# ReleasableAccidentes

BARDID: VA-2018-0041
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was operating a personal watercraft in a cove.  The victim looked back to talk with a passenger and ran aground.  THe operator suffered a broken nose.  He had been drinking.


BARDID: VA-2018-0042
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Moneta
County: Bedford
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/09/2018, CPO responded to 106 Judith Ln in Moneta in reference to a boat accident on Smith Mountain Lake (within Bedford County) which occurred at approximately 1730 hours. There were no apparent injuries and one of the vessels involved had left the scene without identifying themselves.   

Subsequent to the investigation it was found that operator1 was traveling west out of a cove near SML Water Marker WC 1 and observed a ski boat (VA 4523 AX) traveling west in front of him through the center of the cove. Operator1 drove to the port side of the vessel on his PWC (VA 3518 CA) and failed to accelerate to pass. Operator1 said he was going approximately 20 mph at the time of the impact. 

The operator of the ski boat said he was traveling at approximately 25 mph at the time. The cove narrowed and the front right starboard side of Operator1's PWC collided with the center of the port side to the ski boat. There was a fist sized scratch to the fiber glass of the PWC and scratches to the surface of the ski boat. Operator1 failed to wait to pass the ski boat until a point where it could have safely done so. 

Operator2 and the passengers on the skiboat said they did not see the PWC until the last moment before the collision. Operator1 also had a non-serviceable fire extinguisher on board the PWC. Operator1 was issued a summons for reckless operation of a motorboat and a summons for having a non-serviceable fire extinguisher.   Operator1 sustained a scratch to his right elbow and right calf. After being seen at the West Lake Urgent Care Operator1 was found to have a small piece of fiber glass in his right calf and inflammation to his right deltoid.  

After the incident occurred Operator2 returned to his residence, and did not attempt to contact any law enforcement entity to report the accident. Operator2 also did not provide his information to Operator1 at the time of the accident. Operator2 was issued a summons for failing to report a boat accident as the operator involved in a boat collision.  Both operators were given a Boat Accident Operators Report Form to complete and to mail to DGIF Headquarters in Richmond.


BARDID: VA-2018-0043
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:01:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 10, 2018 an unknown vessel struck an aid to navigation marker B-6.  The marker is located on the Blackwater River Arm of Smith Mountain Lake in Franklin County.  The wooden piling supporting the  solar light and marker was broken just above the waterline.  VSP divers were able to locate an item that we believe could have come from the hit and run vessel.  The marker has been replaced at a cost exceeding $6,000.00.  Damage estimates for the striking vessel are unknown at this time.


BARDID: VA-2018-0051
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Dutch Gap
County: Chesterfield
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat 1 and boat 2 were travelling down river.  Both boats approached a wake from a pontoon boat that was traveling up river.  Boat 1 slowed to negotiate the wake.  Boat 2 failed to look behind before making a hard turn to port to turn into the wake.  Boat 2 struck boat 1 with the bow on the starboard side at the operator's console.


BARDID: VA-2018-0052
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: DGIF Oak Grove Boat Ramp
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/21/2018 at approximately 1637 hours while on boat patrol on Smith Mountain Lake (SML) (within Franklin County) Conservation Police Sgt. and I, Conservation Police Officer (CPO) received a report of a boat accident with no injuries in the area of the Hales Ford Bridge near SML Water Marker R26. DGIF Dispatch said there was a pontoon boat and Pirate boat involved in the accident.   Subsequent to the investigation it was found that Operator1 was driving the Pirate boat south on SML near the Hales Ford Bridge when he observed people on the Virginia Dare Yacht Boat shooting water cannons and throwing water balloons from the top decks. Operator1 drove the vessel south on the west side of the Virginia Dare to get closer and was passing the port side of the Virginia Dare when he observed a pontoon boat traveling north west at a slow speed. 

Operator1 put the trolling motor in reverse in an attempt to slow his vessel from colliding with the pontoon boat. A pvc pipe mounted to the bow of the pirate boat struck the front port side of the pontoon boat causing the exterior of the wall to be bent inward.  

Operator2 said he drove his vessel north east towards the stern of the Virginia Dare at approximately 3 to 5 mph and was navigating through the boat traffic when he observed a pirate boat traveling south towards him at a slow speed. That is when the bow of the vessel struck the front port side of the pontoon boat. Operator2 said the fake cannon on the front of the pirate boat pushed the front port side of the exterior wall inward. Operator2 said the entire section of wall would need to be replaced costing approximately $2500.00.   Operator1 was issued a summons for failing to yield to a vessel when crossing.


BARDID: VA-2018-0053
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: SML State Park
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: limb tangled in activity equ
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/28/2018, at approximately 1950, Operator was operating PWC (VA 9613 BE) on Smith Mountain Lake with his wife sitting as a spotter on the back of the PWC to watch their 14 year old child on the attached tube. Upon take off, Occupant was holding on to the handle bars of a Tie-Rod that was mounted to the back of the PWC. As the rope from the Tie-Rod attached to the tube extended, Occupant's right hand suddenly became tangled with the rope, resulting in an amputation of her middle finger just below the nail line. Occupant was transported to Roanoke Memorial and treated for the injury.


BARDID: VA-2018-0054
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
County: Amherst County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Two men were wakeboarding on the James River at Monacan Park in Amherst County, VA for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes before the boat started taking on water. When the operator/owner of the vessel noticed the water on board he retrieved his friend and they began trying to pump the water out via the bilge pump and a ballast pump. Operator kept the engine running while attempting to pump the water from the vessel. When they noticed it was taking on water to fast operator jumped into the water, pulled the boat to the river bank and tied it to a tree. The two men then swam back to the boat ramp as the boat sank underwater.


BARDID: VA-2018-0055
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Williamsburg
County: James City County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
90 Year old female victim was swimming at the Jamestown Beach when she was struck by a PWC.  Upon surfacing - she observed the PWC operator dismounted approximately 10' away looking at her.  She was bleeding profusely from a severe wound to the side of her head and requested assistance from the PWC operator in getting back to shore.  

He remounted and left the area at a high rate of speed without rendering assistance.  Victim was able to make it back to shore where she was transported to a medical facility.  She was treated and released on the same day.  

The PWC operator was identified through footage of camera's located at the Jamestown Yacht Basin, Jamestown Ferry, and a local 7-11


BARDID: VA-2018-0056
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atlantic Ocean
County: Accomack
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/26/2018 at 1230 hours, subject was fishing off Wallops Island Beach.  The vessel was anchored at the stern when two waves crashed over the transom of his vessel, swamping the vessel and causing the vessel to capsize


BARDID: VA-2018-0057
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:25:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Elizabeth River
NearestCityorTown: Elizabeth River Park
County: Portsmouth
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
While attempted to moor his sailboat, subject accidentally fell off the port side of the boat overboard and drowned.


BARDID: VA-2018-0058
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-08-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
County: Hampton
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
While pulling the anchor line up, the bow dipped down and wake from a passing tug boat swamped the vessel causing it to sink.  Both occupants abandoned the vessel and were picked up by a passing good samaritan


BARDID: VA-2018-0060
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Moormans Marina
County: Bedford
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat 1 was anchored and boat 2 was approaching boat 1, boat 2 was going too fast and let off the throttle and struck the side of boat 1 puncturing the fiberglass.


BARDID: VA-2018-0061
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mattaponi River
NearestCityorTown: Walkerton
County: King and Queen County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
INBOARD OUTBOARD ENGINE ON VA5183AS. Subjects STArTED THE BOAT, BLOWER WAS ON , BOAT DRIFTING INTO RIVER FROM THE LANDING, PUT IT IN DRIVE AND ENGINE BLEW. OCCUPANTS WENT OVERBOARD, PICKED UP BY A BOATER, VESSEL BURNED ON A MARSH ISLAND DOWNRIVER FROM WALKERTON ON THE KING AND QUEEN SIDE OF THE MATTAPONI RIVER


BARDID: VA-2018-0062
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Indian Point Marina
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 08/11/2018 at approximately 1930 hours while on boat patrol on Smith Mountain Lake within Franklin County I, Conservation Police Officer (CPO), responded in reference to a female who fell off of a vessel. DGIF Dispatch said a female had fallen off of a vessel and hit her head. DGIF Dispatch also advised that an EMS Unit was going to the residence to evaluate the female.  I arrived on location at approximately 2000 hours and spoke to subject. Operator the victim was being transported my EMS to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital (RMH) for further evaluation. Operator said at approximately 1530 hours he and four other individuals were sitting on his vessel ( VA registration # 7929 AY a 1997 Bayliner) in the cove in front of his dock. Operator said the engine to the vessel was off since he was waiting for Victim to jump in the water to go water tubing. Operator said Victim stepped on to the top edge of the stern and slipped. Operator said Victim fell in the water and was assisted back into the vessel. Operator said Victim sustained a bruise to the back of her left leg and a small cut to the palm of her left hand. Operator said everybody on the vessel including Victim was wearing a Type III Life Jacket at the time of the accident. 
Operator said Victim was then transported to Indian Point Marina by another vessel and a vehicle met them there to transport her back to his residence to rest. Operator said the steep incline and amount of steps from his dock to his residence was too much for Victim since she injured her leg. Operator said Victim fell asleep for a few hours at the residence and woke up to find her left leg in pain. Operator said Victim had difficulty bending and bearing weight on her left leg. Operator said at approximately 1930 hours they called 911 for Victim to be transported to RMH for further evaluation. Operator said he did not have any alcohol to drink before 1530 hours and showed me proof of a NASBLA approved Boater Education Course he completed on 03/31/2011. Operator had all of the required safety equipment and paper work on board the vessel. Operator had boat insurance and was given a Boating Accident Operator’s Report Form to fill out and to mail back to DGIF Headquarters in Richmond.  
 At approximately 2200 hours CPO went to RMH and interviewed Victim. Victim said at approximately 1530 hours she was on Operator’s vessel with the engine shut off in a cove located near his dock. Victim said she stepped onto the stern of the vessel to jump in the water to water ski when she slipped and struck the back of her left leg. Victim said she was wearing a Life Jacket at the time and went back to the residence to rest. Victim said she woke up later in the evening and found her left leg to be in a great deal of pain. Victim said she had difficulty bending the left leg and could not put weight on it. Victim had an x-ray taken of the left leg and nothing was found to be wrong. Victim added that Operator was the operator of the vessel at the time and had not had any alcohol to drink before the incident. Victim said she expected to be released from the hospital later in the night. Victim said she was a good swimmer and had over 20 years of experience water skiing.


BARDID: VA-2018-0063
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Dukes Creek Marina
County: Louisa
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The victim was attempting to help the operator of the vessel start the vessel.  The victim was standing on the swim platform, looking at the motor, when the operator started the vessel, and put it in forward gear.  The victim was thrown from the back of the vessel, and was not wearing a flotation device.  The victim did not know how to swim, and was unconscious and not breathing, when recovered from the water by authorities.  The victim was revived, and made a full recovery.


BARDID: VA-2018-0064
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:01:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Moormans Marina
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentCause3: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 08/25/2018 at approximately 00:30 hours a report of a boat accident with injuries on smith mountain lake (SML) (within Franklin County) was reported to DGIF dispatch. Dispatch informed me a bass boat engine had fallen on the passenger of a vessel and the passenger had multiple fingers cut off.  

I arrived to Old Mill Dr. and observed a 2018 19 ft. long Nitro bass boat (VA 8881 CA) tied to the dock with SML Fire and Rescue standing by. The 200 hp Mercury Pro XS outboard engine was lying across the passenger seat with the propeller hanging off the portside of the vessel. The engine extended from the left edge of the operator seat to off the edge of the portside. The skeg to the engine was facing the stern and had been severely scuffed and scratched. 

The propeller did not appear to be damaged and the top cover to the engine was lying in the bow of the vessel. The location where the engine was attached to the stern did not show much damage. The small area where the engine was attached showed the engine had been removed quickly. The electrical cords were still attached to both the engine and the vessel and the rear elevated fishing seat was not damaged. The vessel’s engine had detached, went over the rear fishing seat without touching it, and landed across the passenger seat. 

The fish finder on the operator’s console was pushed inward and the display screen had multiple breaks in it. I could not see any damage to the bow of the vessel.  The vessel had the required safety equipment on board.   

SML Fire and Rescue said they responded to Old Mill Dr earlier in the night and observed the engine lying on top of the passenger. They were able to remove Occupant from underneath the vessel’s engine and assessed his injuries. Occupant had lost two of the fingers on his right hand and had sustained a large laceration to his left thigh.  SML Fire and Rescue successfully transported the two injured individuals to Bay Roc Marina where they were transported to RMH by Franklin County EMS.   I arrived to RMH at approximately 02:50 hours and spoke to Operator. 

Operator said he had purchased the vessel from Anglers Choice around 3 months prior. Operator said he and his friend Occupant had put in at Moorman’s Marina at approximately 1930 hours on 08/24/2018 and traveled southbound on SML to go fishing.  Operator said at approximately 00:00 hours he and Occupant were traveling north on SML back to Moorman’s Marina at approximately 55 mph near SML Water Marker R 65 when he heard something tap the front bow of the vessel. 

Operator said immediately after he felt the tap, the vessel came to a complete stop, and he felt something heavy hit him in the back. Operator said he heard Occupant screaming in pain and saw the 200 hp. Mercury engine lying on top of him. 

Operator said he put a tourniquet on Occupant’s arm and used his trolling motor to travel to nearby dock’s on the west side of sml. Operator said he went to a fourth residence and an older woman allowed Operator to call 911 using her phone. Operator said Occupant was awake the whole time and did not lose consciousness. Operator said he thought the rescue squad had recovered Occupant’s severed fingers.  Operator handed me his Boater Education Card (completed 06/26/2016), his fishing license, and registration card. 

Operator said he was wearing a Type V life guard approved life jacket at the time and Occupant was wearing a Type III. Operator said he saw debris floating in SML earlier in the evening but could not believe he had struck an object so hard that it detached the engine.  

I could not smell any alcoholic beverage about Operator’s person and his eyes did not appear to be red and glassy. Operator said he had not had any alcoholic beverages to drink earlier in the evening. Operator said Occupant had consumed two or three canned beers. 

I left Operator and went to Occupant’s room in an attempt to speak to him. I was informed by the hospital staff that Occupant was in the operation room and would be in there for several hours.   I went back to Operator’s room and issued him a summons for 4 VAC 15-390-90 for failure to keep a proper lookout.  
On the morning of 08/25/2018 CPO went to RMH and spoke to Occupant. CPO observed a large cast on Occupant’s right hand and a bandage on his right thigh.  Occupant told CPO that at approximately 00:00 hours he and Operator were traveling southbound on SML near R65 when he felt the vessel hit something. 

The object the vessel hit caused it to lift up and come to a complete stop. Occupant instantly felt something heavy hit the right side of his body. Occupant said the engine landed on his right hand and right thigh. Occupant said he remembered Operator going to a few docks and trying to find a phone to call 911. Occupant said his right thumb and right middle finger had been completely cut off. Occupant said the bones in his right hand had been shattered and he sustained a deep laceration to the bone on his right thigh. 

Occupant said neither he nor Operator had had any alcoholic beverages to drink prior to the incident.  On the afternoon of 08/25/2018 Conservation Police Sgt. met up with Operator when he loaded the vessel on to his trailer. Sgt. did not observe any damage to the bottom or bow of the vessel. Sgt. located Occupant’s middle finger on the floor of the vessel, wrapped it in a plastic bag with a cold water bottle, gave it to me, and I gave the bag to Franklin County EMS. Franklin County EMS then transported the finger to the Department of Forensic Science Lab in Roanoke to be disposed of. Sgt. also informed me he had tied a large log to the shoreline with a rope in the area of R65.


BARDID: VA-2018-0065
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:43:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Dukes Creek Marina
County: Spotsylvania
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 8/7/18, The operator took his boat to an island hangout spot on Lake Anna. While he was operating his vessel towards the shore, he passed by 2 females swimming in the water. As the boat got closer to shore, the operator claimed the boat was in neutral before jumping off the bow of the boat, in an attempt to pull the boat to shore. After the operator jumped off the bow, the boat started moving backwards towards the swimmers, which it continued moving backwards until it entangled the victim in the lower unit portion of the boat. The operator had a passenger attempting to turn the boat off, but the victim sustained cuts and bruising from the lower unit portion of the involved boat. The victim was taken to a local Urgent Care facility, treated, and then released.


BARDID: VA-2018-0066
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:58:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: North Landing River
NearestCityorTown: Chesapeake
County: Chesapeake
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Throttle
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
While waiting for the Great Bridge drawbridge to open, the operator of the sailing vessel "Tootega" was operating under diesel engine power in the vicinity of the pier located at Great Bridge Battlefield and Waterways Historic Park.  The operator placed the gear in reverse and engage the throttle.  He heard an audible click coming from the throttle linkage and immediately lost throttle control.  The vessel backed into a pier pylon and decking causing approximately $5,000 damage to the pier structure.  The point of contact on the TOOTEGA was the self-steering vane which was bent near the bottom and there were scuff marks on either side of the hull where it met the stern.  The approximate damage to the vessel was 2,000.


BARDID: VA-2018-0067
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Nansemond River
County: Suffolk
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/28/2018 at approximately 1505 vessel VA5285BM was departing the Nansemond River with four occupants on board. Occupant1, who was on board the vessel, lost her cover up when it fell into the water. The boat operator, turned the boat around to retrieve the cover up. They located the cover up in the water. The boat was in reverse and the operator believes she put it into neutral. The operator's husband began to trim the motor up. Occupant1 jumped off the swim platform directly above the inboard outboard motor. She stated she got sucked into the prop and was stuck. Her husband jumped into the water and tore her bathing suit in order to remove her from the prop. They transported Occupant1 to Bennett's Creek Marina where she was met by an ambulance and transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for multiple lacerations to the right side of her body. Occupant1 stated that before the incident she consumed 3 alcoholic beverages at Decoys Restaurant.


BARDID: VA-2018-0069
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Linkhorn Bay
NearestCityorTown: First Landing State Park
County: Virginia Beach
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Two PWCs were operating on Linkhorn Bay.  PWC1 had 1 POB and PWC2 had 2 POB.  PWC1 turned to port in the path of PWC2.  Operator of PWC1 admitted he did know the other PWC was there and did not look prior to maneuvering to port.  PWC2 crashed into PWC1 along the port side of PWC1 causing significant damage to PWC1.  PWC1 partially sank.  

The rear passenger on PWC2 was ejected and received significant injuries from the crash.  The operator of PWC2 fled the scene, leaving his passenger on scene.  Upon interviewing the victim from PWC2, he stated he did not know the operator of PWC2.  The injured party was transported to Virginia Beach General Hospital for treatment.  PWC1 was towed back to First Landing State Park and placed on a trailer.  Neither operator1 nor occupant on v2 seemed concerned that the operator of PWC2 left the scene.


BARDID: VA-2018-0070
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:48:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Back River
NearestCityorTown: Fox Hill Boat Ramp
County: Hampton
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: Scupper plug
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator and 4 family members were anchored in about 3-4 feet of water in the area at the mouth of back river in the city of hampton. Operator noticed water in the floor of his 20 foot yamaha vessel bearing virginia registration 5223 aw. At that time he turned on the bilge and realized that it was not helping. His son was in the water and verified that the boats plug was in. Once they realized that the vessel was sinking they called 911. 

Hampton fire was first on scene and was able to assist the family back to the fox hill boat ramp. Officer and myself arrived on scene shortly after hampton fire had started to head into the boat ramp. We observed the vessel with almost the whole rear half submerged. After dropping the family off at the fox hill boat ramp, hampton fire and a good samaritan went back out to attempt to recover the vessel and get it back to the ramp. Hampton fire was able to pump enough water out of the partially submerged vessel for the good samaritan to be able to tow the vessel back to the ramp and onto its trailer. Once out of the water we determined that the cause of the leak was a failed scupper plug approximately 1-2" in diameter that was under the water line. This caused the entire engine bay and both inboard engines to be completely submerged under salt water.


BARDID: VA-2018-0071
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Kerr Lake
NearestCityorTown: Longwood Boat Ramp
County: Mecklenburg
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Overloading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator of a 16' Jon Boat exceeded the capacity rating which caused the vessel to take on water and sink


BARDID: VA-2018-0072
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Crab Creek Boat Ramp
County: Virginia Beach
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Pre-Crash: Owner and operator of the vessel was conducting a recreational fishing trip with three friends on the Chesapeake By in the area of the 3rd Island of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.  The intent was to fish approximately 2 hours of the outgoing tide at night (vessel departure from Lynnhaven Boatel around 22:30 hours).  The crew decided they were going to fish one last spot before heading in as they had been out slightly longer already that they had anticipated.  The operator operated the vessel to the northwest corner of the 3rd island facing the southeast.  As he approached the spine of the island, he shut the motor down and the crew prepared to drift fish.  The operator set a drift in an area he believed to be well off of the rocks. 

 Crash: Very soon after the drift began, the boat struck something under the water and out of view of the Captain and the rest of the crew.  The boat struck the spine of the 3rd island on the underside of it's hull, port side.  The victim was the only occupant of the vessel in the bow seating area.  At the time of impact, he was standing on the floor between the seats ready to fish.  Upon impact, he lost his footing and landed on the port bow gunnel and containment rail resulting in an injury requiring hospitalization (left rib fracture).  No other injuries were reported.  

Post Crash:  The operator began to transport the injured person and crew to the boat ramp at Crab Creek (Lynnhaven Inlet) where an ambulance was ready to transport the injured party upon arrival.  The operator had called 911 from his cell phone and gave them an approximately time of arrival to the dock.  No distress call was made over VHF Channel 16.


BARDID: VA-2018-0074
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:35:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Sherwood (Private Pond)
NearestCityorTown: Virginia Beach
County: Virginia Beach
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 09/02/18 at approximately 1535 hours, Virginia Beach Emergency Communications (911) received a report of a reported drowning at Lake Sherwood with multiple victims in the water. A small canoe with 2 (two) passengers had overturned on the lake. One female passenger remained with the vessel and the male passenger was seen to immediately flail and panic, slipping beneath the surface. The male victim was recovered by several nearby paddle boarders. Hull failure and inexperience were listed as causes.


BARDID: VA-2018-0075
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
County: Henrico
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
BOAT HAD JUST PULLED ANCHOR AND WAS UNDERWAY. THREE PASSENGERS WERE SITTING AT THE BOW OF THE BOAT WITH FEET DANGLING OVERBOARD. OCCUPANT SITTING IN THE MIDDLE FELL OVERBOARD UNDER THE BOAT. VICTIM WAS STRUCK BY THE PROP OF THE MOTOR.


BARDID: VA-2018-0076
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
County: Bedford
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Dispatch informed us that two individuals on an inflatable tube were being towed by a vessel and hit their heads together. At approximately 1315 hours we arrived and I observed a male sitting between two teenagers on a pontoon boat. 

Subject said he and eight of his friends had been water tubing around 12:15 hours near the main channel of SML south of the residence. Subject said one of his friend's parents, Operator, was operating the pontoon boat (VA 2140 AX) with Victim1 sitting on the right side of the tube and victim2 sitting on the left side of the tube. 

The tube was a large "Zoom 2" multi-purpose tow tube with multiple handles surrounding the edge and the inside. The tube was designed to hold two occupants. Subject said Operator drove the pontoon boat over a large wake to allow the tube to get some air when the tube turned over clockwise. Subject said the back of Victim2' head hit the area of Victim1's left eye. Subject said both Victim1 and Victim2 did not lose consciousness and needed assistance back into the vessel. 

Subject said Victim1 started complaining of head and neck pain. Victim2 sustained a small laceration to the back of the right side of his head and told everyone on board he was alright. Operator drove the vessel back to the dock where they called 911. Subject said both Victim1 and Victim2 were wearing a Type III Coast Guard Approved life jacket at the time of the accident.


BARDID: VA-2018-0077
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-10-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Claytor Lake
County: Pulaski
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Overloading
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Two people on a 12 foot v-bottom jon boat fishing on 10/09/2018.  The boat started taking on water, enough that they decided to head back to the boat ramp and take on water.  There was a larger person in front of the boat, who shifted his position, sending water in the boat to the bow.  The boat then tilted enough that the motor cavitated and turned over in the startboard direction, ending upside down in the lake.  Both occupants ended up in the water and stayed afloat until residents nearby came to their rescue with a PWC and a paddle board to get them out of the water.


BARDID: VA-2018-0078
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-10-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Elizabeth River
NearestCityorTown: Portsmouth City Park
County: Norfolk
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On October 6, 2018, at approximately 2030, operator was operating a 21' 2004 Sea Ray 200 Sport on the Elizabeth River just south of the Lambert's Point Coal Piers located in the City of Norfolk.  He became disoriented due to back lighting and lack of visibility, drifted out of the channel, and struck an old pylon with the starboard side of the vessel.


BARDID: VA-2018-0080
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-11-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:48:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rudee Inlet
NearestCityorTown: Owl Creek Ramp
County: Virginia Beach
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
MachineryFailure: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel was entered Rudee Inlet under limited power.  Owner/Operator reports that a large wave pushed the vessel to the side and up into the jetty


BARDID: VA-2018-0081
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-12-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:33:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
County: Virginia Beach
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel was traveling west in the lower Chesapeake Bay approaching Little Creek Inlet.  The vessel struck the jetty on the east side of Little Creek Inlet.  The vessel was launched onto the jetty and the injuries listed were caused by the impact.  The victims were transported to Norfolk General Hospital


BARDID: VA-2018-0082
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-11-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Little Wicomico River
NearestCityorTown: Smith Point Marina
County: Northumberland
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator stated that while maneuvering the vessel the engine was not running well and cut off.  When he attempted to restart the motor, the engine compartment exploded throwing the operator out of his seat.


BARDID: VA-2018-1000
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Burtons Bay
NearestCityorTown: Wachapreague
County: Accomack
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
A kayaker was rescued on the seaside of the Eastern Shore on Wednesday afternoon thanks to the Coast Guard, and a GPS device that tipped them to his location. The accident happened around 1:45 p.m. near Cedar Island, according to a release from the Coast Guard. The water temperature was roughly 68 degrees, according to NOAA, but the man became separated from his kayak. With an activation of his emergency GPS device, the man tipped the GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center, which then contacted the Coast Guard. A response ship was launched from nearby Wachapreague, and both the man and his kayak were pulled to safety. Once ashore, the man was taken to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital to be treated for hypothermia.


BARDID: VA-2019-0001
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-01-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:54:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cobb Bay
NearestCityorTown: Oyster Harbor
County: Northampton
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
While underway in Cobb Bay, the safety lanyard was pulled causing the motor to shut off.  Strong winds caused the boat to turn its stern into the wind and seas.  Several waves came over the stern.  This filled the 17' aluminum boat with water causing it to capsize.


BARDID: VA-2019-0002
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-02-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:22:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Lawnes Creek Ramp
County: Surry County
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
While underway, vessel began to take waves over the bow. As the operator turned the boat to return to ramp, a wave overtook the gunwale of the boat causing it to sink. The two people then swam the boat to shore. One subject was transported to the hospital and treated for hypothermia.


BARDID: VA-2019-0003
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-03-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Roanoke River
County: Roanoke City
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 3/3/2019, three individuals were kayaking on the Roanoke River within the Roanoke City limits.  One of the individuals struck a partially submerged tree and flipped his kayak.  His step-father disembarked his kayak and assisted him back to shore.  Unable to recover the capsized kayak, the man tried to wade/swim to shore and due to above-average water levels and cold water temps. was unable to make it and was rescued by Roanoke Fire/EMS swift water rescue.  He was transported to Roanoke Memorial Hospital and treated for hypothermia.  The submerged kayak was recovered on 3/7/2019 with no damage.


BARDID: VA-2019-0004
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-03-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 04:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
County: Norfolk
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 3/11/2019 USCG received a call that subject observed a body floating in the Chesapeake Bay near Buoy #2 at the entrance of Little Creek Inlet. MPO responded and met with the reporting person. He reported that the body was that of a W/M in his 50's wearing blue shorts,a blue t-shirt and had a blue PFD wrapped around his arms but not properly attached in the front. It was later determined that the victim entered the Bay near his residence on 3/10/2019 at 1600 hrs and never returned.  USCG entered: it is assumed he fell overboard or departed the vessel.


BARDID: VA-2019-0006
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-03-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:48:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Buggs Island Lake
NearestCityorTown: Bluestone Boat Ramp
County: Mecklenburg
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 03/16/2019 the operator of the vessel reported that her passenger had fallen overboard. On 4/30/19 11:30 AM, body recovered at Buggs Island, VA.  Interview with the surviving spouse said that Victim had started consuming alcohol the night prior to the incident and continued until 0400. She stated that he resumed consuming alcohol at 0900 that morning up until the incident.  

They were one the vessel and Victim asked Operator to operate the vessel.  Victim was in the back of the vessel inspecting an issue with the boat taking on water in the stern.  Operator  stated that her husband  had fallen off the back of their boat while underway.  Inspection of the vessel indicated a blue cooler with three empty beer cans, one empty single serving wine bottle, one 90% empty bottle of bourbon and what appeared to be a 16oz water bottle filled with an orange colored mixer. The operator did not appear to have been drinking or under the influence.  The passenger did appear to his wife to be intoxicated and the autopsy related that elevated concentration of ethanol in his system would have caused significant impairment.


BARDID: VA-2019-0007
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-03-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: SML State Park
County: Bedford
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Passengers of Boat #2 were floating and fishing with engines off and Boat # 1 was pushing a barge with a track hoe placed in front of the tug boat blocking the operator's visibility.  Boat #1 and barge struck Boat #2 causing the barge to run over Boat # 2 and the occupants of it. Boat #1 then put motor in reverse and Boat #2 and passengers escaped from underneath the barge.


BARDID: VA-2019-0008
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-03-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:38:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Claytor Lake
NearestCityorTown: Radford, Sportsman Boat Ramp
County: Pulaski
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Dam/lock
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Jon boat anchored below Claytor Dam as the dam was generating power.  Operator started to back boat up while anchored and took on water, capsizing boat.  No injuries.


BARDID: VA-2019-0010
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-04-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Elizabeth River
County: Portsmouth
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 4/19/2019 at approximately 0010 hrs, Operator was operating a 1997 Sunbird Fish and Ski south bound in the Elizabeth River headed towards Portsmouth City Park Boat Ramp when he ran hard aground on the slag pile just off of the Virginia International Gateway causing the passenger to be ejected from the vessel.  Operator was treated for a broken rib and several bruised ribs at Bon Secours Health Center in Suffolk, VA.  The injuries to the passenger are minor scratches and the damage to the vessel appears to be moderate fiberglass damage and prop damage.  Operator was issued summons for Reckless Operation and No Boaters Safety Card.


BARDID: VA-2019-0012
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-04-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Elizabeth River
NearestCityorTown: Willoughby
County: Norfolk
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The Sailing Vessel "Grafin" ran aground in the area of Front and 3rd street in the Elizabeth River after breaking anchor from near Hospital Point. The owner boarded the grounded vessel overnight and as the tide came in on 4/21/2019 at approx. 0500 hrs the vessel rolled over and sank. The owner's body was later recovered from the cabin


BARDID: VA-2019-0013
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-04-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:32:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Lynnhaven Municipal Boat Ramp
County: Virginia Beach
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
ON 4-27-2019 AT 1232 VESSEL REAL DREAM ISSUED A MAYDAY ON VHF 16.  VESSEL STATED THEY WERE TAKING ON WATER AND SINKING.   VESSEL STRUCK THE SPINE OF THE NORTH TUNNEL OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAY BRIDGE TUNNEL.   MOST LIKELY, VESSEL STRUCK CHARTED OBJECT KNOWN AS ROGUE ROCK OFF THIRD ISLAND OF THE CBBT.  ALL ABOARD WERE REMOVED FROM THE VESSEL.  NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED, BUT ONE PASSENGER WAS TRANSPORTED TO VIRGINIA BEACH GENERAL HOSPITAL FOR A PRIOR INJURY.  COAST GUARD ATTEMPTED TO TOW VESSEL TO PORT WHILE PUMPING OUT THE VESSEL.   COAST GUARD WAS UNABLE TO SAVE THE VESSEL, VESSEL WAS CUT LOOSE AND SANK AT 1438 AT 37°01.597' N  076°05.153' W.  OWNER OF THE VESSEL IS WORKING WITH THEIR INSURANCE COMPANY, MARKEL INSURANCE, TO HAVE THE VESSEL SALVAGED.  SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY WAS IN EFFECT.  
REPORT # 2019-014863


BARDID: VA-2019-0014
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Parkway Marina
County: Bedford
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Drug
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 05/11/2019 while on boat patrol on Smith Mountain Lake (within Bedford County) CPO and CPO responded to a marina in reference to an individual stealing a vessel and causing damage to it. 

Upon arrival CPOs observed damage to the vessel, owned by the marina, and the offender admitted to causing the damage. I observed a large indentation to the back portside of the vessel. The fiber glass had cracked and was pushed inward causing the wood from the underneath structure of the vessel to stick out. The main impact area appeared to be the rub rail located below the fiber glass crack. The fiber glass showed a crack extending from the impacted area towards the stern and bow. The windshield on the passenger side (portside) of the vessel had detached from the bottom causing the bottom portion of the glass to hang loose. The gas cap of the vessel also appeared to have been pushed inward.

The offender submitted to SFST's and showed indications of being under the influence of an unknown substance. The offender consented to a blood draw and was transported to Bedford Memorial Hospital. While at the hospital the offender admitted to smoking methamphetamine not long before the incident. The offender was transported to the Bedford County Jail and charged appropriately.


BARDID: VA-2019-0015
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: New River
NearestCityorTown: New River Trail
County: Wythe County
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
ON 05/11/2019 AT APPROXIMATELY 13:45 HOURS, TWO MALE SUBJECTS WERE IN A WENONAH HERON CANOE ON THE NEW RIVER IN WYTHE COUNTY, VA.  AS THEY ENTERED A SET OF RAPIDS ON THE RIVER, THE CANOE OVERTURNED AND BECAME LODGED UNDERWATER AND AGAINST A LARGE BOULDER.  

BOTH SUBJECTS WERE WEARING LIFE JACKETS AND WERE NOT INJURED.  THEY ATTEMPTED TO RETRIEVE THE CANOE BUT WERE UNABLE TO DUE TO THE PRESSURE OF THE WATER AGAINST THE CANOE AND BOULDER.  BOTH SUBJECTS THEN WALKED UP TO THE ADJACENT NEW RIVER TRAIL AND WALKED TO THE FOSTER FALLS AREA OF THE PARK AND NOTIFIED RANGER WHO IN TURN NOTIFIED THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND INLAND FISHERIES.


BARDID: VA-2019-0016
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Union Hall
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 21, 2019 at approximately 19:10 hours impacting vessel was traveling up river near B-35 on Smith Mountain Lake (Franklin County( at approximately 40 mph. The driver of the impacting vessel stated that he was facing the stern of the boat listening for an engine knock when he turned around and saw the Victim's boat in front of him. 

Impacting boat struck the stern starboard side of the Victim's vessel while attempting to evade to the right. Victim was trolling at the time of the incident and attempted to stand on the back of the vessel in order to wave down the impacting vessel upon it's approach. Upon initial impact the victim jumped into the water and felt a force hit his back, but was unsure if it was the impacting boat or wake from the boat. 

Victim was transported to Franklin Memorial Carilion Clinic and treated for whiplash injuries to the neck and back. Smith Mountain Lake Fire and Rescue and Franklin County Sheriff's Office also responded to the scene. Victim's boat sustained crushing damage to the stern starboard side of the vessel and the impacting vessel sustained gouge and scratch damage from 3/4 up the bow back to the stern of the vessel.


BARDID: VA-2019-0017
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Herring Creek
NearestCityorTown: Lawrence Lewis Boat Ramp
County: Charles City County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Two subjects were fishing in herring creek, just off the james river in charles city county, virginia on the evening of sunday, may 19, 2019. The vessel was anchored near a duck blind on herring creek. At approximately 1800, Subject1 was standing on the rear casting deck of the 16 ft. Jon boat and was casting under the tree adjacent to the duck blind. During the course of Subject1 fishing the vessel's stern, he fell overboard and into herring creek. Subject2, who was fishing from the front of the vessel, heard Subject1 state that he was in the water and then observed Subject1 go under and not resurface. Neither party was wearing a pfd, nor was the type iv utilized. Subject2 stated he tried to untie the boat anchor to get to Subject1 but could not get it untied fast enough and lost sight of Subject1.


BARDID: VA-2019-0018
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rappahannock River
NearestCityorTown: White Stone
County: Lancaster County
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
A Boston Whaler 180 Dauntless was found aground on the beach at mosquito point with no persons on board at approximately 1645 hours.  Two boaters had been confirmed to be on the vessel around 1420 hours.  A cooler and empty alcoholic beverage containers where found in the boat.  The investigation did not provide any insights as to how the operator and passenger ended up in the water.  Investigation indicated that the operator and passenger had been drinking at a nearby restaurant prior to the incident.


BARDID: VA-2019-0019
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rappahannock River
NearestCityorTown: Urbanna
County: Middlesex County
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was fishing w/ his brother and cousin on the Rappahannock River near B.E.S.T. Boatyard when the vessel began taking on water.  They discovered that a crab pot line had become wrapped around the propeller.  While they were at the stern trying to free the propeller, two big waves came over the stern and capsized the vessel.  All three individuals (wearing life jackets) went overboard and were rescued by a Good Samaritan.


BARDID: VA-2019-0020
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Potomac River
NearestCityorTown: Coles Point Boat Ramp
County: Westmoreland County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
operator was trying to start the engine in his boat so he could get underway. As he was trying to start the Starboard engine he was pouring gas into the carburetor, the engine backfired and ignited the gasoline he was pouring into the motor and burned  his right hand/wrist and right ear.


BARDID: VA-2019-0021
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Aquia Creek
County: Stafford
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: radar
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The vessel, IRISH WAKE, was returning to home port when the radar went out and a storm was blowing in when the vessel struck the number 6 red channel marker at the mouth of Aquia Creek.


BARDID: VA-2019-0023
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Onancock
County: Accomack
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday May 28, 2019 at approximately 1320 hours I, Officer, was dispatched to a BOAT ACCIDENT WITH INJURY in Accomack County. I was advised that the parties involved were at the Onancock Wharf and a female was being treated by EMS. Upon arrival I found the victim in the back of an ambulance. Her husband was in the passenger seat. I spoke briefly with him before they left in the ambulance. Subject stated their vessel, 46.4 FT sail boat, was at the end of the dock. The vessel is documented with the US Coast Guard as "Healing Power".

I met Mr. and Victim at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital. I spoke with Subject about what had happened. Subject stated he and his wife were underway, sailing from Tangier Island to Cape Charles at the time of the incident. While underway I was told that there was wind and waves in the Chesapeake Bay, and they decided to put on their PFDs. While Victim was going below deck to get hers she missed a step and fell. When she fell, she hit her back, causing an injury. Subject stated his wife was able to get up with assistance and move around. They decided to go to Onancock Wharf to seek medical assistance.

After speaking with Subject I spoke with Victim. Her version of events was the same as her husband's. Victim stated she was going below deck when she missed a step and fell. She said the vessel was somewhat keeling as she took her step, possibly causing her to misstep. When she fell she hit her back, causing the injury.

As I was leaving the hospital Victim was still being evaluated by medical staff.


BARDID: VA-2019-0024
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:34:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Wallaces Marin
County: Hampton
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
At 0834 on 6/1/2019 officers responded to an adrift sailboat.  The Sailboat was found at 0916 with no persons on board.  The sailboat had a broken mast and its sails were in the water.  At 1400 on 6/1/2019, a body was recovered and identified as the owner/operator of the vessel.


BARDID: VA-2019-0025
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Broad Bay
NearestCityorTown: 1st Landing State Park
County: Virginia Beach
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/02/2019 at approximately 1220 vessel #1, Nauti props struck vessel #2, VA 6285RM in approximate location (see lat and long below).  Vessel #2 was traveling east at 16.2 MPH in a straight course just past marker 17A in Broad Bay when Vessel #1 was overtaking and came along the starboard side of vessel #2 striking it just aft of amidship.  

Vessel #1 turned to starboard after the collision continuing to make contact with vessel #2 during the maneuver.  Vessel #1 sustained damage to the port side near the bow along the entire port side underneath the chine.  Vessel #2 sustained significant damage to the starboard side and rear of vessel as well as to the helm and interior seating.  Both parties had conflicting descriptions of the event, but damage is consistent with vessel #1 causing the collision.  

Operator of vessel #1 stated to the officer that his vision is significantly diminished when his vessel comes off plane.  Also, vessel #2 has GPS tracking and the tracking shows that his course was straight and at no time did he turn into vessel #1.  Vessel #1 had 1 POB; vessel #2 had 4 POB.  There were no reports of injury at the time of the collision.  Local VB PD report is 2019-020127


BARDID: VA-2019-0026
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:16:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Aquia Creek
NearestCityorTown: Aquia Creek
County: Stafford
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The vessel was returning to home port from the main channel and entered a narrow channel when it struck a submerged object under the water.  One of the green channel markers was missing from the area of the collision.


BARDID: VA-2019-0027
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Willoughby Bay
NearestCityorTown: Norfolk/ Willoughby Bay
County: Norfolk
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The vessel was sailing in the Hampton Roads area being pushed towards the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel and due to strong outgoing tides and strong Southwest winds (18-20 Mph) did not have enough time to get his anchor out and was unable to stop the vessel. The motor was inoperable due to lack of fuel. The vessel struck the Eastbound side of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel.


BARDID: VA-2019-0028
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Glebe Creek
NearestCityorTown: Glebe Harbor Marina
County: Westmoreland County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
The Operator and Passenger took out the boat for a test drive. A few minutes into the trip the motor cut off and the boat began to take on water. The operator swam to shore for help while the passenger stayed with the boat. When help arrived the boat had capsized. There was no safety equipment aboard.  Further investigation determined that a broken drain hose was the cause of the vessel taking on water.


BARDID: VA-2019-0029
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: East Point Harbor
County: Accomack
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
The vessel operator advised that he was attempting to retrieve his daughter and a friend from paddle boarding due to the wind increase. When he tried to get them into the boat it capsized. He lost motor, rudder, gear and damaged the mast.


BARDID: VA-2019-0030
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Wallace's Boat Ramp
County: Hampton
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
While at anchor off of Grandview, the vessel started taking on water from the stern.  Operator attempted to start the motor to pull up the anchor. The engine died which resulted in the passengers having to cut the anchor line. Once the anchor line was cut, the owner attempted to turn the boat into the seas. At that time the vessel took a wave to the beam which resulted in the boat flipping over.


BARDID: VA-2019-0031
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Cape Charles
County: Northampton
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/20/2019 a 25' Trophy Bayliner was fishing the lower Chesapeake Bay with two persons in the tower and three on the deck of the vessel, it took a heavy beam sea, rocked twice and quickly capsized.  All persons were ejected and were given life jackets by a good Samaritan from the fishing vessel Rappahannock. They held onto the vessel until the Coast Guard from Station Cape Charles picked them up.  Winds were out of the south west at 15-20 knots.  Seas were 2-3 feet at the location that I found their vessel.


BARDID: VA-2019-0040
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Bumpass VA/ Pleasant's Landing
County: Louisa
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was towing a male and female on a tube.  Female bumped her head on boyfriends head while being towed.  Boyfriend called 911 because female was showing signs of a concussion.  Female was treated and later released from hospital. Both male and female were uncooperative and refused to provide any further information.  During the first interview, they did not have the information for the boat owner or boat operator.  Subsequent requests for information were unsuccessful - subjects did not answer phones or return voice mails.


BARDID: VA-2019-0041
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Contrary Creek
County: Louisa
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
operator was towing subject a wake-board.  The nose of wake-board dug into the water and subject fell dislocating his shoulder.  subject  was sent to Mary Washington Hospital where his shoulder was set in place.


BARDID: VA-2019-0042
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Gaston
NearestCityorTown: Gasburg
County: Brunswick
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat pulling two tubes, the tubes bounced off of each other causing the four individuals on the victims tube to shift. The tube became top heavy and flipped over causing the victim(injured) to get trapped under the tube and having three other people to fall on top of her. The witnesses said she was unresponsive for a few minutes and they gave her three breathes, at that time she began talking to them and was complaining of back and neck injury. Brunswick County EMS arrived on scene and transported her to VCU Hospital in Mecklenburg County.


BARDID: VA-2019-0043
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: North Landing River - Intercoa
NearestCityorTown: Centerville Marina
County: Chesapeake
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
While in transit on the Intercoastal Waterway in the City of Chesapeake, North bound of Centerville Turnpike Bridge, the vessel struck a tree that was tied off to a piling by the Army Corps of Engineers. As a result of the collision, one of the vessels IPS systems was rendered inoperable. The estimated cost of damage is $50,000.


BARDID: VA-2019-0044
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:53:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Floyds Bay
County: Poquoson
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Owner was attempting to start the engine of his vessel when an explosion occurred and ejected him into the water.


BARDID: VA-2019-0045
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ragged Point Bay
County: Westmoreland
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was underway from the Coles Point Marnia beach entering Ragged Point Bay when the vessel started filling up with water.          
Vessel 1 turned on its side and the operator and his passenger jumped out of the vessel as it capsized.


BARDID: VA-2019-0046
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Willoughby Bay
County: Norfolk
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: Person strikes propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject got his anchor line and chain caught around his propeller near Willoughby Bay. He jumped in the water to attempt to correct the problem and cut his wrist about 2 inches on the propeller.  He was then transported to the hospital where he received 3 stitches.


BARDID: VA-2019-0048
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Philpott Lake
NearestCityorTown: Ryan's Branch Boat Ramp
County: Franklin
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 advised that he was operating his vessel (VA 3300 BU) in the area of the main channel on Philpott heading towards the direction of Union Bridge. Operator1 advised that he was traveling approximately 25 mph around 2200 as he was passing the Jamison Mill Cove near Marker 7 (GPS: 36.8469960, -80.0762233) when he struck a floating log in the middle of the lake. 

Operator1 advised that water began pouring into the motor compartment of the vessel, but he was able to run his bilge pump to blow the water back out. Wife was also on board the vessel, and was able to dial 911 to get assistance. Once the vessel was transported back to Ryan's Branch Boat Ramp and loaded on the trailer, I was able to access the damage. The lower unit of the inboard motor had been completely removed, and was not recovered. I estimated the cost of repair at roughly $4,500.00. A safety inspection of the vessel was completed, and no violations were observed.


BARDID: VA-2019-0049
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Dudley Amos Boat Ramp
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/22/2019 at approximately 2300 hours operator drove his vessel from SML water marker B 40 and drove to the area of B 25 to pick up his daughter and some of her friends. At approximately 2330 hours he was driving the vessel toward B 40 at approximately 20 mph and was looking at the lights on the water markers to stay on course when he drove his vessel onto a peninsula. He had accidentally driven his vessel up over the rip rap and into a backyard bear water marker B 29. The vessel sustained over $2000 worth of damage.  The operator had been drinking.


BARDID: VA-2019-0050
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:18:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Huddleston
County: Bedford
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR STRUCK A FIXED OBJECT IN THE WATER CAUSING THE OPERATOR TO BE EJECTED FROM THE PERSONAL WATERCRAFT.  Operator suffered 2 Fractured vertebrae and blood clot on brain.


BARDID: VA-2019-0051
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
County: Louisa
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
The victim voluntarily left the vessel, in order to comfort her children, who had just been thrown from a tube that they were pulling. 

 As she was returning to the vessel, and reaching for the swim ladder, her left thigh contacted the still moving propeller.  The operator stated several times that he had put the vessel in neutral, but had "not turned off the key, to stop the motor".  The propeller caused two lacerations, each requiring a number of staples.


BARDID: VA-2019-0052
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Buggs Island
NearestCityorTown: Boydton
County: Mecklenburg
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat struck an underwater rock at low speed. Significant damage to propeller, drive shaft, and hull.


BARDID: VA-2019-0053
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Gaston
NearestCityorTown: Gasburg
County: Brunswick
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
PWC was pulling two tubes. When the PWC made a sharp turn, the victim fell off and tangled his arm / shoulder in the slack rope. The PWC continued forward and when the slack was taken out of the rope, it yanked on the victims arm / shoulder resulting in injury.


BARDID: VA-2019-0054
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Mooremans Boat Launch
County: Bedford
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/05/2019 at approximately 1300 hours while traveling nb on Smith Mountain Lake watermarker R 34 at approximately 15 to 20 mph the vessel drove over a large wake. 

A female was sitting in the bow of the vessel and suffered pain to her lower back. She complained of pain to the lower back, was transported back to her residence. She was then transported to Roanoke Memorial Hospital for further medical evaluation.


BARDID: VA-2019-0055
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Dutch Gap
County: Henrico
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/13/2019 at 1355 operator1 was operating his boat on the james river. Operator1 was headed down river around presque isle. When he and a unknown black bass  boat heading up river collided. The port side of operator1 boat was damaged near the stern of the boat. Both boats stopped for a second, and then the black bass boat proceeded up the river headed to wards osborne boat ramp. No injuries to operator1 or his passenger.  Unable to find bass boat that struck operator1's boat - no information on second vessel.


BARDID: VA-2019-0056
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Newport News/ Huntington Park
County: Newport News
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Personal Water Craft was traveling south in the James River, when it overturned and ejected the operator and passenger.


BARDID: VA-2019-0057
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Newport News
County: Newport News
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Sailing vessel Sun Lion was transiting eastbound through the James River when it attempted to go through the small boat channel at the James River Bridge and both sail mast struck the side of James River Bridge breaking both mast.


BARDID: VA-2019-0058
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Noranda Drive/ Stubbs Lakeview
County: Spotsylvania
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
THE OPERATOR WAS DRIVING THE BOAT LATE AT NIGHT TO SHOW HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS AN OLD HOUSE HE USED TO LIVE IN ON THE LAKE.  DUE TO THE TIME OF DAY AND THE LOW VISIBILITY HE MISJUDGED THE COVE AND RAN THE BOAT ON LAND RUNNING APPROXIMATELY 25-30MPH.  THE BOAT WAS COMPLETELY ON LAND WITH HEAVY DAMAGE TO THE PORT-SIDE, HULL, PROP, AND BOW.


BARDID: VA-2019-0059
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:12:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Edgewood Bay HOA
County: Louisa
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was attempting to dock vessel. As the boat was entering slip at slow rate of speed, victim attempted to assist with docking. She went to the bow of the boat as it came into slip. While at her location, a wake pushed the bow of the boat under the dock part of the slip. Victim was attempting to get onto dock from bow, when the boat became dislodged, causing the victim to fall into the water. As the victim fell into the water, she struck the left side of her body on the starboard side of the vessel, ultimately causing a fractured scapula.


BARDID: VA-2019-0060
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Hardy/ Hardy Ford Boat Ramp
County: Franklin
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator was approaching her dock and she stated she was approaching the dock and alternating throttle and neutral (left side lever is neutral/reverse). She had her left foot in the right side footwell and right foot on the dock. She hit the throttle instead of neutral which caused her legs to spread and thus the fracture.  

She was still gripping the handlebars (and throttle) trying to steer away from the rear of the boat in the lift which resulted in her being dragged by the PWC.  She sustained a pelvis fracture and contusions to her right leg.


BARDID: VA-2019-0061
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:03:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Deep Bottom Boat Ramp
County: Chesterfield
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
BOAT NUMBER ONE, A BASS BOAT, WAS TRAVELING EAST BOUND ON THE JAMES RIVER AND WAS SLOWING DOWN COMING OFF PLANE. THE OPERATOR OF BOAT 2, A PERSONAL WATERCRAFT, WAS BEHIND BOAT ONE TRAVELING THE SAME DIRECTION.  

THE OPERATOR OF BOAT TWO FAILED TO NOTICE THAT BOAT ONE WAS COMING TO A STOP,  BOAT TWO RAN INTO THE BACK OF BOAT ONE CAUSING HEAVY DAMAGE TO THE OUTBOARD MOTOR AND INCIDENTAL DAMAGE TO THE PORT STERN ALUMINUM GUNWALE OF BOAT ONE.  

A PASSENGER IN BOAT ONE WAS NOT DIRECTLY IMPACTED BY BOAT TWO, HOWEVER LATER ON COMPLAINED OF BACK PAIN AND WAS SUBSEQUENTLY TRANSPORTED AND ADMITTED TO THE HOSPITAL.


BARDID: VA-2019-0062
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Gaston
NearestCityorTown: River Ridge Boat Ramp/ Bracey
County: Mecklenburg
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL STRUCK UNDERWATER TREE STUMPS WHILE OPERATING AT EXCESSIVE SPEED.  thE OPERATOR HAS BEEN DRINKING.


BARDID: VA-2019-0063
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Appomattox
NearestCityorTown: Appomattox Small Boat Harbor
County: Hopewell City
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 said that he was anchored up by the barge pit on the Appomattox River fishing for catfish. At 8:35pm, he was at anchor, out of the channel, with his navigation lights on, when he saw a red and white jet ski approaching from upriver. He assumed that the jet ski would buzz close by to mess with his fishing lines, since jet skis have done it to him in the past. Instead, the jet ski hit his boat. The jet ski hit from nearly head on, striking the boat on the port side, just forward of the windshield. The impact threw the passenger from the jet ski, and the driver turned around to pick up the passenger. Operator1 yelled to the operator of the jet ski to stay until the cops could respond. The jet ski operator responded by telling Operator1 to "fuck off," then fled the scene.


BARDID: VA-2019-0065
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Philpott
NearestCityorTown: Ferrum,VA/ Ryan's Branch Ramp
County: Patrick
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 08/13/2019 at approximately 1015 A.M., I, Officer received information regarding a overdue boater on Philpott Lake. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office advised that a Operator went fishing on Philpott Lake on 08/12/2019 at approximately 0630 A.M. Operator's family had not heard from him, and had not been able to contact him to confirm his safety or whereabouts. I was given information that he typically returns home around 1600 P.M. I located Operator's vehicle and boat trailer at Ryan's Branch Boat Ramp on Philpott Lake. 

During our search and rescue efforts on the lake, we located Operator's vessel in between Marker 10 and Marker 11 on the Patrick County portion of Philpott Lake. Unfortunately, Operator was not in the vessel as it had washed up near the shore line. The motor to the vessel had been raised out of the water prior to our arrival, as well as the trolling motor. 

We observed two oars lying on the back of the vessel and assorted tools around the engine, and the trolling motor as if Operator was having engine troubles. 

There was also two full oxygen tanks, as we were provided information that Operator had several health issues to include a partial lung. Operator's mask to use the oxygen tanks was located inside of his truck at the boat ramp. Operator's body was located a short time after approximately 200 yards from where his vessel was located. There did not appear to be any damage done to the vessel. Operator's body was transferred to a medical examiner to determine the cause of death.


BARDID: VA-2019-0066
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:01:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Diascund Creek
NearestCityorTown: James City County/ Brickyard
County: James City
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
BOAT 1 WAS TOWING 2 PEOPLE ON A TUBE IN A CREEK. OPERATOR TURNED THE BOAT TO THE RIGHT CAUSING THE TUBE TO GO LEFT INTO A DOCK. VICTIM 1 WAS ABLE TO LET GO AND SUSTAINED INJURY HITTING A BOAT LIFT PYLON. VICTIM 2 DID NOT LET GO AND COLLIDED WITH DOCK, SUSTAINING MULTIPLE INJURIES.


BARDID: VA-2019-0067
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:11:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: 13th View Boat Ramp
County: Norfolk
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 8/4/2019 at approximately 1811 hours, Norfolk Fire/Rescue along with PD units responded to the 700 block of W. Oceanview for a possible water rescue.  Witness stated he observed the victim anchor his boat a few feet off shore due to severe thunderstorms.  He proceeded to get off the boat and walked to the sand dunes where the witness saw him and offered to let him take shelter on his porch.  The victim spoke to the witness who told him his name and that he had just recently purchased the boat.  When the storm let up the victim thanked the witness and proceeded to get back on the boat and began motoring towards Oceanview Pier.  

Approximately 150 - 200 yards from shore, the engine died and the boat began to drift.  The witness saw that the victim appeared to be struggling with the boat and he began to blow his whistle to get the victim's attention.  Other witnesses heard the whistle being blown, which drew their attention towards the victim and the boat.  Witnesses stated that the victim was unable to restart the boat and suddenly jumped in the water and began swimming to shore.  

He was fully clothed with shoes on and no life jacket.  One of the witnesses heard the victim yelling for help.  Another witness grabbed his neighbor's kayak and life jackets and began paddling towards the victim while others called 911.  When he got within a few feet from the victim, he tossed a life jacket towards him, but the victim never even attempted to reach for it.  

He circled the kayak around and threw another life jacket to the victim at which point the victim appeared to be completely exhausted and sank under the water and never resurfaced.  EMS arrived at the scene as the kayak was making its way to the victim.  They used a pair of binoculars to view the kayaker's attempts to save the victim.  They observed the victim disappear under water and witnesses stayed on scene until the Coast Guard arrived.


BARDID: VA-2019-0068
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Hales Ford
County: Bedford
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The boat, a runabout, was heading upstream and struck and ran up on a peninsula near R36 on Smith Mountain Lake.


BARDID: VA-2019-0069
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Osborne Boat Landing
County: Henrico
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat 2 responded to Boat 1, across from the boat ramp at Osborne Boat Landing for a medical emergency on board. Boat 2 boarded Boat 1 on the Starboard side. While assisting the passenger on Boat 1, the wind pushed Boat 1 which pushed Boat 2 in to a jetty. Which caused Boat 2 to become pinched between Boat 1 and the jetty. 

A recovery vessel came to assist the two Boats, as the recovery Vessel started to dislodge the two boats. The starboard side of Boat 1 made contact with the port side of Boat 2, causing damage to both Boats. (Pictures attached to case report). Once Boat 2 was pulled out of the water there was visible damage to the hull on the Starboard side. As well as damage to both lower units and props from making contact with the jetty. Boat 1 will have to be taken to Portsmouth to have the remaining damage assessed.


BARDID: VA-2019-0070
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Potomac River
NearestCityorTown: Woodbridge
County: Prince William
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
operator was on jet ski when observed a wake, turned away and fell off the boat striking ankle on boat causing break and dislocation


BARDID: VA-2019-0071
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Chesdin
NearestCityorTown: N. Chesterfield/ Seven Springs
County: Chesterfield
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator was traveling at an unknown speed on a PWC when she met a wake from another boat.  The operator was unable to negotiate the wake, losing control of the PWC.  

The operator was ejected over the handlebars.  Upon landing in the water, the operator was struck by the PWC as it landed back in the water.  The operator suffered injuries to her right leg and arm.


BARDID: VA-2019-0072
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:09:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rappahannock River
NearestCityorTown: Port Royal
County: Caroline
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The vessel involved was traveling at full speed while the operator was attempting to re insert a drain plug he had removed. 

Due to the significant waves that day the operator lost control, ejecting both he and the passenger. The passenger clung to the vessel until rescued, but the operator drowned.


BARDID: VA-2019-0073
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ni River Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Ni River Treatment Plant
County: Spotsylvania
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's reports the deceased subject fell out of his small plastic fishing boat in the Ni River Reservoir in Spotsylvania County.  His shirt got tangled in his trolling motor and he was found by deputies lifeless in the water.  Spotsylvania County CID investigated the case.  DGIF did not receive information about this case until 8/28/2019.  DGIF is still waiting on the cause of death report from the Medical Examiner.


BARDID: VA-2019-0074
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:08:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atlantic Ocean
County: Virginia Beach
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Captain and his crew were heading out of Rudee Inlet.  After traveling one or two miles offshore, the crew notices heavy black smoke coming from the side vents and the engine room hatch door inside the cabin.  Captain came down from the bridge and opened the wooden hatch door to find glowing embers on the back side of the door, heavy smoke, and intense heat.


BARDID: VA-2019-0077
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cockrell's Creek
NearestCityorTown: Reedville
County: Northumberland
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator struck a group of mooring poles in Cockrell's Creek.  The operator stated he was returning back into Cockrell's Creek when he struck a group of mooring poles across the creek from Omega Protein traveling approximately 20 knots.  The operator stated the lights from Omega Protein are very bright and distracting.  The vessel has damage on both sides of the bow and on the port side water line.


BARDID: VA-2019-0079
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: New River
County: Wythe
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Canoe with two occupants, one male and the other female, was coming downstream on New River in Wythe County when it overturned at a set of shoals. When canoe overturned, both occupants fell into water. Male immediately recovered but noticed that female was floating on her back in the water convulsing in manner consistent with a seizure. The male came to her aid in order to keep her head above water and motioned for help from others in their party. The female spit up some water and was described as "gasping" and "drooling" although she did not regain full consciousness. She was taken to the bank were EMS arrived and began aid. She was subsequently flown by helicopter and admitted into the hospital into ICU.


BARDID: VA-2019-0081
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:54:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Gaston
NearestCityorTown: Steel Bridge Boat Ramp
County: Mecklenburg
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject exited his 2005 Ranger Bass Boat while fishing alone on September 16th 2019 around 1100AM. No reason for exiting has been determined. Subject had all safety equipment on board and life jacket was in operators seat when vessel was found. Subject was 68 years old with previous heart conditions and a pace maker.


BARDID: VA-2019-0082
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:53:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: York River
NearestCityorTown: Gloucester Point
County: Gloucester
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1, VA1153AV struck Vessel 2 (WN916MC) that was tied to vessel 3 ("Diligence).  Vessel 1 struck vessel 3, circles around and struck pier 1 taking out a section of the pier.  Vessel 1 then struck and stopped at pier 2 causing damage to a section of that pier.  The operator of vessel 1 sustained head trauma beyond first aid and was airlifted to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.  On 9/19/2019, the operator of vessel 1 died due to the injuries sustained in the incident.  The operator had a .25 BAC.


BARDID: VA-2019-0083
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-10-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:29:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
County: Hampton
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel operator went inside cabin to use restroom and make log into the logbook.  While the operator was still in the cabin, the vessel drifted into the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel causing damage to the sail mast and fiberglass damage to the topside of the vessel


BARDID: VA-2019-0084
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-10-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Windmill Point
County: Lancaster
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 1700 hours a 34' Alsberg sailboat carrying 2 people was traveling close to Windmill Point lighthouse when a large wave hit the vessel and pushed it on top of the rocks surrounding the lighthouse.  The vessel was stuck on the rocks for a short period of time before being swept off the rocks by another large wave.  The vessel operator then noticed the vessel was taking on water.


BARDID: VA-2019-0085
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-10-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
County: Spotsylvania
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Starting in gear
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
While the owner operator of the vessel was attempting maintenance on the vessel, the vessel started while in gear.  The vessel traveled forward, striking a dock, and another vessel, before coming to rest on top of the dock.


BARDID: VA-2019-0087
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-11-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:22:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Moorman's Marina
County: Bedford
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat 1 was traveling up the lake and Boat 2 was traveling down the lake through a series of "S curves". Boat 1 went to turn around to fish the opposite side of the shoreline when Boat 2 came around the turn and the boats collided. Boat 1 was charged with failure to obey the right of way.


BARDID: VA-2019-0088
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Huddleston
County: Bedford
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On November 14, 2019, I received information of a boat incident that occurred on Smith Mountain Lake on May 8, 2019.  Subject called and requested a case number for the incident and I was unable to locate a report for the boat incident.  Occupant stated that the incident had occurred in the area of the Smith Mountain Lake State Park and "S" turns.  Occupant stated that he was a passenger on the boat and he saw land coming up on the GPS and stood up and tried to alert Operator1 to the shore but it was too late and they struck the bank.  Occupant also advised that the damaged tri-toon boat was located at Websters Marina.  

After speaking with Occupant, I traveled to Webster's Marina and they confirmed that the boat was there  for an estimate on the damage repair.  Websters advised that the boat was considered a total loss and it was picked up per Progressives request.  Websters advised that the boat left their property on July 3, 2019.  

I called operator by phone on November 14th, 2019 and he advised that he was driving his boat back from around the bridge toward Mariners Landing and he struck rocks around the state park and the boat began to sink.  Operator1 advised they got the boat to a landing near Occupant house and were able to load it on his trailer at that point.  He advised he did not know that he needed to report the boat incident to law enforcement.

I spoke with the Progressive insurance agent that processed the claim and he provided photographs of the boat.


BARDID: VA-2019-0089
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-11-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Laurel Bed Lake
NearestCityorTown: Saltville
County: Russell
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 11/27/19 at approximately 1400hrs a subject called 911 requesting search and rescue and law enforcement to be dispatched to Clinch WMA in Russell County. Upon arrival it was discovered that two subjects had been fishing from kayaks on Laurel Bed lake. 

The wind was high and water was rough at the time of the incident. The victim fell from his kayak in the cold water. The other subject fishing paddled over to him and attempted to pull him to shore. He lost his grip from the kayak and did not resurface. Units from DGIF, Russell Sheriffs officer as well as Search and Rescue from local Fire and Rescue departments responded. The search continued until 2330 and was called off until morning.


BARDID: VA-2019-0090
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-11-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:22:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chickahominy Lake
NearestCityorTown: Lanexa/ Ed Allen's
County: New Kent
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and Occupant were fishing from their boat near Walker's Dam. Operator had the trolling motor set on the auto anchor mode and also had the outboard motor running in neutral.  Operator was standing on the bow of the boat facing the front of the boat. The trolling motor tried to correct the boat's position.

The boat abruptly moved towards the lock on the dam. Operator turned toward Occupant and told him to put the outboard motor in reverse because they were going to hit the dam. Occupant moved to the helm of the boat and put it in reverse two times. 

Operator fell head first from his standing position on the bow, over the pedestal seat on the bow and onto the interior lowermost portion of the deck of the boat.  Operator was unconscious.  When paramedics arrived on scene, Operator was not breathing and had no heartbeat.  They performed CPR, but were unable to revive Operator.  Paramedics pronounced Operator dead at 1332.  The cause of death was blunt force trauma.


BARDID: VA-2019-0091
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-11-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 04:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
County: Matthews
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Sailing vessel Red Mitten left Baltimore MD on November 13, 2019 en-route to Florida. At approximately 4:00 AM on Thursday December 14, 2019 as the vessel passed Wolftrap Light on its port side the mast rigging became entangled with the light house. 

This caused the mast to break and fall onto the vessel. Operator was hit and entrapped by the falling mast and rigging. The impact of the mast and rigging caused his death.


BARDID: VA-2019-0092
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-12-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
County: Virginia Beach
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1 was anchored .5 nm West of the1st Island of the CBBT and was struck on the starboard side bow by Vessel #2.


BARDID: VA-2019-1000
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Portsmouth
County: Portsmouth
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
According to a news media report and information from the Coast Guard, a 16-ft vessel carrying two people onboard took on water and sank due to a thunderstorm that passed.  The bilge pumps were not able to keep up with the flow of water.  The individuals were in the water for four hours with life jackets until they were picked up by an Army vessel.  The value of the vessel damage was $12k.


BARDID: VA-2019-2000
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-02-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:14:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cape Charles Harbor
NearestCityorTown: Cape Charles
County: Northampton
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
According to a news report and information from the Coast Guard, an unoccupied vessel was reported on fire.  The vessel was a total loss, valued at over $800k.


BARDID: VA-2020-0002
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-01-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:44:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Nandua Creek
NearestCityorTown: Painter/ Cedar View Boat Ramp
County: Accomack
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday January 19, 2020 at approximately 1744 hours I, Officer along with SGT responded to the Cedar View boat ramp in reference to a capsized vessel and three subjects in the water. We began to search in the area of Nandua Creek by the Cedar View boat ramp where the subjects were last reported to be. High winds and rough seas made searching difficult. During the search we observed a light in the distance, west of our location. Upon investigation we found it to be the capsized boat and all three boaters. Around the boat was duck blind material, shotguns, decoys, and various boat items floating around. All three were holding onto the overturned boat. 

SGT and I maneuvered the patrol boat to the subjects and were able to recover all three from the water. They all appeared to be suffering from symptoms of hypothermia, one more so than the others. After getting the hunters out of the water we returned back to the boat ramp where EMS was waiting. The boaters were loaded into the waiting ambulances and transported to Riverside Memorial Hospital. While en route to the boat ramp I asked the subjects if anyone else was in the boat when it capsized, and was advised there was not. I asked how long they had been in the water and was told approximately one hour. 

All three occupants stated they had been duck hunting and were returning to the boat ramp. They were going parallel to the waves and when one broke over the gunwale. After this the boat became unstable and flipped in the wind and water. One of the occupants was able to call 911 as the boat was going under.


BARDID: VA-2020-0004
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-01-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:40:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Poquoson River
County: York County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 1/26/2020 at approximately 2340 hours after being underway for about 45 minutes after leaving 201 Boathouse Cove Yorktown VA a 16' Canoe capsized on the Poquoson River with three people on board.  

One individual swam to shore and became unconscious due to hypothermia. He later awoke, walked to a nearby home, who contacted 911 on 1/27/2020 at 0420 hours.  

The other two individuals stayed with the canoe eventually succumbed to hypothermia and drowned.  

The survivor reports that the canoe capsized because of a bad stroke made by one of the other occupants this caused the canoe to become unstable and capsize.  

Divers recovered one individual on 1/27/2020 at 1700 and another at 1748 hours.  No PFD's or survival gear were worn or on the canoe.

The state found that alcohol was involved.


BARDID: VA-2020-0006
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-03-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: New River
NearestCityorTown: Fries, VA/ Byllesby Boat Landi
County: Carroll
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On March 26, 2020 I was made aware of an overturned kayaker in the Double Shoals section of the New River in Carroll County.  We located the individual lying face down on a rock approximately 50 yards from shore on the upper end of Double Shoals. When we approached the subject, he was responsive but visibly wet and shivering. Officer and I jumped onto the rock and help Victim walk onto our boat. He was wearing a t-shirt, pants, and a blue PFD at the time. We retrieved a pair of boots and a set of Frog Toggs from the rock beside where Victim was laying.  

We attempted to warm up the victim, he was not very responsive but was able to tell me his first name and answer other basic questions. All of his clothes were wet and his entire body was shaking. We transferred Victim to Fries EMS personnel at the low water bridge at approximately 1748 hours. 
I spoke with Victim on March 29, 2020 by phone. Victim told me that after we transferred him to EMS, he was taken to Twin County Regional Hospital. Victim told me he was treated for hypothermia and minor contusions to his head, arms, and legs. Victim said that after tests were completed to make sure he did not have any injuries requiring further treatment, he was released from the hospital on the same day. 
 
I asked Victim to provide me with an account of the events that transpired leading up to his rescue on March 26, 2020 and he agreed. He said that he, and two others began their trip from the Fries low water bridge on that afternoon with plans to go to Byllesby. 

He said that he had been kayaking several times previously on Little Reed Island Creek and once on a calmer section of the New River. He said he had never used a sit-in kayak before that day but had always used a sit-on-top kayak. Victim said he could not swim and wore his life jacket because of that. 

Victim told me they went downriver for about 40 minutes before they came to the section where he began to have trouble. Victim said as they entered the shoals, his kayak began to take on water from the top. As his kayak filled with water, he lost maneuverability and eventually overturned. 

After overturning, he advised he held on to his kayak for some period of time before separating from it. He estimated he "got bashed around" for approximately 5 minutes before he made it to the rock he crawled up on. Victim said he had not fastened the top strap on his wearable PFD which allowed the PFD to ride up on his body. 

He told me he attempted to stand up several times but was repeatedly pushed off his feet by the strong current. Victim said he did not recall at what point he hit his head but he assumed it must have occurred on one of the multiple times he was pushed completely under the water.  Victim stated another person’s kayak overturned also but he was able to make it to shore. He said the third person attempted to paddle up to him but was unable to because of the strong current. Victim stated he could see his friends on shore but was too cold and scared to make another attempt to make it to the shore. 
 
I spoke with the owner of New River Outdoor Adventures located beside the Fries low water bridge. Owner told me by phone he had spoken with one of the individuals in the group before they left on March 26, 2020. Owner said the individual he spoke with worked for the state park and advised that he was an experienced kayaker. Owner said this individual told him that one of members of their group was inexperienced and had never been through a section of river like Double Shoals before. Owner said he attempted to convince the group not to go but they did not listen to him. 
 
I checked on the water flow data for the New River in that area for that day and found the flow rate fell from approximately 8800 cubic feet a second to 5780 cubic feet a second. According to this table the flow would have been around 6720 cubic feet a second at the time of the incident. This data was obtained from the USGS online database.


BARDID: VA-2020-0007
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-03-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: SML State Park
County: Bedford
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 03272020 at approximately 1240 hours, a 4 year old looked over the front gate of the pontoon and fall head first onto the front platform.  Then the child hit his head on the front of the platform and fell into the water off the bow and went under water.  

The child's mother turned around and saw the child floating 5-10 feet off the stern and he was screaming in pain.  The parents retrieved the child and applied a temporary tourniquet to this leg.  The child sustained a large laceration to his left leg from the outboard engine.  The parents called 911 and returned to Mitchell's Point Marina to meet EMS.


BARDID: VA-2020-0008
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-01-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:48:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rice Creek
NearestCityorTown: Farmville
County: Prince Edward County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 1/2/2020 subject was fishing from an aluminum Jon Boat on Rice Creek in Prince Edward County. He leaned over the gunwale of the boat to reel in a fish and the boat began taking on water. He could not swim and did not have a life jacket.  He fell out of the boat and into the water. He was in water for over an hour.


BARDID: VA-2020-0009
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-01-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Belmont Bay
NearestCityorTown: Woodbridge
County: Fairfax
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
While returning to the Mason Neck canoe launch the weather picked up and started blowing 10-15 from the WSW with the waves increasing to 1-2 feet. The vessel took water over the bow, and as the water entered the vessel the middle passenger leaned to the port side to see what was happening. This action further listed the vessel to the port side, lowering the bow and gunwale closer to the waterline. The boat sank within seconds of taking on the initial water.


BARDID: VA-2020-0010
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-03-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:39:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Penhook Boat Ramp
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was traveling south on Blackwater river portion of Smith Mountain Lake near marker B11 at a speed of 10mph. V2 was traveling north on the Blackwater river portion near marker B9 at a speed of 35mph. V2 traveled from the middle of the channel to the left side of the channel and struck V1 at the stern on port side.


BARDID: VA-2020-0011
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mattaponi River
NearestCityorTown: West Point
County: King William
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 1030 hours the single vessel involved experienced a fire that appeared to be electrical.  They were fishing on the Pamunkey River and as they were heading back to the boat ramp on the Mattaponi, the alarm on his engine went off.  It was noted by the operator who used a USCG Approved Fire Extinguisher to put out the fire.


BARDID: VA-2020-0012
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:26:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Little River Reservoir
County: James City County
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 4/12/2020, at approximately 15:15, three individuals were in a canoe on Little Creek Reservoir in James City County in the area of the Newport News Water Works pump house. As the individuals departed one shoreline, to cross a small cove to another shoreline approximately 100 yards away, they began to lose balance and rolled the canoe over in the water. 

The three individuals hung onto the side of the canoe until it appeared to be sinking. At this time one of the individuals swam the approximate 20 yards to shore before looking back at the other two individuals. Both of the other individuals appeared to be struggling to swim and the first individual returned to the water and was able to assist one of the others back to shore. 

When they returned to shore and looked back the third individual was still struggling to swim and went underwater and never resurfaced. James City County dispatch received the call for a drowning victim at approximately 1526 and dispatched both police and fire units. The York County Sheriff's Office drone team as well as the UVA LifeEvac helicopter were requested for assistance. At 16:51 DGIF dispatch was notified and asked for assistance. By 1730 there were four vessels with side-scan sonar searching the area as well as two dive teams. The search party was unable to locate the missing individual on the afternoon of 4/12/2020 due to sunset and a storm front moving into the area. The on-water search was postponed on 4/13/2020 due to hazardous weather and strong winds. Both DGIF and James City PD conducted shoreline searches on 4/13/2020. The on-water search resumed on 4/14/2020 and the divers were able to locate the deceased individual at approximately 1500.


BARDID: VA-2020-0013
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Parkway Marina
County: Bedford
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 4/11/2020 at approximately 1728 hrs I received a call about a boat accident that had occurred earlier that day. Owner son and his friend, Operator1 were riding in a cove near Saunders Grove. While they were stopped in the cove, a group of three PWCs entered the cove and approached them. The group consisted of 2 black PWCs and 1 red PWC. They were all driven by white males and the two black PWCs had white female passengers. The red PWC approached Operator1 and when he got beside him he propelled forward quickly and jumped the PWC that Operator1 was riding. Operator1 stated that he believed the subject was trying to reverse but instead propelled forward. The red PWC and two black PWCs left the scene without checking the condition of Operator1 or leaving their information.  Hit and run vessel has not been able to be located.


BARDID: VA-2020-0014
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:09:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Private Pond
County: Pittsylvania
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Two men went fishing in small boat on private pond.  One stood up and the boat capsized.  Both drown


BARDID: VA-2020-0015
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
County: Spotsylvania
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat 1 was underway traveling north on Lake Anna from Pleasants Marina. Boat 1 struck a shoal and came to a stop. The boat began to capsize, while occupants abandoned the boat in a shallow area of the lake. All four occupants began to swim without utilizing safety equipment. Subjects were rescued with the exception of one who drowned. One subject was transported to the hospital, and treated for hypothermia.


BARDID: VA-2020-0024
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:42:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: York River
NearestCityorTown: West Point
County: Gloucester
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The boat owner and another passenger were fishing on the York River. The water was choppy and waves came over the transom. The water from the waves went into and through the splash well where a cap was missing. Water then began to fill the inside of the boat. After taking on water the operator pulled the only anchor they were using at the bow of the boat. The operator and passenger began to head back toward the boat ramp. The operator explained he heard a snapping sound and thought the outboard motor had come loose. He then noticed the transom was coming apart and thought the outboard motor was coming off the boat. The boat began to take on more water and sink. The boat operator and passenger from the sinking boat were rescued by nearby fishermen and taken back to the boat ramp.


BARDID: VA-2020-0026
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rappahannock
NearestCityorTown: Farnham, Simmonson Landing
County: Richmond County
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
PWC operator took a hard right hand turn colliding with second PWC, both operators were thrown from the PWCs. Driver stated he did not look behind him before turning and thought the second PWC was following much further away. The second operator sustained swollen left thumb and sore left knee. Operators were traveling at 30-35mph at the time of impact.


BARDID: VA-2020-0027
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Glasgow
County: Rockbridge County
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Two juveniles were kayaking on the James River with very hazardous above normal water conditions.  They launched from the Glasgow boat launch at approximately 10:30 and made it approximately 1 mile down stream near Balcony Falls before capsizing their Kayaks.  

Boat 1 capsized first followed by boat 2 just a few seconds later.  Both occupants managed to swim to a nearby rock and climb out of the water.  At approximately 1300 Officers spotted the two individuals on the rock and performed swift water maneuvers to extract them from the rock.  They were taken back to the Glasgow boat launch where they were picked up by occupant 1's mother.  Both occupants stated that they had pfd's in their boats but were not wearing them.  Both individuals suffered only minor injuries including bruises, abrasion, and sunburn.   Both boats at this time of reporting (5/26/2020, 11:00) have not been located and are listed as unrecoverable.


BARDID: VA-2020-0028
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Diascund Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Lanexa
County: James City County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/24/2020 while parked at the Diascund Reservoir boat ramp, a boater who was loading up his canoe told me that he had seen a jon boat in the back of a creek for two hours with no one on board. He stated that the boat was almost up on the bank, the boat had trolling motors on it, as well as fishing poles. He was able to show me where he thought the boat was located via Google Earth. I was able to locate the unoccupied boat in the back of a small cove. GPS coordinates for the location of where the boat was found were 37.4321 -76.8836. 

I was able to run the registration off of the side of the boat (VA728BU). I then attempted to call the registered owner of the boat, the call went straight to a voice mail box. I called for assistance with the other on duty Officer, I also notified our Dispatch and direct supervisor of the situation. James City County Police Department along with James City County Fire and Rescue were notified to help assist in the search for the missing boater. 

Contact was made with the victim's son at the boat ramp. The son confirmed that his father was out fishing, and that it was his father's boat and truck in the parking lot. Search efforts were focused on the cove that boat was found in, as well as the mouth leading into the cove. The search was suspended at 2000 hours due to darkness, it was to resume the next day, 5/25/2020. The victim was recovered on 5/25/2020 at approximately 1130 by James City County Rescue. The location of the body was recovered approximately 30 feet off of the shoreline and, 100 feet into the cove that the boat was found in. The victim's body was transported to the Norfolk Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy.  Preliminary reports from the ME office state that cause of death was accidental drowning. ME was unable to determine if any medical event occurred prior to drowning. Unable to determine known cause of how victim fell overboard.


BARDID: VA-2020-0031
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Glascow
County: Amherst
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim's kayak overturned in turbulent waters.  Although she started off her trip with a life jacket, she took it off prior to the incident.  Her kayak hit some rapids and overturned.  She attempted to stay with the kayak as both her and the kayak headed downstream to larger Balcony Falls rapids (Class III).  Bystanders were able to get to her, pull her into their raft and start CPR.  She never recovered consciousness.


BARDID: VA-2020-0032
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:11:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Pony Pasture
County: Richmond City
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Dam/lock
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
0n 06/02/2020, at approximately 1754 hours, I received a phone call from DGIF dispatch stating that a fatal boat accident had occurred on the James River, near the Z dam. While on scene, I spoke with a friend of the victim, and had been kayaking with him on this day. 

Friend stated that he and subject2 put their kayaks in the James River at Huguenot Flatwater at approximately 1540 hours. Friend stated that he and Operator floated down river past the Z dam and were making a camp at a clearing on the south bank of the river. Friend stated that the two men were going to cook out, hang some hammocks, and hang out by the river until dusk.  

Friend stated that he and Operator each had three, twelve ounce beers and smoked some marijuana. Friend then stated that Operator saw a man he knew fishing from a canoe near the Z dam. Operator stated to Friend that he was going to paddle out and talk to Subject3. Friend said that he advised Operator against going near the dam due to the high water lever. Operator was an avid kayaker and proceeded into the river. 

Friend stated that approximately three minutes later he heard yelling and looked up to see Subject3 in the canoe motioning for him to come out into the water. Friend stated the he launched a second kayak and paddled over to Subject3 in the canoe where he could then see Operator draped over the side of the canoe and unresponsive. 

Friend stated that neither he nor Operator were wearing PFD's or helmets while kayaking on this day. Subject3 stated that he was fishing when he saw a kayak paddling toward the Z dam. Subject3 stated that he was concerned for the kayaker because he knew the dam was dangerous when the river level was high like it was on this day. Subject3 stated that he saw the kayaker paddle up into the dam and then flip. 

Subject3 stated that he was approximately forty yards from Operator when he saw him struggling in the water. Subject3 stated that he then paddled toward Operator, but Operator was lifeless and floating when he arrived. Subject3 stated that Friend attempted CPR and that Richmond Fire/EMS arrived promptly and took over the rescue effort. 

Subject3 stated that he believed that approximately five minutes had passed from the time he saw Operator go into the water until the time he and Friend were able to get Operator to shore. 

Upon my investigation, it appears that Operator was kayaking on the James river near the Z dam. Operator had consumed alcohol and marijuana during the course of his kayak trip. Operator paddled his kayak into the hydraulic of the Z dam where his kayak was overturned, resulting in Operator' drowning. The failure to wear a PFD and the high river level where factors in this incident.


BARDID: VA-2020-0033
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Hunington Park
County: Newport News
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel had 2 stern anchors deployed while fishing at the James River Bridge.  It took waves over the stern and capsized


BARDID: VA-2020-0034
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Capeville
County: Northampton
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was standing in 2.5 ft of water preparing to climb the ladder to enter the vessel.  The engine was already running, and then placed into gear causing the propeller to make numerous lacerations on the left leg, from the left ankle up to left side of the buttocks.  Passengers and operator had been drinking, but no BUI.


BARDID: VA-2020-0035
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:54:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Dukes Creek Marina
County: Spotsylvania
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was knee-boarding while being towed by the vessel.  The knee-board hit a wake and the victim was pitched forward into the water.  The victim sustained injuries to her left arm and was treated at the hospital.


BARDID: VA-2020-0036
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:08:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Gaston
NearestCityorTown: Gasburg
County: Brunswick County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentCause3: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel was being operated at night in an area the operator was not familiar with.  The operator was attempting to navigate under a bridge, but misjudged his location and struck an embankment adjacent to the bridge underpass.  The vessel ramped up the embankment striking a guardrail and slid back down into the water.  The vessel sustained significant hull damage from the collision.


BARDID: VA-2020-0037
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Elizabeth River
NearestCityorTown: City Park Portsmouth
County: Norfolk
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel was participating in a nautical parade traveling South in the Elizabeth River.  Vessel was overtaken on both sides by larger vessels creating a cross wake.  Vessel took water over the bow and swamped the vessel and then overturned


BARDID: VA-2020-0038
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:42:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Harper's Creek
NearestCityorTown: Robbins Boatyard
County: Lancaster
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Owner of vessel put 5 gallons of fuel in his 32' Trojan Yacht. He turned on both blowers while fueling. After fueling the vessel he attempted to start the engines. As he turned the key an explosion occurred in the living space of the boat where his wife was sitting. As a result of the explosion his wife suffered severe burns and smoke inhalation. He immediately got her off the vessel and received minor burns to both of his hands. He then untied it from the dock to keep from causing major damage to the boatyard's property. Subject and his wife were taken to Rappahannock General Hospital in Kilmarnock, VA, where they were treated for their injuries.


BARDID: VA-2020-0039
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:49:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Willoughby Bay
NearestCityorTown: Willoughby Bay Boat Ramp
County: Norfolk
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The vessel broke loose from its anchor during a storm. The engines would not start. The vessel drifted approximately five hundred yards. The vessels made continuous contact with the rocks at the Norfolk Naval Base until the storm resided. When the tide went out the vessel listed to the port side on hard bottom. The vessel remained on its port side and filled with water when the high tide rose.


BARDID: VA-2020-0040
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:07:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Dukes Creek Marina
County: Spotsylvania
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Carbon monoxide exposure
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The injured party was holding on to the rear of the vessel, while hanging in the water.  The vessel was being operated at an idle speed.  The injured party sustained carbon monoxide inhalation, and was transported to a hospital for treatment.  The injured party sustained no lasting or significant injury.


BARDID: VA-2020-0041
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Elizabeth River
NearestCityorTown: Jordan Bridge Ramp
County: Norfolk
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat accident occurred during the Mid-Atlantic Trump Train Boat Parade in Norfolk, VA. The parade of boats made their way south from the James River and Chesapeake Bay and then east, on the red side of the channel in the Elizabeth River, circled in front of Waterside Marina in a counter-clockwise fashion, and then exited the circle on the green side of the channel toward the west ad back out toward the James River. 

Boat #2 had engine troubles and broke down inside the middle of the counter-clockwise circle. The operator of boat #1, who was a good samaritan, helped the owner of Boat #2 to get his boat to Waterside Marina. 

They attached a small rope between the two vessels, and Boat #1 made its way from the middle of the circle, heading in a northeast direction, and through the crowd of moving vessels. The operator of Boat #3 observed Boat #1 cross his bow from port to starboard. He then observed the small rope coming from the stern and shifted his engines into reverse, trying to avoid the towed vessel. 

The "V" of the bow on Boat #3 came into contact with the starboard gunwale of Boat #2, causing the gunwale to break and starboard bow railing to come dislodged on Boat #2. The bow of Boat #3 received small gouges in the gelcoat.


BARDID: VA-2020-0042
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Wirtz
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
operator was pulling Victim on a tube near marker B26 on Smith Mountain Lake. Victim let go of the tube to avoid riding across a large wake and suffered an injury to his right arm. Victim was transported to Franklin Memorial Hospital for a dislocated shoulder.


BARDID: VA-2020-0043
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:04:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Stutts Creek
County: Matthews
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
The victim was being towed behind a PWC. The operator of the PWC towed the victim into a piling. The victim suffered from a concussion, cut on her right arm and cut on her lips from braces.


BARDID: VA-2020-0044
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Oak Grove Boat Ramp
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
3 juvenile males were operating a paddle boat in main channel Betty's Creek at approximately 11:00 PM without required navigation lights and were struck by a motorboat.  The impact occurred to the right rear of the paddle boat causing the rear passenger to be ejected into the water and struck by the motorboat propeller.  The propeller struck the victim in hip/buttocks area causing a deep laceration.


BARDID: VA-2020-0045
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Shenandoah River
NearestCityorTown: BErryville
County: Clarke
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
While drifting in the Shenandoah river in Clarke County Virginia, Fatal person was standing in the bow of the boat with one foot on the starboard gunwale. Fatal person had consumed alcohol, however, the boat operator had not consumed alcohol.  

The boat struck an obstruction and the fatal person fell overboard. The operator threw the fatal person a wearable PFD. Fatal person swam with the PFD under fatal persons arms to the boat. Fatal person placed the PFD into the boat and held onto the starboard gunwale toward the stern area of the boat. Fatal person then let go and went under water. Fatal person floated away from the boat and appeared to attempted to get to shallow water. It is unknown at this time if fatal person drowned or had a cardiac event. Fatal person was observed by the boat operator floating face down. Boat operator called rescue and fatal person was recovered, floating face down in the water, by rescue persons.


BARDID: VA-2020-0046
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: White Stone; windmill point
County: Lancaster
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: Bilge pump
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel started taking on water from the stern hull fittings.  Bilge pumps were manually turned on but unable to keep up with flooding.  Vessel sank in 30' of water


BARDID: VA-2020-0047
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 04:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Parkway Marina
County: Bedford
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On the morning of 06/21/2020 at approximately 0400 hours a bass boat was traveling on Smith Mountain Lake (near water marker R 11) when it struck an abandoned PWC in the water. The PWC was adrift and nobody was on board. The PWC sustained over $2,000 worth of damage.


BARDID: VA-2020-0048
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:36:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Aquia Creek
NearestCityorTown: Hope Springs Marina
County: Stafford
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 20th, 2020 I responded to a call for service, regarding a possible boating incident on Aquia Creek in Stafford County. Upon arrival, it was determined that two personal watercrafts (PWCs) collided. This collision resulted in one operator being injured (operator was transfered to hospital), beyond first aid and the other operator did not have any noted injuries beyond first aid. The operator that was still on scene informed me that the other operator was doing donuts (circles) and while this subject was heading on a straight path, the collision occurred. The operator, who was still on scene, as well as first responding personnel, informed that both parties were wearing their personal flotation devices. I was unable to speak with the other operator, due to severe injuries.
Based off the damage evidence Vessel 1 was traveling on plane or coming on plane creating a bow high attitude.  Vessel 2 was stopped or near idle speed causing the vessel to be completely in the water.  Vessel 1 struck Vessel 2 almost head on (angle of impact 340 degrees +/- 10 degrees).  Vessel 1 had enough momentum to completely ramp Vessel 2 after the initial impact.  The bow of Vessel 1 would have struck the operator of Vessel 2 center mass and toward the head/neck area.  After the impact was over the operator of Vessel 1 landed on the steering column, damaging it.  At this time the operator of Vessel 2 would have been knocked off the personal watercraft.


BARDID: VA-2020-0049
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Southern Branch Elizabeth Rive
NearestCityorTown: Elizabeth River Park
County: Chesapeake
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating the sailing vessel under engine power north bound on the Elizabeth River.  He attempted to navigate under the Belt Line Railroad ridge when the top of the mast struck the bridge causing extensive damage to the vessel.  According to witnesses the span was in the process of lowering as Operator approached


BARDID: VA-2020-0050
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Hales Ford Bridge
County: Bedford
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel filled up with fuel at a Marina on Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford Co. Va, and began to go North up the Lake. the operator said she heard a pop and then a small flame. then she said she heard a second pop and they all jumped overboard. She then said the boat became engulfed in flames and exploded.


BARDID: VA-2020-0051
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
County: Charles City County
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 2nd, 2020 at approximately 1417, I received a call  in reference to an abandoned kayak that was found on the James River. I immediately made contact with CCC Dispatch and was informed that they had received a call about a kayak that had washed ashore at Ft. Pocahontas off Sturgeon Point Road. 

CCC Sheriffs Office had responded to the scene and located the kayak with several items of clothing as well as a backpack with food and other essential items in it. There was also a Personal Flotation Device strapped down to the kayak. Due to the items located in the kayak, CCC Sheriffs Office asked for assistance in attempting to locate the individual who owned it as they could be in the water. I informed them that I would respond by land and I would have another Conservation Police Officer (CPO) respond by boat. 

I made contact with CPO and asked him to grab one of our boats from the Region 1 Office and come down river to the location of the kayak. I arrived on scene at approximately 1434 and made contact with the CCC Deputies on scene. They stated that no one had been down to the beach since Sunday, May 31st, and the kayak could have washed ashore at anytime after that. The Deputies then provided me with a Virginia Identification Card, that was located with the items on the kayak. I also ran Victim through LINX in hopes to find a contact number or address in an attempt to locate the individual. 

CCC Sheriffs Office was able to determine that Victim's address on his ID card was not a current address for him as it was showing he had been evicted from the residence. I was able to locate an address and contacted the Dispatch Center and asked if they had any records of the current address for Victim. Before I was able to finish spelling out Victim's name to the dispatcher, she stopped me and stated she knew exactly who I was looking for and stated that he had not lived in the county for a few years now. 

I informed her that we were attempting to locate Victim due to a kayak washing ashore with his ID card in it. The dispatcher stated she would attempt to locate a phone number for Victim and would call me back. A short time later the dispatcher called me back and gave me Victim's last know cell phone number as well as the phone number to Victim's mother. I attempted to call both numbers and did not receive an answer on either. I left a voice-mail on Victim's mother's cell phone and asked her to call me back as soon as possible. At this time CPO, a CCC Deputy, and I started searching the shorelines in the immediate area by boat. While searching the area I received a callback from Victim's mother. I informed her that we had located a kayak with his ID card in it and were attempting to locate him. She stated that she had not heard from him in over a week and that he was homeless and did not have a permanent address. She also stated several times that he had a bad drinking issue and was often drunk. I informed her that we were searching the river in the area the kayak had washed ashore but we had not located anything yet.  

    On June 3rd, 2020, at approximately 1050, I received a phone call from Sgt. who stated they were unable to locate Victim at the homeless camps and that his cell phone was still "pinging" in the Richmond area. He then asked if we could launch a boat and follow through with the original plan to search the small islands on the James River. While off Weyanoke Point on the James River, I located something floating in the water, that appeared to be white in color, up on a shallow mud flat. We slowly approached the object and at approximately 1402 we were able to determine it was a body. Sgt. contacted the M.E.'s office for permission to move the body so we could recover it. Based on a tattoo on the back of the body, Sgt. was positive it was Victim. The GPS coordinates for the location of the body was 37.27473, 077.07722. This was approximately 5.3 miles up river from where the kayak had been located.


BARDID: VA-2020-0052
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:17:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Shenandoah River
NearestCityorTown: Country Club Boat Ramp
County: Warren
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/10/2020 at approximately 1617 hours operator was operating a Kawasaki jet ski (VA2473CD) in the Shenandoah River near 545 Avalon Dr. in Warren County. She was completing a turn and readjusted her footing. When she did so she fell and injured her right knee on the floorboard of the vessel


BARDID: VA-2020-0053
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Moneta
County: Bedford
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Passenger 1 fell from PWC during turn and aggravated a previous back injury. Passenger 1 underwent four CT scans and received medication at Franklin Memorial Hospital. Operator 1 and Passenger 1 both suspected of being intoxicated due to slurred speech, glassy bloodshot eyes, and difficulty standing.


BARDID: VA-2020-0054
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Appomattox
NearestCityorTown: Hopewell City
County: Prince George County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
THE BOAT WAS TRAVELING FROM THE JAMES RIVER TO HOPEWELL MARINA WHEN THE TRANSOM FELL APART AND THE MOTOR FELL OFF THE BOAT, CAUSING THE BOAT TO TAKE ON WATER. 
THE OPERATOR SAID THAT THEY DID NOT HIT ANY SUBMERGED OBJECTS AND THAT THE TRANSOM APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN ROTTEN.


BARDID: VA-2020-0055
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:23:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Sturgeon Creek Marina
County: Spotsylvania
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Bystander behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Motorboat was attempting to beach on shore of lake island within a cove where boats routinely park to publicly gather.  Victim standing on the shore attempted to assist docking motorboat by placing his hand upon the point of the bow - the victim thought he could slow the vessel before it struck a tree on the water's edge.  The bow of the boat crushed the victim's hand between the boat's bow and the tree trunk.  The victim sustained major injury to his right hand.  The motorboat operator did not stop to render aid and fled the scene before any one onshore could obtain the boat numbers from the boat.


BARDID: VA-2020-0057
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:54:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Gaston
NearestCityorTown: Bracey
County: Mecklenburg
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 WAS ATTEMPTING TO NAVIGATE UNDERNEATH A RAIL ROAD BRIDGE.  THE PORT SIDE OF THE VESSEL STRUCK A BRIDGE PILLAR CAUSING THE OPERATOR TO BE EJECTED FROM THE VESSEL.  A PASSENGER ON BOARD THE VESSEL WAS KILLED AS A RESULT OF THE COLLISION.


BARDID: VA-2020-0058
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Cape Charles
County: Northampton
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and father were attempted to set crab pots in the Chesapeake Bay near the SW side of Fisherman's Island in Northampton County.  Their vessel took multiple waves over the stern causing the vessel to overturn.  The bilge pump could not keep up.  Both occupants were safely removed from their vessel by a good samaritan


BARDID: VA-2020-0060
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Deep Bottom Landing
County: Henrico
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
An 18' Sea Ray bow rider with 4 total occupants was exiting Curles Neck pit. As the vessel was exiting the pit a PWC passed on the port side, went out into the main channel of the James River making a clockwise turn and returning to the pit. The Sea Ray had exited the pit and made a left hand turn to travel downriver. The PWC collided with the starboard side of the Sea Ray.


BARDID: VA-2020-0061
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Northwest River
NearestCityorTown: Bob's Fishing Hole
County: Chesapeake
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
I responded to Bob's Fishing Hole in Chesapeake, in reference to a boat accident that happened earlier in the day. I made contact with the operator of the boat. He told me that at around 0545 hours, he was operating his boat in the Northwest River during the "blast-off" of a bass fishing tournament. Several boats were in a small area, and the wake from other vessels created a following sea state, which overcame his boat, and it took a sharp left into a cypress tree on the shoreline. He sustained a minor injury to his knee. He did not wish to seek medical treatment. The stem of the bow was damaged to the point where there was a hole in extreme front the bow, including the top cap, rub rail, and hull, but was above the waterline. The cause of the accident appears to be inexperience handling a boat in following a sea state.


BARDID: VA-2020-0062
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rappahannock
NearestCityorTown: White Stone
County: Lancaster
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was entering into Carters Creek from the Rappahannock River during sunset hours. He cut behind the red entrance navigation marker and struck the rock jetty that lines the entrance to the channel.  The vessel came to rest on top of the rocks exposing a large amount of the hull and outboard engines above the water.  The collision resulted in severe damage to the fiberglass hull and to both outboard lower units. There were no injuries to either occupant on-board.


BARDID: VA-2020-0063
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Linkhorn Bay
NearestCityorTown: First Landing State Park
County: Virginia Beach
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Single vessel/person accident.   Individual was operating PWC at approximately 30-40 mph within several feet of private rip rap seawall. 

  While next to wall, the wake from other vessels operating nearby pushed PWC onto the rocks.   The individual was ejected off the PWC onto the rocks.

Individual sustained serious injury to his head, right hand and both feet.   Individual was transported to Virginia Beach General Hospital for treatment.   PWC sustained approximately $500 in damage.   Individual was interviewed at the hospital, his version of events matches that of witnesses.   Individual was charged with: 6-121.2 reckless operation of a PWC and 29.1-735.2 Boater Safety Education Required.   PWC was recovered from the scene by the owner.
Report #2020-021642


BARDID: VA-2020-0064
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:58:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Gaston
NearestCityorTown: Holly Grove Marina Ramp
County: Mecklenburg
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat 1 was traveling west in the area of Great Creek on Lake Gaston while towing a towable boat tube with three passengers on the tube. One individual fell off the tube and the operator proceeded traveling west to get to a wider portion of the lake to turn the boat around while still towing two individuals on the tube. The operator of Boat 1 stated that the sun glare obscured his vision and he did not initially see Boat 2, until it was too late. 

Boat 1 made a right hand turn when the tube slid in front of Boat 2. One tube passenger was able to dismount the tube before contact was made and remained uninjured. One passenger remained on the tube and made impact with the bow area of Boat 2 which resulted in serious injuries. 

The operator of Boat 1 approximated his speed between 25 and 30 MPH. Boat 2 was described as either stopped or traveling at no wake speed at the time of impact. Boat 2 has not been identified as Boat 2 did not remain on scene. Boat 2 was said to be a pontoon boat.


BARDID: VA-2020-0065
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Bridgewater Marina
County: Franklin
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was wake boarding when she lost her balance and slammed face first onto the water very hard.  The victim had the wind knocked out of her making it hard for her to breathe and received a concussion


BARDID: VA-2020-0067
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Bumpass
County: Louisa
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was driving his boat (VA 7000 CA) while towing Subject1 on a tube.  The victim was sitting on the front of the bass type motorboat.  When Operator turned left while pulling the tube he looked back to check on Subject1 on the tube.  He advised that at that time Victim must have fallen out of the boat on the bow starboard side.  Because the boat was turning left and Victim fell out of the starboard side, the propeller and lower unit struck Victim leaving multiple lacerations to his body.  Subject1 helped Victim on to the boat holding pressure to lacerations.  Operator transported the injured to the nearest location at 252 Sir Walter Dr. Bumpass, VA 23024.  Victim was transported via medivac to the UVA hospital in Charlottesville, VA.


BARDID: VA-2020-0068
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Willoughby Bay
NearestCityorTown: Willoughby Boat Ramp
County: Norfolk
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator and passenger were standing in the rear of the vessel working on a stalled outboard motor.  An excessive amount of water came into the vessel over the transom.  The owner was just able to start the motor as the vessel capsized.  The bow was the only part not submerged


BARDID: VA-2020-0069
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Oak Grove Boat Ramp
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The victim was wakeboarding and lost his balance.  He flipped forward into the water and the wakeboard hit him in the head causing a laceration to the top of his head inside the hairline.


BARDID: VA-2020-0070
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Bridgewater Marina
County: Bedford
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
The victim was wake surfing on Smith Mountain Lake.  After releasing the tow rope, the surfboard came out of the water and the tip of the board struck the victim in the forehead resulting in a puncture wound.


BARDID: VA-2020-0071
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Lake Anna State Park
County: Spotsylvania
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel one's starboard side turned into Vessel two's port/bow.  Vessel one struck vessel two at the bow.  Vessel one turned into vessel two and eventually met starboard to port. Vessel one's operator sustained an injury to his left portion of his face/eye area.


BARDID: VA-2020-0072
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Union Hall
County: Bedford
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator struck an unmarked rocky shoal in the Bull Run Creek area of Smith Mountain Lake and grounded the vessel sustaining damage to the propeller and hull


BARDID: VA-2020-0073
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rappahannock River
NearestCityorTown: June Parker Marina Ramp
County: Richmond County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Jekski operator gassed the jet ski without warning throwing passenger 2 and passenger 3 off the back of the jetski. Passenger 2 received a concussion and Passenger 3 sustained internal injuries from the jet wash.


BARDID: VA-2020-0074
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Moneta
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 struck a shoal and shoal marker near marker R8 on Smith Mountain Lake and became grounded, suffering significant damage to the right and center pontoons.


BARDID: VA-2020-0075
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bugg Island Lake
NearestCityorTown: Boydton
County: Mecklenburg
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat 1 was towing a ski tube with two riders. Boat 1 turned right to close to the anchored Boat 2 and caused the tube and riders to be slung into the bow of Boat 2.


BARDID: VA-2020-0076
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:51:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Onancock Creek
NearestCityorTown: Onancock Wharf
County: Accomack
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/21/2020, Victim was being towed on a ski tube from his 22' Grady White being operated.  The vessel's motor was in gear as Victim attempted to enter his vessel.  Victim received a laceration to his lower thigh from the boat's propeller and was transported to the hospital


BARDID: VA-2020-0077
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:15:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: private pond
NearestCityorTown: Montpelier
County: Hanover
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Decedent subjects (77 years of age and 65 years of age) began fishing on a private pond on 07/24/2020 at approximately 1200 hours. The decedents were last observed on the bank of the pond at 1600 hours of the listed date. At an unknown time, the decedents retrieved and utilized a 1984 Coleman Canoe and began fishing the waters of the pond from the canoe. No other information is available as to the occurrences between 1600 hours and 1915 hours (07/24/2020) at which time the spouses of the decedents arrived at the location to check on the status of the two deceased anglers. 

Both decedents were in the water with one decedent entangled in fishing line of a fishing pole that was still located inside the canoe, along with the 5 gallon bucket (utilized as a creel), two tackle boxes, and a soft sided lunch style cooler which contained two cans of an alcoholic beverage (Pabst Blue Ribbon).

Upon inspecting the body of the canoe, it was observed that the canoe was unusually heavy (as a result of metal type frame tubing inside the canoe. Several vertical cracks in the plastic hull of the canoe were also observed on the port and starboard sides of the vessel, but due to the age of the craft, it is unknown if the canoe had the cracks prior to the decedents taking the canoe onto the water. No other evident damage was observed.  Neither of the decedents were utilizing PFD's nor upon inspecting the area, no PFD's were located. It was further noted that no empty cans of the alcoholic beverage were observed in the area nor floating in the water. Due to the lack of witnesses during the indicated time frames, further information as to the course of event was unavailable.


BARDID: VA-2020-0078
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:42:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: North Landing River
County: Virginia Beach
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: victim tangled in vsl equipmen
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/25/20 at approximately 1742 hours I responded to investigate a reported boating related injury. Upon contact with the involved party I interviewed the vessel operator and she told me that one of the vessel occupants became entangled in a ski rope while the vessel was stopped and the occupants were relaxing and swimming behind her boat. 

The vessel was stopped and not making way with both inboard jet pump engines at idle. Operator said that the poly-pro ski rope had become entangled in the pump suction and was being drawn in towards the boat. 

The victim had her right foot and two middle toes entangled in the rope while she was trying to re-board the vessel with the aft swim platform steps. the force of the retracting rope pinned her right foot and lower leg against the back of her leg and essentially immobilized her against the ladder/platform. 

Within several seconds she felt a stinging pain, and a popping sensation in her right toes area and was then released from the retracting ski rope. Operator immediately cut the engines off during the 10 second casualty and then rendered first aid to with the help of the 3 other passengers. 

A quick triage of the wound area revealed that the victim had both the 3rd and 4th metatarsal toes nearly popped off completely. a small flap of skin under the toes remained attached on both toes. 

Victim reported she was surprised at how little blood there was and that the pain was intense but manageable. The boat occupants were able to free the ski line from the pump impeller and transport the victim fairly rapidly to the nearby North Landing River Campground where Virginia Beach Fire, Police, and EMS were waiting.


BARDID: VA-2020-0080
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Old Meherrin Creek
County: Southampton
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
ON JULY 27, 2020 I WAS NOTIFIED BY DGIF DISPATCH THAT A PERSON HAD FALLEN OUT OF A VESSEL WITH REGISTRATION VA 8193 HH IN THE OLD MEHERRIN CREEK IN SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY.  UPON ARRIVING ON SCENE SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE WAS THE PRIMARY INVESTIGATING AGENCY.  I WAS TOLD THAT THE BROTHER OF THE VICTIM STATED THAT HIS BROTHER STOOD UP TO PULL THE ANCHOR ROPE FROM THE FRONT OF THE VESSEL AND LOST FOOTING FALLING FROM THE VESSEL IN THE WATER THAT WAS EIGHT FEET DEEP.  

THE BROTHER DID NOT HAVE A LIFE JACKET ON AND COULD NOT SWIM.  THERE WERE LIFE JACKETS ON BOARD THE VESSEL.  THE INCIDENT OCCURRED AT 1530 HOURS.  BOYKINS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL LOCATED THE VICTIM IN THE WATER AND REMOVED HIM FROM THE WATER.  ALCOHOL WAS NOT A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR.


BARDID: VA-2020-0081
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:38:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Hardy Boat Ramp
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1 hit Vessel #2 ramping over the vessel knocking operator #2 off of the vessel causing a head injury


BARDID: VA-2020-0083
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Shenandoah River
NearestCityorTown: Front Royal
County: Warren
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim felt the injury occurred as his body was leaning forward against the resistance of the water on the wakeboard. His body was pushed forward and he forgot to let go of the rope handle; this placed him in an awkward position causing a dislocated hip. This was victim's first time wakeboarding.


BARDID: VA-2020-0084
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:39:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Scruggs #8 ramp
County: Bedford
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was wake boarding behind a Personal Watercraft (PWC) . During an attempt to surf he fell face first in the water. The operator of the PWC stated he turned around and the victim appeared to be having a seizure. CPR was preformed on the victim, attempts to revive the victim were unsuccessful.


BARDID: VA-2020-0085
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:47:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Lynhaven Boat Ramp
County: Virginia Beach
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1 was heading outbound for a fishing tournament when it collided with a fixed object (pound net piling).  The captain ran over the piling and broke the piling off


BARDID: VA-2020-0086
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Appomattox River
NearestCityorTown: Hopewell Marina
County: Hopewell City
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
While underway, Vessel 1 was following behind Vessel 2 doing large circles. Vessel 1 crossed over the wake of Vessel 2. Vessel 2 spun out to the left. 

Vessel 1 struck Vessel 2 at an angle mid way of the starboard side at approximately 20 mph. Operator of Vessel one was thrown from PWC and unconscious. 

Vessel 2 operator sustained broken ribs to the right side with air in the chest cavity as well as a laceration requiring stitches on the chin.


BARDID: VA-2020-0087
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Hopewell City Marina
County: Hopewell City
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
ON 08/07/20 AT APPROXIMATELY 1400 HOURS, Operator WAS IN THE JAMES RIVER APPROACHING THE APPOMATTOX RIVER IN THE CHANNEL OPERATING A PROLINE CENTER CONSOLE BOAT THAT HE HAD JUST RECENTLY PURCHASED. AS HE PASSED THE MARION DREDGE IT WAS OVER TO HIS RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE RIVER, HE SAW THE BALL MARKERS OUT ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CHANNEL. HE SAID HE HEARD A LOUD THUMP NOISE, HE THEN SAW THE LARGE PIPE COME UP BEHIND THE BOAT WHICH HE SAID WAS BLACK ABOUT EIGHT INCHES ABOVE THE WATER LEVEL. HE THEN SAID IT BOUNCED A COUPLE TIMES AND WENT BACK UNDER THE WATER. HE THEN CONFRONTED THE CREW ON THE SMALLER BOAT THE BLACK HAWK AND THEY CAME OUT IN THE BOAT. THE WORKER TOLD HIM THAT IT WOULD GO DOWN IN A MINUTE.


BARDID: VA-2020-0088
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:23:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Scruggs Boat Ramp
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was traveling north on the blackwater river portion of smith mountain lake.  V1 left the main channel and attempted to maneuver between two islands.  V1 struck a small island that was between the two islands.


BARDID: VA-2020-0089
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: York River
NearestCityorTown: Wormley Creek Marina
County: York County
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
21' Cuddy cabin sport fishing vessel was anchored from the bow. The vessel began to take on water from the stern, possibly due to cut out transom and rough sea conditions. Bilge pump on vessel was inoperable. Vessel capsized due to water in the boat and rough sea conditions. No injuries that required more than simple first aid.


BARDID: VA-2020-0090
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:04:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Dan River
NearestCityorTown: Danville, Angler's Park
County: Danville City
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Dam/lock
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
A canoe was launched above a low head dam.  The canoe went over the dam before it could be anchored.  It capsized and the occupant drowned.


BARDID: VA-2020-0091
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
County: Northampton
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject was fishing from his kayak near cement ships off Kiptopeke in the lower Chesapeake Bay.  Victim stated a 22' center console with three people on board rode by and their wake caused him to strike his head on kayak as it rolled over.  The other vessel never stopped or came back.  Victim was not able to get back onto his kayak and was taken to shore by a Good Samaritan.  Cape Charles Rescue transported Victim to Norfolk General where he has been treated and released with a concussion.


BARDID: VA-2020-0092
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:44:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Lake Anna Marina
County: Spotsylvania
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: Limb tangled in activity equip
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Weather
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
An individual was being pulled on a tube, when the tow rope caused an injury to his ankle, and amputated his toes.  

The vessel involved, and the witnesses, were at Lake Anna Marina, and the victim was being transported, via ambulance, to Mary Washington Hospital.  Because the victim did not speak English, one of the passengers on the vessel relayed the following:  They had been out on the boat tubing, and were heading back to the marina.  Everyone was inside of the vessel, sitting on the seats.  Victim was in the back of the vessel, hanging on to the tow rope.  The tube was sitting on the back of the vessel.  It was very windy, and the tube blew off of the back of the vessel.  The rope wrapped around Victim's foot, and pulled his toes off.


BARDID: VA-2020-0093
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:38:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: The Cove Restaurant and Ramp
County: Spotsylvania
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentEvent3: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator of the vessel had been arrested the night before for operating the same vessel while under the influence of alcohol. At the time of his release he consumed more alcohol, and he attempted to operate his boat again. After falling off of the boat and being cut by the prop (injury not beyond first aid), the subject re boarded the boat and attempted to operate the vessel at full speed during extremely dense fog , at night, and without his needed glasses. The vessel struck a rock covered shoreline before going airborne and ultimately striking a tree head on.


BARDID: VA-2020-0096
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:17:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Bridgewater Marina
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject was backing rental boat out of a slip, quickly accelerated forward and struck another rental boat


BARDID: VA-2020-0097
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rappahannock River
NearestCityorTown: Fredericksburg City Dock
County: Fredericksburg
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The victim was the operator of vessel 1.  Vessel 1 overturned, and the victim drowned.  Prior to overturning, vessel 1 collided with vessel 2.  While the collision was proximal to the overturning of vessel 1, it is not believed that this was the cause of the overturning of the vessel.    It is believed that the water conditions were the primary cause of the overturning.


BARDID: VA-2020-0098
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Piankatank River
NearestCityorTown: Fishing Bay Yacht Club
County: Middlesex
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
While participating in a sanctioned race, vessel 1 and vessel 2 began on a parallel course on starboard tack.  Vessel 1 maneuvered onto a port tack attempting to gain position.  Vessel 1 misjudged is turn which caused a collision with Vessel 2's port side.  The collision caused injury to a crew member on Vessel 2


BARDID: VA-2020-0099
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Bumpass
County: Louisa
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel was traveling from the dam on Lake Anna and attempting to go up the lake.  Instead of going up the lake, the vessel went toward Dike 3.  The vessel ramped up onto Dike 3 where it rested on the rocks.


BARDID: VA-2020-0100
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:06:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atlantic Ocean
County: Virginia Beach
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Subjects had purchased the vessel in Oxford MD. They had left from there, the morning of this incident, transiting to their home in Needville TX. Once they entered the Atlantic Ocean, off the shores of Virginia Beach, The vessel ran out of fuel. 

They attempted to contact Sea Tow, but at that time there was a small craft advisory in effect and because of the hazardous sea conditions, Sea Tow was unable to provide assistance. They attempted to get assistance from the USCG, However there nearest vessel capable of handling the sea conditions was 2 hours away. Eventually the winds and currant pushed their vessel closer towards the beach. 

Subject1 was instructed to drop anchor, but was unable to get it fully set before they were caught in the surf. The anchor was able to hold for a short time, until the line broke and the boat was pushed stern first onto the beach. Damage was caused to the rudder system as the vessel ran aground. They were assisted off the vessel by members of the Virginia Beach Life Guard Services. Both refused medical treatment by VB fire and rescue.  There was a small craft advisory in effect.


BARDID: VA-2020-0101
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:26:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Jordan Point Marin
County: Charles City County
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The vessel departed Rockets Landing the morning of 9/20/2020, at approximately 7:00am, and headed down the James River. The operator stated they passed Jordan Point Marina around 8:00am and began to have difficulty seeing due to the sun rising on the horizon and causing a glare off of the water. 

They were traveling at approximately 23mph. The operator stated he was unfamiliar with the waterway in that area and was trying to stay on the edge of the channel the best he could. Shortly after they had passed Jordan Point, the operator stated he suddenly saw a channel marker directly in front of the vessel and did not have time to react to avoid a collision. 

He stated the collision caused his passenger to be thrown forward into the console and then back onto the floor. At that time, he turned his vessel toward Westover Plantation in Charles City and attempted to get to shallower water. 

Shortly after the impact, he realized they were taking on water and hailed a MAYDAY call on VHF channel 16. At this time both individuals put on inflatable PFD's. Approximately 150 yards off of Westover, the vessel started to become difficult to steer and the stern started to try and spin around on its own. The operator cut the throttle and turned the motor off at this time. 

The vessel then started to list which is when both individuals also grabbed type IV throwable devices. The passenger then jumped into the water and swam away from the vessel. The operator stated he stayed on until the vessel started to roll to the port side and capsize. He stated he had to swim out from under the supports.

 After the vessel capsized both individuals climbed up onto the hull of the vessel from the stern and were able to get out of the water. Neither PFD worn inflated once they were in the water. The operator then stated that an individual from shore observed the vessel capsize and she paddled out in a kayak to make sure they were ok. Shortly after the kayaker came to check on them an individual in a bass boat came to assist and brought them to the shore at Westover where Charles City Deputies and EMS were on scene to evaluate them. They were then taken by ambulance to Williamsburg Sentara Hospital. The operator sustained a small cut on his left pinky finger that did not require medical treatment, however, his passenger had a cut on her forehead that would require stitches. She refused stitches at the hospital and stated she would have her plastic surgeon stitch her forehead.


BARDID: VA-2020-0102
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Morley's Warf
County: Northampton
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and occupant had been Cobia fishing in the Chesapeake Bay approximately 3-4 miles off Silver Beach, VA.  The vessel was heading hack to Gwynn's Island.  At approximately 13:24, Operator began to see smoke originating from the cabin.  He stopped the vessel and checked the source of the smoke and found flames in the back birthing area of the cabin.  The fire appeared to be fully involved over the fuel tanks.  Operator and occupant donned PFD and took an extra PFD each and activated their Garmin in-reach emergency beacon.  Both occupants swamp approximately 1/4 mile away from the burning vessel and were picked up by good Samaritan approximately 15 minutes later.


BARDID: VA-2020-0103
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
County: Louisa
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
While trying to get the anchor from the bow of the PWC a wake caused the operator of the PWC to engage the throttle causing it to strike her friends rental pontoon boat.


BARDID: VA-2020-0105
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-10-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Shenandoah River
NearestCityorTown: Riverton Landing
County: Warren County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On October 10, 2020 at about 5:30pm, a 16 ft pontoon motorboat, occupied by only the operator, collided with a fixed object, dock, which resulted in damage to the motorboat and dock.  The operator admitted to having consumed alcohol, which contributed to the collision.  No injuries were reported as a result of the collision which resulted in damage estimated to be about $2500.


BARDID: VA-2020-0107
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
County: Spotsylvania
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Deputy was in his patrol vessel, at the far end of the "no wake" zone, when he heard a vessel collide with the bridge piling.  He immediately looked, and saw the vessel in question was a pontoon boat.  He made his way to the vessel, which was occupied by several female subjects.  He helped them get the vessel to the dock, at the boardwalk.  Upon inspection the involved vessel had obvious collision damage on the front/bow area of the deck.  The aluminum rub rail, and plywood decked were dented and damaged.  The operator of the vessel, at the time of the collision, was Operator.  Operator stated that, at the time of the incident, she was attempting to dock the vessel in one of the slips, at the boardwalk.  It was very windy, and she was having difficulty doing so.  In an attempt to get a straight run into the slip, she backed up, and attempted to turn around at the bridge.  While attempting to pass underneath the bridge, the vessel collided with the bridge piling.


BARDID: VA-2020-0108
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:18:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Private side
County: Louisa
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Victims were being towed behind the vessel on an inflatable tube.  The tube encountered a wake and the victims' heads collided with the victim's sustaining head and facial injuries


BARDID: VA-2020-0109
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-10-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Dutch Gap
County: Chesterfield County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat operator was leaving the dock and attempted to start the engine.  On the first attempt the engine stalled.  When the operator attempted to start the engine a second time, the engine caught fire.  The operator attempted to extinguish the fire with two fire extinguishers.  The attempt was unsuccessful.  The operator was picked up by a passing boat.  The boat burned to the water line and then sank.


BARDID: VA-2020-0110
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-10-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chickahominy River
NearestCityorTown: Brickyard Landing
County: James City County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The boat was on plane with the bow of the boat out of the water, the motor was trimmed up.  The boat hit an area where wakes from 2 other boats converged.  The operator was ejected from the boat on the starboard side, breaking the side panel of the windshield. The passenger was thrown into the floor of the boat.  

The boat started circling while still running.  The boat propeller struck the operator in the foot.  The passenger turned off the boat motor.  The operator was assisted back into the boat by a passerby.  The operator drove the boat to Brickyard Landing boat ramp.  When paramedics arrived, the passenger collapsed and went into respiratory arrest and later died at the hospital


BARDID: VA-2020-0111
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-10-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Hopewell
County: Henrico
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was traveling up river in the area of Turkey Island Cutoff, the operator came off plane to adjust equipment in the vessel and was struck in the stern by a PWC


BARDID: VA-2020-0112
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-10-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:12:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Beaverdam Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Ashburn
County: Loudoun
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
38 year old female fell from paddleboard and drowned.  It appears she had the leash from the paddleboard attached incorrectly.


BARDID: VA-2020-0113
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-11-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Aquia Creek
NearestCityorTown: Aquia Harbour Marina
County: Stafford
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat 1 was under way when one of the occupants of the boat began to lean to the port side of the boat.  The occupant went overboard causing the occupant to go into the water and the boat to capsized.  Operator retrieved the other occupant of the boat from the water and performed CPR with a witness.  Victim was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.


BARDID: VA-2020-0114
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-12-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:57:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Elizabeth River
NearestCityorTown: Elizabeth River Park
County: Portsmouth
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel owner stated he was working on the generator, left the area, came back a few minutes later and the vessel was on fire


BARDID: VA-2020-0115
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-12-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Elizabeth River
NearestCityorTown: Jordan Bridge Ramp
County: Chesapeake
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel struck red day marker 22 on starboard bow in the Elizabeth River.  The operator was thrown foward and his leg struck the console of the boat causing the fracture.  One of the passengers was thrown forward and her face hit the windshield causing contusions to the face.


BARDID: VA-2020-0116
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-12-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:48:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mobjack Bay
NearestCityorTown: Crown Pointe Marina
County: Gloucester
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat operator and passenger were duck hunting when the wind and waves increased. They decided to retrieve decoys and capsized as their weight shifted due to increased wave activity. Individuals were rescued and brought to shore without injury.


BARDID: VA-2021-0001
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-01-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:39:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: South Holston Lake
County: Washington County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
While traveling back to Washington County Park boat ramp on South Holston Lake in Washington County, OPERATOR 1 was operating his vessel from the stern when water began coming over the bow of the vessel, causing it to capsize. PASSENGER 2 and PASSNEGER 1 were sitting side by side in the middle of the vessel when this occurred. The approximate GPS location the vessel capsized was 36.601935, -82.003960. I was unable to locate any damage to the motor or vessel that could have contributed to the accident. OPERATOR 1 made comments that a wake from another boat may have had an affect. The most likely cause of the vessel to become capsized was the capacity and weight limit of the vessel was greatly exceeded. The U.S. Coast Guard capacity plate lists 2 persons or 250 LBS as maximum capacities. Three male subjects, weighing approximately 260 lbs, 270 lbs, and 135 lbs, as well as approximately 100 lbs of gear and a small Labrador Retriever were on board. After capsizing, multiple nearby boats assisted in recovering the subjects from the water. OPERATOR 1 estimated they were in the water for approximately 1 to 2 minutes before being rescued, while Mr. PASSNEGER 1 estimated it was 10 minutes. The boats that had assisted in recovering the subjects had already left when I arrived on scene. I was unable to locate them to interview. The three victims were brought to the Washington County Park boat ramp where their wet clothes were removed and dry clothing was provided by local fishermen. Green Springs Fire Department Chief arrived on scene and assisted with calling for an ambulance and placing the subjects in vehicles to warm them up. PASSENGER 2 and OPERATOR 1 refused medical transport but PASSNEGER 1 was transported to Johnston Memorial Hospital in Washington County after complaining of neck and hand injuries. No PFDs were worn by the occupants of the capsized vessel. OPERATOR 1 claimed during a field interview that there were enough PFDs on board for everyone as well as a type IV throwable. I was only able to locate one type III and one type IV PFD among the recovered items brought to land by the various boats who assisted in the recovery.


BARDID: VA-2021-0002
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-01-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:37:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Great Wicomico River
NearestCityorTown: Burgess
County: Northumberland
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Captain and owner of a 46' 1990 Thomas PCC was nearing the mouth of the Great Wicomico River, (Fleeton Point) day marker, when he struck an underwater structure and began taking on water.


BARDID: VA-2021-0003
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-01-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Cobbs Marina
County: Norfolk
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
The vessel operator stated that they were traveling east bound in the Chesapeake Bay approximately 1 mile off shore.  A container ship passed causing a large wake.  The operator turned into the wake causing the vessel to move violently and lifted the passenger off the seat.  The passenger struck his back on the edge of the seat.  The passenger was transported by Norfolk EMS to Sentara Leigh Hospital.


BARDID: VA-2021-0004
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-02-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Penhook Boat Ramp
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 2/12/2021, VDWR Dispatch received a 911 call from Franklin County concerning an individual who has fallen overboard at the Penhook Boat Ramp #9 near 1300 Jefferson Dock Road, Penhook, VA. Officers responded to the incident. Dispatch informed us that the subject was still in the water and was trying to stay afloat. When I (Officer) arrived on scene Franklin County Sheriffs department, Glad Hill Rescue Squad, and Cool Branch Fire and Rescue were already on scene. 

Operator had launched the vessel while his friend went to park the vehicle and boat trailer. Friend then heard a splash and saw that Operator had fallen overboard. Operator then attempted to get back into the vessel but was not able to, Friend then told Operator to swim towards shore. 

Operator then told Friend that he did not think he could make it, at this point the vessel and Operator had drifted about 50 feet from the boat ramp. Friend then called 911, Subject arrived at the ramp and decided to swim out to Operator. 

Operator was somewhat responsive when Subject made contact with Operator. Friend and another individual tied a rope to a life jacket and threw it to Subject when she got close to the boat dock and pulled Subject and Operator to shore. Fire and Rescue then began CPR on Subject but was not able to revive.


BARDID: VA-2021-0005
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-02-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:58:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Exmore/Morely's Warf
County: Accomack
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
2/26/2021 Sailing Vessel PANASEA departed from Solomon MD heading to Deltaville VA.  2/27/2021 Vessel with one person on board was reported overdue.  Coast Guard helo located person in the water alongside the vessel.  Coast Guard helo recovered victim from the water and transported to Norfolk Sentara Hospital. Victim was pronounced dead on 2/27/2021 at 1317.


BARDID: VA-2021-0006
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-03-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:15:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Appomattox River
NearestCityorTown: Hopewell City Marina
County: Hopewell
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
While kayaking on the Appomattox River by the Hopewell City Marina, subject fell out of his kayak and drowned.


BARDID: VA-2021-0007
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-03-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:44:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Claytor Lake
NearestCityorTown: Newbern, Dehaven Boat Ramp
County: Pulaski
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Two boats collided causing significant boat damage, throwing both operators out of the boat and both drowned.


BARDID: VA-2021-0008
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-03-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Indian Point Marina
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR 1 purchased the vessel (VA7416YY) from FORMER OWNER on 3/12/2021 for $5,000. He paid $4,000 down and on 3/13/2021 he paid the final $1,000 on the vessel. OPERATOR 1 stated that there were no known defects with the boat when purchased. Also, he stated that FORMER OWNER verbally stated that there was active insurance on the vessel, which would carry over until the final paperwork for the transfer of ownership was approved through DWR. 
After completing the final payment, OPERATOR 1 and all other victims boarded the vessel and traveled to Indian Point Marina to fill the vessel up with fuel. Once full of fuel, OPERATOR 1 attempted to start the engine and the engine idled for a short time before cutting back off. The party pushed the boat away from the dock, assuming that it would start on the second attempt and when OPERATOR 1 turned the key again the explosion took place. 
After the explosion, OPERATOR 1 (Operator/ Owner), who was located near the steering wheel, was knocked down into the floor of the vessel and subsequently jumped into the water toward the shoreline. Passenger 1 who was located along the bow of the vessel, was shocked by the explosion, grabbed Passenger 2 and the pair jumped into the water toward shore due to the size of the active flame. Passenger 3, who was located approximately 2 feet from the engine compartment at the time of the explosion was propelled into the cabin of the vessel and subsequently into the water. Passenger 4 and Passenger 5 who were located in the cabin of the vessel jumped into the water after the explosion and attempted to swim toward the shoreline. Passenger 3 assisted all victims onto the shore and away from the actively burning vessel. The party then went to the Westlake Waterfront Inn for help and a tenant of the Hotel notified Franklin County Sheriff's Department.


BARDID: VA-2021-0010
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-04-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:16:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
County: Spotsylvania
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat 1 was underway on Lake Anna in Spotsylvania County. The operator of Boat one was looking at his depth finder not paying attention to where he was going. The bow/port side of the boat struck a two to three-foot embankment. The passenger, who was sitting down, went forward at impact striking his head on the portable live well.  The portable live well struck the base of the steering column and then went forward toward the impact site.  The passenger sustained a laceration above the eye and was transported to Spotsylvania Hospital.


BARDID: VA-2021-0011
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-04-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Mitchell's Point Marina
County: Bedford
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
The vessel drifted into rip rap with four people on board. Once the vessel was on the rip rap OPERATOR 1 turned the engine on and attempted to drive off of the rip rap. When OPERATOR 1 accelerated the lower unit to the engine was severely damaged.


BARDID: VA-2021-0012
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-04-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Gordon Creek
NearestCityorTown: Chickahominy Riverfront Park
County: James City County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 17th, 2021, at approximately 0705 hours, the owner of vessel 2 was launching from the boat ramp at Chickahominy Riverfront Park. As he was backing the vessel into the water the vessel came free from the trailer and traveled backward in the water toward vessel 1. The owner of vessel 2 had a friend on the dock with dock lines that were tied to the vessel while he was launching it. The friend could not stop the vessel, once it came off the trailer, in time to keep it from striking vessel 1. The motor on vessel 2 was raised fully at the time of the collision and was not running. Vessel 2 had a stainless-steel prop on its motor which is what struck vessel 1. There were 4 prominent scratches/gouges on the starboard stern of vessel 1 caused by the prop striking it. The one main gouge was approximately 3 inches in length, approximately 2 inches wide, and was down to the main fiberglass of the vessel through the gel coat. This gouge was below the waterline on vessel 1. Just prior to the collision, the operator of vessel 1 had traveled under trolling motor power from the pier on the left side of the ramp (facing the water) and was getting ready to tie off on the outside leg of the pier to the right side of the ramp. The operator of vessel 1 stated that he had just launched his vessel and was attempting to tie off his vessel when the collision happened. There were no injuries during the collision and the only damage was sustained to vessel 1.


BARDID: VA-2021-0013
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-04-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Willoughby Boat Ramp
County: Norfolk
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
While underway in the Chesapeake Bay the vessel became stuck on a sandbar, causing it to lose headway. A strong N/W wind and a rough choppy sea state caused waves to crash over the gunwale of the vessel and rapidly fill it with water. The battery compartment was flooded and they were unable to restart the engine. The occupants jumped into the waist deep water and were able to free the vessel from the sandbar and walk it to the beach directly behind 1546 Lea View Avenue.


BARDID: VA-2021-0014
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Scruggs Boat Ramp
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Two individuals on a PWC were towing three individuals on a inter-tube. The operator made a sharp turn within a cove, hit a wake then straighten back up. The inter-tube continued turning striking a fixed dock, sending the three individuals onto the fixed dock. No major injuries occurred. The three individuals the went to Franklin Memorial to get injuries checked.


BARDID: VA-2021-0015
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-02 00:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Two Rivers Marina
County: James City County
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Owner/Operator departed Grey's Creek Marina at approximately 1738 5/2/21 Vessel was found with both engines down and motor was running, controls were in neutral and vessel was aground close to Two Rivers Marina at approximately 1040 5/3/21.  Owner/Operator found on 5/6/21 on shoreline of James River deceased.


BARDID: VA-2021-0016
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:04:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Elizabeth River
County: Chesapeake
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with commercial vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
At 2104 Vessel # 1 (19' Carolina Skiff) was traveling south on the Elizabeth River near the Jordan Bridge and struck Vessel # 2 (59' Tug Boat) , head on, as it was traveling north. 1 fatality (36 yo M), 1 severe head trauma (8 yo M) which later became a fatality, and 1 concussion (27 yo M).

According to the Coast Guard, v1 crossed from port to starboard off the tug's bow.  V1 was in a wide turn and did not straighten out.  It collided with v2's starboard bow.  One person was ejected onto the tug's deck.  The operator of v1 and 8-year old occupant were both pushed under the front of v1.


BARDID: VA-2021-0017
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:54:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
County: Hampton
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The jet skis were traveling in close proximity of each other. The jet ski in the front turned to the port not knowing the other jet ski was that close. The second jet ski struck the first jet ski on the port side causing significant damage. Total Loss


BARDID: VA-2021-0018
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:09:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Claytor Lake
NearestCityorTown: Rock House Marina
County: Pulaski
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat #1 was leaving dock backing up.  A passenger on Boat #1 exclaimed something and the operator immediately pushed the throttle from reverse to forward, riding up a small dock into the side of a parked pontoon boat (Boat #2) which was unoccupied.  No Injuries on Boat #1.


BARDID: VA-2021-0019
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Moneta
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
JET SKI WAS UNDER WAY AND STRUCK THE BOW OF A STOPPED MALIBU BOAT, CAUSED PUNCTURE NEAR THE STERN OF THE PWC, CAUSING THE PWC TO SINK.


BARDID: VA-2021-0020
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lafayette River
NearestCityorTown: Norfolk Yacht Club
County: Norfolk
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1 was towing three (3) persons on a tube. As vessel #1 made a hard left turn, the tube whipped shore ward and struck a pole that was near a private dock.


BARDID: VA-2021-0021
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:34:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: New River
NearestCityorTown: Whitethorne Boat Ramp
County: Montgomery
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Both subjects flipped out of the 16 ft canoe in the rapids. The owner of the canoe located a PFD while in the water and was able to put it on. The other subject was attempting to swim to a type IV PFD and was swept underwater.  He did not resurface from the water until 5 minutes later when operator found his body and pulled him up.


BARDID: VA-2021-0022
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Captain's Quarters
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat with four individuals was towing a tube with four individuals. Vessel made a turn and hit their own wake, causing the raft to flip. The four individuals were then ejected from the raft. Two injuries occurred, one individual with fractured ribs and another individual with a fractured wrist, fractured pelvic and punctured bladder.


BARDID: VA-2021-0023
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Christopher Run Campground
County: Louisa County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Two people moored their PWC on Lake Anna near Christopher Run Campground to ride on another boat with friends. When they returned to their PWC it was half way sunk with its bow standing out of the water. When removed they noticed a large crack and gouge in the fiberglass on the stern of their PWC. There are no witnesses to the incident and no known suspects at this time for the striking vessel - no information on vessel 2 - hit and run.

There is heavy damage to the rear of the PWC that will likely be determined a total loss of the vessel.


BARDID: VA-2021-0024
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:47:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Baylor's Pond
NearestCityorTown: June Parker Marina
County: Essex
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
A passenger in the canoe explained that his friend stood up in the canoe to get more comfortable. After standing up the canoe rocked and the victim fell out of the canoe into the water. 

The victim immediately went under the water and then resurfaced. The passenger in the canoe told the victim to swim and put his fishing pole out for the victim to grab onto.  

According to the passenger he threw out a lasso and that didn't work either and the victim went back under the water. The passenger was sitting in the front of the canoe and facing forward and the victim had been sitting behind the passenger in the canoe when the incident occurred.


BARDID: VA-2021-0025
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Shenandoah River, South Fork
County: Page County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 8, 2021 at approximately 1250 hrs, operator, her boyfriend, and their border collie mix were paddling down the South Fork of the Shenandoah River in Page County. 

They were in a 17 ft canoe rented from Downriver Canoe company of Bentonville, VA. The pair had been dropped off by the canoe company and entered the river near MM 21 about 10 minutes prior to this incident. The pair had to get out and drag the canoe over and around rocks due to low water. They were wearing their PFDs when they left the shore but took them off before the incident occurred. 

While they were paddling, the dog was hyper and trying to bite the water. This caused Operator to hold the dog while she sat in the stern of the canoe. Occupant was left to paddle the canoe from the bow and was unable to keep it from going sideways down the river. While floating downstream sideways, they struck a large rock that was sticking out of the water. 

This caused the starboard side of canoe to ride up on the rock and take on water over the port side. It did not capsize at that moment but Operator got out of the canoe and immediately after cut her left knee on something under the water as the canoe turned over. 

She was in about 2 feet of fast moving water at this time. They walked to shore and were helped by another group of paddlers in canoe rentals from the Downriver Canoe Company. Occupant stubbed his toe on something during this incident but was not treated by medical staff. 

No one else was involved or injured. Neither party had any prior experience on paddle craft. The canoe involved was recovered by the Downriver Canoe Company with minor damage to the gunwales.


BARDID: VA-2021-0026
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Aquia Creek
NearestCityorTown: Town of Occoquan
County: Prince William County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 13th, 2021 there was an operator and one passenger leaving a dock on the Occoquan River. As the operator was leaving, the passenger on the vessel was trying to help the operator leave the dock, in which the passenger was standing at the stern, on the swim platform. As the vessel backed out, there were three other vessels on lifts near by. 

A video was reviewed and one could see where the vessel on the last lift moved, when the other vessel got near it. The passenger noted that he was pinned in between both vessels, at that time. The passenger indicated that since he was pinned in between the vessels, he believed that the two vessels did not impact one another. 

The passenger was visibly injured but refused medical attention, while on scene. The operator noted wind as being a factor and the location of where he docked his boat. Therefore, from the initial investigation, the incident did not meet the criteria of a reportable boat incident because the passenger did not seek medical attention beyond first aid and there were no damages observed which appeared to be above $2,000. 

Later, in July, we were able to follow up with the passenger, in which the passenger noted going to the hospital on the night of the incident (in which DWR nor Coast Guard personnel were made aware of by the operator). The passenger noted that the incident resulted in broken and bruised ribs. Following the incident, there were no estimates provided to DWR that indicated any damage to any vessel, greater than $2,000. However, the incident met the criteria for a reportable incident, after following up with the passenger because there were injuries beyond first aid.


BARDID: VA-2021-0027
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-06-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:12:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rappahannock River
NearestCityorTown: Garrets Marina Boat Ramp
County: Essex
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/15/2021, in the Rappahannock River I responded to a vessel overturned with two people in the water. The passenger was at the bow of the vessel with the anchor. 

When Operator brought the vessel down a wave came over the bow and swamped the vessel. The vessel started to sink and both occupants had to abandon the vessel. Both occupants were wearing their life jackets when the Middlesex Sheriff's Office got them out of the water. The vessel sank and has not been located at this time. Operator received what appeared to be chemical burns to his lower back and to the back of both legs. Operator was air lifted to MCV VCU Hospital for treatment. Operator was released on 6/17/2021 from the Hospital and returned home.


BARDID: VA-2021-0028
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:53:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Mineral
County: Louisa
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 2 (Pontoon Boat) was underway on the private side of Lake Anna, Louisa County. 

 Vessel 1 (PWC) was underway on the starboard side of Vessel 2.  Vessel 1 went around the bow of Vessel 2 and continued along the port side of Vessel 2.  

Vessel 1 turned and struck the rear port side of Vessel 2.  Operator of Vessel 1 was ejected from the PWC and made contact with Vessel 2.  Operator then went into the water. 

Operator of Vessel 1 was not wearing a PFD, and sustained injuries to his right knee and right portion of hip & chest.  Vessel 2 received damage to the port side pontoon and deck.


BARDID: VA-2021-0029
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:55:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Stony Creek
NearestCityorTown: Stony Creek
County: Sussex
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Overloading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/19/2021 at around 12 noon, OPERATOR 1 + 2 passengers got into a 12' Jon Boat and started fishing. They put their boat in around 12 noon on Stony Creek off of the Nottoway river in Stony Creek Virginia. Passenger stated that almost as soon as they started paddling up the river, the boat started to take on water. When the boat got too much water in it, the three of them fell out into the River. Passenger 1 was able to recover Passenger 2 and bring him to shore, but said he saw Operator 1 head under water and was unable to locate him after that. The water in that particular part of the river is between 10-12 feet deep. Operator 1 body was recovered by the Chesterfield Dive Team.


BARDID: VA-2021-0030
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Waterwheel Marina
County: Bedford
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat was being loaded into the slip and the operator gave it some throttle because the prop was hung on the boat lift a wake then came from the stern of the boat. 

The prop let free and the boat went in forward motion completely under the dock walkway at the bow of the boat pushing the boat completely under the fixed walkway. Total Loss of Vessel


BARDID: VA-2021-0031
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:52:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Claytor Lake
NearestCityorTown: Claytor Lake State Park Ramp
County: Pulaski
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat #1 leaving dock, struck Boat #2 which was unoccupied and tied to a docking slip.  

Boat #2 was struck in the motor and pushed the vessel into the dock, creating damage to bow, port rear and motor area.


BARDID: VA-2021-0032
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Buggs Island Lake
NearestCityorTown: Clarksville
County: Mecklenburg
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
As a pontoon boat was in the process of docking a juvenile jumped out the side gate into the water without the operators knowledge. The boat did not have a good approach so the operator had to put the boat in reverse and back up to re-approach the dock. While backing up the boats motor and propeller struck the juvenile in the water. Juvenile suffered lacerations to both lower legs.


BARDID: VA-2021-0033
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Dudley Amos Boat Ramp
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Based on witness statements, operator statements and damage assessment I determined that vessel 1 and vessel 2 were traveling in the same direction at the time of the collision. 

Vessel 1 had initially passed vessel 2 going the opposite direction and turned toward the stern of vessel 2 as it turned around. 

Vessel 1 was traveling at a higher rate of speed and began to overtake vessel 2 but struck the port side of vessel 2 causing the fiberglass to fracture and then compress and separate along the rubrail extending to the stern of vessel 2. The operator of vessel 1 was thrown from his vessel and suffered no injuries.


BARDID: VA-2021-0034
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Captain's Quarters
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/26/2021 Operator1 was operating a motor boat on Smith Mountain Lake near the Hardy area around 2350. Operator1 was the only person on his boat when he stuck a unmanned PWC.

Operator1 was operating around 20 mph when he noticed a PWC in the water but was too close to avoid hitting the PWC. Operator1s boat struck the PWC on the right side near the back of the seat and ramped the entire PWC. Operator1 turned around and went back and looked for people in the water but could not locate anyone. Operator1 then returned to put his boat on the trailer to look for damage.

The PWC was adrift and not in operation - it had gotten loose from its mooring.


BARDID: VA-2021-0035
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:23:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Elkhorn Lake
NearestCityorTown: Chatham, VA
County: Pittsylvania County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/3/2021, Operator1 and friend were fishing at Elkhorn Lake in Pittsylvania County Virginia. While fishing Operator1's boat seat broke, they went back to Friend's boat, Operator1 obtained a different boat seat with 4 legs. Operator1 was unable to secure the seat to the boat. 

While fishing a witness stated, Operator1 appeared to be turning around to turn on the trolling motor when Operator1 fell into the water. Operator1 went under water, Friend started yelling for help and stuck a fishing pole into the water for Operator1. Operator1 reappeared at the surface face down in the water, then went back under water. A third boat appeared to assist, two individuals jumped into the water to retrieve Operator1. One of the individuals was able to get Operator1 and bring him back to the surface. Operator1 was taken to shore where CPR was performed until Chatham Rescue arrived. Operator1 did not know how to swim and no PFD's were on board the vessel.


BARDID: VA-2021-0037
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: New River
NearestCityorTown: Whitethorne
County: Pulaski County
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was fishing along river left in a kayak. His wife was paddling down stream ahead of him. She noticed him fish and continued down stream through the rapids with her friend. Both were on river right when they went through the rapids. After coming through the rapids  she met up with her friend and was waiting for Victim to come down the rapids. They both heard a yell and was unable to see Victim. She paddled back up river to find Victim. She yelled for him and continued to look for him. When she was unable to locate him she called for help.  Deceased was recovered from the water on 7/4/2021 after extensive search.


BARDID: VA-2021-0038
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Lake Anna Marina
County: Spotsylvania County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
PWC 2 was actively towing a tube with two occupants. At the time of the collision boat 2 was intentionally slinging the tube around from behind it in a attempt to eject its passengers. 

While the tube was swinging out from behind PWC 2, PWC 1 was coming up on plane and failed to see the tube in front of it. 

PWC 1 struck the rear of the tube and the two passengers on board the tube. Both passengers were thrown from the tube and all involved vessels came to a stop.


BARDID: VA-2021-0039
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Hull Creek
NearestCityorTown: Heathsville Community Ramp
County: Northumberland
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of the personal water craft was traveling through the narrow channel entrance of Hull Creek towing a recreational water-sports tube with x2 people on board.  As the personal water craft and tube passed between an anchored boat and a pier, the tube struck the pier piling, injuring one of the two passengers.  The other passenger jumped off of the tube before contact. The injured passenger was transported to the hospital via EMS.


BARDID: VA-2021-0040
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Moorman's Marina
County: Bedford County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The patient was being towed on an inflatable tube with two other individuals. While being towed, victim hit her head on the chest of occupant and immediately lost consciousness. She remained in and out of consciousness throughout treatment and transport to the hospital. She was later diagnosed with a severe concussion.


BARDID: VA-2021-0041
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Highpoint Marina
County: Spotsylvania County
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 3, 2021 at approximately 2200 hours a boat, driven by operator, was leaving the fireworks. The boat hit a large wake causing a juvenile to fall down and hurt her back. She was transported to Spotsylvania Regional Hospital after a confrontation between the parties at the Highpoint Marina Boat Ramp.


BARDID: VA-2021-0042
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Gaston
NearestCityorTown: Pea Hill Boat Ramp
County: Brunswick County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
A 2004 Hurricane deck boat ran into the side of a dock in Pea Hill Creek on Lake Gaston. The Hurricane entered the north side of the dock and ramped a pontoon boat that was on a boat lift. The Hurricane backed out of the dock and left the area.


BARDID: VA-2021-0043
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Salt Ponds Marina
County: Hampton
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel was underway when it began taking on water.  Hole in port side of hull discovered as vessel submerged.  Approximately $5000.00 damage.  
Fiberglass separated due to structural issues.


BARDID: VA-2021-0044
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Bayside Marina
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Injured 1 was seated in the front left of a deck boat when the boat struck a large wake generated by a turning PWC. Injured 1 came out of her seat when the wake was struck and suffered compression fractures to two vertebrae when landing back in the seat.


BARDID: VA-2021-0045
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:46:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Dutch Gap
County: Chesterfield County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
PWC AND BASS BOAT NAVIGATING TOWARD EACH OTHER ON OPPOSITE SIDE'S OF RIVER CHANNEL AT LAST MOMENT PWC VEERED INTO THE BATH OF THE BASS BOAT.  ACCIDENT RESULTED IN MAJOR INJURY TO OPERATOR OF THE PWC.


BARDID: VA-2021-0046
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Willoughby Spit Boat Ramp
County: City of Norfolk
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 advised that he and Operator2 were alone on their respective PWC's traveling side by side at approximately 45 mph. Operator2 was about 10ft to Operator1's port side and approximately 20 ft ahead of him. Operator1 stated that Operator2 made a sudden hard left turn and was thrown off the rear of his PWC into the path of Operator1's vessel. Operator1 advised he was unable to avoid Operator2 and ran over him. Operator2 was recovered from the water unconscious and bleeding from a head injury.


BARDID: VA-2021-0047
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Crab Creek Boat Ramp
County: Virginia Beach
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Both occupants of the capsized vessel were fishing (anchored from the bow) on the south west corner of the 2nd Island of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel when a large container or military type ship transited the Thimble Shoals Channel. 

As that larger vessel crossed over the tunnel, it let off a considerable sized wake. The wake approached the anchored vessel from the stern, and neither occupant was aware of the wake approaching. The wake was high enough to crash over the stern of the vessel, flooding the boat. 

The bilge pump kicked on, but it was unable to eliminate enough water in time as successive wakes (approximately 3) continued to flood the bilge and stern. The fishing vessel turned upside down and capsized from the amount of water in it, both occupants went into the water. 

The victims were located sitting on the rocks of the 2nd Island, and the boat was capsized and upside down at water level against the rocks. Neither occupant was injured, and the only part of the fishing vessel above water level was part of the bow hull and bow eye. 

The victims were removed from the rocks via my police vessel, and we assisted Sea Tow in righting the capsized boat and towing it to Cove Marina in Little Creek. The boat hull appears intact, but the motor and all the electrical components were compromised.


BARDID: VA-2021-0048
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Christopher Run Campground
County: Spotsylvania County
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of PWC struck a wake that caused his face to collide with handlebars, causing injury to lower lip, teeth, and right cheek.  Operator was thrown from PWC and was recovered from the water by a passer-by and was discovered floating face up while wearing his PFD. 

Injuries sustained appeared to be lower front teeth cut through interior to exterior lower lip, 5-6 lower teeth veneers were missing and front lower teeth loosened, cut to right cheek, approximately 6"-7" inch vertical scuff scratch to middle chest, and bruise to top of right foot. 

 Victim was accompanied by his girlfriend, who operated a second PWC and transported victim to the Lake Anna State Park dock, due to they had parked their vehicle and watercraft trailer there.  Victim's PWC was voluntarily transported back to Lake Anna State Park by a passer-by/witness.  Victim was advised to seek medical treatment, but denied needing medical treatment or having EMS respond and stated he would seek medical treatment later on his own if he changed his mind.


BARDID: VA-2021-0049
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Claytor Lake
NearestCityorTown: Rock House Marina Boat Ramp
County: Pulaski
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
PWC towing 2 persons on tube in Pulaski County on Claytor Lake.  When the watercraft made a sweeping 180 degree turn, the tube and riders were directed into a dock.  Causing injury to both people on the tube and damage to the dock.


BARDID: VA-2021-0050
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:04:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Louisa
County: Louisa
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel one was underway while towing two individuals on a raft.  The operator made an abrupt U-turn to retrieve a hat that had blown out of the boat.  Once the U-turn was made, the momentum forced the raft to swing wide striking a boat dock in it's path. Two individuals sustained injuries causing them to go to the hospital.


BARDID: VA-2021-0051
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Ft. Monroe
County: Hampton
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with commercial vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #2 was underway not making way in the Chesapeake Bay, when it was struck in the stern/port quarter by vessel #1.  Vessel #1 then continued it's North-Easterly tract, leaving the scene of the collision.


BARDID: VA-2021-0052
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:06:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Anthony Ford Boat Landing
County: Pittsylvania County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The victim was the passenger on vessel 1. The vessel hit a wake causing the operator and victim to fall from the PWC. The victim hit her lower back/hip area on the PWC when falling resulting in a fractured pelvis.


BARDID: VA-2021-0053
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Onancock Creek
NearestCityorTown: Onancock Wharf and marina
County: Onancock
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating vessel headed into Onancock Creek. Operator1 stated that he attempted to maneuver around a crab pot and lost his grip on the tiller handle, causing the vessel to increase turn angle and ejecting Operator1. 

Operator1 was not wearing an engine cutoff lanyard and throttle grip friction adjuster was set at a high friction level, causing vessel to maintain continuous throttle. Operator1's mother was also on board and attempted to retain control of the vessel but could not shut off engine. The vessel continued circling and the propeller of motor struck Operator1 across the outside of his right foot. 

Mother was able to shut off motor and Operator1 recovered himself onto vessel and was towed in by following vessel operated by step father. Operator1 was transported to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital and treated for minor lacerations to right foot.


BARDID: VA-2021-0054
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Elizabeth River
NearestCityorTown: Haven Creek Boat Ramp
County: Norfolk
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator states that they were underway, on plane, when they heard a big bang and saw fiberglass and foam come out from the bottom of the boat.  The hull was rotten from the inside and failed.  Approximately $7500 damage.


BARDID: VA-2021-0057
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:16:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Gaston
NearestCityorTown: Holly Grove Boat Ramp
County: Mecklenburg County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat 1 was traveling approximately 15 mph, Plowing water with a raised Bow, while towing two towable tubes. Boat 1 operator did not keep a proper lookout and did not see Boat 2.

 Boat 2 was stopped with Engine off preparing to anchor to go swimming when Boat 1 struck Boat 2 at approximately a 45 degree angle on the rear of the Boat 2's port side which resulted in damage to both boats. No personal Injuries. Boat 1 was found to be the at fault vessel.


BARDID: VA-2021-0058
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Scotsville
County: Albemarle County
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel was on plane when it struck and underwater object (Tree/Rock).  Initial impact was transom side of center, from there the object also struck the skeg of the motor breaking fiberglass and metal around the motor at the transom.


BARDID: VA-2021-0059
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Back River
NearestCityorTown: Poquoson
County: Poquoson City
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator tried to retrieve a line that was hanging off the port side of the boat; he slipped and fell overboard (port side). The vessel then made a sharp turn to starboard ejecting the passenger from his seated position on the bow cap. Both swam to shore and were recovered by a Good Samaritan. The vessel continued traveling unmanned for over a mile until it struck a private dock.


BARDID: VA-2021-0060
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Peterson's Yacht Basin
County: Newport News
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
A body was found along the rip-rap, near Anderson Park, by two persons walking along the MMBT overlook picnic area. The overturned vessel was found on the Hampton Bar with no apparent cause or witnesses to the accident. A USCG approved PFD was found near the body, along with a Type IV throwable.


BARDID: VA-2021-0061
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Blue Ridge Shores/Lake Louisa
NearestCityorTown: Mineral, VA
County: Louisa County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat 2 was attempting to maneuver away from dock after picking up occupant. Operator throttled boat forward and struck neighboring property dock. Free hanging boat (boat 1) inside dock slip swayed from impact, causing damage to boat and boat house.


BARDID: VA-2021-0062
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Dutch Gap
County: Chesterfield County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
BOAT WAS TRAVELING DOWN RIVER, THE OPERATOR SAID THAT HE MAY HAVE TAKEN HIS HANDS OFF OF THE WHEEL MOMENTARILY WHICH RESULTED IN THE VESSEL PULLING TO THE RIGHT.  OPERATOR TRIED TO CORRECT AND GAIN CONTROL.  HE STATED HE LOOKED OVER AND HIS PASSENGER WAS GONE.


BARDID: VA-2021-0063
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: New River
NearestCityorTown: Glen Lyn/Shumate Falls
County: Giles County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
A Kayak was located upside down anchored with the paddle on top. The caller stated he spoke with the victim approximately 30 minutes prior. The victim was located downstream approximately 3/4 of mile deceased on top of the water wearing a PFD.


BARDID: VA-2021-0064
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Hungars Creek
County: Northampton
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR MISJUDGED CHANNEL JUST OUTSIDE OF HUNGARS CREEK AND STRUCK A SANDBAR CAUSING HIS MOTHER, INJURED, TO FALL INSIDE THE BOAT. INJURED HAD A CONTUSION TO HER RIGHT ARM AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO RIVERSIDE SHORE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. INJURED WAS RELEASED THAT NIGHT AFTER XRAYS.


BARDID: VA-2021-0065
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:09:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Hales Ford Boat Ramp
County: Bedford County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 08/15/2021 at approximately 1509 hours I responded to Crystal Shores Marina in reference to a boat accident. Upon investigation it was found a vessel was operating nearly on plane when an individual walked out onto the front swim platform of the pontoon boat. The vessel struck a wake causing the individual to fall into the water and get sucked underneath the vessel between the two pontoons. The individual's lower left leg struck the propeller causing a deep gash.

The operator was found not to be under the influence of alcohol and was issued two summonses. One for riding decks and gunwales and another summons for not having taking the appropriate boater education course. 

The victim was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident and was taken to Roanoke Memorial Hospital.


BARDID: VA-2021-0066
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:56:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Parkway Marina
County: Bedford County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 08/14/2021 at approximately 1356 hours a house boat was a drift near the no wake zone at Mitchell's Point Marina when an individual jumped from the top level to the bottom level. The individual was descending the ladder and jumped. During the jump the individual's wedding ring got stuck on the ladder and severed when he landed. The individual severed his left ring finger.


BARDID: VA-2021-0067
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Mineral
County: Louisa
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat one (1999 20' Pontoon Boat) was traveling down lake just past Holladay Bridge.  Fog conditions were bad and made visibility poor.  Boat one struck Boat two (2008 23' Pontoon Boat) on back of motor.  115 HP Yamaha outboard motor belonging to boat two was damaged.  Boat one received a dent to the middle pontoon where the bow eye is located. Boat two was towed from the scene due to it being disabled from the incident.


BARDID: VA-2021-0068
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Claytor Lake
NearestCityorTown: Dehaven Park Boat Ramp
County: Pulaski
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
THE BOAT OPERATOR WAS TRAVELING DOWN PEAK CREEK TOWARD THE MAIN BODY OF THE LAKE WHEN HE HIT A SUBMERGED WOODEN OBJECT CAUSING THE BOAT TO COME TO A SUDDEN STOP. THERE WERE TWO OCCUPANTS IN THE BOAT AND NEITHER OF THEM GOT EJECTED FROM THE BOAT. STRIKING THE OBJECT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE TRANSOM ON BOTH SIDES OF WHERE THE MOTOR IS ATTACHED AND KNOCKED THE BOAT MOTOR COWL OFF. THE COWL HIT THE STARBOARD SIDE OF THE BOAT CAUSING A BLEMISH WHERE IT IMPACTED. THE OCCUPANTS WERE ABLE TAKE IT BACK TO THE MARINA AND COMPLAINED OF LOWER BACK PAIN AND REFUSED MEDICAL ATTENTION ON SITE.


BARDID: VA-2021-0069
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Crazy Horse Marina
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat one had 3 occupants on the boat and was towing 3 occupants on a inter-tube. Inter-tube flipped causing the 3 occupants to fall on each other, causing injury to one occupant on the inter-tube. Injured occupant complained about neck and head injury. Injured occupant went to Franklin Memorial Hospital by EMS to have injuries looked at.


BARDID: VA-2021-0070
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-08-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:44:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Duke's Creek Marina
County: Spotsylvania County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Overloading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 21, 2021 at approximately 1430 operator was pulling a juvenile on a wakeboard.  The boat was rated for 9 maximum capacity and they had 11 people on board sitting in the front.  The boat began to hit large wakes and took on water at the bow.  The boat then began to roll to its port side before turning completely over.


BARDID: VA-2021-0071
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Moneta
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat 1 was fishing near an island on Smith Mountain Lake. Boat 2 was traveling near island. Boat 2 approached boat 1, boat 1 noticed boat 2 was not slowing down, boat 1 shined boat 2 with flashlight. Boat 2 put throttle in neutral and hit boat 1 in the stern. Causing damage to boat 1 motor.


BARDID: VA-2021-0072
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Buggs Island Lake
NearestCityorTown: Clarksville/Bluestone Boat Ram
County: Mecklenburg
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR WAS TRAVELING ON PLANE AND WAS NOT PAYING ADEQUATE ATTENTION TO THE DIRECTION THE VESSEL WAS TRAVELING. THE VESSEL TURNED LEFT WITHOUT THE OPERATOR REALIZING THE CHANGE IN DIRECTION. THE VESSEL STRUCK THE SHORE AND STOPPED ONCE THE VESSEL WAS COMPLETELY OUT OF THE WATER.


BARDID: VA-2021-0073
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Stutts Creek
County: Mathews
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentCause2: Failure to vent
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was attempting to jump start the boat. The batteries were located in the bilge of the boat. A spark ignited fumes in the bilge causing an explosion. Operator was blown off the boat. Operator was transported to VCU medical. The boat is presumed to be a total loss.


BARDID: VA-2021-0074
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Penhook Boat Ramp
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Two jet Skis were in a cove in Franklin County one jet ski ramped over the other, causing injury to one of the operators


BARDID: VA-2021-0075
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Wicomico Church
County: Northumberland
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 2, 2021 at approximately 1450, MPO was contacted by First Sergeant that there was an overdue boater off of Dividing Creek in the Chesapeake Bay.  The marine weather forecast was north winds 15-20 knots waves two to three feet.   At approximately 1620, MPO and First Sergeant made contact with the overdue boater’s son.  He was underway with his neighbor on his vessel searching for his father who is overdue.  After making contact, MPO and First Sergeant followed him and his neighbor to make contact with the overdue vessel.  The vessel was a 225CC Key West.  He stated they found the vessel drifting off of Indian Creek and he went aboard the vessel to put the anchor over. The vessel was found with motor tilted up and ignition in off position, along with swim ladder in the water.   There was a crab pot line wound around the prop.  A shirt, shoes, wallet and cell phone was on the vessel. He stated his father was wearing khaki or camouflage shorts.  It appears he left the vessel in an attempt to remove the crab pot line from the prop in heavy seas.


BARDID: VA-2021-0076
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-09-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Holiday
NearestCityorTown: Lake Holiday Marina
County: Frederick County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
While going in a straight direction at about 40 miles per hour the boat abruptly turned hard to port, ejecting both the operator and his passenger.  The operator had the steering wheel in his hands when the boat turned to the left but the steering wheel never turned when the boat made the hard turn to port.


BARDID: VA-2021-0077
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-09-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Hampton River
NearestCityorTown: sunset creek ramp
County: Hampton
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL #1 WAS MOORED.  VESSEL #2 WAS ATTEMPTING TO DOCK WHEN IT LOST MOTOR POWER AND WAS BLOWN INTO VESSEL #1


BARDID: VA-2021-0078
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-09-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Occoquan Bay
NearestCityorTown: Tyme N' Tide Marina
County: Prince William
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 18th, 2021 a constituent reported to Virginia Department of Wildlife Resource police officers that they were operating on plane, around 45 miles per hour, traveling in a shallower area, in Occoquan Bay. The owner/operator noted hearing a pop, rather than feeling an impact, when shortly after, the operator observed the motor get tilted up. The operator believed that they hit a log or some other submerged object, while traveling on plane. The operator also indicated that at the time of the incident, they were operating in about 9 feet of water. The operator noted that when the motor tilted up, they subsequently turned off the motor using the key, to try to prevent further damage. The operator informed that their 200-horsepower four stroke Mercury motor, was newer and estimated $17,000 in damage. Per the constituent, visibility was clear and the constituent did not note weather conditions, water conditions, or other vessels being a factor at the time of the incident.


BARDID: VA-2021-0079
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-09-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:06:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Dutch Gap
County: Chesterfield
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Two persons on Personal Watercraft (PWC) travelling on James River in the vicinity of Dutch Gap.  Operator made slight left turn causing the rear passenger to be ejected from the vessel. Passenger broke femur and injuried hip.  Unknown if injury was due to impact with vessel while falling off or impact with water.


BARDID: VA-2021-0080
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-10-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:11:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Buggs lsland Lake
County: Mecklenburg
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Wake boarder was wake surfing behind boat and doing tricks. The wake boarder dislocated his right knee when he hit the water.


BARDID: VA-2021-0081
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-10-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: York River
NearestCityorTown: Gloucester Point
County: Gloucester
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On October 2, 2021, a 33'6'' Grady White was underway in the York River, Gloucester county. At approximately 2245 the vessel was headed northeast into the swash channel and struck a range light at the entrance to the channel. The operator stated he was attempting to travel a previous gps track and could not see out of the windshield well. The vessel sustained heavy damage to the bow above the water line and the bow pulpit was torn off. The range light was destroyed, leaving 2 steel pilings just above the water line. The vessel was able to make it back to shore under it's own power. There were 3 persons on board, the operator who was in the cockpit and 2 passengers in the cabin area. One of the passengers sustained injuries including a cut to the right side forehead (requiring 4 staples), a black right eye, a bit tongue and cuts to the right leg.


BARDID: VA-2021-0082
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-10-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:19:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Norfolk Naval MWR Ramp
County: Norfolk
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The temperature gauge started to read hot. There was a significant amount of steam coming from the engine room door. The vessel lost power and wind and tide pushed it into the rock jetty causing water to enter the vessel from the hull. The vessel was fully submerged in a few minutes.


BARDID: VA-2021-0083
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-10-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Buggs Island Lake
NearestCityorTown: Occoneeche State Park
County: Mecklenburg
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 AND VESSEL 2 WERE IN A CROSSING SITUATION WHERE VESSEL 2 WAS THE GIVE-WAY VESSEL.  VESSEL 2 FAILED TO GIVE WAY AND WAS IN THE PATH OF VESSEL 1.  VESSEL 1 TURNED SHARPLY TO STARBOARD TO AVOID STRIKING VESSEL 2 BUT THE PORT SIDE OF VESSEL 1 COLLIDED WITH THE STARBOARD SIDE OF VESSEL 2 CAUSING DAMAGE TO BOTH VESSELS.


BARDID: VA-2021-0084
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-10-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pamunkey River
NearestCityorTown: Whites Landing
County: New Kent
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator of boat 1, Operator, was driving his boat down the Pamunkey River from Lestor Manor.  In the area of Chestnut Grove, he struck an unknown submerged object.  Operator turned and looked behind him to see what he had struck.  When he looked forward again, he was about 20 feet from a dock.  Operator's boat struck the floating dock.  The bow came out of the water onto the floating dock, ramping the floating dock.  The transom dropped down when the bow rose, allowing water to enter the boat from the stern.  The boat slid back into the water off the floating dock.  Operator exited the boat, onto the dock, as the boat capsized.


BARDID: VA-2021-0085
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-10-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:31:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Blackwater Boat Ramp
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was unloading vessel from the lift to remove the vessel from the water for the winter. When the operator started the vessel it began turning in a circle. The vessel then went under the operators fixed dock and the operator was struck by the dock and knocked out of the vessel. The vessel then continued on, and crashed into the neighbors dock.


BARDID: VA-2021-0086
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-10-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Oyster Inlet
NearestCityorTown: Oyster
County: Northampton
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat 1 departed Oyster Harbor East bound. Boat 2 was returning to Oyster Harbor and was West bound. Boat 1 saw Boat 2 approaching and went to left of the channel and boat 2 kept to the right and maintained speed. Boat 1 turned to get even closer to the left of the channel and boat 2 maneuvered left in an attempt to avoid collision however both vessels collided with the bow of boat 2 coming in contact with the stern of boat 1.


BARDID: VA-2021-0087
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-11-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Gaston
NearestCityorTown: Gasburg
County: Brunswick
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat 1 was traveling South East at approximately 20 MPH when it struck Boat 2 which was stationary and anchored. The operator of Boat 1 stated that the pedestal seat on his front deck obscured his vision and he never saw Boat 2 until seconds before the collision. The operator of Boat 1 made an evasive maneuver at the last second attempting to avoid striking Boat 2 but ultimately struck Boat 2 on the port side of Boat 2's outboard and stern. Boat 1's impact area was on the starboard side of the bow.


BARDID: VA-2021-0088
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-12-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Captain's Quarters
County: Bedford
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
DWR responded to a two boat collision on Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford County, Virginia. Boat one was fishing 100-200 feet from shoreline near a point across from water marker R31. While fishing Boat 1 noticed Boat 2 traveling towards Boat 1's general direction. Boat 1 continued to fish. Boat 1 then noticed Boat 2 was still traveling towards boat 1's direction but was much closer. Boat 1 attempted to go in reverse using a trolling motor, Boat 1 started waving to get Boat 2's attention. Boat 2 hit Boat 1 on the starboard side of the bow and ramped over Boat 1.


BARDID: VA-2021-0089
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-12-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Little Creek
County: Norfolk
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
The vessel was traveling outbound in the Little Creek entrance channel near the end of the West side jetty. The vessel lost power and drifted towards the jetty. The operator of the vessel attempted to keep the vessel from striking the rocks using a boat hook. He slipped off the bow of the vessel and fell overboard. The vessel forced him against the rocks injuring his left side ribs and causing a small laceration to the palm of his right hand.


BARDID: VA-2021-1000
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-24 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Virginia Beach
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
According to a news media report and information from the CG, a vessel carrying one person onboard capsized.  The individual was wearing a life jacket and was recovered.  The vessel allegedly suffered $2k in damages.  There was severe weather at the time of the event.


BARDID: VA-2022-0001
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-01-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:15:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chincoteague Channel
County: Accomack
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
A 16 foot alumimum boat with four persons on board was returning from duck hunting when it took waves over the bow, then stern causing the outboard motor to fail. As it was sinking all four men jumped over the side, two men were able to make it back to the overturned vessel and the other two men were unable to make it back to the vessel due to the current and were last seen drifting north. 

The two survivors were rescued by two good samaritans and transported to Peninsula Regional Hospital in Salisbury MD, both were checked out by doctors, treated for hypothermia and deemed in good health and released to their parents.  


BARDID: VA-2022-0002
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-01-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mill Creek
NearestCityorTown: Old Point Comfort Marina
County: Hampton
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Between 01/13/2022 and 01/27/2022 an unknown vessel struck the starboard quarter of the sailing vessel “Misty Dawn”, which was unoccupied and moored at the t-head slip located at the end of G-Dock, Old Point Comfort Marina, Hampton, VA. No one was on board the vessel during the accident.


BARDID: VA-2022-0003
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-03-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Lake Anna State Park
County: Spotsylvania County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat 1 was fishing in Plentiful Creek, when Boat 2 came directly at it at approximately 30 mph. Boat 2 operator advised that he did not see boat 1, due to sunlight in his eyes. Boat 2 operator turned the steering wheel hard right at the last second, causing the boat to ramp over the stern port side and motor of boat 1. The operator of boat 1 was ejected into the water from the impact. No injuries


BARDID: VA-2022-0004
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-03-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
County: Poquoson
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Owner states that while towing Vessel #1 from Old Point Comfort to Cape Charles he experienced bad weather, his pumps stopped working, and the boat began to sink, and did partially sink approximately four miles off from Poquoson River in the lower Chesapeake Bay.


BARDID: VA-2022-0005
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-03-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Perrin River
NearestCityorTown: Crowne Pointe Marina
County: Gloucester
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was underway powered by motor attempting to dock. Vessel 2 was moored at end of a T dock. During attempt vessel 1's bow was caught by strong winds and forced into the forward port side of vessel 2.


BARDID: VA-2022-0006
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-03-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:10:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Warwick River
NearestCityorTown: Menchville Marina
County: Newport News
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The vessel was underway not making way at the entrance to the Warwick River near green number seven channel marker. The passenger was relieving herself over the port side of the vessel. Upon standing up she fell into the operator, knocking both overboard. Occupant was not seen on the surface after Operator swam back and re-entered the vessel. The body was found the next day washed up.  Weather was a factor as there were strong winds and rough waters.  Alcohol was also a factor as the occupant had been drinking.


BARDID: VA-2022-0008
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-04-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:59:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Wallaces Marine Boat Ramp
County: Hampton
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Weather
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1 was underway when the engines overheated and she began to take on water. The engine compartment flooded causing them to shut down. The vessel partially sank approximately 50 yards behind address. The next morning, April 18, 2022, gale force winds and wave action broke the vessel apart and deposited the debris on the shoreline adjacent the 800 block of N. First St., Hampton, VA.


BARDID: VA-2022-0009
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-03-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:26:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Leesville Lake
NearestCityorTown: Altavista
County: Campbell County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat appears to have been struck while in the dock slip with no occupants. This incident occurred on 3/15/2022 and all information pertaining to this vessel being struck has been provided by the owner. The owner reported this incident occurred on 03/16/2022 and he believed the damages were under 1500.00. When the dealership he purchased the boat from recently reported to the owner that repairs would be around 16000.00, he decided to contact DWR with the information about the incident. The owner does not own a trailer and hired the dealer to remove the vessel from the water only found the extent of damage after it had been trailered. The vessel appears to have been struck in the stern/outboard area cracking the cowling. This impact pushed the vessel forward into the dock damaging the starboard pontoon. This incident occurred while the vessel was docked without any occupants and no witnesses to the incident.


BARDID: VA-2022-0010
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-04-30 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Hunting Run Reservoir
County: Spotsylvania
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
3 occupants took a canoe out on a county reservoir during the early morning hours without any PFD's. An occupant jostled the canoe hard to the starboard side, which allowed water to enter the vessel. The occupants attempted to stabilize the canoe and paddle to shore, but the bow was weighted down from water that previously entered. The canoe bow submerged into the water, allowing water to enter and fully submerge the canoe. The canoe capsized, leaving the occupants treading water away from shore. 2 of the occupants managed to swim to shore, but the third was not able to tread water long enough and drowned. The 3 individuals engaged in consuming alcohol prior to taking the canoe out onto the reservoir and took alcohol with them on the canoe.


BARDID: VA-2022-0011
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-05-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:37:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bealer's Ferry Pond
NearestCityorTown: Luray
County: Page
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Three brothers went out on a canoe on Bealers Ferry Pond, Luray, VA during which the canoe tipped over casting all three occupants, none of whom were wearing life jackets, into the water.  One of the occupants was able to make it to the bank of the pond, but the other two occupants were unable to make it to safety and drowned.


BARDID: VA-2022-0012
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-05-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Great Wicomico River
NearestCityorTown: Jennings Boatyard
County: Northumberland
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was returning to port with crab pots loaded on the bow  which reduced his vision directly ahead of the vessel. At approximately 0905 he collided with a 21ft “gig” style row boat at the mouth of Cockrell Creek and the Little Wicomico River.  He was ejected from his gig into the water and recovered by O1.


BARDID: VA-2022-0013
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-05-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Hampton Wallce's Marina
County: Poquoson
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
vessel 1 was traveling on Poquoson Flats with 3 persons in a raised tower. vessel 1 attempted to turn right causing the vessel to tilt. vessel 1 then capsized to the right.


BARDID: VA-2022-0014
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-05-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Mineral
County: Louisa
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat launched, boat began to take on water, boat attempted to return to boat dock: boat became submerged. 

Cause: mechanical/equipment failure: intake hose detached causing engine compartment to fill with water.


BARDID: VA-2022-0015
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:19:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Diascund Reservior
NearestCityorTown: Lanexa
County: James City County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject was preparing his boat for docking (about 100 yards from the boat ramp) by tying lines to the cleats on the front of his boat and adjusting his trolling motor when he lost his balance and fell overboard.  He was not wearing a PFD and had a recent shoulder surgery, so he struggled to tread water.  He yelled for help and another boat with 2 bystanders came to his rescue.  The good Samaritans were unable to lift Subject into their boat, but were able to call 911 and navigate their boat to the boat ramp with Subject by holding onto his arm.  James City EMS arrived on scene first, assessed Subject under their drowning protocol, and transported him to Riverside Medical Center via helicopter.  Subject had no injuries, but was kept for observation.  There was no damage to Subject's boat.


BARDID: VA-2022-0016
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Deep Bottom Boat Ramp
County: Henrico
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
PWC was purchased a week ago and owner was out for the first time on this PWC. Launched PWC from Deep Bottom boat ramp along with another vessel he owns. Traveled down the James River to the Gravel Pit where he was meeting other people at 2pm. Noticed a small amount of water inside the hull of PWC and drained it. The PWC was used off and on over the next few hours within the gravel pit and when checked by owner was taking on more water. Owner attempted to sure up seal around drive shaft while he had it beached and did not ride it the rest of the afternoon. Around 7pm the owner left the Gravel Pit to head back to Deep Bottom boat ramp, hoping to make it to the ramp before taking in anymore water. After he made it to the split in the river that leads to Deep Bottom the PWC had taken on so much water that it capsized and began to sink around 7:30pm. The owners other boat was following and was able to retrieve the owner from the water. The owner attempted to tow the PWC but was not able to as it had sunk all but the bow. The owner left to drop his family off at the Deep Bottom ramp and was not able to relocate the PWC when he returned as it was dark. Owner contact and reported to Coast Guard.


BARDID: VA-2022-0017
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:38:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Occoquan Bay
NearestCityorTown: Tyme n Tyde Marina
County: Prince William County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 PWC occupied by operator and a child, give way vessel. Vessel 2 motorboat occupied by operator, wife and child, stand-on vessel. The vessels crossed paths too closely. Matching transfer indicating a collision located between the starboard bow of V2 and aft seat area of V1. The child sustained an acute laceration behind the right ear and deep bruising starting at the face, down the back and both ankles.  The operator of Vessel 1 did not have a proper lookout and was traveling at a high rate of speed.  The operator of vessel 2 did not have enough time to make course or speed correction to avoid the collision.


BARDID: VA-2022-0018
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:17:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: South River
NearestCityorTown: Grottoes
County: Rockingham
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Three female kayakers launched at approximately 1230 from the grand caverns area along south river with the plan on floating to port republic boat ramp on the south fork of the shenandoah river in rockingham county, va. 

Of the three kayakers, two were novice kayakers with less than 25 hours between them; the third kayaker considered herself experienced and had planned the trip. The kayakers saw no issues with water conditions at the put in or take out point and had consulted temperature and rain forecast but not river forecast. 

Approximately 10 minutes into the paddle trip, the kayakers encountered a rough patch of water caused by a tree wrapped around a rock which created a strainer effect. All three kayakers were capsized by the hazard in the water. 

Only one of the three was wearing her pfd. The lead kayaker was able to get her kayak to an island where she beached it before reentering the water to retrieve the two kayaks that had floated past her. 

attempted to paddle back up stream but ended up beaching the kayaks along a shore and walking the river bank to her friends. Both of the other kayakers had made their way to the island and had walked ashore. 

During the capsizing and ensuing ride through the rapids before landing on the island, one of the kayakers sustained injuries to her hand and legs. It was later determined at augusta health (hospital) that her head had sustained significant contusions, laceration, and her legs had a number of abrasions. Accident caused by operator inexperience and a significant hazard in the water.


BARDID: VA-2022-0020
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Elizabeth River
NearestCityorTown: Elizabeth River Park
County: City of Norfolk
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel traveling northbound through bridge with operator on lower deck.  As vessel approaches railway bridge operator states he sees the bridge in elevated position.  As vessel is passing under the bridge, it was lowered striking mast, radar, and antenna's for vessel.


BARDID: VA-2022-0021
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Smith Mountain Lake State Park
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/4/2022, I (Officer ) responded to a boat accident with injury near Smith Mountain Lake, on Park Way Ave, Moneta. Two individuals were riding a PWC after sunset. Individuals hit a fixed object, causing one to be thrown from the PWC. The PWC landed on the other individuals left leg, in the middle of a state maintained road (The jet ski was located on the state road before entering the Smith Mountain Lake Community Park. The jet ski had travelled up the bank, over a guard rail, landed in the road and struck the guard rail on the opposite side of the road.). One was transported to Roanoke Memorial Hospital for treatment.  The officer observed one of the individuals with a strong odor of alcohol.  That individuals said he had a couple of beers, but at the time, he said he was not the operator.  Video footage from the local restaurant where they were patrons, showed that he was the operator.


BARDID: VA-2022-0022
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Union Hall, Magnum Point Marin
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat 1 was stationary near Standiford Creek on the Blackwater channel of Smith Mountain Lake. According to a third party witness, Boat 1 was not displaying navigation lights. Boat 1 was struck by Boat 2, causing damage to both vessels.


BARDID: VA-2022-0023
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-05 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Dukes Creek Marina
County: Louisa County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was sitting stationary with the motor off. Two occupants were on the vessel, and one of its  occupants was in the water swimming nearby. Vessel 2 attempted to spray the occupants of vessel 1, but instead collided with the vessel striking the starboard gunwale causing damage. Vessel 2 left the scene immediately after, and there is little to no information available on the striking vessel or operator. Operator of striking vessel was known to be a juvenile.


BARDID: VA-2022-0024
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-11 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Blackwater Marina
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was struck by prop while attempting to enter the vessel.  The injured person had fallen while wakeboarding and the operator swung the boat around to pick him up. The injured person swam to the rear of the boat to climb up the ladder and then began screaming.  

The operator stated that she immediately killed the engine and noted that the shifter was in neutral as she thought. The injured person stated that as he began to climb the ladder, the propeller on the boat's outboard engine caught his trunks and was still spinning with enough momentum to rip his trunks and pull him into the propeller.


BARDID: VA-2022-0025
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Moneta
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/11/22, V1 was traveling south on the Roanoke River portion of Smith Mountain Lake. V1 was operating on the left side of the channel when the vessel made the turn around the bend and struck a channel marker.  Operator did not see marker because passengers obstructed his view.


BARDID: VA-2022-0027
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:07:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: York River
NearestCityorTown: Gloucester Point Boat Ramp
County: York County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/11/2022, at approximately 1507 hours, a 17 foot vessel began pulling para-sailer, pulling off the beach, the para-sailer went aloft the wind shifted and the para-sailer went into the apex of the trees along the shore. 

The para-sailer got hung in the trees the vessel slowed and the para-sailer fell from a tree onto the rocky rip rap while still connected to the boat and parachute.  The fall was from approximately 40 feet or more and the para-sailer sustained several injuries with a chief complaint of injuries to her feet, requiring stitches.  This was recreational in nature.  A delay in notification to law enforcement occurred, with discovery of a boating accident on 1257 hrs on 6/15/2022.


BARDID: VA-2022-0028
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Gladstone
County: Appomattox County
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject was kayaking on the James River near Bent Creek on 6/12/2022. No one actually saw the victim fall down since the group had been separated. The victim showed after approximately 15 minutes of not being seen. He was contacted down river later by his group appearing dazed and confused. According to subject1, the victim didn't know where he was at, and didn't recognize the people in his group. He was able to tell her that he hit his head, as he was stumbling and slurring his speech. 911 was contacted.


BARDID: VA-2022-0029
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Private Pond
County: Bedford County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was alone on board a pontoon boat with no railing and fell overboard.  Victim was found deceased in pond.


BARDID: VA-2022-0030
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Aquia Harbor
NearestCityorTown: Willow Landing
County: Stafford
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator of the vessel was returning to the marina at night. While at a cruising speed he struck the corner of a stationary duck blind causing damage to his boat and the duck blind.


BARDID: VA-2022-0032
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Kiptopeke
County: Northampton
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1 was fishing near the High Rise at the CBBT. Vessel #1 operator started to leave and lost power to his engine.  Vessel # 1 began taking waves over the sides. Vessel # 2 was waved down and tried to put the boat in tow. In the process of getting vessel #1 in tow, vessel #2 sustained minor damage to the port side hull of the vessel. Vessel #1 continued taking on water and eventually capsized. All occupants from vessel #1 were transferred onto vessel #2 and taken to the wise point boat ramp.


BARDID: VA-2022-0033
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Virginia Dare Marina
County: Bedford County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/20/2022 at approximately 1845 P.M., the victim involved was wake surfing behind a vessel traveling in a straight path at a speed of approximately 9.6 mph. As the victim involved began falling into the water, tangled contact with the attached rope to the handle-bar resulted in the victim's thumb being severed. The victim was transported to Roanoke Memorial Hospital to be treated for his injury.


BARDID: VA-2022-0034
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Powell's Creek
County: Prince William County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
A vessel (1966 15' Larson All-American) with 3 occupants was traveling at approximately 5-10 mph when the motor struck an unseen underwater object (described by the operator as more likely wood than rock) in an estimated 6-8' of water. The motor (80hp Mercury outboard) popped up then slammed back down against the transom causing a crack in the transom. Vessel began to take on water then soon sank in 4-5' of water. Occupants pushed the vessel to a shallower depth near shore then reached land without injury.


BARDID: VA-2022-0035
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Buggs Island Lake
NearestCityorTown: Palmer Point Boat Ramp
County: Mecklenburg County
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat 1 was traveling toward Palmer Point boat ramp, at estimated medium throttle, when boat 1 hit a wake causing Boat 1 to rock side to side as a result of the wake. This caused the passenger to fall off of the port side of the boat from a standing position striking the back of head and right shoulder on the side of the boat as he involuntarily exited the boat which resulted in a laceration to both his scalp and right shoulder as well as a concussion.


BARDID: VA-2022-0036
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:48:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Bumpass
County: Louisa County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was riding E-foil and fell off, causing left little finger to go into propeller guard. Left little finger was cut off at the second knuckle. Operator needed medical care beyond first aid.


BARDID: VA-2022-0037
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Duke's Creek Marina
County: Spotsylvania County
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject was wake boarding behind a motorboat.  She jumped a large wake causing her to fall striking her head / face on her wake board.  She received four (4) stitches from the Spotsylvania Regional Hospital.


BARDID: VA-2022-0039
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Bumpass
County: Spotsylvania County
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On scene I had found a fiberglass boat had struck the port stern side of a pontoon boat and Spotsylvania EMS was treating a person with a suspected broken femur.  

After collecting statements from all parties Vessel 2 (pontoon) did not have his 360 white light at the highest point of the vessel and is was blocked by the passenger (the bimini top to which the 360 light is affix was in the down position and the injured party was sitting in the stern seat and obscuring the visibility of the 360 light).


BARDID: VA-2022-0040
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:26:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Chesterfield VA
County: Chesterfield County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL WAS APPROACHING A PERSON IN THE WATER TO RETRIEVE THEM AFTER THEY FELL FROM TUBE, THE OPERATOR STATED A LARGE WAKE PUSHED HIS VESSEL ON TOP OF THE VICTIM BEFORE HE COULD REACT.  THE BOAT WAS STILL IN GEAR AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE VICTIM WAS STRUCK BY THE PROPELLER CAUSING FATAL INJURIES.


BARDID: VA-2022-0041
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Potomac
NearestCityorTown: Leesylvania State Park
County: Prince William County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The vessel was cruising when the victim lost their hat. The boat slowed to look for the hat. The victim then stood up the boat pitched with a wave and the victim fell backward striking the starboard stern seating causing a laceration to the back of their head.


BARDID: VA-2022-0042
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Deep Bottom
County: Henrico County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Tuber while re-boarding vessel was struck by prop on right thigh. Operator went to pick up down tubers.  At the last minute, one of the people asked if the boat was in neutral and just as the operator went to turn off the vessel, he heard the prop make impact with the injured person.


BARDID: VA-2022-0043
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:21:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Wallace's Marina
County: Hampton
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The outboard motor shut off and operator began trying to re-start it.  As he was drifting along trying to get it re-started, a swell of water came over the stern and immediately the vessel began taking on water.  All four occupants exited the vessel before it capsized.


BARDID: VA-2022-0044
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Claytor Lake
NearestCityorTown: Claytor Lake State Park
County: Pulaski County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentCause2: Failure to vent
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
According to eyewitness and operator statements, the following occurred.  On the afternoon of 4 July 2022, subject1 was operating the aforementioned Personal Watercraft (PWC) with Subject2 as the rear passenger on Claytor Lake, VA.  

During the course of their operation, they entered an area known as Spooky Hollow and the PWC overturned as it reached the end of the cove.  Subject1 was not operating in a reckless manner and Spooky Hollow is a shallow area.  Witness statements corroborated that the turn in the cove was greater than 50 feet from any dock structure.  

Subject1 and Subject2 got off the PWC, righted it and attempted to start it to no avail.  Subject2 got off the PWC again in an attempt to clear the impeller area and move from the shallow portion of the cove before getting back on the PWC.  

Subject1 then attempted to restart the PWC three more times before the PWC exploded resulting in both parties being thrown into the air at a height of 10 to 15 feet and a total loss of the machine and several severe injuries to Subject1 and Subject2.  

Subject2 was taken via LifeGuard Helicopter to Roanoke Memorial Hospital for injures sustained while Subject1 was transported via ambulance to Carillion Radford Hospital for his injuries.  Investigation revealed Subject1 was wearing a kill switch and inherently buoyant Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at the time of the incident.  Subject2 was also wearing an inherently buoyant PFD at the time of the incident.


BARDID: VA-2022-0045
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Bumpass
County: Spotsylvania County
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/4/22 subject was riding passenger on a PWC when they hit one of their own wakes. Subject fell off the back and hit his face on his watch and the water. As a result of hitting his face he had to go to two doctors for the injury.


BARDID: VA-2022-0046
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Saunders Marina
County: Bedford County
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 and Vessel 2 was traveling parallel down the channel. Vessel 1 struck a wake and turned into the path of Vessel 2. Vessel 2 struck Vessel 1.


BARDID: VA-2022-0047
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Scruggs Boat Ramp
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Very rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
During a storm, a vessel was operating in the back of a cove. The vessel damaged the prop in shallow water and struck a dock while leaving the cove.  None of the people on the boat would tell the investigator who was operating the vessel at the time.  Several people had been authorized to operate the vessel.


BARDID: VA-2022-0049
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: South Holston Lake
NearestCityorTown: Avens Boat Ramp
County: Washington County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Accident occurred on South Holston lake near Avens Bridge on 7/9/2022 at approximately 1800.   Vessel 1 (Rental Boat) has 6 occupants (three adults and 3 juveniles).  

Vessel 1 was returning to the dock after refueling at Marina.  While the operator (Vessel Operator 1) was docking the vessel, Injured Person 1 attempted to get off of the boat onto the dock before the vessel had come to a complete stop. 

Injured Person 1  then fell against the bow of the boat catching her leg on a metal grommet. She sustained a large laceration on her left shin.  Washington County EMS was dispatched to the scene however, Injured Person 1 refused ambulance services. A family member transported her to Johnston Memorial Hospital for treatment.


BARDID: VA-2022-0050
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mattaponi River
NearestCityorTown: Aylett
County: King William County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject was operating the boat on plane (~30 mph) returning to the boat ramp traveling down river. He stated they hit an object in the water and it veered toward the right side of the riverbank. He stated he lost his ability to steer the vessel after making impact with the object in the water and could not correct the vessel. The vessel collided with a tree bringing it to a stop.


BARDID: VA-2022-0051
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: High Point Marina
County: Spotsylvania
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was exiting High Point Marina on Lake Anna and going on plane. Upon looking down and back up he noticed he was on another vessel and made a hard maneuver to port side. The starboard hull of vessel 1 struck the port side stern area of the hull just by the gunwhale and rubbing strake.


BARDID: VA-2022-0052
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Crystal Shores Marina
County: Bedford County
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 2000 hours a pwc occupied by one person impacted the port-side stern of a moving vessel occupied by seven people. 

Upon striking the vessel, the vessel began to sink and all subjects on the vessel put on life jackets and exited the vessel. A passerby heard the collision and attempted to assist the pwc operator by escorting them to safety after being ejected into the water. 

The pwc operator was in and out of consciousness and was taken to a nearby dock. The pwc operator and two subjects from the impacted vessel were treated at roanoke memorial hospital for the injuries. The pwc operator was taken in for serious head trauma, chest injuries, a broken jaw, a brown arm, and was admitted. 

The operator of the vessel sustained a laceration to the bridge of his nose due to the accident, but refused additional medical care. The other two injured parties of the vessel were treated at roanoke memorial and subsequently released.


BARDID: VA-2022-0053
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 03:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Wolf Trap Light
County: Matthews
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with commercial vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Note: information taken from operator's report.  No agency investigative report was submitted.
"Captain altered course around Wolf Trap Light directly into our path"


BARDID: VA-2022-0054
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Sturgeon Creek Marina
County: Spotsylvania County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #2 was headed toward Marina at Lake Anna parallel with Vessel # 1 and at a safe distance. Vessel #1 operator turned his boat and failed to maintain proper lookout. Vessel #1 was unable to complete the turn and struck Vessel #2 with the bow. Vessel #2 sustained damage to the fiberglass of the hull.


BARDID: VA-2022-0055
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Occoquan River
NearestCityorTown: Belmont Bay
County: Prince William County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 (V1), operated was leaving the area of Conrad Island, on the Occoquan River, Fairfax, VA. Vessel was returning to the boat ramp at Occoquan Regional Park. The vessel was occupied by seven adults. Operator observed the vessel taking on water. He did not hear or feel a collision of any kind. He observed the bilge pump was ineffective. The vessel came to rest on the river bottom half submerged on a shallow sandbar between Conrad Island and the start of the no wake zone (38°38.917' N, 077°13.401' W). This was approximately twenty yards outside the channel. It was low tide. A second vessel associated with the first made several trips to ferry everyone to safety. The salvage crew observed a broken water line. It is likely this maintenance failure cause water to be pumped into the vessel, overwhelming the bilge pump resulting in a sinking. No one was injured. No pollutants entered the waterway. The vessel was recovered at 1400 the following day.


BARDID: VA-2022-0056
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Western Branch Lynnhaven River
NearestCityorTown: Crab Creek Boat Ramp
County: Virginia Beach
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1 and Vessel #2 were Northeast bound in the Western Branch of the Lynnhaven River between day markers 19 and 20. Vessel #2 operated was headed to "The Porch" with his family around 15-20kts when Vessel #1 (operator unknown) struck them from behind in a side-swipe fashion from starboard stern to starboard bow.


BARDID: VA-2022-0057
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Timberneck Creek
NearestCityorTown: Williams Landing Boat Ramp
County: Gloucester County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/23/2022, at approximately 2102h VMRC received a report of a boat accident.  The accident occurred at approximately 2045h at the mouth of Timberneck Creek. Officer discovered that a 15' Aluminum Jon Boat had struck a Pylon/No Wake Sign.  The individual was knocked unconscious and thrown into the water.  

A second vessel observed the incident and recovered the individual from the water.  They assisted with getting the subject and his vessel back to shore.  The subject was transported to Riverside Regional Hospital for head trauma.  The individual did not sustain major injuries and was released the following morning.  Low light conditions and no electronics are believed to have been the main factor in the accident.


BARDID: VA-2022-0058
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:21:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Elizabeth River
NearestCityorTown: Top Rack Marina
County: Chesapeake
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1 collided into a moored barge located across from Top Rack Marina in the southern branch of the Elizabeth River. Operator was observed by good Samaritans striking the barge, never slowing or changing course prior to collision.


BARDID: VA-2022-0060
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Dutch Gap
County: Chesterfield
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Two PWC's were in the James River near Dutch Gap, Chesterfield, Virginia.  Both PWCs were near the boat ramp when one of the PWCs turned to head toward the ramp while the other continued straight.  The turning PWC struck the other PWC in the starboard stern tossing the impacting PWC operator into the water.  Neither operator was injured and both PWCs were loading onto trailers as Chesterfield PD arrived on scene.


BARDID: VA-2022-0061
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Virginia Dare Marina
County: Bedford County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The vessel was traveling the main channel when it struck a submerge object causing the vessel to take on water.  Smith Mountain Lake Marine Fire and Rescue stated a floating stump was observed near the damaged area during the vessels removal


BARDID: VA-2022-0062
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:14:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Smith Beach
County: Northampton
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was towing his son 7 year old on a water tube. Subject fell off of the tube and swam to the boat to get on board. The operator thought the boat was in neutral and it was not. As Subject swam to the boat his leg was caught by the propeller causing a laceration on his thigh that required 20 stitches as well as a laceration on his calf resulting in 6 stitches. He was then transported to the nearest dock where they met ambulance 31-1 with Northampton County EMS. Subject along with his mother were then transported to CHKD in Norfolk with non life threatening injuries.


BARDID: VA-2022-0063
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:11:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Parkway Marina
County: Bedford County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
MachineryFailure: Fuel
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator 1 and Passenger 1 had just gotten the PWC they were riding filled up with gas at Parkway Marina. They were attempting to leave the marina and the PWC wasn't running right and wouldn't accelerate. 

They pulled over to the land at the end of Parkway, Passenger 1 got off of the PWC and Operator 1 lifted the seat to check the engine. When he lifted the seat, flames ignited and shot out of the center of the PWC. Subject  sustained burns to his face, neck and arms.


BARDID: VA-2022-0064
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: VA Dare Marina
County: Bedford County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Personal Watercraft was underway and motor cut off, the operator was unable to restart the PWC and it caught on fire.


BARDID: VA-2022-0065
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-08-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Captain's Quarters
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Fuel
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
After filling up the boat with fuel, the operator of the vessel untied from the dock and attempted to crank the engine. During this process, the engine compartment and fuel line caught fire. As a result, burn damage occurred to the exterior and interior components of the stern area of the boat. A fire marshall inspected the incident; classifying it as a accidental fire.


BARDID: VA-2022-0066
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Hardy Boat Ramp
County: Roanoke County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat was underway and operator did not realize he was in shallow water and struck a submerged rock.  The impact caused the stern to fracture around the sterndrive motor allowing water into the boat. The lower unit and prop were also damaged as a result of the impact.


BARDID: VA-2022-0067
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Lake Anna Yacht Club
County: Louisa County
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject was attempting to dock a boat (VA 396 ZY) very quickly because of severe weather.  Subject2 jumped out of the boat to help Subject secure the boat. A "wake board" type boat was exceeding the "no wake" zone at the marina due to the inclement weather. The boat created large wakes causing Subject's boat to rapidly rise and when the boat came back down it landed on subject2’s foot and dock.  He required 14 stitches.


BARDID: VA-2022-0068
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:04:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Broad Bay
NearestCityorTown: Virginia Beach 64th street boa
County: Virginia Beach
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1 was moored to vessel #2. Vessel #3 passed both vessels while producing a large wake causing the 2 vessels to strike each other.


BARDID: VA-2022-0069
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-08-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Penhook
County: Bedford County
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel was underway and struck a submerged object which damaged the hull of the boat causing it take on water.


BARDID: VA-2022-0070
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Back Creek
NearestCityorTown: DANDY/BACK CREEK PARK
County: York County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was backing out of its slip adjacent to vessel 2. As vessel 1 was backing out, a gust of wind to the west caught the bow on the port side and pushed it into the bow of vessel 2.


BARDID: VA-2022-0072
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Osbourne Landing
County: Henrico County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Rental pontoon boat ran into obstruction under the surface of the water.  Damaged pontoons, skeg and propeller.  Had to be towed back to rental company.


BARDID: VA-2022-0073
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-08-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Hales Ford Boat Ramp
County: Bedford County
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 13th at approximately 1630hrs, operator 1 was traveling on a bass boat (boat 1) into a cove in the area of Waterwheel Marina on Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford County VA. Operator 2 was on a PWC (boat 2) idling in the area, to the right of boat 1. 

Operator two propelled forward as boat 1 was crossing the channel. Boat 2 struck boat 1 in the starboard at the area of the driver's seat. 

Boat 2 rolled over and had to be overturned to it's correct position. There were no reported injuries at the time and the accident was not immediately reported to our agency, however operator 2 claims to have been treated by a physician the following Monday, August 15, 2022, for minor bruising and a sore shoulder.

There was minor damage to boat 1 on the starboard side. There were scratches to hull below the drivers seat in the area of impact.  The owner of boat 2 claims that the PWC is a total loss.


BARDID: VA-2022-0074
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-08-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:33:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Blackwater River
NearestCityorTown: Wverly
County: Sussex County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 8/14/22 while fishing two people were fishing on the Blackwater River, while fishing they attempted to tie off to a tree in order to stay in the spot to fish. 

When Subject1 attempted to grab the limb it snapped causing him to fall overboard. As a result of him falling the boat capsized and both occupants ended up in the water. Subject2 was able to swim to shore however, Subject1 did not and drowned. His body was recovered by EMS and Fire personnel a short time later. No PFDs were in use.


BARDID: VA-2022-0076
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-08-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Hampton
County: Hampon
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1 was backing out from between "J" dock and "K" dock when it struck the stern of moored vessel #2. Vessel #1 then struck a mooring pylon and left the area northbound towards the Salt Ponds entrance channel.


BARDID: VA-2022-0077
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:29:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rappahannock River
NearestCityorTown: Hoskins Landing
County: Essex County
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 9/2/2022 at approximately 2029 a PWC, with a singe male operator who was not wearing a personal floatation device, collided with a piling offshore of Lowreys Point on the Rappahanock River.  According to witness Statements, the PWC was moving at high rate of speed when it struck the piling, and the operator was thrown across the water.  Witnesses stated that after the incident the operator of the PWC seemed to be disoriented and had slurred speech.  The operator was swimming toward shore, when he decided to swim back out to the PWC and leave the scene.  The witnesses reported that after the PWC left the scene it sounded like the PWC shut off.  This resulted in a search and rescue call, and multiple agencies responded but were unable to find the PWC or operator.  On 9/20/2022 I visited the scene of the collision and took photographs of the damage to the piling.  On 9/22/2022 the PWC was located and photographs were taken of the damage, and the PWC was seized as evidence.


BARDID: VA-2022-0078
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Crazyhorse Marina
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject was on a inflatable tube being pulled by a vessel. The subject hit a wave and tucked his arms as fell off the tube. Subject had prior shoulder issues. Subject broke arm approximately 3 - 4 inches above elbow on right arm.


BARDID: VA-2022-0079
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
County: Spotsylvania
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was traveling at approximately 30 mph when the vessel ran aground on a land bridge. The operator was attempting to go under the bridge relying heavily on GPS, and had limited experience boating at night. The vessel struck the embankment and traveled to the top, coming to rest on a embankment.


BARDID: VA-2022-0080
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:36:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mobjack Bay
NearestCityorTown: Browns Bay Landing
County: Gloucester
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
While operator was intermittently fishing for about an hour and a half, vessel sank and came to rest on bottom in 4 feet of water, submerging engines and most of the cockpit.   After vessel was recovered, inspection revealed a through hull fitting just above the waterline near the stern on the starboard side that was open to the bilge. The plastic hose going to it was crumbling and had only a small section remaining.  Automatic bilge pump feature appeared inoperative.  Operator indicated bilge plug stayed in hull while boat stayed on the lift for the past several years.  Rainwater had likely filled the bilge while on the lift, and the extra weight contributed to the hull fitting taking on water from the time he got underway (unknown to the operator).


BARDID: VA-2022-0081
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-09-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Flannagan Lake
NearestCityorTown: Haysi
County: Dickenson County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator of the vessel was traveling from the spillway boat launch to head toward the main part of the lake in the direction of Skeet-Rock branch. Once he got out of the No Wake Zone, the operator got the vessel on plane traveling toward Skeet-Rock branch. The operator had been working on the boat that he had purchased and wanted to test it out. Prior to getting to Skeet-Rock branch, the operator stated that he turned to head back toward the spillway boat launch. The operator stated that as he was turning, he lost steering and was having issues with the throttle. The operator then stated that the vessel had fishtailed on him causing him to get thrown in the vessel. The operator stated that he tried to grab hold of the top rail of the vessel but missed and his hand had gone in the water and at that point he was ejected. Once in the water the vessel continued straight into the rock cliff on the edge of the lake Bow first. The Bow of the vessel had been crushed due to impact.


BARDID: VA-2022-0082
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-09-12 00:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Crab Creek Boat Ramp
County: Virginia Beach
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 12 SEP 2022, at 2330, subject left from Lynnhaven Inlet on a red kayak to spread his father's ashes near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Failed to return home at preplanned time frame, family was unable to make contact. Vessel found 3.5 miles off of the Virginia Beach ocean front the next day. Subject washed up along Sandbridge beach 4 days later.


BARDID: VA-2022-0083
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-09-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:10:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Buggs Island Lake
NearestCityorTown: Longwood Boat Ramp
County: Mecklenburg County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Two subjects were fishing in an open motorboat that was tied to a bridge pillar.  The vessel began to take on water and the operator attempted to operate the vessel back to the boat ramp.  The vessel began to sink and both subject attempted to swim to shore.  The passenger of the vessel made it safely to shore but the operator drowned.


BARDID: VA-2022-0084
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-09-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Chesdin
NearestCityorTown: Whippernock Marina
County: Dinwiddie County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 and Vessel 2 collided.  The 2 occupants of Vessel 1, and the 2 occupants of Vessel 2 were thrown into the water.  

The occupants of Vessel 2 were recovered from the water alive.  The occupants of Vessel 1 were recovered from the water, deceased.  

Each boat was likely traveling on a path that would lead the vessels to collide head on, or slightly starboard to starboard.  

Investigation indicates both vessels were travelling at a rate of speed that contributed to the occurrence of the collision.  It Is likely that Vessel 1 made a turn to starboard, just prior to the collision, and the rate of travel of each vessel rendered avoidance of the collision impossible.


BARDID: VA-2022-0085
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-09-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Pelican Point
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 09/20/2022 at approximately 2130 at night, the vessel was traveling at approximately 25 mph when it struck a causeway near marker B9 on Smith Mountain Lake. The vessel struck at a head on angle with a metal wall protecting the causeway. This resulted in both parties on board sustaining injuries, and were transported to Roanoke Memorial Hospital. The operator of the vessel appeared to have obtained a broken hip, and the passenger possibly received a broken leg. This incident occurred due to Improper Lookout and Inattention; as well as poor visibility at night.


BARDID: VA-2022-0086
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-09-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:10:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Buggs Island Lake
NearestCityorTown: Occoneechee Boat Ramp
County: Mecklenburg County
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Two individuals were fishing at buggs island lake under the route 58 business bridge in clarksville, va on september 22, 2022. Roughly around 9:00 pm they tied their pontoon boat up to the third bridge pillar near the gas station. 

As operator stated the rope broke loose and subject went to the bow of the pontoon to tie to the pillar again. Operator was in the operator seat and stated he turned back to the stern for a second and looked back to the bow to find subject missing. 

Operator stated he did not hear subject yelling for help due to the wind conditions and started to yell and look for him. Operator stated after a few minutes he started to drive in circles in the area searching for subject. Operator stated roughly after 5 minutes looking for subject he called it in to report subject missing.


BARDID: VA-2022-0087
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-10-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Elizabeth River
NearestCityorTown: Portsmouth Ocean Yacht Marina
County: Portsmouth
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 2 tied to dock.  Vessel 1 was attempting to leave the marina. While turning, vessel 1 partially lost steering (bow thruster) and struck Vessel 2


BARDID: VA-2022-0088
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-11-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Snowden Boat Ramp
County: Amherst
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
ON 11/12/2022 AT APPROXIMATELY 11:30 HOURS IT IS ASSUMED THAT THE OPERATOR OF BOAT 1 WAS ATTEMPTING TO TRAVEL DOWNSTREAM THROUGH BALCONY FALLS (JAMES RIVER) WITHIN BEDFORD COUNTY ON A RAFT. 

UPON BEING EJECTED FROM BOAT 1, THE OPERATOR WAS UNABLE TO SWIM TO SAFETY DUE TO THE ROUGH WATER CONDITIONS AND WAS NOT WEARING A PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE. THE VICTIM'S BODY WAS RECOVERED ON 12/7/2022 IN THE AREA OF THE CUSHAW DAM.


BARDID: VA-2022-0089
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-12-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Elizabeth River
NearestCityorTown: Great Bridge Locks Park
County: Chesapeake City
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
The 2 occupants of a 16' Carolina Skiff had just launched the vessel from the Great Bridge Locks Park boat ramp, and was heading northbound on the river. The vessel is driven by a tiller steer Yamaha 40hp 4-stroke outboard engine. Both occupants stated that they were in the marked channel of the Elizabeth River and struck an unknown underwater object. 

The strike caused the boat to turn to port, throwing both occupants from the vessel over the starboard side. The vessel circled around 5-6 times, striking the operator. The operator was struck by the port side of the vessel, and it then turned toward the north shoreline, hitting and jumping over the rocks and stopping approximately 25 feet into the marsh grass. Both occupants were able to swim to shore and call 911. Initially, the operator refused medical attention, but was later transported by medics to Chesapeake Regional Hospital for water ingestion and head trauma. Officer took photos from land and also launched an sUAS and obtained aerial photos of the scene. No obvious underwater obstructions were seen in the aerial photos. Officers interviewed the operator at the hospital. He stated that he was not wearing the kill switch lanyard, and neither occupant was wearing a PFD. He stated that he didn't know what happened, but the tiller steer yanked out of his hand real hard, they were both thrown from the vessel, and he does not remember much after that.


BARDID: VA-2022-0090
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-12-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:07:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Nomini Bay
NearestCityorTown: Montross
County: Westmoreland
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 12/17/2022, at approximately 11:17hrs, MPO and myself (MPO) were dispatched to a vessel capsized with two occupants who had been exposed to the water with one not responding. When we arrived on scene the more severe patient had already been transported to Mary Washington Hospital for treatment of hypothermia. I spoke to the other patient who was being treated in the ambulance. He stated that their canoe took on water and they fell overboard. They were able to swim to shore at Shark’s Tooth Island in Nomini Bay where they were rescued by EMS. 
On 12/21/2022, MPO was able to make contact at his residence. He stated they were in his 12’ canoe recreationally fishing when water came in their canoe and began sinking it. They both fell overboard and began swimming to Shark Tooth Island where they were rescued by EMS. Operator stated neither he nor occupant were wearing PFD’s during this event.  Operator stated his canoe sunk and it has not been recovered as of this date. Both individuals were transported to the hospital for treatment of Hypothermia.


BARDID: VA-2022-0091
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2022-12-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:39:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Broad Creek
NearestCityorTown: Wake Landing Boat Ramp
County: Middlesex
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 12/29/2022 at approximately 0739hrs at Broad Creek Marina (141 Hamble Lane, Deltaville, VA 23043) vessel 1 (28' Luhrs) was fueling in the boathouse slip 1 from a 30 gallon dolly fuel dispenser.  No one was on-board and the cabin door was open with the lights on and connected to shore power.  A witness saw the explosion occur in the cabin which also blew the forward rear deck compartment open.  Individuals deployed multiple fire extinguishers and then casted off dock lines and pushed vessel 1 out of the covered boat house. The vessel drifted while on fire near vessel 2 causing heat exposure damage to the stern of vessel 2.  Vessel 1 is a total loss and was extinguished by the fire department.


BARDID: VI-2014-0001
State: VI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-10-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:19:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Caribbean Sea
NearestCityorTown: Christiansted
County: St.Croix
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
The vessel owner stated that they were trying to raise the anchor by pulling it up using the power of engine but while so the stern of the vessel started to go under water and then it overturned. The vessel was marked and left out to sea to be salvaged the next day by the owner.


BARDID: VI-2014-1000
State: VI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-11-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:22:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Caribbean Sea
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
According to a misle report (709462), a sailing vessel ran aground near St John. The 4 subjects were removed from the vessel.  The vessel was salvaged in pieces.

The operator had taken the boat out for sea trials.  He was having trouble with the batteries.

The engines died and he was drifting in 4-5 ft seas with winds of 25 kts.  The operator wasn’t sure where he was and went aground.


BARDID: VI-2015-1000
State: VI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-11-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Crown Bay
NearestCityorTown: Charlotte Amalie
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
According to news media reports, 2 people drowned and 3 were injured after a vessel crashed into a brightly-lit concrete piling.  The injured victims sustained cuts. No further information.


BARDID: VI-2015-2000
State: VI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-10-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Caribbean Sea
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to reports from the news media and Coast Guard, a vessel ran hard aground during a fishing tournament near St Thomas that caused multiple injuries.  The vessel was being used recreational at the time, but is typically used for commercial purposes.


BARDID: VI-2020-1000
State: VI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Caribbean Sea
NearestCityorTown: Christiansted
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
According to subject1, while traveling through the pass from St. Croix Marina towards Christiansted Harbor, he observed a white speed boat accompanied by approx.. 15 occupants, traveling at a high rate of speed towards the Gallow’s Bay dock area.  He then stated that once in the harbor he observed a large amount of a red substance that appeared to be blood in the ocean, at which time he observed the lifeless body of victim, face down.  He approached the boat to ask if they had hit anything and a male replied in the negative.  

The victim was laying on an orange back board and wearing what appeared to be dark gray pants.  He had cuts and broken bones to the right and left hands and cuts to his upper torso.


BARDID: VI-2021-1000
State: VI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-10-31 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Caribbean
NearestCityorTown: Hans Lolik
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
According to a news media report, four people were rescued from a Viking Sport Fisher after it became grounded.  The vessel was considered a total loss.  One person suffered a leg injury.  The operator allegedly was not paying attention while the vessel was on autopilot.


BARDID: VI-2021-1001
State: VI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-01-24 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cruz Bay
NearestCityorTown: St John
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
According to the Coast Guard, on 24 Jan 2021 at approximately 2052, a vessel traveling at high speed was coming inboard and at the same time a small aluminum skiff operated by two employees of a resort who had just finished dinner in St John were departing the dinghy dock headed outboard.  Seconds after the skiff passed the end of the fuel dock into the channel, the larger vessel crashed into the skiff and continued as seen by CCTV and NPS cameras.  

The crash caused the female occupant on the skiff to eb thrown into the water and causing numerous injuries to the male occupant, rendering him unconscious. 

The larger vessel was uncovered on 26 Jan 2021 having repairs.  It had damage to the hull on the port side bow near the water line.  The identity of the operator has not be uncovered yet.


BARDID: VI-2021-1002
State: VI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-04-19 00:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Coki Bay
NearestCityorTown: Charlotte Amalie
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
According to a news media report, one person died after being ejected from a PWC.  The victim drowned.


BARDID: VT-2014-0001
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-04-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: Burlington
County: Chittenden
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Overloading
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 2000 hours on April 21, 2014, 3 persons were reported to be in the waters of Lake Champlain just off shore from Oak Ledge Park in Burlington, Vermont.  It was reported their kayak had overturned approximately 750 feet from shore.  The three people in the water (two of which were wearing life jackets) were calling for help and were assisted to shore by two persons who departed from shore in two kayaks.  Burlington Fire and Rescue evaluated the condition of the three victims and transported them to the hospital for further evaluation for mild Hypothermia.  The names and other information pertaining to the victims were not released by assisting authorities.


BARDID: VT-2014-0002
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:02:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Iroquois
NearestCityorTown: Hinesburg
County: Chittenden
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was towing a tube with two children on it.  Operator of vessel 1 stated he was aware of a swimmer in the water prior to the accident.  Upon returning to the dock , towing the 2 children on the tube, the operator of vessel 1 struck the swimmer in the water approximately 100 feet from the dock while traveling approximately 10 miles per hour.  The female swimmer who had been struck was taken to the hospital with multiple injuries and spent several days in intensive care.  Investigation revealed; operator of vessel 1 failed to keep a proper lookout and was traveling at a speed greater than 5 miles per hour approaching a dock.


BARDID: VT-2014-0004
State: VT
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-08-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:03:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: Charlotte
County: Chittenden
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel one had just completed fueling at the dock and was having problems starting.  A "large explosion "  occurred, propelling one of the injured males off the dock.  All four males were transported to the emergency room at the local hospital and were treated for first and or second degree burns to their legs and then released.  The fire was extinguished by a few dock hands and the local fire department.  The vessel was a total loss.  Investigation revealed no further information.


BARDID: VT-2014-0005
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:59:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Malletts Bay
NearestCityorTown: Colchester
County: Chittenden
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 was having trouble approaching the dock to pick up two subjects.  Both Subjects entered the water from a dock attempting to board the vessel from the water.  One subject approached the right side rear of the vessel and was struck by the moving propeller when a wave pushed the boat too close to him.  Operator1 attempted to control the vessel but was unable to.


BARDID: VT-2014-0006
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:09:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: Colchester
County: Chittenden
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Owner of Vessel 1 was apparently attempting to board his moored sailboat from a dingy, fell overboard and drowned.  Investigation revealed the deceased had possible medical conditions and had been drinking at a local bar before attempting to return to his sailboat.  His dingy was located drifting empty the following day.  Three days later, the body of the deceased was located floating in the mooring field not far from his moored sailboat.


BARDID: VT-2015-0001
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: North Hero
County: Grand Isle
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Owner/operator was traveling at approximately 20 mph in an area of the lake he had not been in since the previous year.  At the last moment he noticed waves breaking over Gull Reef Island.  He attempted to turn the boat away from the reef.  As the boat turned, it struck the reef and he was thrown out of the boat.  He did not have the emergency engine cut off lanyard attached to himself so the vessel continued in a westerly direction unmanned.  He was wearing a life jacket and was picked up by another boater.  The vessel was recovered after beaching itself in North Hero.  Failure to keep a proper lookout and inattention was the cause of this accident.  Gull Reef is a properly marked navigation hazard.


BARDID: VT-2015-0002
State: VT
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2015-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 04:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: Charlotte
County: Chittenden
WaterConditions: Very rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
The subjects anchored their sailboat in Point Bay on the evening of 07/13/2015.  At some point during the night, the anchor failed due to strong winds and waves and the vessel ended up drifting onto the rocky shore.  They were able to exit the vessel onto the shore to seek help.  The vessel incurred extensive damage to it's keel and hull and has been estimated to be a total loss.


BARDID: VT-2015-0003
State: VT
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2015-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: Colchester
County: Chittenden
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of Vessel 1 (Operator1)  borrowed Vessel one from the owner and had been operating the vessel most of the day.  When evening approached, Operator1 stated; he felt operating someone else boat at night was not a good idea so, he decided to return it.  On his way back, he did not see Vessel 2 on it's mooring and struck it.  Operator1 did not recall but believed he was thrown from the boat upon impact, swam to the beach and blacked out.  He recalled waking up to the sunrise, making his way to his car and driving home.  Operator1 did not seek medical attention and refused medical attention when offered.  Several witnesses stated; Operator1 had been drinking and was operating Vessel one at a high rate off speed close to other vessels.  The investigating officer issued Operator1 citations for leaving the scene of an accident and for careless and negligent operation.
 


BARDID: VT-2015-0004
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: St. Albans
County: Franklin
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Both vessels were navigating the narrow channel between Burton Island and Killkare State Park.  Vessel 1 was moving into the channel at approximately 15 mph when he realized another vessel was in the channel and headed towards him.  Vessel 1 advised he turned to the left and was struck by vessel 2 in the starboard side.  Vessel 2 advised he had just taken in his anchor and was headed through the channel at approximately 10 mph.  Vessel 2 advised he saw Vessel 1 headed towards him so he attempted to turn to the right but Vessel 1 turned in front of him and the bow of his Vessel struck Vessel 1.  Investigation revealed both vessels were operating at greater than 5 mph within a narrow channel and within 200 feet of another vessel and Vessel 1 violated the navigation rules by turning left in a head on situation.
 


BARDID: VT-2016-0001
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:33:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: Colchester
County: Chittenden
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessels 1 and 2 were in a "head-on" situation.  According to the statements of vessel operator 1 and the surviving passenger of vessel 2, both vessels had made changes in course but neither vessel made a large enough course change to make it readily apparent to the other what their intentions were.  Neither vessel slackened their speed or stopped to avoid the collision.  Vessel 2 impacted with the starboard rear quarter of vessel 1 when vessel 1 made a last effort to avoid a head - on collision with vessel 2 by increasing speed and turning to port.


BARDID: VT-2016-0002
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:23:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: Colchester
County: Chittenden
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 ran aground on "Hogback Reef" causing extensive damage to props, prop shafts and transmissions.  Vessel owner/operator was cruising at approximately 15 knots using only a depth finder as a means of navigation.  This accident was caused by lack of experience and lack of knowledge of the markers/buoys that were in place.


BARDID: VT-2016-0003
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: Burlington
County: Chittenden
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 collided with vessel 2 upon leaving a public dock (Burlington Boat House) causing damage to their vessel as well as to vessel 2 and the public dock.  Damage is estimated as follows:  Vessel one $5,000, vessel two 1,000 and approximately $100 to the public dock.  The vessel of operator one was issued a violation for operating without having a boating safety certificate.


BARDID: VT-2016-1000
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:28:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: Burlington
County: Clinton
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
According to reports from the Coast Guard and media, a vessel took on water causing the three occupants to be dumped in the water.  The three were recovered by the Coast Guard and were treated for hypothermia.  The accident resulted in nearly $4k in damages.  Choppy waters, and low freeboard were cited as factors.


BARDID: VT-2017-0001
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:02:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: Colchester
County: Chittenden
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Overloading
EquipmentFailure: Seat broke loose
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Deceased was in 15' canoe with two other individuals in Malletts Bay, Lake Champlain, Vermont.  Deceased sat on middle yoke of canoe causing it to break in two.  The canoe started taking on water and then capsized.  All three occupants started swimming towards shore.  The three individuals did not have any life jackets onboard and they were not wearing any life jackets.  Two of the individuals were rescued before reaching the shore.  However, the third individual (deceased) disappeared below the surface of the water and was later recovered.


BARDID: VT-2017-0003
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:21:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: Charlotte
County: Chittenden
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was found deceased in the water at 2140 hours by Trooper, after Vermont State Police responded to a complaint that victim's boat had been found idling unattended in the marina. 

Follow up investigation revealed that the victim/operator was known to be a non-swimmer. Victim/operator was alone on the boat at the time of the event and is presumed to have fallen overboard. The Final Report of Autopsy shows victim's cause of death to be drowning.  His BAC was .098%, indicating alcohol was present in his system at the time he drowned.  Nothing further.


BARDID: VT-2017-0004
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-10-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big Wheeler Pond
NearestCityorTown: Brunswick
County: Essex
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Overloading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 10/28/17 at approximately 1830-1900 hours two male occupants were aboard a boat in Big Wheeler Pond, located in Brunswick, Vermont. The tag affixed to the boat indicated that the boat was for 1 person at 150 pounds, or a properly located maxim weight of 235 pounds for person motor and gear to comply wth federal regulations for compartment ventilaton and BIA engineering recommendations for floatation. The two men on board more than double the safety recommendations for weight. The boat sank, the two men attempted to swim to the nearby shore. One man was able to make it to shore. The other male did not. The decendents body was later recovered by the Vermont State Police Dive Team.  


BARDID: VT-2018-0001
State: VT
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:03:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: Colchester
County: Chittenden
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 9, 2018 Colchester Police responded to a reported boat fire on Mallets Bay area of Lake Champlain in Colchester, VT. Investigation by Colchester Police showed that vessel #1 had fueled up at Bay Harbor Marina with three persons on board. During the fueling process the engines were off and the blowers were running. It is reported that there was a small fuel spill at the site of the fuel tank along the port side of the vessel. Shortly after starting the engines and pulling away from the dock, (approximately 15-20 seconds and 80-100' away from the dock) the occupants heard a loud explosion at the rear of the vessel. All three occupants jumped in the water to escape the fast moving fire. one occupant attempted fire suppression however immediately determined the fire was moving too fast and did not utilize the fire extinguisher. All three occupants were brought to the emergency room and briefly treated for cold water exposure and/or smoke inhalation as documented.
Once the occupants abandoned the vessel, it drifted along side vessel #2,  which was moored nearby. As vessel #1 drifted by vessel #2, the canopy of vessel #2 caught fire. Both vessels were total losses due to fire. Investigators inspected vessel #1. Due to the extensive fire damage, investigators were unable to determine the exact cause of the explosion.


BARDID: VT-2018-0002
State: VT
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: Colchester
County: Chittenden
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1 was transiting south on Lake Champlain when he disregarded an ATON and ran aground in the area of Hogback Reef. The vessel lost propulsion and immediately began taking on water and capsized. The occupants entered the water and were picked up by a good Samaritan.


BARDID: VT-2018-0003
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: Shelburne
County: Chittenden
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 2, 2018 a young female was struggling due to wind and waves in a single person kayak on Lake Champlain near Shelburne Point. The female was being assisted by Subject1 in another kayak. Subject2 and another female took a 2 person kayak out to assist Subject1 and the female. Once Subject2 reached the kayak, he traded places with the female and got into the single kayak. While trying to attach all three kayaks together, a large wave tipped the kayak Subject2 was in and he fell into the water. 

After a short discussion, Subject1 towed the two young females to shore while Subject2 held onto the upside down Kayak. Subject1 returned to the area approximately 30 minutes later and was unable to locate Subject2 or the kayak.

At approximately 18:40 hours, the Vermont State Police received a call of an empty kayak drifting north of Shelburne Point. It was later determined that this was the kayak Subject2 had been in.
Subject2's body was located by State Police Divers on 07/11/2018 in 54' of water.


BARDID: VT-2018-0004
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:04:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake St. Catherine
NearestCityorTown: Poultney
County: Rutland
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/05/2018, two people were boating on Lake St. Catherine in Poultney, VT. At one point Subject1 was floating in a tube attached to the vessel with a rope approximately 60' in length. Subject2 was attempting to egress from his boat onto a floating tube when he fell into the water. It is unknown whether Subject2 slipped or fell or if the tube flipped over while he was attempting to sit down. Subject2 surfaced in a panicked and disoriented state. Subject1 pulled herself back to the boat while Subject2 drifted away from the boat. During the time Subject1 started the boat and began driving to the location of where she last saw Subject2, he went under the water and was not seen again. 
Subject2's body was located the following day by State Police divers in 45' of water.
Winds were moderate and waters were choppy.


BARDID: VT-2018-0005
State: VT
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: South Hero
County: Grand Isle
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was underway and began smelling something hot. He deactivated his deep cycle battery to alleviate the draw on the alternator to no avail. Approximately one half hour later he smelled smoke and observed flames in his cabin near the ceiling 1/3 from the bow on the starboard side. Operator utilized one fire extinguisher to no avail. He radio'd for help and abandoned the vessel with his child. The vessel burned and sunk. The vessel was purchased the Tuesday prior to the incident and had been in the water for only three days. The fire is believed to be electrical in nature as there were no additional sources of heat or flame in the area.


BARDID: VT-2018-0006
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-10-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Iroquois
NearestCityorTown: Williston
County: Chittenden
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was reported as an overdue boater who had been fishing on Lake Iroquois. Rescue crews were summoned to the area and located Victim floating on the surface near his overturned boat. Victim was in 4' of water and wearing a pfd. Victim had a history of epilepsy and was taking medication for such. The vessel and Victim were inspected and no signs of damage were observed to indicate a collision or grounding event. It is believed Victim may have suffered a medical event and fell into the water unconscious where he drowned. Cause of death was ruled a drowning.


BARDID: VT-2019-0001
State: VT
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-06-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:25:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: South Hero
County: Grand Isle
WaterConditions: Very rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/15/19, two subjects were troll fishing just north of Stave Island on Lake Champlain in the Town of South Hero, VT. Operator advised that while fishing the boat suddenly began listing. Operator advised that Victim opened the engine compartment and noted water to be rushing in. Victim quickly attempted to throttle the engine and travel toward shore however the engine stalled due to being flooded. Operator advised they donned their life jackets and jumped into the water.

The weather was clear and sunny with winds blowing approximately 17 MPH. The seas were rough with waves reported to be 2-3' high. Operator advised once they were in the water he lost contact with his brother Victim.
 
Two witnesses nearby witnessed the boat sinking and went to aid the Operator's. Witness advised when he arrived on scene he observed Victim laying on his back floating in the water appearing deceased. He recalled Victim possibly wearing a blue PFD. He then located Operator wearing a PFD and floating in the water. Witness helped Operator get into his boat to safety while a second witness located Victim's body. 

Witness 2 advised he first located Victim floating in the water calling for help. He said he believed Victim may have had one arm through an open unzipped PFD. He threw a life ring and a seat cushion however Victim was unable to get to them. As witness arrived, witness2 told him to tend to Victim while he directed his attention to Operator who was nearby in the water. They helped Operator out of the water.

Victim had reported noticing a small amount of water leaking into the engine compartment two weeks prior while fishing. He did not know where the leak was coming from or rectify the issue. The vessel was put in the water the previous evening on 06/14/19. The Operator's left the dock at 0500 on 6/15 to go fishing for the day.


BARDID: VT-2019-0002
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: Shelburne
County: Chittenden
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Two people were operating their PWC's in Shelburne Bay on Lake Champlain in violation of Vermont's navigational distance requirements. Op1 was operating a PWC less than 200' from Op2. Op1 struck Op2 who had stopped, causing injury to Op2 and his passenger.


BARDID: VT-2019-0003
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: Colchester
County: Chittenden
WaterConditions: Very rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/30/2019, two people were paddling their respective kayaks through Malletts Bay as a storm approached the area. The storm was as forecast. As the storm struck the area, they capsized falling into the water. Both had PFD's in their kayaks however were unable to access them. Witnesses to the event located one person floating face down in 5' of water. She was transported to the hospital where she pronounced deceased. the other's body was located the following day nearby in 7' of water.
The storm carried heavy rain and sustained winds in excess of 50 MPH with wind gusts reported as high as 74 MPH in the area.


BARDID: VT-2019-0004
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: North Hero
County: Grand Isle
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
This incident was not witnessed directly. Based on the investigator's findings the following is believed to have occurred. Victim was known to tie up to a low overhead railroad crossing bridge on Lake Champlain to fish. Family reported Victim had gone out on this day at approximately 11:00AM to go fishing. At approximately 1:00PM, Victim's boat was found tied to the structure and Victim was not around. A fish finder attached to the rear of the boat was broken and hanging off the side of the boat. Detective determined that this incident occurred sometime between noon and 1:00PM.  
While State Police divers were searching for Victim, they located his fishing pole approximately 20' from his boat. Victim's body was located later in the evening by State Police divers approximately 40' west of his boat in 14' of water.
It is believed that Victim lost his balance while fishing between noon and 1:00PM and fell into the water and drowned. There was a wearable PFD on the boat however it was not worn by Victim.


BARDID: VT-2020-0001
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: Colchester
County: Chittenden
WaterConditions: Very rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator #1 was maneuvering through a known shallow area with a reef at the surface of the water. Operator struck the reef and became stuck. Emergency responders towed the boat to shore.


BARDID: VT-2020-0002
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:50:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: So. Burlington
County: Chittenden
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1 drove to the area of Red Rocks on Lake Champlain in order for the occupants to go swimming. 

The vessel was drifting, and the occupants began to swim. Subject1 entered the water to go swimming wearing a pfd. A child also entered the water to swim not wearing a pfd. The child began drifting away from the boat due to the high winds and rough waters and began to struggle to stay above water. 

Subject2 entered the water not wearing a pfd in an attempt to assist the child. Operator jumped in the water wearing a pfd to assist the child. Operator gave the pfd to the child, and then began struggling as well. 

Subject3 then jumped in the water wearing a pfd to assist. At this point, Subject1 had returned to the boat successfully. As Subject3 met up with Operator, Operator grabbed Subject3 to stay afloat however the pfd being worn by Subject3 was not sufficient to keep them both above water. 

Operator let go of Subject3 and continued to struggle while he and Subject3 attempted to make it to shore. Subject2 and the child were able to make it to the shore successfully. 

At some point during this struggle, Subject3 and Operator became separated and went below the water surface. A responding USCG vessel located Subject3 approximately 100 yards away floating just under the surface. It was reported that Subject3 was just below the surface laying on the pfd not properly being worn. Operator's body was located several days later by State Police divers.

Both victims had been using drugs.


BARDID: VT-2020-0003
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:20:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: Alburgh
County: Grand Isle
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
The victim and 4 passengers were boating on Lake Champlain when the victim operator stopped to go for a swim. The boat was drifting and due to the large waves, quickly drifted away from him. 

Two passengers each independently entered the water in an effort to assist the victim back to the boat but were unsuccessful. There was an effort to throw PFD's to the victim in the water however they floated away from him. The victim slipped under the water and did not surface. He was found to have alcohol and marijuana in his system.

There were PFD's on board however it is not know if they were readily accessible or how many.


BARDID: VT-2020-0004
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: Colchester
County: Chittenden
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was traveling north on Lake Champlain. Operator was not paying attention and did not see the hazard of Hogback Reef. Operator struck the reef and became stranded. Vessel and occupants were removed by a local tow agency.


BARDID: VT-2020-0005
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: Colchester
County: United States
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 Operator and V2 Operator were operating their PWC's on Lake Champlain with V2 Passenger as a passenger with V2 Operator. Both PWC's were following and jumping the wake of a third recreational boat owned by Witness 2. V2 Operator was leading the two PWC's and jumped Witness 2's wake and came to a stop, drifting in the water. V1 Operator, following V2 Operator jumped the same wake. As V2 Operator landed, his splash struck V1 Operator as he jumped the wake, causing V1 Operator an inability to see momentarily. As V1 Operator landed and wiped the spray from his face, he saw V2 Operator and V2 Passenger stopped in front of him. V1 Operator steered right in an attempt to avoid V2 Operator however struck the starboard side of the V2 Operator PWC with his port side. 
V2 Passenger suffered injury to her right leg area and was transported to the hospital for treatment. V2 Operator was treated on scene for minor injury to his right leg.


BARDID: VT-2020-0006
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-25 00:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Ninevah
NearestCityorTown: Mount Holly
County: Rutland
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was known to fish for catfish at night. He left his residence on 09/24/2020 at approximately 15:30 hours. A passerby called 911 reporting a male slumped over the steering wheel of his boat on Lake Ninevah at approximately 0700 hours on 09/25/2020. Emergency responders responded and located his drifting boat with the operator submerged in the water, yet still hanging on to the side of his boat. The operator was deceased. The accident was unwitnessed, however it is believed he entered the water wearing hip waders, was unable to get back into his boat and died as a result of cold water submersion/drowning. The operator was not a good swimmer and would not likely have entered the water wearing hip waders voluntarily. Therefore it is believed that he slipped and fell into the water, hung onto the side of the boat where he dies as a result of cold water immersion/drowning.


BARDID: VT-2021-0001
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-03-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: Swanton
County: Franklin
WaterConditions: Choppy
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On March 25, 2021 the Provincial Police of Quebec notified the Vermont State Police that a kite surfer had been last seen entering the west side of Mississquoi Bay on Lake Champlain on March 24. The individual had not returned to his vehicle or his home and was presumed missing in the lake. The Lake was partially ice covered. Searchers searched the Mississquoi Bay area for several days. On 03/27/2021, State Police received a call of a suspicious looking item in the lake. Troopers responded and utilizing a UAV, located what appeared to be the missing individual. Rescue crews utilized a boat and recovered the individual who was attached to the kite surf. The kite surfer was wearing a pfd under his coat. According to the medical examiner, autopsy showed the individual died from exposure to the cold due to cold water submersion. The event was not witnessed however it is believed that the individual may have capsized and soaked his clothing and body with extreme cold water and died from exposure.


BARDID: VT-2021-0002
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-04-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lewis Creek
NearestCityorTown: charlotte
County: Chittenden
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Dam/lock
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Two adults and one child were in a rowboat and believed to be attempting to travel across the creek to an area they normally went to. The incident was unwitnessed however based on where they were known to enter the water at their residence it is believed the three entered the boat and while attempting to cross the creek, were swept over a 3 - 4 foot waterfall. 

It is believed the grandfather assisted the child to shore, (who was later found in a vehicle at the residence) and then returned to assist his wife. This area of water was fairly shallow, knee to waist deep. It is believed both male and female were overcome and disabled due to the cold water and succumbed to the temperatures and then drowned. 

Both male and female were found below this waterfall deceased. An autopsy indicated their cause of death was cold water immersion, hypothermia, and drowning.


BARDID: VT-2021-0003
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: Shelburne
County: Chittenden
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Shift
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was tied to the dock. V2 was launching his boat. When he shifted into reverse, the boat went forward. Off season maintenance was done on the outdrive and was put back together incorrectly.


BARDID: VT-2021-0004
State: VT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Champlain
NearestCityorTown: Burlington
County: Chittenden
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/28/2021, Burlington Police received a report of an individual having fallen off a sailboat on Lake Champlain and not surfacing. Emergency crews responded and searched the area and were unable to locate the individual. Burlington Police investigation indicated that two elderly people were watching Victim from a distance when they noticed him either jump or fall from his sailboat. The witnesses did not see victim resurface and his sailboat drifted to shore. Police were not able to determine whether victim jumped from his vessel, or if he slipped and fell.
State Police recovered victim's body on 6/30/21 while searching the area.


