. He said they nobody was injured in the incident.  He also said the boat was grounded directly across from the marina and did not present a hazard for other vessels on the lake.  Deputy gave us Operator phone number.  At 2117, I talked with Operator via cell phone.  He also said nobody was injured during the grounding of the vessel.  He said him and a friend went to Fish Tails to eat and were coming back to the marina and as he got close to the marina his wife called him on his cell phone.  He stated he talked to her for a few minutes and when he ended his call with her he ran aground.  

He stated he was trying to follow a track on his GPS, but he must have been reading it wrong.  He estimated he was going about 25mph.  He thinks everything was properly working on his vessel.  On Sunday morning, February 10th, at 0800 hours, I met with Operator at the boat dock where he keeps his vessel.  He had a couple of small band aides on his knuckles. He said he had very minor scrapes on his a knuckles from the boat incident.  Operator said he had been operating boats since he was a child.  He said he had started a boat education course, but did not finish it.  Towboat U.S picked us up and carried us to his grounded vessel where I took pictures of the vessel and recorded the registration number and HIN.  I looked inside the cabin of the vessel and saw a bag that had one empty Michelob Ultra beer bottle in it.  There were also a three Michelob Ultra beer bottle caps in a sink on the vessel. Operator and a couple of his friends then removed gear and equipment from his vessels.  When he finished I asked him what he thought the dollar amount of the damage was, he said it was probably around $100,000 if he could not repair the boat.  I also asked him had he had consumed any alcoholic beverages before the incident occurred, he stated he had one drink at Fish Tails during dinner. ***


BARDID: GA-2013-0002
Date: 2013-02-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: SAVANNAH RIVER
NearestCityTown: SAVANNAH
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
On the morning of February 11, 2013 I, Ranger, received a text to call Operator about a boating incident he had the night before.  Once I called Operator I found he had run his boat a ground in the Savannah River.  He said this happened around 1730 hours, he was the only person onboard, he had not been drinking, and he was not injured.  He found out his boat had been towed to Hogan's Marina by Tow Boat US.  I met Operator around noon.  When I arrived his boat was on a trailer under the hoist at the marina.  It was lifted on the hoist so I could take pictures.  The damage to the hull was apparent; it had a very large gash in the hull and numerous gouges in the gel coat.  Operator said after he ran a ground a vessel with three men stopped and helped him get his boat back on the rocks so it would not sink, and then they left.  Operator said he then shot two flairs to signal for help.  A tug boat driver saw the flairs and called the Coast Guard and Savannah Chatham Police Department.  Then a boat passing by picked him up and carried him to safety.

I met with Marine Patrol and the tow boat operator.  After talking with the tow boat operator I found out Operator ran a ground turning into Elba Island cut from the Savannah River, and that is where the boat was recovered.  Marine Patrol spoke with The individual who picked Operator up and took him to safety who confirmed Operator had not been drinking.  I then gathered the rest of the information I needed from Operator to complete my report and let him return to work.  
    
On February 13, 2013 I, Ranger, called Operator for an estimate of repairs for his boat.  He told me that his insurance appraiser, had just looked at the boat and could give me a quote the following day.  

On February 14, 2013 I called subject in reference to get an estimate of repairs for Operator's boat.  He quoted an estimate of 27,000 dollars. ***


BARDID: GA-2013-0004
Date: 2013-01-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:15:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 9:30 a.m. a four person rowing shell left the "NO WAKE ZONE" headed south down the Chattahoochee River. A Skeeter bass boat was seen coming north. According to witness statements, he seemed to be inattentive and at the last minute, took evasive action and turned sharply to the left. The maneuver prevented the bass boat from hitting the center of the rowing shell however it collided with the front port side of the shell. The bass boat came to rest on top of the bow of the shell. All four operators of the shell were ejected and began to tread water. Operator1 immediately began to assist in picking up the victims. A fishing boat who was passing by also assisted with picking up one of the victims. After everyone and the Shell were secured, the two boats made their way back to the Rowing Club. After Operator1 exchanged all his information with the victims he left to finish fishing his tournament. The other four victims all went home to get dry and warm. When Operator1 arrived he told Sgt, and I that he had been driving slowly north and that he did not see the shell until he was right on top of it. He turned but the shell was too long and he hit the front of the shell causing damage to it, but very little damage to his boat. After informing him that he would receive a citation for a rules of the road violation, he left with a copy of a witness statement and diagram form so he could make his weigh in at the tournament.


BARDID: GA-2013-0005
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-02-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:55:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: SAVANNAH RIVER
NearestCityTown: APPLING
County: COLUMBIA
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Dam/lock
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On the listed date and time, Officers' received a call in reference to a boating incident that occurred at the listed location. Officers' responded to the incident location and found the operator of the kayak onshore. Officers' found that the operator has lacerations and contusions to his right leg.  EMS was notified.  Gold Cross Med 2 responded to the scene where the operator received fist aid treatment and a recommendation for stitches.  Officers' spoke to the operator about the incident.  The operator stated that he paddled the listed kayak near the top of the dam where he was overtaken by the waters current.  The operator further stated that he went over the dam and was ejected from the kayak where his injuries occurred from striking rocks and debris in the water.   The operator floated/swam approximately 500 yards down stream before he was able to reach the shore.  Officers found that the listed witnesses entered the water to assist the operator back on shore.  The operator further stated that the kayak was last seen stuck in the hydraulics of the dam. Officers' were unable to retrieve the kayak.  Officers' investigation found that the incident occurred due to the current in the river and operator inexperience. Operator 137 with SOC was notified of the incident.  No further action was taken.


BARDID: GA-2013-0007
Date: 2013-03-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: CLARKS HILL LAKE IN SOAP CREEK
NearestCityTown: LINCOLNTON
County: LINCOLN
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On March 31, 2013 at 0800hrs, I was notified of a vessel incident that had occurred on March 30, 2013 at 2200hrs.  I was contacted by Lincoln County OES Paramedic.  Paramedic contacted me by way of my mobile phone.  Paramedic informed me that she had responded to a patient call at Hwy 220 East Boat Landing.  Upon arrival at the scene, she met with three subjects who had been involved in a boating incident that occurred in Soap Creek .  One of the subjects had sustained severe trauma to her right upper thigh.  After a field evaluation was performed on Victim, it was determined she needed further medical treatment.  Victim was transported to University Hospital in Augusta by Lincoln County OES. I responded to University Hospital to meet with medical staff as well as any other subjects that might have knowledge of the incident.  Upon arrival at the hospital, I was informed that Victim was still at the hospital but was currently in surgery.  I did however, make contact with another occupant of the vessel.   

Occupant1 stated that he was a passenger of the vessel involved in the incident.  He stated that he and Victim were riding with the owner and operator of the vessel.  Occupant1 stated that they were on the lake and in route to a bow fishing location.  Occupant1 stated that they were traveling down Soap Creek towards the Savannah River when Operator struck an island that was in the middle of the creek.  He stated that the vessel immediately became airborne and jumped the entire rock island.  When the vessel landed the starboard side of the craft was inverted causing the ejection of Operator.  Occupant1 stated that he and Victim were thrown around the vessel as it came to rest pointing exactly in the opposite direction than they were traveling.  

It was at this time they discovered that Victim was injured due to impact with the steering console.  The three were assisted by some fishermen who witnessed the incident.  The vessel was left on the island and the fisherman took the three subjects to meet the OES Paramedics at the Hwy 220 East Boat Landing.  Occupant1 and Victim were transported to University while Operator returned to the incident site to retrieve his vessel.  Victim was treated by Orthopedics Specialists of Augusta for a complete brake of the upper right femur.  The bone had to be reset and a nail and two pins were inserted into the femur. At the hospital, contact was made with Operator via mobile phone.  A brief phone interview was conducted with Operator.  At this time, I responded to Operator's residence to interview Operator and inspect the vessel.  

During the interview with Operator, it was determined that Occupant1's statements were true and accurate.  Operator stated that it was very dark and he just did not see the island until it was too late.  He also stated that due to the Lake Water levels rising, he could not see the rock island because most of it was under water.  A inspection of the vessel revealed that there was moderate damage to the vessels hull,starboard freeboard gunwale, and starboard transom.  The nose cone of the  lower unit was also damaged.  The port underside of the hull had substantial marring and transfer towards the bow.  The middle of the underside port hull had a 29 inch rip or hole approx 2 inches from the keel ribbing.  The rip was approx 2-3 inches wide.  The starboard freeboard gunwale had a large dent and marring approx 48 inches long from the back half of the vessel extending to the transom.  The underside of the starboard transom had a 12 inch dent as well as a 4 inch rip or hole in the outer corner.  I took photographs of the vessel after obtaining a sketch of the vessel along with measurements of the damage.  I cleared the scene and no further action was taken.


BARDID: GA-2013-0009
Date: 2013-01-06 00:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Drug use
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
After looking over the supplemental reports, witness statements and the evidence, I believe victim was out fishing on January 6, 2013 in the early morning hours in the dark.  The weather was cold and windy.   At some point, victim needed to relieve himself.  victims vessel took on water and capsized and he drowned.  Hall County EMS recovered victim from the bottom of the lake bed.  Hall County EMS found victims pants zipper in the down position.  Some of the items recovered included illegal drugs, which may have been a factor in the incident.  For the final conclusion, I will wait for the autopsy and toxicology report which is still pending.


BARDID: GA-2013-0010
Date: 2013-04-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:20:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SEMINOLE
NearestCityTown: BAINBRIDGE
County: DECATUR
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Thursday April 4, 2013 at approximately 16:30 I received a call from RFC informing me of a boat incident that occurred on Lake Seminole.  I was told that both the operator and passenger had been taken to Bainbridge Memorial Hospital for treatment and that the boat was located at the Bainbridge Boat Basin. RFC Cox instructed me to go to the hospital to speak with the operator and the passenger.  When I arrived at the E.R., I identified the operator, and the passenger.  I first spoke with Passenger and asked him what had occurred.  Passenger stated they were coming from Spring Creek traveling through the cut to the Flint River when the incident happened.  He stated they were approaching the no wake zone when Operator began to slow their speed and at that point he lost control of the vessel.  He also stated that it felt like Operator had no control over the steering of the vessel when they came off plane.  He stated that the vessel went towards the left bank and the front of the vessel struck a tree that was at the edge of the water. 

Passenger also stated that the impact broke the operator's console from the vessel and threw both of them into the center of the vessel.  I then spoke with Operator, but due to his accent it was difficult to understand him.  His statement was not clear, but was close to what Passenger had said.  He stated that when he was slowing down to enter the no wake zone he lost control of his vessel.  The vessel veered left and the bow of the vessel struck a tree at the edge of the water.  Both the operator and the passenger were injured.  The operator sustained a fractured right foot, and the occupant sustained a bruised and swollen right foot. 

While I was interviewing the vessel occupants, Cpl. went to the Bainbridge Boat Basin to get the information off the vessel and to take photographs.  Once I finished interviewing the occupants I met Cpl. at the Bainbridge Boat Basin to make sure we had all the needed information off the vessel.  Cpl. gave me his memory card with the photographs and all the information taken off the vessel.  I then went to the scene of the incident and photographed the area where the incident occurred  and the tree that was struck.


BARDID: GA-2013-0011
Date: 2013-02-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:20:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: WEST POINT LAKE
County: TROUP
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and passenger were returning to Highland Marina from crappie fishing on West Point Lake.  Operator stated he was traveling about 35 mph and turning to the left when noticed the steering to be stiff or tight.  Operator stated that he pulled back on the throttle at this time thinking this stiffness in the steering may be steering torque.  Operator indicated that the boat made a sharp left turn at this time throwing him in the floor of the boat and throwing the passenger, Passenger, from the boat.  The boat then capsized trapping Operator under the boat for a lengthy period of time.  After emerging from under the boat Operator and Passenger swam to the capsized boat and yelled for help.  Neither Operator or Passenger was wearing a PFD but PFD's were present in the boat.
     Operator stated that he may have let go of the steering wheel with both hands when he was adjusting the throttle which may have caused the boats sharp turn but he is not sure of this.  Operator stated that the motor kill switch was attached to his jacket.  
     A boater in the area, assisted the victims by removing them from the water and transporting them to Highland Marina boat ramp which was about a half mile away.
     Both subjects were treated for hypothermia at Highland Marina by Troup County Fire and EMS personnel and were allowed to go to the Marina store after this treatment to continue to warm up. 
     The capsized vessel was towed to the boat ramp at Highland Marina by fishing guide.  A marine towing company, A LaGrange Tow, was called to remove the vessel from the water.
     On Monday February 11, 2013, Cpl inspected the boat at Highland Marina.  No damage was noticed in the vessels steering system or other areas which would have caused this accident. 
No further details.


BARDID: GA-2013-0013
Date: 2013-02-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:48:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 02/12/13 at 0642 hours, I, RFC, was contacted by Captain with the Department of Natural Resources in reference to a boating fatality on Lake Lanier.  Captain informed me that a boat was found on the lake but the boat operator was missing.  

I arrived at the Little Ridge Park boat ramp at approximately 1000 hours.  Sgt. with DNR updated me on the incident.  Sgt.  informed me that an individual called 911 around 2148 hours to report a boat driving in circles.  Sgt. told me when he and RFC arrived on scene the vessel was against a rock area on the east side of the creek. Next, Sgt. showed me the vessel that he and RFC towed to Little Ridge Park boat ramp. Sgt. said the only items that had been moved were the cell phone of the victim and a tackle box.  

At approximately 1100 hours, Critical Incident Reconstruction Team (CIRT) member RFC with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and I photographed the vessel and its contents.  Subject1 gathered the broken boat paddle to process for finger prints. Subject1 also took Victim cell phone. (See chain of custody form)

I investigated the scene where the incident occurred.  I photographed the area and recorded coordinates.  At the scene a fishing rod was found.  The end of the line was attached to a sunken tree at a depth of approximately forty-five feet.  (Forsyth S.O. has this evidence)

At approximately 1300 hours, RFC and I processed the evidence in the vessel.    We found average damage to an active “jon boat”, including, one transfer mark on the gunwale of the port side of the vessel. (See photos)  The tiller handle on the motor was broken.  There was a small striation on the bullet area of the gear casing of the lower unit on the motor.  All lights were operational on the vessel.  Processing was completed at approximately 1500 hours.  

At approximately 1600 hours, I spoke with friends of Victim.  They collectively explained to me that Victim was an avid fisherman and knew the lake very well.  They explained that it was not unusual for Victim to fish at night.  

On 03/17/13, I was notified by Cpl. that Victim body was recovered by two fishermen.  

On 04/25/13, I received the toxicology report of Victim.  The report showed Victim blood alcohol concentration to be 0.156 grams per 100ml.  

After processing the vessel and reviewing reports there is no evidence to conclude what caused the ejection of Victim from the vessel.  The autopsy report is pending.


BARDID: GA-2013-0014
Date: 2013-05-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: CLARKS HILL LAKE
NearestCityTown: LINCOLNTON
County: LINCOLN
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1 was unoccupied and anchored to the courtesy dock at Cherokee Boat Ramp. Vessel #2 was approaching the courtesy dock to tie off. Operator2 got up to get a rope to tie his vessel off. Due to the high winds and waves Operator2 vessel struck vessel1. The bow of Operator2 vessel struck the port side near the bow of vessel1 causing damage. vessel1 had damage to the fiberglass, rub rail, and trolling motor *** Estimated damage to vessel1 was provided by Owner1 based upon insurance adjustor.


BARDID: GA-2013-0015
Date: 2013-04-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:16:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: WEST POINT LAKE
NearestCityTown: LAGRANGE
County: TROUP
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On April 26th, 2012, at approximately 18:16, I, Ranger was notified by the Troup County Sheriff's Office of a boating accident with injuries at Whitewater Creek Access of West Point Lake.  At approximately 18:37, I arrived at Whitewater Creek Access and observed Troup County Emergency Services personnel administering aid to a 6 year old male.  I proceeded to ask the operator and occupants of the vessel if they were ok and began interviewing the operator.  Operator stated that the vessel was idling toward the railroad bridge just south of Whitewater Creek, when Victim seated himself on the drivers side of the bow.  Operator stated that a large swell from another vessel impacted the vessel and knocked Victim from the bow.  Victim impacted the gunwale of the vessel and then fell overboard.  Victim's brother grabbed Victim and was holding onto Victim preventing him from going any further from the vessel.  Victim was transported by personal vehicle to West Georgia Medical Center in Lagrange for further treatment.

I then met with Operator at West Point Medical Center and completed a boating incident form.  Victim was treated and released that evening.

Recorded on Vidmic.

Nothing further.


BARDID: GA-2013-0016
Date: 2013-05-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:01:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: WEST POINT LAKE
NearestCityTown: LAGRANGE
County: TROUP
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On May 8th, 2013 at approximately 18:01, I, Ranger received a telephone call from Sergeant concerning a boat incident that had just occurred on West Point Lake.  I proceeded to call the Troup County 911 non-emergency number to get further information concerning the incident.  The dispatcher advised me of a boating incident on West Point Lake just north of Highland Marina, and that the subject was floating on a tire.  The dispatch began to describe to me what the individual was observing and I then advised her that it sounded like he was located around the Troup County water intake system.  

At approximately 18:30, I arrived at Highland Marina and observed Emergency Medical Services administering aid to Subject.  I asked Subject if he was alright and to explain to me what had happened.  Subject stated that he had been fishing and running the vessel on the lake. Subject was traveling south bound on the Chattahoochee River arm of the lake when the shifter began to shift in and out of gear.  Subject then stated the vessel began to operate erratically and that the engine then became seperated from the stern of the vessel.  The vessel then began to take on water at the stern.  Subject then decided to call 911 and stated that he stayed with the vessel until he could no longer stay in.  Subject then grabbed a spare trailer tire that was in the boat and began to float in the lake.  Subject was rescued by an off duty Emergency Medical Service personel that had heard the call on the county radio.  Subject was advised that I was making a boat incident report and that I was turning over the information to the Army Corp. of Engineers.  Subject was treated and released by Medical personel on site.

Recorded on Vidmic.

Nothing further.


BARDID: GA-2013-0018
Date: 2013-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: WALTER F GEORGE
NearestCityTown: FORT GAINES
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/26/2013 at 17:00 hrs a Bagby State Park employee advised me that there had been a jet ski fire in front of cabin #5 at George Bagby State Park. I responded to the scene where I encountered the operator, and the owner of a Kawasaki Jet Ski. 
I interviewed both Operator and owner, Operator stated she was operating the jet ski with a juvenile on board when it stalled.  As she tried to restart the jet ski, a fire developed under the seat, at which point some family members on the bank drove a boat out and pulled the jet ski in.
It appeared that the cause of the fire was electrical in origin, and the fire had extinguished itself. Owner and operator stated that when the seat was removed the fire was out.  There were no injuries to the operator or passenger. The fire was contained to the top and rear portion of the engine and the bottom of the seat, with burnt wiring evident. I estimated the damage to be 2000.00 dollars.


BARDID: GA-2013-0019
Date: 2013-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: WEST POINT LAKE
County: TROUP
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On May 28, 2013, at approximately 10:45 a.m., Sgt. contacted me about a boating complaint on West Point Lake. I contacted the complainant and he informed me that there was a sunken boat in the water, and a Pro-Line boat anchored above Highland Marina. I acquired the registration numbers off of the Pro-Line and tried to locate the owner. I was able to speak to the previous owner but he informed me that he had sold the boat a while back. He said that the subject who purchased the boat had a mutual friend with him. 

He contacted Former owner and asked him who purchased the Pro-Line. Former owner informed him. Former owner stated that New owner contacted him around 02:30 a.m. that morning and informed him that his boat was out of gas. Former owner stated that they lost phone service and he never heard back from him again. I notified Sgt. of the events and he informed me that he was familiar with New owner. New owner has a boat slip at Highland Marina. Sgt. called and spoke with Highland Marina about the events. They informed Sgt. that New owner was seen earlier that morning walking around the area. 

I drove to Highland Marina and located New owner. After speaking to New owner about the incident he informed me that he was notified on May 25, 2013, about his 37 foot Egg Harbor boat taking on water while in the slip at Highland Marina. New owner stated that one of the adjoining boat owners pumped out the water. New owner stated that on May 27, 2013, he made arrangements for a 18-wheeler truck and trailer to meet him over at Yellow Jacket Creek access to pull the boat out of the water. New owner stated that he waited for the boat traffic to slow down around dusk/dark, before he attempted to tow the 37 foot Egg Harbor. 

New owner was using a 24 foot Pro-Line to tow the boat. New owner stated that shortly after leaving the No Wake area at Highland Marina, he noticed that the Egg Harbor was becoming heavy. He then discovered that the rope broke on the Egg Harbor. New owner stated that the boat was taking on more and more water and was starting to sink. New owner said that he attempted to keep tying ropes around it and pull it over to the side of the lake. New owner stated that sometime around 01:30 a.m., the Pro-Line ran out of gas. New owner said that he pulled a sheet over him and slept on the Pro-Line. New owner was able to flag down help around 08:00 a.m. A couple of fishermen brought New owner in to Highland Marina. New owner was able to get some gas and go out and retrieve his Pro-Line boat. After speaking with New owner, he informed me that he purchased the boat for $9,000 about 6 years ago. 

He stated that he spent an additional $5,000 to transport the boat home from Ohio. New owner stated that the boat wasn't worth anything close to that now but eventually stated that he was about to strip some parts and the motor and would've taken around $1,500 for those items. I informed New owner that he needed to retrieve the boat from the lake and work with the Corps of Engineers in doing so. On May 30, 2013, at approximately 00:45 a.m., New owner contacted my cell phone and left a voicemail. New owner informed me that they got the Egg Harbor out of the water. I contacted New owner around 07:45 a.m. and he stated that it took 4 boats hooking up to the boat, but they were able to pull the boat over to Liberty Hill access and take the boat out of the water. He informed me that it cost him $1,800 to get the boat out of the water. I asked New owner if the boat was in Lagrange and he stated that it was in Atlanta somewhere. New owner stated that it wouldn't fit on the trailer so they took a chainsaw and cut the boat into 2 pieces.


BARDID: GA-2013-0020
Date: 2013-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HARTWELL
NearestCityTown: HARTWELL
County: HART
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On June 16, 2013  the 15 year old subject was skiing in Lake Hartwell in the vicinity of Gum Branch. Victim was being towed by her grandfather when she went over the wake made by the vessel. Victim fell and was struck on the right side of her forehead by her ski. Victim was transported to TY Cobb Hospital in Lavonia where she received 2 stitches and a CAT scan.


BARDID: GA-2013-0021
Date: 2013-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:23:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: FREDERICA RIVER
NearestCityTown: ST SIMONS ISLAND
County: GLYNN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at approximately 1650 hours Sgt. and I, RFC responded  to a call of a boating incident in Manhead Sound where the victims had sustained injuries.  While making way to the scene, we could hear a TowBoat US captain trying to guide a Coast Guard vessel into the location of the incident, and shortly after, we saw a TowBoat US vessel heading South into the McKay River.  We then saw the Coast Guard vessel and could see only the hull of the vessel that was involved.  As Sgt. manuevered our patrol vessel into the scene, I made my way to the bow to survey the situation.  There were two Coast Guard officers; one victim, that was moving about the scene in a very frantic state, and one other victim that was trapped under the gunwale of the vessel on the starboard side approximately midway down the vessel.

     Victim was trapped face down in the marsh, and was coherent and seemingly calm considering the circumstances.  we attempted to lift the vessel to no avail.  Sgt., secured our patrol boat in the marsh and now with the four of us lifting the overturned vessel we were still unable to move it.  Sgt then instructed the Coxswain of the Coast Guard boat to get the wench line out so we would attempt to hook to a clete and move the overturned vessel with hopes of  pulling the trapped man from under the boat.  While Sgt was rigging the line to the clete, I talked to Operator and began a battery of questions.  The trapped man was able to answer all questions correctly, describe the pain he was feeling (specifically in his legs and a burning sensation which we figured was from the gas leaking from the boat)  while remaining calm.  Sgt had the rigging set and we were ready to try to move the vessel.  Before the attempts to move the boat, Sgt advised Operator exactly what we were going to do and how we were going to do it.  Specifically we told him if he felt any pressure release to let us know and we were going to pull him out.  

     As the Coast Guard vessel tightened the line up I saw the overturned boat begin to lift and barely slide; seeing this I grabbed Operator's hand and pulled him from underneath the gunwale of the boat.  Sgt then began talking to Operator specifically about any injuries or pain that he could feel, and advised him that we were going to have to turn him over to get him into a litter.  I retrieved the litter from our patrol boat and we rolled Operator into the litter, and put him onto the bow of our boat.  Operator's son, one of the Coast Guard officers and I stabilized the victim while Sgt drove us to the McKay River Boat Ramp on the St. Simons Island Causeway.

     After the victims had been transported, Sgt and I returned to the scene to investigate further.  We located an area in the marsh that had been chewed up by a propeller that was approximately 100' in length.  The vessel, a 26' Southwind with Georgia Registration GA9058ED  (HIN# SMIG0144B313), was powered by a Suzuki four stroke 225hp Outboard motor.  We surveyed the area for personal belonging and  signs of alcohol.  Finding none, we photographed the scene and contacted TowBoat US to recover the vessel.  

Vessel capsized after grounding.  excessive speed and improper lookout were causes.


BARDID: GA-2013-0022
Date: 2013-06-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:40:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OCONEE
NearestCityTown: GREENSBORO
County: GREENE
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, June 8, 2013 at 20:49 hours, I (RFC) received a call from Cpl. in reference to a vessel needing assistance near the Redlands Public Boat Ramp on Lake Oconee.  Cpl. gave me the contact number of a man that was assisting the boater.  When I contacted subject, he told me that the vessel in question had capsized but that he was able to get the man in the boat, and his 3 year old son into the safety of his boat and to shore.  Sgt. and I were able to locate the vessel approximately 300 yards away from the boat ramp.  The vessel was capsized and most of the vessel was underwater.  Sgt. tied 3 chemical snap lights to the bow of the vessel for safety.  I then operated the patrol vessel to the shore and Sgt. and I began to speak to the witnesses as well as Operator.  

According to Operator, he was waiting for the boat ramp to clear so he could load his vessel onto his trailer.  When he noticed the ramp was clear he put his throttle in forward and began to maneuver his vessel toward the ramp.  As he increased the speed of the vessel, he felt the vessel strike something and stop.  He stated he noticed that his young son had been thrown forward and appeared to have a small cut on his left ear.  At this time Operator put his boat in neutral and he engaged the throttle again.  Operator then stated he noticed the vessel was taking on water and he began to yell for help to people on the shore.  

At this time, subjects2 noticed the cries for help and assisted Operator.  According to subjects2, they attempted to pull the vessel to the ramp but realized they were unable to do so.  They then assisted Operator and his son into their boat.  While they were transferring vessels, the boat flipped and continued to sink.  Operator reentered the water in an attempt to collect his truck keys that were located in the glove box of the vessel.  Subjects2 told Operator not to go under the vessel for safety reasons and helped him reboard their vessel and took he and his son to the shore.  While I spoke with Operator, I could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his person as well as noticed an alcoholic beverage container in his cooler when his son opened it.  

Operator had stated his English was not very good so I contacted Sgt. to translate for me.  I stated that I could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage and asked how much he had to drink to which he responded he had one.  At this time I asked Operator if he would perform a series of field sobriety exercises, to which he replied "OK".  At the conclusion of the field sobriety, I did not deem Operator to be under the influence.  I collected all of the information I needed from him and asked if he could write a witness statement in regards to the incident.  Operator stated he would not be able to write the statement due to the language barrier.  I asked Operator if I were to write the statement would he sign it, to which he replied he would.  As Operator told me the events, I wrote a shorthand version of the incident.  At the conclusion of the statement, I read what I had wrote and asked Operator if it was an accurate representation of his statement to which he replied it was and then he signed the document.  I explained to Operator that I would attempt to contact someone that may could help him remove his vessel but that it would be his responsibility to remove the vessel from the water.


BARDID: GA-2013-0023
Date: 2013-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: CLARKS HILL LAKE
NearestCityTown: APPLING
County: COLUMBIA
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On the listed date and time, Officers were flagged down at the listed location in reference to a boating incident. Officers found the listed victim laying on a picnic table and the boat operator loading his vessel on the trailer.  The victim stated that she has broken ribs and was having trouble breathing.  Officers notified EMS.  Gold Cross Med 5 responded to the scene.  The victim stated that she was riding a tube being towed by the listed vessel and operator. The victim further stated that the operator turned the vessel sharply causing her to fall off the tube impacting the water causing her ribs to break.  The victim was unable to give a written statement at the scene.  The victim was transported to Georgia Regents Medical for treatment by Air Med.  

The operator of the vessel stated that he was towing the victim on a tube at the listed location.  The operator stated that he was traveling approximately 23 mph and made a sharp turn causing the victim to fall off the tube.  The operator stated that he believes that the injury was from the impact with the water but he did notice debris floating in the water that could cause injury as well.  A written statement was taken from the operator on scene. The vessel had 3 juveniles and 1 adult passenger.  The adult passenger refused to give a statement of the incident.  

Officers responded to GRU ER. Dr. stated that the victim sustained broken ribs that were consistent to that of an impact. The victim was being further evaluated for other injuries.  The initial medical report was unavailable at this time.   Officers investigation found that the vessel was traveling North at the listed location towing the listed victim.  The operator made a sharp turn causing the victim to fall off the tube impacting the water causing the injury.  No citations were issued at time of report.  SOC was notified of the incident at 1830hrs.  No further action was taken.


BARDID: GA-2013-0025
Date: 2013-06-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday June 9th, 2013, I received a call from RFC in reference to a boat incident that happened the previous night.  No injuries were reported in the incident.  I called the people involved in the incident later that day to find out where the boats were located so I could get the information from them and take pictures.  Operator2 stated him and his family were on their pontoon boat on the southeast side of Six Mile Creek Bridge at about 9:30 pm on Saturday June 8th.  Operator2 had his wife, two sons, and the family dog on board his vessel.  He said his sons are 7 and 9 years old and they both were wearing their life jackets at the time of the incident. He said they had just went out for a little bit and were going to let his sons swim some.  He stated that he was barely moving when his vessel was struck by Operator1's vessel.  He stated Operator1 stopped to check on them and make sure they were okay.  Operator2 stated they exchanged information.  Operator1 stated he was cruising toward Six Mile Creek Bridge and looking straight ahead and did not see Operator2's vessel until the last second.  He said he turned hard to the right and struck Operator2's outboard engine.  No one was injured during the incident.  I checked Operator2' vessel on Sunday June 9th and the navigation lights were working.  I gave Operator2 a witness statement form and asked him to fill it out and told him that he could scan it and email back to me because he had somewhere to be at the time I was talking to him.  I have not received the witness statement from him yet.  Both Operator2 and Operator1 have been cooperative during the investigation.  I took pictures of both vessels on June 9th.


BARDID: GA-2013-0026
Date: 2013-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LANIER
NearestCityTown: BUFORD
County: GWINNETT
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
MachineryFailure: Fuel
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated that he had just left the no wake area. He stated that the boat had been running for several minutes. As they were traveling out to the open water the boat exploded causing injury to everyone on board. He stated that he believes fuel vapor in the hull is what caused the fire, due to him fueling the boat on the way to the lake. He stated that when the vessel exploded he and his family jumped into the water to escape the fire and was rescued by another vessel. The vessel was inspected by Gwinnett County Fire, and it was determined that the fire was accidental and most likely the result of fuel vapors igniting.


BARDID: GA-2013-0027
Date: 2013-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SIDNEY LANIER
NearestCityTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
victim attempted to sit down on the port side gunwale.  victim  slipped and hit the left side of her head on the gunwale.  She sustained a laceration to her head.  She was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center for treatment.


BARDID: GA-2013-0028
Date: 2013-05-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:50:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: OAKWOOD
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/12/2013 at approximately 1350, I Ranger received a call from dispatch in my truck about a boating incident involving a sailboat and a dock at a house near Sunrise Cove Marina on Lake Lanier. I responded. When I arrived at the address of the incident at 14:32pm I found the witness who called in the incident, standing in her neighbor’s drive way. She informed me that she was in her home when she heard a loud bang and that when she went to investigate she heard someone calling for help.  I went down a hill into the back yard of the residence where I saw a sailboat tied up against a dock. The sailboat was being continually pushed by the wind into the dock resulting in damage to the roof of the dock and the boat’s sail. When I got down to the dock I spoke to officer who was already on the scene; he showed me to the operator of the sailboat. I gave a witness statement form and told her to write down everything that happened up until my arrival. I then took pictures of the damage to the boat and dock.  Then I led Operator up to my truck where I spoke to her about what happened. She stated that as she was coming out of the cove toward the open water, the wind started to blow so strongly that she lost control of the boat and it blew her into the dock. After she wrote down everything she said to me I took her statement and began to write my report.  *** On May 13, 2013, I contacted the owner of the boat dock. After obtaining his contact information and informing on the status of the investigation, I concluded that Operator lost control of her vessel and slammed into dock all of which is concurrent with the witness statements and the damage done to both the dock and the sailboat.


BARDID: GA-2013-0029
Date: 2013-06-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BURTON
NearestCityTown: CLAYTON
County: RABUN
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday June 1, 2013 at approximately 20:55 Sergeant called me from the Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville and he advised me that he was working on getting the information on a boating incident that had occurred earlier in the day around 13:00 on Lake Burton.  He forwarded me in the information and I completed the boating incident report.  The following incident occurred on Lake Burton.  The operator of the vessel said that he was powering down due to a wave coming in his direction.  The victim was standing in the front of the deck boat at the time.  The victim lost his balance and fell over board over the bow into the water.  After falling into the water, the propeller struck the right side of his head causing a laceration.  He was able to get back into the boat and was transported to the Habersham Medical Center by POV.  After arriving at the Habersham Medical Center, the victim was evaluated and it was determined that the victim had a fractured skull.  The Habersham Medical Center advised that the victim be transported to the Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville by ambulance.  Once arriving there he was examined and treated and also kept over night for evaluation due to the laceration and fractured skull.  He was released the next day.  The owner of the vessel was not on the vessel at the time of the incident.  (Region 2 Office Case number 2013-005)


BARDID: GA-2013-0030
Date: 2013-06-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:23:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On June 1, 2013, I, Ranger, received a call from Bartow 911 pertaining to a PWC (personal watercraft) incident in the area of Wilderness Camp Marina at approximately 1423 hours.  DNR Intern and I were on vessel patrol on Allatoona Lake and responded by vessel to the Wilderness Camp Marina.  Upon arrival, we were waved over to the location of where the two PWC's were pulled into a boat slip at Wilderness Camp Marina.  The operators and passengers of the PWC's were all on location, with one of the passengers having a back injury.  The injured occupant was laying faced down in a pontoon boat complaining of a back injury.  The operator of the pontoon vessel saw the end of the collision and went over to the accident scene to assist with the injured.  The pontoon operator loaded Victim into his vessel and pulled into a boat slip at Wilderness Camp Marina. A witness statement from one occupant from the pontoon is attached in attachements.   After making sure Victim was not in a life threatening position and no one else was missing from the incident, I began gathering information from the PWC's operators and passengers.  The vessel operator of vessel 1 explained that he was coming into the no wake zone area of Wilderness Camp Marina when he began to slow down to idle speed.  The operator of vessel 2 was following behind vessel 1.  Operator1 was not aware of vessel 1 slowing down and collided with that vessel ejecting the passenger on vessel 1.  It appeared that Victim was struck in the back by vessel 2.  Victim was treated by Bartow County Fire and EMS and transported to Cartersville Medical Center for further treatment.  Vessel 1 had an estimated damage of $1500.  Vessel 2 had no estimated amount of damage.  Another witness statement and diagram from occupant of vessel 2 is attached in attachments.


BARDID: GA-2013-0031
Date: 2013-06-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:52:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityTown: WOODSTOCK
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
At the above date and time I, Ranger First Class (RFC) with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, was on patrol in Cartersville with Corporal (CPL).  CPL received a call about a boat incident involving 2 Personal Watercraft (PWC) with injuries at Little River on Allatoona Lake.  CPL and I proceeded to Little River Bar and Grill by truck to meet with the parties involved.

     When we arrived on scene, CPL and I met with Cherokee County Deputy near the courtesy dock at Little River Bar and Grill.  Deputy gave me the information of all the parties involved and a brief description of the incident according to the operators and occupant.  CPL began to talk to the operators of the PWCs.  

According to Subject1, he and Subject2 were on the black PWC while Subject3 was on the white PWC.  The parties had been trading off riding singles and doubles all afternoon.  Subject3 was approaching Subject1 and Subject2 in an attempt to spray them.  Subject3 had complete his turn to the left and still had enough momentum that he struck the left side of Subject1's PWC almost parallel.  Subject3's PWC struck Subject1 in the left ankle and Subject2 in the left leg.  They then proceeded to the courtesy dock at Little River Bar and Grill where 911 was called.

     After reviewing the description of the incident it was determined that Subject3 was attempting to spray his friends with the PWC.  Subject3 was charged with operating PWC above idle speed within 100 feet of object in the water.  The parties were released from the scene.  Subject3 and Subject2 said that they were going to Urgent care to have Subject2's left leg checked out by a doctor.  I told Subject3 that I would call him at the number he gave me to check on Subject2 the following day.

I called Subject3 on June 16, 2013 to check on Subject2.  He said that she just had some bruising on her left leg and that she was fine.


BARDID: GA-2013-0032
Date: 2013-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:55:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityTown: EMERSON
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On May 27 2013 at 1955 hours, I received a call from GSP dispatch in reference to a hit and run boat incident with injuries on Allatoona Lake.  The operator advised that a 17 year old male operating at PWC was struck by another PWC in the area of Holiday Marina.  The GSP dispatcher advised that the teen was struck by a black and green PWC and the PWC left the area.  Dispatch gave me the cell phone number for the mother of the injured teen.  

She advised that her son was riding PWC's with a friend on Allatoona Lake when he was struck by another PWC and injured.  She advised her son was in the area of Holiday Marina when the incident occurred.  She advised that the incident occurred 15 minutes before she called.  Operator1’s mom stated that the PWC that hit her son was operated by a white male with a black life jacket.  She stated that her son  more than likely had a broken leg and was being transported to a hospital in Paulding County.  

At this time I was patrolling Allatoona Lake with a DNR intern in the area of the dam.  I immediately contacted RFC who was also patrolling Allatoona Lake.  RFC was in the area of Holiday Marina.  I advised him of the situation and RFC stated that he would begin checking the area and boat ramps for the PWC in question.  

Operator1’s dad stated that Operator1 had a injured leg and was complaining of hip and back pain.  Operator1’s dad stated that Operator1 could not swim due to the injury and had to be pulled from the water.  He stated that family members loaded the two PWC's and were en route to the hospital in Dallas, GA.  

We were unable to locate the PWC in question.  RFC also advised that the PWC had small amount of fiberglass damage.  At present time DNR Law Enforcement has not received any additional information on the incident.


BARDID: GA-2013-0033
Date: 2013-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On June 16, 2013 I was patrolling Allatoona Lake with Cpl., at approximately 1432 hours we were flagged down by a boater in the area of Bethany Bridge.  The operator of a rental Bayliner advised that a member of his party was injured on a tube about 10 minutes before we were flagged down.  Victim was being pulled on a tube in the area of Red Top Mt. State Park.  The operator of the vessel stated that he was pulling the tube about 20 mph and when the tube hit a large wake, went into the air and hit the water.  When Victim hit the water he dislocated his left knee.  I followed the party to Park Marina and called Bartow County EMS.  Victim was transported to the Cartersville Medical Center for treatment.


BARDID: GA-2013-0034
Date: 2013-06-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:26:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityTown: EMERSON
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of vessel one and vessel two both stated they were traveling south on Allatoona Lake in front of Allatoona Landing Marina side by side.  Operator of vessel one stated she steered the boat to the right causing the front right side of vessel one to strike the left rear side of vessel two.  
The operator of vessel one was arrested and charged with Boating Under the Influence.  The results of the intox. 5000 test was .148.


BARDID: GA-2013-0035
Date: 2013-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Improper anchoring
AccidentCause3: Congested waters
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On May 26, 2013, Operator was attempting to repair a broken steering cable on his vessel in a cove on Allatoona Lake.  Operator affixed his anchor rope to the rear starboard side cleat of his vessel.  As Operator was attempting to repair the steering cable near the rear, large waves from passing yachts flooded Operator vessel causing it to sink.  The improper anchoring to the rear of the vessel caused the bow to be pushed away from the approaching waves.  This and the added weight of Operator in the rear of the vessel allowed water to enter the vessel from the rear, causing the capsizing.  Operator is currently making attempts to have the vessel removed from Allatoona Lake.


BARDID: GA-2013-0036
Date: 2013-07-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:50:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityTown: CANTON
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On July 13, 2013, at approximately 1630 hours, Operator was towing his two sons, and family friend on a tube between Victoria Landing and Kellogg Creek on Allatoona Lake in Cherokee County.  Operator stated that he was running around fifteen miles per hour and began to get into some big waves left by wake-board boats also skiing in the area.  When Operator turned his vessel the tube hit the big waves and flipped over throwing all three tubers off.  All three tubers hit each others heads causing injuries.  Operator stated that his son was acting very irate and ill and he decided to have his injuries treated.  Operator returned to the Gatewood Landing where he was met by Bartow County Emergency Personnel.  The EMTs on scene decided it would be best if Son was transported to Scottish Rite Children's Hospital in Atlanta for further evaluation.  After completing the accident investigation, I traveled to Scottish Rite Children's Hospital to inquire on Son's injuries.  Son was submitted to a CT Scan, which indicated a fractured left orbital bone.  Son was also seen by a plastic surgeon to repair the one inch laceration to his left lower lip.  I left the hospital and urged the parents of Son to notify me if Son's conditions changed.


BARDID: GA-2013-0037
Date: 2013-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: HARTWELL
NearestCityTown: HARTWELL
County: HART
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
Skier was being towed. Rope became tangled around right leg at calf just below knee. When operator took the slack out of the ski rope, it pulled around victim's leg, causing a rope burn/laceration around his calf. Victim was transported to AnMed Health Hospital in Anderson.


BARDID: GA-2013-0041
Date: 2013-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OCONEE
NearestCityTown: EATONTON
County: PUTNAM
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On approximately 1700 hrs on May 27, 2013 operator and Victim were riding a Sea Doo on Lake Oconee in the area of Sugar Creek. Their vessel struck the wake from an oncoming vessel and proceeded to throw both subjects off of the sea doo. Victim shoulder collided with water on impact. Victim immediately felt pain in her left shoulder. Victim then boarded a nearby pontoon that was being operated by her husband. Following the boarding, everyone returned to the lake house located in the cove  behind Sugar Creek Marina. Victim took some OTC pain medication which resulted in minimal relief. At approxiamately 20:30 hrs Victim returned home to their house. Shortly after arriving home, Victim went to Oconee Regional Medical Center ER to have the injury assessed. Victim sustained a sprained shoulder from the incident.


BARDID: GA-2013-0042
Date: 2013-06-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OCONEE
NearestCityTown: GREENSBORO
County: GREENE
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On 061513, I, Corporal had just cleared the no wake zone at Old Salem Park on Lake Oconee.  RFC and I was stopped by a gentleman in a pontoon boat.  The operator stated he had damaged the starboard pontoon and was taking on water.  I advised Operator to immediately take the vessel to the boat ramp and load the vessel on the trailer.  I advised Operator that RFC and I would drive to the boat ramp by vehicle and inspect the vessel.

RFC looked under the pontoon and noted the starboard pontoon was damaged the entire length of the pontoon.  RFC also stated the starboard pontoon had a crack near a welded seam.  The remaining damage consisted of dents along the length of the toon.  I advised Operator that I would complete a boating incident form. RFC took pictures of the damage.

I spoke with Operator.  Operator stated he was boating near the jumping rock and was going to go through the gap between the jumping rock and the island.  Operator stated he thought he had cleared the timber, which would have been on his right side.  Operator stated he felt the pontoon vessel list as it hit an underwater stump.  Operator stated the underwater stump caused the damage to the vessel. Operator also stated that after he had hit the stump, he looked back and saw that he was on the timber side of the bouys that marked the timber.  Operator stated he thought the pontoon was not damaged until the return trip to Old Salem Park when noticed the vessel was not responding as it should.  Operator stated he jumped into the water and he could feel the crack and hear the bubbling of the water entering the pontoon.  Operator stated he returned to Old Salem where he saw our patrol vessel.

I completed a boating incident form concerning the incident.  At the time of the incident, there were seven people on the vessel.  There were no injuries as a result of hitting the underwater stump.  It was also determined that alcohol was not a contributing factor in the incident.  The vessel had all the proper safety equipment on board. I advised Operator that a report would be filed for insurance purposes.


BARDID: GA-2013-0043
Date: 2013-06-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OCONEE
NearestCityTown: GREENSBORO
County: GREENE
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 062213, I, Cpl. was notified by Putnam County in reference to a boating incident that occurred on Lake Oconee.  Cpl. and I responded to the incident scene by vehicle.  The incident scene was the public boat ramp in Sugar Creek.  Putnam County Sheriff's Office obtained the operator and jet ski information.  The passenger of the vessel was transported to Athens Regional Hospital for treatment.

I made contact with the operator of the vessel.  Operator stated he and his wife, Operator’s wife, were riding their PWC in Richland Creek.  Operator stated they were cruising and was going approximately 40 mph when their jet ski hit a large wake throwing the operator and the passenger from the vessel.  Operator  reboarded the PWC and his wife stated she had hurt her hip.  Operator stated he was able to get his wife back on the ski and drove back to the public ramp in Sugar Creek.  Operator stated he called 911 and had an ambulance to respond to the scene.  I asked if Operator knew where Athens Regional Hospital was located and he said he did not.  I advised Operator he could follow us to the hospital.

Cpl. and I went to Athens Regional Hospital.  We went to get information on the victim and checked the victims injuries.  We were able to get written statements from Operator and a family member who witnessed the incident.  I advised Operator that I would call and check on his wife and get an update on her injuries.

On 062413 around 1330 hours, I called Operator and checked on his wife's injuries.  Operator stated she did not suffer from any broken or fractured bones in the hip.  Operator stated she was bruised in the hip area.  At the time of the incident, there were no indications of alcohol use.  There was also no damage to the PWC.


BARDID: GA-2013-0044
Date: 2013-07-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:52:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OCONEE
NearestCityTown: GREENSBORO
County: GREENE
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 072013, I Corporal, was patrolling Lake Oconee with RFC.  I received a call from the Putnam County 911 center in reference to a boat incident that took place on Lake Oconee.  The dispatcher advised me the victim was being taken to Putnam General Hospital in Eatonton, GA.  The dispatcher provided me with the phone number of the victim.  I called the number and I spoke with the husband and the operator of the personal watercraft.  Operator advised me he was taking his wife, the passenger of the personal watercraft, to the hospital.  I advised Operator we would come to the hospital to follow up on the incident.

RFC and I went to the Putnam General.  Upon arrival, We made contact with Operator.  Operator stated he and his wife were riding a PWC when the incident occurred.  Operator stated he had passed behind his friends vessel, hit a wake causing the PWC to make a sharp turn, which threw his wife off the vessel and impacted the water.  Operator stated they were traveling about 35 mph when they hit the wake.  Operator stated the PWC came out of the water and when it landed, hit another wake causing the PWC to make an abrupt turn to the right throwing his wife off the PWC into the water.  I asked Operator if the PWC hit his wife or if she hit anything in the water and he stated she only impacted the water.  I asked Operator how close he was to the vessel he was with.  Operator stated he was around 30 to 40 yards behind the vessel.  Operator stated the waters were very congested where they were boating.

I spoke with Victim.  Victim stated they hit a wake and was thrown from the PWC.  I asked Victim if she had hit anything in the water or if the PWC hit her.  Victim stated she only impacted the water.

RFC and I went to where the PWC was stored.  We looked at the PWC and saw no signs of damage or where the PWC may have impacted the victim.  There was no alcohol involved in the incident.  The victim had three broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a bruised spleen.  The victim was released from the hospital on 072113.


BARDID: GA-2013-0046
Date: 2013-05-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:35:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORTH RIVER
NearestCityTown: ST MARYS
County: CAMDEN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
The passenger of the PWC, was being transported to Shands hospital in Jacksonville. She was awake and responsive but had hit here head on the rocks and also had a cut on her lower  leg. Cpl. began interviewing the operator about what took place. Operator stated that he was operating the PWC going up river on the east bank when a boat came down river  and he turned left to jump the wake of the passing boat. Operator stated that when he landed he tried to turn the PWC to the left  but it wouldn't turn and that he was headed for the rocks along the bank. Operator stated that he told Occupant to hold on that they were going to hit the rocks. On impact Occupant was thrown into the rocks and hit her head. Cpl asked if it was possible that he might have  let off  of the gas causing the PWC to loose steering. Operator said that that was possilble but he thought something had broken with the steering. The boat that the PWC had jumped its  wake saw the impact and came to the scene, called 911, and took Occupant into their boat and took her to the boat ramp to stand by for EMS. The operator of the boat and his wife, were both interviewed by Cpl. 

Vessel2s stated that the PWC jumped the wake of his boat at a high rate of speed. Cpl. asked if the PWC was within 100 ft of his boat and he stated that it was not. Vessel2s stated that the PWC didn't have a lot of room to turn before hitting the rocks along the bank. V2 occupant said she could see the operator turning the steering but the PWC went into the rocks. V2 occupant stated that the passenger came off the back of the PWC and hit very hard into the flat piece of concrete. The passenger appeared to be knocked out for a short period of time. The PWC was left at the impact area and the operator , walked back down the bank to the boat landing which was located 400 yards down river.

    During the interview of Operator he stated to Cpl. that he had drank 4-5 beers through out the day. Operator's eyes were red and a small odor of alcohol could be observed. Operator was given a BUI Screening Interview along with  field exercises to determine if he was intoxicated at the time of the interview. Implied consent was read and Operator agreed to a State administered  blood test. Charges could be pending on results of the test.

 The PWC was taken to Camden SO substation were measurements and pictures were taken. The steering was checked and appeared to be working correctly.
victim was released from the hospital the same evening after being checked out in the ER. Occupant had a concussion and also received stitches in her left leg between her knee and her ankle.


BARDID: GA-2013-0047
Date: 2013-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: SKIPPER NARROWS CREEK
NearestCityTown: PEMBROKE
County: BRYAN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On July 9, 2013, Ranger advised of a boating incident that had taken place over the weekend. At approximatly 1:00PM, Ranger and I arrived at Harrison's Auto and spoke with Operator about the boating incident and photographed the boat that was involved. Operator was couperative and gave us a written statment of the events that had taken place.

	On July 6, 2013 operator and wife left from the Savage Island Dock on Ft McAllister State Park and traveled by water to Marker 107, a resturant off Kilkeeny Creek.  They arrived at the resturanrt around 8:45PM. Around 10:00PM they began to head back to Savage Island. While at the returant they met with friends, who were also headed back to Savage Island. One of which had a GPS and was going to lead the way back. Just before getting underway they realized the GPS was not working. Operator said he had traveled the river a few times and would try and lead the way back. While traveling through Skipper Narrows Creek Operator looked at the boat behind him and when he turned around he realized he was about to run into the marsh and turned hard to the right. Operator said when he turned hard right the boat skiped. When the boat skipped it impacted the marsh and flipped over throwing him and his wife into the marsh and clear of the boat. When the boat impacted the marsh the Console, T-Top, and Leaning Post were torn loose and also thrown out of the boat. Operator and his wife were picked up by one of the friends following them and they were taken back to Marker 107. From there they got a ride and traveled back to Savage Island by Vehical. The following morning Operator called subject to help him turn the boat back over and towe it to Savage island and put it back on the trailer. 

	Operator did not suffer any injuries and his wife recieved a  tetnas shot at Urgent Care in Richmond Hill due to stepping on an oyster shell in the marsh while getting to the boat picking them up. When Operator was asked why he did not report the incident he advised he did not know he had to. I advised Operator he was required to report any boating incident to DNR and failure to do so could result in criminal charges.


BARDID: GA-2013-0048
Date: 2013-08-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:15:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: ST ANDREWS SOUND/ JEKYLL CREEK
NearestCityTown: JEKYLL ISLAND
County: GLYNN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, August 3, 2013, I RFC, received a call from GSP regarding a boating incident in St. Andrews Sound in Glynn County, Georgia.  GSP advised that a boat pulling a tube had run over one of the occupants of the boat after he fell out.  Cpl. and I responded to the the Jekyll Creek Boat ramp where the injured subject had been taken.  

     Once we arrived at the ramp, we were met by two Jekyll Island Emergency Response Personel and GSP Trooper.  Trooper advised that the injured male subject had been taken to the Emergency Room at South East Georgia Health Systems in Brunswick, due to his injuries.  Victim was accompanied by his mother, to the hospital.  I identified the vessel operator, who seemed very calm considering the circumstances and began interviewing him concerning the events that had transpired.  RFC began photographing the boat and its contents and gathering witness statements and Corporal began getting personal information and a sketch from the other occupants.  

     Operator told me that he was pulling on the tube in the St. Andrews Sound area.  As he was making subject several turns and getting back into the wake that he had created it got very rough and the next thing he knew, he felt two or three bumps under the boat.  He then heard his son Victim, yelling for help and saying that he was bleeding.  He realized that Victim had come out of the boat and that the bumps that he had felt under the boat were from his son being run over.  He went straight to him and pulled him into the boat.  When he saw the lacerations on Victim's body, he covered them up with a towel applying direct pressure to the wounds, and his wife called 911.  He then drove straight to the Jekyll Island boat ramp and was met by Emergency Medical Personnel who transported Victim and his mother to the Emergency Room in Brunswick.  operator advised that Victim and friend were sitting on the bow of the boat (forward of the front seat where there was no rail), his wife was sitting in the passenger seat on the port side beside him and his daughter was sitting on the stern swim platform on the port side spotting the skier.  

     After conducting the interviews and gathering evidential pictures and sketches, Operator and the other occupants were released at the scene.  RFC and I went to SEGA Health Systems to check on the status of Victim and get a written statement from his mother.  Upon our arrival, I spoke to the charge nurse who advised that Victim had been flown to Memorial Hospital in Savannah.  She advised that he was in stable but critical condition and his injuries consisted of  a laceration to the left side of his head, four lacerations to the left side, four abrasions to the left thigh, lacerations to his kidney and a possible fractured pelvis.  After obtaining this information, I contacted Corporal who works in Chatham County and he and Ranger responded to Memorial Hospital in Savannah.  Corporal was able to confirm that Victim arrived at Memorial Hospital and was taken into the operating room at approximately 1620 hours.  His injury status also consisted of possible spleen injuries.


BARDID: GA-2013-0049
Date: 2013-03-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: OGEECHEE RIVER
NearestCityTown: BLOOMINGDALE
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Overloading
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
A boat started to take on water on the Ogeechee River near HOllow Oak Dr.  The vessel capsized, ejecting five people into the water.  Ems treated all parties on scene.  No one was wearing a pfd.


BARDID: GA-2013-0050
Date: 2013-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:10:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: ST MARYS RIVER
NearestCityTown: FOLKSTON
County: CHARLTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Three people were all occupants of a 14 foot Duracraft jon boat on the St. Mary's River approximately one half mile from Camp Pickney Landing when their boat had mechanical problems. An unidentified passerby described as a white male in a blue and white vessel stopped to assist the broken down vessel and the 3 occupants. The unidentified passerby began to tow the stranded vessel and its 3 occupants back to Camp Pickney when another boat passed by causing a wake that overturned the stranded vessel. When the vessel turned on its side the 3 occupants of the stranded vessel fell out of the vessel and into the River. Both female occupants of the stranded vessel received injuries caused by the fall from the vessel. The unidentified passerby assisted all 3 occupants out of the river and back into the vessel. The unidentified passerby finished towing the stranded vessel and the 3 occupants to Pickney Landing. The 2 female occupants were transported by Charlton County EMS to Charlton Memorial Hospital in Folkston Georgia. The 2 female victims were treated for the minor lacerations and released. Corporal went to other ramps in the area in a attempt to locate the unidentified passerby but were unsuccessful.


BARDID: GA-2013-0051
Date: 2013-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BURTON
NearestCityTown: CLAYTON
County: RABUN
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 were in a stopped position just outside the entrance of Governor's Cove on PWC # 1 when they were struck by PWC # 2.  The two girls were thrown off PWC  # 1 into the water.  Operator2's PWC struck the left side of the girls' PWC damaging the fiberglass near the foot area and the handlebars. The collision injured operator1’s leg in two places and her elbow.  Operator2's PWC received minor scratches to the front underside.  victim was transported by private vehicle to Mountain Lakes Medical Center where she was treated and released the same day.


BARDID: GA-2013-0052
Date: 2013-06-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
A 55 year old female with three juveniles were being pulled on a tube behind a vessel when the tube over turned, ejecting the passengers.  The female was not wearing a personal floatation device (PFD) at the time of the incident and she drowned.  Her body was recovered at the scene.  
  
     I photographed the vessel, which was identified as a 20’ Sun Catcher pontoon boat, off white in color, bearing Georgia registration: GA 6496 CV; HIN GEN36790I506.  The length of the vessel measured 20 feet. The tow rope measured 74 feet long.   The vessel’s motor was a Yamaha - 90 horsepower, 4-stroke.

Operator said he and ten passengers, (5 adults, 6 juveniles) were out on Lake Lanier tubing.  Operator said his wife, Operator’s wife, was on the tube with three children.   Operator said the boat was in neutral at the time of the incident.  Operator said the tube filled up with water and tipped the passengers out into the lake.  Operator said he scrambled to locate everyone; the tube was on top of one of the children.  Operator said Operator’s wife was holding up one of the children out of the water because the child was scared.  Operator said Operator’s wife was trying to console that child.  Operator said Operator’s wife was not wearing a life jacket.  Operator said Operator’s wife could swim; she swam competitively on the swim team and was a very good swimmer.  Operator said he jumped in the water and turned the tube over and one girl popped up out of the water.  Operator then noticed Operator’s wife was not responding; he got help from another passenger.   They pulled Operator’s wife up on the pontoon boat and started CPR.  Operator said Operator’s wife was blue and unresponsive.


BARDID: GA-2013-0053
Date: 2013-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On June 29, 2013 Subject was towing two friends on a tub in the Chesatee River on Lake Lanier around Taylor Creek Island.  The tube hit a wake causing both subjects to fall off the tube.  tuber1 knee struck tuber2 nose breaking it.  tuber2 was taken to North East Georgia Medical Center and was treated and released.  Statements were taken from four subjects.


BARDID: GA-2013-0055
Date: 2013-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:36:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LANKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On July 6, 2013 I received a call at 2036 hours from Hall County dispatch in reference to a boating incident at Sunset Cove on Lake Lanier.  Sgt. responded to Northeast Georgia Medical Center to interview the victim and her husband.  I responded to dock E21 to interview the occupants from the vessel and get the vessel information.  Cpl. responded to Sunset Cove to interview the owner/operator of vessel 1.

After interviewing all of the subjects involved and obtaining witness statements the accident appeared to be caused by heavy winds.  The operator of vessel 1 was anchored out approximately thirty yards from E dock at Sunset Cove on Lake Lanier.  A severe storm came through with high winds.  The winds caused the anchor of vessel 1 to pull free and the vessel began to drift towards vessels 2 and 3 which were moored at (E) dock at Sunset Cove.  The victim and several of the other occupants ran onto vessel (3)  in an attempt to push the boats apart.  They were unable to keep the boats separated and vessel (1) struck the starboard bow of vessel (3).  the impact caused the victim to loose her footing and the bow cleat was forced through her foot.  The operator of vessel (1) then pulled a short distance away and waited until Cpl. arrived to question him.


BARDID: GA-2013-0056
Date: 2013-06-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:15:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SIDNEY LANIER
NearestCityTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was traveling North toward Aqualand Marina.  Vessel 2 was traveling West toward the mouth of Flowery Branch Creek.  Vessel 1 hit the port side of Vessel 2. The operator of Vessel 1 was injured due to the incident and was later transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center for treatment.  The amount of damage on Vessel 2 is significantly in excess of $2,000.00 . Costs for repairs on vessel 2 are pending.


BARDID: GA-2013-0057
Date: 2013-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SIDNEY LANIER
NearestCityTown: BUFORD
County: GWINNETT
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: Person strikes propeller
RedactedNarrative:
victim was attempting to board Vessel 1 from the stern.  Victim slipped while trying to climb in and hit the prop of the vessel.  Victim suffered a severe laceration on the backside of her left thigh.  Hall County Fire and Rescue transported Victim to East Bank boat ramp where she was transported to Gwinnett Medical Center for further treatment.  Vessel 1 was not underway, but the engine was running at the time of this incident.  operator was at the helm of Vessel 1 when this incident took place.


BARDID: GA-2013-0058
Date: 2013-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:35:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On 08/04/2013 I, RFC received a call in reference to a boat incident near Old Federal Park's boat ramp. I traveled to the area. Everyone had left the area by the time I arrived. I spoke to Army Corps Officer at the scene. Officer stated that a fifteen year old subject  was operating a PWC when he fell off and struck his back on the PWC. He was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center for treatment. I collected the mothers information, who was also a witness from Officer.
On 08/05/2013 I contacted (Mother/witness). She stated that at approximately 14:35 hrs Operator was operating the PWC. He attempted to jump a wake of a passing vessel. During the jump he lost his grip on the PWC falling off and striking his lower back on the ski. He was able to make it back to shore. There his back started to hurt really badly. When emergency personal arrived they transported Operator to Northeast Georgia Medical Center as a precaution. He was treated for back contusions and discharged from the medical center. I advised mother that Operator could not operate the PWC by himself until he turned sixteen or completed the appropriate boaters course. She quoted the previous law in reference to direct supervision. I informed her of the new law change and told her that I was not going to take any enforcement action in this case.

No further details at this time.


BARDID: GA-2013-0059
Date: 2013-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SEMINOLE
NearestCityTown: BAINBRIDGE
County: DECATUR
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: limb tangled in activity equip
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, July 6, 2013, at approximately 06:00 pm, I received a phone call from Decatur 911 in reference to a boating incident on Lake Seminole.  The dispatcher informed me that a girl’s fingers on one of her hands and been amputated, and she was heading to a Tallahassee Fl. Hospital.  The dispatcher also informed me the vessel that was involved in the incident was located across from the sandbar, about two miles south of Bainbridge.  I immediately dispatched Ranger to interview the victim at the hospital in Tallassee, and I launched a patrol vessel and responded to the scene.  When I arrived at the location by vessel, I met up with the operator of the vessel.  Operator was removing a blue rope from inside the jet drive engine as I arrived.  Operator informed me that he, his brother, and Victim were about to go knee boarding on the lake.  Operator stated that while the boat was running in neutral, the rope was about to get caught in the jet drive motor, and asked Victim to remove the rope from the water.  As she was removing the rope from the water it was sucked up in the motor with the rope twisted around her thumb and ring finger on her right hand.  As the rope tightened it amputated the top joint on her right ring finger and almost removed her right thumb. Operator flagged down a passing vessel and asked for transportation to the boat basin, where EMS was standing by for medical assistance.  Ranger interviewed Victim and operator’s brother  at the hospital in Tallahassee and both provided written statements of the incident.  When I interviewed Operator, he provided a written statement on the incident.  No violations were detected in this incident.


BARDID: GA-2013-0061
Date: 2013-08-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:48:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: SATILLA RIVER
NearestCityTown: BLACKSHEAR
County: PIERCE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was beached on the shore of the satilla river in peirce county when victim decided to walk onto the stationary boat and retreive a pack of cigarettes. She fell out of the boat striking the boat and the bottom of the shallow river causing the stated injuries. Noone else was in the stationary boat at the time she fell. Witness saw the victim fall into the river. Victim was transported to waycross memorial hospital for her injuries by ems unit and peirce county deputy sheriff was the first law enforcement officer to arrive onscene. Other people in the area were interveiwed and they all said they did not see the victim fall.


BARDID: GA-2013-0062
Date: 2013-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE WORTH
NearestCityTown: ALBANY
County: DOUGHERTY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On May 26, 2013, Corporal and I were on vessel patrol for boating and fishing activity on Lake Worth.  While traveling south we observed Dougherty County EMS tending to someone at Cromartie Beach Boat Landing. As we drove up to the boat ramp, we observed a red and white Monteray boat, registration GA 6049 GW, tied to the dock. Several people were in and around the boat including a young white male, lying on the stern receiving medical attention. Cpl.  And I began asking people what happened. After identifying potential witnesses, we collected witness statements from everyone who was in the vessel at the time of the incident. We also collected witness statements from the operator of another vessel who was following the red and white Monteray when the incident occurred. All witness statements indicated boat operator father of injured skier was towing two tubes behind the Monteray boat. Victim was riding on the inside of the right-hand tube and as the tubes came together he kicked off of the left-hand tube. After he kicked off of the left-hand tube, he fell off and began screaming for help. The boat operator turned the vessel around and jumped into the water to help Victim. Once father got Victim up to the boat, he could tell something was wrong with his left leg. They immediately dialed 911 and drove to Cromartie Beach Boat Landing. Victim was transported by Dougherty County EMS to Pheobe Putney Memorial Hospital where x-rays were taken. The x-rays indicated Victim suffered a broken femur in his left leg. It is not clear whether or not Victim broke his femur by kicking the other tube or striking a fixed object after falling off the tube.


BARDID: GA-2013-0063
Date: 2013-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:45:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityTown: WOODSTOCK
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Officer told me that the boat struck the wave brake at the end of dock M at a high rate of speed.  He said that the boat was sinking and that witnesses and deputies had to help the operator out of the water.  Officer also said that the operator was talking incoherently about some fire fighters in Arizona and appeared to be very intoxicated. The boat operator also said that he worked for the US Forestry Service.  Officer told me that the boat was folded up from impacting the wave brake. Officer and I proceeded to the end of dock  M to meet the other deputies and witnesses.

Three people each gave us a written witness statement about the incident.  In her statement, subject wrote that  she was fishing and that she saw Victim' boat head toward the dock but hit the wave brake.  She wrote that the driver did not seem to slow down the boat or try to stop.  She also wrote that she went out on the wave brake with subject2 to try and help Victim but Victim' leg was stuck in the boat.  subject also noted that Victim seemed, "confused as drunk and


BARDID: GA-2013-0064
Date: 2013-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HARTWELL
NearestCityTown: LAVONIA
County: HART
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
PWC #1 AND PWC #2 WERE TOGETHER ON LAKE HARTWELL DURING A HEAVY RAIN SHOWER. BOTH VESSELS WERE TRYING TO GET BACK TO DOCK TO COVER. VESSEL #2 STOPPED TO SWITCH DRIVERS AND VESSEL #1 KEPT ON COURSE AT APPROX 25 MPH AND WAS NOT PAYING ATTENTION TO VESSEL #2 DUE TO HEAVY RAIN. VESSEL #1 HIT VESSEL #2 IN THE STEARN AND RAMPED OVER VESSEL HITTING BOTH SUBJECTS ON BOARD. BOTH SUBJECTS FROM VESSEL #2 WERE TREATED AND RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL. NO ONE FROM VESSEL#1 WAS INJURED DURING COLLISION. DRIVER OF VESSEL#1 WAS AT FAULT OF THE INCIDENT.


BARDID: GA-2013-0065
Date: 2013-07-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LANIER
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/28/13 at approximately 1900 hours Cpl. and I received a call in reference to a boating incident in Shoal Creek on Lake Lanier. We were advised that a person was injured and was being transported to the boat ramp at Lanier Harbor Marina. We responded to the marina by vessel. Once at the marina we were advised that the injured person was transferred to Hall County Fire boat and would be at the marina in a few minutes. After a few minutes passed the fire boat arrived with the injured person, a towed tuber on Vessel 1. The fire boat also carried a witness from Vessel 1. 

I spoke with Witntess and he advised me that he and Victim were being towed on a tube. He stated that the boat made a left turn causing the tube to swing wide to the starboard side. As the tube traveled to the side he stated that he saw a boat sitting in the path of the tube. He stated that as he saw the boat he jumped off the tube, and Victim braced for the impact by curling into a ball. According to other witnesses, after the impact Victim was not moving. The occupants from vessel 2 stated they called 911 and attempted to get the occupants of vessel 1 to leave Victim in the water and wait for medical personnel. Vessel 1 witnesses stated that they removed him from the water and called 911 while transporting him to the dock of the boat operator. Due to the location of the dock, he was placed on Hall County Fire boat and transported to Lanier Harbor Marina. Once there he was transported to Gwinnett Medical Center by Gwinnett County Fire Dept. After he was transported Cpl. and I traveled to the dock to attempt to locate additional witnesses and the boat operator. We located the other witnesses on Vessel 1 as it was leaving the dock. We interviewed them and was provided with the same statement as Witntess provided. 

The boat owner of Vessel 1, advised us that operator was the person that sold her the boat and he was assisting her with boat operation that day. We met Operator at his home and he advised us of the same description of the incident. After speaking with him it was determined that he was impaired and he was arrested for boating under the influence and reckless operation. 

Victim was treated and released from the hospital with contusions and abrasions to his chest, right arm and right leg, two bruised lungs, bruised ribs, bruised chest cavity, and a broken right leg in the area of his knee. No injuries were reported from Vessel 2.


BARDID: GA-2013-0066
Date: 2013-08-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: FLOWERY BRANCH CREEK LAKE LANI
NearestCityTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Shift
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On August 3, 2013, at  approximately 1850 hours, I, Ranger, and Corporal received a call about a boat incident at Hideaway Bay Marina near the gas docks. Corporal and I responded by boat to the incident site where we met the two men involved in the accident. Operator1 explained to me that as he was coming about to park his vessel, the shift cable snapped and he lost control of his vessel. When he lost control of his vessel, the bow his vessel careened into the dock of the marina and then ramped onto an empty pontoon causing significant damage to the awning and frame of another boat. Operator1's boat then slid off the pontoon back into the water. When the prop of the boat reentered the water while still running, the boat rotated and began plowing through the water towards another dock. Operator1 stated that he had no control over his vessel while the vessel was in motion. Operator1's vessel then crashed into the dock and came to a stop After Operator1 told me his side of the story, I asked the second vessel owner if he remembered anything differently. Owner2 stated that what Operator1 had stated was the truth and that he was glad that no one was hurt. Corporal and I took statements from both men and asked them to both draw sketches of what happened. The statements and drawings of both men were consistent with the damage to the docks and vessels. Operator1 did not have any registration on his vessel since he purchased it in 2005.


BARDID: GA-2013-0067
Date: 2013-07-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 was warming up his borrowed Personal Watercraft (PWC) from the ramp at River Forks Park on Lake Lanier. Operator1 took the PWC out about half the width of the lake before turning around and heading back towards the dock. Operator1 had a friend on the dock waiting to be picked up to be a passenger on the PWC. Operator1 came into the dock to fast and was unable to get it stopped before he collided into Operator2's vessel that was tied up on the right side of the courtesy dock. Operator1 fell off the PWC as a result of the collision. Operator1 was wearing a PFD and sustained no injuries. There was no fire extinguisher on the PWC. No one was on the Operator2's vessel at the time of the collision. Operator1 was operating the PWC above idle speed when he came into contact with the Operator2's vessel. His estimated speed was 20 miles per hour.


BARDID: GA-2013-0068
Date: 2013-05-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:35:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: JACKSON LAKE
NearestCityTown: JACKSON
County: BUTTS
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Cpl. informed me two vessels were involved and the incident resulted in one fatality.  there was no indication of drug or alcohol use.   

Operator1 was the operator of vessel A, a 1989 Ranger HIN # RNG1L186J889.  Operator1 said he saw Operator2, driver of vessel B, a 1999 Stratos HIN # OMLS1253C999, coming out from a point, near the Due Duck Inn, but in his direction and at a distance of ¼ mile.   Operator1 said “I turned right, he turned left, I turned left, he turned right”.  Operator1 said he was running around 2800 RPMS when he first saw Operator2.  Operator1 said he had not been drinking but does take a seizure medication named Lamictal. Operator1 consented to a blood test.  
At approximately 0020 hours, I interviewed the driver of vessel B, Operator2.   Operator2 said he was coming around the point but off of it by 100 yards. Operator2 said Operator1 approached him on the outside at first but then moved toward the inside.  Operator2 explained the inside as the area between his boat and the bank. Operator2 said, “so I shifted to go to the outside, he shifted in opposite direction so I shifted in the opposite direction”.  Operator2 said the incident happened at least 150 yards from the dock at 165 Sky Rd. (Due Duck Inn).  Operator2 consented to a blood test.  I transported Operator2 to Sylvan Grove Hospital in Jackson for testing.  We arrived at the hospital at approximately 0100 hours and I read Operator2 implied consent.  
At approximately 0400 hours, both Vessel A and B were secured at the Butts County Sheriff’s Office impound lot.
On May 23, 2013, at 1130 hours, I attended the autopsy of passenger of Vessel A.  Medical Examiner, said Victim suffered from trauma to the left chest area.  (See autopsy report)


BARDID: GA-2013-0069
Date: 2013-08-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:50:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
On August 9, 2013 RFC and I received a call in reference to a stolen vessel. At approximately 1750 hours we recovered the vessel in the area of Wahoo Creek. Upon inspection of the vessel it was determined that the vessel was damaged. The vessel sustained several scrapes through the gel coat to the fiberglass on the area of the keel at the bow and starboard bow area. The vessel also sustained scrapes on the starboard side near the stern. The vessel was substantially damaged on the port side near the stern; an approximately two foot scrape through the gel coat to the fiberglass. This area was also heavily scratched. The throttle system was also damaged and in need of repair.
Upon interviewing all three occupants it was determined, that the vessel struck the owners dock while they were backing out. This was also confirmed by inspecting the dock. 
Upon investigating the damage it was determined that the vessel struck something else during the time they were operating it. None of the occupants on board admitted to hitting anything else.  
All three occupants on board were arrested and charged with the theft and damage of the vessel, possession of tools for a crime, and subject was also charged with giving a false name to officers.


BARDID: GA-2013-0071
Date: 2013-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE ALLATOONA
NearestCityTown: EMERSON
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
I interviewed the witnesses and was briefed by Cpl. Young. I learned that the witnesses and their children were swimming in a cove near the train trestle bridge. They stated they heard a commotion and saw a man fall from his vessel into the water. The vessel started going in circles. The witnesses told me they went to the man and attempted to throw a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) to him. The subject could not get the PFD. They told me the vessel struck the subject at least two times and he floated to the surface. When the subject was pushed away from the circling vessel's path by the wake, the witnesses and a fisherman (identity unknown) retrieved him. They jumped into the water and placed him onto a float and then moved him to the swim platform on the rear of their vessel. They told me the subject appeared deceased at that time. 	
	I photographed Victim' vessel before boarding it. I observed the throttle was in the maximum forward position. The engine safety switch lanyard was in place and appeared in good condition. The lanyard was hanging down beside the operator's seat. It did not appear to have been used by Victim. The fuel gauge indicated empty. The trim position indicated the motor was trimmed up to approximately the middle position. I observed the vessel's engine was turned to the full starboard position. I measured the angle of the engine at 65 degrees. I observed several fishing rods and other fishing equipment lying on the port side compartment. Two of the fishing rods were laying on the rear deck next to the gunwale. They were slightly secured at the tips by a storage strap. One of the two rods had damage to the lure storage loop and a broken rod tip. The lure was missing and the fishing line appeared to have been stretched and broken. I also observed a cleat on the port side gunwale was pulled or knocked loose. Three of the four screws were bent and ripped from the gunwale. The damage pattern indicated the cleat had been forced out and away from the vessel center line. The vessel was photographed and cleared to be removed from the water. RFC Hendrix performed a preliminary search for perishable evidence before removing the vessel.


BARDID: GA-2013-0072
Date: 2013-06-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 04:05:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SINCLAIR
NearestCityTown: MILLEDGEVILLE
County: BALDWIN
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Once we were able to get the vessels out of the water myself and Rgr started taking pictures of damage on both vessels.  On vessel #1 the damaged started on the bow of the boat on the trolling motor and continued down the starboard side of the vessel.  We noticed at the stern of the vessel some damaged on the under side of the vessel as well as damaged to the prop and cowling of the motor.  Upon further inspection we also noticed damage to the drivers console and dash board.  On vessel #2 the damaged was contained to the port side of the stern of the vessel.  We noticed scuff marks on the cowling of the engine, the battery was knocked loose and displaced.  The gas tank was knocked towards the interior of the vessel.  The port side stern corner where the seat and railing are located had also been knocked towards the interior.  The back deck where the stern light was mounted was found hanging off of the back of the vessel.  I took into evidence the stern light and pole for testing. While Operator #2 was going through his vessel he noticed that his personal medication was missing.  He then stated that he needed it recorded because his Doctor would need it reported so that he could get his prescription filled.  I advised him that this information would be added upon his request.   Later that day myself and Sgt tested the light on a battery and the LED stern light came on.  The light was put into evidence at the region office for safe keeping.  Pictures taken of both vessels are attached to this report.

After gathering statement from all involved both witnesses stated that they could see a stern light on vessel #2 but said it was dim.  Operator #1 stated that he did not see a stern light but started to slow down prior to impact because of wakes he was hitting with Vessel #1.  Operator #1 stated that he saw Vessel #2 and attempted to avoid contact but it was too late. Passenger of Vessel #1 stated that the  was unable to see any light from Vessel #2  because everything happened so sudden. Operator # 2 stated that all of his navigation light were working and on at the time of impact.  The passenger of Vessel #2 did not provide in his statement any information about the navigation light of Vessel #2. Statements were written and attached to this report.  Operator #2 was unable to give a written statement initially because of being on a back board and had a neck brace on.  His statements were recorded on vidmic by Cpl..  

After all statement were taken from both operators, both were tested on PBT's for the presence off alcohol.  Both operators came back negative for results.

Later on June 30, 2013 I made contact with Oconee Regional Medical Center to check on the status of operator #1.  Operator #1, at the time of this report, is in ICU because of a rib that punctured his lung.  Operator #2 went to the hospital later that date in reference to neck pain.

After I completed my investigation I met with Operator2 and advised him that he was being charge violation of the rules of the road because his vessel struck the other from the rear. I advised Operator2 of his court date and how he could take care of the citation. No further.


BARDID: GA-2013-0073
Date: 2013-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SINCLAIR
NearestCityTown: EATONTON
County: PUTNAM
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1 was traveling approximately 10-20 mph in a south bound direction near the mouth of the cove at Putnam Beach. Vessel #2 was traveling east at approximately less than 10 mph exiting the cove at Putnam Beach. Vessel #1 struck vessel #2 with vessel#1's bow on vessel#2's port side just above the rub rail approximately midway of the hull and traveled across the port side bow area of vessel#2. Vessel #2 received a large crack to the hull and the port side mirror was completely broken off. Vessel #1 received damage to the fiberglass at the bow behind the rub rail.

On the afternoon of 08/07/2013 I contacted subject in reference to a boating incident that she had notified my Region IV office about. subject informed me that on June 9, 2013 her daughter, Operator2, and her daughter's then boyfriend, Operator1, had been recreational boating on her PWC's near Putnam Beach and were involved in a boating incident. Operator2’s mom stated that after her daughter, who was operating vessel#2, had been struck by Operator1, who was operating vessel#1, both parties went to the beach area at Putnam Beach where they made contact with Operator1's father. According to Operator2, operator1’s father was in the process of possibly purchasing the PWC's from Operator2’s mom and made the comment that the damage should knock a couple thousand off the price and advised her not to tell her parents that she was involved in a incident. I advised Operator2’s mom that since neither party was injured that the vessel damage must be greater than $2000.00 in order to have a boating incident report completed. Operator2’s mom informed me that she would get an estimate and get back with me.

On the afternoon of 08/16/2013 I contacted Operator2’s mom in reference to the damage estimate. She advised me that a person estimated the damage at approximately $2200.00. I informed Operator2’s mom that I would meet with her on 08/18/2013 to gather statements from Operator2. I then contacted the estimator who verified that he had the PWC's and that the damage to vessel#1 was approximately $400.00 and the damage to vessel#2 was approximately $1800.00 and informed me that I could come by his shop to gather the PWC's information.

On 08/17/2013 Rangers, I gathered the PWC's information and took pictures of the damage.

The statements that Operator1 made was not supported by the damage received to both vessel#1 and vessel#2. The statement received from Operator2 was supported based on the damage to vessel#1 and vessel#2.


BARDID: GA-2013-0074
Date: 2013-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:53:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: WEST POINT LAKE
NearestCityTown: LAGRANGE
County: TROUP
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On June 25th at approximately 10:53, I, Ranger over heard a radio call from Troup County 911 dispatch concerning a possible boating accident at Sheafer Heard Park on West Point Lake.  At approximately 11:17, I arrived at the boat ramp of Sheafer Heard Park where the Troup County Emergency Medical Services were stabalizing the victim.  Victim was then loaded into the ambulance by EMS personel and taken to a landing zone in the park for life flight transport to Egleston Medical Center in Atlanta.  I then met with the Mother,  she stated that she was operating the vessel when it appear that the tow line became slack and when the tension was reapplied Victim was flipped forward landing on her face and neck.  I then interviewed one of the occupants who also stated the same events of the accident.  Victim was flown to Egleston Medical Center in Atlanta and was released on June 26th with minor strain to the neck and back.

Nothing Further.


BARDID: GA-2013-0075
Date: 2013-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: FLINT RIVER
NearestCityTown: BAINBRIDGE
County: DECATUR
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday August 11th at approximately 1700 hours Ranger and I were on a boating safety patrol on the Flint River in Decatur County. We observed a white male subject flagging us down approximately one mile south of Reynolds sandbar. The subject was standing on the east riverbank, beside an aluminum Duracraft boat. Operator1 was holding the tow line and stated to us that his motor had stopped working. I observed damage to the front port side of the vessel. Operator1 stated that he had been at Reynolds's sandbar  and that someone had struck his boat while it was at anchor.  Operator1 was unsteady on his feet and had slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. I asked Operator1 if he had been drinking and he stated no. I observed an empty bottle of vodka that was in the bottom of the boat.  I told Operator1 that I knew he had been drinking and I asked him again how much alcohol he had consumed. He told me he had a couple of drinks.  I observed additional damage to the motor of the boat . The motor was sitting sideways off the transom. After taking a closer look, I discovered that the motor was almost completely knocked off the transom. I asked Operator1 what he hit with the boat. He again said that he didn't remember hitting anything and that the motor just quit on him. I told him that I didn't believe him and that he had to hit something to do the amount of damage his boat sustained. He then said that he might have hit something. 

I asked Operator1 if he would submit to field sobriety exercises to determine if he was safe to operate a vessel. He consented and Ranger conducted the BUI screening interview. Operator1 failed all of the field sobriety exercises.  Operator1 contacted a friend by phone to tow his vessel to the Flint River Heights landing. While at the landing, Operator1 admitted to hitting a tree and stated that he was the only one in the vessel. Ranger from Decatur S.O. stood by with  Operator1 while I attempted to locate anyone who witnessed the boating incident or someone who had seen Operator1 operating his vessel within the last three hours.

I was unable to find any witnesses that could give me an approximate time when Operator1 wrecked his vessel.

I returned to the landing and picked up Sergeant. We went back to the area where we first met Operator1 in an attempt to locate the incident site. Approximately fifty yards North of where Operator1 flagged us down, we located two cypress trees on the East bank of the river that had been struck by a vessel.  The trees matched the damage to the vessel. The vessel struck a tree on the port side causing the boat to whip around, and the motor struck the second tree.
Operator1 was issued a citation for reckless operation of a vessel and was released in the custody of his parents. He was not charged for BUI because we could not get an approximate time that the incident occurred. He was previously convicted of BUI in Decatur County in 2011.
The vessel was turned over to the owner.


BARDID: GA-2013-0076
Date: 2013-08-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CHATUGE
NearestCityTown: HIAWASSEE
County: TOWNS
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On August 10, 2013, I , Sgt., received a telephone call from Young Harris Water Sports about a boat incident that occurred earlier on Lake Chatuge. They stated there no injuries, just property damage to 2 vessels. I responded to the Ridges Marina where the incident occurred. When I arrived at the Marina I met w/ the owner/manager of Young Harris Water Sports and operator1.  Manager showed me the two vessels at the marina. I observed vessel 2 moored in its slip with vessel 1 attached to its ski platform (see photos). Vessel 1 and 2 were both owned by Young Harris Water Sports and Operator1 rented vessel 1 for the day (see rental agreement). I interviewed Operator1 about what the incident. Operator1 told me that he did not have much experience operating boats - maybe less than 10 hours total from many years ago. Operator1 said that he was operating vessel 1 with six passengers (5 adults and 1 juvenile). When he started to leave the slip area, he gave the vessel too much throttle which made the vessel accelerate too fast and he ran into the rear of vessel 2. Vessel 2 was moored in a slip at the marina. Vessel 1 struck Vessel 2 in the stern with the bow of vessel 1 riding up the stern of vessel 2. Vessel 1 then slid back down the stern of vessel 2 with and vessel 1's motor out drive got stuck on the ski platform of vessel2. I gathered all the information from the owner, operator, and occupants of the vessels for reporting purposes.


BARDID: GA-2013-0077
Date: 2013-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SIDNEY LANIER
NearestCityTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Missing or Inadequate Navigation Aids
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, September 1, 2013 the operator of vessel 1 was traveling south bound on Lake Lanier near the mouth of Shoal Creek.  His vessel struck an unmarked reef marker that was bent over and partially submerged due to an apparent previous accident.  The metal pole went through the hull of vessel 1 and caused the driver to be thrown off of the vessel.  He sustained only minor cuts and scrapes but the PWC sustained major damage as a result of the crash.


BARDID: GA-2013-0078
Date: 2013-08-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:23:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
At 2058 I Ranger while at home, received a call from GSP dispatch about a boating incident on Lake Lanier in Little River. The incident involved a skier who was being pulled behind a motor boat when he went down and hit is head on his skies. He was unconscious when his friends pulled him out of the water. They called 911 and took Victim to Little River Park. Hall County EMS took him to North East Georgia Medical Center (NEGMC) where he was diagnosed with a bad compressed skull fracture and a laceration on the left side of his face. I arrived at NEGMC at 2125 and made contact with the occupants and operator of the boat. The operator stated that he was driving straight ahead and that Victim was skiing hard.  When he crossed the wake he went down hard. All the witnesses stated Victim was a top-notch skier with hundreds of hours of experience and that he was not acting reckless. Based on my training and experience I have concluded that there is no fault on the part of the operator or Victim.


BARDID: GA-2013-0079
Date: 2013-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: CLARKS HILL LAKE
NearestCityTown: THOMSON
County: MCDUFFIE
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On 05 July 2013, at approximately 1400 hrs. victim was wake-boarding behind a vessel. This activity occurred in the Germany Creek section of Little River on Clarks Hill Lake. The driver of the vessel stated that the vessel was cruising along at approximately twenty(20) miles per hour. After interviewing Victim,and obtaining statements from the operator of the vessel along with witnesses aboard the vessel,this was deemed to be a incident arising from the wake-boarder(Victim) attempting a backflip maneuver which resulted in Victim falling during the landing and striking his head on his knee. The impact caused a laceration just above the right eye.

They arrived at the hospital at approximately 1500 hrs. After being seen by the on call  emergency room  physican ,it was determined that Victim should receive further treatment at the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) in Augusta,Ga. I arrived at MRMC  at 1545 hrs ,and was able to speak with Victim before he and his family left for Augusta. Once Victim and family arrived at MCG,it was determined that the injury was more severe than originally thought and that surgery would be needed to repair the damamge to the eye. The bones surrounding the eye socket were broken ,causing a rupture in the vessel that supplies blood to the eye. The surgery occurred on July 5,2013. Victim returned home on July 7,2013,where he is recovering. No enforcement action was taken ,as no infractions of the law occurred.


BARDID: GA-2013-0080
Date: 2013-08-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:38:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE ALLATOONA
NearestCityTown: HOLLY SPRINGS
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
A boat had crashed head on into a bank and both persons in the boat were not doing well at all

During the processing of the vessel and execution of the search warrant, we located 7 empty Bud Light beer cans and 8 full Bud Light beer cans within the vessel.  Also located on the port side on the floor within a storage area was a Ibuprofen bottle.  Within this Ibuprofen bottle was an unknown quantity of 200 mg ibuprofen tablets, 11 white pills labeled APO 200 (Carbamazepine 200 mg), 2 blue oblong tablets labeled G3721 (Alprazolam 1 mg), and 1 white oblong tablet labeled 6469 (Zolpidem 10 mg.)  These items were bagged as evidence.  

Cpl. photographed the impact point with the bank where the vessel penetrated the bank approximately 10 inches with the bow.  Within this impact point, Cpl. located red and white pieces consistent with the 2000 Crownline vessel that was located at this point the previous night.  Cpl. also located a pine root in the bank with a small piece of fiber on it that looked to be from the front bow west (Evidence # 34.)  We observed a large field of broken glass along the bank.  Cpl. placed a metal spike at the impact point and the measured to the furthest piece of broken glass.  The glass shatter to the left was approximately 35 feet and the glass shatter to the right was approximately 28 feet.  This glass was from the front windshield of the vessel when it impacted the bank.


BARDID: GA-2013-0081
Date: 2013-08-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: LANIER
NearestCityTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday August 31, 2013 at approximately 1730 I received a call in reference to a boating accident at Aqualand marina. Upon arrival I spoke with the operator of Vessel 1. He stated that he docked the boat on the outside of a houseboat dock in an effort to escape a storm. He stated that the wake, due to the storm, caused the boat to hit the dock repeatedly. This caused the bolts that hold the dock together to cause significant damage to the starboard side of the vessel. Several holes were made in the pontoon on the starboard side, which caused the boat to partially sink. The railing on the starboard side was torn, dented and scratched for the length of the boat, and the front seats were also torn.


BARDID: GA-2013-0082
Date: 2013-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: SKIDAWAY RIVER
NearestCityTown: SAVANNAH
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
September 1st, 2013, Sgt. responded to a boating incident at the public boat ramp on Diamond Causeway (Skidaway Narrows). The operator of a PWC had struck a wake at a sharp enough angle to throw the operator forward striking his head on the throttle. The incident was witnessed by a relative who was aboard another vessel. The victim was assisted to the boat ramp where Southside EMS personnel treated victim and transported to Memorial Hospital in Savannah. It did not appear that alcohol was involved. There was not a fire extinguisher on board.


BARDID: GA-2013-0083
Date: 2013-06-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:00:00
State: GA
NameOfBodyOfWater: SAVANNAH RIVER
NearestCityTown: SAVANNAH
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
06/30/2013 - Corporal  was notified by SOC at 0403 hrs in reference to a boating incident in the Savannah River. It was reported that a private vessel had struck the dredge line. 

Operator1 was interviewed. He stated they had put the vessel in at approximately 2330-2400 midnight on 6/29/2013. Operator1 stated that he drove the vessel down to river street then friend operated the vessel back up river. Operator1 and Friend was at helm while two others were positioned in the bow. Upon striking the dredge line Operator1, occupant, and Friend were ejected. Occupant2 was still in the boat.

Both Operator1 and occupant  had the odor of alcoholic beverages on their breath.

AT 0645 hrs. Cpl. met with RFC  at Chandler Hospital Emergency Department in Savannah, GA. The officers were unable to speak with occupant2 due to her injuries of broken ribs and a punctured/deflated lung. Officers spoke with Friend who recounted the same story except that he claims that Operator1 was the operator because it was his boat and that he was familiar with the river. 

Friend also claimed that everyone had been drinking, and he and his wife had enough that they did not want to drive. Friend stated that Operator was driving at the time of the crash. Friend suffered injury to his ribs on his right side. Friend claimed he was standing to Operator's left with his right hand on the console at the time of the collision. 

There was damage to the hull consistent with running over the dredge. The widnshield was broken under the bar on the left side of the console. There were approximately 14 beers in the cooler and an empty in the bilge. There was not a stern light attached.

On 07/01/2013 Cpl. met with GA Port Authority to view surveillance camera footage of the incident. The video shows the vessel approaching the dredge line at a high rate of speed towards the dredge. The dredge was well


