# ReleasableAccidentes

BARDID: TN-2017-0009
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-03-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:33:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: JEFFERSON CITY
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday March 26, 2017 at approximately 13:30, Operator was operating a 1990 24'' Sylvan Pontoon Boat on Cherokee Lake in Jefferson County. Operator was in the process of trailering the pontoon at the boat ramp located at Cherokee Dam.  At the time of the incident Operator had one passenger on board. fiancé and owner of the vessel, was standing port side and outside the railing observing the alignment of the pontoons with the trailer bunks. 

Owner’s son, had backed the trailer into the water. The trailer was not at a sufficient depth to allow full extension of pontoon/bunk contact. The subsequent striking and abrupt stop of the pontoons to the trailer bunks caused owner to be ejected from the vessel and resulted in her striking her head and right knee on the vessel trailer. EMS transported her to Jefferson Memorial Hospital for treatment. 

All involved parties and vessel were at Jefferson Memorial Hospital on officer arrival.

Based upon officer investigation, the operator was at fault for not requiring his passenger to be behind the railing and seated during the trailering of the 24'' Sylvan Pontoon.


BARDID: TN-2017-0010
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-04-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: MAYNARDVILLE
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, April 15, 2017, Operator returned home to his private dock after a day trip on the lake.  Operator stated he could not enter his private dock due to a vessel fishing blocking the entrance. While waiting for the fishing vessel to move, the wind blew the 1994 Bayliner operated by Operator into a shallow area causing damage to the prop of the vessel.  While trying to move the vessel forward off the shallow area, occupant fell striking the edge of a seat with her back.  She was unable to get up from the fall, and had to be transported to Claiborne County Hospital by ambulance.  She sustained three broken ribs on her right side, and a small puncture to her right lung.


BARDID: TN-2017-0011
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-04-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:46:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CELINA
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 30, 2017, Subject and her son went kayaking on Dale Hollow Lake at Cedar Hill Marina.  They both had inflatable kayaks with PFDs on board.  They launched at the marina ramp and headed toward the opposite bank.  Son was approximately 5 minutes ahead of his mother.  The wind was causing  white cap waves around 2'' tall.  Witness statements coincide that subject was around the no wake zone, struggling with  paddling against the wind to keep up with her son.  Witness''s statements say they looked up a couple minutes later to see her kayak moving across the water sporadically, as if no one was in it.  Witnesses took a boat out from Cedar Hill Marina to get Son, and inform him of the situation.  Witnesses picked up Son, and then picked up subject’s empty kayak.


BARDID: TN-2017-0012
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-04-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:56:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HAMPTON
County: CARTER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
General Synopsis:
On April 12, 2017 I responded to a boat accident on Watauga Lake in Carter County, Tennessee. I arrived at Rat Branch Boat Ramp approximately 1900. When I arrived on scene, I determined that there were two vessels involved in an accident near the mouth of a cove outside the entrance to Cove Ridge Marina. Both individuals were the single occupant on PWC''s that they were each operating. Both vessels are owned by the mother of operator1. Upon collision of the vessels, both vessels were inoperable and a nearby boater was able to transport both operators and Vessel 1 back to Rat Branch. Vessel 2 was secured to the bank near the scene of the accident and was later retrieved by myself. Upon arriving at Rat Branch, Operator1 was transported by EMS to Johnson City Medical Center for injuries that he received from the accident. Operator1 had visible lacerations and bruising to his left leg. He was evaluated and released later that night from the hospital. Operator1 received further medical treatment at a later date and was determined to have a torn ACL, PCL, MCL, and meniscus in his left knee and arterial damage resulting in a low pulse in his left leg.

Summary of statements provided by Vessel Operators: 
Both vessels were launched together at Rat Branch Boat Ramp and traveled up stream. Upon approaching the Highway 67 Bridge, both vessels made a left turn and stopped at a nearby point. The area in which the vessels stopped is at the mouth of a cove outside of Cove Ridge Marina. After stopping for less than five minutes, Operator1 departed on Vessel 1 at approximately 5-10mph. Shortly thereafter, Operator2 departed on Vessel 2 traveling in the same direction. Vessel 2 was traveling behind and to the port side of Vessel 1. Both vessels were headed from the cove further upstream when Operator1 decided to change direction and head towards Cove Ridge Marina. Vessel 1 slowed down and started a sharp left turn towards the marina. Operator1 was unaware of the exact location or distance to Vessel 2 at the time.  When Vessel 1 turned, it immediately came into the path of Vessel 2. Operator2 let off the throttle on Vessel 2, but was unable to slow the vessel enough to avoid collision. Vessel 2 continued on its path and then impacted the port side of Vessel 1. On impact, the vessel struck the left leg of Operator1 causing injuries and continued on to the top of Vessel 1. Operator1 was ejected from his vessel on impact. Operator2 was able to stay on his vessel but swam to a nearby boat when his began to flood and sink.

Damage Assessment:
Vessel 1 sustained damage to the steering console and hull near the location of the seat. The console is broken from the vessel and is connected only by the wiring harness. Plastic from the hull is broken away from the vessel. The seat was also dislodged from the vessel and was not recovered. Vessel 2 sustained damage to the bottom front of the hull. There are cracks and a hole approximately 14 inches in diameter in the hull that caused the vessel to flood.


BARDID: TN-2017-0013
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Elk River
NearestCityorTown: Prospect
County: GILES
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was kayaking the Elk River with friends in a 10ft Moken lite kayak.  The Elk river was 6ft above normal and flow rate was 6x normal.  The victims kayak struck a submerged object and capsized about 1 mile below the Veto boat ramp.  

the victim was thrown into the water.  He was able to hold on to a tree limb until help arrived.  The other members of his group were unable to help him because of the high current of the river.  The Giles County Rescue Squad was able to locate the victim and return him to the Veto Boat Ramp.  

The victim was taken to Limestone County Hospital by the Giles County Ambulance Service where he was treated for hypothermia and released.


BARDID: TN-2017-0014
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GRAHAM
NearestCityorTown: JACKSON
County: MADISON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Hull failure
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On saturday may 13th, 2017 at approximately 4:45 pm Subject was trolling to a fishing spot on lake graham in madison county when he struck a stump.  Operator1s''s wife said there is water coming into the boat. Operator1 then cranked his motor and headed to the boat ramp.  He dropped wife off at the ramp to have her back the boat trailer into the water.  

Operator1 was bailing out water while wife backed the trailer in.  The motor failed on him and then the boat capsized.  Operator1 jumped out of boat and contacted twra.  Officers were already on the lake checking fishermen when they got the call from twra dispactch.  Officers immediately went to the scene to investigate.  

After the investigation, it was found that there was a gash in bottom of the fiberglass boat that contributed to the boat sinking.  Officers smelled an odor of alcoholic beverages on operator1 and officer performed standard field sobriety test on operator1.  The test showed that operator1 was not at a level of impairment nor was it a contributing factor to the incident.  The boat and most of it''s contents were recovered and returned to owner.  There were no injuries or fatalities involved in the incident.


BARDID: TN-2017-0015
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 7, 2017 at approximately 18:30 Operator1 was operating a 1999 20'' Sweetwater 20ES pontoon boat, vessel 1, on Douglas Lake in Jefferson County. At the same time Operator2 was operating a 2001 34'' Sea Ray 340 Sundancer, vessel 2, on Douglas Lake in Jefferson County. Vessel 1 was traveling upstream along the right side of the bank towards Swann''s Marina. Vessel 2 was also traveling upstream in the same area. 

A point, approximately .45 miles downstream of the mouth of Seehorn Creek, extends out to restrict upstream visibility of vessels traveling along the right bank. Vessel 1 was traveling beyond the point. Vessel 2 came around the point traveling in a plowing displacement mode, restricting the operator''s visibility. 

Operator2 never saw vessel 1. Upon hearing engine of Vessel 2, Operator1 attempted a starboard side maneuver in order to avoid collision. Vessel 2 made initial contact to vessel 1 on the rear cowling of motor. 

Vessel 2 then proceeded across the stern continuing towards and across port side of vessel 1. Vessel 1 banked right and traveled into the bank while vessel 2 maneuvered port side. Upon collision, Operator1 was ejected from vessel 1 and sustained injuries.  

Operator1 refused medical treatment.  Operator2 stated she circled back to "see what kind of log she ran over." This was the first time she saw vessel 1 and that she had not ran over a log but had collided with another boat.  Operator2 retrieved Operator1 from the water, and provided first aid to some of her injuries.  

Based on officer investigation and statements of parties involved Operator2 was at fault. With her vessel being large and sitting high above the water there is a restriction of visibility. Add that along with a plowing displacement where the front of the boat rides high and a point restricting the view there was a need for more operator attention than what was being used. 

Operator2 demonstrated improper lookout at a time where there were visibility restrictions with her vessel. She did not give way to the stand on vessel that she was overtaking. She also did not take early and substantial action to avoid a collision.


BARDID: TN-2017-0016
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-04-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:15:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: COUNCE
County: HARDIN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Dam/lock
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday, April 26, 2017, I responded to a boating incident below Pickwick Dam.  I received a call from dispatch of an overturned vessel below Pickwick Dam, and it was unknown if individuals were on board at the time of the incident.

At approximately 1114 hours on April 26, 2017, two people were in a vessel (TN6309BP) on Pickwick Lake, operating around the area of Pickwick Dam.  At this time Pickwick Dam was spilling water through the flood gates due to the recent amount of rainfall.

At approximately 1114 this vessel was being operated in the area of spill gate number 3.  According to the TVA video footage, this vessel went inside of the spill gate in reverse.  At approximately 1116 this vessel comes out of the spill gate and at approximately 1117 the vessel appears to go through the gate of the dam.  It is unknown which individual was operating the vessel at this time, or the activity of the occupants at this time.  

Hardin County Central dispatch was notified of the incident and notified TWRA dispatch at approximately 1257 hours.  

The two individuals were later recovered several miles downstream, and the capsized vessel was recovered around the rock pile area of the Tennessee River.


BARDID: TN-2017-0017
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:40:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT. LOUDOUN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: KNOXVILLE
County: KNOX
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
According to witness statements (victim), and two others left by boat from Subject1''s private dock adjacent to Fort Loudon Lake.  They were engaged in wake boarding.  Subject2 had just finished wakeboarding and reboarded the boat.  Victim wanted to attempt to wakeboard.  Victim picked up a life jacket and sat on the side of the boat.  Subject2 and Victim were horseplaying near the back of the boat.  Subject2 stated he was trying to "hype Victim up" for his first time wakeboarding.  At some point Victim fell out of the boat and Subject2 followed.  Victim had a lifejacket in his hand.  The jacket and Subject2 surfaced but Victim did not.  Subject2 and Subject1 thought Victim was joking around.  After he did not resurface they searched for him.  After approximately 5 minutes they called 911 at 4:45pm.  Victim''s body was recovered at approximately 9:45pm.


BARDID: TN-2017-0018
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CENTER HILL LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SMITHVILLE
County: DEKALB
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 20, 2017, Operator1 and 3 friends went to the lake around 12:00 pm.  Upon occupant interviews, it is accurate that vessel operator, Operator1, had started drinking upon arrival at the lake and continued to consume alcoholic drinks all through the day.  They put in at Cookeville Boat Dock and went toward Sligo Marina for lunch and beverages.  They departed Sligo and headed towards Pate''s Ford Marina.  They arrived and had more drinks and ate dinner.  The occupants didn''t feel safe riding back to Cookeville Dock, so they called for a ride to pick them up.  Operator1 refused and drove from Fish Lips Bar (Pates Ford Marina) at approximately 9:30 pm.  Operator1 was heading back to Cookeville Boat Dock, but left the main channel and entered Pine Creek.  He grounded his vessel on a shallow shoal that went to a small island.  Officer had made contact with Operator1, and Operator1 stated he was at Davie''s Island.  The island is approximately 12.6 miles away from Operator1''s actual location.


BARDID: TN-2017-0019
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 05-14-2017, i was asked by sgt. to investigate a possible boating accident that happened on tims ford lake. On 05-14-2017 i spoke to deputy and asked if he knew anything about a boat accident.  He explained that the winchester pd responded to a call about a vessel burning at the bass club dock located on tims ford lake. He was able to provide the winchester pd responding officers name. 

On 5-14-2017 between 1130-12 midnight i spoke to win. Pd ptl. about the incident which occurred earlier that day of the 14th. Ptl. stated that the 911 call came in 0n 05-14-2017 around 13:50 hrs. When ptl arrived on scene, around 14:00 hrs, he began to help and gather info. Based on the info i was given, Subject had backed v1 down the boat ramp at the bass club on tims ford lake and left the operator of v1, with his son, and his friend, on-board v1. As subject pulled the vehicle and boat trailer off the boat ramp and parked in the parking lot, operator was pulling v1 up to the courteous dock to wait on subject to get on-board v1. 

     sometime after v1 started toward the dock, operator asked his son to raise the hatch over the motor so the fumes could escape from the enclosure. Son did as his dad, operator, told him to do, and as son raised the hatch over the motor, it caused a spark, and blew up, causing fire to cover son''s face, neck, shoulders, chest, arms, and hands. Son jumped into the water to avoid further burning.  Son''s friend was also burned on the top of his right foot and jumped into the water as well.  

After son jumped into the water, he swam to the dock ramp where a nurse that was fishing helped him out of the water and got him to safety. The nurse called 911 at this time.  Friend stated that he never told anybody he was burned because he didn’t want to get into trouble and that he was ok.  

Son stated, that earlier in the day operator had stopped and filled the boat fuel tank up and had spilled fuel all over the engine. Son asked his dad, operator, if it will blow up-after the explosion, operator worked on putting the fire out with some help from by-standers. After the flames appeared to be out, operator drove v1 around the no wake zone area for a few minutes then headed back to dock v1.  

A police officer came to the docked v1 and spoke to operator then operator sprinted down the ramp toward the location of his injured son.  Son was eventually airlifted to the hospital.


BARDID: TN-2017-0021
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On the evening of May 17, 2017 at approximately 18:15, operator was operating an 18'' 1997 Sea Ray 175 Five Series vessel in Nina Creek cove on Douglas Lake in Jefferson County. Operator was pulling his step-father on a tube. Operator was towing the tube around the island located across from Nina Creek Access Area. While circling the island Tuber fell off the tube. As he fell off the tube, his right foot became entangled in an additional rope on the tube. Tuber had added this rope to aid in climbing onto the tube and as a foot prop while riding the tube. Tuber was dragged by the right foot approximately 10''-15'' before his foot came free. Tuber had swelling and discoloration on his right foot and complained of pain in his left knee. Tuber was transported by ambulance from Nina Creek Access Area to Jefferson Memorial Hospital.

Based upon officer investigation injuries were caused by his addition of rope to the tube handles.


BARDID: TN-2017-0022
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT. LOUDOUN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LOUISVILLE
County: BLOUNT
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Fuel
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated they were drifting in the cove with the engine idling and noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment.  They lifted the engine compartment cover.  They smelled fuel and saw fuel leaking from a hose onto the engine.  A few minutes later the engine compartment caught fire and the majority of the occupants evacuated the boat.  They used multiple hand held fire extinguishers to extinguish the fire.  This was the second time the boat had been used since purchase.


BARDID: TN-2017-0023
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: JACKSBORO
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday the 29th day of May, 2017 operator’s vessel struck a submerged object in Cedar Creek on Norris Lake near the entrance of Sugar Hollow Marina. Operator was recreational cruising traveling from his rental cabin at the back of Cedar Creek.  Operator''s Daughter and father –in-law were on board. Daughter was setting in the port bow seating and Father in law was sitting in the passenger seat nearest the driver.  

Operator struck a submerged object in Cedar Creek near the entrance of Sugar Hollow Marina. The object struck the lower unit of the motor resulting in the partial submersion of the vessel. Due to the impact Daughter struck the starboard side window of the same vessel resulting in her injuries. The damage to the vessel was a small, less than 1 inch, crack in the lower unit of the motor. Also, possible motor damage from the partial submersion.


BARDID: TN-2017-0024
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:37:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SAVANNAH
County: HARDIN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On May, 26, 2017, I received a call from Hardin County central dispatch pertaining to a boating incident that occurred on the Tennessee River portion of Kentucky Lake in Hardin County, TN, near Savannah.
At approximately 1400 hours, I arrived at the Savannah boat ramp.  According to the operator of the vessel and one occupant, operator was operating this vessel around the Wolf Island area at approximately 15 miles per hours.  Operators hat appeared to come off of his head, and at this time he reached to grab it.  When Operator released the steering wheel, the vessel made a sharp turn.  Victim was ejected from the vessel into the water, and the vessel continued to turn hitting Victim with the lower unit and propeller.  
Subject1 jumped into the water to assist Victim  She was returned to the vessel and brought to the Savannah Boat ramp.  Victim was airlifted to Vanderbilt hospital.  
Operator consented to a blood test, and this was conducted at Hardin County Hospital. No intoxicating substances were found in Operators blood.


BARDID: TN-2017-0025
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CARYVILLE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 29, 2017 I was dispatched to a boat accident near Twin Cove Marina.  When I arrived at Twin Cove the marina staff directed me toward a boat that had been towed in and had been sinking.  Staff stated the boat was one of their rentals.  They had the boat on a lift and were attempting to drain the water out of it.  They indicated who the occupants and operator were.  I made contact with the operator.  
Operator provided me with a statement indicating he was the operator of the boat.  The other two occupants as well as the marina staff gave statements indicating Operator was the operator.  Boat occupant witness statements indicate they were traveling near the marina when they struck something in the water.  
The boat immediately started alarming and lost all power.  They then noticed compartments filling with water.  They called the marina and staff towed the boat to a lift at the marina.  The outdrive of the motor had been broken off.  Operator had characterizes consistent with an impair operator.  I administered field sobriety tests to him and he was subsequently arrested for BUI.


BARDID: TN-2017-0026
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TELLICO LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LENOIR CITY
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Based on witness statements and evidence at the scene, the operator was attempting to start his vessel after launching it at Poplar Springs boat ramp.  The vessel had started once and subsequently died.  Operator continued to attempt to start the engine at which point the vessel exploded.   The resulting blast propelled Operator approximately 20'' into the air, based on witness statements, and separated the deck from the hull of the vessel.  The vessel then burned to the water line before sinking.  Operator was helped from the water and transported to University of Tennessee ER by EMS for treatment.


BARDID: TN-2017-0027
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NOLICHUCKY RIVER
NearestCityorTown: MORRISTOWN
County: HAMBLEN
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On Thursday June 1, 2017 at approximately 1:00pm, two people launched two kayaks with family and friends into the Nolichucky River at the Chamber''s Farm in Cocke County.  

Operator1 was operating an Ozark Brand orange sit inside plastic kayak, vessel 1.  Operator2 was operating an Ozark Brand green sit on top plastic kayak, vessel 2. There were three other inflatable floats being used by remaining party members.  Mother of Operator2, was riding in one of the floats going down river.  Subject1 and her two small children were in a red four seat inflatable float.  The third float was occupied by Operator2’s youngest brother. 

At approximately 3:00pm, the party was just upstream of the low head dam.  Operator1 had floated this stretch of river before and knew to get out on the right bank next to the pump house (in order to portage around dam). The current was stronger than anticipated by the party.  

Subject2 jumped out of her float and attempted to swim the red float, containing two small children and their mother, across current to the right bank.  At this time, Operator1 and Operator2 tried to assist Operator2’s mother by holding on to the float while attempting to paddle kayaks.  

Operator2’s brother was able to jump out of his float and swim to shore.  The red float went over the dam dragging Operator2’s mother with it.  Both kayaks then were swept over and collided with each other and the red float.  

The collision caused both kayaks to roll dumping both operators into the river.  Operator2 was holding on to the red float and he was pulled on board float.  Operator1 was swept downstream and was able to get to shore and ran to highway for help. Operator2’s mother made multiple attempts to pull float away from dam.  She was caught in hydraulics and pulled under. 

One subject stated she could feel Operator2’s mother under the float and was able to pull her back to the surface but was unable to hold on to her for fear of turning raft over.  She was blue in color and her eyes were open. Operator1 was pulled downstream with current and her body was recovered by Hamblen Rescue Personnel. Rescue personnel were able to use a throw bag to pull remaining survivors in float to shore. 

Operator1 had multiple contusions on left arm, lower back and was beginning to show signs of contusion around right eye.  Operator2 was not injured. 

Both kayaks were swept down river and were not recovered.  The three youngest children were wearing personal floatation devices.  Operator1, Operator2, and two adults were not wearing personal floatation devices and did not have any in possession when they started the trip downriver.

The USGS 03467609 Nolichucky River near Lowland flow station showed approximately 3200cfs discharge rate.


BARDID: TN-2017-0028
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:32:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DOVER
County: STEWART
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Chaparral was drifting on KY Lake when a PWC on plane struck the port side bow of the vessel. The operator of the PWC was transported to the hospital due to his injuries before i arrived on scene. He was wearing a PFD. An occupant of the Chaparral was later treated at the hospital as she was complaining of a headache. No charges were filed.


BARDID: TN-2017-0029
State: TN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: NEW JOHNSONVILLE
County: HUMPHREYS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject was fishing along the southern edge of Indian Creek when his boat caught on fire. When he started the engine to move to another spot, the starter hung. Even though he was no longer turning the key, the starter was still spinning. He heard a loud pop and turned around to see smoke coming from the engine. He got his fire extinguisher and tried to pull the cowling off the engine; when he did the flame spread rapidly and he exhausted his extinguisher trying to put it out. When I arrived, about thirty minutes later, another fisherman had pulled Subject from the water and the vessel was fully engulfed by flames. Firefighters were on the scene but had exhausted their extinguishers. We were able to tow the burning boat to the New Johnsonville ramp where a fire truck was waiting. The flames were finally extinguished, but the vessel was totally destroyed and sank on the ramp.


BARDID: TN-2017-0030
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:26:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: MT JULIET
County: WILSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Based on investigation and interviews, on Sunday May 28, 2017 at approximately at 21:30 three vessels entered Two Foot Cove on Old Hickory Lake, a small zodiac-type vessel unknown operator, V2 Baja (TN 7192 EE), and V6 Wellcraft "Stolen Moments II" unknown operator, circled around a group of anchored/rafted vessels, V1 Sunstar house boat "Maggie B. II", another house boat (unknown), V3 Yamaha pwc (TN 0007 JM), and V5 Silverton cruiser (TN 3944 CA), causing a substantial amount of wake.  

The wake from the circling vessels caused damage to vessel 1, vessel 3, and vessel 5.  The three circling vessels then moored at dock.  The occupants of vessel 3 and vessel 5 were on board vessel 1.  The other house boat present left after the incident.  V4 Sweetwater pontoon (TN 3224 EG) arrived and was rafted to the rear port side of V1 Sunstar.  V3 Yamaha pwc was moved from the port side of V1 to the port side of V4.  At approximately 01:30 on Monday May 29, 2017, V6 Wellcraft cruiser left the dock and again circled the anchored/rafted vessels plowing and causing more wakes before exiting Two Foot Cove to the main channel headed down stream.  V3 and V4 sustained damage from the second pass of V6.  

As a result of the two passes, V1 sustained damage to front enclosure and hand rail partially ripped from the port side, V3 had the starboard side mirror broke off and scratches on the starboard side, V4 had dents and scratches on the aluminum panels on both the port and starboard side, and V5 had scratches to the starboard side and had a motor hydro-lock on its way back to the dock later that day. 

The owner/operator of vessel 2 stated that he had operated the vessel the night before during the incident, but kept distance from the other vessels and was only going 10-15 mph.  He refused to give a written statement.  Operator6 stated he was present during the incident, but also refused to give a statement.  Both individuals were questioned about the owner/operator of vessel 6, and both individuals stated they did not know who the vessel belonged to or who was operating it.  The operator/owner of vessel 6 is currently under investigation.  ALL DAMAGE ESTIMATES ARE BASED ON FIELD OBSERVATIONS OR OWNER STATEMENTS AND ARE NOT INTENDED FOR INSURANCE OR RESTITUTION PURPOSES.

UPDATE: On Saturday June 10, 2017, Operator6 stated that he was the operator of vessel 6 during the incident that occurred on 5/28/17 and 5/29/17.   He also stated that the vessel ownership was currently in transfer and that he was assisting in the transfer.


BARDID: TN-2017-0031
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityorTown: NASHVILLE
County: Davidson
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday June 4, 2017 at approximately 5:50pm I was notified of a boat accident outside of Smith Springs recreation area on Percy Priest Lake in Nashville, Tennessee.  The caller stated that 2 personal watercraft struck each other and one individual was injured and in the water.  Upon arriving in the area I noticed a white female on a jetski.  She approached my vessel and stated she had hit another PWC that her boyfriend was on.  She could not give me the location of the accident and she seemed confused about where she was.  

Officer then came over the radio and said he had located the other PWC and the injured individual at the Anderson beach recreational area boat ramp.  I had the female subject follow me to the boat ramp where we found Operator2 laying down injured on the back of the ski boat.  Upon extensive interviews we found that operator2 was the operator of one PWC, and his friend was the operator of the other PWC.  They were out testing the PWC''s and were about to head back to the boat ramp.  

Operator2 was traveling ahead of Operator1 at approximately 15-20mph and on Operator1''s starboard side.  He then took a left turn and did not notice Operator1 was as close as he was.  Operator1''s PWC hit the port side of Operator2''s vessel and ramped up striking Operator2 on the left side of his stomach.  Operator2 was transported to Vanderbilt and diagnosed with 2 broken ribs.  Operator1 was un-injured.


BARDID: TN-2017-0032
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: HIWASSEE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: CLEVELAND
County: BRADLEY
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday May 28, 2017 at approximately 17:30 Operator and 8 occupants were on the Hiwassee River. Operator was operating his vessel (V1 TN 3598 DW) and traveling upstream. Upstream from his vessel was another vessel (V2). Operator attempted to overtake that vessel by passing it on its port, or left side. 

While executing this maneuver Operator''s vessel was struck by a wave coming from the unknown vessel. This wave caused damage to Operator’s vessel on its left (port) side. 2 of the occupants were both ejected into the water. 

The unknown vessel (V2) rendered assistance and picked up one subject and transported her to the dock where she was safe. Neither occupant who was ejected into the water received any medical assistance beyond first aid. 

Despite efforts from Officers, information was not able to be obtained from Vessel #2. No charges will be placed and alcohol was determined to not be a factor in the incident. My investigation is complete.


BARDID: TN-2017-0033
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HAMPTON
County: CARTER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday June 2nd 2017 at 18:16 I was informed of a boat fire on Watauga Lake in Carter County. Upon arriving on scene the vessel was still burning. 

Upon questioning the operator, he informed me that he had been traveling upstream at 35 mph in his 1993 27'' Fountain Fever. Operator1 began losing power until the engine shutoff. Operator1 stated he smelled smoke and lifted the engine compartment door. After Operator1 observed flames in the engine compartment he closed the door and heard the fire suppression system turn on. 

Operator1 then flagged down a passing pontoon boat that gave him a fire extinguisher. When Operator1 reopened the engine compartment door to use the fire extinguisher the fire grew out of control. Operator1 then left his vessel and boarded the pontoon boat. No statement could be taken from the pontoon operator due to the vessel leaving the scene before I arrived. The vessel was towed to Little Stoney Creek Cove, were the fire was extinguished by the Butler Fire Department. Shortly after the fire was extinguished the vessel sank. The cause of the fire was reviewed by a fire investigator for the Carter County Sheriff''s Office. The investigator concluded due to the vast amount of damage and the vessel sinking he was unable to discover the cause of the fire.


BARDID: TN-2017-0035
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: KINGSTON
County: ROANE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday 3 June 2017, at approximately19:10, two jetskis collided on watts bar lake next to riley creek campground. Vessel 1was traveling upstream and turned right between two small islands when vessel 2 was traveling downstream cutting through the small islands when the jetskis collided. The front of vessel 2 struck the upper left side of vessel 1. Both occupants on vessel 1 was picked up and taken back to their resident where their parents took them to the hospital for a check up. Vessel 2 occupant was transported back to his residence where he refused medical treatment. He later reported a large bruise on his left leg and sore ribs. This all occured in Roane County.


BARDID: TN-2017-0036
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DECATUR
County: MEIGS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat operator and occupants left Hornsby Hollow campground around 18:30 to teach his son how to ski. At approximately 18:40, operator got to close to an island and struck a tree on the island. operator immediately called 911, and other boaters came to their aid, by helping with an injured female, and towing their boat back to shore. EMS and TWRA showed up just a few minutes after they arrived back on shore.


BARDID: TN-2017-0037
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:36:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SAVANNAH
County: HARDIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Other
OtherEquipmentFailure: thru hull exhaust boot
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On Thursday, June 8, 2017, I responded to a boating incident that occurred around the area of the Savannah boat ramp, on Kentucky Lake, in Hardin County, Tennessee.  

At approximately 1636 hours, subject was operating a 1973 Cheetah vessel (TN6821T) when the thru hull exhaust boot failed, causing water to fill inside the vessel.  The vessel took on a significant amount of water and sank.  Operator left the vessel and was able to swim to shore.


BARDID: TN-2017-0038
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAFOLLETTE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
ON 06-17-17 AT APPROXIMATELY 1530 HRS victim WAS DRIFTING ON HIS PWC ON NORRIS LAKE NEAR WHITE BRIDGE.  A  BOAT WAVE CAUSED THE PWC TO TIP AND HE FELL OFF CUTTING HIS RIGHT CALF ON A BROKEN KNOB AS HE WENT OVERBOARD.   HE REQUIRED ABOUT 4 STITCHES.  HIS STEP MOTHER WAS THE PASSENGER ON WITH HIM BUT WAS NOT INJURED.


BARDID: TN-2017-0039
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 14, 2017, Vessel #1 left from Taylor Boat Ramp at approximately 1830 hrs.   Operator and passenger traveled downstream toward Chickamauga Dam.  As they traveled downstream they passed a TVA swimming area.  At some point they made a left hand turn and began traveling back upstream along the edge of the marked swimming area.  
Operator indicated that the sun was in his eyes and he was having trouble seeing.  Vessel #1 struck one of the bouys delineating the area as a swimming area and a male victim swimming in the water.  The victim was able to swim to shore under his own power where he received medical treatment.  Victim received a laceration to the head.  He was treated and released form a local hospital.  Operator had a .18 BAC.


BARDID: TN-2017-0040
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:48:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: TENNESSEE RIDGE
County: HOUSTON
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
This summary is based on the statements from those involved and physical evidence collected during the investigation to date.  
On June 11, 2017 at or around 1645 hours, a KAWASAKI PWC with 2 persons on board and a SYLVAN PONTOON with 8 persons on board were together as a group traveling upstream from Hurricane Creek to Danville Access Area following the green buoy line.   The trim on the KAWASAKI was not function and in the trim up position causing stability and handling issues.   
The KAWASAKI pulled ahead of the SYLVAN and turned to starboard.  As the KAWASAKI slowed to cross a wake from a passing vessel, the occupant and operator fell off the KAWASAKI and into the path of the SYLVAN.  
The SYLVAN passed over and the outboard engine struck victim.  She sustained major trauma to her right arm and head.   She was admitted to Vanderbilt Medical Center for treatment.  After six surgeries, she is continuing to recover from her injuries.   
Both operators have been criminally charged in Houston County Court.


BARDID: TN-2017-0041
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ANDERSONVILLE
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 18, 2017 I arrived at Waterside Marina on Norris Lake to investigate a reported boat accident.  I found a docked jet ski laying on its side on its floating dock at I Dock. Upon further inspection I found a hole in the hull that appeared to be from a collision with another vessel. The floating dock that this jet ski was on also had a scrape on it that appeared to be from this same incident. The attendant at the dock gave me the jet ski owners information. The jet ski that was damaged had never been registered in either Tennessee or Ohio.
 
The only witness to this incident was a boat owner 3 piers down that stated he heard a noise and thought that someone must have been having trouble docking a boat. Later, he went and looked in the area of the earlier sounds. He saw the jet ski on its side and let the dock attendant know about it.

This appears to be a hit and run accident. The owner of the striking vessel has not came forth and there are no videos or eye-witnesses to this incident.

I inspected all vessels at the marina on the following day for damage that may or may not have been associated with this incident but found no connection.


BARDID: TN-2017-0042
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LIVINGSTON
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday June 12, 2017, in Clay County Tennessee at Willow Grove Marina located in Colson Creek on Dale Hollow Lake at approximately 1700 hrs. Owner of Vessel 1 docked and moored his vessel and he and his wife went to the restaurant (outdoor table) at Willow Grove Marina, where they were both sitting, when Vessel 2 (loaned) which had a 14 yr old female in the drivers seat, was attempting to dock behind Vessel 1.  

The operator hit the throttle into reverse, causing the vessel to go into reverse and towards a large houseboat.  The operator tried to possibly correct, but put the vessel 2 into forward, pulled towards neutral then overcorrected (probably) into forward, at which time, Vessel 2 struck Vessel 1 in the stern and continued over the gunnels and across the seats, leaving it on top of the moored vessel 1 and causing vessel 1 to sink.   

Dock workers and other patrons pushed Vessel 2 off of Vessel 1 and Marina operator then had a pump thrown into Vessel 1 to keep it from sinking further.  According to all owner/borrower involved, no people were physically injured.  It appeared from pictures, that besides the possible water damage to the electronics and other equipment on Vessel 1, there was also cracks and damage to gel coat and fiberglass of the hull and gunnel of Vessel 1.


BARDID: TN-2017-0043
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Collins river
NearestCityorTown: MCMINNVILLE
County: WARREN
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Overloading
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 0800 on June 25, 2017, Operator and Subject1 put in kayaks on the Collins river (Shelsford access area) in Warrnen Co.  Less than an hour into the float, Operator hit some debris in the water and was overturned.  Operator was unable to stay with his kayak and was taken under the water.  

Subject1 tried to help but was unable because of the swift current.  When Subject1 realized that he was not going to be able to locate Operator on his own, he climbed out of the water and ran to the nearest residence to call for help.  Operator''s body was found at approximately 1545, not far from where he was last seen.  Operator was not wearing a PFD and did not have one in his kayak.  

Operator was in a sundolphin Aruba 10 kayak rated for 250lbs.  He weighed over 300 and was sitting up on the back of a sit in type kayak.  Stability would have been severely reduced because of this.

An autopsy was requested by the Chief Criminal Investigator and determined cause of death to be drowning. The toxicology report was negative.


BARDID: TN-2017-0044
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 18, 2017 at around 00:20 there was a boating accident on Douglas Lake in Jefferson County. Based on interviews and investigation, the following events led to the collision. Subject had moored his 1994 17'' 10” Blazer (Vessel 1) to the bank of the Big Island. 
Operator2 had left The Pointe Restaurant operating a 2010 22'' 6” G3 Pontoon Boat (Vessel 2) and traveled to Mountain Cove Marina. She dropped friends off at Mountain Cove and was operating the vessel back toward Harbor Crest Condo''s when she went across a series of small submerged islands and bushes that were just above the waterline and struck the stern of vessel1.  
Vessel 1 had navigation lights on when vessel 2 ran into it. Upon my arrival, I smelled the odor of an alcoholic beverage about Operator2''s person and she admitted to drinking. She submitted to field sobriety testing and performed poorly. Operator2 was arrested for Boating Under the Influence.


BARDID: TN-2017-0045
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-18 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: RUTLEDGE
County: GRAINGER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/18/2017 at 06:19 a.m., i was contacted by grainger county sheriffs office in reference to an unoccupied, unsecured vessel at point 7 on cherokee lake in grainger county. Gcso corporal  advised he arrived on scene and flagged down a nearby fisherman to transport him to the vessel. 

Corporal advised the vessel did not appear to have a motor and appeared to have damage consistent with an accident. Corporal stood by with the vessel while i attempted to make contact with the registered owner. I made contact with owner via telephone and he advised the vessel was secured at his residence on a floating dock when he departed the prior evening.

the unoccupied vessel, hereafter known as vessel #1, was towed to the nearest access point for further inspection. After securing vessel #1, it was determined the motor of the vessel was hanging into the water by a cable and the vessel had damage consistent with a collision. 

Vessel #1 was struck by unknown vessel, hereafter known as vessel #2. Vessel #1 was struck by vessel #2 at a 110 degree angle of impact from the starboard stern causing damage to the motor, motor mount, and body of vessel #1. Due to lack of information from vessel #2 and no witness statements, the exact time and location of the collision, path of engagement, and damage to vessel #2 is unknown.


BARDID: TN-2017-0046
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NICKAJACK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: JASPER
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent3: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: person struck by engine
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 18, 2017 at approximately 18:31 hours a vessel was traveling down stream on Nickajack Lake in Marion County, TN.  At some point vesesl travelled outside the channel and ran onto a shallow hump of approximately 2 feet of water and also hit a log.  The outboard engine then broke off the transom and flipped up into the boat.  The engine hit victim in the back driving him into the operator console.  victim sustained a broken nose from the steering wheel as well as a large contusion on his back from the engine striking him.


BARDID: TN-2017-0047
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BEAN STATION
County: GRAINGER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/20/2017 at approximately 1:30 p.m., the operator of vessel #1 and two occupants arrived at lakeside marina on cherokee lake in grainger county to prepare the vessel for departure. The operator of vessel #1 stated he carried a container of gasoline onto the dock to put fuel into the vessel. 

After fueling the vessel, the operator of vessel #1 stated he turned on the blower. At approximately 1:45 p.m., the operator of vessel #1 stated he attempted to start the vessel two times and both times the engine died. The operator of vessel #1 stated he attempted to start the engine for the third time and there was an explosion from the engine compartment blowing the compartment lid off and the engine caught on fire. 

The operator of vessel #1 stated he used the fire extinguisher on board the vessel to put the fire out. Grainger county 911 was notified. Ems arrived on scene and the female occupant on board vessel #1 was transported to morristown hamblen hospital where she was treated for minor first degree burns on the back of both legs and released.


BARDID: TN-2017-0048
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAFOLLETTE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday the 24th day June, 2017 Operator2 was operating a 24'' Parti KR Pontoon inside the no wake docking area at Springs Boat Dock in LaFollette. Operator2 was attempting to dock her vessel at the courtesy dock adjacent to the fuel dock. Due to some congestion in the area Operator2 was attempting a tight turn into an open slip. Operator2 realized she was close to another vessel which was docked and tied up in a slip. Operator2 over corrected the turn and attempted to reverse however struck the stern of the second vessel. Damage was sustained to v1’s engine and right front pontoon. Operator2''s vessel sustained damage to the bow.


BARDID: TN-2017-0049
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WAVERLY
County: HUMPHREYS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat, TN-4685-CG, was being operated about (1) mile south of I-40 bridge on Kentucky Lake.  Operator1 had Subject1 in the boat observing (3) three girls on a tube behind the boat at about 20 miles per hour. The tube hit some waves and (2) two of the girls were thrown off the tube.  Operator1 turned the boat around and pulled up close to the girls and put the motor in neutral. 
Subject1 pulled the rope and tube closer to the boat to help the girls back onto the tube. The girls could not get on the tube from the water, so they swam around to the ladder to climb on the vessel to assist getting back onto the float.  
Victim1 climbed up the ladder when she noticed her leg hurt, and found a large laceration on her left leg. Two subjects wrapped up the cut on her leg, while someone Called 911. Operator went immediately to Cuba landing marina and waited for the Ambulance to arrive, the Paramedic recommended that she be lifeflighted to Vanderbilt to be treated, and she was taken by LifeFlight to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville Tennessee.


BARDID: TN-2017-0053
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:52:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: HIWASSEE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: DECATUR
County: MEIGS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 12th, 2017 vessel 1 was heading toward a predetermined location to fish on the Hiwassee River and vessel 2 was also heading towards the same general location to fish. The two vessels were traveling around 60-70 mph in the same direction and once they realized they were going to make contact with each other they slowed down which resulted in vessel 1 making contact with vessel 2 at his back port side around the gas tank lid. 
Vessel 1 had minor damage to his front port side, which resulted because he made an abrupt maneuver and changed directions moments before impact. There were no injuries and no passengers entered the water. Based on the investigation both of the two operators were at fault. This incident occurred due to lack of attention on both vessel 1 and vessel 2 operators.


BARDID: TN-2017-0054
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TELLICO LAKE
NearestCityorTown: VONORE
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On or about 7/16/2017 at approx. 12:30 on Tellico Lake in the Tellico Marina on F dock an accident involving two vessels occurred.  Vessel 1(V1), a 24'' 2013 Cobalt with TN registration TN 7612 EE was attempting to undock from his slip on F dock of Tellico Marina.  Upon exiting his slip, Operator1 struck Vessel 2 (V2), an unoccupied 2001 31'' SeaRay 310 Sundancer with TN registration TN 6815 DN.  

V1 struck the bow of V2 bending the anchor guide of V2 and making a large gouge in the port stern of V1.  V1 apparently did not know he had struck another vessel and continued on his voyage.  Operator1 (V1) later called to report the accident.  The accident was observed by a third party and reported to Harbour Master whom then called me, Wildlife Officer (WO) to report the accident.  The accident occurred due to improper lookout and operator inattention of the actions of V1 operator.


BARDID: TN-2017-0055
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DECATUR
County: MEIGS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7 July 2017, after fueling their vessel, operator and wife launched their boat from the Wide-spot Access Area in Meigs County, and once they got 1000 yards from the ramp when their engine died, Operator1 said he turned on the vent system but immediately started the engine, and it is here, where he heard the engine compartment ignite and blew the engine cover off the hinges. Both individuals jumped from the vessel to get away from the fire and another boat came by and picked them up and it is here where they called 911. This all occurred in Meigs County on Watts Bar Lake around 3:10 PM.


BARDID: TN-2017-0056
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
AccidentCause2: Congested waters
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
EquipmentFailure: Other
OtherEquipmentFailure: Gasket
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 3, 2017, Operator was operating a 1992 16''2'' Ozark deck boat on Douglas Lake in Jefferson County.  Operator left Mountain Cove Marina and traveled upstream to the Dandridge Access Area to view the fireworks show.  Operator was adrift approximately 60 yards from the end of new dock at the Access Area.  Operator had been in this location for approximately an hour when he noticed the vessel was taking on water. 

At this time, Operator advised family members who were swimming around vessel to board the boat.  Operator cranked motor to attempt to get vessel to bank.  The motor immediately died and vessel submerged to the bow.  Operator and family were assisted onto a nearby pontoon boat.  

Vessel was towed by TWRA to Dandridge Access Area to keep vessel from sinking completely.
Upon examination of vessel, a cracked rubber gasket on the stern of vessel just above waterline allowed water to seep into hull.  The high volume of wake due to the boat traffic attending fireworks show increased amount of exposure of water to gasket.  With the additional weight of family members added to hull, the vessel quickly took on more water over transom and into multiple open hatches on deck.


BARDID: TN-2017-0057
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:37:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ROGERSVILLE
County: HAWKINS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
While working boating enforcement on Cherokee Lake in Hawkins County, Tennessee on July 12, 2017 at approximately 22:37 I received a call from Officer advising of a boating accident near Quarryville Access Area.  Approximately one quarter of a mile past the access area, I observed a flashing white light along the bank and white light about 75 yards from the bank in the water.  I began going toward the light.  As I got closer, I observed a boat going in circles near the silo.  At approximately 22:46 I traveled to the bank where subject was waiving a flashlight.  I ask him if there was anybody still in the water and he said that he didn’t know.  I pulled my patrol vessel on the bank and jumped off.  I asked where the injured man was and Subject began pointing to the edge of the water.  I ran over to victim, put on gloves and Subject helped me pull him up on the bank.  I began rendering aid by conducting CPR on Victim.  He did not have a pulse at this time.  I continued to do CPR until EMS arrived on scene and took over.  Victim was pronounced dead on scene at 11:50 P.M by the Hawkins County Coroner. 
  
Based on Investigation:

Victim was fishing Cherokee Lake on July 12, 2017 in a 1988 Bass Tracker with registration of GA 6660 KX.  The Bass Tracker was powered by a 75 Mariner prop motor.  At approximately 22:30 Victim was travelling downstream toward Quarryville Access Area from the area of river mile 93.  Victim impacted a large concrete silo on the northern bank at an unknown speed.   The impact ejected Victim and he struck the silo, then fell into the water and was found unresponsive by subject.  The Bass Tracker had significant damage to the bow and the throttle was in a position of three quarters of full throttle.   
  
Based on Statements:

Victim was travelling downstream toward Quarryville Access Area from the area of river mile 93.  A witness, Subject, was anchored down fishing approximately 75 yards out and downstream from a concrete silo.  Subject stated that he saw Victim''s vessel travelling toward his location.  Subject first saw a green navigation light, appearing that Victim was going to pass him on the channel side of his location.  Subject then saw a red navigation light, appearing that Victim was going to pass between Subject''s vessel and the bank.  Subject then heard a loud bang, thinking Victim had hit a log, but quickly realized that the silo was in that area.  Victim had impacted the concrete silo at an unknown speed.  Subject pulled in all his gear, and then went to the area where he heard the loud noise.  Subject saw Victim''s vessel circling near the silo.  Subject shined a light on the vessel and no one was aboard.  Subject then located Victim floating in the water.  Victim was wearing a PFD but was not buckled.  Victim was unresponsive at this time. Subject had his son contact 911 and took Victim to the bank.

Based on Autopsy:

Cause of death is due to blunt force wounds to the head and neck. The manner of death is accident


BARDID: TN-2017-0058
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DECATUR
County: MEIGS
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 04, 2017 Operator1 was traveling from Hornsby Hollow boat dock toward mile 541. Between 1400 and 1430 hrs, Operator1 struck a submerged rock near mouth of Hornsby Hollow. Upon striking Operator1''s daughter was ejected into the water. Neither individual sustained injuries from the accident. Operator1''s pwc sustained damage on the bottom of the hull, to the left of the intake grate. . Alcohol was not determined to be a contributing factor. No charges will be placed on Operator1. My investigation is complete.


BARDID: TN-2017-0059
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: MAYNARDVILLE
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 16, 2017, at approximately 21:00, Operator was operating a 2000 Malibu Wake Setter VLX traveling downstream towards Hickory Star Marina.  The vessel was loaded with numerous wake boards, a large cooler, and 10 individuals.  The Operator stated he was traveling 35-45 mph.  Operator slowed and put the vessel in neutral as he approached an oncoming wake.  The bow of the vessel went underwater swamping the boat.  The vessel continued to take on water as the occupants grabbed life jackets exiting the sinking vessel. Occupants were able to swim to shore without incident as the vessel sank in approximately 118 feet of water.


BARDID: TN-2017-0060
State: TN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: NEW TAZEWELL
County: CLAIBORNE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/10/2017 at approximately 2300 hours I received a call from Region IV Dispatch of a boat fire on Norris Lake.  The boat was reported to be in the portion of Norris Lake near Brogan''s Free Launch on Highway 33 in Claiborne County.  At the time of the call it was unknown if there was anyone on board or if any injuries had occurred. 

I arrived on scene at approximately 23:58 hours.  Upon arrival I contacted the operator.  Operator1 stated that he had left the ramp around 1630 hours and traveled to a friend''s houseboat where he had stayed for several hours. Operator1 stated the boat had run normally during this time.  At approximately 2245 hours Operator1 left the houseboat travelling back to the boat ramp at Brogan''s Free Launch on Highway 33.  Operator1 stated that as he approached the area near the ramp that the boat engine began to sputter and run poorly.  He stopped and went to check the engine.  Upon opening the engine compartment he saw flames.  Operator1 stated there was an inflated tube on the boat and that he put on a PFD and got on the tube to escape the boat.  Operator1 was picked up by another vessel and brought to shore.  Operator1 did not receive any injuries during the incident.  A short time later the boat was towed to shore by a third party vessel and the remaining fire was extinguished by local fire crews which had responded to Brogan''s Free Launch.  The vessel had burned to the water surface and appeared to be a total loss.  The operator had borrowed the vessel from his brother.


BARDID: TN-2017-0061
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:11:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAFOLLETTE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On the above date and time the above individual was operating the above described vessel.  While attempting to start the vessel the vessel exploded propelling the operator into the air and off of the vessel.  The vessel had been operated last, three weeks prior with no incidents.  The victim was transported by air to UT medical center to be treated for a broken femur, burns, and head and back injuries.  The vessel was examined with no determination able to be made as to the cause of the explosion.


BARDID: TN-2017-0066
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TELLICO LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LENOIR CITY
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The vessel had just been launched at the Clear Creek Access Area on Tellico Lake in Loudon, County, TN.  While idling next to the dock, smoke came from the console and the engine box.  When the engine box was opened, flames were discovered and a fire extinguisher was used to put them out.  There were no injuries.


BARDID: TN-2017-0067
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEECH LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LEXINGTON
County: HENDERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On Thursday, the 29th day of June 2017  (operator V1) and (operator V2) had entered the weekly Thursday night Bass Tournament held on Beech Lake in Lexington, TN.  Blast off begins each Thursday night at approximately 6:00 p.m. from the south end of the lake near the levee/spillway area. The blast off consists of every boater leaving at the same time, this is known as a "Shot Gun" style blast off. 
     On this evening the signal for blast off was given around the time of 6:00 p.m.  Boaters began traveling North to the opposite end of the lake.  Operator1 was operating his boat by himself and lead the group of vessels. He reached a speed of approximately 70 mph.  Operator2 was also traveling North with his granddaughter riding as a passenger.  He was trailing Operator1..  At approximately 6:02 p.m. Operator1 began decreasing his speed as he approached his fishing destination.  Operator2 quickly approached the starboard stern of Operator1''s  vessel.  At this point the portside bow of Operator2''s vessel struck Operator1''s motor causing his vessel to ramp.  

While airborne, Operator2 and occupant were ejected from their vessel and landed in the water.  Just before the time of impact Operator1 looked back and saw Operator2''s bow turn to the left.  Operator1 clutched the steering wheel and lowered his body to avoid Operator2''s vessel.  Operator1''s vessel stayed upright and he was not ejected.  Operator2''s vessel rolled over in the air which caused the vessel to capsize.  Operator1 became injured when he struck his boat upon impact.


BARDID: TN-2017-0068
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BYRDSTOWN
County: PICKETT
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V-1 (pontoon)  was struck from behind by V-2. V-2 was towing tube. Both were traveling into sun and stated that it contributed.  A passenger onboard v1 suffered a cut to her head as a result of impacting the boat.


BARDID: TN-2017-0069
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT. LOUDOUN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LOUISVILLE
County: BLOUNT
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/11/2017 at approximately 0300 I received a call from Blount County 911 about a boating accident on Ft. Loudoun Lake in Blount County.  I responded to 4732 Colonial Harbor Rd. and met with deputies from Blount County Sheriffs Office.  Deputies were there with two individuals that were passengers on the vessel involved in the accident.  
They advised the operator had fled the scene.  At approx. 0400 Operator1 was located hiding in the weeds a couple properties away from accident location.  Operator1 admitted to being the operator of the vessel and initially stated he was the only one on board when the accident occurred.  He later changed his story and admitted his son and friend were on board at time of accident.  During the investigation the operator showed signs of impairment.  I performed field sobriety on Operator1 which he performed poorly on and he was placed under arrest for Boating Under the Influence.  He submitted to a blood draw at Blount Memorial Hospital at 0415.  
The evidence and witness statements show that Operator1 was operating his vessel (TN7611DB) on Ft. Loudoun Lake at approximately 0215.  He admitted to leaving Willys Bar and Grill and traveling upstream till he hit a dock.  After hitting the dock his vessel went airborne landing on vessel (TN6227DF)which was on a lift out of the water in his dock.  The second story of the dock collapsed on top of his vessel.  he then fled the scene.


BARDID: TN-2017-0071
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HENDERSONVILLE
County: SUMNER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/23/17 at or about 17:45 on Old Hickory Lake near river mile 218 in the area known as "Skinny Dip Cove," Operator was operating a PWC, (TN 3236 ED) a 1997 Yamaha, with one passenger (juvenile). As he approached an island Operator attempted to turn while accidentally releasing the throttle. The PWC travelled close to the island, striking a low tree branch that ejected both parties. Operator and passenger reboarded the PWC and was able to return to Waltons Ferry Access. Both parties were taken to Hendersonville Hospital for treatment. Operator consented to a Blood Alcohol test, which is pending.


BARDID: TN-2017-0072
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BIG SANDY
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
*Narrative based on evidence collected and the statements given by those involved*
On 07/22/2017, Operator1 and Operator2 were riding pwcs on kentucky lake in the area of bass bay.  Operator1 was accompanied by his son on a yamaha wave runner (vessel #1) at the time of the incident. Operator2 was riding alone on a yamaha wave jammer (vessel 2) at the time of the incident.  

Statements given by both parties involved say that vessel 2 jumped a large wave ahead of vessel 1, and when the vessel landed it turned immediately to the left into the path of vessel 1.  Vessel 1 attempted to turn to the left to avoid the collision, but slid into vessel 2 making contact on the port side. The operator of vessel 2 was ejected off the starboard side of the pwc.  
Operator2 was complaining of lower leg pain after the collision and was transported to henry county medical center for treatment. It was later determined that Operator2 had a fractured fibula and he was released from the hospital.  Both vessels involved were owned by Operator1 and were not damaged during the collision. This took place in benton county tennessee.


BARDID: TN-2017-0075
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BYRDSTOWN
County: PICKETT
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
A PWC had floated away from bank to houseboat. The operator started the PWC while standing on the houseboat and attempted to get on. The PWC accelerated, which caused the operator to flip backward, hitting her head on the rear platform. 

The PWC was hard to start/idle. The operator was using the throttle to keep the vessel running while getting on, and probably gripped the throttle while getting on.


BARDID: TN-2017-0076
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/21/2017 at around 2145 Operator1 was in a bass tournament and was driving his bass boat (Vessel 1) from Gourdneck Hollow towards Turkey Creek.  As he was in the main channel of Hurricane Creek headed towards Turkey Creek Boat Ramp he noticed a boat right in front of him with no lights on and cut his boat sharply to his right side to try to miss the other boat.  

Operator1''s boat hit the very front of the other boat and scraped/chipped the underside of his boat as it rode over the nose of the other boat.  The other boat (Vessel 2) was owned/operated by Operator2 who was sitting in the boat with V2 occupant while the boat was anchored.  

Operator2 and V2 occupant both claimed that the red/green navigation lights were on but that the 360 degree white anchor light was not on.  Operator2 admitted that anchor light was not on at the time of the accident, he was only turning the light on when he noticed a boat coming and didn''t get it turned on in time when he saw Operator1''s boat.  Operator1 said that he did not see any lights on the other vessel before he hit it.  

After the collision Operator1 came back over to Operator2''s boat and checked to make sure that everyone was ok.  After they started talking they realized that they knew each other and that everyone was ok they decided to head back to shore in case there was enough damage take on water.  Another boat that was nearby at the time of the accident went back to the ramp with Operator1 because his lights had stopped working after the collision.  Operator1 called my phone and left a message that night and when I didn''t answer he called the Franklin County Sheriff''s Office to do a report.  He then got in touch with me the next day.  After having his boat checked out Operator1 let me know that the quote to fix his boat''s fiberglass damage was $2700 and he had lost a spot light that was mounted on the bow of his boat.  Operator2''s boat had some minor chipping and scrapes on the very end of the bow and lost his red/green navigation light in the collision. 

There were also two other witnesses that were fishing in the same tournament as Operator1 who saw the accident.  The Witnesses stated that when they saw Operator2''s boat in the area when they first arrived and its lights were on.  Shortly after they passed the boat and started fishing they noticed that they couldn’t see the lights of the boat anymore but they could hear the people on the boat talking but could barely see the boat even though they were only about 50 yards away. The Witnesses stated that a pontoon boat came out of a nearby cove and headed into the main channel and came close to hitting the anchored boat but went around and the lights were not turned on until after the other boat passed him and then turned off again.  The witnesses stated that they witnessed the collision and that they could not see any lights on Operator2''s boat at the time of the accident until after Operator1 had already hit it and then the lights came on Operator2''s boat.

During my investigation I found that Operator1''s boat was not registered in his name and the registration from the former owner was expired.  I took out a summons warrant for Operator1 for the Violation of Vessel Registration Law.  I also took out a summons warrant for Operator2 for the Violation of Navigation Light Law.


BARDID: TN-2017-0077
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:36:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 26, 2017 at around 20:36 a 23'' Moomba Mobius XLV was out from the Point Marina in the main channel of Douglas Lake in Jefferson County with 7 occupants. The vessel was running due to low batteries, but there was not an operator. 
The occupants were in and out of the vessel swimming, sight-seeing, and listening to music. Subject is part owner in the vessel and was operating throughout the day but was in the water at the time of the incident. They stopped to swim and left the vessel running so that they could make it back to the marina. Three people were on the vessel. Victim wanted to use the bathroom before they returned to the Point Marina. She went to the swim deck to get in the water. She slipped and hit her head and fell into the water. 
She ended up under the swim deck where the propeller and a leveling plate is located. She received two lacerations to her left leg and some muscle damage. The occupants loaded the boat and applied towels to the wounds and headed towards The Point Marina. Victim was transported to UT Medical Center. The vessel is registered to an individual out of Florida but has been under the ownership of two people for at least 2 years.
Based off of Officers investigation it was determined that there was not an operator for the vessel at the time of the incident. When Victim slipped of the swim deck she received two lacerations to her left leg. One was approximately 15cm and the other was approximately 9cm. Victim received stitches and was released. Under the swim deck there is a leveling plate that has sharp edges and the propeller. The lacerations do not conform to a spinning prop, but could be from the prop or leveling plate.


BARDID: TN-2017-0078
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SODDY DAISY
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 29th, 2017, I was dispatched to a call regarding a boat fire near Holy Circle boat ramp in Soddy Daisy. Upon arriving on scene the boat fire had been put out and the remaining parts of the vessel were on the edge of the ramp. The vessel had burned completely down to the hull and little remained. The owner and operator of the vessel stated that they had put the boat in at 6am and had been fishing most of the morning. 

They had been fishing for around 3 hours and they noticed smoke coming from the stern of the boat. Subject stated that he grabbed a fire extinguisher and attempted to put the fire out but there was too much smoke so him and the passenger jumped out of the boat. Another boat picked them up from the water and took them to shore.


BARDID: TN-2017-0079
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On the evening of July 29th, 2017, operator and passenger stated that they were traveling down river and approached a large wake from a yacht. They hit the wake and the nose of the vessel went down under the water and filled the vessel with water causing it to capsize. Another boat passing by saw them and picked them up and took them to Harbor Lights Marina.


BARDID: TN-2017-0082
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
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: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On the 6th day of August 2017 I responded to a boating accident that had occurred in the Harrison bay area of Chickamauga Lake near TN river mile 481. According to the operator of the vessel he was preparing to tow Victim. According to witness statements there appeared to have been some miscommunication between Operator and Victim and Victim entered the water before Operator was ready. 

Operator stated that he wanted to straighten the vessel out before he took off so he put the vessel in reverse and felt something under the vessel. When Operator looked back for Victim he did not see him, then Victim surfaced yelling for help. Operator and other parties aboard the vessel called 911 and yelled at nearby vessels for help. 

Victim was loaded aboard a nearby pontoon vessel and taken into the boat ramp at the Harrison bay state park where he was met by the ambulance. Victim suffered severe lacerations to his back, right arm, and legs. Victim was transported to the Erlanger medical center where he succumbed to his injuries.


BARDID: TN-2017-0083
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:27:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BUCHANAN
County: HENRY
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
This is a final summary based on the statements from those involved and physical evidence collected during the investigation to date:
On July 29, 2017, an AVALON pontoon with 10 persons on board was traveling upstream on the Big Sandy River near Sulphur Branch Creek.   The group was having a bachelorette party and consuming alcoholic beverages.  There was a male designated driver.    
At or around 1326 hours, an occupant announced that the vessel needed to stop so someone could urinate and the operator put the engine throttle in neutral.  Due to a strong north wind, the AVALON continued making headway at 2 mph.  Without notifying the operator, one occupant jumped from the front of the AVALON into the water, was struck by the vessel and surfaced behind the AVALON.  The injured occupant was loaded on board the AVALON and taken by private vehicle to Henry County Medical Center and later transferred by helicopter ambulance to Vanderbilt Medical Center where she was treated and released.


BARDID: TN-2017-0084
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 08/01/2017 at around 12:20 pm Operator was operating a rented pontoon boat on Tims Ford Lake with 5 other passengers on board.  Victim and 3 of the other girls on board were riding on the front deck of the pontoon boat, outside of the railing.  
Operator was near Wiseman Bend driving back towards Lakeview marina at approximately 10-20 mph when Victim fell off of the front deck of the boat and was struck by the prop.  Operator stopped the boat when he heard the girls on the front of the boat start screaming.  He saw Victim in the water behind the boat, He told one of the girls to throw a rope to Victim and then jumped in to help her back to the boat.  One of the other girls on the boat threw a life jacket and a type IV pfd in the water to try to help them.  
After getting Victim back on board the boat someone had already called 911 and Operator talked to them and wrapped up her injuries with towels and started driving towards Tims Ford Marina.  Once they made it to the marina, paramedics were able to bandage Victim''s wounds and carry her to an ambulance to take her to the softball field at the state park to meet life flight.  Victim was taken by life flight to Vanderbilt Children''s Hospital in Nashville.  She had deep lacerations to her left forearms and lower left leg and a fractured bone in her left leg.


BARDID: TN-2017-0085
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
MachineryFailure: Fuel
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 08/15/2017 at around 14:40 Operator and a mechanic were taking Operator''s boat out of the no wake zone at Tims Ford Marina.  Mechanic had been working on the engine and had found two plug wires that were switched and were going to drive the boat to see if it was running better after he had fixed that.  

Before they made it out of the no wake zone they noticed that they could smell fuel and soon after there was an explosion and the boat caught on fire.  Mechanic used two fire extinguishers on the fire but it kept coming back when he put it out.  

Mechanic said that the fire appeared to be coming out from under the port side motor. They both said that there was a Halon fire extininguisher system on the boat that did not go off.  After using the two fire extinguishers and being unable to put out the fire, both Operator and Mechanic jumped out of the boat and swam to the end of one of the docks that was around 30 yards away.  

The boat drifted away from the marina with the wind and sat against shore and burned until the Franklin County Rescue Squad was able to tow it to Mansford Bridge so that the fire department could try to put the fire out by spraying water from their truck on the bridge.  There was no way for the fire department to get to the boat by land.  After it appeared that the fire was out, the rescue squad started pulling the boat back towards the marina and the boat caught on fire again.  As the fire department was trying again to put the fire out, the boat started to take on water and sank next to Mansford Bridge after burning for about an hour and half.  The boat was a total loss and based on what Operator told me I estimated the value of the boat to be around $40,000. 

Based on what Operator and Mechanic told me about the fire, it is likely that it started because of some type of mechanical failure of the engine or fuel system caused a fuel leak around the port side motor.  I did not examine the boat because it burned for so long and sank.  I can not give a definitive cause of the fire because I did not examine the boat and determining exactly what caused a fire like this is outside of my area of training.


BARDID: TN-2017-0086
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:56:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: MT. Juliet
County: WILSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 22, 2017 according to witness statements, Subject was standing on the back of anchored vessel 1, TN 3158 DE, on Old Hickory Lake in Two Foot Cove when she attempted to jump from the vessel, but slipped and fell on a boat cleat on the starboard side of the stern causing two lacerations to her left side.  She was transported by Wilson County EMA to Summit Medical Center.


BARDID: TN-2017-0088
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: TULLAHOMA
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 08/19/2017 at around 8:30pm Operator1 was trying to dock his cabin boat at the Blue Gill Grill and backed into a pontoon boat that was tied to the dock.  I arrived on scene at around 9:07pm and after checking with the occupants of the pontoon boat I made contact with Operator1 and his passenger.  While I was talking to Operator1 at his boat and getting his information I noticed that he seemed a little unsteady while he walked and stood.  I asked Operator1 to come up to my vehicle with me so that I could talk to him further away from the noise of the band that was playing at the Blue Gill Grill.  While I was talking to Operator1 I noticed an odor of alcohol on his breath.  I asked Operator1 if he had been drinking and he admitted to having drunk a couple of beers.  I asked Operator1 to do sobriety tests and he did.  Based on my contact with Operator1 and his performance on the tests I arrested Operator1 for Boating Under the Influence.  
SGT. arrived to assist with the accident investigation about the same time as I arrested Operator1.  I asked Sgt. to get the information from the occupants of the pontoon boat and any witnesses.  The owner of the pontoon boat, arrived and Sgt. talked to him.  The damage to the pontoon boat did not appear to be very bad initially, a cracked cowling, but  when owner tried to start the motor and it wouldn''t start up.  Owner told Sgt. that he would have the motor looked at and get an estimate on repairs.  Owner contacted me on 08/28/2017 and advised that the estimate to repair his boat from the accident was around $2900.00.

Operator1''s BAC was 0.140 around 2.5hrs after the accident.


BARDID: TN-2017-0089
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:28:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: NICKAJACK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GUILD
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 26, 2017 at approximately 20:30 a vessel was travelling upstream on Nickajack Lake in Marion County, TN.  He struck a moored barge owned by Seredino Inc. He, his wife and a third person were all on board the vessel at the time of the incident.  All three individuals were injured and transported to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, TN for their injuries.  One occupant died from injuries.


BARDID: TN-2017-0090
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:43:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DAYTON
County: RHEA
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday Sept. 2nd 2017, I was dispatched to the Mud Creek Area of Chickamuaga Lake in Rhea County in regards to a jet ski crash.  Upon arrival, I found one deceased victim laying on the dock and a jet ski still stuck on the exterior post of the dock.  Upon investigation and interviews of witnesses, It was determined that operator was operating a jet ski after sunset.  Accompanied by two friends on another jet ski, they were heading back to their property when operator struck the dock and was ejected into the water.  His friends pulled him out of the water onto the dock and left to go get help.

TWRA investigation is still ongoing and an autopsy is being performed at the Knoxville Regional Forensic Center on 9/4/17.


BARDID: TN-2017-0091
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:10:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BEAN STATION
County: HAMBLEN
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Based on witness statements, on 09/01/2017 at approximately 18:10 p.m., the operator of vessel #1 and seven occupants were drifting near point 12 on cherokee lake in hamblen county. Four of the occupants voluntarily exited the vessel to swim. 

While swimming, the wind speed increased creating waves and the vessel started drifting away. The swimmers were attempting to return to the vessel as the operator was attempting to maneuver the vessel closer to them. 

The operator and occupants still on board the vessel began to throw life jackets to the swimmers. Three returned to and boarded the vessel. One disappeared below the surface and did not resurface. The occupants of the vessel called 911 to report victim missing. First responders arrived on scene and began a search / recovery effort. On 09/02/2017, victim was located with the twra, recovered at 14:33 p.m., and transported to ut forensic center for an autopsy. The autopsy report is pending.


BARDID: TN-2017-0092
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: PICKWICK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: COUNCE
County: HARDIN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, September 3, 2017, operator was operating a 37 foot Carver 36SS vessel, with a Mississippi registration of MI0846BN, on Pickwick Lake, in the general area of the state line islands in Hardin County, Tennessee.  At approximately 1400 hours, this vessel struck a submerged object, causing significant damage to the starboard side propeller, propeller shaft, rudder, fiberglass, and internal engine and transmission components.  This vessel was towed to AquaYacht Harbor by TowBoat USA.


BARDID: TN-2017-0093
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CENTER HILL LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SMITHVILLE
County: DEKALB
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1(pontoon) was leaving the marina after getting fuel.  Vessel #2 (houseboat) was backing out of their slip and continued to back toward the  no wake zone buoys to get squared up to make it into the gas docks.  

The pontoon boat was following the houseboat out toward the no wake zone.  The house boat changed from reverse to forward direction.  The vessels were heading straight at each other at this point.  The vessels were in a narrow area between “A” dock and the shore.  

The occupants of the houseboat yelled to the pontoon boat that they are now heading forward into the marina.  The pontoon boat tried to get out of the way by backing up, but was not moving fast enough to avoid collision.  The pontoon boat then went in forward motion and tried to cut the vessel hard right, but when this happened the houseboat''s front port corner made contact to pontoon''s port side.  There was not enough evidence to distinguish which vessel was the stand-on boat.


BARDID: TN-2017-0095
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: RUTLEDGE
County: GRAINGER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
ON 09/03/2017 AT APPROXIMATELY 12:30 P.M., VESSEL #1 WAS ATTEMPTING TO DOCK AT GREENLEE MARINA ON CHEROKEE LAKE IN GRAINGER COUNTY. THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL #1 STATED HE ENTERED THE WRONG BOAT SLIP AND WAS BACKING OUT OF THE SLIP WHEN VESSEL #1 STRUCK VESSEL #2 ON THE PORT SIDE CAUSING DAMAGE.


BARDID: TN-2017-0096
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WAVERLY
County: HUMPHREYS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel was traveling due South, along the East bank of Kentucky Lake, just North off Eagle Bay Marina (Turkey Creek), when it struck a dock. I can only assume that Subject1 was operating the vessel, as there were no witnesses to the accident.  The boat belonged to Subject1 and a few minutes before the accident, near Danville, subject2 (written statement) stopped and warned Subject1 that he was operating the vessel dangerously close to the shore. Both victims had severe head trauma and were recovered within a few feet of where the vessel came to rest. Neither victim was wearing a PFD.


BARDID: TN-2017-0097
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BUTLER
County: CARTER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Based on statements given on Sunday August 13, 2017 at approx 17:00 operator1 was operating a rented vessel on Watauga Lake in Carter County.  Operator1 was leaving Mallard Cove Marina where the vessel had been moored.  Passengers on Operator1''s had attempted to push the vessel clear of another vessel moored in front of their vessel.  Operator1 moved the throttle into forward and being unfamiliar with it''s operation, the vessel lurched forward. This sudden movement caused a female passenger that was standing on the bow of the vessel to be ejected into the lake.  The vessel also struck the vessel that was moored immediately in front of Operator1''s vessel.   Operator1''s vessel sustained no damage, only minimal paint transfer starboard corner of the bow.  V2 vessel sustained damage to the gunwale on the port stern.


BARDID: TN-2017-0098
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-10-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: REELFOOT LAKE
NearestCityorTown: TIPTONVILLE
County: LAKE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On October 12, 2017, at approximately 2:30 p.m. operator was launched by a friend at the Sunkist Beach Boat Ramp.  Operator was making a test run on his 14'' Jon boat with a 7.5 Mercury motor.  Operator drove the boat to the east end of the Washout where the boat sank with no witnesses. Subject witnessed a person in the water yelling for help at approximately 2:40 p.m.  When Subject got to a boat he looked but could not see the victim in the water.  At 2:46 p.m. a call was received by the Lake County Sheriffs Department with information of a possible drowning.  The Lake County Rescue Squadron arrived at approximately 3:00 p.m. Victim and boat were recovered within three hours of the incident. The boat had no seating which is where the floatation would have been.  The victim was not wearing a life vest and there were no floatation devices of any kind in the boat.


BARDID: TN-2017-0099
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-10-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: PERRYVILLE
County: DECATUR
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday October 28, 2017 at approximately 06:30 hours Operator2 launched his boat, a 18 foot Ranger bass boat with Tennessee Registration TN 1164 CD, at Perryville Marina and was idling toward the gas pumps at the southside of the marina in the no wake zone. As Operator2 was coming into the gas pump area and attempted to cross the line of boats at which time he struck Operator1'' boat, a 21 foot Stratos bassboat with Tennessee Registration TN 3682 DN, on the starboard side near drivers console. 
This impact caused damage to the top half of the starboard side of Operator1'' vessel and the windshield of the driver console. Operator1 Lowrance Fish Finder also received damage. Operator1 stated the GPS unit cost approximately $2500.00 and the fiberglass damage would cost approximately $5000.00.


BARDID: TN-2017-0100
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-10-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:49:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SPRINGVILLE
County: HENRY
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
This is a preliminary summary based on statements from those involved and physical evidence collected during the investigation to date:
Subject was underway upstream, powered by an electric trolling motor along the right descending bank.  Both the operator and occupant were fishing.  
The occupant on the back deck fell into the water.   The operator attempted to rescue the occupant using the trolling motor but was unsuccessful.   Operator then used the outboard to reach the occupant and found him submerged in 6-12 inches of water.  Operator got vessel and occupant to the bank, called 911 and attempted resuscitations.  Occupant was pronounced dead by EMS around 1030 hours.

An autopsy was performed.   

This report will be updated once the medical examiners report is available.


BARDID: TN-2017-0101
State: TN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-09-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:06:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 09/16/2017, Operator was operating his 2008 FourWinns boat from his lake house, at 727 Wilkerson Ln, on Tims Ford Lake to the Devil''s Step Boat Ramp to turn it over to some boat shop employees to be winterized.  After driving a little over ½ of a mile from his dock, Operator ran into the middle bridge pillar under Lee Ford Bridge.  
According to Operator he was cruising at around 18mph when he could last remember from around 100 ft away from the bridge. There were two adults and two juveniles fishing in a boat on the other side of the bridge from the accident.  The fishermen heard the crash of Operators boat and they came to the other side of the bridge to see what had happened.  They found Operator lying in the floor of his boat bleeding and conscious, but disoriented.  One of the men is a paramedic and he gave Operator First Aid until the Fire Dept and ambulance arrived.
Operator had a laceration to his left forehead, had four broken ribs, his left eye socket was cracked, had a bruised spinal cord, and a minor skull fracture.  Operator was treated and released from the hospital.
Operator was the only person on board the boat and there were no other witnesses that we could find.
Operator told me that he cannot remember anything after being headed towards the bridge about 100 ft away, until he woke up on the floor of the boat after the accident.  I am unable to determine out how the accident occurred with the evidence that I have and with no eye witnesses.  Operator told me that he had not had any alcohol or drugs.  I was unable to get a blood draw from Operator to test for alcohol or drugs because he was taken out of state to the hospital and I had no probable cause for a search warrant.  There were no signs of any alcohol or drugs on the boat.  I spoke with the DA about possible charges on the Violation of PFD regulations but, considering the whole situation,  they were not in favor of bringing charges against Operator.
Operators boat was totaled and based on what Operator told me and the information that I looked up, I estimate that his vessel was worth around $26000.


BARDID: TN-2017-0102
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-10-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ANDERSONVILLE
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On October 7, 2017, operator was traveling downstream from Bear Hole Island.  He struck a shallow rock area with the lower unit of his vessel motor. The impact caused damage to the prop of the motor and broke the skeg off the lower unit housing. No damage was observed elsewhere on the vessel.


BARDID: TN-2017-0103
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-11-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NICKAJACK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Throttle
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On November 5th ,2017, I was contacted by part-time boating officer who was working a permitted rowing event on the river downtown Chattanooga. He stated that a vessel had drifted into the Walnut Street bridge causing damage to the vessel. The coast guard vessel also working during the event assisted the boat and towed it to the Erwin Marine dock. The operator of the vessel stated that he had pulled away from the dock and realized that the throttle system was not responding and drifted into the Walnut Street Bridge.


BARDID: TN-2017-0104
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-11-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:14:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: TAZEWELL
County: CLAIBORNE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel TN 7980DT with 2 people aboard was traveling down Norris Lake below Lone Mountain Boat Dock in Claiborne County Tennessee on November 12, 2017 at approximately 15:19.  Both people aboard indicate that the steering failed and the boat struck a portion of bridge owned by the CSX railroad.  
Substantial damage occurred to the vessel.  No damage was visible to the railroad bridge. Both occupants of the vessel were uninjured.


BARDID: TN-2017-0105
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-11-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SOUTH HOLSTON LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BRISTOL
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday November 22, 2017, I was dispatched to a single vessel accident in the Jacobs Creek area of South Holston Lake in Sullivan county Tennessee. I arrived on scene at approximately 1030 hrs. Upon arrival, I observed a 24'' Harris pontoon bearing TN 7394 EG that was run aground with two male occupants. 
The owner/operator was traveling approximately 10-20 mph when he struck the point outside of Jacobs Creek running aground approximately 30 feet before coming to rest. He stated he had only made the same trip once before and he thought he was out far enough to miss the point. The other male occupant stated that he had his head down to stay out of the wind and when he looked up the pontoon had come to a rest on shore. Operator has minimal experience on the water and has not taken a boating safety course. The incident resulted in property damage to the pontoons, however, no injuries were sustained by the occupants.


BARDID: TN-2017-0107
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-12-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:54:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: REELFOOT LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SAMBURG
County: OBION
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday December 12 2017 at 5:54 AM on Reelfoot WMA,a boat hit a stump in Samburg dith. The operator lost control causing the boat to hit a tree. Two people were both injured. They were both transported to Baptist hospital in Union City Tn. Both men were treated and released.


BARDID: TN-2017-0108
State: TN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-03-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:06:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORTH CHICKAMAUGA CREEK
NearestCityorTown: HIXSON
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday March 29th, 2017, I received a notification from Hamilton County 911 dispatch regarding a potential boating incident with people in the water.  I responded and arrived on scene to learn that both men had been rescue and pulled to safety by Chattanooga Fire Department staff.
Upon interviewing subjects, the canoe was recently purchased and only been used 1 time previously.  They put the canoe in the creek, put their life jackets on, and set out to go paddle the creek.  Upon boarding the canoe, they both stated that the canoe felt as if it was going to tip over.  Once on the creek, which was high from recent rains, the canoe floated them downstream quicker than expected.  They struck a tree that was growing out from the bank up through the water.  They stayed pinned against the tree for about a minute and when subject1 tried to free them with a paddle, they capsized.
They both held on to each other and the bank of the creek while yelling for help.  A witness, who had left the scene before we arrived, called 911 and requested assistance.  They lost the canoe after it sank and 2 paddles during the incident.  The canoe has not been recovered and no vessel identifiers were known at the time. 
Both men were large in stature but without the canoe, there is no way to conclude if the canoe was overloaded or instability played a factor.
Update: As of December 2017, no effort has been made to recover this vessel which made it a total loss changing the classification to reportable.

This concludes the investigation.


BARDID: TN-2017-0109
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-10-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:11:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HENDERSONVILLE
County: Davidson
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Overview
On October 8, 2017 the Hendersonville Police Department contacted TWRA to advise us of a boat accident on Old Hickory Lake.  Upon arriving to the scene there was a Javelin runabout vessel beached up against the shoreline near a boat dock with damage to the bow of the vessel.  The Hendersonville Detective that was on scene stated that the owner of the vessel was found deceased earlier that day about 250 yards away.  The detective additionally stated that they had video of the operator  breaking into a nearby home after the accident occurred.  The operator did not appear to have any injuries consistent with the boat accident.

Damage to Vessel
The vessel sustained significant damage to the bow just below the bow light.  Paint transfer from the vessel was found nearby on a rock sea wall.  The bow of the vessel struck the rock sea wall head on.  The upper cap of the fiberglass was separated from the lower cap.  The lower unit prop also had significant damage consistent with the prop heating rocks in shallow water.  Pictures of the damage are included in the case file.

Accident Synopsis
Through our investigation the individual was seen leaving a local marina restaurant and getting into the vessel alone the night of the accident.  The assumption is made that he was still alone and operating the vessel at the time of the incident.  The vessel at some point struck the rock seawall for an unknown reason.  The operator then left the vessel, apparently un-injured, and broke into a nearby home.  At some point the individual passed away outside of the house for causes unknown.  The autopsy results and toxicology are pending.  NOTE: a deceased record is not included because the state believes the death was unrelated to the boating incident.


BARDID: TN-2017-0110
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-10-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: MAYNARDVILLE
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The vessel was traveling down Norris lake toward "Bear Hole", near Island F, as the vessel was making the turn they hit a submerged rock outcropping. The vessel was traveling at approximately 16 MPH.  The vessel had damage to 2 of the pontoons and damage to the outboards lower unit on propeller. No injuries were reported. The vessels damage was greater than $2,000.


BARDID: TN-2018-0001
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-01-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: CENTER HILL LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SMITHVILLE
County: DEKALB
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On January 10, 2018, operator went to Centerhill Lake for a day of fishing.  He was expected to be home around 3:30 p.m.  At approximately 5:15p.m., his wife notified TWRA that he was not home and his truck and trailer were still at Hurricane access area.  Officers responded to the lake to begin a search.  At approximately 7:30 p.m., his vessel was located in the back of Florida Branch.  The vessel had no occupants.  The vessel was documented and brought to Floating Mill Recreation Area. The vessel had no damage to it or the motor's lower unit and prop.  The trolling motor was down with the front GPS system on. I proceeded to try to download GPS data from the vessel’s equipment, but was unsuccessful.  We began using the ROV on January 11, 2018 in the area were his vessel was located.  At approximately 11:30 a.m. officers recovered his body.  Evidence shows that the accident resulted from a fall overboard.  I am waiting on final autopsy results to rule out heath issues.


BARDID: TN-2018-0002
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-01-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: PARIS LANDING
County: STEWART
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On January 31, 2018 at or around 1300 hours, operator launched his PELICAN kayak on KY Lake from Grays Landing to fish.  OPERATOR eventually paddled under the Ned R McWherter Bridge and beached the kayak on an island just south of the bridge around 1400 hours.    At 1530 hours, a bystander at Grays Landing called 911 and reported that he could hear someone yelling and in distress from the water north of the bridge.  At or around 1630 hours, Stewart County Fire Rescue found OPERATOR submersed in the water with his left arm around a Type II PFD that was buckled to the capsized kayak.    OPERATOR was pulled from the water and taken by boat to a waiting ambulance where he was transported to Henry County Medical Center and later pronounced dead.  There were strong winds and choppy waters.


BARDID: TN-2018-0003
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-01-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HARRISON
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On January 26th, 2018, I was contacted by officer and the TWRA Region 3 Dispatch about a boat on fire at Island Cove Marina. I arrived on scene and witnessed the boat burning near one of the islands in the cove. I made contact with the owner who stated he was contacted by a subject that his boat was on fire. The boat was docked at Island Cove Marina Captiva Dock. Subject stated that two people cut the ropes and got the boat away from the dock and marina. The boat floated out and continued to burn. I went to the marina office to get statements from the marina employees that witnessed the boat on fire and cut the ropes, but they refused to give written statements. One of the employees stated that their boss told them not to give statements. Tow Boat USA towed in the boat.


BARDID: TN-2018-0004
State: TN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-03-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CAMDEN
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday the 3rd day of March 2018 at approximately 7 am I received the initial cell phone text about a boat fire in Birdsong Creek located on KY Lake in Benton Co. TN.  After several phone calls concerning the fire, I learned that the boat fire was not active and had been extinguished by the local volunteer fire department prior to 7 am.  Once I arrived at the scene, near the end of Bluebell Ln, I noticed the large burnt house boat next to the shore.  This vessel was completely destroyed by the fire.  After taking several pictures of the large house boat (TN 7857 EG), I noticed another burnt pontoon vessel pulled to shore sitting at the bow of the large house boat (TN 7857 EG).  The burned pontoon vessel displayed TN 2659 AU. This vessel was completely destroyed by the fire. While documenting that vessel, I noticed extensive damage to the private dock where the two vessels were docked.  

According to vessel owners and the dock owner, the large house boat (TN 7857 EG) was docked on the eastern side of a private dock.  The smaller pontoon vessel (TN 2659 AU) was docked inside and under the eastern most slip of a dock.

Fire Investigator is scheduled to investigate the source and origin of the fire.

*Update* An independent boat fire investigator, contracted by the boat owner''s insurance company, was unable to determine a definitive source of the fire.


BARDID: TN-2018-0005
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-03-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORMANDY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: NORMANDY
County: COFFEE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 03/18/2018 at around 07:00 there were multiple boats blasting off for a bass tournament from Barton Springs Boat Ramp on Normandy lake.  Operator1 was operating his father''s Phoenix bass boat and was going towards the dam.  Operator2 was operating his Javelin bass boat and was going towards Riley Creek.  Shortly after blast off these two boats collided just around the bend of the peninsula that is on the left side as you leave the no wake zone at Barton Springs.  Based on operator and occupant statements it seems that both vessels left the no wake zone headed in the same direction at around 50mph.   

Operator2''s boat was on the left and Operator1'' boat was on the right. Operator2 and his wife both stated that they did not know how the boats hit each other and didn''t see the other boat until just before the collision.  Operator1 and his passenger both said that the other boat was operating between their boat and the bank on their left side and turned towards them.  Operator1'' passenger stated that he saw Operator2''s boat headed towards them and alerted Operator1 when the boat was around 50-60ft away.  Operator1 let off of the gas and turned to his right to try and avoid a collision.  The right side of Operator2''s boat and the left side of Operator1'' boat hit each other.  After the accident the two boats made contact with each other and looked for damage.  They told me that they did not think that the damage was very bad and both boats went on and fished the tournament and contacted TWRA after the tournament.  I was finally contacted at around 16:00 and arrived at the boat ramp at around 17:00.  

Operator2''s boat did not have any visible damage that I could determine was from the accident that day although there were some marks/scratches on the plastic rubrail on the right side of the boat that could have been from the accident.  Operator2''s vessel had a lot of knicks and scratches all over the boat from use in the past.  Operator1'' boat had a couple cracks around 2-3 ft long in the fiberglass as well as spiderweb cracks in the clear coat.  Based on what I could tell from the evidence on the 2 boats, it appears that the rubrail of Operator2''s boat connected with Operator1'' boat about 1.5-2 ft below its rubrail.  There was some plastic transfer left at that location on Operator1'' boat near the middle of the boat when looking at its left side.  There was a crack that seemed to go through the fiberglass for a couple of inches at that location.  There was a longer crack just above the rubrail on Operator1'' boat.  The crack above the rubrail seemed to be a result of the impact lower on the hull rather than from a direct impact with Operator2''s boat.  There were also some other scratches on the underside of the hull of Operator1'' boat towards the back of the boat.

Another fisherman was operating his boat behind Operator2''s boat.This fisherman said that he was following behind Operator2''s Javelin and was operating in the calm area of its wake.  He saw Operator1 driving about 100 yards to the right and start to curve to the left towards the dam like he was going to go in front of Operator2.  He saw the two boats slow down, swerve and stop.  He did not realize that they had actually hit but thought that they had narrowly avoided collision and he went on to fish.

Based on the evidence that I saw and interviews/statements of the operators and witnesses, I believe that the accident was caused by both of the operators failing to keep a proper lookout.  I believe that both boats were operating on a similar path and speed when they left the no wake zone, with Operator2 on the left and Operator1 on the right with about 100 yards between them.  Operator2 was going towards Riley Creek and Operator1 was going towards the dam.  Because of their positioning and their destina...


BARDID: TN-2018-0006
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-03-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WHITE PINE
County: COCKE
WaterConditions: Very rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On friday, march 30, 2018 at approximately 11:30 hours operator was operating his 1994 18''11" javelin bass boat on douglas reservoir.  Operator had launched his vessel at leadville access area in jefferson county.  Operator was traveling upstream from ramp at an idle speed.  He was headed to the confluence of the nolichucky river and french broad river to fish.  Operator stated the motor seamed sluggish and would not come on plane.  He stopped and looked in back hatch compartment and observed it was full of water. He then drove vessel to the bank bordering rankin wildlife management area. Operator called for help.  Upon my arrival i observed vessel filled with water just aft of operator seat.  The operator of a passing pontoon boat volunteered to tow vessel downstream to leadville access area.  Vessel rolled at boat ramp and a tow truck with boom was used to right vessel and place on operator''s trailer.  Upon inspection of vessel i observed the vessel''s drain was threaded and no drain plug was present.  Bilge pump and switches could not be tested due to wire damage as a result of batteries falling from compartments while boat was lifted inverted from water.  Operator stated that he did not know which switch worked bilge pump or if it was automatic.


BARDID: TN-2018-0007
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-03-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: JACKSBORO
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to statements from the drivers and passengers of the boats involved, V2 had been at idle speed for approximately 45 seconds to one minute, approaching a blown down tree to fish around it.  V1  was following another boat up stream and both boats turned left into the cove that V2 was in.  Once in the cove the lead boat slowed and made a turn to the left.  To keep from getting too close to and avoid striking the lead boat, V1 slowed and made a turn to the right.  As a result of slowing down and hitting the wake of the lead boat, the bow of V1 raised up.  The passenger in V2 saw that V1 was heading toward him and begin yelling and waving his arms in an attempt to get the attention of the operator of V1.  Once the bow of V1 came down, the operator saw V2 and turned further right in an attempt to avoid it.  Once the passenger of V2 realized that the two boats were going to make contact, he grabbed his son who was in the operator''s seat, and pulled him to the passenger side of the boat.  V1 then struck V2.  After the collision V1 turned around and approached V2 to render aid.


BARDID: TN-2018-0008
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-04-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:04:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT. LOUDOUN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: KNOXVILLE
County: KNOX
WaterConditions: Very rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Weather
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel occupant statements indicate they were sailing upstream in the main channel in the Concord area of Fort Loudon Lake.  The winds were around 15mph with gusts greater than 15.  The operator stated when he steered the vessel to change directions the boom swung and struck the victim who immediately lost consciousness and was sliding overboard.  He was bleeding from his right ear.  Occupant grabbed him and pulled him into the boat.  The occupants called 911, lowered the sails and returned to Concord Sailboat Club using the boat motor.  He was transported to UT Hospital by ambulance.


BARDID: TN-2018-0009
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-04-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:11:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HERMITAGE
County: DAVIDSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator drove to langford cove in hermitage, tn to launch his boat to fish for the day on old hickory lake. He launched the boat and remembered putting the boat plug in the boat at his house. He backed the boat in the water and drove the boat downstream toward the lake dam. He passed the green and red buoy. When passing the red buoy, he slowed down, and turned the bow of the bow upstream. He then stopped the boat, dropped two anchors (one on the starboard-front corner and the second on the port-rear corner of the boat), and started to fish. Operator fished for about 2.5-3 hours. He then observed water coming in the rear of the boat slowly but never accumulating. 

Operator said he was sitting in the back of the boat on a pedestal seat. After about an hour, the water began coming in more and rising toward his feet. He turned his body toward the front of the boat and saw some water in the floor of the boat and water coming in from the floor drain fast. He stood up, put his life jacket on, and walked to the front of the boat. Operator waited for 3-4 minutes to see if any boats were around to help. No boats in sight, so he decided to jump into the water. He started swimming to get to the bank. He swam approximately 100 yards to the bank. A woman from a house on the bank came down to see if operator was okay. She called 911 and ems came. 

Operator was feeling dizzy, out of breath, and tired from swimming. Ems arrived and drove operator to the hospital. Operator was released a few hours later with no known injuries. While operator was transported, his boat turned toward the bank and capsized (turning upside down) as the port swamped under water after several minutes. The boat was found by twra and tow boat usa came to remove the boat from the waters. After further investigation of the vessel, a crack was discovered in the hull of the boat. This caused water to enter at a fast rate without the operator being aware, causing the overall swamping of the boat.


BARDID: TN-2018-0010
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-04-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:29:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SOUTH HOLSTON LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BRISTOL
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The following information is taken from the owner/operator statement.  
On 04/21/2018 at approximately 8:29pm a single vessel incident occurred on South Holston Lake in Deep Hole Hollow just downstream from river mile #57.  The owner/operator and 8 other occupants launched a vessel (VA-6504-BW) and traveled downstream to Deep Hole Hollow and parked. Within a few minutes they noticed the boat was sinking.  

Operator tried to start the motors but they would not start.  He then discovered the motors were underwater in the engine compartment.  The occupants paddled over to the shore and were able to flag down a passing pontoon boat.  The owner and his brother felt around in the engine compartment to find were the water was coming from and stuffed a shirt in a hole where they thought the water was entering the compartment.  The owner called Sullivan County 911.  They tied the boat to the shore and left the bilge running along with a battery pack to power it.  All occupants got on the pontoon boat and were transported to 421 Access Area with no injuries. The vessel was left overnight, did not sink, and recovered the next morning by the owner. Operator stated he did not hit anything.
 
The vessel was taken to Sportsman''s Marina and examined.  The marina technician could not find where the water was entering the boat and determined the hole they stuffed a shirt into was not a factor.  All plugs in the boat were present.  The two motors were damaged beyond repair due to water and totaled.  Estimated value of replacement per motor was given at $10,000.


BARDID: TN-2018-0011
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-04-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CANEY FORK RIVER
NearestCityorTown: GORDONSVILLE
County: SMITH
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and his father launched their kayaks at the happy hollow access area on the caney fork river on april 28, 2018,  around 12:00 hours and were going to kayak downstream to betty''s island  access area. The river and current was at flood  stage level. Neither father nor son were in possession of a life jacket.
  when they reached betty''s island access  area, the father realized they had passed the betty''s island access area. He started paddling toward the bank, when his kayak capsized due to the strong current. Father started yelling for help and some fishermen came to assist him. 
  as father was being rescued, he heard his son, operator, yelling for him. Father looked downstream and saw his son, operator, clinging to his kayak which had also capsized due to the river current, going under the laycott bridge. Father yelled to his son, operator, who yelled back, as he was going downstream, “help me daddy, help me daddy."
  operator was found deceased the next morning, april 29, 2018, at around 07:30. He was partially buried up in mud approximately one ( 1 ) mile downstream from the betty''s island access area.


BARDID: TN-2018-0012
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-04-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ANDERSONVILLE
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 12, 2018, Subject took his three friends out in an 18'' Astro bass boat that owner  had purchased a couple months prior. They left out of Hickory Star Marina and fished around that area until approximately 1:00 then decided to go to Loyston Sea to fish some more. They followed the Clinch River channel until they were at Loyston Sea then they turned left (south) and hit an underwater rock ridge. 

The motor was ripped off the transom and the vessel started taking on water very rapidly. As the vessel was sinking Subject ran to the front and put down the trolling motor and proceeded to troll to the nearest island. They made it to within about 100yds of the island and the vessel capsized. The four young men swam to the island and started yelling at a nearby fisherman for help. The fisherman put them in his vessel, and as they were pulling away from the island our TWRA vessel transferred them to the TWRA vessel and transported them to Hickory Star Marina where EMS transported two and two refused treatment. All were hypothermic, coughing water up and uncontrolled shivering.


BARDID: TN-2018-0013
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:02:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HENDERSONVILLE
County: SUMNER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday May 7, 2018 operator was heading out of Bluegrass Creek in his Bass Cat boat to head back down the lake to Shutes Branch.  While navigating inside the bouys of the creek channel he noticed a Seadoo navigating toward him.  Both vessels then began to make maneuvers to avoid one another.  

At the moment just before impact Operator2 turned right and into the path of the Bass Cat.  The bow of the Bass Cat struck the port side of the Seadoo and ramped up the vessel and struck Operator2 in the chest.  Operator2 was then ejected from the vessel.  

Operator1 turned his vessel around and was able to get Operator2 in his boat with the aid of another boater.  The other boater called 911 and they began CPR on Operator2.  Operator2 was transported to TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.


BARDID: TN-2018-0014
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Elk River
NearestCityorTown: ELkton
County: GILES
WaterConditions: Unknown
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was fishing from a Kayak in the Elk River on May 6, 2018.  The Elk River was approximately 10'' above normal pool.  He was in an 9' Main Stream Streek Kayak.  The river flow was over 1400 cfps.  Operator had also tied an anchor rope to his leg with an eight pound anchor attached.

Operator launched the kayak at 10:30 from the boat ramp in Elkton Tennessee.  The kayak quickly overturned in the swift water and he was ejected.   The anchor and the swift current held Operator under the water until he drowned.  Operator’s body was found at 21:00 on May 9th approximately .25 miles downstream by search crews with the anchor line still attached to his left leg.


BARDID: TN-2018-0015
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: JEFFERSON CITY
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Based on operator statements:
Two people were fishing a bass tournament on Cherokee Lake the night of May 5.  They were fishing an area locally known as Cline Hollow when a thunderstorm began. Operator stated that he could only travel about 15mph due to the waves and poor visibility. He stated he struck a small island and both occupants were thrown from the vessel.  Both parties suffered minor injuries, but occupant apparently hit the trolling motor when she was ejected.   The vessel received structural damage to the keel area of the boat.  There are also fresh damage to the fiberglass on both sides of the boat.  The skeg and lower unit casing had damage also. Operator stated the vessel was taking on water and he turned the bilge and went to the ramp.  Operator contacted the TWRA office May 7, 2018 at about 10:30.  Estimated damage was approximately $2000.


BARDID: TN-2018-0016
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SOUTH HOLSTON LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BRISTOL
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 11, 2018 at around 1500 a two vessel collision occurred on South Holston Lake approximately 100 yards outside of the entrance to Lake View Marina. Vessel #1 was at idle pointed toward the dam and vessel #2 was traveling toward the dam at around 25mph with the nose of the bow up.  
The operator of V1 and the passenger saw V2 on a collision course and tried to get V2 operator attention. The operator of V1 shifted into reverse and V2 collided with the starboard side of V1 just in front of the operator seat striking the windshield and the ski rack.V2 did not ramp V1 but glanced off after the initial collision. None of the occupants of V1 or V2 were injured. 
Upon speaking with the operator of V2 he stated that he had just left a fishing spot and was heading to another location with his bow in the air and was not able to see what was in front of him. He said he heard screams but was too late to avoid the collision. Both V1 and V2 were operational and went to Lake View Dock to wait on TWRA  to arrive.


BARDID: TN-2018-0017
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NOLICHUCKY RIVER
NearestCityorTown: GREENEVILLE
County: GREENE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/19/2018 at approximately 17:00 I, Officer, received a call about a boating accident on the Nolichucky River in Greene County.  Upon arrival at 17:16, I spoke with the operator.  Operator was operating a 16 ft aluminum vessel TN 5633 EC that day on the Nolichucky River.  The Nolichucky River was at approximately 6000 cfs on 5/19/18.  Operator stated that he had been camping on Steele Island and went fishing.  Operator stated that he fished the upstream section above the island and then went to the downstream point of the island.   
Operator stated that he anchored the vessel from the bow on the downstream point of the island, where he fished for 15 to 20 minutes.  After 15 to 20 minutes, Operator stated he heard and saw water spilling over the top of the rear transom.  Operator tried to crank the motor but was unsuccessful.  Operator did not have a trolling motor on the vessel.  Operator attempted to paddle the vessel to a shoreline but was again unsuccessful.  As the vessel swamped, it capsized in the river.  
Operator was wearing a lifejacket and floated down the river on top of the overturned vessel.  Eventually Operator swam to shore and to safety.  Operator was not injured.  Operator stated that he thinks that one of the two plugs was knocked out and caused the vessel to flood.  Operator stated that the plugs he used were put in from the outside of the vessel.  This would allow for the plugs to be knocked out.


BARDID: TN-2018-0018
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TELLICO LAKE
NearestCityorTown: VONORE
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On or about May 26, 2018 at approx. 15:30, V1, a 2011 17''6" Bayliner with TN registration of TN 7685 EE and HIN of BLBA07CUF112, was traveling downstream in the area of Hwy 411 bridge on Tellico Lake.  Operator/Owner was towing his brother on a tube when Operator lost his hat.  Operator made a turn to retrieve his hat from the water.  Based on the statement of Operator, he left the operators chair with the vessel in gear and under power but traveling less than 10 mph and proceeded to the bow of vessel.  Operator asks passenger to slow the vessel down a little more.  Based on statements from the operator, and passengers, either subject pulled the vessel throttle too much causing Operator to be ejected from the bow port side or Operator was leaning/stretching too far over the boat to retrieve his hat and fell overboard and was struck by the vessel prop as it passed over top of him before subject could get the boat into neutral position.


BARDID: TN-2018-0019
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:51:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LENOIR CITY
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Dam/lock
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday June 2nd, 2018, three people were fishing below Ft. Loudon Dam.  Operator drove his boat toward "the boils" (where the whitewater was) and the current pulled them toward the dam.  The boat began to take on water.  Operator tried to maneuver the boat by using the outboard motor but it had taken on too much water.  The boat floated around the boils for about a minute while they attempted to regain control.  The boat was pulled against the dam where water was spilling through the flood gates.  The boat capsized and sank.

Nearby fishermen saw what was happening and came near "the boils" to assist.  All three men were seen floating downstream and were picked up by other boats and taken to rescue personnel on the shore.  One subject was taken to Loudon Medical Center where he was treated and released.  Another was found unresponsive in the water and all efforts to revive him were unsuccessful by first responders and medical personnel.



*12/21/18 Update - On December 10th, 2018, I presented this incident to the Loudon County Grand Jury and they declined to indict the operator for any criminal offense in the death.

The vessel has never been located or recovered and this case will be considered closed unless new evidence arises.


BARDID: TN-2018-0020
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FRENCH BROAD RIVER
NearestCityorTown: NEWPORT
County: COCKE
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 30th 2018 at approximately 9:30 am I, Officer, received a call about a boating accident on the French Broad River in Cocke County.  Upon arrival, the Jefferson County Sheriff was towing a capsized vessel to the Rankin Access Area with one uninjured occupant.  The vessel owner and sole occupant during the capsizing was subject1.  Subject1''s vessel was a 17 ft tracker TN 2395 DY.  
Subject1 launched his vessel from Rankin Access Area with the intent to fish.  The French Broad River was flowing at 20,000 cubic feet per second.  The average cubic feet per second for the French Broad River is approximately 2,500.   Subject1 stated that he had went three quarters of a mile up from the ramp before turning off the big motor and dropping the trolling motor to fish.  Subject1 stated that his boat was immediately taken into a low hanging tree.  The force of the water pinned the vessel.  After about five minutes, the corner of the vessel started to take on water over the gunwale and the vessel capsized.  Subject1 went into the water when the vessel capsized.  Subject1 was wearing an inflatable personal floatation device when he went in the water and pulled the cord to inflate the jacket.  The jacket inflated to about 60 percent of capacity.  He got on top of the capsized vessel and remained there until rescued.


BARDID: TN-2018-0021
State: TN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday, June 5th, 2018 Operator2 rented two SeaDoos from Twin Creeks Marina on Tims Ford Lake.  At around 14:30, Operator2 and Operator1 were operating the rented SeaDoos in the main river channel just outside of the Devil''s Step No Wake Zone.  
Operator2 was approaching Operator1 to tell him that they needed to head back to the marina to turn in the Sea Doos.  Operator1 was driving around in circles on the Sea Doo and his glasses slipped off of his face and he reached down to put them back on.  Once Operator1 got his glasses put back on, he saw Operator2 approaching too late to turn away and drove right in front of Operator2''s SeaDoo.  
Operator2''s SeaDoo struck Operator1’s SeaDoo on the front right side and put a large hole through the hull.  Both operators thought that they were operating at around 20mph at the time of the collision.  Operator1''s Sea Doo started taking on water.  
They contacted Twin Creeks Marina and one of their workers took a boat and picked up the wrecked Sea Doos and brought them back to the Dry Creek Boat Ramp.  I was contacted by Twin Creeks and arrived at the Marina around 15:45.  The operators had already filled out statements for the marina and I got copies of those as well as interviewed the operators.  There is a mechanic who works at the marina and we looked at the Sea Doos together.  Both of the Sea Doos had their hulls separated in the accident which would allow water to be pulled into the engine through the intakes.  There was oil leaking out both sides from under the seat on Operator2''s Sea Doo.  There was a large hole in the hull of Operator1''s Sea Doo and a crack extended from the hole in the front of the hull more than halfway to the rear of the boat.  The mechanic said that both of the Sea Doos were totoalled and had cost $8200.00.  Operator2 had waived the damage insurance when renting the SeaDoos. 
Based on my investigation, I believe that the accident was caused by Operator2 approaching too close to the other SeaDoo too quickly, as well as Operator1 not paying enough attention/loosing his glasses while operating.


BARDID: TN-2018-0023
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAFOLLETTE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday the 8th day of June 2018 at approximately 10 AM operator was operating a 17'' center console Legacy, NC 6402 DT, on Norris Lake in Big Creek near Lonas Young Park Campbell County. There were 4 occupants in the vessel and 4 occupants being towed by the vessel on a tube.  At some point while executing a turn the tube was struck by the vessel. Three occupants on the tube were struck by the vessels propeller. The fourth occupant was uninjured. The injured parties were transported to Lafollette Medical center. One of the injured occupants was then transported via Life flight to UT medical center.


BARDID: TN-2018-0024
State: TN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-06-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATAUGA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: Watauga
County: CARTER
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 17:30 operator stated that she went through a set of rapids on the Watauga River located adjacent to the Middleton Property in Watauga, TN. While going through the rapids she stated her kayak took on a large amount of water, causing it to capsize and ejecting her from the vessel. 

She stated that she was unable to grab her vessel before it was swept downstream. She was then stranded on an island in the middle of the river. She was located on the Island and the Carter County Rescue Squad was contacted to retrieve her. She was picked up off the island and transported to Wagner Access where she denied having any injuries. Her vessel has not been located and is presumed a total loss.


BARDID: TN-2018-0025
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BOONE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: PINEY FLATS
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Based on Witness Statements:
On June 9, 2018 subjects began riding in their wakeboard style Yamaha boat at around 1700-1800. They left from the dock at their residence.  Operator was operating the boat and Subject2 was riding in the passenger seat adjacent to the driver''s seat.   After several hours of operation, Operator was returning upstream to their residence. Operator was operating at about 25 mph after sunset at approximately 2100-2200. Subject2 observed a chair on the shoreline in front of the bow of the vessel and alerted Operator.  The vessel struck a peninsula that extended to the middle of the lake. The vessel ran aground approximately 36 feet 10 inches. Operator and Subject2 were uninjured. While walking around the peninsula, a pontoon boat with 4 occupants pulled up to the area and offered assistance. The pontoon boat picked up the operator and Subject2 and took them to their residence. Operator and Subject2 could not recall the names of the occupants or operator of the pontoon boat.


BARDID: TN-2018-0026
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BARKLEY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ASHLAND CITY
County: CHEATHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 10 ,2018 at approximately 13:00pm a 911 call was placed to Cheatham. He advised a boat was crashed laying on its starboard side on the bank below Cheatham Dam. He advised there was one man up on the bank sitting under a tree and that the boat was leaking fuel into the river.  

During this time, subject advised he spoke with the operator which stated he had been drinking and did not want any Law enforcement assistance and that a friend of his was going to come and pick him up. He stated he was not injured and no one else was aboard.  A TWRA boat and a Clarksville PD boat arrived at the location at ~1:30pm.  The operator of the KY 0775 VJ had left the accident site and evidence at the scene showed he had walked up a steep dirt bank and off into the woods. 

(Subject’s granddaughter took a cell phone picture of the man sitting under the tree at 12:58pm)  TWRA officers and Cheatham county Sheriffs officers searched the rural wooded area for the operator.  He was not found at that time. A few hours later the vessel was up righted and pulled off the bank.  It was towed down river to LOCK B boat ramp and seized as evidence by TWRA Sgt.. 

At approximately 7:45pm that evening two witness anchored in Bartons''s creek on the county line call Officer with TWRA and advised that there was a single white older male in the water on the river bank at the original accident site.  TWRA responded back down to the crash site to locate the man.  TWRA officers broadcasted on loud speaker for him to come out of the woods for his own safety, however no contact was made.  The following day Sgt. was able to find a telephone number for subject who answered and he was advised that TWRA had his boat in impound.  Subject was advised he could retrieve his vessel later in the week and that he had charges pending due to his actions on June 10th.


BARDID: TN-2018-0027
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:11:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: PARKSVILLE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: OCOEE
County: POLK
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday May 27th at approximately 1815 EST, subject boarded a PWC from a dock. Witness statements indicate subject was advised that he should not operate the vessel. Operator operated the vessel for a short time in the area around dock. Operator operated the PWC close to the dock where two swimmers, not associated with any vessel, were struck, the PWC continued and struck a rental pontoon boat tied to dock. The operator and both swimmers were transported to the hospital for treatment.


BARDID: TN-2018-0028
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: PICKWICK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: COUNCE
County: HARDIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday, June 18, 2018, I officer responded to the report of a boating incident that occurred on Pickwick Lake in Hardin County, Tennessee.  Upon arrival it was determined that Vessel 1 was in and around the area of State Line Islands.  Vessel 1 was towing victim on a wakeboard.  According to operator, occupants, and victim, Victim was wakeboarding when the front of the wakeboard nose dived into the water, causing him to fall face first into the water.  The tow rope appeared to pull Victim slightly.  These motions caused severe abdominal pain and Victim was taken to Vanderbilt Hospital via helicopter.

It was later determined that Victim possibly had a torn abdominal muscle.  He was treated and released.


BARDID: TN-2018-0029
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On the night of June 17, 2018 at approximately 22:25, Operator was operating a 23'' 2011 Mastercraft X35 boat on Douglas Lake in Jefferson County. He had three additional passengers on board. Operator was driving the vessel from the dam upstream towards Muddy Creek. Operator navigated the channel located between Cowboy''s Seafood Restaurant and the north side of Big Island. The vessel impacted one of the smaller islands near Big Island. Upon collision, the vessel ramped up a rock bank and came to rest in a cluster of trees. The bow of the vessel was elevated off the ground into the tree cluster while the transom and swim platform rested on the shoreline. All four people on board were seriously injured in the collision and were transported by ambulance and LifeStar helicopter to UT Medical Center for treatment.

   Based upon officer investigation and occupant statements, I determined Operator was unfamiliar with navigating in this area of the lake. Operator stated he was traveling at approximately half throttle before the collision and had been told by passengers that he needed to slow down. Operator was not maintaining a proper lookout in order to see the hazard. Alcohol was present in the vessel and Operator stated he had been drinking. He refused to submit to blood alcohol test as required by law. A search warrant was obtained and a blood sample was secured from Operator. Operator did not have permission to operate the vessel on the lake.


BARDID: TN-2018-0030
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: PARKSVILLE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BENTON
County: POLK
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
ON MAY 26 2018 I WAS PATROLLING PARKSVILLE LAKE IN POLK CO.  I WAS FLAGGED DOWN BY A VESSEL WITH AN INJURED WAKE SURFER.  THE OPERATOR  EXPLAINED THAT THE INJURED PARTY WAS WAKE SURFING WHEN SHE FELL FOR THE BOARD.  THE WAKE BOARD CAME BACK AND STRUCK her IN THE HEAD.  SHE SUSSTAINED A SMALL LACERATION TO THE TOP OF HER HEAD.  EMS WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND LOOKED AT HER INJURY.  THEY RELEASED HER AND ALL PARTIES LEFT THE SCENE.


BARDID: TN-2018-0031
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATAUGA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: ELIZABETHTON
County: CARTER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
From witness statements: On Tuesday 06/19/2018 three people put three vessels onto the Watauga River off Wilbur Dam Rd. in Elizabethton, TN.  At approximately 13:00 two people saw Operator travel under the Hunter Bridge still on his vessel.  They lost sight of Operator after going around a bend in the river. They pulled their boats ashore to wait for him. A few minutes later they spotted Operator''s PFD floating down the river. Subject1 reentered his vessel to retrieve the PFD and upon reaching it he discovered Operator''s body floating face down still in the PFD. Operator''s body was pulled to shore and CPR was begun. Upon arrival the Carter County Rescue Squad began treating the victim and transported him to Sycamore Shoals Hospital. Operator was pronounced deceased at the hospital. Operator''s vessel has not been recovered but was seen on the river after Operator''s body was recovered and appeared to be in working order with both oars still onboard.


BARDID: TN-2018-0032
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: NEW TAZEWELL
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday June 19, 2018 at around 9:45PM Operator1 was operating a 1992 Bass Tracker on Norris Lake upstream from Highway 33 Bridge in Union County.  Operator1 was traveling downstream toward Highway 33 Bridge.  Operator2 who was operating a 1998 Javelin was traveling upstream toward Highway 33 Bridge.  Both vessels met in a head on situation resulting in a slight offset to the port side head on collision. 
     The operator and the two occupants on the Bass Tracker received injuries and were transported to UT Hospital in Knoxville, TN.  The operator and the occupant of the Jaevlin received no injuries.  
     According to statements from the occupants of each vessel no one saw the other vessel''s running lights.  At the time of inspection both vessel''s running lights were operational.  It is inconclusive if either of the vessel''s running lights were operating at the time of the accident.


BARDID: TN-2018-0033
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT. LOUDOUN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: KNOXVILLE
County: KNOX
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday June 22 , 2018 at around 4:45pm the vessel burst into flames near the engine compartment. He had just recently refuled the veassel at Concord Marina. He stated that soon after, He and his daughter were traveling at a very slow rate of speed under the Northshore Dr. bridge when the engine exploded as he tried to throttle up. He attempted to use the on board fire extinguisher but it failed to discharge. Both occupants abandoned the vessel and were picked up by another boater. Both occupants were uninjured. Rural Metro Fire Department responded and extinguished the flames. The vessel was damaged beyond repair / salvage.


BARDID: TN-2018-0034
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LYNCHBURG
County: MOORE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
ON 06/28/2018 BETWEEN 11:00AM-12:00 NOON THE OPERATOR WITH PASSENGER ON THE PWC(RED PIN) WAS TOWING A SKIER(GREEN PIN) ON A TUBE TOO CLOSE TO THEIR FLOATING DOCK WHEN THE TUBE SLAMMED INTO THE SIDE OF THE DOCK WHICH CAUSED THE SKIER TO FLY OFF OF THE TUBE AND SLAM INTO THE SIDE OF THE DOCK THEN FALL INTO THE WATER. WITNESSES ON THE DOCK AND LAND ASSISTED THE VICTIM OUT OF THE WATER AND ONTO THE DOCK TO ADMINISTER AID. 911 AND FAMILY MEMBERS WHERE CALLED TO THE SCENE SHORTLY AFTER THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. THE VICTIM DID NOT SURVIVE HIS INJURIES.


BARDID: TN-2018-0035
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CLIFTON
County: PERRY
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday June 30, 2018 at approximately 16:41, I , WO made the scene of a single vessel sinking in the vicinity of Paradise Landing  at the Hardin Bottoms in Perry County Tennessee on Kentucky Lake. Upon arrival to the scene, I observed the above 24'' Chapparal boat (registration TN 560DM) partially submerged and laying on its side. The vessel operator was identified and interviewed by this Officer in an attempt to ascertain what had happened. 

Subject stated that she and two young female occupants had been boating in the area known as the silos approximately 5 miles north of the Hardin Bottoms when the vessels engine would no longer crank. Subject stated that she began to notice that the compartments on the vessel were beginning to fill with water and the bilge pump on the vessel would not work. Subject flagged others for assistance. They tied a rope to Subject''s vesel and began to tow her to shore. Upon reaching the boat ramp at Paradise Landing, Subject''s vessel became completley submerged where it was then taken approximately 300 yds downstream by the river current before coming to rest where this Officer observed the vessel upon arrival. Upon closer inspection of the keel of the boat this Officer observed a series of small holes through the fiberglass material of the hull. The vessel was removed from the water by the owner and is being stored at the owner''s property.


BARDID: TN-2018-0036
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:09:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SODDY DAISY
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 16th 2018 I responded to the report of a boating accident near the holly cir boat ramp in Soddy creek in Soddy daisy TN. Once on scene I talked to the operator of vessel 1 who stated that he was traveling upstream from the TN River toward the holly Cir. boat ramp when a PWC (Vessel 2) that was going down stream cut across his heading. 

The PWC operator stated that he was cutting across the point in Soddy creek to shorten the distance he was traveling. He stated that he did not see the other vessel coming toward him. 

Operator1 stated that he tried to stop but could not slow down or alter course in time to avoid a Collison. No individuals were injured and all parties returned to the holly Cir. boat launch to exchange insurance information and call police.


BARDID: TN-2018-0037
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HARRISON
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/24/2018 I, Willdlfie officer arrived at Wolftever Access Area in Harrison, Tn after a thunderstorm had came through the area. When I got to the ramp I was told that the boat had taken on water from the rain storm and was taken on enough water that it had submerged the vessel. Subject had stated that he parked the vessel in the open portion between the bridges to wait out the storm when it began heavily raining. There were no injuries among the eight passengers on board the vessel. The accident occured in Hamilton county.


BARDID: TN-2018-0039
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:19:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: NEW TAZEWELL
County: CLAIBORNE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 29, 2018 at approximately 0119 hours I was notified by Claiborne County 911 regarding a boat incident that had occurred at Lone Mountain Shores dock #2 involving a PWC with possible injury. According to the operator, while approaching dock #2 the PWC had an engine malfunction causing him to lose steering control of the PWC. The PWC struck dock #2 then deflected striking a pedestrian on a swim ladder causing injury. The operator attemped to wedge his foot between the dock and PWC causing injury.The passenger onboard the PWC was thrown onto dock #2 causing injury. After consulting with the Claiborne County District Attorney''s Office, no charges will be filed in this boating incident.


BARDID: TN-2018-0040
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: JEFFERSON CITY
County: GRAINGER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/29/2018, at approximately 10:15 a.m., TVA employees stated they were working at Oakland Hollow Access Area on Cherokee Lake in Grainger County when they observed an abandoned vessel across the cove. TVA employee stated he went to check on the vessel and observed a white male subject, face down in the water near the vessel, in tree limbs, and wearing a personal flotation device. The TVA employees called 911. Subject retrieved victim and transported him to the ramp at the access area. Victim was pronounced dead on the scene and was transported to Knoxville Regional Forensic Center for an autopsy. Autopsy Report # 180629-113 from Knoxville Regional Forensic Center reveals the primary cause of death to be drowning. Other conditions that significantly contributed to death are atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease.


BARDID: TN-2018-0041
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEATHAM RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: ASHLAND CITY
County: CHEATHAM
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 4,2018 at approximately 12:30pm a 1998 Sprint deck boat was headed upstream near river mile marker 156 towards Ashland City.  It was operated by the owner with three others onboard.  The deck boat was traveling between 21-40 mph.  At nearly the same time two yamaha wave raider PWC''s were headed in the same direction upstream towards Ashland City as well.  
The lead yamaha PWC passed the deck boat on its right side. At approximately 75-100yards ahead of the deck boat they turned left and headed back downstream towards Harpeth Island. Operator2 was operating the second Yamaha PWC that was riding behind the first PWC.  The PWC Operator2 was operating only slightly passed the deck boat on its right side and turned left in front of the deckboat.  
The distance and speed this occurred at did not leave the deckboat or herself enough time to avoid a collision.  The deckboat made a right turn seconds before impacting Operator2 on her PWC. She was ejected off the PWC and found unconscious face down in the water.  She was turned face up and held in the water until Ashland City Fire boat arrived. She sustained fatal injuries.  Blood was taken at time of the accident from Deckboat operator and submitted to TBI.  Results showed alcohol negative and drug screen showed 0.18ug/ml of Phentermine.  The PWC operators alcohol and drug screen was negative.  Per directive case was reviewed by District 23 office Cheatham county and no charges were issued.


BARDID: TN-2018-0042
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 03:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEATHAM RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: HENDERSONVILLE
County: DAVIDSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 5, 2018, at approximately 0315 hours, operator traveled from downtown Nashville to the boat ramp below the Old Hickory Lock and Dam after the Fourth of July Fireworks Event. Subject had five passengers on his vessel while operating to the boat ramp. Once at the boat ramp, he pulled his boat up on the rough, rock surface/bank, exited his boat and had two passengers hold the vessel with a rope while three passengers sat in the boat. 

While Subject began backing his trailer down the boat ramp, three unknown cabin cruiser vessels were underway in the main river channel and passed Subject''s boat at a moderate speed, heading toward the Old Hickory Lock and Dam. The three vessels created a large wake and caused Subject''s starboard boat side to rub against a concrete block at the boat ramp, rise up and bump against the rock bank, and cause the prop to be damaged on the rocks. 

There were no passenger injuries in Subject''s vessel. Once the three unknown vessels left the area, Subject''s boat ended up stuck on the rock bank and could not be removed from the water. Subject decided to leave his boat on the rocks overnight, tied up and unsupervised. Once the water level rose in the river later that morning, Subject removed the boat from the river and trailered it to the TNT Boat Shop in Hendersonville, TN.


BARDID: TN-2018-0046
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SPRING CITY
County: RHEA
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: non-marine grade parts
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/1/2018 at approximately 21:15-21:30 near White''s Creek Marina, Victim and his father were making repairs to their vessel in the cove near White''s Creek Marina.  The vessel''s motor stopped running and they were attempting to make repairs when the motor back fired.  The spark ignited some gasoline that had been spilled on Victim''s right arm and on both feet.  Victim jumped into the lake to extinguish the flames.  His father tossed him a type 2 pfd.  Operator used a fire extingusher to put out the flames in the engine area of the vessel. At this point, Operator helped his son back into the vessel and rowed the boat to a nearby dock at White''s Creek Marina.  Bystanders on the bank contacted Rhea County 911.  Deputies responded to secure the scene and TWRA was notified.  Upon arrival the vessel was examined  by TWRA officers and a statement was taken from the vessel owner.  Victim had been transported to Roane Medical Center in Kingston, TN by private vehicle.  Officers gathered information at the scene and then traveled to Roane Medical Center to interview Victim.  Victim was being treated for burns to his right hand and both feet, but he did make some remarks about the incident that were written down by Officer.  Victim was treated and released later that night.  The damaged vessel was loaded onto its trailer and removed from the scene by the owner.  Although the vessel was displaying Louisiana registration which was expired, they had applied for TN registration.  Upon inspection, the mercruiser engine appeared to have been repaired using non marine grade parts.


BARDID: TN-2018-0047
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:49:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: NEW JOHNSONVILLE
County: HUMPHREYS
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with governmental vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 4th, 2018, Officer (V1) was leaving the New Johnsonville boat launch in Lucas Harbor heading back out toward the main river channel. Operator2 (V2) was operating a Triton boat in Lucas Harbor heading in toward the ramp from the river channel.  
Both boats were on plane however only V1 operated by Officer was exhibiting the required navigational lights.  Both vessels were approaching at a "head on" direction when they became aware of each other.  Both vessels made an attempt to avoid a collision by making an evasive turn to the left.  The vessels collided on their right sides.  Officer was uninjured however Operator2 sustained injuries as a result of the collision.  Officer did immediately render aid to both persons on the boat and notified his supervision of the collision.  

Both Operators were taken by private vehicle to 3 Rivers Medical Center in Waverly for required blood draws.  Operator2 sustained broken ribs as a result of the collision and was treated and released.  

The investigation is ongoing.


BARDID: TN-2018-0048
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On the evening of 06/20/2018 at approximately 17:30 hours, operator was operating a rented 2008 19'' Tahoe run-about on Douglas Lake in the area of Shady Grove Access Area in Jefferson County.  The vessel had been rented from Douglas Lake Marina.  Operator had three passengers on vessel.  Operator was driving the vessel in circles at a high rate of speed towing a tube with two passengers.  

The tube struck a large wake and both were ejected from the tube.  Tuber1 impacted the water in a manner in which he landed on his head and neck.  Tuber1 was knocked unconscious.  Tuber2 pulled him back to the vessel where he continued to lose and regain consciousness.  Jefferson County EMS met the party at Mountain Harbor Inn.  He was transported and admitted to UT Medical Center in Knoxville.  He was released at 22:30 hours the same day with a mild concussion.

Based on oral statements, Operator had been drinking, 1-2 beers, at the time of incident.  The first contact I had with Operator was around 12:00 the next day.


BARDID: TN-2018-0049
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/04/2018, at approximately 1450, operator and occuapnts departed the operator’s residence in his fathers pontoon to cruise and sightsee on Douglas Lake.  They went to the other side of the lake, near the area of Breezie Point Lane, and two of the occupants of the vessel wanted to swim.  The vessel drifted in this area while the two occupants swam.  After they reboarded the vessel, the victim, got into the water and began to swim, but after approximately 15 minutes, he began to struggle and he was able to yell for help.  

Operator then entered the water and swam out to Victim in an attempt to save him.  The victim immediately grabbed Operator around the neck which caused him to go underwater, and when he came back up, he tried to push the victim toward the vessel, which was approximately 30 feet away.  Operator also yelled at the occupants of the vessel to start the motor, and to throw the cushion to him.  Operator was able to get back to the vessel, but the victim had disappeared underwater and not seen again.  During the time that Operator was in the water, a female occupant was attempting to start the motor but was unable to do so.  

Because Operator had had a heart attack previously, he required some medical attention in the field in the form of IV fluids and EKG, but that was all the attention he needed.

The victim was recovered on 07/07/2018, at approximately 1900 at a depth of 62 feet.  Because of the murkiness of the water, a diver from the Jefferson Co. Rescue Squad dove and made the recovery.  The body was transported to Jefferson County Hospital.

Upon consultation with the District Attorney''s office, it was determined that an autopsy would not be performed due to the fact that the incident occurred in front of several family members, and through the investigation it was determined that there was no alcohol or drug use by the victim or any of the occupants of the vessel.


BARDID: TN-2018-0050
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LIVINGSTON
County: OVERTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday July 4th, 2018, I, Wildlife Officer was on routine boating patrol on Dale Hollow Lake in Tennessee. At 1704, I received notification from Region 3 Dispatch stating that there had been a boat accident in the Mitchell Creek area of Dale Hollow Lake. Dispatch advised that the vessel had been towed, by private citizen, to Mitchell Creek Marina and the occupants were there waiting for Law Enforcement for a report. Dispatch advised that there were no reported injuries in the crash. 

Upon arrival, I was directed to the last slip on N Dock of the Marina. Wildlife Officers had already made contact with the vessel and the occupants. Subject advised that they were travelling South West in Mitchell Creek. During the course, she was towing a person on a tube, while doing S Patterns. During this time, passenger advised her that she had a spider on her leg. She advised that she began to focus on finding the spider and lost focus on the operation of the vessel. She advised that she looked up and was headed on a direct path to collide with a rock wall on the South side of Mitchell Creek. She attempted to reduce speed, to avoid collision, but it was too late, the vessel collided with the rock wall. Disabling damage was done to the front end of the vessel and had to be towed back to the marina by a private citizen.

We found where an impact had been made with the rock wall. This area was in the Overton County area of Mitchell Creek on Dale Hollow Lake.


BARDID: TN-2018-0051
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:16:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAKEWOOD
County: DAVIDSON
WaterConditions: Calm
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was headed into Blue Turtle Bay Marina from the main portion of Old Hickory Lake. Vessel 2 was being towed out of the "no wake zone" by Vessel 3 and was inoperable. Vessel 1 was in the "no wake zone" nearing the fuel dock when he realized Vessel 2 was in the way and sounded his horn by slowing down but maintaining his course as the "no wake zone" narrowed drastically in front of him in order to get to his slip in the back of the Marina. 

Vessel 2 was being towed past the fuel dock by Vessel 3 when it collided with Vessel 1. Surveillance footage indicated Vessel 3 possibly swung Vessel 2 into Vessel 1''s path. Both Vessel 1 and Vessel 2 struck each other on the port side of the bow. Vessel 1 had no injuries and very little damage due to the incident. Vessel 2 sustained at least $2000 worth of property damage and the owner who was seated at the bow outside the railing in a pedestal seat at the time of the accident was struck by the hull of Vessel 1 causing a broken shoulder and possible back injuries.


BARDID: TN-2018-0052
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HENDERSONVILLE
County: SUMNER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/7/2018 on Old Hickory Lake at approximately 012:00 hours, Vessel 1 was at anchor near river mile 227. Vessel 1 (V1) is a custom pontoon boat modified into a jungle gym structure. The victim was attempting to jump from a platform at the top of V1 onto a trampoline, then into the water. When she contacted the trampoline she felt immediate pain and fell into the water. She was immediately pulled from the water and transported to Vanderbilt Medical Center.


BARDID: TN-2018-0053
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: PICKWICK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: COUNCE
County: HARDIN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
According to occupant and operator statements, they were traveling in the channel headed north bound when the struck something in the water that caused the engine to quit working. They began traveling back towards the ramp, utilizing the trolling motor and after some time had passed noticed that water was coming in through the floor of the vessel. The vessel subsequently capsized and they swam to a nearby dock. Operator contacted me on the following day(7/11/2018) and stated they were going to remove the vessel from the water. I arrived as they were pulling it up to the ramp, the vessel was still overturned and one could see a location on the hull where a  piece of gel coat and fiberglass were missing. It appears this location was compromised when they struck the unknown object and allowed water into the hull.


BARDID: TN-2018-0054
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:26:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sequatchie River
NearestCityorTown: WHITWELL
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7-8-2018 Operator was paddling a kayak on the Sequatchie river below a low head dam at Ketners mill. He paddled toward the dam and got caught in the turbulent water below the dam. The current pulled him toward the dam where the water coming over it flipped his kayak and ejected him from the kayak. Operator was pulled under water by the current and was unable to remain above water and drowned. He was under for a couple of minutes and his body was washed out to the left river bank where he was removed and bystanders started preforming CPR. 911 was called and an ambulance arrived and transported Operator to Parkridge West hospital where he was pronounced dead.


BARDID: TN-2018-0055
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:36:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CENTER HILL LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SMITHVILLE
County: DEKALB
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was coming out of a cove crossing the channel to the north side of Davies Island( See diagram above).  Vessel 2 was coming from the east side of the island and around the north side as well.  According to all officer investigations and all interviews and statements, neither vessel saw each other until the impact took place, however, all statements from both parties are corroborating.  The above diagram is an approximate precollision course and approximate collision location.


BARDID: TN-2018-0056
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CELINA
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/24/2918 at approx 1300 hrs. on Dale Hollow Lake in Clay Co. TN in the dock area of Willow Grove Marina, I observed a houseboat( V1) (TN 0425 E) being operated and attempting to be docked. The Operator was heading in an easterly direction with the wind at an easterly direction also. When the operator turned the bow of V1 in a southerly direction to pull into a slip on "D" Dock, it appeared that the wind then caught the large profile of the vessel and began pushing V1 sideways towards the "H" Dock(east).  The operator put the vessel in reverse at high RPM.  The crosswind continued to  catch the profile of the V1 and push it east.  The operator appeared to put the V1 in forward at high RPM , heading south towards "D'' Dock,  as the vessel continued to "crab" towards the east, the operator again went to high RPM in reverse and then with the bow of V1 headed towards the slip on "D" Dock, put his vessel in forward at high RPM.  The port  side towards the stearn but past midship then struck a pontoon boat (V2) (TN 0056 RZ) which was moored to the walkway at "H" Dock causing some damage to V2.


BARDID: TN-2018-0057
State: TN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:28:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SPRING CITY
County: MEIGS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
ON 7/3/2018 at about 12:30 est, a family was preparing to lock upstream from Chickamauga lake to Watts Bar lake.  They were in three separate vessels.  While attempting to restart the "Pickled Tink" a 16 foot 1958 model Biesemyr boat, an explosion was heard near the engine area in the rear.  Flames were noticed onboard the boat immediately.  
Subject who was seated near the rear of the vessel sustained first and second degree burns to the shin area of his legs.  All occupants except the operator exited the vessel wearing life jackets and swam for the accompanying vessels in their party.  The operator attempted to put the fire out with the fire extinguisher on the vessel, but the flames had spread rapidly and overtook the vessel.  The pictures attached to this report were taken by the lock master at Watts Bar Dam.  The lockmaster stated that the boat was fully engulfed in less than 5 minutes .  The injured child was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.   The lock doors had started opening during the fire and the empty vessel drifted into the lock while on fire.  The workers at the lock were able to extinguish the flames with a fire hose.  The burned vessel then sunk in the lock.  Tow Boat US was called and they were able to remove the vessel from the lock that night.  It was loaded onto a wrecker at Pin Hook Ferry below the dam.  The vessel was a total loss.


BARDID: TN-2018-0058
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: PARKSVILLE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BENTON
County: POLK
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Based on witness statements, subject was trying to get up on the board (initiate the wakeboarding process) when he fell and yelled that something was wrong. Witnesses said that he believed he broke his femur, and did not not know the reason for the injury, but they knew it was not because he collided with an object and he was not impaired.


BARDID: TN-2018-0059
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BEAN STATION
County: GRAINGER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/14/2018 at approximately 2:00 a.m., Vessel #1 and Vessel # 2 were participating in the Tom''s Marine Friday Night Bass Fishing Tournament on Cherokee Lake. The operator and occupant of Vessel #1 were fishing near the Olen Marshall Access Area / Highway 25E Bridge boat ramp in Grainger County while waiting to weigh in their fish. The operator of Vessel #1 stated he observed Vessel #2 coming from downstream towards the access area. The operator and occupant of Vessel #1 stated as Vessel #2 continued to approach from behind and get within approximately 25 yards away that they started screaming and tried to get the operators attention to avoid collision. The operator and occupant of Vessel #1 stated they were getting ready to bail off the vessel when the operator of Vessel #2 turned sharply to the left and struck Vessel #1 in the port side stern. 
The operator of Vessel #2 stated he had turned sharply to the left to miss another vessel which he had observed slow down near him. The operator of Vessel #2 stated he did not see Vessel #1 and did not know the vessel was present until after the collision. Both operators stated they were displaying navigation lights at the time of the incident. A witness stated he heard screaming from Vessel #1 and was alerted to incident. 
The witness stated Vessel #2 had come down from plane and started plowing with the bow of the vessel sticking up prior to the collision. The witness stated navigation lights were being displayed and visible on both Vessel #1 and Vessel #2 at the time of the collision. After determining there were no injuries, insurance information was exchanged and the operator of Vessel # 1 reported the boating accident while still on scene. The operator of Vessel #2 was not on scene upon Bean Station Police Department arrival.


BARDID: TN-2018-0060
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAFOLLETTE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Witness statements indicate that around 7:45pm two people were fishing from a bass boat in the no wake zone at Shanghai Marina.  They were drifting and/or using the trolling motor.  Operator1 was operating a rented pontoon in the same area.  Operator1 left the pontoon boat in gear at idle speed and stepped away from the boat controls to hang bumpers in preparation for docking.  
V2 subject noticed the pontoon approaching and yelled at them to stop.  The front of the right pontoon made contact with the left rear of bass boat.  This damaged the bass boat rub rail and fiberglass.  There was little to no damage to the pontoon beyond transfer marks.  Both operators agreed to meet up at the gas dock area of the marina to exchange information and file a report. Field sobriety task were given to operator1 and due to the admission of drinking alcohol, however no impairment was detected and no arrest was made. As the pontoon was docking a passenger fell into the lake and drowned.  The drowning incident is contained in report # 18414981.


BARDID: TN-2018-0061
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:54:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAFOLLETTE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Witness statements indicate the occupants were attempting to tie off their boat to the gas dock area of Shanghai Marina when Victim fell from the dock into the water and never resurfaced.  This occurred at approximately 7:54pm.  Victim was not a strong swimmer and had just taken his life jacket off.  He was attempting to tie off the stern line when he fell in the water.  The Campbell County Rescue Squad recovered Victim at 8:31pm. The boat had been involved in a property damage collision with a bass boat just minutes prior to arriving at Shanghai Dock. This property damage incident is number18414982.


BARDID: TN-2018-0063
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:03:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BYRDSTOWN
County: PICKETT
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday July 18 at approximately 2:03pm I received a call from dispatch about a boating related incident at Sunset Marina on Dale Hollow Lake. I arrived at approximately 2:48pm and was briefed by Pickett County Sherriff and investigators. At that time the victim had already been transported to Livingston Regional Hospital and witnesses had already left the area. The vessel was still at the scene.
 Based on eyewitness statements, Victim was operating a 1997 BassTracker aluminum fishing boat at idle speed in the no wake zone of Sunset Marina when he fell overboard near the no wake boundary. The boat accelerated, took a right hand turn and collided with the rock bank across from the marina leaving the vessel nearly completely out of water. 

It appeared that the vessel traveled less than 75 yds and that the rock bank was the only contact. At this point Victim was seen floating near where he had fallen overboard. Several vessels and individuals responded immediately and subject was removed from the water. According to witnesses, he was breathing but was unresponsive. He received early CPR treatment before EMS personnel arrived to transport to hospital. 

Upon inspecting the vessel, it was found that the kill switch lanyard was attached to the ignition key and that all apparent damage was limited along the hull area of vessel. There were no indication of alcohol being a factor at this point. The vessel was retrieved by myself and taken to Overton County Sherriff Office. 

Victim was treated at Livingston Regional and later transported to Erlanger in Chattanooga where he was released July 24, 2018. Upon interview with it is still uncertain as to the cause of the fall overboard as he stated he could not remember any of it. Medical tests revealed no issues that may have contributed although it was suggested that dehydration and possible heat exhaustion were very likely.


BARDID: TN-2018-0064
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAFOLLETTE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Based on the statement given by operator, around 7PM on Thursday the 12th day of July he was traveling North-North East in the Big Creek area of Norris Lake on a Yamaha PWC..There was a fairly new personal dock at the entrance of the cove. Operator cut to the inside of the dock placing himself between the shoreline and the dock. He advises in his statement that the personal dock is unlike any other in the area, where it sticks out a longer distance from the shoreline. During his time between the dock and shoreline he noticed a high cable running from the personal dock to the shoreline and drove under it with no problem. The next thing he knew he felt major pain to his head and face. He never saw the second cable on the other side of the personal dock. Some of injuries include broken upper jaw, broken palate, various broken teeth and internal cuts to the mouth.


BARDID: TN-2018-0065
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ROGERSVILLE
County: HAWKINS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Fuel
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 28, 2018 at around 1530, operator and his son arrived at the John Sevier Access Area to launch their boat on Cherokee Lake. After launching their boat in the water, operator attempted to start the engine. Operator smelled a strong odor of gas, which he attributed to the flooding of fuel to the engine. Operator did not attempt to start the boat for 10-15 minutes. Operator attempted to start the boat following the delay and heard a loud noise and observed flames coming from the engine compartment. Operator located the fire extinguisher and began using it to extinguish the flames. The nozzle of the fire extinguisher fell off, rendering it useless. At that time, Operator grabbed his son, jumped from the boat, and swam to shore. They were sitting on the bank for approximately 5 minutes when Officer arrived to transport them to the John Sevier Access Area.


BARDID: TN-2018-0066
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:50:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HARRISON
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On the 29th day of July 2018 I responded to a call of an individual that had went under the water and not resurfaced. Once on scene I learned that an individual had tipped his kayak over when returning to shore and did not resurface. Witnesses were in the water trying to find the individual.  His girlfriend was in the water with him but did not know that he was struggling until he went under the water the last time. Rescue crews and divers were utilized to recover his body, and transferred to the Hamilton co medical examiner''s office for autopsy.


BARDID: TN-2018-0067
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEATHAM RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: ASHLAND CITY
County: CHEATHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 29,2018 at approximately 12:45pm a PWC (KY0526NK) owned by operator was riding slightly upstream from the Cheatham Dam Beach swimming area.  His required engine kill switch was not attached properly to his person and the throttle did not return to idle after he fell off.  

This caused the PWC to take off at approximately 40mph towards Cheatham Dam Beach swimming area.  Witness observed a non-driven PWC heading towards the swimming area and tried to warn swimmers. Due to its speed four swimmers near the swimming areas outer yellow perimeter did not have enough time to react to the oncoming vessel.  The PWC physically struck 4 female swimmers.  

Operators blood was taken at seen and on 12/5/18 TBI results Alcohol detection was negative.  Drug screen showed Amphetamine at 0.09ug/ml and Norbuprenorphine at 1 ng/ml.


BARDID: TN-2018-0068
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: MT JULIET
County: WILSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 8/1/18 victim was out tubing on Old Hickory Lake. On the tube was Victim (left side), Subject1 (middle), and Subject2 (right side). After making a loop in the water the vessel approached waves that had been created from the vessel just prior to the loop. The vessel started going over the waves. Once the first of the waves hit the tube it cause Victim to hit his head on the tube knocking him unconscious. Once the tube hit the second and third wave he was thrown from the tube while still unconscious. He landed in the water face down. 

Subject1 noticed his father in the water and swam over to him. By this time the other occupants on board recognized what had happened, and started heading towards them. When Subject1 reached his dad he flipped him back upright to get his head out of the water. The boat then pulled up, and they were able to get him back on board the vessel. Once aboard the vessel Victim regained consciousness and began to throw up and groan. EMS was notified and in route to Cedar Creek Marina.  TWRA Dispatch received the call at 12:32 pm. Once EMS arrived he was able to walk to the ambulance under his own power. He was transported the Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, TN. Sgt. and I met up with the party there at the hospital. Vitals as well as a CAT scan were taken. The CAT scan came back clear, and all vitals were normal. Sgt. and I wrote down all information about the incident as well as statements from everyone on board.


BARDID: TN-2018-0069
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BARKLEY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CLARKSVILLE
County: MONTGOMERY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday July 27 operator was operating his 1976 Silver Queen 36'' boat (TN 0043 MJ).  Operator and his wife were aboard the vessel.  Operator started the vessel and had run the engines for approx.. 15 minutes to warm them up before leaving the dock at Clarksville Marina.  They left the dock and traveled approx. 200 yards from the marina when the starboard engine quit running.  Operator attempted to restart the engine a few times with no success.  Occupant said at this time they still had the blowers on their engine running.  Occupant called Clarksville Marina and informed they may need a tow back to the dock.  Operator attempted to start the engine one more time.  On this attempt the starboard area of the vessel exploded.  They put on life jackets, jumped in the water and swam to shore.  Personnel from Clarksville Marina hooked to the vessel and towed it to the far shore of the marina to keep the burning boat away from the marina and docks.  Clarksville Fire reported to the scene and dealt with the fire after a large portion of the boat had already burned.

Occupant stated they had recently had some electrical work done on the boat.  The boat had been started but they had not moved the boat from the location where it was docked when the work was done.


BARDID: TN-2018-0070
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:58:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HARRISON
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On the 8th day of July at approximately 1300 hrs. Hamilton County 911 received a call that a vessel was coming into Chester Frost Park with an occupant that has suffered a head injury. The victim had struck his head on the fiberglass console of the vessel when the vessel came to a stop after running aground coming out of Paradise Cove. Paradise Cove has a long point underwater and the operator attempted to cut across the underwater point and drove the vessel aground. The victim was then transported to Erlanger Childern''s Hospital.


BARDID: TN-2018-0071
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SPRING CITY
County: MEIGS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/21/2018 at approximately 6:30 pm  victim was riding an tube with another person.   When the towing vessel turned, it caused the tube to speed up and Victim was thrown from the tube.  She landed hard on the water and was injured.  The other occupant of the tube was not harmed.  When the towing vessel pulled up to Victim, she stated she could not feel anything below her neck.  She was carefully loaded onto a swim platform of a vessel and brought to shore.  Once she reached shore, feeling began to come back in her body.  She was transported to UT Hospital in Knoxville for testing and overnight observation.  She was released early the next day.  She is at home recovering from a cervical sprain and concussion like symptoms.  

This accident occurred during a church picnic and lake day.  There are no signs of carelessness or wrongdoing from any parties involved!

Based on witness accounts,  this incident occurred near the Rhea, Roane, and Meigs County line on Watts Bar Lake.


BARDID: TN-2018-0072
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:56:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HIXSON
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On the 4th day of august 2018 I responded to the call of a boating accident in hidden harbor slough on Chickamauga Lake. An individual had fallen while crossing from one vessel to another and did not resurface. Once on scene witnesses stated that victim was crossing from his friend''s vessel over to his when he tripped and fell striking his head on the swimming platform of his vessel. The witnesses also stated that he fell overboard into the water and appeared to be unconscious, several witnesses tried to get to him but he sunk below the surface. Witnesses entered the water to try and locate him  but were unsuccessful and he did not resurface. A search and rescue effort was conducted with divers and ROVs until 12:00am on 08-05-18 and resumed that next day at 10:00am. His body was found and recovered at approx. 10:15am on 08-05-18 and taken ashore where he was transported to the Hamilton co medical examiner''s office for autopsy.  The victim had been drinking alcohol.


BARDID: TN-2018-0073
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:43:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BIG SANDY
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
This is a preliminary summary based on the statements from those involved and physical evidence collected during the investigation.

A 26 foot RINKER with 7 persons on board was cruising upstream on the Tennessee River inside the navigational channel when the occupants stated it felt like they hit something in the water and the RINKER made a sudden turn to the left ejecting 3 persons into the water.   The other 4 occupants remained in the RINKER and were thrown to the starboard side of the boat.   2 persons that were ejected were rescued from the water and one was missing.   The body was recovered approximately 38 hours after the incident on August 14, 2018.   

The RINKER was loaded on a trailer and no obvious damage was noted to the hull or outdrive.   Preliminary inspection shows the steering system functioning properly.  


BARDID: TN-2018-0074
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TELLICO LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LOUDON
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Rough
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause3: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
The hull of the vessel had been damaged previously and then patched by the owner.  Conditions on that day were very rough which is typical for July 4th.  The patch did not hold and the vessel started to take on water and then had waves come over the gunwhale.  They were able to  get the vessel to an unoccupied dock at 130 Kiowa Way in Tellico Village and tie it off before it went completely under.  The occupants were able to get their belongings out before the vessel sank.  There were no injuries and the vessel was salvaged the next day.


BARDID: TN-2018-0075
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: TEN MILE
County: MEIGS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 14, 2018 at approximately 3:00 pm (est.) two people were both operating their vessels. on Watts Bar Lake around the area named "the fingers." Both Vessels were going into the cove when Operator2 turned his vessel to the right. Operator2 then realized that there was another vessel behind him. He attempted to make a maneuver with his vessel but was unable to avoid the collision with vessel1. Operator2''s vessel struck V1 on the port side toward the bow and back mid vessel. The damage to Operator2 vessel was on its port side as well. No alcohol was involved. My investigation incomplete.


BARDID: TN-2018-0076
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:47:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TELLICO LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GREENBACK
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday August 8, 2018 according to statements from the driver and occupant of the boat, the boat they were in crashed into the bank.  At approximately 8:45 pm they were on their way home after an evening boat ride.  The boat was traveling at top speed which was 30 - 32 mph.  The passenger was looking at her phone and the driver was taking a picture of the sunset.  The passenger looked up and noticed that they were heading toward the shore.  She yelled at the driver who then became aware of the situation.  He did not have time to slowdown and began to turn the boat to the right.  He was not able to avoid the shore and collided with it.  The boat also made contact with a tree that was hanging over the water, causing damage to canopy of the boat.  Once the collision occurred some people on another boat came over to check on them.  Then another individual showed up at the location and called to report the crash.  This crash occurred near Day Marker 11 and an island that is TVA property.  The lake in this area is approximately .3 mile wide.  The shoreline is wooded on the south bank and lined with homes and docks on the north bank.


BARDID: TN-2018-0077
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 03:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAFAYETTE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday the 14th day of August, 2018, at approximately 3:00 AM, operator and 3 other occupants were recreational cruising on Norris Lake just downstream of point 11 and adjacent to Spring Boat Dock. Approximately 1 minute after departing Spring Boat Dock the vessel stuck a large partially submerged log near the opposite bank. Due to the collision one passenger Cwas ejected from the vessel and was able to re-board the boat without injury. Operator struck the divers console and received a head injury. The other two occupants were uninjured. Two of the occupants of the vessel were able swim to shore and call Campbell County 911. The remaining occupants on the vessel were then taken to shore. The Vessel remained on the water until TWRA officers retrieved it at approximately 08:00 the same day.


BARDID: TN-2018-0079
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 08-12-2018 around 23:00 hrs i received a call from twra dispatcher that there was a boating accident involving two vessels. I arrived on scene around 23:30 where i saw the rescue squad beside v1 a pontoon boat with damage to the starboard stern side continuing up to the driver seat. Ems was on scene and assessing injuries of subject1 and subject2 the occupants of v1. Subject1 said her back was hurting.  I asked occupants of v1 what happened and where was the other vessel involved in the accident.  Subject1 and subject2 of v1 said that they were both sitting in the drivers seat of v1 while leaving the awalt bridge area just idling back towards timsford marina to dock their boat for the night. They were driving slowly so they could watch the meteor shower.  As they came to the mouth of big hurricane creek and turned sw toward timsford marina a boat ran into the back of their boat.  Both persons on board v1 stated that their lights were on when they got hit by v2.
    a few minutes later, i saw another vessel approaching the scene with four person onboard.  Subject3 was the operator of approaching vessel with two female occupants that were  involved in the accident.  Subject3 said he heard the collision from his house/dock and came out to see what had happened. Subject3 saw the v2 a bass boat sinking so he towed it to highland ridge boat ramp along with the four occupants on board.  
   while ems was attending to the occupants of the v1 i proceeded to highland ridge boat ramp to assess the  injuries of the occupants of v2.  I spoke with the owner of v2 bass boat. I asked operator2 what his and the occupants of v2  injuries are and what had happened. Operator2 complained that his left arm, elbow, and hand was hurting. Operator2''s son said his left shoulder and neck was hurting. Operator2''s daughter said her head was hurting. I could see a knot on her forehead and a cut above her nose. I went back to v1  and had one of the ems personnel go with me to check out the family while the other ems personnel stayed with the injured on v1 while the rescue squad towed v1 to the highland ridge boat ramp.  
Operator2 said they had been fishing around awalt bridge area when they decided to leave awalt to go and try fishing at kitchen creek.  When they were approaching the mouth of big hurricane creek turning sw toward kitchen creek when he saw something in front of his vessel at the last minute so he turned sharply to the right to try and  avoid a collision. V2 struck v1 in the stern starboard area. Operator2 and his occupant stated that they saw no lights onboard v1.  Ems looked at the family and we tried to get them to go to the hospital but they all refused treatment. Ems drew blood from both operators of v1 subject2 and v2 operator2 and transported subject1 to the hospital.


BARDID: TN-2018-0080
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Buffalo river
NearestCityorTown: BUffalo
County: HUMPHREYS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 19, 2018 Operator and his girlfriend rented a canoe from Bone''s Canoe rental in Hurricane Mills near Waverly Tn.  They were dropped off on the Buffalo River off Seedtick rd in Perry Co at about 11:30am.  They had floated about 3-4 miles downstream and became stuck on a submerged log, where Operator stood up and tried to"rock" the canoe loose, but ended up flipping the canoe over, in 3-4ft of water.  The contents of the canoe came out of the boat, and Operator went after a lost paddle and stepped into some deeper water where he went under.
Girlfriend said he went under and never surfaced, she tried to go to Operator but the current was too strong. She got to the east bank of the river where she yelled for help, but no one was around. Girlfriend walked to a house off of Seedtick Rd where they called 911.  Humphreys and Perry Co rescue squad and Sherriffs Depts responded and called TWRA .  Dickson Co. Dive Team found the Body of Operator around 17:30 under a rock bluff in about 9 ft of water on the west bank of the river. He was transported to Three-rivers hospital in Waverly TN where he was pronounced dead, cause of death was proclaimed to be due to Drowning.


BARDID: TN-2018-0081
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TELLICO LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LENOIR CITY
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
A vessel from the Freedom Boat Club out of Choto Marina was cruising on Ft. Loudoun and Tellico Lakes in Loudon County, TN.  The boat was headed upstream on Tellico Lake when the vessel made a squealling noise, the operator stopped the vessel and there was a smell of something burning.  The engine box was opened up and there was smoke which eventually became flames.  911 was contacted and the fire extinguisher was used but the fire wasn''t extinguished, all occupants jumped into the water.  They were retrieved and transported to Ft. Loudon Marina while Loudon County EMA were able to extinguish the fire but not save the vessel.  I responded and towed the vessel to Lenoir City Park where a representative from the Freedom Boat Club took possession.  There were no injuries but there was some personal property that was lost.


BARDID: TN-2018-0082
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TELLICO LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LOUDON
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating his vessel on Tellico Lake in Loudon County, TN in the vacinity of the Tellico Village Yacht Club.  He had just let a passenger off of the vessel at the courtesy dock of the Yacht Club and was pulling away from the dock when the starbord pontoon on the vessel struck a protruding bolt on the dock.  The bolt punctured the pontoon as well as damaging a cleat on the vessel.  The damage was all above the waterline and caused no immediate threat.  None of the occupants were injured.


BARDID: TN-2018-0083
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CENTER HILL LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SMITHVILLE
County: DEKALB
WaterConditions: Choppy
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating his Mastercraft with his wife, 16 year old son, and 2 of his son’s friends.  Two people were being towed on one tube.  Operator was turning his vessel around at the mouth of Racoon Hollow while wakes from other vessels caused the boys to fall off the tube.  One tuber’s legs did the splits when he hit the water and ended up breaking his left femur.


BARDID: TN-2018-0084
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:40:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: TULLAHOMA
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
ON 08/18/2018 BETWEEN 22:40 AND 23:40 HRS VESSEL(V1) LEFT BLUE GILL GRILL AND IDLED OUT TOWARD AWALT BRIDGE TO THE MOUTH OF FALL LICK CREEK. V1 STOPPED BECAUSE A FEW OCCUPANTS WANTED TO USE THE BATHROOM. TWO MALE OCCUPANTS WERE STANDING ON THE STERN OR REAR OF THE BOAT''S DECK USING THE BATHROOM WHEN THE VICTIM JUMPED OR FELL INTO THE WATER AND WHEN ASKED BY A FEW OF V1 OCCUPANTS IF HE WAS OK THE VICTIM REPLIED "YES" WHILE TREADING WATER.  AFTER A FEW MINTUES THE VICTIM DISAPPEARED SO THE OCCUPANTS OF V1 STARTED LOOKING AND YELLING FOR THE VICTIM BUT HE WAS NO WHERE TO BE FOUND. TWO OCCUPANTS JUMPED INTO THE WATER TO MAKE AN ATTEMPT TO FIND THE VICTIM BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL.  AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF LOOKING AND YELLING ONE OF THE OCCUPANTS DIALED 911 AT 23:49 HRS


BARDID: TN-2018-0085
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAKEWOOD
County: DAVIDSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 and 2 were docked at the courtesy dock at Blue Turtle Bay Marina on Old Hickor Lake on July 14, 2018 at approximately 4:50 p.m. The owner of vessel 1 and his brother untied from docking and started up the engine to the PWC. 

When Operator1 pushed the throttle he accelerated forward, ramping up the swim platform of vessel 2 on the starboard side. Vessel 2 was unoccupied at this time. As vessel 1 slid down the stern of vessel 2 back into the water, Operator1 was so flustered that he ramped up vessel 2 for a second time. This time, occupant was thrown off the back into the water. occupant was uninjured and returned to the dock immediately. occupant was taken to the hospital for examination due to his age and current health issues. He was released after examination and did not sustain any physical injuries.


BARDID: TN-2018-0086
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-04-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATAUGA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: ELIZABETHTON
County: CARTER
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Improper loading
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On April, 28th, 2018 at approximately 1800 hrs I responded to a report of an overturned canoe on Watauga River in Carter County, TN. Upon arriving on scene and interviewing witnesses, I determined that two individuals were paddling downstream in a canoe in the vicinity of Riverside Park in Elizabethton when their canoe capsized causing both occupants to involuntarily enter the water. 
Both individuals floated downstream with the canoe until one of the individuals was unable to keep ahold of the canoe and was able to climb onto an island in the vicinity of the Quality Plus Gas station in Elizabethton. The other occupant was able to stay with the canoe until it completely sank just prior to reaching the Blevins Road access area where he was able to get out of the water. 
After my arrival on scene, the Carter County Rescue Squad arrived and launched a river boat to rescue Occupant.  The rescue squad was able to quickly get Occupant aboard their boat and transport him back to awaiting EMS personnel at Blevins Road access area. Upon arriving at the boat ramp, Occupant was transported by EMS personnel to Sycamore Shoals Hospital. Occupant had visible lacerations and contusions to his lower right leg and ankle and was complaining of pain in his ankle. In addition, he was shivering uncontrollably, and appeared to be suffering from hypothermia. Occupant was evaluated and treated for his injuries at Sycamore Shoals Hospital. 
Upon interviewing the vessel occupants, I determined that they were floating downstream and had just passed the city park when they approached a turn in the river. The river level was up and there were white water conditions due to the level of water being discharged from the upstream dams. Upon entering an area of rapids, the boaters encountered a low lying tree branch in the path of the vessel. In an attempt to avoid hitting the branch, Occupant leaned to the side which caused the canoe to lean as well. The canoe then leaned to the point that it lost stability and completely rolled and capsized throwing both individuals in the water. Occupant stated that while floating downstream in the water, his right leg struck a submerged rock causing the injuries to his right leg.


BARDID: TN-2018-0087
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On the 3rd of June 2018 I was notified about an accident that had occurred on the Chickamauga Lake on the 2nd of June 2018. According to reports given by witnesses and the individual involved on the 2nd of June 2018 Operator was riding his PWC on Chickamauga Lake near the Chickamauga marina just above the Chickamauga dam. Operator stated that the water was very rough and he was trying to return to the marina. Operator further stated that there was a lot of debris in the water and that he had to be attentive and agile to avoid hitting the debris. 
According to Operator a black runabout boat crossed ahead of his path and when he got the wake Operator felt it was safest to try and skip across the wake and gave his PWC more throttle. This cause Operator to jump the wake and when he came down the force of him landing threw Operator into the handle bars of the PWC breaking his nose, eye socket, and rendering him unconscious. Operator''s friend was riding a separate PWC. He helped Operator into the marina where Operator''s grandmother transported him to the Hospital where he was treated for his injuries.


BARDID: TN-2018-0088
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:09:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CARYVILLE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to statements from a witness and the occupants for the boat, Operator1 was the driver of the boat.  The passenger next to the driver was Subject1.  Subject2 was sitting behind the driver and Subject3 was sitting next to him.  

The boat was traveling fast upstream and close to the east shore.  The boat struck a rock that was sticking out of the water.  The boat went airborne and landed back in the lake.  The three passengers were thrown from the boat and into the water.  The driver was unsure if he was thrown from the boat or not.  After the crash occurred a witness came to render aid. He put all four of the crashed boats occupants onto his boat and brought them to shore at Mattie Randolph Access Area on Pine Hollow Rd. where emergency medical personal were on scene.  Once on shore Subject3 was loaded into an ambulance and then taken to the hospital in La Follette.  The other occupants were evaluated and either did not need or denied medical care.  I asked Operator1 who was driving and he said that he was.  I also asked Subject1 if Operator1 was the driver and she said that he was.  Subject3 also named Operator1 as the driver in her statement.  Subject2 later drew a seating chart of the boat and placed Operator1 in the driver''s seat.  This crash occurred in the Cove Creek section of Norris Lake.  Cove Creek is approximately 13.5 miles long from Cove Lake Dam to the mouth of the creek near Norris Dam.  Mountain Lake Marina and Twin Cove Marina are both in Cove Creek.  At the crash sight the lake is approximately 322 yards wide.  There are also private homes on the west shore.
The operator smelled of alcoholic beverage and was obviously impaired. Field sobriety task was given and hewas arrested for BUI.


BARDID: TN-2018-0089
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: TELLICO LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LOUDON
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at or about 11:00am, subject left his parents home.  His intentions were to do a long distance swim on Tellico Lake in Loudon County, TN adjacent to Tellico Village in the area of Jackson Island.  When Subject did not return home to take his mother to a doctor appointment his family became worried and they called 911.  I was contacted by Loudon County 911 about a possible drowning shortly after and I responded in my personal vehicle.  Loudon Couty Sheriffs Office, Tellico Village Fire, and Loudon County EMA/Dive Rescue were on scene conducting an area search. 

I was informed that Subject''s plans were to swim from a neighboring residence across the main channel of Tellico Lake/Little Tennessee River and around Jackson Island.  I estimate this to be over a three mile swim.  An extensive search was conducted over the next four days by multiple agencies and Subject was not able to be located.  

On the morning of June 1, 2018 at approximately 9:45 I was contacted by Loudon County 911 that a floating body had been located on Tellico Lake.  After speaking with officials on the scene I was informed that this appeared to be the missing swimmer and that there was evidence of a possible boat strike.  I responded to the Clear Creek Access area which is just upstream of where the main efforts of the search were conducted as well as from where the body was recovered.

The condition of the body was documented and photographed by detectives from the LCSO and was recovered and transported back to the Clear Creek Access Area and eventually to the Forensic Center in Knoxville for autopsy.


BARDID: TN-2018-0090
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:22:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On the evening of August 18, 2018 at approximately 19:45, a two vessel collision involving two personal water craft (PWC) occurred on Douglas Lake in Jefferson County. Operator1 was operating a 2005 10'' Yamaha VX 110 Deluxe, vessel 1. Operator2 was operating a 2007 9'' Yamaha VX Deluxe, vessel 2. Subject1 was riding as a passenger behind Operator2. 

Both vessels had been rented from Smoky Mountain H20 Sports in Dandridge. The rental was for a 2 hour period of which approximately one and a half hours had expired. Both vessels were traveling along the North bank traveling downstream towards the dam. Operator1 (vessel 1) stated he was traveling down the main channel zig zagging back and forth. He was traveling behind vessel 2 but was offset to the right side. He also stated that vessel 2 was zig zagging and all of a sudden stopped in front of him. He stated as vessel 2 stopped he tried to turn vessel 1 but couldn''t do so. I stated that he had let off the gas. 
Operator2 (vessel 2) stated that she was traveling in front of vessel 1 but wasn''t sure what happened besides vessel 1 hitting them. Operator1 and Subject1 were ejected from their PWC''s. Both Operator2 and Subject1 were transported to Jefferson Memorial Hospital. Operator2 had neck injury and Subject1 had head and neck injury, as well as, a right side injury. Operator1 had shoulder pain, hip pain, and had hurt his hand but refused medical treatment.

   Examination of the damage of the PWCs is consistent with operator''s statements.  Vessel 1 was traveling behind vessel 2 when vessel 2 turned to the starboard side. Vessel 1 hit vessel 2 on the starboard side and then ramped over vessel 2. Vessel 1 had transfer marks all the way down the vessel. It also busted its patchwork hull. Vessel 2 had a large amount of fiberglass damage to the starboard side. The damage extended from the outside of the rail to inside the bumper and down into the hull. According to the Manager of Smoky Mountain H2O, the PWC''s were brought in with a lot of damage that was not there prior to the rental. There were several places that showed damage but were inconsistent with the statements.


BARDID: TN-2018-0091
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:09:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Part Time TWRA Officer contacted dispatch on 9/1/2018 and needed me to respond due to a single PWC incident on Tims Ford Lake.  Based on interviews with the PWC owner who was riding nearby at the time of the incident, he and Victim were operating PWCs near Hopkins Point.  Owner had attempted to teach Victim a little about the operation of the PWC when they launched them into the lake.  Victim admittedly had never operated a PWC before but felt as if he could.  Owner indicated that Victim was doing well and they chose to ride more.  Owner left out of the cove, looking back occasionally to see if Victim was following.  He looked back and didn’t see him so he turned and came back.  

He found Victim floating near the bank with his feet/legs partially on the PWC. Victim was floating face up but unresponsive.  Owner attempted to start CPR on Victim.  Owner said that Victim threw up but failed to regain any consciousness.  Owner flagged down help from another boater who called 911.  A doctor who helped took over CPR for Owner and took Victim to the bank for EMS.  He was pronounced deceased by EMS upon unsuccessful attempts to revive Victim.
 
Update: Investigator and Officer met with Franklin Co. ADA on 12/21/18 to discuss the case.  General indicated they would not pursue any criminal charges as a result of the incident.  TWRA will consider this case closed unless new evidence arises.

The victim had a .12 BAC.


BARDID: TN-2018-0092
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LYNCHBURG
County: MOORE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator indicated that he was pulling his daughter, who was wake surfing, behind his 2017 Tige'' ski boat when she fell.  When she fell, either the surfboard edge or the fin cut her right forearm severely enough to require stitches.  He transported her by private vehicle to Winchester Medical Center where she was treated and released.


BARDID: TN-2018-0093
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Rough
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Other
AccidentCause3: Congested waters
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 9/2/18, subject along with family and friends were cruising on Tims Ford Lake when they struck the wake of another vessel.  Subject was standing up beside his daughter who was operating the vessel.  When the pontoon boat hit the wake, the front of the pontoon boat started to lower and plow underwater.  This caused the vessel to come to an abrupt stop.  During the rapid deceleration, Subject fell forward and his head struck the knee of another person who was sitting in the front/port side of the vessel.  Subject was immediately knocked unconscious for several minutes.  They called 911 and brought him back to the dock after stabilizing him in the boat.  He became alert again but complained of head and neck pain.  He was transported to the hospital where he was treated and released.  He was diagnosed with a severe concussion.  
Due to the large amount of boats in the area at the time that Subject fell, nobody was aware of which boat''s wake contributed to the incident.


BARDID: TN-2018-0094
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BEAN STATION
County: GRAINGER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 2nd, 2018 at approximately 7:45 p.m., the operator of Vessel #1 and three occupants were travelling from the German Creek Area towards the Olen Marshall Access Area on Cherokee Lake in Grainger County. Between Point 17 and 18, on the backside of TVA Circle Park Access, Vessel #1 was travelling at approximately 25 mph and struck a submerged object believed to be a rock. As a result of the collision, Vessel #1 suffered damage to the lower unit. The engine cowling was also separated from the engine and sank before it could be recovered. No injuries were reported.


BARDID: TN-2018-0095
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BYRDSTOWN
County: PICKETT
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
V-1 traveling upstream (Eastward) during thunder storm, when wind caused vessel to capsize. Operator jumped overboard as vessel went over.


BARDID: TN-2018-0096
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CENTER HILL LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SMITHVILLE
County: DEKALB
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 3, 2018, Subject and friends rented a pontoon boat from Hurricane Marina on Center Hill Lake.  They arrived at approximately 9:00 a.m.  They were on the lake all day and Victim had drank approximately 10 beers.  At approximately 3:30 p.m. operator was driving the vessel back to Hurricane Marina to return the rental.  Victim was riding on the bow of the vessel along with one other person.  They were asked to come back into the vessel safety railing, but refused to do so.  As the vessel approached the mouth of Mine Lick Creek, at approximately 25 mph, Victim stood up about the time the vessel hit some large wakes.  The wakes caused Victim to lose his balance and fall overboard in front of the vessel in between the pontoons.  The operator tried to stop the vessel but was unable to do so before the prop struck Victim.  Victim surfaced behind the vessel and occupants jumped in and loaded him back aboard the vessel.  Occupants called 911 and proceeded to Hurricane Bridge Access area. Myself and other officers met them at the access area with EMS.  Victim was life flighted to Vanderbuilt Medical Center.  He suffered lacerations to his back and deep lacerations to his right arm.


BARDID: TN-2018-0097
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:51:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: REELFOOT LAKE
NearestCityorTown: TIPTONVILLE
County: LAKE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 1 2018 at 1:44 PM I arrived at the Washout on Reelfoot Lake responding to a boating accident call. The operators and both vessels were out of the water and had loaded their boats on trailers. According to the operators accounts and my investigation Operator1 was operating his boat on the north side of washout traveling west at 25mph. 

Operator2 was operating his Jet Ski on the south side of washout traveling north at a unknown speed. Operator2 stated that he was jumping a wake of another boat that was traveling west.   While jumping the wake he did not see Operator1 approaching from his right.  Operator2 attempted to avoid the collision by turning back to the South prior to colliding with Operator1’s vessel on the port side and stern, striking Operator1s vessel with the jet ski ''s starboard stern.


BARDID: TN-2018-0098
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LINDEN
County: PERRY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On the above date at approximately 20:35hrs two subjects were traveling north bound on Kentucky Lake in their 2002 18'' Ebbtide pleasure boat when the boat crashed into a downed oak tree that was laying in the water off of the Perry County bank. Both were towed to shore by an unknown passerby in a pontoon boat. EMS and rescue personnel in Decatur county were dispatched to the scene via Decatur County dispatch. This Officer was made aware of the crash via Perry County Dispatch and made scene at 21:18 hrs. They were treated on scene and flown by helicopter to Vanderbuilt University Hospital Trauma Center by Air Evac. The vessel involved in the crash was taken that night and locked up in a TWRA facility to preserve evidence. Investigation is ongoing.


BARDID: TN-2018-0099
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:42:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 09/01/2018 approximately 21:30 hrs vessel (v1) left twin creeks marina  after having dinner with friends. V1 was heading down river towards devil step around 21:42 hrs when the operator of v1 ran aground at grovers point ejecting two occupants from v1. The operator and one of the ejected victims had sustained injuries. The operator was transported to the hospital and the ejected victim was air-evac to vanderbilt hospital in nashville. The operator stated that he has been boating on tims ford for years and that he knows the lake well :however; he believed the reason why he ran aground was due to the interior led lighting being very bright which hindered his night vision and that one of the occupants was standing up toward the bow at the time of the accident.


BARDID: TN-2018-0100
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:33:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT. LOUDOUN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: KNOXVILLE
County: KNOX
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 13:33 on 9/13/2018 a fishermen located a small Monarch aluminum bass boat, TN2421EE, adrift and unattended on Ft. Loudon Lake in Knox County Tennessee.  The vessel was located approximately 830 meters downstream from the ramp at Carl Cowan park along the Norhshore of Ft. Loudon lake.  Once Subject found the vessel he noticed numerous signs that there had been a fisherman on board recently and immediately called Knox County 911.  

Knox County Sheriiff''s department contacted TWRA dispatch as well as sent a deputy to the scene.  Upon arriving on scene at approximately 13:38 Knox County Sherriffs Deputies contacted TWRA in order to better guide TWRA resources to the scene.  TWRA arrived on scene at approximately 13:45 and began assessing the scene.  Once on scene the state of the vessel and statements by the fishermen who located the vessel, indicated an occupant had likely fallen overboard while fishing.  

The vessel contained fishing rods not stowed, food, the victims cell phone, as well as recently caught fish in the livewell.  Registration information was used to determine an address and an officer was sent to the address and was able to speak with family who relayed that a victim had left that morning around 07:00 to go fishing and had not been heard from since.  At this point divers from KCSO were dispatched to the scene as well as an ROV unit from Blount County Sheriffs Department and an ROV from TWRA.  At approximately 18:40 a body was located by TWRA using the ROV.  The medical examiner was notified and dispatched to the scene.  At approximately 19:33 the body of victim was recovered by Knox County Sheriffs Department divers with the Knox County Medical examiners present.  The body was released to the Knox County Medical Examiners Office in order to perform and autopsy to determine the cause of death.  For further details regarding KCSO response reference KCSO report # CAD-1076.  For further information regarding Knox County Medical Examiner findings reference report #180913-264.  Knox County Medical Examiners Autopsy report included in the case file shows the cause of death to be drowning.


BARDID: TN-2018-0101
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: TAZEWELL
County: CLAIBORNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 15:00 on 9/15/18 a 22'' Moomba wakeboard boat struck an unknown submerged object approximately 1/4 mile downstream from Cedar Grove marina on Norris Lake.  Based on statement he was traveling upstream at approximately 30 mph near the middle of the main channel of the lake when the vessel struck something causing the boat to turn sharply 180 degrees and stalling the engine.  He then realized the vessel was taking on water and proceeded to the shoreline in an attempt to avoid the vessel sinking.


BARDID: TN-2018-0102
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:01:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HIXSON
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 09/14/2018 at approximately 0001 hours I responded to a call coming in from Harbor View Dr. in Hamilton County of a boat crash that had occurred. Upon arrival Dallas Bay Fire Department was bringing in the patients from the accident. I was then advised that operator was underway in his Yamaha pleasure vessel in the slough north of Grays Point when he made a change of course that then drove the vessel onto the bank creaking an abrupt stop of the vessel that thrusted both occupants forward on the vessel. Both of the occupants had received injures from the impact and where transported from the scene to Erlanger Hospital. Operator was intubated at the scene by the paramedics before being transported to Erlanger.


BARDID: TN-2018-0103
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT. LOUDOUN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: KNOXVILLE
County: KNOX
WaterConditions: Calm
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 22 , 2018 at around 11:35pm we received a call from the Knoxville Fire Department boat that there had been a vessel collision at the city docks. Upon arrival I noticed a large Sea Ray cabin cruiser floating down stream towards the railroad trestle. I was informed by other boaters that the cabin cruiser I saw headed down stream (V-1) was the vessel that had just struck  (V-2). I got the operator of V-1 to stop and drop anchor below the trestle. Upon boarding V-1 I observed Operator1 at the helm. He and his wife explained to me that they knew that they had hit at least one other boat and that they had tried to exchange information with the owner so that they could arrange for repairs. Operator1 stated that he was tied to V-2 and that someone aboard V-2 untied them before they were ready after an argument about carbon monoxide meters sounding off  and could not get the engine started. 
V2 owner stated that he was helping V-1 untie and that once free V-1 turned towards the river channel and then backed into his boat , V-2. The collision caused multiple dents and scratches to the aluminum hull of V-2.After V-1 struck V-2 , it drifted into the anchor line and anchor pocket of V-3. This collision caused a gouge in the gel coat and fiberglass on the starboard side of V-1. It bent and dented the anchor and anchor pocket of V-3. Congested waters and river current appear to have been contributing factors to these collisions. The accident investigation was discussed with the Knox County D.A.''s office. No charges will be filed.


BARDID: TN-2018-0104
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ROGERSVILLE
County: HAWKINS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: low water level
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Based on information given to me, they were traveling downstream from the area below John Sevier Dam in the area near an old bridge. The boat struck an object shearing the lower unit of the motor completely away from the motor.  Water levels are low at this time.  operator stated that he had previously ran through the same area that day.


BARDID: TN-2018-0105
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-10-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:18:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HIXSON
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: dock damage
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 10/5/2018 I responded to a report of a boat accident at the Big Ridge Yacht Club. Upon arriving I spoke with several of the witnesses and received statements from them. It was deemed that a large vessel had come by the marina that was throwing a wake and the wake from that vessel struck a dock at the Marina. After the wake struck the dock there was then dmage to a main beam as well as support beams underwater on the dock that was struck. The inicident occured in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2018-0106
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT. LOUDOUN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LENOIR CITY
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 20, 2018, there was an accident between two PWC''s on Ft. Loudoun Lake in Loudon County, TN.  Two individuals were operating their PWC''s in close proximity to each other.  They claimed to have been jumping each other''s wakes and attempting to spray each other with waves caused by quickly turning their PWC''s.  V2 impacted the other vessel from the left rear.  Operator1 was taken to Ft. Loudon Medical Center and  treated for his injuries and was released.  The PWC''s were owned by the two operator''s grandfather.


BARDID: TN-2018-0107
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-10-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NICKAJACK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: JASPER
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 10-12 2018 operator was operating his boat with a passenger on Nickajack Lake in Marion county near the Shellmound  boat ramp area. They were headed down river to the boat ramp and hit a large wave from another boat. Operator1''s boat went airborne and came down on the rear left corner of the boat and flipped. Operator1 and occupant were ejected from the boat. Other boaters traveling with them rescued operator into their boat.  Occupant was complaining of back injuries and was taken to the Shellmound boat ramp where he was transported by ambulance to Erlanger hospital.


BARDID: TN-2018-0108
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-10-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DECATUR
County: ROANE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: pump broke free
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 20 October 2018, I officer responded to Watts Bar Dam Access Area where a boat supposedly sunk, and after arriving at the scene, I met the owner and operator of the boat, where he explained that he backed his boat into the water and tied it to the dock. When he returned, Operator and his two passengers entered the boat and it is here where he noticed the boat was taking on a lot of water. He advised the two passengers to get back on the dock while he ran to get his vehicle and trailer. By the time he returned, the boat was underwater except for the bow. Operator, along with several individuals, managed to get the boat on the trailer and out of the water. While inspecting the damage, Operator and I walked around the boat and determined either the live well pump or bilge pump broke free from the transom allowing the water to enter the boat, which caused the sinking. Operator claimed the motor hydraulic lift was not working correctly and the depth finder/graphs was also damaged. There was also 5 tackle boxes and 1 fishing rod lost. No injuries was reported, and this all occurred on Watts Bar Lake in Meigs county.


BARDID: TN-2018-0109
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Hatchie River
NearestCityorTown: Burlison
County: TIPTON
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 29, 2018 at approximately 1800hrs Vessel 1 was in the vicinity of the dropped pin and was heading West (downstream) hitting a fixed object (log) ejecting the passenger and throwing the driver into the floor of the vessel.  Based on our invstigation we believe the driver of the vessel injuries were caused by the impact of the next seat row.  I, officer, was contacted by the Tipton County Sherrifs Office at approximately 2200hrs.  I then made contact operator on Septemeber 30 at 1600 as well as the occupant.


BARDID: TN-2018-0110
State: TN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-10-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: PARSONS
County: DECATUR
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday October 7, 2018 at approximatly 15:00 hours operator2 was exiting Doe Creek (Perry County) in a 1989 Ebbtide, with Tennessee Registration TN 2135 BK, heading toward the west bank of the Tennessee River. As he was nearing the middle of the river he struck v1, a 2000 Lowe fishing boat, with Tennessee Registration TN 2544 DD, on the port side approximatly 1 foot fowarad of the transom. The impact caused operator1 and his wife to be ejected and totalled both vessels.


BARDID: TN-2018-0111
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-12-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Clinch river
NearestCityorTown: CLInton
County: ANDERSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Based on occupants statements, two individuals were duck hunting on the Clinch river in a small cove on east bank of the river when they decided to leave their current location.  The operator put the vessel into reverse to back out of the cove at which time the prop became fouled in aquatic vegetation causing the rearward moving vessel to have its stern pointed upstream into the strong dam generated current which caused the boat to beging to take on water over the stern.  The individuals stated that in less than 10 seconds the vessel was completely swamped and subsequently capsized and sank to the bottom.  Both individuals went into the water aprroxiimately 40 yards from the shore and were able to swim to the near bank and call for help.


BARDID: TN-2018-0112
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:38:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LOUDON
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 1, 2018 at or about 13:35 in Loudon County, TN on Watts Bar Reservoir there was a boating accident involving a PWC that was towing a tube with three juveniles.  A PWC operated and owned by subject was navigating on the Tennessee River in the area of Polecat Creek.  Also on the PWC was Subject1 and the tube was occupied by Tuber1 (son of Subject1), Tuber2, and Tuber3.  

Operator navigated the PWC from the main channel of the Tennessee River under a bridge and into the mouth of Polecat Creek.  He made a 180 degree turn and started back out of the creek to the main channel.  Momentum of the tube carried it outside of the path of the PWC and caused the tube to strike the bridge spanning Polecat Creek.  Exact speed is unknown.  Tuber2 was on the left, Tuber3 was in the middle, and Tuber1 was on the right.  Tuber2 was able to jump off of the tube but Tuber3 and Tuber1 both impacted the bridge injuring both.  Operator and Subject1 both got off of the PWC and tended to the boys.  They were able to take them to the bank underneath the bridge at which time Tuber2 climbed to the road and flagged down a vehicle in hope to find a cell phone to call 911.  Good samaritan called 911 and stayed at the scene until the first emergency responders arrive.  

I was working in the lower part of Loudon County for the opening day of dove season when I was contacted by Loudon County E-911 about the incident.  I was able to contact Lt. and Sgt. to inform them of the incident and they happened to be on patrol in the area and were able to respond quickly as well were units from the Loudon County Sheriffs Office.  I arrived a few minutes later and found the two injured occupants still in the water beside the shore being tended to by Operator and Subject1 as well as the earliest arriving emergency personnel.  Shortly later Priority Ambulance arrived and both of the boys were immobilized and transported down the road to  the HWY 72 access area to meet two choppers that had been dispatched to transport the two critically wounded boys to UT Medical Center.  As a precaution, Tuber2 was also transported via ambulance to UT Medical Center where he was checked and released.  

At the access area, Operator was asked to consent to a blood test in which he did.  He showed no signs of impairment and upon testing by TBI his blood was negative for alcohol or drugs.


BARDID: TN-2018-0115
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-11-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:39:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HENDERSONVILLE
County: SUMNER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On November 15, 2018 at or around 2339 hours, a 911 call was made to the Sumner Co. ECC about a fire coming from a vessel moored on A dock at Drakes Creek Marina in Hendersonville, TN.  The vessel was quickly fully engulfed and was not able to be pushed out into the open water until much later.  The Hendersonville Fire Dept. responded and they were able to put out the vessel fire.   5 vessels were either completely destroyed or damaged by the fire.  The dock, the metal roofing, and the electrical system of the dock were also heavily damaged.  There were no reported injuries.  Officer initially arrived to the scene the following day to gather initial information and to take photos.  The case was then turned over to me in order to complete the report.

Photos and further information will be included in the case file.


BARDID: TN-2018-0116
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-10-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:51:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BOONE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GRAY
County: WASHINGTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 2125, Sgt. and I arrived on scene at Rockingham Marina on Boone Lake in Washington County. Upon arrival, I saw the burning vessel (V1-1981 30'' Carver) being towed by a marina work barge away from the boat slip. The vessel (V1) was completely engulfed in flames. It was towed around the marina to the shore for the fire department to extinguish the fire. The vessel (V1) burnt down to the water line. I met with State Fire Marshal, and he deemed the cause of the fire to be undetermined. A 30'' Carver cabin cruiser was a total loss and pontoon boat (V2) that was moored in the adjacent boat slip to boat (V1) suffered radial thermal damage. No one was on board either vessel and no one was injured during this accident.


BARDID: TN-2018-1000
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-18 00:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Dale Hallow
County: Clay
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: unknown
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Crews searching for body at Dale Hollow Lake
Officials are still working to find the body  who went missing at Dale Hollow Lake on Wednesday afternoon. Victim was on a personal watercraft when he crossed the wake of a jet ski and was thrown into the water near Mitchell Creek.  Officials said the victim was not using his life jacket properly. Body of a person who went missing after a jet ski accident on Dale Hollow Lake has been recovered.


BARDID: TN-2018-1002
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cobbs Shoals/Melton Lake
NearestCityorTown: Oak Ridge
County: Anderson
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 21:30, subject boarded his 1985 SeaRay Cabin cruiser which was moored in a slip at Melton Hill Mairna.  He went below deck into the cabin and turned on the breaker.  The boat was connected to shorepwoer.  He advised that immediately after he switched on the breaker, he heard a loud "Whoosh" sound and the boat exploded in flames.  He exited through the cabin throug the flames and made his way to shore, receiving first, second, and third-degree burnsin the process.  The boat was quickly consumed by flames and the fire spread through the marina.  Some vessel information is unknown as some vessels are not currently registered to the current owner and no previous record could be found due to time and hte fact that the vessel received major damage and/or sunk.


BARDID: TN-2019-0001
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-01-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FRENCH BROAD RIVER
NearestCityorTown: KNOXVILLE
County: KNOX
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On or about the above date and time in Knox county three individuals were duck hunting on the French Broad river when they entered a slough behind Campbell Island.  The swift water in the narrower channel pushed the boat against a lowhanging tree on the starboard side.  The strong current on the port side came over the gunwhale, swamping the boat and causing it to capsize.  All three occupants went in the water, two were not wearing pfds and clung to the boat until they were rescued.  The third was wearing a pfd and was able to make it to shore.


BARDID: TN-2019-0002
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-01-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: White oak creek
NearestCityorTown: MORRIS CHAPEL
County: HARDIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator states he was scouting in the area of White oak creek by boat to potentially set some traps. As he was headed down White Oak creek he stated he struck something in the water causing the canoe to list to the side and start filling with water.

Operator1 states further that he was thrown into the water and the boat circled and went under. Operator1 was wearing his pfd and he stated he was in the water for approximately 10-15 minutes before being able to reach a cluster of trees and pull himself out of the water. Operator1 was able to contact Hardin Co 911 dispatch by cell phone and Hardin Co. fire personnel were able to retrieve Operator1 from the trees and bring him to shore. Operator1 was examined by Hardin EMS personnel but refused treatment. The area was flooded due to rising river levels. The vessel was recovered on 02/02/2019 but the motor and other items are still missing per Operator1 as of 02/20/2019


BARDID: TN-2019-0003
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-02-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: OCOEE NUMBER 3 LAKE
NearestCityorTown: COPPERHILL
County: POLK
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
THE BODY HAS NOT BEEN LOCATED AS OF 2/26/2019. UPON LOCATING HIM I HOPE TO HAVE A BETTER IDEA OF WHERE AND WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM.  The vessel was found overturned, according to news articles.


BARDID: TN-2019-0004
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-03-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HENDERSONVILLE
County: SUMNER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 3/22/2019 near Old Hickory Dam, operator was operating his 2005 Carver Motor Yacht (V1) when he smelled smoke inside his cabin. His "Halon" system activated, putting out the small fire in the battery compartment in the engine bay. He was able to operate the vessel back to Anchor High Marina,


BARDID: TN-2019-0005
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-03-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HARRISON
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday March 23, 2019 at approximately 2050 I Wildlife Officer  received a call of a boat that had crashed into the bank at Harrison Bay State Park. After arriving on scene I had noticed a vessel that had ran aground.  Operator stated that while he was attempting return to the boat ramp he failed to see the bank ahead of him and ran it aground. Operator claimed that he was uninjured as a result of the crash. I then began to notice signs of possible impairment so Operator  was tested for alcohol impairment and arrested on scene for boating under the influence. This occurred in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2019-0006
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-03-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:17:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HARRISON
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday March 26, 2019 I Wildlife Officer responded to a call of boat accident at Harrison Bay State Park. Upon arriving on scene there were two Stratus bass boats docked at the marina dock. One of the boats being an older model, the other vessel being a newer model. 

The drivers explained to me that Operator2''s bass boat was trolling and fishing for crappie when both of the occupants on board noticed Operator1 vessel coming out of the wake zone and began to accelerate. As Operator1 vessel was accelerating the occupants on the Operator2''s vessel noticed Operator1 vessel coming straight for them. In an attempt to gain the drivers attention they began to wave their arms. As the vessel got up on plane he noticed the two fishermen waving their arms and he veered out of the way. As a result, he vessel clipped the motor on Operator2''s vessel causing damage to the cowling and transom of the vessel. Also, the collision cause much of Operator2''s fishing equipment to go overboard. The accident occurred in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2019-0007
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-03-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:38:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CENTER HILL LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SMITHVILLE
County: DEKALB
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Dam/lock
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 was fishing on Center Hill Lake on March 22, 2019.  He was fishing at the dam between the generator area and the flood gates.  At this time, the flood gates were slightly open.  He was fishing and got hung on the bottom.  As he was trying to free his line, his vessel drifted into the first flood gate current.  The current caused the vessel to slam into the dam wall, and caused Operator1 to fall into the vessel.  
When he regained his balance, he began to pick up all of his fishing equipment.  He quickly realized his vessel was rapidly approaching the gate opening.  Operator1 attempted to start the vessel to drive away from the gate, but was too late.  As he sat in the operator’s seat, the vessel hit the flood gate, and the collision knocked him into the water.  The boat was then sucked into the gate opening on it''s side.  Operator1 was able to pull himself back into the vessel.  The flood gates were open to a level the vessel could not go through, but had enough current to keep the vessel on it/s side mostly under water.  He climbed on the starboard chine that was above water.  Another fishing vessel saw him on the vessel and went for help.  A pontoon vessel rescued him and called 911.The Army Core of Engineers shut the flood gates.  I recovered his swamped vessel after, and towed the swamped vessel to Edgar Eviins Marina.  The boat damage was enough to total the vessel.  The pressure from the current caused the cap to separate from the hull.


BARDID: TN-2019-0008
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-04-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NICKAJACK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: JASPER
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject had put the listed vessel in at Marion County Park and began traveling upstream from there.While the vessel was heading back to the boat ramp Operator noticed a log in the river and had made attempts to avoid striking the log. The rapid change of direction thus forced subject to be slung from within the vessel and caused her to strike her head on the gunnel of the vessel. She began to go in and out of consciousnes when Marion County 911 was called. She was taken back Marion County Park to meet with Marion County EMS and was then taken to Earlanger Hospital in Chattanooga.


BARDID: TN-2019-0009
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-04-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BEAN STATION
County: GRAINGER
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Based on operator statement:

On 04/14/2019 at approximately 12:00 a.m., the operator of vessel #1 and passenger were traveling in the rocky hollow / oak grove area of cherokee lake in grainger county. The operator advised they were traveling at approximately 35 mph when they ran aground and struck a group of rocks. The operator advised there were no injuries. The vessel was unable to be recovered and damage was unable to be assessed at time of report. Operator is waiting for lake level to rise to retrieve the vessel. The vessel has been secured. 

This incident was reported the next morning by a complainant in a nearby subdivision within sight of the point of impact. The operator advised he had consumed "six or less beers". Several hours had passed before contact was made with the operator therefore he was not asked to perform field sobriety tasks.

The vessel was retrieved on 04/21/2019. The owner / operator took photographs of the damage. The vessel was taken to sexton''s marine for damage / repair estimate. Estimate = $13,263.93.

Photographs and estimate attached.


BARDID: TN-2019-0010
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-04-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HENDERSONVILLE
County: SUMNER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
on 4/21/19 on Old Hickory Lake near Anchor High Marina, V1 was traveling upstream occupied with 5 people. V1 struck the wake of another vessel causing it to swamp from the bow. V1 then overturned to the starboard side, ejecting its occupants. Another vessel assisted in recovering the occupants and returned them to Rockland Park.


BARDID: TN-2019-0011
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-04-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CAMDEN
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday April 6, 2019 operator was operating a vessel on Kentucky Lake during a high school fishing tournament. He was headed North Northeast on the West bank of Kentucky Lake near Pilot Knob Road at approximately 9:30am when Operator1 stated he struck a large stump below the surface of the water with the lower unit of his outboard motor. The impact caused severe damage to the lower unit as well as non-repairable damage to the mounting plate for the motor. The vessel also had heavy fiberglass damage to the hull near the drain plug. Operator1''s insurance compensated him $4,400.00 for the damages to the vessel.


BARDID: TN-2019-0012
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-04-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: PARIS LANDING
County: HENRY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday April 23, 2019 at approximately 3:30pm operator was operating a Bullet bass boat South (upstream) on Kentucky Lake near the Paris Landing Bridge. The vessel made a hard right turn at 40mph ejecting both Operator1 and occupant. Moments before the incident occurred subject1 was following behind Operator1''s vessel and noticed that the motor on the Bullet was not sitting upright as it should be but listing to the port side of the vessel. Subject1 was able to capture a picture of this just before the incident. The Bullet bass boat capsized and turned over with the hull upright. Subject1 and another vessel that was travelling with Operator1 was able to rescue him and occupant while a good samaritan helped tow his vessel to Paris Landing Marina. No individuals were injured during the incident. They found that several of the bolts on the engine''s mounting bracket broke causing the motor to list to the port side of the vessel which causing the hard right turn.


BARDID: TN-2019-0013
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-04-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CLINCH RIVER
NearestCityorTown: SNEEDVILLE
County: HANCOCK
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator was driving the pwc near her dad at the bank.  She made several low speed maneuvers and then took off away from her father.She immediately struck a tree hanging over the river.  She was ejected as a result of the impact.  She sustained injuries to her face and arms.  Her dad took her to the Hancock County Hospital.  She was wearing a pfd and the pwc ignition safety switch.  This was her first time operating the pwc.


BARDID: TN-2019-0014
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-04-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 03:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: PATRICK HENRY
NearestCityorTown: KINGSPORT
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday April 27, 2019 at approx 16:15 I arrived on scene at Warriors'' Path State Park.  I spoke with the Head Ranger in reference to a vessel fire that occurred at the Park Marina.  Ranger advised that when Marina employee arrived for work that morning he observed a vessel that had burned overnight.  Ranger advised there was night security personnel on duty until midnight Friday night and a Ranger had been on duty until approx 02:00 Saturday morning and both had not observed a fire and believed that the fire occurred after they were both off duty. 

The Rangers were unable to identify any witnesses and I also was unable to identify any witnesses.  I took a statement from the employee that first observed the vessel on Saturday morning.  Employee1 stated that he saw no flames nor smoke but the smell was what drew his attention to the vessel. I also spoke with and took a statement from the owner.  

Owner1 stated that he had been on the vessel the day before to pump out water from earlier rains and generally check on things.  Owner1 stated that things appeared fine and normal.  Owner1 stated that he had replaced the stern light socket but only attached it onto place and had not completed nor attempted to complete any on the necessary wiring for that socket.  Owner1 had already been to the park and loaded the remains of the vessel on its trailer and taken it to his residence before my arrival.  I went to Owner1''s residence and took pictures and documented damage.  The vessel is a total loss.


BARDID: TN-2019-0015
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ROGERSVILLE
County: HAWKINS
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 05-10-2019 at approximately 21:00 I was notified of a 2 vessel boating accident, involving two PWCs, around the Melinda Ferry access area on Cherokee Lake. I arrived at the Hawkins County emergency room at approximately 21:25. The two PWCs and everybody involved but Operator2 were at the Emergency room. 

Based on my investigation, four people had launched the two PWCs around 17:45. They headed down the lake towards Cherokee Dam to the rope swing. Two people were operating the PWCs. They stayed out for about two hours then arrived back at the Melinda Ferry access area to load up the PWCs. They then told Operator2 and Operator1 they could ride around on the PWCs in the cove while they were getting the truck and trailer. 

Operator1 took off upstream on the orange PWC (vessel 1) and Operator2 took off upstream on the blue PWC (vessel two). Operator1 was traveling approximately 25mph and Operator2 was traveling approximately 20mph when the collision occurred.

Operator1 had begun to turn left and head back downstream. Operator1 said that Operator2 was attempting to spray him when the collision occurred. Operator2 stated that he had turned into Operator1''s wave and ended up in the water. 

Operator2 stated that he did not remember hitting Operator1 and he wasn''t sure what happened. Vessel two struck vessel one on the port side towards the stern. Vessel two struck vessel one with the starboard side bow. Operator2 and Operator1 were ejected from the PWCs from the impact of the collision. 

Operator1 said when he came up out of the water he was approximately 50 feet from the PWC he was riding.  After the collision, Operator1 and Operator2 climbed onto Operator2 PWC. A nearby vessel pulled Operator1''s PWC towards them. Operator1 then climbed on the PWC he was operating and they drove both PWCs to the ramp. Operator1 and Operator2 then loaded the PWCs onto the trailer. Everybody''s parents came to the access area and Operator1''s mother transported him to the Hawkins County Emergency room. 


BARDID: TN-2019-0016
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DUCK RIVER
NearestCityorTown: WAVERLY
County: HUMPHREYS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday May 6, 2019 at approximately 12:30pm I was dispatched to a reported boating incident on the Duck River in Humphreys County around the Dyer Road Boat Ramp. I arrived at 1:00pm to the Dyer Road Boat Ramp where I found the Humphreys County Rescue Squad who had been involved in the incident. Operator stated that at approximately 9:30am he had put his boat in at the boat ramp and operated upstream just North of the ramp and first shoals. He attempted to anchor his vessel in swift water to fish with a black mushroom style anchor tying it off to the bow eye of his vessel. His boat continued to drift downstream and would not catch so he started the engine and tried to maneuver himself in a better position. The swift water turned his boat around and the jet intake sucked the anchor line up inside the intake fowling the motor. The anchor line then pulled the stern of the boat under water and began to swamp. Operator was able to put his lifejacket on and call for help before going into the water and floating downstream. He was able to swim to a tree limb and hold onto it. His vessel drifted downstream as well. Humphreys County Rescue Squad retrieved the vessel and towed it back to the boat ramp.


BARDID: TN-2019-0017
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SPRING CITY
County: RHEA
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 19th at approx. 18:30 about a boating accident that had occurred on Watts Bar Lake in Spring City. I responded to the Rhea Medical Center to inquire about the victim and accident. Upon my arrival the emergency room informed me that victim had been rushed to Erlanger Medical Center with life threatening internal injuries. According to statements from the victim and witnesses victim was riding a PWC on Watts Bar Lake and was struck by the jet of water when she was thrown from the PWC. The force from the water cause internal injuries that required her to undergo emergency surgery to treat those injuries.


BARDID: TN-2019-0018
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:11:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAFOLLETTE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: Person strikes propeller
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to statements from the victim and witness'' Victim had been in the water swimming and went to enter the boat by climbing up the ladder on the on the back of the boat.  As she was climbing the ladder and attempting to enter the boat she slipped and fell back into the water.  When she fell she contacted the propeller that was not turning.  When she contacted the propeller she received a laceration to the outside of her left thigh.  She also had scrapes on the left side of her torso.  The victim stated the she fell because she had used suntan oil and was slick.  The boat was drifting at the time with the engine running. However, it was in neutral and the operator was attempting to steer the boat away from the shore.  This occurred on the Powell River section of Norris Lake just upstream from point 9.  The lake is approximately 350 yds. wide at the area this occurred.


BARDID: TN-2019-0019
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HENDERSONVILLE
County: SUMNER
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday, May 27, 2019 at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Old Hickory Lake I received a call from dispatch advising me that there had been a boating accident involving a wakeboard boat where an individual was struck by the propeller while wakesurfing and another individual was struck in the head with a surfboard and was knocked unconscious. 

I immediately responded and made contact with the victims and occupants at Bluegrass Marina on Old Hickory Lake in Sumner County at approximately 2:42 p.m. Upon contact the victim who was struck in the head by a surfboard was being treated by EMS on scene and was being prepped for transport to Tristar Hendersonville Hospital. 

The operator/owner, Operator1, and the propeller strike victim were at the dock by the boat. Victim2 had already been treated by EMS and was told that once he had helped Operator1 load the boat he was to go to the hospital to get stitches. 

After compiling the evidence and collecting witness statements. it was determined that Operator1, the operator, was in the process of getting ready to pull Victim2 to wakesurf. As Operator1 was turning the boat to get the tow rope in position for Victim2, Victim2 was right beside the boat in the water with his legs floating upwards under the boat while hanging on to the surf board. 

When Operator1 put the boat in gear the propeller struck Victim2 in his left foot causing deep cuts and lacerations. Victim2 began screaming due to the pain and Operator1 turned the boat off, then all the occupants rushed to Victim2''s aid. 

They drug him up on the swim platform and laid him upon the sundeck at the bow. Operator1 frantically placed the surfboard in the wakeboard rack on the starboard side directly beside the helm without strapping it to secure it. 

Operator1 then turned on the boat and rushed towards the nearest marina for help. The closest marina was Bluegrass Marina. Due to the orientation of their boat in the main channel and being a heavily trafficked holiday weekend the water was choppy due to so many vessels going through. While rushing to Bluegrass Marina, Operator1 was going at a high rate of speed when he hit choppy water, causing the unsecured surfboard to come out of the wakeboard rack, which in turn struck Victim1 in the head, who was seated directly behind the operator, Operator1. 

Victim1 was knocked unconscious and thrown to the floorboard of the vessel. Once they arrived at Bluegrass Marina they were immediately met by Sumner County EMS and Hendersonville Fire.

**Both injured subjects were treated at Tristar Hendersonville Hospital and released.

***This is Part B of TWRA19OFF000374


BARDID: TN-2019-0020
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:18:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NICKAJACK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 31st 2019 at approximately 1505 hrs. I, Wildlife Officer received a call of a minor boating accident with no injuries on the upper portion of Nickajack Lake. Upon Arriving on scene I met with the owner of an unoccupied bass boat that had been struck by another vessel at a dock where the vessel was moored. 
The owner of the vessel had identified himself. Subject had explained to me that another vessel was approaching the dock and struck the bow of his vessel causing damage to the rubber rub railing and his trolling motor that is attached on the bow of his boat. The second vessel was found to be a smaller vessel conducting commercial business on the water during the Riverbend Music Festival. After speaking with the operator of the vessel, he claimed that he was approaching the dock to moor the vessel. He claimed that due to his inexperience of vessel operations he had given too much throttle to dock the vessel and thus causing a collision with another vessel. The accident had occurred in Hamilton County


BARDID: TN-2019-0021
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TELLICO LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LOUDON
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On this date, operator was operating a Stratos bass boat that he had purchased two days prior on Tellico Lake.  The power trim quit working on the vessel and it started taking on water.  They were towed to the Poplar Springs Access Area on HWY 444 in Tellico Village and tied the boat to the dock at the access area.  He was given a ride to the canal ramp where his trailer and truck were parked.  While he was gone his vessel continued to take on water until it became swamped and capsized.


BARDID: TN-2019-0022
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: MOORESBURG
County: HAWKINS
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
According to operator and occupant statements obtained to date, on Sunday, May 26, 2019, at approximately 1:25 pm, Operator1 was operating a Yamaha Personal Watercraft (PWC) on Cherokee Lake. 

Operator2, a juvenile, was operating a Seadoo PWC. Statements from both Operator2 and Operator1 state they were using the wake spray from the PWCs to spray each other prior to the point that Operator2 used the PWC he was operating to jump the wake of a passing vessel. 

Operator1 also used the PWC he was operating to jump the same wake. After Operator2 jumped the wake, he began a right turn in order to avoid the shoreline. 

At that point, the PWC Operator2 was operating was struck by the PWC being operated by Operator1. This impact caused a compound fracture to Operator2''s lower right leg, fractured his right femur, did considerable damage to PWC, and ejected all three riders into the water. This occurred in Hawkins County, Tennessee.


BARDID: TN-2019-0023
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:09:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ANTIOCH
County: DAVIDSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 30, 2019 I was dispatched to a boating accident on J Percy Priest lake near the Hobson Pike Bridge. 

Upon arrival at the scene I took possession of two boats believed to be involved in the accident. One boat was a 2018 Skeeter driven by a Operator2. The second boat was a 2002 Tracker (Nitro) owned and driven by Operator1, who was deceased upon my arrival. I learned from investigation that the Tracker(Nitro) boat also had a passenger on it, V1 occupant.   Nashville Fire Department transported V1 occupant to 4 corners where he was taken by EMS to Vanderbilt due to his injuries. Upon initial inspection of the Skeeter bass boat, I observed in plain view two Humminbird GPS/Sonar units. The unit mounted near the steering wheel had a track on it. I know from prior investigations that this track was likely the path which the Skeeter bass boat had taken that night. Upon initial inspection and inventory of the Tracker(Nitro) bass boat I found a Lowrance GPS/ Sonar unit. 

According to witnesses at the scene a Lowrance GPS/Sonar unit was found in the water at the scene. This unit is consistent with a mounting bracket and cables found on the nitro tracker bass boat.  Both boats were towed from the scene by Sea Tow / TWRA to a ramp and placed on individual trailers. TWRA officers then transported the boats to the Stones River Boating Investigation Facility where they have remained secured.

 The boats impacted each other at approximately a right angle. The Nitro boat was traveling toward the south end of the bridge while the Skeeter was traveling toward the North end of the bridge. Alcohol was located on the Nitro bass boat along with a small amount of marijuana. Witness statements were obtained at the scene along with follow up interviews at later dates. 3 separate reports including a reconstruction were completed for this incident.

Operator1 was fatally injured and occupant of v1 was non-fatally injured when they impacted their own vessel.


BARDID: TN-2019-0024
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:28:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LYNCHBURG
County: MOORE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 05-25-2019 pwc operator and his two passengers were ejected from their pwc on tim''s ford lake at or about gps n 35.264017 w 086.309364 while jumping wakes as they turned the vessel. Subject1 was ejected from the pwc while wake jumping and was struck by the vessel as she continued forward in motion striking her left face, the left rear of her head, and her mid-back on said vessel. She was transported to harton hospital in tullahoma, tn and found to have sustained a concusion, she was later released from the hospital.

Operator blood was submitted to the tbi crime lab in nashville for blood toxicology analysis and found to have a 0.062 bac content and no basic drugs were detected in his blood.


BARDID: TN-2019-0025
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Based on Statements and officer investigation, on the May 23, 2019 at approximately 14:00, Operator1 was operating a 17'' 2017 Tracker Pro Guide V175 on Douglas Lake in Jefferson County. He had one additional passenger; V1 occupant. Operator1 was driving the vessel downstream around the Big Island towards Anchor Down Campground. 
Operator1 was traveling the river channel side of the Big Island when he stopped to take pictures and turn loose a Smallmouth Bass that he had caught earlier in the day. Once they turned the fish loose they started traveling back towards their campsite. Operator1 stated that he was traveling approximately 30MPH when he noticed water in the bottom of the boat. Operator1 and V1 occupant both looked down and opened the compartment to the bottom of the vessel. During the process of both individuals looking down the vessel veered toward the starboard side and impacted the island. The vessel lodged into bank. Both occupants were hurt but initially refused medical treatment. V1 occupant later went to be checked out.
 He was diagnosed with broken ribs. The vessel sustain significant damage to the starboard side of the bow, where it appeared to be caved in. The trolling motor appeared to be knocked off the bow, and an anchoring device was lodged into the bank. Operator1s innattention was a contributing factor in the accident.


BARDID: TN-2019-0026
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: JACKSBORO
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Based on the statements the operator lost control of the PWC due to him letting off the gas causing him to loose steering. He was cruising approximately 25 MPH when he let off the gas and tried to stop before coming into contact with a fixed floating dock. The impact caused substantial damage to the Twin Cove Marina PWC that he was operating.


BARDID: TN-2019-0028
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HENDERSONVILLE
County: SUMNER
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday, May 27, 2019 at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Old Hickory Lake I received a call from dispatch advising me that there had been a boating accident involving a wakeboard boat where an individual was struck by the propeller while wakesurfing and another individual was struck in the head with a surfboard and was knocked unconscious. 

I immediately responded and made contact with the victims and occupants at Bluegrass Marina on Old Hickory Lake in Sumner County at approximately 2:42 p.m. Upon contact the victim who was struck in the head by a surfboard was being treated by EMS on scene and was being prepped for transport to Tristar Hendersonville Hospital. 

The operator/owner, Operator1, and the propeller strike victim were at the dock by the boat. Victim2 had already been treated by EMS and was told that once he had helped Operator1 load the boat he was to go to the hospital to get stitches. 

After compiling the evidence and collecting witness statements. it was determined that Operator1, the operator, was in the process of getting ready to pull Victim2 to wakesurf. As Operator1 was turning the boat to get the tow rope in position for Victim2, Victim2 was right beside the boat in the water with his legs floating upwards under the boat while hanging on to the surf board. 

When Operator1 put the boat in gear the propeller struck Victim2 in his left foot causing deep cuts and lacerations. Victim2 began screaming due to the pain and Operator1 turned the boat off, then all the occupants rushed to Victim2''s aid. 

They drug him up on the swim platform and laid him upon the sundeck at the bow. Operator1 frantically placed the surfboard in the wakeboard rack on the starboard side directly beside the helm without strapping it to secure it. 

Operator1 then turned on the boat and rushed towards the nearest marina for help. The closest marina was Bluegrass Marina. Due to the orientation of their boat in the main channel and being a heavily trafficked holiday weekend the water was choppy due to so many vessels going through. While rushing to Bluegrass Marina, Operator1 was going at a high rate of speed when he hit choppy water, causing the unsecured surfboard to come out of the wakeboard rack, which in turn struck Victim1 in the head, who was seated directly behind the operator, Operator1. 

Victim1 was knocked unconscious and thrown to the floorboard of the vessel. Once they arrived at Bluegrass Marina they were immediately met by Sumner County EMS and Hendersonville Fire.

**Both injured subjects were treated at Tristar Hendersonville Hospital and released.

***This is Part A of TWRA19OFF000374


BARDID: TN-2019-0029
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HARRIMAN
County: ROANE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, 15 June 2019 at approximately 19:00,  two people were heading back to Caney Creek Access Area where Operator smelled and saw smoke coming out from the motor area, so he and his passenger put on their lifejackets. Operator retrieved a fire extinguisher and slowly lifted the back lid and saw the fire was out but considerable melting of parts around the motor. He also noticed the water pump hose came off the water pump, which he believes caused the engine to over-heat causing the fire. Operator also claimed that work was recently done on the motor. This all occurred on Watts Bar Lake in Roane County.


BARDID: TN-2019-0030
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WHITE PINE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday, June 7th 2019, sunject2 and subject were swimming in Nina Cove on Douglas Lake in Jefferson County Tennessee. According to Subject, they left Fancher''s campground in subject2''s pontoon boat (V1) around 1140. They drove over to Nina Cove, stopped the vessel, and they both jumped in the water to swim at approximately 1200. 

According to Subject and two other witnesses the pontoon boat (V1) started to drift away. They both tried swimming back to the vessel (V1) when Operator went under. Subject stated his face was purple when he went under and he never resurfaced. I arrived on scene at approximately 1230. I used side scanning on my patrol boat''s sonar in attempt to locate Operator. Myself and other officers searched until approximately 2330 using the Under Water Robot. On June 8th 2019, Operator’s body resurfaced and was recovered by rescue squad units at approximately 0730. Operator’s body was transported to Jefferson County Memorial Hospital. I met with the medical examiner there, where he drew a blood sample that was sent to TBI for a toxicology report. The medical examiner deemed the cause of death to be a drowning with heart disease as a co-factor.


BARDID: TN-2019-0031
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 25th, 2019, I was dispatched to a boat fire at the Chattanooga Yacht Club. When I arrived on scene the Chattanooga Fire Department was aboard the vessel getting the fire under control. I located the owner and operator of the boat and obtained a statement and information about the accident. An ambulance arrived and subject wanted to go get checked out for smoke inhalation. He was treated for smoke inhalation and released.  Tow Boat USA towed the vessel to Island Cove Marina. Wires shorted out in the electrical system near the bank of batteries. Due to extensive damage the cause of the short was undetermined.


BARDID: TN-2019-0032
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:33:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HARRISON
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 18th 2019 at approximately 2300 hours I, Wildlife Officer responded to the report of a boat crash with injuries. Upon arriving I discovered that a small vessel had collided with a dock across the creek from this address. The Driver had stated that while traveling through the creek at a speed he estimated at 30 miles per hour he had struck a dock coming from a residence in that area. The impact with the dock caused two of the occupants to be ejected from the vessel. Both of the occupants that were ejected from the vessel were children under the age of 12 years old and Operator Stated that neither of the underage occupants were wearing a personal flotation device that is required by law. The ejection also caused one of the two ejected parties to suffer a fractured left arm to which he was transported to Erlanger Children''s Hospital in Chattanooga. The crash occurred in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2019-0033
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: MOORESBURG
County: HAWKINS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to operator and occupant statements obtained to date:

On Saturday, June 1st, 2019, at approximately 6:00 pm, a 2001 20" Bennington 207L pontoon boat (Vessel 2) was travelling south toward the main channel of Cherokee Lake. A 1999  24'' Godfrey Sweetwater (Vessel1) was travelling northeast into the cove that Vessel 2 was attempting to leave. Just north of the mouth of the cove, the occupant of Vessel 2 saw Vessel 1 approaching and warned Operator2 that it appeared they were in danger of collision. Operator2 attempted to turn to starboard, but Vessel 1 struck Vessel 2 on the port bow in a T-bone fashion. Vessel 1 then continued to the northeast, where Operator1 ran Vessel 1 aground behind a private dock approximately 1.4 miles northeast of the collision site. Operator1 then walked back to his camper at Lawson''s Campground.

After the collision, Vessel 2 followed Vessel 1 until they saw which small cove Vessel 1 went into. Vessel 2 remained in this area until arrival of this reporting officer and Sergeant.

Operator1 was not charged with Boating under the influence due to the time between the accident and the time he was located by this reporting officer and Sgt.. He was, however, taken into custody for Reckless Operation and Failure to render aid due to Operator1 not being a resident of Tennessee and his state of intoxication at the time of his interview. Operator1 appeared in General Sessions Court in Rogersville on June 3rd, 2019, where he entered guilty pleas to both charges. His cases were set for review on August 14th, 2019, in regard to the amount of restitution Operator1 owed Operator2. On August 14th, 2019, Operator1 provided proof that he had paid Operator2 $9,796.78 restitution.


BARDID: TN-2019-0034
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BARKLEY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DOVER
County: STEWART
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Throttle
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 15, 2019 at or about 05:15, (Vessel 1) was launching his boat from the middle lane of Lick Creek boat ramp in Dover, TN. After leaving the trailer, Operator1 was turning to leave the immediate area of the ramp when the throttle of his engine stuck causing the bow of his vessel to strike the starboard side near the stern of Vessel 2 which was alongside the courtesy dock. At the time of impact, v2 occupant was holding her vessel to the dock by hand as she waited for her husband to park the truck/trailer and return to the dock. Both vessels were stuck together and had to be pulled apart. Estimated damage to Vessel 2 is $9700.00,


BARDID: TN-2019-0035
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 10th, 2019, operator1 was having repairs done on his Sumerset houseboat at the Tims Ford Marina boat ramp.  Subject1 was assisting Operator1 in moving his vessel.  The starboard engine had been working intermittently while moving the boat from the slip to the dock.  They believed that the engine was low on fuel and they topped it off with fuel before attempting to move the boat back to its slip.  One of the mechanics had advised them that the steering was not working on Operator1''s boat as they left the dock.  

Operator1 and Subject1 thought that they could get the boat back to its slip by using the engines on the boat to steer.  The starboard engine would start and idle fine, but would cut out whenever Operator1 would try to throttle it up above idle.  The wind was blowing strong on the afternoon of the incident, around 15-20mph.  

When the boat rounded the end of A dock, Operator1 started giving the engines more throttle to compensate for the wind and the starboard engine cut out.  With only one engine, and no steering, Operator1 was unable to control the houseboat in the high winds.  Operator1''s houseboat was forced into A dock, striking the slide and a rail on Vessel 2, breaking the slide loose from the frame and bending the handle/rail on the back of the boat.  .

Operator1''s houseboat then continued forward and came into contact with another houseboat a few slips down and Subject1 pushed off of the back of that boat.  Operator1 then put his boat into reverse which turned the front of the boat towards the dock.  Operator1 then put his houseboat into forward gear to try to continue swinging the front of his houseboat away from the dock.  

The wind pushed the boat back into the dock and the boat hit the slides on the backs of Vessels 3 and 4.  Operator1''s boat then came into contact with the 5 O''clock Somewhere houseboat (TN-2491-CG).  The owner''s mother was on the boat and she, with the assistance of subject2, pushed against Operator1''s houseboat, trying to hold it off of the back of their boat to prevent it from being damaged.  

Operator1''s boat continued to be pushed by the wind and slide forward into the anchors of 2 parked boats which damaged the canvas that is around the front of Operator1''s boat.  Operator1''s houseboat finally came to rest with the front of the boat against two parked cabin boats and the back of the boat against the 5 O''Clock Somewhere Houseboat.  This narrative is based on the investigating officer''s interviews of Operator1 and Subject1, as well as several witnesses and the evidence seen by the officer.


BARDID: TN-2019-0036
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:11:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LINDEN
County: PERRY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On the above date and time the above operator had his 1997 26 foot Mariah Cabin boat pulled onto a beach near mile 127 on Kentucky Lake in Perry County TN. At approximately 18:10 hours, a subject approached Operator and asked if he would take him for a ride on his boat. After agreeing to a ride, Operator began backing the boat off of the shore with Victim (the sole occupant) on board. Shortly after beginning backing off the shore,as Operator had the boat in reverse, Victim departed the vessel and made contact with the propeller while the boat was in gear. Victim immediately began receiving medical care from other citizens on the beach. He was transported by the above vessel to Perryville marina where medical care was taken over by Decatur Co. EMS personnel. Victim was then transported to Vanderbilt University Trauma Center by Air Evac.


BARDID: TN-2019-0037
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:47:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: PICKWICK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: COUNCE
County: HARDIN
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, June 15, 2019, I received a call of an overturned vessel on Pickwick Lake near the Bruton Branch recreational area.
 
According to the operator and occupants, at approximately 1147 hours, the motor of the vessel stopped operating.  The lake had very rough conditions due to wind and vessel wake, and water began to come into the back of the vessel.  The operator attempted to use the trolling motor to troll back to shore but was unsuccessful.  The vessel took on too much water and then, capsized.  All 4 occupants (3 adults, 1 juvenile) were all wearing their personal flotation devices when the vessel capsized.  The occupants swam to shore.  The vessel was turned back over and loaded onto its trailer at the Bruton Branch ramp.


BARDID: TN-2019-0038
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Based off of investigation and witness statements, on May 25, 2019 at approximately 17:00 there were several vessels parked on the gravel at Dandridge Access Area. All of the vessels were part of the K-Town Bass Club. The vessel owners were waiting to back down the ramp to load their vessels on the trailer. Two vessels sustained damage during this event. 
Vessel 1 was a 2018 19'' Ranger and Vessel 2 was a 2018 18'' Ranger. A third vessel, Vessel 3, was operating in close proximity to the boat ramp. It is unknown as to who it was or what kind of vessel it was. The witnesses described the vessel as a white cabin cruiser with possibly a blue trim. They stated it had a beige, white, or yellow canopy on it. Witnesses described the individual of vessel 3 to be a gray headed man wearing a red shirt. Vessel 3 did a donut just out from the ramp, creating a very large wake. The wake of the vessel caused multiple vessels that were parked on the gravel to be washed up on the bank. It caused slight damage to vessel 1 and more serious damage to vessel 2.  vessel 1, had a broken trolling mount and a busted end cap on the rub rail on the port side.  vessel 2, had several scratches along the hull of the vessel.  The fiberglass also had 7 gouges in it. They were half dollar size or smaller. Both vessels were on the trailer when examined and photographed.


BARDID: TN-2019-0039
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAFOLLETTE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was driving South down Cedar Creek with his wife and 2 children when they were trying to connect there bluetooth device to the radio on board the vessel and struck a fixed position boat dock.


BARDID: TN-2019-0040
State: TN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-06-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 22, 2019, at approximately 01:00, Operator1 was operating a 1997 17''9" Ranger bass boat on Douglas Lake. He was fishing in a club bass tournament out of the dam boat launch. A line of strong storms rolled through the area with very high winds. Operator1 stopped his vessel to put rain gear on when the waves swamped his vessel. The vessel was nearly all submerged  when we tied it up to the bank on the Big Island. He was able to remove the vessel and the insurance company totaled it out at $8800.


BARDID: TN-2019-0041
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:09:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CENTER HILL LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SMITHVILLE
County: DEKALB
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Monday, June 17, 2019 I received a call from the DeKalb County 911 center at 15:09. The call stated a boating accident on Center Hill just occurred.  I arrived at Edgar Evins Marina and found 2 injured girls and 5 other occupants.  According to the statements given, Operator2 was driving his wife and son while pulling his step-granddaughter and family friend on a tube.  Operator''s step daughter was driving a Personal Water Craft that Operator had rented.  

V1 occupant was riding behind Operator1 on the PWC.  Operator1 attempted to splash the girls on the tube by driving the PWC close to them and turning sharply.  The PWC did not turn and she struck the girls on the tube with the PWC.  Tuber1’s lip was split up to her nose and tuber2 was complaining of back problems.  They went to Cookeville Regional Hospital by ambulance.  Tuber1 had surgery by a plastic surgeon that night and was released.  Tuber2 was sent to Vanderbilt Hospital with 5 broken vertebrae in her back and 3 fractured ribs.  Vanderbilt released her and felt the bones would heal without surgery.


BARDID: TN-2019-0042
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: TEN MILE
County: ROANE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 4 July 2019, between 11:30 and 11:45 PM, there was a two vessel property damage accident on Watts Bar Lake between a 40 foot cabin motorboat and a 26 foot pontoon. The pontoon boat was heading down stream and the 40 cabin motorboat was heading across the lake to Martin''s Branch, when the bow pulpit of the 40 foot cabin and the left side canopy of the pontoon collided tearing the canopy off the pontoon and doing damage to the bow pulpit. Both parties stopped to access the damage, but no information was exchanged between the two parties. Witnesses wrote down the Tennessee registration of the pontoon boat before separation, and both parties called the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Region 3 Dispatch to report the incident the next day. Officers met with both parties to document the damage and gather statements. See the synopsis of both vessels below.

Synopsis of Vessel 1 
Vessel 1 (40 foot cabin motorboat) was heading across Watts Bar Lake with 4 other boats to anchor in Martin''s Branch in Roane County when Operator1 noticed a pontoon boat approaching his group along their starboard side where the pontoon boat travelled down the line of boats very close maybe 20 yards, and after passing the boat ahead of Operator1, the pontoon turned directly into Operator1''s path of travel. Operator1 claimed he put his boat in full reverse to avoid the collision but the pontoon hardtop canopy struck the bow pulpit. 

Synopsis of Vessel 2 
Vessel 2 (26 foot pontoon) was heading down stream on Watts Bar Lake just north of Euchee Marina in Meigs County when operator2 ran upon a big cruiser sitting still with no lights on and when he saw it they collided. Operator2 turned around to check and look for his canopy but noticed the cruiser was gone. Operator2 did speak with a couple on a house boat that was behind him coming down river but did not get any names or information.


BARDID: TN-2019-0044
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:09:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 30, 2019 at around 3:00P.M., Operator was operating a 2016 24'' encore on Douglas Lake. The vessel was a rental from H2O Motorsports, and Operator did not have any operating vessel operating experience, she stated that she had never driven a boat before. It was moderately windy and there were 4 individuals in the water. The wind caused the vessel to drift away from the individuals. Of the individuals in the water, three of them were juveniles under 8 years of age. Operator attempted to operate the vessel back to the location of the where the vessel had drifted from and the individuals in the water. At that time she ran over 2 of the individuals. Swimmer1 Received several lacerations up his left arm and had to be air lifted to UT medical Center. Swimmer2 received some small lacerations and bruises on his legs, he refused medical treatment.


BARDID: TN-2019-0045
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:59:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SODDY DAISY
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 7th, 2019, we were contacted by the Hamilton County Sheriffs Department that Operator1 needed to report a boating accident. Operator1 stated that the accident happened the night of July 6th around midnight. He informed me that his phone fell into the water during the accident and he was unable to make an emergency call. Operator1 stated that he saw the vessel approaching him and that it continued to get closer when he realized that they did not see his boat. He put his boat in gear and attempted to get out of the way right as the boat struck his vessel. 
He stated that his vessel turned up on its side and filled with water. The other vessel stopped around 250ft in front of him and then they continued to travel up Soddy Creek. His vessel had extensive damage and would not crank. He was able to get his trolling motor to work and get back to the boat ramp. He also stated that the vessel that hit him did not stop to help him and did not meet him at the boat ramp. The vessel continued on and he never saw the vessel again. The operator and owner of the vessel that hit Operator1 is unknown.


BARDID: TN-2019-0046
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GALLATIN
County: SUMNER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
ON 6/15/2019 AT APPROXIMATELY 2030, V1 WAS TRAVELING NORTH IN THE EAST FORK OF STATION CAMP CREEK OF OLD HICKORY LAKE WHEN IT WAS STRUCK ON ITS PORT SIDE BY V2. 

THE BOATS MET PORT-TO-PORT, WITH DAMAGE TO V1''S FIBERGLASS, SKI RACK, AND WINDSHIELD. ACCORDING TO THE THREE OCCUPANTS OF V1, V2 DID NOT STOP AFTER IMPACT. V2 WAS UNIDENTIFIED. THE PORT SIDE PASSENGER OF V1 SUFFERED LACERATIONS TO HER LEFT ARM AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL.

DURING INVESTIGATION WO OBSERVED A SUPPLEMENTAL SET OF NAVIGATION LIGHTS ATTACHED TO AND DISPLAYED THE NIGHT OF THE INCIDENT. A WHITE LIGHT WAS DISPLAYED FORWARD AND A RED/GREEN LIGHT WAS DISPLAYED TO THE REAR. THIS IS A POSSIBLE BUT UNDETERMINED CONTRIBUTOR.


BARDID: TN-2019-0047
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAFOLLETTE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 was attempting to dock her vessel at Shanghai when she could not get enough room to get her vessel into a slip due to another vessel behind her that was leaving the marina area. Operator1 then attempted to dock the vessel and struck the corner of the concrete dock puncturing a hole in the side of her fiberglass vessel. During the process she caught the front keel area of the docked Rinker vessel.


BARDID: TN-2019-0048
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT. LOUDOUN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: KNOXVILLE
County: KNOX
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
According to a statement by the owner and operator of the boat, he and his passengers were traveling North on Ft. Loudoun lake.  When in the area of Keller Bend the boat made contact with a log floating in the lake.  When this occurred, a propeller was pushed into the hull causing a groove to be cut into it.  Also, bolts connecting a strut to the hull where pulled loose.  The boat was then used for approximately another two hours.  Once it was discovered that water was entering the boat, the operator "beached" the boat on a rail track system at Concord Yacht Club.  Water came up to the exhaust manifolds of the engines and approximately 12 inches of water came into the cabin section of the boat.  This occurred in an area of the lake where there are residences along the shore.  There are also a two parks in the area, Keller Bend Park on the Knox County side of the lake and Louisville Landing on the Blount County side.  The lake is approximately half of a mile wide in this area.


BARDID: TN-2019-0049
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FRENCH BROAD RIVER
NearestCityorTown: KNOXVILLE
County: KNOX
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating a jet drive boat on the French Broad River near Seven Islands Birding Park. They had been fishing and were headed back to the boat ramp to load the boat.  They struck a large rock/shoal while heading upstream under the pedestrian bridge at Seven Islands.  Operator was thrown over the boat console into the bottom of the boat.  Occupant was thrown from his seat next to the console onto the raised front deck of the boat.   Occupant sustained multiple contusions and broken fingers.  He was transported to UT hospital by ambulance.


BARDID: TN-2019-0050
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: RUTLEDGE
County: GRAINGER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Based on all statements taken:

On 06/29/2019 at approximately 3:30 p.m., the operator and a single passenger were travelling on a 2018 bombardier seadoo pwc (vessel #1) near greenlee campground / peninsula point on cherokee lake in grainger county.  The operator and passenger stated they were travelling from the main channel / greenlee campground and headed into the cove towards lambdin branch access area. Both subjects stated they were travelling between 40-50 mph. The operator and passenger stated they observed a large wake from an unknown vessel. The operator advised he struck the wake and both subjects were ejected from the pwc. The operator sustained injuries beyond first aid from striking the vessel and upon impact with water. The passenger sustained injuries beyond first aid upon impact with water. Both subjects were wearing personal flotation devices and the operator had the lanyard/ kill switch attached to his pfd at time of incident.


BARDID: TN-2019-0051
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: NEW TAZEWELL
County: CLAIBORNE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 2, 2019 I was notified of a boat fire at Lakeside Campground.  Upon my arrival, I observed a vessel bearing Ohio registration 5968ES engulfed in flames. According to the operator, she was inside the vessel as her husband launched the vessel into the water. The operator stated the engine started as normal. Once the vessel was launched off the trailer, the operator engaged the throttle to the forward position when she noticed the engine was misfiring and not running correctly, According to the operator''s statement, after she accelerated the throttle, the engine compartment exploded throwing her almost into the cuddy cabin of the vessel. The operator did sustain injury to the left side of her body due to the explosion.


BARDID: TN-2019-0052
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAFOLLETTE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/10/2019 at approximately19:13 a call came in from a Subject1 stating that his vessel had almost been struck by another vessel described as a beige fishing boat (photo taken by Subject1 included in file).  Caller stated the vessel had SX on the side and contained a male and female passenger and both individuals were drinking.  At approximately 20:45 a Subject2 called and stated that a dock had been struck by a boat that matched the above description, causing damage to the dock.  Subject2 then towed the boat back to Powell Valley Marina where Officer met them.  

It was determined that a Operator1 was operating the vessel.  Operator1 was injured in the incident and transported to Lafollette ER for treatment.  At the ER Sgt. met Operator1 and interviewed him regarding the incident.  Operator1 stated that he had been operating the vessel and that he had struck a dock. Operator1 had a strong odor of alcohol about his person as well as glassy eyes and slurred speech, when asked, Operator1 stated that he had drank some wine that evening.  Sgt. explained 69-9-217(h) to Operator1 and Operator1 consented to BAC testing.  BAC testing showed a BAC of .213.  Damage estimates for dock and Yamaha jet boat provided by property owner based on estimates obtained by property owner.


BARDID: TN-2019-0053
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:54:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: PARSONS
County: DECATUR
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday June 29, 2019 at approx 18:54, operator was operating a 1997 kawasaki 1100 STX jetski in the area of Swallow''s Bluff island. According to occupant statements and damage to the vessel, he was attempting to make right turn and struck and object that caused the operator and occupants to be ejected.  

One person received a laceration above her right eye and a 6 year old female sustained a broken nose. All three individuals were transported to Decatur County General Hospital where the occupants were treated. The operator refused treatment. While interviewing operator, I smelled alcohol on his breathe. I informed subject that due to the accident being a serious injury accident I was required to draw blood. He refused and I placed him under arrest for Boating Under the Influence. I applied for a search warrant for a blood draw and executed the warrant at approx. 2300 hours.


BARDID: TN-2019-0054
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GALLATIN
County: SUMNER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
ON 7/11/2019 ON OLD HICKORY LAKE, operator WAS OPERATING HIS 20'' HARRIS DECK BOAT TRAVELING DOWNSTREAM, OUT OF THE MAIN CHANNEL. ON OR ABOUT 18:45,  VESSEL STRUCK A SUBMERGED OBJECT. THIS CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE STERN AND SUBSEQUENTLY CAUSED THE VESSEL TO TAKE ON WATER. HE AND HIS PASSENGERS THEN PUT ON PFD''S AND ENTERED THE WATER, WHERE THEY WERE PICKED UP A SHORT TIME LATER.


BARDID: TN-2019-0055
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:19:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: COUNCE
County: Hardin
WaterConditions: Very rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Dam/lock
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/17/2019, operator put his boat (MI 5022 BA) a 16ft green AL WELD Jon boat that has a 35 horsepower tiller handle outboard motor onto the TN River/ KY Lake at the TVA Boat Ramp downriver from Pickwick Dam at approximately 10:00 hours.  

Operator was observed by witness tied to the wall of the dam near the catwalk area catching fish soon after.  Operator had on a dark colored PFD and he seemed to be fine; he was located below the hydro turbines water release area on east side of the dam.  Three flood gates are open with numbers 3, 5, and 22, but Operator is not located in the area of the flood gates.  

At 11:16 hours, Operator had moved locations and is now fishing between and below flood gates three and five.  He catches the attention of subject1 who is fishing from his boat which is approximately downriver 200 yards.  

Operator apparently has engine trouble and is trying to paddle away from the outfall (waterfalls area) of floodgate number 5; he is in trouble but does not scream for help or wave his hands.  Operator is paddling from the bow of his boat and is observed to have a white top on, but Subject1 is unsure if he had on a Personal Floatation Device (PFD).  Subject1 tries to get to Operator''s boat but the waters are extremely rough with 6 to 8 foot multiple directional waves in addition the waterfalls current from flood gates was pulling him toward the rough waters area; this was approximately 11:18 hours.   In a matter of seconds, as the waves move the boats up and down, Subject1 loses sight of Operator and his boat.  He did not see the boat or Operator go under the water, but boat and victim were gone so he called 911 at 11:21 hours.  

Subject1 states, he could not get to the location where the Operator''s boat was last seen due to the waters being so dangerous, so he looked for Operator down river where he could do so safely. Subject1 never saw Operator again, but saw Operator''s boat capsized and its contents washing up to where it was located by the Hardin County Fire Dept. Boat. Operator''s boat is found approximately 870 yards downriver (north) from the point it capsized, which is 145 yards upriver (south) from the TVA Boat Ramp.  Subject1 confirmed flood gates 3, 5, and 22 were open during the boat accident; the dam was discharging 35,264 cubic feet per second during the boat accident.  

Wildlife Officer joins the Hardin County Fire Dept. Personnel at the location where boat was recovered near the TVA Boat Ramp at 12:45 hours  Inspection of Operator''s boat reveals no damage caused by the accident except for possible loss of contents.  In addition, it is noted a black PFD is stuffed under the operator''s seating area.  The cowling is off the outboard motor and was likely taken off by Operator to repair the engine; it may have been lost in the accident.  

Wildlife Officers and Hardin County Fire Department Personnel search for Victim below Pickwick until sunset, he is not located on 07/17/2019.   Officers locate Victim''s body on the west bank of the TN River/KY Lake between the Rock Pile Boat Ramp and Shiloh Park Overlook Area.  Operator''s body was moved to the Rockpile Boat Ramp while being escorted by Wildlife Officers.    


BARDID: TN-2019-0056
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 was fishing a local tournament on tim''s ford res. At approximately 01:15 on 07/14/2019. Operator1 was operating his vessel at 45 or more mph in the dark when he steered his vessel to the right to make space for an oncoming vessel and saw grover''s point ahead. Operator1 attempted to steer left to avoid grounding his vessel and struck the shoreline with his vessel. His prowl struck the bank approximately 12" to the left of his lower unit showing an attempt to avoid the collision with the bank by turning left. occupant indicated he was putting on the hood of his jacket at the time of the incident and did not see the impact with the bank. 

The vessel went airborne for several yards and came down and slid to rest approximately 60 yards from the impact of the bank, when stopped by small trees about ten feet from the bank on the other side of grover''s point. 

The trolling motor, black lights, boat hull, and motor were damaged.  Both occupants had minor injuries. The vessel was a total loss at more than $10,000.00 damage.

As a note: this is not the first accident of running aground at this point. Many have occurred in the same spot with multiple injuries. The last one was on 9/1/2018 (labor day weekend), less than one year before this one.


BARDID: TN-2019-0057
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CORDELL HULL LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CARTHAGE
County: SMITH
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator HAD PULLED HIS HOUSEBOAT UP TO THE GAS DOCK AT DEFEATED CREEK MARINA. HE FILLED HIS GAS TANK UP WITH 34 GALLONS OF GAS.THE BOAT WOULD NOT START. HE SAID HE HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE AROUND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WHEN HE OPENED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO INVESTIGATE, THE FUMES FROM THE GASOLINE IGNITED CAUSING AN EXPLOSION WHICH CAUSED BLISTERING BURNS ON his NOSE AND ALL HIS FINGERS ON BOTH HANDS. HIS SON GRABBED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. He WAS SUBSEQUENTLY LIFE FLIGHTED TO VANDERBILT MEDICAL CENTER.


BARDID: TN-2019-0058
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORMANDY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: TULLAHOMA
County: COFFEE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: operator behavior
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On july 4th, 2019 at approximately 10:00 a.m. on Normandy Lake in Coffee County Tennessee the operator and an occupant launched a vessel from the Cedar Point Boat Ramp. They met up with some friends in two other vessels and proceeded to Carroll Creek. At approximately 11:30 a.m. Operator stated he was hot and was going to cool off. He stopped the vessel, turned the engine off and jumped off the back of the vessel. Occupant stated he usually jumps in the water with a PFD but didn’t this time. As Operator was swimming back to the vessel he went under and never returned to the surface. Two other males from the other vessels jumped in to assist him but Operator had already sank before they could make contact. The victim’s body was located and recovered by TWRA Officers and the Coffee County Rescue Squad at approximately 21:16. that evening.


BARDID: TN-2019-0059
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAFOLLETTE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Based on witness statements (Vessel 1 operator) and (Vessel 2 operator) were following along the side of the pontoon boat that was in their party headed to a marnina for lunch, Operator1 circled the pontoon. They had a head on Collison. Operator1 jumped into the water losing control of his vessel causing it to veer into the other operator resulting in injury to Operator2.


BARDID: TN-2019-0060
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ANDERSONVILLE
County: ANDERSON
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to statements from the boat owner and a witness, a bass boat came into the cove where boat is docked.  The boat stayed in the area several minutes while the occupants fished.  When the bass boat left the cove it accelerated quickly and came close to dock.  The wake from the bass boat hit dock.  After the bass boat left he noticed that his boat, which is on a lift, was positioned differently than it usually is. He went to check on his boat and attempted to lower the lift and the boat.  During this attempt, the lift further broke causing the boat''s right rear side to contact the water which allowed water to enter the boat.


BARDID: TN-2019-0061
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:12:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BEAN STATION
County: GRAINGER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 24, 2019 at approximately 15:45  the victim was tubing on Cherokee Lake in Grainger county with his step children.  The boat was being operated by the victim''s step son. The vessel slowed down and got slack in the tow rope and the victim exited the tube. Victim was going to show the Operator how to get the slack out of the  line.  Operator turned the vessel toward the Victim and started in his direction.  He panicked and gave the boat throttle and ran over Victim.  As the boat was coming over, Victim pushed off the bottom of the boat and the propeller hit his right arm.  Victim then resurfaced and got back on the vessel.  The vessel then pulled to the shore and got assistance from the property owner.  The above all occurred in Grainger County, TN.


BARDID: TN-2019-0062
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BYRDSTOWN
County: PICKETT
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessels 1and2 were traveling togather downstream in the Shear Pin Pass area of Wolf River on Dale Hollow Lake. V-2 was slightly ahead and to Starboard of V-1, then turned to Port and slowed into the path of V-1. V-1 released the throttle and collided with the nose section of V-2.  Operator2 suffered injuries to the arm and trunk from impacting the boat.


BARDID: TN-2019-0063
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CELINA
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel was traveling Southward at night when it ran aground Near Lillydale camp ground on Dale Hollow Lake at approximately 9:45 pm. Lake bank was lined with Rip-Rap.Vessel traveled approximately 75" before coming to rest onshore.


BARDID: TN-2019-0064
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TELLICO LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LENOIR CITY
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 05/25/2019 at approximately 23:00 Vessel #1 (21'' Bennington Pontoon) was traveling through the canal area of Tellico Lake in Loudon County, TN after the Rockin'' The Docks firework show at Lenoir City Park.  As the vessel got near to the Tellico Lake end of the canal it was struck from behind by Vessel #2 (SeaRay 340).  There were words exchanged between the two vessels and Vessel #2 motored approximately 1/4 of a mile away before setting down.  Response was quick because of the emergency vessels that were in close proximity.  One of our TWRA vessels went to the damaged Vessel #1 and two of our vessels went to Vessel #2.  Vessel #1 was towed to the Canal Access Area on Tellico Parkway.  

Upon contacting Vessel #2, myself and W.O. boarded the vessel finding two female and one male passengers above deck and one male passenger below deck that they claimed was passed out.  Subject11 claimed to have been at the helm during the incident and that it was her vessel.  I could smell alcohol on her breath and I performed some field sobriety tasks on her in which she performed poorly.  When Subject1 realized that there was a potential that she might be arrested for BUI and after we spoke with the individual that was allegedly passed out in the cabin, we were able to determine that subject3 was in fact the operator of Vessel #2.  They stated that Vessel #1 was not displaying any lights and they were not able to avoid them once they saw them.  After the collision Operator2 went below deck and pretended to be passed out and that they would claim Subject1 was the operator.  

FST''s were performed on Operator2 aboard the vessel and additional ones were performed at Lenoir City Park.  He was arrested for Boating Under the Influence and then he was transported to Ft. Loudon Medical Center for a blood test and then on to the Loudon County Jail.  

Update-BAC for Operator2 was .167


BARDID: TN-2019-0065
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:43:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HIXSON
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 3rd 2019 I Wildlife Officer responded to the report of an injured skier at Chester Frost Park in Hamilton County. operator stated that he began to pull his father behind a PWC on a wake board. As the PWC was accelerating from a stopped position the individual being towed claimed he felt a pop in his leg. He was taken to shore and was transported to Memorial Hospital in Chattanoga, TN. The accident occurred in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2019-0066
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: PICKWICK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: PICKWICK
County: HARDIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Fuel
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR STATES THAT HE FUELED UP IN MEMPHIS WHILE THE VESSEL WAS ON THE TRAILERED AROUND 0750 HOURS, HE THEN STATES THEY DROVE TO PICKWICK LANDING STATE PARK AND LAUNCHED THE VESSEL FROM THE RAMP AND PROCEEDED OUT OF THE "NO WAKE ZONE" NEAR THE RAMP AND TURNED RIGHT(HEADED UPSTREAM), HE WAS JUST BEGINNING TO THROTTLE UP WHEN THE EXPLOSION HAPPENED.


BARDID: TN-2019-0067
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BUCHANAN
County: HENRY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday 23 July 2019 I received a call from Officer who stated he had spoken with a female who is the wife of Operator stating that while fishing a night tournament on Saturday July 20, he had struck a navigational buoy and caused severe damage to his boat. 

Officer gave me her contact number so I could follow up with Operator. I spoke with Operator by phone on July 24 and he confirmed that he had allided with a green channel marker buoy while travelling West towards Paris Landing Marina running parallel to Highway 79. Operator stated that he was travelling approximately 30MPH and believed the buoy was not in the right location according to his mapping software on his vessel. The buoy he claimed to have hit was a secondary channel marker buoy that is in the correct positioning and was a much smaller buoy than the larger buoys coming into the marina. I was unable to determine which buoy he hit as I do not believe the smaller buoy would cause that much damage to the vessel. No other buoys appeared to be out of place. Operator had heavy damage to the bow of his vessel and there was green paint transfer from the buoy. He also had a large gouge in the starboard side of his vessel and his lower unit had been impacted as well breaking the skeg off. Operator received two separate estimates of damage totaling $13,000.00.


BARDID: TN-2019-0068
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BUCHANAN
County: HENRY
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 20 July 2019 I received a call from TWRA Region 1 Dispatch that there had been a boat fire in Cypress Creek around 13:30pm. I responded to the scene and arrived at approximately 17:09. I found the vessel beached and tied up to a tree in front of a residence on Cypress Heights Ln. 

There were no occupants or anyone around the vessel. I went and spoke to the homeowners who stated Calloway County Fire and Paris Henry County Rescue Squad had responded to the fire and put it out. The homeowners also gave me boat owner and occupant information and stated they had left the boat in the water and left the area. 

While I was speaking with the owners a pontoon boat approached the area with boat owner Operator as well as 5 other individuals who all stated they had been on the vessel at the time of the fire. I spoke with the occupants and the boat owner who stated they were participating in the Fun Run Poker Run and had just fueled up the vessel at Cypress Springs. 

Operator said they had been idling out from the marina for approximately 15 minutes when he attempted to bring the boat up on plane. He stated he felt like he hit something in the water and lost power. The boat than began smoking. 

Subject1, who was sitting over the engine compartment stated it was an explosion and blew him up off the engine compartment. He stated fire was coming from the engine compartment and then it started smoking. 

The vessel''s HALON System did not function. They anchored their vessel out in the creek channel and got on a different vessel. They stated they got the pontoon boat and continued with the Fun Run. They came back to the accident site nearly 3 hours after the incident. I inspected the vessel and could see that the ventilation system had burned and could not see any visible damage to the engine. Operator was going to tow the boat the next day and take it to a mechanic to see what had happened to cause the vessel to explode. I took pictures of Subject1''s burns. He did not initially seek treatment but on Monday July 22 went to the clinic and was treated for second degree burns. I also spoke to subject1 by phone who was an occupant and was burned as well. She did not seek treatment.


BARDID: TN-2019-0069
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LENOIR CITY
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Dam/lock
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 29, 2019 the two subjects were fishing in the tailwater of Ft. Loudoun Dam in Lenoir City, TN.  At the time there were two spillgates open and their 16'' Lowe had drifted into the eddy of the spillgates.  As the vessel drifted close to the turbulent water created by the spillgates, they attempted to start the motor to move away but the motor would not start.  
Subject1 claimed to be at the front of the vessel during this time, never being at the helm.  Subject2 claimed that Subject1 was the one attempting to start the motor until he eventually tried.  The vessel was consumed by the spilling water and both occupants went into the water.  Subject2 was the first to surface downstream of the turbulent water where he was rescued by two other vessels.  The same vessels were able to get Subject1 who was found floating face down.  At the time of the incident both occupants were wearing PFD''s but were both stripped of their PFD''s in the turbulent water.  Both men were transported to the shore where they were received by EMS personnel and transported to area hospitals.  The vessel has not been recovered.


BARDID: TN-2019-0070
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:02:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BOONE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GRAY
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The occupants of the vessel were engaged in a fishing tournament, and after departing from a location near Snider Rd., they began to travel in a south easterly direction.  According to the operator, he brought the vessel on plane and he was using an older model Lowrance unit to navigate to another location when he ran aground on a point in the lake in the vicinity of Deerlick Rd.  The operator stated that the navigation unit only showed images of Boone Lake at full pool and he thought he had open water ahead prior to running aground.  The operator also stated that the navigation unit indicated a speed of 41 miles per hour, and he did not see the point of exposed land prior to impact.  After running aground, the vessel came to rest approximately 35 yards from the water.

The operator/owner of the vessel related to me at a later time that he took the vessel to Watsons Marine to obtain an estimate of the damage, and he found that the cost of repairing the fiberglass would exceed the value of the vessel.  Damage to the hull of the vessel showed extensive cracking in the fiberglass along the centerline and chimes, as well as around the drain hole where chunks of fiberglass were missing.  There was also damage to the propeller and skeg, and according to the operator/owner, there was damage to lower unit.


BARDID: TN-2019-0071
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SOUTH HOLSTON LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BRISTOL
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 21 2019 at 13:00 I, Officer, was advised of a boating accident that occurred on South Holston Lake sometime around 01:00.   The report was that a pontoon was struck by another vessel outside Jacobs Creek on South Holston Lake.   The pontoon was a 28 foot landau with registration TN 6050 DE.  The operator was a Operator1 and the occupant was a V1 subject1.  V1 subject1 called 911 when the event took place.  Sullivan County 911 called TWRA dispatch with no answer.  Sullivan County Sheriff''s Office did not respond to the call.  The other vessel involved fled the scene.  

On July 21 2019 at 15:30 I met with Operator1 at Painter Creek Marina to inspect the damage to the pontoon.  Operator1 stated that he and subject left Painter Creek Marina around 2:00.  Operator1 operated the vessel to the Jacobs Creek area and turned to head back into the Marina.  When headed back, Operator1 stated he heard a vessel coming up from behind and turned to see a vessel hit a spotlight.  Operator1 then stated the vessel swerved and struck the left rear side of the pontoon.  Operator1 stated that the boat appeared to be a bass boat and took off toward 421 boat ramp after the collision.  Operator1 stated that V1 subject1 called 911 and reported the incident.  Operator1 stated that he was displaying the required navigation lights at the time of the accident.  

Upon reviewing the damage to the pontoon, there were flakes of glitter blue and yellow paint chips from the unknown vessel.  The pontoon was impacted in the left rear corner, causing significant damage.  The paint chips collected in the damage on the pontoon were of a rare color.  This information was utilized to locate a vessel believed to be fishing a bass tournament on the lake on the night of the incident.  The bass tournaments rosters were obtained and the individual with a yellow and blue bass boat was fishing the tournament that night.  

On July 21 2019 at approximately 19:00, Officer and I, went to Operator2''s residence.  During speaking with Operator2, he stated that he did strike a vessel and fled the scene.   Operator2 stated that he and V2 subject2 was fishing a tournament on South Holston in the early hours of July 21 2019.  Operator2 stated that they had been fishing in Jacobs Creek and idled out to the main channel.  Once in the main channel, Operator2 started to give the vessel throttle and come up on plane.  Operator2 stated that he did not see any vessel lights.  V2 subject2 also stated he did not see any vessel lights.  Operator2 stated he hit his spotlight and there was a vessel directly ahead of him.  Operator2 swerved to the left in an attempt to avoid collision but was unsuccessful.  his vessel struck the pontoon.  Operator2 stated that he didn''t know why he didn''t call 911, or render aid.  V2 subject2 stated that he tried to get Operator2 to stop but Operator2 stated that he didn''t have any insurance on the boat.   Operator2 stated he panicked and was scared.  Operator2 and V2 subject2 returned to Observation Knob and loaded the vessel.  Operator2 and V2 subject2 left the area.


BARDID: TN-2019-0073
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 11th, 2019 the part-time boating officer advised on the radio that he was on scene of a boating accident at Erwin Marine boat ramp. 

I arrived on scene and observed the paramedics stabilizing Subject1 for transport to the hospital. I spoke with the operator of the boat and the occupant in the boat. Subject2 stated that she had been driving the boat at the time of the accident. She stated that Subject1 was driving alongside the boat and that he then turned in front of the boat and hit a wake and stopped. 

She stated that he was right in front of the boat and she had no time to stop or turn and ran over him.  the occupant, jumped into the water to help Subject1 into the boat and take him to the ramp. He then drove the pwc back to the boat slip at Erwin Marine. The investigation is ongoing.


BARDID: TN-2019-0074
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DAYTON
County: RHEA
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 was operating his vessel upstream near the Gillespie Bend area of Chickamauga Lake.  His vessel struck a pine tree that was laying in/ on the waters surface.  His vessel ran aground causing damage to the pontoons and bimini top.  The vessel had been dragged from the bank by a passing vessel and was headed downstream when TWRA officers encountered the vessel.  TWRA officers observed some minor injuries to all three occupants.  

The operator of the vessel told officers he fell asleep while driving and the boat veered towards the bank, striking a tree and running aground.  Officers escorted the vessel with all three occupants back to Bluewater Marina to collect statements and information for the incident report.  TWRA officers requested Rhea EMS to come and check over the vessel''s occupants.  EMS looked over all three individuals, but all three refused treatment.  TWRA officer requested blood from the vessel''s operator since one occupant had a head injury and stated that she had had a stroke in the past.  

Operator1 consented to the blood draw and Rhea EMS preformed the draw in their ambulance on scene at Bluewater Marina.  
After collecting all needed information, all three individuals left on the vessel to return to the Dallas Bay area of Chickamauga Lake.


BARDID: TN-2019-0075
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CENTER HILL LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SMITHVILLEit
County: DEKALB
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 26, 2019, subject1 brought his 2014 Lowe Pontoon boat to Sligo Marina.  He launched his boat and drove out past the no wake zone.    His vessel was not running and he was talking with subject2 on a vessel pulled up next to him.  He had not been there long when Operator2 was approaching his vessel on a pwc.  Operator2 had a tube in his hand while driving up to the pontoon boat.  He came in too fast and ran into the starboard stern corner of the pontoon boat at a speed great enough to dent the pontoon and framing.  The pwc did not have any damage.  


BARDID: TN-2019-0076
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ESTILL SPRINGS
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
At about noon on Saturday, July 27th, 2019, Operator1 and Operator2 were the operators involved in a property damage accident in Rock Creek on Tims Ford Lake.  Operator1 was operating his Skeeter bass boat and Operator2 was operating his family''s Mastercraft ski boat.  

Operator1 was operating his bass boat downstream, at approximately 35-40 mph, towards the Rock Creek Boat Ramp from 511 Westwood Ln, Estill Springs.  Operator2 was operating the Mastercraft upstream, at approximately 30 mph, from the Rock Creek No Wake Zone Towards his family''s lake house in Rock Creek.  

Both operators saw the other boat at a distance of approximately 100-200 yards apart.  Operator2 was making the turn on the inside of the curve, which was on his port side.  When Operator1 saw Operator2''s boat approaching, he turned more towards the bank on the inside of the curve, on his starboard side (as closely as he felt comfortable to the bank/docks).  

After a few seconds of the boats headed towards each other, both operators turned away from the inside of the curve at approximately the same time in an attempt to avoid a collision.  Both operators made evasive turns back and forth 3-4 times. 

Both operators evasive turns were made at approximately the same times and kept the paths of the boats in line with each other.  Both operators slowed their boats down significantly throughout this time.  Shortly before the collision, according to his statements, Operator1 let off of his hot foot throttle, turned his boat towards the bank on his starboard side, and threw his hands up.  

Operator1 then closed his eyes and braced for impact when he realized that the Mastercraft was going to strike his boat.  Operator2 also realized that the boats were going to collide and completely let off of his throttle and then put his boat in reverse in an attempt to avoid the collision, but still struck Operator1''s boat.  

Both boats were estimated to be going less than 5mph at the time of the collision.  The point on the starboard side bow of the Mastercraft, struck low on the port side hull of the Skeeter, at approximately the middle of the boat, creating a hole through the fiberglass.  The hole was approximately 4-5” wide and there were spider web cracks in the clear coat in about an 18” circle around the hole.  There were also some scratches from the hole towards the rear of the Skeeter boat for a couple of feet.  Operator1 received an estimate of $3000-$4000 to repair the damage to his Skeeter boat.  The Mastercraft had some chipping of the paint and clear coat on the end of the point on the starboard side bow and a couple of light scratches on the starboard side extending 2-3 feet behind the bow.  Estimated cost to repair the damage to the Mastercraft is $500.  Operator2 was found to have violated 3 of the USCG Inland Navigation Rules:
Rule 9-Narrow Channels:  Operator2 was nearer to the bank on his port side instead of the bank on his starboard side as the rule requires.

Rule 8-Action to Avoid a Collision:  Although Operator2 did slow down and even put his boat into reverse to try to avoid the collision, he did not slow down soon enough to avoid the striking the other boat.
Rule 14-Head on Situation:  Operator2 did not immediately turn to his starboard side once a head on situation occurred; instead he waited a few seconds before making the turn.


BARDID: TN-2019-0077
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:15:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityorTown: NASHVILLE
County: DAVIDSON
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Statement from responding Officer:

On 20 July 2019 while working on J. Percy Priest Lake, at approximately 1815 I received a call from TWRA Region 2 dispatch center stating that a pontoon boat near an island in front of Four Corners Marina was sinking and had multiple people in the water with one person missing in the water. Officer and I in one patrol boat, along with others in another patrol boat, left out of Elm Hill Marina towards the scene with Emergency Equipment activated. 

We arrived on scene at approximately 1829 and pulled up next to a Four Corners Marina rental pontoon boat sitting on the backside of Mousetail Island with approximately 11 people still on board. Upon making contact with the individuals on the rental pontoon boat, I asked about the person that was missing. They told me that a black male was missing from the boat. The boat was anchored, but had started drifting due to the wind and water depth. 

Victim jumped into the water with several other men from the boat to retrieve children that were swimming from the water, because the boat had floated away from them and they started to panic.  Metro OEM continued search for Victim throughout the week, but eventually called the search off approximately a week later. Victim body was found and recovered from the lake on 30 July 2019 at approximately 1100.


BARDID: TN-2019-0078
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On the above date and at approximately 19:00 hrs vessel 1(V1) and vessel 2(V2) was traveling NW on Tims Ford lake toward Neals Bridge passing the Turkey creek boat ramp. V1 and V2 were jumping the wake of another boat(V3) that was traveling in the same direction. According to the witnesses onboard V3 the  operator''s of V1 and V2 apparently did''t see one another when V2 jumped V3''s wake and came directly toward V1. 

The operator of V1 tried to move out of the way but V2 hit V1 in the starboard(right) side flipping V1 up side down and caused each operator of V1 and V2 to be ejected from their pwc''s. 

The operator of V3 came to render aid to each operator of V1 and V2. The operator of V2 was face down in the water when either the operator of V1 and/or V3 assisted the operator of V2 and transported him by V3''s boat to the Turkey creek boat ramp where a park ranger assisted with the accident victim. When myself and Sgt. arrived on scene we started rendering aid to operators of V1 and V2 and gathering evidence and witness statements. 

The operator of V2 had many visible injuries and seem to be some what coherent when I was speaking with him about what happened. The operator of V2 could not recall many of the facts of the accident but was complaining of pain and was having trouble breathing. EMS arrived on the scene and began to render aid and prepared V2 operator for transportation to Harton hospital and was later air lifted to Vanderbilt hospital in Nashville Tn. 

I transported the operator of V1 to Harton hospital to have his blood drawn and to have him checked out by the ER. The operator of V1 started complaining that his head was hurting and I noticed he was nodding off from time to time. While at Harton hospital both operators of V1 and V2 consented to have their blood drawn. The operator of V1 was later released from the hospital.


BARDID: TN-2019-0079
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NICKAJACK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: JASPER
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator, along with 4 passengers. was operating the boat going down river on Nickajack Lake in Marion Co near the Bennetts Lake area. He stated they were traveling on the right side of the river as they headed down stream. Operator stated they did not see anything in the water but struck something below the surface. Operator stopped the vessel and raised the engine cover to check for damage. He noticed water coming into the hull so he started the boat and idled over to a shallow water area where a log was so the could sit on the log for safety. Their boat sank while they were on the log. They were picked up and transported to the Bennetts lake boat ramp by a good samaritan.


BARDID: TN-2019-0080
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HARRISON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 24, 2019 I, Wildlife Officer, responded to a report of a CPR in progress on board a vessel that was coming into Harrison Bay State Park. Upon arrival I spoke with Park Rangers who had advised me that a patient had come into the park with the occupants on board applying CPR to Victim and he did not have a pulse. 

The Park Rangers advised me that they had applied their Automatic External Defibrillator to him and after the first application Victim had regained a pulse and was conscious. Victim was then taken to Erlanger in downtown Chattanooga Tennessee. While on scene I had spoken to the driver of the vessel. 

Operator had explained to me that while they were cruising he was pulling Victim on a wake board inside of Harrison Bay on the Chickamauga Lake reservoir when Victim had fallen into the water. As Operator was heading towards the fallen skier he had noticed that the skier was unconscious. The occupants on board then extracted him from the water and began preforming CPR on the patient while another occupant called the Hamilton County Emergency 911 center. Operator then drove the vessel to Harrison Bay State Park to wait for emergency medical assistance. The accident occurred in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2019-0081
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: KINGSTON
County: ROANE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 30 August 2019, Operator1 was backing her pontoon boat out of the slip at Blue Springs Marina on Watts Bar Lake when she noticed the back of her pontoon was getting too close to another docked vessel, she panicked and pushed the throttle forward causing the boat to rapidly go forward striking another docked vessel. There was no one aboard on that vessel and Operator1 was the only person on board her vessel. Minor damage was done to Operator1 vessel and deep scratches and broken fiberglass was seen on v2. This all occurred on Watts Bar Lake in Roane County.


BARDID: TN-2019-0082
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TELLICO LAKE
NearestCityorTown: VONORE
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On or about Sept 1, 2019 at approx. 13:30, an incident between two vessels occured at the Dockside Grill within Tellico Marina habour limits.  V1, a 24'' Suntracker Pontoon, with HIN BUJ60313L718 and TN registration of TN 0085 JC, struck V2, a 20'' HydroStream Performance boat with HIN EZEV5X01A999 and Tn registration of TN 0011 VB, on the port side bow causing a large cut in the fiberglass and then pushing the starboard side into the Marina dock causing damage to the fiberglass, window and gear shifter.  

V1 had backed from a slip and was attempting to turn to exit the marina.  V2 was docked perpendicular to V1.  V1 was operating in tight quarters and attempted to make a sharp left turn but failed to do so and struck V2 on the port side bow with the front port side metal pontoon.  V1 had four occupants aboard and V2 was docked with no one aboard.


BARDID: TN-2019-0083
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SOUTH HOLSTON LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BRISTOL
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 24th 2019 Officer was operating a 21 ft Boston Whaler patrol boat on South Holston Lake.  The patrol boat displayed TN 6013 EH.  Officer was operating the patrol boat in the area of Observation Knob boat ramp at approximately 13:00.  Officer was pulling up alongside of a docked pontoon.  The docked pontoon was a 22 ft Tracker with registration TN 0068 VH.  When Officer was approaching the pontoon, a gust of wind caught the Whalers bow and caused it to strike the pontoon.  There was damage to the right bow railing of the pontoon and minimal damage to the right bow of the whaler.  All parties indicate that it was very windy on the date of the incident.  


BARDID: TN-2019-0084
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:51:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: MORRISTOWN
County: HAMBLEN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On the night of Friday August 30, 2019 at approximately 20:51, a single vessel property damage incident occurred on Cherokee Reservoir in Hamblen County.  Operator was operating his 1996 21'' Malibu ski boat in the vicinity of Point 11.  Operator was traveling upstream on the North side of the islands approaching Point 11.  He advised that he was unsure of his approximate speed but stated he was on plane when he went aground on the island. The Malibu traveled approximately 33 feet from the water line of island before coming to rest.  Operator stated he was alone and uninjured.  He called his brother for help.  His brother was fishing on Cherokee at the time of incident.

I spoke with Operator later that day on the water at incident site.  He had assembled a group of men, boats, and pvc pipe to assist in rolling vessel back to water.  I specifically asked him again if he was indeed alone on the vessel at time of incident and that no one else was on board or injured. He again stated he was alone in boat  

Two eye witnesses to the incident were camping on the island South East of grounding site. They stated they observed a boat with lights on going close to the island at approximately 25 mph when it struck island.  They observed another pontoon boat going to the collision site as they were going over in their pontoon to render assistance if needed.  They both stated the ski boat contained two males and two females in their early to mid-twenty''s.  Witnesses stated that occupants were visibly shaken from accident.  They advised none of the 4 were extremely intoxicated but the smell of alcohol was present on some or all of the party.


BARDID: TN-2019-0085
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was following vessel 2 on a recreational cruise. Vessel 2 began to accelerate from a stationary position and received a warning sound that a wing was deployed on the wake system. Vessel 2 pulled the throttle back to neutral to assess the situation. 

Vessel 1 was under power to follow vessel 2 (they are neighbors and were together) and did not realize vessel 2 had slowed. Vessel 1 realizing too late that vessel 2 had slowed tried evasive maneuvers with reverse thrust and steering. 

Vessel 1 utilizes jet propulsion with limited rudder and steering when not under power. Vessel 1 struck vessel 2 on the starboard stern with it’s prowl and keel. Vessel 1 broke the transom fiberglass, tore and broke seating, and struck the tow bar of vessel 2 above the head of the operator of vessel 2. Vessel 1 received minor scratches and a gouge in the prowl keel. The other occupants of vessel 2 were seated in the forward compartment/prowl area of vessel 2 leaving them with no injury. The boats disengaged on their own and both vessels were able to make it to devil''s step boat ramp and trailer without aid.


