# ReleasableAccidents

BARDID: IL-2013-0025
Date: 2013-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:35:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityTown: Chicago
County: Cook
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On June 17, 2013, the Blue Whale (Vessel 1) was being operated by Operator1 who was docking the boat at Dusable Harbor.  While reversing Vessel 1 into the boat slip, Operator1 stated the boat begin to drift so in a panic she pushed the throttle all the way forward.  As a result Vessel 1 moved forward at a rapid speed striking the starboard stern of the motorboat Boatox (Vessel 3) causing fiber glass damage to the starboard side of the boat and also damage to the fiber glass of the engine compartment with the starboard side of Vessel 1.  Vessel 3 was unoccupied at the time.  Vessel 1, with its throttle still forward, continued in its forward path going across the harbor and striking the stern of the motorboat Blue Powder (Vessel 2) with the bow of Vessel 1.  Vessel 1 came up onto the stern of Vessel 2 hitting the back cabin doors and caused Vessel 2 to begin taking on water due to the weight of Vessel 1 on the stern.  Vessel 2 was unoccupied at the time.  Due to the wake of Vessel 1 hitting Vessel 2 it caused the sailboat Perico (Vessel 4) to come in contact with Vessel 1 and Vessel 2 causing paint damage to Vessel 4.  Vessel 4 was unoccupied at the time.

Vessel 1 received an estimated damage of $10,000.
Vessel 2 received an estimated damage of $30,000.
Vessel 3 received an estimated damage of $30,000.
Vessel 4 received an estimated damage of $ 500.

Operator1 was cited for careless operation of a motorboat 625/45/5-1


BARDID: IL-2013-0026
Date: 2013-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityTown: South Chicago
County: Cook
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday 06/28/2013 at approximately 8:00 AM, I, (CPO) was contacted by my supervisor and told to contact the United States Coast Guard at Calumet Harbor in reference to a boat accident that had occurred the night before.  I arrived at the Coast Guard station at Calumet Harbor and spoke with BM2.  He advised a recreational vessel had collided with the northern sea wall, overturned, and all three occupants were ejected.  BM2 said they had some of the belongings from the crash inside the station and they would turn them over to me for evidence or safekeeping.  The Coast Guard had also taken possession of a dog that had been on the boat.  BM2 said they were trying to find a kennel to house the dog in until the owner was released from the hospital.  After photographing the items they transferred a backpack with miscellaneous items and an IPAD, IPOD, and IPhone to me.

I then drove to the scene accompanied by BM2.  BM2 stated he had some of his men at the scene cleaning up the debris from the crash scene.  We arrived and spoke with men who were just finishing loading the items into their truck.  I asked them to transport the items back to the Coast Guard Station where I would come and take possession of the items after I was done photographing and processing the scene.  From the shoreline I could see the boat was overturned and resting on top of the sea wall.  As I approached the vessel I could see the entire vessel was out of the water and on top of the sea wall.  I then photographed the scene noting the throttle position was nearly all the way forward and the safety lanyard had been pulled free from the safety cut-off switch.  I then documented the registration number, Hull number, and took a GPS coordinate with my handheld GPS.  I then removed the mounted GPS screen that was on the center console and seized it for safekeeping.

I then spoke with CPO who was at Christ Advocate Hospital in Oak Lawn interviewing the victims of the accident.  He stated that he had spoken with the owner/operator and both occupants.  Operator had sustained injuries to his neck, and lacerations to his face and arms some of which required stitches.  Operator also had multiple contusions on his arms and knees.  Operator''s wife suffered severe neck injuries requiring surgery to repair the damage.  Operator’s wife also had a laceration on her scalp which required multiple stitches and suffered a fractured ankle.  Operator''s nephew suffered a laceration on his shoulder and his thigh which required stitches.  After speaking with CPO I completed a significant incident report and forwarded it to my supervisor for review.  I then returned to the Coast Guard Station and took custody of the items that were collected from the scene.  I then transported all items to our Chicago Heights evidence locker where I tagged and sealed all valuable items with evidence tape.  I then contacted Great Lakes Towing and made arrangements to have the vessel towed to Marine Works storage facility for further processing.

On 06/30/2013, I spoke with Operator by phone and made arrangements to return his valuable items to him at a later date.  On 07/01/2013, I went to Marine Works and processed the boat.  See attached photographs.  I again spoke with Operator on the phone and made arrangements to meet with him at 3:00pm to return his personal items to him.  I met Operator and nephew at the Chicago Heights Office shortly after 3:00pm.  At 3:37pm I read Operator his Notification of Rights.  Operator then decided to waive his rights and signed the waver.  His nephew signed as a witness.  Operator then provided a written statement (See attached).  I then issued Operator citation for Careless Operation of a Motorboat.  Inattention and restricted vision were causes.


BARDID: IL-2013-0027
Date: 2013-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:25:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Illinois River
NearestCityTown: Utica
County: La Salle
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/02/13 at approximately 830AM CPT contacted me by telephone stating that there was a boat accident at Starved Rock boat launch and there were four injuries. At approximately 840AM I arrived on scene and observed a boat on a trailer with major front bow damage. CPO was on scene and informed me that he had already got the occupants information. 

I started the interview process with two individuals whom towed the crashed vessel back to shore. Two people stated they were fishing on the south bank of the Illinois River approximately one mile west of the Rt. 178 Bridge. They stated they heard a loud noise as if a boat hit something, as they looked toward the North bank they observed a boat crashed into the roots of trees on the North bank approximately one and one half mile west of the Rt. 178 Bridge. Subject stated as soon as they saw the accident they went to aid them in any way they could. He stated when they arrived on scene he observed four individuals without life jackets on, confused of what happened and unable to answer questions of what happened. Subject stated the boat struck tree roots that were out of the water on the North bank with the stern side bow. Subject and Corpus connected a rope to the vessel and towed it back to the Starved Rock boat launch. 

All individuals were treated and removed by EMS to Illinois Valley Community Hospital (IVCH).
 
At approximately 9:45AM the boat launch was clear of all EMS and Emergency vehicles. I arrived at IVCH to interview the injured individuals. Subject stated he was operating the boat at about 20mph to 25 mph, he looked back to hand a bag to Occupant1 and was not paying attention to how close he was to the bank. Subject stated the front of the boat struck the roots of a tree on the North bank, while hitting his chest against the steering wheel. 
 
Occupant2 stated he was sitting in the front of the boat facing Subject, he stated they were traveling pretty fast. Upon striking the roots Occupant2 struck the back of his head on the front of bow. 
 
Occupant1 stated he was standing in the back of the boat behind Subject, he stated they were traveling about 20 mph, right befor the accident he took a bag from Subject. Upon striking the roots Occupant1 hit the back of Subject with his chest. 
 
Occupant3 stated he was sitting in the front of the boat passenger side facing Subject, He stated they were traveling about 15mph. Upon striking the roots occupant3 hit the back of his head on the front of the bow.

None of the individuals had and visible injuries, but all complained of internal pain.


BARDID: IL-2013-0028
Date: 2013-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:28:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Retention Pond
NearestCityTown: Harvard, IL
County: McHenry
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Improper loading
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/09/13, I was notified via e mail, regarding a boat accident involving a canoe which flipped over with one of the occupants drowning as a result.

     On 07/09/13, at approximately 12:00 p.m., CPO and I arrived at the Harvard Police Department.  Chief met with us and showed us the preliminary report explaining what happened.  On 07/08/13, at approximately 7:28 p.m., Officer with the Harvard Police Department responded to a report of kids screaming at a retention pond.  There were three male children (ages 12, 12, 10) fishing out of a canoe which had flipped over when they all leaned to one side.  One 12 year old was unable to swim and drowned.  Both of the other occupants tried to save the first, but he was thrashing his arms and they were forced to let go when they began taking water into their mouths.  The 10 year old swam to shore and ran to call for help.  The 12 year old was rescued by a neighbor.  See Harvard''s report for more details (scanned into this report).
  
The victim was in the middle of the canoe.


BARDID: IL-2013-0029
Date: 2013-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:23:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Clinton Lake
NearestCityTown: Clinton
County: De Witt
WaterConditions: Choppy
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:
Vessel 1 was traveling north bound on Clinton Lake approximately 1/2 mile south west of IP beach.  Vessel 1 was towing 2 females on an inner tube.  Vessel one struck a submerged object causeing the prop to be shoved through the bottow of the vessel.  Vessel 1 began to take on water through hole in bottom of the watercraft.  Vessel 1 was towed to shore at IP beach untill Conservation Police arrived on scene.


BARDID: IL-2013-0030
Date: 2013-08-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mill CreekLake
NearestCityTown: Marshall
County: Clark
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
The operator of Vessel 1 was loading the boat onto the trailer at the boat ramp.  The husband of the operator was standing on the trailer waiting to secure the boat to the trailer.  The operator inadvertently used full throttle instead of retarding the power.  The boat surged forward and struck the husband and stop for the boat which holds the winch on the trailer.  The husband was ejected off of the trailer and landed on his back in very shallow water on the pavement.  The husband was knocked unconscious.  An ambulance was called for the husband, he was transported to Union Hospital in Terre Haute, Indiana.  The husband sustained a broken clavicle and multiple bruises and contusions on his body.  The stop for the boat on the front of the trailer was sheared off the trailer.


BARDID: IL-2013-0031
Date: 2013-07-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:12:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityTown: Calumet Park
County: Cook
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/13/2013 at approximately 11:12pm, a motorboat was heading South-Southeast at approximately 12mph near the 95th St break wall.  Operator had a left front seat passenger and a left rear passenger in the boat with him at the time of accident.  Operator stated that they were returning from watching the fireworks on Lake Michigan and he was following his GPS to Hammond Marina when he ran into and onto the break wall.  The starboard side bow was the first parts to make contact with the break wall.  When hitting the break wall Left Rear passenger)was ejected approximately 5 to 10 feet to the portside rear of boat.  She was able to swim back to the boat and climb on board.
Nearby boaters called the US Coast Guard and reported the accident to which the US Coast Guard responded to.  The US Coast Guard stated that the driver (Operator) had a strong smell of alcohol coming from his person.  All three persons in the boat were taken by ambulance to Trinity Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.  Once arrived at the hospital all three persons refused treatment.

Damage to the boat included damage to fiberglass on both sides of the boat along with damage to the hull and to the propeller.

Estimated damage - $30,000


BARDID: IL-2013-0032
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:15:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fox River
NearestCityTown: Elgin
County: Kane
WaterConditions: Very Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On July 6, 2013 at approximately 8:15 PM I (CPO) was notified by the Elgin Fire Department refernce a male subject who went over the Kimball Street Bridge in an inflatable watercraft. Fire Department officals stated subject went over the dam at approxmatelt 6:30 PM and was trapped in the boil of the dam for approximatley 20 seconds before being ejected from the boil. At that time fisherman helped the male subject to shore. Elgin Police Officer as also on scene.

No rescue was required and the male subject refused medical treatment. Operator stated that while on the north side of Kimball Street above the dam, Operator rowed towards the center of the river when he noticed the current was getting stronger an he was being pulled swiftly down river towards the dam. Operator stated before he could do anything he was washed over the dam, and was trapped in th boil for approximatley 20 seconds before being ejected.  Operator was wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident. The inflatable raft was also recovered from the boil, the raft is no longer usable.
 
Operator was issued a citation for careless operation of a watercraft and notified of his mandatory court appearance on August 14, 2013 at the Kane County Judicial Center.

I then cleared taking no further action at that time.

EOR


BARDID: IL-2013-0033
Date: 2013-06-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:58:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Illinois River
NearestCityTown: Morris
County: Grundy
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
As soon as I arrived I could see a yellow Sea Doo PWC that was beached on the concrete boat ramp approximately 5 feet from the rivers edge.  There was damage to the fiberglass hull and blood splattered along the port side of the watercraft and pooled along the port side foot board.  Morris Police Sgt. was already on scene when myself and CPO French arrived.  Sgt provided us with the victim''s name and the name of the other operator.  

Sgt informed me that Operator2 had already been transported by Morris EMS to Morris hospital prior to our arrival.  Sgt said it appeared as though Operator2 had suffered a broken leg.  Operator2''s sister and Operator1''s mother was still on scene and was able to provide us with some information as to what took place.  Operator2’s sister immediately informed us that her son Operator1, after bringing her injured brother Operator2 back to the boat ramp on Unit 1, had jumped onboard another person''s boat who had offered to help Operator1 locate and tow Unit 2 back to Stratton Park boat ramp.  Operator2’s sister said that Operator1 had told her the PWC Operator2 was riding (Unit 2) had floated down stream after the collision.  Since Operator2 was already under medical attention at Morris hospital myself and CPO decided to remain on scene at Stratton Park until Operator1 and the remaining PWC (Unit 2) were secure.  

Once Operator1 and Unit 2 returned back to Stratton Park, myself and CPO manually loaded both Unit 1 and Unit 2 on the trailer we had obtained from Operator2’s sister.  I had informed Operator2’s sister that I would be taking both PWC''s into evidence for further examination and photographs.  I provided Operator2’s sister copies of an inventory sheet with both PWC''s description and registration numbers and the trailer model and serial number as receipt of evidence taken.  After loading the PWC''s CPO and I drove to Morris hospital to check on Operator2''s condition and attempt to interview both Operator2 and Operator1.  

Operator2 had major trauma to his right leg and at the time was under medical care and highly medicated so we were unable to do an interview at the time.  I took notes as CPO interviewed Operator1 in the presence of Morris PD juvenile officer Sgt and Operator1''s mother and grandmother.  Operator1 told us that his uncle Operator2 was on the PWC ahead of him and was driving in a "snake like" fashion swerving back and forth.  Operator1 said he was following behind Operator2 cruising at maximum speed for his PWC which he estimated to be 50 mph.  Operator1 said he was jumping the wake from Operator2''s PWC.  Operator1 said Operator2 stopped in the water in front of him and by the time he realized Operator2 had stopped he quickly tried to turn his PWC (Unit 1) to the left and pull the reverse lever.  Operator1 said he was traveling to fast to avoid Operator2''s PWC (Unit 2) and he collided with the starboard side of Unit 2.  Operator1 said when he collided with Operator2 he was travelling at nearly full speed.  Operator1 said the front/right side of his PWC hit the rear/right side of Operator2''s PWC, also hitting Operator2 in the right leg.  Operator1 said his PWC (Unit 1) went up and over Operator2''s PWC (Unit 2).  Operator1 said he let off the throttle and held on tightly to the handlebars so he wouldn''t be thrown from his watercraft.  Operator1 said the impact of the two PWC’s threw his uncle Operator2 10-15 feet from Operator2’s PWC.  Operator1 said he circled back around on his PWC to assist his uncle who was in the water.  Operator1 said Operator2 told him that his leg was injured and he was going to have to help him.  Operator1 said his uncle is a paramedic and was giving him directions on how to assist him.  Operator1 said he followed Operator2’s advice, grabbed a rope off of his PWC and attempted to tie a tourniquet around Operator2’s leg to slow the bleeding.  She said he was unable to get the bleeding to stop but after about 20-30 minutes in the water h


BARDID: IL-2013-0035
Date: 2013-08-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:45:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityTown: Chicago, IL
County: Cook
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 08/29/13 I (CPO) received a phone message about a boat accident that occurred on Lake Michigan.  After returning the call I was made aware of a boat accident from 08/24/13 between 1:45pm and 2:45pm between two sail boats on Lake Michigan, 2.9 miles east northeast of Belmont Harbor.  Sailboat one “Windshear” 40'' 1987 Hunter Legend is owned and was operated by opeator1.  Sailboat two “Storm” 37'' 2003 Tarton 3700 is owned and was operated by operator2.  
   Operator1 reports he was on a starboard tac at a heading of approximately 60 degrees.  He was sailing at 15 knots with 2-4 foot waves for approximately 45 minutes.  He was heeling over about 20 degrees.  Operator1 was struck on the port side by Operator2.  Operator2''s anchor took the majority of the impact and then the bow slid up on top of Operator1''s deck.  The bow then slid down the port side of Operator1''s boat.  Most of the damage was to the rail and not the fiberglass itself.
   Operator2 reports he had taken a starboard tac for approximately 10 miles and had then turned around to head back toward Chicago.  He had been on a port tac for 10 minutes travelling approximately 5 knots with a 10 knot wind out of the south southeast.  He was traveling with a Genoa sail only and did not see any other boats when he set his tac. Operator2 was attempting to show a female passenger on the boat where the bathroom was and had set the autopilot at the time of the collision. 
   Both boat operators said they did not see the other before the collision occurred.   
   Both boats were still sailable and no one was injured.  Both Operator1 and Operator2 reported they attempted to report the accident and had spoken to the Chicago Police Marine Unit who did not respond since both boats were operational. The Conservation Police were not notified until 08/29/30, when Operator1 left a message on the contact line.   
 Operator1 had four people on his boat to include himself and Operator2 had six people on his boat to include himself.  
There was approximately $27,000 damage total. $15,000 to Operator1''s boat, which was a figure verbally given to me by Operator1 and $12,000 to Operator2''s boat which was an estimate given to me by Racine Riverside Marina.  The pictures of Operator1''s boat were taken by me and the pictures of Operator2''s boat were taken by Operator2 and Racine Riverside Marina and given to me.  The GPS coordinates according to Operator1 are N41'' 57.979 W087'' 34.854, Operator2 reported he did not record the location of the accident.  
The wind was calm with choppy waves around 2 feet high and the temperature was warm approximately 82 degrees.
  Both individuals received a written warning for not reporting the accident to the Department of Natural Resources within the required five days.
Operator2 received a citation for careless operation of a boat and a written warning for interference with the navigation of another boat.


BARDID: IL-2013-0036
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-06-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:58:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityTown: Moline, IL.
County: Rock Island
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 09-02-2013 at approximately 3:30 PM, I drove to Operator''s residence.  Parking in the driveway, I walked up to the front door and knocked.  Operator answered the door.  I identified myself to Operator and confirmed his identity.  I asked Operator if he was involved in an accident on the Mississippi River.  Operator advised he was.  I asked Operator why he had not reported the accident to the IDNR.  Operator advsied he reported it to Rock Island Arsenal Fire Department.  Operator said he thought that was sufficient.
     I asked Operator if the accident had occurred on 06-07-2013 at approximately 9:58 AM.  Operator agreed it did.  I asked subject whose watercraft was involved.  Operator advised it was his jon boat that sank. I asked Operator what happened.  Operator advised he was going fishing on the Mississippi River near Arsenal Island.  Operator said the river current was very strong that day.  Operator told me that he anchored his watercraft bow (up stream) and then put in a stern anchor.  Operator advised that after he anchored the stern, he began to work on his batteries.  Operator told me that the bow anchor let loose and the bow of the watercraft swung out toward the main channel (deeper water).  Operator advised that after the bow of his watercraft swung to the "down stream side", his stern anchor took hold.  Operator advised that the stern of the watercraft was drug down and immediately began taking on water.  Operator told me that both he and passenger put PFDs on.  Operator advised that after the watercraft became swamped, it sank.  Operator advised that he and passenger floated out of the watercraft and swam to shore.  I confirmed with Operator the location of the accident.    
     I asked Operator if anybody was injured.  Operator advised nobody was hurt.  I asked Operator if they recovered the watercraft. Operator advised the watercraft was recovered the following day.  I asked Operator if they had insurance on the watercraft.  Operator advised they did.  Operator told me he received $1200.00 for what was considered to be a "total loss".  I asked Operator to write me a statement.  Operator agreed (statement attached to supplemental report).


BARDID: IL-2013-0037
Date: 2013-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:58:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Jones State Lake
NearestCityTown: Equality
County: Saline
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
In summary, boat operator and passenger were circling in their own wake in a 12'' john boat West of the launch ramp on Glenn O''Jones Lake, Saline County Conservation Area while waiting on another boat to be trailered. A wave upset the boat ejecting both Operator and Occupant into the water without lifejackets. The 9.9 HP outboard motor was not equipped with a lanyard cutoff switch and the boat circled striking Operator and Occupant multiple times. The propeller eventually became fouled with Operator''s t-shirt and right arm causing the motor to stop allowing Operator and Occupant to climb back in the boat and signal for help. Another boater (unknown) towed them to shore where, witnesses  and EMS personnel arrived to treat their injuries. Operator fractured his right arm and had lacerations to his left hand, right arm, and head. Occupant had a 7" laceration to her head. Both were treated and released at the Eldorado hospital. 

On June 21, 2013, during my interview with Occupant and Operator at their home, she stated "if he had been going too fast I would have told him to stop" implying she was a willing participant. Occupant advised she was seated in the middle bench of the boat when a wave tossed them out. Operator explained they had been out for the first time of the year running the boat and submitted his boat for inspection. (Statement Attached) 

Witness explained he had assisted with first aid after witnessing the boat "playing around". Witness advised me he had not witnessed them being ejected. (Statement Attached) Witness2 was briefly interviewed by telephone after attempting to reach him in Campsite #3 at the lake.


BARDID: IL-2013-0038
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-06-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityTown: Winthrop Harbor
County: Lake
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/30/13 at about 4:00pm subject was on the Northpoint Marina beach with friend Operator when Subject observed three young kids ranging in ages 9 to 11swimming about thirty yards from the south rocks. The waves were high and the under tow strong because of the conditions on the lake. Subject said he took his eyes off the kids for a moment and when he turned and saw them again they were close to the rocks. Subject instructed Operator to take his PWC and attempt a rescue of the kids before they reached the rocks because he knew they would be in trouble if they made it the rocks. 

Operator got aboard the PWC and drove to the kids but struggled to maintain control of the craft due to the conditions of the lake. Operator attempted to maneuver his PWC sideways so the kids would have something to hold on to, and when he did the kids grabbed ahold and overturned the PWC sending operator into the water. All four persons are now in the water and being battered by the waves against the rocks when Subject and subject2 arrive they started pulling kids out of the water, Operator was able to get himself out of the water unassisted. I Sgt. arrived with CPO''s shortly after the kids were pulled from the water. Subject and subject1 said one of the kids was bruised but okay and the other two were just shaken up.

I asked to speak with the kids and Subject said the kids had left the area with family members and he had no idea who the kids were and neither did Operator or subject2. I had two officers canvas the area for over an hour and we also contacted the local hospitals but no contact with the kids was ever made. occupant was unable to retreived his PWC due to coonditions that day but several days later he went back and located the PWC in multiple pieces, the PWC is a total lose.


BARDID: IL-2013-0040
Date: 2013-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:43:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Clinton Lake
NearestCityTown: DeWitt
County: De Witt
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
While towing a tube the operator of the boat throttled back to slow the boat down. As the tube that contained two occupants began to slow the front of the tube began to dip into the water on the front end of the tube.  As it did one of the tube riders fell of the front of the tube.  As the weight of the rider came off the tube it lurched forward, and the metal clip that had the rope tied to it caught the neck of the tube rider that fell off.  As the operator of the boat came back to the fallen tuber he could see blood in the water and blood coming from the tubers neck.  They immediately got him in the boat and started toward shore.  As they headed for the shore they called 911 and asked for an ambulance.  They transported the injured person by car to the entrance of Clinton Lake State Park to meet the ambulance.  CPO and I were then contacted by District 6 of the Illinois State Police about the accident.  We then went to the entrance and met with the injured tuber and his mother.  The ambulance was already on scene.  After an initial evaluation the tuber was transported by his family to Bromenn Hospital in Normal by his family to seek treatment for his injuries.


BARDID: IL-2013-0041
Date: 2013-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:40:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Petersburg
NearestCityTown: Petersburg
County: Menard
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/7/13 at approximately 3:00 PM, I was notified by ISP of a boat accident on Lake Petersburg with injuries.  I arrived at the scene at approximately 3:30 PM.  Menard County Sherriff''s Deputy informed me two injured persons had been taken to St. Johns hospital in Springfield by Menard County EMS and then directed me to the driver and a witness.

The boat operator advised he was pulling his son and grandaughter on the tube and his wife and other grandaughter  were observers.  He stated he began making the turn to come back into his dock, but Subject raised his arm indicating he wanted to tube longer.  At that point Operator1 stated he gave it more throttle as they finished the turn, allowing the tube to sweep wide to his right.  The tube then hit a boat that was docked and on a lift at his neighbors house.  It was unclear if the two tubers hit only the boat, or if they also hit the column of the lift.  Occupant then made the 911 call.

Operator1 also stated he was not watching the tube as maybe he should have, but was wanting to watch in front for other boats.  He filled out a statement form later.  He also stated he had not been drinking.  I asked him if he would be willing to consent to a breath alcohol test, which he did with CPO, showing a BAC of .ooo.     

I then interviewed an independent witness who gave a similar account of the accident and filled out a statement form, while CPO took pictures of both vessels and the tube.  Operator1 and I then went back down to the his boat and I completed a boat safety inspection and found that he did not have the type IV throwable PFD, fire extinguisher, and covered battery terminal, as required.

A neighbor then informed us that Operator1''s wife had been trying to reach him and that victim1 was being flown to St. Louis Children''s Hospital.  At that point I informed him I would be contacting him to give him an Illinois Boat Accident Report form and get any further information I may need.

CPO and I cleared the scene at approximately 4:30 PM.  

On 4/10/13 at approximately 1:30 PM, I met with Operator1, gave him the boat accident report, and issued him citation for Careless Operation of a Watercraft, and written warning for PFD violation (no type IV), no fire extinguisher, and no covered battery.  I also advised him of his mandatory court date on 8/22/13.


BARDID: IL-2013-0043
Date: 2013-08-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:00:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityTown: Hartford
County: Madison
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Prior to Illinois Conservation Police being notified, Alton Fire Department, St. Louis Fire Department, Missouri Water Patrol, and US Coast Guard personnel were on scene.  Several persons from the previous listed departments entered vessel #1 which may have altered the condition of the vessel prior to IL Conservation Police officer''s arrival.

Accident is under investigation.  From initial reports, it appears vessel #1 (recreational vessel)was anchored in the river and fishing.  A video shows 1 (one) person on board fishing for catfish.  Vessel #2 (commercial vessel)was moving downstream at approximately 6 miles per hour.At approximately 2:15 AM, another tug, the Jody McMinn, contacted vessel #2 to advise he had a recreational boat lodged in the front of his barges.  Deck crew from vessel #2 immediately went to the front of the barges and confirmed the presence of an unoccupied recreational boat, vessel #1.  The pilot of vessel #2 continued  until he reached the slower water inthe Chain of Rocks Canal.  Once in the slower water, deck crew secured lines to vessel #1.  Vessel #2 backed off the throttle to dislodge vessel #1 from the front of the barges.  Once seperated, vessel #1 was pulled along side vessel #2 and secured.  Vessel #2 immediately contacted the US Coast Guard to report the incident.  Alton Fire, St. Louis Fire, Missouri Water Patrol, and US Coast Guard initially responded to the incident.  Alton Fire Department located a driver''s license and personal effects belonging to the owner of the vessel.  A friend of the owner of vessel #1 stated that the owner had been fishing through the night and was last heard from around 1:00 AM.  Other family and friends had tried to contact the owner throughout the day with no luck.  From the video obtained and the friend''s and families account, it is assumed at this point that the owner of the vessel was the only person on board, and he is currently listed as missing.

US Coast Guard is handling the investigation into the commercial side of the incident.

On 8/10/13 at approximately 1:10 PM, the body was discovered by CPO and Sgt..  The body was found floating in the Mississippi River a few hundred yards north of Chouteau Island.

The Madison County Coroner listed drowning as cause of death.  Toxicology results showed a ethanol concentration of 0.028 gm% (28 mg / dL).  The coroner investigator reported to me that the small amount of ethanol present was likely due to decomposition.


BARDID: IL-2013-0044
Date: 2013-08-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Carlyle Lake
NearestCityTown: Boulder
County: Clinton
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1 was traveling northeast near the north side of Boulder Campgrounds.  Operator #1 said he was traveling 10-15 MPH and was approximately 50 feet off of shore when he struck something under water with his lower unit.  The vessel turned sharply towards shore (his right side) and struck the large rip rap on shore.  There was damage to the underneath side of Vessel #1 including two large gashes in the metal.  There was also damage to the propeller and skeg of the vessel.   Operator #1 was the only occupant and he was not injured.


BARDID: IL-2013-0045
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-08-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:03:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fox Lake
NearestCityTown: Lake Villa
County: Lake
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
MachineryFailure: Ventilation
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
On August 20, 2013, I (CPO) was notified of a boat fire on Fox Lake in the area of Columbia Bay approximately 600 yards west/north west of Electric Harbor in Lake Villa.  I contacted Electric Harbor and told them I would meet them along with the vessel involved at their boat ramp.  I was informed that the boat fire was extiguished by Fox Lake Fire Department and no one was injured, the operator was able to board another boat driven by a good samaritan.

At approximately 4:32 PM I arrived at Electric Harbor as their tow boat was bringing vessel 1 to shore.  I could see vessel 1 was burned almost to the waterline, and was totaled.  After vessel 1 was brought to shore and put on a trailer, I took several photos (Attached), and could see it was burned beyond repair.  I spoke to (Operator) and asked what happened.  Operator said he was a mechanic for vessel 1 and was driving vessel 1 to troubleshoot a problem.  Operator said he had been out for less than 10 minutes and was cruising at approximately 35 miles per hour when the motor backfired.  Operator slowed down to idle and looked to the stern of vessel 1.  When Operator looked back, he saw flames coming out of the engine cover.  Operator looked for a fire extinguisher, but in his haste, he could not find it.  Operator climbed to the bow of vessel 1 to excape the flames and smoke that was overwhelming him.   A good samaritan pulled their boat close enough for Operator to jump aboard and escape without injury.  Fox Lake Fire Department along with McHenry County Marine unit arrived on scene shortly after and put the fire out.  

I asked Operator about the working order of the boat and if the ventilation system for the engine compartment was turned on, and if vessel 1 was equiped with a spark arresting air cleaner.  Operator said the ventilation system was on, and there indeed was a spark arrestor on the carburetor.  The fire was so hot and vessel 1 was in such disrepair, most items were unrecognizable.  I saw the lower portion of the spark arrestor on the carburetor, that had become detached from the intake manifold.  All the wire casings had been melted, and the valve covers along with some of the upper valve train had been melted, along with mostly all of the engine accesories.  

Per my investigation, the fire was caused by ignition of gasoline vapors that had been collecting in the engine compartment, the backfire was the ignition source.  Due to the intensity of the fire, I am unable to determine if the ventilation system malfunctioned prior to the fire.

The owner as well as the insurance company  has been contacted.  No enforcement was taken against Operator, or any other person(s).


BARDID: IL-2013-0046
Date: 2013-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:15:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Spoon Lake
NearestCityTown: Dahinda
County: Knox
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Personal watercraft operator was accelerating just coming onto plane when he hit a large wave at approximately a 45 degree angle.  The impact with the wave caused him to lose control of the watercraft and his grip on the handlebars.  He was ejected off the port side of the PWC.  The heavy wave action on the lake was caused by high boat traffic in the area and moderate winds. He was wearing his lanyard kill switch and the vessel remained nearby. Another wave caused the watercraft to impact with the operator''s left upper leg.  Family members aboard a nearby boat placed him on a tubing device and transported him to shore.  He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital emergency room.  Preliminary diagnosis was a fractured left femur.  No registration, equipment, nor operation violations were found.  No damage occurred to the personal watercraft.


BARDID: IL-2013-0047
Date: 2013-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityTown: Chicago
County: Cook
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Weather
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
On 09/06/2013, I (CPO) was notified of a boating accident which ocurred on Lake Michigan waters on 09/05/2013 at approximately 1700  hours in the vicinity of the 4600 Block of South Lake Shore Drive.

I was supplied the watercraft information from the Chicago Police Marine Unit. From the watercraft information, I was able to contact the registered owner of the watercraft.

owner informed me he was aware of the boating accident but, he was not operating the boat at the time of the event. Owner told me his brother Operator was operating the boat when the event took place.

I contacted Operator and informed as to the reason I was contacting him. 

Operator informed me he was operating the watercraft when the accident occured.

Operator advised he was driving the boat in a northerly direction on Lake Michigan heading towards 31st Street Harbor when the engine in the boat suddenly shut off. Numerous attempts to restart the boat failed. He advised there were some larger waves on the lake that day. 

According to Operator, the boat quickly drifted towards shore. When the boat got close to shore, his passengers began to get off the boat. Approximately two to five minutes after the boat drifted to shore, the police and fire dedaprtment arrived on scene.

Operator informed there were nine passengers and himself onboard the boat that day.

Everyone got safely off of the boat and no injuries were reported.

The watercraft sat up against the rocks on Lake Michigan the night of 09/05/2013. In the morning hours of 09/06/2013, The Chicago Police Marine Unit towed the warercraft back north to 31st Street Harbor.

Fiberglass damage was reported to the port side of the watercraft. There was also damage to the propellar for the watercraft.

operator supplied pictures of the damaged section of the watercraft and propeller which is attached to this report.

Nothing further.


BARDID: IL-2013-0048
Date: 2013-08-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:45:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Strip mine lake
NearestCityTown: Astoria
County: Fulton
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 8-17-2013, 9 year old was operating a personal watercraft on a private strip mine lake in Fulton county Illinois,  with one person riding as a passenger seated behind her. She was cruising between 10 to 20 mph and was unable to turn the watercraft appropriately causing the pwc to collide into the bank. The two girls remained on the watercraft after the collision and began to yell for help. Eventually they were picked up by operator’s father and taken to the hospital in Havana.  operator was transported to OSF in Peoria where she was treated for lacerations in the groin area.  She was released three days later.  father was issued a citation under the parental responsbility law for underage operation of the watercraft.


BARDID: IL-2013-0049
Date: 2013-08-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fox River
NearestCityTown: St. Charles
County: Kane
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, August 25, 2013, I (CPO) was notified at approximately 3:35 PM by Illinois State Police Dispatch of a boat accident near Boy Scout Island in St. Charles on the Fox River.  I arrived on scene at approximately 4:20 PM and spoke with the owner of Vessel 2 who explained he and his wife were traveling south on the Fox River to the boat launch at Boy Scout Island to pick up their son.  Operator2 said a waverunner (Vessel 1) had been following them and was jumping the wake of his boat.  As the Vessel 1 jumped the wake, it got extremely close to Vessel 2 and during a course correction Vessel 1 impacted Vessel 2 on the rear port quarter.  Vessel 2 sustained damage above the rub rail, the extent of the damage was chipped gel coat, scuffed paint, and a dime size piece of the fiberglass was removed.  Operator2 explained he was not sure how much the damage would cost, but was given $500.00 by Vessel 1''s guardian.  Operator2 said he and Guardian exchanged information and would contact Guardian if the damage exceeded the $500.00.

After concluding my interview with Operator2, I spoke with Guardian at Boy Scout Island.  He stated that he had gone to get gas for Vessel 1 and left his fiance''s son under the supervision of his friend.  While getting gas Operator1 got on Vessel 1 without expressed permission and began riding.  After the collision, Operator1 returned to Boy Scout Island and did not say anything about the accident because of fear of punishment.  Vessel 2 found Vessel 1 and began looking for the owner/operator.  During this time Guardian had returned from getting gas and spoke with Operator2.  Operator2 was then paid the $500.00 and information was exchanged.  I asked Guardian to get the appointed party responsible for Operator1 during the time of the accident, Guardian said he would.  While Guardian left to get the party,  I asked Operator1 if he had taken a boating safety course, he said he had not.  Guardian returned and I spoke with friend and explained that since he supposed to be watching Operator1 and since Operator1 did not have a boating safety certificate, I would be issuing him a citation for permitting a youthful operator to operate a watercraft without a boating safety card.

After issuing the citation to friend, I explained the citation to him.  friend said he understood the terms and would take care of it.  I then inspected Vessel 1 and found there to be no damage other than a mild scuff on the starboard side hull.  I explained to Operator1, and Guardian that a boat accident report would need to be filled out, and I would email them a copy of it with instructions on how to complete it and where to send it after completion.  No further enforcement was taken to either parties of Vessel 1 or 2.  I then returned to patrol.


BARDID: IL-2013-0050
Date: 2013-08-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Grass Lake
NearestCityTown: Antioch
County: Lake
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of Vessel 1 stated while traveling south through Grass Lake, a wave pushed vessel 1 into vessel 2.  The operator of vessel 2 state she did not see vessel 1 prior to the crash, but both vessels were traveling south and unit 1 struck unit 2.

This is a Lake County S.O. report and all information available from that office is entered on this report.


BARDID: IL-2013-0051
Date: 2013-08-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:45:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityTown: Quincy
County: Adams
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Missing or Inadequate Navigation Aids
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On 8-17-13 (8:45 pm), Operator struck a submerged object with his houseboat.  This accident occurred in Quincy Bay, pool 21 of the Mississippi river. There were no injuries, and all passengers were accounted for.  The damage estimate by the owner was $5000.00.

On 08-18-13, CPO and I CPO were contacted by a citizen as we prepared to launch a Jon boat for a river patrol.  He informed us that there was houseboat sinking in Quincy Bay.  We proceeded to the boat ramps in Kessler Marina.  There blocking the public boat ramps was a houseboat that had struck a submerged object.  The boat was half sunk. 
 
The owner/operator of the houseboat, Operator arrived on scene after a few minutes.  He told me what had happened the night before. On 8-17-13 PM he had been traveling northbound in Quincy Bay and struck a submerged object at approximately 8:45 PM.  He was able to get the boat to the public ramps where he had tied it off.  The boat had flooded with water, filling the engine and bilge area.   There had been nine passengers on board at the time of the accident.  All aboard were able to safely depart the houseboat from the docks.

 On 8-18-13, Operator had been able to check the hull where the damage had occurred.  He found a hole had been punched into the hull that was approximately   8 inches in diameter.   Operator estimated the damage to the boat was close to $5000.00.  Other subjects had gone to the area where Operator''s accident occurred and found an abandoned spud pole, just under the surface of Quincy Bay.  They tied a jug to the pole to prevent further accidents.

The houseboat was left blocking the public boat ramps in Kessler Marina.  On 8-21-13, Canton Marine and Towing used a crane to lift the houseboat out of the bay and place it on a flatbed trailer.  

On 8-22-13, I was able to photograph the damage to the hull of the boat. 
There are 5 photos attached to the Report Beam for this report. 

On 8/25/13, I mailed a boat accident report to the operator/owner.


BARDID: IL-2013-0052
Date: 2013-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:50:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityTown: Moline
County: Rock Island
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/21/13, at approximately 5:50 P.M., Operator was operating his parent''s boat with his parents and cousins  on board. Operator was operating in Slyvan Slough on the Mississippi River. He was traveling from the West to the East exiting the Slough.  During normal water conditions an old lock wall that runs parallel to the river bank is visible.  The water conditions were high, so the wall was not visible.  Operator turned the vessel from Eastbound to the North and proceeded slowly North. The vessel came to a rapid stop as it ran aground on the submerged wall.  None of the passengers were ejected, all remained seated. The vessel sustained damage to the lower unit of the motor and the bottom of the vessel where the bottom of the boat and the stern meet. Operator and his father began checking the the lower compartments and discovered they were taking on water.  subject radioed boater in distress and Iowa DNR''s reponded.  DNR was able to get everyone onto his boat and to shore safely.  DNR advised all of the passengers were wearing their P.F.Ds and the had all of the required safety equipment as required by law. Iowa DNR Officer also responded and contacted Illinois DNR.  CO was able to obtain a written statement from Operator (see attached). I (CPO) arrived on scene at 7:45 P.M.  I went with CO and DNR to get GPS coordinates, photos, and to see if we could remove the vessel.  We were able to tow the vessel so shore and help the owners get the boat back on the trailer.


BARDID: IL-2013-0053
Date: 2013-09-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pecatonica River
NearestCityTown: Winnebago
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 09/14/2013, operator1 launched his boat on the Pecatonica River at the Trask Bridge Forest Preserve. At approximately 1:00 PM at mile marker 26 Operator1 was underway when he noticed his boat decelerating while the throttle was engaged. He trimmed up the motor and noticed the prop was missing. Operator1 looked for his prop but was unable to locate it. Operator1 called his father in law to tow his boat to the ramp. Operator2 arrived and launched his boat at approximately 1:45PM. Operator2 headed up river and met Operator1 at approximately mile marker 25. Operator2 began to tow Operator1''s boat. At mile marker 22.5 Operator2''s boat struck a submerged object (approximately 2:30PM). This caused Operator2''s boat to slow. Operator1''s boat continued forward motion striking Operator2''s boat in the Port Stern side. Operator1''s boat was damaged on the starboard bow side. Operator2''s boat sustained no damage. They continued to the ramp and loaded the boats.


BARDID: IL-2013-0054
Date: 2013-08-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Illinois River
NearestCityTown: Florence
County: Scott
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 5 September 2013,  I was notified by operator1 that he and two others were in a boat that was swamped by a cabin cruiser just south of the Florence Bridge on 31 August 2013. Operator1 stated a female been knocked down and had broken her collar bone. Operator1 stated this was a result of the cabin crusier going by them too fast, which produced a wake that threw them into the water and caused his boat to sink. Operator1 stated the crusier had the name of Endless Love on the back of it.  Operator1 stated at the time they were anchored to the east side of the river while fishing and did not have time to pull anchor to avoid wake from oncoming boat. Operator1 stated he blew his whistle but got no response from boat operator of cabin cruiser.

 I asked Operator1 why he waited so long to report the accident- Operator1 stated he did not know. Operator1 indicated the other occupants in the boat were from Indiana. 

On 17 September Operator1 returned the statements to me. I informed Operator1 at that time that CPO II had attempted to locate the boat Endless Love, but was unable to do so. The Coast Guard had no record. Operator1 stated at this time he also lost several rodand reels and some other equipment from boat. 

On 1 October I was contacted by victim. She informed me she had discovered the owner of the craft that had swamped her. She gave me the name. victim stated she found information on the internet. I attempted several times to contact the subject at this number with no luck.


BARDID: IL-2013-0055
Date: 2013-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityTown: Chicago
County: Cook
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: person tangled in vessel equip
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was at anchor, when a storm started to build in the south.  The winds suddenly increased and began to push vessel 1 towards vessel 2.  Before vessel 1 could start the engine and get out of the way, vessel 1 drifted into vessel 2 damaging the anchor bracket on the bow pulpit of vessel 2 and damaging the port vent of vessel 1.  There was additional damage, which appeared to be a rope burn, to the top of the seat located to the stern of vessel 2.  However, it cannot be determined if it was caused during the accident. (owner of vessel 2) also claimed BBQ grill located on the Starboard side was made loose during the accident.  Again it cannot be determined if this was caused by the accident.  During the collision, vessel 1''s anchor got entangled with vessel 2.  subject attempted to cut the anchor free and her arm became entangled causing a minor rope burn.  subject refused treatment.  I was unable to obtain contact information for subject as owner of vessel 2 advised she had met her that day and did not know her.


BARDID: IL-2013-0056
Date: 2013-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rock River
NearestCityTown: Milan
County: Rock Island
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Dam/lock
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On July 7, 2013 around 4:20 PM two personal watercrafts (PWC) were seen operating on the Rock River above the Steel Dam.  The PWC operators were operating in a restricted area (posted with signs and buoys) 50 to 100 yards above the dam.  A witness saw the two PWC''s operating horizontal to the dam.  The witness saw the two stop and talk to each other and then operate over the low head dam.  Both operators drove around below the dam for a few minutes and then attempted to operate upstream.  The operator of vessel 2 attempted to go back up the dam, but as he was near the dam the PWC flipped and ejected him into the boil.  Vessel 1 attempted to pull the operator of vessel 2 from the water.  Vessel 1 also capsized and ejected the operator into the boil.  The operator of vessel 2 was able to hold on to a floating tree until he was rescued.  The vessel 1 operator went under the water and was recovered deceased downstream.  The operator of vessel 2 was rescued by multiple agencies.  He was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and later released. 

     The operator of the operator of vessel 2 admitted that prior to this incident, he had operated his PWC over the low head dam.  He was issued a citation for reckless operation of a watercraft and operating a watercraft in a restricted area.  On August 26, 2013 he plead guilty to both charges and was fined $150 for each violation.


BARDID: IL-2013-0057
Date: 2013-07-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityTown: Chicago
County: Cook
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On June 17, 2013 at approximately 8:00PM, Vessel 1 entered Monroe Harbor from the south east following a 45 minute recreational boat ride on Lake Michigan. Meanwhile, Vessel 2 was moored at the Monroe Harbor Pump Out Dock. Vessel 1 continued to advance to the north with the intention of parking the vessel in one of the Chicago Yacht Club transient boat slips. The operator of Vessel 1 intended to back into the boat slip, thus, traveling past the destination slip in order to park via backing. After vessel 1 reached a point past the destination slip, the operator attempted to shift into neutral and then reverse. The operator had trouble shifting and continued to travel northbound toward Vessel 2. Vessel 1 continued north and struck Vessel 2 on the starboard side near the stern of the vessel severely damaging the wood railing. The operator of vessel 1 was inexperienced and not comfortable operating the vessel and thus had issue finding the proper shift position. 

Following the collision, Vessel 1 was able to regain control of the vessel and backed into the destination slip. Vessel 2 remained moored and Chicago Police Department was contacted as the first responding agency. On July 22, 2013, I, CPO, was contacted to investigate the accident. Upon completion of an investigation, due to operator1’s inexperience and operating too closely to a moored vessel, he was found at fault due to careless operation of a watercraft. 

Crowley''s in Chicago, Il removed the vessels and initiated repair prior to my arrival on the scene (notificaiton came 5 days later), therefore photos weren''t able to be taken.

Vessel 1 sustained approximately $2000 of damage to the bow of the vessel. Vessel 2 sustained approximately $12000 of damage to the wooden tique railing along the port side of the vessel.

Operator of Vessel 1was cited for Careless Operation of a Watercraft.


BARDID: IL-2013-0058
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 04:30:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityTown: Chicago
County: Cook
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On 08/14/13 I, CPO, was notified of a vessel that had sank while moored to a dock on 07/24/13 at 31st Street Harbor in Chicago, IL. The Chicago Police Department Marine Unit had responded to this call around 4:30 am to find the vessel had sunk and the two occupants along with their dog were safe and uninjured on the dock. 

The vessel, "Borrowed Time" , was moored to the dock in slip C-19 and had two occupants sleeping on board at the time of the accident. The vessel had not been under way and the conditions were calm and clear. The owner of the vessel stated his dog woke him up by barking. When Subject arose, he stepped out of bed to see what the dog was startled by. At that time, Subject stated he stepped into water in the floor of the cabin and new the boat was sinking. Subject''s girlfriend, was also on the vessel asleep at the time. Subject stated he immediately woke Subject2 up and exited the vessel onto the dock. Subject stated the vessel was flooding, then sank, coming to rest on the bottom with both the bow and stern lines still tied to the dock. 

Subject believes a fresh water intake pipe cracked under the floor of the vessel, causing water to rush in and sink the boat. Subject stated the water was rushing in too fast for the two bilge pumps, which were operational at the time, to remove enough water to stay afloat.

The vessel was lifted the the surface and towed to the ramp by Boat U.S. The vessel was then trailered and taken by Boats-R-Us to their tow yard in Joliet, IL. where it is still located. The vessel is believed to be a total loss with damage estimated at $41,000.00.

There was no operator and the boat was not underway at the time of the sinking. No enforcement action was taken. 

Nothing Further


BARDID: IL-2013-0059
Date: 2013-08-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lincoln Lake
NearestCityTown: Morris, IL
County: Grundy
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On 08/23/13 at approximately 6:00 PM, I, CPO received a call of a wakeboarding accident that occurred on Lincoln Lake in Morris, IL.  The nature of the accident was subject was attempting a 360 degree spin while being towed behind a 19'' Malibu Euro F3 ski boat ( IL reg # IL4932JS HIN# MB2TA027H092). The boat was traveling approximately 24 MPH in a westbound direction.  Victim was positioned outside the wake on the left side of the watercraft.  Victim ramped the wake created by the boat and began to spin.  Onboard the watercraft watching Victim were three people.  Occupant1 was seated next to driver in the co-pilot seat.  Occupant2 was in the rear facing seat directly behind the driver and Occupant3 was seated next to Occupant2.   Occupant2 said as Victim spun he over-rotated and caught the hard edge of the wakeboard with the water.  This resulted in Victim''s head being driven violently forward and impacting the water face first.  Occupant3 and Occupant2 noticed Victim was not moving and his head was face down in the water.  Operator turned the boat around quickly and positioned the boat next to Victim.  Occupant1 and Occupant2 dove out of the boat into the water and swam to Victim.  Occupant1 grabbed onto Victim''s body as Occupant2 secured Victim''s head from movement fearing a spine or neck injury.  Occupant2 stated he could hear Victim breathing, but he was unresponsive.  It took nearly a minute to get Victim in a position to get him on the boat. Once near the boat Victim began going in and out of consciousness.  It took nearly two minutes for Victim to become coherent and understand what had happened. 

The group took Victim to the nearest dock and called 911.  An off-duty nurse (Name unknown) came over and provided first aid until EMS and the Grundy County Sheriff''s Department arrived on scene.  Victim was then taken to Morris Hospital.  Victim was released later that night with a mild concussion, but did not suffer any neck or spinal injuries.

Victim admitted to consuming 3-4 beers approximately 1 hour and 45 minuted before going out.  Victim stated he had been wakeboarding for nearly 20-25 minutes and was getting tired after performing several flips and spins.  Victim could not remember any of the accident after he started spinning.  Operator, the boat operator, had not consumed alcohol during the day.  This was verified through witness statements and officer appraisal.


BARDID: IL-2013-0061
Date: 2013-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityTown: Chicago
County: Cook
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 09/24/13 I, CPO was notified of a boat accident that had occurred on 09/05/13 at Burnham Harbor E dock in Chicago, IL. I received the initial report and contact information from Chicago Police Marine Unit Officer notified me, on 09/05/13 he responded to a boat accident involving three vessels. A Chicago Park District sailboat (vessel 1), had struck a Sea Ray motorboat(vessel 2) that had a Sea Doo jet ski(vessel 3) moored on the swim platform. Vessels 2 and 3 were not occupied at the time of the accident.

I spoke with the operator of vessel 1. Operator1 stated his vessel "went out of control" and struck the swim platform of vessel 2 and the side of vessel 3 causing minor damage to the swim platform of vessel 2 and significant damage to the side and hull of vessel 3. I spoke the owner of vessels 2 and 3 on 09/25/13. Owner stated he was not present on the day of the accident. Owner stated he was later told by another boater who had seen the accident happen, that his two vessels had been struck. Owner made contact with the owner/operator of the striking vessel. He then contacted IDNR law enforcement. Owner stated his vessel was in the shop at the time we spoke being repaired. 

I spoke to Manager of Sailing Programs for the Goldman Foundation, about the damage done to the striking vessel. manager stated there was no physcal damage done to the striking vessel, only a minor red and yellow paint scuff, from where the bow of the sailboat struck vessels 2 and 3. 

Operator1, who was operating vessel 1 at the time of the collision, provided me with the following statement via email:
"Officer 
I was in a sailing boat under propeller and I hit a docked jet ski dock to the back of a docked motor boat my heading was south trying to exit the Burnham Park Harbor. I was taking a group of cognitive impaired adults for a ride. upon exiting the Judd Goldman sailing programs area of operations. the group of individuals started to get stressed about the amount of water coming into the stern of the boat. when I told them they could move forward the motor swung to the left propelling the boat to the right and that is when contact was made. the motors collar was found to be faulty. I have 100+ hours on the freedom 20''s, and that is the vessel I was on during the accident. I have 100+ hours on Boston whalers and Inboard/Outboard motor boats ranging from 16-22 feet. I have taking the U.S. Sailing certification. As well as the mandatory Boat safety class in Michigan when I was Fourteen."

No injuries resulted from this collision. Upon further investigation, Operator1 was not cited for any vioilations. The collision was not a result of careless operation and no USCG navigational rules were violated. This collision appears to have been caused by a faulty peice of equipment in the steering/control system of vessel 1.

Nothing Further


BARDID: IL-2013-0062
Date: 2013-09-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:17:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Marie
NearestCityTown: Antioch
County: Lake
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On September 17, 2013, I was notified at approximately 6:46 PM of a boat accident that occurred on Lake Marie in the Fox Chain O'' Lakes. I arrived on scene at approximately 7:18 PM, CPO arrived shortly after.  At that time we learned that the victim had fallen off a boat while he and his juvenile daughter were attempting to make their way to shore after the boat experienced mechanical failure on Lake Marie.  Victim became submerged and did not resurface.  His daughter then called 911 and Lake County Sheriff''s Department arrived on scene.  After a search of the immediate area divers were notified and dispatched to the scene.  Diver''s searched the area until 8:13 PM, at that time diving was suspended and side scan sonar was deployed.  After searching the area with side scan sonar, an unconfirmed object was found at 9:55 PM.  Divers were sent in shortly after and recovery was made at 10:54 PM. 

Further report can be found in Supplemental Report # 2013-2-398-014B.  The Coroner's Report concluded the cause of death as drowning with alcohol intoxication with a bac of .189% and THC as contributing factors.


BARDID: IL-2013-0063
Date: 2013-08-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:03:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Wood Estates
NearestCityTown: Danville
County: Vermilion
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Unit one was traveling north bound on the lake at a speed of 30-40 MPH.  The operator of unit one was attempting to turn the watercraft away from the dock, when she lost control.  The watercraft struck the south west corner of the dock sending the watercraft and opererator airborn across the dock.  The operator of unit one was transported to Carle Hospital where she remained for several days undergoing surgey and other treatment for her injuries.


BARDID: IL-2013-0064
Date: 2013-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:20:00
State: IL
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sanitary and Ship Canal
NearestCityTown: Summit
County: Cook
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On June 24,2013 at approximately 11:20am Operator and three passengers left the Port of Summit to have lunch near the O''Brien Locks. The vessel was travelling westbound on the Sanitary and Ship Canal. The vessel was travelling at approximately 20mph and approximately 400 yards when the boat suddenly veered to the right and struck the rocks/wall on the north side of the channel. The operator is unsure of the cause of the accident and remembered the vessel running and steering properly before the accident.

All four occupants were transported to the hospital. Three were treated and released with minor injuries. The operator was admitted to Loyola Hospital with a head injury and internal bleeding. He recovered and was released after several days.

The vessel sustained major damage to the bow area where it contacted the rocks.


BARDID: IN-2010-0003
Date: 2010-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:45:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Raccoon Lake
NearestCityTown: Rockville
County: Parke
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentCause3: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Thursday, June 17, 2010 at approximately 3:15 P.M. Officer Dave Cruser and I investigated a boat crash at Raccoon Lake. The crash occurred near Walker Ramp idle zone. 
   Operator1 stated they were near the buoys for Walker Boat Ramp.  They said they were drifting at the time of the crash.  They had put on the lake at approximately 11:30 A.M.  Operator1 and wife said they were in the boat with their twins. At the time of the crash all four of them were in the boat.  One subject  just came off the tube they were pulling and they were getting the other twin ready to go out on the tube.  Operator1 and wife said they noticed the boat coming at them and tried to get the other boats attention by honking their horn, screaming and waving their arms.  They said the other boat did not change its course.  One twin jumped off the back of the boat and the other three jumped off the front of the boat.  The other boat struck their boat in the starboard side just behind the steering console.  The steering console was pulled from the base, the windshield was completely destroyed and the boat has a large hole in the starboard side.  wife stated she lost her Bulova watch in the crash.  She described it with a gold and silver band and with a diamond face.  wife valued the watch at $375.00.  operator1 was given his watch back.  His watch was located on boat two on the port side.  Operatro1's watch had a broken crystal on it and he said it was not broken before the crash.  Operator1 was given a portable breath test and the results indicated .000.  There was no alcohol on boat1.  One cooler was located containing food, water and other drinks.  
   Operator2 stated he put on Raccoon Lake at about 2:30 P.M.  He stated he was not boating very long before he had the crash.  Operator2 said his throttle was about half way.  He could not estimate how fast he was going.  Operator2 stated he was messing with a radio he just installed and the two females with him were blocking his forward view.  He said he looked to the right and to the left and only saw a few boats on the water.  Operator2 said he should have slowed down when he realized he could not see forward.  He also stated he never saw the other boat and only knew it was there after he had the crash.  When Operator2 arrived back at the main ramp he let his two female passengers leave the scene.  He said they wanted to get medical treatment in Indianapolis.  When I asked him for any information about them he only knew their first names.   Operator2's boat had minor damage to the fiberglass on the front of the boat, the impact area of boat two.  There was glass on the floor; it was the windshield from boat1.  A small rubber strap was wrapped around the outboard portion of the motor.  Operator2 said it happened during the impact of the crash.  He said the boat would not run after the crash.  Operator2 was given a portable breath test and the results indicated .054.  Operator2 stated he only drank one Mike's Hard Lemonade while boating.  He said he did not drink anything else.  There were three coolers on Operator2's boat.  One cooler contained all alcohol, one cooler contained two large bottles of alcohol and some soft drinks and the third cooler contained ice.

6/21/10 at 8:19 P.M. I left a message on Operator2's cell phone to call me back.

6/22/10 at 4:00 P.M. I spoke with Operator2 on


BARDID: IN-2010-0004
Date: 2010-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Monroe Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Bloomington
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentEvent1: Person Struck by Propeller
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/09/10 at 9:00 PM I, Indiana Conservation Officer was on patrol when I received a call from Lt.  advising me that he had been notified about a boat accident that had occurred earlier in the evening at Monroe Reservoir.  All we knew at the time is that the victim was currently at the Bloomington Hospital receiving treatment.  I  then proceeded to Bloomington Hospital from Brown County to find out more about the accident.    At approximately 9:45 PM I arrived at Bloomington Hospital and spoke to ER Nurse who was the nurse in charge of taking care of the victim, victim.  nurse advised that currently victim was in surgery for her wounds.  nurse stated that victim injuries consisted of laceration across the lower thigh reaching across the knee region which was actively bleeding,  smaller laceration on the interior side of the right ankle  and abrasion on the right thigh region.  She stated that victim was conscious and alert when she arrived and that a blood draw was done which was tested and showed a blood alcohol content of .258 mg/dl.  nurse indicated their was a second person who was checked out and was waiting fro the victim in the surgical waiting area.

Moments later I made contact with victim2 in the surgical waiting area.  victim2 indicated that he was the other victim who was with other victim at the time of the accident.  He indicated the extent of his injuries consisted of an abrasion on his lower right back.  He stated the hospital put some dressing on him and he was then released from their care.  When asked what happened he stated that there was a large group of people consisting of approximately 15 people who rented a double decker pontoon boat that day.   Around 1:00 PM he and victim got on along with the other people and proceeded to swim and relax through out the afternoon.  He stated that several times during the day the boat would drift close to shore and as it did they would start it up and go back out into the middle of the cove, shut down and continue relaxing in the water.  He then indicated that at the time of the accident he and victim were in the water relaxing and hanging onto the bow of the boat.  When the boat motor started up and started going slow he and victim started yelling to stop the boat and it was at that time he says the boat started accelerating at a faster speed.    They continued to yell and then went from grabbing the bow of the boat to the interior ribs of the boat located between the pontoons.  He says they tried to hold onto several ribs until they could not hold on any further.  He felt no one on the boat could hear them yelling due to the combination of the radio on the boat and the motor.  

He indicated as they both let go he attempted to push victim away from where he thought the propeller of the boat might be.  Moments later as they popped up behind the boat victim indicated to him that her leg was hurt and she could not tread water.  He then grabbed her until the boat turned around and picked them up.  Once picked up they called 911, went to shore and carried victim to the parking lot where they waited for Bloomington Hospital Ambulance Service to arrive.  When asked if they were wearing life jackets when the accident occurred he indicated "no".  He was not for sure when the incident occurred but thought it happened between 5:00 -6:00 PM.  He indicated that both of them had been drinking alcohol through out the day.  When asked who was driving he stated that due to the position of where they were at he did not know who was operating the boat at the time of the accident.  He did indicate that his friend was the individual that had the boat rented in his name.


BARDID: IN-2010-0005
Date: 2010-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:54:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Eel River
NearestCityTown: Roann
County: Wabash
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Dam/lock
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
A group of friends were going to Portage around stockdale dam, no one knows why, but operator decided to go over the dam in his kayak.  He was not wearing a pfd.  His body was recovered the next day approx. 1 mile down stream of the stockdale dam.


BARDID: IN-2010-0007
Date: 2010-07-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:37:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Maxinkuckee
NearestCityTown: Culver
County: Marshall
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator 1 was jumping the wake of operator 2 and another pwc.  Operator 1 was following directly behind O2 when O2 make a sharp turn and a donut.  O1 was not able to avoid the collision and impacted O2 machine almost bow to bow.  O1 was impacted in the chest and head by O1 pwc.  O1 was thrown from the pwc and had no injuries.  O2 was unconscious face down in the water for approx. 30 seconds.  O2 also sustained head injuries, broken ribs, a broken leg and internal bleeding.


BARDID: IN-2010-0009
Date: 2010-07-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:56:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Hamilton Lake
NearestCityTown: Hamilton
County: Steuben
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unkn
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Inadequate Onboard Navigation Lights
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
O2 was sitting inside the buoys with no lights on fishing, O1 noticed the boat but was unable to avoid the collision.  No injuries reported.


BARDID: IN-2010-0010
Date: 2010-04-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Maxinkuckee
NearestCityTown: Culver
County: Marshall
WaterConditions: Very Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: HAZARDOUS WATERS
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Three victims were in a jon boat fishing as the day progressed the wind picked up and the water began to get choppy.  Waves came over in the boat and capsized it, 2 victims were able to swim to shore to get help while one stayed with the boat, he suffered from hypothermia.


BARDID: IN-2010-0011
Date: 2010-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:50:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: St. Joseph River
NearestCityTown: Elkhart
County: Elkhart
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Floating Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Two subjects were in a bass boat traveling upstream to a fishing spot at approx. 55-60 mph.  They spotted a log in their path and attempted to avoid it by steering away.  They struck the log with the outboard motor causing the boat to flip.  operator remianed in his seat while victim was ejected from the boat.  victim cut his leg.


BARDID: IN-2010-0012
Date: 2010-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ohio River
NearestCityTown: Evansville
County: Vanderburgh
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Restricted Vision
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Commercial Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
It appears the victim was on a jet ski and lost power or for whatever reason could not get out of the way and was struck by the barge.  Victim was caught in the tow line of barge.


BARDID: IN-2010-0013
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2010-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: IN
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unkn
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was opening the engine cover after the motor had died to vent the engine for the third time, when a flash fire raised in his face catching him on fire.  All three occpuants then jumped out of the boat as the rest of the boat caught fire.


BARDID: IN-2010-0014
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2010-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:10:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Monroe Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Bloomington
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Boat 1 was heading in an easternly direction, boat 2 was heading in a west/nortwest directioni.  Neither operator saw the other boat and the boats collided in a nearly head on crash.  One injury and two fatalities were sustained of boat 2.  No injuries were sustained of boat 1. Boat 1 struck boat 2 on the rear half of the port side.  Both fatalities were due to injuries of the crash, not drowning.


BARDID: IN-2010-0015
Date: 2010-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityTown: Gary
County: Lake
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unkn
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
Miulli was operating a motoboat, near the us steel breakwall gary light when he had motor mechanical failure which caused the motorboat to take on water and swamp.


BARDID: IN-2010-0016
Date: 2010-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:16:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bass Lake
NearestCityTown: Knox
County: Starke
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentCause2: EXCESSIVE SPEED
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Both vessels were traveling together, vessel two was to the right of and ahead of vessel one.  Vessel two turned to his left to avoid another vessel when vessel two struck him.  Both operators had type III pfds and were wearing them.  Operator one was transported to the hospital for lower back pain and an abrasion to her left knee.


BARDID: IN-2010-0017
Date: 2010-08-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Shafer
NearestCityTown: Monticello
County: White
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 8-22-10, Officers were dispatched to a boat accident on Lake Shafer just north of the Double Shot on Lake Shafer.  There were four boats in the area.  The boats involved were a Godfrey Pontoon boat and a Stingray skiboat.  The other two boats witnessed the accident.
Vessel #2 (the Stingray) and the other two boats were on the east side of the lake headed in a southern direction.  Vessel #1 (the Godfrey pontoon) was headed in a south western direction from the opposite side of the lake.  The pontoon was attempting to get to the east side of the lake to drop off a passenger on the shore.  As the boast approached each other, they both put the boats in neutral and attempted to steer away from each other.  The two boats collided.  Vessel #2 struck Vessel #1 with the front part of its boat near the bow eye.  It damaged the front right corner of the pontoon as well as the bow eye to the Stingray.  The boats continued to make contact with each other causing further damage.  The bow eye of Vessel #2 then struck the right pontoon near the tip of the pontoon.  That contact caused the tip of the pontoon to become punctured and bent the tip towards the middle of the boat.  The port side of Vessel #2 has damage to the fiberglass in three different locations.
Vessel #2 and the other two boats had the right of way due to the direction that the boats were traveling.  The operators of the boats and the witnesses all agree on the direction of the boats and the events of the incident.


BARDID: IN-2010-0021
Date: 2010-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Manitou
NearestCityTown: Rochester
County: Fulton
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: PERSON STRUCK BY VESSEL
RedactedNarrative:
 (vessel 1) stated in an interview he was following (vessel 2) around lake manitou on their personal watercrafts. He said he was cruising at approximately 35 mph when (vessel 2) slowed down in front of him. He said he let off the throttle and attempted to steer away to avoid a collision, but his vessel struck vessel 2 in the left rear and then struck operator2 in the left leg. Operator1 said this was his first time operating a motorboat/personal watercraft. He stated no one had explained off throttle steering to him prior to operation.

The cause of accident appears to be off throttle steering (vessel 1).  I observed damage to the plastic handle on the rear seat, left steering bar, and left mirror of vessel 2. No damage to vessel 1. Damage to vessel 2 is consistent with information provided by both operators. Vessel 1 was functioning without defect at time of my inspection. I was unable to operate vessel 2 due to damaged steering bar.
Other units at scene: fulton county ems3 and rochester pd.
Operator2 was transported to woodlawn hospital by fulton county ems and treated for a fractured left femur.


BARDID: IN-2010-0022
Date: 2010-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Hamilton Lake
NearestCityTown: Hamilton
County: Steuben
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
At 1530 on July 23rd, 2010 I was sent to Hamilton lake in the area of Clark's Landing Marina in reference to 2 PWC's which collided injuring one of the operators.  Upon my arrival I met with the owner of the PWC's.  They were on a trailer at this time.  
     On the first PWC, IN 9757 DH, there was cracked fiberglass approximately 26" from the stern on the port side gunwale.  Directly above this fresh damage was the rear edge of the seat.  The hardware on the hull to attach the seat was damaged.  There was a plastic housing around the rear of the seat between the seat and hull with a handle which was completely broken in half.  The seat had a small tear and there were fresh scuffs in the area.  I appeared that the PWC was hit on the port side in the area 3/4 the way back from the bow.
     On the second PWC, IN 9758 DH, there were considerable fresh scuffs in the fiberglass on the port side bow on the lower hull.  It appeared that it collided with an object in front, just to left of center.
     I interviewed Operator2, the operator of IN 9758 DH at the scene as well as two witnesses to the accident who were sitting at a beach watching the lake.  I interviewed Operator1, which was injured in the collision, at Cameron Memorial Hospital.  All witnesses/operators described the accident in the same manner.
     According to witnesses, Operator1 was operating his rented PWC in a straight line on the lake.   Operator2 was staggered off to Operator1's port side approximately 20 yards behind Operator1.  Operator1 slowed and turned his PWC to the port side.  As he did, he turned into the path of Operator2.  Operator2 attempted to avoid the collision by turning sharply to the starboard side approximately 120 degrees, leaving him almost perpendicular to Operator1s PWC, but angled slightly to the stern.  He struck Operator1's PWC at the area of the rear of the seat on the port side. Operator1 was thrown off of the PWC to the starboard side, but  Operator1 was not physically struck by Operator2's PWC.  The impact broke the rear area of the seat latch and launched the seat from the PWC striking Operator1 in the lower back causing his pain and injuries.  They were then assisted to shore by employees from Clark's Marina who were alerted by witnesses.  
     Operator1 was transported to Cameron Memorial Hospital in Angola where he was diagnosed with deep muscle bruising to the lower right back and hip.  There was no indication that alcohol was a factor in the accident.


BARDID: IN-2010-0023
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2010-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:28:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Brookville Reservoir
County: Union
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
AccidentEvent3: SINKING
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 ALONG WITH PASSENGER LEFT THE FAIRFIELD RAMP AFTER WORKING ON THE ENGINE, STATED HAD JUST REPLACED THE FUEL FILTER.  WHILE TRAVELING NW OF THE RAMP THE ENGINE STALLED AND AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO GET STARTED occupant YELLED OUT THE MOTOR WAS ON FIRE.  THEY ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHER BUT WAS TOO ENGULFED.  THEY THEN GRABBED PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES AND WAIVED DOWN A PASSERBY BOAT WHO CAME AND PICKED THEM UP.  THEY USED A CELL PHONE TO CALL 911.  WHEN I ARRIVED I LOCATED subjects IN ANOTHER BOAT AND WITNESSED THEIR HOUSEBOAT SMOLDERING WITH THE ROOF ALREADY COLLAPSING.  I TRANSPORTED BOTH SUBJECTS TO THE FAIRFIELD RAMP WHERE THEY WERE OFFERED MEDICAL TREATMENT AND DENIED ANY.  I THEN RECEIVED STATEMENTS FROM BOTH WHICH WERE CONSISTENT AS STATED ABOVE.
AT 1518PM THE HOUSEBOAT SUNK COMPLETELY.


BARDID: IN-2010-0024
Date: 2010-08-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake James
NearestCityTown: Angola
County: Steuben
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Propeller
RedactedNarrative:
On 08/22/2010, I, Indiana Conservation Officer was working boating overtime on the Lake James chain, on Jimmerson Lake, speaking with Steuben Co. Marine Patrol Officer.  At 1:31 PM, I received a call from Steuben Co. Dispatch advising of a boat accident that had occurred on Lake James.  Dispatch advised that a male subject had a propeller injury to his leg and that they would be in front of the Potawatami Inn.  I immediately proceeded to the scene signal 10, followed by Officer in her patrol boat, also signal 10.  I arrived in the area and was waived down by subjects at the east boat dock in front of the Potawatami Inn.  

Upon arriving on the scene, the victim, Victim was sitting in the passenger seat of the boat he had been aboard.  He was conscious and alert, but was pale and appeared to be in shock.  Victim had a towel wrapped around his lower right leg and a ski rope tied around his upper right thigh, acting as a tourniquet.  I advised dispatch of victim's condition and location for medical personnel.  Fremont Fire Rescue arrived on scene, as well as Steuben Co. EMS, and Steuben Co. Sheriff's Dept. Marine Patrol Officer.  EMS and Fire Rescue immediately attended to Victim.  The towel that was wrapped around Victim's leg was removed, revealing a large laceration to his right shin, with exposed bone and bone fragments.  Victim was treated on the scene and transported by ambulance to Cameron Memorial Hospital for treatment.  Victim was then transported by ambulance to Parkview Hospital Main Campus in Ft. Wayne.  Victim had an open fracture to his right tibia and fibia, as well as soft tissue damage around the injury.  Orthopedic surgery was performed on Victim's leg and a External Fixator (Halo) was placed on Victim's lower right leg to stabilize injuries.  As of 08/23/10, Victim was listed in stable condition.

In speaking with involved subjects, the following events took place.  victim was operating a 1995 Four Winns Horizon 190 MC6440RZ on the first basin of Lake James, on the north east side of the lake, approximately 400 yards south east of the boat docks in front of the Potawatami Inn.  Victim's wife, , and their daughter were aboard, with two other peoeple being towed behind the boat on separate tubes.  The tubes were connected to the boat by two ropes.  While towing the tubers, the tow ropes became entangled.  Victim stopped the boat, put the boat in neutral with the motor running and went to the rear deck of the boat and untangled the ropes.  When the ropes were untangled, Victim threw the slack in the water and advised his wife to "give the boat some gas" to distance the slack rope from the propeller.  Operator put the boat in gear and moved the throttle forward, causing victim to slip in and his lower right leg to contact the moving propeller.  Victim was removed from the water by his wife, who flagged down a passing boat, waiving her arms and yelling for help.  Good samaritan was boating in the area and went to Victim's boat to assist.  samaritan called 911 and then towed Victim's boat back to the east dock in front of Potawatami Inn, where he was met by myself and other law enforcement and rescue personnel.


BARDID: IN-2010-0025
Date: 2010-09-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:45:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Monroe Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Bloomington
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR 1 WAS RIDING DIRECTLY BEHIND OPERATOR 2.  OPERATOR 1 WAS TOO CLOSE BEHIND THE OTHER MACHINE TO AVOID COLLISION WHEN OPERATOR 2 TURNED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT.


BARDID: IN-2010-0026
Date: 2010-03-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:25:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: White River
NearestCityTown: Noblesville
County: Hamilton
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: Dam/lock
AccidentCause3: HAZARDOUS WATERS
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
AT 1420 HOURS ON 3/7/10 WHILE PATROLLING WHITE RIVER OUT OF MY COMMISSION, I CAME UPON A BOAT ACCIDENT SCENE BEING WORKED BY THE NOBLESVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT BELOW THE CLARE DAM.  THERE WERE TWO BOATS TRAPPED AGAINST THE FACE OF THE DAM AT THE TIME I ARRIVED.  ONE OF THEM, A SMALL GREEN V-HULL FISHING BOAT WITH AN OUTBOARD MOTOR WAS OVERTURNED IN THE BOIL.  THE OTHER BOAT, ONE OF NOBLESVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S FLATBOTTOMS WITH A 20-HP JET OUTBOARD WAS OCCUPIED BY THREE FIREFIGHTERS AND THE VICTIM FROM THE OTHER BOAT.  THE FLATBOTTOM WAS PINNED AGAINST THE FACE OF THE DAM ON THE STARBOARD SIDE AND HAD A THROWBAG LINE SECURED TO THE BOW.  SEVERAL OTHER FIREFIGHTERS WERE PULLING ON THE LINE FROM A SMALL ISLAND BELOW THE DAM IN AN EFFORT TO FREE IT.  AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF TRYING THEY WERE ABLE TO PIVOT THE BOW OF THE BOAT DOWNSTREAM, ALLOWING THE OPERATOR TO ENGAGE THE MOTOR AND POWER OUT OF THE BOIL.


BARDID: IN-2010-0027
Date: 2010-06-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:50:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geist Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Fishers
County: Hamilton
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
The operator stated he was going from side to side in the water like an S when he noticed on the last turn his wake or the wake of another boat hit the stern of his airboat.  He also stated that he tried to turn out of it but it was too late and the weight of the motor just pulled the air boat over.


BARDID: IN-2010-0030
Date: 2010-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Freeman
NearestCityTown: Monticello
County: Carroll
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: PERSON STRUCK BY VESSEL
RedactedNarrative:
Operator 1 advised that operator 2 was was behind him and to his right when he went to make a left hand turn to turn back southbound.  Operator 1 advised as soon as he made the turn he was struck from the left by operator 2.  Operator 1's pwc sustained damage to along the gunwale and near the small compartment area below the handle bars.  Operator 1 sustained a broken lower left leg in the collision as he leg took nearly a direct blow from operator 2's  pwc.


BARDID: IN-2010-0031
Date: 2010-06-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:15:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fall Creek
NearestCityTown: Middletown
County: Henry
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentCause2: OVERLOADING
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
MIDDLETOWN DISPATCH TOLD ME THE ACCIDENT HAD OCCURRED NEAR THE SOFTBALL FIELDS AND WHEN I ARRIVED IN THE AREA I FOUND A CANOE BROKEN WITH A PORTION ON SHORE AND THE MAJORITY LODGED IN A NEARBY LOG JAM.  ALSO IN THE JAM WAS A YELLOW TUBE AND NYLON ROPE APPEARING TO BE ATTACHED TO THE CANOE.  I TOOK PHOTOGRAPHS.      
I CONTACTED SGT. ON 6/23/10 AT ABOUT 5PM AND HE TOLD ME HE HAD RESPONDED TO THE ACCIDENT ON FALL CREEK.  HE TOLD ME BY THE TIME HE HAD ARRIVED ALL PEOPLE WERE OUT OF THE WATER AND EMS HAD ALREADY LEFT FOR ST JOHNS HOSPITAL IN ANDERSON.  SPEAKING WITH SGT. I LEARNED the operator HAD BEEN HOSPITALIZED FOR INJURIES RECEIVED DURING THE ACCIDENT.  SGT. GAVE ME operator's CURRENT ADDRESS WHERE I THEN WENT.  
ARRIVING AT  RESIDENCE I FOUND THE BOW PORTION OF THE CANOE I PHOTOGRAPHED IN THE DRIVEWAY.   SPOKE WITH HIS MOTHER who TOLD ME the operator AND HIS FRIENDS HAD DECIDED TO CANOE DOWN FALL CREEK (ACROSS FROM THEIR HOUSE).  mother TOLD ME SHE HAD FOLLOWED THEM AND TAKEN PHOTOS.  SHE TOLD ME operator HAD PLANNED TO REMOVE HIS CANOE AT THE NEAREST BRIDGE DOWNSTREAM FROM WHERE THEY PUT IN BUT HAD DECIDED TO CONTINUE AT THE LAST MINUTE.  
BEFORE I HAD LEFT operator ARRIVED HOME AND I SPOKE WITH HIM IN PERSON.  HE TOLD ME HE HAD GONE CANOEING WITH 4 FRIENDS and TOLD ME HE WAS IN THE FRONT OF THE CANOE.  ON A TUBE ATTACHED TO THE CANOE BY A ROPE WAS one other person.  
ASKING operator WHAT HAD HAPPENED HE SAID THEY HAD LAUNCHED AND CANOED DOWNSTREAM UNTIL THEY BEGAN TO ENTER AN AREA WITH TREES/BRUSH/LOGS.  AS THEY LEANED TO AVOID THE DEBRIS THE CANOE OVERTURNED AND operator BECAME SWEPT DOWNSTREAM AND BECAME WEDGED WITH HIS BACK AGAINST A TREE AND THE CANOE PINNING HIM UNDERWATER.  
AFTER SPEAKING WITH SGT AND towed person I LEARNED THAT towed person AND OTHERS RESPONDING TO THE AREA PULLED operator FROM THE WATER TO THE WAITING AMBULANCE.  SPEAKING WITH operator HE SAID one other person HAD ALSO BECAME STUCK BUT HAD FREED HIMSELF.  
ASKING mom ABOUT THE INCIDENT SHE PROVIDED ME WITH PHOTOS SHE HAD TAKEN PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.  PHOTOS SHOW operato AND another person WITH CANOE PADDLES OPERATING THE BOAT.  two others are SHOWn asPASSENGERS IN THE CANOE.  
ASKING ABOUT THE ACCIDENT operator ADMITTED HE DID NOT HAVE ANY LIFE JACKETS ON BOARD THE BOAT.


BARDID: IN-2010-0036
Date: 2010-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Monroe Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Bloomington
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
ON 5-29-2010, AT APPROXIMATELY 1130 HOURS I WAS ADVISED BY INDIANA CONSERVATION OFFICERS SOUTH REGION DISPATCH OF A POSSIBLE BOAT ACCIDENT ON MONROE RESERVOIR NEAR FOURWINDS BOAT DOCKS. I STARTED TO THE AREA OF FOURWINDS AND CONTACTED CENTRAL DISPATCH, WHERE THE 911 CALL WAS INITIALLY RECEIVED AND OBTAINED CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE CALLERS. I RECEIVED THE INFORMATION THAT NO OTHER BOATS OR VICTIMS WERE INVOLVED AND THEY WERE EN ROUTE TO BLOOMINGTON HOSPITAL.

AT BLOOMINGTON HOSPITAL I MET WITH THE VICTIMS FATHER. DURING AN INTERVIEW the father ADVISED THE TWO GIRLS BUMPED HEADS WHILE TUBING. one tuber RECEIVED A BUMP ON THE HEAD WITH ONLY A MINOR INJURY. the other tuber RECEIVED A CONCUSSION WHERE SHE BRIEFLY LOST CONSCIOUS. I INTERVIEWED THE OTHER WITNESSES IN THE WAITING ROOM AND RECEIVED THE SAME STATEMENTS. THEY ALL STATED THE WATER WAS ROUGH WITH MODERATE WIND AND THEY WERE OPERATING STRAIGHT IN DIRECTION NEAR FOURWINDS MARINA AND another person WAS THE OPERATOR.

AFTER LEAVING THE HOSPITAL I WENT TO THE EAGLE POINT BOAT DOCK TO GET THE BOAT INFORMATION. THE BOAT WAS A 2007, 25" COBALT, WHITE AND BLUE IN COLOR. THE BOAT WAS IN GOOD CONDITION, THE TUBE AND ROPE APPEARED TO STANDARD AND SEVERAL LIFE JACKETS WERE OBSERVED IN THE BOAT.


BARDID: IN-2010-0037
Date: 2010-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:50:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Monroe Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Bloomington
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
ON 6/13/2010 I WAS DISPATCHED BY SOUTH REGION TO AN INJURED PERSON AT THE CUTWRIGHT SHELTER. UPON ARRIVAL I FOUND victim SITTING ON A PICNIC TABLE COMPLAINING OF LEFT SHOULDER PAIN. HE STATED THEY HAD BEEN PULLING UP TO THE DOCK AT CUTWRIGHT BY THE SHELTER. HE REACHED OUT TO GRAB THE DOCK, BUT THE BOAT MOVED AWAY AND HE DID NOT LET GO, CAUSING THE DISLOCATION. 

UPON EXAMINATION, THERE WAS A LARGE LUMP INDICATING A POSSIBLE DISLOCATION. THE VICTIM HAD GOOD PMS IN THE EXTREMITY. A SLING AND SWATH WAS APPLIED AND PMS CHECKED POSITIVE AFTER APPLICATION. BHAS ARRIVED AND TOOK OVER CARE OF THE VICTIM. THEY TRANSPORTED HIM TO BLOOMINGTON HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT.


BARDID: IN-2010-0039
Date: 2010-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Monroe Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Bloomington
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentEvent1: Person Departed Vessel
AccidentEvent2: PERSON STRUCK BY VESSEL
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ONE WAS TRAVELING AHEAD AND TO THE RIGHT OF VESSEL TWO. IT BEGAN A PATH THAT CROSSED VESSEL TWO'S PATH OUT IN FRONT OF IT.  AT THAT TIME THE PASSENGER OF VESSEL ONE JUMPED OFF THE PWC AND INTO THE PATH OF VESSEL TWO.  VESSEL TWO ATTEMPTED TO AVOID COLLISION BUT STRUCK THE 10 YR OLD VICTIM IN THE WATER.  THE VICTIM WAS WEARING A PFD.


BARDID: IN-2010-0041
Date: 2010-08-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:10:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Monroe
NearestCityTown: Bloomington
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent3: CAPSIZING
RedactedNarrative:
On the above date and time, i, conservation officer, received a call from south region headquarters about a boat accident that just occurred north of “potty point”.  They advised that two personal watercrafts hit each other and one person was injured.  I responded from the mouth of allen's creek.
	
	when i arrived, a male subject was sitting on the back of a red personal watercraft with a woman operating.  Victim had his legs in the water i could see that his lower left leg was hurt badly.  I contacted monroe county dispatch and asked them to send perry-clear creek fire department with their rescue boat.  I asked Victim if he was in pain.  He stated that he was not in pain and he asked that i get his friend's personal watercraft to shore before it sank.  The personal watercraft was being held onto by people in a nearby boat.  I tied onto the personal watercraft and pulled it to shore.  The personal watercraft was beached and i returned to Victim and operator2.  Victim told me that if i got close enough he could climb into my boat.  I pulled up next to him and he climbed into my boat.  I contacted monroe county dispatch and told them to have medics and fire personal meet me at four winds rental dock.  Perry-clear creek fire department met me at the dock and began to take care of Victim.  Operator2 followed me into the dock where i helped her dock her personal water craft.

	while fire medics worked on Victim i asked operator2 what happen.  She told me that they were riding side-by-side about 15 feet apart with Victim to her right at about thirty (30) miles per hour, when a large wake hit her personal watercraft.  The next thing she knew she and Victim were in the water and he was hurt.  She told me that the personal watercraft she was on was right side up and the one that Victim was on ended up upside down.  She stated that she swam to her personal watercraft and then went to get Victim.  It was then that she realized Victim was hurt. I asked operator2 if she lost consciousness she said no. I asked operator2 if she had been drinking she told me that she had not had anything to drink.  I asked operator2 how much experience she had operating personal watercraft.  She told me that was her first time.  I asked operator2 to take a portable breath test.  She agreed and tested .000% bac.

	when i went to Victim and asked him what happened he gave me the same story as operator2.  I asked him if he had been drinking.  He admitted to drinking earlier in the day.  I asked him to take a portable breath test.  He agreed and tested .000% bac.  Shortly after, bloomington hospital medics arrived and transported Victim to bloomington hospital.


BARDID: IN-2010-0042
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2010-05-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:01:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deer Creek
NearestCityTown: Cannelton
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Floating Object
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
THE BOAT WAS EXITING DEER CREEK AND HEADING TOWARDS THE OHIO RIVER. THE OPERATOR ADVISED HE SLOWED TO IDLE BEFORE GOING UNDER THE BRIDGE. THE WATER CURRENT TURNED HIS BOAT SIDEWAYS AND THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE BOAT STRUCK THE BRIDGE PILLAR. THE BOAT TURNED OVER AND BOTH operator, AND THE PASSENGER WERE SENT OUT INTO THE OHIO RIVER. ANOTHER BOAT THAT WAS ON THE WATER SAW THE ACCIDENT AND WAS ABLE TO PULL subjects OUT OF THE WATER. BOTH REFUSED MEDICAL TREATMENT FROM EMS ON SCENE.


BARDID: IN-2010-0043
Date: 2010-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Patoka Reservoir
NearestCityTown: French Lick
County: Orange
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On 6-05-10 I assisted ICO with a boating accident in Orange County on Patoka Lake. The accident occurred in the area near the Painter Creek boat ramp. A victim had been riding on a tube and when the tube turned his foot became entangled in the webbing surrounding the tube. When this happened victim injured his left leg.


BARDID: IN-2010-0044
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2010-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:35:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Hardy Lake
NearestCityTown: Scottsburg
County: Scott
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
Operator STATED THAT HE HAD JUST PULLED ANCHOR AND WAS TRYING TO START THE ENGINE OF HIS 2002 LOWE PONTOON BOAT, WHEN THE ENGINE BACKFIRED AND CAUGHT FIRE.  THE FIRE QUICKLY SPREAD TO THE BOAT.  Five people JUMPED INTO THE WATER WILL THEIR P.F.D.'S AND SWAM TO OTHER BOATS IN THE AREA.  FOUR DRY CHEMICAL FIRE EXTINGUISHERS WERE USED BY THE OWNER AND OTHER BOATERS BUT THEY COULD NOT EXTINGUISH THE FIRE.  INDIANA CONSERVATION OFFICER, WHO WAS ON BOAT PATROL IN THE AREA, SAW THE FIRE AND WENT TO THE BURNING BOAT.  OFFICER USED THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER FROM HIS PATROL BOAT BUT WAS ALSO UNABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE.  OFFICER AND TWO FIREMEN FROM THE JOHNSON TOWNSHIP VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT TOWED THE BURNING BOAT TO A NEARBY RAMP WHERE THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY WATER FROM A FIRE TRUCK.  THE REMAINS OF THE BURNT BOAT WERE REMOVED FROM THE LAKE BY BARGER TOWING SERVICE, SCOTTSBURG, INDIANA.


BARDID: IN-2010-0047
Date: 2010-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Brookville
NearestCityTown: Brookville
County: Franklin
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR STATED HE WAS TOWING A TUBE OUT OF TEMPLETON CREEK AREA WHEN UNKNOWN OPERATOR OF PWC STRUCK THE PORT SIDE OF HIS VESSEL AND FLED THE AREA.  HIS BOAT STARTED TAKING ON WATER SO HE WENT TO THE RAMP AND REMOVED HIS WATERCRAFT FROM THE LAKE.

OFFICERS SEARCHED LAKE AREA AND NEARBY RAMPS FOR PWC OPERATOR AND FAILED TO LOCATE.


BARDID: IN-2010-0049
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2010-03-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:43:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ohio River
NearestCityTown: Newburgh
County: Warrick
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
AccidentCause2: Dam/lock
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
SUBJECTS WERE FISHING BELOW NEWBURGH DAM, SOUTH OF GATE 9.   AFTER FISHING THIS STRETCH OF WATER THEY WERE GOING TO MOVE TO ANOTHER LOCATION.  operator ADVISED THE MOTOR WOULD NOT START AND EVENTUALLY RAN THE BATTERY DOWN.  WHILE TRYING TO MAKE REPAIRS TO GET THE MOTOR STARTED, THE CURRENT PULLED THEM TOWARDS THE LAST GATE OF THE DAM.   THERE IS AN EDDY THAT CAUSES THE WATER TO FLOW UPSTREAM AND BACK INTO GATE 9.  THIS EDDY PULLED THE INOPERABLE BOAT INTO THE GATE RESULTING IN THE EVENTS THAT UNFOLDED.  THE BOAT AND PASSENGERS WERE RECOVERED AFTER THE DAM OPERATOR CLOSED GATE9.  THERE WAS ONE FATALITY AND operator WAS TRANSPORTED TO ST.MARY'S HOSPITAL.  THE BOAT WAS RECOVERED , BUT APPEARS TO BE A TOTAL LOSS.


BARDID: IN-2010-0050
Date: 2010-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Monroe Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Bloomington
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: limb tangled in vessel equipme
RedactedNarrative:
VICTIM AND HER HUSBAND HAD BEEN FISHING OVER NIGHT AND AS THEY PREPARED TO LEAVE THE COVE, THEY TRIED TO PULL THE ANCHOR UP, BUT IT WAS STUCK. OPERATOR STATED HE HAD MOVED THE BOAT AND RELIEVED THE PRESSURE ON THE LINE AND PUT THE BOAT INTO NEUTRAL. THE VICTIM WRAPPED THE ANCHOR LINE AROUND HER HAND TO TRY AND PULL IT UP.   IN THE PROCESS A LARGE WAVE HIT THE BOAT AND THE VICTIM WAS UNABLE TO GET ALL OF HER HAND UNWRAPPED FROM THE LINE. THE BOAT ROSE ON THE WAVE AND AMPUTATED THE TIP OF HER RIGHT RING FINGER AND AVULSED THE INDEX FINGER.

THE SUBJECTS LEFT THE ANCHOR AND BOATED ACROSS THE LAKE TO THE PAYNETOWN RAMP. WHEN I ARRIVED THEY WERE TIED TO THE DOCK. I BOARDED AND ADMINISTERED FIRST AID UNTIL BLOOMINGTON AMBULANCE ARRIVED. THE VICTIM WAS TRANSPORTED TO BLOOMINGTON HOSPITAL WHERE SHE WAS TREATED AND RELEASED.


BARDID: IN-2010-0052
Date: 2010-07-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Raccoon Lake
NearestCityTown: Rockville
County: Parks
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
AccidentCause2: MACHINERY FAILURE
MachineryFailure: UNKNOWN
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
A 17 YEAR OLD AND HIS FATHER HAD BEEN WORKING ON HIS PERSONAL WATERCRAFT WHEN AN EXPLOSION OCCURRED.  THE INCIDENT OCCURRED AT THE RACCOON LAKE BOAT RENTAL.  

DETAILS OF INVESTIGATION/INCIDENT:
     I SPOKE WITH SUBJECT ON THE DOCKS AT THE RACCOON LAKE BOAT RENTAL AREA.  SUBJECT STATED THAT HE AND HIS SON, AGE 17 YEARS, WERE WORKING ON THE ENGINE OF HIS PERSONAL WATERCRAFT.  THE PERSONAL WATERCRAFT WAS DOCKED ALONGSIDE HIS PONTOON BOAT.
     VICTIM WAS SITTING ON THE PERSONAL WATERCRAFT WHILE SUBJECT WAS LEANING OVER FROM THE DECK OF HIS PONTOON BOAT.  AN ATTEMPT TO START THE MACHINE WAS MADE AND IT CREATED AN EXPLOSION.  VICTIM WAS THROWN INTO THE WATER AND HIS FATHER WAS THROWN BACKWARDS ON TO THE FLOOR OF THE PONTOON.  HE THEN JUMPED IN TO HELP VICTIM.  
     Subject2 AGE 12 WAS STANDING ON THE DECK OF THE PONTOON AND RECEIVED ONLY VERY SLIGHT SINGEING OF HIS HAIR.  HE REFUSED MEDICAL TREATMENT.  SUBJECT RECEIVED SINGED HAIR ON HIS FACE AND CHEST, HE ALSO REFUSED MEDICAL TREATMENT. 
       VICTIM RECEIVED BURNS TO HIS FACE AND CHEST. HE WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE CLAY COUNTY HOSPITAL NEAR BRAZIL.
     I PHOTOGRAPHED THE PONTOON BOAT AND THE PERSONAL WATERCRAFT.  F/SGT. AND I VISUALLY INSPECTED THE PERSONAL WATERCRAFT.  I COULD SMELL A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE COMING FROM INSIDE THE MACHINE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.  I COULD SEE THERE WAS A LEAST A QUART OF GASOLINE IN THE BOTTOM O HULL OF THE PERSONAL WATER CRAFT.


BARDID: IN-2010-0056
Date: 2010-08-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake James
NearestCityTown: Angola
County: Steuben
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Property damage boat accident on Lake James.
Involved Persons:
According to witnesses, on August 21, 2010 between the times of 1700hrs and 1800hrs Operator1 was operating a gray Godfrey Marine model Sweetwater pontoon.  While operating through the channel from Lake James to Jimmerson Lake,  Operator1 struck with his front starboard side pontoon another boat owned by Dry Dock Marina in the area of the front port side as it was backed into slip number 10 in the channel.  Upon striking the pontoon Operator1 continued on his way to find a place to dock.  subject called the authorities to get a report.


BARDID: IN-2010-0057
Date: 2010-08-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:40:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Monroe Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Bloomington
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: limb tangled in vessel equipme
RedactedNarrative:
OWNER OF THE BOAT WAS ATTEMPTING TO LOWER  THE ANCHOR CHAIN.  CHAIN BECAME TANGLED AND TWISTED.  AS THE VICTIM/OWNER WAS TRYING TO FIX THE CHAIN, IT RELEASED AND HIS THUMB WAS CAUGHT IN THE LINKS.  HIS THUMB WAS AMPUTATED FROM THE FIRST KNUCKLE.  VICTIM OPERATED THE HOUSEBOAT BACK INTO THE SLIP BEFORE BEING TREATED BY EMS.


BARDID: IN-2010-0058
Date: 2010-09-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Monroe Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Bloomington
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On September 6, 2010 at approximately 1400 hours Officer  and I were flagged down by an operator of a personal watercraft who stated he had fell from his PWC and broken his leg.


BARDID: IN-2010-0059
Date: 2010-08-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:50:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Brookville Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Brookville
County: Union
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On august 28, 2010, at approximately 1904 hours, i, indiana conservation officer, along with conservation officer, were on routine boat patrol on brookville reservoir.  The franklin county sheriff's department dispatched us to mounds beach, where a boat was located that contained a woman with a possible broken leg.

Officer operated the patrol boat to the beach.  We arrived at approximately 1915 hours, and i exited the patrol boat onto the beach.  I located the boat, a red and white rinker captiva 212 (in7630bz), and began speaking to the subjects onboard.  The injured woman, was lying on the back deck, while a passenger, a volunteer fireman onboard the boat at the time of the accident, was securing her leg.  firefighter stated he believed victim had suffered a broken left femur while wakeboarding.  

Franklin county ems2 then arrived, along with ico corporal. Ems2 advised they would keep Victim on the rear deck of the boat until university air care arrived.  They stated this was due to the possible severity of the break, and they only wanted to transport the subject once. 

University air care (n117uc) arrived on scene at approximately 2009 hours, and Victim was transported to the beach.  After proper care, she was then transported to the helicopter, which lifted at approximately 2026 hours.  

Officer and i spoke to the subjects onboard the boat at the time of the accident, and all gave similar accounts of the accident.  All witnesses stated it was Victim's first time on the boat, as well as her first time wakeboarding.  The subjects stated that they believed Victim had the wakeboarding boots on properly, and the board was attached properly.  All subjects stated Victim was in the water, and as the operator brought the boat up to speed, Victim began to stand up.  The subjects stated that when Victim went to turn the wakeboard sideways, she then fell into the water and began to scream in pain.  The boat returned to Victim and she was secured on the rear deck, and operator believed the injury to be a broken left femur.  

Officer then asked the operator to submit to a portable breath test.  operator complied, stating he had not consumed any alcoholic beverages, and received a result of .000% bac. 

I later spoke with operator, who was present at the hospital who stated the injury sustained to Victim was a complete break of her left femur.  He stated a rod had been placed in her leg and she was released.


BARDID: IN-2010-0060
Date: 2010-10-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:20:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ohio River
NearestCityTown: Hanover
County: Jefferson
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
10-09-10 south region notified me of a reported personal injury boat accident that occurred on the indiana bank of the ohio river.  Accident location was reported by kentucky state police/water patrol and advised milton fire and rescue had been sent to scene. 
A contact number for boat operator and victim's name had been provided to south region.  
I made contact with Operator1, owner/operator of boat involved.  Operator1 advised his wife, victim, was being transported to kings daughter's hospital in madison indiana at that time.  Operator1 advised he was having his boat towed from the accident scene approximately ¼ mile downstream of hanover beach area of ohio river.  He intended to tow his boat to lighthouse marine at madison.  
I met with victim at kings daughter hospital where she gave information regarding accident as well as her personal info for report.  While there dr. examined her.  Reported injuries were injured right scapula and ribs.  
Victim advised she had been sitting in forward covered cabin area of boat when accident occurred.  She advised the abrupt stop of the boat caused her to be thrown around in the cabin area.  She advised she had struck her right side on a hard ledge inside the cabin area causing her injury.  She advised she had no idea of the impending accident and was unprepared for the sudden stop.  
I also met with Operator1, the oPerator of boat at the hospital.  He reported no injuries and advised circumstances of the accident.  He advised he had been running upstream on plane approximately 20 mph about 50 yds off the indiana shore.  He advised his boat was operating normally when he looked down at some navigation charts.  When he looked back up, he found his boat was heading directly toward the indiana shore.  He advised he tried to make a corrective move to bring the bow back around.  At the same time, he felt the motor strike the river's bottom.  He felt, with the prop still twisting when it hit the mud, the boat made an even quicker spin before coming to a stop.  This quick spin and stop caused no apparent damage to the boat, but his wife located in the cabin area had been thrown around and caused her injury.  
Milton kentucky fire rescue brought a boat to scene where they transported victim upstream to hanover beach area where they met jefferson co. Ems.  Ems then transported Victim/victim to kings daughter hospital in madison.  
After meeting with operator and victim of accident i visited lighthouse marine where i took photos of their boat.  Aside from mud from subjects feet and ropes used to tow boat to that location, i could find no apparent damage.  Operator1  did advised he felt a small vibration possibly from prop damage.


BARDID: IN-2010-0061
Date: 2010-10-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:56:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Brookville Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Brookville
County: Franklin
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: IGNITION OF SPILLED FUEL OR VAPOR
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
On wednesday 10/27/2010 i was contacted by district 9 head quarters and was asked to check into a possible boat fire that may have occurred at brookville reservoir sometime during the previous weekend.  I contacted franklin county dispatch and they stated that there was a boat fire at bonwell ramp sunday morning and the only officers available to respond were from the brookville police department.  I contacted the brookville police department and spoke with  assistant chief who stated that he took the call and ran up to bonwell ramp and made sure there were no injuries and stayed there until the boat was transported away.  Officer stated that the boat operator's name and provided his contact information.  Several days later i was able to make contact with Operator who stated the following:  on sunday october 24, 2010 at approximately 1056 hours he and his family borrowed his father in laws boat and launched it at bonwell ramp.  Operator stated that after they had launched the boat he and his two kids were sitting in it waiting while his wife parked the vehicle.  While we were waiting i started the boat and it drifted about 75 feet from the ramp and then suddenly the back end of the boat exploded into flames causing the engine compartment cover to fly open.  Operator said he and the kids jumped overboard and was picked up by a boater who was nearby and took them to shore.  Operator said that they called 911 and shortly after a brookville police officer arrived and they waited for the fire department.  Operator stated that after the boat quit burning a boater towed it to the ramp and jolliff wrecker service hooked it up and transported it to their facility located at 10211 yellow bank rd., brookville, indiana.  Operator said that the boat was a runabout that had an inboard/outboard type hull design.  Operator stated that he didn't smell any gas fumes prior to starting the boat and didn't think to turn on the exhaust blower before starting it.  Operator further stated that nobody was injured during the incident and that they had the boat out the day before and had no problems with it.  After talking with Operator i drove to jolliff wrecker service and took pictures of the boat hull and spoke with the owner of the business about the boat.  I then contacted (boat owner) and he confirmed that Operator had permission to use the boat and he was aware of what had happened to his boat.  subject stated that the fire caused around $2,000.00 damage to the boat.


BARDID: IN-2010-0063
Date: 2010-10-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pine Station
NearestCityTown: Gary
County: Lake
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Prelude:
          In the morning hours of Friday, October 29, 2010 two victims left from their residences to go fishing. Family members of both victims did not know the exact location of where the victims went fishing. The two victims had not returned by Saturday 10/30/10. Concerned family members contacted Gary Police Department to file a missing persons report, Case # 10-85256. On Thursday, 11/4/10 one of the victim's vehicle was located parked on the west side of the south pond inside Pine Station Nature Preserve. Located in the south pond was a floating overturned 10' aluminum jon boat. Divers recovered both victims deceased in the pond.

Details of Investigation/Incident:
          On Thursday, November 4, 2010 at approximately 1043 Hours, I, was contacted by Northwest Enforcement reference two possible drownings at Clark and Pine Nature Preserve, specifically Pine Station Nature Preserve. Police Officer found a van which was reported missing and also observed an overturned boat and possibly a body in the water. I advised DNR Employee that I would be en route to Pine Station Nature Preserve.
          I arrived on scene at 1119 Hours. Other agencies already on scene included: Gary Police Department, Gary Fire Department, Lake County Police Department, Lake County Police Helicopter and Lake County Aquatics. Indiana Conservation Officers arrived on scene a short time later. Inside Pine Station Nature Preserve are two ponds, one north and one south divided by a levee. Parked on the west side of the south pond at the gravel boat ramp, which is located approximately mid way of the pond, was a green Ford Windstar. The Ford Windstar had an Indiana Passenger Plate was parked facing the pond. Gary Police Lt. Detective advised me that the plate came back to one of the missing subjects. I then obtained the missing persons information for the two subjects from Lt. who advised me that according to family members, two subjects went fishing on Friday, October 29, 2010 during the morning hours. The two subjects had not returned on Saturday, October 30, 2010 and family members then contacted Gary Police Department to file a missing persons report. On Sunday, October 31, 2010 Lt. Detective entered the missing subjects into NCIC.  Located in the pond southeast of the Ford Windstar was an overturned aluminum jon boat. Looking back northeast in the pond from the boat was a black object on a sand bar, (This object was later determined to be the body of one victim.). I then photographed the interior and exterior of the Ford Windstar. While examining the interior of the Ford Windstar, inside the glove compartment, I located an Indiana ID Card. Attached to the front bumper and rear hatch area of the Ford Windstar was a yellow polypropylene rope, later determined used to secure the jon boat to the roof of the vehicle. At 1210 Hours the Ford Windstar was removed and impounded from the scene.


BARDID: IN-2010-0065
Date: 2010-05-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: St. Joseph River
NearestCityTown: South Bend
County: St. Joseph
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Unknown. South Bend Fire Department revcd call of a missing kayaker. They responded and located an empty kayak and a PFD. Body was found 7 days later.


BARDID: IN-2011-0002
Date: 2011-04-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Brookville Lake
NearestCityTown: Liberty
County: Union
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On April 10th, 2011, operator operated a motorboat while intoxicated on Brookville Reservoir.  A 911 call was made by another boater complaining of boat being operated in a reckless manner, speeding in the idle zone, and being overloaded.  There was a total of 12 subjects on the boat.  While the boat was unanchored and moving due to strong winds victim fell off the boat and drowned.  Another passenger jumped in to try to rescue subject and he nearly drowned.  Subjects on boat called 911 to report the drowning.  operator was arrested for boating while intoxicated.  ICO's recovered subject's body later that evening.  Autopsy results were consistent with drowning and toxicology showed subject was intoxicated at the time of the drowning.  The boat contained 17 U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets as well as a (1) type IV floatation device.


BARDID: IN-2011-0007
Date: 2011-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Freeman
NearestCityTown: Monticello
County: White
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Submerged Object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
AccidentEvent3: CAPSIZING
RedactedNarrative:
Operator struck something that was submerged in the water which caused a hole in the hull.  The vessel began to take on water and capsized.


BARDID: IN-2011-0008
Date: 2011-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:50:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cedar Lake
NearestCityTown: Howe
County: LaGrange
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday May 24, 2011 at approximately 2:30 p.m Victim got into a 10 foot kayak that he had purchased the day before, and paddled out across Cedar Lake located in Lagrange County Indiana.  Victim kayaked to the south end of Cedar Lake where at approximately 2:50 p.m his kayak capsized.  Victim was not wearing a life jacket.  Victim had a Coast Guard approved type IV throwable device in the kayak.  Victim started shouting for help and his cries were heard by a youth who went and told her grandmother who came outside and observed Victim splashing in the water and calling for help.  Grandma went back and called 911.  A subject came out and also observed Victim splashing in the water and then she was no longer able to see him.  Lagrange County Sheriff's Deputy arrived on scene and saw a red kayak down by the lily pads, but did not observe Victim.  Fire Rescue arrived on scene and fireman observed Victim lying on the bottom of the lake.  Fireman jumped into the lake and pulled Victim up from the bottom of the lake at approximately 3:08 p.m. Victim was pulled into a boat and taken to shore where he was then transported to Lagrange Parkview hospital.  Victim was pronounced deceased at the hospital.  
     Three people watched Victim kayak across Cedar Lake to the south end of the lake.  Two people stated that they observed Victim splashing around on the south end of the lake.  They got some binoculars and observed what they thought was Victim possibly stuck in some lily pads with his kayak.  They got into a row boat and rowed across the lake towards Victim to assist him.  They arrived in time to see the fireman pulling Victim up from the lake bottom.
     On Wednesday May 25, 2011 at 9:30 a.m an autopsy was performed on Victim by pathologist Dr. at the Northeast Indiana Forensic Center located in Fort Wayne Indiana.  Dr listed the preliminary cause of death as drowning.


BARDID: IN-2011-0009
Date: 2011-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:20:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Dallas Lake
NearestCityTown: Wolcottiville
County: LaGrange
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
O1 was traveling northwest and O2 was traveling southwest and collided.  Both admitted they did not see each other until it was too late to avoid the collision.


BARDID: IN-2011-0010
Date: 2011-06-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:45:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Whitewater River
NearestCityTown: Brookville
County: Franklin
WaterConditions: UNKNOWN
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentCause2: DRUG USE
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On June 1, 2011 at approximately 1456 hours a father, mother and 17 month old child were kayaking on the White Water River just south of Cedar Grove.  The family attempted to navigate around a fallen tree that was creating a strainer and capsized the kayak placing all of them under the water.  When the mother and father surfaced downstream they couldn't see or find the child anywhere.  Search and recovery personnel arrived on scene and searched the area thoroughly by water and land and could not locate the missing child.  Search continued and on June 5, 2011 at approximately 1533 hours the child was recovered in the water downstream.


BARDID: IN-2011-0014
Date: 2011-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Dalecarlia
NearestCityTown: Lowell
County: Lake
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
THE OPERATOR OF THE PWC WAS TRAVELING SOUTH BOUND ON LAKE DALECARLIA WHEN HE CUT TOO CLOSE TO THE SHORELINE AND HIT A PONTOON BOAT THAT WAS DOCKED AT ITS PIER.  THE OPERATOR WAS UNFAMILIAR WITH THE LAKE AND HAD LITTLE EXPERIENCE OPERATING PERSONAL WATER CRAFT.  WHEN THE OPERATOR SAW HE WAS HEADING FOR THE PONTOON HE JUMP OFF THE PWC TO AVOID INJURY AS IT COLLIDED WITH THE PONTOON.   NO INJURIES IN THIS ACCIDENT NOR WAS ANYONE ABOARD THE PONTOON AT THE TIME OF THE COLLISION.


BARDID: IN-2011-0015
Date: 2011-06-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 03:15:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityTown: Portage
County: Porter
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: UNKN
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
RedactedNarrative:
**It is unknown exactly how everything occured both subjects on the boat were intoxicated, below is the narrative from the officers report**

During the investigation, Officers located the wrecked vessel along the outside of the northern break wall of the Port of Indiana.  The boat was partially submerged and was recovered by TowBoat U.S. / Bridgman, MI, and held as evidence at their secure facility.  I released the evidence hold on the vessel shortly after I.C.O. Boat Accident Investigators examined it.  

The boat accident investigation continued over the course of the next two months, over which time it was discovered (through medical records), that both subjects were legally intoxicated at the time of the accident.  Operator1 had a BAC of 0.22.  Passenger had a BAC of 0.11.  Passenger also tested positive for Benzodiazapine, Opiates, and THC (Cannabinoids).

During interview, Passenger admitted that he had operated the boat on the morning of the crash, as well as on multiple occasions during the previous two weeks.  Passenger had a suspended DL with a prior conviction at that time.  Passenger advised that Operator1 had been operating the boat at the time of the crash.

Passenger admitted that he had purchased the boat, and had given him $20,000.00 cash in full payment.  Passenger did not provide any written documentation associated with the purchase.  He said that previous owner advised him that his Dealer Plate would work as his boat registration, and that he would be covered under his insurance throughout this boating season.

During interview Operator1 advised that he could not recall the event, due to his head injuries.  He said that he believed Passenger, if Passenger said that he had been the one operating the boat during the crash.  Operator1 advised that he had a history of epileptic seizures, and believed he may have had a seizure while operating the boat, causing him to lose control and crash.  Operator1 also has a suspended DL (inf.), and an active warrant through Jasper County on an OWI related offense. 

Operator1 is currently under the care of doctors, and it is unknown to me if he is fit for possible incarceration at this time.  A warrant for his arrest was obtained for BWI / BWI .08% or higher, and will be served on a later date.


BARDID: IN-2011-0016
Date: 2011-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Hamilton Lake
NearestCityTown: Hamilton
County: Steuben
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Restricted Vision
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
According to statements made in interviews conducted on the day of the accident by the witnesses in the boat, the following events occurred.  Operator was operating an 18.5 foot Sea-Ray open bow fiberglass runabout into Crystal Cove from Hamilton Lake.  The boat was recently purchased by the family and this was the first time they had used the boat. Across the boat from Operator in the passenger seat was another person.  In the port bow sat subject2 and Victim1 sat on the starboard bow.  They stated they were heading north into Crystal Cove approaching the bridge at Lane 280 at idle speed.  They were the first boat in a line of several boats approaching the bridge.  They saw several youths atop the bridge and knew that kids often jump off of the bridge into the water.  They entered the tube that runs under the bridge.  Partially in jest but mainly as a warning that they were under the bridge and approaching the other side, victim1 yelled,"Don't do it kid, don't jump it isn't worth it." 

As they exited the north side of the bridge, without warning, Victim2's lower back landed on Victim1's arm and hand which were resting on a 1" metal railing which ran approximately 2" off of and along the gunwale of the boat.  No one in the boat saw Victim2 until the impact happened.  The witnesses in the boat noted that the impact split two layers of Victim2's clothes, his shorts and underwear, and Victim2 then fell into the water.  The impact crushed Victim1's hand and wrist between Victim2 and the 1" metal grab rail, causing an injury removing part of the index, middle and ring fingers of Victim1's right hand.  Victim1 then collected the remains of the three injured fingers and placed them in a cooler on the boat.  They pulled the boat to the bank and awaited emergency personnel.  Victim1 was later transported to Parkview Hospital by Steuben County EMS.


BARDID: IN-2011-0018
Date: 2011-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:57:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chapman Lake
NearestCityTown: Warsaw
County: Kosciusko
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: UNKN
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted Vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 said he was operating their 20 foot seadoo boat at approximately 20 mph and struck Operator2's boat.  Operator1 advised that his boat was not on plane and the bow of the boat was high in air.  Operator1 said he did not see the other boat before he came in contact with it.  The keel of Operator1's boat struck the starboard gunwale and appeared to slide down the gunwale to the stern of Operator2's boat.  Operator2's boat had scrapes on the top gunwale on the starboard side that went down to the stern.  The windshield was also busted out and there was a scrape on the engine cover.  The upholstery in the boat was also damaged.  Boat2 had scrapes on the hull of the boat on the starboard side.  Operator1 advised that his wife was in the passenger seat not wearing a seat belt.  Occupant (age 6) was sitting in the open bow seat wearing a pfd.  Occupant (9) was also sitting in the front bow seat wearing a pfd.  another (9) was sitting in the rear passenger seat wearing a pfd.

Operator2 advised that he was standing near the driver's seat of his boat, while subject was sitting on the ski platform getting ready to go wake boarding.  subject was wearing a pfd and a wake board and had his feet in the water.  another (5/9/01) was sitting in the passenger seat and was wearing a pfd.  Operator2 said his boat was shut off and adrift when he noticed Operator1's boat coming towards him.  Just before the collision he was able to grab occupant and jump over the port side of the boat into the water.  Wakeboarder fell into the water during the collision.  Operator2 advised that no one was injured during the collision and everyone was able to get back into the boat.  While on the boat getting everything around to go back to shore, Operator2 says he fell and struck his right shoulder.  He also received a laceration to his right knee.   He was going to go get checked out at the hospital.  A family member was going to drive him there.  

The accident occurred in the middle of chapman lake out from the public access site.  Both boats were able to be driven back to their docks.


BARDID: IN-2011-0019
Date: 2011-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:42:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chapman Lake
NearestCityTown: Warsaw
County: Kosciusko
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Propeller
RedactedNarrative:
Subjects were tubing behing a boat.  The tubers fell off and operator circled around to pick them back up. victim swam to the back of the boat to climb in while the motor was still running and the propeller struck her upper right leg and knee causing severe lacerations.


BARDID: IN-2011-0020
Date: 2011-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:12:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Manitou
NearestCityTown: Rochester
County: Fulton
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
N looking at the incident report from rochester p.d. and in speaking with the aunt and uncle of the victims, i learned the following.  Brothers were operating their uncles's waverunners on lake manitou on the west side of an island known as "big island".  The  two brothers were travelling parallel to each other with at least one hundred feet between each other.  Operator1 was slightly ahead of Operator2 and to his right (west).  Operator1 veered  left (east) and struck the waverunner Operator2 was on at the front and went over the top.  Operator2 was struck in the process and knocked off of the waverunner.  Operator2 fell off due the impact and struck the waverunner he was on.  The two were still conscious and drove the waverunners back to their uncle's house.   They then went to woodlawn hospital nearby in rochester where e.r. personnel call the police.  The only damage visible to the waverunners was that one was missing the storage compartment lid at the front of the waverunner.  The was the waverunner that Operator2 was driving.  Operator2 sustained injuries to his eye socket and facial lacerations.  Operator1 had a cut on his head that was closed with 8 stitches.  According to rochester p.d. alcohol was not a factor in the crash and no chemical tests were given.  End.


BARDID: IN-2011-0021
Date: 2011-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Brookville Lake
NearestCityTown: Brookville
County: Franklin
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: UNKNOWN
Visibility: UNKN
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Person Departed Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Boat was drifting on lake near dam when the operator and victim decided to go for a swim while the boat was difting, not under power. Victim jumped off stern of boat into water and was not seen again. Operator was arrested for boating while intoxicated adter results of preliminary blood test showed a BAC of .0128%.


BARDID: IN-2011-0022
Date: 2011-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:05:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geist Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Indianapolis
County: Marion
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Person Struck by Propeller
RedactedNarrative:
Approximately 45 minutes to an hour after the accident had occurred the operator of the boat blew a .021 on off. Johnson's pbt.  Therefore, i believe alcohol probably played a small role in the accident but was not the sole culprit.  
This boat was just recently purchased and the operator stated that at the time of the accident the boat was in neutral and the propeller must have still been spinning.  This would be a malfunction of the boat.  I documented it, but believe the operator probably felt that it was in neutral but in reality it was not.
The pfd's were on the boat but by the time i had made the traffic stop on the boat (realizing an accident had occurred) they had already been taken off and were laying in the floor of the boat.
The injury occurred to the left foot on victim.  The prop had created a gash on his foot that we folded back and secured with band aids.  victim then went to the hospital to get bandaged properly.  At the hospital they prescribed antibiotics and butterfly bandaged his wound.  Stictches were not needed according to the emergency room staff.


BARDID: IN-2011-0023
Date: 2011-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: White River West Fork
NearestCityTown: Spencer
County: Owen
WaterConditions: UNKNOWN
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Floating Object
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
	on june 28, 2011 at or about 2030 hours owen county dispatch advised of a 911 call of a person yelling for help by coopers park in spencer.  operator was located sitting on the bow of his boat in the middle of the white river.  Owen county water rescue rescued operator by boat. 
	operator did not suffer any injury during this accident.  He advised he was going downstream from the spencer access site.  He hit a log which turned his boat sideways.  The boat then was pushed onto another log.  The boat started to take on water and he called for help.  operator advised he had a life jacket however it washed away when he started to take on water.


BARDID: IN-2011-0024
Date: 2011-06-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: St. Joseph River
NearestCityTown: Elkhart
County: Elkhart
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
	ICO Boyd and I arrived at the hospital at approximately 2155 hr and found that an Elkhart City Officer was there with some of the information about the crash.  The Elkhart City Officer told me that the victim was getting ready for surgery on his right femur for a compound fracture.  I spoke to the victim.  He told me that he was being pulled by Operator on an inner tube behind a pwc.  He told me that when Operator whipped him around he flew off and skipped into the second pwc driven by operator2.  I asked him if anybody had life jackets on  and he said yes.  I also asked if anyone had been drinking.  Victim said that some of them had a beer or two.  I thanked Victim for his cooperation and the Dr. said that they were ready for him to go into surgery.

I spoke to the owner of the pwc1and his wife.  The both filled out voluntary statements for me.  Operator1 told me that he was pulling Victim on the tube and he whipped him around and Victim flew off hitting the second pwc operated by operator2.  I asked Operator1 if he had been drinking and he said he had a few beers.  I also asked to see his drivers license and he handed me an Indiana ID card.  I had ICO run a license check and found Operator1 to be suspended infraction.  I cited him for operating a pwc while suspended.  I then obtained the phone number for Operator2 and ICO called him and got his address in South Bend where he lived.

	ICO and I drove to OPERATOR2 house and located him.  I asked OPERATOR2 for his drivers license and also if he would give me a voluntary statement.  He said yes and handed me his license.  I ran a drivers license check on OPERATOR2 and found that he was also suspended infraction.  I asked OPERATOR2 what happened and he told me that he was driving the jet ski and when Operator whipped victim around he flew into his jet ski.  I took the written statement from him and cited him for operating a pwc while suspended.


BARDID: IN-2011-0025
Date: 2011-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:20:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Monroe Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Bloomington
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Hull Failure
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
The operator had drove for about 5 minutes to a bay, into a no wake zone area, and turned off the engine, while floating, they ate lunch and four people jumped in to swim. They noticed water started coming out of the bilge pump and after a minute or two they noticed the back step platform getting below water level. They then noticed water coming in the engine area and the hull drain area. within 2-3 minutes, the back end of the boat was completely under water. They struggled to get off the boat while another boat was coming to their rescue and within 30 seconds the boat was under water with the nose sticking out. The operator did not know why the boat sank.


BARDID: IN-2011-0026
Date: 2011-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Shriner lake
NearestCityTown: Columbia City
County: Whitley
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 7-2-11 at approximately 1330 hrs i, indiana conservation officer, was contacted by the whitley co sheriff's dept and advised of an unconscious male subject at the east end of shriner lake. The subject had apparently been involved in a boating accident out on the lake and had been transported to this location by boat after the accident. Upon my arrival the victim was still unconscious and was being loaded onto the ambulance for transport to parkview whitley hospital. 

While on the scene i spoke with everyone who had been involved in this accident. Passenger was riding on a pwc, as a passenger, with victim operating the machine. While traveling west bound across the lake along the northern shore of the lake, both victim and passenger had been thrown from the pwc and into the water. Passenger explained the water was rough due to all the other boating traffic out on the lake at that time. While traveling at a fairly high rate of speed and manuevering back and forth across the rough water they had both lost their balance and ended up in the water. 

Immediately after impact she stated victim had looked up at her and just a few seconds later appeared to go into some type of seizure with his head falling face down into the water. She immediately swam to his location and held his head up above the water. She was eventually able to get the attention of another adult male on a different pwc who helped pull victim up out of the water next to his pwc. Eventually good samaritan was able to get the attention of yet another boat for further assitance. Once the boat pulled up next to them everyone was able to pull victim and passenger out of the water and onboard the boat. Just as they were getting everyone out of the water another boat pulled up to see what was going on. 

With victim and passenger on board the boat, good samaritan immediately began cpr on victim and they headed towards victim's residence along the far southeast end of the lake. Once at shore cpr was continued until ems and fire personnel arrived on scene to continue further life saving procedures. Victim was then taken to parkview whitley hospital for continued treatment. Soon after arrival at parkview whitley victim was transfered to parkview main hospital in ft wayne, in. On the following morning of 7-3-11 victim was removed from all life suporting systems and allowed to expire. On that same date a post mortem exam was conducted on his body. From this exam it was determined that victim had a pre-existing heart condition which most likely played a key role in his death as  a result of simply being thrown from a pwc and hitting the water, no other serious injuries were found on his body.


BARDID: IN-2011-0027
Date: 2011-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:25:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ohio River
NearestCityTown: Madison
County: Jefferson
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Restricted Vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 7-3-11 at approx 1525 hrs, We noticed one of the hydroplanes cutting through the infield of the race course. As it did, the hydroplane struck one of the rescue boats positioned in the NW section of the course. I observed the driver of the hydroplane kneeling on the front of the hydroplane's port sponson. One victim,  was floating with a diver/emt among the wreckage. A second victim was hanging on the stern of the hydroplane. The third victim was hanging onto the remains of the wrecked rescue barge. 

the rear rudder turned showing no malfunction of the steering system.

At the hospital I interviewed Operator2. Operator2 had a long laceration to the front and left side of his head. He had numerous scrapes and bruises. Operator2 gave me a statement as to what he believed happen on the river. Because of IV's in his arm, Operator2 told me what to right down in his statement. (see attached) Operator2 stated the boat race had just started when the green boat spun or hooked in the curve. The driver got his boat underway but missed a marker buoy. Operator2 said at first it looked like the hydroplane was going to make a wide turn, but then the driver kept turning his boat tighter towards his boat and going faster and faster. Operator2 stated he didn't think the hydroplane was going to hit them until the last minute. He said he gave his boat some gas when the hydroplane first turned towards them. Operator2 said he did not remember the impact or how everyone got into the water. He remembers being underwater, holding onto his impact vest, and coming to the surface. When he got to the surface, he pulled himself up onto the wreckage of the rescue boat and looked around for others. He then remembered someone coming up behind him and checking his vitals. 


BARDID: IN-2011-0029
Date: 2011-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:02:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wawasee Lake
NearestCityTown: Syracuse
County: Kosciusko
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous Waters
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
THE ACCIDENT TOOK PLACE OUT IN FRONT OF OAKWOOD ON WAWASEE LAKE. I SPOKE TO THE OPERATOR who STATED HE WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 40 MILES PER HOUR. OPERATOR STATED HE WAS TRAVELING NORTH 200 YARDS AFTER TURNING AROUND AND CAUGHT A WAKE AND THREW HIM AND THE PASSENGER OFF OF THE PWC. 
		passenger WAS COMPLAINING OF CHEST AND NECK PAIN. MEDICS ON SCENE TRANSPORTED HER TO KOSCIUSKO COUNTY HOSPITAL WHERE SHE WAS TREATED FOR HER INJURIES. operator ALSO WENT TO THE HOSPITAL WITH A HEADACE. 
		passenger IS BELIEVED TO BE IN STABLE CONDITION AT THIS TIME WITH A POSSIBLE BROKEN OR FRACTURED RIB(S) AND BRUISING. 

THE INCIDENT IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION AT THIS TIME TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF THE INJURIES.


BARDID: IN-2011-0030
Date: 2011-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:03:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Jimmerson Lake
NearestCityTown: Angola
County: Steuben
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
operator2 advised me that he had been pulling his granddaughter on a knee board when she let go of the rope and went down in the water.  Operator2 advised that he turned his boat around and stopped it, facing southeast, and waited for kneeboarder who was swimming to the boat.  Operator2 advised he then saw a boat coming towards kneeboarder from the south and they all began to yell at the boat.  Operator2 advised the boat then turned away from kneeboarder, who Operator2 advised was approximately ½ a ski rope from his boat, and cut in front of his boat heading west.  Operator2 advised the boat was pulling a tube with 3 kids on it and the tube swung into and struck his boat.  After the collision of the tube into his boat Operator2 advised that he looked down and saw a young boy face down in the water right beside his boat.  At that time subject jumped into the water and pulled the boy onto the swim platform on the stern of the boat. When i finished speaking with Operator2 i administered a portable breath test to him which had a result of .00 gram. I then gave him a written statement form to fill out.  

I then spoke with Operator1, which was the boat that was pulling the inner tube that struck boat number 2.  Operator1 advised me that he was following two boats on the lake. When he saw that the boat in front of him continued to go straight instead of turn, he turned to go counter clockwise and saw that a boat had turned to pick up a skier that was down.  Operator1 advised that he slowed down and went by the boat and the tube hit the boat.  In his written statement Operator1 advised that he slowed down and his max speed was 16 to 17 mph per a gps.   When i finished speaking with Operator1 i administered a portable breath test to him which showed a result of .00 gram.  I then gave him a written statement form to fill out.


BARDID: IN-2011-0031
Date: 2011-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:57:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Freeman
NearestCityTown: Monticello
County: Carroll
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Officer and i received a dispatch from carroll co. Sheriff about a personal watercraft (pwc) accident with injury located at susan's freeman bay marina located on lake freeman.  When we arrived i was dropped off at the dock from the patrol boat and i located an older woman, sitting on the concrete dock holding her right arm at the southwest corner of susan's freeman bay building.  The emt's had also arrived at the same time as i did.  While they attended to victim's arm i spoke with a witness daughter to victim.  Victim’s daughter states that she and victim each were riding pwc's around the lake this afternoon.  Victim was riding a black yamaha pwc that is owned by victim’s daughter and victim’s daughter pointed it out to me.  

The pwc was docked upon a pwc ramp there at the marina made to keep pwc's upright and stable while out of the water to be serviced in some way, such as at this marina to be gassed up.  The jet ski ramp is made were a pwc operator would throttle their pwc with just enough power to get the unit upon to the wooden ramp, but with the least momentum for the pwc to stop before sliding off the end of the ramp.  Victim’s daughter says it was decided to stop and gas the pwc victim was operating.  

Victim approached the jet ski ramp and lined up with it to slide the pwc up on the wooden ramp.  When victim throttled the pwc to move it forward she throttled it too much causing the pwc she was operating to rush forward at a high rate of speed.  When victim and the pwc was on the wooden ramp the pwc didn't stop because of its momentum, but continued forward.  Due to the high rate of speed victim and the pwc shot off the back end of the jet ski ramp traveling mid-air and landing approximately ten (10) feet behind the wooden ramp onto the concrete dock.  When the pwc landed on the concrete dock it rolled over on its right side throwing victim off causing her to land on the concrete dock on her right arm and shoulder.

when speaking with victim her statement provided the same information about the cause of the incident as victim’s daughter's.  When i had arrived on the scene the pwc had been moved and set back onto the jet ski ramp and victim's pfd had been removed.  Victim at first refused medical treatment, but her daughter insisted she should go to the hospital to have right arm and shoulder checked out.  Victim agreed to go and she was transported to white county hospital in monticello.  Emt's suspicion was that victim may have a fractured arm.  I telephone victim's daughter the next day and she reports victim was treated at the hospital for a broken humorous bone just below her right shoulder.  While at the scene victim didn't seem impaired in any way and no odor of alcohol was detected by this officer or the emts.


BARDID: IN-2011-0033
Date: 2011-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississinewa Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Wabash
County: Wabash
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR STATED HE HAD JUST LAUNCHED THE BOAT AND WHILE WAITING FOR HIS WIFE TO PARK THEIR VEHICLE HE TOOK THE BOAT FOR A QUICK SPIN AROUND THE LAKE AND NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. OPERATOR ATTEMPTED WITH TWO FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ON BOARD TO PUT THE FLAMES OUT BUT WHEN HE RAISED THE MOTOR COMPARTMENT DOOR THE FIRE GREW RAPIDLY. OPERATOR MADE THE DECISION TO GRAB HIS WIFE'S PURSE AND A LIFE JACKET WHEN A BOAT PASSING BY NOTICED OPERATOR NEEDED SOME HELP. OPERATOR BOARDED ANOTHER BOAT AND WAS TRANSPORTED BACK TO SHORE AND AWAITED OUR ARRIVAL. 

		I SPOKE TO wife AND SHE STATED SHE HAD JUST LAUNCHED THE BOAT WITH THEIR VEHICLE AND PULLED IT UP TO PARK IT. NEXT SHE STATED SHE RETURNED ON FOOT TO THE RAMP AND HER HUSBAND DID NOT RETURN RIGHT AWAY BUT EVENTUALLY RETURNED ON BOARD ANOTHER BOAT.


BARDID: IN-2011-0034
Date: 2011-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:15:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big Long Lake
NearestCityTown: LaGrange
County: LaGrange
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Restricted Vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/05/2011, Operator2 was operating a 1998 yamaha wave runner, model gp760v, with passenger onboard, on big long lake, on the northwest end of the lake.  Operator2 stated he was traveling southwest at a speed of approximately 45 miles per hour.  At the same time, Operator1 was leaving the dock of his father's residence, operating a 1994 yamaha wave runner, model wv700s, traveling south-southeast.  Operator1 stated that there was a fishing boat to his right and he saw a pwc coming west around the lily pads.  Operator1 stated there was plenty of room and he accelerated to a speed of approximately 30-35 miles per hour.  Operator1 stated he gave plenty of room to the fishing boat and heard the motor noise of a pwc on his left.  Operator1 looked over, saw he was in the path of the oncoming pwc and tried to turn the pwc and roll "hard right".  When he did this, the left underside of his pwc became exposed.  Operator2 attempted to maneuver his pwc, by turning to the south.  The mid-starboard side of Operator2's pwc impacted the rear port underside of Operator1s pwc.  Operator2's pwc then spun around impacted Operator1's pwc again.  

Both operators and Operator2's passenger were ejected from the pwc's.  the passenger on Operator2's pwc was thrown head first into the left side of Operator1's back.  Operator2 estimated he was thrown approximately 30' from his pwc.  When Operator1 was thrown from his machine, he resurfaced and tended to Operator2 passenger, who was unresponsive at the time.  Operator1's fiancee witnessed the accident from Operator1's father's residence and her and Operator1's father immediately took a boat to the accident scene.  Operator2 passenger was loaded into the boat and taken back to shore.  Both pwc's sustained heavy damage but were operable and taken back to shore.  Operator2 passenger was transported privately to parkview hospital in lagrange, were she was treated for a concussion.  Operator1 did not receive medical attention, but did complain of pain to his lower left leg and the left side of his back, with bruising in each location.  Operator2 was not injured and complained of no pain, but did have a small scratch on his right leg, below the knee.  Both pwc's were damaged extensively, with cracks through both hulls.  Both operators stated that sun glare restricted visibility at the time of the accident.  No charges filed as a result of this accident.  All subjects were wearing pfd's and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: IN-2011-0036
Date: 2011-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:15:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Brookville Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Brookville
County: Franklin
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Person Struck by Propeller
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/10/11 at approximately 1140 hrs., this indiana conservation officer received a call from south region headquarters about a girl who cut her leg on the prop of a boat near the fairfield causeway and they were stationary at the hanna creek boat dock.  Union co. Ems evaluated her 4 inch laceration just below the left knee.  They also advised the laceration got into the muscle and it was bad enough to be air cared by air evac to methodist hospital in indianapolis.  She also had a cut on her left foot.  Before air care arrived i had the chance to question victim about the accident.  She advised she had been trying to water ski and was climbing back in the boat when she slipped and hit the boat propeller.  Air evac out of rushville was on scene at 1220 hrs. And was en route to methodist hospital at 1233 hrs.
Officer and myself interviewed all witnesses on the boat and they all advised the same thing.  They advised the boat motor was running, but in neutral when the accident occurred.  They advised that she had been trying to water ski and attempted a few times with no luck and decided to get back in the boat and rest.  Adam was helping her get back in the boat when she slipped and hit the prop near her left knee.  They advised she must of hit her foot on the prop also due to a little cut.


BARDID: IN-2011-0037
Date: 2011-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Monroe Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Bloomington
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
Operator ADVISED THEY WERE OPERATING THE PWC NEAR FAIRFAX RAMP ON MONROE RESERVOIR.  HE SAID THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE AS THE COWLING OF THE PWC BLEW OFF.  ALL THREE RIDERS WERE EJeCTED FROM THE PWC.  ALL THREE WERE WEARING LIFE JACKETS.  Operator SAID THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE, BUT WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE WATER.  A PASSING BOATER GOT ALL THREE RIDERS ABOARD THIER BOAT AND TOWED THE JETSKI TO FAIRFAX RAMP.

THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE PWC APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN ON FIRE, WITH MANY MELTED PARTS.  PHOTOGRAPHS WERE TAKEN OF THE PWC.  Operator SAID HE HAD BEEN WORKING ON THE PWC FOR A FEW DAYS BEFORE THEY CAME OUT BECAUSE IT HAD NOT BEEN RUNNING RIGHT.

THERE WERE NO INJURIES.


BARDID: IN-2011-0038
Date: 2011-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Shafer
NearestCityTown: Monticello
County: White
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was traveling upstream (west/northwest) on lake shafer near the tippecanoe countrty club when he advised that he heard a women yell behind his boat.  At nearly the same time operator 1's wife, who was in a backward facing seat, let out a yell as well as she saw a pwc quickly advancing toward the back of their boat.  Operator 1 advised that when he heard the shouts he turned around and saw vessel 2 about to crash into the stern of his boat.  In an attempt to avoid a collision operator 1 quickly accelerated but could not avoid vessel 2.  Operator 2 advised a similar explanation.  Operator 2 advised that she was distracted by the rough water and wake from other boats and that when she looked in front of her vessel 1 just appeared to 'come out of nowhere" and she collided with the vessel.  Vessel 1 had several small cracks in the fiberglass on the stern on the port side and a small tear in the upholstery of the back seat.  Vessel 2 also sustained some minor fiberglass damage on the front port side of the machine and the rubber rub rail also had some minor damage.  As a result of this investigation operator 2 was arrested for operating  a motorboat with a driver's license status of suspended/prior and was issued a second infraction citation for imprudent operation for following vessel 1 too closely.


BARDID: IN-2011-0042
Date: 2011-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:50:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Freeman
NearestCityTown: Monticello
County: White
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR #1 WAS TRAVELING UP THE LAKE AND WAS TOO CLOSE TO SHORE.  BEFORE HE COULD AVOID THE COLLISION HE COLLIDED WITH A LARGE BOAT ON A LIFT.  IT CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE LOWER UNIT OF VESSEL #2 AS WELL AS DAMAGE TO THE LIFT.  THE COLLISION CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO VESSEL #1.  OPERATOR #1 WAS TRANSPORTED TO WHITE COUNTY HOSPITAL AND WAS EVALUATED THERE.  OPERATOR #1'S INJURIES WERE BUMPS AND BRUISES, A SMALL CUT TO THE FACE,  NO STITCHES, AND A SPRAINED ANKLE.


BARDID: IN-2011-0044
Date: 2011-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:51:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: James Lake
NearestCityTown: North Webster
County: Kosciusko
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Person Departed Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
WHILE SWIMMING IN JAMES LAKE, THE VICTIM SUBMERGED UNDER THE WATER AND DID NOT RESURFACE.  AN ACCIDENT IS NOT BELIEVED TO HAVE CAUSED THE FATALITY.  ALCOHOL IS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN A FACTOR.


BARDID: IN-2011-0049
Date: 2011-08-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wyland Lake
NearestCityTown: Syracuse
County: Kosciusko
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
ON SUNDAY AUGUST 7, 2011 A LONE ONE-MAN FISHING BOAT WAS OBSERVED FROM THE SHORE/RAMP OF WYLAND LAKE ON TRI-COUNTY IN KOSCIUSKO COUNTY BY A FEMALE. THE BOAT'S TROLLING MOTOR WAS ON MAKING THE WATERCRAFT MOVE WITH NO ONE ON BOARD. THE FEMALE USED HER KAYAK TO BRING THE BOAT TO SHORE. ON THE BOAT WAS FISHING EQUIPMENT, BAIT, A COOLER WITH BLUEGILL INSIDE AND A LIFEJACKET AND TYPE IV THROWABLE, IN GOOD SERVICEABLE CONDITION. NO DAMAGE WAS APPARENT OR FOUND ON THE BOAT. NO ALCOHOL OR DRUG (CONTAINERS) WERE FOUND. IT WAS DETERMINED LATER THAT THE INDIVIDUAL USING THE BOAT WAS FISHING AND DID NOT KNOW HOW TO SWIM. HE WAS FISHING BY HIMSELF AND HIS PERSONAL FLOATATION DEVICES WERE ON BOARD. HE WAS FOUND IN WYLAND LAKE BY RECOVERY DIVERS THAT EVENING IN ~37 FEET OF WATER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LAKE.


BARDID: IN-2011-0050
Date: 2011-08-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bass Lake
NearestCityTown: Knox
County: Starke
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
N 8/7/11 Operator1 and subject were riding pwcs on bass lake in starke county. Operator1 was operating a green 1996 seadoo (il 8869 jg) and subject was operating a white 1998 seadoo (in 9449 bn).  According to a written statement, the pair were stopped on their pwcs in the southwest portion of bass lake talking to each other around 3:00 pm, when an unknown subject operated a separate pwc in their direction. Operator1 stated that the subject appeared to have been trying to spray them with the pwc's wake. As he passed the pair he was on Operator1's starboard (right side) facing the same direction as Operator1, the unknown subject steered away from Operator1 and subject. As he completed this maneuver Operator1 was thrown from his stationary pwc into the water between his pwc and subject's pwc. The unknown subject then sped away to the east away from Operator1 and subject. Operator1 then noticed pain in his 4th toe on his left foot. He believed it to be broken, but declined medical treatment. He checked himself for other injuries and found none. Subject was unharmed and remained sitting on his pwc. The other suspect is not known at this time. 

The only description of the other subject that Operator1 could provide was that he was a blonde white male in his early 20s. He stated he was operating a black and yellow seadoo pwc and wearing a red life jacket. Operator1 could not recall the other pwc's registration or any other details. 

Both Operator1 and subject stated that this same subject seemed to be following them around the lake earlier in the day. Each time they saw him, he seemed to be riding closer to them. They did not notice if he was with any other subjects. 

Once back on shore Operator1 examined his injured toe and believes that it was broken. I photographed his foot approximately 5:15 pm and observed it to be purple color and swollen. He believed that it was broken. He declined any medical treatment. 

I examined both pwcs that Operator1 and subject were sitting on at the time of the accident. Operator1's pwc had a crack in the fiberglass on the underside of the hull that he believes was done by the unknown subject's pwc. I photographed the pwc. Operator1 estimates the damage at $2000.00. Subject's pwc was unharmed. 

Subject stated that he and Operator1 had a couple alcoholic beverages earlier in the day. I administered pbt to both subjects at 5:30 pm and both subjects bac were .00. 

Operator1 stated that he had 500+ hours of experience operating pwcs and had operated this particular pwc for a number of years. He has not taken any formal boat safety training. 

At this time the other subject who possibly caused the accident is unknown.  Operator1 provided a written statement and photographs were taken of his injury and the pwc.


BARDID: IN-2011-0052
Date: 2011-08-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Morse Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Noblesville
County: Hamilton
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentEvent1: Person Struck by Propeller
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR 1 WAS PULLING INJURED 1 BEHIND VESSEL 1 ON AN INFLATABLE TUBE.  INJURIED 1 FELL FROM THE TUBE.  OPERATOR 1 WAS MANEUVERING VESSEL 1 TOWARDS INJURED 1 IN ORDER FOR INJURIED 1 TO BOARD VESSEL 1. WHILE BACKING VESSEL 1 TOWARDS INJURIED 1, OPERATOR 1 MADE CONTACT WITH INJURED 1 WHILE INJURED 1 WAS STILL IN THE WATER.   INJURED 1 WAS WEARING A TYPE III PFD AT TIME OF ACCIDENT. THE CONTACT RESULTED IN VESSEL 1 PROP MAKING CONTACT WITH INJURED 1 FOOT.  VESSEL 1 ENGINE WAS IN GEAR WHEN CONTACT OCCURRED.  THE CONTACT RESULTED INJURED 1 FOOT BEING CUT. INJURED 1 WAS TRANSPORTED BY NOBLESVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO RIVERVIEW HOSPITAL (NOBLESVILLE, IN) FOR TREATMENT. OPERATOR 1 WAS ISSUED A CITATION FOR OPERATING A MOTOR BOAT WITH A SUSPEND DRIVER'S LICENSE.


BARDID: IN-2011-0053
Date: 2011-08-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:48:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Wawasee
NearestCityTown: Syracuse
County: Kosciusko
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Navigation Rules Violation
AccidentCause2: Restricted Vision
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Propeller
RedactedNarrative:
Boat 2 is a white, 20', 1989 sea nymph pontoon.  Operator2 advised that they were in the middle of lake wawasee near the south shore when the accident occurred.  He advised that he was operating the pontoon boat and had 6 passengers on board.  The other boat (boat 1) was being operated by Operator1.  Victim was sitting behind Operator1.  Operator2 advised that he was heading east and boat 1 was heading west.  Boat 1 is a red, 2003 bombardier seadoo pwc.  

Operator2 said that the pwc drove towards the bow of his pwc and turned sharply created a wake of water that sprayed the passengers in the boat.  Operator2 thought that this occurred approximately 15 to 20 feet in front of his boat.  Operator2 advised that he could not see anything in front of him because of the water and that's when he hit victim who was now in the water.  Operator2 advised that he immediately circled back around and saw Operator1 swimming towards victim, who was no longer wearing her pfd.  Victim was saying that her arm was hurting.  The pfd that victim was wearing had prop cut to the outside of the vest and all the straps were cut.  That is why it came off of victim.  


BARDID: IN-2011-0054
Date: 2011-05-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Driftwood River
NearestCityTown: Columbus
County: Bartholomew
WaterConditions: UNKNOWN
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: UNKN
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: HAZARDOUS WATERS
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 5-21-11 the bartholomew co. Emergency operations center received a 911 call regarding a boat that had capsized in the driftwood river. The caller advised that himself and another person were in the water, but three other victims had made it to shore. The bartholomew county water rescue and recovery team was contacted and responded to the incident. Other officers responded to the scene and located the two subjects, straddling a tree branch that was sticking out of the water. They kept a visual on the victims while boats were en route to rescue them. The two male subjects were picked up by a rescue boat along with the three other subjects that were on the shore.
   the victims told officers on scene that they were bored and had decided to float down the river. They put their paddle boat in at the lowell access site at approximately 01:00 hrs and all they had with them were a few flashlights. They were attempting to navigate the river by listening for noise of obstacles in the water, but they did not hear one obstacle which was a large tree that had fallen into the water. Their paddle boat struck the tree and overturned. The subjects also advised officers at the scene that one of them could not swim and that they did not have life preservers with them. Information regarding the boat was not available because the boat had sunk in the river and the subjects advised the officer's on scene that they had found the boat on the river. There was also not an actual operator of the boat because all five subjects were just floating down the river on the paddle boat and it did not have any kind of motor.


BARDID: IN-2011-0056
Date: 2011-08-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityTown: Hammond
County: Lake
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: UNKN
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, August 21, 2011 at approximately 2200 Hours, a 27 foot Maxum motorboat, carrying 11 people on board hit the Calumet Harbor Breakwall while enroute back to the Hammond Marina. All passengers, (6 adults and 5 children), including operator entered the water wearing personal flotation devices due to the boat taking on water. All 11 exited the water by climbing onto the breakwall and were rescued by United States Coast Guard Calumet Harbor Station. The 11 people were taken back to the coast guard station where 8 of the passengers were taken to local hospitals for minor injuries and released.


BARDID: IN-2011-0057
Date: 2011-08-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Brookville Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Brookville
County: Franklin
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Force of Wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was water skiing when the operator made a u turn the skiier fell into choppy water and broke his leg in 2 places.


BARDID: IN-2011-0058
Date: 2011-08-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Yellow Creek Lake
NearestCityTown: Claypool
County: Kosciusko
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
Operator WAS OPERATING THE PERSONAL WATER CRAFT WITH victim ON THE BACK SEAT. THEY WERE OPERATING AROUND THE LAKE AND STARTED TO GET A LITTLE BRAVE AND STARTED BEING A LITTLE RECKLESS ON THE PWC. THEY HAD BEEN OPERATIING FOR ABOUT HALF AN HOUR WHEN Operator STRUCK A "RATHER LARGE" WAVE AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. AT THE POINT OF HITTING THE WAVE SHE FELT victim GO OFF THE BACK END OF THE PWC. WHEN SHE RETURNED TO victim SHE WAS COMPLAINING OF SHOULDER, NECK AND HEAD PAINS. victim WAS FLOATING IN THE WATER WITH HER PFD WHILE SHE WAS BEING BROUGHT TO SHORE. victim WAS TRANSPORTED KOSCIUSKO COMMUNITY HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. THERE WAS NO ALCOHOL CONSUMED BY EITHER PARTY.


BARDID: IN-2011-0059
Date: 2011-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:42:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake of the Woods
NearestCityTown: Bremen
County: Marshall
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Sudden Medical Condition
AccidentEvent1: Skier Mishap
RedactedNarrative:
	operator told me that they had left his house around 1630 hrs and had went out to water ski.  Operator said that victim had wanted to learn to slalom ski and that they had agreed to teach her how.  Operator told me that victim was in good shape and that she was a good skier.  However she was having trouble learning to slalom.  Operator said that she started to get the hang of it but once they put the rope on the pole she was unable to get up on the ski.  Operator told me that he started to drive the boat very slowly approximately 2 mph and victim was tired and yelled that she was done.  Operator said that victim let go and took off the slalom ski.  Operator said that he made a turn to pick victim up and saw her put her head in the water like she was trying to cool off.  He said that he did not think much about this except that she did not raise her head out of the water.  That is when he and her husband jumped into the water to get her.  Operator told me that once they were in the water that they put victim on the swim platform then lifted her into the boat.  Operator told me that once they all were in the boat they yelled to call 911 and tried to find a pulse.  Operator said that subject called 911 and they started cpr and drove the boat to the nearest shore to get help.  Once they got to shore at approximately 1548 hrs a fireman came down and helped with cpr until the rest of the ems personnel arrived.  Operator told me that he waited for husband and took him back to his house so that he could go to the hospital.  I thanked operator for his help and asked him to give me a written statement.  He complied and filled one out.  	


BARDID: IN-2011-0060
Date: 2011-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:15:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Maxinkuckee
NearestCityTown: Culver
County: Marshall
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
ON THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2011 I WAS CONTACTED BY MARSHALL COUNTY SHERIFF'S DISPATCH TO INVESTIGATE A ONE VESSEL ACCIDENT ON LAKE MAXINKUCKEE. THE OPERATOR SUFFERED A BROKEN LEFT HUMERUS AND SHOULDER SOCKET WHEN HE FELL FROM THE PERSONAL WATERCRAFT HE WAS OPERATING. THERE WAS NO PROPERTY DAMAGE. THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT WAS EXCESSIVE SPEED.


BARDID: IN-2011-0061
Date: 2011-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:40:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityTown: Portage
County: Porter
WaterConditions: Very Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery Failure
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: HAZARDOUS WATERS
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
ON 9/3/2011, I, INDIANA CONSERVATION OFFICER WAS ON STATIONARY PATROL AT PORTAGE LAKEFRONT PARK.  WHILE A STORM WAS APPROACHING FROM THE WEST, I OBSERVED A PLEASURE BOAT STRAIGHT OUT FROM THE EAST END OF OGDEN DUNES DISPLAYING RED DISTRESS FLARES.  I ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT THE BOAT OPERATOR VIA THE MARINE RADIO TO NO AVAIL.  ANOTHER BOATER ANSWERED ME AND ADVISED THAT HE WAS GOING TO ASSIST THE BOAT IN DISTRESS.  I OBSERVED FROM SHORE AS TWO BOATS ASSISTED THE BOAT IN DISTRESS, EVACUATING IT'S OCCUPANTS.  THE BOAT THAT HAD BEEN IN DISTRESS BEGAN TO SINK AND 2 OF 2 OCCUPANTS ON BOARD WERE BROUGHT TO SHORE SAFELY.  LOCAL SALVAGE PERSONNEL WORKED THAT EVENING AND THE FOLLOWING DAY TO UPRIGHT AND FLOAT THE DAMAGED BOAT.  IT WAS REMOVED FROM STATE WATERS ON 9/4/11 AROUND 1600 HRS AT THE PORTAGE MARINA AND PLACED ON A TRAILER.


BARDID: IN-2011-0062
Date: 2011-09-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ohio River
NearestCityTown: Florence
County: Switzerland
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 9-10-11 at approx 1230 hrs, Operator1 was driving a 16 foot boat on the ohio river when he struck a wave and was thrown from the boat. Occupant was a passenger in the boat and was also thrown from the boat. The boat continued running and ultimately wound up on the indiana side of the river coming to rest on two boats moored at the turtle creek marina. Both occupants were rescued from the river.
	
Trooper stated he had already ran the driver of the runabout on his pbt and he tested .02. Neither of the two men complained of any injuries which may have been caused by the accident. The small runabout was sitting on its trailer when i arrived. I then took statements from all four persons involved.

Deputy photographed the damaged boats. The small runabout was obviously totaled. The houseboat had severe damage to the front railing and overhead ceiling on the bow. The yacht suffered minor scratches to the port bow.  

On 9-11-11 i returned to the harbor and photographed all three boats and the scene of the accident. While talking with several people at the harbor, they advised Operator1 liked to drive the small runabout really fast on the river but no one had observed that behavior on 9-10-11.


BARDID: IN-2011-0063
Date: 2011-08-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Burns Ditch Waterway
NearestCityTown: Portage
County: Porter
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 8/21/11 at approximately 1525 hrs., officers responded to a boat accident that had occurred at the portage public marina just prior to their arrival.  The boat operator left the scene by motor vehicle, without attempting to report the accident.  

A credible eye-witness at the scene advised that he could positively the boat operator .  The witness said he knew operator prior to the day of the accident, because they had boat slips close to one another in the past.  The witness stated the operator appeared to be extremely intoxicated. 

Officers were unable to locate operator until later that evening at approximately 1955 hrs, after he returned to his boat.  Operator was extremely intoxicated and uncooperative.  Operator verbally admitted to officers that he knew that he had caused a boat accident that he had not reported.  I.c.o. placed him under arrest, and transported him to the porter county jail.

Operator was attempting to tie his boat off to the end of "i" dock, and crashed into an unoccupied docked boat.


BARDID: IN-2011-0064
Date: 2011-08-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ohio River
NearestCityTown: Evansville
County: Vanderburgh
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: UNKN
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Restricted Vision
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOOKOUT
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Commercial Vessel
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Two brothers had cast out and were using the "juice" bait.  They had been fishing a good half hour and were facing the same side of the raft.  Survivor felt the water getting rough, looked back, and saw a barge.  They tried to paddle away, but the barge hit them on the front left hand side of the raft.  The raft capsized and separated from them.  One brother was able to swim to shore and was rescued later by a commercial vessel.  The other brother was found deceased.  He had alcohol and drugs in his system.  Deputy Coroner provided the toxicology report information to him, (16.0 ng/ml Benzodiazepines and .269 BAC).


BARDID: IN-2011-0065
Date: 2011-12-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:45:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sullivan Lake
NearestCityTown: Sullivan
County: Sullivan
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: DRUG USE
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On December 1, 2001, Victim went to Sullivan Lake to fish around 1500 hours.  Victim was by himself, after phoning several friends in an attempt to get someone to go fishing with him.  Victim had been at his wife's residence earlier in the afternoon at about 1300 hours to visit with her and his mother.  Victim and his wife, Sue, had been separated since November 21, 2011.  While he was at wife’s residence on December 1, he had consumed a couple of beers.  Victim seemed somewhat impaired but coherent.  His speech was slow and lethargic, but his thought process seemed good.  He had also brought several beers with him in his boat while fishing.  Victim has also been prescribed several medications which he takes regularly.  Xanax and Mehtadone are two examples of what he was currently taking.  Alcohol is not to be consumed while taking either of these medications.

At approximately 1500 hours this same day, Victim arrives at Sullivan Lake and launches his boat at the main boat ramp, located at the Sullivan County Park.  After launching, he parks his truck (White Jeep) and boat trailer on the north side of the parking lot.  He gets in his boat and drives it toward the dam on the south side of the lake.  He makes a loop around the south end of the lake and turns his boat northward.  The boat is not running correctly as the bow of the boat does not seem to want to plane out.  This problem is a result of a large amount of water in the boat's bilge compartment.  The water is a collection of rain water that came from large volumes of rain in the Sullivan area on November 27-29.  

Victim had just purchased this boat about 2 months ago and was storing it at his temporary residence in Sullivan.  This temporary residence did not have a garage or carport in which to store the boat and trailer.  Victim placed a plastic tarp over the boat and motor, but the cover was not without holes, cracks, or leaks.  The boat collected water and Victim did not drain the water from the boat prior to launching it on 12-1-11.

On December 1, 2011, at 1600 hours, there was an abandoned boat on the east side of Sullivan Lake.  Deputy had seen a boat riding around on the lake earlier, but had heard a crashing sound.  The boat's ignition key was turned on, the throttle lever was forward, and the motor was off when the boat was found.  The bilge compartment lid was open and the bilge compartment was nearly full of water.  There were several life jackets in the boat, but none were immediately accessible.  A pair of wet coveralls and a pair of tennis shoes were also found in the boat.  Officer saw another object floating in the water in the middle of Sullivan Lake.  

Victim's boat was removed from the lake and impounded for inspection.  All systems on the boat were functional with one exception.  The bilge pump was wired to a switch labeled as a live well pump, and the live well pump was wired to a switch labeled as a bilge pump.  Both pumps worked properly, but were wired and labeled incorrectly.  The reason that these were wired this way is uncertain.  The bilge compartment was full of water, and it appears that Victim was aware of it and was trying to correct the issue.  The compartment lid was open and wet coveralls and tennis shoes were found in the boat.  These could have gotten wet while Victim was trying to drain the water in the bilge compartment.  Once he realized that they were wet and the possibility of becoming hypothermic was getting stronger, Victim decides to take the wet coveralls off.  In order to take the coveralls off, he removes his tennis shoes.  He returns to the rear of the boat, while the boat was in forward gear (perhaps to help drain the water) and falls overboard without wearing a life jacket.  He is not able to return to the boat immediately because the boat is still moving forward.  He is not able to swim to back to the bank or back to his boat and quickly becomes hypothermic in the thirty-nine degree water.  Victim drowns.


BARDID: IN-2011-0066
Date: 2011-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: IN
NearestCityTown: LaGrange
County: LaGrange
WaterConditions: Very Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Restricted Vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On September the 4 a sailboat collided with another watercraft.  The sailboats right hull of the catamaran struck the port rear side of the motorboat at about a 30 to 40 degree angle just ahead of the stern.  The two watercrafts were both going in the same general direction at the time of the accident.  There were no injuries and minimal damage to the motorboat.  The sailboat had severe damage to the right hull of the catamaran.

I contacted Officer who had been to boat accident investigation training and had him meet to look at the damage to the sailboat.  The damage to the boat was consistent with an impact of 30 to 40 degree impact.  We took measurements of the damage which was a rip 23 inches long on the inside of the hull from front to back, 5 ½ inches above the keel.  On the outside it was 21 inches long and 4 ½ inches above the keel.  The rip started about 16 inches from the tip of the hull.  I also took more pictures of the damage in the day light.  I left statement forms for them to fill out and advised I would pick them up the next day.


BARDID: IN-2011-0067
Date: 2011-10-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:20:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Giest Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Noblesville
County: Hamilton
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Improper Lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
FROM A STATIONARY POSITION, Operator1 ACCELERATED FORWARD, THEN TURNED BACK TOWARDS THE DIRECTION HE CAME FROM. FROM A STATIONARY POSITION, Operator2 BEGAN TO ACCELERATE TO FOLLOW WYNNE, EXPECTING Operator1 TO CONTINUE BACK ACROSS THE RESERVOIR. AS Operator2 PRESSED THE THROTTLE FORWARD, Operator1 CIRCLED IN FRONT OF Operator2 CAUSING A COLLISION. Operator1 WAS EJECTED AND KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS. Operator1 WAS TAKEN TO ST. VINCENT HOSPITAL WHERE HE WAS TREATED FOR A CONCUSSION, 3 CRACKED RIBS, AND A FRACTURED THUMB. Operator2 WAS UNINJURED. VESSEL1 RECEIVED EXTENSIVE HULL DAMAGE ON THE PORT SIDE NEAR THE BOW, ON THE DRAFT AND FREEBOARD. VESSEL2 RECEIVED MODERATE TO EXTENSIVE HULL DAMAGE AT THE BOW AT THE WATER LINE AND MODERATE TO EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE STEERING CONTROLS. BOTH VESSELS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED TOTALLED.


BARDID: IN-2011-0069
Date: 2011-10-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityTown: Whiting
County: Lake
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentCause2: OPERATOR INATTENTION
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE WAS TRAVELING SOUTHWEST ON LAKE MICHIGAN AT AN EXCESSIVE RATE OF SPEED WHILE ENTERING THE MOUTH OF THE WHITING BOAT CLUB WHEN HE STUCK THE NORTHWEST TIP OF THE BREAKWALL.  OPERATOR ONE HAD THE LANYARD ATTACHED TO HIS PERSONAL FLOATATION DEVICE WHEN HE HIT THE LANYARD WITH HIS RIGHT ARM WHICH DICONNECTED THE KILL SWITCH AND SHUT DOWN THE MOTOR.   

THEREFORE, THE OPERATOR LOST CONTROL OF HIS VESSEL FOR A SHORT TIME BEFORE HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE MOTOR WHEN HE STRUCK THE STARBOARD SIDE OF HIS VESSEL AGAINST THE NORTHWEST TIP OF THE BREAKWALL.  DUE TO EXCESSIVE SPEED AND OPERATOR ERROR WAS THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT.  THE OPERATOR WAS WEARING HIS PERSONAL FLOATATION DEVICE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.


BARDID: IN-2011-0071
Date: 2011-12-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:39:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Clear Lake
NearestCityTown: Fremont
County: Steuben
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inattention
AccidentCause2: IMPROPER LOADING
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person Departed Vessel
AccidentEvent3: SINKING
RedactedNarrative:
Details of investigation/incident:  on 12-29-11 at approximately 2:39 p.m. a boat had capsized on clear lake west of 280 lake drive and there was a subject in the water.  The subject was able to swim to shore and was taken to cameron hospital by steuben county ems and was treated for hypothermia.
     i spoke with witness at the scene and he stated he was watching fishermen from his cottage on the north shore of clear lake when he observed a canoe capsize.  He stated he called 911 and then went over to the scene where he helped the fisherman out of the water.  He stated that from his cottage he thought there were two people in the canoe.  He stated that when he helped the fisherman out of the water that he was told by the fisherman that he was the only one in the boat.  Witness stated he never did see a second person in the water and he must have thought that some of the gear in the canoe was another person.  He stated he thought the canoe was about 150 yards away from shore and fremont fire department took a gps reading of 16t0679723  utm462 3860 of where witness thought the canoe was at.
     i spoke with victim’s father-in-law, at the scene who stated that operator was the only person in the boat.  He took possession of all of operator's belongings that were at the scene.
     i spoke with operator and he stated he was pike fishing in his canoe.  He stated he was anchored off the break approximately 400 yards from shore.  Operator stated he leaned for some fishing tackle and the canoe started tipping from side to side while he tried to regain the balance.  As the canoe was tipping back and forth it started taking on water and it was about ¼ full.  He stated he jumped out of it as it was tipping.  He then tried to get back in the canoe and it kept filling with water, thus swamping the canoe.  The canoe then sank.  The wind was strong but operator stated he was able to grab a seat cushion and a life jacket before they floated away.  He then swam to shore with them.  Operator stated there was no failure of equipment and no involvement of alcohol and/or drugs.  The pfds in his boat were one life jacket and one seat cushion.
     i took operator's drivers license at the scene and returned it to him and his wife at the hospital.
     other units at the scene were steuben county sheriff's department, fremont police department, fremont fire department, and steuben county ems.


BARDID: IN-2011-0073
Date: 2011-04-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big Walnut Creek
NearestCityTown: Reelsville
County: Putnam
WaterConditions: UNKNOWN
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: HAZARDOUS WATERS
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On tuesday, april 19, 2011, at approximately 2230 hours, i was contacted by south region headquarters at home, in reference to a missing kayaker on the big walnut creek.  South region advised that the kayaker reportedly left his residence earlier in the day and never returned home.  South region advised that the kayaker launched his kayak at his residence near the maidens branch creek which flows into the big walnut creek.  

 i made contact with conservation officer to assist me with the search.  At this time, the weather conditions were severe and a large storm cell was moving through the area with a tornado warning in effect with heavy rain and lighting.  The road conditions on highway 231 and highway 40 were at flood stage and in several areas, water covered the entire road.  The area had sustained substantial rainfall which led to severe flooding.  When i arrived on scene at approximately 2330 hours, officer and i were met by the reelsville volunteer fire department (vfd) personnel and an indiana state trooper.  The reelsville vfd advised that the driveway was flooded and that no access was possible.

I was met at the end of the driveway by subject’s brother.  Brother advised me that subject had reportedly left his home at approximately 1800 hours to kayak.  Brother advised that when subject left his home that he told his wife that he would be back shortly thereafter for dinner.  Brother advised that wife had told him that she was cooking dinner and that she expected subject to be back within 15-20 minutes.  Brother then went on to tell me that wife contacted him approximately 2 hours later and showed concern that subject had not returned home yet.  Brother told me that he then got on his atv and drove around the property to look for subject.  Brother then returned home and he and wife contacted the putnam county sheriff's department about the incident.  Brother advised that subject's dog, an australian shepard, had accompanied subject and that the dog never returned home either.  Subject was reportedly wearing a tan button-up shirt, brown hip waders, and dark colored work pants.  Brother advised that the kayak subject was using was a dark green colored kayak and that he could have possibly had a yellow and teal colored life jacket with him.  Brother said that the previous rainfall in the area had flooded the maiden's branch creek enough for subject to float down to the big walnut creek.  Brother advised that it was a common practice for subject to float down to the big walnut creek, and that it was not unusual for subject to be gone for an extended period of time, even with the approaching bad storms, and subsequent bad weather that followed.  Brother told me that subject was a known survivalist and that he suspected that if subject were to get himself in any trouble that he expected to find him huddled up somewhere riding out the storm.    

Brother pointed out the approximate location where subject had entered the water.  A field approximately 50 acres was flooded at the time i arrived on scene.  The field borders woods to the north, big walnut creek to the east and south, and maidens branch creek to the west.  The field was flooded to at least 1 foot of water.  The big walnut creek was flooded at approximately 12 feet at the time i arrived on scene.  The conditions of the search area were flooded and dangerous.  Heavy rain and lighting eliminated the possibility of an extensive foot search on land and eliminated the possibility of a search by boat.  At this time, i advised brother that we would be searching the area by spotlights and on foot where possible. 
 i notified the reelsville fire department personnel that the search for subject would begin at the area of the creek where subject had launched his kayak.  


BARDID: IN-2011-0074
Date: 2011-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:06:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Monroe Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Bloomington
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Excessive Speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
on saturday may 28, 2011, at approximately 7:07pm i was on boat patrol on monroe reservoir in monroe county indiana. While patrolling near the paynetown boat ramp i located a jet ski resting sideways and stuck on the back port side corner of a pontoon boat. As i approached, members of the pontoon boat began to wave to me for assistance.  victim was found lying on the decking of the pontoon boat holding a cut on her left hip. She appeared to be in severe pain and another male on the boat, operator1, was applying pressure to a gash on his left knee. I had south region contact bloomington hospital to have an ems unit enroute to moores creek. 
	the jet ski was resting on the back of the pontoon boat and stuck on some of the metal decking. The rear corner of the pontoon was smashed along with damage to the decking. Both the pontoon and jet ski belonged to lake monroe rental and had been rented. The bottom of the jet ski had a hole in it approximately 16 inches by 6 inches. 
	i met back with the boaters at moores creek and began a field interview. Operator2 advised they were stationary in the pontoon boat and Operator1 operated the jet ski towards them and ran into the back of the pontoon boat knocking over subject. Subject fell on the front of the steering column resulting in a cut on her left hip. Subject was the only one injured on the pontoon boat. Subject and operator1 were both transported to the hospital. 


BARDID: IN-2011-0075
Date: 2011-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Blue River
NearestCityTown: Milltown
County: Harrison
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator Inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with Fixed Object
AccidentEvent2: CAPSIZING
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 7:00 p.m. on 7/9/2011, i received a call from harrison county dispatch advising of a woman who had been involved in a near drowning incident on blue river near milltown.  Dispatch advised that the woman was out of the water, conscious, and being treated by emergency responders.

Details of investigation/incident: 
witnesses advised that they were paddling down the river when they approached a downed tree which extended across the channel of the river.  As they approached, Operator tried to lean back and pass under the trunk of the tree.  Operator's neck and chin got caught on the tree and drug her to the middle of the canoe, and at the same time pushed the canoe down into the water and sideways with the channel and current.  Operator became trapped underwater with the canoe.  

Both witnesses got into the water in an attempt to free Operator.   one also attempted to give “rescue breathes” to the victim while she was underwater.  All of the witnesses advised that Operator was underwater between two and four minutes.  After freeing the victim, another person stated she was brought to the shore and “revived” on her own, at which point the subjects put her back into the canoe and traveled downstream for approximately 30 minutes before making contact with subject.

The canoe involved in the incident was a “livery” canoe from cave country canoes in milltown.  It was an “alumacraft” 17 ft. Aluminum hull canoe with the vin plate missing and an affixed id tag #qt17wwr.  The canoe was left at the scene and later taken back to the business in milltown
 
Witness advised that the victim was doing well andhad been treated for a broken left collar bone, and a small skull fracture.  He stated that 	he anticipated she would be released by 7/13/2011.


BARDID: IN-2012-0001
Date: 2012-04-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Long Lake
NearestCityTown: Sullivan
County: Sullivan
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On april 3, 2012, at 1926 hours i was dispatched to a boat accident on long lake within the greene-sullivan state forest property. Sullivan county dispatch relayed information of a capsized boat approximately 200-300 feet from the shore with a person clinging to the boat. Dispatch reported the individual was yelling for help.  
     i arrived on scene at 1933 hours and could see the boat near the west end of the lake. The person was clinging to the boat and wasn't responding to verbal communication. I launched my boat and a bystander was willing to accompany me to assist. As i approached Operator he was holding onto the bow of his boat and not moving. Operator's boat was flipped over but still floating. Operator was unable to move with his arms being rigid in the fetal position. Operator had the symptoms associated with being severely hypothermic. Operator was fully dressed in clothing and didn't possess a personal floatation device. Bystander and i grasped Operator arms and pulled him into my issued boat. Operator was moaning in pain when we outstretched his arms to pull him into the boat. Operator was removed from the water at 1939 hours and taken to the shore where sullivan county ambulance team assumed medical treatment. Operator was taken to the sullivan county community hospital. 
     i located the initial witness who discovered the capsized boat. Witness said she was driving west on the state forest road and noticed an object on long lake. She reported the sunset made it difficult to clearly identify the object. Witness said she yelled out several times with no response. She contacted her father, who lived nearby to assist. When father arrived the victim (Operator) responded by yelling for help, prompting father to call 911.
     i went back to the capsized boat to further investigate. The boat was identified as a 10 foot aluminum lowe jonboat. I didn't locate any floating items and towed the boat to the shore. I noticed a rope and anchor was still attached, which caused the boat to stay stationary following the accident. Once the boat was turned over, right side up, i began inventorying items that were inside the boat cavity. The items included:1 fishing pole1 personal floatation device (us coast guard approved type iii) 1 boat paddle 1 styrofoam bait container 1 anchor/ 1 black rope (attached to stern of boat)
     i photographed the boat and accident scene. The water temperature was 55 degrees f. The boat was released to Operator's wife. 
     at about 2200 hours i interviewed Operator who was still hospitalized for hypothermia. Operator was able to recount his actions prior to the accident. Operator said he was fishing alone on long lake and remembered checking his cell phone at 1830 hours. Operator said he was going to call his wife, as they planned to eat dinner at the boat ramp. Operator said after checking his cell phone he decided to wait to call her once he made it back to the shore. Operator reported he began pulling up his anchor and thrashed the anchor in the water, attempting to remove the mud. Operator said when he did this, he accidentally snagged his wire basket containing fish and it became detached from his boat. He could see the metal basked slowly sink, and attempted to the snag the basket using his anchor attached by the rope. 
     earlier Operator reported he recently replaced a broken boat seat with a “lounge chair”. Operator mentioned the chair was placed near the middle of the boat. 
     as Operator attempted to retrieve the fish basket the “lounge” chair slipped out sideways, causing him to fall overboard. Operator indicated when falling overboard the boat also over-turned. Operator said his immediate thought was to stay calm. Operator said he committed himself to the boat trying to not panic. Operator had limited physical ability after losing a lung from cancer a year ago.


BARDID: IN-2012-0002
Date: 2012-04-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Maxinkuckee
NearestCityTown: Culver
County: Marshall
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
I, indiana conservation officer, was patrolling in kosciusko county on april 19, 2012, at 1735, when marshall county dispatch announced on the radio there was a boat capsized on maxinkuckee lake in marshall county.  I responded to the call with ico cpl.  When i arrived, the boat had already been recovered from the water and taken back to the owner's house.  Operator was also at his house, after being checked out by culver ems. Culver fire department dive team was also on scene of the accident site.  

Operator stated that he had gone out fishing on lake maxinkuckee on april 19, 2012 around 1630.  Operator was in a red 11.6 ft. Red v-bottom jon boat (in 5328 df) with a mercury 9.9 hp outboard (0r205310).  He was fishing on the south east side of the lake, just north of the marina when he turned the boat and it capsized.  Operator said the wind and water conditions were a factor.  He explained that when he turned, a wave tilted his boat a little bit and the wind blew at that moment, which caused his boat to flip over.  Operator had on a personal flotation device and swam to shore.  Operator said he was out on a fishing trip by himself and had done it numerous times before, but this time he had a new engine on the boat.  He stated the water was just cold and did not state he had sustained any injuries during the accident. Operator was cleared by culver ems.  He returned home, after retrieving his boat from the water.


BARDID: IN-2012-0004
Date: 2012-05-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Winona Lake
NearestCityTown: Warsaw
County: Kosciusko
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
BOAT #1 HAD LEFT THE FAIRGROUNDS BOAT RAMP AND WAS TRAVELING SOUTH.  BOAT #1 COVER HAD ONLY BEEN REMOVED TO THE POINT TO CLEAR THE OPERATOR CONSOLE AREA.  BOAT #2 WAS FISHING AND WAS TROLLING IN A WESTERLY DIRECTION TOWARDS THE WEST BAY OF WINONA LAKE.  OPERATOR OF BOAT #1 ADVISED HE DIDN'T SEE THE FISHING BOAT UNTIL JUST BEFORE IMPACT.  OPERATOR OF BOAT #2 ADVISED HE OBSERVED BOAT #1 JUST PRIOR TO IMPACT AND WAS UNABLE TO ALTER COURSE.  THE OPERATOR OF BOAT #1 COULD NOT ESTIMATE HIS SPEED BUT THE OPERATOR OF BOAT #2 ADVISED THAT HE WAS TROLLING AT APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH AND BOAT #1 APPEARED TO BE ON PLANE.  THE STARBOARD PONTOON OF BOAT #1 IMPACTED BOAT #2 ON THE STARBOARD SIDE JUST BEHIND THE OPERATORS SEATED POSITION.  BOAT #1 IMPACTED BOAT #2 AT A SPEED THAT CAUSED THE STARBOARD SIDE TO BE DEFORMED INWARD APPROXIMATELY 6.5 INCHES BUT DID NOT PUNCTURE THE HULL.  THERE WAS NO SECONDARY IMPACT DAMAGE ON THE PORT SIDE OF BOAT #2.


BARDID: IN-2012-0007
Date: 2012-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:42:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Monroe Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Bloomington
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: Bilge Pump
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/26/12 i, indiana conservation officer, responded to a report of a boat that was sinking at monroe reservoir. The initial report stated that a boat was sinking somewhere in a cove, but that was all of the information that was provided. Then information was given that the boat was north of hardin ridge and across from “party cove”. I was in that area upon receiving the call, but i could not locate anything. Then dispatch advised that a boat had set off a flare so they could be located by me. I finally was able to observe a boat with a flare lit directly across the lake from allen's creek. Upon arriving at the scene i found a blue and red boat almost completely submerged in the water, with a little bit of the bow sticking out. There were a couple of boats around the area picking up items from the boat. I spoke with the boats and they advised that they had not seen anyone around the boat. They advised they happened to be passing by and noticed the sunken boat. They started picking up items that had come from the sunken boat. I notified dispatch to contact divers to respond to my location. Several minutes later i was notified by dispatch that the father of the operator of the boat had called in and told them everyone that was on the boat was ok and had been taken to the cutright boat ramp. The boat was in a location that could have made it a hazard to other boaters, so i was able to attach a rope to the boat and pull it closer to shore.
   later that evening i made contact with the owner of the boat and the operator of the boat. Operator advised me that her and some friends had been boating that afternoon and stopped to eat lunch. After they had stopped they anchored the boat and then noticed that there was water in the floorboard of the boat. She stated that the water kept coming in and quickly filled the boat. The boat was almost under when a boat passing by noticed them waving for help and picked them up. The boat then took them to the cutright ramp. I then spoke with owner about the incident. He advised that he had been out on the boat earlier in the day with his daughter and friends, but had gone home early. Owner stated that his daughter had called him and told him that the boat was sinking. Owner then called 911 to get assistance for his daughter and friends. I asked owner if he knew of any problems with the boat and he said he did not know of any. Operator also told me that she was not sure what happened with the boat. They did advise me that they were sure that the drain plugs were installed in the boat.
   on 5/27/12 i met with owner and returned the items that the other boaters had picked up a given to me. I advised him that if he could not get the boat out of the lake we would try to assist him, but it would be after the holiday weekend was over due to the amount of traffic on the lake. He advised that he understood and would try to make arrangements to get it out. On 5/29/12 i was notified by dispatch that owner was able to get the boat out of the lake.
   on 6/1/12 i again spoke with owner to obtain some more information. He advised me that they were working on trying to repair the boat. If they could not get it running again then he estimated the damage to the boat and motor at approximately 7,000 dollars. I asked him if he found what had caused it to sink. He told me the only thing that he could come up with is that the bilge pump had either failed or had not been turned back on. He said that if it gets hot it automatically shuts off and has to be turned back on. He said that if it had shut down his daughter had not turned it back on. 


BARDID: IN-2012-0008
Date: 2012-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Tippecanoe River
NearestCityTown: Monticello
County: White
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
RedactedNarrative:
A boat that had struck an underwater object and started taking on water. The boat had made it to a dock and the passengers of the boat transferred to another acquaintances boat. The operator had stayed on the dock where his boat was tied up, mostly submerged.
	i met with the operator of the submerged boat, Operator. He said that after leaving the sandbar, he was driving slowly down stream. As he came around the corner from the sandbar in the 30 mph zone, his boat struck an underwater object, possibly a tree stump. He said the sound was not anything he had heard before. However it did not appear to have damaged anything that he could tell. After driving another several hundred yards, Operator said he noticed water in the stern of the boat. He tried operating the bilge pump to get the water out. However the water was already deep enough to cut out the electricity to the bilge.
	Operator was able to make it to a dock. He was able to tie his boat to a metal pole to keep it from going completely under. I explained that he would need to remove it as soon as he could to keep from leaking all the gas and oil out of his boat. Operator' relative who had transported the passengers from the boat to shore returned and picked up Operator. The boat, a green caravelle was sticking out of the water enough to be able to see the registration number of in7437bb. It showed a 2011 excise sticker. However the boat returned valid through 2012. The hull of the boat rubbed against the edge of the boards of the dock every time another boat drove past. It already appeared there was damage being done to the dock boards.
	i spoke to the owner of the dock that Operator had tied up to. I told her that if there was any damage to her dock because of the boat being tied to it to let me know to add it to the report. I told her i would contact her after the boat was removed.
	i later contacted Operator to get his insurance information. His insurance company was state auto. Operator said that he could repair any damage to the dock if there was any. His boat had not been removed until tuesday morning so it remained tied to the dock since sunday night. It had gone to pearson's marina. He said there was an 8 inch gash in the hull near the stern. That had allowed a lot of water in in a short amount of time. The adjustor was going to look at it that day. I contacted state auto insurance and found that the boat was a total loss of $8343.
	i also contacted subject to find out if there was any damage to the dock. He grandson had checked and said there was 7 or 8 boards that had some damage to them and might need replaced. subject said she would talk with Operator about the damage and try to work it out with him first. 
	a report was completed to document the events surrounding the sinking of the boat. No further action taken.


BARDID: IN-2012-0009
Date: 2012-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Freeman
NearestCityTown: Monticello
County: White
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 5-28-12, i officer talked to subject. He advised me that his nephew was involved in a minor boat accident on 5-25-12. I advised him i needed information about the accident and would meet him at his residence on lake freeman. I told him i was working lake freeman and would try to be there as soon as i could.
      on 5-28-12, i spoke with operator about his accident. He advised me he was riding his uncle's pwc on lake freeman about 1/2 mi. North of ski island. The lake was very rough and when he hit a wave he got airborne. When he landed his head hit the front of the machine. He said he fell of the machine and that he had a cut above his right eye. 
      some people helped him back to his uncle's place and his uncle then took him to iu white memorial hospital in monticello. victim received 7 stitches above his eye. 
      victim said no damage was done to the machine and there were no other injuries.


BARDID: IN-2012-0013
Date: 2012-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake James
NearestCityTown: Fort Wayne
County: Steuben
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: wake damage
RedactedNarrative:
Details of investigation/incident:  on 05-25-12 at approximately 8:05 a.m. central dispatch notified me of a message to call subject in reference a boating accident.  I spoke with subject on the telephone and he stated that yesterday(05-24-12) around 3:00 p.m. a personal watercraft splashed his anchored pontoon boat and caused damage to it.  He stated he was operating a boat and pulling people on a tube and his daughter was on the pontoon boat with several friends and anchored at a sandbar on lake james near their house.  Subject stated he was close enough to the pontoon to see the personal watercraft attempt to spray the subjects on the pontoon.  Subject stated he then approached the pontoon and noticed the damage to the starboard side of the pontoon.  He then drove after the personal watercraft.  He stated there were two of them together and he ended up getting one of them to stop.  He advised them of the damage and he stated he knew the mother of the male subject that he was talking to.  I asked him why he did not call and report the accident when it happened and he stated that he tried to talk to a couple different subjects and get it handled that way.  He stated that he told more than one of the subjects that he would call the dnr.  He stated that he did call in last night.  I checked with central dispatch and he called in to report the accident at 8:05 p.m.  i asked him if daughter was in charge of the pontoon and he said yes.  I advised him that i would need to speak to her.  He stated his wife and daughter were at the lake james address along with the boat.  He stated he would call them and let them know i would be coming to talk to her and to look at the pontoon.  
     on 05-25-12 at approximately 10:06 a.m. i spoke with wife and daughter.  Daughter stated she was the person in charge of the pontoon boat.  She stated she had friends there from school and there were twelve people on the pontoon and another six people in another boat with subject, her father.  She stated the pontoon was anchored at the sandbar approximately 150 yards northeast of their house towards the island with the house on it.  She stated they had been switching people from the pontoon to the other boat.  She stated that on 05-24-12 at approximately 3:00 p.m. two red waverunners approached the pontoon and there was a boy and a girl on each one of them.  They spoke with them and one of the waverunners was in front of the boat.  It then proceeded to idle along the starboard side of the pontoon towards the stern.  Daughter stated it then accelerated and got about two feet away from the pontoon and turned away from the pontoon in an attempt to spray them.  She stated it threw a wave over the side instead.  She stated the wave damaged two of the side panels on the pontoon near the steering column.  She stated subject instantly saw the damage and chased after them for about 20 minutes before he talked to them.  


BARDID: IN-2012-0014
Date: 2012-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:15:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geist Res.
NearestCityTown: Indianapolis
County: Marion
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On may 26, 2012 at approximately 1715 hours ico and i were on patrol of geist reservoir.  A boater came up to us and told us that a boat was sinking halfway down g-dock.  Ico and i responded to slip 94 on the g-dock and found a boat tied up in the slip sinking.  I went around to the boat ramp and informed marina staff.  Ico ran the boat and attempted to make contact with the owner.
Subject1 stated the he had noticed the boat was floating earlier in the day, but when he came back it had started to sink.  Nearby boat owners stated a large cabin cruiser had come through the idle zone earlier throwing a large wake.  They blamed it for the sinking.  subject made sure her boat was secured to the dock and began to make arrangements to get it off the water.


BARDID: IN-2012-0017
Date: 2012-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Crooked Lake
NearestCityTown: Angola
County: Steuben
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
I observed a white male subject by the name of Operator2 being brought into the jail by deputy.  Deputy advised that Operator2 had been involved with a boat incident on crooked lake and that Operator2 had blown in a portable breath test and tested .084.  Deputy advised that the incident involved 2 motorboats.  Deputy advised that Operator2 was going to be charged with dangerous operation of a watercraft due to the incident, and that he would do the report and forward it on to me.  Deputy advised the name and phone number of the operator of the other watercraft, and advised that no one was injured in the incident.
On 6/6/2012 i went to the location of performance unlimited, where Operator1's motorboat was located and was getting an estimate administered.  I showed up at approximately 1100hrs.  I found the motorboat and began taking pictures of the visible damage.  As i was taking pictures i was approached by a white male advising that he was Operator1, the owner of the motorboat.
Operator1 advised me that as he was at idle speed with two passengers in his motorboat, a cream colored 1970 correct craft mustang bearing a registration of oh4677zh.  He stated that he observed a motorboat approaching him and then observed the same motorboat turn on a direct path at him.  Operator1 advised that he stood up and began waving his arms and screaming to get the attention of the driver.  Operator1 advised that Operator2 was talking with a subject that was sitting in the boat.  Operator1 advised that prior to impact Operator2 looked up and immediately made a right hand turn and side swiped Operator1's motorboat with that of Operator2's motorboat.  Operator2 was operating a gray 1972 hondo bearing a registration of in3490dk.
On 7/9/2012 i made contact with Operator2 at his residence.  Upon making contact with Operator2 i asked him to advise me of the situation that happened.  Operator2 advised that he was traveling towards the docks on crooked lake after taking another person for a ride around the lake.  He stated as he got closer to the docks, he observed a pontoon boat to his left that was towing another pontoon boat.  Operator2 advised that he was scanning the water while keeping an eye on the pontoons.  Operator2 advised that he looked ahead and did not see any boats moving and kept on the path he was heading.  Operator2 advised that he looked at the pontoons again, and when he looked forward, he observed Operator1's boat directly in front of him.  He stated Operator1 was coming from his right and crossing his path, Operator2 advised that he made a sharp right turn and made contact with the portside bow of his boat.  Once first contact was made his boat turned even more and hit again with the chine about a foot forward of the transom on the port side.  Operator2 advised that he made contact with the port side of Operator1's motorboat on the back half of the motorboat.  After the incident Operator2 advised that he operated his boat back over to the boat that was just involved with the incident and asked if they were ok.  Operator2 advised that Operator1 was upset so they went up to the shore where crooked lake public access is located.


Damages:
 	Operator1's boat:scrapes and transfer marks on the gunwale on the port side from transom to where the seat is located.  Fractures on port/dash area.  Fractures on port/hull side.  Broken rub rail on port side.


			Operator2 boat:
		a transfer mark is located on the port side bow of the motorboat.  Scrapes were located on the chime of the hull on the port side at the transom.  The propeller also received some damage as one of the wings on the propeller was considerably bent.


BARDID: IN-2012-0018
Date: 2012-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:20:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Brookville Lake
NearestCityTown: Liberty
County: Union
WaterConditions: Very Rough
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person Struck by Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
ABOUT 4 HOURS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, operator HAD LESS THAN ONE BEER. THERE DOESN'T SEEM TO BE ANY RELATION TO THE ACCIDENT. A STORM CAME THROUGH THE AREA AND CREATED HAZARDOUS WATERS. THE FAMILY DECIDED TO COME BACK INTO THE HARBOR AND DOCK. AS operator APPROACHED THE SLIP HE PUT THE THROTTLE IN NEUTRAL. WHILE THE BOAT WAS A SHORT DISTANCE FROM THE DOCK, victim GOT OFF THE BOAT AND CLEANLY LANDED ON THE DOCK. WHEN HE GRABBED FOR THE RAILING OF THE BOAT TO HELP BRING IT IN, A LARGE WAVE CAME THROUGH AND THE FORCE OF THE BOAT PUSHED HIS FOOT THROUGH THE CLEAT HE WAS STANDING NEXT TO. THIS WAVE SENT THE BOAT OFF COURSE AND IT WAS NOT ABLE TO DOCK IMMEDIATELY. SINCE two others WERE NOT ABLE TO GET TO victim RIGHT AWAY, operator INSTRUCTED victim TO RUN TO THE NEAREST HOUSEBOAT UNTIL operator COULD MANEUVER THE BOAT BACK INTO THE SLIP.


BARDID: IN-2012-0021
Date: 2012-05-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:45:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cedar Lake
NearestCityTown: Cedar Lake
County: Lake
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unkn
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with Recreational Vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Owner states he was on board the boat with a friend. Owner states they were cruising on the lake and then stopped at a bar and had some drinks.  On the way back, Operator crashed the boat into another boat.  Owner says that when he came to he freaked out and took off.

Owner advised, that when he got home, he knew he was in trouble and decided to report the incident to try and lessen some of the trouble.  Owner described the boat as a blue and white 1989 Bayliner 1908 Capri Cuddy which is at his house.  Owner had since gone to his girlfriend's house and could not supply the registration for the boat but did admit to having no insurance.  Owner claimed he had pain in his left arm and Operator had a busted lip.  He advised Operator was not with him at this time and that neither needed medical attention.

Both subjects have a criminal history, with Operator having a DUI conviction in 2010 and currently on probation through Cook County.  Owner's most recent arrest was in 2009 for eluding a police officer.
 
I spoke with the owner of the damaged boat who explained that the boat is estimated at $30,000 and it is a total loss.  Also the boat lift is estimated at $6,000 and it also appears to be a total loss.  The entire accident was captured on security cameras behind residence.  

Operator had large bruises on her leg and that she was having difficultly walking.  I also observed that the right side of her face was very swollen and bruised.  She pulled her lower lip down and she had multiple bruises in her mouth and around her jaw.  Operator said that her upper chest and shoulders were still in a lot of pain.  I took pictures of her injures and they are attached to this report.  This was two days after the accident had taken place.

The male subject appeared to be intoxicated and started talking to a subject about his older model vehicle.  Tom said that the female subject was walking pretty far behind the male subject and appeared to be holding the male subject back.  He said that the female subject appeared to be intoxicated too, and was able to describe what she was wearing and the tattoos and piercings visible on her chest.

Because of the injuries sustained in the accident I do believe Operator was the operator at the time of the collision.  Operator had chest, neck and head injuries consistent with being thrown into the steering wheel of the boat.  Owner had injuries on his left arm and the left side of his head consistent with being in the passenger seat.  When the accident occurred, Operator was thrown to the rear of the boat, was bleeding profusely and lost consciousness.  Because she did lose consciousness this could be considered Leaving the scene of an accident with serious injury, which is a D Felony.  Owner knowingly left the scene of the accident, and did not provide assistance to his injured friend.  Even though he stated the next day that he had never seen her in such a state before, and that he believed she was drugged.


BARDID: IN-2012-0022
Date: 2012-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:39:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake James
NearestCityTown: Fremont
County: Steuben
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On 7-5-12 at 15:59 while at the steuben county sheriff's dept squadroom, i was advised by steuben county sheriff's dept deputy that there was a boating accident which steuben county ems and angola fire dept had responded to approximately 20 minutes prior.  I asked conservation officer if he had knowledge of the accident and he stated that he di not.  We called steuben county dispatch who advised at 15:39, they had dispatched ems and fire to a boating accident involving a personal watercraft in the area of lake james estates on the third basin of lake james.  We responded at 15:59 to the area and met the ambulance and fire department leaving the scene while enroute.  Ems left the scen enroute to the cameron hospital at 16:03.  They advised that their patient from the accident was going to be air-lifted to parkview hospital in ft. Wayne from cameron hospital in angola.  We arrived on the scene at 16:06 and found no witnesses left in the area and the pwc which had been involved in the accident was not secured and could not be located.  We left and returned to angola to cameron hospital.  We arrived at 16:39 and found family and friends of the subjects involved in the accident in the emergency room.  We interviewed the operator, as well as the two passengers on the pwc and the injured.
     according to witness statements, Operator was operating the pwc in the middle part of the third basin of lake james.  Occupant1 was sitting behind Operator and occupant2 was sitting third in line, at the back of the pwc.  Due to the high level of boat traffic at the time, the water was rough and choppy.  Operator negotiated at left hand turn and after coming out of the turn, a wake or wave caused occupant2 to lose his balance and begin to fall off of the starboard side of the pwc.  Occupant2 was holding onto the side straps of occupant1's lifejacket.  As occupant2 fell off of the pwc, he pulled occupant1 off of the starboard side as well.  Occupant1 was holding onto the side straps of the operator Operator's lifejacket.  Operator stated that she began to be pulled off of the pwc, but held onto the handlebars as long as she could before losing grip and falling off of the pwc back first.  By this time the pwc had slowed considerably, Operator stated that she realized that someone was falling off of the pwc immediately and let off of the throttle.  Operator stated that when she fell into the lake off of the starboard side of the pwc her fall was slow and her head never went under.  As the three fell off of the pwc, either or both Operator and occupant2 fell onto occupant1 causing her legs to spread resulting in extreme pain and injury to her upper legs and pelvis area.  She was only able to hold her legs to her chest in the fetal position without extreme pain.  A ski boat heard her screaming for help and pulled her up onto the teak swim platform of the boat and transported her into shore where emergency personnel began treating her and preparing her to be transported to the hospital.  The boat and occupants were at the scene until the ambulance left but was gone by the time of our arrival on scene and could not be later identified.   During the interviews, the witnesses were able to describe the boat they were operating and where it was docked at which was on at boat lift at the lake james estates docks near the shore on the far south end of the docks.
    occupant1 ended up with serious muscle pulls on her inner thigh muscles, she did not suffer any fractures or muscle tears.  She is expected to soon recover without and long term issues.
    Operator was administered a prtable breath test by conservation officer and tested 0.00% brac.
    there was no property damage reported.  No charges are being filed as a result of the accident.


BARDID: IN-2012-0023
Date: 2012-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Shafer
NearestCityTown: Monticello
County: White
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Both the operator, and his wife stated that they were simply idling around near their dock when a large wave came over the starboard side of the bow of the boat.  A second, even larger wave followed the first and flooded the entire bow portion of the boat causing panic.  Operator goosed the throttle in an attempt to get the bow of the boat up, however the bow dipped into the lake causing the boat to capsize / swamp.  The operator and all 5 passengers were able to use personal floatation devices to make it safely to shore. Nearby boaters assisted in getting the partially submerged 1990 mastercraft to the boat lift, where actions were taken to remove the water from the inside of the boat.
wife (weight 125 lbs.) Was seated in the front passenger seat next to the operator Operator (weight 320 lbs.) At the time of the incident.  The other passengers were seated as follows: Occupant1 (weight 85 lbs.) - middle of the bow. Occupant2 (weight 50 lbs.) - bow in front of operator. Occupant3 (weight 180 lbs.) - bow in front of front seat passenger. Occupant 4 (weight 91 lbs.) - rear seat passenger
   the total weight of persons was 851 lbs.  I believe this to be a conservative weight estimate of persons, however the craft is rated for over 1100 lbs. For persons on board. The weight of persons in the bow of the boat totaled 315 lbs, again a conservative estimate, and in my opinion caused the boat to be improperly loaded with too much weight in the bow of the boat.  Following the incident, Operator spoke with personell at a marina who advised the gas tank is located in the front of this particular make and model of boat which may have contributed to the capsizing.  They further advised him that this particular model is notorious for diving into the waves instead of riding the waves.
   i spoke with Operator on sunday, july 8, 2012, the day following the capsizing.  He was attempting to get the motor started on the boat and was unsuccessful.  Damage estimates to the boat are based on this fact and are possibly conservative, as the cost of rebuilding the engine is $4500.  The seat cushions may have to be replace as well as other equipment on the boat.  Other damage estimates ($700) were on personal articles lost from the boat including 2 cell phones, 3 pairs of shoes and 2 beach towels.


BARDID: IN-2012-0024
Date: 2012-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Patoka Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Birdseye
County: Orange
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Details of the investigation:on july 07,2012 central dispatch informed this officer that they had received a report from orange county sheriffs dept reporting a boat crash on patoka reservoir. I was given a cell number to call operator 1. Operator1 informed me that he had already taken his boat off the water and was standing by at patoka lake marina. I arrived at 1220 hrs. I located damage to the port side of Operator1's 1998 bombardier sea doo challenger 1800. The damage was well below the water line of the vessel. The fiberglass was torn in several directions. Operator1 explained that the damage was the result of him colliding with a rental houseboat commonly called the princess. The princess belongs to patoka lake marina and was rented by a party including both Operator1 and Operator2. Operator1 was operating his bombardier (v1) and approached the starboard side of the princess (v2). As v1 shut down power it lost steering as a result of two jet drive engines. Operator1 caught his own wake and struck v2. V2 which was operated by Operator2 sustained no damage to it's aluminum hull. V1 was quickly taken off the water as it took on water. It was then taken by trailer to the parking lot of the marina where i examined the damage. I made contact with houseboats lp, the owners of patoka lake marina and made them aware of the situation. I confirmed there was no need for medical attention. 


BARDID: IN-2012-0026
Date: 2012-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:15:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Morse Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Noblesville
County: Hamilton
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
I, indiana conservation officer, while on patrol with ico were contacted by morse marina staff stating they were just contacted by a distressed boater near morse park and beach. While approaching the scene i observed a boat near the beach area stopped in the water. Once ico and i arrived on scene we checked individuals involved for anyone in need of medical attention. No medical attention was requested. The operator stated he had grounded the boat on a solid object just below the water surface.  
Ico contacted ico for his assistance in our investigation. I gathered statements from individuals involved until ico arrived. Operator stated he was boating with his mother, father, girlfriend and his son.  Operator further stated he was towing his son, 6 years old, on a surfboard when the boat struck an object under the surface of the water. Operator stated had assisted the women and child to shore in fear the boat would sink.  He stated that he knew the water level was low but had navigated this area of the lake earlier in the summer with no difficulty. father stated that the statement given by his son operator was accurate. Operator continued to state that he believed he could navigate the boat to the marina safely if he could get the boat off of the object it had struck.
 ico then arrived on scene and listed possible options for removal of the boat to operator. Operator was firm in his belief if he could free the boat he could navigate to the marina. Icos stated we would assist them in the removing the boat from the object but were not responsible for further damage to the boat. Operator acknowledged are statements and agreed. Once the boat was freed, opeartor navigated the boat to the marina while operator retrieved a truck and trailer to remove the boat from the water for repair. Ico and i followed operator to the marina to insure his safe arrival at the marina. 
Once the boat had been removed from the water operator examined the damage to the boat. The boat had received a hole in the stern of the hull. He believed the hole was caused by the boats propeller being forced into the hull by the solid object that was struck. After the damage had been examined operator estimated the cost to be in excess of $5000. Other occupants were interviewed regarding the sequence of events leading to the accident. Voluntary written statements were then gathered from operator and girlfriend. The boat had all flotation devices required to be legally operated at the time of accident. Water level of morse reservoir was estimated 5 feet lower than its normal level at time of accident. By the end of the investigation operator had revieved a minor injury to his knee but denied medical attention.


BARDID: IN-2012-0027
Date: 2012-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:09:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Patoak Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Birdseye
County: Orange
WaterConditions: Very Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
I was contacted by patoka lake marina that two subjects arrived at the marina injured from a personal watercraft (pwc) accident.  I received the telephone call at 1529 hours on july 21, 2012.  I responded to the marina and arrived at 1542 hours.  The victims of the accident were located on a pontoon boat parked at the marina. Operator was the operator of the 2005 honda aquatrax r-12x, kentucky registration ky 0494 pz.  Operator was complaining of a possible broken back.  Occupant Was unable to respond in any detail.  He did complain of a severe head ache.  I stayed with occupant Until iu health ambulance service ems 2 arrived at 1554 hours.  Also arriving at the same time was orange county rural district 1 volunteer fire department.  I did not observe any signs of drug use or alcoholic beverages on the boat.  I then talked with Operator about the accident.
Operator told me that she was operating the pwc at a high rate of speed.  She stated that the water was two rough for her speed with a passenger.  Operator estimated her speed between 50 and 62 mph.  She told me that they hit a wave that sent the pwc airborne.  When they landed, the pwc began to rock from side to side causing them to leave the seat.  Occupant Was trying to hold on to her, but finally let go.  Operator stated that this caused her to leave the seat and land hard on the seat.  Operator told me that when she landed she heard a pop in her lower back.  Operator was then thrown from the pwc after the impact.  She stated that her legs were tinkling after the accident.  Operator stated that occupant Was thrown fifteen feet or further from the pwc.  She stated that he did not hit the pwc during the accident.  Operator then told me that they both re-boarded the pwc and went to the pontoon boat where other family members and friends were located.  Both subjects were wearing coast gaurd approved personal floatation devices (pfds).
The victims reached the pontoon boat, kentucky registration ky 0570 fe.   subject operated the pontoon boat to the patoka lake marina to get assistance.  subject told me that the accident probably happened around 1509 hours.  He stated that it took them fifteen to twenty minutes to get from the goose island area to the patoka lake marina.
Iu health ambulance service ems 1 arrived on scene at 1607 hours.  
occupant Was transported by ambulance (ems 2) to the beach area of patoka reservoir.  There he was transferred to air evac 17 and left for kosair's children hospital in louisville, ky at 1625 hours.
Operator was transported by ambulance (ems 1) to the beach area of patoka reservoir.  There she was transferred to air methodist and left for university of louisville hospital in louisville, ky at 1639 hours.
There were no witnesses to the actual accident.
I left the scene at 1651 hours.
On july 22, 2012, i spoke with Operator.  She told me that she had three fractured vertebrae in her lower back (l3, l4 and l5).  She stated that surgery has not been ruled out at this time.  Operator again told me the story of the accident.  It was the same account of the accident that she told me at the marina.

I then spoke with a family member of occupant  His only injury was a concussion.  occupant Has no memory of the accident.


BARDID: IN-2012-0028
Date: 2012-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:48:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake James
NearestCityTown: Angola
County: Steuben
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/22/2012 at approximately 1708hrs i, indiana conservation officer was contacted by steuben county communications via radio in reference to a boating incident that occurred on lake james in steuben county indiana.  I was dispatched to 195 lane 240 lake james angola, in 46703 and arrived at approximately 1720hrs.  Upon arrival i observed a male subject laying on his back on a floating device with a pfd still on his person in the water.  Other subjects were around operator keeping him from drifting away.  Ems had arrived simultaneously as i did and entered the water with a backboard to get victim out of the water.  Victim was not moving his left leg and every time someone would attempt to move his leg he advised that there was a lot of pain and was unable to do so.  Victim was taken to cameron hospital in angola indiana.
I spoke with the brother of victim and the registered owner of the pwc, who advised that he observed victim make a sharp turn with a pwc and get thrown from the machine and landed in the water.  I observed the pwc, a 2011 sea doo gti bearing a registration of in6173dl, which appeared to have no visible damage.  brother advised that he did not know how fast victim was traveling.
I spoke with victim at cameron hospital shortly after victim received x-rays of his pelvis.  Victim advised that the doctors advised him that he had multiple fractures of his pelvis on his left side.  Victim advised that he was making high speed left hand turns and making the pwc do 360 degree turns.  Victim advised that during the incident that caused the injuries he was traveling in a straight line and then turned sharply and was thrown from the pwc, victim advised that he did not remember exactly when or where he made contact with the pwc but knows that he did.  Victim advised that he was travelling at approximately 30mph when he administered the sharp turn.  Victim advised that he did not drink any alcohol and that he is an experience operator with the pwc.


BARDID: IN-2012-0029
Date: 2012-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:45:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Raccoon Lake
NearestCityTown: Bellmore
County: Parke
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On sunday, july 22, 2012, at or about 1130 hours, i was approached by an individual operating a red and white vip, vixon watercraft, registration # in4789dm .  The operator was identified.  Operator stated that a family friend was injured during a wake boarding crash.  Operator requested an ambulance to check victim because he was certain that victim's arm was broken and that victim was in shock.  I requested an ambulance through parke county dispatch.
	i requested further information about the accident from operator.  He stated that victim was just learning how to wake board.  He was pulling victim when victim attempted to jump a wake.  As victim jumped the wake, he was unable to gain control of his body position for a landing and he hit the water hard with the left side of his body.  As operator circled back to victim he could see that victim was in a lot of pain.  Victim recalled the accident just as operator' statement given above.
	operator contacted victim's parents and advised them of the situation.  The medics on scene spoke with victim's parents and released him to be taken to the hospital by operator.


BARDID: IN-2012-0030
Date: 2012-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:20:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississinewa Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Wabash
County: Wabash
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Person Departed Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
THE VICTIM AND TWO OTHER OCCUPANTS PLANNED TO JUMP FROM THE MOVING BOAT WHILE THE OPERATOR RAN THE BOAT AT FULL SPEED.  ALL OCCUPANTS HAD BEEN CONSUMING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN VARYING QUANTITIES.  WHEN THE VICTIM JUMPED FROM THE FRONT OF THE BOAT HE STRUCK SOMETHING, EITHER THE BOAT OR DEBRIS AND SUSTAINED A HEAD LACERATION AND SKULL FRACTURE AS WELL AS A LACERATED RIGHT HAND.  THERE WERE NO PFD'S USED.  VICTIM WAS AIR LIFTED BY PARKVIEW SAMARITAN HELICOPTER TO FORT WAYNE FOR SURGERY.


BARDID: IN-2012-0031
Date: 2012-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Freeman
NearestCityTown: Delphi
County: Carroll
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR 1 WAS SITTING STATIONARY AND OPERATOR 2 WAS CIRCLING OPERATOR 1. DURING THIS TIME, OPERATOR 2 WAS SPLASHING AND SPRAYING OPERATOR 1. WHEN OPERATOR 2 ATTEMPTED TO CUT CLOSE TO OPERATOR 1, HE ACCELERATED AND TURNED SHARPLY. HE SAID THAT THE JET SKI DID NOT TURN, BUT INSTEAD RAN UP ON TOP OF OPERATOR 1'S JET SKI. THIS KNOCKED OPERATOR 1 OFF OF HER MACHINE AND CAUSE EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE MACHINE AND INJURY TO HER FOOT. OPERATOR 1 HAD TO BE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL REFERENCE A CHIPPED BONE IN HER RIGHT FOOT.


BARDID: IN-2012-0032
Date: 2012-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:12:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Monroe Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Bloomington
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
ON 7/5/12 I, INDIANA CONSERVATION OFFICER WAS DISPATCHED TO A REPORT OF AN ACCIDENT THAT OCCURRED ON MONROE RESERVOIR AT SALT CREEK. WHILE EN ROUTE I WAS ADVISED THAT THE VICTIM WAS BEING TRANSPORTED TO IU HEALTH IN BLOOMINGTON. I RESPONDED TO IU HEALTH AND MET WITH THE VICTIM AND HER FATHER. I FIRST SPOKE WITH THE FATHER. HE TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD LAUNCHED THEIR BOAT AT THE SALT CREEK RAMP AND WERE JUST OUTSIDE OF THE BUOY FIELD. HE WAS ATTACHING A SKI ROPE TO THE BOAT WHEN HE LOST HIS BALANCE AND FELL ONTO HIS DAUGHTER, . HE SAID THAT SHE COULD NOT MOVE AND WAS COMPLAINING OF PAIN IN HER LOWER BACK. HE THEN CALLED 911 FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE AND PROCEEDED BACK TO THE RAMP. AN AMBULANCE RESPONDED TO THE RAMP AND victim WAS TRANSPORTED TO IU HEALTH.
  I THEN SPOKE WITH victim and her sister AND THEY TOLD ME THE SAME THING THAT THEIR FATHER HAD TOLD ME. WHILE I WAS THERE I WAS ADVISED THAT AN X-RAY OF BACK DID NOT SHOW ANY DAMAGE. I ASKED operator IF ALCOHOL WAS INVOLVED AND HE TOLD ME NO AND I DID NOT DETECT ANY SIGNS OF ALCOHOL INVOLVEMENT.


BARDID: IN-2012-0033
Date: 2012-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:51:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Giest Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Fishers
County: Hamilton
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/24/12 i was contacted by hamilton county dispatch and notified of a burning boat while on geist reservoir.  I responded and found a blue cobalt burning.  Fishers fire department extinguished the fire.  No injuries resulted.
During the fighting of the fire i remained on the water keeping boaters out of the area.  
After the fire department was finished with the fire i approached and contacted subject who told me he was the last operator of the burned boat.  According to statements he returned from his morning boating, placed the boat on the lift and attached a battery charger/tender.  According to subject he then went in his house and approximately 20-30 minutes later was alerted by his wife that the boat was on fire.  wife then called 911.  
Almost simultaneously while in contact with subject i was also contacted by another person. he was a passenger on a nearby boat and identified himself as the owner of the boat  i took  information and insurance providor for the boat and gave him my card while explaining the process to attain a report for an insurance claim. 
wife called 911 and minutes later both the fishers fire department and i responded.  
After taking written statements from both subjects i provided copies of the operators report of a boat accident as well as my business card with contact information.  

Following the statements i photographed the boats and observed the blue cobalt to be nearly completely burned.  I also observed the pontoon adjacent to have received damage including burns and damaged paint/upholstery.


BARDID: IN-2012-0034
Date: 2012-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityTown: Gary
County: Lake
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Ico responded to and investigated pwc accident involving 2 pwc's at wells street beach, lake county, in.  The accident consisted of one pwc striking another pwc offshore from the swimming area.  We interviewed the operator and passenger of the pwc that was struck broadside from the left.  Both described a similar scenario in which they were traveling parallel to shore in an easterly fashion outside of the buoyed off area approximately 300 feet offshore.  They were doing so near the eastern edge of wells street beach.  The operator stated he did not really remember how it happened, just that at the last second he saw a black pwc approaching fast on their left, it made contact with their pwc, and all were thrown into the water.  He recovered from the impact, self-rescued, and brought his pwc to shore with help.  He subsequently made it back to his larger boat and called in the accident.  His passenger advised that he remembered seeing the black pwc off to their left and it appeared that operator was operating the pwc they were aboard around the black pwc to pass it on the right side.  In both their statements, they corroborated that they were traveling, without much deviation, in an easterly course parallel to the shoreline.

     we met the owner of the black pwc, at his damaged pwc up on the street as he had already put it on his trailer.  We photographed his damaged black pwc and discovered that he was on shore but did not see the accident.  He advised that they had just arrived to the area at approximately 2:30pm and after about 30 minutes, operator1 asked if he could operate his black pwc.  owner allowed operator1 to take it out with girlfriend, for a ride.  Within minutes, he heard the impact and then discovered what had happened.

     we then traveled down to the damaged yellow pwc.  It was beached and we observed heavy damage to the port side, just aft of the middle of the pwc.  The stern was still in the water and there was a small petroleum-like sheen on the water radiating approximately 3 feet in all directions.  I concluded this to be gasoline and from the small quantity persistent in the immediate waters, that it was not a threat to the neighboring beach goers or the persons at the scene.  In its current condition and with our capabilities at the time, there was nothing more to do.  Cms towing was enroute that had experience in watercraft salvaging and they would have the expertise to extract the vessel from the water with minimal environmental impact.

     i then interviewed the operator of the black pwc, operator1 onshore.  Operator1 advised that he had just got on the black pwc with his girlfriend and was operating offshore.  He stated they were enjoying themselves outside of the buoyed area.  After a short time, operator1 decided to head back to shore.  He was performing one last circular course in a clockwise fashion approximately 300-500 feet offshore when he straightened out and drove towards the beach.  He was on plane at the time and only noticed the yellow pwc on his right at the last moment before impact.  He and his girlfriend were thrown from the pwc.  They both self-rescued and took the black pwc back into shore.


BARDID: IN-2012-0036
Date: 2012-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cataract Res.
NearestCityTown: Cloverdale
County: Putnam
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
On july 3, 2012 subject was involved in a boating accident at cataract reservoir in southern putnam county, indiana.  
Details of investigation/incident:
On july 3, 2012, at approximately 1630 hours, i was contacted by ico dispatch in reference to a boating accident that occurred on cataract reservoir.  At approximately 1715 hours, i arrived at lieber state recreation area.  I was met at the main entrance by putnam county sheriff's deputy.  He advised that the victim had already been transported via lifeline helicopter to methodist hospital in indianapolis, indiana.  He also advised that the victim was with a camp group and he was waiting on the camp director to return with the victim's information.
A short time later we were met by camp director who was not present when the accident occurred.  Director stated that the Program director of the boat was his program director. He stated that Program director was accompanied by two other passengers.  He stated that Program director and the passengers were back at five stones camp, located on the north side of the lake.  I then asked him where the boat was located and he advised me that it was still beached down at the lake.  I then went down to the beach and photographed the boat and the life jacket that victim had been wearing.  I then went to five stones camp to interview the driver and passengers.  
When i arrived at the camp, i was met by Program director.  I asked Program director if he was  operating the boat when the accident had occurred.  He stated that he was not operating the boat.  Program director stated that he was allowing Operator, a twelve year old attendee at the camp, to drive the boat.  He stated that Operator was in the driver's seat and he was seated next to him.  I then asked Program director to describe the incident to me.  He stated that he and Operator were in the boat and that victim and another were being towed on a tube behind the boat.  They were in the lake out from the boat ramp at lieber state recreation area when Operator went to turn the boat around.  When Operator turned the boat, it turned toward the tube and its occupants.  He stated that they were not traveling very fast and the boat was not even up on plane.  He then reached over to turn the wheel so he would not hit the tube and the boys on it.  However, he did not react fast enough.  The boys jumped off of the tube.  The boat did hit the tube, but he thought that it had missed the boys.  When the boys came up, he stated that victim had a shocked look on his face and would not reply as to whether or not he was unhurt.  Program director and occupant got victim into the boat and removed his life vest, revealing two large lacerations.  Program director then drove the boat over to the beach and tried to call 911.  He could not get reception on his cell phone, so a camp counselor that was at the beach with some other campers drove victim up the hill.  Once up the hill, he was able to call 911.  Cloverdale fire and rescue, putnam county sheriff's department, and putnam county operation life responded to the scene.  Victim was then transported to the recreation field in lieber state recreation area where we was picked up by lifeline helicopter and transported to methodist hospital in indianapolis, indiana.
I then spoke with the other passenger on the tube.  He confirmed that Operator was operating the boat.  His recollection of the accident coincided with Program director's.  He also stated that he was hit by the boat, but was uninjured. 
I then asked if i could speak with Operator, but was advised that he was too upset to talk right at that point, but would i be able to speak with him in the next day


BARDID: IN-2012-0037
Date: 2012-05-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Patoka Lake
NearestCityTown: French Lick
County: Orange
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On saturday may 5th, 2012 at 8:46 am, i received a phone call from hoosier hills marina on patoka lake.  They advised they had a customer run aground with their 33 foot recreational vessel yesterday evening and the female owner was taken to the hospital in salem with a possible broken arm.  They stated it was near the beach off the east point where they shoot the fireworks displays every year.  They explained they attempted to tow the vessel off the ground but were unsuccessful with their ninety horse center consol.  The sand was getting into the exhaust ports of the stranded vessel's engines and the engines were getting hot, they explained. Therefore, they ceased in attempting to remove the vessel for the time being. They stated the vessel's owner was coming out today (saturday) to attempt to move the vessel.
	i asked hoosier hills marina to contact me when the vessel's owner showed up and i would come over and take a report.  I contacted ico who was working at the time and made him aware of the vessel.  
	at approximately noon ico received radio traffic from south region.  South region advised that patoka reservoir's main office had received a phone call about a boat being abandoned near the beach.  Ico went out to make sure it was the same boat we were advised of earlier.
I had not heard anything from the marina, so around twelve-thirty i contacted them. I identified myself and Operator knew who i was stating to his wife, "it's your friend the one that took you to jail". Operator advised his friend had a fishing boat and they were coming to the lake to retrieve his personal belongings (computer) from the vessel.  He stated a subject had a tow boat and he was going to remove the vessel on monday.  I explained to him that we received a sufficient amount of rain last night and the lake raised some which might help in removing the vessel.  I told Operator to call me when he gets into town, so i could get with him and make a boat accident report.  Operator stated he had my phone number and that he had already made an insurance claim this morning on the accident.  I told Operator the vessel was fine with me to stay until monday. I contacted the local sheriff departments and the region to notify them that the boat would be staying where it was for the time being.  
	i next met ico.  He picked me up and we went to look at the vessel and the situation.  We located the vessel described on the point east of the beach side shore.  It had water underneath of it, but not more than six inches.  Coming off from the point were two shallow marker buoys on the west side and one on the east side.  A large stump was also visibly sticking up from the surface just out from the farthest buoy on the west side.
The vessel is a 33 foot sea ray enclosed cabin sport cruiser.  We had a difficult time getting our sixteen foot boston whaler up to the vessel due to the shallow water.  The vessel appeared to be documented through the us coast guard with the name "last chance" and port of salem, in written on the stern.  I took pictures of the vessel in its current position and condition.  We could not locate an indiana excise sticker or indiana registration on the vessel nor an indiana dnr lake use permit.  I located the hin number on the starboard "right" rear of the stern as sert99435697.  The hin number did not come back as registered to a vessel in the state of indiana.  Using the us coastguard's vessel document website (1), i could not locate a documented vessel with the given name, either.
 
The vessel had two throttle controls and both were all the way in reverse.  The cabin was closed and i did not notice any damage to the dash area.  I large white cooler stood near the stern port side.  On the starboard stern side of the vessel were several large cables, possibly belonging to a computer. 


BARDID: IN-2012-0038
Date: 2012-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:28:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityTown: Hammond
County: Lake
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Unkn
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On june 24, 2012, Operator and six others aboard a 32 foot carver were traveling south along lake michigan shoreline from a concert at northerly island - charter one pavilion in chicago and then returning to Operator's slip at pier 11 marina up the calumet river (see google maps 1-5)
Approximately nine miles from pier 11, Operator was operating at high rate of speed on lake michigan with six friends in indiana waters and misjudged the wall due to the darkness and current wave conditions.  Operator misjudged the calumet harbor breakwall opening and collided with the breakwall ejecting his vessel completely out of the water and landing on top of the large rock wall approximately 450 feet north of the opening. 
A commercial vessel contacted uscg, approximately an hour after the collision (according to witnesses), at 2328 to advise them of several persons involved in a boat accident standing on top the break wall.   Uscg soon arrived on scene to rescue all persons and returned them back to the calumet harbor station at 95th street in illinois.
The chicago police marine division was contacted by uscg to assist in a chemical testing in observation that the Operator was intoxicated.  
Operator and one other witness were transported to the chicago marine unit.  There were no tests given by cpd for alcohol or drugs. 
Officer with cpd stated to officer that it did not appear Operator was intoxicated or impaired therefore he did not administer any testing.
One person stated he was sleeping on the back bench of the vessel at the time of accident and was thrown to the floor and then was slammed into the side wall.  Person also stated if he had been awake and standing up he probably would have been "thrown into the water that's how hard we hit".
Another person stated she was asleep at the time of the accident inside the cabin and remembers hitting the first bump "like a big log in the water" and doesn't remember the rest "it happened so fast"
Occupant3 stated she was asleep at the time of the accident as was "thrown off the seat" but did not know how fast they were going.
 Operator stated in an interview with officer that he was unable to see with wall due to current wave conditions (contrary to his first statement to the chicago police marine unit), and was unfamiliar with operating his recently purchased vessel (approximately less than 12 hours of prior operation).  Operator could not advise how fast he was operating the vessel.
According to Operator his  insurance company - state farm paid out approximately $40,000 for the complete loss of the vessel.
Officer investigation determined that Operator was operating his vessel at a high rate of speed as he began to hit the wall and quickly turned the wheel to the right causing most of the damage to the port side of the vessel.  The vessel then became airborne due to speed and landed to rest on the top of the break wall.  (see photographs for damage)
The vessel, over the next day, continued break apart and sunk to the bottom of lake michigan in approximately 28 foot of water just outside the break wall - 475 feet north of the red navigational light (opening gap) on the calumet harbor breakwall. (see google maps)


BARDID: IN-2012-0039
Date: 2012-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake James
NearestCityTown: Angola
County: Steuben
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Boating incident involving two motorboats, one of which was docked.
Details of investigation/incident:
On 7/14/2012 i, indiana conservation officer while on patrol on lake james in steuben county, indiana was contacted by steuben county dispatch in reference to a boating incident that had just occurred at the northwest landing on lake james.  I arrived at the location at approximately 1810hrs.  Upon arrival i met with subject.  Subject advised that she observed a red motorboat (boat 1) pull up to the dock just to the south of the access.  As the operator positioned the motorboat to drop off a subject onto the dock the waves came in and pushed the rear port side of the red motorboat into the rear starboard side of a black motorboat (boat 2) that was docked.  I identified boat 1 as a red 1994 century 210br bearing a hull number of cgmrr109i394 and an expired registration of in9170ba, expiring 02/07/2012.  I observed the century boat on a boat trailer and a male subject unloading items from the boat.  I walked over and talked with the male subject who identified himself which was confirmed by driver's license.  Operator1 advised that as he was pulling up to the dock waves came in and pushed his boat into boat 2.  Operator1 advised that no damage was done to the motorboat he was operating.  I then observed and identified boat 2, a black 2008 sea ray bearing a hull number of sert1723h708 and a michigan registration of mc7454tl tied to the dock and floating in the water.  I observed small indentions on the rear starboard side of the sea ray.  I took pictures of the area where the damage had been done.  I then issued Operator1 a citation for operating a motorboat with an expired registration.
On 8/10/2012 the registered owner of boat 2 returned my phone call and advised that the estimate for the damage his motorboat was approximately $6,000.00 due to the location of stress fractures where the fuel cells are located.


BARDID: IN-2012-0042
Date: 2012-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:45:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Hardy Lake
NearestCityTown: Scottsburg
County: Scott
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On july 30, 2012 at approximately 1500 hrs, i responded to a boat accident at hardy lake. I arrived at the alpha ramp and met with operator1 on the boat ramp. Operator1 advised that the other boat involved in the accident was tied up on the ramp dock. I walked down to the dock and met with the other involved party. After confirming that everyone was accounted for and uninjured, i separated them and interviewed them about the accident. 
	Operator1 advised that he was operating his 2000 tracker nitro fishing vessel north around the middle of the lake. He advised that he was traveling very slow (less then 5 mph) with his trolling motor only when the accident occurred. Operator1 was sitting in the driver's seat, and his wife was sitting in the passenger seat beside him. Operator1 advised that a boat was going by them on both sides when he observed the boat on his starboard side quickly turn towards them. Operator1 stated that the boat was approximately 30 yards away when this occurred. Operator1 advised that the boat was traveling approximately 30 mph when it lost control. Operator1 advised that he seen the operator trying to correct the steering, but there was not enough time and the vessel impacted his boat at the starboard rear, causing the impacting vessel to ramp over Operator1's vessel. Operator1 advised that he jumped in the water when he seen that the boat was going to hit them. wife advised that she just ducked down in the boat with her hands on her head. wife advised that she stopped the trolling motor and assisted her husband back in the boat. 
	i spoke with the operator and passenger of the other vessel. The operator advised that he was operating his 2001 smokercraft fishing boat north towards the lake dam when he lost control of his boat. Operator2 advised that he was having trouble evenly distributing the weight in his aluminum boat. He stated that the boat hit a wave causing it to turn hard to the left. He advised that he tried to steer it back to the right, but there was not enough time and he hit the other boat. Operator2 advised that he fell out of his boat, and his passenger stayed in the boat falling towards the middle. Operator2 advised that his boat shut off after the accident. He stated that he was traveling approximately 30 mph when he lost control. 
	both involved parties advised that the lake was busy when the accident occurred but they did not think anyone witnessed the accident due to nobody offering any assistance. The weather was clear and not a factor in the accident. 
	i was able to photograph the damage to both vessels. Operator1's boat had damage to the fiberglass on both the starboard side rear and port side rear. The 200 mercury outboard engine cowling was damaged on the front right and top. There was also a cut in the engine housing near the back left that i believe is from the prop of the impacting vessel. The engine housing was pushed up against the engine block on the impacted side. There were also rips in the vinyl on a pedestal seat in the middle of the boat. Operator2's boat had scratches, paint transfer, and some dents on the front starboard side just above the registration numbers. Operator2 advised that the boat was operating fine after the accident, and he found no other damage. 
	after reviewing the damage and statements, i believe Operator2's boat was leaning on its starboard side when it impacted with Operator1's boat. When the boat hit, it ramped up and over the boat causing damage to both sides of Operator1's boat and motor. 
	Operator2 advised that he did not have insurance on his boat. I reviewed his registration and did a safety check on his boat and he did not possess a required type iv pfd. Operator1 did have insurance and also possessed all required safety equipment. Both subjects exchanged information.


BARDID: IN-2012-0043
Date: 2012-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ohio River
NearestCityTown: Evansville
County: Vanderburgh
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/Swamping
RedactedNarrative:
ON 7-30-12 I WAS CONTACTED BY VANDERBURGH COUNTY DISPATCH TO RESPOND TO A BOAT ACCIDENT ON THE OHIO RIVER. ASSISTED BY EVANSVILLE FIRE, A PASSERBY TOWED THE DAMAGED BOAT TO DRESS PLAZA. WHILE TRAVELING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RIVER NEAR SIGECO BEACH THE BOAT HAD STRUCK A OBJECT BELIEVED TO BE A LOG. THE IMPACT BROKE THE LOWER UNIT OFF THE BOAT. I MET WITH THE PARTIES AT THE DRESS PLAZA BOAT RAMP. THE VICTIMS BOAT (27FT MAXUM) HAD BEEN TAKING ON WATER AND WAS PARTIALLY SINKING. FIRE PERSONNEL TIED THE BOAT OFF TO THE BOAT RAMP TO PREVENT IT FROM FURTHER SINKING. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. I CONTACTED HAMRICKS TOWING WHO TOWED THE BOAT. ON 8-1-12 I INSPECTED THE BOAT AT HAMRICKS LOT AND THE LOWER UNIT HAD BEEN BROKEN OFF. NO OTHER IMPACT SIGNS WERE VISIBLE.


BARDID: IN-2012-0044
Date: 2012-07-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Hudson Lake
NearestCityTown: New Carlisle
County: LaPorte
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
THE OPERATOR OF V1 BEGAN TO COME UP ON PLANE WITH A MOTORBOAT WHILE PULLING VICTIM ON A WAKEBOARD.  THE VICTIM FELL FORWARD INTO THE WATER TWISTING HIS LEG BEYOND THE NORMAL USE OF HIS LEG.   AS A RESULT OF THE FALL THE VICTIM CAUSED HIS UPPER RIGHT LEG TO FRACTURE.  THE VICTIM WAS TRANSPORTED TO SHORE, TREATED BY EMS,  AND TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR FURTHER TREATMENT.  LACK OF WAKE BOARDING EXPERIENCE CONTRIBUTED TO THE FALL AND INJURY.

THE INCIDENT OCCURED ON HUDSON LAKE APPROXIMATELY .5 MILES WEST OF THE INTERSECTION OF HOLLYHOCK  AND LAKESHORE DRIVE.


BARDID: IN-2012-0045
Date: 2012-08-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:16:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake LATONKA
NearestCityTown: Culver
County: Marshall
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: People on Gunwale, Bow, or Transom
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and son2, sons of victim, were standing behind the ambulance waiting for an update on their father.  Operator said that was driving the boat when the accident occurred.  Operator was chewing tobacco and i asked him to take it out in order for me to administer a preliminary breath test.  I administered a preliminary breath test to Operator at 1703 hours which showed a blood alcohol level of .012%.  Operator advised that he drank part of a beer earlier in the afternoon but did not finish it.  I did not observe any signs of impairment while talking with Operator.  

At approximately 1720 hours, i was advised that victim died in the back of the ambulance.  His sons Operator and son2 were also advised.  I then drove back to the residence where the boat was located and met with marshall county deputy rafke who was standing by the boat.  The boat was identified as a white and teal, 1995 rinker captiva 20 foot runabout boat.  The registration numbers displayed on the boat were in 6684 bb expiring in 2013.  I took photographs of the boat.  Operator told me who and where each person was on the boat.  He advised that he was the operator, son2 was in the passenger seat, occupant3 was in the starboard bow seat, victim was sitting on the port side gunwale towards the bow of the boat, occupant4 was sitting on the back bench seat towards the port side, occupant5 was sitting on the back bench seat, tuber1 was on the tube being pulled behind the boat, and tuber2 was also on the same tube.  

After the rest of the family was notified by Operator and son2, i obtained a statement from the adults that were in the boat at the time of the accident.  Each statement was video recorded.  Tuber2 age 16 and occupant5 age 13 did not give a statement at the request of their parents.  

Operator gave the first statement at 1743 hours.  Operator advised that he was operating the boat pulling two people on a tube in the south bay of the lake when the accident occurred.  Operator advised the tubers fell off after a turn and he turned the boat to the right to go pick them up and was looking right.  Operator said that he heard something and looked over his left shoulder and notices victim not sitting up front anymore.  Operator said that as he was reaching for the accelerator to stop the boat he saw blood in the water.  Operator said the tube line was unhooked he drove over to pick up victim.  Victim was put into the boat and Operator drove him back to his residence and beached the boat.  Operator advised that a tunicate was put on victim and then paramedics showed up.  Operator estimated his speed at 15 mph and was in a turn when the boat struck victim.  Operator also estimated that they were on the lake for 2 to 3 hours before this occurred.  The lake conditions were calm at the time.  Operator advised that victim was sitting on the bow gunwale holding onto a bar and when he turned right, victim fell backwards.  Victim was not wearing a life jacket.  The statement concluded at 1747 hours.


BARDID: IN-2012-0046
Date: 2012-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Monroe Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Bloomington
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On saturday, 8/11/2012, at approximately 1520 hrs., i, indiana conservation officer, was travelling to monroe reservoir for assigned boat patrol when i was notified by central dispatch of a reported  juvenile injured from a wakeboard accident at four winds marina on monroe reservoir.  Central dispatch had received the information from monroe county dispatch and was only able to advise that an ambulance was enroute to four winds on a report of a 10 year old with a head laceration.  It was unknown whether the victim was at four winds or still on the lake.
   i diverted and went to bloomington hospital er in an attempt to locate the victim.  Er personnel at bloomington hospital informed me that they had not admitted a 10 year old victim with a head laceration.  I requested central dispatch to check with monroe hospital for the victim.  As i arrived at monroe hospital, central dispatch informed me that they had checked with monroe hospital and had been informed that they had not admitted the victim either.  As i was already at the hospital, i chose to personally check er and discovered that they had in fact admitted a 10 year old with a head laceration and was directed to the patient's room.
   i was greeted by a man who identified himself as Operator and the victim's father.
He stated he and his 10 year old son, wakeboarder, had been wakeboarding with family members at monroe reservoir when he fell face first into the water causing the wakeboard to flip back striking the back of the boy's head and resulting in a laceration to the right rear side of his scalp.  The victim, wakeboarder, was alert and laying in the hospital room bed watching cartoons on the tv when i entered.  I introduced myself and asked him to describe what had happened.  His description was consistent with his father's account.  He stated he had just started wakeboarding over the 4th of july weekend and was still learning to wakeboard. He had a gauze pad resting against the right side of his head and i asked if i could take a look at the injury.  He removed the pad and i could observe a laceration approximately 2-3 inches in length along with dried blood around the wound.  His father stated the attending nurse had indicated they were going to stitch the wound and release his son as the laceration was the only injury. Operator stated his father, Operator, was operating his boat, a 2006 mastercraft, when the accident happened and that both his father and the boat were at lake monroe village on fairfax rd.  He called his father and informed him that i needed to speak with him and see the boat involved.   I obtained identifying information and drove to lake monroe village to interview the boat operator.
    i arrived at lake monroe village at approximately 1656 hrs. And observed a red mastercraft with kentucky registration, ky 0508 ws, on a trailer in front of a cabin just inside the gate to the property.  I was greeted by Operator, the victim's grandfather and boat operator and the victim's uncle, who stated he was an observer on the boat and witness.  Their accounts of the incident was the same as the victim's and victim's father.  Operator stated they had initially called 911for an ambulance because the wound appeared worse at first and uncertainty whether there were any other head or neck injuries.  He stated that once his grandson calmed down and they were able to determine the injury was a fairly minor laceration to the scalp, his father decided to transport him to the nearest hospital by car.  I briefly inspected the boat, obtained the boat's registration information and identification and contact information from the operator and observer.


BARDID: IN-2012-0050
Date: 2012-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:18:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityTown: Beverly Shores
County: Porter
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Overloading
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 6-18-12 two individuals were out on lake michigan in a small 2 person inflatable raft. The two individuals were intending to use the raft near shore in shallow water. There were very windy conditions on this date along the shoreline. A strong southwest wind pushed the raft out into deep, choppy waters. The individuals attempted to row back to shore and could not overcome the wind. One individual exited the raft and attempted to pull the raft with a rope towards shore. This individual became exhausted and cold and attempted to get back into the raft. While attempting to get into the raft the raft flipped over ejecting the other occupant into the water. A strong gust of wind blew the raft away from them and they could not gain access to it again. Both subjects swam towards shore. A witness on the beach swam out and pushed one of the individuals towards shore to where they could stand on the sandbar. The other individual went missing under the water. The subject was last seen at least 600 feet from shore. Neither of individuals were wearing a life jacket.


BARDID: IN-2012-0053
Date: 2012-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Snow Lake
NearestCityTown: Fremont
County: Steuben
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
According to interviewed statements by each operator, operator2 was operating a yamaha pwc in the area near the channel on snow lake.  She came around a blind point in the lake and operated towards a pontoon boat owned and driven by operator1.  Operator2's pwc struck the starboard side of the pontoon in an area aft of the helm.  The pwc struck the pontoon angled slightly towards the stern of the pontoon.  This would have cause the impact to the bow slightly to the starboard side of the pwc.  Upon inspection of the pwc, there were too many scratches and gouges to accurately indicate where the impact was on the bow of the pwc.  Upon inspection of the pontoon, there was a dent with fresh clean light scuff marks on the starboard pontoon, approximately 2/3 of the way to the stern from the bow.  Dry dock marina, where operator1's pontoon boat was purchased, stated that the only repair would be to replace the pontoon.  Thier estimate for replacement was $2250.  Operator1 advised that this was the first season that the pontoon was on the water.  There was no other damage or considerable signs of use on the exterior of operator1's pontoon boat.  Operator2 admitted to striking the pontoon but did not feel that the impact caused the dent in the pontoon.


BARDID: IN-2012-0054
Date: 2012-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:35:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Monroe Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Bloomington
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentCause3: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with Recreational Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Owner/operator of vessel 1 was attempting to come alongside the gas docks.  He was negotiating along a marina dock to his port side and then attempting to turn to the starboard to come along side the gas dock.  The vessel was a twin engine and had lost reverse in the port engine.  He was unable to make the turn and the wind blew him into several vessels that were slipped in the marina docks.  It was also determined that he made contact with a vessel that was tied up to the outside of one of the other marina docks.


BARDID: IN-2012-0055
Date: 2012-08-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Monroe Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Bloomington
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
The boat was anchored near a capsized, orange colored, double deck pontoon boat, in2117by.  Both boats were rental boats owned by lake monroe boat rental.  Subject stated that he rented the white and orange boats from lake monroe boat rental.  Subject stated that he and several friends came to allen's creek to party with several other college students.  Subject stated that there were at least 100 people and 10-11 boats that were all tied up to each other at one point, and they arrived near allen's creek around 1430 hrs.  Subject stated that people from all of the boats were getting on and off all of the boats while they were tied together.  Subject stated that all of the boats were rental boats and they were from different rental companies at monroe reservoir.  Subject said that he didn't know some of the other people that they were tied up to.  Subject said that he came out on the orange boat, however while they were partying, he got on to the white boat.  

Subject stated that the port side of the white boat was tied with life jackets to the starboard side of the orange boat.  Subject said that while he and several others were on the white boat, the orange boat started to list to the port side, then to the starboard side.  Subject stated that as the boat listed to the starboard side it struck the canopy and railing on the white boat, damaging it.  Subject grabbed the lower deck railing on the orange boat while it listed back to the port side.  Subject stated that while this was going on, there were no occupants on the lower deck of the orange boat.  While holding on to the railing, all three men stated that they could not keep the boat from continuing to list to the port side and the orange boat rolled on to the port side of the boat, impacting the water and ejecting all passengers on the upper deck.  Subject stated that he thought that there were about 10-12 people that were thrown in to the water.  

Subject2 stated that he jumped in to the water and swam around the orange boat to see if anyone was under the boat.  Subject2 stated that he did not locate anyone and that they asked the occupants if there were any others that were not accounted for and they said that they were all accounted for.  Subject2 stated that he thought there were less than 10 people that were thrown overboard.  Subject used subject2's cell phone to call for help.  Subject stated that once the boat capsized, all other boats and passengers left the area, leaving subject, subject2, and subject3 on the white boat.  Subject had been drinking alcohol, and subject2 and subject3 stayed behind with him to drive the white boat back to the docks.  Subject stated that he lost his cell phone, a generator, and amplifier when the boat capsized.  Subject, subject2, and subject3 could not identify the people that were thrown from the upper deck of the orange boat.  After speaking with the men, i left the scene to talk to another boat that i observed nearby.  At approximately 1930 hrs. I spoke to subject4.  Subject4 was on his personal boat in the area and took photos of the boats that were tied up earlier in the day.  Subject4 stated that several of the boats appeared to be overloaded at times, and he took pictures of them with his camera.  Subject4 said that he left the area for awhile and when he returned, the orange boat had already capsized.


BARDID: IN-2012-0057
Date: 2012-08-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Patoka Lake
NearestCityTown: Birdseye
County: Orange
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 stated that he, along with his wife, were fishing in a bass tourney on patoka lake.  Operator1 stated that as all the fishermen left from painter creek he was involved in a collision with operator2, operator stated that he had known operator2 for sometime.  Operator` stated that operator2 was slightly in front of him.  He then stated that operator2 turned to the right so that operator2 could avoid an area were the depth was unkown.  Operator1 stated that the starboard bow of operator2s boat collided with the port stern of his boat.  Operator1 stated that he was traveling somewhere between 55 and 60 miles per hour.  Operator1’s wife operator was sitting on the port (passenger) side and gave the same explanation as to what had happened.   Operator1’s wife was lifted from her seat during impact and pulled the passanger side hand hold from the fiberglass.  Operator1’s wife complained of back pain as a result of the collision.
When i first spoke with operator2 he stated that operator had hit him.  After examining operator2's boat and questioning him as to how the damage occurred he changed his statement.
Operator2 stated that he was unsure of what had happened.  Operator2 stated that he was in the lead coming out of painter creek and that he did see the buoys that may have marked shallow water.  Operator2 stated that he had slowed down but was unsure if he had turned or not.  Operator2 stated that he was also traveling around 60 miles per hour.  The only thing operator2 could say for sure is that he was in the lead and that he slowed down.   Operator2s boat also suffered damage and operator2 did not finish the tournament that evening due to wrist pain.
Damage to both vessels suggest that the the starboard bow of operator2s boat contacted the mid port of operators boat.  After initial contact the stern port of operator's boat contacted the mid starboard of operator2s boat.  Operator2's boat then slid over the rubber bunk of operator's boat.   According to both witnesses operator ended up to the port side of operator2's boat.   
Physical damage and witness statements suggest that operator2 veered to the right to avoid an area where he was unsure of the depth, operator held a straight bearing and operator2 contacted operator and eventually ended up on the opposite side of operator's boat.


BARDID: IN-2012-0059
Date: 2012-07-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ohio River
NearestCityTown: Charlestown
County: Clark
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Drug use
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
SEA DOO JET SKI RAN INTO THE BACK OF THE RINKER CAPTIVE RUNABOUT.  IT WAS FOUND THAT MARIJUANA HAD BEEN SMOKED EARLIER IN THE DAY BUT A BLOOD DRAW WAS NOT ADMINISTERED.  ALSO THE OPERATOR OF THE SEA DOO JET SKI BLEW A .057 BAC ON THE PORTABLE BREATH TEST WHICH WAS ADMINISTERED BY A CLARK COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPUTY.  THERE WAS A SINGLE INJURY THAT REQUIRED HOSPITALIZATION FOR HEAD TRAUMA.  INDIVIDUAL HAS MADE A FULL RECOVERY.


BARDID: IN-2012-0060
Date: 2012-08-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Patoka Reservoir
NearestCityTown: French Lick
County: Orange
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On saturday aug 18, 2012 at approximately 4:13 pm, i was notified of a boat accident near the newton/steward ramp of patoka reservoir by conservation officer.  Officer had just received a phone call from the patoka lake marina in regards to the accident.  Officer was working a detail at the state fair and unable to respond.
Operator1 stated he launched his 1996 red/white/blue glastron bass boat at approximately 4:00 pm to pre-fish for an upcoming tournament.  He stated in his voluntary statement that from the ramp/idle area he heading west towards the portion of the main lake.
Operator1 stated he had not gone more than 200 yards from the ramp when he was struck by another vessel, a white glastron runabout ski boat.  Operator1 explained he first noticed the glastron when he left the idle zone.  It was already up on plane in front of him heading west towards the main portion of the lake as well.  Operator1 stated he was behind the glastron going in the same direction off to the glastron's port (right) side and going through the glastron's waves.  Operator1 stated his passenger yell watch out and the glastron made a right hand turn into his path.  Operator1 stated he jerked the steering wheel to the right in a last ditch effort of avoid the collision, but the vessels collided.  

 operator1's 1996 glastron bass boat sustained all of its damage to the port side.  Above the rub rail, in front of the windshield extending three foot towards the stern, was a fracture without separation in the fiberglass running with the direction of the boat.  Directly under the rub rail was a five foot fracture of the fiberglass without separation running with the direction of the boat. Two other smaller fractures were located near the registration number up towards the bow of the vessel.  Near the 2011 dnr lake permit sticker was an eight inch fracture in the fiberglass running long ways with the vessel.  Directly behind that fracture going towards the stern was a fracture running horizontal with the vessel which spidered off in different directions as it ran up towards the rub rail.  The rub rail on the glastron was red; however, paint transfer of white could be seen.  The metallic blue flake fiberglass also had white paint transfer in it.  [further- see photographs of the damage]

 next, i interview the occupants of the glastron runabout.  Operator2 indicated he was operating the 1996 glastron runabout heading west from the newton/steward ramp.  occupant indicated to me he was seated behind the driver's seat next to the engine, facing forward when the accident happened.  Occupant2 stated he was standing behind the passenger seat hanging on to the ski rack looking forward as well.  Occupant3 indicated she was seated with seven year old occupant4 front of the driver's seat near the bow section of the vessel facing the rear.
 operator2 stated they were heading west from the ramp and were making one last lap before returning to the boat dock.  Operator2 explained he turned to his right to return to the dock and subject yelled look out.  Operator2 explained he had not seen the vessel until the last minute and yanked the steering wheel back left in an attempt to avoid the collision.  Occupant2, who was standing near the engine, saw the accident about to occur and jumped from the vessel into the water.  He was not wearing a life-jacket.  The only person on board wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident was seven year old.  


BARDID: IN-2012-0061
Date: 2012-08-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:40:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: St. Joseph River
NearestCityTown: Osceola
County: Saint Joseph
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
a female told me that her boat had been hit and that the other boat had already left since the report had been taken by the fire department.  I told the lady that i was there to do the report.  She told me that she had a phone number for the boat driver and i called it.  I spoke to operator1 and he told me that he was at home already and that the boat was at his friends house.  I told operator1 that he needed to get the boat and return to maggie's landing so i could talk to him and his passenger.  I proceeded to talk to the owner of the boat.  Owner told me that she heard a loud bang and had went to look at the river to see what had happened.  Owner told me that she saw a boat that had crashed into her pontoon boat and that there was a driver, a passenger, and a skier all present.  Owner told me that she asked if anyone was hurt and they all said no.  I got the boat information and took photos of the pontoon boat.  I thanked owner for her time and the information that she had provided me with and told her how to contact the district office to get the boat crash information
 i went to maggie's landing to interview operator1 and v1 occupant.  I arrived at maggie's landing at approximately 1237 hrs and waited for operator1 and v1 occupant to arrive.  They arrived a short time later and i asked for the boat registration, insurance information,and operator1's drivers license.  I took photos of the boat and found that the only visible damage was paint transfer and a few scratches to the boat hull at the bow of the boat.  
 i had operator1 set in my truck and i interviewed him on what had happened.  I tape recorded the interview.  Operator1 told me that he was pulling v1 occupant on a wake board and v1 occupant was having trouble getting up on the board.  Operator1 told me that v1 occupant had fell several times and on the fourth attempt he was watching v1 occupant and not where he was going and the next thing he knew that the pontoon boat was about ten feet in front of him.  Operator1 told me that he slammed into the pontoon boat. Operator1 told me that he was only going about ten to twelve miles an hour when he hit the pontoon boat.  I asked him how much experience he had in driving a boat and operator1 told me about 200 hrs.  I asked operator1 if he had ever taken a certified course and he said no.  I asked operator1 if he had ever operated this boat before and he said yes.  Operator1 told me that the boat was old and did not have a lot of pick up and was slow.  I asked operator1 if there was anything wrong with the boat at the time he was operating it and he told me no that it was ok.  I handed operator1 a boat operators crash report form to fill out  i then read operator1 the law that pertained to towing someone with the boat and asked him to have v1 occupant come to my truck.
 i next interviewed v1 occupant, i also tape recorded the interview.  I asked v1 occupant what they were doing at the time of the accident.  V1 occupant told me that operator1 was attempting to pull him on the wake board and he was not having much luck in wake boarding.  V1 occupant told me that operator1 was watching him and not were he was driving and that is when v1 occupant said that they looked up and saw the pontoon boat in the path of his boat.  V1 occupant told me that operator1 did not have time to react and crashed into the pontoon boat on the pontoons starboard side transom.  I asked v1 occupant if he was injured and he told me no and that no one was injured because they were not going that fast.  


BARDID: IN-2012-0062
Date: 2012-08-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ohio River
NearestCityTown: Aurora
County: Dearborn
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
RedactedNarrative:
On 9/3/12 approximately 1400 hours I met with Operator at the Aurora Landing near the mouth of Hogan Creek and the Ohio River. I asked for Operator's drivers license and copied the information, then Operator and myself walked onto the gas dock of Aurora Landing. Operator took me to the place where he thought the impact occurred. I stated this happened on 8/29/12? Operator then advised the accident actually happened on 8/27/12, that his mother owns the boat and when he saw how much damage was done to the boat, he was afraid to tell her. That was why he waited two days to report it. Operator then tried to find where the impact happened and we were unable to find anywhere on the dock that appeared to be damaged. Operator stated he came to the Aurora Landing to get fuel and as he pulled up, realized he didn't have his wallet. Operator then advised he pulled away and as he did so he heard a "pop". Operator stated he didn't feel anything, but when he started back upstream he realized the boat was not handling like it should and he looked at the starboard (right) side of the boat and saw the damage to the boat. 

We then went to Tradewinds Marina where the boat was on a trailer there. I looked at the boat and took pictures. The boat appeared to have struck on the rear starboard (right) side of the boat, rupturing a white fender that had been hanging on the side of the boat. The boat appeared to have two molded portions, one for the top 2/3rds and one for the bottom 1/3rd. Near the rear (transom) of the boat the two portions had been separated at the seam extended approximately Eight (8') feet towards the bow (front) of the boat. There also was a crack clear through the gunwale approximately Four (4) feet from the transom (rear) of the boat. After looking at the boat I advised Operator I didn't believe his story, that I can't see how a boat could be so damaged by what he advised happened. I advised him I thought he or someone else while intoxicated had hit something then waited until sober to advise of the accident. Operator advised he understood, but stuck with the story of pulling away from the dock. I advised that the boat should not be moved until one of our boat accident reconstruction investigators had an opportunity to look at it. I also advised Operator that I may request him to take a polygraph. I then called Lt., a Division Boat Accident Reconstruction Investigator and advised him of the accident and where the boat was. 

On 9/4/12 approximately 1400 hours I took my jon boat to the Aurora Landing and put in and looked at the dock more closely for damage. I was unable to find anyplace that appeared to have been struck. I then saw the owner, drive into the parking lot and advised him of why I was there. Owner stated he had a video camera that looked onto the gas dock and I advised him of the date and time and we went up to the office located there and attempted to find the accident. Owner attempted to find it a few times then advised that it was a new system, that he hadn't learned how to operate it yet. He advised he would get with the night watchman, that he knew how to operate it and they would look for it. I gave Owner my cell phone number and advised him to call me whether they found it or not. 


On 9/7/12 I received a voice mail on my cell phone from Owner. Owner stated on the voice mail they had looked on the date in question, the date before and after and only observed one cruiser that passed about fifty (50) feet out from the dock. 


BARDID: IN-2012-1010
Date: 2012-03-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: St Joseph River
NearestCityTown: South Bend
WaterConditions: unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: unknown
Visibility: unkn
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
According to a news article, two brothers were kayaking in separate boats.  This kayaker fell into the water.  He was able to get back to the shore but departed shore again when he saw that his brother had also been dumped into the water and was having difficulty.   The current was strong.  Both showed signs of hypothermia


BARDID: IN-2012-1011
Date: 2012-03-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:31:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: St Joseph River
NearestCityTown: South Bend
WaterConditions: unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: unknown
Visibility: unkn
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
According to a news article, two brothers were kayaking in separate boats.  after looking back to see that the other kayaker had fallen into the water, this kayaker also fell into the water. The current was strong.  Both showed signs of hypothermia


BARDID: IN-2013-0001
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-02-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:41:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wabash River
NearestCityTown: Kingman
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unkn
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
once medical treatment was refused, we were able to locate the sunken boat approximately ten feet off the east side of the wabash river (gps-deg.-min. W 87  25.947', n 39  57.345').  The boat was inverted and the only visible portion of the boat was the propeller of the motor.  
 once back at their vehicle, i spoke with operator.  I asked operator how his boat sunk.  Operator explained that he and occupant1 and occupant2 had been bow fishing from the bow of his 1996 sixteen foot polar craft dakota aluminum jon boat (hin- plr14314e696).  Operator stated at approximately 1935 hours, he was maneuvering the boat down river with a trolling motor mounted on the bow of the boat.  While maneuvering the boat down river approximately ten foot off the east bank of the wabash river, he noticed an overhanging limb protruding out over the river.  In an attempt to avoid striking the overhanging limb, operator maneuvered the bow of the boat to the west (toward the navigable portion of the river).  After the bow of the boat cleared the overhanging limb, operator explained an elevated mounted generator located on the stern of the boat struck the overhanging tree limb which jolted the boat.  This resulted in occupant1 being thrown over the bow of the boat and into the river.  After occupant1 was thrown into the river, the bow of the boat became submerged and the boat began to sink.  Operator explained once he realized the boat was sinking, he and occupant2 abandoned the boat and swam to shore.  Occupant1 was also able to swim to shore.  Once on shore, operator, occupant1 and occupant2 were able to crawl up the bank and call for help.  I asked operator if they were wearing life jackets.  Operator explained they were not.  However, operator stated they did have life jackets aboard the boat.
    after speaking with operator, i spoke with occupant1.  Occupant1 explained he along with operator and occupant2 were standing on the bow of the boat bow fishing.  Occupant1 stated operator maneuvered the boat around and overhanging limb, however, the mounted generator on the stern of the boat impacted the overhanging limb.  After the impact, occupant1 stated he was thrown forward off the bow of the boat.  Occupant1 explained after he was thrown into the water, he was able to grab the trolling motor.  Occupant1 stated operator and occupant2 tried to pull him out of the water, however, the bow of the boat began to sink.  Once they realized the boat was sinking all three individuals swam to shore and called for help.  I asked occupant1 how long it took for the boat to sink.  Occupant1 stated less than a minute.  I asked occupant1 if he was wearing a life jacket.  Occupant1 stated, "no".  After speaking with occupant1, i spoke with occupant2.  Occupant2 confirmed operator and occupant1's account of the incident.
   at this time, the 1996 sixteen foot polar craft dakota aluminum jon boat has been recovered and removed from the wabash river.


BARDID: IN-2013-0003
Date: 2013-03-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Monroe Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Bloomington
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 3/30/13 at 22:15 hours, dubois county central dispatch received a 911 call from a fisherman on patoka reservoir's hoosier hills marina.  The report was that the fishermen had heard screaming for help coming from across the lake.  Two good samaritans went toward to scream to lend assist and found a debris field in the water, 1 person floating in the water, and 1 person standing on the bank.  This was in the area east of the hoosier hills marina, and just west of the patoka lake fisherman's campground.  

The two victims told the good samaritans that there had been 4 people in the boat, and 2 were missing.  

The water temperature was fourty-seven degrees with the air temperature at an estimated fifty-seven degrees.  The sky was cloudy and the reservoir is not well lighted in that particular area.   Raining would set in with-in the hour.

Ico was the first officer on scene and found two survivors in the good samaritans boat.  The two surviving victims were wet and shaking.  Survivor1 had to be assisted in transferring boat because his legs would not make it over the gunwales by themselves. They were immediately transported to shore where waiting sheriff's deputies noticed an odor of alcoholic beverage on their persons.  Dubois county sheriff's deputies offered both men a portable breath test for alcohol.  Survivor1 tested .04% and survivor2 tested .08% bac.  

Recovery operations lasted throughout the night and into the next day for the two missing men.  A search of the water as well as the bank and shore were exhausted. Ico using a hummingbird side scan sonar located the victim's vessel in thirty-five feet of water straight out from the hoosier hills marina near the shore of the fisherman's campground.  Ico used a remote operated vehicle (rov) around noon on sunday 3/31/2013 located the first victim within six feet of the sunken vessel.  Ico diver made the recovery at 13:46 hours.  Ico diver stated that the victim was lying on his right side with his arms pulled up.  There was nothing else around or under the victim.  The sunken vessel and victim were approximately 450 feet from the shoreline of the fisherman's campground.

Ico's located the second victim, at 15:30 hours using the rov in-between the sunken vessel and the fisherman's campground shore. The victim was approximately 231 feet from shore in twenty feet of water.  Ico diver recovered the victim at 1624 hours. 

Autopsies were done on both victims on monday april 1, 2013 in jasper, indiana.  Preliminary reports listed both causes of death as asphyxia-drowning.  Toxicology reports were obtained from the dubois county coroner's office.  One victim toxicology was positive for caffeine, and the second victim’s test was positive for caffeine, and a prescription anti-depressant.  His parents stated he had been on the medication for over a year.

Both brothers were interview separately on 4/1/2013 at district 7 headquarters by ico detectives.

The four gentlemen were participating in a legal bow fishing tournament on patoka reservoir when the incident occurred around 21:00 hours. 

Survivor1 stated that survivor2 had begun the tournament operating the boat.  They had a couple beers waiting on the sun to set, launching around seven.  The two deceased and survivor2 stood on the bow of the boat as survivor1 is standing on the tool box while they were operating with the trolling motor.  Survivor1 said that he doesn't have much boat experience, but it seemed to him that the boat was pretty close to the surface of the water.  He thought there was maybe 6 inches of freeboard.  Survivor1 said that when they used the big motor, water would splash into the back of the boat.  Survivor1 said survivor2 was messing with the lights on the bow, and operator took the wheel of the boat to get them to a spot they had been to earlier in the evening to fish.  Survivor1 did not feel any impact, just describes water coming into the boat as it slowed down. 
 
Survivor2 said he


BARDID: IN-2013-0004
Date: 2013-04-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:25:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Monroe Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Bloomington
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 4/13/13 i, indiana conservation officer was dispatched to a boat accident involving personal injury on monroe reservoir east of the cutright ramp. Upon arriving in the area i observed a boat being towed by another boat toward the cutright ramp. I was able to ascertain that the boat being towed was the one involved in the accident and followed them to the ramp. Upon arriving at the ramp i noticed a subject laying on the rear of the boat. The subject was conscious and alert and stated that his lower back was in pain and he could not move his legs. Shortly after our arrival ems arrived on scene and tended to victim. 
   i then spoke with witness who witnessed the accident and also assisted in getting victim out of the water. Witness advised that he saw victim traveling east in the area of hooks point when victim's boat came to a sudden stop and spun around in a circle, throwing victim out of the boat. Witness said that he went over to victim's location and helped get victim back into his boat. Witness then towed victim's boat to the cutright ramp. I asked witness how fast victim was traveling when the boat stopped and he told me that he was not on plane but he was going pretty fast.
   i also spoke with a passenger in victim's boat and asked him what had occurred. He stated that the boat suddenly came to a stop and spun around in a circle. He said that victim was thrown out of the boat and he was thrown over to the driver's side of the boat and landed in the floor. Passenger then used a landing net to reach out to victim and he took hold of the net. Passenger then pulled victim to the rear of the boat and tried to get him into the boat but was unable to. witness then came to passenger's aid and they were able to get victim into the boat. I asked passenger how fast they were traveling and he stated that they were not on plane but they were above idle speed, plowing water. 
   victim was transported to bloomington hospital and passenger refused medical treatment, although he did sustain some scrapes to the right side of his face. Both victim and passenger were wearing life jackets at the time of the accident. 
   victim's boat was taken out of the water and i looked over the motor which was the only part that i found to have sustained damage. The entire lower part of the motor was gone. Due to the damage done it appeared that the lower part of the motor had struck something with a lot of force. Due to my experience patrolling the east end of monroe reservoir, which is an idle zone, victim had to be traveling faster than idle speed for the lower part of the motor to be completely broke off by hitting something submerged in the water.


BARDID: IN-2013-0007
Date: 2013-05-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:21:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Monroe Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Bloomington
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
A SUBJECT WAS BOATING ON MONROE RESERVOIR WHEN THE TRANSOM BROKE ON THE BOAT, CAUSING IT TO FILL WITH WATER AND CAPSIZE.  A PASSING BOATER GOT THE SUBJECTS OUT OF THE WATER AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL THE SWAMPED BOAT BACK TO SHORE.


BARDID: IN-2013-0008
Date: 2013-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:08:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wabash River
NearestCityTown: Mt. Vernon
County: Posey
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
The watercraft was moving upstream (north) to the dogtown boat ramp, there was strong winds coming from the south and swift current on the wabash which caused 1-1.5 foot swells on the water. The boat took on water over the bow, the boat took a nose dive and capsized. Both occupants were in the water and were struggling in the strong current.
	 the two occupants were able to get to shore but a steep bank prevented them from being rescued from the the water until a rescue boat arrived on the scene.
	 both victims were assisted by corporal with a rescue line and two type iv pfd's. Until the rescue boat arrived. 
	 both refused medical treatment.
	 both victims stated they had proper pfd's on board but were not able to grab any devices when the capsizing occured 
	 indiana conservation corporal was on the boat ramp and witnessed the capsizing. Just prior to the capsizing, corporal told another person on shore that there was very little freeboard observed  and the boat looked overloaded for the conditions that existed.


BARDID: IN-2013-0010
Date: 2013-06-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sugar Creek
NearestCityTown: Brazil
County: Montgomery
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
arrived on scene at 6:16 p.m. and spoke to the witness, and back seat passenger of the canoe involved in the accident. The location he described as having the accident was on Sugar Creek, just downstream of the Sugar Creek Public Fishing Area on Offield Monument Road. The accident occurred around 5:00 p.m. 
(victim) was in the front of the canoe, with subject in the back. The two subjects came upon a large tree that was partially sticking up out of the flowing water. Instead of portaging around the tree, they tried to steer under it. Once they were close to the tree, the current shifted their canoe and sucked them into the tree. Operator reached his arms up against the trunk of the tree in order to push off, dislocating his shoulder and capsizing their canoe. 
Most of their gear was recovered by another canoe in their group a short distance downstream. They managed to upright their canoe and make it a few miles farther downstream to Jim Davis Bridge to summon help. Operator was transported by ambulance to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Crawfordsville where he was treated for his injury and released. Neither subject was wearing a life jacket. The subjects had type IV flotation devices in their canoes, but did not have wearable lifejackets. All subjects were issued a written warning for the PFD violation. There were several empty alcoholic beverage containers in the canoe involved in the accident. Both occupants of the canoe involved smelled of an odor of an alcoholic beverage. Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor.


BARDID: IN-2013-0011
Date: 2013-06-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:31:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Tippecanoe River
NearestCityTown: Brookston
County: Carroll
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On 6-8-13, at approximately 1437hrs. Officer received a call of a subject in the water on the tippecanoe river.  The caller advised that subjects are calling for help from the water.  We went en route from the oakdale dam area.
We arrived at 11811 w tecumseh bend rd as the medics got there.  When we arrived, i saw a group of subjects standing around a male subject sitting on the ground.  The medics were talking to that subject.
As the medics talked to him, i spoke to the victim's sister.  I asked her what had happened.  She stated that Operator and his girlfriend were in a canoe together and that occupant started screaming that Operator fell out of the canoe and had not resurfaced.  
They were able to get him out of the water and subject pounded on his chest until he coughed up water and started breathing again.  They were able to get him to shore where he was when i arrived.  Subject stated that she has a seizure disorder and that her brother has not been diagnosed with the disorder, but it appeared that he may have been having a seizure when he was pulled from the water.

I then spoke to occupant.  She is the victim's fiancée.  She stated that she and Operator were talking about how much fun they were having on the trip and then she noticed that his eyes rolled in the back of his head and he fell out of the canoe.  Occupant said that she did not see Operator for about a minute and was screaming for help.  The people were able to get Operator onto an island and he then started to breth while out there.  A motor boat assisted them in getting to shore, but was not on scene when i arrived.  They were out of the water behind 18111 tecumseh bend rd. When i arrived.
The water output of the dam was 5971 cubic feet per second.  At 9000 cubic feet per second nipsco warns the residents below the dam of flood conditions.  On 6-10-13 i spoke to occupant and she told me that Operator was released from the hospital and had a few cuts and scrapes, but they did not find a reason for him falling from the canoe.


BARDID: IN-2013-0012
Date: 2013-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:35:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Monroe Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Bloomington
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
I, conservation officer, was dispatched to the mouth of moores creek ramp at 1400 on 5/26/13 to aid a vessel that was sinking.  Arriving i found 3 men on the shore and their boat that was also beached on the shore.  The owner of the vessel reported that he had put his vessel in the lake at cutright ramp and had proceed to boat west under the causeway.  When he was just south of moore's creek cove he noticed that his boat was taking on water.  He recalled that he may have heard his boat hit something in the water earlier but he was not sure.  He proceeded to operate his boat to the nearest shoreline which was the point extending from the moore's creek boat ramp.  The boat came to rest on the shoreline and sank only a few feet until it rested on lake bottom in the shallow area it was at.  
I photographed the boat where it rested and took subjects back to the ramp where their vehicle was parked.  operator said he had consumed 1 beer that day however he did not seem to be impaired in any fashion.  operator blew in a portable breath test and the results were .000.  operator said that he had arranged to have the boat taken out of the lake in a few days.
Possible rotten wood on the forward left half of the hull seems to be at fault for the vessel taking on water.


BARDID: IN-2013-0016
Date: 2013-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Burns Ditch Waterway
NearestCityTown: POrtage
County: Porter
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On the evening of 5/30/13, Operator1 drove his 1994 cruiser rogue 2470 motorboat into marina shores marina in portage.  Operator1 attempted to dock in slip "c" 157, and he caused a boat accident.  During the incident, the bow of his boat struck the port side hull of a boat docked in slip "c" 156.  The boat in #156 was a 2008 rinker captiva 246 br.

Contact was made between both parties involved, and they agreed to let their insurance companies resolve the matter civilly.  A copy of one initial repair estimate was provided, which totaled $2,303.12.
Passenger fell into the water, while attempting to prevent the accident.  She suffered a minor cut to his hand that did not require medical attention.  No other injuries were reported as a result of the accident. 

A scratch, approximately 2 feet in length, was in a decal on the port side hull.  The scratch appeared to be completely through the decal and into the gel coat.  It ran lengthwise, and was approximately 1 foot above the surface of the water.  It appeared lighter at either end, but became more severe at it's center.
A black plastic vent cover was also found to have a crack that was approximately 2 feet in length.  The piece was screwed into the port side gunwale towards the stern of the boat.  Owner2 had already removed the screws and found stress fractures at the screw holes.
A bimini support pole on the port side of the boat had been bent.  When i examined it, it had already been straightened by owner2.  He provided photographic images of the damage to it, along with the other damages, (see attachments).


BARDID: IN-2013-0017
Date: 2013-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:12:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Witmer Lake
NearestCityTown: Wolcottville
County: LaGrange
WaterConditions: Very Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 6-18-13 at approximately 1712 hours, operator1 and operator2 were participating in a bass tournament at witmer lake in separate boats.  Operator2 was operating his boat behind operator1's boat and travelling in the same direction toward the channel leading to westler lake. Operator1 throttled down his boat before entering the idle zone when he and his passenger heard operator2 yell out to them.  Operator1 and V1 occupant turned around to see operator2's boat strike the starboard stern of their boat, and ramp up over operator1, striking him in the head.  Operator2's boat landed on the operator1's steering console windshield, and then glanced to the starboard side entering back into the water.
Operator1 received a bump to his head and did not request ems.  He did see his family doctor the next day for complaints of a headache and soreness in his shoulders and back.  His passenger was not injured.
operator2 and passenger hunter operator2 were not injured.
Operator1's boat received damage near the motor causing steering problems after the accident.  This was the initial impact area.  The console windshield was crushed and there were several scuffs and gouges along the path of engagement.
Operator2's boat received several scuffs and gouges on the bottom of the port side hull.
Both operators stated that the water conditions were very rough in that area due to the other boats participating in the bass tournament.
Operator2 stated that he observed operator1 slow down, but he could not slow his boat down quick enough to avoid the accident.  He stated the rough water conditions also contributed to forcing his boat in the direction of operator1's boat.
Operator2 was issued a written warning for imprudent operation of a motorboat.


BARDID: IN-2013-0018
Date: 2013-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:33:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Blue River
NearestCityTown: Milltown
County: Harrison
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 10:33 a.m. on 6/19/2013, i received a call from harrison county dispatch advising of a possible drowning in blue river near milltown.  I contacted central dispatch and ico cpl. reference the incident and went en route.  Local dispatch advised that several fire and ems units were already en route. 
Upon arriving on scene, units were advised by a volunteer fire unit involved in the search that the victim had been located approximately .5 mile upstream of the dead end of mudd lane, which is north of milltown.  Statements obtained at the scene were that operator and his wife, operator’s wife, had been canoeing on blue river when their canoe became lodged against a tree that was across the river channel.  Both subjects and the canoe were pushed underwater beneath the tree.  Prior to the incident, the group had been on the water for about 2 ½ hours, having put in the river at 8:00 a.m. at the totten ford bridge access.  Operator’s wife was able to get free and exit the water downstream of the obstruction downstream.  Operator was trapped underwater approximately 3-5 minutes.
Operator was freed by another member of his canoeing party.  the victim's grandson, observed the incident occur and immediately entered the water to free operator.  Upon getting the victim out of the water, cpr was performed on the victim by a member of the group.  subject stated that when she did an assessment of the victim prior to initiating cpr, that he had no pulse, blue lips, and some hemorrhaging in the eyes.  After performing cpr for an undetermined period of time, the victim starting coughing up blood and water while regaining consciousness.
an employee of cave country canoes in milltown, used a jet drive aluminum boat to access the victim and transport him to responders waiting at mudd lane.  When the victim was transferred from the boat to the ambulance, he was conscious and alert.  The victim was transported by ground to milltown where he was taken by helicopter to university of louisville hospital.  The victim died of complications while en route.
An autopsy was scheduled to be performed at the jefferson county kentucky medical examiner's office on 6/20/2013.  Ico detective sgt. attended the autopsy.  His supplemental report of the findings is attached.  The medical examiner determined that the victim died from complications relating to a previous heart condition (heart attack) which was aggravated by the near drowning incident.
Additional responders included the harrison and crawford county sheriff's departments, milltown vfd, ramsey vfd, and harrison county ems.


BARDID: IN-2013-0020
Date: 2013-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ohio River
NearestCityTown: Derbby
County: Perry
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On sunday 30th of june 2013 i was approached by subject. Subject advised that he was involved in a boat accident on sunday, may 26, 2013 where his grandson lost his finger. Subject stated he first notified indiana conservation officers central dispatch on thursday, may 30, 2013, 4 days after the incident. Afterward subject was contacted by a conservation officer but failed to return officer phone call.
Subject advised that on may 26, 2013 he and his grandson were tubing on the ohio river near the oil creek tributary on a jet ski (in-4951-cb).  Subject also said that the rope from the jet ski was not attached to the inflatable tube but wrapped around victim’s right hand. Subject and victim were traveling in an eastward direction at approximately 2:00 p.m. victim fell off the tube and the rope restricted around his hand. Subject immediately stopped the jet ski and cut the rope from victim's hand. 
Subject drove the jet ski back towards the dock, and met the perry county ambulance. Subject advised that he did call 911 and arranged the ambulance. Victim was transported to louisville, for surgery where his lost his right hand's ring finger.


BARDID: IN-2013-0021
Date: 2013-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:15:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Monroe
NearestCityTown: Bloomington
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
While on patrol i, indiana conservation officer, on thursday july 4, 2013 at 1915 was dispatched to an injured female at e48-dock at fourwinds marina. Ico was with me. 

I arrived on scene and iu health medics were walking the victim from the boat to the ambulance. Victim stated she had strong pains in her ribs. Her husband was with her. 
Husband advised that they had been out on a friend's boat all day. Victim was the sober driver and had no alcoholic beverages that day. 

Owner advised that victim was operating the boat. He was sitting in the passenger seat nearest to the driver seat. Owner was advising victim how the boat can handle tough operation. Owner told victim that she could turn the boat sharply and be okay. Victim then took too sharp of a turn that threw her out of the driver's seat into the side of the back passenger seat.

Owner advised they called for help and transported her back to the boat docks. 
 victim was transported to iu health hospital in bloomington for possible broken ribs.


BARDID: IN-2013-0022
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Webster Lake
NearestCityTown: North Webster
County: Kosciusko
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
I interview operator and she said she was pulling tubers when she noticed the boat was taking on water. She was able to wave over a passing boat and was towed into shore. They were able to make it to the end of the pier before the stern of the boat sank to the bottom of the lake. She said this is the third time the boat sank but the other two times the boat was tied up to their pier. OPerator also advised that everyone on board had a pfd but nobody had to use them. 

patona bay completed the inspection of the boat and contributed the cause of the accident to the failing of the seam of the top deck and the hull. The failed seam took on water faster than the bilge pump could pump the water out causing it to sink very rapidly.


BARDID: IN-2013-0023
Date: 2013-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:45:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geist Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Fishers
County: Hamilton
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
In2416aa operated back out of the its respective dock slip, turned to the left and accelerated causing the starboard stern of its hull to collide with the lower unit of vessel in8366bn (owned, but not occupied).  
Next while trying to pull out of the manuever, the metal cage guarding the outboards of vessel in2416aa collided with the stern fiberglass of in6534dc(owned, but not operated) causing a scrape in the paint and fiberglass and turning the lower unit to the left. 
In2416aa had fiberglass damage to the starboard stern hull and scraping on the starboard side of the cage which protects the outboard engines, both consistant with the damage to in8366bn and in6534dc.  
It must be noted that the force of the collision moved vessel in8366bn sideways on the lift, which was consistant with the direction of travel and impact from in2416aa. 
Pictures are attached to show damage and impact direction.


BARDID: IN-2013-0024
Date: 2013-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:35:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wawasee Lake
NearestCityTown: Syracuse
County: Kosciusko
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
MachineryFailure: Throttle
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
2006 ski antique approached to dock in channel of wawasee lake near johnson's bay. According to OPERATOR, the linkage/acceleration lever disengaged when trying to reverse.  When OPERATOR attempted to engage into the reverse position the lever fell forward and the boat was stuck in forward gear and accelerated, moving the boat approximately 50 yards in the water towards a seawall. The boat struck the seawall and propelled itself onto shore approximately 63 feet (seawall to stern of resting boat). The passenger was ejected from the boat and landed on shore approximately 80 feet from the initial impact. Occupant was transported by syracuse ems to goshen hospital. Xrays revealed fractures to the pelvis. Occupant was transported to parkview hospital in ft wayne to be evaluated by orthopaedic specialists. She was treated for fractures to her pelvis, sacrum and compressed fractures to her lumbar. Drugs and alcohol were not a factor. Personal floatation devices were not used.


BARDID: IN-2013-0025
Date: 2013-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:50:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Simonton Lake
NearestCityTown: Elkhart
County: Elkhart
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with governmental vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Both pwcs were operating in a small circular fashion in order to create large wake to jump. Pwc 1 was driven north, and pwc 2 was driven south. Both pwc's then turned around and drove straight towards each other in order to jump the wake they had created. Pwc 1 steered toward shore and pwc 2 also steered toward shore in an attempt to miss pwc 1. The front port side of pwc 2 collided with the starboard side of pwc 1. operator of pwc 1, was struck by pwc 2 and thrown from the watercraft. Both occupants of pwc 2 were also thrown from the watercraft. This accident occurred in approximately 3 ft of water.


BARDID: IN-2013-0026
Date: 2013-07-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Raccoon Lake
NearestCityTown: Bellmore
County: Parke
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On saturday, july 13, 2013, at or about 2000 hours, i was on patrol at raccoon lake with master officer.  We witnessed a red pwc overtaking another vessel from the rear and attempting to pass the vessel's port side.  The pwc became airborne from crossing the wake of the boat that it was overtaking.  The operator of the pwc crossed the wake at a speed and an angle that caused the pwc to land ridged on the water, creating a whiplash effect that sent the passenger somersaulting off the port side of the pwc.  After a few minutes, officer and i observed victim floating in the water trying to keep her back straight.  She was not attempting to get back on the pwc.  
 officer and i approached the red pwc where operator was talking to victim who was still in the water.  We observed victim with a pained look on her face.  Officer inquired about her needing assistance and, after a long pause, victim stated that she needed medical attention.  Victim was complaining of pain in her left hip and her lower back.  Victim stated that she was an emt, herself, and thought she needed a back board.  Officer advised parke county of the situation and bellmore first responders met us at the raccoon lake state boat ramp.  Victim was transported back to the state boat ramp via boat.  Medic 3 transported victim from the ramp to st. Vincent clay hospital in brazil to be treated for her injuries.


BARDID: IN-2013-0028
Date: 2013-07-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Brookville
NearestCityTown: Liberty
County: Unioin
WaterConditions: Very Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was sitting just south of the fairfield ramp on brookville lake waiting for the ramp to clear. While at rest, a boat approached his from the south causing water to swamp over the rear. Operator stated he felt the waves from the boat hit the rear but no water came over. Just seconds later another boat again approached from the south causing further waves to swamp Operator's boat. The second boat, Operator stated, created waves that could visibly be seen coming over the stern of the boat. These waves caused the boat to take on water and the stern of the boat to began to swamp. Operator was unable to get the water out of the boat, and it completely submerged except for the bow.


BARDID: IN-2013-0029
Date: 2013-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Monroe Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Bloomington
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
MachineryFailure: Ventilation
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/14/13 i, indiana conservation officer Was dispatched to a boat fire with injury at moores creek on monroe reservoir. Upon my arrival at the moores creek launch ramp i observed a boat tied to the shore that was completely destroyed by fire. The perry/clear creek fire dept. Was already on scene and had extinguished the fire. I spoke with fire personnel and they advised me that one subject, later identified as had already been transported to bloomington hospital with minor burns on his legs.
   i spoke with the operator of the boat, and asked him what had occurred. He advised me that they were launching the boat when the motor blew up and caught fire. Operator1 said that they had just gotten the boat off of the trailer when he heard an explosion in the rear of the boat and the boat caught fire. He attempted to put the fire out with a fire extinguisher but it did not extinguish the fire. Himself and four passengers in the boat jumped into the water and got on shore. Operator1 stated that the boat was owned by his brother in law but he had previously owned the boat. I asked operator1 if he knew of any problems with the boat and he said there were no problems that he knew of. I asked operator1 if he had turned the blower on to ventilate the engine compartment prior to starting the engine. He stated that he could not remember for sure, but he did not think that he had.
   i then spoke with the other four passengers in the boat and they all stated the same information that operator1 had told me.
   i also spoke with subject1 who had backed the boat into the water. He stated that he backed the boat into the water and unhooked it from the trailer. Subject1 said that when the boat was off the trailer he saw the explosion in the rear of the boat and saw the engine cover fly approximately 20 feet into the air.
   i looked over the boat, but the entire inside of the boat was completely destroyed by the fire. The boat was recovered from the lake by blands towing.
   later on i spoke with Operator1 and asked about the injuries. He advised that the victim had received 2nd degree burns on his legs and that he was recovering very well.


BARDID: IN-2013-0030
Date: 2013-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:08:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Shafer
NearestCityTown: Monticello
County: White
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with governmental vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/15/13 at approximately 1710 hrs, wcsd and monticello ems  responded to a pwc accident with injury. The accident occurred on lake shafer near the double shot ride at indiana beach resort. Medics arrived first and began treating victim who was on a yellow and white livery pwc and complaining of leg pain. 
Wcsd spoke with operator2 who advised him that he was the operator of a pwc that had collided with his friends. Operator2 then pointed out an asian female who was the operator of the other pwc and the wife of the injured male. Operator1 advised deputy that during the collision, she had been ejected from her pwc. It was apparent that there was a strong language barrier from everyone involved in the accident.
Operator2 was able to advise that he was traveling beside the pwc operated by operator1. Their direction of travel was unknown at the time of the accident. Operator2 stated that he was a little behind operator1 when he went to pass. That was when she turned towards him and he yelled to get her attention. The watercrafts stuck breaking victim’s left leg.
Operator2 was operating pwc in 5878 ca. The pwc was damaged on the hull, starboard side, with scratches. Operator1 was operating in 5122 ca with passenger victim.
The jet ski had a broken bow compartment and a damaged hull on the port side.
victim was transported to white county iu hospital for a possible fractured left leg. He was later transported to st. Elizabeth east for treatment. Deputy attempted to contact operaotor1, but as of 3am 7/16/13 he had not received a return call.


BARDID: IN-2013-0031
Date: 2013-07-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Patoka Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Birdseye
County: Orange
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
This report completed by indiana conservation officer. On 7-17-13 i responded to a report of an injury boat accident at patoka reservoir involving two personal water craft. The one injured person was treated by ems and then transported to the hospital. Information was gathered and a report was completed. 

on 7/18/13 at approximately 1430 hrs i was notified of a boat accident that had occurred on patoka reservoir. Information given was that two personal water craft had collided and that there were multiple injuries. It was also stated that the injured were being transported to the patoka lake marina docks. I responded to the marina and arrived at approximately 1445hrs along with first.  

An injured male was lying on the deck of a pontoon boat (in6234br). As i began to question what happened i identified operator2 as the operator of one of the pwc's. Operator2 stated he was operating a pwc and that his friend, the injured male later identified as victim, had been operating one of the two pwc's when the two pwc's collided causing injury to victim. Operator2 stated that he and victim were picked up out of the water after the collision by a passing pontoon boat and transported to their current location at the marina. 

Operator2 stated that he and victim were the only two persons involved in the accident. Operator2 also stated that the pwc's were still adrift at the location of the accident. Operator2 also stated that he and victim were friends and that they had been riding the two pwc most of the day. Victim was treated by first responders and crawford county ems. Victim had a large amount of blood coming from his nose and mouth area. Victim was loaded on a back board and transported by ambulance to meet with the air ambulance (air evac 92). Victim was conscious but in obvious pain and had some breathing discomfort. I was not able to talk to victim at that time due to his injuries. Victim was transported by air ambulance to univirsity of louisvile hopspital in louisvile kentucky. 

I talked more to operator2 to try to ascertain what had occurred. Operator2 stated that he was following behind victim at approximately 35mph when victim suddenly did a 180 and stopped his pwc. Operator2 stated he was unable to stop and attempted to turn to the right to avoid collision with victim but was unable to avoid colliding with victim's pwc. Operator2 stated his pwc slid up the bow of victim's pwc and the rear of his pwc struck victim. Operator2 stated the collision knocked victim off his pwc and into the water. Operator2 stated both he and victim were wearing personal flotation devices. I did locate and inspected the two pfd's. Operator2 stated that he was able assist victim from the water onto his pwc and that victim was bleeding profusely from his nose and mouth area. Operator2 stated that he was then able to flag down a passing pontoon boat that transported them to the marina. While talking to operator2 i noticed a faint smell of alcohol. I asked operator2 if he had drank any alcohol today and he stated yes. Operator2 stated he had drank three beers during the last couple of hours. I completed field sobriety test including horizontal gaze nastagmus, the finger count and administered a portable breath test which gave a reading of .04 at 1502hrs. Operator2's balance and coordination seemed normal and he passed the fst's. I was able to locate the two pwc's that had been involved in the accident. They were washed ashore near the small craft launch bay just off the main channel of patoka reservoir. I was able to photograph and inspect the pwc'. In4357dg had visible damage to the console and front lid area. In4355dg had no visible damage.


BARDID: IN-2013-0032
Date: 2013-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Monroe Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Bloomington
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 was operating a 2007 yamaha pwc near the entrance to allen's creek.  V1 occupant was a passenger on the rear of the pwc.  Operator1 slowed her pwc down to an idle.  Operator2 was behind operator1 and V1 occupant on a 2007 yamaha pwc.  Operator2 did not see operator1 slow down and was approaching from the rear.  Operator2 turned sharply to the left to avoid a collision.  When she did this it caused the rear of her pwc to rise out of the water.  The right rear of her pwc collided with the left side of operator1's pwc.  Operator2's pwc made an arch from the lower left rear of operator1's pwc hitting V1 occupant's left calf and hip areas and continuing to the left front of the pwc. A nearby boat loaded V1 occupant into their boat and transported her to the paynetown boat ramp.  All individuals involved were wearing life preservers and the two operator's were wearing their lanyardbs


BARDID: IN-2013-0033
Date: 2013-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Little Barbee Lake
NearestCityTown: Warsaw
County: Kosciusko
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unkn
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
(July 4th, 2013 at 0815hrs)
On july 4th, 2013 i, indiana conservation officer was called out to the residence to investigate a boating incident that occurred the night before.  Owner informed me that someone struck his boat the night before (july 3rd, 2013).  Owner stated that his wife heard a crash sometime between 2200 and 2215 as she was just lying down for the night.  Wife stated that she thought it was a car crash out front and was waiting for the sirens but they never came, so she went to sleep.  I observed significant damage to owner's pier and to his boat (in2655ay).  I observed the propeller had been broken at the drive shaft and was completely missing.  The boat had also been hit hard enough to push it forward off the lift.  I also observed that the pier had two boards that were severed.  It appeared as though the boat that hit boat had been coming into the channel between little barbee lake and big barbee lake with too much speed and hit owner's boat and pier almost directly head on.
I did not observe any paint transfer and also found that the distance between where the boards were damaged and where the propeller would have been was approximately 6'.  This indicates that the suspect boat may have been a pontoon.  Several unnamed witnesses confirmed this.  One witness was an adult male that approached owner at his residence on july 4th, 2013, stating that he saw the incident happen.  According to the witness, after the pontoon struck owner's boat and pier it took off through the channel towards big barbee lake.  The witness stated that he followed them but lost them once they got to the big lake because they shut their lights off.  Owner informed us that this witness saw big “porch lights” on the front of the pontoon.
I was unable to locate the suspect pontoon on this day.


BARDID: IN-2013-0034
Date: 2013-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:11:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Monroe Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Bloomington
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: None
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
AccidentEvent1: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Prelude:
Subject was thrown from his boat while on monroe reservoir.  He was then run over by his own boat, causing severe injuries to both legs and right arm.  Victim was airlifted to methodist hospital.

When i arrived at the ramp i was met by paynetown sra employees, as well as son of the victim.  Also pulled into boat slips at the ramp were the boats.  Victim’s son stated that the boat belonged to his father and that he had owned it for a number of years but had not operated it much in the last year.  He said they had just put on the water at cutright ramp, passed under the causeway and increased power while running alongside the west side of the causeway.  Victim’s son stated his father began turning the boat in a left hand turn when the boat suddenly turned much sharper, causing father to be thrown from the right side of the boat and throwing victim’s son into the driver's seat.  Victim’s son stated he was able to immediately throttle down the boat and went to pick up his father.  He immediately realized his father was seriously injured and began yelling for help. subject and his girlfriend were fishing nearby and came to assist.  Victim’s son was able to pull his father into his boat and then subject drove the victim’s boat back to the ramp while his girlfriend operated his boat.  After my interview, victim’s son was given a ride to the hospital with ems staff.
Victim’s son suffered no injuries.  According to victim’s son and ems on scene, father suffered compound fractures above both knees as well as a compound fracture to the right wrist.  Father was not wearing the kill switch to the boat or a life jacket.

The morning of june 13, 2013 i inspected and photographed victim’s boat.  There was blood covering a large portion of the back deck were father had laid before being removed from the boat.  There were no scratches or marks that appeared to be new or fresh on the boat.  The only oddity i found was what appeared to be a newly installed 'whale tail'.  There was a small piece of the anti cavitation plate that was missing and the whale tail appeared to have been installed over that.  I could not be certain if the broken piece of anti cavitation plate occurred before or after the installation of the whale tail.  The entire lower unit was photographed, as well as the rest of the boat.  Father's family had asked me to look through the boat for father's wallet and keys.  The hospital staff had advised them that they did not have them in father's belongings.  I was unable to locate either item in the boat.
I contacted ted's aquamarine, a yamaha dealer, to determine if i would be able to pull any rpm data from the motor.  They advised that although they could pull so


BARDID: IN-2013-0035
Date: 2013-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Monroe
NearestCityTown: Bloomington
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/27/13, i, indiana conservation officer, responded to a call about a boat accident at four winds marina approximately 4:30 p.m.  the boat that did the damage was at allen's creek so i went there to speak with the owner and operator.  
Operator was operating his 92' house boat in the four winds marina around 2:30 p.m. when a gust of wind blew him into two boats that were unoccupied and docked in e dock.  Operator said that he had just finished pumping out his waste at the pump docks that is directly west of e dock.  As he was pulling out a gust of wind caught the side of his house boat and pushed him into the two boats near the end of e dock.  Operator said he did his best to prevent hitting them but after contact was made, he left the area as quickly as possible to prevent the same thing from occurring again.  Operator made the call to dispatch from allen's creek and i responded there.  
Of the two boats that sustained damage, one was a pontoon boat at slip #81 and one was a sailboat at slip #89.  Operator showed no signs of impairment.  After taking the report from Operator i went to e dock of four winds to photograph and investigate the situation there.


BARDID: IN-2013-0036
Date: 2013-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Monroe
NearestCityTown: Bloomington
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of wave/wake
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On 7-21-13 at approximately 1527 hrs, I, Indiana Conservation Officer , arrived on scene at Harding Ridge Boat ramp of Lake Monroe to assist an injured person. Victim had been tubing behind a boat, registration # IN 0660 VK, when she hit a wave that knocked her off the tube and into the water. Victim landed awkwardly in the water and injured her back. The operator of the boat said that he had been pulling three girls on two tubes just out from Harding Ridge ramp. Two girls were on a red tube and Victim was on a yellow tube by herself. Operator said that he was pulling the girls relatively slow when at approximately 1500 hrs he saw Victim hit a wave that knocked her off the tube. Operator turned the boat around to pick her up. Victim said that she was having trouble getting in the boat, as if her legs were not working. Operator helped her in the boat and that is when Victim began complaining of more pain in her back and legs. She blacked out and had what seemed to be a short seizure. At approximately 1514 hours they called 911 and went back to the ramp where they waited until the EMS unit arrived.
Upon arriving I found Victim in the boat in a seat and conscious. She was in too much pain to move. Indiana Conservation Officer arrived and assisted EMS in loading her into the ambulance. Victim was then transported to Bloomington Hospital for examination. She was released shortly after with a diagnosis of strained back muscles.
The boat operator was given a PBT at 1610 hrs with results .000.
I followed up by call Victim later that night and she said she was doing much better.


BARDID: IN-2013-0037
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:03:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Brookville Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Brookville
County: Franklin
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of Spilled Fuel or Vapor
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
Operator started his father's boat where trapped gas vapors ignited and caught the boat on fire.	
Details of investigation/ incident:
 on sunday july 21, 2013 at 1103am Operator put his father's 1974 correct ski boat on brookville reservoir at bonwell boat ramp.  When he started the ignition a fire erupted from under the motor cover and caught the boat on fire.
 he immediately called 911 where brookville volunteer fire department and indiana conservation officer responded.  When we arrived we observed a gray ford 4 door passenger car was still hooked to a boat and trailer where the boat was engulfed in flames.
 the fire department put out the fire while officer retrieved information from the boat operator now.  Operator stated that he started the boat where he heard a poof and then fire and smoke started coming from under the boat motor cover.  He tried spraying with a fire extinguisher that was on the boat but it was too hot.  I took photographs and ran the vehicle, trailer and boat information through franklin county dispatch.  
 operator spoke with his father where he wanted him to bring the boat and trailer home if possible.  Jolliff towing service removed the vehicle, trailer and boat from the water where we discovered all was well and driveable.
 on july 29, 2013 at 1435pm i spoke with father and he informed me that he was not filing the incident with his insurance that it would be a total loss.


BARDID: IN-2013-0038
Date: 2013-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:25:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Brookville Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Brookville
County: Franklin
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On saturday, july 27, 2013, at approximately 1531 hours, i, indiana conservation officer (ico) received a call from franklin county sheriff's department in reference to a subject that had been injured while tubing on brookville reservoir. They stated the subject had been transported to fairfield marina where ems was already on scene. The victim whose left leg had been cut by a rope attached to a tube was already en route to mccollough-hyde memorial hospital in oxford, ohio. 

Operator stated that it was a 'freak' accident. He stated that they had just gone out of the fairfield causeway idle zone and he had put the boat into gear. He stated that victim was sitting behind him in the rear seat of his pontoon boat. He stated subject was sitting to victim's left on another portion of seating and Subject's wife was sitting to victim's right on the same seat. He stated that they had a large, three person tube (xps brand) sitting on the sundeck at the rear of the pontoon boat. Operator stated that after they had reached near top speed, he heard victim yell. He stated that he looked back and observed victim going into the water and the tube was already in the water. He stated that at first, he thought victim had noticed the tube going into the water and reached back and tried to grab it, causing him to go into the water. He stated that he then turned the pontoon around and went back to victim. Operator stated that once they arrived to victim, victim showed them his leg and it was severely cut. They pulled victim onto the boat and then called 911 after seeing the large gash in victim's leg. 

Operator stated that victim told them that the rope attached to the tube had cut into his leg and pulled him overboard. I issued Operator a portable breath test, in which he tested .000%brac. I then spoke with Operator's wife. She seemed upset that the incident had happened. She stated she was sitting near the front of the pontoon and was cleaning some items as the incident happened. She stated she did not see victim go into the water, but stated victim was sitting in the back seat of the pontoon and the tube had been up on the sundeck. 

Victim was in good spirits and his right leg was bandaged below his knee. Victim stated that the group had been on the water for approximately an hour before the incident. He stated that he was sitting on the rear seat of the pontoon and that subject’s wife was to his right. He stated that Operator had gassed the pontoon after they got out of the idle zone south of fairfield causeway. He stated that the tube had been up on the sundeck but must have slid off of into the water after the boat got underway. He stated that the rope was behind his left leg, but must have been in front of his right leg. Victim stated that once the tube got out so far behind the boat, the rope went tight and cut into the shin of his right leg, causing him to go up and out of the boat. He stated that when it happened, he 'just went with it,' and stated it was a good thing he did or it could have been worse if had resisted it. Victim stated he thought the incident occurred around 1525 hours. Victim stated he had consumed 3-4 beers that afternoon. He stated that he was not wearing a lifejacket at the time of the incident


BARDID: IN-2013-0039
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2013-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:45:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Freeman
NearestCityTown: Monticello
County: White
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
I was dispatched on july 27, 2013 at 11:47 a.m., to a boat accident just south of “the sandbar” on lake freeman by carroll county sherriff dept.  Carroll county advised me that they had been advised by white county sherriff dept. Of a boat that struck a stump and was sinking.  By the time i arrived at 12:07, i could only see a portion of the windshield above water.  There was another boat next to the sunken boat helping gather materials.  operator stated he was idling along and struck an object under the water.  He got out of the boat and discovered it was a stump and it had put a “fist sized” hole in the fiberglass hull.  

Operator already had everything he could in the boat that was already assisting.  I had Operator get in my boat and we picked up an idle buoy that was out of place and placed it next to Operator's boat for safety purposes.   I advised Operator that his insurance would have to pay someone to recover the boat.  We then headed to shore and i made sure that no medical assistance was needed.  Operator said everyone was fine.  Operator stated that the kids had put on the pfd's and floated to shore.  I received the registration and a driver's license from Operator.  I copied his information and took his statement.  I gave Operator a copy of the operators report to fill out.  After i received all the information i needed from him, i gave Operator a paper with my phone number and dist 3's office and advised him to call us when they plan on doing the recovery.  I took pictures of the accident and took a gps reading with the unit in the boat.  The sonar stated the depth was 4.2 ft.  The gps coordinate is n40*44.706', w 86*44.688'.


BARDID: IN-2013-0042
Date: 2013-08-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wawasee Lake
NearestCityTown: Syracuse
County: Kosciusko
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
1990 CorrectCraft ski boat was struck after crossing in front of a 2001 Malibu that was towing a skier. Damage was received on the starboard side of the 1990 ski boat and the male operator was not injured. A female passenger in the 2001 Malibu bumped her head and was treated for a small contusion by her family practioner.

Details of Investigation/Incident: 

On August 5, 2013 I, Indiana Conservation Officer (ICO) was on routine patrol when I received a call from ICO dispatch of a boat accident that occured on Wawasee lake. The caller advised that a female passenger received a bump to the head and requested not to have emergency personnel respond.

I was able to contact Witness1 who witnessed a portion of the accident and made the initial call to 911. Witness1 advised she received information from a male operator/owner of a 1990 Correct Craft Ski Sport. The male operator identified himself as Operator1. Operator1's watercraft was struck on the starboard side near the drivers helm. A 2001 Malibu was towing a skier when he struck Operator1's Correct Craft. Operator1 was not injured. Operator1 gave Witness1 and Operator2 a contact number and advised he wanted to get his boat back to shore to avoid it sinking.

I arrived at the Operator1 residence and photographed a 1990 Correct Craft with extensive fiberglass damage to the starboardside. Operator1 identified himself to me as the operator of the boat at the time of the accident. Operator1 said he was returning from fueling when he was struck by a white ski boat. Operator1 said he was concerned about getting his boat back to avoid it from sinking. 

I spoke with the operator, Operator2, of the Malibu. He said he was pulling his step-daughter, when suddenly a ski boat came across his bow. Operator2 said he hit the boat on its starboard side.


BARDID: IN-2013-0044
Date: 2013-07-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Salamonie Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Andrews
County: Huntington
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/20/2013, at approximately 1750 hrs i was informed by huntington county dispatch of a boat accident on salamonie reservoir in huntington county involving injuries. I then made the scene, arriving after the one injured victim had already been transported to the hospital. Along with the assistance of an andrews deputy, we tracked down those that had called 911. Although not actually involved in the accident, they had assisted in retrieving 3 people from the water and transporting the one injured victim to the boat ramp for medical assistance. No other witnesses were located and the others involved in the accident could not be located on that day. After much effort, all people involved in the accident were eventually located and interviewed. Two males and one female were in a boat that abruptly sank. The female received chemical burns on her body from gasoline spilled into the water as the boat sank and was transported to st joseph hospital in ft wayne, in for treatment. Due to multiple violations uncovered during this investigation, all 3 people involved in the accident were charged for various reasons. One other person, the sister of the two males involved in the accident, was charged for interfering and withholding information during this investigation.


BARDID: IN-2013-0046
Date: 2013-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Morse Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Noblesville
County: Hamilton
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 was in the water beside his pwc (vessel 1).  Vessel 2 accelerated into operator1.  Operator1 lifted his arms in defense.  Vessel 2 glanced off of operator1's arm, straining his rotator cuff, then proceeded over the top of vessel 1, breaking the gas cap off of vessel 1.  Vessel 1  also sustained minor scuffs to the rub rail.  Vessel 2 sustained minor scratches to the bottom of the hull.


BARDID: IN-2013-0047
Date: 2013-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:45:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityTown: Whiting
County: Lake
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
RedactedNarrative:
on july 18th at approximateky 3:00pm victim and subject boarded operator's motorboat at the east chicago (pastrick) marina.  They traveled west on lake michigan.  Operator states he turned the motor off in front of whihila beach, but did not anchor.  The boat's depth finder indicated 12.2 feet to the bottom.  Operator went into the water first, and came out a short time later.  Subject then went in, and also came out  quickly.  At approximately 3:45 pm victim  jumped in, causing the boat to move several feet. operateor stated as soon as victim's head broke the waters surface operator knew victim was having trouble staying afloat. Operator screamed at subject to help victim.  Subject, who was sitting on the boat's swim platform, jumped backed into the water, and reached victim who was  20 to 30 feet from the boat in approximately 10 to 12 seconds.  Subject grabbed a hold of victim and told him to tread water, victim did not respond, and was motionless. Subject attempted to keep victim's head above the water but could not, stating he went under three times attempting to keep victim's head up, and became exhausted. Operator had positioned the boat close enought to subject that operator was able to grab subject and assist him back on board.  Subject told operator to try and save victim.  Operator states he observed victim two feet below the surface and two feet from the boat, and after observing the difficulty subject had trying to save victim, felt he didn't have the ability to bring victim to the boat.
 operator dialed 911.  He also called for assistance over the marine radio.  Subject states the coast guard arrived in approximately 10 to 15 minutes and started a surface search.  A lake county marine patrol boat  (subject refers to the marine unit as the state police in his written statement) and the lake county aquatic dive team also responded.
  i arrived at whihila beach at approximately 6:00 pm.  The coast guard, lake county marine, the aquatics, and idnr had boats in the area victim was last seen.  I was approached by lake co sheriff officer who wanted to know exactly where his divers should be searching for the victim.  I responded we need to talk to the witnesses.  He replied no witnesses were there.  I than called officer and requested if he had any knowledge of who or the location of the witnesses.  He was able to determine after talking to the coast guard and lake county marine patrol the identity and phone number for operator.  I called operator who told me he had just arrived home.  I asked him who told him he could leave, and he replied both the coast guard and lake county marina patrol advised him it was alright for him and subject to go home.  I told him he was needed back at whihila to determine the location victim entered the water.  I also asked if any of victim's relatives were told of his disappearance.  Operator advised he had called victim's wife who was in colorado, of the situation.  I called wife and told her what was being done to find her husband..  Operator arrived at approximately 0900 pm.  I interviewed him and he provided a written statement.  The lake county aquatics transported him by boat to the location victim was last seen.  Victim's body was located by idnr's side scan sonar, and the aquatics divers made the recovery in 15 feet of water at 10:12 pm.  I called victim's wife and informed her of the recovery.
 victim's body was transported to the hammond marina on the aquatic's boat.


BARDID: IN-2013-0048
Date: 2013-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:55:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pine Lake
NearestCityTown: LaPorte
County: LaPorte
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person Ejected from Vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operator advised officer he and his passenger were sitting still (drifting) on a pwc next to a buoy near the beach area off waverly rd.  Operator stated his pwc was suddenly struck by another boat.  Operator explained he did not see any vessels motoring in his direction prior to the collision.  Operator stated the impact was enough to throw his passenger (8 year old) off the pwc into the water.  Operator advised he and his passenger were not hurt as a result of the collision.  Operator stated the operator of the suspect boat checked to see if he and his passenger were injured.  Operator stated the suspect boat operator left the scene when Operator was assisting his passenger back on the pwc.  Damage occurred on the port side bow of Operator's vessel as a result of the collision.  There were no other witnesses to the crash.


BARDID: IN-2013-0049
Date: 2013-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: IN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityTown: Hammond
County: Lake
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
I, ICO, was on Lake Michigan boat patrol with ICO when we received a message from the Lake county marine unit that a possible drowning had occurred by Hammond Marina at approximately 1630 hrs. We arrived on scene at 1700 hrs at the Hammond marina gas docks where the ambulance transporting the victim had just left and was en route to St. Catherine's hospital in East Chicago. Hammond police officers where on scene and put me in contact with two people including the fiancee of the victim before they left for the hospital. Occupant1 had been a passenger on the PWC that was operated by the victim. Occupant1 said that they were north of the Hammond Marina breakwall where they encountered some high waves and fell off of the PWC. The victim, Operator, became panicked in the water and was unable to get back on the PWC even with help from Occupant1. Occupant1 waved down another PWC operator to assist him with Operator. Operator and Occupant1 were wearing type III USCG approved PFD's. Good sam and Occupant1 were having trouble with getting Operator back on the PWC when they waved down a good samaritan boater. Good sam2 was able to get Operator on the swim platform of his boat and transport him to the Hammond gas dock. Good sam2’s wife called 911 while they were en route to the gas dock and notified Hammond police and EMS of the situation. 
Occupant1 and Good sam drove the PWC's back to the Hammond Marina beach where Operator's fiancee  and other family members were. Occupant1 and Victim’s fiance went on foot to the Hammond gas docks where medics were treating Operator and loading him into the ambulance. 
After I made contact with Occupant1 and Victim’s fiance, ICO and I went to the Hammond Marina boat launch to find where the PWC was that was involved in the accident. Cpl was advised of the situation and was en route to St. Catherine's. Both witnesses were located and ICO obtained written statements from them. I located the PWC in question, a 2005 red Yamaha 1100, with expired Illinois registration being operated by subject (Occupant1’s twin brother). Subject was instructed to bring the PWC to the boat launch to get it on the trailer. There was no obvious damage to the PWC. Subject explained that his brother Occupant1 was looking to purchase the PWC and brought it out that day to test it. 

I attended the autopsy of Operator at the Lake County Coroner's office the next day (August 12th). The forensic pathologist deemed a  preliminary cause of death for Operator was drowning with underlying medical conditions. Operator suffered a heart attack either when he fell into the water off of the PWC or while he was en route to the hospital. He also suffered from a condition called "Myathenia Gravis" which is a weakening of the skeletal muscles. Some symptoms of this disorder are breathing difficulties, frequent gagging, and the inability to cough up foreign materials in the lungs (food, water, etc.). 

The PFD that Operator was wearing was turned over to the coroner's office to be included in Operator's personal property. The PFD was in serviceable condition and did not have any noticeable defects.


