# ReleasableAccidentes

BARDID: WI-2014-0012
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityorTown: Prescott
County: Pierce
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was returning to the boat launch and the water level was high and a green channel marker buoy was submerged at times and would come back to the surface.  Operator did not see the buoy going over it and causing a hole in the bottom of the boat, also causing operator to hit his head on the windshield frame.  The boat began to sink and operator was able to operate it to the WI shore.


BARDID: WI-2014-0013
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Upper Nemahbin
NearestCityorTown: Village of Summit
County: Waukesha
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was headed towards the owner's pier and were about 100 yards from the pier when the incident happened.  There were four children between the ages of 8 and 12 sitting on the bow without any PFD's.  The boy on the starboard most side fell off of the bow and went between the pontoons.  No warning was given to the operator by anyone on board.  The operator felt the prop hit something and then head the boy scream.  The prop hit the boy's left leg causing lacerations.  The boy was brought back on board and transported to the pier.  At the pier he was stabilized by medical personnel and then transported to the hospital.


BARDID: WI-2014-0014
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Flambeau Flowage
NearestCityorTown: Lady Smith
County: Rusk
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated she pressed the throttle to the PWC and attempted to start the craft which subsequently exploded.  Operator stated she was propelled into the air by the explosion and sustained injuries from the incident.  Operator stated the PWC has sunk into the Dairyland Flowage and was not recovered.


BARDID: WI-2014-0015
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-06-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big Silver Lake
NearestCityorTown: Wautoma
County: Waushara
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Owner instructed operator to turn blowers on and did for at least three minutes.  Operator tried starting the boat three times until it turned over and stayed running.  Operator heard a "pop" and saw dark smoke coming from engine compartment.  Operator tried to get fire extinguisher.  Owner yelled at operator from shore to just get off the boat.  Operator jumped into the water and swam to shore unharmed.  Within minutes the boat was fully engulfed by flames.  The boat drifted until the fire department was able to reach the boat with their hoses and extinguish the fire.  With the fire nearly out the boat was secured by the fire department and extinguished completely.  No other property was damaged.  The boat was towed to the boat landing, loaded onto the trailer attached to the Wardens squad and removed from the lake to avoid any pollution or potential boat sinking.  Once the boat out of the lake Wenningers Towing pumped the liquid and fuel out of the boat and into a safe container for transport.  Warden and two Waushara Co Sheriffs Deputies were able to look at and document the damage more closely.


BARDID: WI-2014-0016
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Harbor at South Point Marina
NearestCityorTown: Kenosha
County: Kenosha
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator2 was operating and heading west down a marina channel with the intention of docking his boat. His son V2 occupant was at the stern of the starboard-side of the boat. Operator inexperience, a wind gust, and possible carbon monoxide intoxication caused Operator2s stern to swing north towards a docked boat. V2 occupant became caught between the bow of docked boat and the side of Operator2's boat, however the boats never made contact with one another. Operator2 then powered his boat forward and turned left in an attempt to free V2 occupant. This led to Operator2's boat accelerating into the stern of another docked boat, which was docked on the south side of the channel. Operator2's bow struck the stern railing and pulpit of boat1, causing damage. With the assistance from nearby citizens. Operator2 was able to then move his boat to a nearby open slip where he docked. V2 occupant was transported to a hospital where medical staff applied bandages to scrapes on his abdomen and released him. I was later suggested that carbon monoxide intoxication may have affected Operator2. This suggestion was based on symptoms experienced and was possible caused by the helm enclosure on Operator2s boat.


BARDID: WI-2014-0017
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-05-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Fontana
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat was traveling at speeds greater than slow no wake.  Operator of boat looked down at his cell phone and was not paying attention to where the boat was going.  The boat struck the Brookwood Association Pier 519.  The boat continued over the pier and became airborne.  Fontana Police Officer reported the pier was damaged and almost completely severed in half.  Significant structural and electrical damage to the pier area.


BARDID: WI-2014-0018
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sturgeon Bay
NearestCityorTown: Sturgeon Bay
County: Door
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: structural failure
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Other
OtherEquipmentFailure: bracket failure
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Once boat was on plane operator cruised at a speed of 25mph.  After cruising for a good 5 minutes the steering wheel all of a sudden jerked really hard to the left.  The boat turned around almost a complete 180 degrees.  Operator noticed no power, all electronics no longer worked.  Operator then looked up and saw the cover of the motor floating about 10 to 15 yards away.  At that point they thought the motor cover just snapped off the motor somehow but when they turned around to the back of the boat they realize that the motor had snapped off the motor mount/bracket.  At that point they called the Coast Guard and the tow company towed them back to shore.


BARDID: WI-2014-0019
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Kenosha
County: Kenosha
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator and passenger were sailing out of the Kenosha Yacht Club onto the waters of Lake Michigan. The wind was NE 15-20 mph and the waves were approximately 2-3 feet. As they began their trip the fog steadily increased and became increasingly difficult for the operator to maintain visual contact with the shore. They sailed between .25 and .50 miles from the shore before heading back toward Simons Island in an attempt to stay upwind and within sight of shore. The operator had inadvertently bore off too much wind and with both the operator and passenger on the starboard side of the boat, along with the wave action the sailboat healed severely and capsized. Both people on board went into the water. With the boat capsized the boat began grabbing wind and blowing downwind. The operator was able to stay with the boat, while the passenger was separated as he struggled with the restrictions of his self-inflated life vest. The operator struggled to right the boat while the passenger was floating just upwind of the boat. The operator eventually righted the boat and realized the rudder had become disengaged from the boat. The boat lost steering without the rudder and went into irons. The operator worked on the rudder and eventually got it reattached. The passenger was still in view and upwind of the sailboat. As the operator raised the mainsheet he realized it had become cleated and immediately caused the boat to capsize again. The operator tried to once again right the boat but was overcome with exhaustion and the beginning stages of hypothermia. At that point the operator saw he had lost sight of the shore and his passenger, the operator then used his hand-held VHF radio to call the USCG for help. The operator and boat eventually washed up on shore, while the passenger was later picked up approximately 100 yards from shore by the USCG. Both were then treated for hypothermia and later released from the hospital around 9:30pm.


BARDID: WI-2014-0020
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 04:42:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Oconomowoc Lake
NearestCityorTown: Village of Oconomowoc Lake
County: Waukesha
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator drove the pontoon boat out onto the lake. The boat was stopped and the engine was off but it was not anchored. The victim jumped off the boat to go swimming. Occupant then joined him. The two swam for a short period of time when the group decided to leave. Occupant got into the boat and noticed that the victim was not following him and was not visible. The group looked under the boat but the victim was not there. Occupant then drove the boat looking for the victim. 911 was then called and the group went to a nearby pier. Victim was found at about 12:38pm in 42 feet of water.  Victim's BAC was 0.277.


BARDID: WI-2014-0022
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:19:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Delton
NearestCityorTown: Lake Delton
County: Sauk
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 was operating a pontoon near the middle of Lake Delton traveling east pulling 2 on a tube. He observed a PWC being operated by Operator2 approaching the pontoon straight on traveling west at a high rate of speed. Operator1 did not want to alter his course fearing it would push the tube being pulled into the path of the PWC however did turn slightly to port. he stated that the PWC passed on his starboard side about 5-10 feet away splashing the pontoon. Injured2 observed the Jet Ski approaching the pontoon at a high rate of speed and stated that when Operator1 turned left slightly the Jet Ski did as well then turned right striking the tow rope before impacting the tube. Operator2 stated that he passed the pontoon on his starboard side about 20 feet away. Operator2 was unaware the pontoon was pulling a tube until he had passed the pontoon. Operator2 turned starboard to try and avoid the tube being pulled as it was in his path and thought it might have gotten pushed in his direction by a wave. Operator2 turned starboard he struck the tow rope attached to the tube with his neck ejecting him from the PWC. The PWC struck tuber who was on the port side of the tube. Operator2 was unsure if he was on the PWC when it struck Injured2 due to blacking out after striking the tow rope.


BARDID: WI-2014-0023
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnebago
NearestCityorTown: Fond du Lac
County: Fond du Lac
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat was cruising on plane approx. 40mph when the boat hit a wave or something in the water which caused a hole in the bottom hull, boat filled up with water and overturned. 

Incident reported to Deputy of Fond du Lac Sheriff Office, no officer report.


BARDID: WI-2014-0024
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Wisconsin
NearestCityorTown: Merrimac
County: Columbia
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was pulling two people on a ski tube.  One of the riders fell off the tube.  We stopped and returned to pick up the rider and he decided to board the boat rather than ride the tube back in.  The heavy waves and wakes in the area pushed him into the propeller and trim tabs on the lower unit and he cut his left leg on the calf which required stitches.


BARDID: WI-2014-0025
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnebago
NearestCityorTown: Fond du Lac
County: Fond du Lac
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Impacted vessel (B) was traveling north, just outside of the marina, and past the green navigational buoys of the channel to the marina on Lake Winnebago Striking vessel (A) was also traveling north, just outside of the marina. Operator of A observed B being operated to his port or left side, a short distance ahead of his vessel A and the left of the green navigational buy. The operator of A continued to travel in the direction of the green buoy. The water conditions were rough/choppy due to high winds coming from the northwest direction. The operator of A increased his speed to attempt to get over the waves, as he noticed his passenger sitting in the bow of the vessel was getting wet due to the wave splash over the vessel. Operator of A while operating the boat in a forward direction had been looking back at his motor to verify the direction of the steering. this was his first time operating this vessel on the water. He then had his attention on the bilge pump switch as he had accidentally bumped it to the on position. While attending to these two activities, along with the increase in speed, his passenger attempted to get his attention to stop, as he was about to strike B. By the time the operator of A could look ahead he had struck B. A ran over B on the starboard side of B, at the back of the boat, then across toward the port side. Operator of A then put his boat into neutral and attempted to maneuver his boat off B. B instantly took on water from the backside of the boat. B sunk to the lake bottom with only bow remaining above the waterline. Both occupants of B were able to be rescued into A by the passengers of A. All parties traveled back to the marina in A.


BARDID: WI-2014-0026
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-06-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pine Lake
NearestCityorTown: Springwater
County: Waushara
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Chain O Lakes Water Ski Club was practicing show act of Boat O's or 360 degrees around boat, where boat turns sharply left, whipping a slalom skier to right, boat reduces speed and turns wheel back to right as slalom skier skis/swings around bow of boat, back to the stern as boat steadily increases speed to keep skier on plane, thus skier completes a full circle or 360 degrees around boat when skiing.  In this instance there were two skiers on separate ski ropes, one fell off balance at apex of ship, cart-wheeled in air and onto and into / impacted water, causing strain / injury to back.  victim was brought to shore and transported to Medical Center in Waupaca for his injuries, treated and released from ER.


BARDID: WI-2014-0027
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Wappagasset
NearestCityorTown: Amery
County: Polk
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat B was drifting in the area northeast of the northern island on Lake Wapogasset.  The operator was using a cell phone at the time of the incident.  Boat A was traveling around the island and was heading northbound at nearly full speed.  The operator of boat A slightly reduced speed and began to turn westbound directly toward boat B.  The operator of boat A stated that he was not able to see boat B and was never informed by his passenger of another boat in the area.  No parties stated they suffered injuries and denied medical attention.


BARDID: WI-2014-0028
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:56:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Clam Falls Flowage
NearestCityorTown: Frederic
County: Polk
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was alone on PWC and was only boat in area.  Operator was jumping his own wake when PWC came out of water and landed hard on the hull.  This caused operator to hit his face on steering controls.  Operator lost consciousness and fell in to water.  Persons on shore looked out to see operator floating next to the PWC.  They then used a boat to rescue him.  He was treated on shore by local EMS and transported via ambulance to Grantsburg Hospital.  Operator was later flown to Regions Hospital in MSP for treatment of a concussion, broken nose and lacerations.  l


BARDID: WI-2014-0029
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-06-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:29:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rock River
NearestCityorTown: Jefferson
County: Jefferson
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The boat was operated by a male subject identified as Operator of Jefferson WI. Operator's niece, Victim was a passenger in the boat which was being operated on the Rock River in the City of Jefferson. The boat was equipped with a small outboard motor. The small boat was taking on water from an unknown leak. When Operator attempted to locate the leak the boat capsized and sank in the Rock River somewhere between the Racine St bridge and the Puerner St bridge. Victim was wearing a PFD and swam to shore where Jefferson PD Officer found her. Operator fled from Jefferson Police Officers. Operator was later arrested by Jefferson PD and held on a PO hold. Jefferson PD Officer informed Warden that Operator appeared intoxicated and had a strong odor of intoxicants on his breath. Operator was in the rear seat of a Jefferson PD squad when Warden spoke to him. Operator did have a strong odor of an intoxicant on his breath and stated that he had consumed intoxicants before putting the boat on the Rock River. Jefferson PD transported Operator to Jefferson County Jail. Warden met Operator at the Jefferson County Jail. Operator was informed that he was being cited for operating a boat while intoxicated. Operator refused to take the intoximeter test. Jail Deputies requested Operator take a PBT which he did. The PBT reading for Operator was .29. Operator was also cited for operating a motor boat without registration. Victim was treated at Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital for a minor cut.


BARDID: WI-2014-0030
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-06-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:38:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Long Lake
NearestCityorTown: Saxeville
County: Waushara
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of the boat was traveling at a speed described as around 10 mph by the operator definitely greater than slow no wake when he noticed that the two female passengers were standing near the front area of the boat.  Operator was unsure as to where exactly they wee standing but he reduced his speed down to neutral causing the boat to surge forward and causing passengers to become ejected from the boat over the front.  Passengers then traveled through the area under the pontoon and were both struck by the prop and motor.  1 passenger had her clothing wrapped around the prop and was not able to breathe.  She had to be cut free from the prop and was given mouth to mouth and then began breathing on her own.  She sustained several broken ribs, a broken scapula as well as a 1/2 inch laceration to her head.  Other passenger received a 1.5 inch laceration to her head requiring medical treatment.  The operator had been drinking,


BARDID: WI-2014-0031
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pelican Lake
NearestCityorTown: Pelican Lake
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated that a weather front had moved in the area and he was moving a borrowed friends motorboat to a dock in a protected bay on Antigo Island of Pelican Lake.  Operator stated he stopped to wash his hands off in the lake water after cleaning a walleye caught earlier and described the weather as being very dark, overcast, with the wind increasing and that it had been raining at the time he was operating the boat.  Operator stated he had difficulty in judging how far away from shore he was and in retrospect he estimated he was at least 100 to 150 feet away from shore.  Operator estimated the speed of the boat at 20 plus MPH.  Operator operated the boat into the shoreline of Antigo Island and the starboard bow struck a large boulder and the port bow struck a tree.  Operator struck his head on the boats side console/helm and received a concussion, broken nose and contusions as a result of the grounding.


BARDID: WI-2014-0032
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Oconto River Oconto Falls Pond
NearestCityorTown: Oconton Falls
County: Oconto
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat was pleasure cruising around Oconto Falls Pond for a couple hours.  Operator noticed that the steering was responding strangely.  Operator dropped the other occupants of the boat off at the beach on the shore of the Oconto Falls Pond.  Operator then backed boat away from shore to maneuver towards the boat launch, at this point the boat rapidly filled with water despite the automatic bilge pumping water.  Operator abandoned the boat safely.  During the recovery of the boat there was damage to the rudder and to the hull directly adjacent to where the rudder enters the boat.  This damage would have allowed water to enter the boat.  It is unknown if / when this damage occured.  Operator and passengers reported that they did not hit anything during their voyage


BARDID: WI-2014-0033
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Round Lake
NearestCityorTown: Hayward
County: Sawyer
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The injured party was a wakeboarder who had been towed behind the boat and had fallen.  The operator of the boat states that she returned with the boat to pick up the party, and as she got close, the boat slid down a wave and went over the top of the person in the water, somewhere along the side of the boat, near mid-ship.


BARDID: WI-2014-0034
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Green Lake
NearestCityorTown: Green Lake
County: Green Lake
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat occupants were watching fireworks.  Boat A was anchored, boat B was drifting.  Boat B moved forward trying to move away from a third boat and struck boat A.


BARDID: WI-2014-0035
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:16:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Delevan
NearestCityorTown: Delevan
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat A and Boat B were traveling side by side (unknown distance apart) at a high rate of speed.  According to the operator of Boat A they were traveling approximately 40mph.  At some point Boat B decided to run left in front of Boat A, then slowed down and was coming to a stop in front of Boat A.  At which time Boat A struck Boat B and all people on the two craft were thrown into the water.


BARDID: WI-2014-0036
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Upper Eau Claire Lake
NearestCityorTown: Town of Barnes
County: Bayfield
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat had just been launched from boat launch and was being driven south from the landing. The boat was at cruising speed on plane. According to occupant, operator was driving and had turned back to look at Occupant. Occupant believed that Operator had let go of the steering wheel or did not have a firm grip. The boat suddenly snapped into a turn. Occupant believed the boat turned to the right, and he was thrown over the port side, and operator was then thrown over the starboard side getting struck by the prop. The third person remained in the boat. The boat was then going in circles. The third person was able to shut off the boat and others came to help.


BARDID: WI-2014-0037
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Private Pond
NearestCityorTown: Summit
County: Waukesha
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was using an aluminum boat with a paddle to propel himself throughout the pond.  It appeared that victim had been clearing weeds from the bottom of his pond with his left hand.  Victim used boat to paddle to the middle of the pond and drop a T-bar down to the bottom. Victim then had a rope tied to the T-bar and would paddle back to shore and attach that to an ATV. After the rope was secured to the ATV victim would start the ATV and drag the T-bar against the bottom of the pond until it reached the shore line. Victim would repeat this step to clear the pond.  At some point in time victim had fallen over board entering into the water.  When victims body was pulled from the water pond weeds where tightly wrapped around his hands.  Victims left leg also had a yellow rope that had been possible lightly wrapped around his leg.  Alcohol was recovered from the shore line, however it is unknown if victim was under any influence of alcohol.


BARDID: WI-2014-0038
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LIttle Star Lake
NearestCityorTown: Manitowish Waters
County: Vilas
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat A was operating pulling a tube.  Boat A performed an S shaped maneuver starting on the port side of Boat B and continuing to the starboard side of Boat B.  It is estimated that at some point the tube tow rope broke approximately four feet from the tube.  The tube struck Boat B mid ship on the port side, causing the two tubers to become injured.


BARDID: WI-2014-0039
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Castle Rock Lake
NearestCityorTown: Necedah
County: Adams
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operators of both boats are related and were operating on Castle Rock Lake in the area approximately 1/2 mile west of the intersection of Co Hwy Z and Co Hwy F in Adams County.  The operator of boat B was following the operator of boat A when the operator of boat A slowed the machine due to significant wave action.  The operator of boat B was traveling at approximately 3/4 throttle and was unable to slow, stop or turn the machine before striking the right rear corner of boat A.  The operators and passengers of both boats were ejected into the water.


BARDID: WI-2014-0041
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Cleveland
County: Manitowoc
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Started heading west when leaving dock and got turned around by accident in the fog.  By the time operator realized it they were almost on shore and ended up on shore hitting rocks. 

Incident reported to Manitowoc County Sheriff, no officer report.


BARDID: WI-2014-0042
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Castle Rock Lake
NearestCityorTown: Quincy
County: Adams
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was hitting some waves and his hand slipped off the handlebar causing his hand and wrist to hit the side of the machine which caused a possible sprain of the right wrist.  Operator's chest hit the handlebar causing damage to the right side handlebar and a contusion to the operator's chest.


BARDID: WI-2014-0043
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Catfish Lake (Eagle River Chai
NearestCityorTown: Eagle River
County: Vilas
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was with son in boat when they experienced mechanical issues with their boat.  Four male subjects from Illinois offered to tow victim and his son to marina for repair.  While towing victims boat, victim fell into the water from an elevated seat located near the stern of the boat.  Victim was not wearing a PFD and did not know how to swim.  Victims son has various medical issues to include terminal cancer and therefore could not assist victim.  Two male subjects from boat B entered the water and were able to get victim into their boat and provide CPR.


BARDID: WI-2014-0044
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Geneva
NearestCityorTown: Williams Bay
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: limb tangled in vsl equipment
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Docking boat at pier at Gage Marine, Williams Bay.  Water was choppy.  Front of boat secured to pier.  Back of boat started to drift away from pier.  Gage Marine pier worker was securing rope to pier post, finger got stuck between rope and post.  When rope tightened she pulled her finger out and injured the tip of her finger.


BARDID: WI-2014-0045
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:56:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wind Lake
NearestCityorTown: Wind Lake
County: Racine
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was being brought in to the dock.  The boat was swinging the tube close to the dock with the victim on the tube.  The operator misjudged bringing victim close to the pier and smacked him on one of the poles on the boat lift.


BARDID: WI-2014-0046
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-08-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Wissota
NearestCityorTown: Anson
County: Chippewa
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat was traveling toward shore and boat operator did not change course and collided with wooded shoreline.  Operator was thrown forward into windshield and steering console/dash and sustained a large cut to head, possible internal injuries.  Operator was cited for boat OWI and subsequently blood test refusal.


BARDID: WI-2014-0047
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake DuBay
NearestCityorTown: Stevens Point
County: Portage
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of boat A was in a no wake zone and was trolling, got out of no wake zone started cruising around 10-15mph  Slowed down steered to the right and looked behind to see his buddies boat right up on the back of his boat.  
 
Incident reported to Portage Co Sheriffs Office on 8/2/14; 
 
Based on statements and evidence collected at the scene it appears Boat B was following Boat A after passing under the CTH DB bridge.  The operator of Boat A stated he slowed down and was going to wait for the operator of Boat B to catch up.  The operator of Boat A stated he saw the operator of Boat B was travelling fast behind him.  The operator of Boat A tried to move out of the way and also tried to tell the operator of Boat B to change directions.  The operator of Boat A stated he thought the operator of Boat B came up on the rear passenger side of Boat A travelling over the passenger side of Boat A causing head injuries to the passenger in Boat A.  The operator of Boat B stated he was following Boat A and thought Boat A was going to accelerate its speed after passing under the bridge.  The operator of Boat B state he then began to accelerate causing the front end of his boat to come up, blocking the view of Boat A.  The operator of Boat B stated he did not know Boat A had slowed down and attempted to avoid a collision with negative results.  The operator of Boat B was mailed a citation for failure to yield the right of way to Boat A.


BARDID: WI-2014-0048
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Castle Rock Flowage
NearestCityorTown: Friendship
County: Adams
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat was operating southwest @of the Adams Co Park on Castle Rock Flowage, when it struck a wake from another boat and the operator was ejected over the handle bars into the water.  Upon being ejected the operator struck his right knee on the boat and broke his right knee cap.  the other wake-producing vessel was not at fault.  The operator failed to adjust speed when approaching the wake.


BARDID: WI-2014-0049
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: St Croix River
NearestCityorTown: City of Hudson
County: St Croix
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat B was drifting facing the north when northbound boat A collided and went over boat B from stern to bow.   

V2 subjects stated that their boat was facing the north when they heard screaming behind them and saw a boat approaching them at a high speed.  Operator2 was able to show officer where the other boat initially impacted theirs and pointed to the top of the port side transom where officer could see was damaged.  Engine cowl was scraped and a rear seat, the windshield, the front seat and the gunwale on the starboard side of the bow were damaged.
 
V2 occupant stated that they were floating with no motor power and that Operator2 was in the driver’s seat. Officer confirmed that the motor was not running.

Operator2 informed the officer that the other boat hit theirs and appeared to go airborne and came back down in the front bow area where there was more damage.  Operator2 stated that he injured his hand during the incident.  V2 occupant informed the officer that he was struck by the other boat in his back area which injured him.  Operator2 informed the officer that they were able to go into the lower passenger area of the vessel after the boat initially struck which they believed saved them from further harm.

Operator1 stated that he became upset over an argument and they decided to go north from their location.  Operator1 stated that he was accelerating his boat which lifted the bow of the vessel out of the water and he could not see anything in front of him.  Operator1 stated that he was very disappointed with the people on board his vessel because they did not warn him about any boats that were in from of them.  Operator1 stated that by the time he knew the other boat was in front of him it was too late and they went over the other boat.


BARDID: WI-2014-0050
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-06-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Fontana
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 26, 2014 subject2 was parking at Gordy's fuel pier in the town of Fontana in Walwoth Co.  subject2 and his wife tied there boat up across from the fuel pump on Gordy's pier and went into Gordy's to eat lunch.  While they were inside the restaurant their boat was struck on the swim deck on the rear drivers side by another boat that was operated by operator1.


BARDID: WI-2014-0051
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Linn
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of boat B was decreasing in speed and due to the hazardous water conditions the PWC's rear end was pushed out w/b making his PWC's front end face s/b.  At that time the operator of boat A traveling w/b was to the rear of boat B traveling at a speed of approximately 30mph and was unable to react in time due to his distance from the other operator and could not avoid collision with boat B.  The operator of boat A made impact with his front end of the PWC into the port side rear end of boat B causing significant damage cracking the hull and top port side of the fiberglass.


BARDID: WI-2014-0052
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Williams Bay
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel2 was drifting between boats that were on mooring lines off of Conference Point.  Operator2 was fishing when he began to get to close to a moored line attached to a sailboat.  Subject stated that the boat2 went over the mooring line attached to the sail boat and the other occupant of the boat began to pull a rope that was caught on the propeller of the boat she was on.  The event caused a sailboat to become dislodged from its mooring line and drift into shore.  There was damage caused to the sailboat and to the boat2.


BARDID: WI-2014-0053
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:28:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fox River
NearestCityorTown: Oshkosh
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Both boat were docked, boat B wanted to leave and tried to turn around in the dock stall.  While turning around boat B hit boat A.  Neither boat was on or under way.  Boat B operator had left scene before my arrival.  Boat A said he had boat B information and didn't want anything done.


BARDID: WI-2014-0054
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:31:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Legend Lake
NearestCityorTown: Keshena
County: Menominee
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat A was slowed down for slow no wake in the Rawhide area of Legend Lake when boat B operator was looking other way.  When boat B didn't notice boat A was slowed down boat B struck boat A in the read and hit the operator of boat A in the back with nose of PWC.


BARDID: WI-2014-0055
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Lake Geneva
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Driver of boat B was leaving Milligans Rental pier off the north side of the pier, when the driver left the pier he pushed the throttle and accelerated causing the pontoon to strike the stern of boat .  The driver of the pontoon accelerated do to wind and wave condition on the water.  Boat A was struck while on the mooring line off of Marina Bay Boat Rentals was not occupied at the time of the incident.


BARDID: WI-2014-0057
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pewaukee Lake
NearestCityorTown: Delafield
County: Waukesha
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat A was tied to the pier waiting to be put onto the trailer.  Boat B was launching from adjacent lane at the boat launch when it was backing off of its trailer and the stern struck stern and swim deck of Boat A.


BARDID: WI-2014-0058
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:18:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityorTown: LaCrosse
County: LaCrosse
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat boats A and B were operating in the Goose Island area of the Mississippi River on Pool 8.  This area is a maze of shallow, narrow curvy channels that often have limited visibility.  Boat B was operating in a generally west south westerly direction while other boat was operating in a northeast direction.  Boat B was just getting on plane when the operator observed boat A approaching the corner at a high rate of speed.  Boat B came off plane, causing its bow to raise into the air.  Boat A continued at high speed, failed to yield right of way to boat B and due to its high speed essentially slid under the bow of boat B.


BARDID: WI-2014-0059
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:37:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Village of Williams Bay
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat was pulling a tuber who is listed as injured.  When the tuber fell off the tube he dislocated his left shoulder.  The tuber stated his shoulder is prone to dislocations and has dislocated it over 15 times.


BARDID: WI-2014-0060
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:04:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Fontana on Geneva Lake
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator had finished helping set up the buoys for the sailboat race and was walking around the bow of the boat she was on to watch the race. She then tripped over a bungee cord that was holding a marking race buoy down and hit her head on the railing then fell overboard. She got herself back onto the boat and radioed the flag ship to tell them what happened. The flag ship came to her and had a different operator drive the boat to the Lake Geneva Yacht club Pier and call for help.


BARDID: WI-2014-0061
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: St Croix River
NearestCityorTown: Hudson
County: St Croix
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat A was operating under full sail south of the I94 bridge with 3 total people on board heading SW.  Boat B was traveling north with 4 total occupants.  Boat A occupants believed boat B would change course at it got closer.  As boat B got closer boat A occupants stated they could see the operator on boat B not paying attention and not looking forward.  Boat B did not change course and boat A occupants were standing waving their arms and yelling to change course to boat B.  Boat B operator stated he was talking with wife for approximately 10 seconds and not paying attention.  When boat B operator saw boat A he shifted into reverse and tried to avoid hitting boat A but it was too late.  Boat B bow struck boat A port side near midship causing damage to both boats, more to boat A.  No one was hurt at the time but boat A occupant woke up next day with bruise on forehead from falling as a result of the impact.  Boat A towed to Hudson mooring area.  Boat B ached at St Croix Yacht Club, Catfish Point.


BARDID: WI-2014-0062
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-08-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: St Croix River
NearestCityorTown: Prescott
County: Pierce
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator had beached the PWC on the east shore line of the St Croix River after traveling from the Prescott area to 1/2 mile north of Kinnckinnic State Park.  The operator added fuel to the PWC because it had been acting up and he thought that maybe it was low on gas.   Immediately after he finished fueling up he tried to start the PWC and the PWC "Just exploded" ejecting both the driver and the passenger off the PWC.


BARDID: WI-2014-0063
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:13:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Castle Rock Flowage
NearestCityorTown: New Lisbon
County: Juneau
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Did not observe boat.  Passenger on boat called and stated another passenger had been injured while they were tubing.  Deputy spoke with victim and husband at hospital.  Spoke with operator several days after the incident and was advised he was pulling a tube and the rope became hooked on his wife's elbow causing her to fall in the boat and sprain her elbow.  Initially it was thought she had broken her arm but it turned out it was a sever sprain.  No further information at this time.


BARDID: WI-2014-0064
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mason Lake
NearestCityorTown: Briggsville
County: Adams
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat A was pulling one person on a tube with a 28 foot tow rope east bound on Mason Lake, boat B was drifting while fishing with the bow of their boat pointing north. Boat A was coming directly at boat B, the operator of boat B yelled at boat A in effort to get boat A's attention. The operator of boat B got up from the passenger seat and attempted to start the boat while standing up; to move it out of the way. Boat A struck boat B prior to boat B being started causing the operator of boat B to be ejected from the boat and land in the water on the starboard side, boat A went over boat B and landed on the starboard side of boat B facing south east, the tow rope became tangled around the passenger of boat B who was seated in the rear passenger seat and the inner tube struck boat B near the port transom, the passenger on the inner tube was not ejected.


BARDID: WI-2014-0065
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Tomahawk
NearestCityorTown: Lake Tomahawk
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat B was anchored and fishing on Lake Tomahawk.  Boat A approached from the west.  Boat A was not on plane and the operator vision was obstructed due to the elevated bow and occupants seated in front of the operator.  Boat A struck the starboard bow area of boat B.  Three people from boat A were thrown overboard.


BARDID: WI-2014-0066
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-08-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnebago
NearestCityorTown: Oshkosh
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and passenger of boat A left dock side bar and grill in the City of Oshkosh heading s/e across Lake Winnebago towards Fond du Lac.  Boat A was following a bigger boat due to the choppy water conditions.  A wave hit the front of boat A causing it to become partially submerged when a second wave hit the front of boat A causing it to become completely flooded.  The bigger boat in front of boat A picked up the operator and passenger and both passenger and operator of boat A said they were uninjured.


BARDID: WI-2014-0067
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-08-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Elizabeth
NearestCityorTown: Twin Lakes
County: Kenosha
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat A failed to yield the right of way to boat B.  Citation issued to operator of boat A for failure to yield right of way.


BARDID: WI-2014-0068
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:23:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wolf River
NearestCityorTown: Weyauwega
County: Waupaca
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Subjects were fishing on the river and the two decided to fish by Gill's Landing. Occupant asked Operator if he should anchor. Operator who was operating stated that he would tie the post to a post by the sea wall. In the process Operator lost his grip and fell into the water. Operator went under water a couple of times before Occupant was able to grab operator's hand. Occupant told Operator to hold onto the anchor as Occupant turned off the motor. They continued to drift down river. Occupant told Operator to hold on and they will drift to shallow water. Operator told Occupant he could not make it. A passing pontoon boat stopped and one occupant jumped into the water to assist. They were able to get life preserve under Operator. They then pulled Operator onto the pontoon boat. As they pulled Operator out of the water Operator reached into his pocket and pulled out a bottle of "Nitro Pills" and asked for one. Occupant gave one pill to Operator. Shortly after Occupant saw Operator's eyes roll back. They then transported Operator to Gill's Landing and met with the Sheriff Deputies and EMS. Operator was transported to Riverside Medical Center.


BARDID: WI-2014-0069
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-08-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Milwaukee
County: Milwaukee
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Subjects were fishing approximately 2 miles past the break wall of the Milwaukee Harbor on Lake Michigan.  Subjects at a approximately 9:20pm were coming back into the Milwaukee Harbor when the driver was operating the vessel and collided into the break wall approximately 100 yards north of the main gap.  Vessel was travelling in a south easterly direction prior to collision.  Operator stated that he was going approximately 22-24mph.
 
 
None of the persons were ejected out of the boat.  Boat struck the break-wall causing everyone on the boat to fly forward resulting in injuries. Occupant1 was admitted and treated for complaints of head and neck injuries.
Occupant2 was treated for broken ribs and lacerations to the face.
Operator obtained a laceration over his left eye approximately 1” deep and 3” long.


BARDID: WI-2014-0070
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-09-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:13:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pipe Lake
NearestCityorTown: Cumberland
County: Barron
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Boats A and B were traveling in the same direction.  Operator of boat A didn't see boat B merging toward it until they impacted.  Operator of boat B stated he was in front of and offset to boat A when he began to slow down and turn left.  He didn't see boat A until the collision was imminent.  Left side of boat B was damaged and front of boat A was damaged.
 
Operator from Vessel A stated:  "The other jet-ski took a turn without noticing that mine was headed in the path that it would be taking and a collision occurred.  Because of the angles taken and not being sure if the other boat would continue on the turn or stop there was a 50/50 chance of colliding."
 
Operator from Vessel B stated:  "I was driving my personal watercraft unaware that Operator A was behind me.  I let off the throttle and slowed to about 10 mph and started to turn left.  As I started to make my turn the other PWC had not noticed me slowing and wasn’t able to maneuver his PWC out of the way.  Right before impact, I rocked by PWC to the right exposing the bottom.”


BARDID: WI-2014-0071
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-09-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Castle Rock Flowage
NearestCityorTown: Friendship
County: Adams
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and passenger were tied to the east side of rail road trestle bridge fishing from boat when the victim got his fishing line tangled around the prop of the boat motor. The victim opened the gate in the back starboard corner of the pontoon boat to untangle the line from around the prop lost his balance and fell into the water. The current from water moved him away from the boat, the passenger attempted to throw him a type PFD and a Type 2 PFD but neither PFD reached the victim. The passenger was unfamiliar with the boat and did not know how to start the boat, the victim was yelling directions to him on how to start the boat. A nearby boat observed the victim in the water and responded to his location and pulled the victim to shore. The victim was unconscious and not breathing, they began CPR and the subject began to breathe and regained consciousness. He was treated and released from the hospital.


BARDID: WI-2014-0072
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-09-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mercer Lake
NearestCityorTown: Minocqua
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat A was fishing in a bay on the west side of lake near lodge.  Boat B was fishing along the north shore of lake.  The operator of boat B started the motor of his boat and visually checked the location of boat A, seeing that boat A was in the bay near the lodge boat B began motoring south and east at approximately 7 miles per hour.  The operator of boat B was seated facing towards the bow and port side of the boat with his back towards boat A's location.   

Boat A left the location they were fishing and began to travel west north west towards the operator property.  At some point boat A was on plane when slowed to secure an item in the boat and returned to operating on plane.  At some point the operator of boat A saw boat B and placed the motor in neutral and turned the boat to the left.  Boat A struck the starboard stern area of boat B.  The bow of boat A traveled up and onto the motor cowling, then slid off the top of the motor cowling and came to rest in the water.  Boat A is estimated to have been traveling approximately 20 mph prior to striking boat B and had slowed before contacting boat B.  The operator of boat A stated he believed that he did not see boat B because of the pedestal seat in the bow of his boat. 

The operator of boat B stated just prior to the accident he heard the sound of boat A traveling across the lake, turned to see the boat, then turned his boat to the right and got on the floor of the boat to prepare for the collision.


BARDID: WI-2014-0073
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Kenosha
County: Kenosha
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat A was traveling south under sail power off of the Kenosha WI shoreline on Lake Michigan.  Boat B was traveling west under sail power towards the Wisconsin shore of Lake Michigan.  Due to several factors, including operator inexperience, a blocked view and a failure to maintain a lookout, the bow of Boat B struck the midship port side of Boat A.  Both boats sustained damage, but both were able to return safely to shore.  No injuries were reported.


BARDID: WI-2014-0074
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wisconsin River
NearestCityorTown: Portage
County: Columbia
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Subjects were out scouting duck/goose hunting location on the Wisconsin River as the early teal and goose season open the following morning. Subjects had put in at the portage boat launch at Summit and Carrol St and went downstream. Operator of the boat verbally told Subject they were going about 15-20 miles an hour and were about to give it more throttle to get up on plane when they struck something under the water line and sent both himself and his passenger to the front of the boat. Both subjects stayed in the boat but slammed hard into the front of the boat which had a covered storage area and a large docking light attached to the bow. They were able to free the boat eventually and made it back upstream to the boat launch. 

Subject searched records for the structure and found the city was required to mark the structure per the permit issued to install the sewer plant. No waterway marker permit to place buoys to mark the structure is on file with the WI DNR.


BARDID: WI-2014-0075
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-08-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bay of Green Bay
NearestCityorTown: Peshtigo
County: Marinette
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The occupants of the boat had come across from Sturgeon Bay and were in Marinette.  The group attempted to head back across the bay and the wind kicked up.  It became dark and they attempted to turn around and find some place to dock the boat for the night.  The boat ended up running around near the mouth of the Peshtigo River and got stuck on some pilings from an old dock.  The boat then started to take on water from the waves and sunk.  The occupants were able to be rescued and no injuries were reported.  The boat was later recovered, but was a total loss.


BARDID: WI-2014-0076
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-09-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Sheboygan
County: Sheboygan
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
MachineryFailure: Shift
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel got underway from Sheboygan Harbor Centre Marina with intent to travel to lighthouse and back. Winds were a steady 25 knots from the south and had been blowing for several hours with water coming over south breakwall and significant swell entering outer harbor. Owner was at helm. At approximately 5:35pm the vessel lost power in the outer harbor. The engine was running but there was no propulsion. Owner stated he had lost his transmission and was unable to move the shift lever. Vessel drifted northward to where the vessel's port side contacted the north breakwall approximately halfway between inner harbor and lighthouse. Vessel pounded into the breakwall for approximately 20 minutes. All three occupants egressed vessel by climbing onto breakwall. Onlookers on shore called 911 at 5:49m, and the Coast Guard was dispatched to scene. Meverden arrived at Marina at approx. 6:30pm, as Coast Guard was hip-towing vessel to fuel dock. Vessel was taking on water along port side chine. Meverden assisted with damage control, and getting boat onto trailer at Harbor Centre Launch ramp. 

When vessel was pulled from water the Volvo-Penta outdrive was broken from the transom and was hanging by the shift cable. There was no sign of impact damage on the outdrive. Given the outdrive condition and operator statement that the shift lever would not be moved following power loss it is probable that the outdrive separated from the transom due to corrosion, heave sea state, and / or striking submerged object and caused the power loss. 

Following power loss, none of the boat's occupants attempted to deploy the vessel's anchor, located in a wood pulpit at the bow. The anchor was a lightweight Danforth type, with nylon anchor rode attached directly to the anchor without chain. Given the vessel size and sea conditions, the anchor would have been ineffective if deployed.


BARDID: WI-2014-0077
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Sturgeon Bay
County: Door
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Upon leaving the slip, a heavy gust of wind turned the boat into a boat that was docked.  The other boats anchor hit the side of boat.


BARDID: WI-2014-0078
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-09-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Silver Lake
NearestCityorTown: Silver Lake
County: Kenosha
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was expected home around 4-5pm from a fishing trip and when he didn't return home his family contacted law enforcement.  Victims boat was found unoccupied, victim was recovered on 9/16/14.  It is assumed the victim fell overboard due to a sudden medical condition.


BARDID: WI-2014-0079
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-09-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Partridge Lake
NearestCityorTown: Fremont
County: Waupaca
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Bowfishing in roughly 2 feet of water.  We were at idle speed while under power of the fan motor which was roughly 1ph.  There was a submerged object that was firmly planted in the bottom of the lake that was roughly 10" under the surface of the water.  Due to water visibility we could not see the object.  Since we did not see the pole the boat struck the submerged object causing the boat to come to a sudden halt.  As the boat stopped it caused my passenger and I to fall headfirst into roughly 2 feet of water.  We fell headfirst because the railing on the shooting deck of the boat; when we fell forward due to the boat stopping suddenly the railing assisted in causing us to go further  I immediately helped subject back into the boat and got extra sweatshirts and coveralls out to help keep him warm while I got him back to shore.  ER checked him out with no issues other than a sprained neck. 

Incident reported to Warden


BARDID: WI-2014-0080
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-09-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:42:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityorTown: LaCrosse
County: LaCrosse
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat left a sandbar heading in for the night.  About 500 yards after leaving they struck a submerged log.  Lost all power and began taking on water.  Another boat in the area came to help along with police and fire department boats.  Boat was towed to shore before boat completely sank.  improper lookout and alcohol use were causes.


BARDID: WI-2014-0081
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-09-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:07:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Butte des Morts
NearestCityorTown: Omro
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat owner and operator was travelling south on Lake Butte Des Morts heading to Leonard Point Boat Landing.  Operator was watching the boat landing lights and failed to realize Terrel Island breakwall was in between himself and the landing.  Boat struck the breakwall at power and ended up on top of breakwall.


BARDID: WI-2014-0082
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:09:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rock Lake
NearestCityorTown: Lake Mills
County: Jefferson
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of boat left the north public boat launch on Rock Lake and started heading south.  The boat began taking on water in the stern of the boat.  Operator of the boat turned the boat around to head back to shore when large waves began coming over the transom of the boat.  The boat capsized and ejected all eight passengers in the boat.  The boat's stern sunk to the bottom in 13 feet of water while the bow stayed above water.  Investigation determined that there was a fracture in the fiber glass near the transom that contributed to the boat taking on water.  Holes were also seen on the bottom of the boat by the Jefferson Co dive team.  Waves in the 2-3 foot range also contributed to the boat sinking.  Number of persons on capacity plate was sanded off.  Unknown what the model of the boat is.


BARDID: WI-2014-0083
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Racine
County: Racine
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat was returning from Lake Michigan to the Root River.  Boat hull struck the rocks under water near the North side of the entrance.  Boat turned in a South direction and the port stern struck the rocks.  The operator returned the boat to the slip.


BARDID: WI-2014-0084
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: East River
NearestCityorTown: Green Bay
County: Brown
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Motorboat was southbound on East River and struck the bridge for Main Street.  Top of the radar dome and antennas struck the bridge.  Passenger on the boat struck his head and was seriously injured.


BARDID: WI-2014-0085
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityorTown: Diamond Bluff
County: Pierce
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat was being operated up river on the Mississippi River north of Diamond Bluff, while going past a dredging operation the boat struck a log.  The log went under the boat pulling the propeller shaft out of the engine.  Engine compartment filled with water, boat was difficult to operate with one engine then struck a navigational buoy before making it to the Wisconsin shore.


BARDID: WI-2014-0086
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-05-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Eau Claire River
NearestCityorTown: Altoona
County: Eau Claire
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Dam/lock
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Two men were fishing and drinking beer while paddling a canoe on the waters of Lake Altoona when they arrived at the south shoreline above the Lake Altoona Dam.  After carrying the canoe through the woods at the south side of the Lake Altoona Dam, the two men launched the canoe into turbulent waters about 150 feet downriver of the Lake Altoona Dam.  Water was flowing over the spillway at the south side of the Dam and through three open gates at the center of the Lake Altoona Dam.  Strong river currents caused the counter-clockwise flow of water that carried the canoe toward the open gates of the Lake Altoona Dam.  The canoe took on water and capsized within seconds of being launched from the south shoreline of the Eau Claire River.  Both men entered the water when the canoe tipped, they weren't wearing life jackets.  One man was able to regain the water surface and was pulled from the water downriver of the Lake Altoona Dam.  The second man disappeared under the water, his body was recovered from the Eau Claire River on 5/24/14about 1.2 miles downriver of the Lake Altoona Dam.


BARDID: WI-2014-0088
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:26:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Green Bay
NearestCityorTown: Ephraim
County: Door
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: stranded vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Kayaking party left the beach at approximately 2:50PM. They paddled out to horesehoe island and took a very short break. The group proceeded to start kayaking back to the beach. At this time the wind started to pick up and pushed the two young boys offshore. Operator stated she could have made it back to shore but the two boys did not have enough muscle/energy to continue paddling. At this time Operator maneuvered her kayak into the other kayak to push and assist them to the shore. Operator realized this maneuver was not working. Operator switched to survival mode and tied the two kayaks together. The group continued to float further and further away from shore. At approximately 7:30PM Operator observed the first rescue boat. She stated the boat was very visible and the blue emergency light was able to be seen from a long distance. At this time the boat was approximately 4 miles to the east of her location. Operator was able to watch the boat for a while. Operator was able to observe the boat going back and forth until it disappeared. She was able to see the helicopters all night but they were a long way to the south of her. Operator then observed what she believed to be the same boat coming from the north toward her location. Operator stated at approximately 11:00Pm the rescue boat was approximately a half mile away to the west. Operator stated they were so close she believed they were going to be rescued. She was able to see the helicopter and the rescue boat throughout the night. Operator stated all three of them were able to stay in kayaks all night and no one ended up in the water. Operator stated the next morning she observed the helicopter over their position. This is when the US Coast Guard arrived and rescued the group.


BARDID: WI-2014-0089
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:01:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: High Falls Flowage
NearestCityorTown: Twin Bridge
County: Marinette
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of boat A was attempting to drop off two tubers near shore and as he made a counter clockwise turn the tubers were supposed to fall off the tube near shore.  As the operator of boat A continued to make his turn the tubers stayed on the tube and continued with boat A.  The operator of Boat A and the observer in boat A did not see boat B coming towards shore on their starboard side and swung the female occupant of one of the tubes into boat B.  No other damage was recorded to either boat and no other injures were sustained.


BARDID: WI-2014-0090
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:59:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Delton
NearestCityorTown: Village of Lake Delton
County: Sauk
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Female subject was struck by the propeller of a motorboat and sustained lacerations to both of her legs.

Operator1 was operating the boat while Victim was riding a tube and two people were passengers in the boat.  Operator1 advised Victim fell off the tube and he turned the boat around to pick her up.  As Operator1 was approaching Victim he made a “hard right” turn and stated the steering while “locked up” causing him to run over Victim and striking her legs with the boat propeller.  Operator1 stated he got Victim into the boat and brought her to the docs and at that time the steering was working fine.

Operator1 advised he had approximately 24 hours experience of boat operation and does not have a boater safety certificate.


BARDID: WI-2014-0091
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-09-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Crooked Lake
NearestCityorTown: Crooked Lake / Riverview
County: Oconto
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
subject was water skiing behind a Stringray that was operated by operator on Crooked Lake.  subject was maneuvering from one side of the boat to the other when his left ski came off.  subject then water skied through the boats wake while wearing one ski.  With the added weight on one ski he sunk into the wake forcing his leg and knee to travel in an opposite direction of his body causing a severe dislocation to his right knee.


BARDID: WI-2014-0093
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Birch Lake
NearestCityorTown: Winchester
County: Vilas
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Sallis operating boat towing Subject on a wakeboard. Boat at cruising speed after Subject had "gotten up." wakeboarder Subject, likely a result of inexperience, lost control and impacted thereafter. Subject's wakeboard struck him in the back of the head, causing a head laceration. Transported to hospital and treated with sutures; released.


BARDID: WI-2014-0095
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-09-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Buttes Des Mort
NearestCityorTown: Oshkosh
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was fishing by the Butte Des Mortes Bridge and was anchored.  The anchor let loose and the boat started drifting under the bridge.  The operator attempted to start the engine and maneuver the boat and the port side of the boat struck a concrete pillar of the bridge causing damage to the port side.


BARDID: WI-2014-0106
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-09-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:19:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Wisconsin
County: Columbia
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat A had left Sunset Bay and was heading down lake/river.  Boat A was too close to the south Columbia County shoreline and ran into the end of a pier and a boat on a t lift causing damage to the pier/lift/boat as well as damage to itself.  Operator stated that he was going approximately 30 mph at the time of the collision.  Operator also stated that it was after dark and that he normally headed towards a light on the far side of the lake however must have picked the wrong light to drive towards.  Operator stated that he had an electronic fish finder/GPS operating at the time and that the glow coming from the screen made it difficult to see.  Operator and companions had been at a bar in Sunset Bay prior to heading back out on the lake to go home.


BARDID: WI-2014-0107
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wisconsin River
NearestCityorTown: Wisconsin Dells
County: Sauk
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 was operating a pontoon trying to beach it on White Birch Cliff beach. Operator1 observed a boat traveling from east to west towards her starboard side while Operator1 was maneuvering towards the beach and trying to get out of the way of the approaching boat. At this time Operator1 felt like she lost control of boat causing her to strike the back of a pontoon boat impacting the outboard motor cracking the lower unit cowling and severing a wiring harness. The impact caused damage to the rub rail and front left pontoon on the pontoon Operator1 was operating. Operator2 informed warden a Wildthing jet tour boat had done power slide approximately 150 feet from shore and 100 feet from Operator while she was attempting to beach the pontoon. Operator2 said she observed a huge wave from the jet tour boat catch the back of the pontoon Operator was operating and felt it caused Operator1 to impact the back of the pontoon Operator2 had beached on White Birch Cliff beach.


BARDID: WI-2014-0108
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-09-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wisconsin River
NearestCityorTown: Wisconsin Dells
County: Sauk
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating pontoon on the WI River traveling north towards Blackhawk Island by high rock on the east shoreline. Just after passing he rock he and all the individuals on board had heard a scream from behind the boat. Prior to passing high rock they observed three individuals standing on high rock and when they heard the scream did not know if somebody had fell or got injured. Operator turned to look and had to lean over towards the starboard side of the boat to see out from under the pontoon. Operator felt this caused him to steer the boat starboard striking the rock wall near high rock. Operator did not see the rock wall approaching due to looking towards the rear of the boat. Upon striking the rocks subject was thrown into the front deck rail gate edge causing a cut to her head.


BARDID: WI-2014-0109
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-09-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:34:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Milwaukee
County: Milwaukee
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday, September 22, 2014 at 8:34 pm, while on routine patrol with POs of the outer harbor near the USCG station, PO observed a 42’ white Chris Craft wooden motorboat exiting South Shore Marina on the west end at a speed greater than slow no wake, honking its horn and flashing a light.  The occupants of the vessel were yelling that they were taking on water.  The vessel operator steered the boat south and against the wall along the north end of the USCG property. PO along with members of the USCG began to immediately de-water the vessel with de-watering pumps.  USCG was able to locate an approximately 18” crack at the stern of the boat and put wooden wedges to slow the leak and de-watered further.  The vessel stayed moored at the USCG station until a private tow picked them up and took them to the marina.  The operator stated that the damage to the vessel was approximately $1000 in damage and he was going to do all of the repair work on his own.  After the vessel was craned out of the water, PO estimated the damage to be $3000 as there was extensive damage to both brass propellers. 

The operator stated they stayed out there for a few hours and when travelling back west through South Shore Marina, he was in the middle of the marina when he heard a loud bang and thought he hit a rock.  The operator stated that both boat motors died, he re-started he engines and continued driving.  The operator stated a short time later he noticed he was taking on water.


BARDID: WI-2014-0110
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-09-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:28:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Superior
NearestCityorTown: Bayfield
County: Bayfield
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Warden was made aware of the incident by the Bayfield City Police.  The city was called by boat owner After a witness observed boat B strike boat A (docked) as boat  was trying to get away from their docking location which was behind boat A.  Wind was blowing from westerly direction and boat B owner was trying to get out of docking location but wind took him as trying to maneuver out to open water.  Boat B operator took off with boat into the Apostle Islands area and did not contact anyone about the incident.  Warden was able to contact boat B operator was he came into his dock/slip area the next day on 9/21/14.  Boat B owner operator admitted to hitting boat A as e was trying to maneuver out of his slip stating the wind took the boat.  No damage seen on boat B.


BARDID: WI-2014-0111
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-11-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Belgium
County: Ozaukee
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Weather
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Two guys were duck hunting off of Harrington Beach Start Park when their batteries died out there.  The seas got rough and they began to take on water.  They called the Ozaukee dispatch and they got the ball rolling by getting the Coast Guard en route.  Warden happened to be in the area and talked with responders that were staged at Hwy D and the lake shore.  Warden told them that we didn't have to boat to respond with a couple of hours so CG was their best bet.  Warden talked with subject on the phone when they were out on the water.  They lost a PFD while frantically trying to get water out of the boat.  Warden told them to keep doing what they were doing and that he CG would be there within the hour.  CG got them out safely but subject had mild hypothermia.  They also had a separate layout boat that they towed out there.  CG was unable to recover the layout boat initially but now it has been recovered.


BARDID: WI-2014-0112
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-10-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityorTown: Lynxville
County: Crawford
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Dam/lock
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 and Victim were fishing below the Pool 09 Dam.  Operator1 described how he was changing jigs and not paying attention to what the boat was doing.  Operator1 said he looked up and the boat was being sucked toward the eastern most roller of the lock and dam from the undertow.  Operator1 described how the stern of the boat was heading toward the lock and Victim was standing in the rear of the boat.  Operator1 said he ran up and got on the trolling motor to attempt to drive away from the dam but it did not have enough power to drive out of the undertow.  Operator1 said the port side of the boat struck the concrete landing pad near the roller and spun the boat around.  Operator1 said he then ran and got behind the console of the boat to drive away from the roller gate.  Operator1 described how Victim was attempting to push the boat away from the concrete to prevent damage.  The motor then struck the roller and witnesses observed Victim thrown from the boat into one of the roller gates before sliding into the water.  Operator1 said he did not see Victim go into the water as Operator1 was facing South and Victim was behind him.  Operator1 said he never say Victim surface after he went into the water.  He immediately tried to call the Lock and Dam to have them close the roller gates but he could not get the correct Lock and Dam so he then called 911.


BARDID: WI-2014-0113
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:59:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Wisconsin
NearestCityorTown: Sauk City
County: Sauk
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was towing a waterskier on Lake Wisconsin near Sunset Bay.  Operator1 had two passengers in the boat, who were both facing backwards towards skier.  As Operator1 was traveling along the shore, he struck a tree that was hanging over the water.  Operator1 had been consuming alcoholic beverages and was arrested for causing injury by the intoxicated operation of a motorboat.  Operator injured by striking tree, passengers injured as a result of collision and being thrown in the vessel.  All remained in the vessel.


BARDID: WI-2014-0114
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-07-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Kewaunee
County: Kewaunee
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 : Boat A was heading out of the Kewaunee Harbor and had the bow of the vessel riding high and also had a large cooler placed on the bow, obstructing the operator's view.  Operator1 stated he was maintaining a lookout as he was talking with other occupants on the his boat and had his radar running . Operator1 stated he notice a blip on his radar and then looked ahead and caught a glimpse of Boat B, which was headed straight at him and had gone out of view under his bow. Operator1 stated he then cranked his steering wheel to the right to try and avoid the collision but it was too late as he hit the other vessel , with his bow sliding down the port side of Boat B. Operator1 said he stopped and told the other operator he was at fault and gave the other operator his information and how to get a hold of him . Operator1 said the guys on the other boat were OK and said they were going back to shore. Operator1 and crew then left to continue fishing as his boat was in a fishing tournament.   Operator1 then called his insurance company to advise them of the incident and also called the DNR hotline to report the accident.  When interviewed Operator1 again stated he was clearly at fault and any citation were justifiable.

Operator2: Boat B was motor trolling (2.2 to 2.4 mph) when they notice Boat A coming at them with their bow high in the  air and what looked to be a large cooler on the bow . Operator2 stated he stood up and began waving his hands as subject was honking his hom.  Operator2 stated just as they were about to hit straight on, Boat A turned and it's bow slid down the port side of his boat and tore off his down riggers.  Operator2 stated the operator of Boat A said he didn't see them and that it was his fault and that his insurance would take care of any damage.  Operator2 said he took a picture of the bow of Boat A

Operator2 stated he asked if the Boat A operator was going back to the dock and he said no, he was going to continue fishing as there was nothing wrong with his boat.  Operator2 said he advised them they were going back to the dock as they did not know the extent of the damage.  Operator2 then called 911 and advised them of the accident and then drove his boat back to the Kewaunee Boat launch.  Coordinates of collision:
N44 .26.301 and W087.25.877


BARDID: WI-2014-0115
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Algoma
County: Kewaunee
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
MachineryFailure: Fuel
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Per Algoma PD Officer report, Operator did back his boat into the Algoma Harbor boat launch and tie off to the dock.  Operator then parked his vehicle and trailer and then came back to his vessel and started his engine and was going to wait for friends to go fishing.  Operator began rigging fishing poles when his vessel exploded and became on fire. Operator jumped out of the vessel and began splashing water on his face and arms (where he was burned).  

Algoma Firefighter and arson investigator found/believed that Operator's vessel had a leak in one of it's fuel lines, where fuel was leaked into the bilge area and once air mixture conditions were right by venting, the fumes became flammable and the running motor ignited the fumes, causing the explosion.

Warden later interviewed Operator by phone and Operator stated his carburetor was loading up and backfiring.

Operator stated he removed the dog house to adjust the carburetor as it backfired again and ignited gas fumes which flashed back on his face and arms and catching the boat on fire.  Operator stated he jumped out of the boat, because he was burned on the face around his eyes and did not want to try and fight the fire with his fire extinguisher.


BARDID: WI-2014-0116
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-08-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sturgeon Bay
NearestCityorTown: Sturgeon Bay
County: Door
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Upon arriving at Quarter Deck Marina was met by members of the Sturgeon Bay Fire Department who were still actively attempting to extinguish the fire on one of the three boats. Subject observed that the three boats involved in the fire were an approximately 44 foot Tolley Craft bearing the name ‘Mary Kay’ from Boca Grande FL, and a 2006 Silverton bearing the name ‘Our Dream’ and a 32’ Carver Trojan. 
 
Subject observed that the most significant fire damage occurred on the Tolley Craft in the forward cabin area of the boat. Subject observed that the depth of the fire extended all the way down to the deck area in the forward cabin and that the starboard (right) side had significant damage that extended from the mid-ship portion of the boat up to the bow area. Subject also observed that the bridge area had collapsed into the main portion of the boat from the fire damage. Subject also observed that a portion of the dock had a deeper char to the wood decking than the rest of the dock, which was also near the mid-ship portion of the Tolley Craft.  As Subject was waiting for the Sturgeon Bay Fire Dept. to finish extinguishing the fire, Subject was approached by an individual who showed Subject a cell phone video of the boat as it was on fire. Subject asked that the video be sent to Subject. This individual then sent the video file and two still digital images to Subject’s phone from their cell phone.
 
Subject observed that the other two boats had suffered significant heat and fire damage. The Silverton had significant fire damage that caused a portion of the superstructure of the boat to collapse inside the hull portion of the Silverton. The Carver also had significant heat damage to the exterior of the boat. Based upon the extent of the damage to the three boats involved in the fire it was apparent that the fire had begun in the bow area of the Tolley Craft.
 
After the Sturgeon Bay Fire Dept. finished extinguishing the fire, Subject and Sturgeon Bay Police Officer assisted with rigging the Tolley Craft with lift bags to keep the boat from sinking due to the damage to the boat and from the water that was used to extinguish the fire. 
 
As Subject and Subject2 were discussing the issues with the fire of the boats it was agreed that the fire likely originated in the bow area of the Tolly Craft. As Subject and Subject2 were talking members of Roen Salvage were working at rigging the boats to be transported to their facility in Sturgeon Bay for storage. While Subject and Subject2 discussed the fire damage to the Tolly Craft it was observed that the shore power connection was missing from the Tolly Craft and the dock area. Subject and Subject2 decided that it would be necessary to attempt to recover the shore power connections from the bottom of Sturgeon Bay in the area of the slip as potential evidence for the origin of the fire on the Tolly Craft. At this time members of Roen Salvage towed the Tolly Craft away from the dock and transported it to Roen’s salvage facility.
 
Subject who is a member of the Door County Dive Team assembled Subject’s dive gear and entered the water in the area of where the bow area of Tolly Craft had been located. Subject then dove to the bottom of the slip with the assistance of SCUBA gear and observed numerous pieces of fiberglass and other debris that were on the bottom. As Subject searched the area Subject located the receptacle of the shore power connection as it was lying on the bottom of Sturgeon Bay. Subject could observe that the back side of the receptacle was burned and had melted plastic attached to the receptacle. Subject surfaced to the top of the water and handed the receptacle to Subject2. Subject then returned to the area of the bottom where Subject had located the receptacle and continued to search and eventually located a portion of a shore power connection. Subject again surfaced and provided this shore power connection to Subject2 who took possession of both the shore power cor


BARDID: WI-2014-0117
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Wisconsin
NearestCityorTown: Lodi
County: Columbia
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: person strikes propeller
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator had been towing the victim on a knee board.  Victim had fallen off the knee board.  Operator operated the boat back to Victim's location and placed the engine in neutral.  While attempting to get back in the boat, the Victim's legs went under the boat motor and the prop cut her leg when the boat heaved in the chop.


BARDID: WI-2014-0118
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:53:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Kohler Andrae State Park
County: Sheboygan
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was paddling a kayak on Lake Michigan in front of the beach area at Kohler Andrae State Park.  It was only the second time victim had used a kayak.  Victim looked back causing the kayak to overturn.  Victim swallowed large amounts of water while under water causing pulmonary distress.  Victim was rescued by witnesses.  Victim spent two nights in the hospital due to breathing problems from incident.  Alcohol use and inexperience were causes.


BARDID: WI-2015-0001
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-01-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityorTown: Hager City
County: Pierce
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject was operating down river when he struck a submerged metal rod that was sticking up from bottom of river, the rod went through the bottom of the boat causing the boat to be stuck on the rod and pivoting the boat onto some shallow rocks.  The location is at the power line crossing contact was made with excel energy to see if the rods are left over supports for there poles.


BARDID: WI-2015-0002
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2015-03-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:39:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wisconsin River
NearestCityorTown: Stevens Point
County: Portage
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Attempting to cross strong current.  Boat capsized and we floated several hundred yard with canoe until we had PFD on and could leave the swim for shore to the paper mill where mill workers pulled us from the water and call EMTs


BARDID: WI-2015-0003
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-04-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wolf River
NearestCityorTown: Wolf River
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel A was not under power.  Occupants were fishing and drifting.  Vessel B was under power traveling north.  Operator of vessel B said he did not see vessel A due to the passengers in his boat obstructing his view.  Vessel B ran into the back of vessel A.  Both vessels were able to return to the boat launch.


BARDID: WI-2015-0004
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-04-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Crystal Lake
NearestCityorTown: Lodi
County: Dane
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator started back to the landing after spending a night on the lake bow fishing.  The operator stated that he had recently installed a bow fishing platform on the front of the boat.  The operator stated that when he started to speed up to go back to shore, water built up in the front of the boat and soon came over the bow.  Both subjects were able to swim to shore but the younger passenger was taken to the hospital for hypothermia.


BARDID: WI-2015-0005
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-05-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chippewa Flowage
NearestCityorTown: Winter
County: Sawyer
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat A was drifting while both occupants were fishing near the hay creek narrows on the Chippewa Flowage.  Boat B was in transit and the operator was looking at his depth finder and not paying attention to surroundings.  As Boat B was getting closer to Boat A the occupants of Boat A began to yell at Boat B as they were getting closer to and were trying to prevent colliding with them.  The operator of Boat B finally heard the screams and swerved to miss Boat A but struck the skeg of the trolling motor that was on the bow causing damage to both boats.


BARDID: WI-2015-0006
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-04-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:22:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fox River
NearestCityorTown: Menasha
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel was floating down the river and facing backwards compared to the direction of the river flow.  Vessel approached the Railroad Bridge posts west of Commercial St in Menasha.  The operator attempted to turn the vessel downstream, at that same time the passenger stood up as the operator was maneuvering the vessel around and the vessel began to tip downstream.  The vessel then capsized and both the operator and passenger fell out of the boat.  The passenger swam to the shore and the operator held onto the upside down vessel and waited for help.


BARDID: WI-2015-0007
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-04-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fox River
NearestCityorTown: Allouez
County: Brown
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with commercial vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Congested waters
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat A was a recreational boat cruising on plane northbound on the Fox River within the established shipping channel. Boat B was a commercial boat working for JF Brennan Company Inc.  JF Brennan Company is dredging the Fox River as part of the Fox River cleanup project.  Boat B was in the process of moving submerged pipeline used for the dredge activities and moving the red/green navigational buoys and therefore the main navigational channel.  Boat B observed Boat A approaching the pipeline moving operation and was concerned that if Boat A maintained course and speed Boat A would collide with the pipeline that was being moved. Boat B positioned himself in an east/west direction perpendicular to the channel to get Boat A's attention.  Boat A came down off of plane and motored towards Boat B.  Boat B maintained his position perpendicular to the channel shifting from forward to reverse to hold position.  Boat A steered towards Boat B in neutral.  The two boats experienced a minor impact.  Boat B reported no damage. 
 
Boat A had two estimated 4 inch gouges into the gel coat on the starboard side front below the registration numbers.  A V-shaped scratch into the gel coat was also present starboard side directly below the windshield.  One side of the V -shaped scratch was about 3 inches long and the second side was about 3.5 inches long. This damage appeared to be fresh but the owner of Boat was unsure if the V-shaped scratch was a result of this incident.  Later inspection of the boat revealed several areas of fiberglass damage that was obviously old.  In particular fiberglass damage to the starboard rear corner and port bow areas.  No injuries resulted from this incident.  The Brown County Sheriff's Department responded and took the initial report although no formal report was produced.  The Sheriff's Deputy identified the operators of both boat, owners of both boats and collected registration information for both boats. There was reportedly three people in Boat A


BARDID: WI-2015-0008
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-05-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Perch Lake
NearestCityorTown: Cornell
County: Chippewa
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Cornell Fire and Rescue and Chippewa Co Sheriff Dept responded to a report of an unresponsive adult male floating face down in Perch Lake. The son of victim reported that the victim had gone fishing alone on Perch Lake that day at approximately 2:30PM in a 14 foot aluminum row boat. The son stated that when the victim had not returned home, the son went to look for victim. The victim was located face down and unresponsive along the north shoreline of Perch Lake approximately 25 yards from the anchored row boat. Investigation determined that the victim suffered from heart problems and was recently experiencing weakness in his legs. The boat was found anchored, with a large amount of weeds and muck attached to the front anchor. Through investigation, it is believed that the victim attempted to remove the anchor from the lake bed, lost his balance and fell out of the boat. Injuries were consistent with falling out of the boat and struggling to attempt to re-board the boat. Autopsy showed that the victim died as a result of drowning. The victim was not wearing a life jacket. There were no witnesses that observed the incident.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0009
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-05-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Menomonee River
NearestCityorTown: Milwaukee
County: Milwaukee
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The witness stated he observed the hit and run vessel approaching one of the finger docks to moor and observed the boat approaching at a bad angle and too fast. Witness stated as the boat got closer to the dock, the operator jumped off the boat with a mooring line.  The boat struck the dock causing the finger dock to snap off of the main dock, causing substantial damage to the dock. Witness stated that the operator jumped back into his boat and fled down the river. Witness stated that any damage to the boat would have been done to the starboard side.  Witness did not get the registration numbers, as the operator fled quickly, however, he describes the boat as a white fiberglass boat with a brownish/orange pin stripe running down the side, runabout style boat with a walk through windshield, black outboard engine, possibly 16 to 18 feet long. Witness describes the operator as a white male, 30 to 35 years of age, medium height and build, last seen wearing a baseball cap, brown or grey sweatshirt and blue jeans. Witness stated that finger dock number two was the one damaged and the dollar amount of damage is approximately $2000.00.


BARDID: WI-2015-0011
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:46:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Arrowhead Lake
NearestCityorTown: Arbor Vitae
County: Vilas
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator and the victim were fishing. Both had been consuming alcohol, neither were wearing life vests. The victim went to the front of the boat and began rocking the boat side to side. This caused water to enter the boat, where it eventually capsized and over turned. Both the operator and the victim fell into the water. Both subjects attempted to swim to shore, when the victim began to struggle. The operator attempted to hold the victim up and swim with him, but he could no longer hang on to him. The victim went under the water and did not come back up. The operator was rescued by another boater.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0012
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:57:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Mendota
NearestCityorTown: Madison
County: Dane
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim and eight other individuals were on Lake Mendota sailing on 6/6/15. At approximately 5:50PM victim jumps from the sail boat into the water to swim, while the sail boat was still under way. According to the individuals on the boat victim is ok in the water for the first minute, then goes under water but comes back up. Several individuals thought he was joking around. Victim goes under water again, comes up yells for help then disappears below the surface. Two female passengers jump in the water from the boat in an attempt to save the victim. Victim is never seen again. AT approximately 5:57PM the 911 center dispatches Madison Fire/Rescue along with Dane Co Marine and Trail Team. Victim's body was recovered by Dane Co Sheriff's Office Dive Team on Monday June 8, 2015 at approximately 9:10AM.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0013
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Geneva
NearestCityorTown: Williams Bay
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator/Injured was operating in the middle of Williams Bay. Operator/Injured stated he was completing his usual two hot laps around the middle of the Bay before heading out to go fishing. While in full throttle the wheel jerked and he was ejected from his boat. The Operator/Injured swam away from the boat, which was still operating in circles. Operator/Injured stated his clothes and shoes were weighting him down and he began to drown. A witness at Pier 290 and saw something fly off of the boat but didn't  think it was a person. Another witness stated that he also witnessed the boat operating in the middle of the lake and noticed that the boat was doing small circles and there was not an operator in the boat. The Operator/Injured was located as he started to go unconscious and started to go under the water. The Operator/Injured was pulled into the rescue boat.  Witness stated that the Operator/Injured was not breathing.  The Operator/Injured was taken to Pier 290 where CPR was begun.


BARDID: WI-2015-0014
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Otter Lake
NearestCityorTown: Stanley
County: Chippewa
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On the morning of 6/11/15 a check welfare call was made to the Chippewa Sheriff Dept reporting that Victim had not been heard from since the evening of 6/9/15. On 6/11/15 at 4:45pm two fisherman reported a fishing boat near an island on Otter Lake with no one inside of it. The fisherman waited a short amount of time and did not observe anyone come to the boat so they pulled up alongside of the boat and observed the trolling motor was running and the ignition key was turned on. One of the fishermen walked the island and yelled for anyone nearby and heard or saw nothing. The fisherman on the boat pulled up the trolling motor, put down the anchor and turned the key off to the boat. Deputies arrived at Otter Lake and located the fishing boat and identified that the Victim's wallet was inside the boat and the boat was registered to the Victim. Deputies located Victim's truck parked at the boat launch across the lake with trailer attached. The Victim was last seen on 6/9/15 evening. Law enforcement officers checked the area and found nothing. On 6/12/15 from 6:30am-5:30pm, law enforcement officers, firefighters and volunteers searched Otter Lake with no success. On 6/13/15 at 8:30am law enforcement officers located the Victim in Otter Lake. Coroner reported the Victim likely suffered a heart attack and showed signs of drowning.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0015
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:52:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Poygan
NearestCityorTown: Winneconnie
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat A was traveling south across Lake Poygan heading towards Captain’s Cove.  As Boat A approached the Captains Cove at what was described as a high rate of speed.  Boat A's operator backed off the throttle but was unable to steer the boat to avoid a collision.  After the boat had struck the dock in front of Captain's Cove, the operator of the boat learned that a loose rope had gotten entangled in the prop of the boat.  The rope was so bound into the prop that the operator was unable to shift or steer the boat.  After the crash the rope was freed from the prop of the boat and the boat was removed from the area by the operator prior to the arrival of Law Enforcement.  While investigating the crash there was evidence on the boat supporting the information provided by the operator about mechanical issues due to the rope, also found no capacity plated located on the boat.


BARDID: WI-2015-0016
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2015-04-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:13:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rock River
NearestCityorTown: Fort Atkinson
County: Jefferson
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
While attempting to load the boat onto the trailer, the current started taking the boat downstream to the west side of the boat launch. The aft of the boat was about to strike the pier.  In an effort to correct the boat and prevent contact, the Operator put the boat into the forward gear. When the boat entered the forward gear, the Operator's hand slipped off of the throttle lever. The Operator reached for the throttle lever and failed to get a hold of the throttle lever before the starboard side of the boat made contact with the concrete retaining wall on the east side of the launch. After boat made contact with the wall, the Operator was able to reach the throttle lever and shut the boat down.


BARDID: WI-2015-0017
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rock River
NearestCityorTown: Village of Horicon
County: Dodge
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Witness 1 and Witness 2 were in a two-person kayak a short distance from the Victim, who was in a one-person kayak. Witness 1 stated that at one point she looked back to check on the Victim and everything appeared normal. A brief period later Witness 1 looked back again and observed the Victim floating in the water. Witness 1 and Witness 2 went to the Victim as quickly as possible. Witness 1 jumped in the river and grabbed the Victim. At this time the Victim was non-responsive. Witness 2 paddled to shore while Witness 1 held on to the kayak and the Victim. 

The Investigating Officer entered the primary cause of the incident as Unknown, Possible Medical Condition.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0018
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:43:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fox River
NearestCityorTown: Big Bend
County: Waukesha
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator was southbound as Vessel 2 Operator was northbound on the Fox River.   As Vessel 1 approached a blind right turn in the river the Operator observed two flat bottom boats coming around the turn side by side. Vessel 1 Operator moved to the right side of the river and allowed the two boats to pass. Vessel 1 Operator powered the PWC and began the turn at an estimated speed of 10-20 mph. As Vessel 1 Operator he entered the turn, he observed Vessel 2 Operator coming around the corner on the inside of the turn. Vessel 2 Operator estimated his speed at approximately 20 mph. Vessel 1 and Vessel 2 on the port side bow of each vessel. Vessel 2 ramped over Vessel 1. Vessel 1 Operator was struck on the left arm by Vessel 2 and ejected into the water.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0019
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Eau Claire
NearestCityorTown: Fall Creek
County: Eau Claire
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 2 was anchored near the south shore.  Vessel 2 Operator was fishing from the boat. Vessel 1 was under way at an estimated speed of 18MPH. Vessel 1 Operator was operating the tiller motor from the back of the boat; Vessel 1 Passengers facing the stern of the boat. Vessel 2 Operator stated he was looking at a map and concentrating on his graph to avoid shallow water and did not see Vessel 1 until a second before he collided with it. Vessel 2 Operator jumped from the boat to avoid injury.


BARDID: WI-2015-0020
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lauderdal Lakes Chain / Mill L
NearestCityorTown: Elkhorn
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was traveling about 20 mph towing two females on a medium sized round tube. When Vessel 1 Operator saw a large wave, about 3 feet tall he headed for it. The boat went through the wave just fine but when the girls on the tube hit the wave one fell off as she was holding tightly to the tube.  When she hit the water she kept holding on. The force broke her left arm. Vessel 1 Operator turned around right away to pick up the Injured tuber. When Vessel 1 Operator tried getting the injured tuber into the boat, she stated that she could not lift her arm.


BARDID: WI-2015-0021
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: White Sand Lake
NearestCityorTown: Boulder Junction
County: Vilas
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim and his brother were motor trolling for muskies on the east side of White Sand Lake just north of the public boat landing near Co Hwy K. Victim was operating the big motor (Evinrude 40hp) at the back of the boat (tiller) at approximately 2mph when the rod that was mounted in a rod holder on the port bow got a strike. The rod holder broke and the victim reached over the boat to grab the fishing rod from his position in the rear of the boat and fell overboard. Victims brother then went to the back of the boat but could not get the big motor started again (unknown how the big motor got shut off). Victims brother then used the transom mounted electric trolling motor to try and turn around and help his brother who was in the water without a life jacket. Victim yelled to his brother to turn the trolling motor to “5” but he was unable to get to his brother before he disappeared. Two throwable and four wearable life jackets were located in a front compartment in the bow of the boat.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0022
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Mendota
NearestCityorTown: Madison
County: Dane
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 and 2 were tied up, getting tied up alongside other boats.  Both operators of Vessel 1 and 2 claim Vessel 3 was coming in to tie up with them, when the operator caused a large wake.  The wake as described in the operator report was 3-4' waves which caused both Vessel 1 and 2 to bang together, causing damage.  Vessel 3 never tied up and continued on while operators of Vessel 1 and 2 went to shore.  Law enforcement was not called.  Upon further investigation, Vessel 1 Operator admitted to not calling law enforcement because he knew the operator of Vessel 3 and thought things could be handled differently.  Vessel 3 Operator states there is no way he could have caused that much damage and does not believe he caused the wake.  Vessel 2 Operator states that he has no idea as he was not paying attention to what happened.  Vessel 2 Operator stated he felt bad and tried to get his insurance to cover the damage to Vessel 1, but the insurance company would not cover the damage.
Because law enforcement was not contacted, the investigating officer has no idea of the condition of the Vessel Operators or what factually happened on the water.  There were no injuries in this incident.


BARDID: WI-2015-0023
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2015-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:47:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityorTown: Prescott
County: Pierce
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel was parked at gas dock and had a certain amount of gas put in but was not completely filled.  Gas fill area was on outside of vessel, operator advised no gas was spilled.  Even if gas would have been spilled while filling it would not go into vessel due to location of fill area.  Vessel sat at dock until they were asked to move it as someone else was pulling up for gas.  Operator got in vessel turned on blower to vent boat then turned key to start vessel and there was an explosion and fire.


BARDID: WI-2015-0024
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Winnebago
NearestCityorTown: Pipe
County: Fond du Lac
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel A was traveling north on Lake Winnebago at an estimated speed of 50 miles per hour when vessel A went over another vessel's wake, forcing the Vessel 1 upward.  As Vessel  1was coming back down, the bow of the vessel struck into a wave, causing a rapid deceleration, forcing the stern of the vessel to the left.  The rapid deceleration caused the Operator's upper body move to the left, while the Operator's legs remained under the control panel.  Vessel 1 Operator landed on the floor of the vessel and was positioned on his back in between the drivers and passenger seats.  Vessel 1 Passenger was also forced up and to the left making contact with the port side of the windshield.  Vessel 1 continued to travel to the left, under power, and is estimated to have made 2 complete circles in a counter clockwise direction before Vessel 1 Passenger was able to turn the key off, shutting off the engine.  Vessel 1 Passenger operated the boat back to shore where the operator was transported to the hospital for treatment.


BARDID: WI-2015-0025
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:42:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnebago
NearestCityorTown: Town of Vinland
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause3: Improper anchoring
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and his two sons were fishing on Lake Winnebago near Little Blackbird Reef.  The weather was cloudy and there was a possibility of rain shower in the afternoon.  The lake was relatively calm and the Weber's had anchored their boat using two anchors, one on the boat and one on the stern.  Operator has been boating all his life and is familiar with Lake Winnebago.  Operator used two anchors because of the relatively calm conditions and would not normally anchor from the stern if there are waves.  At approximately 1030 a.m. a storm front moved into the areas, the winds picked up out of the south at speeds over 15 mph and the 3 to 4 foot waves began.  Operator said that the bow anchor did not hold and the wind and waves blew his boat so that this stern was into the waves.  Operator said that a large wave came over the stern swamping the boat.  He said that they tried to cut the anchor line.  He said that they were able to cut the anchor line but not before a second wave crashed over the stern.  Operator said that all three people in the boat were wearing PFD's.  A nearby fishing boat was able to assist Operator and his sons to shore.  There were no injuries to the persons on the boat.  The capsized boat was towed by Winnebago Sheriff to Fresh Air Park in Neenah.  The boat was removed from the water by Jim's Towing of Oshkosh.  Operator said that there was over $2,000.00 damage to the boat.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0027
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River-Pool 8
NearestCityorTown: Genoa
County: Vernon
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat was travelling on the Mississippi River pulling a tube.  The operator of the boat was turning the boat to head back upstream when he hit a wing dam in the water.  The boat was towed to shore by another individual.  The motor was hanging sideways as the boat was put on the trailer.  There were no injuries, but the motor was a complete loss.


BARDID: WI-2015-0029
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:52:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Jordon
NearestCityorTown: Oxford
County: Adams
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Both operators were operating personal watercraft.  According to a witness on scene as well as evidence of damage observed on both watercraft, both operators were operating their watercraft in a reckless, unsafe manner which ultimately resulted in both operator's being unable to control their watercraft which resulted in the two watercraft colliding.  Both watercraft were being operated at speeds greater than slow no wake while within 100 feet of one another.


BARDID: WI-2015-0031
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnebago
NearestCityorTown: Oshkosh
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator pulling a wakeboarder and struck a rock reef.  No officer report completed as Operator (out of state resident) called our warden several days after the incident upon returning home.


BARDID: WI-2015-0032
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:01:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bond Lake
NearestCityorTown: Wascott
County: Douglas
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator operating a boat with 5 passengers pulling a tube. On the tube were 3 juveniles. As Vessel 1 Operator was approaching the dock, he began to slow up the boat and the tube with the 3 boys was pushed out beyond the wake. Vessel 2 Operator was in idle as they had just pushed off from the dock and were drifting. Vessel 1 Operator was between the dock and the pontoon boat. When the tube being pulled by Vessel 1 went outside the wake, the wake then pushed the tube toward the front of the Vessel 2. Two of the boys on the tube saw that they were going to collide with the front of the pontoon boat and jumped off. The 3rd boy did not and was pushed into the front of the pontoon boat, striking the side of his head against the front fin of the pontoon boat causing  a substantial head injury and laceration.


BARDID: WI-2015-0033
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:32:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Racine
County: Racine
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
EquipmentFailure: Other
OtherEquipmentFailure: jib line failure
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and passenger were sailing from Milwaukee WI to Racine WI in Lake Michigan. The jib line broke causing the sail to flap. Operator left the cock pit area to secure the sail and fell overboard. Operator (had a lifeline connection) was directed to the stern area. Passenger stated the operator was conscious while in the water. Passenger stated he was unable to physically lift the operator into the boat. The passenger looked for another line to assist as the operator, operator was still in the water and struck his head on the stern (5-8 foot waves) and became unconscious. Passenger later used a davit to winch the operator from the water and start CPR. A short time later Racine Fire / Rescue responded and extracted the patient who was later transported to Wheaton Franciscan Hospital. U.S. Coast Guard Station Kenosha boarded the sailboat and docked it at Reef Point Marina fuel dock.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0034
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:07:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pokegema Lake
County: Barron
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
At about 6:00PM on Saturday the 18th a group of individuals in a boat were out boating in a pontoon on Pokegama Lake just east of Miller’s Island.  The group decided they wanted to swim so they allowed the boat to drift while some of the individuals jumped in the lake.  The victim jumped in the lake from the drifting pontoon and went under the water, surfaced two times and then went under the water and did not surface again.


BARDID: WI-2015-0035
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Milwaukee
County: Milwaukee
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of vessel stated that he was cruising in a southerly direction outside of the break wall to Milwaukee Harbor by the main gap.  Operator stated that he began to smell smoke then the engine then died and he noticed heavy smoke from the area of the batteries, no visible flame.  Operator stated that he called 911.  Fire self extinguished prior to arrival of any first responders.  Operator did not use any extinguishment agent on fire.  Vessel is equipped with B1 portable extinguisher as well as a fixed halon system in engine compartment.  No injuries reported.  Vessel was toed back to south shore boat ramp by USCG Auxiliary vessel.  USCD did a post SAR boarding the found no violations.


BARDID: WI-2015-0036
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wisconsin River Upper Dells
NearestCityorTown: Wisconsin Dells
County: Columbia
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 followed Vessel 2 on the Wisconsin River Upper Dells downriver to the southeast from the Birchcliff Beach.  When both boats were near the middle of the river channel, just south of High Rock, Vessel 2 turned sharply around in the water and faced toward the direction of Vessel 1.  Vessel 1 collided with Vessel 2 causing the operator of Vessel 2 to suffer a broken femur.  Both operators were ejected into the water.


BARDID: WI-2015-0037
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Eau Galle
NearestCityorTown: Eau Galle
County: Dunn
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Pontoon boat operating north on Lake Eau Galle at a speed estimated to be 10-15mph.  Three passengers were sitting on the bow of the boat with their feet hanging over the very front of the boat over the water.  One passenger lost his balance falling into the water and the boat and motor ran him over.  He was retrieved from the water and taken by air ambulance to Luther Hospital in Eau Claire WI with life threatening injuries.  Victim was drinking alcohol prior to falling into the water but did survive the accident with medical treatment.


BARDID: WI-2015-0038
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2015-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fox Lake
NearestCityorTown: Fox Lake
County: Dodge
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 was heading out to the main lake on Fox Lake, Dodge County. He heard a loud pop sound, and then the I/O motor cover flew off the motor during an explosion. Operator1 said they three lifejackets in the water and before he could use a fire extinguisher the fire engulfed the rear of the boat. All parties jumped into the water, Operator1 stated on scene that there were no injuries. All subjects were picked up by nearby fisherman. The boat burned then sank before the fire could be put out.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0039
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Port of Kenosha
County: Kenosha
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating boat east out of Kenosha harbor channel.  Operator had consumed an undetermined amount of alcohol and was possibly distracted by passengers, and claimed he engaged his boat’s auto pilot and increased throttle to turn north out of the harbor channel.  Operator claims the boat’s auto pilot was preset to put the rudders hard port which turned the boat into the south side of the north pier.  The port side bow of the boat struck the pier first with the port side rear striking the pier shortly after.  The damage to the boat was primarily along the port side rub rail and just below it.  Operator then operated the boat away from the sea wall and continued operating north on Lake Michigan towards Racine WI.  Operator was contacted by the U.S. Coast Guard later that evening and arrested for BUI.  No injuries were reported.


BARDID: WI-2015-0040
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rock Lake
NearestCityorTown: Lake Mills
County: Jefferson
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
When Officer arrived on scene she observed a young white male later identified as Victim lying on his back on the floor of a 19 foot fisher boat. Victim was being stabilized for possible neck injuries by emergency personnel while complaining about his hip. Victim was placed on and secured to a stabilizing back board. Officer assisted the emergency personnel with stabilizing the boat and transporting Victim onto the north end boat launch dock. Victim was transported from the area by ambulance to an unknown area hospital. Officer then made contact with the boat operator. Operator stated he was operating the boat while towing two tubers from behind the boat. The occupants on the tube were Operator's nephews, Operator then stated the tube hit a series of waves causing the tube to become airborne and when the tube landed it struck a second set of waves at a bad angle. This caused Victim to be ejected from the tube and hit the water in a manner where his feet looked like they hit the back of his head on impact. Operator continued to state that Victim was crying in pain and was brought into the boat complaining of severe hip pain. Victim was wearing the proper PFD and was conscious the entire time Officer had contact with him.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0041
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:47:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: St Croix River
NearestCityorTown: Prescott
County: Pierce
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject was operating his personal water craft on the St Croix River, operator was jumping the wakes of other boats.  As he had just jumped a wake and landed at the next wake he was thrown forward over the front of the PWC then the PWC struck him in the side and back area.  Subject was advising of back pain and chest pain he thought he may have hit his chest on the steering bars while being ejected.  The following day Deputy contacted wife and she advised he was still in the hospital and has two fractured vertebra I his back.


BARDID: WI-2015-0043
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Delavan Lake
NearestCityorTown: Delavan Lake
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/22/15 at approximately 11:00PM a 49 year old male was a passenger on a motorboat drifting on the waters of Delavan Lake from an unanchored motorboat with three other individuals. Three of the passengers decided to swim from the boat in approximately 39 feet of water. The victim jumped off the port side of the boat and swam around to the stern of the boat. The victim was attempting to re-board the boat when he fell backward off the swim ladder and went underwater, the individual never resurfaced. Remaining witnesses stated they had been drinking since 12:30PM and been on the lake all day besides stopping for dinner at Lake Lawn Resort.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0044
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:39:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Wisconsin
NearestCityorTown: Lodi
County: Columbia
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Drug
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The victim was the sole occupant of a rental pontoon motorboat. According to eye witnesses, the victim was swimming in the water and was struggling to get back to the pontoon. As the witnesses were motoring over to assist, the victim went underwater and never surfaced. The victim was recovered by the Columbia Co SO Dive Team approximately 4 hours after the initial call. Warden recovered the pontoon several hundred yards downwind of where the victim went under. The motor was turned off and the victim's sandals, tee shirt and a towel were on the boat. There was a broken line tied to the bow of the pontoon. However, it is unknown how the victim ended up in the water or if the pontoon was anchored at any point while the victim was in the water.

The victim's wife indicated that he took the pontoon boat out on the lake himself to wash his hair. The victim had been drinking earlier in the day as well as the previous evening. The two witnesses on another a boat observed a boat drifting freely near Okee. The Witnesses believed the boat had come free from its mooring and attempted to contact the owner. As they got closer to the boat, the witnesses observed the victim in the water struggling to stay afloat. The victim yelled for help. As they neared the victim's location, the victim went underwater and did not resurface. 
The toxicology results showed that Victim had a blood alcohol concentration of .248% and a concentration of alprazolam (Xanax) at 90.8ng/mL. This is more than twice the therapeutic range of 10-40ng/mL.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0045
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Irogami Lake
NearestCityorTown: Wautoma
County: Waushara
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was a water-skier and started falling forward, she let the ski rope go and as she fell she sustained sharp pain to her back and right leg.  She was unable to get into the boat due to her pain.  Victim was transported to Berlin Hospital by ambulance.


BARDID: WI-2015-0046
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ike Walton Lake
NearestCityorTown: Lac du Flambeau
County: Vilas
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 was driving a 1989 Master Craft ski boat on Ike Walton Lake and pulling his 25 year old son on a stand up wake board, and had three younger passengers in the boat.  The tow rope being used was 80 ft long.  The pier in front of the residence was 84 ft long and has a L shape that goes to the left at the end.  On the left side of the pier, there was an 1995 Prince Craft deck boat moored / tied up.  The 115 hp outboard motor on this boat extended out into the lake (nose pointing toward shore).  91' out in the lake in front of the pier was an aluminum pontooned swim raft.  Operator1 stated that he decided to pull his son in between the pier and the swim raft to show his son's young daughter her father wake boarding.  As the boat was making the pass between the pier and dock his son for whatever reason had turned out to the left, which took him on a path towards Operator1's pier.  According to (witness/passenger), Wakeboarder never let go of the rope, where he struck the rear corner (#7) of the moored Prince Craft boat.  After striking the boat, Wakeboarder struck the 115 hrs Mercury motor on the Price Craft boat with his head and body.  Wakeboarder ended up face down unconscious in the water.  Impact cracked the fiberglass cowling on this motor.  Operator1 was made aware of the accident by (spotter/witness) where he turned around, and jumped in the lake to help his son.  Other family members who heard the commotion ran down to the lake and assisted in keeping Wakeboarder's face out of the water till EMS arrived.  Operator1 had stated that his son Wakeboarder had consumed approximately 6 cans of beer prior to the accident.  Wakeboarder was air lifted to hospital for he sustained serious injuries from the impact with the boat.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0047
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:16:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnebago
NearestCityorTown: Menasha
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat was recently rebuilt and this was one of the first times boat was back on water.  Boat had total of 4 occupants on it at time of incident.  Operator of boat said he was traveling approximately 20mph in choppy water when they noticed water inside the boat.  Operator stopped boat and noticed that boat was filling with water.  PFD's were obtained and put on by all occupants in boat.  Operator called friend for help as well as 911.  Another boat picked the 4 occupants up.  Boat sunk and was nearly completely submerged.  Boat was marked with a buoy and arrangements are being made by owner to have it removed from lake.  No injuries or fatalities as a result of incident and all occupants are accounted for.  No other boats were involved in incident and it does not appear that boat struck any other object.


BARDID: WI-2015-0048
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River Pool 8
NearestCityorTown: Bergen
County: Vernon
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentCause1: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) was finishing dredging operations near the northwest corner of Crater Island on the Mississippi River Pool 8 in Vernon Co., WI.  The USACE crew secured the upstream end of the empty dredge tube with spuds driven into the riverbed and took a lunch break in the galley of the USACE barge.  The spuds came loose and the dredge tube floated into the navigation channel.  Boat A was heading upstream on the Mississippi River in the center right of the navigational channel between mile markers 690 and 691.  Boat A was traveling approximately 10 miles per hour.  Boat A traveled between the USACE tug boat and a barge, and went over the floating dredge tube.  The dredge tube struck Boat A in the center of the bottom of the boat and in the lower unit.  Contact between the floating dredge tube and Boat A resulted in the lower unit of Boat A being broken off the transom.


BARDID: WI-2015-0049
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Sheboygan
County: Sheboygan
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Owner was at helm and returning to Sheboygan from fishing northeast of harbor entrance. Operator was not using GPS chartplotter, but navigating visually with lights from city. Was a dark night with no moon, but otherwise good visibility. Operator confused either the marina or river entrance lights, or perhaps the digital clock tower downtown (all are red lights) with the pier head light at the end of north pier. Operator stated he thought he was much farther offshore than his actual location due to the distance of the lights he was looking at. Operator stated he was traveling approximately 21 miles per hour when he struck pier. Given angle of boat as it came to rest on the north pier, he would have taken the marina and river entrance lights to his starboard side.


BARDID: WI-2015-0050
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Shawano Lake
NearestCityorTown: Wescott
County: Shawano
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Collision with floating object
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/29/15 Shawano Sheriff Office was notified of a stranded boat with occupants, and another two occupants were missing from the same boat for the last thirty minutes in the water of Shawano Lake. Law Enforcement responded to the location of call on Shawano Lake and found the stranded boat. An investigation lead to the following information Operator was operating a rented pontoon boat with three other occupants on the pontoon two were his sons and his father who was also in a wheelchair. The operator of the pontoon was pulling a tuber behind the pontoon. At one point in time the pontoon stopped and the tuber got off the tube into the water then tried to get back onto the tube but couldn't. At this time wind was blowing 20-30 knots with 2-3 foot waves. Operator then tried to turn the boat but the tow rope then got caught around the prop and stopped the motor. With the wind and waves the boat and tube then started to drift away. Victim then jumped into the water to try and help tuber but when he entered the water he began to struggle swimming right away. Tuber then said victim and he were in the water and started to swim toward shore. Tuber said just after they started swimming he heard victim say “I am drowning” and then saw about a two foot wave go over his head and never saw him above water again. Tuber said he then swam to shore where he could stand and then was found and picked up by the sheriff's office. Operator and passenger were drifting on the pontoon until they were helped by another rescue boat. A search for the victim started on 7/29/15 until 7/30/15 when he was located.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0051
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:16:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wind Lake
NearestCityorTown: Norway
County: Racine
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
occupant of the vessel was trying to anchor the vessel but was having troubles with the anchor. The occupant's hat fell into the water and the occupant jumped off of the boat to retrieve his hat. The occupant went under the water's surface and was no longer observed as the vessel drifted off due to strong winds.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0052
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Delavan Lake
NearestCityorTown: Delavan
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: operator behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The victim was fishing when a minnow bucket broke free from the boat and rather than drive the boat to retrieve the bucket the victim choose to swim after it. The winds were gusting at 25mph and there were whitecaps on the lake. The victim struggled and his brother in law jumped in after him leaving the boat without an experienced driver. A passing boat witnessed the brother in law struggling to stay afloat while trying to hold on to the victim. The passing boat assisted both individuals into their boat. The victim was unconscious and not breathing. EMS person were unable to revive the victim.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0053
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityorTown: Bluff Siding
County: Buffalo
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was waterskiing, for the first time, behind the boat when he hit a wake on his left and was attempting to come back when he collided with the wake and then fell into the water and did not immediately surface. It appeared that one of the skis had come up and hit Victim in the head or facial area. When they came up to him with the boat he was lying face down in the water. Two passengers jumped into the water to assist Victim, rolled him over and his eyes were rolled up and he was shaking. When officers arrived the Winona Fire Department was administering first aid to Victim on shore. Victim was conscious and appeared to be light headed with a swollen lip. The spotter in the boat stated that Victim began jumping the boats wake and fell going under the water without immediately coming up. When Victim came up his face was down, and he was in the fetal position. Victim appeared to be unconscious with seizure like conditions and when Victim came to he couldn't speak and appeared to be dazed.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0055
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sturgeon Bay Channel
NearestCityorTown: Sturgeon Bay
County: Door
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator rented a PWC from the Snug Harbor Inn and was informed of all the regulations regarding PWC use by Snug Harbor Inn Inc. prior to operating the PWC and signed a rental form indicating he understood the regulations.  Operator was operating the PWC when he took a passenger out on Sturgeon Bay.  Operator was showing passenger the ship called Texas near Bay Ship building when he got too close to the sea wall.  Operator tried to turn to the right but the PWC kept going straight and collided with the sea wall at approximately 6:45PM.  Both operator and passenger fell into the water but neither were injured.  The bow of the PWC contacted the sea wall.  Then operator and passenger got back onto the PWC operator tried to restart it since the kill switch had been engaged.  Operator stated that the PWC should not restart and it could not be started by an employee of the Snug Harbor Inn as well.  Operator and passenger were taken back to the Snug Harbor Inn after the collision.  Operator did not have any prior experience operating a PWC and has not taken a boater safety course.  Operator said that he estimates he was going approximately 15 miles per hour when he contacted the sea wall.  Operator state that he had one beer before operating the PWC and three drinks when he got back to the Snug Harbor Inn Inc after the collision.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0057
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fish Creek
NearestCityorTown: Green Bay
County: Door
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On Thursday June 18, 2015 Conservation Warden was notified by the Door county Sheriff Dept of an individual that had overturned in a kayak on the waters of Green Bay near Peninsula State Park. Warden was advised that Gibraltar Fire Dept was currently responding to the area in an attempt to recover the individual from the water. After some time the individual was recovered from the water and identified. Warden was advised that Victim was going to be transported to Door Co Medical Center for treatment of hypothermia. Upon meeting with victim at the emergency department at Door Co Medical Center Victim was currently being treated for hypothermia. Warden asked Victim what had happened and Victim stated that Victim and his girlfriend had been paddling their kayaks from Nicolet Bay out towards the Strawberry Islands and the wave conditions were more severe than Victim had initially thought. Victim told Warden that at the point of turning around to head back to Nicolet Bay Victim got turned sideways between the waves and got flipped out of Victim's kayak. Victim state that he held onto the kayak for approximately forty minutes until Victim was picked up by first responders. Victim told Warden that after getting picked up and transported back to shore Victim was then transported to Door Co Medical Center.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0058
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2015-07-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pewaukee Lake
NearestCityorTown: Pewaukee
County: Waukesha
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat A was docked and on lift out of water.  Boat B was traveling east bound on Pewaukee Lake along the southern shoreline.  Boat B struck the pier belonging to the residence.  Boat B then struck the rear / engine of Boat A.  Boat B continued on.  At the time of this report boat B has not been identified


BARDID: WI-2015-0059
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:46:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minocqua Lake
NearestCityorTown: Minocqua
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Experienced wakeboarder being pulled up from deep water.  Not sure if board caught water and hit his femur or other but victim said it felt like he was hit by a rock / tree and immediately broke right femur.  Victim was rescued by parents in boat, pulled to back of boat and brought to shore where paramedics were meeting us.


BARDID: WI-2015-0060
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chippewa Flowage
NearestCityorTown: Hayward
County: Sawyer
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat A was operating and was not on plane so the bow was high in the air.  Boat B was operating in front of boat A going the same direction.  Boat A ran in to the back of boat B and the bow of the boat struck the operator of boat B in the head and tore the motor off the boat.


BARDID: WI-2015-0061
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Outer Harbor
NearestCityorTown: Milwaukee
County: Milwaukee
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Milwaukee Police Boat 1595, Boat 2 conducted a boat stop on Boat 1 for a slow no wake violation in the Outer Harbor of Milwaukee just outside of Discovery World.  Boat 1 and Boat 2 were moored together by a bow line and a stern line.  During the boat stop, an unknown third boat drove by Boat 1 and Boat 2 creating a wake.  When the wake hit Boat 2 and Boat 1 the bow line connecting the two boats came undone.  The bows of both boats separated and the sterns of both boats turned into each other.  The swim platform of Boat 1 and the steel tow guard of Boat 2 collided together damaging the swim platform.  The cause of the accident was an improperly affixed line.


BARDID: WI-2015-0062
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Okauchee Lake
NearestCityorTown: Okauchee
County: Waukesha
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of Boat A was headed southwest toward the channel and observed a PWC moving at a high rate of speed heading north, then moving in tight circles, then accelerated south, then turned in a broad circle toward boat A.  Operator of boat A slowed the boat, began waiving his hands and yelling to get the driver of boat B’s attention noticing that he was looking behind him instead of the path he was traveling.  Operator of boat B let off the throttle once he heard me, then hit the side of the boat with the front right of his PWC.  He then accelerated causing the back of the PWC to hit the rear of boat A.  Operator of boat B then sped off toward the north about 150 yards, then stopped.  Operator of boat A observed that he was adding a passenger who was floating in the water.  Operator of boat B and his passenger then returned to the side of boat A, with the driver telling me had had to pick up his passenger who had fallen off, which was the reason he was looking behind him instead of the path he was traveling.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0063
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Silver Lake
NearestCityorTown: Wautoma
County: Waushara
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
According to a witness he heard and saw a South Bay Tri-hull pontoon boat run into this neighbors raft at about 9:30PM on July 10, 2015.  The pontoon boat pushed the raft which was anchored about 30 feet.  The two mails on board were heard talking and then fled the area, they did have the running lights on.


BARDID: WI-2015-0064
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityorTown: Stoddard
County: Vernon
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was a passenger on a personal watercraft.  The operator of the personal watercraft was taking sharp circular turns in the water.  The personal watercraft turned to its side.  The victim had fallen from the personal watercraft.  The operator of the personal watercraft proceeded to drive the boat and get the boat in an upright position.  The propulsion of the water from the jets went up the victim's rectum and caused internal damage to the victim.  The victim received medical attention and was admitted to the hospital.   No collision occurred.  The operators attorney stated in an email that the operator hit another boats wake at a funny angle and the passenger fell off the jet ski.  Warden was not allowed to speak with the operator of this incident.  Warden had to correspond through email with the operator's attorney.


BARDID: WI-2015-0065
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Spider Lake; Manitowish Waters
NearestCityorTown: Manitowish Waters
County: Vilas
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat B south bound at SNW speed, had just come out of the SNW zone between Stone Lake and Spider Lake.  About the point of impact the driver of boat B became aware of the other boat, A, bearing down on them at a higher rate of speed and accelerated in an attempt to get out of the way.  Boat A impacted boat B, slid up onto the gunwale of boat A, ahead of the left rear passenger, breaking through the fiberglass gunwale and cracking the side of the port hull.  The impact broke the electric trolling motor loose allowing it to impact boat B and cutting the padding on boat B on the rear edge behind the left rear passenger. Boat A was travelling west, directly into the sun.


BARDID: WI-2015-0066
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lily Lake
NearestCityorTown: Wescott
County: Shawano
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Through investigation the following was determined: Victim went out fishing on lake in the morning of 8/11/15. The victim was fishing in the North and Northwest corner of Lily Lake staying out of the weed area. Victim was using a 12' aluminum rowboat and was the only person in the boat. Victim did not have a life jacket on or in the boat. It appears victim got his fishing line caught on something causing it to break. It appears victim was attempting to put a new bobber onto his fishing line at the time he fell overboard. In the boat victim had a piece of carpet on the floor deck where he would stand. The location of the fishing pole, tackle box, carper and his seat cushion gave investigators the indication that the victim would have stood up to reach for his line and slipped on the carpet causing him to fall overboard. A bobber and can of Tabaco chew was located on the south side of the opening in the lake on a lily pad. Victim was located in the water deceased on 8/13/15 at 9:30am. Lily Lake is a 26 acre lake with no public access. The outer edge of the lake is surrounded by lily pads. There is an opening in what would be considered the center of the lake with no lily pads. This opening is part of the area that could be fished. Victim was located in the North end of this opening.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0067
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:53:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Beulah
NearestCityorTown: East Troy
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The victim was standing on the second deck of a double decker pontoon boat.  While the boat was adrift the victim jumped/dove from the second deck of the pontoon boat.  The victim stuck the back of this head on a jon boat before going into the water.  The jon boat was attached to the pontoon boat.  The victim never resurfaced after going under the water.  The body was recovered by Town PD.


BARDID: WI-2015-0068
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake DeNeveu
NearestCityorTown: Fond du Lac
County: Fond du Lac
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 15, 2015 between 2-3PM a group of 6 individuals were boating on Lake DeNeveu in Fond du Lac County. Vessel A was anchored near the south shore of Lake DeNeveu with two other boats. All passengers were swimming, socializing and consuming alcohol near the boat for several hours. Around dusk operator picked up anchor and Vessel A began to drift to the North West on Lake DeNeveu. While vessel was drifting the victim jumped off of the vessel into the water to cool down. Victim was swimming near the vessel when he disappeared under the water. None of the passengers observed victim go under or saw victim in any distress while swimming. Throughout the day a few passengers noticed the victims breathing seemed labored but that victim made no complaints of being in discomfort. It was later learned from victims wife that victim suffered from asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Victim was located deceased and recovered at 3:56PM on August 16, 2015.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0069
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Algoma
County: Kewaunee
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Trolling at approx. 2 miles per hour, main engine stalled, waves turned boat around, waves started coming in back of boat and water flowed over transom, boat started to fill with water, boat rolled and capsized, boat sunk.


BARDID: WI-2015-0070
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:51:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Park Lake
NearestCityorTown: Pardeeville
County: Columbia
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and family were out skiing / tubing and were getting ready to start again when there was an explosion and fire on the outboard motor.  Operator was able to put out the fire with help from another nearby boat.  No damage to the boat itself, just the motor.


BARDID: WI-2015-0071
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:43:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Delavan Lake
NearestCityorTown: town of Delavan
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Officers were working on patrol in boat number 359 traveling southwest in the area of Delavan Lake Yacht Club. Officer observed PWC traveling northeast at a high rate of speed pulling a red HO Water Sports Atomic tube. Officer observed the tube leave the water and go airborne with 1 male and 1 female occupant on the tube. The tube went an estimated 5-6 feet out of the water causing both occupants to fall off the tube and into the water. 2 occupants on the PWC remained on board. Officers made contact with all for individuals to check for injuries as occupants on PWC were waving down officers. One occupant of the tub was bleeding from the area below his right eye, complained of ankle and back pain. The other occupant complained of slight head pain. Officer assisted male occupant on boat of police boat #359 and tended to the laceration under his right eye. Female occupant also boarded police boat 359 and they were transported to Lakelawn Harbor where Medic tended to both occupants. Male occupant was transported to medical center and female occupant was released on scene.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0072
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Lake Geneva
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: person strikes the propeller
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Tuber was attempting to get onto boat when she slipped off the ladder and her left foot struck the propeller of the boat.  The motor was not on at the time of the incident.  Tuber was able to get on the boat then they drove back from Lake Geneva to Pier 290 in Williams Bay.  Boat called and informed Pier 290 they were coming back with an injury.  Employees at Pier 290 call for rescue.


BARDID: WI-2015-0074
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Wind Point
County: Racine
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated he was traveling near Wind Point in Lake Michigan from Milwaukee WI towards Racine WI.  Operator said somewhere near Wind Point he felt the bottom of the boat hit something and the boat stopped.  Operator stated the boat would not move and a short time later the boat floated free and the operator said he anchored the boat in 21 feet of water and checked for damage and if water was entering the boat.  Operator state he called for help via marine radio and t=later motored in to Racine harbor.


BARDID: WI-2015-0075
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:23:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Green Bay
NearestCityorTown: Fish Creek
County: Door
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/4/15 Warden was notified of a personal water craft accident that had occurred near Fish Creek WI. Warden was notified that the operator was being transported back to the dock by a private party. Upon arriving at the dock area the operator of the PWC was being treated in an ambulance and subsequently transported to Door Co Medical Center. Warden was able to meet with the occupant of the PWC. Passenger told Warden that operator had initially started out operating the PWC and then switched with him who then operated for a while. Passenger stated that after switching back to the operator operating the personal watercraft, operator hit a wave with the PWC causing glasses to fall off. Passenger stated that at this time operator panicked and squeezed the throttle at full speed in an effort to try and hang on to the handlebars of the PWC. Passenger stated that the PWC accelerated and struck another wave which caused operator and passenger to get knocked off of the personal watercraft. Passenger stated that after coming back up from the water that operator indicated that her neck and back were injured. Passenger told Warden that another individual helped operator and passenger back to the dock where emergency responders assisted operator.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0076
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Geneva
NearestCityorTown: Fontana
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was water tubing near Fontana Beach at approximately 7:15pm when he fell off after hitting a wave.  Passenger indicated when she looked back victim was floating face down for what she thought was approximately 2 seconds when she yelled to victim if he was ok.  Victim then lifted his head out of the water and gave the thumbs up to which passenger assumed he was ok.  Victim then swam to the boat boarded and operator drove them back to the boating launch.  While passenger and victim wee driving back to their home in Harvard around 9:15pm she realized that victim was going in and out of consciousness.  It was at this time she turned the vehicle around and started heading towards Mercy Walworth Hospital when victim became unresponsive.  Passenger then proceeded to pull the vehicle over and called 911.  Victim was transported via ambulance to Mercy Walworth Hospital.


BARDID: WI-2015-0077
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wolf River
NearestCityorTown: Fremont
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
This incident reportedly occurred on 7/25/15 and was reported to the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office on 8/4/15.  From statements gathered from operator A and witness the following sequence of events was described.  Vessel B was legally docked facing away from the shore at its mooring.  Just to the south of where vessel B was docked is a boat ramp.  Vessel A was attempting to get to his trail on the boat ramp.  As vessel A was maneuvering it experienced transmission problems.  Vessel A reversed into the front of vessel B pushing vessel B into the sea wall.  The bow and stern of vessel B was damaged.  Vessel A again attempted to maneuver and again reversed into the port side of vessel B.  Vessel B was unoccupied but the owner of vessel B witnessed this incident occur.  Both parties agreed to not report this and take care of the damages between them.  The owner of vessel B could not maintain contact with the operator of vessel A so he reported this to the police.


BARDID: WI-2015-0078
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2015-09-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Milwaukee
County: Milwaukee
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
The two surviving female passengers had spent most of the day recreating near Bradford Beach. During the day they met the two male passengers and exchanged phone numbers. The females had no prior relationship with the two males before meeting them that day. In the evening the females were near Water St and Michigan St when they boarded the operator's boat. The females stated they had both had several alcoholic drinks and smoked a marijuana pipe which belonged to the operator. Both females observed the two males drinking beer and smoking marijuana as well. Just before the accident the vessel was traveling from a direction near Veterans Park traveling east towards the lighthouse near the main gap of the break wall. The vessel struck the break wall approximately 170 feet north of the elbow leading to the main gap at about a 40 degree angle on the port side. The operator and three passengers were ejected from the vessel. Two females were able to swim back to the vessel which had overturned. Two witnesses from shore near Lake Shore State Park heard a loud noise and screams east of their direction. The witnesses called the authorities. US Coast Guard Station Milwaukee responded on scene and transported the females back to shore for medical attention at which point they were transported to the hospital. The two males were not found at the surface and were recovered that evening by Milwaukee Fire Department divers from about 30 feet depth below the water's surface.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0079
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-09-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Manitowoc
County: Manitowoc
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On the morning of 9/13/2015 WDNR Warden received an email from another WDNR Warden stating that he had received a voice mail message from the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Department from 9/12/2015 advising there had been a fatality on Lake Michigan involving a kayaker. WDNR Warden contacted USCG (who had responded and found the victim and kayak) and retrieved reports from them. Warden also contacted the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Department for additional reports, which were not available at the time of the request. 

Through Warden’s investigation and USCG reports and Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Department investigator comments, the victim was involved in a kayak fishing tournament on Lake Michigan and failed to return after weigh-in time. At approximately 2:40 pm the family of the victim contacted the USCG station at Two Rivers and requested assistance locating the victim as he was over due. USCG TR launched a vessel to patrol and look for the victim and also requested a USCG helicopter from Michigan to search. At approximately 4:37 pm the USCG Helo located a person in the water approximately .5 mile south of Manitowoc. USCG Helo deployed a rescue swimmer who contacted the victim, who was face down in the water (wearing a PFD). The USCG rescue swimmer determined that CPR would not be needed. USCG vessel 45735 arrived on scene and picked up the victim and rescue swimmer.

USCG 45735 transported the victim back to the Manitowoc Marina, where Manitowoc County Sheriff's Department and emergency personnel were on scene to assist with the body. USCG Helo then located the kayak and radioed the coordinates to USCG TR and USCG 45735 recovered the kayak.
When found the victim was holding a personal hand-held EPIRB that had not gone off. This unit was secured and kept by USCG TR and they will be having the unit analyzed to determine if it was operable or not. 

Manitowoc County SO took possession of the kayak from USCG 45735 which had two GOPRO cameras mounted on the kayak. Manitowoc County SO viewed the footage on the GOPROs and WDNR Warden requested copies of any footage on the GOPROs. No footage of the incident was found on either of the two GOPRO cameras.

No analysis of the EPIRB was available from USCG at the time of report submission on 12/19/2015.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0080
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Clear Lake
NearestCityorTown: Woodruff
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
The pontoon was tied at the dock and not in motion while we waited for my parents and family to gather things from the beach area and proceed to come to the dock.  During this time, Operator2 had dropped off a girl-friend at the dock with the jet-ski and quickly zipped away from the dock.  As my wife and daughter were taking the tubes to the truck, Operator2 came back to pick up the girl-friend and before coming to the dock he shut off the jet ski and had no control of the jet-ski from that point and collided straight into the starboard side of the pontoon causing a dent into the pontoon float.

When my wife and daughter came back to the boat I told them what had happened.  My wife told Operator2 that she would need insurance information because they would have to pay for the damage.  Operator2 told my wife that he did not have any of that information on him but his dad did.  My wife asked Operator2 where his dad was and he told her that he was out on the lake with the other jet-ski.  My wife took the jet-ski license and told Operator2 to go get his dad.

During this time I walked up to the contact station to report what happened and to send someone (a DNR personal) to the boat landing to fill out a report. I walked back to the dock and Operator2's dad was there.  He came to me and told me that he would take care of the damages and to let him know what it would cost.  He also stated that prior to this that Operator2 had totaled his car. Then the DNR truck came to the boat landing and 2 Forest Rangers stepped out.  I went to talk to the rangers and operator2 dad went to see the damage on the pontoon boat and to talk to my wife.  I explained what had happened to the Forest Rangers and gave them any information they needed like my driver license and boat registration card.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0081
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Wisconsin
NearestCityorTown: Merrimac
County: Sauk
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat 1 was assisting a stranded boat near the ferry crossing.  Boat 1 Operator was standing in the bow of the boat while the stranded boat was trying to get the engine started.  An occupant of Boat 1 looked up to see the Boat 2 coming in their direction.  Boat 2 was very close at the time of the occupant's observation.  Boat 2 continued heading north towards the Merrimac side and struck Boat 1 in the area of the outboard engine with the starboard corners of its bow.  The collision caused damage to Boat 1's  engine cowling and steering components.


BARDID: WI-2015-0082
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wisconsin River
NearestCityorTown: Wisconsin Dells
County: Adams
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 2 was operated west-bound near the middle of the Kilbourn Flowage-Wisconsin River, just south of the Holiday Shores Bay.  Vessel 1 was operated northbound near the middle of the Kilbourn Flowage, just south of the Holiday Shores Bay and collided with the rear left corner of Vessel 2.  The operator from Vessel 2 was ejected into the water upon collision.


BARDID: WI-2015-0083
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Crawfish River
NearestCityorTown: Hubbleton
County: Jefferson
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was with a group of canoeists serving as the “safe” boat.  They would scout ahead and report back to the canoeists what was coming up.  Vessel 1 was heading upstream and had just reported to the canoeists the distance to their landing. Vessel 1 was making a sharp right turn to return downstream when the Passenger, who was seated on the front bench seat facing toward the stern, re-positioned his weight.  This shift caused the vessel, which was already in a turn, to heel on its starboard side.  Vessel 1 Operator fell out of the vessel followed by the Passenger.  The tiller motor was still in gear and propelled the vessel in a circular fashion.  Both the operator and the passenger swam toward the vessel.  When the vessel was close to the operator he realized he could not grab the boat and pushed it away.  The passenger, who was a short distance away, was hit in the head by the side of the vessel.  The motor cut out around that time.  The Passenger was hit by the motor area of the vessel as well.  The canoeists returned to assist; the Passenger was floated to shore on PFDs and the vessel was walked to shore.


BARDID: WI-2015-0085
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big Green Lake
NearestCityorTown: Green Lake
County: Green Lake
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Officer observed a thick plum of dark smoke coming from Pigeon Bay.  Upon arrival to Pigeon Bay we observed a Cobalt boat Wisconsin registration WS1157HB on fire in Pigeon
Bay. A deck boat used for installing piers and lifts was able to push the Cobalt near the shore for the fire department to put it out.
Upon contact with subject, he stated himself along with his wife and two daughters filled the boat with gas at the conference center in Pigeon Bay. They pulled out of the gas docks and were at idle speed (approximately 5mph) heading southbound for approximately 90 seconds when an explosion came from the stem starboard side. They observed smoke and flames coming from the area where the explosion occurred. They jumped off of the boat and were picked up by a boater nearby. I observed small bum holes in subject's shirt. The family stated they were not injured and did not require medical treatment.


BARDID: WI-2015-0086
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Kawaguesaga Lake
NearestCityorTown: Minocqua
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday August 11, 2015, at approximately 6:00 PM, boat A was traveling west on Lake Kawaguesaga with eight passengers and one operator. A small table in the boat broke which spilled food and beverages on the floor of the boat.
While passengers and the operator where occupied cleaning, the boat ran aground. A phone call was made to 911 and Minocqua Police and an ambulance responded. All occupants of the boat refused medical treatment. The pontoons of the boat sustained damage.

The operator of the boat reported that the boat was traveling less than 10 miles per hour at the time of the accident and admitting to consuming somewhere between 1.14 and 1 ounce of scotch prior to the crash but was not found to be intoxicated.


BARDID: WI-2015-0087
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: White Potato Lake
NearestCityorTown: Pound
County: Oconto
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of boat A was bringing tube into shore to allow the tube riders to get off. As Boat A was operating parallel to shore the boats wake, the wind, and possibly when one passenger jumped off of the tube, potentially pushed the tube into the back of Boat B's motor. Victim hit the front of her head on the back of the prop and received a laceration along her forehead. Victim was conscious the whole time and was treated by EMS and transported to Aurora BayCare medical center where she received stitches to repair her laceration on her forehead. No other injuries.


BARDID: WI-2015-0088
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:47:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnebago
NearestCityorTown: Black Wolf
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Very rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat was headed North on Lake Winnebago back to the Fox River where it docks. While on the way North, the weather in the area became very violent, with strong winds, large amounts of ran as well as hail. The boat has an open deck format and was taking water over the front of the boat. The motor for the boat is an inboard motor and cut out due to the amount of water in the boat. The bilge pump could not keep up and the boat flooded. Three of the occupants of the boat were able to put on PFD's, however the driver of the boat was not able to do so and was only able to grab a floatable seat cushion while the boat was sinking.


BARDID: WI-2015-0089
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:33:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pioneer Lake
NearestCityorTown: Conover
County: Vilas
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The Victims and Witnesses were all staying a residence (also owner of jet ski's involved). All 4 individuals had been assisting with yard clean up, consumed one beer each, then went out on the lake (Pioneer Lake) each riding a jet ski by themselves. None of the 4 individuals had valid boater safety certificates as required by Wisconsin law. The individuals headed out across the lake, where they all met in the middle for a brief time, then took back off. The two witness's were out in front, and stated that they were approximately 100 yards away from the other two. Neither witness observed the actual accident occur. Witness1 stated that he looked back and saw Operator1 laying face down in the water, off of his jet ski.
 
Witness1 stated that he turned around and went back to where Operator1 was laying, where all three individuals jumped in the water and helped upright Operator1. The individuals attempted to get Operator1 back onto a jet ski to get him some help, where a third party boat came out from shore after hearing the commotion, and assisted in getting Operator1 into their boat. 
 
Both Operator1 and Operator2 stated to RIO that they had been traveling straight towards each other, where they attempted to turn away from each other, but ended up colliding head on. The Jet Ski Operator2 was operating over rode the top of Operator1 Jet Ski where Operator1 was struck in the chest area with the front of Operator2's Jet Ski. The impact subsequently knocked Operator1 into the water. Operator1 sustained internal injuries to his lungs and spleen. He had bruising /swelling to his left hand, and a large (10"+) laceration to his lower left leg near his shin area. Operator2 was uninjured in the collision.
 
The owner of the Jet Ski's stated that he had State Farm Insurance for coverage on all of the jet ski's. Damage estimate of Vessel 1 is blue book value.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0090
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:56:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Clark Lake
NearestCityorTown: Sturgeon Bay
County: Door
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sat. 08-15-2015, at 8:35pm, Warden returned a 6:55pm phone message from the Door Co Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) stating Victim suffered a leg injury while water-skiing on Clark Lake at approx. 5:56pm. 

Victim was transported by ambulance to the Door County Medical Center (DCMC) in Sturgeon Bay. The incident was reported by subject and no DCSO Deputies responded to the incident. At 8:37pm, Warden spoke with DCMC Emergency Room staff and confirmed Victim was treated for a leg-muscle injury due to water-skiing. 

At 8:50pm, Warden left a message for the boat's operator to retum the call. 

On Sun. 08-16-2015, at 9:30am, Warden spoke with Owner by phone. Owner stated he was the boat owner, the father of the boat operator, Operator, and the brother of the victim water-skier, Victim. 
Owner stated he witnessed the incident and explained how his brother Victim was starting out, trying to get the skis on top of the water, when he "did the splits" and fell into the water pulling a leg muscle. Owner also provided information to Warden about the boat and boat occupants for the above report. 
On 08-16-2015, Warden sent Operator the boat operator incident form with instructions via Owner's e-mail address.

On 08-17-2015, at 2:12pm, Operator returned the call to Warden. Operator stated he was operating the boat when he witnessed the incident in the boat's mirror. Operator stated Victim is an accomplished skier and was trying to drop a ski as he was getting on top of the water and fell into the water. Operator thought Victim may have pulled the muscle before falling into the water. Victim was in extreme pain and an ambulance was called. Operator provided information for completing the above report and stated he would complete the Operator Report.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0092
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2015-08-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: West Twin River
NearestCityorTown: Two Rivers
County: Manitowoc
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
From Operator Report: Nose of boat dug into small wave and capsized turning boat upside down.

From Officer Report - Vessel 1 Operator was driving a custom made racing boat on the West Twin River off the Vets Park Boat Launch. Operator was operating at a high rate of speed. Two Rivers PD Officer observed the accident and was running radar on the boat prior to the accident. According to the Officer, he obtained a reading using a stationary radar of approximately 70 mph. Operator was operating the boat in a large oval pattern. When Operator was coming out of a turn he encountered waves from his wake. In addition, the wind began to pick up creating a chop on the water. The port side of the boat towards the bow stuck into the water, causing the boat to flip. Operator was ejected from the boat. Operator was wearing a life jacket and a helmet at the time of the accident.

Operator's father came to his aid in another boat and took Operator to shore where EMS was waiting. Operator was transported to medical facility for possible neck and spinal cord injuries. According to the Operator, he takes the race boat out about once a year with this brother to run tests on the engine. Operator said because of the wind the conditions were unsafe to be operating the race boat at high rates of speed. Operator does not race boats competitively, but operates them as a hobby. Investigating officer seized the boat for further investigation.
 
 the State does not have a value of the damage other than total loss.  Vessel was a custom made vessel, with no HIN purchased in Florida approximately 12 years ago, per the operator/owner.  Owner also stated that the motor was a Mercury that through modifications was approximately 100 hp.;


BARDID: WI-2015-0093
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wolf River
NearestCityorTown: Fremont
County: Waupaca
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator Report Only at This Time:

Skier was attempting to go over show water ski jump.  Vessel Operator was going an appropriate speed in order for skier to be successful.  The skier's skis slid out from beneath her as she hit the jump and landed on the water at a weird angle.  After medical attention it was determined that the skier tore ligaments in her Lisfrank.


BARDID: WI-2015-0094
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:59:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big Bearskin Lake
NearestCityorTown: Lake Tomahawk
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 2 was travelling southwest on Big Bearskin Lake.  Vessel 1, while pulling a tuber was travelling northwest.  Vessel 1 Operator stated that he was watching the tubers in the rear view mirror.  Vessel 1 struck Vessel 2 within its bow on the port side.  As vessel 1 was about to hit vessel 1, the operator accidently pushed the throttle forward instead of backwards which caused the bow of Vessel 1 to rise and rest on the port side of Vessel 2 damaging the rails, skirt and benches on that side of the boat.  It also caused 2 of the Vessel 2 passengers to be injured, one had a cut to his hand, the other a bruse on her wrist.


BARDID: WI-2015-0097
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Wausau
NearestCityorTown: Rib Mountain
County: Marathon
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Waiting for Officer Report.

From Operator Reports:  Vessel 2 travelling approximately 15-20 mph parallel to shore waiting for traffic to clear.  Vessel 1 approaches from left, operator does see me until he is very close.  Vessel 1 Operator tried to avoid Vessel 2 by slowing down as much as possible.  Vessel 2 Operator lets go of the gas, can’t steer and runs into the side of Vessel 2.


Officer Report:  Vessel 1 and Vessel 2 were on a close to parallel course approximately 200 feet apart.  Vessel 2 was on the port side and slightly abaft the beam of Vessel 1  

Vessel 1 Operator was watching the PWC in front of him.  Vessel 2 Operator recognized that the other PWC was slowing.  Vessel 2 then changed course to go around the slowing PWC.  Vessel 2 changed the starboard side of its original course which was now approximately an east northeast heading.  Boat continued on its course and maintained speed. Vessel 2 Operator continued to watch the other PWC which was now to his port and abaft the beam.  Vessel 1 Operator recognized that the boats were on a collision course and attempted to stop his boat.  Vessel 2 Operator looked forward when he was approximately 15-20 feet from Vessel 1.  Vessel 2 let off the gas and attempted to steer away, but the PWC was not able to turn while off power. 

The front of Vessel 2 collided with the port side of Vessel 1.  After the initial collision, the back of Vessel 2 spun and collided with the back half of the port side of Vessel 1.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0098
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:06:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Little Muskego Lake
NearestCityorTown: Muskego
County: Waukesha
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Injured person was attempting to wake board.  As the vessel started to pull him out of the water, the injury to his leg occurred.  His leg broke.


BARDID: WI-2015-0099
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fox River
NearestCityorTown: Wrightstown
County: Brown
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Waiting for Officer Report
 
From Operator Report:  Operative was driving (approximately 23 mph) just left of the channel to go to the Rapide Croche Lock when the vessel hit the bottom (presumably rocks).  The prop, prop shaft, and rudder were damaged.


BARDID: WI-2015-0102
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-09-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Little Muskego Lake
NearestCityorTown: Muskego
County: Waukesha
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Injured person fell off tube and dislocated shoulder. Driven back to Idle Isle beach and contacted rescue. Injured person transported to medical facility. Vessel 1 Operator arrested for Operation of Boat while intoxicated.

Upon arrival Officer observed three or four subjects standing in a boat, which was beached west of the boat launch, and leaning over a subject who was laying on his back on the floor of the boat. Leaning over the injured person was a subject identified to me verbally as the Operator of vessel. While speaking with the vessel operator, I detected a strong odor of intoxicants emanating from his breath as he spoke, and his eyes appeared bloodshot and glassy. Officer asked the Operator if he had been drinking alcohol while operating the boat and he advised that he had been.
 
Officer also asked if he had anything to drink since the boating accident and he stated he did not. Officer asked the Operator to step out of the boat and onto the shore. The Operator was advised that due to the accident, and the fact that he admitted to consuming alcohol while operating his boat, he was asked to perform a series of field sobriety tests. 

Operator was placed in handcuffs and transported to the Police Department. Officer read the Operator his Constitutional Rights as printed on the DNR form. Officer issued DNR Citation for Operating a Motor Boat while Intoxicated. Officer then read the Informing the Accused chemical Test requirements to the Operator and provided a copy. After the 20-minute observation period was conducted, the Operator provided two adequate breath samples into the Intoximeter machine. Operator's BAC was 0.9g/210L. 

Officer then asked the Operator if he would be willing to answer some questions on the Operator Incident Report and he refused to answer any of the questions. 

Operator issued, Citation for Operating a Motor Boat with a Prohibited Alcohol Concentration. Operator was then released to his sister. The DNR form 4100-130, Responsible Adult Information Checklist for Release of Alleged OWI Violator form was completed.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0103
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Elizabeth
NearestCityorTown: Twin Lakes
County: Kenosha
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Drug
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel was moving in a forward motion while the victim was trying to climb onto the front of the boat.  The victim was then pulled under the boat and upon exiting the back was struck by the propeller of the boat engine.


BARDID: WI-2015-0104
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:56:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Koshkonong
NearestCityorTown: Fort Atkinson
County: Jefferson
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: person tangled in activity equ
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator was off throttle, drifting into a pier, towing a three-person tube with 2 people on the tube.  When close to shore, the water was shallow, so both passengers got off the tube to wade to shore.  The wind blew the tube under a pontoon boat docked to the west of them.  The injured person grabbed the rope for the tube to pull it from under the pontoon boat.  The tow rope was wrapped around the injured person's right hand; the tow rope got sucked into the PWCs intake and was pulled tight when the Vessel Operator manipulated the throttle.  The Injured person's right pinky finger was pulled off at the first knuckle and the middle finger was severely damaged.


BARDID: WI-2015-0105
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2015-08-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:49:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Papoose Lake
NearestCityorTown: Winchester
County: Vilas
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 had just left the dock at public boat landing on the south end of Papoose Lake.  Operator previously started the boat on land and everything was fine.  After the boat was started at the landing it started on fire approximately 100 yards away from the landing.  The fire was extinguished but started again and all occupants voluntarily left the boat and swam to shore.  The boat was a total loss and eventually sunk.


BARDID: WI-2015-0106
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-10-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityorTown: Prescott
County: Pierce
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was travelling on plane and said he must have just missed seeing the last navigational buoy before the Prescott Slow No Wake on the Mississippi River and was just outside of it and struck a wing dam with the vessel, causing a large hold in the hull and damage to lower units.  Vessel was returned to a dock in Prescott where the marine, fire department and law enforcement agency assisted with pumping the vessel out and loading on a trailer at the launch.


BARDID: WI-2015-0107
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:28:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: North Lake
NearestCityorTown: Chenequa
County: Waukesha
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was backing boat off of lift and stated he had to provide extra throttle to get boat off of the lift.  Operator attempted to over correct steering and struck hard pier corner bumper.  Boat continued in reverse at an accelerated speed causing the starboard rear armrest to become detached, scuff marks along starboard gunwale, and bending the starboard window frame causing the window to break.


BARDID: WI-2015-0108
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-09-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pewaukee Lake
NearestCityorTown: Pewaukee
County: Waukesha
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 2 Operator operating at 15-20 mph struck Vessel 1 on the portside causing a hole which took on water.  Vessel 2 towed back to launch.  No injuries reported.


BARDID: WI-2015-0109
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-10-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: St Croix River
NearestCityorTown: Prescott
County: Pierce
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Other
OtherEquipmentFailure: live well hose
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 operating at slow no wake speed and Operator noticed water coming in boat and sinking fast.  Operator then went to back and checked to see that plug was still in and it was.  Operator then went back to the controls where the passenger was not seated and when he did the boat capsized.  They then ended up drifting to about 4 feet of water where boat came to rest on bottom, they could see no damage to the hull and thought the hoses to the live well possibly came apart and was pumping water into the boat.


BARDID: WI-2015-0110
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2015-08-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Port Washington
County: Ozaukee
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
From Operator:  Thor started taking on water Sunday (8/23) night and issues with starting engine.  High swells Sunday night were present.  I became very frightened that the boat sinking and was going to catch on fire.  I radio to Captain on Tanker Ship passing between me and shoreline for help, as they got close i jumped into water to avoid possible explosion.  I treaded water with flotations for approx. 30 minutes until the crew of "Joe Block" could rescue.  They hauled me aboard and gave me dry blankets and coffee.  US Coast Guard from Sheboygan arrived shortly after and transported me by ship to Port Washington were an ambulance and EMT's were standing by.  They transported me to local Hospital and treated me for Hypothermia and High Blood Pressure and Shock, and Lunch. 
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0112
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2015-09-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Lake Geneva
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
As we approached you could see a large amount of black smoke coming from the area out from the Lake Geneva municipal launch, with a large crowd of boats around it. Water Safety Patrol was keeping all of the boat traffic away from the fire as the Linn fire boat attempted to put out the fire.  We then began to assist with keeping all of the boat traffic at a safe distance. Water Safety Patrol had the occupants of the boat on their boat and reported that everyone was okay and that there were no injuries.

Vessel Operator reported the following.  At approximately 10:30am, he and the other occupants were cruising along the shoreline traveling southbound just out from pier 880. They were traveling at approximately 5mph when the voltage dropped. He then brought the speed up to approximately 15mph to hopefully charge the battery.  A few minutes later the boat died and some white smoke started to come from the engine area. He thought everything was okay because the smoke was "Normal" for a boat.  They then called Water Safety Patrol and asked for a tow.  While waiting for Water Safety Patrol the Operator got into the water because the other three occupants did not know how to swim very well and he thought that he could help them when they got into the water. Another boat then came by and was going to let them on their boat when Water Safety Patrol arrived and had them all get on their boat.  Then the fire boat arrived and put out the fire.

The vessel appeared to be a total loss with only the lower section of the hull intact.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0113
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:44:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Algoma
County: Kewaunee
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Video from Marina surveillance camera showed Vessel 2 Operator having a hard time controlling his boat after launching and ending up striking Vessel 1 while in reverse.
After interviewing Vessel 2 Operator, it was determined that there was a connector rod between the kicker motor and main motor.  The kicker motor had not been placed in the down position, therefore restricting the movement of the main motor, which made it hard for the Operator to control the vessel in tight quarters.
As of 10/26/2015 the investigating officer had not received an actual damage amount so, the $2,000 work of damage is just an estimate.


BARDID: WI-2015-0114
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-10-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Boom Lake/Wisconsin River Flow
NearestCityorTown: Rhinelander
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 backed out of dock.  Operator slipped and hit arm on throttle.  Hit neighboring vessel at dock.


BARDID: WI-2015-0115
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-10-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:19:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Crystal Lake
NearestCityorTown: Roxbury
County: Dane
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Subjects took a 14’ vessel out to assist a stranded pontoon on Crystal Lake.  Winds at the time were gusting up to 35 mph.  The subjects attempted to get back to shore, but the waves were coming over the back of the vessel causing it to sink.  Boat subjects were wearing PFDs and were pulled from the water approximately 45 minutes later by the previous stranded pontoon.  Vessel 1 was later recovered, no loss or damage.


BARDID: WI-2015-0116
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-11-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:51:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: North Tomah Cranberry Waterbod
NearestCityorTown: LaGrange
County: Monroe
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Improper loading
AccidentCause3: Weather
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim and two waterfowl hunting companions were in motorboat, which was underway, when water came over front of boat causing boat to fill and overturn. Victim and companions were not wearing personal floatation device. Victim last seen hanging onto wearable PFD and type-4 throwable PFD as he floated away from boat. Later, victim was located along shoreline, EMS began CPR and transported to Tomah Memorial Hospital where victim was pronounced dead.

Motorboat with occupants were traveling westbound when water began coming over the front of the boat. Operator abruptly slowed forward travel which caused the front of the boat to go lower into the water allowing more water to enter the boat. Operator tried to turn boat to the north, but water swamped boat causing boat to capsize. Occupants left the boat. Operator and Passenger 2 stayed with overturned boat. Deceased last seen drifting northeast away from the boat while holding onto wear personal floatation device and type-4 throwable personal floatation device. Deceased used his cellphone to call 911. Responders used a pontoon boat to perform water rescue for Operator and Passenger 2 as well as the boat. Responders found Deceased in the water along the northeast shoreline. Reportedly, the toes to Deceased's waders were visible above the surface of the water.
 


BARDID: WI-2015-0117
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-11-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:04:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Haskell Lake
NearestCityorTown: Lac du Flambeau
County: Vilas
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel’s electric trolling motor became entangled in fishing line and disabled, Operator began using his hands to paddle towards the nearest light on shore. At some point the boat flipped and the Operator entered the water. Operator then swam and/or pulled himself and the boat towards the closest light on shore. Once Operator reached the shoreline he was unable to get out of the water. The shoreline consisted of marshy and floating bog vegetation and the lake bottom was soft. At approximately 11:08 PM the operator was located by searchers and transported to the medical center and treated for hypothermia.


BARDID: WI-2015-0118
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Fish Creek
County: Door
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, September 5th, 2015 Conservation Warden was contacted by the Door County Sheriff’s Department dispatch center regarding an incident near Chamber’s Island. Warden was informed that numerous boats had been damaged by the wake of one of the Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) as it passed near Chambers Island. Warden was informed that numerous boats had been rafter together and when the wake came into the north bay of Chamber’s Island the boats slammed together and caused damage to the boats in the bay.

Upon arriving at Chambers Island Warden met with over 50 individuals who were involved in the incident. One individual had been injured due to the wake of the LCS coming into North Bay at Chambers Island; this individual suffered a torn ACL. Warden inspected over 30 boats that had been rafted together in the bay that had varying degrees of damage to them. Warden had also been informed that several boats had left the area prior to Warden arriving.

Warden sent letters to the individuals that were identified and requested information back in regards to their personal information and estimates for the repairs to their boats. Of the over 30 boats that Warden had spoken to, only 22 of those individuals responded to Warden’s request. Physical damaged to boats based upon estimates received by Warden totaled $170,140.98.

Each estimate received by Warden was documented in a Case Activity Report, boat and operator information was compiled in an excel spreadsheet as current accident forms do not allow for the total number of boats to be entered. Each boat that sustained damage has a folder with the digital images from the damage caused by the wake. There are 25 separate folders with digital images of the damage to the respected boats. There are digital images of boat damage from individuals who did not respond to Warden’s requests, and that damage is not factored into the total dollar amount for damages sustained. There are three folders that contain video files and digital images from witness’ showing the LCS passing by Chambers Island and the wake as it came into North Bay on Chambers Island along with the boats slamming together as the damages occurred.
The operator of the LCS did file the required operator report and indicated that another vessel, the Algoway had passed Chambers Island prior to the LCS and could have produced the wake that caused the damage to the boats. Based upon statements and videos obtained it is very unlikely that the wake that was produced by the Algoway was the wake that caused the damage to the boats in North Bay.
 
Warden had been sent screen shots of the path of the LCS Milwaukee from the United States Coast Guard Sector Milwaukee showing the path that the LCS Milwaukee had traveled based upon the Automatic Identification System (AIS) that is on board the LCS Milwaukee. The screen shots show the LCS Milwaukee travelling past Chambers Island at 19:50 hours. It is unknown if the time had been adjusted for the system or if it the time was set to operate on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) which is six hours ahead of Central Standard Time. The one screen shot showing the path of the LCS indicates that as the LCS passed Chambers Island approximately 1.5 nautical miles from shore it was travelling at a speed of 28.8 knots, or approximately 33 mph.
Video files that were reviewed show the LCS passing North Bay off of Chambers Island and a subsequent wake coming into North Bay. The video files show numerous waves that are between three and five feet in height along with the boats that were rafted together smashing together. There is a specific state law that requires the operator of any boat to operate the boat in a safe manner and not produce a hazardous wake or wash. This law specifically identifies that the operator of the boat is responsible for any damages that are caused by creating such a wake or wash as indicated below.
30.68 Prohibited operation:
(4) CREATING HAZARDOUS WAKE OR WASH.
(a) No person


BARDID: WI-2016-0001
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-01-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:12:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Beulah Mill Pond
NearestCityorTown: East Troy
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
A group of young adults in their early 20’s were visiting a friend’s house on Mill Pond, Lake Beulah.  The group had been consuming alcohol for most of the evening on 1/2/2016 and visited a local bar.  The witnesses stated that shortly after returning from the bar the missing individuals exited the residence to smoke cigarettes and never returned.  

A small scale search of the premise was done at 4:00 am by some members of the group.  The group was unsuccessful in locating the four missing individuals and decided to go to bed until daylight hours.  The group began to search again at approximately 9:00 am.  The son of the property owner noticed the canoe was missing from the boat house.  A search of the shoreline was conducted and the missing canoe was observed in the channel connecting Mill Pond to the main lake.  The canoe was designed for 3 passengers and 4 people were in it.  The group contacted the County Sheriff Dispatch shortly after 11:00 am on 1/3/2016.

On 1/3/2016 at approximately 1:03 pm, volunteer firefighters were diving on the southeast side of Mill Pond where they observed broken ice and paddles lying on the ice.  The firefighters had located two bodies and continued searching.   Dive operations continued until 6:41 pm.    
On 1/4/2016 at approximately 1:26 pm, divers located the body of one of the missing individuals. Dive operations were suspended at 4:47 pm.

On 1/8/2016 at approximately 9:09 am divers located the body of the fourth missing individual.

Overloading and alcohol use were causes.  It is assumed the vessel capsized, flooding the boat and ejecting the subjects.


BARDID: WI-2016-0002
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-02-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pecatonica River
NearestCityorTown: Argyle
County: Lafayette
WaterConditions: Very rough
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Dam/lock
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat A and its occupants were fishing in the area around the Argyle dam. Boat A traveled around a grassy area near the western shore of the Pecatonica River which brought them to the area below the dam. Boat A began to get pulled into the current towards the dam.  The boat operator attempted to put the motor of the boat into reverse. Since the motor was not in a locked position, the motor lifted up and out of the water causing the boat to lose any ability to go into reverse. The bow of the boat went into the dam and the boat took on some water over the bow. The boat was pulled back away from the dam, and the current then brought the boat back towards the dam with the port side of the boat facing the dam.  When the boat reached the dam sideways, water was taken on and the boat immediately flipped towards the dam, ejecting all three occupants. All three occupants surfaced after being thrown into the water and held on to the boat for a brief time. One passenger became dislodged from the boat, swam to shore, and was taken to a hospital to be treated for hypothermia.  The boat operator also became dislodged from the boat and was retrieved from the water by emergency personnel and was unresponsive and taken to the hospital and died hours later.  Victim 2 was holding on to the boat and was unable to do so any longer and went under the water. Victim 2’s body was recovered two day later near the dam.
 
A check of the boat for safety equipment revealed two type IV PFDs, one type III device, and no fire extinguisher.   The boat was owned for approximately one year and he is believed to have a moderate amount of experience operating the boat.


BARDID: WI-2016-0003
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-03-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Port Washington
County: Ozaukee
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Weather
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim still remains missing.  Two paddlers went kayaking on Lake Michigan out of Port Washington’s south beach.  The winds were very strong and waves were 7’.  They decided to paddle despite the rough conditions.  They both capsized and had to swim to shore.  Vessel 2 Operator made it to shore while Vessel 1 Operator is still missing.  It is unknown if Vessel 1 Operator was able to get the PFD on during the incident.  Vessel 2 Operator was treated at the hospital for hypothermia.  Vessel 1 ended up in South Milwaukee at Grant Park’s Beach.  Vessel 1 has not been found yet.


BARDID: WI-2016-0004
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-03-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Superior
NearestCityorTown: Ashland
County: Ashland
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On March 19, 2016, a canoeist died of apparent hypothermia in the waters of Lake Superior. The victim was a 50 year old male.  
 
There were no direct witnesses to the incident and the body was discovered early on the following day.   Information from the investigation and from other officers who were part of this investigation, indicate the victim either fell or was dumped from his watercraft.  The watercraft was a 10’ square stern fiberglass canoe.  No motor was on the canoe, as it was paddled at the time of use.  The victim ended up in the waters of Lake Superior about 100 yards offshore of the City of Ashland in an area known locally as the Hotponds.  The Hotponds is where the discharge waters from an Excel Energy Power Plant (aka, the steam plant) flows in to Lake Superior.  This area is located on the east side of the plant and is a very popular year round open water fishing area with easy public access.  The victim had sent text messages to a friend about the sunset and other non-alarming things.  All texting from the victim was reported to have ended sometime about 8:30 pm.  A significant other also states her attempting to text the victim at about 8:30 pm about dinner plans were unanswered.  She states she made attempts later in the night that were also unanswered.  On Sunday morning, March 20, 2016 at about 7:07 am power plant workers reported an empty canoe in the waters of the Hotpond.  Responding rescue workers found the victim’s body shortly afterwards in the water near the empty canoe.
 
A Sheriff’s Deputy first responder found a truck parked at the boat launched and could see an empty canoe about 100 yards straight off the boat launch.  Ashland Fire department water rescue responded and located a body near the canoe along with some fishing equipment.  A further search of the area did not reveal any additional bodies or equipment to suggest other missing people might be involved.  There were alcoholic beverages located in a bucket with the victim.  The victim was identified by driver’s license and DNR fishing License found in his wallet. The canoe was found right side up with an anchor out, but the anchor may have fallen out if the boat tipped, as all other equipment was located outside of the canoe.  There was a fresh layer of ice around the boat and also from shore out to the boat.  
 
It appears the accident happened on March 19 shortly after dark.  The victim had sent a series of text messages to someone up until about 8:30 pm on March 19, 2016.  No further messages from the victim were reported after about 8:30PM. The victim was found without footwear and did have a PFD partially on.  It appears the victim had removed his boots and at the time of his death he was also trying to remove a heavy shirt that he was wearing as an outer garment.
 
Primary cause of accident determined from the investigation is:  Alcohol related fall from boat and/or capsize resulting in code water immersion the victim could not self-rescue from.
 


BARDID: WI-2016-0005
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-03-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:32:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Kegonsa
NearestCityorTown: Dunn
County: Dane
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
At approx. 2:32 pm 911 Center received a call reference a subject yelling for help on Lake Kegonsa, approx. 200 yards out from 2352 CTH AB. Caller could not see anyone in or near the small fishing boat.  Upon arrival of emergency crews, the boat had floated ashore unoccupied.  During search of the lake, fire department found a pulseless, non-breathing subject floating face down in the water. CPR efforts were started as subject was transported to shore.  Subject transported to hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
Investigation reveals, subject had PFDs in the boat but was not wearing one.  Subject was only person in the boat and appeared to have been fishing based on fishing equipment in the boat and bait on the jigs. It is unknown how subject feel into the water.  Investigation shows subject had health issues, diabetic issues and epileptic seizures.  Autopsy conducted with no signs of trauma to the body.  Cause of death was drowning, pending toxicology results.


BARDID: WI-2016-0006
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-03-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wolf River
NearestCityorTown: Winneconne
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator told the officer that his vessel was run over by a red colored boat.  The impact was reportedly at the port rear of the vessel and the striking vessel drove over the top of Vessel 1.  Damage to Vessel 1 did not match this scenario, nor was there a second vessel located or reported.  Vessel 1 Operator was uncooperative with the investigating officer.  

Damage to Vessel 1 appeared to match a scenario where Vessel 1 struck an object that was approximately 4 feet above the water.  There was gray paint transfer on the damaged windshield frames.  This lead investigating officers to believe that a possible scenario would be that Vessel 1 drove under a bridge near the shore where there is not enough clearance to pass under.  In doing this, it is believed that Vessel 1 only received windshield damage and a head injury.

Vessel 1 Operator was transported to the hospital by ambulance however refused medical treatment upon arrival.  Vessel 1 Operator also refused to provide a blood sample as requested by the investigating officer.  Operator cited for operating while under the influence of an intoxicant and refusal to take test-intoxicated motorboat operation.  Vessel 1 Operator was arrested, medically cleared and taken to the county jail.


BARDID: WI-2016-0007
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 03:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wisconsin River-Rhinelander Fl
NearestCityorTown: Pine Lake
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator/Deceased and Vessel 2 Operator/Injured had been drinking alcohol at the Flyin Finn tavern (located at 3924 Hwy 47, Rhinelander) on the night of 04-09-16 and early morning hours of 04-10-16. Both left the tavern and each operated separate Pelican, Viper plastic kayaks which were both yellow in color and propelled by a double ended kayak paddle.  Neither possessed Personal Flotation Devices (PFD’s) in their watercraft.  The wind had increased throughout the night coming out of the South.  It was reported that as they were crossing the Rhinelander Flowage from the west shore traveling towards the southeast to Vessel 2 Operator/Injured’s address that approximately 111 yards from the east shoreline Vessel 1 capsized.  Vessel 1 Operator/Deceased reportedly made it to Vessel 2 capsizing that craft and ejecting the operator into the water also.  The area where this incident occurred had the most exposure to the southerly winds and weather is believed to have played a factor in this incident.  Vessel 2 Operator/Injured was able to yell for help, was transported to Saint Mary’s Hospital in Rhinelander and treated for hypothermia and then released.  The Oneida County Dive Team was dispatched and attempted to locate Vessel 1 Operator/Deceased who remained missing at the time.  Side scan sonar was used to located the deceased at approximately 11:47 AM.  Weather conditions, suspected alcohol consumption, no PFD’s onboard are all factors that led up to the incident. 


BARDID: WI-2016-0008
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chippewa River-Dells Pond
NearestCityorTown: Eau Claire
County: Eau Claire
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
AccidentCause2: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator/Deceased used the bow-mounted electric trolling motor as he operated north from Mt. Simon Park boat landing.  He operated the boat directly across the Chippewa River channel to a shallow bay between a sandbar and the north shoreline.  Vessel 1 Passenger stated they attempted to bowfish the shallow bay for about one hour.  Operator/Deceased was the only person to operate the electric trolling motor that evening.  At about 9:15 pm, the men boated south over the shallow sandbar as they left the north bay and decided to fish the shallows at the south shoreline of the Chippewa River eat of the Mt. Simon Park boat landing.   Passenger then operated the flat bottom boat into the westward blowing winds while in the unprotected main channel of the Chippewa River.  Passenger described the winds as moderate and water condition as, not choppy or whitecaps, but rolling waves.  Meteorologist confirmed a sustained wind speed of 13 mph and a 22 mph gust from the southeast.   Passenger stated that he was standing toward the rear of the boat while the Deceased stood on the shooting platform at the front he boat.  Deceased was holding a pipe connected to the foot pedal control of the bow mounted electric trolling motor, no other boat traffic in the area.  Passenger stated he wasn't paying a lot of attention to what the Operator/Deceased was doing.  The bow lights and navigation lights were on as the boat operated in the evening darkness.  Passenger looked forward when Operator/Deceased yelled something.  Passenger looked toward the bow of the boat as the front of the boat dipped down.  Within a few seconds, water filled the boat and boat sank in the 44 degree water.  PFDs went down with the boat.  Operator/Deceased drowned near the submerged boat, Passenger swam to shore.


BARDID: WI-2016-0009
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-03-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Algoma
County: Kewaunee
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 headed out from Algoma Marina to fish and came off plane to begin setting lines.   After coming off plane, Vessel 1 Operator turned around to get up to set lines and observed Vessel 2 as the operator and two occupants were looking down/back.  

Vessel 2 Operator then looked forward and attempted to steer away from Vessel 1 but struck Vessel 1 in the stern, starboard corner/side causing Vessel 1 Occupant to be thrown into Vessel 1 Operator and then back into the seat.  Vessel 1 transom was separated from the starboard side by having it’s rivets torn apart.  Vessel 2 had a hole punched through the hull and was taking on water.  Both Vessels headed back into the Marina.  There were no injuries.

Vessel 2 Operator was issued citations for Improper Lookout, Fail to Report and a warning for PFDs not readily accessible.


BARDID: WI-2016-0010
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-05-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bay of Green Bay
NearestCityorTown: Green Bay
County: Brown
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat A was traveling southwest in the Bay of Green Bay from Dykesville, Brown County WI.  Boat A was approximately four to five miles from shore.  Boat A's operator indicated that the motor stalled.  The operator opened the engine compartment and checked the engine.  After checking the engine, he attempted to start the engine again.  The operator stated the engine turned over but did not stay running.  A fire started in the engine compartment when the attempt to start was made.  The operator stated he attempted to use a fire extinguisher but the fire extinguisher failed.  The fire continued to spread causing the operator and his male passenger to abandon Boat A after putting on PFD's.  Boat A continued to burn until Green Bay Fire Department's fire boat arrival.  Attempts to extinguish the fire and well as the integrity of Boat A's hull due to the fire resulted in it being sunk.


BARDID: WI-2016-0011
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 03:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnebago
NearestCityorTown: Harrison
County: Calumet
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Deceased went kayaking from Jefferson Park in Menasha (Winnebago County) on Thursday afternoon 05/12/2016.  Called his sister at approximately 4:30pm and told her the waves were approaching 2 ft. on the lake and that if he wasn't home by 7:00pm to contact the Coast Guard.  
On 05/13/2016, at approximately 3:00am, the sister realized her brother had not returned and contacted the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department.  There was no answer on the Deceased cell phone.  At approximately 5:00am, the Calumet County Sheriff's Department dispatched their patrol boat.  The USCG also joined in the search with their helicopter.  Victim's body was spotted by the helicopter along the break-wall at High Cliff State Park.  

At approximately 7:30am, the body was recovered by Deputy from the Calumet Sheriff's Department.  The kayak was also recovered and is in storage by Calumet S.O. in Chilton.  The Deceased was wearing a life jacket.  

An autopsy was conducted in Fond du Lac the morning of 05/13/2016.  The cause of death was determined to be head trauma and fresh water drowning.  Toxicology reports are pending.  

The kayak was 18' 2" in length and had a beam of 1' 11".


BARDID: WI-2016-0012
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:32:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bay of Green Bay
NearestCityorTown: Little Sturgeon Bay
County: Door
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday, May 13th, 2016 Conservation was contacted by the Door County Sheriff's Department Dispatch Center regarding a sailboat that had come ashore in the area of Little Sturgeon Bay with nobody on board the sailboat. Upon Fire Department personnel investigating the boat they were unable to locate the occupant or owner of the boat. A search of the area conducted by the US Coast Guard, Door County Sheriff's Department, Sturgeon Bay Fire Dept. and the BUG Fire Dept. were unable to locate the individual who was supposed to be on board the sailboat.

The Sheriff's Dept. was advised that Owner/operator's girlfriend had been following Owner/operators on a website that was linked to the GPS on board the sailboat. Upon subject arriving at the location where the boat had washed ashore it was observed that the forward sail was approximately 1/4 to 1/3 out in the operation position and the mainsail had been tied off. subject boarded the boat and recovered the GPS units from the boat as the search for Owner/operators was conducted and concluded that night. Owner/operators had not been located as of approximately 1:30 am.

On Saturday May 14th, 2016 subject was contacted by the Door County Sheriff's Department boat patrol and advised that the body of Owner/operator's had been located south of little Sturgeon Bay by the US Coast Guard helicopter from Traverse City MI. Owner/operator's body was then recovered. Owner/operators was found to have been wearing a Type III PFD when Owner/operator's body was recovered.

It is assumed the owner/operator fell overboard for unknown reasons.


BARDID: WI-2016-0014
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Middle Eau Claire Lake
NearestCityorTown: Barnes
County: Bayfield
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Overloading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The Injured person was a passenger fishing in a 13.6 feet v-hull boat. While the boat was underway the Operator lost control of the tiller handle. The 15 HP mercury outboard motor swung around sharply causing the boat to turn in a circle. The Operator was immediately ejected from the boat and the boat filled about halfway with water.  

The boat then circled back towards the Operator in a clockwise direction just missing the Operator.  The Passenger was still sitting in the front of the runaway boat.  When the Passenger stood in an attempt to cut the engine she was ejected. 

Neither was wearing life jackets at the time. As both swam towards shore, the boat circled a couple of times at approximately 10 mph in a clockwise rotation.  The boat nearly missed both several times as they would dive down below it to get out of the way of the prop.  The Passenger was then hit.  The Injured person sustained injuries to her face, teeth and shoulder area from the accident. The boat stalled out shortly after and began to sink.   

The Injured person and Operator were able to grab floating life jackets and swim to shore. The Injured person and Operator flagged down.  Operator and Passenger made it to shore and flagged down someone to call 911.  The boat was recovered by an unknown boater and towed to shore.

The operator was checked for OWI and the found to not be impaired by alcohol. The Injured person was transported to a Duluth hospital by helicopter for serious injuries.


BARDID: WI-2016-0015
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-05-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wolf River
County: Waupaca
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 2 was anchored in the river and fishing.  Vessel 1 was southbound heading downstream on the Wolf River.  Vessel 1 was partially on plane and struck Vessel 2 nearly head on.  Both the passengers in Vessel 2 were knocked to the floor of the boat.  There was damage to both boats as a result of the crash.  Vessel 1 was at fault.


BARDID: WI-2016-0016
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnebago
NearestCityorTown: Oshkosh
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator making a large looping motion appeared to have struck some rocks, pushing the PWC up onto the shore where it struck a tree and the Operator was ejected.  Operator unconscious and taken to hospital by ambulance.  While at the hospital, the Operator submitted to PBT, but refused the Evidentiary Chemical Test of Blood. 


BARDID: WI-2016-0017
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:42:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnebago
NearestCityorTown: Fond du Lac
County: Fond du Lac
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Received a report of a male who was struck by a propeller on Lake Winnebago.   The reporting party indicated that the leg was bleeding severely and that they were approximately one half to three quarters of a mile to the north of the mouth of the river.  They indicated that they were occupying a red and white deck boat.  The GPS coordinates associated with the 911 call indicated that they were at -88.456290 longitude and 43.810934 latitude.  
The injured passenger was on the rear swim platform pale in color and was visibly shaking.   He was in a seated position and his legs were in front of him.  Officer observed that on his right leg there was a t-shirt wrapped around his upper thigh and it appeared that it had been applied in a tourniquet style fashion.
  
Owner and operator stated that the boat was relatively new to them, however, they were experienced boaters having been boating on a regular basis for over 35 years.  They indicated that they had gotten the boat some time ago and it was in need of work.   June 12 was only the second time that they had operated the boat on the water since it had been repaired to operable conditions. While the boat was running, but in neutral the Injured passenger ran from the front of the boat towards the back of the boat and jumped off.  He went under the surface of the water and resurfaced.   When he resurfaced he was yelling in pain and saying "shut the boat off, shut the boat off'.  With this they then called 911.  In observing the boat as well as all occupants of the boat the Officer did not observe any indicators of alcohol consumption. The Operator did inform me that she is not an experienced boat operator.   She did not believe that she had put the boat in gear at any point but given the quick succession of events she was uncertain as to what exactly she had done with regards to putting the boat in gear or not immediately after the Injured Passenger was struck by the propeller.  They did inform me that they had all been wearing their life jackets at the time that the accident occurred.   Another passenger had removed his life jacket to jump into the water to assist the Injured person.
Upon follow-up the Officer met with the Injured person via phone and was informed that he had suffered lacerations to his leg that had damaged his calf muscle as well as some tendons.   He informed me that the recovery time was going to be two or more weeks.   The Injured person shared with the Officer his account of what had happened.   He said that they were sitting stationary on Lake Winnebago with the boat running.  He jumped off the boat in a cannonball style fashion.   He said that he did jump off the rear of the boat, he went under the water and when he went to resurface he found that the boat was between him and surface.   He was uncertain as to when exactly the propeller struck his leg.  He did indicate that he had hit the boat and the propeller at one time.  The pain did not really set in until after he had come out from underneath the boat and surfaced.   He said that he did observe his leg and that there was severe tissue damage on his leg.  It was at that point that he told the Operator to "shut the boat off' and he instructed them to call 911.  At this point he said that he was bleeding severely. Another passenger did remove his PFD and jumped into the water, swam over to him and helped him maintain his head above water and assisted him in getting to the rope that led from the boat to the tube.  The Injured person used the rope to pull himself back to the boat.  Once back to the swim platform the Injured Person struggled to get onto the swim platform 
The Officer asked about the condition of the boat.  He did indicate that they had done work on it recently and it was kind of finicky in achieving neutral where the propeller would stop spinning. He said that there was a trigger mechanism on the throttle that needed to be depressed in order to move it from the neutral position and into the forward position.  He said that in order to get the propeller to stop after putting it into the forward  position you would actually have to move it past neutral and into reverse and then from reverse to neutral in order for the propeller to stop spinning.   He said that he was certain that the boat was in the neutral position when he jumped off the boat and that he felt that the propeller was just spinning despite it being in the neutral position when he did jump off and then was subsequently struck by the propeller.   The Injured person  is expected to make a full recovery from his injuries.
The Officer determined the Primary Cause of the Incident as:  Decision of victim to jump off vessel while it was running, and Secondary Cause:  Inexperience/unfamiliarity with boat of operator


BARDID: WI-2016-0018
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Boulder Lake
NearestCityorTown: Boulder Junction
County: Vilas
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and passenger were heading back to rental cabin after fishing.  Operator and passenger sitting on pedestal seats.  Operating using tiller 30 hp motor, stated he was operating close to full throttle.  Operator stated this passenger turned around in her seat to face him, while she began to put away a fishing map.  Operator stated that he did not see a bend to the left from where Boulder Lake turns into the Manitowish River (operator was watching passenger put away map).  Operator ran directly into shore and struck a large pine tree head on.  Operator and passenger stayed in boat.  Front pedestal seat broke at base.  Operator and passenger struck boat interior.


BARDID: WI-2016-0019
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:14:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Mary
NearestCityorTown: Twin Lakes
County: Kenosha
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
While skiing, the Injured person moved outside of the wake area and due to the larger waves lost balance and fell.  When the Injured person lost his balance and fell he did not immediately let go from the tow line.  Observer in vessel observed the fall and the Operator returned to retrieve the skier.  At that time, the Injured person reported that he had pain in his left upper arm.  The Operator and the Observer assisted the Injured person into the boat.


BARDID: WI-2016-0022
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:05:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Windigo Lake
NearestCityorTown: Hayward
County: Sawyer
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Sudden medical condition
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
A witness at a home on Windigo Lake observed a small fishing boat making circles under power on Windigo Lake.  The witness thought he saw a person in the water, so he and his wife took their pontoon boat out to the unoccupied boat.  
They found the male victim in the water approximately 15 yards from the boat.  He was unresponsive.  The witness jumped into the water and held the man up as the witness's wife towed them both to shore with the pontoon.
First responders did find weak vital signs but were unable to revive the victim.  There were no signs of injury on the victim's body. The victim was found to have a history of heart disease, and had an implanted pacemaker.
The boat was found with the tiller turned all the way for a starboard turn.  A clamp-on boat seat was found dislodged from the metal bench seat and tipped back on top of a gas tank located at the stern of the boat.  There was a wooden dowel for a small flag attached to the starboard stern of the boat.  This dowel was broken off toward the outside of the boat.  Based on the position of the seat and the broken dowel, it appeared as though the victim had fallen from the boat at the starboard stern.

Coroner felt the death was natural causes and no autopsy was performed.


BARDID: WI-2016-0023
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:54:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Elk River
NearestCityorTown: Phillips
County: Price
WaterConditions: Very rough
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator and Vessel 2 Operator began a float trip down the Elk River.  Both operators were encountering problems on the trip with high water, strong currents and trees down across the river due to recent storms.  Vessel 1 Operator was attempting to navigate around a fallen tree when he felt Vessel 2 hit the stern of this vessel.  This pushed Vessel 1 Operator past the fallen tree and Vessel 2 turned over and became pinned against the tree by the fast-moving water.  Vessel 1 Operator floated several hundred feet downstream before the Operator was able to exit the river and assist Vessel 2 Operator.  When Vessel 1 Operator arrived at Vessel 2 Operator’s location, Vessel 2 Operator’s face was under water.  Vessel 1 Operator freed Vessel 2 Operator who then floated downriver to an island.  Vessel 1 Operator went to a nearby residence to call for help.
Vessel 2 Operator was a swimmer, an experienced kayaker, and had kayaked the Elk River many times in the past.  Prior to the incident, Vessel 2 Operator had capsized on two occasions.  Vessel 2 Operator had limited lung capacity due to a past surgery, and had complained the during the kayaking trip of being short of breath.


BARDID: WI-2016-0024
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Partridge Lake/Wolf River
NearestCityorTown: Fremont
County: Waupaca
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: Person struck submerged object
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat 1 was operated on Partridge Lake and pulled up to a spot to anchor.  Operator turned off the motor.  As other passengers were getting the anchors out, another passenger stated that he was getting into the water to pull the boat to a good spot and dove head-first off the front deck into water that was approximately 2.5’ deep.  He struck his head on the bottom of the lake and was in the water for several minutes.  Witnesses from another boat noticed that the Passenger/Injured had not gotten out of the water and was not moving.  The witnesses went over to Boat 1 and contacted the Operator.  The Operator said that he believed the Passenger/Injured person was joking around.  One of the witnesses checked on the Passenger/Injured person and found that he was unresponsive, not breathing and did not have a pulse.  CPR was administered by two of the witnesses, Passenger/Injured began breathing independently and then flown to the hospital.


BARDID: WI-2016-0025
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chain Lake
NearestCityorTown: New Auburn
County: Chippewa
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
While waterskiing, skier wanted to ski barefoot, so he attempted to drop his ski to transition to full barefoot.  The ski would not come off of his foot and turned sharply, breaking his leg.


BARDID: WI-2016-0026
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Kinnickinnic River
NearestCityorTown: Milwaukee
County: Milwaukee
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: Struck by draw bridge
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Bridge lowered too early
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operating vessel with sails down and under motor power, down bound on the Kinnickinnic River approaching the rail bridge and the Kinnickinnic River Bascule Bridge. Operator stated that he had called in advance to have the bridge   opened, and had also called the bridge to have it opened at the time of his approach. Operator stated that the bridge was partially open for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, when he began to pass underneath.  Operator stated that once he was half way underneath, the bridge came down on his mast, causing the described damage and possible injury.  Witness stated that he was on the street, waiting for the bridge to allow traffic, when he observed the bridge open approximately 40 to 45 degrees for approximately 1-2 minutes. Witness stated that once the boat was 1 /2 to 2/3 of the way through, the bridge lowered onto the mast, causing the described damage.  Bridge Operator stated that once his bridge operation was complete, he observed the Bascule bridge begin to open, and retreated to his bridge house. The Bridge Operator stated that he did not see the incident, but heard screaming from the operator of the sailboat, and saw that it had been damaged by what he believed to be the Kinnickinnic River Bascule Bridge .  None of the people the Officer spoke with could recall the color of the bridge lights, and whether they were lit.  After the incident, the Operator motored his boat back to the Horny Goat Marina and tied it off.   The Operator did not advise me of the damage estimate.  Damages were photographed by Forensic Investigator who took 25 photographs.


BARDID: WI-2016-0027
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Powers Lake
NearestCityorTown: Twin Lakes
County: Kenosha
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated that he filled PWC with fuel in the morning and his daughter was riding the PWC earlier in the day.  The PWC was parked on shore station until he started to ride it at 1415 hours.  Operator stated he moved out past the shore zone (118 yards) an SNW speed.  The PWC acted like it lost power or had something get into the water jet and then caught again.  Operated stated he hit the throttle and then remembered seeing the PWC below him as he was launched into the air with the PWC on fire.


BARDID: WI-2016-0028
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Green Lake
NearestCityorTown: Green Lake
County: Green Lake
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator launched boat at approximately 4:00 am.  Operator was alone and it was the first time he used this boat landing and was unfamiliar with topography of the lake.  Operator trusted his chart plotter, that he admitted was functioning properly.  Operator was taking a straight line route to established way point, not taking into account that the route line would not take into account the shoreline, docks, rafts, or piers.  Operator admitted to traveling on plane at an estimated speed of 21-40 mph.  Operator estimated that he was than a couple of miles from the launch when he struck a floating object believed to be a swim raft.  

As a result of the collision, the bow from about the bow eye and extending down the keel to the water line were caved in allowing substantial amounts of water to enter the boat.  In addition to the structural damage, the impact threw the Operator forward and his upper torso hit the steering wheel and bent it upward and his head broke the windshield resulting in lacerations to his forehead.   

The Operator was able to get the severely damaged boat back to the launch and on the trailer.  Operator attempted to trailer the boat back to his residence, but the boat damage resulted in improper trailering and the boat feel off the trailer along the highway resulting in additional motor damage.  Operator drove himself home and was taken by his spouse to the hospital where he received stitches on this forehead and was admitted for observation for one night.  The Investigator was unable to locate a damaged swim raft.  Local law enforcement staff also were not advised of damage to a swim raft.  
 
The Investigator was unable to diagram the incident, since it is unknown exactly what the Operator struck or exactly where the incident occurred.  Operator left the scene of the accident, so no on-water investigation was conducted.  No reports of damage from citizens was reported.  The investigation was completed after the fact.  The Operator's insurance company paid the claim and took the boat as a total loss prior to investigation and the report was filed.


BARDID: WI-2016-0029
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:16:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Koshkonong
NearestCityorTown: Fort Atkinson
County: Jefferson
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Cruising the lake with family at approximately 25-30 mph in 4-5’ deep water approximately 400 feet from shore when we hit a submerged island in Stinkers Bay on Lake Koshkonong between Sunset Bar and Grill, Mud Lake and Blackhawk Island.  Water depth was at normal operating level as mandated by the DNR.  Island was approximately 8-12 inches below the surface of the water.  Further investigation showed the island is noted on area lake maps.  There were no hazard or navigation buoys marking the island or the hazard.  A pontoon boat was used to take my family off the boat after the crash and there was not enough water for the pontoon boat to float in the area.  The island was approximately 75’ by 100’ in area.

No one sought medical attention.


BARDID: WI-2016-0030
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:23:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Spooner Lake
NearestCityorTown: Spooner
County: Washburn
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentCause2: Failure to vent
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Prior to incident, Owner assisted the Operator by removing vegetation from inside and around the rear jet of the PWC as it had become plugged.  While Operator was slowly driving the Tiger Shark Montego DLX PWC away from the shore, she heard a “gurgling” noise, with the PWC not operating or accelerating normally.  Operator then heard a loud bang and felt an explosion from the engine compartment area underneath her which launched her and the PWC seat into the air.   Immediately after, the  PWC became engulfed in flames, before being almost completely incinerated.  The operator was hospitalized at the local hospital for stomach and abdominal pain and was eventually transported via helicopter to another hospital.


BARDID: WI-2016-0031
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-05-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River Pool 8
NearestCityorTown: Brownsville
County: Vernon
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Per the operator email statement:
Operator was pre-fishing for a FLW Bass fishing tournament.  Launched at the Clinton Street boat launch and was coming down the river from the north to fish the lower portion of Pool 8.  Operator encountered a group of barges with a pipe on them blocking the entire channel. The channel was blocked from green to red buoy.  Operator saw small white buoys that said dredge buoy.  Going through those buoys was the only route to around the obstruction.  Operator preceded through the buoys with caution at a slow no wake speed with the motor trimmed up.  Operator watched the depth finder to make sure everything was ok.  On his way back, he figured he did not want to idle past the barges and through the white dredge buoys because the depth was 9 feet.  Operator slowed down to around 0 mph and trimmed up the motor.  As he proceeded through the white dredge buoys he heard a snap.  Operator looked behind to see the engine sinking.  He put down the trolling motor and tried to make it to shore.  The strength of the current and the weight of the motor hanging off the back of the boat was too heavy for him to reach shore.  The current took him and slammed him against the stationary barges.  There is a 6’ gap between the barges that the current of the river is being forced between.  While the boat was pinned, it was being pulled into this gap.  The Operator had to hop onto the barge and hold the boat to prevent it from being sucked under water.


BARDID: WI-2016-0032
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:11:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fox River
NearestCityorTown: Oshkosh
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was docked at Dock Side Tavern facing north on the Fox River.  Vessel 2 attempted to dock on the docks to the west of Vessel 1.  Owner of Vessel 1, who was not on board but on the docks next to his vessel, informed the operator of Vessel 2 that he could not dock there as the docs were reserved.  Vessel 2 attempted to back out of the docks, however, Vessel 2 backed into Vessel 1 striking the front port side of Vessel 1 with the outboard motor of Vessel 2.  The impact caused 5 scratches in the paint of Vessel 1 and the estimated damage was $2,000.  After the collision Vessel 2 left without stopping and was last seen heading east-bound down the Fox River.  No injuries were reported.


BARDID: WI-2016-0033
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:48:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Denoon
NearestCityorTown: Muskego
County: Waukesha
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator traveling north on Lake Denoon on a PWC and stated he was going approximately 40 mph when he started to go over some large waves, which he estimated to be 3’ tall.  Operator stated the waves had to have been caused by another boat on the lake, due they were the only large waves on the water while he was operating the PWC.  Operated stated after striking the first couple of waves he wasn’t able to let go of the throttle, causing him to speed up and the PWC was launched into the air what he estimated as 5’ off of the water’s surface.  Operator stated that he was thrown over the right side of the steering controls and per a witness’s point of view from the shore, bounce and skip across the water’s surface.  Operator stated that he swam back to the PWC to prevent it from drifting away.  Operator stated he could feel the pain in his right leg while swimming and getting back onto the PWC. 


BARDID: WI-2016-0034
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Loon Lake
NearestCityorTown: Wescott
County: Shawano
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator  and Vessel 2 Operator operating two PWCs and driving and traveling parallel to each other on Loon Lake.  Vessel 1 Operator turned right and crossed the path of Vessel 2, causing Vessel 2 to crash into Vessel 1.  Vessel 1 Operator was struck by Vessel 2 and thrown into the water.  Vessel 1 Operator’s right leg was injured by being stuck by Vessel 2.  Vessel 2 Operator jumped into the water to help Vessel 1 Operator.  Another boater helped both operators to shore where Vessel 1 operator was treated by emergency rescue and transported to the hospital for a possible broken leg.

Neither Operator had boater safety certificates as required for their ages.  Vessel 1 Operator received a citation for no boater safety certificate and operating within 100 foot of another vessel.  Vessel 2 Operator received a citation for no boater safety certificate.


BARDID: WI-2016-0035
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Monona
NearestCityorTown: Madison
County: Dane
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Overloading
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator/Owner of boat was out with 6 other friends at Shake the Lake.  After the fireworks, they stayed out, including during a very strong storm.  Strong winds, hail, and heavy down pour.  Due to the fact that the boat was at maximum capacity of occupants (7) plus gear, and the amount of rain, this caused the boat to sit very low in the water.  Operator claims a boat came by and a wave swamped them, this was able to be confirmed.  The water was still choppy and this Officer believes the bilge pump was not working, but could not confirm.  The boat did have a foot bilge pump, which makes the Officer believe the electric one was not functioning.  
Primary cause of incident:  Stayed out during storm.


BARDID: WI-2016-0036
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:42:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Racine
County: Racine
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: vessel destruction
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Sail dismasting
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Owner/Operator stated he was under sail power when he heard the sound of metal fatiguing from the bow.  The mast rotated and collapsed onto the deck and over the starboard side of the vessel, dragging in the water with sails still attached.  Operator called for help but UHF antenna was underwater attached to the top of the mast.  Cell call was made to county dispatch center and location was determined.  County Sheriff responded along with the US Coast Guard.  County sheriff boat towed Vessel 1 back to shore.


BARDID: WI-2016-0037
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:59:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: St Croix River
NearestCityorTown: Hudson
County: St Croix
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 drifting approximately 40’ off shore of Island #3 waiting for a rope to be moved before beaching on the island.  Operator of Vessel 1 had the boat in neutral and was not moving.  Vessel 2 was on plane and travelling approximately 50 miles per hour according to Vessel 2 Passenger 1.  Vessel 2 Passenger 1 stated she yelled at the operator he was going too fast and saw they would be unable to avoid collision.  Vessel 1 Passenger 1 bailed off of the PWC before collision.  Vessel 2 Operator stated he did not have a lot of experience.  Vessel 2 Operator stated he was turning but the PWC did not respond as he expected.  Vessel 1 Occupants stated the PWC struck the port side of the stern. Vessel 1 Occupants stated that Vessel 2 Operator was thrown from the PWC and bounced along the port side of the boat, landing near the boat.  Vessel 2 Operator left the scene and was transported to the hospital by private boat and vehicle.


BARDID: WI-2016-0038
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fox River
NearestCityorTown: DePere
County: Brown
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel Operator was getting a tube-rider set up when a passenger realized the tow rope fell off the hook on the boat and fell into the water.  Operator was moving the boat backwards to get closer to the rope.  The Injured/Passenger was at the back of the boat attempting to retrieve the line when she fell/slipped off the transom and into the water.  The Operator was at the controls and operating slowly in reverse.  When the Operator realized the Injured/Passenger fell into the water he put the boat in neutral and shut off the engine.  The Injured/Passenger sustained a laceration to her right thigh.  She was transported to the hospital, treated and released with stitches.


BARDID: WI-2016-0039
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pine Lake
NearestCityorTown: Springwater
County: Waushara
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was towing a water skier with observers on board.  Water skier lost control and was struck by her own ski as she went down.  Ski struck her in the face causing a laceration to the right side of her face, near the eye area.  Water skier was also diagnosed with a concussion.


BARDID: WI-2016-0040
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Algoma
County: Keawaunee
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Other
OtherEquipmentFailure: Heater
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
A fire started on Vessel 1, Kinns Katch II, near the shore power connection on the boat.  An electric heater on board may be the source based on witness statements.  Vessel 1 was docked on A Dock, Slip 7.  The fire was discovered in an individual checking on his boat.  Video surveillance of the marina showed that the fire spread to the Vessels 2, 4 and 5 within 8 minutes.  Vessel 1 and Vessel 3 burned through their mooring lines and drifted over the B Dock, which caused fire damage to Vessel 6 and Vessel 7.


BARDID: WI-2016-0041
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:18:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bay of Green Bay
NearestCityorTown: Suamico
County: Brown
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator reported the Hi-Temp alarm activated and he noticed smoke and heard crackling coming from engine area.  Operator deployed fire extinguisher.


BARDID: WI-2016-0042
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Mohawksin
NearestCityorTown: Tomahawk
County: Lincoln
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 drifting after the engine quit.  Vessel 2 Operator observed the need for help.  Due to high winds and excessive speed, Vessel 2 collided with Vessel 1 as Vessel 2 was pulling up to Vessel 1.   Vessel 2 fore starboard side struck Vessel 1 starboard door and framing aft of the door.  Vessel 1 Operator claimed as Vessel 2 Operator approved, they tossed him a rope and as Vessel 1 Operator was reaching for the rope, Vessel 2 collided causing Vessel 1 Operator to fall on his left knee and he also received a cut to the back of this left leg approximately 4-5” long.  Vessel 1 Operator claims injuries due to the impact were the cut to the back of his leg and cartilage tears to his left knee.  Vessel 1 Operator did not say anything to others on scene at the time of the incident about the injuries.  Vessel 1 Operator did not seek medical attention until 9 days after the incident due to infection now on the injured leg.
Vessel 2 Operator report states:  after towing Vessel 1 to shore, Vessel 1 Operator let go from the tow rope and jumped off the boat to catch the boat, it appeared that Vessel 1 Operator pinched his leg between the boat and a log at shore.  At no time was there any injury said during the 15-20 minutes we had talked, so I am contesting the claim of this injury.


BARDID: WI-2016-0043
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Duck Lake
NearestCityorTown: Eagle River
County: Vilas
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated that the boat was drifting in Duck Lake.  Occupants of the boat were swimming around the boat.  Wind started to blow the boat towards a water trampoline anchored in the lake.  Operator yelled for swimmers to get into the boat, as he was going to have to start the motor to move the boat away from the water trampoline.  

The Operator thought that all swimmers were on board, when he started the motor and engaged the motor into reverse.  Injured person had climbed up on a water tube that hanging on the back of the boat.  As the boat began to back up, the Injured person’s legs were still in the water.  Injured person’s left leg swung down, when the top of his foot was struck by the propeller.  Operator took the injured party to the nearest dock, where EMS was called.  Injured person taken to the Eagle River Memorial Hospital, where he obtained medical treatment for the laceration to the top of his foot.  Injured was taken to a different hospital for immediate surgery to repair four tendons and one nerve.


BARDID: WI-2016-0044
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Kawaguesaga
NearestCityorTown: Minocqua
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1, with 5 occupants was traveling east on Lake Kawaguesaga between Fifield Island and the south shoreline.  It appears Vessel 1 was traveling approximately 20 miles per hour, not on plane, with the bow high and closer to Fifield Island than to the south shoreline.

Vessel 2, with 2 occupants was traveling east on Lake Kawaguesaga between Fifield Island and the south shoreline.  It appears Vessel 2 was traveling approximately 1-3 miles per hour and closer to the south shoreline than to Fifield Island.  Vessel 2 turned north towards Fifield Island to line up with a boatlift.  While Vessel 2 was approaching the boatlift and was closer to Fifield Island than the south shoreline, Vessel 1 struck Vessel 2.

The bow of Vessel 1 struck the left-side of Vessel 2 at approximately midship.  Vessel 1 traveled approximately half its length on top of Vessel 2.  This caused Vessel 2 to begin sinking.  Four passengers on Vessel 1 jumped into the water to reduce the weight on top of Vessel 2.  Vessel 1 Operator remained on board.  Vessel 2 Passenger remained aboard the sinking boat until pulled aboard the boat of a witness.   Vessel 2 Operator remained aboard until pulled out by the Vessel 1 Operator.  

Vessel 1 slid off of Vessel 2, or floated off of Vessel 2 as Vessel 2 was sinking.  Vessel 2 eventually rolled and remained somewhat afloat with the bow up.


BARDID: WI-2016-0045
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:39:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Still Water Lake (private)
NearestCityorTown: Summit
County: Waukesha
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Waterskier being towed by boat over ski jump lost her balance upon landing on the water.  Her left arm struck her ski causing compound fracture.  Both passengers were seated in rear facing seats at the time.


BARDID: WI-2016-0046
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Arbutus
NearestCityorTown: Hatfield
County: Clark
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and four passengers had launched the boat and were traveling out of a slow no wake zone.  The boat had been cruising from approximately 5 minutes when fumes in the engine compartment ignited.  There was an explosion under the motor and the four occupants were burned.  The four occupants jumped overboard and the Operator remained on the boat.  The Operator than had another boat pull him to shore.


BARDID: WI-2016-0047
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Pokegama
NearestCityorTown: Lac de Flambeau
County: Vilas
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator with one passenger and 2 dogs were going around the islands, just little more than ideal speed and saw on their left side, approximately 200 yards away,  Vessel 2 fishing.  Moments later, Vessel 2 was approaching Vessel 1 approximately 7 o’clock position to their stern port quarter.  Vessel 2 was attempting to plane out, when Vessel 2 swiped the portside of the pontoon boat, scraping the starboard bow quarter hull onto the metal edging, bending the port side railing causing the welds to break, and pieces of gel coat and fiberglass of Vessel 2 to drop onto the deck of Vessel 1.  Vessel 2 Operator came to a stop approximately 30 feet in front of the bow port quarter, asked Vessel 1 Operator and passenger if they were injured, then backed up to the portside of the pontoon to exchange information.  Vessel 2 began taking on water.  Vessel 1 Operator and passenger went back to pier and reported the incident.   Vessel 2 Operator stated that he was looking over his left shoulder to the shore as he was coming up on plane, not seeing Vessel 1.


BARDID: WI-2016-0048
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:51:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sheboygan River
NearestCityorTown: Sheboygan
County: Sheboygan
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 traveling upriver (eastbound) at greater than slow no wake speed.  The wake from Vessel 1 caused 11 boats docked along the river to severely rock within their docks. 


BARDID: WI-2016-0049
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:49:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: High Falls Flowage
NearestCityorTown: Crivitz
County: Marinette
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was pulling two tubers behind vessel, an 11 year old male and 13 year old female.  Operator attempted to make a sharp left turn to swing the tube into the wake of the vessel.  When the Operator made the left-hand turn, he did so too sharply.  The weight of the passenger in the boat shifted to the left and the port side of the boat took on water.  The passengers were washed out of the boat and the Operator lost control of the vessel.  The vessel continued to circle to the left and the prop struck one of the female passengers who had been washed out of the vessel.
 
Another vessel, operated by the Witness noticed the boat continuing to circle and came to assist.  All passengers were removed from the water by other vessels in the area and transported to the boat landing.  Town Patrol responded and was able to tow the sinking vessel back to shore.
 
The female Victim received a large laceration on her lower leg.  She was transported to the medical center for additional medical treatment.


BARDID: WI-2016-0050
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Anaphee River
NearestCityorTown: Algoma
County: Kewaunee
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Owner/Operator stated he had put 6 gallons of gas in the vessel about an hour and half prior to the explosion.  Vessel 1 Owner/Operator went outside and started the motor to warm it up and as he began to close/snap the canopy down there was an explosion from the engine compartment, knocking him down on the deck.


BARDID: WI-2016-0051
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Milwaukee
County: Milwaukee
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday July 9, 2016 at approximately 4:45AM, the Operator was met by two of friends to go out fishing into Lake Michigan. Operator states that he is in the process of buying the boat that he was using, located in slip B42 of McKinley Marina. Operator states that the boat, a 26' Robalo with two 200hp Mercury outboards and a 9.9hp kicker motor, also Mercury, operated without incident to a location due east of McKinley Marina. Operator states that once on scene, they were setting up for fishing when he noticed an uncommon amount of water in the engine well.  Operator states that he turned the bilge pumps on manual, however, the pumps were not keeping up with the amount of water in the engine well.  Operator decided to turn the boat around and head back to McKinley Marina, however, once turned around, the prevailing seas were such that they crashed over the stern and the boat began to sink.  

Operator states that his two friends exited the sinking boat and he attempted to grab life preservers from the lower hold, however, the boat was vertical in the water within minutes and he had to swim out from underneath to avoid being pulled down with the boat.  

Operator states that the boat partially refloated for a moment, then went back under the surface of the water.  Operator and two passengers clung to a floating cooler for approximately 20 minutes prior to the MFD boat rescuing them.

All three subjects were conveyed to shore, refused medical conveyance and were checked out by Milwaukee Fire Department on scene.

Operator contracted PC Survey/Salvage to attempt to locate the boat and raise it. Efforts to locate the vessel were made by MPD, DNR, Brew City Charters, using side scan sonar.   The vessel was located with sonar and subsequently raised it on Tuesday July 19, 2016.

The boat was located at the following GPS numbers, 43 03.728N 087 50.738W in 57' of water. The boat was towed back to "Jerry's Docks" and removed from the water. MPD Officer  responded and took photographs of the boat, focusing on the stern of the boat.  Observations made were that a kicker motor that had recently been mounted on the stern was broken off as no backing plate was affixed. Additionally, access ports were not found to be sealed property, subsequently allowing water to enter the hull.


BARDID: WI-2016-0052
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wolf River
NearestCityorTown: Fremont
County: Waupaca
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 operating at slow no wake zone northbound/upstream on Wolf River was turning around and was swamped sideways by a large wake from another unknown boat.  Vessel 1 tipped and Operator and Occupant 1 fell off.  Operator was able to re-board vessel.  Vessel 1 Occupant was not moving in water.  Operator grabbed a hold of Occupant by personal flotation device and struggled to pull her aboard.  Nearby boat also northbound came to aid and assisted in getting Vessel 1 Occupant onboard the assisting vessel where first aid was rendered.  Vessel 1 Occupant was unresponsive, not breathing, and ingested water.  CPR was administered until ambulance arrived.  Vessel 1 Occupant transported by ambulance to hospital, where she was treated and released.


BARDID: WI-2016-0053
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:44:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Petenwell Flowage
NearestCityorTown: Necedah
County: Juneau
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 and Vessel 2 operating on Petenwell Flowage.  Vessel 1 Operator was jumping the wake of Vessel 2.  Vessel 2 Operator slowed down to around 20 mph and Vessel 1 came in from the right (starboard) side and struck Vessel 2.  Vessel 2 Operator sustained a laceration to right arm.  Vessel 1 Operator stated his left knee was hurt but he refused medical treatment.  Vessel 2 did not have any observable damage, while Vessel 1 had part of the plastic on the bow broken.  Vessel 1 Operator cited for operating greater than slow no wake within 100’ of another boat and for operating without boating safety certificate.


BARDID: WI-2016-0054
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Linn
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Occupants stated that they were anchored out from Pier 587 and were anchored while they were fishing.  They said that a big wave came and they took on water and more large waves followed.  Occupants stated that the boat was anchored and the waves came over the back of the boat.  Occupant 1 stated that he turned on the pump but it was not pumping the water out fast enough.  They drifted to Pier 587 as they were taking on water and started to remove some of their belongings.  A passing kayaker called in the incident.  Water Safety Patrol was called to assist.  The boat was turned over and Water Safety Patrol officers pulled the boat to the pier, where Occupant 1  loaded the boat onto the trailer. 


BARDID: WI-2016-0055
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:18:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Linn
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim jumped off of boat to urinate in the water when the Operator and Passengers noticed that the Victim was not surfacing.  Another passenger jumped into the water and made contact with the Victim.  Victim was retrieved from the water.  Victim was transported to hospital by ambulance.


BARDID: WI-2016-0056
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Linn
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Travelling east bound from South Shore Club and within minutes the vessel started taking on water.  Operator tried to get the vessel to a nearby pier and could not before the vessel sunk.  Vessel had been recently serviced by a company in Canada who repaired two holes in the bottom of the vessel with plywood.


BARDID: WI-2016-0057
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Linn
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 traveling north bound near pier, hit a large wave which caused the Injured person to fall in the boat injuring her back.


BARDID: WI-2016-0058
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Bay
NearestCityorTown: Williams Bay
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator attempting to tow a wake boarder.  The Injured person was attempting to get up on the board and was not able to get up.  When Operator  turned the Vessel around to pick up the wake boarder she stated something happened and her right leg was in severe pain.  Operator took the Injured person to the pier and the ambulance transported her to the hospital.


BARDID: WI-2016-0059
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:26:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Fontana
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: person strikes propeller
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated he was towing the Injured person on a tube.  Operator stated that the Injured person fell off so he circled around to pick him up.  Operator stated he turned off the boat and as the Injured person was attempting to get on the boat from the swim platform area, the Injured person yelled that he was hurt and needed help.  Operator stated the other Passengers in the boat assisted the Injured person into the boat.  They observed a lot of blood coming from the Injured person’s left leg/groin area and observed at least one large laceration.  The laceration did not appear to be a spinning prop injury.  Injured person was transported by ambulance to the hospital’s trauma unit.


BARDID: WI-2016-0060
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Powers Lake
NearestCityorTown: Randall
County: Kenosha
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel was drifting to dock.  Operator was sitting at door at starboard side of the boat and slid into water to hold boat to pier.  As the Operator exited the driver's side door, he caught his hand on the door hinge resulting in tearing off the right 5th finger.  The finger remained at the location of amputation at the hinge dowel.  The door hinge had a dowel pin that was extended above the hinge.  Operator was air lifted to hospital where he underwent revision surgery as the finger was not able to be reattached.


BARDID: WI-2016-0061
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Minocqua
NearestCityorTown: Minocqua
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated he was operating the flyboard conducting what he called “Dolphin Dives”.  The Operator described a dolphin dive as a maneuver with the flyboard where he enters the water headfirst  from the air, dives under water, then comes back up into the air and repeats this several times, similar to how a dolphin will dive and resurface.  During this maneuver, the Operator’s hands struck the bottom of Lake Minocqua causing the remote throttle to be depressed.  This increased the power of the flyboard and further pushed the Operator and the remote control into the bottom of the lake.  Operator stated he was unable to press the remote kill switch because his hand got caught, wrapped around the remote.  To rescue himself, he allowed his legs to go loose, which normally would be kept straight and stiff, causing the force of the flyboard to break one bone in the back of each ankle.  This allowed the Operator to regain control over the remote, activate the kill switch, and float to the surface.  The Operator estimated that he was in 7 feet of water.


BARDID: WI-2016-0062
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:48:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Grindstone Lake
NearestCityorTown: Hayward
County: Sawyer
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Juvenile operator was operating a 3-person personal watercraft with two juvenile passengers.  Operator was turning into waves and was attempting to throw the two passengers from the machine.  Operator turned sharply to port and PWC caught a wave.  All three riders were ejected from the PWC, and the Operator was ejected upward and came back down on the PWC, causing a large laceration to her leg.

Operator stated that the latch for the dry box cover was broken on the machine, causing the cover to open up.  Operator stated she thought she cut her leg on the plastic cover when she came back down on the machine.  Operator said that though the others were trying to throw passengers off when they were operating, she was not.


BARDID: WI-2016-0063
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Tomahawk
NearestCityorTown: Minocqua
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator/Injured operating PWC with no passengers, travelling south on Lake Tomahawk when he encountered a wave which caused him to lose his balance.  The Victim’s head stuck the handlebars of the PWC causing a laceration above the right eye.  The Victim also injured his right knuckle.  Operator/Injured remained on board the PWC and was driven back to landing by his brother on a separate PWC.


BARDID: WI-2016-0064
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wolf River
NearestCityorTown: Fremont
County: Waupaca
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Both boats travelling upstream from slow no wake zone to slow no wake zone.  Vessel 1 overtook Vessel 2 and slowed to slow no wake at approaching buoy.  Vessel 2 had engine failure and collided with Vessel 1 while trying to maneuver around Vessel 1 and slow down for slow no wake zone.


BARDID: WI-2016-0065
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Tomahawk
NearestCityorTown: Lake Tomahawk
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operating with 4 passengers aboard.  Vessel encountered a large wake created by another boat.  The wake caused the Victim to fall backwards out of the boat and suffer a prop injury to his feet.  At the time that the Victim fell out of the boat, he was seated on the gunwale of the boat immediately behind the operator and facing to the inside of the boat.


BARDID: WI-2016-0066
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: St Croix River
NearestCityorTown: Hudson
County: St Croix
WaterConditions: Very rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator hit a wave that was not immediately visible.  Injured person got bucked out of seat and hit butt on hard part of seat.  Injured had severe pain.  Operator returned to the shoreline and called an ambulance.


BARDID: WI-2016-0067
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Black Oak Lake
NearestCityorTown: Land O Lakes
County: Vilas
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 with two cognitively disabled adult passengers on board ran over the top of Vessel 2 that was being rowed, causing severe injuries to the Vessel 2 Operator and Passenger.  Investigation determined that the primary cause of the incident was restricted vision from the sun and Vessel 1 Operator inattention due to a passenger standing up in Vessel 1.


BARDID: WI-2016-0068
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Wind Point
County: Racine
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel traveling north past the Wind Point Lighthouse and following the shore under sail and motor.  While following along the shore about one mile north of Wind Point Lighthouse and 100 yards of the shore, the Vessel struck ground and became stuck.  Operator was able to turn the vessel around, but was unable to remove vessel from ground.  Tow company was contacted to remove the vessel.  Local patrol stayed with vessel until it was removed from ground and followed it back to dock.


BARDID: WI-2016-0069
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:09:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Racine
County: Racine
WaterConditions: Very rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operating in Lake Michigan about 200 yards off shore when he jumped a wave.  Operator stated when the boat re-entered the water the engine stalled.  Operator stated he re-started the engine and drove forward when the hull slammed down hard on another wave causing the engine to stop.  Operator was unable to start the engine again and was pushed by the waves into North Pier.  Operator said all occupants left the boat and climbed onto North Pier.  

Primary cause of incident was determined to be an engine stall and quickly drifted to the rocks.


BARDID: WI-2016-0070
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnebago
NearestCityorTown: Black Wolf
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 returning to the Black Wolf Point boat landing when engines quit.  Operator noticed smoke and lifted the engine hatch and flames were coming from the starboard motor.  Operator was coming from the sand flats at the end of sand pit road.  Operator was the sole occupant and uninjured. 


BARDID: WI-2016-0071
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:48:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: St Croix River
NearestCityorTown: Hudson
County: St Croix
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 and 2 travelling together.  Vessel 1 Operator waved Vessel 2 Operator over, when Vessel 2 approached Vessel 1, Operator was coming in too fast and ran into Vessel 1 Operator’s leg causing the laceration.  Vessel 1 Operator stated that Vessel 2 was on plane when it stuck him.  Vessel 2 Operator stated that there were tall weeds that obstructed his vision.   Vessel 2 Operator also stated that he had just finished the Boater Safety Education the week prior and was aware of the rules.  Vessel 2 Operator was issued a citation for operating a PWC within 100 feet faster than slow no wake.


BARDID: WI-2016-0072
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Delton
NearestCityorTown: Lake Delton
County: Sauk
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator came around to pick up tubers and during the turn, throttle stayed open causing the steering to become harder and Operator was unable to correct in time to avoid the tubers.  An unknown part of the boat made contact with Injured person causing the broken bone and cut to arm area.


BARDID: WI-2016-0073
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Tomahawk
NearestCityorTown: Woodruff
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was operating at idle speed traveling towards Windy Point.  Vessel 1 accelerated causing the bow of the boat to raise and prevent the Operator from seeing Vessel 2.  Vessel B was adrift at the time, preparing to drop anchor.  Just prior to impact, Vessel 1 Operator was able to take his foot off the throttle and attempted to place the boat in reverse, but the shifting lever broke.  Vessel 1 then struck Vessel 2 on the starboard side near the driver’s console.


BARDID: WI-2016-0074
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wolf River
NearestCityorTown: Fremont
County: Waupaca
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
During the Learn to Ski even, Injured person was working with another skier to teach a participant to ski on a single ski.  The student skier fell on the Injured person causing high right thumb to bend back towards his ram.  The Injured person claimed to hear a pop from his hand when he fell.
After returning to shore, the Injured person was taken to the medical center.  Xrays determined that the right thumb was broken, doctors determined no surgery was needed and placed on a cast on the hand.


BARDID: WI-2016-0075
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Wazeecha
NearestCityorTown: Wisconsin Rapids
County: Wood
WaterConditions: Calm
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
AccidentCause3: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
It was the first time the Skier had been on a knee board.  Operator and Passenger provided instruction, including hand signals to use.  Towed skier west to end of lake and turned east back to origin/drop off point.  Drop-off area obstructed by local ski team members and equipment, Vessel 1 Operator turned west proceeding approximate half the distance back to the end of lake and again turned east to attempt drop-off of skier.  Drop-off area still obstructed, so another turn to the west was taken.  Skier entered turn outside of the wake and continued outside wake through turn.  Upon completion of turn, skier was headed toward downed tree in lake.  Skier let go of rope and continued to slide into the tree.  Skier sustained an open dislocation to the right talus, fracture, torn tendon to pinky toe and abrasion to forehead upon impacting a tree.


BARDID: WI-2016-0076
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wolf River
NearestCityorTown: Fremont
County: Waupaca
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Injured was in a 3-tier pyramid during ski show.  Her group was on the outside of the corner when the base skiers lost their brace between each other causing skiers above them to fall.  Injured skier then hit her head on a ski.  The injury was to the lower back side of her head on the right side.
 
Information provided from Operator Report, an officer investigation was not completed for this incident.
 


BARDID: WI-2016-0077
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:03:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Shawano Lake
NearestCityorTown: Shawano
County: Shawano
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator/owner had just launched boat and was approximately 500 yards from shore, at about 20 mph.  Operator said he heard an explosion, turned and saw the rear cowling about 20 feet in the air behind his boat.  The boat engine compartment was on fire.  Operator grabbed the fire extinguisher and tried to put out the fire, but used up the extinguisher and the fire was not out yet.  The fire then started to spread in the boat, so he waived down a passing boat for help.  Operator and 3 passengers (names not included in Officer’s Report) were able to get off the boat with PFDs on, and get to the other boat for safety.  Operator said he left the boat because it was on fire and he had a full tank of gas.  Vessel then became completely engulfed in fire and burnt to the hull.  Fire department responded on the water to extinguish the fire.  Vessel was then towed to shore.


BARDID: WI-2016-0078
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:03:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bay of Green Bay
NearestCityorTown: Gibraltar
County: Door
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
A 17 year old male Operator was towing 3 persons on a tube (2 17 year old males and a 15 year old male) past Bell Buoy #6.  Operator drove the boat between 10-20 mph approximately 10-15 feet from the buoy in an attempt to cause the boat's wake to ring the buoy's bell.   Another boat's wake caused the tube to slide towards the buoy.  The Injured person hit the bell buoy.  There was no observer in the boat watching the tubers.  


BARDID: WI-2016-0079
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wisconsin River Flowage
NearestCityorTown: Stevens Point
County: Portage
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and passenger launched boat at a public landing and proceeded north at dusk to fish.  Operator was traveling approximately 30 mph when he struck a rock protruding out of the water located in the main portion of the river about 250 feet from shore.

Boat sustained significant damage with puncture of hull at keel below waterline at bow.  Steering wheel and console broken when the operator impacted the console.


BARDID: WI-2016-0080
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:12:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Mary
NearestCityorTown: Twin Lakes
County: Kenosha
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 towing a wake boarder at a speed of approximately 17-20 mph travelling in a straight path.  Vessel 1 Operator heard the Spotter signal that the wake boarder was down in the water.  A witness in another vessel stated that the wake boarder was doing a maneuver and went down in the water.  Witness stated that Vessel 1 was legally operating and was not driving recklessly.  Vessel 1 turned around and retrieved the wake boarder, who was yelling, and put him on the platform behind the boat.
Unknown from Officer report whether the injured person was admitted to the hospital, or what part of the body was injured.


BARDID: WI-2016-0081
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:42:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Elizabeth
NearestCityorTown: Twin Lakes
County: Kenosha
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator pulling tuber when tuber hit a wave causing her to fall from tube.  Tuber dislocated right shoulder when falling from tube.


BARDID: WI-2016-0083
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:33:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Browns Lake
NearestCityorTown: Burlington
County: Racine
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Injured Skier is a member of the ski team and was performing in the water show when he was injured.

Vessel 1 Operator towing Injured Skier and another skier towards the jump at the requested speed of 33 mph.   During this run the Operator advised that the Injured Skier was to do a forward flip off the ski jump.  Operator stated that it appeared the Injured Skier twisted and hung on to the ski rope, throwing off his rotation.  Operator stated it appeared the Injured Skier landed head first into the water.  Operator circled the boat around and observed the Injured Skier just floating in the water, not moving.  Additional ski staff responded in a second boat.  Team members found the Injured Skier conscious but in a lot of pain.  They placed the Injured Skier into a neck collar and secured him to a backboard, then floated him towards the boat launch where he was turned over to rescue staff and transported to the hospital.


BARDID: WI-2016-0084
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Partridge Lake
NearestCityorTown: Fremont
County: Waupaca
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 anchored when Vessel 2 approached at a high rate of speed and nearly crashed into Vessel 1.  Vessel 2 was towing a tuber who crashed into Vessel 1.


BARDID: WI-2016-0085
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityorTown: Prescott
County: Pierce
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator backed vessel out of the slip and turned sideways to the boat dock, then was blown back into the dock causing the side of Vessel 1 to the hit the dock and two other boats still in the slips.  Vessel 1 Operator was then able to move away from dock then lost power to one of the engines and blew back into the dock and the two boats in the slips.  Vessel 1 Operator then yelled out to a person on the dock that they were going to Treasure Island would pay for all the damages.  Vessel 1 Operator stated that she wanted to get out of the dock area before the wind blew the vessel back into the others boats. 


BARDID: WI-2016-0086
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: High Falls Flowage
NearestCityorTown: Crivitz
County: Marinette
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator pulling a 13-year old child on a tube,  when the tube flipped.  The Injured person was holding onto the tube and did not let go.  The Injured person twisted his arm while holding onto the tube and broke his right arm 


BARDID: WI-2016-0087
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:48:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fox River
NearestCityorTown: Princeton
County: Green Lake
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 2 Operator pulled away from pier to go into middle of river.  As the Operator approached the last pier, the Operator turned left and applied throttle.  Too much power was applied, Vessel 2 slid sideways and struck Vessel 1 which was tied to the pier.


BARDID: WI-2016-0088
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Milwaukee River, Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Milwaukee
County: Milwaukee
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 tied off and docked at the public pier.  Vessel 1 Owner was walking toward the vessel when he noticed another vessel pulling out of a slip in front of Vessel 1.  

Vessel 2 Operator was not paying attention and lost control hitting the bow of Vessel 1.  After hitting Vessel 1, Vessel 2 Operator put boat in reverse catching his anchor on the bow of Vessel 1 ripping the paint and fiberglass.  As the incident was happening many people were yelling at Vessel 2 Operator to watch out but he did not know how to control his boating, hitting my boat.

Vessel 2 Operator returned his vessel to the pier.  Vessel 1 Operator informed Vessel 2 Operator of the damage. 
 
The operator report  for Vessel 2 will most likely not be sent.  He denies involvement and stated he will not be filing a report.  The Milwaukee SO did issue him a citation for denying involvement and not submitting a report.


BARDID: WI-2016-0089
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-09-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Manitowoc
County: Manitowoc
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Manitowoc Police Dept. was called to Red Arrow Park, in the City of Manitowoc, located on the shoreline of Lake Michigan, south of the harbor, on a possible capsized vessel.  The capsized vessel was located about 350 yards off shore.  Manitowoc Fire Dept and USCG responded to the scene to search the scene for the elderly white male operator that witnesses said they observed launch the boat and was not wearing a PFD.  Manitowoc Fire Dept made contact with the boat described as an 8 to 10 ' sailboat with a white sail and wooden seat.  USCG took over the search for the operator of the sailboat.  The sailboat ended up washing up on the south pier of the Manitowoc Harbor and breaking up in the rocks.
Victim was recovered on 09-27-2016 washed up on the shoreline about 3 mile south of Red Arrow Park.


BARDID: WI-2016-0090
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-09-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:40:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Liberty Grove
County: Door
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Responded to the Door County Hospital to interview Passenger/Injured.  Passenger/Injured had a hard time communicating.  Did not remember much other than leaving a drinking establishment in Ellison Bay and that Operator/Deceased was driving the boat.  

¬¬¬¬¬¬¬Passenger/Injured stated they were following the GPS back to Washington Island when they ran aground.  Both Passenger/Injured and Operator/Deceased were found in the back of 230 Powerquest Conquest, Operator/Deceased dead behind the driver's seat.  Passenger/Injured did not know how long he was knocked out but when he came to, he called 911 to report the accident.  

Door County SO had to locate his cell phone to determine where the accident had occurred.  Vessel was found to be grounded and had struck a large boulder on the shoreline, caving in the bow of the vessel.  Various types of alcohol were found throughout the vessel.  

Further investigation showed Operator/Deceased and Passenger/Injured had left The Mink River Basin (MRB) in Ellison Bay sometime between/after 10:30-11:00 pm per cash register receipts (per MRB Owner).  Obtained name and phone number of bar tender from previous night who also confirmed time frame and stated Operator/Deceased and Passenger/Injured only had a couple drinks and left due to weather coming in.  

Preliminary accident information shows that the vessel was on a heading of 45 degrees when it ran aground and struck the boulder.  Warden plotted the course and found Operator/Deceased had come out of Ellison Bay and was traveling on the 45 degree heading, which was a straight line to the Washington Island entrance light.


BARDID: WI-2016-0092
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Superior
NearestCityorTown: Bayfield
County: Bayfield
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel was moored on the SE side of Bear Island in the Apostle Islands.  Two passengers were on-board, sleeping.  The winds shifted during the night from west to coming out of the south causing 2 foot waves from the south.  Shortly before 8:00 am, the mooring shackle on the vessel failed causing the anchor to release.  

The vessel ran aground at approximately 8:00 am, waking the two male passengers.  The Passengers found they had already grounded and waded to shore.  The USCG and National Park Service were notified and picked up the men from the island.  The waves build from 1-2 foot to 3-4 foot and the salvage company was unable to retrieve the vessel until 4 days later, which left the vessel on the beach.  During that time, the vessel took on water and sank in the shallow water.  The turbulent conditions caused sand abrasions to the portside of the vessel and 3 ribs cracked under the pressure.  After the incident occurred, the salvage company arrived to retrieve the vessel and cause more damage during the retrieval.


BARDID: WI-2016-0093
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-08-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityorTown: Prairie du Chien
County: Crawford
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Owner was getting vessel ready to sell and hooked up a charger to the batteries then walked up to the restroom.  While he was on shore, someone yelled to him that his boat was on fire.  The entire engine compartment was engulfed in flames.  It appeared as if some of the flames melted through the starboard side of the hull near the engine compartment.


BARDID: WI-2016-0094
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wisconsin River
NearestCityorTown: Knowlton
County: Marathon
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel travelling downstream on Wisconsin River ran aground on a sand bar at approximately 6:45 pm.  Operator voluntarily left vessel to push vessel off of sand bar.  Passenger takes control of vessel, which has throttle still engaged.  Passenger stated that due to her inexperience operating vessels, she immediately ran aground on the sand bar again.  Operator/Victim attempts to push vessel off of sand bar a second time, but steps into a deep hole and struggles to stay above water.  Passenger throws a Type IV throwable personal flotation device to Operator/ Victim, which he is unable to grab.  Operator/Victim goes under water and does not come back up.  Passenger attempts to maneuver vessel to Victim, but cannot get close.  Nearby fisherman arrives by vessel and instructs Passenger to call 911 while he attempts to locate the victim.  Three more people arrive in two boats and attempt to locate the victim.  WDNR, County Sheriff, and Fire Department conduct search in the area.  Marathon County Dive Team recovered deceased victim at 11:55 pm.  Deputy Medical Examiner pronounced Victim dead from an apparent drowning, autopsy was performed on 8/31/2016.  WDNR has not received the autopsy report as of 10/18/2016.


BARDID: WI-2016-0095
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-10-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:10:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake DuBay
NearestCityorTown: Knowlton
County: Marathon
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The Operator with one passenger were recreating on Lake DuBay and were returning to their boat landing.  Operator was travelling west under the State Highway 34 Bridge and the Canadian National Bridge.  The Operator was seated in the driver seat at the controls and was sitting on a seat bolster which allowed him to sit higher in the seat. The Operator was operating at planning speed and travelled under a span of the railroad bridge that was 9 inches lower than an adjacent span which most boat traffic utilitize.  The top of the Operator’s head struck the first girder of the railroad bridge resulting in severe head trauma.  The Operator fell backwards and landed on the bottom of the boat and was unconscious, but breathing.  The vessel travelled a few hundred yards west where it came to a stop in open water.  The Passenger called for help and two adults from a residence near by responded by pontoon boat.  One of the responders operated the boat back to their private dock where emergency personnel transported the Operator to a hospital.  The Operator subsequently passed away as the result of his head injury.


BARDID: WI-2016-0096
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:58:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Butte Des Morts
NearestCityorTown: Algoma
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 2 westbound, Vessel 1 in front of and starboard of Vessel 2.  Vessel 1 suddenly and abruptly swerved left giving Vessel 2 Operator and passengers the impression that Vessel 1 Operator was going to attempt to jump a passing vessel’s wake.  Vessel 2 Operator stated he believed that Vessel 1 Operator did not see him and turned into the starboard side of Vessel 2.  

Vessel 1 Operator stated that because of a passing vessel’s wake, he navigated to the left to avoid tipping over.  Vessel 1 Operator was under the impression that Vessel 2 struck or side-swiped Vessel 1.  Vessel 1 Operator struck his head in an unknown fashion and was thrown into the water.  Vessel 2 towed Vessel 1 into the marina.  EMS was on scene but Vessel 1 Operator refused medical treatment or transport.


BARDID: WI-2016-0097
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-10-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Monona
NearestCityorTown: Madison
County: Dane
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Law enforcement called for an unoccupied boat adrift on Lake Monona near the John Nolen bridges.  Vessel was approximately 200 yards from shore.  Officer observed that the bow fish locater was on, key was in the ignition, but in off position.  Vessel was not anchored, navigation lights were off.  Officer stated that it was clear that someone had been in the boat set up for night fishing.   Officer noticed the odor of men’s cologne on the vessel.  Vessel was towed and secured.  Officers located a vehicle and boat trailer that matched the vessel.  There was a boat launch permit completed for 10/6/16.  Officers began searching Lake Monona using side scan sonar.  On 10/11/2016 at 2:30 am, officers were notified of a body by shore by the John Nolen bridge.  Officers observed that the deceased had a lighted bobber and fishing line in his hand.  It appears the victim may have gotten the fishing line caught in a snag and fell overboard trying to retrieve the line.  There were no obvious signs of trauma to the victim and he was not wearing a PFD.   
Medical examiner indicates accidental drowning as cause of deant, we are waiting for official coroner’s report.


BARDID: WI-2016-0098
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-10-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chippewa Flowage
NearestCityorTown: Hayward
County: Sawyer
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was accelerating to get boat on plane, passenger was sitting in front on a pedestal seat. The passengers hat flew off into the water and operator turned rapidly to retrieve the hat. While doing this the passenger lost his balance and was ejected from the boat and was struck by the propeller on both legs. The operator also lost his balance and fell out of his seat and the boat was still under power and in a turn as the operator described the motor "flopped to the right." The boat came back around and was going towards the passenger who was in the water. Passenger stated that when boat got close to him  he pushed on the boat to avoid a second propeller strike and was pushed down under the water which he described  as 15-18'. The passenger was not struck by the propeller a second time.


BARDID: WI-2016-0099
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-10-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityorTown: Diamond Bluff
County: Pierce
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator advised he was traveling up river at about 80 miles an hour and met another vessel that was going in the opposite direction.  Vessel 1 Operator then jumped the wake of the boat they just met, the rear of the boat then made contact with the top of one of the wakes causing boat to turn, then making contact with next wake sideways to his boat causing it to turn very hard forcing the operator and passenger into the starboard side of the boat.  No information regarding Vessel 2 as it did not stop.


BARDID: WI-2016-0100
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wolf River
NearestCityorTown: Weyauwega
County: Waupaca
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel Operator attempted to go under Weyauwega train bridge with bimini top in up position.  Operator chose wrong passage under the bridge.  Bimini top did not clear bridge causing approximately $2800 damage according to owner/renter.  Operator advised he was following another boat and did not realize bridge was too short.  No injuries, no supposed damage to bridge.


BARDID: WI-2016-0101
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-10-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:36:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wisconsin River
NearestCityorTown: Dewey
County: Portage
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Dam/lock
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
The Operator and two occupants were intending to fish below the DuBay Dam on the Wisconsin River in the calm water between the power house on the west side of the river and several open tainter gates on the east side.  Once they got to the location, the Operator stated the boat motor stopped and he was unable to get it started.   The operator and the occupants attempted to anchor the vessel in the calm water, but the anchor did not touch the bottom.  As the Operator continued to start the motor, the vessel began to drift into the rushing water coming out of the opened gates.  The operator stated that everyone in the boat put life vests on at this point.  While the boat was drifting it appeared the anchor got caught on something in the water which caused the vessel to dip below the water level and begin to flood.   The vessel capsized and all three occupants were floating in the water.  A witness who had just docked his boat, drove to their location and helped them into his vessel.  The attempted to drag the capsized vessel to shore but were unable to do so.

The operator and occupants were checked over by EMS and released at the scene.  One occupant was transported to the hospital due to an elevated heart rate.

The boat remained submerged until the gates were closed and recovered by Law Enforcement Personnel.


BARDID: WI-2016-0102
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-10-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Milwaukee
County: Milwaukee
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, 7 October 2016, at approximately 11:09 p.m., squads from Marine Operations along with District responded to the report of a boat crash at Mckinley Marina located at 1750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive, City I County of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin. The crash occurred on Lake Michigan near the entrance to the marina. There were 2 persons on board the boat, both of which suffered serious injuries. This was a single boat incident in which the boat collided with a rock and concrete block retaining wall coming to rest on top of it. Milwaukee Fire Dept. and United States Coast Guard also responded.
 
As Squad 1234 made their way to the location of the boat crash, they were advised that a good Samaritan vessel, that had been in the area at the time of the crash, had launched a small dinghy and retrieved two persons from the boat that had crashed. This dinghy was bringing those persons back to the Mckinley Marina boat ramp. They were met there by MPD officers and Milwaukee Fire Department personnel. Officers were assigned to ride along with the boat occupants to the hospital and to interview them regarding what happened. Per officers on scene, Owner/Passenger stated that Operator was driving the boat at the time of the crash. Operator denies driving and stated that there was a 3rd person on the boat by the name of "Frank". Owner/Passenger stated that was not true and there was no evidence found at the scene to indicate a 3rd occupant. MPD, MFD and USCG personnel spent several hours searching the crash location for the "third person" until it was determined that only two people were on the boat. Both occupants from the boat admitted to drinking, and both were conveyed to hospitals for treatment of injuries. A legal blood draw, with search warrant, was conducted on the Operator at the hospital. Several witnesses to the crash were also located and interviewed by officers on the scene. They also filed supplementary reports regarding same. The boat was located on top of the concrete block/rock finger break wall located at the entrance to Mckinley Marina. The boat was completely out of the water and sitting on top of rocks approximately10 feet above the water line.
 
OPERATOR suffered a Laceration below right eye and a fracture to orbital bone.  PASSENGER suffered a severe laceration across forehead and Internal bleeding (blood around the liver and spleen)
 
On Monday, 10 October 2016, at approximately 2:00 p.m., a salvage operation was undertaken.  This operation involved bringing in a crane and barge to remove the boat from on top of the rocks. This operation took approximately 4 hours to complete. The vessel was then transported on the barge to CenterPointe Marina located at 700 S. Water St., City /County of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin.
 
CONCLUSION:  The vessel "SIDEWAYS" docked at Barnacle Bud's restaurant on 7 October 2016 at 7:18:29 p.m. Both occupants admitted to eating and consuming several alcoholic beverages at this establishment. The vessel departed the dock at 10:56:17 p.m: on 7 October 2016 with Operator at the helm. The vessel travelled approximately 1700 feet at "normal" speed within the Inner Harbor. At 11:00:25 p.m. the vessel accelerated to a speed of 30 mph, eventually reaching speeds of up to 47 mph while still within the Inner Harbor. The Inner Harbor speed limit is 5 mph throughout.  Upon exiting the Inner Harbor into the Outer Harbor, the vessel continued at a high rate of speed topping out at 51 mph. At 11:03:49 p.m., the vessel had to make a considerate course adjustment of approximately 20 degrees to avoid colliding into the government break wall. The vessel continued on at speeds of up to 45 mph. At 11:04:16 p.m., the occupants of the vessel realize the imminent threat of a collision with the rubble wall at the entrance to McKinley Marina. The vessel slowed to a speed of 36 mph with 205 feet of room prior to collision. The vessel continued on and collided with the rubble wall.  Using the distance and time of the last recorded point prior to impact, the estimated speed of impact is 33.81 mph. This is based on 205 feet travelled in 4 seconds and 1mph= 1.47  feet/second. After the vessel came to rest, Operator put the throttles in full reverse in an attempt to back the vessel off of the rocks.
 
Operator operated this vessel at high rates of speed and in a reckless manner travelling through slow no wake zones at 6-8 times the posted speed limit.
 
Contributing Factors:  Alcohol was a factor in this crash. Speed was a factor in this case. There were no speed restrictions at the point of the crash.  However, due to the limited visibility of nighttime operations and the proximity to the break wall, the speed was imprudent and excessive for prevailing conditions.


BARDID: WI-2016-0103
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-10-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Thunder Lake
NearestCityorTown: Three Lakes
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was out scouting for the upcoming water trapping season.  He was operating a Coleman canoe square back canoe/rowboat.  The vessel was powered by a 4 hp outboard motor.  The wind conditions were strong out of the south.  At the time of the incident the Operator travelled westbound on the waters of Thunder Lake back towards the public boat launch.  Operator stopped briefly to pull weeds off of the propeller, Operator stated that the load within the vessel was shifted.  There was no weight in the bow of the vessel and with the wind conditions, the vessel capsized.  

Operator stated that typically during the actual open water trapping season he would have had the weight of the traps and gear stowed in the vow of the vessel to help offset.  Operator then fell from the vessel.  Operator was wearing chest waders and was not wearing a PFD at the time.  Operator stated that he obtained his PFD from near the capsized boat and attempted swim to shore.  Operator was struggling in the water due to wearing chest waders so he returned to the vessel, up-righted it and swam southbound towards the south shore/cattails.  Operator struggled and eventually partially removed his waders further exposing him to the cold water conditions.  Once near the cattails, the Operator yelled and a forest ranger on an adjacent property heard his calls for help and dialed 911.  

A short time later and adjacent property owner was able to recover the Operator and transferred him to the first responders.  Operator stated that upon arrival at the hospital, his core body temperature was approximately 95 degrees.  Medical staff warmed him using a warm saline drip, heat packs and warm blankets.  Operator/Injured was released from the hospital approximately 5 hours later.


BARDID: WI-2016-0104
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:38:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big Lake
NearestCityorTown: Land of Lakes
County: Vilas
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 and 2 operating near each other, with Vessel 1 in front of Vessel 2.  Vessel1 changed speed and Vessel 2 struck Vessel in the rear causing all occupants of both vessels to end up in the water.

Vessel 1 operator, an out of state resident, went to the hospital after the incident.  She did not report any injury on the Operator report and would not talk with law enforcement officers or return phone calls for any further information regarding her possible injuries, if any.  It is unknown what kind of treatment, if any, Vessel 1 Operator received at the hospital.
Vessel 1 Passenger was struck in the head by Vessel 2 prior to being ejected.  Vessel 1 passenger was unconscious in the water and was assisted by others, including a pediatrician.  Vessel 1 passenger was transported to the hospital where it was determined that she had suffered a traumatic brain injury.


BARDID: WI-2016-0105
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-11-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:58:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Green Bay
NearestCityorTown: Ephraim
County: Door
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator observed in the water next to an over turned kayak in Eagle Harbor.  After the incident, Operator informed the Officer that he had gone out to Horseshoe Island and upon traveling back, the wind and wave conditions picked up.  Operated stated that at some point he had gotten turned sideways in the waves and capsized.  Operator had been in the water for approximately an hour before fire department picked him up.  Operator stated that he was treated at the hospital for hypothermia and released later than day.


BARDID: WI-2016-0107
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bay of Green Bay
NearestCityorTown: Fish Creek
County: Door
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Shift
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Officer requested to respond to the Alabi Marina for a boating incident where a boat had struck a boat and then the seawall at the marina. Vessel 1 Operator while traveling into the Alabi Marina he had attempted to shift the boat into reverse and the boat had continued forward. While trying to get the boat to stop Vessel 1 Passenger steered the boat and the boat struck Vessel 2 that was moored in a slip at the Alabi Marina. Vessel 1 Operator further stated that the boat continued forward until it struck the floating dock and seawall at which time Vessel 1 Operator turned the ignition off on the boat.

After photographs and information were taken of the boats and area, the Investigating Officer made arrangements to meet with Vessel 1 Operator and a mechanic tomorrow to determine a specific cause of the inability of the boat to shift gears.  It  was discovered that the shift linkage ball joint was severely worn and the ball joint would fall out of the socket. This prevented the boat from being able to be shifted into reverse.


BARDID: WI-2017-0001
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-03-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:43:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityorTown: Genoa
County: Vernon
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Dam/lock
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 4:20 PM, Witness 1 observed Vessel 1 motor into the restricted area located at the southeast side of the Genoa Lock and Dam. Vessel 1 was occupied by a white male.

Witness 1 stated that Vessel 1 Operator motored Vessel 1 to the southeast corner of the dam near where the dam rollers are located. Vessel 1 Operator attempted to anchor the vessel in this location but was unsuccessful in finding the bottom with the anchor. The current from the water traveling through the dam pushed Vessel 1 downstream.  After the current carried Vessel 1 downstream and away from the restricted area, Vessel 1 Operator started the motor and motored back towards the southeast side of the dam to try a second attempt at anchoring the vessel in the restricted area near the dam.   

Witness 1 claimed that he hollered at the Operator and told him to get out of the restricted zone but the Operator did not respond.  Vessel 1 Operator attempted to drop anchor a second time. It was at this time that Vessel 1 started drifting backwards towards the dam rollers.   Vessel 1 Operator left the anchor in the water and moved toward the center of the boat and put on a PFD.   

Vessel 1 spun counter-clockwise and dropped down over a hump in the water, caused by the moving water exiting the dam rollers. Vessel 1 was stuck parallel against the roller with the bow facing toward the east bank of the river. Vessel 1 Operator started the motor and attempted to motor out of the turbulent water but in doing so, the vessel capsized on the starboard side.  

Vessel 1 Operator entered the water and ended up in a position between the capsized vessel and the roller gate. Operator 1 hung onto the center rib of the boat with his hands for a short period of time before being pulled under the surface of the water by the current. Operator/Victim dropped below the surface two times but did not resurface after going under a third time. 

The Victim's body was recovered by Minnesota Conservation Officer approximately 30 minutes after he was last seen. MNDNR Officer reported that the Victim was deceased when recovered from the water.


BARDID: WI-2017-0002
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-04-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:36:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Little Lake Butte des Morts
NearestCityorTown: Menasha
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Witness observed Vessel spinning in the middle of Little Lake Butte Des Mortes with the Operator/Victim in the water yelling for help.  Sheriff's dispatch received numerous calls of person in the water yelling for help.  A second vessel responded to provide assistance, however, the Operator/Victim was no longer visible in the water.  Family members stated that Victim was operating alone to check out just completed motor repairs.  
 
Search and recovery efforts began, Victim was located on 4/4/2017. 


BARDID: WI-2017-0003
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-04-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Altoona
NearestCityorTown: Altoona
County: Eau Claire
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Weather
EquipmentFailure: Other
OtherEquipmentFailure: hose
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Owner purchased the used boat on 4/11/2017 and had not operated the boat or had the boat on the water prior to the incident.   Operator switched on the aerator at the driver’s console to fill the two live wells in the boat.  The switch remained on and water continued to fill the boat live wells until the time of the incident.  Strong winds made for rough water conditions on the lake.
Operator reported feeling a spray of water on his back as high winds and waves crashed into the back of the boat as he operated at about half throttle while turning southbound toward the boat landing.  Operator turned to see water filling the back compartment of the boat, the stern of the boat was sinking.

Operator and Passenger grabbed wearable Type II PFDs that floated out of the stern compartment.  Both put on the PFDs as they voluntarily left the boat.  The stern of the boat quickly sank.  The tip of the boat bow was visible above the surface of the water for several hours, but then sank below the surface.  Operator and Passenger were in the water for approximately 20 minutes before being removed by Emergency personnel. 
 
Vessel was removed from the lake on 4/29/2017, it was determined that the live well water overflowing into the stern live well overflow drain did not leave the boat.  An apparent failure/disconnect of the hose at the stern live well caused water being continually pumped into the stern live well to enter the interior of the vessel under the stern compartment.  The Operator failed to switch on the boat's bilge pump until the boat was in the process of sinking. 

Factors considered:  The vessel's design (vessel's short freeboard), the weight of water entering the stern of the vessel, strong winds and choppy water conditions, failure/lack of maintenance of components installed by the boat manufacturer.


BARDID: WI-2017-0004
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-04-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Jacksonport
County: Door
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The two victims, launched their kayaks from the southern observation area at Cave Point Park to explore the caves from the water.  They were traveling north along the shore about 100 feet from shore.  A third person was sitting on shore when she noticed that Vessel 1 was capsized.  The witness ran along the shore and saw Vessel 1 Operator in the water and Vessel 2 Operator paddling towards him.  The witness stated that Vessel 2 start to fill up with water and then capsized.  The witness stated that the wave action was from multiple directions, causing the kayaks to take water over the side. Both individuals were treading water in one spot and the wind had caught the kayaks and pushed them off shore.  The victims could not swim to the kayaks due to wearing heavy clothes.  Vessel 1 Operator went under water first follow by Vessel 2 Operator about 10 minutes later (times are questionable).  The rescuers arrived about 30 minutes later.  Rescuers were directed to the victims by a Door County Deputy who could see bodies under the surface about 30 feet from the shore.  Rescuers from Jacksonport Fire Dept recovered the victims.


BARDID: WI-2017-0005
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-04-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Wisconsin
NearestCityorTown: Poynette
County: Columbia
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating the boat east, at approximately 25-30mph heading back to the Grade boat landing.  Operator was seated behind the steering wheel.  Passenger was seated on the front deck facing backwards towards Operator.  Operator failed to observe/recognize County Highway V and struck the shoreline, running the boat up onto the roadway and ejecting the Passenger from the boat.


BARDID: WI-2017-0006
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chippewa Flowage
NearestCityorTown: Hayward
County: Sawyer
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1 eastbound and accelerating to bring boat to plane. Vessel #2 was drifting in a north/south direction and occupants were fishing. Vessel #1 struck Vessel#2 in a "t-bone" fashion and the bow of vessel#1 struck the operator on the shoulder.  No injuries.


BARDID: WI-2017-0007
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:08:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Beaver Dam River
NearestCityorTown: Watertown
County: Dodge
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator following the shore line, coming around a corner on plane to notice there was a tree standing in the flooded water. Operator attempted to turn and the boat power slid into the tree. Operator and two passengers were ejected from the boat. All returned to the boat, started it and drove to the boat launch.


BARDID: WI-2017-0008
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Geneva
NearestCityorTown: Lake Geneva
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Drug
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 and Vessel 2 Operator were kayaking on Geneva Lake around 6:23 PM.  Vessel 2 Operator was in front of Vessel 1 when Vessel 2 Operator heard a splash and heard Vessel 1 Operator call out for help. 

 Vessel 2 Operator paddled up to Vessel 1 to try and assist.  Vessel 1 Operator grabbed onto Vessel 1’s paddle and pulled himself toward Vessel 1 kayak. Vessel 1 Operator grabbed on to the side of Vessel 2 and capsized Vessel 2. 

Vessel 2 Operator was rescued by a witness who jumped in and swam her back to shore. The rescuer was unable to locate Vessel 1 Operator after rescuing Vessel 2 Operator.    Vessel 1 and Vessel Operators did not have life jackets on board and both were new to kayaking.


BARDID: WI-2017-0009
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:50:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Flambeau River-Thornapple Flow
NearestCityorTown: Ladysmith
County: Rusk
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Drug
AccidentCause3: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/18/17, at approximately 2:45 pm, a witness observed two male subjects walk down to the Flambeau River on the east side of the Ladysmith Hydroelectric Dam.  The two subjects returned with a 16’ fiberglass canoe.  The Operator and Passenger launched the canoe and began paddling upstream towards the non-gate side of the dam.  Neither subject was observed wearing a personal floatation device.  Water levels were extremely high with dam gates being fully open causing very turbulent water and very swift current.  

While the Operator and passenger were trying to paddle upstream, the fast current caused them to be pulled downstream and they were sucked into the turbulent water below the eastern most dam gates, causing the canoe to roll and capsize.  The Operator and Passenger were observed for a very short time struggling in the water and then they went under water and were not observed again.  

The body of the Operator was recovered approximately one mile downstream on 5/24/17.  Cause of death was determined to be drowning.  Initial blood and drug testing showed the Operator testing positive for methamphetamine and alcohol.  Final results are pending.  The body of the Passenger was recovered approximately 7 miles downstream on 5/29/17.  Cause of death was determined to be drowning.  Initial blood and drug testing showed the Passenger testing positive for methamphetamine, tetrahydrocannabinol, and alcohol.  Final results are pending.


BARDID: WI-2017-0010
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:53:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Emily
NearestCityorTown: Fox Lake
County: Dodge
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Both vessels were anchored and fishing near one another. Vessel #1 weighed anchor and started its engine to return to shore. The operator of Vessel #1 opened the throttle and was getting on plane when he suddenly saw Vessel #2 directly in front of him - the operator attempted an abrupt starboard turn to avoid Vessel #2, but Vessel #1 struck the starboard side of Vessel #2 at an angle and ramped over Vessel #2. 

The bow of Vessel #1 struck the forward passenger in Vessel #2 and ejected him from the boat - he came to rest off the stern of Vessel #2 face-up in the water but unconscious. Both occupants of Vessel 1 were ejected when their vessel returned to the water.  The bow passenger of Vessel 1 came to rest, unconscious and face down in the water.

The center passenger of Vessel 2 dove into the water to rescue the bow passenger of Vessel 2.  The operator of Vessel 1 swam, towing the deceased towards Vessel 2.  The center passenger then re-entered Vessel 2.

The unconscious passenger of Vessel 1, followed by operator were pulled into Vessel 2.  The operator of Vessel 2 called 911, weighed anchor and returned to the public boat ramp where a Dodge County Deputy was waiting.


BARDID: WI-2017-0011
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-04-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Kenosha
County: Kenosha
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The Operator was an experienced kayaker on Lake Michigan with wind and waves the operator later described as rough conditions(2-6 foot waves).  The wind and waves caused the operator to flip his kayak and fall from the vessel.  The operator was able to stay with his overturned kayak, but the waves continued to crash over the operator's head, causing cold shock and increased gasping for air. 

The operator was wearing a properly fitted and USCG approved PFD, however he was not wearing a wet suit in the 38 degree water.  The USCG responded to the incident after being notified of a person in the water and in distress.  The operator was located and he and his kayak were pulled from the water and taken to shore.  Once arriving at shore the operator was taken to a waiting ambulance.  The operator was treated for hypothermia with warming blankets by EMS and hospital staff before later being released by the hospital.

The operator later retrieved the kayak from the USCG and found there was a crack in the fiberglass when the boat was brought on-board the USCG boat.  This damage was estimated at approximately $400 worth of repair work.


BARDID: WI-2017-0012
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wisconsin River
NearestCityorTown: Prairie du Sac
County: Sauk
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Anchor got stuck and vessel took on water and capsized.  Vessel sank and was removed from the river a week after the incident.


BARDID: WI-2017-0013
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:41:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Mendota
NearestCityorTown: Madison
County: Dane
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1, a U.W. Life Saving boat was en-route back to their station, in blue flag wind conditions, when they struck a male subject on Vessel 2, a sail-board. Vessel 2 Operator went under the boat and was struck by the props. 

Vessel 2 Operator was killed instantly, due to major trauma to his body from the twin props. 


BARDID: WI-2017-0015
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnebago
NearestCityorTown: Neenah
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 participating in a sailboat race.  Vessel was beating to the windward mark on a port tack at about 5 knots, under a 155 genoa and full mainsail, heeling about 15 degrees with 4 crew and the operator on board.  Vessel 1 was struck by Vessel 2 which was under a jib and main on a starboard tack, also participating in the race.  Vessel 1 was struck on the rub rail just forward of the rear starboard pulpit stanchion. 

According to nautical rules Vessel 2 had right of way because it was on starboard TAC information that was agreed upon by both operators.


BARDID: WI-2017-0016
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-06-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Kegonsa
NearestCityorTown: McFarland
County: Dane
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Just purchased the boat and put the boat in the water for 5 minutes.  Started engine and put it in drive, nothing happened.  Turned boat around manually then started again.  An explosion started in the engine area and there was a huge fire.  Other boaters on the water started yelling to get out because it was going to explode again.  Flames were getting larger, couldn't get fire extinguisher.  Couldn't get off the boat from the back, so jumped on the dock.  Flames were so large that we had to jump from the dock into the water so that we wouldn't get burned.  Called 911 immediately and officers were on site within a few minutes.


BARDID: WI-2017-0017
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Wissota
NearestCityorTown: Chippewa Falls
County: Chippewa
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operating to shore to dock PWC.  Operator stated he came into shore too fast, froze up, and was unable to stop or slow the PWC before crashing into the dock.  Operator stated he was not injured and stayed on the PWC during the incident. 


BARDID: WI-2017-0018
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Mowhawkson
NearestCityorTown: Tomahawk
County: Lincoln
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Owner/Operator of Vessel 1 had purchased the vessel June 7, 2017 and reported having mechanical issues and starting issues on the day of the incident.  Vessel 1 was westbound when the OMC inboard/sterndrive motor quit.  

The Deceased was a passenger in the boat and entered the water in an attempt to keep the vessel from drifting into a bridge abutment and rocks.  The witness, who had been a passenger in the vessel, got out of the boat and was on the pier when the incident took place.  The witness was holding onto the front of the vessel at the time.  The Deceased position himself on the starboard side of the vessel while the operator continued attempting to restart the motor.  

The Operator was eventually able to restart the motor and reported that he believed the Deceased had remained on the boat's starboard side as the Operator placed the vessel into reverse.  The Deceased had not remained on the starboard side, but had in fact started to swim near the stern of the vessel in an attempt to reach the swim ladder which was attached to the swim platform on the vessel's port stern.  

The Deceased was struck by the propeller at his groin, torso and head.  It is believed that the Deceased's extensive trauma was instantly fatal.  His body was recovered from under the surface of the water by a passenger who had remained in the vessel.  The Operator reported consuming a few beers earlier in the day, prior to the incident.  The Operator voluntarily consented to a chemical test of his blood at the request of the County Sheriff's Deputy.  WDNR officers confirmed there was an issue with the vessel's starter as it attempted to engage the flywheel.  

Officers also confirmed that the motor did not start while the vessel was in gear.  The shifter/throttle had remained in reverse position after officer had arrived on scene.


BARDID: WI-2017-0019
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mill Lake
NearestCityorTown: East Troy
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operated Vessel for a 20-25 minute pleasure ride to restaurant on lake without incident.  Docked boat and shut off motor.  Passengers exited boat, operator remained.  After approximately 10 minutes, smoke seen emitting from under cowling of engine.  Smoke became thicker, cowling then removed to discover flames seen from front of engine.  Flames immediately then extinguished using on board fire extinguisher. 


BARDID: WI-2017-0020
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: St Croix River
NearestCityorTown: Stillwater
County: St. Croix
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 northbound on St Croix River approaching Stillwater lift bridge.  Lift bridge was lowering and Vessel 1 attempted to make it under the bridge.  Vessel 1 Operator realized vessel was not going to clear bridge and threw boat into full reverse.  Vessel 1 did not stop and struck bottom of bridge.  Top cabin of Vessel 1 was knocked off.  Passenger was injured with laceration to upper left leg.  Bridge operator stated he saw the vessel attempting to make it under bridge and when he realized the vessel was potentially not going to make it he stopped the bridge.  Vessel 1 Operator estimated speeds at impact to be 10-15 miles per hour.  No damage was observed to bridge.


BARDID: WI-2017-0021
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:14:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Monona
NearestCityorTown: Monona
County: Dane
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 cruising at a slow speed in Squaw Bay on Lake Monona, when a warning light came on the dash of the vessel.  Vessel 1 Operator looked down and saw a battery malfunction light.  Vessel 1 Operator stated that he then pressed the throttle of the vessel slightly forward, the motor stuttered and then shut off.  Vessel 1 Operator stated that the motor then began to smoke.  Vessel 1 Operator stated that he moved everyone to the front the boat, a fire extinguisher was found and the fire was put out.


BARDID: WI-2017-0022
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnebago
NearestCityorTown: Stockbridge
County: Calumet
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 and Vessel 2 were both southbound from Stockbridge Harbor.  Vessel 1 was in front of Vessel 2.  Vessel 2 was overtaking Vessel 1 on Vessel 1’s starboard side.  Vessel 2 struck Vessel 1 in the stern on the starboard side.  Vessel 1 then overturned, ejecting both occupants into the water.  Vessel 1 Operator and Passenger were rescued by surrounding boats.  Vessel 1 was then towed to shore by Vessel 2.


BARDID: WI-2017-0023
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Mary
NearestCityorTown: Twin Lakes
County: Kenosha
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 operating in a counter-clockwise manner on Lake Mary.  Operator was an inexperienced operator driving a pontoon boat with a 150 hp motor.  Two passengers were in front the vessel taking selfies and snap chatting pictures of themselves while the vessel was under power.  Witnesses describe the front seat passengers as “doing the Titanic” off the front seat.  Witnesses described the vessel operation as reckless prior to the incident.  

Vessel 1 Operator decelerated the vessel suddenly causing both front passengers to fall over the front of the pontoon into the water.  The male passenger swam to the bottom, waited momentarily and surfaced.  The female passenger was unable to control her fall and suffered a significant laceration and bruising on her right hip.  The officer suspects that she was struck by the propeller as the boat traveled over her.

All parties were consuming intoxicants for over 6 hours, per their admission.  Operator did not hold a valid boating safety certificate.  Operator experience was described as minimal.  A safety check revealed the proper number of PFDs, throwable, fire extinguisher, and covered battery terminals.  There were two different coolers with a variety of intoxicants.  A black garbage back on the vessel contained numerous beer cans and bottles.  The female victim was transported to the hospital.  The vessel was temporarily impounded.  The Operator was arrested for Operating a Vessel While Intoxicated.


BARDID: WI-2017-0024
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wisconsin River
NearestCityorTown: Plover
County: Portage
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Group of three fishing on Wisconsin River-Biron Flowage.  Had put in at Blue Heron boat landing and fished their way upstream to below the Neenah Papers Dam.  While slowly motoring up to the dam the vessel hit a rock below the water line but continued up to the dam at which time they realized they were taking on water.  

While in shallow water they discovered they had put a hole in the hull and were taking on water so decided to head back to the landing.  In an effort to avoid the same rock that did the initial damage, the Operator took a slightly different heading downstream.  The vessel then struck another rock due to shallow water in this area.  This stopped all forward momentum of the vessel which caused Passenger 2 to be ejected out of the vessel over the bow into the shallow water (estimated at 2 feet deep) where he struck his head and elbow on rocks.  

All three estimated the speed to be under 10 mph at the time of both incidents, again due to traveling slowly in shallow water.  The Operator was familiar with the area as he had fished there before and successfully navigated to and from the dam.  After the second collision, Passenger 2 got back into the vessel and the group motored back to the Blue Heron boat landing and then landed the vessel.  

They traveled back to the Operator’s residence where Passenger 2was met and transported to the Aspirus Hospital in Wausau for treatment.  Passenger 2 received 9 staples in the right front part of his head to close his laceration.  X-rays on his elbow were negative and CT scans and MRI's showed no further head injuries and he was negative for a concussion.  The Operator is a former boat patrol officer.   The Operator contacted the Office to report the accident once the group arrived at his residence.


BARDID: WI-2017-0025
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wolf River/Partridge Lake
NearestCityorTown: Fremont
County: Waupaca
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator/Injured waved down WDNR Warden on the Wolf River just downstream from Partridge Lake.  Vessel 1 Operator/Injured was a passenger on a pontoon boat. Upon making contact Vessel 1 Operator/Injured indicated she dislocated her right elbow when she fell off of a jet ski. Vessel 1 Operator/Injured right elbow and arm were clearly disjointed. Vessel 1 Operator/Injured asked if we could transport her via our patrol boat to her dock so she could seek medical attention. Vessel 1 Operator/Injured stated she did not want me to call an ambulance for her and had people to drive her to the hospital.

While transporting Vessel 1 Operator/Injured to her dock she stated that she was spending the day on the lake/river with her friends and family aboard a pontoon boat. While on Partridge Lake Vessel 1 Operator/Injured was able to wave down a male operating a personal watercraft. During her contact with the male operator of the personal watercraft, Vessel 1 Operator/Injured) was able to convince him to let her operate the PWC. Vessel 1 Operator/Injured said she did not know the operator of the PWC and waved him down because she wanted to operate it. Vessel 1 Operator/Injured said she had little to no experience operating a personal water craft. Vessel 1 Operator/Injured said she has never taken a boater safety class. Vessel 1 Operator/Injured also admitted to consuming alcoholic intoxicants.

Vessel 1 Operator/Injured told the Wardens she was the operator of the PWC, a male rider was seated behind her (holding on to her). Vessel 1 Operator/Injured indicated during the course of her operation she made a sharp turn causing the passenger to fall off. As the passenger fell off he refused to let go of her and she refused to let go of the handle bars (controls). As the passenger went into the water he pulled on Vessel 1 Operator/Injured which caused her to dislocate her right elbow. Vessel 1 Operator/Injured stated she did not fall off the PWC.   Vessel 1 Operator/Injured said she was traveling at approximately 10-15 miles per hour at the time of the turn. Vessel 1 Operator/Injured was able to get back to her boat and head for home as she needed to go to the hospital.

As stated Vessel 1 Operator/Injured did not know the owner of the PWC nor was she able to get any registration number. Vessel 1 Operator/Injured told the Wardens she believed the PWC was blue in color. Vessel 1 Operator/Injured last saw it operating on Partridge Lake. After transporting Vessel 1 Operator/Injured to her residence the Wardens checked the area but were unable to locate any vessels matching the given description.

On 06/12/17 Warden contacted Vessel 1 Operator/Injured via telephone. Vessel 1 Operator/Injured stated she had a tear in the posterior and medial ligaments in her right elbow.  Vessel 1 Operator/Injured was still unable to recall any further information regarding the PWC she was operating. I mailed Vessel 1 Operator/Injured a Boat Operator Incident Report.


BARDID: WI-2017-0026
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michgan
NearestCityorTown: Port Washington
County: Ozaukee
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel took on water with high winds/waves while occupants were fishing.  Motor dies with all the water in the boat.  Boat then capsized and responders rescued the occupants.  Boat was left and has not been located or recovered.


BARDID: WI-2017-0027
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:53:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Castle Rock Flowage
NearestCityorTown: New Lisbon
County: Juneau
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator attempting to dock Vessel 1 at Shipwreck Bar.  Vessel 2 was already docked.  Wind caused Vessel 1 to strike Vessel 2 causing damage.


BARDID: WI-2017-0028
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winneconne
NearestCityorTown: Winneconne
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Very rough
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel on the water when occupants noticed a storm coming in.  Operator attempted to get back to their dock, but the storm came in too fast.  Vessel 1 Operator attempted to take shelter in a cover area.  When they went to a private dock, the large waves caused the vessel to be pushed into the rocks around the dock.  This caused damage to the boat and put a hole in it, causing them to take on water.  Operator was able to dock the vessel and safely get off the water.  After the storm passed, they put the boat on a nearby boat lift.  No injuries reported.


BARDID: WI-2017-0029
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fox River
NearestCityorTown: Oshkosh
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 2 Operator on jetski near the mouth of the Fox River, heading towards Lake Butte Des Morts, was struck by Vessel 1.  Vessel 1 Operator did not stop render aid and continued on his way.  Vessel 2 Operator was brought to shore and was transported to the hospital with injuries.  Vessel 1 Operator was located by law enforcement at the Leonard Point boat ramp loading the pontoon onto the trailer.  Vessel 1 Operator was arrested and transported to the hospital for legal blood draw.  Vessel 1 Operator was issued citations for operating a motorboat while under the influence of an intoxicant causing injury; operating a motorboat while under influence of intoxicant; and fail to render aid at boating accident.  Vessel 1 Operator was released from the hospital to a responsible adult.


BARDID: WI-2017-0030
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnebago
NearestCityorTown: Black Wolf
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was cruising at about 30 mph south at night with no GPS unit on the boat.  Operator observed an island in front of him and was unable to react and grounded the boat on the island about 40 feet onto the island. 


BARDID: WI-2017-0031
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:20:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: St Croix River
NearestCityorTown: Houlton
County: St. Croix
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentEvent3: Carbon monoxide exposure
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Carbon monoxide exposure
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat was purchased on 6-22-17 by owner. Owner and two passengers were on the boat saturday night when they struck a buoy while heading south from stillwater on the st croix river. The buoy's cable was subsequently wrapped around the port engine prop shaft. The boat was beached at high line beach (st croix yacht club) for the night on the south side, west of the channel.

On sunday, a concerned citizen requested a welfare check on the boat as the person did not recognize the boat being on this beach before and had not seen any activity on the boat. A concerned friend also requested a welfare check on the boat as no one had been able to contact the owner or female passenger. 

Washington county deputies were first on scene. The camper enclosure was up, and closed, all hatches and ports were closed and the generator was running. The transom door was open and the transom canvas was unzipped. Deputies announced themselves with no response. They made entry onto the boat from the stern and observed a male down below in the cabin on the floor. The door was partially open to get down below. This male was the owner/operator and was unconscious. Another male passenger was on the bed underneath the helm and a female passenger was on the same bed lying behind the male passenger. The male passenger was semi-conscious. The female passenger showed lividity and was obviously deceased. Deputies removed the owner/operator and male passenger from below, turned off the generator and all switches from the control panel down below, opened hatches, ports and the canvas. No drugs were found on the boat. Alcohol was known to be consumed saturday night. 

There was a carbon monoxide detector on the port side of the bed where the female and male passengers were sleeping.  This detector was on the "off" position. 

The owner/operator and the male passenger were transported to hennepin county medical center. The male passenger was listed in satisfactory condition and was later released.  The owner/operator was listed in critical condition. 

Wdnr officer towed the boat back to hudson marina where it was tied to "a" dock and was watched by st croix county deputies continuously. 

Autopsy results were 63% blood carbon monoxide on the female passenger. Cause of death was ruled carbon monoxide poisoning, accidental. 

The boat was inspected by a trained westerbeke generator technician from bayport marina. They found the generator was working properly with no exhaust leaks. The wdnr officer attempted to recreate the scene placing the hatches, port holes and canvas in the same position the boat was found. Using 2 separate carbon monoxide detectors, the generator was started and allowed to run. Carbon monoxide levels never exceeded 15ppm in the engine compartment. In the cockpit area, the highest readings reached was 350ppm. The generator ran for approximately 25 minutes. 

The generator exhaust outlet is out the transom underneath the swim platform. Readings would spike when wind would blow across the swim platform and the transom canvas door would blow into the cockpit area causing a backdraft. 

The carbon monoxide detector was inspected. When the switch was turned on, nothing happened. The dc main rocker switch had to be turned on in order to power the carbon monoxide detector. With the dc main switch on, the wdnr officer switched the carbon monoxide detector on and the detector turned on, beeped and the light was green. The wdnr officer pressed and held the test switch and it beeped continously like a smoke detector. The carbon monoxide detector looked to be the original one installed on the boat. Unknown if or when the detector would make an alarm to carbon monoxide levels. This was not tested due to the detector being found in the off position and the dc main switch was found in the off position providing no power to the detector. 

The owner/operator was released from the hospital. Unknown if there will be any long term brain effects. The owner/operator has lost feeling in some of his extremities, walks with a cane, wears a boot to help with blood flow, has carbon monoxide "burns" on his body and lost a lot of hair.


