# ReleasableAccidentes

BARDID: NC-2015-0103
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FALLS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WAKE FOREST
County: WAKE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 6, 2015 at approximately 4:45 pm, Operator and his father, Father were drifting along in Falls Lake enjoying some fishing. They were adjacent to the Ledge Rock Access Area approximately 0.3 miles northeast of the boat launch ramp when they became stuck on a partially submerged stump. They were unable to power off the stump via motor, so the operator, Operator, voluntarily departed the vessel to try and free the boat from the stump. After several attempts, he was unable to free the vessel from the stump. It was at this point that Father decided to voluntarily depart the vessel and try and push the vessel off the stump. After several attempts he too was unable to get the vessel back adrift. Father then attempted to board the vessel and was unable to do so due to his disabilities. After approximately 60-90 minutes in the water, Father became tired and started to feel cold and discombobulated. It was at this time Operator dialed 911 for assistance. 

Sergeant and myself were on patrol on Falls Lake at the time the call came in to our dispatch and we were able to quickly arrive at the vessel for assistance. Upon arrival, both Operator and Father were both wearing Type III USCG approved PFDs. The Fire Department arrived shortly and were able to retrieve Father from the water and transport him to Ledge Rock Access Area. EMS was standing by where Father received treatment at the Access Area and refused to go the hospital. 

Sergeant and myself were able to pull the vessel safely from the stump and make sure Operator was able to get the vessel back to the boat ramp. Once at the dock, it was determined that all safety equipment was in compliance.  There was no alcohol aboard and no charges were filed.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0104
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:19:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Canal adjacent to Knotts Islan
NearestCityorTown: Carova
County: Currituck
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/23/15 at approximately 2:19 PM, vessel 1 was traveling northeast in a canal adjacent to Knott''s Island Bay.  Vessel 1 was going around a bend in the canal.  The operator, Operator1 reported the steering malfunctioned.  He reported he attempted to turn the steering wheel to the right but was unable to turn it sharp enough to properly navigate through the canal.  He reported vessel 1 slid on the water as he attempted to turn the vessel, causing the port (left) side of vessel 1 to collide with the starboard (right) side of vessel 2.  Vessel 2 was tied to a dock unoccupied.  
 
Upon impact with vessel 2, one of the passengers of vessel 1, Subject1 (9 years old) was thrown off of the port side of vessel 1 into the water.  Subject1 was initially sitting on the forward deck of vessel 1 with 2 other passengers.  Another passenger, Subject2, jumped into the water to retrieve Subject1.  Subject2 helped Subject1 get back in vessel 1.  Subject2 was unable to get back in vessel 1 so she went on nearby land.  
 
Operator was still able to operate vessel 1 and it ended up at a nearby dock.   
 
Subject2 reported she was standing to the left of Operator when the collision occurred.  She reported her injuries were the result of falling down in the boat during the collision.  Subject3 reported she fractured her tail-bone in four places.  She reported when the accident occurred she was knocked into the side of vessel 1.  Subject3 reported she went to Occupational Health in Virginia Beach to be seen for her injuries on 06/26/15.  
                                                            
The evening of the accident, I, Officer, inspected both vessels for damage.  I also took several photos of the damaged areas.  I observed a small crushed in area on the back of the port side of vessel 1.  I observed much more damage on vessel 2 than vessel 1.  Vessel 2 received damage to both the port and starboard sides.  The damage to the port side is possibly secondary damage from vessel 2 being pushed to the dock it was tied up to after vessel 1 collided with its starboard side.  The port side of vessel 2, above the registration numbers appeared to be badly damaged and crushed in.  The back of the port side was also damaged to the point the rubrail was torn off and left hanging.  The metal rail on the back corner of the port side appeared to be crushed in.  The back corner of the starboard side appeared to be badly crushed in.  I observed scratches and scuffs along almost the entire length of the starboard side.  Additionally, there appeared to be cracks and other damage to the front compartment well where it was possibly warped from the collision.  In addition to the damaged vessels, the dock that vessel 2 was tied up to was also damaged.  I observed several loose boards on the dock.  
 
Operator was charged with operating while impaired and careless and negligent operation.  Alcohol was a contributing factor to this accident.  PFDs were only worn by the three passengers under 13 years old.  Nothing further at this time.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0105
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Norman
NearestCityorTown: Troutman
County: Iredell
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 17, 2015 at approximately 5:30pm a boat incident occurred in the Hicks Creek area of Lake Norman near Troutman, NC.  (V1) was operating a Bombardier Wake traveling southwest heading out of Hicks Creek.  His sister and brother were on (V2).  This was a matching PWC to (V1) and was heading north northeast toward (V1).  Both vessels were owned by a friend of the family.  (V1) was traveling southwest in Hicks Creek and was the stand on vessel.  (V2) was the give-way vessel and cut left in front of (V1).  (V1) struck (V2) on the starboard side near the rear of the vessel.

The two operators were traveling at a high rate of speed in close vicinity.  (V1) was traveling southwest at a high rate of speed.  In this situation (V1) is the stand on vessel.  (V2) was approaching at a high rate of speed heading in a north northeast direction.  This made (V2) the give-way vessel.  (V2) maintained their speed and turned across (V1)''s path of travel.  (V1) didn''t expect (V2) to cut across his path of travel.  (V1) struck (V2) at about a 90 degree angle on the starboard side near the rear of the vessel.  Both men were ejected off the vessels into the water.  The female operator of (V2) was not ejected.

Residents of a nearby house heard collision along with screams.  They ran to their dock, got in a boat and made their way out to the individuals in the water.  They asked if they needed help and if they need to call 911.  (V1) operator said "yes".  The passenger of (V2) was not able to move due to the injuries received from the collision.  They waited for the first responder''s to arrive before moving him to shore.  PFD''s were used to support the passenger''s legs while they transported him to the nearest dock.  (V2) passenger was flown to Carolina Medical Center (CMC) in Charlotte.  Due to the blunt force impact, he sustained injuries consisting of fracture femur, fractured pelvis, and compression fracture of vertebrate.  He was also checked for internal bleeding along with head trauma. He was treated for his injuries and released a week later.  (V1) (V2) operators were not injured.

The analysis of the damage on the PWC''s indicated that (V1) had struck (V2) on the starboard side near the rear 1/3 of the vessel at approximately 90-degrees.  (V1) struck (V2) directly in line with the passenger of (V2).  The back 1/3 of (V2) was broke through the hull which allowed it to take on some water.   (V1) had damage on the V of the hull near the bow.  Both operators were wearing their PFD and safety cutoff lanyard.  Alcohol was not a contributing factor.

The contributing factors of this accident were careless and reckless operation, excessive speed, operator inexperience and operator inattention.  None of the 3 individuals involved had completed a certified boating safety course, which due to their age were required by law to have.  As a result, the operator of (V1) was charged with operating a vessel greater than 10hp without completing an approved boating safety course.  The Father of (V2) operator was charged with allowing operation without boating safety requirements.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0106
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Roanoke Sound
NearestCityorTown: Wanchese
County: Dare
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/16/15 at approximately 9:00 AM, operator was operating vessel 1, Knot Fancy, north towards the Wanchese Seafood Park.  Operator was navigating his vessel through a channel in order to get to Wanchese.  He reported he navigated past buoy 10 on the wrong side.  This resulted in vessel 1 running aground.  When vessel 1 ran aground, his wife was thrown through a door into the cabin of vessel 1.  
 
It was reported that Victim collided with cabinets that were in the cabin.  Operator reported he contacted the U.S. Coast Guard for assistance.  Operator reported the U.S. Coast Guard did arrive on scene and Victim was transported to the Outer Banks Hospital.  Around 3:00 PM that same day, Victim was flown from the Outer Banks Hospital to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, NC.  
 
It was reported that Victim suffered back fractures, rib fractures, and head lacerations.  Operator reported after the accident, vessel 1 was towed to the Blue Water Marina.  Operator reported he paid for an examination of his vessel.  He also reported paying for repair work to be done to the propeller of vessel 1 which was bent.  Operator reported the interior cabinets of vessel 1 were broken as the result of Victim colliding into them.  PFDs were not worn by the occupants of vessel 1.  Alcohol was not a contributing factor to this accident.  Nothing further at this time.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0107
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bogue Sound
NearestCityorTown: Morehead City
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 11th, 2015, Operator2 was operating a 41'' sailing vessel  in the Atlantic Ocean near Morehead City, NC, while traveling from Charleston, SC to his home port in Oriental, NC. High winds forced Operator2 to seek refuge and enter Beaufort Inlet. Operator2 then headed to the Morehead City waterfront area, entered on the east side and, at approximately 2:00 A.M., attempted to dock his vessel (under power of his diesel engine) on a private dock located next to Portside Marina''s docks.  Operator2''s vessel was moving less than 2 mph in a westerly direction while attempting to maneuver his starboard side to the outside end of the private dock. A 62'' yacht was tied to the outside end of Portside Marina''s docks. Its starboard side was tied to the dock and its bow was facing west. 

Operator2 approached the private dock at a shallow angle and claimed that while maneuvering he got too close to the yacht which resulted in his stern pulpit snagging on the yacht''s anchor (the anchor was located on the yacht''s bow roller) which in turn caused Operator2''s vessel''s stern on the starboard side to bump into the yacht''s portside bow. I was unable to find any obvious signs on the stern pulpit or the anchor which would indicate Operator2''s vessel had snagged the anchor.  Regardless, Operator2''s vessel ''s stern struck the yacht''s portside bow, and either the railing of the stern pulpit or the small outboard engine mounted to the stern pulpit left an approximately 16" scratch on the yacht''s portside bow as well an approximately 23" rub mark on the yacht''s stainless steel rub rail in the same area. The scratch was deep enough to go through the blue layer of paint on the hull and expose white material underneath it. I did not observe any fresh visible damage to Operator2''s vessel.

The captain of the yacht and his first mate were asleep on the yacht at the time of the incident and were awakened by a loud and jarring impact. After hitting the yacht, Operator2 tied his vessel off to the private dock. 

Alcohol and drugs are not believed to have contributed to the incident. This accident was the result of Operator2 maneuvering his vessel too close to the yacht , failing to recognize the resulting hazard and failing to make the necessary maneuvers to avoid the hazard.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0108
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY
NearestCityorTown: OCEAN ISLE BEACH
County: BRUNSWICK
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On July, 29 2015 two vessels were involved in a boating incident on the ICW near Ocean Isle Beach, NC.

The operator of vessel 1 was traveling west on the Intracoastal Waterway at cruising speed. Operator of vessel 2 was approaching vessel 1 from the stern; as vessel 2 was approaching vessel 1 the operator was traveling at an unsafe speed. As vessel 2 crossed the wake of vessel 1 the operator of 2 lost control and was ejected from vessel 2. Vessel 2 continued its forward momentum and truck the starboard stern of vessel 1 causing damage to the transom and tuna door.  Operator 2 was wearing a required personal flotation device. Vessel 1 was equipped with all safety requirements.

The inexperience of operator 2 is believed to be the contributing factor in the incident. Neither alcohol nor drugs were believed to be contributing factors.


BARDID: NC-2015-0109
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Holden Beach
County: Brunswick
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject, along with his Son and Grandson had been intentionally beached on the side of the ICW around Holden Beach during the day for some time. Around 16:00, Subject and his passengers left the beach to head toward home. While maneuvering off of the beach Subject was met by two large boats who seemed to be racing. Due to the speed of the two boats a large wake was thrown in Subjects direction which consequently swamped his vessel and prompted Subjects vessel to sink. After Subject''s Boat sank, Oyster beds along with wake and waves began to cut gashes in the side of the vessel, flooded the outboard motor, and broke the throttle control. 

After speaking with Subject, I feel that Subject''s boat had taken on water prior to leaving the beach thus making the vessel sit lower in the water. When the two unidentified vessels come racing past Subject their wake easily swamped Subjects vessel due to its sitting much lower in the water and the other boats excessive speed producing a larger than normal wake.

After inspecting Subject''s vessel for damage, we found the fiberglass hull had been cut multiple time by the Oyster beds, the Motor had been flooded with water, and the throttle control had been broke.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0110
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Gaston
NearestCityorTown: Littleton
County: Warren
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 8, 2015 around 5:00 pm operator was operating her 22'' Hurricane Deck boat on lake Gaston headed north east along the north side of the lake. Operator was operating near the shore line at around 30 mph when she looked back to talk to her grandson, while doing this Operator turned the wheel a little to the right causing her to run into a boat house. Operator checked to see if everyone was okay and took pictures of the dock and left. There were no injuries and very little damage to the boat, but there was damage to the boat house. The support band was broken and a couple of support post were pushed in. Operator stated that she was not paying attention when she looked back and was negligent and careless and traveling to close to the docks. Operator has been with the Coast Guard Auxiliary for the last 15 years teaching boating safety.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0111
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2015-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mason''s Inlet
NearestCityorTown: Wrightsville Beach
County: New Hanover
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Machinery failure
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday August 8, 2015 operator was operating vessel number one in Mason''s Inlet near Wrightsville Beach NC.  Passengers on the boat were Operator''s co-worker and three of their neighbors.  They anchored the vessel in the middle of the channel for a while then decided to pull anchor and attempted to go into the mouth of a creek on the south side of the inlet.  
 
At that point the vessel ran aground on a sanbar.  According to witnesses Operator attempted to free the vessel by reving the engine however this cause the vessel to bog down further in the sand.  Operator then got out and pulled the vessel out into deeper water.  He then started the vessel but realized that something had broken and he did not have any power.  The vessel then began to drift toward other boats so he with the help of others put out a bow and stern anchor to hold the boat in place.  (One witness stated that he observed Operator take several shots of what appeared to be liquor or some type of alcoholic beverage and that Operator appeared to be impaired.)   
 
Operator and his passengers then went for a ride on another boat for 30-45 minutes.  Upon returning they saw that the rear anchor line was not holding and the vessel had spun around.   Another boat came and picked up the two women and child. While they were gone Operator and Occupant1 saw one of the lower units dangling by some cables.  Occupant1 secured the lower unit to the vessel with some lines.   Later another vessel came back with the other three passengers and picked up Operator and Occupant1. 
 
 Later that evening Operator hitched a ride back to his vessel to sleep on it for the night saying he was afraid of someone vandalizing the vessel or stealing things.    The next morning he hitched another ride back to Wrightsville Beach to attempt to get help to retrieve his vessel.  He returned later that afternoon with tow boats to tow his vesseel back in.  Upon returning the stern of the vessel was sunken and the bow was sticking up out of the water.  Operator stated that some items on his vessel had been stolen from the time he left Sunday morning and when he returned Sunday afternoon.  He also stated at this time he spoke with a deputy by radio that said he had seen some black people driving his boat in the creek.  (After talking with the Tow Boats US Capt. we realized that he was actually speaking with someone on shore who had seen them the previous day with the three black passengers he had on board).  Tow Boats US towed the vessel back to Wrightsville Beach Access Area and then the vessel was taken to Greene''s Marine in Wilmington the first of the week to have repaired.  We first learned of this incident from Greene''s Marine who stated that the vessel was more than likely totaled.
 
    Officer began investigating this incident on Thursday Aug. 13th after Greene''s Marine called. Subject stated that on Saturday Aug. 8th Operator came to his shop around noon wanted him to work on his boat.  Subject told him he could not work on it then.  Subject stated that Operator was intoxicated at the time he was at his shop.  We went and interviewed Operator on Thursday Aug. 13 and Friday Aug. 14th during the day at his residence.  On both occasions he was appreciably impaired.  One witness also stated that Operator appeared to be impaired after he ran his vessel aground.  It is my belief that Operator was impaired at the time of the incident which more than likely contributed to the incident.  However we were not notified of the incident until several days later and were unable to make any charges.  I have since made contact with USCG Wrightsville Beach and spoken with new personnel there to make sure we are notified of all incidents immediately.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0112
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: INTERCOASTAL WATERWAY
NearestCityorTown: OCEAN ISLE BEACH
County: BRUNSWICK
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On July, 28 2015 the operator of vessel 1 was involved in a boating incident on the Intracostal Waterway near Ocean Isle Beach, NC.

The operator of vessel 1 was traveling east on the Intracoastal Waterway pulling two female individuals on a tube. As the operator started to turn the vessel and head back west pulling the tube the tube made a flat turn and struck a submerged dock throwing both occupants from the tube. One of the tube occupant''s truck part of the submerged dock causing injuries to her head and back. The victim was recovered and airlifted to New Hanover Medical. Both occupants of the tube were wearing personal flotation devices. Vessel 1 was equipped with all safety requirements.

Operator inattention and improper lookout are believed to be the contributing factors in the incident. Neither alcohol nor drugs were believed to be contributing factors.


BARDID: NC-2015-0113
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pamlico Sound
NearestCityorTown: Avon
County: Dare
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Wesley Rasmussen-Wilson, operating vessel #1 a personal watercraft, was heading out to the riding zone of Ocean Air Sports in Avon, NC.  Vessel 1, accelerated went left, over correcting went right, over corrected again went left and started to straighten out.    

Operator2 saw vessel #1 out of control and started to proceed to the left side of the channel to possibly avoid collision.  Vessel #1 came from the starboard side of vessel #2 and vessel #2 struck vessel #1.  Both operators fell off their personal watercrafts into the water.  

Three people from Ocean Air Sports, came out on paddle boards and took victim back to the Ocean Air Sports dock.  victim received medical treatment and went to Outer Banks Hospital, then transported to Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, VA.  victim was diagnosed with 2 broken ribs, a lacerated spleen and a lacerated kidney from the personal watercraft accident and released from the hospital on 08/09/2015. the other operator was not injured in this accident.    

Alcohol and drugs were not contributing factors in this accident. Operators were wearing PFD. No charges were filed.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0114
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BONAPARTE CREEK
NearestCityorTown: SUNSET BEACH
County: BRUNSWICK
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 1, 2015 the operator of vessel 1 and passenger was involved in a boating incident in Bonaparte Creek near Sunset Beach NC.

The operator of vessel 1 was traveling south on Bonaparte Creek; as the operator approached the mouth of the creek the vessel struck a submerged sandbar ejecting both occupants from the vessel. The passenger suffered neck and back injuries from impact with the sandbar the operator was unharmed. The passenger was taken to Seacoast Medical in South Carolina for treatment. Both operator and the passenger were both wearing required personal flotation devices. Vessel 1 was equipped with required safety equipment. 

Operator inexperience of the area and a submerged sandbar are believed to be the contributing factor in the incident.  Neither alcohol nor drugs were believed to be contributing factors.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0115
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: High Rock Lake
NearestCityorTown: Lexington
County: Davidson
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 09 August 2015 at approximately 3:00pm, on Abbotts Creek in High Rock Lake, Vessel #1 occupied by a total of 3 persons was travelling northeast in the vicinity of the NC Hwy 8 bridge. The victim was trying to waterski by being pulled by Vessel #1. The victim had very little experience in water skiing and was attempting his second try to stand up while being pulled. As the boat began to pull the victim, he attempted to stand up and he experienced a sharp pain in his right leg/thigh, he then let go of the ski rope.  
 
The operator of vessel #1 maneuvered the vessel around and assisted the injured victim into the boat.  The operator returned to the boating access area at Southmont and assisted by the passengers of vessel #1 placed the victim onto the pier at the ramp. Wildlife Enforcement Officer were conducting a pre-launch vessel inspection at the same location. After the officers were made aware of the injured victim, EMS was called to the scene. The victim decided to have operator transport him to the hospital in Lexington, NC.  After numerous medical tests it was determined that the victim had sustained a detached hamstring in his right leg.  The victim was wearing a PFD, no alcohol or drugs were involved.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0116
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake James
NearestCityorTown: Nebo
County: McDowell
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 16, 2015 at around 1445, operator was operating a PWC on Lake James up from the Moose Lodge (35.72666 08196809). Operator was attempting to pull his mother, victim on skis when she took a hard fall into the water. victim immediately experienced severe pain in her left hip and was unable to get out of the water. In addition, 911 was called and the McDowell County EMS arrived on scene. Moreover, the EMS was able to get Victim out of the water, where she was taken to the Moose Lodge and then transported to the McDowell Hospital in Marion. Furthermore, Victim was treated and diagnosed with a broken hip. She was later transported to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte where she underwent successful hip surgery. 
 
Lastly, as the investigator, I believe that due to Victim''s age and perhaps her lack of experience water skiing behind a PWC may have been a contributing factor in this incident.
 
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0117
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2015-08-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: JOHN H KERR RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: TOWNSVILLE
County: VANCE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On august 15th, 2015 i responded to a boat that had capsized on kerr lake in little nutbush creek. The vessel was a 19 foot ranger bass boat.  The vessel was traveling at approximately 40 mph and went over a wake 1-2 feet in size.  As the vessel came off the wake the vessel turned sideways to the left ejecting the operator out of the right side of the vessel.  The hull of the vessel was cracked down the right side and there was a separation between the hull and the deck of the vessel that was between 6-8 inches. The motor on the vessel was trimmed all the way down and was still in the straight position like the vessel was traveling. The operator refused medical treatment.  The owner/operator expressed the loss of $3,000.00 of fishing rods and reels and unknown amount of tackle.  The boat was removed from kerr lake by steele creek marina.
 
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0118
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pamlico Sound
NearestCityorTown: Swanquarter
County: Hyde
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Machinery failure
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator of vessel number one, registration number, at or about 11:00 am the throttle cable malfunctioned leaving the vessel with no forward gear. Operator attempted to return to the boat ramp in reverse but started taking water in over the stern. Operator tried to turn the boat around putting the bow into the waves so the water that was in it could drain out through the scupper holes. As Operator was trying to turn the boat around, a wave came over the transom causing the vessel to fill with water. Operator and his son tried to use coolers to bail the water out of the boat and at that point another wave came over the transom causing the boat to begin sinking. At this point Operator grabbed a life jacket and put it on and his son was already wearing his. The boat rolled over and both of them climbed on top of the exposed underside of the vessel. They saw the ferry in the distance and began waving their arms in an attempt to flag down the ferry. Crew members from the ferry got in a tender boat, and retrieved both Operator and his son from the sinking boat. Tow boat US was called to come tow the capsized vessel. Tow boat US righted the boat and towed it back to Swan Quarter Access Area.  At approximately 15:00 the vessel was tied to the dock and the water inside it was pumped out. The use of alcohol and drugs did not contribute to this accident and no violations were detected.

additional personal property that sustained damage during the accident was a GPS. He stated that they lost tackle boxes along with several fishing rods. He estimated that the property lost would total around $450.00.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0119
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-09-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: YEOPIM CREEK
NearestCityorTown: HERTFORD
County: PERQUIMANS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
September 07, 2015 at approximately 10:55 a.m., Operator1 and his girlfriend were traveling South on Yeopim Creek. Vessel #1 was cruising at approximately 25 mph, rounded a right hand turn on the creek and being on the west side of the creek. Operator2 was operating a personal watercraft, and her husband was operating a separate personal watercraft were traveling North in the west - center of Yeopim Creek. At this point Yeopim Creek is approximately 100 yards wide with docks extending into the water on the West side of the creek. After vessel #1 maneuvered around a right hand turn and being on the west side of the creek vessel #2 was on that side of the creek in vessel #1 path. Vessel #1 turned right towards the west, vessel #2 made an abrupt left turn towards the west and reportedly let off the gas in the path of the oncoming vessel #1. Vessel #1 put the throttle in neutral, impacted the starboard side of vessel #2, continued over the personal watercraft and struck the operator, ejecting her into the water. After the impact vessel #2 operator was found floating face down in the water with her PFD on. The operator of vessel #1 jumped in the water pulling victim to a nearby dock where he began CPR, trying to revive her. She was pronounced dead on the way to the hospital due to her injuries. No alcohol or drugs contributed to this incident.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0120
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORMAN
NearestCityorTown: CORNELIUS
County: MECKLENBURG
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On september 2, 2015 at approximately 12:30am a boating incident occurred on lake norman approximately one mile west of the interstate 77 causeway (lat. 35. 5092, lon. -80.8828). The vessel was a 30-foot, 2005 cruiser yacht with twin 270 hp inboard-outdrive motors. There were six passengers on board and operator stated that they were all above deck in the seating area. The vessel ran aground on a rocky shoal and became lodged there. There were no injuries reported.

Operator stated that they had just left the rusty rudder bar and were going to find a cove to anchor and “hang out”. He stated that they were cruising, on plane, down the lake and the vessel began to slow down before coming to a complete stop. One of the witnesses/passengers stated that the stopping of the vessel was so gradual nobody was even knocked off their feet.  Operator then stated that after spending a small amount of time trying to dislodge the vessel themselves they were forced to call a tow service that brought them back to shore and had to come out the following morning to tow the vessel off of the shoal. The initial analysis of the boat after the incident revealed both propellers to have significant damage. The left propeller had bent blades and one blade on the right propeller had a large piece of it torn and curled up the blade. The fiberglass hull had numerous scratches and gouges from the bow to the stern from running aground.

In conclusion it was evident that the propellers struck the bottom of the lake damaging propeller blades on both motors. The impact and dragging across the bottom before coming to a complete stop on the shoal caused severe fiberglass damage on the hull of the vessel. The cause of the incident appeared to be operator inattention and an improper lookout. I spoke with cornelius police department who was on scene the night of the incident and they stated that in their professional opinion alcohol was not a determining factor. Operator was charged with having no current and valid registration on his vessel.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0121
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Tillery
NearestCityorTown: Norwood
County: Stanly
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On september 5th, 2015 at approximately 8:30pm, a boating incident occurred on lake tillery between richland creek and piney point cove. Vessel 1 was an 18 foot pontoon boat with a 75 horsepower mercury outboard motor, owned and operated by subject. Vessel 2 was an 18.8 foot champion bass boat with a 200 horsepower yamaha outboard motor. Vessel 1 was coming from piney point cove and was heading toward richlands creek at the time of the incident. Vessel 2 was traveling south on lake tillery heading toward the hydro dam at the time of the incident.

As vessel 1 was heading towards richlands creek vessel 2 was heading south on lake tillery towards the hydro dam. Vessel 1 estimated he was traveling under 10 miles per hours. At the time of the incident vessel 2 estimated he was traveling between 10- 20 miles per hour at the time of the incident. As vessel 1 was traveling across lake tillery, vessel 2 was traveling south, and when vessel 2 noticed vessel 1, vessel 2 slowed down and turned the vessel to the right as an attempt to avoid the collision. When vessel 2 turned to the right it glanced off the motor of vessel 1. The collision caused the motor cover of vessel 1 to break and the engine was unable to start back up. Vessel 2 ended up having scratches along the hull to the port side and about a 1 inch circle of the fiberglass was broken off the stern of vessel 2. Vessel 2 ended up towing vessel 1 back to their residence after the incident. Both vessels had all the required safety equipment and both vessels had proper navigational lights. No one was injured in this incident.

It appears as though vessel 2 attempted to avoid a collision with vessel 1 by turning sharply to the right, vessel 2 ended up striking the motor of vessel 1. This incident may have been caused by the improper placement of vessel 1''s stern light. Even though vessel 1 had all the required navigation lights on the vessel and they all were working properly at the time of the incident, the stern light could have been improperly placed. By the stern light being improperly placed it may have not been visible 360 degrees. This could have been due to the top on vessel 1. Also this incident could have been due to the improper lookout and or the operator''s inattention of vessel 2. No one was charged as a result of this incident.
 
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0122
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: JORDAN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: PITTSBORO
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/04/2015 at approximately 18:00 Operator was operating a 20 foot Bayliner.   Operator stated that the weather was clear, the water was calm and the wind was light during the time of the accident.  Operator stated that she did not know subject1 very well and that Subject1 had told her she used to wakeboard and would like to try it again so Operator agreed to pull her behind her boat.  Operator had reached a speed of approximately 10-20 MPH.  Subject1 struggled to get up on the wakeboard and and fell down before she ever got on top of the water.  
 
Subject1 later stated to me that she should have let go but didn''t and she thought the wakeboard had popped up and hit her in the right thigh just before she fell.  Subject1 said she knew she had severely broken her femur bone as soon as she hit the water.  When operator circled around to pick her up in the Bayliner, Operator realized that victim was injured.  Victim refused to let her friends load her in their boat and take her to the ramp, Subject1 requested that a EMS come out and assist her.  Officer and I went to the Robeson Creek boat ramp and picked up 2 fireman and 2 EMS personnel.  We arrived on scene in Stinking Creek at approximately 18:15.  EMS and Fire loaded Subject1 into my state issued vessel. 
 
 Subject1 seemed to be in an extreme amount of pain throughout the whole process.  Subject1 told me she had drank approximately 6 beers all day; she submitted a breath sample into my PBT which resulted in a 0.05.   I took Subject1 to the Robeson Creek boat ramp where she was placed in an ambulance and taken to the Hospital.  Subject1 underwent surgery on her right femur which was broken in 5 places.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0123
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Tillery
NearestCityorTown: Norwood
County: Stanly
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Shift
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 5, 2015, Vessel 1, a 1974 18ft. Cobalt 165 horse power, was attempting to dock in the boat house.  As the operator, Operator, approached the boat house at a slow speed he put the vessel in reverse.  Operator realized the vessel did not respond properly and was getting closer.  Operator then put the vessel in reverse aggressively to avoid colliding with the boat house.  The vessel then lunged forward which caused the left front portion of the vessel to collide with the left support beam of the entrance to the boathouse. This action caused the operator to lunge forward where his chest made contact with a windshield wiper motor casing.  Operator then quickly turned the motor off.  The vessel came to a final resting position inside the boat house. 

Operator was transported to Stanly Reginal Hospital where he was treated for bruising of the chest and later released.  Operator did not have any broken bones. 

The collision with the pier resulted in a cracked hull on the left side of the front end.  Total estimated damage $500.00.

All safety equipment was present and in working condition.  Alcohol was not a factor in this incident.

 
I spoke with Operator by phone on July 6, 2015 where it was determined by a boat mechanic that the shifter had malfunctioned, which caused the vessel to continue to move in forward motion, even though it was in the reverse position.  No one was charged as a result of this incident.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0124
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Surf City, NC
County: Pender
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 26th of 2015 at approximately 2:30 pm, operator was operating his  2002 green aluminum Polar Kraft model 1875MV side console john boat (Vessel 1) in the IC W just north of the Surf City, NC drawbridge. Immediately prior to the incident, Operator was operating vessel 1 heading east in the creek channel located N.E. of the drawbridge at Surf City, NC adjacent to Black Beard's Campground. 
 
Operator said that his type IV PFD flew out the vessel as he was traveling west across the ICW just before entering the creek.  Whenhe realized his Type IV PFD had blown out, he then turned vessel 1 around and headed west back out to the ICW.  According to Operator, he was operating vessel 1 one standing up behind the side console when he turned the vessel around towards the south in the ICW and grabbed the Type IV PFD while turning.  Operator said after he picked up the PFD, he lost his balance while vessel 1 was still turning and he began heading east towards the north western corner of the bulkhead located at Black Beard's Campground in Surf City.  Operator said that he tried to steer vessel 1 towards the north and throttle it down to avoid running into the bulkhead, but it was too late.  
 
Vessel 1 impacted the pylon/bulkhead located on the northwestern corner of Black Beard's Campground (610 Roland Ave. Surf City, NC 28445) traveling at an estimated speed of between 10-20 mph.  After the impact, Operator was thrown forward landing in the bow of vessel 1.  Upon impact, Operator's legs possibly impacted the side console and front seat located in the bow of vessel 1.  Operator sustained lacerations to his left shin and right knee.  Vessel 1 sustained major damage to the port side of the bow and bow deck, side console, trolling motor, and lowrange navigation system.  

The sea wall bulk head sustained broken timbers, a damaged pylon, and holes in the vinyl.  A nearby fishermen that witnessed the accident stated that he heard an outboard engine running at a high rpm just north of him and he turned just in time to see vessel 1 impacting the bulkhead.  He said that he witnessed the operator being thrown from behind the center console into the bow of the boat.  The witness ran over to the scene to render aid and called 911.  An officer from Surf City Police Dept. was the first to arrive on scene followed by the Pender Co. EMS.  Pender Co. EMS bandaged Operator's legs and offered to transport him to the hospital.  Operator refused transport.  Operator admitted to the Surf City Police officer that he had been consuming alcohol.  

The Surf City Police officer administered a P.B.T. test to confirm whether or not Operator had consumed alcohol.  Operator tested positive for alcohol on the P.B.T.  I arrived on scene at approximately 3:50pm.  After talking with the Surf City police officer and interviewing the operator, I began administering standardized field sobriety tests to determine if the operator was impaired.  Operator told me that he wanted to go to the hospital, so I explained to him that he was free to go and seek medical treatment at any time but I would appreciate it if he would perform field sobriety tests for me and he agreed to do so.  
 
After administering field sobriety testing on Operator, I determined that in my opinion the he was impaired and explained to him that he was going to be charged with operating a vessel on the waters of this state while under the influence of an impairing substance.  Operator's mother transported him to the New Hanover Region Medical Center in Scotts Hill, NC.  I met Operator at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.  Upon arrival to the New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Operator consented to a blood test for alcohol and I issued Operator a citation for operating while impaired. 
 
Operator received 7 stitches to the front side of his left shin and bandages on his right knee.  While at the accident scene, Operator told me that the boat wouldn't turn and that the throttl


BARDID: NC-2015-0125
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GASTON
NearestCityorTown: HENRICO
County: NORTHAMPTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 4, 2015, at about 5:00 pm, the operator of vessel #1, operator1, was operating a kawasaki stx 15f personal water craft and pulling four occupants on an xps d-80 tube.  The operator entered a narrow cove that was about 220 feet across.  The operator turned to leave the cove.  While doing so the tube swung out to the right.  The tube and two of its occupants hit a dock and a third occupant may have struck her head against one of the victims upon impact. 
 
The impact caused these three occupants to be ejected from the tube after hitting the dock and thrown into the water.  Tuber1 and tuber2 were knocked unconscious.  Tuber3 suffered a head injury, possibly from hiting her head against one of the other victims.  The victims were rescued by other occupants of the pwc and tube and assisted onto the dock.  Tuber1, tuber2, and tuber3 were treated at the scene by the northampton county rescue squad.  Tuber3 refused to be transported to the halifax regional medical center.  Tuber1 and tuber2 were taken to the halifax regional medical center for treatment.  Tuber1 and tuber2 were then transported to vidant medical center for further treatment.  Tuber1 suffered a severe head concussion.  Tuber1 also had about a three inch laceration to the right side of her forehead about three inches above her right eye.  On september 12, 2015, it was reported by tuber1''s father that she has sever bruising to her right side, a deep bone bruise on her right shin (right lower leg), a broken right big toe, and a concussion.  Tuber2 also suffered a severe head concussion along with a large lump to the right side of her head.  On september 12, 2015, it was reported by tuber2''s father that she has severe bruising to the right side of her face, a basal skull fracture, a concussion, and a possible rotator cuff injury.  At the scene, tuber3 showed symptoms of a possible concussion and after she had a phone conversation with her mother, had an acquaintance take her to the halifax regional medical center where she was treated for a concussion and a sore neck and then  released from the hospital.  All occupants of the personal water craft and tube were wearing their personal flotation devices.
 
The operator was interviewed at the hospital the day of the incident.  The operator stated that he did not have experience pulling subjects on a tube.  He also stated he was too close to the boat dock.
 
The operator was charged with reckless and negligent operation of a motor boat, operating a pwc within 100 foot of a dock at greater than no wake speed, and causing the occupants of the tube to collide with the dock.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0126
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-09-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FALLS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WAKE FOREST
County: WAKE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On september 19, 2015 at approximately 11:30 a.m. a boat accident occurred on falls lake adjacent to the holly point swim area. Two vessels were involved in the accident with vessel #1 being a 2000 kawasaki personal watercraft. Vessel #2 was a 2010 18 foot skeeter, owned and operated and having aboard five other passengers. Vessel #1 struck vessel #2, bow to stern collision, due to careless and reckless operation.

Upon investigation it was determined that vessel #1 had been following closely behind vessel #2 for a short period in order to jump its created wake. Vessel #2 brought the vessel off throttle to neutral to figure out their location on the unfamiliar falls lake. Vessel #1 stated that he was “looking down at something” and when he looked up vessel #2 had come to a stop and there was nothing he could do to prevent from striking that vessel. Vessel #1 collided with vessel #2''s stern on the port side directly at the ladder step.  It also struck the motor with its starboard side, which veered vessel #1 off to the left side of vessel #2, preventing injury to any passengers.

There was a baseball size hole in the front of vessel #1 with an estimated $3000.00 worth of damage. Vessel #2 had fiberglass damage to the impact site on the stern, scratches and a crack on the motor cowling, and scratches down the port side. The owner estimated at least $3000.00 worth of damage as well.  There were no personal injuries and all the safety equipment was in compliance on both vessels.  I performed sfst on the operator of vessel #1 due to him having the presence of alcohol on his breath but was determined to not be intoxicated. I did charge the operator of vessel #1 with careless and reckless operation of a motorboat.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0127
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-09-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GASTON
NearestCityorTown: LITTLETON
County: WARREN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On sept. 7th, 2015 at approx. 2:00am on lake gaston, nc at eaton''s ferry bridge,  operator was operating a grey and black 2015 yamaha jet boat, registration, on the main body of lake gaston, with  passenger occupant. Operator was heading east on lake gaston towards myrick estates.  Operator left the point restaurant heading east and grounded his yamaha boat on the eaton''s ferry bridge causeway.
 
    operator and occupant were heading home and were not aware of their exact location on the lake. Not realizing that they were very close to eaton''s ferry bridge they did not see the bridge causeway.  Operator was traveling at a great rate of speed and hit the causeway headon deflecting the vessel upwards at about a 45 degree angle towards the roadway. The vessel made contact with the guardrail and was stopped by the eyelet on the bow, preventing operator''s boat from continuing onto the roadway. Deputy of warren county sherrif''s office arrrived shortly after the accedent. Wildwood fire department arrived to remove the victims and ems transport subjects to halifax regional medical center. Operator sustained some severe head injuries and occupant had possible  shoulder and neck injuries. Both were transported to vidant hospital in greenville. 
 
    officer received the call concerning the accident at 2:27am and contacted me immediately after. We arrived at the halifax regional medical center at or about 3:00am. Operator was having a cat scan done when we arrived, and occupant was in er room 4. Officer interviewed occupant and operator about the incident. Officer and i detected an strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on operator and occupant breath while conducting the interviews.  occupant would not answer direct questions concerning the incident and was very uncooperative. I entered the room to assist officer with the interview. At this time operator was returned er room 1 from the cat scan and we proceeded to ask him what he could tell us about the incident. He told us he couldn''t remember anything and then said "you know how dark it is and the dam only has 3 lights on it." operator eventually told us that he was operating the boat. At this time officer read operator his rights and asked him if he wanted a witness or attorney present when his blood was drawn for bac. Operator did not respond. Officer than repeated the question and he still didn''t respond. At this time we had the nurses draw operator''s blood for the blood test kit.  
 
it appears that alcohol was a contributing factor. Both occupants of the vessel showed strong sings of impairment. The vessel also contained 2 open containers of alcoholic beverages. One 3/4 consumed bottle of coors light beer in the operator side cup holder, and one mike''s harder lemonade can in the passenger side cup holder. The throttle was still engaged in the forward position approximately 3/4 of the way engaged, indicating that the vessel was traveling at a very high rate of speed and that the vessel was in full plain on the water''s surface. Upon impact, operator was thrown into the vessel''s dash board/windshield causing a major wound above his right eye and causing bleeding around the brain which is consistant with the blood found at the scene. Occupant was thrown in the vessel and injured her neck and her shoulder. No other injuries have been reported.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0128
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lure
NearestCityorTown: Lake Lure
County: Rutherford
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
SUBJECTS FUELED UP VESSEL AT LAKE LURE MARINA, PROCEEDED THROUGH NO WAKE ZONE AND BEGAN TO ACCELERATE, EXPLOSION OCCURED, BLOWING OUT CUP HOLDERS, DASH PANELS AND SPEAKERS AS WELL  AS SEPERATING HULL DOWN THE STARBOARD SIDE OF VESSEL. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS WERE USED TO EXTINGUISH FIRE. OPERATOR ADVISED THEY HAD CUT ON SWITCH TO PURGE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AFTER FUELING. IT IS MY OPINION THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FAILED TO PURGE FUMES CAUSING THE FIRE. NO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS WERE INVOLVED.


BARDID: NC-2015-0129
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-09-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE JAMES
NearestCityorTown: MARION
County: MCDOWELL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On september 20th 2015, operator was operating vessel#1 on lake james.   He was traveling upstream approximately one half mile from catawba river spillway on the right hand side of the main channel.   Vessel # 1 was pulling two skiers when it struck a submerged object causing damage to the lower unit and transom of the vessel.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0130
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: OAK ISLAND
County: BRUNSWICK
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was involved in incident on 08/26/2015 near oak island, nc. The pwc engine stalled and the operator departed the pwc and attempted to drift it to shore. The pwc was caught by the ocean waves; as the operator attempted to control the pwc, he was caught between the pwc and the ocean floor, resulting in injuries to his left leg. Mechanical malfunction and operator inattention to conditions resulted in the incident. Alcohol nor drugs were believed to be the contributing factor in the incident. Vessel 1 was equipped with all required safety equipment. Operator was wearing pfd at the time of the incident.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0131
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Kerr Scott Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Wilkesboro
County: Wilkes
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday August 23, 2015 at approximately 4:20 in the afternoon subject was operating a vessel towing his son and the victim on a tube. Operator was heading west towards Skyline Marina when the tube with the two boys on it made contact with a wake from another vessel and threw Victim from the tube. When Victim came up he was screaming for help. Operator brought the boat around to pick Victim up and Victim stated his leg was hurt. Operator got Victim on the boat and headed to Skyline Marina, contacted the park rangers, who then contacted me. All life jackets were worn and no alcohol was involved in this incident. In my opinion the injury occured due to the way Victim hit the water when he fell off the tube.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0132
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GASTON
NearestCityorTown: LITTLETON
County: WARREN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On august 1, 2015, at about 1:15 pm, the operator of vessel # 1 was pulling two subjects on a revolution tube and four subjects on a molecule tube in stone house creek on lake gaston.   One of the occupants on the revolution tube fell off.  The operator of the vessel decreased his speed to about five miles an hour and turned back around in order to pick up the fallen tuber.  While doing so the other occupant that was on the revolution tube fell off of the tube.   When victim fell off the tube his legs straddled the rope that was attached to the tube.  His legs slid down the rope, and his right calf got hooked in a carabiner that was attached underneath the middle portion of the tube.  The force of his own weight, along with the force of the vessel pulling him, caused the carabiner to open, and it became lodged in victim''s calf.  This pulled a large section of flesh from his right calf.  He was rescued by other subjects on the other tube and was put in the boat.  He was taken back to the operator''s residence.  He was treated at the scene by the warren county rescue squad and then transported to halifax regional medical center for further treatment.  After interviewing the operator, it was determined that the vessel was adequately equipped with enough personal flotation devices for all subject on board, and all of the subjects on the tubes were wearing their personal flotation devices at the time of the accident.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0133
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2015-09-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Hampstead
County: Pender
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On the night of September 18, 2015 at approximately 11:30 PM, I was notified of a vessel on fire at marker 100 in the ICW near Hampstead, North Carolina. I made contact with the call reporter, right after being notified by Raleigh Dispatch. Reporter made me aware of the situation and that the two subjects which were on the boat were then on her boat dock because the boat caught fire and they pushed it away from the dock. I asked Reporter to have the two subjects stay there until I arrive. Reporter then called me back and said another boat stopped by her dock and the two subjects boarded that boat and left heading north up the ICW.

I then arrived at Reporter residence to begin the investigation. 

Reporter told me that it was the subjects 21 st anniversary. They had been sitting at the end of Reporter dock for approximately two hours. The subjects could not get the boat to run. The male subject sprayed a type of starting fluid on the engine which then ignited and blew back in the male subject's face slightly burning his face. The boat then caught fire and was pushed away from the dock. The boat then drifted across the waterway to Lee Island where it came to rest and continued to burn. The boat then sank in shallow water resting on its starboard side in the edge of the marsh grass. Reporter went into her residence to get Aloe for the subject to apply to his face. She then went back into her residence. Then as she walked back out, she noticed the two subjects boarding another boat and taking off up the waterway.

Pender County Fire and Coast Guard arrived on scene as the boat burned and sank in the shallow marsh grass. I boarded Pender County's Fire Boat and was taken to the burning boat. I observed a burnt case of beer and a charred fuel tank. The vessel was warped and charred along with the engine hood loosely resting on top of the engine. All in which was charred. Both port and starboard sides were charred preventing the registration numbers from being noticeable. 
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0134
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-10-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Newport River
NearestCityorTown: Beaufort
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1 was attempting to dock at the Radio Island boat ramp when the vessel got caught in the current and spun around hitting Vessel #2, which was docked.  In an attempt to avoid collision, Vessel #1 accelerated just prior to impact causing greater impact speed.  Vessel #1 struck the port side engine on Vessel #2 with the rub rail on the port side corner of the stern.  There was no damage to Vessel #1 and Vessel #2 sustained a cracked cowl on the port side engine.


BARDID: NC-2015-0135
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-10-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Wilmington
County: New Hanover
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
At appx 10:30 PM while heading South on the ICW in between mile maker 138 and 139, the vessel operator prior to the accident was having problems with the onboard generator.  Subject went below to work on the problem.  Subject2 took over the controls of the vessel. Now operating the vessel, Subject2 said the he reduced the throttle while Subject was below working on the generator.  Subject2 stated that it was a very dark night with no moon and he did not have a spotlight to assist him in navigation.  Subject2 navigated outside of the marked channel and hit a floating dock then went over top of it and struck an empty boat lift and two pylons.  

After impact, Subject took over the controls of the boat.  The two men were unsure of what they hit or if they had run aground.  They looked around and didn't see any lights or houses in the area to notify them of what had happened. 
 
Subject was worried about the boat having a hole in the bottom and drove it back to its slip in the Carolina Beach Yacht basin to look over the boat.  Subject and Subject2 said that they returned the next day (Saturday 10/17/2015) to look for damage and report it to the dock owner.  They were unable to determine exactly what they hit and didn't know the exact area it happened at, but speculated about a possible dock at the end of Hollis Ln. in Wilmington.

Subject went to Hollis Ln. on Sunday (10/18/2015) and found the owners of the dock family.  They gave Subject the contact information to the dock owner.  Owner advised Subject that he already reported the damage to the Wildlife Commission and they were investigating the accident.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0136
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cape Fear River
NearestCityorTown: Wilmington
County: New Hanover
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 24 July 2015, at approximately 07:20, Operator was exiting Sawmill Point Marina. As he exited the dock area of the marina and approached the main channel of the Northeast Cape Fear River, he got caught in the outgoing current and began to drift south towards a large sailboat that was docked on the outer most dock at the same marina.  As Operator''s boat began to drift near the docked vessel, Operator used his left arm to fend off the docked vessel, so he wouldn’t cause any damage. While Operator was attempting to fend off the other vessel his arm got caught in between his vessel and the docked vessel, breaking his upper left arm. Operator’s boat drifted into the bow and along the left side of the docked vessel. After the crash Operator was able maneuver his boat away from the docked vessel and out into deeper water where he anchored. Once emergency crews responded one of the firefighters boarded Operator vessel and drove it over to a nearby dock.

Operator was transported to Cape Fear Memorial Hospital as a result of his injury.

The docked vessel sustained minor damage along the right side of the hull, a bent turn buckle and damage to the rigging as a result of the crash.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0137
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-10-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TAYLORS CREEK
NearestCityorTown: Beaufort
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1 had entered Taylor''s Creek with the intention of docking at Beaufort Docks.  As Vessel #1 was approaching the docks at idle speed, the operator tried to account for the wind pushing to starboard and the current pushing to port when the dinghy located atop the vessel struck Vessel #2, which was docked in the furthest slip from shore.  The propeller from the dinghy located on the port side of Vessel #1 struck the bow pulpit bending it approximately 5" to port and broke the jackstaff from the burgee stanchion on Vessel #2.  The 4 tie down straps used to secure the dinghy atop Vessel #1 were broken and the dinghy fell into the water.


BARDID: NC-2015-0138
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-10-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: MASONBORO INLET
NearestCityorTown: WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH
County: NEW HANOVER
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
While going out the Masonboro Inlet in an eastern direction, the operator stated that the sun was directly in his eyes and was having a hard time seeing the channel markers.  Operator thought that he saw the green channel marker to the left of him and turned vessel 1 towards the sign.  Unknowingly the sign that Operator saw was a caution sign.   Operator then hit a submerged concrete seawall.  Operator immediately put on a PFD and radioed to the USCG Station Wrightsville Beach that his boat was taking on water and he needed assistance.  A Coast Guard vessel was dispatched and Operator was able to step onto the Coast Guard boat before vessel 1 sank.  Operator was taken to the Coast Guard Station and assisted by American Red Cross.  Vessel 1 was then pushed off the concrete wall by the waves and sank. Tow Boats US was then contracted to remove the vessel from the waterway.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0139
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pamlico Sound
NearestCityorTown: Nags Head
County: Dare
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 9/5/15 at approximately 11:00 AM, Operator1 and Operator2 left the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center on kayaks to explore the sand islands in the Pamlico Sound.  It was reported the weather was sunny and calm when they left the fishing center.  It was reported that the weather became windy and stormy around 3:00 PM.  The two kayakers were almost to the last sand island southeast of Oregon Inlet at this point.  
 
Due to weather conditions Operator1's kayak flooded causing him to exit his kayak into the water.  He was wearing a PFD.  He then swam to Operator2, who's kayak was also filling up with water.  It was at this point Operator2 contacted the US Coast Guard.  Shortly after that, Operator2 exited his kayak after it had completely flooded.  The two lost contact of the kayaks, which were bobbing at this point.  They reported hanging on to a cooler for bouyancy.  At approximately 12:49 AM on 9/6/15, the US Coast Guard located Operator1 and Operator2 and retrieved them from the water.  It was reported they were located approximately 9 or 10 miles from Oregon Inlet.  At 1:34 AM, Operator2 and Operator1 were transported to the Dare County Hospital by ambulance.  Both were treated for hypothermia but reported they were actually just dehydrated.  They were released from the hospital within a matter of hours.  The kayak Operator2 was operating was not able to be located.  The kayak Operator1 was operating was located and returned to the owner.  Alcohol was not a contributing factor to this accident.  PFDs were worn by survivors.  Nothing further at this time.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0140
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-10-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Wrightsville Beach
County: New Hanover
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On October 18th, 2015 at approximately 1600hrs, operator1, was operating his 1983 40ft De Fever fiber glass cabin motorboat trawler “VIVA” (Doc. #:  662727)(Vessel 1) on the ICW adjacent to 6 Marina St. Wrightsville, Beach NC, 28480.   
 
Just prior to the incident, Vessel 1 was heading south on the ICW at a speed under 10 mph across from the Wrightsville Beach Marina attempting to make a 180 degree turn to the west to head north against the current and dock his vessel port side to the floating dock at the Bridge Tender Marina as instructed by the dock master.  
 
According to Operator1, (Operator of Vessel 1) and (passenger onboard Vessel 1)  when Vessel 1 began turning to the west, Occupant, who was standing on the port side bow, told Operator1 who was standing on the bridge operating, that there was a sailboat (Vessel 3) passing them on the starboard side.  
 
Operator1 then stopped Vessel 1's forward progress to avoid colliding with Vessel 3 and began drifting over towards Vessel 2 (2013 70ft Viking Sport fisher fiberglass cabin motorboat "Irish Ayes" Doc#: 1245301) that was docked at the Wrightsville Beach Marina floating dock with the bow facing north.  Vessel 2 was unoccupied.  
 
Operator1 attempted to maneuver Vessel 1 away from Vessel 2 but the port side davit pole and small dinghy boat mounted on the stern of Vessel 1 impacted and slid down the forward port side of Vessel 2 above the water line and below the gunnel.   Vessel 2 sustained several paint scratches, a few scratches down to the fiberglass, a few black scuff marks, and a deep gouge approximately 5-6 inches long that penetrated well into the fiberglass.   Vessel 2's captain obtained an estimate of $24,000 to repair the damages to Vessel 2.  Vessel 1 sustained no visible damage.  After the impact, Vessel 1 headed northwest away from Vessel 2 and docked across the ICW at the Bridge Tender Marina.  
 
    I received a call at approximately 1700hrs from the assistant dock master at Wrightsville Beach Marina, Travis Jarrell, informing me of the accident.  Subject2 witnessed the accident from the Wrightsville Beach Marina where Vessel 2 was docked.  I arrived on scene at approximately 1730hrs and began my investigation.  I met and interviewed witness, (captain of Vessel 2), (operator/owner of Vessel 1), and (passenger on board Vessel 1) at Wrightsville Beach Marina.  I boarded a Carolina Skiff motorboat operated by Subject2 and photographed Vessel 1, Vessel 2, and the damage to Vessel 2.  Subject2 explained what he witnessed and reinacted the accident while I was on board his skiff.  Subject2's statement and both the operator and passenger onboard Vessel 1's description of the accident were in agreeance.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0141
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fontana Lake
NearestCityorTown: Almond
County: Graham
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
This is a single vessel accident involving a subject riding a tube becoming injured. The operator of vessel stated he was traveling around 30 mph. The operator was pulling his spouse on a tube designed to be pulled by boat. He stated there was nothing unusual that happened as they had done this many times in the past. The operator stated that his wife simply fell off tube while being pulled by the personal watercraft and that the wake of the vessel must have caused it. The victim stated that it happened really fast and she remembered falling off the tube and feeling a great deal of pain in her right arm up high around the shoulder area. 

After her fall, the operator turned around to help the victim and while doing so sucked the rope up into the jet of the personal watercraft causing it to become disabled.  At that point he paddled over to his wife and tried to get her on the watercraft but she was unable to do so. At that time, the operator of the vessel called 911 and told his location. The dispatch center in Raleigh called me and told me his whereabouts. 

Upon my arrival, the victim was still in the water and could not return to the vessel. She was in a great deal of pain and had been in the water for about 30 minutes. She was tired and could not make it into my boat as I had instructed her to climb the ladder. At that point, I grabbed her under the shoulder area of her Type III Life Jacket and pulled her into my patrol boat. She then was able to sit up on my seat and I transported her to an awaiting ambulance. I then returned and towed the operator and his personal watercraft to a nearby access area. 

Both subjects involved were wearing a Type III personal flotation device and there was no alcohol involved. The victim that had been riding the tube was treated at a local hospital and had a broken arm that fractured right below the shoulder area. She is awaiting surgery at this time. No further investigation is needed in this accident.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0142
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-09-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Masonboro Inlet
NearestCityorTown: Wrightsville Beach
County: New Hanover
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 9/18/2015 at appx. 10:00 a.m. the operator of Vessel 1 was trying to throw the boat's anchor out to go fishing.  Unknowingly the current in the inlet washed the anchor line under the boat and into the motor.  The operator of Vessel 1 thought the boat was getting too close to the rocks so she started the boat's motor in attempt to move the vessel away from the rocks.  The anchor line became tangled in the propeller and the current made the vessel drift into the jetty rocks, Southside of Masonboro Inlet.  The operator called for the Coast Guard to assist them off the rocks and back to shore.  The vessel had a minor scratches on the bottom of the hull.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0143
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-10-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GASTON
NearestCityorTown: LITTLETON
County: WARREN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Overloading
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 WAS TRAVELING SOUTHWEST BETWEEN 21- 40 MPH IN LITTLE STONE HOUSE CREEK.  VESSEL 1 STRUCK THE RIP RAP BANK AT HWY 903 S ABOUT 40 YARDS TO THE LEFT OF THE CULVERT.  VESSEL 1 CAME TO REST OUT OF THE WATER ON THE RIP RAP ROCK BANK FACING SOUTHWEST.  THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL 1 WAS TRYING TO NAVIGATE VESSEL 1 THROUGH THE CULVERT USING HIS NAVIGATION SYSTEM.  THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL 1 WAS NOT USE TO THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM AND HAD THE BRIGHTNESS TURNED UP ON THE UNIT CAUSING HIS VISION TO BE OBSTRUCTED.  OPERATOR OF VESSEL1 ALSO STATED THE MAP ON THE NAVIGATION UNIT WAS ZOOMED OUT AND HE WAS NOT AWARE THAT THE SHORE WAS THAT CLOSE.


BARDID: NC-2015-0144
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Tillery
NearestCityorTown: Norwood
County: Stanly
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 09/05/2015 at approximately 5:30 p.m. a boating incident took place on lake tillery near the, "old nick''s on tillery" restaurant.

Vessel #1, a yamaha wave runner personal watercraft with a 110cc jet drive engine.  There was one additional passenger onboard the personal watercraft at the time of the incident.

Vessel #2, a 20'' sweetwater pontoon boat with a 90hp outboard motor was owned and operated by subject.  At the time of the incident there were three other passengers onboard vessel #2, which was floating in the water.

The incident took place when vessel #1 failed to see vessel #2 sitting in the water.  Vessel #1 turned sharply at the last moment to avoid a collision with vessel #2 apparently causing damage to the aluminum in the rear portion of the pontoon boat (vessel #2).

According to operator1, he and his passenger were traveling south on lake tillery on a personal watercraft when he suddenly realized that there was a stationary pontoon boat in front of him.  Operator1 stated that he quickly made a sharp turn to avoid hitting the vessel, resulting in both he and his passenger falling off his personal watercraft.  Operator1 and his passenger were both wearing uscg approved life jackets.  After the incident, they reboarded the personal watercraft and continued on their way.

the personal watercraft operated by operator1 approached them directly from the rear and turned sharply to avoid colliding with her pontoon boat.  She stated that the sharp turn by the personal watercraft resulted in a large spray of water, which resulted in damage to the rear of her vessel.

There was no proof that alcohol was a factor.  All safety equipment accounted for.  The total estimated damage to vessel #2 is $3,316.18  no one was charged in this incident.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0145
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-11-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Swansboro
County: Onslow
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 11/12/2015 at approximately 11:00 four people were pulling up to an island between the ICW and Cow Channel to get off and picnic for the day. Within 3 to 4 minutes a cabin cruiser about 40 feet in length, gold and white in color with "Fun in the Sun" on the back passed them. According to Occupant "the passing was very quick and the wake was very high". The first wake came over the stern at which point everyone exited the vessel, and called the coast guard, Occupant tried to turn the boat bow towards the wake but she was not successful. 
 
Several more waves entered the vessel and completely submerged it. The family had a generator onboard, along with several totes of food and personal items that floated away. Occupant started yelling for help and two gentleman from an adjacent island came and assisted them. They were able to salvage a few items and get the vessel back up. They lost a generator, tennis shoes, several totes of food, and the vessel motor. The coast guard came out and stood by until the family collected their items and then they called a friend to tow them to shell rock landing.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0146
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-11-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:17:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TOWN CREEK
NearestCityorTown: BEAUFORT
County: CART
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1, PLASTIC TOY, WAS TIED TO THE BEAUFORT TOWN DOCKS.  VESSEL 2 COUCH QUEST, WAS ATTEMPTING TO DOCK ON THE SAME SIDE AS PLASTIC TOY JUST TO THE REAR.  ON APPROACH TO THE DOCKS, COUCH QUEST WAS NOT CLEAR OF THE REAR OF VESSEL 1, PLASTIC TOY WHEN THE PORT STERN SCRAPED THE CORNER OF PLASTIC TOY.


BARDID: NC-2015-0147
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-11-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Wrightsville Beach
County: New Hanover
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 09 November 2015, at approximately 08:30am, vessel #1 operator, was exiting Wrightsville Beach Marina. As he exited the dock area of the marina and approached the ICW, he got caught in the outgoing tidal and wind driven current and began to drift south towards another vessel which was also docked at Wrightsville Beach Marina.  Operator1 stated he was unable to avoid a collision as he approached vessel #2 due to the strong current and winds which were traveling in the same direction. The bridge rail on the left side of vessel #1 got caught on the pulpit of vessel #2. After the collision Operator1 was able to manuever his vessel away from vessel #2 and back into the marina.

The left side of the bridge rail on vessel #1 was slightly bent as a result of the boat crash.

The pulpit, cap rail, and top rail on vessel #2 sustained extensive damage as a result of the boat crash.

Their were no injuries as a result of the boat crash.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0148
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-09-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:06:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: OCEAN ISLE BEACH
County: BRUNSWICK
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 09/26/2015 at 0606 am, operator of vessel 1 was traveling southwest on the icw near ocean isle beach and struck an unmarked piling near navigational marker 85 on the port side bow of vessel 1. Vessel was equipped with all required safety equipment. Alcohol nor drugs were believed to be contributing factors. Night time conditions and an unmarked piling were believed to be the contributing factors of the incident.

*****************************
Please note:  vessel's navigational lights were operating properly and were on at the time of the incident.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0149
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-10-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pamlico Sound
NearestCityorTown: Okcracoke
County: Hyde
WaterConditions: Very rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator of the sailing vessel Lyda May, while under sail the vessel ran aground in front of Okracoke Island at approximately 18:00 hours. He stated that the water shoaled up rapidly as the sailboat approached the second red buoy from the east. There were two red buoys marking the entrance to the harbor. The incident was at night and during the change of wind direction as a front approached from the north. The waves were 5 ft or more. The wind and the waves were opposite and as he came around the second buoy the boat ran aground and was unable to sail off. The following day the boat was taken off the shoals as the waves diminished to less than 1 foot. It does not appear that drugs or alcohol were a factor in this incident. Also there were no charges filed.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0150
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GASTON
NearestCityorTown: MACON
County: WARREN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On saturday 08/15/15, a family was enjoying lake gaston in nc as many times before.  The weather was clear and visible.  The wind was calm and the water was smooth.  On that day the family was operating their vessel with their son who was skiing behind the 21 ft. Bow rider vessel.  As the family was going around an island located on lake gaston, their boat hit something under water at approximately 11:15 am. According to operator, his vessel was traveling approximately 10 to 20 mph at the moment of impact.  The vessel came to a stop and the operator noticed the lower unit oil was spilling onto the water surface.  The vessel then began to take on water.
 
 The pump stopped working and the family called a friend to come out and tow them to shore. When the family pulled the vessel out of the lake, the entire lower unit was ripped off the vessel.  Operator had been in that part of the lake many times in the past.  According to operator, he remembered he had not seen the danger buoys in place during the time of the accident.  The family returned the next day and took pictures of the area where the accident took place.  They said they did not see the buoy in the place it was normally located.  
 
According to operator, they were at least 30ft from where the buoy is normally located when they operated in that area that day.  The damage received on the vessel is in excess of $3,000.00.  Operator made a report to the north carolina wildlife resources commission division of enforcement. Upon reviewing the evidence taken and the details of the report, the factors that contributed to the accident were that the missing buoy was not in its normal place to warn operators of vessels to stay clear of the danger area.  Operator has over 100 hours of boat operation and has been on that lake many times before.  There were no injuries reported during the incident,  but the major loss were the damages done to the vessel on that saturday morning.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0151
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WHITE LAKE
County: BLADEN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
AccidentCause3: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
I recieved a call from Master Officer on September the 5th at approximately 21:00 hours about a boating accident that occurred earlier in the day at  White Lake.  Officer advised me that the subject was at the Bladen County Hospital getting treated for injuries.  
 
 The boat was traveling about 25 mph on the southwest side of the lake.  Victim was being towed on a tube behind the vessel.  According to Victim, the waves on the lake were large and the conditions were rough.  Operator made a sharp right turn near Camp Clear Water docks causing Victim to fall off the inner tube.  Victim stated that he was in the water for a few seconds before Operator turned the boat around to pick him up.  At this point he told operator that he needed help because of the pain in his neck and shoulder.  operator docked his boat at Tar Heel Cottages and called EMS for help.  Victim was taken to Bladen County Hospital for treatment.  He suffered a sprained shoulder and was released after treatment.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0152
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mountain Island Lake
NearestCityorTown: Cornelius
County: Mecklenburg
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday July 24, 2015 at approximately 6:30 pm, A boating incident occurred on Mountain Island Lake approximately 150 yards south of Neck road Access. The only vessel involved in this incident is a 9ft, 951cc Bombardier Seadoo XP personal watercraft. The vessel struck a large wake throwing Operator into the air and back down onto the personal watercraft causing injury.
 
Operator and a friend launched his personal watercraft  from Neck Road Boating Access area between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. They immediately traveled northwest to the sand bar where they beached the personal watercrafts and set down to have a few beers. At around 6:00 pm, Operator told his friend it was getting late and he was going to head back to the access area. On his way back to the access area, he separated from his friend due to traveling at a high rate of speed. After making a right turn off the main channel into a cove east of the sandbar, he traveled a distance of approximately 100 yards crossing a wake from his own vessel after operating it in multiple circles at high speed. 
 
The wake ejected Operator from the driver's seat several feet into the air and back down onto the personal watercraft.  He landed face first onto the front of the cowl of his vessel. The injuries he sustained included a broken jaw and severe damage to his teeth.  His friend who did not see the incident soon arrived and helped Operator return to his vessel.  Operator then proceeded back to the boat access area at Neck Rd. He estimated his travel speed around 30 mph at the time of the incident. The weather was clear and sunny with very light winds. The water was calm with air temperature around 94 degree and water temperature around 90 degree.
 
 This incident appears to be a result of careless and reckless operation compounded by under age consumption of an alcoholic beverage. The operator's reaction time was slowed due to his consumption of alcohol.  Operator was charged with under age drinking by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department Lake Division, who was the first agency to arrive on the scene.  Operator was treated by Charlotte Mecklenburg EMS and transported to Carolinas Medical Center for treatment.  There were no witnesses to this incident.  The only damage to the vessel were scratches to the front cowl.

***************************************
PLEASE NOTE:  damage mentioned in this narrative was not enough to note damage amount on report.

ALSO, THERE IS NO BAC (BLOOD ALCOHOL CONTENT) FOR THIS REPORT.  
THIS IS ALL THE INFORMATION WE HAVE REPORTED BY THE OFFICER FOR THIS REPORT.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0153
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-11-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: INMAN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WHITEVILLE
County: COLUMBUS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On saturday, november 28, 2015, victim and three friends were fishing from their kayaks at inman lake, located in whiteville, nc. Victim was fishing alone from his kayak at the time of the incident. Witnesses stated that it appeared as though victim had fallen asleep, and was slumped over in his kayak, which was leaning at an angle in the water. Witnesses also stated that, although they did not observe victim fall into the water, that they heard a splash and saw that he had went underwater and never resurfaced. After three days of search and rescue operations, victim''s body was recovered from the bottom of the lake, near where he had fallen out of his kayak. The columbus county coroners office determined that the cause of death was drowning. After investigation, it was concluded that victim was not wearing a pfd, and there was not a pfd on board the vessel. It was known that victim suffered from heart problems and i believe that he possibly suffered a fatal heart attack while fishing from his kayak and was incapable of saving himself. Neither alcohol nor drugs were believed to be a contributing factor.
 
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0154
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Chatuge
NearestCityorTown: Hayesville
County: Clay
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 18 2015 at approximately 1400 hours, two people were returning to their lake house by way of PWC from Chatuge Cove Marina  located on Lake Chatuge. Their lake house was approximately 2.35 miles from the marina by way of water.  Operator1 began to operate the PWC while V1 occupant supervised from the rear seat of the water craft.  Operator1 had some experience operating PWCs as well as larger vessels in the past. V1 occupant is more experienced and has had hundreds of hours operating PWCs as well as larger vessels. Both passengers were wearing USCG approved PFDs and the vessel was well equipped with all required safety equipment.  
 
As they left the marina and entered into the main body of the Shooting Creek prong, a speed boat travelling in the opposite direction passed through the middle of the lake at a distance. The speed boat created a wake which was in the direct path of travel for Operator1 and V1 occupant. Operator1 then proceeded across the first of two waves without trouble.  As she began to maneuver across the second wave at approximately 30 MPH, she turned the vessel to the right to clear the wave. While the PWC was turned to the right, V1 occupant fell off the vessel and into the water just to the left side of the water craft. V1 occupant did not strike the vessel while falling into the water but fractured three lower ribs as she made contact with the water's surface.  
 
V1 occupant retained consciousness and remained afloat via her PFD.  She did have trouble breathing while afloat however. Operator1 then jumped from the PWC and held V1 occupant legs parallel in the water so to ease her ability to breath.  Other boaters then observed the two in the water and assisted with help. EMS soon arrived at the location and V1 occupant was transported to Murphy Medical Center in Murphy, North Carolina where she was then treated and released the same day.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0155
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Taylors Creek
NearestCityorTown: Beaufort
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Congested waters
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 13th 2015 Subject1 was leaving the Beaufort Town Docks operating a fifty six foot sport fisher Subject1 started pulling out of the docks at approximately 06:00 under low light conditions and heavy tidal and wind currents. As Subject1 was beginning to exit the dock area he observed a kayak with one person onboard come out from behind a vessel that was tied up at the outside end of the docks. 
 
The kayaker was traveling fast with the flow of the current and was also operating very close to the vessels tied to the end of the docks. As the Carly A was exiting the docks Subject1 observed the Kayak at the last moment and had to take immediate actions to avoid colliding with the kayaker. Subject1 immediately put the Carly A in reverse to stop forward momentum. 
 
After stopping the vessel Subject1 began to try and relocate the Kayaker since he had went out of sight under the bow of the sport fisher. A few seconds later Subject1 saw the Kayaker continue on paddling down alongside the docks. The kayaker never stopped and gave any information and the identity of this person is still unknown. After Subject1 saw that the kayaker was clear Subject1 then changed his actions to try and avoid collision with any of the other vessels docked in the area. The current was pulling the vessel south east very strong in a very tight area. Subject1 made every effort to try and avoid contact but inevitably made contact with the bow of another sport fisher that was docked by the name of 777. 
 
The port side bow of Carly A impacted the bow of 777. After the single impact Subject1 was able to avoid any other vessels and dock his vessel. Subject1 made contact with the operator of 777 and discovered minimum damage. The operator of 777 informed Subject1 that he was pulling the vessel from the water the next week and would have the scratches repaired at that time. 
 
After this conversation the operator of 777 departed the docks to compete in the final day of the Big Rock Fishing Tournament and did not exchange any information with Subject1. The bow of Carly A sustained the most damage located on the bow of the vessel. The area damaged was approximately four by six inches and Subject1 estimated the cost of repair around $3,000. After the incident Subject1 remained at the docks until 10:00 when he then contacted the Department of Marine Fisheries and informed them of the incident. I was contacted by DMF Officer and given the information on the incident. I arrived on Scene at approximately 16:00 and documented the damage and completed the investigation.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0156
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-12-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pamlico Sound
NearestCityorTown: Cedar Island
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Weather
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On December 28, 2015, Operator and his two children were on a hunting trip using another person’s vessel.  Around 10:00 am, Operator and his children came around the Northwest Point of Cedar Island in North Bay when the wind/water conditions caused the boat to flip over.  According to Operator, the engine stopped working causing the boat to move into a position which caused the incident.  Operator and his children then had to swim to the beach on Cedar Island.  Operator noted they were all wearing the PFDs when this took place.  From this point Operator walked and swam to the Cedar Island Ferry to get help.  EMS responded and they went and picked up his children off of the beach.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0157
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-10-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cape Fear River
NearestCityorTown: Oak Island
County: Brunswick
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On October 17, 2015 at approximately 10:30 pm, Operator1 and two of his friends were flounder gigging on the Cape Fear River near the Southport Pier.  Operator1 was operating a 14ft Duracraft (V1) near the shoreline in shallow water in an attempt to gig flounder as he is a commercial fisherman. 
 
 According to Operator1, they had just come out from under a dock moving slowly northbound on the mainland side of the river when a large wake impacted his vessel and filled it with water.  He stated that once they stopped rocking from the wake, he looked up the river and saw what he was "pretty sure" was the Bald Head Island Ferry in the distance.  He stated that they then started bailing the water out of the vessel.  According to Operator1, the water from the wake damaged his flounder lights, his generator and power cords used in his floundering operation.  He also stated that the motor would hardly run and he felt he had some type of damage to the motor as a result of being swamped.  He was able to bail the water out of the vessel and he returned to his home located on the ICW in Oak Island.  
 
From talking with Operator1, it appears that a large wake was responsible for his damage.  Because of the time of day (night), his location so close to the shoreline, and being underneath a dock at the time, it did not appear as if the Ferry, or whatever vessel created the wake, could have known he was even there.  From my conversation with Operator1, it appeared that he was fairly confident the ferry was the cause of the wake, but was not absolutely sure.  As a result of the totality of the circumstances and the degree of doubt involved, no charges were filed against the Bald Head Ferry.  They were contacted and made aware of the incident and advised to maintain a lookout for smaller vessels and well as being responsible for the wake created by the ferry vessel. The vessel was equipped with life saving devices.  They were not used by those involved.  Alcohol was involved in this particular incident, but did not play any contributing factor in the incident itself.

************************************
PLEASE NOTE:  AS MENTIONED BY OFFICER IN ABOVE NARRATIVE, ALCOHOL WAS INVOLVED IN THIS INCIDENT, BUT DID NOT PLAY A ROLE IN CONTRIBUTING TO THIS INCIDENT AND THERE WAS NO BAC TESTING DONE.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0158
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Ocean Isle
County: Brunswick
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On Thursday July 9, 2015, I received a call for service in reference to a boating accident around the Ocean Isle ICW near Pelican Marina. I arrived on scene at approximately 1545. Through further investigation, I determined that the accident had occurred around 1300 to 1330. I learned that Operator1 who was operating a 10' rental PWC was jumping the wake of another vessel and following within 100' ft. The vessel that Operator1 was following was operated by operator2.  V2 occupant stated that Operator1, while circling their vessel, had at one point come close enough to their vessel to splash water into their vessel in his course of operation.  After observing Operator1 jump wakes and follow too closely, Operator2 slowed to idle speed.  After slowing to idle speed, Operator1, while circling around behind the Operator2's vessel, struck the back right side of the Operator2's vessel. Operator1 had a passenger who was not injured. Operator2 had 3 occupants on his vessel besides himself who were not injured. 

The damage caused by Operator1 was as follows: Rental PWC - $3,400.00. Operator2's vessel that was struck by Operator1 $3,600.00.

There was no Alcohol involved with the accident, all PFD's were accessible and there were no injuries. Through my investigation I learned that Operator1 had no formal training in boat operations and was not required to have a boating safety course due to him operating a rental PWC.  I feel that excessive speed, improper maneuvering, a blatant disregard of the law, and operator inexperience were the contributing factors of this boating accident. I believe that an approved Boater education course would have helped educate Operator1 in boat handling techniques, and the rules of Motorboat operation thus averting this accident.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0159
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BALD HEAD ISLAND MARINA
NearestCityorTown: BALD HEAD ISLAND
County: BRUNSWICK
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 25, 2015 at approximately 08:45 am at Bald head Island Marina, two people were starting a day on the water, when there vessel almost hit another vessel backing out the loading docks at the marina. This was caused by Operator reversing too fast from the docks.  Victim tried to stop the other boat at the Marina from being hit by their vessel with the use of her right arm. At that time victim’s right arm was injured by being pinched between their vessel and the vessel at the marina. Injuries were beyond first aid. Victim was then taken to Dosher Memorial Hospital where she was treated then released.

***********************************
PLEASE NOTE:  EVEN THOUGH A SECOND VESSEL IS MENTIONED ABOVE IN THE NARRATIVE, ONLY "ONE" VESSEL IS INVOLVED IN THIS INCIDENT.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0160
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Norman
NearestCityorTown: Troutman
County: Iredell
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Throttle
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 02, 2015 at approximately 09:30am, a boat incident occurred in the Skipper's Cove area of Lake Norman near Troutman, NC.   (V1) was operating a rental pontoon boat owned by Mourning Star Marina.   (V1) was starting to maneuver away from the dock at Mourning Star Marina when it struck (V2).   (V2) had docked his 22' Maxum at Mourning Star Marina around 8:00am to have it put into dry storage.  (V1) struck (V2) on the rear port side while it was moving away from the dock.

(V1) was docked behind (V2).  (V1) untied from the dock and the operator started to back up to create room between (V1) and (V2).  (V1) put the throttle into forward gear and turned hard port.  The throttle then stuck and pushed the stern starboard side of (V1) into the stern port side of (V2).  No persons were injured.

(V1) operator docked his boat and reported the accident to Mourning Star Staff inside the building.  A boat body worker inspected the damage and reported an estimate of $950.00.  See attachment    

The analysis of the damage on the (V2) indicated that (V1) had struck (V2) on the port side in the stern with a glancing strike.  There is fiberglass damage and rub rail damage to (V2).  Gel-coat damage occurred to the swim platform.  Alcohol was not a contributing factor.
The contributing factors of this accident was equipment failure.  No charges were filed against (V1) operator.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0161
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-12-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atlantic Ocean
NearestCityorTown: Harkers Island
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On December 26, 2015 at approximately 12:30 pm, Operator along with two occupants, Occupant1 and his son, Occupant2, were traveling to the east side of Cape Lookout to go fishing.  The three were standing in the vessel holding on to the T-top.  When attempting to navigate through the shoals approximately two miles south of Shark Island off of the point of Cape Lookout, a swell approximately 3 feet high struck the boat.  
 
The vessel was in about 20 feet of water when it overturned to the port side and came to rest upside down in the water.  Operator and Mr. Occupant2 were thrown out of the vessel, and Mr. Occupant1 was trapped beneath the overturned vessel.  Mr. Occupant1 was able to swim out from under the vessel and came up on the opposite side where Operator and his son had been thrown.  
 
Witness1 was following approximately 150 yards behind in a companion vessel, “So Selfish,” when he saw the boat flip over.  Witness1 at first only saw two people in the water, but after a short period saw the third person.  Witness1 then sent out the distress call and due to several similar waves striking the vessel and was advised by USCG to wait for another vessel to arrive on scene before approaching the overturned vessel.  
 
Within 15 minutes Good sam arrived in his vessel, “My Sunshine II” who then approached the overturned vessel as it was better equipped to retrieve the occupants due to its commercial fishing operation.  Good sam transported the three occupants back to the docks at Big Rock Landing where they were met by ambulance and USCG.  Operator and Mr. Occupant1 were transported to Cape Carteret Hospital, where Operator received stitches for a laceration on his forehead and Mr. Occupant1 was transported to Greenville due to 4 fractured vertebrae in his neck.  Operator was released from the hospital and the vessel was subsequently retrieved from the water by Sea Tow Crystal Coast.  Mr. Occupant1 was admitted to the hospital and was later released on 12/29/2015.  No occupants were wearing a PFD at the time of the incident.

*****************************
OCCUPANTS INJURIES WERE CAUSED BY THEIR IMPACT WITH THE VESSEL WHEN IT OVERTURNED.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0162
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mountain Island Lake
NearestCityorTown: Charlotte
County: Mecklenburg
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/04/2015, around 11:00 PM, (Operator), and three others departed for an evening cruise aboard Operator's 2003 Bomdardier Sportster-LE on Mountain Island Lake.  After a 10 to 15 minute ride, they entered Gar Creek and went towards the rear of the cove near the narrow, no wake zone.  The operator stopped the vessel and asked his passengers if they had seen enough, and if they were they ready to head back. The passengers stated that they were ready to return to the residence. The operator turned the boat around and headed back towards the entrance to Gar Creek. He navigated the vessel near the northern shoreline (Latta Plantation Side), and collided with a boulder formation that is about 6 feet above the water line. The vessel collided with the boulder formation just right of center. Upon Impact, all members of the party were ejected from the vessel.  
 
Individuals were having a 4th of July Party when some of the children went to the adults and said they heard a thud out on the water.  They turned down the music and could hear people yelling for help.  They boarded a pontoon boat and travelled to the boulder formation to find the accident scene.  Deceased victim2 was the first victim found face down in the water and brought aboard the pontoon boat.  
 
Rescuers immediately began CPR on Deceased victim2.  Injured victim2 was then removed from the water.  Operator and Injured victim1 were found on the rock.  Injured victim1 was conscious and alert, and operator was conscious but not alert. The victims were transported to shore where the two survivors, Injured victim2 and Injured victim1 were transported to Carolinas Medical Center Main.  
 
Injured victim2 had a broken left femur and heel, while Injured victim1 had bruised ribs, lacerations to his head and left leg, and a broken right ankle.  Operator perished on shore while receiving treatment from EMTs.  Deceased victim2 was killed instantly upon impact. 
 
There was evidence of alcohol being on the boat at some point in the day, but both survivors stated that they had been drinking that day but had no knowledge of the operator consuming any alcohol, and went as far as to state that no alcohol was being consumed during the cruise. The vessel was short one USCG approved wearable PFD, but all other safety equipment was onboard.  The stern light was still on and Navigation Light switch was in the correct position upon investigation.  A nearby anchored boat stated that they observed the vessel enter Gar Creek with navigation lights on, and observed no irregular operation prior to hearing the thud of the impact.  The Medical examiner's Investigative, Autopsy, and Toxicology Reports of Operator revealed the cause of death as blunt force injuries from the accident and a (BAC of .06).
 


BARDID: NC-2015-0163
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Santeelah Lake
NearestCityorTown: Santeelah
County: Graham
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1 was leaving the fireworks show in Santeelah Lake and was coming home from the event.  He was traveling into Santeelah Point area of the lake and the operator said that it was raining pretty hard at the time.  He has driven this area numerous times and has never had any trouble negotiating around the point. On this night, the operator was driving too close to the shoreline and traveling too fast for the weather and visibility that was created by the rain. 

The operator stated that he was traveling between 10-20 mph. He came around Santeelah Point at a distance closer than he should and hit a dock.  This dock was attached to a rental home and also had Vessel #2 docked at it as well and a plastic canoe that was lying on the dock. The pontoon boat he was operating went on top of the dock and came to rest about midship. The stern of the boat was still partially in the water.  The canoe lying on the dock that was knocked into the water and damaged. 

The operator of Vessel #1 then put his pontoon in reverse and began trying to get it off the dock.  While doing so, he struck Vessel #2 causing scratching and denting to Vessel #2 port side skirts.  Operator of vessel #1 also caused scratches to his port side from getting the boat off the dock. The operator stated that it took about 10 minutes to get his pontoon off the dock and back in the water.   Most of vessel #1 damage was to the starboard side pontoon.  It had damage to the very front of the pontoon.   Vessel #1 was turning towards his right upon impact causing me to believe he was still negotiating the turn upon impact.  All occupants in Vessel #1 had no injuries but were shaken up. T hey did not use their personal flotation devices as they were not ejected from their vessel. 

The dock itself had damage as well.  Some boards were knocked loose and weren't attached.  There was also permanent affixed posts attached that were in the lake's bottom that was knocked loose.  The small bridge that attached the dock to land had become unattached also upon impact. 

The operator of Vessel #1 was charged with careless and reckless operation due to all the circumstances surrounding the accident.  Upon interviewing the operator of Vessel #1 12 hours after the accident, I could still smell a faint odor of alcoholic beverage on his breath but he did not seemed impaired.  He admitted to drinking earlier in the day of the accident. The operator did not report the accident until the next day after he saw law enforcement at the dock accessing the damage.  He then stated he was responsible for the damages and he is willing to pay for all damages he caused. 

No further investigation is needed in this accident.
 


BARDID: NC-2015-2000
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-10-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Inlet
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: unknown
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to reports from the news media and the Coast Guard, a 13-ft boat capsized causing the sole occupant to become hypothermic.


BARDID: NC-2016-0001
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-01-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:24:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pamlico Sound
NearestCityorTown: HATTERAS
County: DARE
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On January 23, 2016 at 2150, received a call from Hatteras Island Rescue Squad reference an overdue duck hunter who went duck hunting near Hatteras Inlet on Dredge Island earlier that day by boat.  Talking with Hatteras Island Rescue Squad and observing the weather, I determined the weather was to be too hazardous to respond that night.  I informed Sgt by phone of the situation.  The next morning, January 24, 2016, Sgt was on scene assisting with the investigation and search of the missing boater.   January 25th and 26th,  Officer and myself were conducting the boating incident investigation and searching for the missing boater.  The search consisted of multiple vessels, helicopter, side scan sonar and persons searching shoreline for several days.        
Events which occurred around the time of the incident: 

On January 23, 2016, Operator called his friend multiple times 1:30, 1:45, 2:30 and 3:30 pm.  Operator told Friend he shot one brant and he would be back in after dark.  At approximately 7:30 pm Friend attempted calling Operator with no answer.  Friend drove down to Hatteras Harbor at approximately 7:45 pm and Operator's boat was not there.  Friend called Operator's business partner and told him Operator had not returned.  Subject called another person and U.S. Coast Guard. 

On 23 January 2016 approximately 8:05 pm, Subject2 received a call from Subject3 reference Operator not returning from a hunting trip.  Subject then contacted Hatteras Island Rescue Squad and the U.S. Coast Guard reference Operator not returning.  Subjects met at Oden Dock approximately 9:00 pm, got underway and headed to Dredge Island where Operator was hunting.  At 9:15 pm they found Operator's boat and went to the duck blind.  The door on the duck blind was shut and secured.  Subject opened the door and saw inside was Operator's hunting gear packed up with his gun in a case as if he was leaving the duck blind.  At that time the three began to search the Dredge Island area.  After a short search they took their boat alongside Operator's boat and noticed the forward anchor line was cut and wrapped around the propeller of the outboard engine.  The engine was trimmed up with the anchor line attached to it.  The key was in the ignition and turned off.  Inside the boat was a pair of gloves, multiple Brant, and an anchor in the boat.  Subject used this anchor to secure the boat from the bow.   

On 24 January 2016, the people searching the shoreline found a pair of chest waders on Pole Road in between the cable crossing and the inlet believed to belong to Operator.   

At the time of the report synopsis Operator is considered a missing person.

***************************************************************************
PLEASE NOTE:  THIS IS A PRELIMINARY REPORT AND SUBJECT, OPERATOR, IS CONSIDERED A MISSING PERSON.

THIS REPORT WILL BE UPDATED ONCE MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE FROM THE OFFICER THAT PREPARED THIS REPORT.

**NOTHING FURTHER AT THIS TIME**
 


BARDID: NC-2016-0002
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-03-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: East Lake
NearestCityorTown: Mans Harbor
County: Dare
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Around 7:00 pm I received a call from Raleigh Dispatch stating there was a missing boater, Operator1, in the East Lake area of Dare County.  I arrived at Mans Harbor access area around 8:00 pm and launched my patrol vessel and proceeded to the East Lake area. At around 9:00 pm I received a call from a NC Marine Patrol unit that the operator of Vessel #1, Operator1, had been located and transported to the Mashoes Access area, and was being transported to OBX Hospital to be treated for hypothermia, I met Operator1 at the hospital.

Operator1 stated that he had put a new motor on his vessel and was going to take it out and make sure everything was running right. Operator1 launched vessel #1 from Mashoes access at approximately 1:00 pm and had been out on the water for approximately two and a half hours. His vessel started taking water over the stern at a fast rate, Operator1 turned vessel #1 towards the nearest shore line and began taking on more water from the stern.  At this point vessel #1 capsized.  Operator1 stayed with his vessel as it began drifting to shore.  Operator1 walked to shore and was picked up on the shore line approximately two miles from Mashoes access. Operator1 was transported to OBX hospital and treated for hypothermia.


BARDID: NC-2016-0003
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-03-13 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Intracoastal Waterway
NearestCityorTown: Sunset Beach
County: Brunswick
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, March 13, 2016 at approximately 1400 hours, Operator2 and his family were anchored near a dock on the Intracoastal Waterway.  

According to Operator2, he was anchored just out of the channel, fishing with his family.  Operator2 was anchored in a  2004 SeaPro center console vessel, registration number. He stated that he heard the pontoon boat coming down the waterway in their general direction.  He stated that the pontoon boat was weaving back and forth as it traveled toward them. He stated that as the pontoon boat came closer it began to head straight toward them at a speed of approximately 20 miles per hour.  

Operator2 began hollering as the pontoon got closer and it was certain that a collision was about to occur.  Operator1, the operator of the pontoon boat, looked up and saw Operator2's vessel and turned to avoid collision but it was too late.  

The front port pontoon of Operator1's vessel struck the front starboard side of Operator2's center console SeaPro and punched a hole into the fibergalss hull. The pontoon only sustained minor damage.  Upon impact, Operator2 fell inside of his vessel and landed on his wife, who also had fallen in the vessel.  

It is uncertain, but Operator2 felt as if his wife may have sustained very minor injuries due to the fall, as of this time it does not appear that she has sought medical attention. 

Upon speaking to Operator1, he stated that he had just purchased the pontoon boat the day before and was running if for the first time.  He stated that he had been having some trouble with the steering of his vessel and that it wasn't responding as it should. 

According to Operator1, he did not see Operator2's vessel until the last minute and when he tried to steer away the vessel didn't turn as it should, which resulted in the collision. It appears that operator inattention and potential mechanical failure of the steering are what contributed to this accident.  

Operator1 had been consuming alcohol while operating the vessel, but after field sobriety testing, he did not appear to be appreciably impaired.  Due to the speed involved, the weaving movement of the pontoon and the failure to pay close enough attention to avoid a collision, Operator1 was cited for reckless and negligent operation, resulting in property damage of another. Although alcohol was present, it does not appear that it played a role in this incident.  Both vessels were equipped with the proper safety equipment, however, none were needed or utilized in this particular incident. Operator1 took full responsibility for the collision.


BARDID: NC-2016-0004
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-02-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SHEARON HARRIS RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: APEX
County: WAKE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
AccidentCause2: Overloading
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
OCCUPANTS: OPERATOR AND OWNER, Operator1; PASSENGERS: Passenger1, Passenger2, Passenger3. SUBJECTS ARRIVED AT SHEARON HARRIS RESERVOIR AT 0830 HOURS.  ALL HAD BEEN FISHING FOR ABOUT 4 HOURS WHEN THEY NOTICED WATER IN THE BOTTOM OF THE VESSEL.  Operator1 WANTED TO GET BACK TO THE DOCK BEFORE THE BOAT SANK.  AS Operator1 HEADED TOWARD THE DOCK, HE HAD 2 OCCUPANTS MOVE TO THE FRONT OF THE VESSEL (Passenger2 and Passenger3) TO HELP OFFSET THE WEIGHT OF THE WATER IN THE VESSEL'S HULL. THE VESSEL STRUGGLED TO PLANE OFF BUT DID.  IT WAS ABOUT A MILE TO THE DOCK.  AS Operator1 SLOWED THE VESSEL DOWN WHEN ENTERING THE NO WAKE ZONE ,THE EXTRA WEIGHT OF THE 2 OCCUPANTS IN THE FRONT PLUS THE WEIGHT OF THE WATER IN THE HULL RUSHING FORWARD CAUSED THE BOW OF THE VESSEL TO DIVE BELOW THE WATER SURFACE.  THE FORWARD MOMENTUM CAUSED THE STERN OF THE VESSEL TO QUICKLY RISE OUT OF THE WATER AND EJECT ALL OCCUPANTS. THE STERN CONTINUED OVER THE BOW TO COMPLETE A TOTAL FLIP OF THE VESSEL. THE LOWER UNIT AND THE PROP STRUCK Passenger2 IN THE TOP OF THE HEAD CAUSING A LARGE LACERATION AND CONTUSIONS.  A PASSING BOATER ASSISTED ALL TO SHORE VERY QUICKLY.  EMS WAS CALLED DUE TO THE INJURIES TO Passenger2's HEAD.


BARDID: NC-2016-0005
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ROANOKE RAPIDS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ROANOKE RAPIDS
County: NORTHAMPTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper anchoring
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
AT APPROXIMATELY 1:56AM ON  WEDNESDAY MORNING, APRIL 20, 2016, TWO FISHERMEN WERE FISHING FOR SHAD ALONGSIDE THE ROANOKE RAPIDS DAM ON ROANOKE RAPIDS LAKE. THE OPERATOR REPORTEDLY TIED THE BOAT UP TO THE DAM AND THEN HE PROCEEDED TO ATTEMPT TO THROW HIS CAST NET. THE ROPE CAME UNTIED FROM THE DAM AND THE BOAT BEGAN TO DRIFT TOWARDS THE FLOOD GATE ON THE DAM. THE WATER WAS BEING PULLED THROUGH THE FLOOD GATE AT A RATHER FAST PACE, CAUSING THE BOAT TO DRIFT FASTER TOWARDS THE OPENING. THE OPERATOR TRIED TO CRANK THE ENGINE TO DRIVE AWAY FROM THE FLOOD GATE, BUT HE REPORTED THAT HIS ENGINE WOULD NOT CRANK. THE STERN OF THE BOAT WAS DRAWN THROUGH THE FLOOD GATE'S OPENING DUE THE FAST CURRENT.  AS THE BOAT WAS BEING PULLED THROUGH THE GATE, PASSENGER GRABBED AHOLD OF THE GATE AS THE BOAT WAS PULLED OUT FROM UNDER HER.  OPERATOR WAS THEN PULLED DOWN THE FLOOD GATE SHUTE WITH THE BOAT AND WAS GROUNDED ON THE ROCKS BELOW THE DAM.  A FEW MOMENTS LATER, PASSENGER LOST HER GRIP ON THE GATE AND WAS SWEPT DOWN WITH THE CURRENT. OPERATOR, THOUGH DAZED, SAW PASSENGER AND JUMPED IN TO PULL HER OUT OF THE RIVER CURRENT AND ONTO THE ROCKS AT THE BASE OF THE DAM.  BOTH INDIVIDUALS WERE DAZED AND BRUISED BUT WERE ABLE TO HIKE THROUGH THE ROCKS TO THE CEMENT FOUNDATION OF THE DAM AND WALK TO A NEARBY SET OF STAIRS.  OPERATOR WAS THEN ABLE TO ASCEND THE STAIRS AND MAKE CONTACT WITH AN EMPLOYEE AT THE DAM. HALIFAX COUNTY EMS RESPONDED AND ROANOKE RAPIDS POLICE RESPONDED TO THE SCENE.

I WAS CONTACTED BY RALIEGH DISPATCH AT 3:45 AM THAT SAME MORNING.  I IMMEDIATELY RESPONDED TO HALIFAX REGIONAL EMERGANCY ROOM TO INTERVIEW THE VICTIMS AND CHECK ON THEIR STATUS. BOTH VICTIMS WERE CONSCIOUS AND COHERENT WHEN I ARRIVED. OPERATOR HAD A SLIGHT ODOR OF AN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE ON HIS BREATH AND HIS EYES WERE BLOOD SHOT AND HIS SPEECH WAS VERY SLOW.  I ASKED THE NURSE IF HE WAS ON ANY MEDICATION THAT COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE SIMILAR SIDE EFFECTS TO ALCOHOL IMPAIRMENT.  I WAS INFORMED THAT HE WAS NOT AND THE HE HAD BEEN THAT WAY SINCE HIS ARRIVAL. I WAS LATER INFORMED BY THE MEDICAL STAFF THAT OPERATOR HAD A HIGH BLOOD ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION.  AS I CONDUCTED MY INTERVIEW WITH THE VICTIMS, I ASKED OPERATOR IF HE HAD HAD ANY ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT.  HE INFORMED ME THAT HE HAD HAD ABOUT 3 BEERS.  A FEW MINUTES LATER I ASKED PASSENGER IF OPERATOR HAD BEEN DRINKING THAT EVENING. SHE TOLD ME THAT OPERATOR HAD BEEN DRINKING BEFORE SHE HAD ARRIVED AT HIS HOUSE AROUND 11:00PM THAT EVENING. HE HAD ASKED HER TO DRIVE THE TRUCK TO THE BOAT ACCESS AREA ON 5TH STREET BECAUSE HE KNEW HE WAS IMPAIRED. OPERATOR HAD ALSO PLACED A COOLER FILLED WITH BEER AND ICE IN THE BOAT PRIOR TO LAUNCHING.  AT APPROXIMATLY 12:30 AM, OPERATOR AND PASSENGER LEFT THE ACCESS AREA BY BOAT AND PROCEEDED TOWARDS THE DAM.  OPERATOR WAS OPERATING THE BOAT AND EVENTUALLY TIED THE BOAT TO THE DAM IN ORDER TO THROW THE CAST NET.  OFFICER2 THEN ASKED PASSENGER IF WE WOULD FIND ANY ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AT THE SCENE.  SHE ADMITTED THAT THERE WAS ALCOHOL ON BOARD THE VESSEL.  WE ASKED PASSENGER WHAT THEY DID BETWEEN 12:30AM AND THE ACCIDENT.  SHE REPORTED TO US THAT THEY HAD JUST SAT AND DRIFTED AND TALKED FOR ABOUT AN HOUR OR SO BEFORE PULLING UP TO THE DAM IN ORDER TO THROW THE CAST NET.  ACCORDING TO BOTH VICTIMS, THE ACCIDIENT HAPPENED A FEW SECONDS AFTER THEY HAD ATTEMPTED TO TIE THE BOAT TO THE DAM.  NEITHER THE OPERATOR NOR THE PASSENGER WERE WEARING PERSONAL FLOATATION DEVICES AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT.

BASED ON THE TESTIMONY OF BOTH VICTIMS, AS WELL AS THE TESTIMONY OF THE HALIFAX REGIONAL MEDICAL STAFF CONCERNING HIS BLOOD ALCOHOL CONTENT, AND MY OWN OBSERVATIONS OF THE OPERATOR, I BELIEVE THAT THE BOAT OPERATOR WAS IMPAIRED AND THAT HIS IMPAIRMENT WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT.


BARDID: NC-2016-0006
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pungo Creek
NearestCityorTown: Belhaven
County: Beaufort
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Shift
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
At 11:00 am on Sunday, April 17, 2016, the Vessel named "Follow Me" was coming into Belhaven Marina and trying to dock.  In this process, the owner of Follow Me lost reverse control of his vessel and ran into the stern of the vessel named "Raven".  

The owner of Raven and her husband were inside the cabin of the vessel at the time of the incident.  When the vessel Follow Me ran into Raven, it hit the dingy on the back of Raven causing all of the stainless steel which holds the dingy as well as the safety rails to bend forward.  The vessel Follow Me also destroyed one of the pilings at the dock. No one was injured in this event.


BARDID: NC-2016-0015
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atlantic Ocean
NearestCityorTown: Wrightsville Beach
County: New Hanover
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was operated by Injured1; the vessel also had 2 other non-injured occupants. Injured1 was tacking back into the wind when he got caught in irons (bow directly into wind). Injured1 and the two other passengers were sitting on the same side of the vessel when the wind shifted and the vessel began to capsize. Injured1 attempted to keep the vessel upright by grabbing the center board and keeping it pressed down into the vessel. While holding onto the center board, the vessel capsized and as a result of holding the center board when the vessel capsized Injured1 fractured the fingertips of his middle and ring finger on his left hand. Injured1 also sustained several lacerations that required sutures to the middle and ring finger on his left hand.

Once in the water and Good Samaritan vessel called the New Hanover 911 center and reported the incident. Ocean rescue was dispatched from Wrightsville Beach and made contact with Injured1 and the two others in the water. Sea Tow was dispatched and came out and righted the vessel and took the vessel back to Carolina Yacht Club at Wrightsville Beach. 

Vessel 1 sustained moderate damage to the mast.

Injured1 drove himself to New Hanover Regional Medical Center where he was treated for fingertip fractures and lacerations. He received several sutures and fingertip splints. He was treated and released the same day from New Hanover Regional Medical Center.


BARDID: NC-2016-0016
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Surf City
County: Pender
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was coming back to dock his vessel at the camp ground he was staying at in Surf City when his vessel started to take on water in the stern. Witnesses that saw the incident described Operator's vessel was turning in circles as to appear if he was attempting to run the water out of the back.  Operator said he was attempting to keep the vessel afloat long enough to get to shallow water or the seawall where he was going to dock.  When the vessel took on enough water, it began to sink. At that time Operator grabbed hold of his two medium sized dogs, who were wearing canine PFD's, because he was unable to get to his PFDs that were stored at the bow of the vessel.

Operator was assisted out of the water by a Good Samaritan. Once on shore, Operator and the Good Samaritan's vessel pulled Vessel 1 back to the seawall.

Vessel 1 sustained damage to the electrical systems to include the batteries, fish finder, electrical wiring and the electrical components on the outboard engine. Once the vessel was taken out of the water additional damage was noticed to the lower unit and to the arms that connect the motor to the vessel.

Operator did not suffer any injuries and did not seek medical attention.


BARDID: NC-2016-0017
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: SNEADS FERRY
County: ONSLOW
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 4-21-2016 at approximately 1607 hrs, i received a call from communications in raleigh that a vessel incident had occurred at new river marina and i was given contact information to contact the alleged victim vessel.  

I contacted v1 at approximately 1610 hrs. He told me that a vessel had gone past his vessel while he was trying to dock at new river marina and the vessel was displacing a significant wake he said close to four feet high and it caused his vessel to collide with the dock while mooring. 

Operator1 was able to ascertain a picture of the vessel that i fowarded to marine fisheries that was located in the direction the suspect vessel was navigating.  My location at the time was 1 hour inland in kinston nc. Officer made contact with the vessel and secured me all the information i needed to make contact with them during my investigation.  

I made contact with the victim vessel the morning of 4-22-16 at cedar point.  He gave me statements from two dock hands at new river marina and his wife that supported his statement he also completed a 4.1.  I observed the damage on his vessel and estimated it to be over two thousand dollars (2500-3500). The damage consisted of fiber glass damage and rub rail damage in two locations on the starboard side of the vessel.  It was apparent that the damage occurred from the vessel being pushed by a wake into the pylons located at the new river marina dock.  I then contacted the suspect vessel.  I made contact with him at radio island marina at approximately 1036 hrs. I took there statements and 4.1. 

After gathering all the data, i have come to the conclusion based on all the statements, damage to the vessel, and my training and experience that the incident occurred due to the wake of operator2's vessel pushing operator1's vessel into the dock pylons located at the new river marina.  Operator2's vessel was navigating north up the icw and operator1s' vessel facing south was in the process of docking to the new river marina dock that runs parallel to the icw. Operator1 his wife and the dock hands all stated that the vessel operated by operator2 the “no plans no rules” vessel caused the wake that subsequently caused the damage.


BARDID: NC-2016-0018
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:29:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Whittaker Creek
NearestCityorTown: Oriental
County: Pamlico
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Shift
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On may 7th 2016 at approximately 1429 hours, operator1 was backing out of her boat slip at the sailcraft marina.  She was aboard her vessel, the bijou (vessel number 1).  At the time of the incident vessel number 1 had onboard three persons including the operator operator1.  

As vessel number 1 began to back out of its slip in the marina, operator1 said the throttle of vessel number 1 seemed to get stuck and hard to use causing the vessel to continue in reverse.  

Vessel number 1 then struck a parked sailboat named "the simple life" (vessel number 2).  Vessel number 1 struck vessel number 2 along the bow and then bumped along the starboard side of vessel number 2.  

Vessel 1 sustained damage to the stern breaking the railing and damaged the wood along the gunnel.  The owners of vessel number 2 tried to keep vessel number 1 off their vessel, but could not stop vessel number 1 from colliding into vessel number 2.  

The owners of vessel number 2 called their insurance company and also called the coast guard informing them of the accident.  The owners of vessel number 2 are concerned that there may be more damage below the waterline.  Vessel number 2 may have damage below the waterline but that can't be seen till the vessel is placed into dry dock.  Both vessels did not take on any water.  Both owners exchanged information and an insurance adjuster was sent to look at vessel number 2.  There was no impairment involved during the time of the incident.


BARDID: NC-2016-0019
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:39:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Shelter Creek
NearestCityorTown: Burgaw
County: Pender
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 12, 2016 at approximately 13:30 I, NC Wildlife Officer1: received a call from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission Dispatch reporting a missing person on Shelter Creek, Burgaw, NC.  I made contact with Officer2 with the Pender County Sheriff''s office at approximately 13:39 and he advised me that Victim1, was reported missing and that his boat was recovered down the creek from his residence.  He advised that the victim had last been seen on Tuesday night, May 10th, 2016 in his yard.  I arrived on scene by boat at the victim's floating dock at approximately 14:30 on May 12th, 2016.  I observed the victim's green 12ft. Alumacraft  boat (Vessel 1, NC XXXXXX) tied to the victim's floating dock oriented with the bow pointing upstream.  Vessel 1 had a Motorguide Stealth 200 trolling motor attached to the transom with an Autocraft car battery positioned in the starboard aft of the stern of the vessel behind the bench seat.  The positive wire coming from the trolling motor was attached to the positive battery terminal with a clamp and the negative wire wasn't hooked to the battery.  In the floor of the Vessel 1 located beside the Autocraft battery, there was an open fifth of a gallon glass bottle of Travelers Club blended whiskey with approximately 1/3 of the whiskey still left in the bottle.  There was also an empty opened 12 ounce can of Natural light beer located in the floor of the port side stern of Vessel 1.  There was a yellow line wrapped around the shaft of the trolling motor on one end and tied on the other end to the port side of Vessel 1's hull cross beam near the bow.  The only other item inside Vessel 1 was an empty gallon size white bucket that was located in the floor of the bow.  I observed no obvious signs of damage to Vessel 1.  Officer2 boarded my boat and we began searching for the victim.  The two man crew onboard the Pender County EMS boat located a wooden homemade paddle belonging to the victim floating in the creek just a few yards downstream of the victim's floating dock.  Officer2 and I interviewed the victim's neighbor (Neighbor1) at approximately 09:45, on May 13, 2016 at her residence.  According to Neighbor1, at approximately 10:00 on May 12, 2016, she took her one man creek boat and paddled out to Vessel 1 which was floating unoccupied in the middle of Shelter Creek approximately halfway between her residence and the victim's residence.  Neighbor1 climbed onboard Vessel 1 and paddled the boat back to the victim's floating dock towing her creek boat alongside.  Neighbor1 said that she attempted to turn on the trolling motor of Vessel 1 when she boarded it, but it wouldn't work.  Neighbor1 said that she didn't mess with anything else in the boat.  At approximately 10:10 on May 13, 2016 Officer2 and I interviewed the victim's other neighbor (Neighbor2), at his residence.   According to Neighbor2, he saw the victim's unoccupied boat floating down Shelter Creek at approximately 10:00 May 12, 2016.  Neighbor2 said the victim's boat was located about 50 yards up the creek from his residence when he first saw it.  Neighbor2 said he last saw and talked to the victim Tuesday night May 10th, 2016 around 19:00 at the victim's residence.  Neighbor2 said that the victim was highly intoxicated that night.  On Sunday, May 15, 2016 at approximately 14:30 I received a call from Officer2 notifying me that a body had been discovered floating in Shelter Creek approximately 300 yards upstream from the victim's residence by the victim's ex-wife's husband, and the victim's son's friend.  NCWRC Officer3 and I arrived on scene with the body at approximately 15:40 by patrol boat.  Upon our arrival, Officer2 and EMS personnel were already there in the EMS boat.  I observed the victim floating face down with his head oriented north.  The victim's body was lodged up against an overhanging tree on the east side of Shelter Creek.  The victim was wearing a black torn t-shirt, khaki shorts, and wasn't wearing any shoes.  The victim's body was extremely boated, discolored, and was missing most of his right ear.  There were no obvious signs of trauma to the victim's body.  Sgt. And I assisted the Pender Co. Sheriff's Office and Pender EMS personnel load the victim into the EMS boat and transport the body to the Shelter Creek Wildlife Access Area.  The body was then loaded into an ambulance and transported to the New Hanover Memorial Hospital.  I attended the autopsy of the victim at Greenville Memorial Hospital at 10:00 on May 17, 2016.  The victim had his wallet on his person containing his NC Driver License which positively identified him.  Upon completion of the autopsy, the doctor determined the preliminary cause of death to be drowning.  The final diagnosis will be pending the toxicology and microscopy report.

*******************************************************************
PLEASE NOTE:   The operator experience and education are unknown.  The weather, water conditions and wind are also unknown for this report. As noted in report the operation and activity at the time of this incident is "unknown".
                        It is also "unknown" as to what made the victim fall overboard in this incident.

                        When the final diagnosis is received from the autopsy report, this report will be updated in BARD.

NOTHING FURTHER AT THIS TIME.


BARDID: NC-2016-0020
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Wrightsville Beach
County: New Hanover
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating vessel 1 in the area of Shinn Creek headed East towards Banks Channel towing a tube occupied by Tuber.  Passenger was seated behind the center console to the left of Operator. 

Operator decided to make a U-turn around day marker 11 to avoid the heavy boat traffic in Banks Channel and head back towards the ICW.  With the tube still in tow, vessel 1 proceeded to turn around the day marker.  Operator noticed the tube was tracking on the inside of the wake close to the day marker and slowed down.  At the same time the tube impacted the east face of the day marker. The tow line was tied to the T-top, which caused the T-top and center console to get ripped from the fiberglass.  The tow line then snapped loose with Tuber still on the tube.  The center console and T-top impacted Operator and Passenger.  The impact ejected Operator from the vessel and caused severe contusions to Passenger.  The throttle was pushed into the full throttle position as it impacted Operator.  Once the center console and T-top came loose from the floor, the remaining occupant, Passenger, was unable to reach any controls. The vessel then turned sharply to the left and began to circle counter-clockwise.  Passenger stayed on the vessel for several minutes before jumping overboard.  Once in the water, Passenger joined Operator and swam to shore while a Good Samaritan picked Tuber out of the water.

The vessel was now circling counter-clockwise unoccupied.  The USCG from Wrightsville Beach arrived on scene as well as Sea Tow.  The Sea Tow vessel put lines in the water to attempt to fowl the prop. The attempts were unsuccessful and the vessel continued to circle moving west towards Inlet View Drive.  The vessel eventually impacted the gazebo and dock of a property owner, where the vessel became lodged under the dock.  Sea Tow pulled the vessel out from under the dock in order to keep the vessel from sinking with the incoming tide.

The vessel sustained heavy damage from the impact with the dock and gazebo. The vessel also sustained heavy damage to the T-top and center console due to the tube impact with the day marker. The tow line was attached to the top of the T-top, which caused both the center console and T-top to be removed from the vessel.

The gazebo damage was from the vessel impacting the gazebo at low tide at the back right piling, which caused the piling and floor joist to break. The breaking of joist and piling ripped out the electrical conduit from the dock.


BARDID: NC-2016-0021
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Carolina Beach
County: New Hanover
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Starting in gear
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was tied to the dock in its slip at Harbor Point Marina in Carolina Beach.  (vessel 1) was in the engine room working on the starboard engine.  V1 subject started the starboard engine from the engine room not knowing that the throttle controls were in the 3/4 throttle position.  When the starboard engine started, the vessel pulled away from the dock breaking all lines holding the vessel.  The last line to break was the bow starboard line, which caused the vessel bow to turn towards the starboard piling, and when the line broke, vessel 1 was turning to the starboard side and the port stern corner impacted vessel 2 at the Master Bedroom porthole and just below the port hole.

Vessel 2 was tied to the dock in its slip at Harbor point Marina in Carolina Beach.  No one was on board the vessel at the time of the incident. The owner was standing on the dock talking to (witness) at the time of the incident.

Vessel 1 suffered minor damage to the port stern corner to consist of paint transfer and minor scuffs.

Vessel 2 suffered major damage to the starboard side of the vessel at the porthole for the master bedroom. The porthole was pushed into the bedroom and there is a crack all the way through the fiberglass into the bedroom approximately 2 foot in length.


BARDID: NC-2016-0022
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mtn. Island Lake
NearestCityorTown: Huntersville
County: Gaston
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On the 4th day of June 2016 at approximately 3:30 P.M. Operator1 was operating (VESSEL 1) just up river from Duck Cove traveling up stream pulling Tuber1 and Tuber2 on a tube. Following (VESSEL 1) was Operator2 operating a PWC (VESSEL 2) at approximately 40 yards from the rear of the tube. The weather was mostly sunny with temperatures around 90 degrees and water temperatures in the mid 80's. 

As the two vessels were traveling up stream, (VESSEL 1) made a hard left U-turn at approximately 10-20 MPH.  As (VESSEL 1) started the left U-turn, PWC (VESSEL 2) turned sharp left towards the bank to get in front of (VESSEL 1).  As (VESSEL 1) made the turn the tube being pulled behind it followed and drifted out towards the starboard side of (VESSEL 1) where (VESSEL 2) was approaching at approximately 10-20 MPH.  (VESSEL 2) collided with the tube being pulled by (VESSEL 1). The impact from the collision ejected Tuber1 and Tuber2 from the tube into the PWC (VESSEL 2) and then into the water.

Tuber1 ended up face down in the water. She was transported by ambulance to CMC Main with a laceration to the back of her head and complaining of neck pains.

Tuber2 was taken by her parents to Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte with a fractured foot.

There were no damages to any of the vessels.


BARDID: NC-2016-0023
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:52:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: SHEARON HARRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CORINTH
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 0940 hours on 04 May 2016, I, a Wildlife Enforcement Officer (WEO) with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission was dispatched to Crosspoint boating access area on Shearon Harris Lake in reference to a boating accident which occurred near the spillway.  Upon my arrival at Crosspoint boating access area at approximately 0945 hours, I spoke with Operator1.

According to Operator1, he and his passenger (Victim1) had just cruised into a small cove due North of the Harris spillway to fish. Victim1 was in the process of putting out the anchor on the port side of Vessel 1, North Carolina registration NC XXXX XX, when somehow Victim1 fell out of Vessel 1 and into the water. Operator1 stated it appeared as if the weight of the anchor pulled the victim out into the water, but he was unsure if Victim1 had any part of the anchor rope attached to him which may have caused him to be drug in.  Operator1 stated he threw a type IV floatation device into the water to Victim1 and then entered the water himself in an attempt to help Victim1, as he was aware Victim1 was unable to swim.  According to Operator1, Victim1 partially re-surfaced and took hold of the type IV floatation device with one hand while he (Operator1) attempted to get the Victim1's head above the water while also trying to swim back to Vessel 1.  Operator1 stated while moving back toward Vessel 1, Victim1 let go of the floatation device and submerged completely underwater.  Operator1 stated he attempted to dive down to locate Victim1, but was unable to see anything.  Operator1 stated he then swam back to Vessel 1, which had now drifted away from the site of the accident and against the restricted area buoys separating the Shearon Harris spillway from rest of the lake.  Operator1 stated once he was back on board Vessel 1, he moved Vessel 1 back to the accident site where the anchor rope was still located in the water and pulled the anchor up to see if Victim1 was attached to it.  However, Victim1 was still below the surface. Operator1 then tied the anchor line to Vessel 1 and called 911.

Using sonar and dive teams, the victim's body was recovered at approximately 1450 hours in twenty-two (22) feet of water in close proximity to where Operator1 stated he last believed Victim1 entered the water.  

The type of anchor used was a common mushroom type anchor weighing approximately twenty (20) pounds. There was a rope of nylon material attached to the anchor that was approximately thirty (30) feet in length.  It was indicated by Operator1 the nylon rope was not attached to Vessel 1 while the victim was lowering the anchor into the water.  There were US Coast Guard approved wearable personal floatation devices on board Vessel 1.  However, neither Victim1 nor Operator1 were properly wearing a personal floatation device at any time. There was no indication of drug or alcohol presence located on Vessel 1 and no indication drugs or alcohol contributed to the accident.


BARDID: NC-2016-0024
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-05-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Norman
NearestCityorTown: Cornelius
County: MECKLENBURG
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
MachineryFailure: Fuel
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On thursday, may 12, 2016 at approximately 3:30pm, a vessel fire occurred on lake norman in a cove approximately one-half mile southeast of the peninsula yacht club.  The vessel was a 2009, 23-foot jc neptune pontoon boat that was anchored at the time of the incident.  The operator and a passenger were on board the vessel at the time the fire erupted. Neither the operator nor the passenger were injured in this incident. 

At approximatley 10:30am on may 12, 2016, the operator of the vessel and the passenger arrived at waterstreet marina of lake norman to go boating on their 23-foot, jc neptoon pontoon boat. The weather was clear and sunny with a high ambient temperature of approximately 85 degrees. This was their first time taking the vessel out this year. 

The vessel would not initially start due to a dead battery, so they took time to charge the battery and clean the boat.  At approximately 2:00pm, they were able to start the outboard engine and left the marina. The vessel fuel tank was approximately half full, so occupant decided that they should fill the tank in order to get fresh fuel for the outboard engine.  Occupant stated that she believed the tank was three-quarters full when they docked the boat for the off-season, but it was now down to half a tank of fuel. They navigated to kings point marina to fill up the fuel tank. 

After filling up with fuel at kings point marina, operator navigated the vessel to a cove near the peninsula yacht club.  Operator stated that the engine was slightly skipping, but she thought this could be due to it being the first time the engine was operated since last boating season.  Once they arrived in the cove, they anchored the vessel and turned off the outboard engine.  Once anchored, operator jumped off the stern (rear) of the vessel to swim.  As she began to climb the step ladder to re-board the stern of the vessel, operator told occupant, “i think we have a big problem here.” 

It was at this time that operator noticed an extensive fuel leak coming from the fuel line at the stern of the vessel.  Operator boarded the vessel and walked towards the bow (front).  Occupant walked to the rear of the vessel to observe the fuel line and stated that she observed several damaged areas and a hole the size of a “pencil eraser.”  Occupant had a theory that the fuel line could have possibly been pinched at some point due to the tilt and trim movements of the outboard engine.  The hole in the fuel line was located in the stern near the starboard (right) side of the vessel. 

 Occupant was on the starboard side of the vessel and grabbed the fuel line to further examine its condition and try to access a way to fix the fuel leak.  As occupant was holding the fuel line, flames suddenly erupted in the stern of the vessel on the port (left) side.  Because the flames were so large, both occupants jumped from the boat as quickly as possible.  Occupant was able to grab a swim float before she jumped from the boat.  Operator stated that the fire was “fast and furious.” Both occupants held on to the swim float once they were in the water.

Vessel operator and witness was anchored approximately 200 yards from the boat that caught fire.  He stated that he heard occupant and operator scream and observed that their boat was on fire.  He pulled up his anchor and navigated towards them.  He stated that both women were holding onto one swim float.  He and his wife were able to help the women board his vessel.  Once the cornelius-lemley fire department vessel arrived on scene, the pontoon was already fully engulfed in flames. The fire department was eventually able to extinguish the fire.

It appeared as though a hole in the fuel line created a large amount of fuel leakage.  A mecklenburg county fire marshall examined the vessel and determined that the fuel was more than likely ignited by an electrical system failure.


BARDID: NC-2016-0025
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Yadkin River
NearestCityorTown: Clemmons, NC
County: Forsyth
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Dam/lock
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday, May 11, 2016 a 44-year old male, and another 44-year old male from Clemmons, NC put a boat (NC XXXX XX) on the Yadkin River a few miles south of Idols Dam at around 17:00. The boat, 15-foot aluminum War Eagle with a 25 HP, outboard motor, belongs to Operator.  Operator, who was the vessel operator, and Occupant, his passenger, were intending on going north until they reached Idols Dam so they could fish on the downstream side of the low head dam.

Operator and Occupant said they arrived at Idols Dam at about 18:25. Just below Idols Dam there is a small island in the river that separates the power outlet (the east side of the island) from the low head dam section of the facility (the west side of the island).  According to Operator, they travelled up the west side of the island and were going to float back down the river.  Operator lifted the motor out of the water and as the boat began to drift downstream, it got stuck in some shallow water.  Operator lowered the motor back into the water and tried to restart the motor but the engine would not start.

In the middle of the small island is a break in the land where there is a strong swirling current.  Just a few moments after attempting to restart the motor, this current began to pull the boat through the gap in the land and spin the boat. The swirling current pulled the boat from the west side of the island to the east side of the island where the power outlet for the dam is located.  Even though the dam is no longer in use, the water that pours out of the power outlet does so with a lot of force, creating very turbulent water.  This creates a large boiling effect in the water at the base the dam with waves that easily crest at 1-foot high.  Operator and Occupant say that they tried to get the motor to restart again, but it would not start. The boat hit the boil bow first and was spun around and the water poured over the stern and filled the back of the boat full, causing it to capsize and dump both Operator and Occupant into the 66-degree Fahrenheit water.

Both men were ejected out of the boat into the turbulent water.  Operator managed to get out of the water and up on the dam.  However, Occupant was stuck in the water up against the eastern bank which is nearly vertical.  The boat floated down river and was eventually stopped by Witness1.  He towed it down river to Concord Church Boating Access Area.  Operator started yelling at another boater, only known as Witness1, who drove up the west side of the island as close to the dam as possible.  Witness1 gave Operator two lifejackets and a rope.  Operator tied both ends of the rope to each life jacket and threw one of the lifejackets to Occupant. During this time, Witness1 drove south of the island then back up the east side towards Occupant.  Operator threw the other end of the rope with the second lifejacket tied to it in the water.  This lifejacket floated to Witness1's boat and Witness1 was able to pull Occupant into his boat with Witness1 and his son.   

The approximate time of the accident was about 18:30.  Clemmons Fire Department received a call for swift water rescue at 19:12 and arrived at the dam at 19:21.  CFD found Operator on the dam and was instructed that Occupant was in need of medical treatment.  Occupant had begun to exhibit symptoms of hypothermia and had also been doused in the gasoline that had been dumped into the water when the boat capsized.  CFD escorted them both back across the dam and cleaned Occupant off with the fire hose then transported him to Forsyth Medical Center in the EMS transportation.  Operator was treated for hypothermia and released.  Clemmons Fire Department departed the scene at 19:49.  No alcohol or drugs were involved.


BARDID: NC-2016-0026
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Norman
NearestCityorTown: Mooresville
County: Iredell
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Weather
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 5, 2016 at approximately 3:15 pm, Victim drowned while swimming on Lake Norman.  He and his brothers-in-law left their vessel to swim near an island at the mouth of McCrary Creek on Lake Norman.  Victim was unable to swim back to the boat and subsequently drowned.  

Operator was operating NC-xxxx-xx, an 18 foot Stringray ski boat on Lake Norman.  Also on the vessel were Occupant1, Victim and Occupant2.  There were other family members on a nearby island.  The three men wanted to swim, so Operator stopped the vessel near the island and shut off the engine.  The men jumped from the vessel to swim and Occupant2 stayed on the vessel.  The vessel was not at anchor and was drifting at the time.  The wind was blowing quite strong throughout the day and created choppy and rough conditions on the lake.  As the three men swam, the current and wind pushed the vessel away from them.  Occupant1 did not stay in the water long and swam back to the vessel.  The two other men swam for a few minutes then headed back to the vessel.  Victim yelled for help and was having trouble swimming.  Operator tried to assist him.  Occupant1 threw a PFD to them, but the wind blew it in the opposite direction.  Occupant2 threw a rope to them as well.  Victim was frantic in the water and then went under.  He did not resurface.   

After Victim went under, Operator got back on the vessel and started the engine.  They flagged down a man on a PWC and he came and assisted them with the search.  The man on the PWC called 911 as well as Occupant2.  Both vessels stayed in the area searching for Victim until law enforcement and rescue personal arrived on scene.    

Victim never resurfaced on his own.  His body was recovered the next day by rescue divers.  The weather on June 5, 2016 created choppy waters and a surface current.  This made it difficult for Victim to swim back to the vessel that he departed from earlier.  The family stated that he could swim.  There is no indication of foul play and there were no drugs or alcohol involved.  Victim's body was sent for and external medical exam and toxicology report.  Findings are still pending.

*******************************************
PLEASE NOTE:  WHEN FINAL AUTOPSY REPORT IS SUBMITTED, THIS REPORT WILL BE UPDATED IN BARD.  

NOTHING FURTHER AT THIS TIME.


BARDID: NC-2016-0027
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-05-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Currituck Sound
NearestCityorTown: Moyock
County: Currituck
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
After speaking with the (owner/operator) of the Cheryl Lynn (Vessel 1) by E-mail and over the phone, the accident happened at approximately 1:00 PM on May 8th. The operator stated he was traveling North from the Coinjock Canal at approximately 25 knots.  Vessel 1 continued North through the ICW. In the area of Channel Marker 79 the shaft connecting the propeller to the motor broke off causing the shaft and the propeller to fall through the hull leaving a hole in the hull approximately 2.5'' wide allowing water to enter the hull of Vessel 1.  Vessel 1 went down just outside the ICW channel.  Vessel 1 was completely submerged. 
 
Vessel 1 has been lifted and pumped out then towed to Norfolk Va.


BARDID: NC-2016-0029
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Little Alligator River
NearestCityorTown: Columbia
County: Tyrrell
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/09/2016, I received a report from the Tyrrell County Sheriff's Office of an unoccupied vessel going in circles in Little Alligator River.  Officer1, who was on duty responded to the scene along with two NC Marine Fisheries Officers.  They found an unmanned vessel running through stumps on the south shore of Little Alligator River where it came to rest after breaking the lower unit loose from the motor.  A pair of men's running shoes were found floating in the water near where the vessel was observed going in circles.  Witness1 and Witness2, who were fishing in Little Alligator River reported the circling vessel to the Sheriff's Office.  According to both men, at approximately 1030 am, they observed a man working on a cabin on the South Shore of Little Alligator River and could hear a power saw being used. 15 to 30 minutes later they observed the unoccupied vessel on plane going in circles.  They went closer to see what was going on and saw a shoe in the water.  At that time they called 911.  The vessel NC XXXX XX is registered to Owner1.  Owner1 had loaned the boat to Victim1 so that they could work on the cabin located on Little Alligator River that Owner1 is a part owner of.  NC Wildlife Officers, Tyrrell County Emergency Management, NC Marine Fisheries Officers, USCG and Hertford County Emergency Management searched until 2130 HRS on 06/09/2016 with no results.  The search resumed the next morning.  On 06/10/2016 at 1300 hours, Victim1 was located and recovered by Hertford County Emergency Management using side scan sonar. Victim1's body was transported by Tyrrell Washington EMS to Washington County Hospital and then to the Medical Examiner's Office in Greenville, North Carolina.  At this time it is unknown if drugs or alcohol were a factor in this incident.  The victim was not  wearing a PFD.  No charges are pending.

*************************************************************
WHEN THE MEDICAL EXAMINER'S REPORT IS RECEIVED, THIS REPORT WILL BE UPDATED IN BARD.


BARDID: NC-2016-0030
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Money Island Bay
NearestCityorTown: Atlantic Beach
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
ON 05/27/2016 AT 5:38 PM, OFFICER1 FROM THE USCG CALLED ME TO REPORT A BOATING ACCIDENT THAT HAD OCCURRED.  HE ADVISED THAT 2 YOUNG FEMALES WERE OCCUPYING A VESSEL THAT COLLIDED WITH A DAY MARKER IN MONEY ISLAND BAY.  HE ADVISED THE 2 OCCUPANTS OF THE VESSEL WERE INJURED AND HAD BEEN TAKEN TO GET MEDICAL TREATMENT.  I HAD CHECKED OFF DUTY AT AROUND 5:30 PM BUT SIGNED BACK ON AFTER SPEAKING WITH OFFICER1.  I PATROLLED TO ANCHORAGE MARINA IN ATLANTIC BEACH TO INVESTIGATE THE INCIDENT.  UPON ARRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 6:40 PM, I OBSERVED VESSEL NC XXXX XX PULLED INTO A BOAT SLIP.  VESSEL NC XXXX XX WILL BE REFERRED TO AS VESSEL 1 FOR PURPOSES OF THIS REPORT.  I OBSERVED A LARGE AREA IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BOW (FRONT) OF VESSEL 1 THAT WAS DAMAGED.  I OBSERVED WOOD AND FIBERGLASS PARTICLES ON THE BOW AND INSIDE OF VESSEL 1.  I OBSERVED THE RUBRAIL WAS TORN OFF ON THE BOW.  I ALSO OBSERVED BLOOD INSIDE OF THE VESSEL WHICH I PHOTOGRAPHED ALONG WITH THE DAMAGE TO VESSEL 1.  I SPOKE WITH OFFICER1 FURTHER AT THE SCENE.  I ALSO SPOKE WITH THE MANAGER AT ANCHORAGE MARINA.  HE ADVISED THAT A MAN (WITNESS1) PICKED UP ONE OF THE GIRLS INVOLVED IN THE COLLISION AND BROUGHT HER TO ANCHORAGE MARINA.  I ALSO SPOKE WITH GOOD SAMARITAN1 WHO WAS A PASSENGER ON A VESSEL OPERATED BY GOOD SAMARITAN2.  GOOD SAMARITAN1 REPORTED THAT HE AND GOOD SAMARITAN2 PICKED UP THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL 1 AFTER THE COLLISION OCCURRED AND TRANSPORTED HER TO ANCHORAGE MARINA.  I PATROLLED TO FAST MED URGENT CARE IN MOREHEAD CITY WHERE I MADE CONTACT WITH THE TWO OCCUPANTS OF VESSEL 1.  I IDENTIFIED THE 2 OCCUPANTS AS INJURED1 AND INJURED2.  THE TWO HAD JUST FINISHED GETTING TREATED FOR HER INJURIES.  INJURED1 RECEIVED 12 STITCHES TO 2 LACERATIONS ON HER RIGHT KNEE.  INJURED1 REPORTED SHE WAS THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL 1 AND THAT SHE WAS 15 YEARS OLD.  SHE REPORTED SHE HAD NOT HAD A BOATING SAFETY COURSE.  I ALSO SPOKE WITH INJURED2.  INJURED2, WHO WAS FRIENDS WITH INJURED1, REPORTED SHE WAS THE PASSENGER ON VESSEL 1 AND WAS STANDING IN FRONT OF THE CENTER CONSOLE WHEN THE COLLISION OCCURRED.  INJURED1 REPORTED SHE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF TURNING VESSEL 1 TO THE RIGHT WHEN 2 LARGE BOATS PASSED CREATING LARGE WAKES.  SHE REPORTED THE WAKES CAUSED HER TO BE SPRAYED WITH WATER, AT WHICH POINT INJURED1 AND INJURED2 BEGAN LAUGHING.  INJURED1 REPORTED BECAUSE THEY WERE LAUGHING, THEY WERE DISTRACTED AND VESSEL 1 COLLIDED WITH A DAY MARKER.  INJURED2 WAS THROWN OVERBOARD OFF OF THE STARBOARD (RIGHT) SIDE OF THE BOW WHILE INJURED1 COLLIDED WITH THE CENTER CONSOLE IN FRONT OF HER.  THIS WAS THE CAUSE OF THE LACERATIONS ON INJURED1'S RIGHT KNEE.  INJURED2 REPORTED HER INJURIES WERE FROM BEING THROWN OFF OF VESSEL 1.  I LEFT THE URGENT CARE AT 7:46 PM ON 06/03/2016 AT 9:46 AM.  I SPOKE WITH WITNESS1 ABOUT THE INCIDENT.  HE REPORTED THAT HE WAS OPERATING HIS VESSEL APPROXIMATELY 200 YARDS BEHIND VESSEL 1.  HE REPORTED THAT HE THOUGHT HE SAW A SPLASH AND SOMETHING SEEMED UNUSUAL ABOUT VESSEL 1.  HE REPORTED AS HE GOT CLOSER TO VESSEL 1, HE OBSERVED INJURED2 SWIMMING IN THE WATER NEAR THE STERN OF THE BOAT.  HE REPORTED SHE WAS COMPLAINING ABOUT PAIN IN HER LEG.  HE REPORTED HE HELPED INJURED2 GET IN HIS BOAT AND TRANSPORTED HER TO ANCHORAGE MARINA.  HE REPORTED THERE WERE 2 OTHER VESSELS THAT CAME TO HELP.  1 VESSEL PICKED UP THE OPERATOR AND THE OTHER VESSEL TOWED IN VESSEL 1 TO ANCHORAGE MARINA.  NOTHING FURTHER AT THIS TIME.


END OF REPORT


BARDID: NC-2016-0031
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Surf City
County: Pender
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was docked at Sears Landing Restaurant in Surf City.  Around 4:30 pm, witnesses saw a group of four people board a small vessel (vessel 2), then began to undock from Sears Landing. The vessel backed out of its slip which was perpendicular to Vessel 1.  

Vessel 2 was turning towards the channel to heads towards the ICW when the starboard back half struck the starboard bow of vessel 1.  Witnesses watched the vessel then leave heading towards the ICW.  Meanwhile the owner of Vessel 1 was inside the restaurant and noticed Vessel 2 pushing off of the bow of his vessel.  

V1 thought vessel 2 was just pushing off to avoid an incident and did not worry about the situation.  Approximately an hour later, V1 left the restaurant and headed towards his vessel when he was approached by the witnesses who were seated on the patio and was informed that his vessel had been struck.  The witnesses described the event to V1 and then he headed back to Harbor Point Marina in Hampstead to review the damage to his vessel. 

The damage to his vessel included significant gouges to the bow just above the waterline and under the bow pulpit area. The damage sustained was to the Kevlar boat hull.


BARDID: NC-2016-0032
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Morehead City Waterfront
NearestCityorTown: Morehead City
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On june 13 2016 at approximatley 6:25, the vessel lady huck, caught on fire at the morehead city waterfront near the sanitary restaurant.  The morehead city fire department was dispatched to the fire.  The owner of vessel was called and quickly arrived to the scene.  After putting out the fire, the fire marshall examined the vessel and discovered it was an electrical fire caused by a tv near a window that started the fire.  Upon investigating and interviewing witnesses,  it was determined that it was an accident and no arson was suspected.  No one was onbaord the vessel during the incident.  After the owner filled out the 4.1 information, he had his vessel towed to a dry dock to undergo repairs.  It has been estimated that it will cost close to 500,000.00  to repair the vessel.

End of report


BARDID: NC-2016-0033
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GASTON
NearestCityorTown: HENRICO
County: NORTHAMPTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
ON 06/04/2016, AT ABOUT 2:00PM, INJURED WAS IN THE WATER ATTEMPTING TO WAKE BOARD.  THE OPERATOR PULLED THE SKI ROPE TIGHT WITH THE BOAT IN ORDER TO PULLTHE SKIER OUT OF THE WATER.  WHEN THE OPERATOR ON THE VESSEL PULLED THE ROPE TIGHT AND BEGAN TO PULL THE SKIER, THE SKIER TURNED LOOSE OF THE ROPE.  THE OPERATOR TURNED THE VESSEL AROUND AND APPROACHED THE SKIER.  AS THE OPERATOR APPROACHED THE SKIER, THE SKIER SAID HE THOUGHT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH HIS KNEE.  THE SKIER WAS RETRIEVED FROM THE WATER AND THEN TAKEN BACK TO THE DOCK.  HIS LEG WAS STABILIZED AND HE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BY HIS FRIENDS.  ONCE HE ARRIVED AT HALIFAX REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, HIS RIGHT LEG WAS X-RAYED.  IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE SKIER HAD A BROKEN RIGHT FEMUR. AFTER TALKING WITH THE WITNESS, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SKIER WAS WEARING HIS LIFE JACKET AND THERE WERE NO VIOLATIONS THAT TOOK PLACE. THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT IS UNKNOWN.

*****************************************
THERE IS NOTHING MENTIONED BY THE OFFICER OF THIS REPORT AS TO WHAT CAUSED THE INJURY TO THE SKIER.  


END OF REPORT


BARDID: NC-2016-0034
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Neuse River
NearestCityorTown: New Bern
County: Craven
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/8/16 at approximately 1030 hours, victim left his residence. He then returned some equipment and purchased a bag of sunflower seeds at the Foodlion in New Bern, located at 3301 Dr M L King Jr Blvd. Surveillance footage showed Victim leaving the store at 1103 hours. Note: one worker at Foodlion stated that she remembered seeing a red kayak affixed to the top of Victim''s Lexus SUV.
 
It appears that Victim then proceeded to Flanners Beach Recreational area, located at the end of Flanners Beach Rd in New Bern. According to Google Maps, the drive time from the Foodlion on M L King Dr to Flanner Beach would have taken approximately 20 minutes. Note: there is no evidence that Victim made any stops between Foodlion and Flanners Beach. 
 
It appears that Victim removed the kayak from the top of his SUV in a calm and deliberate fashion, as the blue rope used to tie down the kayak to the top of the vehicle was spooled in a neat oval on the top left side of the SUV. No witnesses reported seeing Victim launch his kayak, or operate it. The manner in which he became separated from the kayak is unclear. 
 
Later that day at approximately 1610 hours, juvenile found Victim''s kayak semi submerged along the southern shoreline of the Neuse River, approximately 1.2 miles downriver from the main access point of Flanners Beach. 
 
On 6/10/16, at approximately 1100 hours, commercial fisherman discovered Victim floating face down approximately 300 yards down river from the main access point of Flanners Beach, and approximately 200 yards from shore. 
 
On 6/11/16, at approximately 1500 hours, subject located a black kayak back rest and a black and white Heritage kayak paddle approximately 0.3 miles down the beach from the main access point of Flanners Beach. 
 
Victim''s body underwent an autopsy performed by Doctor, in which the death was ruled an accidental drowning. 
 
After speaking with the family of Victim, it appears that he did not take a PFD with him. After speaking with a meteorologist from the local news station, it was determined that weather most likely did not play a role as there were no storms reported in that area on 6/8/16 between the hours of 1200 and 1610. The meteorologist did note that the wind that day was blowing from the northwest and west. Commercial fisherman stated that he was in the area all day on 6/8/16, and recalled the day as being very calm and mild.
 


BARDID: NC-2016-0035
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Ocean Isle Beach
County: Brunswick
WaterConditions: Calm
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Congested waters
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On thursday, june 2, 2016, at approximately 2:45 pm, operator1 was operationg a rental pwc (nc 0989 ed) on the icw just west of the oib bridge.  He had on board two occupants, his brother and a younger passenger.  

According to Operator1, they were headed back to return the rental pwc and were headed east on the icw.  They encountered two larger vessels which were headed west in the opposite direction.  The two larger vessels were creating fairly large wakes.  Operator1 stated that they were operating at approximately 4o miles per hour when the pwc hit the first wake, went airborne and then came down and impacted the second wake from the second vessel.  

Upon impact with the second wake, the pwc turned sharply and all three were occupants were thrown off the vessel.  It appears that in the act of being thrown from the vessel, occupant’s head impacted the side rear view mirror of the pwc which resulted in him receiving a small laceration above his left eye and also being knocked unconscious.  

According to the operator, Operator1, he saw his brother floating face down in the water.  He swam over to him, rolled him over and noticed he was breathing very heavily.  His brother soon regained consciousness and all three occupants reboarded the pwc and headed straight to the rental location (oib fishing center).  

Once there, the emergency services were notified and because of the injured occupants condition, he was air lifted to grand strand hospital in myrtle beach south carolina.  He had fluid in his lungs and minor bleeding on the brain.  It appears that operator inexperience combined with congested waters contributed to this incident.  All three occupants were wearing uscg approved pfds and alcohol and drugs were not a contributing factor.  No charges were filed as the operation at the time did not amount to careless or reckless behavior.


BARDID: NC-2016-0036
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atlantic Ocean/ Masons Inlet
NearestCityorTown: Wrightsville Beach
County: New Hanover
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 headed out of Masons Inlet and turned north towards Figure 8 Island. Vessel 1 ran aground in shallow water and the breakers pushed the vessel on to Figure 8 Island. While waiting on tow boat, vessel 1 began to fill up with water and sand from the waves. Tow Boat arrived on scene and pulled vessel 1 off Figure 8.  Vessel 1 had lost the non-permanently affixed gas tank when it washed ashore. Tow Boat then proceeded to tow Vessel 1 back to the Wildlife Access Area at Wrightsville Beach.  When coming back through the Inlet Vessel 1 rolled over in the inlet while being towed. The vessel rolled over because it was full of sand and water, which caused the vessel to become unsteady during the tow. 

Vessel 1 sustained minor damage when it washed up on Figure 8 Island. The non-permanently affixed gas tank came out of the vessel during the grounding.  The vessel sustained major damage when it capsized during the tow.  The damage included a broken wrap around windshield, damage to the seats and interior trim, the motor cowling was cracked.  Based on the damage to the vessel it was a total loss.
The vessel was towed back to the Access Area at Wrightsville Beach.  (vessel 1 owner) then turned over his vessel to Boat Recyclers of Wilmington


BARDID: NC-2016-0037
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pamlico Sound
NearestCityorTown: Swan Quarter
County: Hyde
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator at or about 7:00 am, he was fishing near Great Island. Operator1 tried to go around to the other side of the island to get out of the choppy water. Operator1 got too close to the shore and when he tried to get away from the shore, his vessel began to take on water over the stern. Operator1 then tried to ground his boat on shore and the waves flipped his vessel.  It does not appear that drugs or alcohol were a factor in this incident.  Also no charges were filed.


BARDID: NC-2016-0038
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Tulls Bay
NearestCityorTown: Moyock
County: Currituck
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 19, 2016 at approximately 12:30 pm, Officer and Sgt spoke with two people in reference to the boat accident that occurred on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at approximately 10:30 pm. 

Operator (operator) and Occupant (occupant) departed Tulls Bay Colony around 8:30 pm in vessel #1 and made a starboard turn to go for a cruise around Tulls Bay.  Operator stated that since he didnt know the area very well that they returned to the entrance of Tulls Bay Colony so he could regain his bearings.  He stated that he is not familiar with the water. 

 Operator returned to the area of Tulls Bay and got vessel 1 back up to cruising speed.  Vessel 1 then struck the bulkhead at approximately 10:30 pm. Vessel 1 traveled approximately 42 feet across the bulkhead landing back in the water on the other side.  

Occupant stated that she was thrown from the rear of the vessel onto the bow.  Operator stated that he struck his torso on the console of the vessel.  They then pushed vessel 1 back up to the bulkhead and tied the vessel off.


BARDID: NC-2016-0040
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Norman
NearestCityorTown: Sherrills Ford
County: Catawba
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On the 25th of may 2016, at about 1955 hrs, i received a call in reference to a hit and run on lake norman.   A  witness observed vessel  1 strike a docked pontoon boat (vessel 2)  and continued on without stopping.  A few minutes later, the witness observed vessel 1 leaving the area heading toward the landing to leave.  I was able to get catawba county sheriff's office to locate and hold the operator until i could arrive.  After speaking with the operator of vessel 1, i learned that he was operating a tiller style engine.  He and his crew had pulled into the cove to fish.  Once they were ready to leave, they turned around and headed south out of the cove.  

Based on the operators information, he was operating less then ten miles per hour when his tiller stuck onto his swivel style seat.  He attempted to make a correction but by the time this happened, it was too late.  He advised that he was scared and didn't know what to do.  Same was charged as described previously.  A homemade light bar bracket mounted on vessel 1's bow struck vessel 2 abaft of beam on the starbord quarter tearing two gashes into the aluminum wall and vertical support.


BARDID: NC-2016-0041
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atlantic Ocean
NearestCityorTown: Rodanthe
County: Dare
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
We learned of the incident through media sources and contacted the USCG Station Oregon Inlet on 20 May 2016 and received the vessel and operator information.  The incident occurred on 14 May 2016 at approximately 12:00 pm.  I contacted the operator on 21 Jun 2016 to have the MB 4.1 completed.

On May 14th of 2016, at approximately 12:00 pm, Subject was idling south on his boat tower.  While on the boat tower, Subject2 was leaning over the side of the tower to cast his lure.  The vessel started to roll over by the momentum of Subject2 leaning over to cast his lure.  The boat then capsized.  Subject and Subject2 were in the water by the boat.  A Good Samaritan had taken the men on board and was waiting for assistance from the Coast Guard.  Then the Coast Guard towed the vessel toward Oregon Inlet until Sea Tow arrived and took over.  Sea Tow towed the vessel to Wanchese Harbor.  PFD's were not used by the survivors, and there was no evidence of alcohol or drugs contributing to the incident.  No violation of the law noted.


BARDID: NC-2016-0042
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Mattamuskeet
NearestCityorTown: Fairfield
County: Hyde
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator, he and his wife were heading east down Rose Bay Canal when he struck a submerged object thought to be a log in the water.  The impact of the strike caused Occupant to fall forward and to the starboard side of his vessel striking the throttle and pushing it all the way forward.  

At this time the vessel exited the water striking vegetation and trees as it traveled across the bare ground.  Occupant advised that the throttle was wide open when the vessel finally stopped.  He advised that when he pulled back on the throttle, it became detached from the boat.  

Occupant and his wife received some scrapes and bruises mainly caused by the impact with the vegetation on the bank.  Neither subject received first aid treatment.  

Upon inspecting the vessel, I was able to locate a small impact strike on the lower unit that had wood in it consistent with striking a log.   Both sides of the vessel received structure damage from striking trees on the bank.  The greatest damage to the vessel was located on the starboard side between the two seats.  Other damage that occurred was to the throttle when Occupant pulled back forcibly after the collision.   Approximately twenty minutes after the incident, Occupant flagged down USFWS Refuge maintenance staff for assistance.  He and his wife both commended them for their assistance.  The use of drugs or alcohol is not suspected with this incident and no violations were detected.  On 06/18/2016 we attempted to located the submerged object but were unable to.


BARDID: NC-2016-0043
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mountain Island Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Mount Holly
County: Gaston
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
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: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Around 11:00 AM on April 29, 2016, Operator was driving his boat heading upstream on Mountain Island Reservoir.  He was operating close to the left side of the river when he noticed that one of his fishing rods had fishing line unwinding off of the spool.  He reached down to get the rod, and when he returned to his position he realized that he was heading towards the bank.  He tried to make a sharp turn to the right but it was too late and he drove his vessel up into the woods.  

Once his vessel made contact with the land, his vessel was lifted out of the water and completely onto shore.  The starboard side of his vessel clipped a mature sycamore tree which forced his vessel into a small hole through the trees on the bank.  Once the vessel made impact with the trees, Operator was thrown forward from his seat and he hit the right side of his tee top metal base bars. His points of impact to the boat were his head and chest.  After he was thrown into the metal bars, he then fell forward and onto the floor of his vessel.  

At this point, another boater was about 400 yards behind the accident and that boater rendered aid to Operator immediately.  Operator and the witness waited there until first responders arrived and then Operator was air lifted to Charlotte Mecklenburg Main Hospital where he was treated and realeased the next day.


BARDID: NC-2016-0044
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Nantahala Lake
NearestCityorTown: Andrews NC
County: Macon
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject was operating pwc on Nantahala Lake towing her husband.  Victim was knee boarding when he hit a wake and fell forward off the Knee Board.  The Knee Board hit Victim on the left top side of his head cutting him open.  Subjects were wearing coast guard approved PFD's and there was no alcohol involved.  Victim boarded the PWC with operator and they went to their house and called 911.  Victim was transported to Murphy Medical ER.  He was released after a few stitches to close the cut on his head.


BARDID: NC-2016-0045
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Swansboro
County: Onslow
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On june 12, 2016, at approximately 12:00 noon, the vessel bacca row (vessel number 1) was operating in the icw in the area of swansboro and cedar point.  At the time of the incident, vessel number 1 was operating at a speed that created 2 to 3 ft waves. Vessel number 1 was in a narrow area of the icw when vessel number 1 passed casper marina in swansboro.  

As vessel number 1 passed casper marina, vessel number 2 was tied to the docks at casper marina. As vessel number 1 went by casper marina its wake caused vessel number 2 to slam up against the dock seawall.  

The marina crews tried to save vessel number 2 from hitting the docks but it was a futile effort.  Vessel number 2 hit with such force that it bent a pole that was in concrete causing it to break.  Vessel number 2 sustained damage to its gunnel cracking the fiberglass.  

People at the dock tried to flag vessel number 1 down.  (the owner of vessel number 2) drove his vessel to vessel number 1 and tried to make him come back to the scene but vessel number 1 kept going.  V2 contacted the coast guard and nc wildlife.  The coast guard sent a boat out to look for vessel number 1.  Vessel number 1 was located in hubert nc at armstrong marina.   After investigating who was the owner and looking at video camera fotage, the operator of vessel number 1 was located and charged with operating a motor vessel in a reckless manner the next day.  The owner of vessel number 2 has contacted his insurance company and is awaiting the estimate to repair his vessel.  Casper marina is also awaiting an estimate to have its seawall repaired.


BARDID: NC-2016-0046
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Neuse RIver
NearestCityorTown: Oriental
County: Pamlico
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 18, 2016, Operator1 was operating his 2005 22 foot Blue Wave vessel with passenger.  The two were on their way to the Carteret County side of the Neuse River with intentions of fishing.  Once they arrived at their destination, Operator1 was operating the vessel at idle speed when he hit a submerged object which caused the engine to stall out.  

Due to the strong north winds, the vessel was quickly blown into shallow water and up against the shoreline.  Due to the shallow water and strong winds, Operator1 was unable to move the vessel to deeper water without assistance.  

Operator1 then called TowBoatUS. Shortly thereafter a towboat from Deaton Yacht Services was dispatched to Operator1's location.  Tow Boat arrived on scene at approximately 15:15. Once on scene, the tow boat operators made contact with Operator1 and arranged for towing the vessel away from shore into deeper water.  The tow boat vessel gave a tow rope to Operator1 and he then attached the rope to the bow of the grounded vessel.  

Once the vessel was pulled off the shoal, Operator1 started the engine and started to make forward headway towards the tow boat vessel.  this was not what the tow boat operators wanted Operator1 to do.  In the process Operator1 incidentally got the tow rope in the prop and disabled the vessel a second time.  At this point, the vessel became sideways with strong winds and waves.  

The vessel immediately started taking on water and capsized shortly after.  Both Operator1 and passenger fell out of the boat. The tow boat crew helped both passengers onboard the tow boat. The tow boat crew then left the boat on the shoal and escorted the two passengers to the Oriental Boat Ramp.  On June 20th at 09:00, Tow Boat went back to the capsized vessel, turned the vessel over, and towed the vessel back to Deaton Yachts Service Yard where it was placed back on its trailer.  The vessel was a center console bay boat with a T top.  Due to the style of vessel being capsized on a shoal in high wind conditions the vessel had extensive damage.


BARDID: NC-2016-0047
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:27:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: MTN ISLAND LAKE
NearestCityorTown: Mt. Holly
County: Gaston
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, 06/25/16 at approximately 8:27 PM, the weather was clear and in the mid 80's with water temperatures in the mid 80's on Mtn. Island Lake, Mt. Holly, North Carolina.

operator was operating a personal water craft, with passenger. Operator was providing a ride from Mtn. Island to Riverbend Boating Access Area.  While vessel was navigating at approximately 0-10 MPH, vessel hit a 2'-6' wake from the port (left) side. The impact from the collision caused operator and passenger to be thrown to the port (left) side and into the water.

Operator was uninjured.  Occupant suffered a fractured pelvis and was hospitalized.

There was no damage.


BARDID: NC-2016-0048
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Topsail Inlet
NearestCityorTown: Topsail Island
County: New Hanover
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday June 26, 2016, at approximately 11:00am, Wildlife Officers were notified by Pender County Sheriff''s dispatch of a vessel taking on water at the Topsail Inlet.  Wildlife Officers, US Coast Guard and Sea Tow were in route to assist the vessel.


BARDID: NC-2016-0049
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORMAN
NearestCityorTown: SHERILLS FORD
County: CATAWBA
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
MachineryFailure: Fuel
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
While on patrol on lake norman in the area of slanting bridge, myself and officer had been working the wake zone under slanting bridge.  Several minutes later, i heard a noise to my right and turned to see.  At that point i observed a vessel on fire and several individuals in the water.  Officer maneuvered our patrol boat to assist the individuals in the water.  I proceeded to throw pfds to those in the water and help them onboard our patrol vessel.  I assisted a male and a female passenger onboard our vessel.  At that point, proceeded to the nearby marina where fire and ems was located.  

The operator of the vessel stated he had issues with the boat the entire time he owned it.   He said he had worked on the vessel periodically.  He stated they had been on the water for about 4 hours prior to stopping at the landing marina, and had had no issues that day.  After stopping at the marina and proceeding back on to the water, operator stated the backfire flame arrestor was working properly.  

At about 200-300 yards from the dock, the operator stated he smelled gas and proceeded to cut the motor off.   At that point, the vessel caught on fire.  Operator stated that he had filled the vessel with fuel that morning at a nearby gas station.  he did not fill the tanks entirely and put around $35.00 in fuel, about 15 gallons.  I asked the operator if he had conducted any mechanical upgrades recently in regards to fuel system, battery, etc.  He stated he had not, and any general maintenance was completed several months prior.

Exact cause of fire is unknown.  The vessel is burned to a point where it is difficult to determine the ignition point.

Two people suffered burns.


BARDID: NC-2016-0050
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BELEWS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BELEWS CREEK
County: STOK
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: limb tangled in activity equip
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 5:30pm on 6/3/16, vessel 1 was traveling northeast on belews lake near the bella colina cove in stokes county.  Seven other people were on board and subject was wake surfing and being pulled by a ski rope behind vessel 1.  The vessel was cruising at around 10 to 20 mph.  The weather conditions were clear and the wind was calm.

Victim 1 was injured while he was holding the ski rope being used to pull wake surfer.  The ski rope tightened around subject’s hand causing lacerations and partial amputation to his middle and index fingers on his right hand.  The victim was transported to forsyth medical center by rockingham ems and was treated for his injuries.  No other injuries were sustained at this time.  No alcohol was present or being consumed on the vessel, and all necessary personal flotation devices were on board.


BARDID: NC-2016-0051
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Echo Lake
NearestCityorTown: West End
County: Moore
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Staurday June 4, 2016, a boat on  Echo Lake in the Seven Lakes community of Moore County was pulling subject on a tube.  As Operator was heading North on Echo Lake pulling Victim, the boat approached the dam of the lake too closely before turning west (left) which caused Victim to be whipped around on the tube towards the dam and spill pipe.  Victim left the tube to avoid colliding with the spill pipe and collided with the dam/shore and impacting on large rocks (rip rap).  Victim received a cut on her head and to her knee, also bruising and smaller cuts.  Victim fractured her right foot and her pinky toe on her left foot.  Victim was air lifted to Chapel Hill and returned home the next day Sunday June 5, 2016.


BARDID: NC-2016-0052
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Blewett Falls Lake
NearestCityorTown: Lilesville
County: Anson
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Weather
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 12, 2016, Operator was operating a pontoon boat on Blewett Falls Lake near Lilesville NC.  On board the boat were the Victim, Passenger1, Operator's mother and father, and Operator’s two children.  It was in the early evening around 5:00 pm.  The weather was clear with a strong breeze. Operator drove the boat up stream and turned back right and was heading down stream towards the dam and stopped the boat.  Victim exited the boat on the left side to go swimming.  Victim, who was not wearing a life jacket, swam towards the back of the boat and around towards the right side of the boat as Operator became aware by his facial expression that he was in distress.  Victim gave no other indication of struggle. Operator threw Victim a type III life vest which Victim was unable to reach.  She then threw him a type IV throw cushion, which again he was unable to reach. Victim told Operator to turn the boat around, as she did, Victim went under the water.  Operator and the other occupants on the boat in a panic attempted to flag down a boat passing to the right of Operator's boat's original position.  As the passing boat turned to head back up stream, Operator and the occupants of her boat were able to attract the attention of the passing boaters. The boaters attempted to seach in the water for Victim but were unsuccessful.  One of the occupants of the assisting boat drove the Victim’s boat and occupants to the Anson Co Access area.  Victim was recovered by Charlotte Fire Dept. on Monday June 13, 2016 at 8:55pm. His body was taken to the Anson Co Hospital in Wadesboro NC to be identified by family members.


BARDID: NC-2016-0053
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Currituck Sound
NearestCityorTown: Duck
County: Dare
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday July 10th, 2016 at approximately 1:45 p.m., two people were operating their rented personal watercrafts inside the designated operating area at Sunset Watersports in Duck, NC.   The operators were running parallel to each other approximately forty feet apart with subject1 on the left and subject2 on the right when they began to race their PWCs.   subject2 pulled ahead of subject1 and then made a sharp left turn in front of subject1's vessel.  The starboard side of subject1's bow then struck the port side of subject2's bow.  Both occupants were ejected from their vessels.


BARDID: NC-2016-0054
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chowan River
NearestCityorTown: Winton, NC
County: Gates
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
the owner of the vessel, and subject were anchored in the Chowan River approximatley 100 yards south of Gatlington Beach where they were trying to repair the one of the engines underneath the floor of the 29 foot Sport Fisherman.  Victim stepped in the live well and lost his footing and fell towards the bow of the vessel hitting his chest on the vessel's bait box suffering a cracked rib.  Victim also received a laceration to his left knee and to his left elbow from hitting the edge of the engine compartment.  Gates County paramedics were on scene at Gatlington Beach and treated his cuts.  Victim rode with a friend to the hospital in Franklin, Virginia. PFD's were not used by any of the survivors and there were no indications of any alcohol or drug use.  No violations of the law were noted.


BARDID: NC-2016-0055
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Norman
NearestCityorTown: Cornelius
County: Mecklenburg
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause3: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Throttle
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On may 28, 2016, a party of 8 launched their 21 foot tige motor boat at blythe landing on lake norman. The water conditions were very choppy as they cruised to the mouth of the cove on ramsey creek. The operator stated that he was traveling at speeds less than 10 mph as a wave came over the bow of the vessel. He stated that he had taken on a large quantity of water. He pushed forward on the throttle in hopes the water would go out the back of the boat. 

The vessel could not overcome the power to weight ratio and began to sink immediately. He got all passengers into a pfd except one female who he told to hold onto a seat back that was floating. He also instructed one of the passengers to use her phone to mark their location. A pontoon boat passing by picked them up and took them back to blythe landing, which was still in sight of the scene of the accident. The vessel went down in 65 feet of water. 

Tow boat usa raised the boat on june 2nd. I spoke with the mechanic and he stated that the serpentine belt had broken. He also said that this would have explained some decrease in power when the operator tried to get the water to run out the stern of the vessel buy giving it more throttle. All passengers were uninjured, all required safety equipment was onboard, and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: NC-2016-0056
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Trent River
NearestCityorTown: New Bern
County: CRAVEN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 5, 2016 at New Bern Grande Marina on the Trent River at approximately 08:30 am, Operator1 was backing his vessel (Temptation) out of the slip at the marina.  While backing his vessel out of the slip, he collided stern to stern with Owner2's vessel (Lady Heron) that was docked.  

Operator1 stated that he thought his vessel was too big for the area he was trying to maneuver before he ever started moving, and when he started moving, the wind caught his vessel as he was undocking and blew him into the back of Owner2's vessel.  He stated he was unable to correct due to his vessel's lack of speed which effects his ability to steer using his rudder.  Operator1's wind generator collided with the mounting hardware for Owner2's solar panels and wind generator.  As Operator1 pulled forward, the vessels separated.  Operator1 left his contact information with the Marina's Office since Owner2's vessel was unoccupied. 

The damage to Operator1's vessel was to the mounting hardware for his wind generator.  He stated the damage was going to cost approximately $150.00 to repair.  The damage that I was able to see on Owner2's vessel was to the mounting hardware for the solar panels and wind generator, the wind generator, one of the solar panels, and the davits (life boat support).  Owner2 stated that he estimated the damage was going to cost between $3,000.00 and $4,000.00 to repair.  No one was injured during this incident.


BARDID: NC-2016-0057
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Carolina Beach
County: New Hanover
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessels 1,2 and 3 were rented from Wilmington Jet Ski and launched out of the Carolina Beach State Park. The three vessels were heading south on the ICW headed back to Carolina Beach State Park around 12pm. The three vessels were rented for 2 hours and due back at the State Park at 12:30pm. 


BARDID: NC-2016-0058
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: MTN ISLAND LAKE
NearestCityorTown: Huntersville
County: Mecklenburg
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
on 07/09/2016 at approximately 5:00 pm, a boating incident occurred on mountain island lake near duck cove. the vessel was a 9-foot 1997 kawasaki pwc with a 130 hp motor.  when the pwc struck a wake, the impact of the pwc striking the wake caused operator to fall from the vessel and break his left leg.
 
operator was with a large group of friends that launched a pontoon boat and a pwc from neck road access area near huntersville, nc. operator borrowed the pwc.  it was operator's first time ever operating a pwc.  the group traveled upriver north of the sandbar area towards duck cove.  

operator operated the pwc in front of and out of sight of the group he was with.  the lake in this area is relatively narrow approximatley 150 yards across.  he stated that another vessel was in front of him approximatley 100 yards.  he saw the wake coming from the vessel in front of him and attempted to cross it.  he stated that he did not know what to expect when the pwc struck the wake.  the pwc struck the wake, went airborne for a brief moment, and then struck the surface of the water.  the impact caused operator to fall overboard on the left or port side of the vessel.  the fall/impact caused his left leg to break.  He was unable to climb back on the pwc.  he was wearing a type iii pfd.  he floated in the lake for approximately 5 minutes until the group he was with arrived on scene in the pontoon boat. they pulled him from the water, called 911 and met medic at neck road access area.  operator was transported to novant huntersville for treatment.  the vessel was not damaged. 

it is apparent that operator inexperience is the primary cause of this incident.   operator did not know how to manipulate the pwc over a wake. 

no one was charged as a result of this incident. 
no other people other than operator witnessed the incident.

operator did not speak english, interview was conducted via telephone interpreter.


BARDID: NC-2016-0059
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pungo River
NearestCityorTown: Belhaven
County: Beaufort
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating his vessel in the vicinity of Belhaven on the Pungo River.  He was heading in the general direction of the breakwater from an upstream to downstream direction at approximately 40 mph (self-reported).  He was alone and noticed a gear bag beginning to blow or bounce out of the vessel.  From a seated position at the helm, Operator began to stand up slightly and reach toward the port side of the passenger area in an effort to secure the bag.  


BARDID: NC-2016-0060
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Norman
NearestCityorTown: Cornelius
County: Mecklenburg
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On may 31, 2016 at approximately 12:00pm, a boating incident occurred on lake norman near the r4 lateral marker in ramsey creek. The vessel was a 1994 four winns model 190 horizon. A fire ignited within the engine compartment.  The operator was able to quickly extinguish the flames. No one was injured in this incident. 

The weather was clear and sunny with an air temperature of approximately 78 degrees.   Operator was operating the vessel with his wife and another passenger on board. Operator stated that they had just finished lunch at the port city club and were navigating southwest in ramsey creek back toward his residence.  As they approached lateral marker r4, the engine shut off and they noticed heavy black smoke coming from the engine compartment.  

As they opened the cover to the inboard engine, there were flames within the engine compartment.  Wife stated that all occupants put on personal flotation devices once they saw the smoke.  Operator was able to quickly extinguish the flames with a fire extinguisher.  Operator stated that they subsequently poured water over the engine and within the engine compartment to ensure that it did not reignite. They were able to call emergency services for assistance and the cornelius police department arrived on scene to transport them back to shore. 

It appears that the impeller malfunctioned causing the engine to overheat. The excess heat appears to have caused the rubber exhaust bellows and the ventilation hoses within the engine compartment to melt and ignite. This incident could have resulted in personal injury or further extensive damage to the vessel if the operator did not have a serviceable and readily accessible fire extinguisher on board.


BARDID: NC-2016-0061
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE WYLIE
NearestCityorTown: CHARLOTTE
County: MECKLENBURG
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
ON 6/08/16 AT APPROXIMATELY 5:00 PM, A BOATING INCIDENT OCCURRED ON LAKE WYLIE. THIS INCIDENT WAS APPROXIMATELY 500 YARDS SOUTH OF THE HIGHWAY 49 BRIDGE. THE VESSEL INVOLVED IN THIS INCIDENT WAS A 2016 23FT VERANDA PONTOON WITH A 90 HP OUTBOARD ENGINE, OWNED AND RENTED BY OWNER AND OPERATED BY OPERATOR1.  ALSO ONBOARD WAS VICTIM, PASSENGER1, PASSENGER2, AND PASSENGER3. THE WEATHER WAS SUNNY THE AIR TEMPERATURE WAS 89 DEGREES AND THE LAKE WAS CALM WITH LIGHT WINDS.

DURING THEIR TRIP ON LAKE WYLIE, THEY HAD STOPPED AT T-BONES FOR FOOD AND DRINKS. UPON LEAVING, VICTIM MADE THE STATEMENT HE WANTED TO GO SWIMMING.  EVERYONE ELSE TOLD HIM THEY DIDN'T THINK IT WAS A GOOD IDEA.  PASSENGER1 MOVED TO THE REAR OF THE BOAT WHERE VICTIM WAS SITTING TO TALK HIM OUT OF THIS IDEA.  AFTER A SHORT CONVERSATION, VICTIM STATED HE WAS GOING AND THAT HE WAS A GOOD SWIMMER AND ALL WOULD BE OK.  HE THEN STOOD UP TOOK OFF HIS SHIRT, SHOES, AND SHORTS AND PROCEEDED TO DIVE OFF THE REAR OF THE BOAT INTO THE LAKE.  AFTER SWIMMING BEHIND THE BOAT FOR A FEW MINUTES, PASSENGER3 NOTICED THAT VICTIM HAD STARTED TO TREAD WATER AND SEEMED TO BE HAVING TROUBLE STAYING ABOVE THE SURFACE OF THE LAKE.  PASSENGER3 THEN TRIED TO THROW A LIFE JACKET TO VICTIM BUT VICTIM WAS UNABLE TO REACH IT.   NEXT HE THREW A ROPE THAT HE WAS ALSO UNABLE TO REACH.  AT THIS TIME, PASSENGER3 ENTERED THE WATER TO TRY TO HELP VICTIM.  HE DID REACH VICTIM BUT WAS UNABLE TO KEEP HIM FROM SLIPPING BELOW THE SURFACE.  VICTIM 'S BODY WAS RECOVERED AT 11:48 AM THE NEXT DAY BY THE CHARLOTTE FIRE DEPARTMENT DIVE TEAM.


***************************************************
PLEASE NOTE:  IT WAS NOTED IN THIS REPORT THAT PFDS WERE USED.  HOWEVER, THEY WERE THROWN TO THE DROWNING VICTIM AND THE VICTIM WAS UNABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY RETRIEVE THEM TO REMAIN AFLOAT AND SUBSEQUENTLY DROWNED.


BARDID: NC-2016-0062
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Hiwassee Lake
NearestCityorTown: Murphy
County: Cherokee
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On the evening of June 29, 2016, at approximately 7:15 pm, Officer was contacted by the Raleigh Dispatch.  He was informed that there had been a boating incident where a boat had a problem and was taking on water near Point 5 on Hiwassee Lake.  

Officer launched his patrol boat and proceeded to the location where the boaters were reported to be.  Upon arriving at the scene, Officer observed a Ski boat and six passengers who had pulled the boat onto shore to keep it from sinking.  After towing the boat to Mt. View Marina, Officer talked with the owner and operator of the boat. 

The operator stated that he was cruising on plane at a little more than 40 miles per hour when he struck a submerged log that he never saw.  The log hit the lower unit of the motor's outdrive.  The impact broke the lower unit and bell housing away from the sterndrive. The only thing holding the lower unit in place was the hydrolic arms used to trim and tilt the motor's outdrive.  All the passengers used the lifejackets that were on board and readily accessible.  No injuries to the operator or any of the occupants were reported.


BARDID: NC-2016-0063
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fontana Lake
NearestCityorTown: Almond
County: Swain
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
This is a single vessel accident involving an occupant falling overboard.  Vessel 1 was traveling at a speed between 20-25 miles per hour on Fontana Lake near windy point. The operator of vessel 1 had told the occupant to stay off of the bow of the pontoon boat she was operating a couple of times.  At the time of the accident, the operator did not know the occupant had moved to the bow of the boat and she could not see him.  The occupant was sitting on the starboard side of the bow of the boat sitting with his feet dangling over the front of the pontoon into the water.  The occupant had a pair of sandals on and his feet were touching the water at times.  The occupant stated that he had consumed 5 to 6 beers and was allowing his feet to touch the water as they were traveling up the waterway.  At the time of the accident, his left foot went into the water causing him to react and put his right foot down as well.  The sandals he had on provided resistance to the water and caused his body to be pulled into the water.  At the last second, the occupant stated that he dove to his right because he knew if he allowed himself to go in the way he was headed that he would be hit by the propeller of the boat. 

When the occupant fell from the boat, a nylon rope that was attached to the bow of the pontoon wrapped around his left leg. The nylon rope that was wrapped around his left leg pulled and caused a severe cut to his left leg. The cut was so deep that it barely missed the femoral artery.  After realizing the occupant had fallen from the boat, the operator turned the vessel around and picked him up.  After that, 911 was called. 

The operator then transported the injured person to Almond Boat Park due to it being a closer drive for the ambulance.  This is about a 12 minute boat ride at a speed of 25 mph.  Upon their arrival, the operator was asked if she had been drinking and she said no. The Sheriff''s deputy then asked her to blow into an alco-sensor, in which she tested negative for alcohol.  The Sheriff''s deputy then asked the injured person to blow into the same instrument; and he did so and tested positive for alcohol consumption(.04). He then gathered all information and passed it onto me for my investigation.

I interviewed both the driver and the occupant that fell from the vessel.  No one in the boat actually observed the occupant fall until he was already in the water. The driver herself could not see the occupant at the time of the accident. The driver was upset that he had fallen from the boat and said that the occupant had previously joked about falling into the water.  She had asked everyone in the boat not to sit on the bow.  She also stated that in her opinion that this accident could have been avoided if the occupant would not have been consuming alcoholic beverages.

It is in my opinion that the fallen occupant's intoxication level caused him not to think clearly of his actions. There were no charges filed against the operator of this vessel.  No further investigation is needed in this investigation


*********************************
PLEASE NOTE:  ALCOHOL USE WAS BY THE OCCUPANT THAT FELL FROM THE VESSEL.  THE OPERATOR OF THE VESSEL WAS NOT INTOXICATED AND DID NOT CONSUME ANY ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.


BARDID: NC-2016-0064
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Norman
NearestCityorTown: Cornelius
County: Mecklenburg
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
This incident occurred on 6/4/2016 at approximately 1:30 pm on lake norman in mecklenburg county.  It was a clear sunny day with light winds and calm waters.  The air temperature was 89 degrees the water temperature was 85 degrees, and there was light traffic on the lake.  

On 6/4/16, operator was operating a vessel on lake norman in the ramsey creek section of the lake.  He had been pulling a wake boarder and the skier had fallen.  After the skier fell, they were attempting to pull him to the back of the boat with the ski rope.  The boat was in reverse and backing up at this time.  While this was happening, subject decided to dive in and cool off.  When he dove his legs proceeded to go over his head causing his body to slightly invert upon entering the water.  When this occurred, instead of going away from the boat, it sent his body back towards the rear of the boat.  The boat was still in reverse when subject entered the water.  He made contact with the propeller and this caused lacerations to the torso, arm, and hand areas.  The other passengers were able to assist him in getting back on board and calling 911.

The subject was taken to carolinas medical center main hospital where he was treated for his injuries.  There were no charges filed in this incident and no known alcohol involvement.


BARDID: NC-2016-0065
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Crane Creek off of High Rock L
NearestCityorTown: Salisbury
County: Rowan
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
At 5:00pm on Saturday, June 11, 2016, operator1 was operating a PWC (vessel 1) heading downstream on Crane Creek between the Goodman Lake Road bridge and Goat Island.  Operator1' vessel had a male passenger, rear facing, observing two female passengers being towed on a tube.  Operator1 was operating near the southern shore, and as she approached, but prior to reaching, the congested area of Goat Island, turned to the port (left) to eventually return upstream.  

Also at 5:00pm on Saturday, June 11, 2016, operator2 was operating a PWC (vessel 2) heading downstream on Crane Creek between the Goodman Lake Road bridge and Goat Island.  Operator2 had no other passengers aboard or being towed.  Operator2 was operating near the northern shore of Crane Creek and made a slight turn to the starboard (right) to head to Goat Island.  Operator2 (vessel 2) observed Operator1' vessel (vessel 1) crossing and Operator2 turned more to the starboard (right) and then immediately to port (left) to proceed behind Operator1' vessel (vessel 1).  

Operator2 did not immediately see the tube being towed by vessel 1.  Operator1 waved and pointed at the tube.  Operator2 then noticed the tube, cut off the engine and steered hard to starboard (right).  A PWC without power has no steering or control and continued in the direction it was traveling.  The passenger on the port (left) side tube noticed the PWC and impending collision, let go and dove underwater.  The port (left) side of the tube tilted up in the air and Operator2's PWC (vessel 2) struck the tube folding it over on top of the other passenger on the tube.  Operator2's PWC struck the victim on the back of the left shoulder and the back of the head.  

As a result of being struck, the passenger was severely bruised and sore on the back of her left shoulder and the back of her head.  All five involved in this incident were wearing type III PFDs.  Alcohol was not a factor in this incident.  Operator1 received a written warning for exceeding capacity on a PWC.  Operator2 received a citation for careless and negligent operation.


BARDID: NC-2016-0066
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Albemarle Sound
NearestCityorTown: Edenton
County: Chowan
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 6, 2016, four people left out of Holiday Island on the Albemarle Sound onboard a 21'7" pontoon boat (Vessel 1), owned by Operator and proceeded to the beach area off of Drumonds Point for an unknown period of time.  They left there and began heading South West down the coast of the Albemarle Sound toward the sound bridge.  

When they noticed a storm approaching, they turned around and headed back for Holiday Island.  It then appeared to them that the storm was going to pass them by and they stopped to swim near the mouth of the Yeopim River.  The two men, Operator and Occupant1 jumped in the water to swim without PFDs.  The wind blowing from the South West at approximately 10mph, caused Vessel 1 to drift away from the swimmers.  

The two women still onboard started the vessel in an attempt to recover the swimmers.  However, the motor died before they were able to reach them.  They continued to attempt to start the vessel and were able to get close enough to Occupant1 to throw him a Type II PFD before the vessel's engine died on them again and became disabled.  They were then unable to restart the engine.  The vessel continued to drift in a North Easterly direction until the two women were unable to see ether of the men.  Occupant1 stated that the last time he saw Operator, he was holding onto a crab pot buoy approximately 20 feet behind him.  A civilian fishing vessel was able to recover Occupant1 but were unable to locate Operator. 

Officer and I received a call at 1703 from our dispatch in Raleigh about a possible boating accident.  Officer contacted the Perquimans Dispatch in an attempt to gain further information.  Officer then was able to make contact with the victim’s wife by phone and began trying to gain further information about the incident.  We headed to Holiday Island Club House where we launched our 21' Parker patrol boat.  

Officer and I made contact with Vessel 1 and the two women at 1730 and marked the Latitude and Longitude as 36.053985 LAT -076.402251 LON.  Both women appeared to be physically alright but were distraught.  We then made contact with the civilian fishing vessel who had Occupant1 onboard.  

We had a brief conversation with both the operator of the vessel and Occupant1.  We noticed Occupant1 had a small laceration on his left leg and instructed them to return to Holiday Island so Occupant1 could be evaluated by Perquimans EMS.  Officer and I then conducted a short search of the area in an attempt to locate Operator.  Officer then made the call to tow in the disabled Vessel 1 in order to secure all the passengers on shore.  We towed the disabled vessel back to Holiday Island where Officer and I took written statements from Occupant1 and occupant3.  

Victim’s wife was too distraught to give any statements other than short answers.  Officer and I then returned to scene and began searching for Operator.  The United States Coast Guard dispatched a vessel and a helicopter to aid in the search.  Perquimans County Water Rescue also brought out a vessel to search for Operator.  At approximately 2030 Hertford County Emergency Management's vessel arrived with side scan sonar and the search continued until 0230 the next morning.  The search resumed at 0700 on July 7, 2016, and continued during daylight hours until Sunday July 10, 2016 at 1300 hours.  The victim has not been found as of the writing of this summary.

**************************************
PLEASE NOTE:  THIS REPORT WILL BE UPDATED ONCE THE BODY IS LOCATED AND A MEDICAL EXAMINER'S REPORT IS RECEIVED.


BARDID: NC-2016-0067
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pamlico Sound
NearestCityorTown: Hatteras
County: Dare
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday July 6, 2016, at approximately 5:40 pm, I received a call from Raleigh Dispatch about a possible boat accident in the Hatteras area off Oden's Dock.  After speaking with Dare County dispatch, I Officer \, was informed the operator of vessel 1, Operator, was being transported to Outer Banks Hospital.  At approximately 7:00 pm, I spoke to the only other occupant on Vessel 1.  She stated that they had rented the PWC and left the dock at around 4:00 pm.  After riding for around 50 minutes, they were returning to Oden's Dock.  She stated that vessel 1 was traveling at approximately 30 mph.  Occupant stated she saw the Day Marker in their path and told operator to watch out.  Subject stated that the wind and wake were pushing them towards the Day marker.  Passenger was able to jump off the PWC.  Operator struck her head on the day marker causing a laceration to her forehead above her right eye and she sustained a concussion.

Operator of Vessel 1, Operator was unable to complete MB 4.1 due to physical condition in Hospital.  Information on the MB 4.1 was provided by the only occupant of vessel 1, Occupant. 

All involved in the accident were wearing PFD's, and no drugs or alcohol contributed to the accident.


BARDID: NC-2016-0068
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Newport River
NearestCityorTown: Morehead City
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/28/2016, Officers launched the 26' Regulator patrol boat (Vessel 1) from the ramp at the Marine Fisheries Headquarters approximately 0900. The patrol boat, operated by Officer, patrolled in an easterly direction towards the Port of Morehead City to patrol into Newport River and beyond.  

The family launched a 16' center console boat (Vessel 2) from the ramp between Morehead City and Beaufort across from the port approximately 0800. The boat operated by Operator2 fished in different locations in the port area. Operator2 attempted to anchor in several locations but was unable to get the anchor to purchase on the bottom to hold.  Operator2 moved to the southeast corner of the port (closest to the inlet) and anchored approximately 100-150 yards from the corner of the port wall.  Operator2 estimates their time at anchor was about 20-25 minutes before the collision. 

Operator1 entered the No-Wake Zone of the port and brought the patrol boat to idle speed. Vessel traffic in the port area was light.  Officer was positioned to the right of Operator1 at the helm.  

Operator2 saw the Marine Patrol boat (Vessel 1) approach in the direction of Operator2's boat (Vessel 2) and commented to his wife and daughter to expect a license check in a few moments.  Subject1 was sitting on the pedestal seat at the bow and Subject2 was sitting in front of the console.  Operator2 was sitting on the pedestal seat directly behind the console and angled so as to see westerly towards the Atlantic Beach Bridge and also the Morehead City-Beaufort Causeway Bridge.  The family noted the approach of the Marine Patrol vessel as it neared.  When the Marine Patrol boat was roughly 30'-40' from the boat, Operator2 noticed that the Marine Patrol boat was not making a change in direction that would indicate a side-to-side boat inspection.  Also, Operator2 indicated that the officers appeared to be looking at each other.  As the Marine Patrol boat continued to near, Operator2 began to wave his arms to gain the attention of the officers and then began to shout and yell.  Operator2 put his arm up to fend off the Marine Patrol boat from hitting him.  Operator2 continued to yell as the forward momentum of the Marine Patrol boat pushed Operator2 to the floor of the right side of Operator2's boat. 

Operator1 immediately put both engines of the Marine Patrol boat in hard reverse.  Officer2 ran to the front of the Marine Patrol boat to see the boat directly underneath the bow of the Marine Patrol boat.  The pressure of the weight of the Marine Patrol boat on the port stern of the boat caused the transom of the V2 boat to sink below the waterline. This allowed a rush of water to enter the stern of the V2 boat. That, coupled with Operator2 being pushed to the right side of the floor of the V2 boat, put the center of gravity to the right side of the V2 boat. The Marine Patrol boat backed away from the V2 boat and almost immediately the V2 boat rolled to the right, capsizing and spilling all three occupants into the water.  Subject2 was momentarily underneath the V2 boat upon capsizing, but swam out from underneath.  

Subject1 was the first person retrieved from the water by the Marine Patrol Officers.  She was uninjured.  A PFD was thrown to Operator2 from one of the Marine Patrol Officers.  Subject2 was helped into the Marine Patrol boat next.  She too was uninjured.  USCG Station Fort Macon was called by Operator1 to report the incident and ask for assistance.  

Operator2 sustained a separated right shoulder and bruised ribs during the impact and was in severe pain. Due to Operator2' injuries, it took several minutes before Officers were able to retrieve Operator2 from the water and bring into the Marine Patrol Boat.  USCG arrived on scene as did Sea Tow.  After all three members of the V2 family were secured, Officers transported the V2 Family to the Newport River boat ramp located beside Highway 70 across from the Port.  Upon arriving at the boat ramp, Operator2 was transferred from the Marine Patrol Boat to Morehead City Fire and Rescue for transport to Carteret General Hospital.

Sea-Tow righted the capsized V2 boat and brought it back to the same boat ramp where other Marine Patrol Officers came to assist in loading the V2 boat on their trailer and giving transportation to Subject1 and Subject2 to the hospital and storing the V2 boat at the Marine Fisheries Headquarters.


BARDID: NC-2016-0069
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Saunders Channel
NearestCityorTown: Swansboro
County: Onslow
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 was operating his vessel on plane (cruising) coming out of saunders inlet approaching the Intracoastal Waterway. Operator1's vessel was approaching a sand bar so he slowed his vessel to navigate away from the sand bar. 

Operator2 was also running his vessel on plane and based on his statement he said he was following the vessel in front of him, cause he thought they knew where they were going. 

When Operator1 slowed his vessel, vessel2 struck the back of Operator1's vessel. Operator1's vessel had the left rear cleat torn off, exposing the fiberglass and material inside the vessel, his 90 horse power yamaha motor was also damaged with abrasions and a crack.  Based on both operators' statements and after interviewing both operators, v2 was following too closely to the vessel in front of him and was operating in a manner that was careless and reckless.

*************************************************
PLEASE NOTE:  THERE IS MISSING INFORMATION FOR VESSEL 2.  ONCE THIS INFORMATION IS RECEIVED FROM THE OFFICER OF THIS REPORT, THIS REPORT WILL BE UPDATED.


BARDID: NC-2016-0070
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Belews Lake
NearestCityorTown: Stokesdale
County: Rockingham
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 10, July 2016, at approximately 0010 hours, I OFC of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, received information from the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office that a vessel collision occurred on  Belews Lake. The Sheriff's  deputy advised that all parties involved were currently at Humphrey's Ridge Marina. 

Upon my arrival at 0025 hours, I observed a white and green ski boat already on the trailer, as well as a twenty two foot Maurell pontoon tied to the dock. Vessel one (the pontoon) was determined to be the stand on vessel.  At the time of the incident, vessel one contained four total occupants, 1 adult female (operator), one adult male, one juvenile female and one juvenile male. This vessel was struck in the starboard portion near the stern.  Damages to this vessel included but were not limited to the railing, skirting, trim, floor and a small storage compartment located to the rear of the steering column.  Upon a thorough safety examination I was able to conclude that all safety equipment was fully functional and accessible.  Both adult occupants of this vessel stated that the navigation lights had been on prior to, during and after being struck by vessel two. 

Vessel two was a nineteen foot stingray, green and white in color with an inboard/outboard motor.  It was determined that there were five total occupants on this vessel at the time of the incident.  On board were two adult females and three adult males.   It was apparent that Operator2 was not under the influence of any impairing substance.   All occupants of vessel two claimed that the stand on vessel (vessel one) was not displaying an all around white light at the time of the incident.  Vessel two suffered significant damage to the bow, rub rail and fiberglass hull. The point of impact began near the bow and traveled approximately four feet to the rear and downward just below the water line on the port side. At the conclusion of the safety examination on vessel two the operator received a written warning for having a fire extinguisher that was not properly charged. 

I was able to conclude that at approximately 2330, vessel one was traveling north on Belews Lake at speeds between five and ten miles per hour.  It was at this time that they were approached from the southeast by vessel two. As vessel two approached at speeds between thirty and thirty five miles per hour, the operator quickly turned to the right at or just before the time of impact. This caused the port side bow to strike the rear starboard corner of vessel one. No serious injuries occurred as a result of this incident. However, both vessels received significant damage. Based on conflicting testimonies of all involved I am unable to determine whether navigation lights were displayed by the stand on vessel.


BARDID: NC-2016-0072
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Belews Lake
NearestCityorTown: Belews Creek
County: Stokes
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday, July 8, 2016 at approximately 10:00am, vessel 1 was on Belews Lake in Mt Carmel Cove. This portion of the lake is in Stokes County, NC.  The operator was towing a skier at approximately 32 miles per hour.  The operator stated that conditions were great for water skiing and this was a common practice that the couple participated in numerous times a week.  

The water skier was practicing slalom skiing and was cutting back across the vessel's wake at the time of the accident.  The victim estimated his personal speed to be approximately 45-50mph and that the very front of his water ski dipped into the water as he crossed the vessels wake.  

Victim lost his balance and fell sideways into the water.  The breath was knocked out of him and he immediately felt pain in his lower chest.  He was wearing a coast guard approved life jacket in which he later stated was “life saving”.  A few minutes after catching his breath from the impact, Victim tried to ski again but was unsuccessful in his attempts because of the pain.  His wife had to assist him in getting back onboard the vessel.  The 2 occupants decided it would be best to get medical treatment at this time.  Victim was transported by his wife to an urgent care facility where he was given X-rays of his chest.  The doctors at Forsyth Medical called the urgent care upon reviewing the results and stated that the X-Ray revealed a couple rib fractures as well as a punctured and collapsed lung (pneumothorax).  

The victim was transferred immediately to Forsyth Medical center in Winston Salem, NC.  He was given numerous X-rays and was released on Wednesday July 13, 2016 after doctors determined that his lung was healed and was inflating sufficiently on its own.  This incident is classified as a skier mishap and the injuries were caused by the skier's impact with the water. There was no alcohol on board and all safety equipment required was immediately available.


BARDID: NC-2016-0073
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Wylie
NearestCityorTown: Charlotte
County: Mecklenburg
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On july 4, 2016, at approximately 4:45pm, a boating incident occurred on lake wylie.  Vessel operator was navigating a 1995 bombardier gtx personal watercraft with his thirteen-year-old granddaughter on board.  He lost control of the vessel causing him to collide with and ramp over a dock and an unoccupied, docked 1994 challenger sport fisher 15 bass boat.  This incident resulted in damage to the docked vessel, but no personal injuries. 

July 4, 2016 was a busy holiday on lake wylie with high levels of boat activity and clear, sunny weather.  Operator1 stated that he was heading south along the east side of sunset island when he let off the throttle and attempted to make a sharp turn.  I asked if he was attempting to do a “donut” or a “360” maneuver and he stated that he was.  Operator1 was navigating towards a dock on the east side of the lake when he attempted to make the sharp turn.  As he made the turn, operator1 let off the throttle and the personal watercraft continued in a straight direction towards the piling located on the northwest corner of the dock.  At this point, it appears that operator1 experienced off-throttle loss of steering with the personal watercraft.   Because he had let off the throttle on the jet drive vessel, there was no jet of water to direct with the handlebars; therefore, the vessel continued to travel in a straight line.

When operator1 realized the personal watercraft was heading straight for the dock piling, he accelerated and was able to avoid the piling, but he collided with the front portion of the dock (west side of dock).  The personal watercraft ramped up and over the dock, and rode over the top of the unoccupied 1994 challenger sport fisher 15 bass boat.  The bass boat was tied to the southernmost side of the dock at the time of the incident.  The personal watercraft collided with the steering console of the bass boat on the starboard (right) side, rode over the passenger seat on the port (left) side, and exited over the rear port (left) side of the bass boat near the fishing deck.  This incident resulted in minimal damage to the personal watercraft, but caused damage to the fiberglass and steering console on the bass boat.  Based on the insurance estimate, the bass boat was considered a total loss.

It appears that this incident was the result of operator1 operating the personal watercraft in a reckless manner.  Operator1 attempted to make a sudden change in speed and direction with the personal watercraft within close proximity to the dock and was unable to control the vessel.  This reckless maneuver resulted in a collision with the dock and the unoccupied bass boat.   Operator1 was charged with careless and reckless operation of a vessel as a result of this incident.


BARDID: NC-2016-0074
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Hickory
NearestCityorTown: Hickory
County: Catawba
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On june 18, 2016, at approximately 15:15 hrs, operator1 was operating a 18' pontoon (temp. Registation) on lake hickory.  Operator1 was pulling two subjects on a  raft, which was made for three people.  He was traveling west about 1/2 mile west of hwy 127 bridge.  The bridge is located approx. Half way between rhodhiss dam and oxford dam.  Operator1 was operating the pontoon boat in a zig zag pattern making the raft slide across the water to the right and left.  As the raft swung to the left, it hit a big wake created by the pontoon and a passing boat.  After hitting the wake, one of the passengers was thrown from the raft.  Victim hit his head on the water rendering him unconcious and face down in the water.  He was wearing a type iii pfd.  The operator, Operator1, immediately turned the pontoon around and jumped into the water turning victim face up in the water.  At that time, victim regained consciousness.  Victim was then taken to catawba valley medical center.  Victim was diagnosed with a mild concusion and released later that day.

****************************
Please note:  vessel 2 was passing by and all information is unknown.
End of report*****************************************************************************


BARDID: NC-2016-0075
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GASTON
NearestCityorTown: HENRICO
County: NORTHHAMPTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/03/2016, officers were notified of a boating incident that occurred on lake gaston at approximately 21:20 hours.  The officers responded on their patrol boats and arrived on the scene at approximately 22:15.  

The officers learned that operator1 was cruising (vessel 1) on lake gaston in northhampton county.  Operator2 was drifting in his boat (vessel 2) on lake gaston with no white stern light displayed.  Operator2 and his passengers were sitting on the bow of the vessel.  Operator2 admitted to turning off his navigational lights to take pictures of the fireworks display.  Operator1 hit vessel 2 at the stern of vessel 2 causing damage to the stern of vessel 2 and caused the motor of vessel 2 to break free from the vessel.  Damage also occurred at the bow of vessel 1 when it collided with the stern of vessel 2.  The officers began to collect photographs of the vessels involved.  They also gave both operators an mb 4.1 to fill out and return to them.  

Officer charged operator2 with operating a vessel without the proper navigation lights and with careless and reckless operation of a motor vessel so as to endanger life, limb or property of another.


BARDID: NC-2016-0076
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Wylie
NearestCityorTown: Mount Holly
County: Gaston
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Around 12:00PM, on June 25, 2016, operator was operating her Personal Watercraft on Lake Wylie near Mount Holly, NC.  Her engine malfunctioned and she was stranded on the lake.  She used her cell phone to contact her son to come tow her back to the dock.  Her son arrived a few minutes later operating his own personal watercraft.  With both PWC engines turned off, she attempted to step onto her son's PWC.  With one foot on her PWC and the other foot on her son's PWC, the two vessels drifted apart stretching her legs far apart and into a split leg position.  she pulled muscles and tore ligaments during the accident.  She was in bad pain and was transported to Gaston Memorial Hospital where she was taken care of and released that day.


BARDID: NC-2016-0077
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:14:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GASTON
NearestCityorTown: LITTLETON
County: WARREN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/02/2016, sergeant was notified of a boating incident that occurred at approximately 15:14 hours.  Officer responded to the scene on lake gaston by patrol boat.  There he learned operator1 was drifting on a jet ski (vessel 1) on lake gaston in warren county near the virginia border close to wood duck drive.  Operator1 was talking to her daughter who was drifting on another jet ski. 


BARDID: NC-2016-0078
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Tuckertown Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Denton
County: Rowan
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday, June 13, 2016, at approximately 12:00pm, Operator (the operator) was fishing below High Rock dam on Tuckertown Reservoir in a 21' Carolina Sea Skiff (vessel 1).  When Operator heard the siren sound indicating that the flood gates were about to open, someone on the dam yelled out to them saying “you better get out of there, we're about to open the gates”.  

Operator quickly started the engine and maneuvered the vessel to head downstream toward the Bringle Ferry Access Area 1/4mile downstream from High Rock Dam.  As Operator was maneuvering around rocks, the vessel struck some submerged rocks that were not visible to her.  The vessel became lodged on top of the rocks.  As the boat teetered on the rocks, Operator used the thrust of the motor to back off the rocks.  Operator quickly backed the vessel up and went back to the dock at Bringle Ferry Access Area.  After getting the boat on the trailer, Operator looked under the vessel for damage where she observed five places that the gelcoat and fiberglass were damaged.  The places of damage were varying sizes ranging from approximately 1"- 4" long. 

No personal injuries in this incident. 
Alcohol was not a factor in this incident. 
All safety equipment was aboard and used properly. 
There were no charges filed in this incident.


BARDID: NC-2016-0080
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bulkhead Channel
NearestCityorTown: Beaufort
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/15/16, at 11:03 pm, officer1 called me and informed me that a boating incident had occurred in the beaufort area.  I was off duty at the time.  Officer1 advised me to contact subject1 from sea-tow.  I called subject1 and he advised that one vessel collided with another and the vessels were being towed to west beaufort boat ramp.  


BARDID: NC-2016-0082
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:20:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Waccamaw
NearestCityorTown: Lake Waccamaw
County: Columbus
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday evening (June 12, 2016), I was patrolling Bella Coola boat landing at Lake Waccamaw at approximately 5:55pm.  A gentleman that came in on a boat asked me what had happened that day about a possible drowning there at the Lake.  I called Columbus County 911 Center and asked if they knew anything about it.  They stated yes, that it had taken place about 2:30pm that afternoon.  I asked them why we hadn't been notified.   They said they had notified Lake Waccamaw Police, and NC State Parks.  At that time a Park Officer drove up and said that he had just left the hospital in Whiteville, and that the victim, and others from the boat were there at that time.  I left Lake Waccamaw and went to Columbus Regional Hospital.  

When I arrived at the hospital, I went in and talked with the family of Victim1.  They advised that the others, who were on the boat (witnesses, and boat operator) when all this happened, were out in the parking lot.  
When I went out to the parking lot I spoke with Operator1, Passenger1, and Relative1 (Relative1 wrote their statement out for them-neither could read nor write).  
According to their statements as to what happened; there were 4 people on the boat when it was in Lake Waccamaw out from Bella Coola; Operator1, Victim1, Passenger1, and Passenger2 (10).  They were leaving when they decided to stop and fish some.  Victim1 decided to go swimming.  He put on a type II personal floatation device, but did not connect the straps.  He jumped into the water from the right (starboard) side, near the front of the boat (going under the railing attached to the boat).  When he jumped in the water, the PFD came off.  He turned and grabbed the boat, then he turned to grab the PFD, slipped off the boat, and the boat drifted away from him.  Then, Operator1 jumped in to try to grab Victim1.  The boat again, drifted away from them both.  Then Passenger1 started the boat, and drove towards Operator1.  They could not see Victim1 at this point.  She circled Operator1 twice before she could steer the boat to him.  After Operator1 got in the boat, he operated the boat, and they began searching for Victim1.  They saw the fishing pole, and began to pull it in and Victim1 came up tangled in the fishing line.  Operator1 and Passenger1 got him into the boat, and Passenger1 called 911.  
Victim1 was brought ashore at Bella Coola boat landing.  CPR was performed.  An AED device was hooked up to Victim1, however, it advised not to shock, but to continue CPR.  
I was not present during any of this, but was advised of these events by Lake Waccamaw Police Dept. Officers, and NC State Parks Officers.  The circumstances surrounding this event raised suspicion with the Lake Waccamaw Police, and NC State Parks.  The SBI was also brought in on this investigation.  
Victim1 had injuries consisting of, a cut in the shape of a half circle above the left eye, bruising of the left eyelid and surrounding area.  He also had a puncture wound to the back of the head.  I asked Operator1 about the injury to Victim1's eye.  He stated that Victim1's head had hit the anchor when they brought him into the boat.  
He was admitted to Columbus Regional Hospital.  He died at approximately 3:30 am on Monday June 13, 2016.  An autopsy was performed on the morning of Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at the Medical Examiner's Office in Raleigh.  A member of the SBI, and a Superintendent from the NC State Parks were present.  NC State Parks-Lake Waccamaw advised me that the medical examiner had found that the cause of death was “inconclusive/accidental drowning”.  Reports, witness statements, Officer statements, and other information from Lake Waccamaw Police and NC State Parks has also been attached with this report.


BARDID: NC-2016-0083
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:40:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: LITTLE RIVER RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: BAHAMA
County: DURHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 0930 on Sunday July 10, 2016, Subject1 and Subject2 were fishing on the docks at the Little River Reservoir.  They decided to get a canoe so that they could fish under the bridge where they have fished before.  Subject2 went and rented the canoe for him and Subject1 to fish from.  Around 0940, they paddled out to the 3rd pylon from the east bank under the Orange Factory Rd Bridge that crosses the Reservoir.  Subject2 had thrown the rope around the pylon and Subject1 went to reach for the rope in the water beside the canoe.  When he leaned out for the rope, the canoe flipped over causing both men to end up in the water.  Subject1 held on to the pylon and Subject2 had gotten tangled up in the rope on the canoe.  Witness1 and Witness2 were fishing a short distance away and they came to assist.  They got Subject2 into their boat but were unable to get Subject1 before he went under water.  Subject2 was transported by ambulance to Duke Hospital where he was treated for a near drowning and released about 1700.  Subject1’s body was recovered on July 12, 2016 at approximately 1110.


BARDID: NC-2016-0084
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Oak Island
County: Brunswick
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On friday, july 22, 2016, at approximately 1320, operator1 was operating a rental pwc (nc 3370 dx) on the intracoastal waterway near yellow banks.  Operator1 had his son on the back of the pwc.  Operator1's wife, was operating another rental pwc (nc 2988 ds)  and was following along behind him.  According to both, operator1s and operator2, operator1s went to make  a sharp left hand turn to head back in the other direction.  

Operator2, who was following behind, didn't realize quickly enough that operator1 had made the turn and as a result she impacted the port side near the stern of operator1's pwc.  Because the son was seated behind the operator, the impacting pwc hit his left leg which resulted in a broken tibia.  T

here was also damage to the fiberglass and engine housing of the impacted pwc.  It does not appear that there was any alcohol or drugs involved in this incident.  

Based upon the damage to the impacted pwc, it appears that operator2 was operating at a greater than no wake speed and apparently not maintaining a proper lookout, which resulted in her pwc colliding with operator1's pwc.   Based upon statements received, it appears that there was no grossly negligent or reckless operation involved.  Failing to maintain a proper lookout and operator inexperience coupled together resulted in the injury and damage to the pwc.  No charges were filed agains either operator.


BARDID: NC-2016-0085
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: High Rock Lake
NearestCityorTown: Lexington
County: Davidson
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 25, 2016, at approximately 1430 hours, moored Vessel #1 was struck in the port side by Vessel #2.  

Operator2 was operating Vessel #2 in Abbotts Creek on High Rock Lake.  Operator2 was wearing a correctly sized Type III PFD and has over 100 hours of boating experience.  While he was operating Vessel #2, he made a sharp turn while headed downstream in Abbotts Creek.  When Operator2 made the sharp left turn, he was headed directly toward a moored PWC at the address listed.  

When Operator2 saw that a collision was imminent, he let off the PWC throttle causing a loss of steering control.  Operator2 estimated his speed at less than 10mph.  

Witness she described the speed as very fast, with a loud noise when Vessel #2 collided with moored Vessel #1.  Operator2 stated that he was operating back toward the owner of Vessel #2 residence when the incident occurred.  One witness statement will be attached.  

Vessel #1 sustained fiberglass damage to the port side of the vessel and the damage punctured both walls of the fiberglass structure causing an opening into the engine compartment.  Because of the extensive fiberglass damage, repairs are estimated to be in excess of $2000.00 in damages to Vessel #1.  Vessel #2 did not sustain any damages during the incident.  No injuries occurred as a result of this incident.  It was a determined during the investigation that reduction in throttle causing loss of steering control was the main factor in the incident. There was not enough information from the witness or other parties to determine that excessive speed was also a factor.  There were no charges filed against the operator for operating in a careless and reckless manner.


BARDID: NC-2016-0086
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 04:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CROATAN SOUND
NearestCityorTown: MANNS HARBOR
County: DARE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
0n 07/04/2016, I was notified by Capt that he was delivering a vessel from Beaufort, NC northbound on the ICW.  Capt was inside the vessel when he observed a sharp turn to starboard and then to port.  He went to the bridge of the vessel and noticed the vessel just went under the Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge.  Capt continued to transit to Great Bridge, Virginia.  While waiting for the bridge to open, Capt noticed damage to the port side of the vessel.  Capt reported the incident to the appropriate units.  No violations of law were noted.


BARDID: NC-2016-0087
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pamlico River
NearestCityorTown: Washington
County: Beaufort
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
I received a call from dispatch around 2200 on July 9, 2016, about a boat incident in the Washington Park area of the Pamlico River.  Upon arriving on the scene, I noticed there was damage on the starboard front side of the Joie De Vie.  

The vessel which hit the Joie De Vie was not anywhere to be found at this time.  Upon talking to the owner of the Joie De Vie, he informed me a neighbor heard a loud crash out on the water.  When they heard the loud crash, they saw lights next to the vessel, and the vessel which struck his vessel soon powered away.  He then went out to look to see what happened and then notified NCWRC about the incident.

The vessel that hit his vessel left the scene and has not been located as of the reporting of this incident.

V1 did not have an all-around light on.


BARDID: NC-2016-0088
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Cedar Point
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
 On 7/16/16, at approximately 6:23 pm, I, Officer received a call from Raleigh dispatch over the radio that a boating incident had occurred.  Raleigh advised that four subjects had been pulled from the water and that there were no injuries reported.  

I was in Beaufort at the time.  I had to drop my boat off in Beaufort and ended up picking up Officer in Morehead City on the way to Cedar Point.  Sgt. advised he was on scene at the Cedar Point Access Area and that was where I needed to go.  

Officer and I arrived on scene at approximately 7:45 pm.  Upon arrival, I observed a vessel on a trailer that appeared damaged as if it had been involved in a collision.  I spoke with Sgt. briefly about the incident.  He pointed out the parties involved, including the operator.  

I asked operator if I could speak to him in my patrol vehicle.  I told him he was free to leave so he knew that he was not in custody.  I asked him if he could tell me what had happened.  He told me he was the operator of the vessel in front of us that was damaged.  He reported the vessel was owned by his girlfriend.  The vessel had registration numbers.  For purposes of this report, vessel will be referred to as vessel one.  

Operator reported he had been towing his girlfriend and her two children on a tube that day.  He reported Tuber1 fell off of the tube.  He reported he then tried to turn vessel one around to pick up Tuber1.  He reported he made his turn to the left.  He reported vessel one began skipping on the water as he was turning.  He reported he was going 10 to 15 mph while turning.  He reported he was ejected off of the starboard (right) side of vessel one.  

He reported when the vessel “caught” was when he was thrown off.  He reported vessel one then collided with a dock.  

He reported Girlfriend and Tuber2 jumped off of the tube before it collided with the dock.  I asked Operator how much alcohol he had consumed that day.  He stated, “at least three beers, 3 or 4.”  Operator had a moderate odor of alcohol on his breath and bloodshot, watery eyes.  I asked Operator if he had consumed any alcohol since his vessel collided with the docks and he reported he had not.  I asked Operator if he would go through a few field sobriety tests with me.  

We did go through several field sobriety tests.  He sat on the tailgate of my vehicle while completing the tests.  Operator then blew .08 twice on the alcosensor.  I then inspected and took several photos of vessel one.  The most damage was on the bow, specifically on the port (left) side of the bow.  The fiberglass was crushed in and broken on the port side of the bow.  The rub-rail was hanging off and a large portion of broken fiberglass was hanging from the hull.  The front compartment “cap” was disconnected from the hull.  I also noticed the prop appeared to be bent on the end of all three blades.  Operator gave me consent to look in the cooler which was in the bow of the boat.  I observed several bottles and cans of alcoholic beverages.  Operator stated he put the empty beer cans from what he had consumed previously that day in a trash bag.  

I placed Operator under arrest at approximately 8:25 pm.  I then transported him to the intoxilyzer room at the Carteret County Jail.  Operator blew .05 grams per 210 liters of breath on the intoxilyzer.  The retrograde extrapolation results came out to .10 grams per 210 liters of breath.  Operator and I then went in front of the magistrate.  

Operator was charged with operating a vessel on waters of the state while under the influence of an impairing substance and operating a vessel on waters of the state in a reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger life, limb, or property.  

On 7/17/16, I spoke with the owner of the boat lift.  She reported she was inside her house when the collision occurred and she did not witness the collision.  She allowed me to observe and photograph the damage to her boat lift.  I observed the southwest piling completely broken causing the roof of the boat lift to sag downward.  I also observed several other broken boards that she reported had been pulled up in her yard.  Owner then showed me damage to her neighbor's PWC lift.  I observed several broken boards on the PWC lift.  The top piling that the lift was attached to was also cracked and broken.  

I observed two broken boards in the yard.  I also observed a piece of white painted fiberglass that was lodged in the PWC lift.  

I later spoke with the owner of the property over the phone.  He advised he did not witness the collision but he did see the people in his yard after the collision.


BARDID: NC-2016-0089
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: North River
NearestCityorTown: Harker''s Island
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/21/16 at approximately 10:01 am, i, officer, was called by raleigh dispatch over the radio.  Raleigh reported a boating incident had occurred near the harker''s island bridge.  Upon arrival, i spoke with one of the operators.

He reported being the operator of a vessel with registration numbers, or for purposes of this report, vessel two.  Operator2 reported the other vessel involved or for purposes of this report, vessel one, collided nearly head on with his vessel.  

Operator2 reported he observed eight year old subject operating vessel two moments prior to the collision occurring.  He reported that it was his opinion that he was sure that operator1 did try to take control of the steering wheel before the vessels collided, although he did not observe this.  Operator2 could not state positively who was operating at the moment of impact.  Operator2 reported he did everything he could to avoid a collision with vessel one.  He reported he was not sure which side vessel one was going to pass his vessel on.  He reported he first thought the other vessel, which his vessel was meeting, was going to pass him on his starboard (right) side, so he turned to the left.  He reported the vessel then seemed like it was going to pass on his vessel''s port (left) side so he turned back to the right.  He reported vessel one then collided nearly head on with the port side of the bow (front) of his vessel, vessel two.  

He reported as a result of the collision, he was ejected over the starboard side of vessel two, into the water.  He reported when he was ejected he bumped the throttle of his vessel.  He reported that after he was ejected in to the water, he noticed his vessel was still moving, going in circles.  He reported he was able to climb on board vessel one, which at this point was also unmanned since both occupants of vessel one were also ejected into the water.  He reported assisting the two occupants of vessel one back into their vessel.  He reported subject1 was wearing a pfd when the collision occurred.  

Operator2 reported a third vessel came to assist after the collision occurred.  Operator2 reported he boarded subject2''s vessel from vessel one.  He reported subject2 was able to get behind vessel two while it was going in circles.  Operator2 reported subject2 was able to get close enough to vessel two to allow operator2 to jump back in to his vessel.  Operator2 was then able to bring his vessel to a stop.  Operator2 reported he ended up towing vessel one with his vessel to our location which was the straight''s landing access area.  

Operator2 reported he had not consumed any alcohol all day.  I then took several photographs of vessel two.  The majority of damage appeared to be on the port side of vessel two.  The fiberglass hull was crushed in on several places from the bow to the stern (back) of the port side.  Additionally, the gunwale of the bow was separated from the hull on the port side.  I observed a large amount of white scuffing from the bow to the stern on the port side.  There was also a small damaged area on the gunwale of the port side where i observed what appeared to be blue paint.  I observed several large pieces of fiberglass in the floor of vessel two.  I observed a large storage compartment door with hinges that appeared to have been ripped out of the floor of the vessel.  The fiberglass was separated and damaged in several spots on the inside of the bow of the vessel.  I also observed a damaged area on the starboard side of the very front of the bow.  After observing the damage to vessel two, i then interviewed the operator of vessel one.  Operator1 reported just prior to the incident, he and his grandson departed the access area where we were.  He reported his grandson was driving vessel one initially but when…


BARDID: NC-2016-0090
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Collington Harbor
NearestCityorTown: Collington
County: Dare
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 16 Jul 2016, V2 informed me that a vessel hit his sailboat at his dock.  Myself and Officer went to V2's house and he informed us of the person that witnessed the boat accident.  We then interviewed a witness.  She informed us that she saw a small sailboat (V1) come down the inlet with its motor running.  She then noticed that sailboat (V1) was going too fast to turn around.  The Operator of sail boat (V1) got up and tried to push off but still hit sailboat (V2).  Then she saw the sailboat (V1) tie up at his dock and went inside the house.  We then went to the house and interviewed the owner and operator of sailboat (V1).  He said he was piloting his sailboat (V1) and turned too sharply in the canal.  As he was turning, he hit the port side of sailboat (V2). Then tied up at his dock.  Charges were filed.


BARDID: NC-2016-0092
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: OCEAN ISLE BEACH
County: BRUNSWICK
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On or about 3:00 pm, july 7, 2016, 2 personal watercraft were involved in a boating incident on the icw near ocean isle beach, nc. 

Vessel #1 was crossing aft from north to south the wake of a boat that was traveling east.  As vessel #1 crossed the wake, the operator let off the throttle and came almost to a complete stop. 

Vessel #2 was traveling parallel in the same direction about 25 yards west of vessel #1.  As vessel #1 was stopped, vessel #2 turned slightly east and traveled approximately 25 yards and struck vessel #1 in the starboard bow with the bow of vessel #2.  

Operator inattention and inexperience were believed to be the contributing factors in the incident.  Both operators were wearing required personal floatation devices.  Neither alcohol nor drugs were contributing factors in the incident.


BARDID: NC-2016-0093
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOWDYS BAY
NearestCityorTown: Grandy
County: Currituck
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday, July 25th, 2016, operator1 was operating Vessel 1 into the canals of Walnut Island Subdivision, and operator2 was operating Vessel 2 out of the canals.  The two vessels met in a narrow canal between Gregory Ct and Walnut Island Blvd when the operators and occupants of the two vessels recognized each other.  

During a verbal exchange, the starboard side bow of Vessel 1 and the starboard side panel behind the operator's counsel on Vessel 2 collided.  The rub rail and metal rail along the starboard side of Vessel 1 sustained damage and the starboard side panels on Vessel 2 were damaged.  The occupants of both vessels were jostled within the vessels, but no one sustained injury beyond first aid.  

Vessel 2 continued to navigate out of the canal and Vessel 1 turned around and also began to navigate out of the canal.  Investigation did not reveal alcohol to be a factor to this incident.  PFDs were on board but were not used by the occupants.


BARDID: NC-2016-0095
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: MTN ISLAND LAKE
NearestCityorTown: Charlotte
County: Mecklenburg
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On monday july 04, 2016, at approximately 9:30pm, a vessel incident occurred in mecklenburg county on mtn island lake.   The incident occurred at the entrance of nance cove. There were two vessels involved in this incident.   Vessel one is a 24' starcraft with 7 occupants onboard in addition to operator1.  

Vessel two is a 25' chapparal had 4 occupants in addition to operator onboard.  

Operator1 was returning from a fireworks show that was south of the hwy 16 bridge.  Operator1 was traveling in a northeast direction at the time of the incident.  Operator1 was traveling to a residence beyond nance cove on the mecklenburg county side of mtn island lake.  

Operator2 and his family were returning home from an evening cruise on the lake.  Operator2 was traveling in a southern direction down the lake and was turning left towards nance cove.   As operator1 was appraoching the mouth of nance cove, the occupants seated in the front of the vessel yelled "boat". 

Operator1's vessel impacted the vessel driven by operator2.  The right front bow area of vessel one impacted vessel two just behind the driver's seat.  Operator2 was in the drivers seat on the starboard side.  Operator2 was thrown into the console of his vessel.  

Operator2's vessel received heavy damage along the starboard side from just behind the operator's station to the stern of the vessel.  The damage on boat2 includes broken fiberglass on the starboard side gunnel, ventilation cover knocked off the rear of the vessel, broken metal frame for the bimini top,  broken starboard side interrior panels, and  cracked fiberglass near the starboard side of the transon.  

Operator2 stated that he was cruising at a slow speed of under 10 mph.  Operator1 was on plane operating between 21-40 mph.  The damage to operator1's vessel includes broken fiberglass on the starboard side of the bow and the rub rail was broken loose from the vessel. There were minor injuries on vessel one.  

One person received minor scrapes to his knees.  Another received minor injuries to her left knee and big toe on her left foot.  Operator2 was the only person on vessel two that sustained any injuries.  Operator2 was cut on the left side of his back.  This laceration required eight stitches.  Operator2 also sustained deep contusions on his left lower abdomen and on his left leg as well.  Operator2 was treated for injuries at carolina medical center's huntersville campus. 

In conclusion, this incident occurred due to operator2 operating his vessel contrary to rules of the road.  Based on the direction of travel from each vessel, operator1 was clearly the stand-on vessel.  Alcohol was not a factor in this incident.   At this time no charges are pending in this matter.

*****************end of report**********************


BARDID: NC-2016-0097
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Norman
NearestCityorTown: Mooresville
County: Iredell
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Weather
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/28/2016, around 14:45, two vessels collided on Lake Norman near the Blue Parrot Marina.  The collision cracked the port hull of vessel 1 and bent the port pontoon of vessel 2 causing an approximate total amount of damage of $8,000.   

Operator1 had just left the dock of the Blue Parrot Marina and had dropped a buoy in the water.  She had one passenger on her vessel at the time.  While drifting off the marina, Operator2 and his wife had picked up her buoy from the water and started to head towards vessel1 to give it back to her.  

His vessel, vessel 2 was headed towards vessel 1.  Vessel 2's bow was headed towards the port side of vessel one.   Operator2 stated that he approached slowly and put his vessel into neutral.  He then walked to the bow of his vessel, leaving the controls to hand the buoy to occupant who was on the bow of vessel 1.  Vessel 2 was drifting into the port side of vessel 1.  

As vessel 2 made its approach, Operator1 became alarmed because no one was at the controls of vessel 2.  She stated that she believed that vessel 2 was going to hit her port side.  In order to avoid the collision, Operator1 put her boat into forward gear.  Based on the damage to the two vessels, Operator1 had to have turned her vessel to the starboard slightly during her attempt to avoid the collision.   This caused her port stern to push into the port pontoon of vessel 2.  This movement caused vessel 1's port hull to collide with the pontoon of vessel 2 with a significant amount of force.   It bent the front of the port pontoon on vessel 2 and cracked the hull of vessel 1 on the port side above the water line.  Vessel 2 was on a collision course with vessel 1.  Operator1' efforts to get out of the way made the damage worse.  The forward movement of vessel pushed the port stern of vessel 1 into vessel 2 with great force.  

 At the time of the incident, the wind was blowing around 14 mph and the water was rough, making maneuvering the vessels more challenging.  No one was hurt in this incident.  V2 occupant was knocked down, but stated that she was ok.  Both operators stated that they have over 100 hours of boating experience.  Neither have had a formal boater safety course.   Both vessels had all necessary safety items on board.   Alcohol and drugs did not play a factor in this incident.

*******************end of report*************************


BARDID: NC-2016-0098
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Wrightsville Beach
County: New Hanover
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, August 7, 2016 at approximately 09:00AM, Wildlife Officer was contacted by v1 who reported that he was involved in a boat incident around midnight that same day. 

Upon investigation, it was found that vessel #1 was heading in a southern direction at 40 MPH in the ICW.  Vessel #2 was floating unoccupied in the middle of the ICW with no lights on.  Vessel #1 never saw the unoccupied vessel #2 floating.  Operator1 stated that there were no lights on.  Operator1 hit vessel #2 at an appx. 15-25-degree angle at 40 MPH.  Vessel #1 then ramped over vessel #2.  

Operator1 stated that he did not know what he had struck.  He initially thought he hit an unmarked navigational aid.  Operator1 then turned on the T-Top spreader lights to illuminate the area.  It was at this point that he saw he had struck another vessel.  

Operator1 was worried that there were passengers on the boat and that they might have been tossed overboard.  Operator1 did several circles around vessel #2 attempting to locate any persons that may have been onboard.  Operator1 contacted Coast Guard Station Wrightsville Beach to report the incident.  Operator1 was worried that vessel #1 might be taking on water and returned it to his residence on Figure Eight Island.

Wildlife Officers investigated the actions of vessel #2 prior to the incident.  Upon investigation, it was found that subject had borrowed vessel #2, took his girlfriend to dinner and tied the boat to the dock at the Bridge Tender Marina in Wrightsville Beach.  Officers were unable to determine how vessel #2 came off the dock at Bridge Tender Marina.  

There were no witnesses that actually saw the accident occur other than the passengers on vessel 1.  Fire and EMS were never contacted and first aid was not required. 
 
Charges:
None

********************************end of report************************************


BARDID: NC-2016-0099
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake James
NearestCityorTown: Marion
County: McDowell
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 29, 2016 at approximately 1900, a pontoon boat operated by Operator struck a dock on Lake James. The incident occurred when Operator was trying to make his way back to his dock located at the Arbor due to a severe thunderstorm that had quickly come upon him and his family.  As Operator was making his way back to his dock from a cove located near Black Forest, it began to rain very hard along with strong wind and thunder.  At this time Operator could barely see in front of him due to the storm.  In addition, his two year-old son who was scared, began to scream which caused Operator to take his attention away from navigating the boat to see what was wrong with his son. 

Unfortunately, as all this was taking place, Operator' vessel struck the back side of a dock at the bridge walkway.  Fortunately, no one was injured.  However, the collision resulted in the splitting of a piling in half and the buckling of the steps leading to the dock. The damage is estimated at over $2000.  

Furthermore, the damage to Operator' vessel was minor with only a punctured seat and a bent rail on the port side of the vessel near the bow.  The damage is estimated at approximately $500.  Moreover, Operator immediately contacted the NCWRC to report the accident and later that evening exchanged information with the dock owner.


BARDID: NC-2016-0100
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Morehead Waterfront
NearestCityorTown: Morehead City
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 7, 2016, at approximately 7:00pm, operator was operating his 1988 Grady White Cabin Motor boat (vessel number 1) at the docks of the Ruddy Duck restaurant in Morehead City NC.  Operator had been drinking that evening at the Ruddy Duck restaurant.  After finishing his time at Ruddy Duck, Operator walked to the restaurant's dock where he boarded his vessel.  Operator backed away from the docks onboard vessel number 1.  When vessel number 1 backed away, Operator put vessel number 1 into forward gear causing vessel number 1 to jolt forward hitting the docks at the Ruddy Duck.  Vessel number 1 struck the pole on the docks then glanced along the dock striking a bench seat that two individuals were sitting on.  The individuals were thrown off the bench that was struck by vessel number 1 causing injuries to the individuals.  

Vessel number 1 continued on till Operator brought the vessel back to the docks at Ruddy Duck.  The two individuals that were sitting on the bench were taken to the hospital for the injuries they sustained.  Once I arrived, I conducted my field sobriety on Operator.  After completing my field sobriety test, I asked Operator if he would be willing to give a breathe sample and he said he would.  Operator blew a .19 and I placed Operator under arrest for Operating While Impaired and Careless and Reckless boat operation.

******************end of report***********************


BARDID: NC-2016-0101
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Waccamaw
NearestCityorTown: Lake Waccamaw
County: Columbus
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Carbon monoxide exposure
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
I was called to a disappearance/drowning at Lake Waccamaw by Chief of Police on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at approximately 7pm.  I arrived at the lake and assisted other agencies with the search.  Later on I went ashore to try to find witnesses, boat operator, and/or owner.  The victim's body was recovered that night by divers, brought ashore, and carried to Columbus Regional Hospital Morgue.  

The next day, Officer1 and I interviewed the boat operator, and several of the passengers/witnesses that were on board.  There were 11 people on board.  One of which was being towed.  Several people were on the “ski platform” at the back of the boat, and several were on the engine cowling.  The victim was one of the people on the ski platform.  

Victim was seated beside her on the ski platform.  The boat was underway at approximately 9 MPH.  According to her statement, Victim felt dizzy, nauseous, and sick.  She got up from the ski platform and moved to the engine cowling, where she “blacked out” temporarily.  When she came to, the other passengers were shouting her name and turning the boat around.  According to statements, she had fallen off the platform, went under, and never resurfaced.  Several of the passengers put on PFDs and jumped in to look for her.  They also called 911.  Rescue personnel arrived shortly, and anchored in the area she was last seen.  The search then started with other Rescue, Fire Depts, State Parks, Lake Waccamw PD, Columbus Co. Sheriff's Dept., and divers.

The boat involved was a Moomba ski boat.  Officer1 and I spoke with someone at Moomba Boats on the 3rd.  They said that it was not advised to ride on the ski platform while the boat was underway because of dangers of fumes, and carbon monoxide.  The boat has warning stickers from the factory located at the stern and in the operator's cockpit area.  

On Friday, August 12, 2016, I spoke with Columbus County Assistant Coroner.  He advised me that the blood work done by the medical examiner's office has indicated a 48% concentration of carbon monoxide present.  He also indicated that a 50 to 70% concentration would be lethal.  It is this investigator's opinion that carbon monoxide incapacitated the victim and she drowned when she fell into the water.


BARDID: NC-2016-0102
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Wilmington
County: New Hanover
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday August 12, 2016 at approximately 2:00 PM, Wildlife Officers met Operator, who reported that he was involved in a boat incident on Saturday August 6, 2016 at approximately 10:30 PM.

Upon investigation, it was found that Vessel #1, a 20' Sea Ark model 2072 was being operated by Operator (age 28) on the Intracoastal Waterway at approximately 10:30 PM.  Vessel #1 was travelling north on the Intracoastal Waterway towards Futch Creek north of the Figure 8 Island bridge at approximately 8 miles per hour.  

Vessel #1 stated he was slowing the vessel and heading towards the eastern bank of the Intracoastal Waterway to stop the boat and use the restroom when the vessel struck a submerged metal structure.  According to the operator, the structure seemed to be rectangle in shape and made of metal.  Vessel #1 impacted the structure bow first and ramped up over the top of the submerged object.  Vessel #1 then came to an abrupt stop and became lodged on the structure.  The operator stated that in his opinion the structure was a submerged barge.  The operator stated that he waited on the tide to raise the vessel high enough to move it off of the structure.

Vessel #1 sustained extensive damage to the underside of the hull including gauging, denting, and scrapes to the aluminum.


BARDID: NC-2016-0103
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Wilmington, NC
County: New Hanover
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
I, Wildlife Officer, and two other wildlife officers were patrolling the Intracoastal Waterway at Wrightsville Beach by boat at approximately 04:15 pm when we received a call from dispatch reporting a boating incident at Carolina Beach.  We then proceeded to Carolina Beach State Park to begin our investigation.  Upon arriving at the Carolina Beach State Park, we spoke with the owner of the rented PWCS (Vessels #1 and #3).  We then interviewed the operators and passengers of all vessels involved.  There were no other witnesses.

On August 6, 2016 at approximately 03:00 pm on the Intracoastal Waterway east of N. Channel Haven Dr. Wilmington, NC, three vessels were heading south on the Intracoastal Waterway.  

Upon investigation it was found that Vessels #1 and #3 were traveling south side by side on the Intracoastal Waterway in the same direction as Vessel #2.  Vessel #1 made a left turn toward the east traveling at a speed under 10 mph while Vessel #3 continued to maintain a straight course.  Vessel #1 then collided with Vessel #2 at an approximate 45 degree angle.  

At the time of the collision, Vessel #2 traveling between 21 and 40 mph struck Vessel #1 with the starboard side bow impacting the port side of Vessel #1.  During the collision, the operator of Vessel #1 was knocked off the vessel and swam clear of the incident.  

After the collision, the operator of Vessel #2 stated he turned hard left towards the east and pulled the emergency cut off switch.  Vessel #2 assisted pulling the operator of Vessel #1 onboard his vessel.  Vessel #2 then assisted in the towing of Vessel #1 back to Carolina Beach State Park boat ramp.  

Basic first aid was then administered to the operator of Vessel #1, who had minor cuts on the fingers of his left hand as well as a minor cut to his right arm.  

The damage done to Vessel #1 included a broken steering handle bar on the port side as well as extensive damage done to the fiberglass hull along the port side.  There were also black skid marks on the seat of Vessel #1 that appeared to be made by Vessel #2.  

The damage seen on Vessel #2 included deep scratches, gouge marks, and scuffs to the fiberglass hull on the starboard side beginning at the bow and extending to the middle of the vessel above the water line. 
According to Vessel #2, both Vessels #1 and #3 passed Vessel #2 a short distance on his starboard side.  The distance was unknown at the time of the investigation.  

According to Vessel #2, Vessel #1 passed Vessel #2 a short distance and made a sharp left turn cutting off Vessel #2.  Vessel #2 stated that he had no time to stop to prevent the collision.  

According to the operators of Vessels #1 and #3, they both passed Vessel #2 and stopped approximately 100 yards in front of Vessel #2 on the west side of the channel.  Both stated they had a conversation and decided to turn around to head north on the Intracoastal Waterway.  Vessel #1 then made a left turn and collided into the starboard bow of Vessel #2.  Vessel #3 continued to stay straight and was not involved in the incident.


BARDID: NC-2016-0104
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORMAN
NearestCityorTown: MOORESVILLE
County: IREDELL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Weather
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On Thursday, July 21, 2016 at approximately 0930, there was a boating incident at the gas docks of Stutts Marina in Mooresville, NC.  subject had just exited her boat and was in the process of tying off her boat to the dock.  operator was operating Vessel #1 (21' Towboats S211 Supreme) in attempt to dock at the gas pumps.  Operator stated that as he was approaching the slip, a gust of wind came up and he realized that he was not going to be able to manuever his vessel into the slip.  He accelerated and turned the vessel to the left.  This caused the starboard side of his stern to strike the end of the gas dock that Victim was standing on.  The impact caused Victim to fall, landing on her left hip and lower back.  

Victim was unable to return to her feet and after some time 911 was called.  Victim was transported to Lake Norman Regional Medical Center where she was treated and released.  At the time I interviewed Victim, she was experiencing radiating pain up and down her spine and through both hips and had minor cuts on her left knee and ankle.  Operator and two young male passengers in vessel 1 were uninjured.   There was no damage to the dock or the boat and I estimate the speed of impact between 5-9 MPH.  Operator has been cited for reckless/negligent operation of a motor boat causing injury (75A-10(a)).

Please note:  The victim was injured but was not in a boat that was involved in the accident.


BARDID: NC-2016-0105
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORMAN
NearestCityorTown: MOORESVILLE
County: Iredell
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 08/12/2016 around 2:00pm, subject was wakeboarding behind a 27 foot Chaparral ski boat operated by his father on Lake Norman.  Victim was jumping the wake behind the vessel, and when he landed he dislocated his right knee.  He was taken to Lake Norman Regional Hospital for treatment.  

While being towed behind the vessel, Victim was jumping the wake on his wakeboard.   On the pass that he was injured, he came out of the water a good way.  The vessel was traveling at 19 mph at the time, according to operator.  He landed on his right side instead of on his board.  The impact of the landing on the water injured his right knee.  It was later discovered at the hospital that he had dislocated his right knee cap.  Victim had on a Type III USGC approved PFD while he was wakeboarding.   He wakeboards frequently.  There were multiple observers on the vessel while he was wakeboarding.  There were a total of nine (9) other people on the vessel.  The family called 911 and Victim was transported to the hospital from a nearby dock.  

The vessel had all required boating safety items on board.  The registration was valid as well.  Alcohol and drugs were not a factor in the accident.


BARDID: NC-2016-0106
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Norman
NearestCityorTown: Mooresville
County: Iredell
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 08/09/2016 around 4:20 pm, subject was wakeboarding on Lake Norman in the Davidson Creek area and dislocated her left hip.  She was transported to Lake Norman Regional Hospital for treatment. 

While wakeboarding, Victim was having difficulty getting up on the board.  She made several attempts.  She has wake boarded before.  On the attempt in which she was injured, she got up and then fell back into the water.  This placed a significant force on her legs and dislocated her left hip.  She yelled for help and the others on the vessel came back and assisted her.  They got the board off of her and took her to the dock nearby.   Victim was transported to the hospital for treatment.  It was determined that she had a dislocation of the left hip and no fracture.  

The vessel had all required boating safety items and a current registration.  Victim had a type III USCG approved PFD on while wakeboarding.  No one else was injured.  Alcohol and drugs were not involved.


BARDID: NC-2016-0107
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Wylie
NearestCityorTown: Belmont
County: Gaston
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday August 06, 2016 at 20:30, 2 vessels were cruising in the south fork river channel of Lake Wylie near Harbor Towne Marina.  Weather conditions were clear and calm with a small chop on the water.  Visibility was fair due to low light conditions.  Both of the vessels were displaying the proper navigation lights.  
 
Alcohol was found on board both vessels, the two operators and two passengers had all been drinking.  
    
At 20:35, vessel #1 overtook vessel #2 and passed to the port side.  Vessel #1 completed the pass and then made a starboard right turn into the path of vessel #2 breaking the navigation rules and immediately slowed down because of a large wake created by a passing pontoon boat.  Vessel # 2 maintaining its course and speed had no time to react and impacted vessel # 1 on the starboard side of the stern at an approximate 140 degree angle.  Vessel #2 impacted vessel #1 with the bow of the boat.  The initial impact was approximately 5ft from the stern on the starboard side of Vessel #1.  Vessel #2's estimated speed at the time of impact was 15 miles per hour.  Vessel #1's speed was less than 5 miles per hour.  

On impact Vessel #2 hit and slid down the starboard side of vessel #1 and the bow impacted Operator1 on his right shoulder.  The force of the blow pushed Operator1 down and to the left where his chest impacted the top rail of the windshield causing it to break.  After impact, vessel #2 remained on top of vessel #1 at the starboard side windshield.  Vessel #2 was dislodged by a passing motorist.  Both vessels were driven to the boat ramp of Harbor Towne Marina located less than 100 yards from the accident location where Gaston County EMS and Fire Department arrived on scene.  Operator1, the operator of Vessel #1 was taken by ambulance to Caromont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia, NC.  Operator1 was taken to the emergency room and treated for chest and shoulder injuries. 

As the investigator of this accident, I have concluded that the primary cause of this accident was contributed to careless and reckless operation and impairment of alcohol of vessel #1's operator, Operator1. 
Vessel #1's operator overtook and passed vessel #2 along the port side.  Operator1 then made a sharp right turn recklessly steering in front of vessel #2 breaking the navigation rules to avoid a wave from a passing vessel. Vessel #2 maintained course and speed hitting the starboard side stern of vessel #1 and struck the driver of vessel #1.  Operator1 suffered injuries from the force of the impact thrusting him forward and into the windshield.  This accident could have been avoided if the impairment of alcohol was not present and the navigation rules were not broken.

The other vessel (passing pontoon boat) mentioned in this narrative was not involved in this incident.  This incident only involved the 2 vessels mentioned in this report.

******************end of report*************************


BARDID: NC-2016-0108
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: MOREHEAD CITY
County: CARTERET
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On july 3, 2016, at approximately 9:30pm, a boat struck a dock.  On the dock were three witnesses who saw the boat coming towards them.  The witnesses saw the boat coming and got out of the way when the boat (vessel 1) struck the dock.

The witnesses were only a few feet away from the impact.  Witnesses described the operator of vessel 1 as a white male in his 50's.  The operator was wearing a blue polo and khaki pants according to witnesses at 3111 sunset drive.  Witnesses told the operator of vessel 1 to stay there because they were calling the police.  The operator of vessel 1 left the scene and proceeded up the icw towards spooners creek.  

At approximately 10:00pm, vessel 1 struck the docks at the bluffs housing.  According to the witnesses at the bluffs, vessel 1 hit the dock at approximately 40 mph.  Vessel number 1 hit the dock at high tide causing the vessel to go airborne in a forward motion.  At the moment of impact with the docks, the operator of the vessel was ejected from the vessel.  The vessel went approximately 130 feet in the air in a forward motion till it hit the end of the docks at the bluffs once again.  The vessel took out a couple of pilings at the bluffs after its initial impact.  After the vessel struck the dock, the vessel continued with no operator onboard.  The vessel made a wide turn in the icw and made a turn towards morehead city.  The vessel then made a turn towards the shore just east of the docks at the bluffs.

The vessel then struck the seawall at the bluffs sending it airborne once again.  The vessel went airborne and went through a group of trees and went approximately 50 feet till it came to a complete stop.

Witnesses at the bluffs went to rescue the operator and turned off the motor on the vessel.  At that time, ems and police were called to the scene.  The operator only suffered a minor cut that did not need any first aid.  Once i, officer, arrived, i asked subject if he could do some field sobriety.  He completed some field sobriety and blew a .17 for breath alcohol.  I placed him under arrest for operating while impaired.  Vessel 1 was towed to a local marina and was placed in storage till pictures could be taken the next day.

Please note:  no mb4.1 was submitted with this report, pictures were not submitted with this report and are in possession of the officer of this report.


**********************************************************************


BARDID: NC-2016-0112
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Currituck Sound
NearestCityorTown: Carolla
County: Currituck
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with governmental vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 11, 2016, operator1 was returning his personal watercraft to the dock at the Whalehead Club in Carolla.  Operator1 had an observer on board and was towing a four person tube occupied by four people.  

When approaching the dock, Operator1 struck the propeller on the raised outboard motor of a vessel owned by the Currituck County Sheriff's Office that was moored at the end of the dock.  The steering mechanism was damaged on the Sheriff’s Office vessel and the starboard side of the PWC sustained damage to the fiberglass and rub rail.  The occupants of the PWC and persons being towed were all wearing PFDs.  There was no one on board the Sheriff's Office vessel at the time of the collision.


BARDID: NC-2016-0113
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: RIVER DUNNES MARINA
NearestCityorTown: ORIENTAL
County: PAMLICO
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
MachineryFailure: Shift
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 13, 2016 at approximately 09:00am, the weather was clear with a light wind and calm waves.  Operator2 was backing her sail boat (Bijou) out of the slip at River Dunnes Marina in Pamlico.  While backing the sail boat out of the slip, she stated that she had problems with her gear shift and shift cable and was unable to control her vessel as it came out of the slip and the stern rail on her sail boat hit the front anchor plate area and the front port side of V1 (Lyoness), which at the time was unoccupied and docked.  She then stated that she pulled out of the marina. 

Witnesses stated that she also hit against both sides of the docks as she pulled out after hitting V1's boat.  The damage to Operator2' sail boat was a bent stern rail and a broken flag pole.  Operator2 estimated the damage to her sail boat to be approximately $700.00. The damage to V1's boat was to the front anchor plate, which may have to be replaced and several scratches in the gel coat to the front port side of the boat.  V1 estimated the damage to his boat to be around $2500.00.


BARDID: NC-2016-0114
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:53:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bear Lake
NearestCityorTown: Sylva
County: Jackson
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 16, 2016, myself and Officer1 were patrolling back from drivers training in Franklin when Officer1 received a message on his phone stating that there had been a boat accident and the person was needing Officer1 to return her call.  Officer1 returned her call and spoke with someone at Bear Lake Reserve.  They stated that there had been a boat accident involving two of their pwc rentals.  

We collected the names of the two operators and responded to Harris Regional Hospital where one of the operators had been transported to by ambulance.  When we got to the hospital, I began to interview Operator2.  He was injured in the right lung area, right knee, right upper arm, and right kidney area.  

I asked him what had happened and he said that Operator1 and him were on vacation with their families and were riding two pwc rentals from Bear Lake Reserve.  They had been jumping each other's wake and spraying each other with water from the pwcs.  Operator2 said that he slowed down to let Operator1 cross in front of him, and Operator1 hit him in the left side.  I then asked him why he was injured on his right side and not his left, he said he was not sure.  He also said that he could not remember much except that he remembered Operator1 heading straight for him.  Operator2 was on several pain medications and was not remembering much beyond that.  Officer1 was interviewing Operator2's mother and she stated that the boys had been riding extremely close and were being very dangerous.  I spoke with Operator1's mother and she said that she also saw them riding extremely dangerous prior to the accident but neither mother was able to witness the accident.  

I began interviewing Operator1 and he stated that Operator2 and him were jumping each other's wake.  Then all of a sudden Operator2 stopped and Operator1 hit Operator2 on the left side.  He said that he did not know why Operator2 was injured on his right side.  I asked him if he was sure that he hit Operator2 on the left side and he said he was not sure.  He said during the collision Operator2 and Operator1 both were thrown off of their pwcs.  Operator1 said that he swam over to Operator2 and helped him get back on his pwc and they went straight back to Bear Lake Reserve where they called for an ambulance for Operator2.  I then asked Operator1 if he had taken any medication or had drank any alcohol that day and he said no.  I did not see any symptoms for me to think otherwise.  I explained the reckless and negligent law to Operator1 and he agreed that he had violated the law while riding the pwc.  I issued him his citation and departed.

I explained the reckless and negligent law to Operator2 and I asked him if he thought he had been in violation of the law while riding the pwcs that day and he stated that he thought he had violated the law.  I issued Operator2 his citation and departed.  

Officer1 and I then traveled to Bear Lake reserve to examine the pwcs that were involved in the accident.  When we arrived, we were escorted to the pwc at their marina.  When we arrived, we noticed that the pwc that Operator2 was driving had severe damage at the right front.  The hull was busted at the right front, mirror broken off on the right side, and skid markers going up from the right front toward the right mirror and hitting the steering wheel.  The left rear had damage at the top of the hull where it had busted.  We then examined the pwc that Operator1 was operating and found damage on the front of the hull on the bottom where the hook is.  The hull was busted just above the hook and had scratches on the hull going up under it.  After examining both pwcs Officer1 and I came to the conclusion that both operators had lied about the collision.  Based on the evidence left on both pwcs, the collision was almost head on.  It appeared the pwc that Operator1 was operating had hit Operator2 on the right front and jumped up over the steering wheel and landed on the left rear which busted the hull on Operator2's pwc on the left rear.  Based on this conclusion, we also were able to explain why Operator2 had a bruised right lung, bruised right kidney, bruised right arm, and sprained right knee.  Prior to examining the pwcs, we were not able to understand why he was injured on his right side.


BARDID: NC-2016-0115
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Wylie
NearestCityorTown: Charlotte
County: Mecklenburg
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 8/6/16 at approximately 9:20pm, a boating incident occurred on lake wylie.  The incident occurred south of the buster boyd bridge in charlotte, nc.  Vessel 1 was owned and operated by subject.  Operator1's son and his girlfriend were on board the vessel at the time of the incident.  

Vessel 2 had operator and  his girlfriend was on board the vessel at the time of the incident.  Both vessels were traveling northbound when vessel 1 overtook and struck vessel 2 causing personal injury and extensive vessel damage.

Operator1 and his passengers on vessel 1 had been out boating on lake wylie for several hours prior to the incident.  They had been on the south carolina side of lake wylie looking at potential properties for purchase.  At one time, they stopped behind an island and swam.  Operator1 stated that he had consumed alcoholic beverages throughout his time on the lake that evening.  Once sunset came, operator1 turned on his required navigation lights.  The vessel was heading northbound or upstream when the incident occurred.

Operator2 and his one passenger on vessel 2 had left their dock around dusk to go and look at a house that was under construction.  He stated that he remembers putting in the rear navigation light post and turning on his navigation lights prior to leaving the dock.  Operator2 stated that he and his girlfriend docked at the house that was under construction and got out to walk around the property.  He stated that he did not turn off the navigation lights while they walked around the property and could vividly remember looking down the hill to the dock and seeing his navigation lights on.  The two then got back on the vessel and began traveling northbound or upstream at idle speed.  Operator2 and occupant stated that they were sharing a bottle of red wine while they were out on the lake.  Operator2 was seated behind the steering wheel and  she was seated on the port or left side of the bow seating area facing the rear of the vessel at the time of the incident.

Operator1 stated that he was operating his vessel at 3,000 rpm when the incident occurred.  He was standing up operating while his son was standing up beside him.  Girlfriend was on the back sun deck of the vessel.  Operator1 stated that he was operating at what he believed to be a safe speed and had his son assisting him in looking out for other vessel in the dark.  Neither of the two men saw the vessel operated by operator2 until after the collision.  They both stated that they never saw any navigation lights to alert them of another vessel in their path.  Operator1 did not have time to change course or speed prior to the collision.  Operator1's vessel struck vessel 2 on the starboard rear section.  Operator1's vessel then ramped vessel 2 before sliding off the starboard bow of the vessel.  Operator1's vessel came completely out of the water during the collision.  This was made apparent due to prop strike damage on the starboard gunnel on vessel 2.  The aluminum pole that held the rear navigation light of vessel 2 was sheered off during the collision.  All of the occupants of vessel 1 were thrown to the floor and uninjured.

V2 occupant aboard vessel 2 was facing the rear of the vessel when she noticed another vessel approaching them rapidly from the rear.  She stated she remembers seeing a green light on the other vessel.  She told operator2 to look.  Operator2 looked over his right shoulder but had no time to react prior to impact.  Vessel one struck operator2 and threw him into the floor.  The impact caused numerous lacerations on operator2's back and right arm.  Operator2 also had an injury to the back of his head.  V2 occupant was uninjured.

After the collision, operator1 operated vessel 1 in a circle to return to vessel 2.  They tied up to vessel 2 and v1 occupant boarded vessel 2 with permission to begin rendering first aid to operator2.  Operator1 dialed 911.  Cmpd lake patrol along with charlotte fire boat 3 were dispatched to the scene and arrived within about 20 mins of the incident.  A type ii pfd was placed on operator2 and he was transported to shore via fire boat 38, medic transported him to cmc steel creek for treatment.  V2 occupant accompanied him to the hospital.  Cmpd officers noticed an odor of an alcholic beverage coming from operator1's breath.  An officer from the uscg administered standardized field sobriety tests to him approximately 2 hours after the collision.  Preliminary breath test samples indicated a bac of .049.  Cmpd officers began taking written statements from others.  I then followed him as he operated his vessel back to his marina.  I took pictures of the damage to his vessel once it was placed on a lift.  I had vessel 2 towed by tow boat us to the cmpd lake patrol boat house where it was placed on a lift and locked down for the night.  I returned the next day with cmpd crime scene to take photos.  Officer tw prince from the ncwrc traveled to cmc steelcreek to take written statements from operator2 and v2 occupant.

V1 had multiple areas of fiberglass damage on the keel and port side of the vessel.  First evidence of contact on v1 was appx four ft from the bow.  The most notable damage on v1 was the starboard windshield post from v2 was impaled in the port side gunnel.  V1 did not take on water from the collision.  V2 had the most significant damage.  The top and bottom sections of the hull were separated at the point of impact on the starboard side of the vessel.  The windshield was shattered and the frame was crushed.  

On 8/7/16, i returned to the cmpd boathouse to begin examination of operator2's vessel. I had cmpd crime scene unit take photos to document the vessel damage.  The rear navigation light bulb was retrieved from its housing and siezed as evidence.  The bulb was taken to the cabarrus coso crime lab where detailed photos could be taken.  The bulb's glass housing was unbroken.  However, the filament was stretched out and broken.  This is indication that the filament was hot and on when it was subjected to the force that broke it.

It appears that v1 operated by operator1 is at fault for failing to adjust his course and speed as the give way vessel in an overtaking situation.
After presenting the results of the investigation to the meck co da, operator1 was charged with negligent operation of a vessel ncgs 75a-10(a).

*************************end of report***************************


BARDID: NC-2016-0116
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Beaver Lake
NearestCityorTown: Asheville
County: Buncombe
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: wildlife interaction
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: natural phenomena
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 8, 2016, Subjects traveled to Beaver Lake to Paddle board for the day.  Beaver Lake is an approximately 40 acre lake owned by private subdivision Lake View Park.   Operator began paddle boarding at 11:00 am.  After paddle boarding for approximately a half hour, she noticed splashing in the water near her.  Within seconds a beaver swam under her paddle board and hit the bottom of the board.  This knocked Operator into the water.  The beaver attacked Operator by swimming underwater and biting her left calf.  The beaver then surfaced and tried to attack her upper body.  She received bite marks to her right and left thumb.  Operator swam to the shore and received medical attention at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC.  She underwent a series of rabies shots and had approximately 15 stitches and staples in her left calf and right thumb.

******************end of report*******************


BARDID: NC-2016-0117
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: North West River
NearestCityorTown: Moyock
County: Currituck
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday, September 5, 2016 at approximately 6:50 am, I received a call from Raleigh Dispatch about a boating incident on the North West River.

I, Officer1, spoke with the reporting party.  Reporting party stated that vessel 1 was involved in a fishing tournament out of Bob's Fishing Hole in Chesapeake VA and that the occupant of Vessel 1had been taken back to Bob's Fishing Hole complaining of back pain.  I then spoke with an Employee at Bob's Fishing Hole who stated that Victim had been transported to Chesapeake General by ambulance and the operator of vessel 1 was at Bob's Fishing Hole loading his vessel.

I, Officer1, spoke to the operator of vessel 1 by phone and asked him to meet me at the Currituck Welcome Center in Moyock.  I spoke with Operator1 at approximately 7:30 am.  He stated that Vessel 1 was traveling at approximately 60 mph while approaching a right hand turn in the river.  Vessel 1 had an unrelated vessel (V2) to his left and another unrelated vessel (V3) further down the river in front of him.  Operator1 stated that as he was crossing over the wake of the boat, the stern of vessel 1 was pushed out of the water.   Operator1 stated that he tried to counter steer to correct the movement of the stern traveling in a clockwise direction, but the boat re-entered the water at a 90 degree angle. He then stated that the boat rolled ejecting both him and the only other occupant, Victim from vessel 1.  He also stated that he was wearing the kill switch which shut the motor off and the boat traveled onto shore.

Occupant was released from the hospital with Muscle and ligament damage.

All involved in the accident were wearing PFDs, and no drugs or alcohol contributed to the accident.

***********************
PLEASE NOTE:  VESSEL 2 IS UNKNOWN AND DID NOT CONTRIBUTE TO THIS INCIDENT
                       VESSEL 3 IS ALSO UNKNOWN, AND THE WAKE OF VESSEL 3 (THE VESSEL WAY AHEAD OF V1) IS THE WAKE THAT V1 ENCOUNTERED CAUSING THE INCIDENT.

*****************END OF REPORT****************


BARDID: NC-2016-0118
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HICKORY
NearestCityorTown: GRANITE FALLS
County: CALDWELL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On august 27, 2016 at approximately 05:30 pm, vessel one was traveling east on lake hickory at approximately 35 mph.  The operator stated he had his head down trying to adjust the radio.  At this time vessel one struck the dock.  The impact of the collision caused damage on the port side on the bow of the vessel creating a hole in the vessel and several severe dents estimating approximately $5,000 worth of damage.  The impact also caused the dock to be moved off of the track approximately 12 inches causing the left hand side of the dock to break three posts and breaking bolts to a fourth post that attaches the post to the dock, causing approximately $1,500 worth of damage.

*****************end of report************************


BARDID: NC-2016-0119
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Oregon Inlet
NearestCityorTown: Nags Head
County: Dare
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
operator was trolling  appox. 1 mile east of the Bonner bridge on the north side of the channel when he hit a submerge object causing damage to the hull and lower unit.


BARDID: NC-2016-0120
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-08-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: PAMLICO SOUND
NearestCityorTown: OCRACOKE
County: Hyde
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 25 2016 at approximately 2:00AM, three females stole two personal watercraft (PWC) from Ocracoke Wave Runner Rentals.  

Vessel one was occupied by one female while vessel two was occupied by two females. The vessels left the dock on the east side of Silver Lake and headed west on Silver Lake toward the entrance of the Pamlico Sound.  Once they entered the Pamlico Sound, they began to travel south.  At this point the two vessels lost sight of each other.  Vessel two was traveling ahead and to the right of vessel one.  When vessel two lost sight of vessel one, the operator let off of the throttle and turned left.  This caused vessel two to maneuver in front of vessel one.  At this point vessel one, which was traveling at an unknown speed but was on plane, struck vessel two on the port side.  

Vessel one then ramped vessel two striking the operator of vessel two in the left thigh and ejecting both occupants of vessel two.  At this point, vessel one stopped and located both occupants of vessel two.  Vessel two was disabled in the collision.  The operator of vessel one pulled both occupants of vessel two on board of vessel one and they all returned to the dock where they had stolen the PWCs.  

The next morning, the passenger of vessel two transported the operator of vessel two to Outer Banks Hospital where she received treatment for an injured back and received stitches and a brace on her left leg.  Neither one of the operators were wearing PFDS.  The passenger on vessel two was wearing a PFD.  In lieu of criminal charges by the Hyde county sheriff's Department, the operators paid restitution to the owner of the PWCs. 

Both operators were charged with:
G.S. 75A-10(a) Operate a motorboat or vessel on the waters of this state in a reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger life, limb or property of any
G.S. 75A-13.3(a) Operate a PWC on the waters of this state between sunset and sunrise
G.S. 75A-13.3(d)(1) Failure to wear PFD while operating OR while being towed behind a PWC


BARDID: NC-2016-0121
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Kernersville Lake
NearestCityorTown: Kernersville
County: Forsyth
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On Thursday, August 25, 2016, victim, a 23-year-old, rented a Paddle Wheeler PW4 paddle boat from the Forsyth County Parks and Recreation at Kernersville Lake just outside the city limits of Kernersville, NC. A 76-year-old is the employee who rented the paddle boat to Victim. 

At 11:45 AM, Victim rented a paddle boat and signed the forms to rent the boat for a duration that would last 1 hour.  By Lake Policy, each person who rents a boat or paddle boat is given a personal flotation device (PFD).  Employee noticed Victim travelling west along the dam of the Lake when he left the dock.  Around 1:30 PM, Employee, who had not seen or heard from Victim noticed the paddle boat up against the dam of the lake.  Using the Park's motorboat, he then went out to check on Victim but could not locate him on or near the boat.

Employee called 911 and Forsyth County Sherriff's Office was dispatched.  When the scene was secured and the boat brought back to shore, the deputies recovered a small softshell cooler with some Gatorade and the wrapper of some kind of food that Victim had consumed while in the boat. They also recovered his wallet and keys from the boat as well the PFD, which was accessible, that was given to him by the park employee.

Forsyth County Sherriff's Office began to conduct grid searches for Victim on the water and in the surrounding woods.  At the time Victim disappeared, it was a hot 93 degree Fahrenheit day with a humidity of 99%.  There was very little breeze and the water temperature was approximately 85 degrees Fahrenheit.  The search was halted at sunset and was scheduled to resume the next day when a sonar boat would be available to search the lake.

On Friday morning, August 26, 2016, the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office along with other agencies, organized a search and recovery party.  Search parties were actively searching for Victim with sonar and divers from 7:00 AM until around 4:30 PM when FCSO called off the search for the day with plans of coming back with more sonar boats.  Around 6:30 PM the same day, Victim's body floated to the surface and was discovered.  He was located west of the boat dock on the far shore approximately 30 yards from where the boat was found.

An autopsy was performed on Monday, August 29, 2016, and the Medical Examiner found that drowning was the cause of death.  It is uncertain if he went in the water voluntarily or fell overboard.  A toxicology report will be completed and returned in approximately 10 weeks.


*****************************************
PLEASE NOTE:  TYPE OF ACCIDENT IS UNKNOWN AS THERE IS NO WAY OF KNOWING IF THE OPERATOR FELL OVERBOARD OR LEFT THE BOAT VOLUNTARILY AS IS STATED ABOVE.
                       THE CAUSE OF THIS ACCIDENT IS ALSO "UNDETERMINED"  AS THERE WERE NO OTHER ON BOARD THE VESSEL WITH THE OPERATOR, NOR WERE THERE ANY WITNESSES TO THE ACCIDENT.

                       WHEN THE TOXICOLOGY REPORT IS RECEIVED, IT WILL BE ADDED TO THE REPORT IN REPORT BEAM SO IT WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE ADDED TO THIS BARD RECORD.

**************END OF REPORT************************


BARDID: NC-2016-0122
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Norman
NearestCityorTown: Davidson
County: Mecklenburg
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On august 24, 2016, oPerator1 rented a pontoon boat from westport marina.  Operator1 and his party of five other passengers went to dinner at north harbor club marina.  

When leaving the boat slip there around 18:30 (6:30 pm), he began to back his vessel out in a left/port backing turn.  Operator1 realized he was getting close to an unoccupied vessel that was docked in the slip to the left/port of him.  Operator1 took the boat out of gear and realizing that his vessel continued to get closer to the docked vessel, quickly pushed his vessel's throttle in the forward position, and turned to the right.  

Operator1 said he did this because “boats don't have brakes”.  Operator1's action caused the left/port stern of his vessel to whip, or fish tail to the left and make contact with the docked vessel.   Operator1's rented vessel received damage to the left/port gunnel along with some support railing, and seat cushion back.  The docked vessel received damage to the anchor support on the bow, scratches to the left/port side near the bow, and gouges to the stern of the vessel as it was docked in the backwards position in the slip.  The docked vessel collided with the dock from impact and caused damage to the dock as well.
 
In conclusion, there was no personal injuries involved, nor will any criminal charges be made.  Operator1's vessel had all required safety equipment and alcohol was not a factor.  It is this officer's opinion the contributing cause of the accident was operator inexperience.


BARDID: NC-2016-0123
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:26:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Swansboro
County: Onslow
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday September 4, 2016, I received a call from Raleigh communications at 12:26 p.m. that there had been a boating incident in the ICW near Casper's Marina in Swansboro.  


BARDID: NC-2016-0124
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:22:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Currituck Sound
NearestCityorTown: Currituck
County: Currituck
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday September 24, 2016, approximately 1900, I received a call from Raleigh Dispatch about a missing boater in the Currituck Sound in the area of Baxter Estates.

I, Officer, responded to the area of Baxter Estates by boat while Lieutenant proceeded to Baxter Estates Rd where a command post had been set up by local agencies responding to the incident.

Lieutenant conducted an interview with the 911 caller.  Caller stated that he had seen Vessel 1 passing the duck blind under power, but the speed was not wide open. Caller stated the next time he saw Vessel 1, it was up against the pier and the bulkhead.  He placed the 911 call at 1822.

Lieutenant conducted an interview with the sister of the operator of Vessel 1 Operator.  Sister stated that they were in Corova during the day.  Sister stated she observed Operator consuming alcoholic beverages.  Sister and subject left Corova in her vessel, and Operator left alone in Vessel 1.  Sister stated that they made it to the bottom of Knotts Island and continued toward their residence on Bells Island.  Sister saw Vessel 1 stop, so she turned her vessel back towards Knotts Island.  Sister stated on approach to Vessel 1, Operator gave her a thumbs up, this happened at approximately 1736.  Sister saw Vessel 1 continue under power traveling North in the direction of Tulls Bay until Vessel 1 was out of sight.  Sister stated that she had sent a text to Operator approximately 1822 and got no response.

Vessel 1 was found with a black trash bag containing seven empty beer cans and a cooler containing 8 full beer cans.  Vessel 1 had PFDs on board as well as a fire extinguisher.

On Tuesday September 27, 2016 at approximately 1045, the body of Operator was found in the area of the Mackay Island Refuge office.  Operator was not wearing a PFD.

-------------------END OF REPORT----------------------------------


BARDID: NC-2016-0125
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Norman
NearestCityorTown: Mooresville
County: Iredell
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 4, 2016 at approximately 15:30pm, a boat incident occurred on Lake Norman near Hagers Creek Access Area (Lat. 35.5579, Lon. -80.9439).  There were two vessels involved in the incident and both were personal watercrafts. The stand on vessel (vessel one) was a 2016 eleven-foot Sea Doo GTI SE 130 with a 130 horsepower jet drive. The owner of the vessel is the operator's father. 

The give-way vessel (vessel two) was a 2007 ten-foot Bombardier GTX LTD with a 215 horsepower jet drive. 

The two operators and witness explained that the three of them were all cruising around Hager's Creek enjoying the day and hanging out.  All three of the individuals were traveling in the same direction when vessel two rode ahead and looped around to the left in order to jump the wake of a boat that was travelling well in front of the three individuals.  

Subject and Operator1 did not alter their course but continued in the direction they were travelling. Operator2 came from the left hand side of Subject and Operator1 jumping the wake of the boat and subsequently striking the port side of Operator1's PWC.  Operator1 saw that there was no avoiding the collision and jumped off of vessel one right before the collision occurred in order to avoid personal injury.  The collision flipped vessel one over.  

After ensuring that Operator1 was not hurt, the three individuals turned vessel one upright and towed it back to one of the individual's residences to put the vessel one on the trailer and pull it out of the water.  The initial analysis of vessel one showed severe fiberglass damage to the port side of the vessel. There are multiple scratches, fractures, and gouges on the port side that go all the way through the hull to the storage compartment on the front of the PWC.  Vessel two showed damage to the bow with minor fiberglass damage.  Vessel two showed mostly deep scratches on the bow and the bottom of the PWC. 

In conclusion after speaking with both operators and the witness, and after observing the damage on both vessels, it is clear that Operator1 on vessel one was the stand on vessel, and Operator2 on vessel two was the give way vessel. The cause of the incident appeared to be Operator2 operating vessel two in a careless and reckless manner and operator inattention.  Alcohol and drugs do not appear to be a contributing factor to this incident.  Operator2 was charged with careless and reckless operation. 

*****************************************
PLEASE NOTE:  EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS A 3RD VESSEL MENTIONED IN THIS NARRATIVE, THERE ARE ONLY TWO VESSELS INVOLVED IN THIS INCIDENT.

---------------------END OF REPORT--------------------------------------------


BARDID: NC-2016-0126
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-09-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TAR RIVER
NearestCityorTown: WASHINGTON
County: BEAUFORT
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was traveling down the Tar River from Port-Terminal.  As he traveled around the final curve in an S turn, the operator struck a floating log.  The boat hit the log with the bow and forced it directly underneath.  The log traveled along the bottom of the vessel to the rear where it then came into contact with the lower unit of the outboard motor.  At this time, due to the force generated by the speed of the boat and the size/weight of the log, the motor was ripped from the vessel splitting the transom in half and causing the boat to quickly take on water.  A nearby vessel assisted the operator into their vessel and brought him to the nearest BAA, Masons Landing. The wrecked vessel sank within minutes and is not visible from the the surface.


BARDID: NC-2016-0127
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: White Oak River
NearestCityorTown: Stella
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 7, 2016, at approximately 4:40pm, Vessel number 1 struck the railroad bridge on the White Oak River near Stella NC.  All three were behind the console on vessel number 1 when vessel number 1's T top struck the rail road bridge.  The T top broke backwards injuring all three individuals.  Vessel number 1 was still in motion when Operator cut the motor off. Occupant called 911. 

Operator was airlifted to Vidant Hospital where it was discovered that victim had broken bones in his face and a broken rib. 

Passenger1 was transported to Carteret General in Morehead City where he was treated for a cut above his right eye. Passenger1 was released the evening of September 7, 2016. 

Passenger2 was airlifted to Vidant Hospital and is still there as of September 10, 2016. He has sustained injuries from the strike of the broken T top that are very serious such as broken neck bones and an injured spinal cord. He cannot move his lower body as of yet. Vessel number 1 was recovered and has been processed and released to Operator.


BARDID: NC-2016-0128
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Taylors Creek
NearestCityorTown: Beaufort
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentCause3: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 10, 2016, at approximately 9:00pm, vessel number 1 struck vessel number 2 at its stern.  Vessel number 1 was trying to anchor in Taylors Creek at the time the incident occurred.  Vessel number 1 struck vessel number 2 at its stern damaging vessel number 2's railing, teak wood, fiberglass siding and stainless steel steps and railing.  Vessel number 2 may have other damage but will have to have an inspection to see if there is further damage.  Vessel number 1 had damaged to the fiberglass on its bow and broke its railing on its bow. There were no injuries to either men on both vessels.  The property damage of vessel number 1 is estimated at$ 2000.00. The estimated damage cost to vessel number 2 is approximately $10,000.00 The operator of vessel number 1 said that it was an accident and that he could not see vessel number 2 because of the bright lights coming from the Beaufort Waterfront.


BARDID: NC-2016-0129
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:20:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Belews Lake
NearestCityorTown: Pine Hall, NC
County: Stokes
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday, May 27, 2016, approximately 1320 hours, operator was operating a 25 foot sailboat under power from a 20 horse power outboard motor on Belews Lake in Stokes County. This was a clear day with slight wind and temperatures near 85 degrees. The only witness (victim's girlfriend) stated that they were cruising down the lake and Subject''s cap flew off his head and into the water.  Subject turned the vessel around to retrieve the cap.  Girlfriend stated that he (Subject) went into the water from a ladder at the stern of the vessel.  Subject was able to retrieve the cap but quickly became tired and began to struggle to keep his head above water. Girlfriend stated at first she thought Subject was joking but she quickly realized he was indeed in distress.  By this time, the sailboat had drifted a significant distance away from him.  Girlfriend stated that Subject called for her to bring the boat closer to him. She then cranked the boat and turned the vessel around and went towards his direction, the victims head began to go under the water several times.  She stated she tried throwing a boat bumper into the water to assist the victim but was not able to reach him.  Girlfriend stated Subject then went under water and she went into the cabin of the boat to get her cell phone and dial 911.  As she emerged from the cabin, she could no longer see the victim. She made several attempts to notify passing vessels by waving her hands and hollering for help but no one was able to see her.
 
Members of the Stokes-Rockingham and Madison Rescue squad were the first to arrive on scene.  A member of the rescue squad was able to throw an anchor overboard to keep the vessel from drifting any farther from the scene.  By this time the sailboat had drifted approximately 1,000 yards from the gps coordinates given for the emergency 911 call.  Upon my interview with Girlfriend, she stated she was not a good swimmer and could not jump into the water to assist Subject because of the fear that she may drown as well.  Girlfriend told investigators that Subject had been consuming a small amount of alcohol and recently smoked marijuana.  Girlfriend also advised investigators that the victim had taken Valium, Steroids, and a Viagra within the last 24 hours.  Search efforts were conducted at the gps location of the 911 call because the witness was unable to recollect exact location the drowning occurred. 

Numerous State and local agencies continued throughout the summer in hopes to recover the victim's body.  The deceased was found floating on September 8, 2016 by a passing recreational vessel in the same general location of previous search efforts.


BARDID: NC-2016-0130
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-09-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Hiwassee Lake
NearestCityorTown: Murphy
County: Cherokee
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On september 25, 2016 at 4:50pm, i received a call from enforcement division dispatch center in raleigh nc.  The dispatcher i talked to informed me that there had been a boating accident which occurred on hiwassee lake around 3:45pm that day.  The dispatcher also stated no one was injured in the accident and gave me a telephone number to call in order to contact the individual involved in the accident.  We then ended the call and i immediately called the telephone number given to me by the dispatcher.  

As the call was answered, i realized it was one of the owners of mountain view marina on hiwassee lake who i was now speaking to.  She then informed me that one of their customers had run his boat aground but had not gotten hurt.  She stated that the operator and owner of the vessel was a man who was visiting from georgia for a weekend on the lake.  Marina owner stated that operator was very shook up from the accident and was still in the area.  She then gave me a telephone number to reach operator.  After talking to marina owner, i then talked to the other owner of the marina.  He stated he was heading to the scene of the accident to see the extent of the damage to the vessel and also to try and tow the vessel back to the marina for operator.  I asked him to keep me posted on the amount of damage to the vessel when he arrived on scene.  He agreed and the call was ended.

After talking to the owners of mountain view marina, i called operator.  When he answered the call, i identified myself and asked if he was okay.  He stated he had a couple of bumps on his head but nothing serious.  I then explained that i needed to talk with him in person about the accident in order to complete a boating accident investigation for the us coast guard.  He agreed and we decided to meet at mountain view marina on hiwassee lake at 6:00pm.

Upon arriving at the marina, operator met me in the parking lot.  He had two small scrapes on his right eyebrow and cheek and a bruised nose.  He also had a small scrape on his right elbow.  None of the injuries he sustained required any further medical treatment beyond first aid.  We then went inside the marina and sat down at a table to talk about the events which had taken place.

After talking with operator for some time, i gathered that the accident was mainly caused by operator inattention.  Through the statements given by operator, it was perceived that he had left the marina for a cruise on the lake at around 3:20pm on september 25, 2016.  He then traveled 6.9 miles up the lake towrd the town of murphy before the accident occurred.  He stated he had just passed by persimmon creek (point 5) on hiwassee lake, made a left toward murphy, and was cruising along the right hand bank of the lake at around 20 mph when the accident happened.  

He stated that he had placed the boat's cover inside the boat earlier in the day and he thought it was secured properly as to where it would not blow out of the boat and into the lake.  Just before the accident occurred, the boat cover blew from its place of storage and to the back of the boat.  Operator then stated that he had reached around to grab the boat cover before it went over and into the lake all the while taking his eyes off the direction the boat was being driven.  

He said that it was only for 3-4 seconds that he had his eyes off the front of the boat.  Also, while looking back to grab the cover, he stated that the boat struck an underwater object and spun the boat into the lake bank.  He thought it may have been a large rock which the boat had struck.  The boat then hit the shoreline running aground and then flipping back down the shoreline into the lake.  The boat ended up on its top in the water near the shore.  

Operator said he swam to the shoreline and tied the boat to a large rock on the bank so it didn't float away.  A fisherman soon came by and gave him a ride back to mountain view marina where he had originally come from.  Operator also gave a written statement of the events of that day while on the water.  He also stated that he had been boating on hiwassee lake for 23 years and nothing like had ever happened to him.  I also asked if he had been consuming any type of drugs of alcoholic drinks that day, which he replied he had not consumed either. 

 In my opinion, there was no evidence that drugs or alcohol was used by operator.  The meeting was ended with operator when marina owner2 had just returned from the scene of the accident.  Marina owner2 said he was not able to move or tow the boat back to the marina that evening and was going to try again the next day, but was worried that the boat may sink without flotation around it while under tow.  Marina owner2 stated that it looked like the boat was totaled and would be a $10-15,000 loss.  Marina owner2 had also taken pictures of the scene for documentation and agreed to send them to me via email.

On 9/26/16, i launched my patrol boat onto hiwassee lake.  At around 8:30am, i arrived on scene of the accident that occurred the day before.  The boat was located just where operator had said.  It was roughly located directly between point 5 and 6 along the main channel of the lake.  The boat was half way submerged floating with its top down in the water.  I could quickly see that the boat had major damage to its hull.  There was a large hole on the right side of the hull, several deep scratches along the length of the hull from front to back.  The skeg of the motor was also bent and broken.  Upon further investigation, i could see the point of impact and path of travel when the boat made contact with the shoreline.  It had hit the shoreline at roughly a 65-70 degree angle with the right side of the boat hitting the shoreline first.  This left behind a sizeable piece of fiberglass - the size of a softball.  

This is where the hole in the right side of the hull came from.  The boat then ran aground and up the steep shoreline for approximately 30 feet.  I could clearly see where each side of the vessel had chipped and scraped the rocks as it moved up and across the shoreline.  It looked like painted lines on a highway.  On the outside of its path were two white lines where the boat had scratched and chipped the rocks along the shore.  Between those lines one could see a single more faint line where the keel of the boat had run aground.  As the boat traveled further up and across the shoreline, i could see where its front made contact with a large rock.  This flipped the vessel to the left side and upside down back into the water near the shoreline where it then came to a stop.  

In all, it looks as if the vessel would be considered a total loss for the owner.  With the damage to the hull, skeg and the water damage to the inside of the vessel, i would estimate that the total damage would be greater than $2,000.00


*************************end of report*******************************


BARDID: NC-2016-0131
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-09-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE JAMES
NearestCityorTown: MORGANTON
County: BURKE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On september 16, 2016 at approximately 09:00pm, vessel one were traveling north on lake james in linville cove at approximately 40 mph with the purpose of fishing in linville cove.  Vessel one struck vessel two in the port side at the passenger's seat causing major damage to the gunwale area of vessel two.  

V2 occupant stated that her and her husband had each consumed a glass of wine.  V2 occupant stated her and operator2 were sitting in the boat drifting without lights on (no anchor or engine on) and watching the moon.  V2 occupant stated that operator2 was sitting in the operator's seat at the time of the collision.  V2 occupant stated she looked to her right and saw a green light extremely close.  V2 occupant made the decision to jump off of the boat just before the collision occurred.  When vessel one made impact with vessel two, vessel one's operator stated that vessel number two had no lights on.  He also stated that he felt like he went about 15 feet in the air and cleared vessel two.  

Vessel one's operator sustained minor injuries to his chest and abdomen area.  Vessel one's passenger was thrown into the floor of the boat causing broken ribs, ruptured spleen, punctured lung and stomach.  Vessel two's operator sustained several injuries from the impact of vessel one including amputated right arm, brain bleed, fractured vertebrae and injuries to his left leg.


BARDID: NC-2016-0133
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Currituck Sound
NearestCityorTown: Duck
County: Dare
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator accelerated quickly causing subject to fall off the back of the PWC.  The water jet stream out the rear of the PWC struck Subject in the groin area.  Operator came back to pick Subject up and noticed blood in the water.  Subject boarded the PWC and was transported to the dock and EMS arrived.  Subject was transported to Outer Banks hospital and was later transported to Norfolk General Hospital in VA.  Subject was treated for vaginal lacerations caused by the water pressure from the water jet stream out the rear of the PWC.  PFDs were worn and no alcohol or drugs contributed to the incident.


BARDID: NC-2016-0134
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Currituck Sound
NearestCityorTown: Corolla
County: Currituck
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating a PWC, turned sharply, hit a wave causing her to fall off and the PWC to capsize.  When she fell off, her foot struck the side of the PWC causing a broken foot.  Operator operated the PWC back to the dock where her family was there to assist her.  Family member stated Operator fainted and 911 was called.  Operator was then transported to Norfolk General Hospital in VA where she was treated for a broken foot.  PFDs were worn and no alcohol or drugs contributed to the incident.


BARDID: NC-2016-0135
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE TILLERY
NearestCityorTown: BADIN
County: STANLY
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On september 4th, 2016 at approximately 17:50, a boating incident occurred on lake tillery directly in the middle of the main channel across from the morrow mountain state park boat slip.  Vessel 1 was a 10-foot, 2007 yamaha gp1300r with a 165 hp jet drive engine. There were no other occupants on board the personal water craft.  The personal water craft jumped the wake of an unknown vessel (vessel 2) causing it to go airborne.  When the personal water craft landed back into the water, the impact fractured leg as well as ejected him from the personal watercraft. 

Operator1 and his wife had been riding their personal water crafts on lake tillery for a couple hours that afternoon.  Operator1 was traveling north bound on the lake directly in the middle of the channel headed towards falls dam.  He was traveling approximately 35 mph.  According to operator1, an unknown vessel (vessel 2) came out of the uwharrie river and turned northbound heading towards the falls dam.  There was a lingering wake left behind vessel 2, approximately 3ft high.  Operator1 said that he was unable to avoid the lingering wake and his personal watercraft made contact with it.   Once his personal water craft made contact with vessel 2's wake, the personal water craft was forced upwards and completely out of the water.  When operator1's personal water craft made contact back with the lake, it impacted at a downward angle towards the starboard side.  The force from the impact between the personal water craft and the water instantly fractured operator1's lower right leg, breaking both his tibia and fibula.  However, operator1 was unaware at the time that he had fractured his leg.  Upon impact he also hit the handle bars with his chin causing a minor laceration.  Operator1 was ejected from the personal water craft but was conscious.  He was able to swim back over to and board his personal watercraft.  According to operator1, the operator of vessel 2 observed the incident and came by to verify that he was ok.  At the time he did not realize he was injured so he replied that he was fine.  Vessel 2 then departed from the scene of the boating incident. 

Shortly after the incident, operator1's wife came over on her personal watercraft to check on her husband.  At this time operator1 could tell his leg was broken.  He then told his wife to travel back to a friend's house near carolina forest to get assistance.  Operator1's friend came to assist operator1 with his pontoon boat.  He was able to get operator1 onto his pontoon boat and travel the short distance to the morrow mountain boat ramp to wait for stanly county emergency medical service to arrive.  The north carolina wildlife resources commission responded to the scene by water and were on scene less than 10 minutes after the boating incident.  Stanly county ems arrived and transported operator1 to stanly regional medical center. 

There was no property damage or any damage done to any vessel during the incident.  Operator1 received a minor laceration on his chin and two broken bones on his lower right leg.  The broken bones required two surgeries. 

There were no reckless or negligent factors contributing to this incident.  There was no alcohol involved in this incident.   It appeared as though the operator's injuries were a result of the personal watercraft impacting the other vessel's wake.


BARDID: NC-2016-0136
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: JORDAN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: PITTSBORO
County: CHAT
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 14:00 hrs on 9/28/16, a wildlife enforcement officer with the nc wildlife resources commission received a report through my dispatch to call subject in reference to a boating accident.  Upon calling subject, she stated her son had been involved in a boating accident on jordan lake on 9/18/16 while boating with family friends.  Subject was able to provide me with contact information for the vessel owner as well as for the other parties involved.  I made telephonic notification of all parties involved to meet me at the jordan lake visitor center at 10:00 hrs on 10/2/16 so that i may interview those involved and conduct an incident investigation.

At 10:00 hrs on 10/2/16, i met with vessel 1 victim and operator, operator1, v1 passenger, v2 operator and v2 owner. 

According to the victim, he and his passenger left the seaforth boat ramp along with the operator of vessel 2 and began riding in the vicinity of seaforth boat ramp and seaforth beach area located just south of the boat ramp.  According to the victim, at approximately 16:20 hours as he and vessel 1 passenger were traveling south approximately 1/4 mile south of seaforth boat ramp, he made a sharp turn toward the west which ejected him and his passenger from the vessel.  Vessel 1 operator stated he remembers nothing after he was ejected into the water.

According to vessel 1 passenger, he attempted to return on board vessel 1, which was now facing to the north with vessel 1 victim still in the water at the bow of vessel 1.  Vessel 1 passenger stated at some point as he was attempting to re board vessel 1, vessel 2 inadvertently struck vessel 1 victim from behind causing vessel 1 victim to his face onto vessel 1 rendering vessel 1 victim unconscious.

According to vessel 2 operator, he was following vessel 1 when vessel 1 victim and passenger were ejected into the water.  Vessel 2 operator stated he attempted to turn when he observed vessel 1 victim and passenger in the water but was unable to steer vessel 2 clear of victim 1 and jumped from vessel 2 which inadvertently struck vessel 1 victim.

Based on descriptions given by vessel 1 victim and passenger, s well as vessel 2 operator, it is likely the initial cause of the incident was due to the sharp turn attempted by vessel 1 operator, which caused he and his passenger to be ejected from vessel 1.  Additionally, vessel 2 operator was possibly traveling too close to vessel 1 which did not allow him sufficient time to react in order to avoid a collision with vessel 1 victim.  After interviewing all involved, it was determined vessel 1 operator, his passenger, and vessel 2 operator were wearing uscg approved pfds.  There was nothing which indicated the use of alcohol or unlawful drugs as a cause of this accident.


BARDID: NC-2016-0147
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 04:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Norman
NearestCityorTown: Sherrills Ford
County: Catawba
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
I, Officer#1 arrived on scene at 6:30pm and began investigating the accident.  There was minor dock damage located 157yds WSW downstream from the RV park on an empty dock. The dock had a rubber bumper going across the end of the pier. The bumper had been knocked off and was laying in the water.  The point of impact indicated the boat was heading WSW when it glanced off the dock.  On the front port side of the boat you can see the black transfer mark from the rubber rail that was knocked off the dock. This indicated the boat struck the dock on the port side and glanced off making the boat travel west. The boat was traveling at a slow rate of speed when it struck this dock most likely under 5 mph. The damage to this dock was not significant. The boat continued to travel west and struck the next dock downstream at a perpendicular angle. This dock is where witness#1 and witness#2 saw the boat facing perpendicular from 6:00-9:00am on Monday morning. The dock had little damage and only a slight split in the wood caused from the bow eye of the boat. The boat was still traveling at an idle speed when it struck this dock. The last time the boat was seen on this dock was around 9:00 am unoccupied and still in idle. The next place where the boat was located would be the final location, 233 yards NNW up stream of the RV park dock.  This is where the boat was seen by witness#3 who lives across the cove at 11:00am still running at idle speed and unoccupied. The boat stayed there running in idle until 4:30pm when witness#3 came across the cove and shut the boat off.  The throttle was engaged slightly and the boat was still in the forward gear.  Deputy#1 from Catawba County was the first on the boat around 5:30PM.  Deputy#1 discovered a black trash bag with 3 pill bottles with marijuana inside, one glass pipe with marijuana residue on it, and an aluminum bud light bottle with several holes in it used as a homemade bong. There were also three empty bud light cans in a trash bag in the bottom of the boat.  Operator#1's body was found at 9:55pm 20 yards NNW of the RV Park dock.  There were no external injuries to Operator#1's body.   Friend#1 a longtime friend and Operator#1's brother both said it was odd the bumpers were out and said he was very particular about putting the bumpers out only when he was about to dock. The boat had a docking bumper out on the port side and the starboard side. The Navigation Lights were still on and working properly. The indicators have left me to believe Operator#1 came in to dock the boat by himself impaired by drugs and alcohol around 4:00 am Monday morning.  Operator#1 at some point fell overboard with his boat still in gear.  The depth of the water was 5ft deep where Operator#1's body was found.  Alcohol and drugs were likely a cause for his inability to swim for long.  The minor damage to the boat and docks most likely occurred after Operator#1 fell in.  The boat started by heading west downstream glanced off the first dock and then lodging perpendicular for several hours on the second dock.  The boat worked itself loose and headed back NNW upstream to where it hit the bank on a concrete ramp.  Although there were life jackets on board the vessel, Operator#1 was not wearing a life jacket.  Upon investigating the accident, I believe Operator#1 was impaired by alcohol which caused him to lose his balance while docking his boat and fall overboard.  Being intoxicated most likely caused Operator#1 to have difficulties swimming which resulted in his drowning.


********************************************
END OF REPORT


BARDID: NC-2016-0148
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Wylie
NearestCityorTown: Mount Holly
County: Gaston
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On september 4, 2016 at approximately 2:30 am (vessel #1), was traveling south on lake wylie, north carolina when it struck (vessel #2), which then caused vessel #2 to strike (vessel #3).  Operator3 was transported to caromont medical center where he was treated for 6 broken ribs and a punctured lung.  It was undetermined if Operator3' injuries were sustained by being struck by vessel #2 or by his own vessel.  It was found that neither vessel #2 or vessel # 3 were displaying any navigation lights which contributed to the accident.  It was also found that vessel #2 and vessel #3 had been consuming alcohol prior to the accident which may have been a contributing factor to the accident.  Investigation complete.

*****************************
End of report


BARDID: NC-2016-0149
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-11-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:51:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Beaufort Inlet
NearestCityorTown: Beaufort
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On November 28, 2016 at approximately 9:50 am, a boating incident occurred in the Beaufort inlet involving two men named Operator#1 of Springhope, NC and Passenger#1 of Knightdale, NC.  The two men have fished together for 45 years and expected another excellent fishing trip. The trip took a turn for the worse as events unfolded. 

Operator#1 and Passenger#1 launched from the Newport River access area at approximately 8:15 am that morning and went fishing around Morehead City till they reached the Beaufort inlet on the east side of the inlet.  The two men decided to change fishing locations and Operator#1 got behind the wheel of his boat (vessel number 1) while Passenger#1 went to pull up the anchor. Passenger#1 started to pull up the boat anchor but could not pull the anchor up. The anchor seemed to be stuck.  At that point Operator#1 started the boat motor and proceeded towards the direction of the anchor.  At that time the men noticed a stray rope wrapped around the anchor line that was out.  Passenger#1 was still having difficulty pulling up the anchor due to the strong currents that were going thru the inlet due to the changing tides.  Passenger#1 then proceeded to let more anchor rope out and at that moment,  vessel number 1 turned 180 degrees and the bow was facing towards the Atlantic Ocean. Operator#1 noticed that all of a sudden the motor shut off.  Operator#1 restarted the motor and the motor shut off once again.  Operator#1 trimmed the motor out of the water to find a rope wrapped around the boat prop several times.  While both men were trying to cut the rope off of the prop, Operator#1 noticed water starting to come inside the vessel 1 from the stern.  Operator#1 turned on the bilge pump and saw that the starboard side of the stern went underwater.  Both men jumped out of the boat but Passenger#1 stayed close to the boat.  At that point a good Samaritan in another vessel saw what was taking place and went to the aid of Passenger#1 and Operator#1.  The good Samaritan pulled next to vessel 1 and Operator#1 was able to get on board the Samaritan's vessel.  At that point vessel 1 was capsized.  Operator#1 and the good Samaritan tried to get to Passenger#1, but according to Operator#1 he could feel that Passenger#1's PFD was hung on a boat cleat as they tried to pull him in the Samaritan's vessel.  Operator#1 and the Samaritan were able to get Passenger#1 lose from the overturned vessel 1 and brought him onboard the Samaritan's vessel and began to administer CPR.  The Coast Guard, Sea Tow, and members of Tow Boat US responded to the scene as Operator#1 and the good Samaritan worked on Passenger#1.  At that point the Coast Guard jumped onboard the good Samaritan's vessel and drove it to Ft. Macon station.  EMS met everyone at the station and worked on Passenger#1 till it wasn't successful.

 Sea Tow recovered the overturned vessel and pulled it back to the Newport River access area and loaded it on its trailer and turned the vessel over to Operator#1. Operator#1 then gave an account for what took place and notified family and friends.  After talking with witness who responded to the scene, it was clearly an accident and no negligent actions took place on the part of Operator#1 and Passenger#1.

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BARDID: NC-2016-0150
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-12-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NEW RIVER
NearestCityorTown: JACKSONVILLE
County: Onslow
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
operator was operating his vessel down the new river at approximately 35 mph to go trout fishing at dawn.  Due to not having a proper lookout and operator inattention, he did not see the day marker number 53 until it was directly in front of his vessel.  He navigated his vessel hard to the left to avoid a direct collision and impacted the day marker on the starboard bow of his vessel. The passenger aboard the vessel was ejected and pulled from the water unharmed.

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End of report


BARDID: NC-2016-0151
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-12-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Masonboro Channel
NearestCityorTown: Wrightsville Beach
County: New Hanover
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 (vessel 1) was returning from the Atlantic Ocean on Saturday 12/3/2016 at approximately 20:15 through Masonboro Inlet from an evening of fishing.  Once he reached Masonboro Channel , he turned left in to the channel to cut over to the Intracoastal waterway to head towards Carolina Beach.  At approximately 20:30, Operator1 had made the slight right hand corner in Masonboro Channel and struck V2's sailboat (vessel 2) that was anchored behind Masonboro Island. 

Operator1's vessel (vessel 1) impacted V2's Vessel (vessel 2) on the starboard side and did substantial damage to the starboard hull as it impacted and as the vessel, it rode on top of the sailboat and broke the gunwale edge, all the hardware on the top side and the tiller handle. Operator1's vessel suffered damage to the bow and starboard side hull fiberglass
.
After Operator1 struck the sailboat, he proceeded to make sure no one was on the inside of the vessel and sat near the incident site where he regained his composure and found his equipment.  He then proceeded down Masonboro Channel towards the ICW to head back towards Bradley Creek.  He stopped at the intersection of the ICW and Masonboro Channel to observe the damage to his vessel.  He then proceeded back to Bradley Creek Marina.  Once back at Bradley Creek, he tied his vessel up, sat in his vehicle for a little while then left.  The next morning workers at Bradley Creek noticed the damage to Operator1's vessel. 
Operator1 then contacted the USCG to report the incident to them.  Officer was notified on 12/06/16 by the USCG that there had been an incident in Masonboro Channel on the previous Saturday.

Officer and Sergeant met with Operator1 to discuss the details of the incident.  Operator1 said that his navigation lights were on as well as his GPS and spot lights that were mounted to the T Top bars in front of the operator.  It is unclear if V2''s vessel was properly lighted due to the incident being reported at a later date and not at the time of the incident.  Operator1 believed that his vessel was taking on water and sinking after the incident occurred.  He then proceeded approximately 3.89NM to Bradley Creek from the spot of the incident.  The USCG station Wrightsville Beach is approximately 1.19 NM from the spot of the incident.

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END OF REPORT


BARDID: NC-2016-0152
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-12-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Currituck Sound
NearestCityorTown: Grandy
County: Currituck
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 was coming back from his Uncle's duck blind when a crab pot wrapped around his propeller.  When he got the crab pot off, it was dark, and he proceeded to follow his track line on his GPS back to the dock at Walnut Island. He said he could see the lights at Walnut Island. Then noticed a structure in front of him and as he tried to turn the boat, he hit a duck blind.  When he hit the duck blind, Operator1 fell forward causing him to push the throttle forward. 

When the boat stopped, part of the duck blind fell on him. Operator1 then removed the duck blind and called the Coast Guard on his marine radio. Lower Currituck Fire and Rescue recovered Operator1 about a mile east of Walnut Island. They removed him from his boat and took him to Walnut Island where EMS were waiting.  EMS transferred him to OBX Hospital. He was wearing a PFD.  Alcohol and Drugs were not a contributing factors to the incident. No charges were filed.


