# ReleasableAccidentes

BARDID: TN-2019-0086
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT. LOUDOUN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: KNOXVILLE
County: KNOX
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 07:00 on 08/31/2019 a vessel caught fire and sank at the city docks in the area of Volunteer landing.  Owner advised that sometime around 06:30 subject advised him that she smelled smoke.  Owner proceeded to the engine compartment and upon opening the compartment realized it was engulfed in flames and smoke.  Owner attempted to put the flames out with a fire extinguisher with no luck and quickly made the decision for he and his passengers to evacuate to a safe distance.  The vessels owned by two others which were moored nearby also suffered damage due to flying embers and heat.  All damage documented in photos to be included in case file.


BARDID: TN-2019-0087
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CELINA
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 8/07/2019 at approximately 1839, I, Wildlife Officer, was notified by Sergeant about a boat accident that was coming in to Mitchell Creek Marina. I called Overton County EMS to get further information. They advised that an Overton County ambulance was on scene and that they were getting one patient ready for transport, via Life Flight, to Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, TN. As I was enroute to Mitchell Creek Marina, I met the ambulance on Livingston Boat Dock Road. The crew advised that they worked on a white male that was involved in a single vessel PWC accident. They advised that the accident happened near the Dale Hollow Dam. The crew advised that the victim was on a house boat when they arrived, so they boarded a rental pontoon from Mitchell Creek Marina and went to the house boat. They transported him, via the pontoon boat, back to the marina. They advised that there was also a juvenile male on the PWC during the accident, but the juvenile was not injured. They gave me the information about the patient. They advised that he was being transported by Life Flight to Vanderbilt.

When I arrived on scene at the Marina, the rental house boat, that was carrying the patient’s family, had arrived. I first spoke with Subject1. He advised that Operator had been riding a jet ski with his son. Subject1 advised that when the two returned to the house boat, the adult Operator had facial injuries and advised that they had been involved in an accident. Subject1 advised that the adult had told him that they had hit a wave and it caused the jet ski to "barrel role". Subject1 said that Operator had hit his face on the jet ski before the vessel flipped.

The juvenile Operator was there, so I spoke with him. He advised that he and his dad had been riding the jet ski and hit a wave funny and it caused them to flip. He advised that both were thrown off the vessel. He advised that his dad was able to get them both back on the vessel and was able to drive it back to where the house boat was at. He advised that on the way to the house boat, his dad''s nose started to bleed.

an adult son of Operator, was on the vessel also. He and Subject1 got an Army Corps of Engineer map of Dale Hollow lake and showed me the approximate area of where the accident happened. The point that they showed me was outside of Dale Hollow Creek, close to the dam.

He advised that his cheek bone was broke and he was going to have reconstructive surgery to repair that, but was going to wait until he got back to his Doctor in Illinois. He advised that he had also broken his tail bone.


BARDID: TN-2019-0088
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: PICKWICK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: COUNCE
County: HARDIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, August 31, 2019, I received a call of a boating incident that had occurred on Pickwick Lake in the area of Dry Creek at approximately 2030 hours.  At approximately 2130 hours I arrived on scene.  

Upon arrival, it was determined that Operator was operating a 32''8" cruiser (vessel 1), owned by subject who was below in the engine hatch, according to his statement, attempting to jump start the port engine from the starboard engine.  Operator was in physical control of the vessel, as the starboard engine was running.  

Vessel 1 then made significant impact with vessel 2 and vessel 3.  The occupants of vessel 2 and 3 did not see the impact take place as they were inside their vessels.  When they heard and felt the impact, they come outside their vessels and observed vessel 1 wedged between vessel 2 and 3.  

Vessel 2 was a 40''7" SeaRay Sundancer 400 and was moored to vessel 3 who was at anchor.  

Vessel 3 was a 64''8" Pacific Mariner Pilot House 65 and was at anchor.  

The occupants of vessels 2 and 3 stated they had been at anchor in Dry Creek at the same spot since Friday, August 30, 2019.  They also stated they had turned their anchor lights on before sunset.  

The impact from vessel 1 caused significant fiberglass and gel coat damage to vessel 3.  

Vessel 2 suffered no visible damage as the front anchor of vessel 2 wedged into the port side of vessel 1 causing significant fiberglass damage to vessel 1.

Operator admitted to operating vessel 1 at the time of impact.  Operator admitted to consuming alcohol and I administered him field sobriety.  Operator did not complete the tasks properly and was arrested for boating under the influence.  Operator was also charged with reckless operation.


BARDID: TN-2019-0089
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:51:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 31, 2019 at approximately 13:50, Operator, was operating a 2014 24'' Encore pontoon boat on Douglas Lake in Jefferson County. The boat was a rental from H20 Watersports in Dandridge. Subject1 was a passenger on the vessel, and was he ejected from the vessel. Based off witness statements, Operator was operating the vessel at roughly 25-30 mph pulling a tube. He was bringing the vessel to neutral at the same time Subject1 stood up to swap seats. The sudden stop threw Subject1 into the water over the front rail of the pontoon boat. The vessel was in neutral, but momentum carried the vessel over Subject1 where he received 2 lacerations on his left foot. The lacerations were both about, approximately, 2 inches long and at an angle consistent with a spinning prop. Subject1 was transported to Jefferson Memorial Hospital for stitches. There was alcohol present on the vessel, but the operator had not been drinking.


BARDID: TN-2019-0090
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAFOLLETTE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Based on statements given. Two people were operating PWCS on Norris Lake in Campbell County when they both collided with each other while operating between 30-35 MPH. 

The PWC operated by Operator2 was comming up from behind the PWC operated by Operator1 when operator2 tried to pass v1 he clipped the right rear side of the PWC resulting in damage to the fiberglass hull.


BARDID: TN-2019-0091
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: MOORESBURG
County: HAWKINS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday September 3, 2019 at approx 21:15 Operator was operating a Ranger bass boat on Cherokee Reservoir in Hawkins County.  Operator was operating along the shoreline and the vessel ran aground on a sand/mud bar.  

Operator and the occupant (his brother) were unable to free the vessel and returned the following morning and freed the vessel with help from an acquaintance and his boat.The vessel sustained heavy gel coat damage midway of the vessel on the starboard side when it ran aground. There was no other damage to boat or motor. Operator stated that both he and the occupant were wearing PFDs and that there was no alcohol involved in the incident.


BARDID: TN-2019-0092
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DAYTON
County: MEIGS
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
According to operator statements made at Rhea Medical Center on 9/3/2019:

Operator was traveling downstream on his PWC near the Armstrong Ferry portion of Chickamauga Lake.  He was in the "backwater" near the Armstrorng Ferry Unit of Hiwassee Refuge.  He was following two friends on their PWC''s through the area ( Operator stated he cannont remember/ doesent know their names). Operator ran his vessel aground.  Operator stated that he hit a wave from one of the other two PWC''s he was traveling with and that the wave forced his vessel to travel to the left running aground.


BARDID: TN-2019-0093
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 03:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BEAN STATION
County: GRAINGER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 09/07/2019 at approximately 03:00 hours, a boating accident involving a single vessel and serious injury beyond first aid occurred on Cherokee Lake in Grainger County. Operator was driving a 2005 18''6” Stratos bass boat in the area between Pt 17 and Pt 18. Operator stated he was travelling downstream from the Olen Marshall Bridge toward Oak Grove Access Area. He stated he was travelling approximately 50 mph when he struck the red clay / rock island near Macedonia Cove. Upon striking the island, the vessel ramped up and over the island. The vessel overturned and came to rest capsized on the North side of the island. 

Operator and his two passengers were ejected into the water. The operator and both passengers resurfaced after being ejected and returned to the capsized vessel. The operator and passengers were not wearing personal flotation devices. The operator sustained multiple injuries in the collision. It is believed the injuries were sustained due to both impact with the vessel and impact with the water. The operator and passengers stated they believed the island to be a flock of geese. The operator also stated the GPS unit on board the vessel did not display the island. 

The vessel was recovered by Volunteer Marine, photographed by Officers, and returned to the operator. Upon recovery, the running light switch was in the on position and the throttle in forward gear. It also appeared the ignition and kill switch were torn from the dash along with some wiring. Damage to the hull of the vessel was documented while the vessel was capsized. Damage to the gunwale was documented upon recovery. It is unknown if the gunwale damage occurred during the accident or afterwards while the vessel was secured overnight at the rock island pending recovery.


BARDID: TN-2019-0101
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DOVER
County: STEWART
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
This is a preliminary summary based on the statements of those involved and physical evidence collected during the investigation.

Subject1 had been attempting to get the engines to run on a 47 foot GIBSON that was moored at Leatherwood Marina.  Around 1030 hours, an explosion occurred and a fire consumed the GIBSON and spread to other moored vessels.  

After the fire was extinguished, 4 vessels had sunk and 7 vessels had sustained damage.  Double booms were placed around the sunken boats to contain fuel and debris by 1600 hours.  Salvage operation of the sunk vessels is in progress.    The cause of the fire is still under investigation and the monetary damage estimate in this report is incomplete.


BARDID: TN-2019-0102
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: PIn Oak Lake
NearestCityorTown: LEXINGTON
County: HENDERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday, September 17, 2019, I officer received a call of a boating incident that had occurred on Pin Oak Lake in Henderson County, TN.  According to operators and occupants Operator1 was operating a 19''6" Falcon Fiberglass bass type boat (vessel 1) when he struck Operator2 who was operating a 20''1" Stratos Fiberglass bass type boat (vessel 2).  

According to the statements given, these two individuals were fishing in a club tournament on Pin Oak Lake on Saturday, September 14, 2019.  Operator1 and Operator2 were "blasting off" together for the tournament when Operator1 and his occupant watched a vessel come along their port side, and upon look back forward, Operator2 (vessel 2) had come off plane and Operator1 could not avoid collision.  Contact was made to vessel 2 on the starboard, stern.  Vessel 1, the impacting vessel made contact with vessel 2 from the bow. Vessel 1 ramped vessel 2 from the stern and veered to the starboard side.   

Operator2 in vessel 2 had went to the bow of the vessel to deploy the trolling motor and was knocked into the water, but did not receive any injuries.  There were no injuries that occured during this incident.

Vessel 1 received damage to lower unit skeg and the hydraulic steering of the vessel.  

Vessel 2 received damage to the motor cowling, transom, stern fiberglass damage, the console at the helm, and a hummingbird depth finder.


BARDID: TN-2019-0103
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-10-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HENDERSONVILLE
County: SUMNER
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 10/28/19 at anchor high marina, two were conducting repairs in the hull of v1, a 40'' sea ray sedan bridge. Subject1 was using brake cleaner to spray onto a generator to locate a leak. An exposed wire sparked in the hull igniting vapors. The two suffered burns throughout their bodies. They were transported to vanderbilt medical center.


BARDID: TN-2019-0105
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-11-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Melton Hill Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: OAK RIDGE
County: KNOX
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday Morning November 2, 2019, Operator was operating his Dads vessel while boating on Melton Hill Lake with his Dad. They and their friend had drawn an Oak Ridge WMA deer hunt. There was a heavy fog on the water and subject1 was sitting in the front of the vessel holding a spotlight to help navigation. Operator was relying on his Humminbird mapping unit. They hit a navigational buoy and soon after they hit the bank. 

Operator saw the bank just before impact he turned the vessel to the left. After impact Operator and Friend were disoriented for awhile and then they noticed that Dad wasn''t in the vessel. They located him laying facedown in the water and quickly pulled him in the vessel. He was unresponsive when they got him in the vessel. He quickly fell asleep and snored while they called for help. Knox county rescue squad arrived on scene about 45 minutes later and took Dad to UT medical center.


BARDID: TN-2019-0106
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-11-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BOONE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: JOHNSON CITY
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday, November 11, 2019 at 0830 hours, I received information from our agency dispatch concerning a sinking pontoon vessel on Boone Lake, in Sullivan County, Tennessee.

At 0900 hours I arrived at Rockingham Marina to board a patrol vessel to start searching for the sinking pontoon vessel.

At 0915 hours Lt. advised the sinking pontoon vessel was at Pickens Bridge TVA access where a male subject was being taken off the sinking pontoon vessel.

At 0920 hours I arrived at Pickens Bridge TVA access to take pictures of the pontoon vessel and document information on the vessel.  I met with Lt., and observed a 2001 Harris FloteBote VA 8197 BA being loaded onto a boat trailer at the boat ramp.  I observed damage to the pontoon on the starboard side and to the flooring near the bow on the starboard side.

At 0930 hours Officer arrived on scene and met with pontoon operator, Operator, to gather his personal information and document information on the pontoon vessel incident.  Operator stated that he was fishing around 0530 hours near point 2 on Boone Lake, when the weather started getting bad. Operator turned the vessel to head back to the boat ramp, but turned too sharp.  

Operator stated the wind plus his attempt to over correct the vessel caused the vessel to strike a rock projection in the water.  He then looked for damage, put the vessel in reverse and continued toward the boat ramp. Halfway back to the boat ramp he pulled into a cove to check for damage and noticed the pontoon taking on water.

Based on my observation and investigation it is determined that the pontoon vessel striking a rock projection caused the damage to the pontoon vessel.


BARDID: TN-2019-0107
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-11-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:23:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: MOORESBURG
County: HAWKINS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
According to operator and witness statements obtained to date:

On Thursday, November 21st, 2019, at approximately 11:23 AM, Operator1 was operating his 2017 Tracker Pro 175 TF (Vessel 1) in the Poor Valley Creek area of Cherokee Reservoir. Vessel 1 was travelling on Poor Valley Creek toward the main channel of Cherokee Reservoir. Operator2 was operating his 1989 Alumacraft Super Bandit (Vessel 2) in the same area. Vessel 2 was travelling away from the main channel of Cherokee Reservoir.

As Vessel 2 rounded a small bend in the channel of Poor Valley Creek, Operator1 saw Vessel 2 coming upstream toward him. Operator2 also saw Vessel 1 coming downstream toward him. Operator1 turned to his port (left) in an effort to avoid a collision with Vessel 2.  Operator2 turned to his starboard (right) in an effort to avoid a collision. These actions kept the vessels on a collision course. Operator1 again turned further port, and Operator2 again turned further starboard. This kept the vessels on a collision course. Operator2 attempted to stop his vessel by reversing his motor, but the vessels collided at nearly a ninety degree angle. The impact occurred just aft of the operator''s station on the starboard side of Vessel 1, and on the port bow of Vessel 2.

When the vessels impacted, Operator1 was ejected from Vessel 1. During the impact, the throttle of Vessel 1 was pushed fully forward. Vessel 1 continued in a northerly direction until it ran fully aground on the island just downstream of the Poor Valley Creek Access Area. Operator1 was assisted out of the water. Operator1 was then transported to the Poor Valley Creek Access Area, where he was met by an ambulance. He was then transported to Morristown-Hamblen Hospital, where he was treated and released. Operator2 remained at the scene until Wildlife Officers arrived on scene. Both Vessel 1 and Vessel 2 were impounded and taken to the District 42 compound for analysis.


BARDID: TN-2019-0108
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-12-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:07:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: PIney River/Richland Creek
NearestCityorTown: DAYTON
County: RHEA
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On December 01, 2019 three Kayakers were traversing the Piney River in kayaks after heavy rains. While kayaking, 31 year and his kayak became trapped under a log due to the strong current. The 2 other men attempted to remove him from under the log, but were unable too. Accident resulted in death. Accident investigation is still underway and awaiting TBI blood test results.


BARDID: TN-2019-0110
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-12-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityorTown: MT JULIET
County: WILSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 1 Dec. 2019 at approximately 1350 Operator1 was operating a 12 foot Fishmaster aluminum flat bottom jon boat with a trolling motor attached to the transom at Vivrett Creek on J. Percy Priest Lake in Wilson Co. During this time the weather was approximately 63 degree and the water temperature was approximately 57 degrees. There was a constant wind blowing from the Southwest at 6 MPH with wind gusts of up to 23 MPH.

According to Operator1, he was testing the small jon boat that he had just purchased to make sure that it didn't leak, as well as taking his 7 year old daughter fishing in the process. While they were out on the lake in the “No-wake Zone” of Vivrett Creek, Operator1 noticed that the trolling motor that was setup in place of an outboard, was mounted incorrectly on the boat and would only give him 1 forward speed and 5 reverse speeds. 

Due to this incorrect mounting, the forward speed was not able to move the boat against the strong wind, so Operator1 used the extra power from the reverse speeds to move the boat in reverse, into the wind and toward the launch ramp. However, the waves then started to break over the transom and poured water into the boat. At that time, Operator1 started to angle the boat towards the nearest shore. Too much water had already entered the vessel at that time however and the jon boat then rolled over and capsized tossing Operator1 and his daughter into the water.

Operator1 then grabbed his daughter, who was wearing a childs type V lifejacket, and they swam to the shore the rest of the way. Once on shore Operator1 and his daughter walked the shoreline toward Alvin Sperry Rd., where a gentleman in a Dodge pickup truck who witnessed the vessel capsize was waiting to pick them up.

911 was called and EMS transported both Operator1 and his daughter to Summit Hospital to treat them for hypothermia.


BARDID: TN-2019-0111
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-12-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:13:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: MORRISTOWN
County: HAMBLEN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On December 26, 2019 at around 15:13 two vessels collided on Cherokee Lake.  Vessel 1 was a 17'' 2008  white Nitro bass that was traveling upstream towards the Three Springs area of Cherokee Lake. 

Vessel 2 was a 21'' 2011 black Ranger bass boat that was traveling  down stream from the Three Springs area of Cherokee Lake. 

Vessel 2 turned towards the left into vessel 1''s path. The vessels collided causing damage to vessel 2''s right side, and causing vessel 1 to sustain damage to the left side. A more detailed investigative report will be in the Case File.


BARDID: TN-2019-1000
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Abernathy Lake
NearestCityorTown: Pulaski
County: Giles
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to a news media report, a victim drowned after capsizing on a private body of water.  Two people were fishing onboard at the time.


BARDID: TN-2020-0001
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-02-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NICKAJACK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Carbon monoxide exposure
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Failure to vent
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, February 01, 2020 on Nickajack Lake around the Bennet Lake Access Area, Operator and subject2 was attempting to repair and recover a houseboat (Vessel #2) to obtain ownership and live on the vessel. The houseboat had been tied up to a tree on the bank weeks prior to the incident. The rapid changing water levels in Nickajack caused the houseboat to become swamped. 

The Stern and over half the vessel remained on the bottom of the river, with the front section of the bow remaining above water. Operator and Subject2 devised a plan to pump water out of the back of the submerged vessel with a PWC (Vessel#1). 

Operator borrowed a vessel. Operator pulled the PWC (TN4425DC) into the rear of the houseboat. He tied vessel #1 to the inside of vessel #2. He then started vessel #1 and began to increase the throttle causing carbon monoxide to build up in the enclosed cabin of vessel #2. 

Operator was in the cabin for around 15 minutes. At that time, the buildup of carbon monoxide fumes in the cabin caused Operator to lose consciousness. 

Around 1130 (CST), Sergeant was on patrol. He approached the area and got out of his vehicle.  At this time another man was on the bank and began talking to Sergeant about what was occurring. At this time, Subject3 began shouting that Operator had lost consciousness and she thought he was dead. Sergeant advised her to pull him out on the deck and start CPR, and she did. Sergeant then called EMS. Operator regained consciousness and was checked out, treated, and released by Marion County EMS. Operator had been drinking but Sergeant deemed it to not be a contributing factor. I was notified by Sergeant on February 01, 2020 of this incident. I arrived at the Bennet Lake Area around 1425 (EST) and took over the investigation. No charges were filed. Investigation is complete.


BARDID: TN-2020-0002
State: TN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-02-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:17:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: PICKWICK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SAVANNAH
County: HARDIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Dam/lock
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
This is a preliminary summary based on the facts and circumstances to date.

On Saturday, February 22, 2020 at or around 0630 hours, five boats from the Obion County Central High School fishing team blasted off from Pickwick Landing State Park boat ramp.  A STRATOS with 3 persons on board had outboard engine trouble at the ramp and was last seen by the other anglers underway using the trolling motor.   

At or around 0815 hours, a vessel with 3 persons on board was observed approximately 100 yards upstream of the Pickwick Dam utilizing the trolling motor and at 0817 hours was observed at the floodgates.  

The capsized STRATOS was located February 24, 2020 approximately 17 miles downstream of the Dam with extensive damage and is presumed to have gone through the floodgates into the tailwaters.   The 3 occupants are missing and presumed dead.

Pickwick Dam is operated by TVA and was spilling approximately 225,000 cfs through the floodgates at the time of the incident.


BARDID: TN-2020-0003
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-03-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: PERRYVILLE
County: DECATUR
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On wednesday march 4, 2o2o at approx. 0630hrs,  a 17ft express (tennessee registration number tn 7408 ed) struck a standing cypress tree in the perryville pump station. The impact with the tree caused an occupant to be thrown to the bow of the boat and strike a fishing seat pedestal. The impact broke victim humerus in his left arm. Victim'' was transported to jackson general hospital for his injury. Approximately damage to the vessel totals $4,600.00. The amount of damage exceeds the $2000 limit and an occupant was transported to the hospital with an injury beyond first aid, therefore this accident is reportable.


BARDID: TN-2020-0004
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-02-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityorTown: NASHVILLE
County: DAVIDSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 2/28/2020 at approximately 20:45 I was notified by TWRA dispatch of a boat accident that had occurred on Percy Priest Lake in the area of the 7 Points Recreation Area.  The caller stated that their Jonboat had capsized and 3 people were in the water.  I arrived on scene and the 3 victims had already been transported to the hospital by Nashville Fire and Rescue.  I found and secured the Jonboat and then went to Summit Hospital to interview the victims.  

Operator and his 2 sons, Subject1 age 16 and Subject2 age 9, launched their 14'' Jonboat onto Percy Priest Lake at the 7 Points Recreation Area boat ramp at approximately 19:15 on 2/28/2020.  Operator said that when they launched the boat he noticed that the water was calm and there was little wind but they all put their lifejackets on.  He stated that the purpose of their voyage that day was to meet up with their church group at Long Hunter State Park to have a cookout.  They took with them approximately 50lbs of cooking supplies.

At approximately 19:30 they were underway and headed south out of Suggs Creek when he noticed that the waves started getting rough and that the wind had picked up.  He was doing his best to hit the waves “head-on” in order for the boat to not get swamped from over the port side.  As the waves were getting bigger he then noticed that there were a few inches of water in the bottom of the boat at his feet.  At about that same time a wave came over the boat and swamped them.  All 3 of them went into the water and the boat capsized. 

They all 3 attempted to swim to shore but Operator and Subject2 could not make it due to the size of the waves.  They noticed a headlamp from a fisherman on the bank and Subject1 decided to try to make it to the light that he was seeing to get help.  After approximately 40 minutes of swimming Subject1 made it to the shore and went up to the fisherman and was able to call 911.  Operator and Subject2 continued to get farther and farther away from the shoreline where the fisherman was and after approximately an hour and 20 min in the water a Nashville Fire and Rescue boat found them and transported them back to the boat ramp.  All 3 individuals were transported to the hospital to be treated for hypothermia.


BARDID: TN-2020-0005
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-03-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: NEW TAZEWELL
County: CLAIBORNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator, and wife, left their residence at approximately 2:30 pm on March 26, 2020. They drove to Rock Harbor Marina where they arrived at 3:03 pm according to video surveillance.  Operator stated they had owned the slip at the private marina since 2007. Operator stated they would go out on the lake each spring around this time of year when the weather would warm. 

They went down to their 2014 Sunchaser pontoon, TN registration 2562 EH, and took the cover off the rightside of the vessel and folded it onto the leftside. Video surveillance shows the vessel leaving the marina at 3:28 pm.  Operator stated they came out of the marina and went upstream to Straight Creek Boat Dock to fuel up. After getting fuel, they went to an area just below Straight Creek and pulled the pontoon onshore. 

Operator walked the shore looking for arrow heads while Wife read a book. Operator stated they left the area headed back to Rock Harbor at approximately 5:15 pm.  Operator stated as they came around the bend below Straight Creek they began to encounter wind. Operator stated they were going slow approximately 10 mph. When they were within 250-300 feet from Rock Harbor the wind got under the boat cover and blew it up. When the cover came up Operator put the vessel in neutral. Wife got up to get the cover on the boat. 

Operator stated the front gate of the vessel was usually closed, but on this day they had left it open. Wife tripped as she was getting the cover and fell overboard off the front of the pontoon. Operator stated he could not see her in the water and began to call her name trying to locate her. Operator stated he looked toward the back of the vessel and saw Wife 6-8 feet behind the pontoon.  Operator stated he could tell she was having trouble so he took his shoes off and jumped in. 

Operator was able to swim to Wife. He stated they both went underwater a few times before he got her up. Operator stated Wife was limp and not moving or talking as he was holding her. Operator stated Wife slipped through his arms and disappeared. The wind blew the pontoon away from them while they were in the water. Operator tried swimming towards Rock Harbor Marina but was swimming into the wind and was not getting any closer. 

Operator lay on his back floating moving his arms and legs. Due to lake levels rising recently a lot of debris was floating in the water.  Operator was able to swim to a tree that was floating nearby. Operator used his belt to attach himself to the tree. Operator swam the tree to an island just upstream from Rock Harbor. Operator began to yell and wave his arms at vessels passing by for help.  

Subjects 1 and 2 were coming downstream from Straight Creek on their pontoon. Subject1 heard someone yelling and thought it was kids playing. When he looked toward the island he saw someone waving their arms. They were able to get Operator onboard their vessel. Operator told them he thought his wife had drown. Operator was extremely cold and suffering from hypothermia from being in the 55 degree water. Subject2 wrapped Operator in towels and the cover of the boat as Subject1 called 911. They took Operator to Rock Harbor Marina where they were met by emergency personnel. Operator was flown to the University of Tennessee Medical Center where his was treated for hypothermia. 

Operator stated Wife had been dealing with health issues over the past year. Wife had not been able to take her medications for Multiple Sclerosis due to taking chemotherapy. Operator stated he had noticed her balance and walking diminish since she had been off her medications, and felt that contributed to her falling overboard.


BARDID: TN-2020-0007
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-03-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Elk River
NearestCityorTown: ELkton
County: GILES
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, March 14''20, subject was canoeing on the Elk River and did not return home.  An investigation/search to locate Victim was started on Monday, March 16th by TWRA, Giles County Rescue Squad (GCRS), Tennessee Highway Patrol Air units (THP), Limestone Rescue Squad (LCRS),  Alabama State Marine Police (AMP) and  Alabama Highway Patrol Air Units (AHP). 

Victim''s truck was parked at the Elkton boat ramp and his last know location was about two miles downstream from the Veto boat ramp. Water conditions the14th restricted the search by TWRA and GCRS to land from Veto Boat ramp to the Hwy 127 bridge in Alabama.  LCRS was able to search by boat from Sportsman Park to Hwy 127.  THP Air unit searched from Elk River boat ramp to the Alabama state line.  AHP Air unit searched from Sportsman''s Park to Tennessee state line. Victim was not located.  The search continued through March 19th with some items found but Victim was not located.  Search and Resue and Storm Point joined the search.  These are specialized private search organizations.  Search and Rescue uses sonar and searched the water and Storm Point using drones searched the water and fields.  The organized search was called off on Thursday, March 19th because of rising water conditions and bad weather.  Both Alabama units and Tennessee units conducted spot checks through March 27th.  On Friday, March 27,  AHP air unit spotted Victim''s canoe caught in a group of trees on the west side of the Elk River near the Elkmont City Water Plant.  LCRS, TWRA, and GCRS were called in to retrieve the canoe.  While retrieving the canoe AHP air unit spotted Victim''s body in a cotton field locate on the west side of the Elk River just north of the canoe.  TWRA and GCRS Retrieved the body and turned it over to the Tennessee Medical Examinor.


BARDID: TN-2020-0008
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-03-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CELINA
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On March 13, 2020,  operators were fishing on Dale Hollow Lake near Pugsley Creek.  Operator2 was traveling up the channel of the lake near the center at approximate speed of 55 mph.  Operator1 was heading out of Moore Hollow in a southeast direction crossing the main lake channel at speeds nearing 70 mph.

Operator1 and Operator2 collided vessels at approximately 15:06 in the main channel.  Operator2 was ejected from his vessel and was not wearing a PFD.  His vessel continued to circle after he was ejected, because the kill switch was not attached.  The vessel was equipped with a hot foot throttle system.  Operator1 was wearing a PFD and jumped in the water to assist Operator2 to safety.  

Bystandarders came to assist with getting operators to safety.  Both operators returned vessels to the access areas they launched from.  Operator1 notified Wildlife Officer approximately 2.5 hours later after returning to Dekalb County Tennessee.  I was notified immediately by Officer.  I made contact with both operators immediately after being notified.  Both operators were off the water.  Operator1 was at his residence and Operator2 was near his home when I made contact.  

Due to the late notification and logistics of operators, a decision was made to make direct contact on the following day.  Officer and I made contact first thing with Operator1 on March 14, 2020.  I documented damage of the vessel and received the GPS unit for a forensic download.

Due to the location being far from Tennessee jurisdiction, I reached out to local Wildlife Sergeant.  Sgt. made contact with Operator2 and gathered photo evidence and operator''s statement.  I requested Sgt. to hold Operator2''s GPS unit for evidence.  I met with officers on March 22, 2020, to gather evidence.

I met with Boating Investigator on March 29, 2020.  We successfully downloaded Operator1''s unit with relevant track data.  We attempted to download Operator2''s unit, but found no data relevant to the incident.  I contacted Operator2 about not having data on the unit we received.  Operator2 was helpful in notifying there was another unit that had the data captured.  I met Operator2 on March 26, 2020.  I performed an onsite forensic download on his other unit with a successful capture of track data of the incident.

The forensics were uploaded and overlaid in Google Earth showing exact GPS tracks of both vessels.  After thorough investigation, it was determined that Operator1 was the give way vessel as he was crossing the main channel as Operator2 traveled in a direct path up the main channel of the lake.  It was determined that neither operator kept a proper lookout to avoid a collision.

This incident was preventable, but Operator1 was the “Give Way” vessel according to USCG navigation rules.  Neither operator kept a proper lookout to avoid the collision.  The incident occurred in a large open body of water.  Both vessels were in an area that had enough visibility to observe the waterway for vessel traffic in the broad area.


BARDID: TN-2020-0009
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HIXSON
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 17th 2020 at approximately 1725 I Wildlife Officer 1 received a call that an overturned vessel was coming into Chester Frost Park in Hixson Tennessee. Upon arriving I spoke with a Operator 1 who stated he was coming into Dallas Bay from the Chickamauga Lake channel when he noticed his vessel being to take on water. Operator 1 then stated that he turned his bilge pump on but it was unable to keep up with the water coming in. He then slowed his vessel down and when his vessel slowed is when the vessel overturned causing Operator 1 to fall into the water. 

A nearby vessel witnessed the incident occur and when to render aid by pulling Operator 1 from the water and towing the vessel to the bank where it then flipped back over to the correct side. Operator 1 was uninjured from the incident and had called Tow Boat USA to take his vessel to the ramp. The accident occurred in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2020-0010
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-03-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Caney Fork River
NearestCityorTown: GORDONSVILLE
County: SMITH
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Drug
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On March 27, 2020 at approximately 16:54 hours, a call came into the Smith Co. Sheriffs Department about a missing kayaker on the Caney Fork River near the mouth of Smith Fork Creek.  

Authorities from Smith Co. arrived on scene and begin speaking with the party of the missing individual.  They stated that he was last seen around 14:15 hours and that his empty kayak was found at approximately 15:00 hours.  Smith Co. authorities then contacted TWRA to inform us of the missing kayaker.

We arrived on scene at approximately 07:45 hours on March 28, 2020 to begin our search and investigation into the missing kayaker.

At approximately 14:46 hours on March 28, 2020 we recovered body, not wearing a lifejacket, near mm 14 of the Caney Fork River.  Subject was located approximately 1.4 miles down river of where his empty kayak was located the evening before.

The Medical Examiner''s Office concluded that cause of death was: 
1. Acute Methamphetamine Intoxication
2. Terminal Submersion in Water (Drowning)

The final report including pictures, maps,diagrams, autopsy and toxicology results will be included in the complete case file.


BARDID: TN-2020-0011
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 04/11/2020 at around 16:45, a pontoon boat struck the guest dock at Twin Creeks Marina on Tims Ford Lake.  The Bennington Pontoon boat was owned by Operator 1.  Operator 1 was driving the boat prior to the collision with the dock and his wife, Operator 2, was operating the boat at the time of the collision.  

Operator 1 was attempting to dock the pontoon boat at the Twin Creeks Guest Dock so that he and his wife could pick up some food from the restaurant.  Whenever Operator 1 would pull up to the dock and put the boat in neutral, the bumpers on the boat would hit the dock and the boat would bounce off and start to drift away from the dock before they could get it tied off.  

Operator 2 tried to reach over the side of the railing on the pontoon boat and grab a cleat on the dock, but she could not reach it.  After 3-4 attempts to dock the boat, Operator 1 started the boat towards the dock and then attempted to put the boat into neutral, went out the gate on the port side of the boat, and stepped onto the dock.  

Operator 1 grabbed onto the railing of the boat while he was standing on the dock to attempt to hold it in place until they could get it tied up.  Operator 1 realized that when he thought that he had put the boat into neutral, he had actually shifted the boat into reverse.  The boat was going backwards away from the dock while Operator 1 tried to hold onto it.  

Operator 1 asked Operator 2 to put the boat into neutral.  Operator 2 does not have much boating experience and accidentally pulled the throttle further into reverse.  The pontoon boat was rotating backwards around the end of the dock towards another boat while Operator 1 was trying to hold onto it. 

Operator 1 jumped back onto the boat and went to the console to assist his wife with operating the boat.  Operator 2 then shifted the throttle well passed neutral into forward gear.  The boat went forward, 

Operator 1 fell on the floor near the back of the boat, and the boat struck hard into the end of the guest dock.  A witness said that the end of the dock moved approximately 10-15 feet when the boat struck it.  

A bystander ran over to the boat and put it in neutral and helped them get tied to the dock.  Operator 1 said that he was not hurt in his fall and did not go to the hospital.  Both of the pontoons on the boat were damaged on the front ends.  The estimated cost to replace both pontoons was around $7500.  The dock had some of the plastic bumpers on the end broken off and others cracked.  The dock had some visible warping/bending that could be seen while standing on it.  There was also a metal sign that was between two metal posts that was warped from the dock moving.  The Marina Manager advised, after having the dock looked at,  that 2 sections of the dock frame would have to be replaced as well as some of the plastic bumpers and the sign.  The estimated cost to fix the damage to the dock and sign was around $12000.


BARDID: TN-2020-0012
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SMYRNA
County: RUTHERFORD
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 0800 on 4/18/2020, Officer 1 was patrolling 4 Corners Marina when he noticed a bass boat on fire at the Hurricane Creek Boat Ramp.  Officer 1 informed dispatch and Rutherford County Wildlife Officer 2 of the fire and let dispatch know that the fire department was already on scene.  

Officer 2 arrived on scene at approximately 0812 hours.  Officer 1 spoke with the operator of the vessel, Operator 1, and he stated that as he was launching the boat he heard a "compression pop" from the engine.  Flames immediately started and they attempted to use 2 fire extinguishers to put the fire out.  He was unsure what exactly caused the fire.

Officer 1 took pictures of the vessel and a written statement from the driver of the vessel.  Officer 1 then passed all the information along to me to complete the report.


BARDID: TN-2020-0013
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:40:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: CENTER HILL LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SMITHVILLE
County: DEKALB
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday, April 28, 2020, Operator launched his borrowed vessel from Cookeville Boat Dock Center Hill Lake.  He did not return home the night of the 28th.  Friends begin to worry and question on the morning of Wednesday the 29th.  His vehicle and boat trailer were found still parked in the parking lot of Cookeville Boat Dock.  

A friend asked a dock hand to help him take a boat out and start a search.  TWRA was notified on Wednesday the 29th at approximately 10:50 a.m.  TWRA launched three vessels along with Dekalb County Rescue''s two vessels in search of the missing boater.  Shortly after the search, Subject1, found his boat in the very back of an un-named creek, North East of Davies Island in Dekalb County.  Officers responded to the boat location.  

On first contact, I quickly observed that the vessel was empty of any occupants and that the trolling motor was down in the water as was the 200-horsepower engine.  Upon boarding the vessel, I observed a Garmin GPS fishing unit was on at the trolling motor location of the bow of the vessel.  I navigated the Garmin unit to save the current tracks.  Officers towed the vessel to a secure area at Cookeville Dock to be thoroughly documented for any evidence.  A complete property inventory was completed by Officers.  Upon inventory of the vessel, a twelve pack of beer (Michelob Ultra) was found with ice in a compartment with six cans missing.

Capt. and I performed a forensic investigation on the equipped Garmin GPS device.  We were able to quickly find the time Operator entered the cove where the vessel was found and determine the vessel had been there since 04/28/2020 at approximately 17:30 until we retrieved the vessel.  It could also be determined from the device a very specific area where and when his vessel went adrift.
We strategized a plan of utilizing the obtained data with the deployment of the ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) in the know area.  After moments of deployment the victim was quickly found in the  approximately eight feet of water, near the back of the cove where the vessel was located.  TWRA notified the rescue squad to assist in bring the victim to surface and requested a medical examiner to be on scene during the body recovery.  The body was recovered at 17:31.


BARDID: TN-2020-0014
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NICKAJACK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: JASPER
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 2, 2020 at approximately 19:30 a vessel driven by Operator 1 was traveling upstream on Nickajack Lake in Marion County, TN.  Operator 1 noticed smoke coming out of the cabin, he went downstairs and found smoke coming from behind the electric panel.  He used a fire extinguisher to try to suppress the fire but was not able to do so.  He then got his phone, keys and wallet and exited the vessel.


BARDID: TN-2020-0015
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:32:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: MOORESBURG
County: HAWKINS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Overloading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
While working fishing enforcement near John Sevier Reservoir in Hawkins County, Tennessee on May 2, 2020 at approximately 14:37, I received radio traffic from Morristown dispatch advising of a boating accident near Quarryville Access Area on Cherokee Lake. I arrived on scene at approximately 14:53. EMS and Rescue squad was on scene at this time. A partially submerged boat was pulled up on the shore. Subject was lying on the bank unresponsive approximately 25 yards from the vessel. The passenger was standing behind the ambulance. Victim was transported to the Hawkins County Emergency Room where he was pronounced dead by the Hawkins County coroner. 

Based on Investigation:
Victim and Occupant were fishing Cherokee Lake on May 2, 2020 at approximately 14:32 in a 1993 13'' Gheenoe with a registration of VA 5395 AK. The Gheenoe was powered by a 6 horsepower Mercury tiller handle prop motor. Victim was sitting in the back of the vessel and operating the boat. Occupant was sitting in the front of the boat. The vessel had a U.S. Coast Guard maximum capacity rating of 412 pounds including persons, motor and gear. 

The vessel was rated for a maximum motor size of 5 horsepower. The vessel was overpowered by 20% according to the U.S. Coast Guard capacity plate. The boat and all contents including the motor weighed approximately 468.5 pounds. According to the manufacturer’s website, the empty vessel weighed approximately 130 pounds. The motor and contents weighed approximately 338.5 pounds. According to Victim''s fishing license, his listed weight was 194 pounds. According to a statement provided by Occupant, his weight was 280 pounds. The total occupant weight was 474 pounds. The total weight of the motor, occupants and gear inside the vessel was approximately 812.5 pounds. 

The vessel had a U.S. Coast Guard maximum capacity rating of 412 pounds including persons, motor and gear. The vessel was overloaded by approximately 400 pounds. Based on the weight of the occupants, motor and gear inside the vessel, it was overloaded 97% beyond the U.S. Coast Guards maximum capacity rating. The overloading and overpowered motor caused swamping of the vessel. When the boat began to take on water, both Occupant and Victim ended up in the water. Neither occupant had on a PFD. Upon investigation, only one PFD and one type IV throwable was located in the vessel. Occupant was able to get himself and Victim to the shoreline but Victim was unresponsive.

Based on Statements:
Victim and Occupant were fishing on Cherokee lake across from the Quarryville TVA camping area. They decided to move fishing locations. Occupant began paddling from the front of the boat. Victim started the motor and placed it in gear. As they started moving, Victim told Occupant to stop paddling and watch his side because water was coming in. Occupant leaned towards the other side for a moment, but water continued to enter the vessel, so he leaned back the other way. 

According to witness statements, the boat was sitting low in the water due to the amount of weight inside the vessel and being overloaded.  Occupant and Victim ended up in the water due to the swamping of the vessel. Victim yelled for help 3 or 4 times. Occupant began swimming towards the shoreline. A witness yelled at Occupant telling him that Victim was going under. Occupant began swimming towards Victim. According to witness statements, Victim went under 3 times before Occupant reached him. Occupant grabbed onto Victim''s shirt and started swimming towards the shoreline. A witness threw a rope to Occupant when he was close to shore. The witness helped get both out of the water. Victim was unresponsive. Occupant asked if anyone knew CPR, but no one responded. Occupant gave 3 chest compressions, but Victim remained unrespons...


BARDID: TN-2020-0016
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cumberland River
NearestCityorTown: CLARKSVILLE
County: MONTGOMERY
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
From owner/operators statement:
On April 4th 2020 operator put his 2014 Sea Doo Spark in at Trice Landing boat ramp in Clarksville, TN. At approximately 1630 the engine stopped running and he began drifting to the bank. Right before he hit the bank the PWC crashed into a rock that was visible from the PWC. 

This inflicted damage to the starboard side of the PWC. Operator1 was the only one on the PWC at the time of the accident and was wearing his life jacket and cut off switch. Operator1 was able to walk back to the boat ramp, put his other PWC in the water and retrieve the crashed PWC. There were no injuries involved and the estimated damage to the PWC was $5000. Operator1 did fill out a U.S. Coastguard Recreational Boating Accident Report on April 7th.

I did not respond to the scene. We learned about this by a self report document through the U.S. Coast Guard. I did call and talk to Operator1 on April 29th. From owner/operators statement:
On April 4th 2020 he put his 2014 Sea Doo Spark in at Trice Landing boat ramp in Clarksville, TN. At approximately 1630 the engine stopped running and he began drifting to the bank. Right before he hit the bank the PWC crashed into a rock that was visible from the PWC. 

This inflicted damage to the starboard side of the PWC. Operator1 was the only one on the PWC at the time of the accident and was wearing his life jacket and cut off switch. Operator1 was able to walk back to the boat ramp, put his other PWC in the water and retrieve the crashed PWC. There were no injuries involved and the estimated damage to the PWC was $5000. Operator1 did fill out a U.S. Coastguard Recreational Boating Accident Report on April 7th.

I did not respond to the scene. We learned about this by a self report document through the U.S. Coast Guard. I did call and talk to Operator1 on April 29th.


BARDID: TN-2020-0017
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityorTown: NASHVILLE
County: DAVIDSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
*Information from operator statement*

On Wednesday may 6th at approximately 1800 two people put their friends boat in the water from a slip at Nashville shores marina. At approximately 1830 Operator1 was driving and heard a loud noise in the back of the boat. 

The engine shut off and he was able to start it again but just operate at idle speed. The engine died a second time and was not able to be restarted. At that time Operator1 started noticing water coming into the boat rather quickly. 

The occupants grabbed life jackets and unlatched their lillypad. Operator1 called two marinas but neither answered. He then called 911and at this point the boat was about 50% underwater. 

A fishing boat saw the two individuals floating on the lillypad and came over to get them in their boat. It took approximately 10 minutes from the time Operator1 heard the loud noise to the boat sinking. When the boat was pulled from the water the next day the prop was bent significantly and there was a vollyball size hole in the bottom of the boat, both indicators that they hit rocks.

The boat is currently at nashville shores marina awaiting possible repairs.


BARDID: TN-2020-0018
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAKESITE
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 17th 2020 at approximately 1325 hrs I, Wildlife Officer 1 received a call from a Hamilton County Sheriff''s Deputy that a sinking boat was coming into Camp Dixie off of Prairie Schooner Cir. in Lakesite. Upon arriving a I noticed a sinking Tidecraft bass boat in the water while the owners were trying to pull it out of the water. I spoke with the owner of the vessel who was Owner 1 who had claimed that he had just purchased the vessel and was allowing a friend to drive the vessel when they had noticed water coming up from the floor of the boat. The operator was a Operator 1 who had claimed that she had turned the bilge pump on but it was not enough to keep up with the water coming in. She then altered her course of heading from Dallas Bay to the main river channel to head from Dallas Bay into a private boat ramp off Prairie Schooner Cir. After pulling the vessel out of the water it was evident that the vessel had a failing transom that caused the vessel to take of water. The accident occurred in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2020-0019
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: MT JULIET
County: WILSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 10:35am on May 14, 2020 our TWRA dispatch received a call from Wilson Co. 911 informing us of a 2 boat collision with injuries that had just occurred at the Shutes Branch area of Old Hickory Lake.  TWRA dispatch then notified Lt. 1, Wilson Co. Wildlife Officer 1, Sumner Co. Wildlife Officer 2, and myself, District Boating Officer 3.

Lt. 1 arrived on scene at approximately 10:52am and began taking statements from the operators and passengers of both vessels.  I arrived on scene at approximately 12 noon to begin my investigation into the incident.  The following is a summary of the combined interviews that I and Lt. 1 conducted at the scene:

The operator of the pontoon boat, Operator 1, stated that she had rented the pontoon boat at approximately 10:00am that morning at Creekwood Marina and was proceeding up the Cumberland river at an approximate speed of 10mph.  When she was in the vicinity of Shutes Branch, around 10:30am, she noticed a vessel (Sea Ark) coming from her right side.  She noticed that the boat was coming towards them and as it became apparent that the driver of the vessel did not see their pontoon boat she put the boat in reverse to try to get out of the vessels path.  

Right before impact she stated that she did not believe her vessel was in motion at all and she grabbed her child as the boat collision occurred.  She, her child, and the other 3 passengers were all knocked down into the floor of the boat due to the impact.  Immediately afterwards the driver of the Sea Ark, Operator 2, asked if they were ok and apologized and stated: “I am so sorry, I didn''t see you.”  911 was then called and the boats went to Shutes Branch recreation area to wait on first responders.

The operator of the Sea Ark, Operator 2, stated that they had put his boat in the water at Shutes Branch that morning to test out a new prop that he had just put on his motor.  He stated that they were coming out of the Shutes Branch area to cross the river and go to the cove on the other side of the lake.  As they were underaway he noticed a floating log in the river channel and then a pontoon boat came out of nowhere from his left side.  He took an immediate hard right turn just before impact which caused his vessel to travel down the starboard side of the pontoon boat.  He and his passenger were both knocked down into the floor of his boat.  The right side of his head struck the seat edge of his boat causing multiple lacerations on his face.  He them immediately checked on the occupants of the pontoon boat to make sure that they were alright.   911 was called by his passenger, and they made their way back to Shutes Branch to wait on first responders.

15th Judicial District ADA recommended charging Operator 2 with TCA 69-9-216 (Reckless Operation of a Vessel) and he was cited into Wilson County General Sessions Court.  On July 31, 2020 Operator 2 pled guilty to Reckless Operation of a Vessel and paid the fine and associated court cost.


BARDID: TN-2020-0020
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:47:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ANTIOCH
County: DAVIDSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Fatal Boat Accident J. Percy Priest 04/24/20

At approximately 1640 I was notified of a man missing off of a PWC at the no wake zone at Four Corners Marina. At approximately 1700 I arrived on scene by water to the incident location. Upon approaching the scene I noticed approximately 10 recreational boats circled around a no wake buoy, as well as a Metro OEM fireboat displaying red emergency lighting. There was also one white PWC floating approximately 25 yards from the no wake buoy.

 I was made aware of one witness who was riding a PWC near the missing boater. One person was riding on the PWC with Operator at the time they were ejected from the PWC into the water.

According to witnesses Operator and Occupant did not have lifejackets on while they were riding the PWC before being ejected into the water near the no-wake buoy. Additionally according to witnesses the PWC circled Operator and Occupant once they entered the water, suggesting that Operator did not have the killswitch attached to him at the time they were ejected and entered the water.

Operator did not have boat education, but could swim according to friends that arrived at the scene.

Operator''s body was recovered by Metro OEM at approximately 2000 on 04/24/20.

The PWCs were borrowed by subject and Operator for the day. The PWCs were held as evidence until they were released by Nashville D.A. on the morning of 04/27/20.


BARDID: TN-2020-0021
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Holston River
NearestCityorTown: KINGSPORT
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator’s statement and the investigation to date:

        On Sunday, May 10th, 2020, at approximately 10:30 AM, Operator 1 was fishing from a 1980 Loweline 16'' jon boat on the North Fork of the Holston River. Operator 1 was drifting, using an anchor dragged behind the vessel to slow his speed.  This anchor was tied to the stern of the vessel. The anchor caught on an underwater obstruction, which pulled the stern of the vessel underwater, causing the vessel to swamp, then capsize.  

Operator 1 was able to swim to shore, where another unidentified individual called 911 and his wife. Operator 1's wife called Operator 2, who was fishing in another vessel upstream of the incident site. Operator 2 came to Operator 1's location, and the two of them attempted to recover Operator 1's vessel. 

Operator 1 and Operator 2 were able to tie a rope from Operator 1's vessel to Operator 2's vessel, but the river current pulled both vessels downstream toward the closed river zone at the Holston Army Ammunition Plant. Just before the vessels entered the closed zone, Operator 2 cut the rope and allowed his vessel to drift on downstream. Operator 2 and Operator 1 then travelled back upstream to the Kingsport River Front Park boat ramp, where they took Operator 1's vessel off the water.

        They both travelled by land to the downstream end of the Holston Army Ammunition Plant closed river zone, and were able to recover several items from Operator 1's vessel. The vessel itself became entangled on an old bridge piling inside the Holston Army Ammunitiion Plant. Due to the river current and above average river flow, the vessel cannot be recovered at the time of this report.

       Operator 1 called this reporting officer''s personal cell phone to report this incident at 16:26 hrs on Sunday, May 10th, 2020, and I responded from my residence shortly thereafter.

        This occurred in Sullivan and Hawkins counties, Tennessee. As of the date of this report, August 13th, 2020, the vesel has not been recovered.


BARDID: TN-2020-0022
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DECATUR
County: MEIGS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday 18 May 2020, I Officer 1 received a call from TWRA Crossville dispatch to call Victim 1 about his boat being damaged by another boat''s wake. Victim 1 claims that apporximately 6:45 pm a boat was going up river in the main channel on Chickamauga Lake, and the wake from that vessel caused his docked boat to break free and run up on the rocky bank causing a high amount of damage; approximately $10000 worth of damage. He ran down the other vessel, and that vessel was owned by Operator 1. I spoke with Operator 1 and he does not deny being in that area at that time but also claims he did not realize that Victim 1's boat broke free from the dock until Victim 1 stopped him. Operator 1 says he did not see much damage to Victim 1's vessel. This all occurred on Chickamauga Lake in Meigs county.


BARDID: TN-2020-0023
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OCOEE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: DUCKTOWN
County: POLK
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 2:00 pm I (Park Ranger), was notified by a commercial rafting company that there was an injured private boater near the rapid known as Broken Nose on the Ocoee River. I (Park Ranger) was advised that the private boater had a possible broken arm. I (Park Ranger) arrived on scene at approximately 2:05 pm. The private boater was already seated on the shoulder of the road with her arm splinted and medical care given by another private boater.  The injured private boater stated she was waiting for a personal vehicle to transport her to the hospital. The injured private boater asked for an ambulance, due to the fact the rest of her party was taking too long to get there. I (Park Ranger) requested EMS at approximately 2:15 pm. The injured private boater''s personal vehicle then arrived. I (Park Ranger) was asked to cancel EMS at approximately 2:20 pm. The EMS unit was canceled and I (Park Ranger) went back in service at approximately 2:30 pm when the injured private boater left in a POV.


BARDID: TN-2020-0024
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:27:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LENOIR CITY
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Dam/lock
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On the morning of 05/24/2020 at 10:31, I was contacted by a deputy with the Loudon County Sheriffs Office about a possible boat accident at the Ft. Loudoun Dam tailwater involving 1 vessel and two individuals.  The information was that one occupant had been pulled to the shore safely and one was unaccounted for.  I responded to the dam which had been spilling for several days and found emergency vehicles on both sides of the river, on the US HWY 321 bridge, and Loudon County Dive Rescue launching a vessel at the Tellico Dam Access Area.  Shortly after my arrival there was radio traffic of a body being discovered floating just down stream of the HWY 321 bridge.

Loudon County Dive Rescue responded to the area and recovered the body of a white male that was wearing a PFD.  This was the unaccounted occupant and his recovery was made at 11:02.  His body was transported to the Regional Forensic Center in Knoxville, TN. 

Lt. and B.O. checked the area for the vessel or any belongings that could be located.  The boat was not located and only a few personal items were recovered.  Myself and W.O. responded to the Ft. Loudoun Medical Center in Lenoir City, TN to interview the other occupant/operator.  We interviewed Operator and was able to attain a blood sample that was taken to the TBI Crime Lab for analysis.  

According to Operator, he and Victim were fishing at the time of the incident when their engine would not start.  Operator stated that they were fishing near the turbulent spilling water, sheltered by the extension of the lock.  When they realized that they were in  possible danger they tried to start the motor but were unable to.  Their vessel drifted toward the spill gates at the dam and Victim jumped overboard.  The vessel was taking on water forcing Operator to eventually jump overboard.  Operator was recovered by good samaritans and taken to the bank on the lock side of the river.  Victim'' body was recovered approximately 3/4 of a mile downstream.

Other witness statements were taken and I am now waiting on forensic analysis of the blood as well as autopsy results.


BARDID: TN-2020-0025
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT. LOUDOUN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LENOIR CITY
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator 1 was leaving Ft. Loudoun Marina on Yamaha PWC after refueling when he crossed wake of another vessel causing him to go airborne.  The next thing Operator 1 remembers is Loudon Co rescue boat pulling him out of the water.  Operator 1 was sent to UT hospital by ambulance.  Operator 1 said he was knocked out.  Operator 1 had laceration on forehead that required stitches.  The accident occurred near arrival point on Ft. Loudoun Lake in Loudon Co.


BARDID: TN-2020-0026
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: KINGSTON
County: ROANE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday 25 May 2020, at approximately 6:00pm, Operator 1 was driving her jet ski back to her dock when she hit a partially submerged log causing the jet ski to change direction and strike a navigation buoy. Operator 1 was thrown from the jet ski but not injured. Her husband was in a pontoon boat and eventually caught up to where the accident took place, and then towed the jetski to their dock. it was also raining during this time period causing the visibility to be poor. Operator 1 called TWRA  officer 1 later that night to report the accident. This all occurred on Watts bar Lake in Roane County.


BARDID: TN-2020-0027
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:41:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DAYTON
County: RHEA
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, May 24, 2020 at approximately 12:30pm (est.) Operator 1 was operating his vessel in the Rhea harbor area of Watts Bar Lake. He was changing speed and accelerating out of the "no wake zone." At this time Operator 1 said there was an explosion. As a result of the explosion, the back seat and engine cover was blown into Operator 1, and a fire resulted. At this time, all 6 occupants jumped off the vessel. Operator 1 then used a fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire.


BARDID: TN-2020-0028
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SODDY DAISY
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 31st 2020 I wildlife Officer 1 was contacted by Wildlife Officer 2 with reports of a sunken Personal Watercraft (PWC) being towed in by Tow Boat US into Pine Harbor Marina in Soddy Daisy, Tennessee.  After arriving on scene at approximately 1253 EST we spoke with the owner and operator of the vessel who was a Operator 1 and he had stated that around 1010 EST he was cruising in Soddy creek from the back of the creek towards Pine Harbor Marina when he felt his vessel strike an object in the water and then the vessel came to an immediate stop and began to sink. 

Operator 1 then stated he contacted Tow Boat US and was being towed back to Pine Harbor Marina. After the vessel was pulled out of the water I was able to look at the water intake portion underneath the vessel. After taking a close look at it I was able to notice that the water jet has severe damage as well as there being a hole on top of the water jet that would cause water to come into the bilge of the vessel. After pulling the dip stick too, there was more damage noticed within the motor due to there being water within the crankcase of the vessels motor. The accident occurred in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2020-0029
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: PICKWICK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: PICKWICK
County: HARDIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, May 23, 2020, I officer 1 was patrolling Pickwick Lake in Hardin County, Tennessee. At approximately 1730 hours, two individuals approached my patrol vessel and stated they needed assistance.  Upon arrival it was determined that a Sea-Doo Spark had been hit by another vessel and it was taking on water.  

According to operators of each vessel, Operator 1 was operating a Blue/White Yamaha personal watercraft, and Operator 2 was operating a Blue/Green/Black Sea-Doo Spark personal watercraft.  These two individulas were operating these vessels in the southern portion of Dry Creek Cove where no other vessels were present.  According to statements, the two individulas were doing "donuts" with these vessels, when Mr. Operator 1 on Vessel 1 come to a stop.  Operator 2 on vessel 2 continued to operate in circles when the PWC he was operating made impact with Vessel 1.  This impact caused significant damage to the port stern of Vessel 1.  Vessel 1 was towed to Pickwick Landing State Park due to damage and was placed on a trailer.


BARDID: TN-2020-0031
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ESTILL SPRINGS
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 05/16/2020, Operator 1 was operating his 2019 Nitro Z20 bass boat on Tims Ford Lake.  Operator 1 and his fishing partner Occupant 1 were travelling downstream from Rock Creek Boat ramp, headed towards the Winchester Bass Club.  They were fishing in a crappie tournament.  At approximately 6:05 am, just after passing under Lee''s Ford Bridge, they saw another boat coming upstream towards them.  The other boat was a 2011 Phoenix bass boat operated by Operator 2 who had just blasted off in a bass tournament from the Winchester Bass Club.  

Shortly after the boats came within sight of each other, Operator 1 turned to his left side and Operator 2 turned to his right side.  The two boats were still headed towards each other.  Operator 1 turned harder to his left side until he was facing the bank, Operator 2 turned hard to his right and at the last second hit his throttle to try to spin his boat more away from Operator 1's boat.  

The left chine of Operator 2's boat struck the right side of Operator 1''s boat, around the top of the rail just behind the operator''s seat.  There was significant damage to Operator 1's boat, the hull was busted from the outside rubrail, over the top and down into the passenger compartment.  Operator 2's boat had a gouge about 3-4 inches long on the left chine around the middle of the boat.  There were many other scratches and scrapes on the bottom of his boat, but I could not identify any others as being from this incident.  The trolling motor mount on his boat had piece broken on it, the pump on the port side live well was broken loose, and a rod locker tie down was broken in the impact.  Operator 2 also lost a rod and reel combo that went overboard during the collision.  Both boats fished for the rest of their tournaments and TWRA was contacted by Operator 1 at the end of the tournament.


Investigating officers believe that Operator 1's violation of Inland Navigation Rule 14, Head-on Situations, was the main cause of the incident.  Speed of both boats also could be considered a factor in the ability of the operators to avoid each other but would not have been a problem if they had passed correctly.  Operator 1's boat sustained the most damage.  The estimate that he received to repair the boat was $28,718.11. He also had a four-rod holder located on the deck on the back-right side that was bent and broken in the accident.  Operator 2's boat had minimal damage, there was a chunk of the gel coat and paint a few inches long that was taken out of the chine on the left side of the boat, just forward of the driver console.  The investigating officer estimated that the damage would cost around $500 to repair.  He also lost a Loomis fishing rod/ and Lews reel combo in the collision that was worth $600 by his estimate and part of the boat''s trolling motor mount was broken as well. Total estimated cost to repair and replace the damages from the incident is $30,020.


BARDID: TN-2020-0032
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LEBANON
County: WILSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday May 10, 2020 at approximately 1805 hrs. Operator1 was operating his runabout boat pulling a tube with 3 individuals just inside the "No Wake Zone" at Laguardo Recreation Area and Boat Ramp in Wilson County, TN. Operator1 had let a friend of the family operate his PWC at the time of the incident. The operator of the PWC was Operator2. Operator2 was coming alongside the runabout from the opposite direction and intended to "spray" to individuals on the tube. 

Operator1 at the same time started turning, putting the tube right in Operator2''s path. This resulted in the PWC striking the tube that the victim was on top of. The two other riders on the tube saw the PWC coming and jumped off before it struck according to Victim interview, but she did not. The PWC struck the tube and her left leg which in turn threw her into the lake. Victim was transported to Sumner Regional Medical Center by EMS where she was treated and released with no apparent injuries. X-Ray results concluded there were no broken or fractured bones.

**Operator1 claimed to own both vessels involved in the accident but further investigation concluded that neither vessel was registered in his name through our REAL System. At this time the HIN is unknown. Also no registration numbers were provided by the Sheriff''s Deputy on scene during the time of the incident. Boat owner has become uncooperative and will not return phone calls**

**No pictures were taken of the accident or of the vessels involved due to officers not being on scene**


BARDID: TN-2020-0033
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:01:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: DUCK RIVER
NearestCityorTown: NORMANDY
County: BEDFORD
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
MS GARBISON AND HER PARENTS WERE KAYAKING THE DUCK RIVER IN BEDFORD COUNTY,TN ON MAY31,2020 AT APPROXIMATLY 2PM. HER KAYAK OVERTURNED WHILE TRYING TO NAVIGATE AROUND THE NORTH END OF CORTNER MILL DAM. HER AND HER KAYAK WERE SWEPT UNDER A DOWNED TREE WHERE SHE WAS SUBMERGED FOR ALMOST THREE HOURS. BEDFORD COUNTY FIRE AND TECH TEAM EXTRACTED HER FROM THE WATER AT APPROXIMATLY 5PM.


BARDID: TN-2020-0034
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday May 23, 2020 at approximately 6:45pm two PWCs collided in the Nina Creek area of Douglas Lake. Vessel 1, a 1995 8'' Kawasaki 750SS, was crossing in front of Vessel 2, a 1998 10'' Seadoo GTS. Vessel 1 took a direct impact on the right side. Operator1 turned his vessel left and then back right into the path of Operator2. There is a puncture hole in the fiberglass approximately 5 inches in length. Vessel 2 hit vessel 1 with the nose of the vessel. Vessel 2 has chipped fiberglass on both sides of the bow eye, which is also bent. Operator1 was taken to UT Medical Center where he was listed in critical but stable condition.


BARDID: TN-2020-0035
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BUFFALO RIVER
NearestCityorTown: WAYNESBORO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday May 25, 2020 Operator was floating the Buffalo River in a kayak.  This was her first time floating the river in a kayak.  She came around a bend in the river and her kayak struck a big stump causing her to flip her kayak.  

She panicked when she entered the water and stared screaming under water.  She was wearing a PFD.  The current then swept her into a root ball.  A male was able to get her out of the water.  At which time she passed out. She was flown to Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia ,TN. She was kept over night for observation and released on Tuesday afternoon.


BARDID: TN-2020-0036
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Fuel
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 30th, 2020 at around 10:00 am, Operator 1 was launching his 1988 Stratos boat at Devil''s Step Boat Ramp on Tims Ford Lake.  Before launching, Operator 1 had the cover for the engine compartment open for several minutes to vent it.  Operator 1 closed the engine compartment cover just prior to backing the boat into the water.  Once Operator 1's boat was backed into the water and everyone was on board, he attempted to start the boat. The engine turned over several times but would not start.  Operator 1 stopped trying to crank the motor and then tried again.  As soon as Operator 1 tried to start his boat the second time, his wife told him that there was black smoke coming out of the engine compartment.  

Operator 1 lifted the engine compartment cover and saw a lot of flames and black smoke.  Everyone then immediately exited the boat.  Operator 1 said that he did not use his fire extinguisher because he believed that the fire was already too big to put out with it.  After everyone was safely off the boat, another person at the ramp helped get the boat unhooked from the trailer so that Operator 1 could get his truck away from the fire.  The boat then drifted up against the wooden walkway of the boat dock next to the ramp and burned several of the posts.  The boat continued to burn down to the water line on its left side before it was put out.  The inside of the boat and everything in it was essentially destroyed by the fire.

When interviewed by Officer 1, Operator 1 said that his boat had not had any recent mechanical or electrical work done, had not had any mechanical, electrical, or fuel problems.  Operator 1 also said that he did not smell any fuel until the fire was already going and he opened the engine compartment cover.  

Operator 1 did say that his boat would normally start up immediately, so something was out of the ordinary in this case because the engine turned over several times without starting. Based on the information provided, investigating officers were unable to determine exactly what caused the fire.  Because the fire happened while Operator 1 was attempting to start the boat, and the fact that it was not starting as it normally would, it appears that there was a fault in one or more of boat systems, (electrical, fuel, mechanical), that caused the fire.

Officer''s estimate of total loss for the boat and contents is $10,000.  Estimate to replace 7 posts on the boat dock is $300.


BARDID: TN-2020-0037
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ANTIOCH
County: DAVIDSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Property Damage Boat Accident at Four Corners Marina.

On 05/31/20 at approximately 1030am, Operator 1 was reversing her 1999 Ebbtide open bow motorboat (TN 8203 CF) out of slip E-33 at Four Corners Marina. Upon clearing the slip, she placed the boat in neutral, then placed it into forward. At that time the boat went forward rapidly, and according to her the steering wheel would not turn. She immediately placed the boat into neutral but her boat had went forward and to the right and hit the propeller of an unoccupied 2019 Crownline E255 (TN 5934 RF) that was docked in slip E-35. 

After the vessels made contact, Operator 1's boat deflected off the propeller, hit the opposite side of the dock and floated back in front of her slip, where she was able to pull it back into her slip.

Operator 1 was able to find the owner of the Crownline and made him aware of the accident at approximately 11:45 on Sunday May 31, 2020.

Once I arrived on scene, I photographed both vessels and was able to confirm that the steering on the Ebbtide did seem to be malfunctioning and that the lower unit on the Crownline appeared to not be connected to the steering wheel anymore. The owner of the Crownline also said, aside from the visible damage to the prop, that something mechanical was wrong with the boat because it was making an abnormal sound and wouldn''t go into reverse.


BARDID: TN-2020-0038
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAFOLLETTE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Based on witness and victim statements vessel 1 was traveling down the water and pulling a tube when vessel 2 was traveling along side vessel 1 and turned to the left resulting in a head on collision of the 2 vessels. 

February 19,2021 update:
A juvenile court petition and order was issued to V2 Operator for a charge of reckless operation with a court date of October 2020 at 1PM. The case would be rescheduled to January, 2021 at 9AM. A guilty plea was entered for Reckless operation for V2 Operator on January, 2021. The recommended sentence is 6 months unsupervised probation, complete the Tennessee boating safety course and provide proof upon completion. A review date is set for April, 2021 to determine what, if any restitution still owed, compliance with the other conditions.

A 3D scan of both vessels along with a complete case file is available upon request by contacting the TWRA Boating Division at (615) 781-6684.


BARDID: TN-2020-0039
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CENTER HILL LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SMITHVILLE
County: DEKALB
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 31, 2020, the party were in around Edgar Evins boat ramp pulling a tube.  Victim 1 was on the tube around 16:30 when she fell off the tube. She did not notice any immediate injuries, but approximately 10 minutes later she complained of a headache.  Minutes later she was unconscious.  The operator, Operator 1, took her to Edgar Evins and called for help.  State Park Rangers arrived to assist.  Victim 1 was airlighted to Vanderbilt University Hospital.  She had substantial swelling of the brain, to the degree they performed surgery to remove a portion of the skull to relieve pressure.  She stayed a few days in the hospital until injuries healed.  TWRA was not notified until hours later of the incident.  All parties were already away from the scene when the agency was aware of the events.  I made contact with parties involved and to family of Victim 1.


BARDID: TN-2020-0040
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CENTER HILL LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SMITHVILLE
County: DEKALB
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday, June 1st 2020 at approximately 16:15, Operator 1 (Vessel 1) and Operator 2(Vessel 2) were involved in a personal water craft accident. The accident occurred in the main channel of Center Hill Lake, just east of Sligo Marina. According the statements from both individuals, they were coming down stream to return to Sligo Marina. Operator 1 was on the left of Operator 2. 

Operator 1 slowed her speed and Operator 2 turned his PWC to the left, causing his vessel to strike the right side of Operator 1's PWC. 

During the collision, the starboard underside of vessel 2 cut a large laceration of Operator 1's right thigh. 

Operator 2 assisted her by contacting 911 and getting Operator 1 to the walkway of Sligo Marina. From there, EMS arrived and treated Operator 1. A helicopter was brought to transport her to Skyline Medical. Operator 1 suffered a non-life threating injury. She received multiple stiches and was discharged from the hospital the same night of the incident.


BARDID: TN-2020-0041
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: NEW TAZEWELL
County: CLAIBORNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday June 1, 2020 at approximately 4:30pm operator1 operating a rented 30'' pontoon boat with 8 members of his family on board was approaching Cedar Grove Marina from upstream traveling downstream along the west bank  of the river. 

At the same time Operator2 was operating a skiboat with 4 of his teenage grandkids on board.  Operator2 was coming out of the marina turning to the left and heading upstream. 

Operator1 noticed v2 coming out of the marina and heading straight toward his pontoon boat from about 100yds away. 

Operator1 was on plane and cruising, he thought he could see well enough but, was noticing his grandkids seated in front of him had grown significantly from the year before and were sitting much higher inhibiting his line of sight. 

As Operator1 saw the ski boat(V2)  approaching at a high rate of speed, he didn’t''t know which way was best to turn.  Immediately prior to the collision Operator1 turned sharply to the right, at the same time Operator2’s grandkids yelled loudly and Operator2 spotted the pontoon and  turned sharply to the right.  

The skiboat(V2) struck the pontoon(V1) on the starboard side bow and ramped to the port side of the vessel where it took out pipe railing as it exited the deck about 8'' from the bow of the vessel.


BARDID: TN-2020-0042
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ROGERSVILLE
County: HAWKINS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 28, 2020, at approximately 23:30 Operator 1 was operating a 1991 16''5” Chaparral down river from John Sevier Dam. Operator 1 stated he went through the first set of pylons, of an old bridge, that has a cable running across it just above the water. Operator 1 stated he knew it was there and intended to go through a different set of pylons. He realized he had made the mistake, but there was nothing he could do. He stated that his vessel rode up the cable which caused his vessel to flip backwards and capsize. He was wearing a life jacket and able to get out from under the vessel and make it to shore.


BARDID: TN-2020-0043
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TELLICO LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LENOIR CITY
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On the morning of May 30, 2020 I was contacted by Loudon County E-911 about a boat fire on Tellico Lake in the area of Wind River Marina.  I was advised that all persons were accounted for but a boat was fully engulfed.  Myself and Lt. responded in our patrol vessel and found the fire to be in the Bakers Hollow cove of Tellico Lake at about the Little Tennessee River Mile 1.  As we entered the cove we discovered that there were two vessels involved and Loudon County Marine 1 and the Tellico Village FD were battling the blazes.  We were advised that the occupants were onboard other vessels and were enroute to Ft. Loudoun Marina.  We advised the other vessels to meet us at the gas dock so that we could gather the necessary info.

When we got to the dock we interviewed the owner of vessel # 1.  He stated that he had fallen asleep watching TV and awoke to smoke and fire in the galley of his vessel.  Operator received burns to his feet and arm/shoulder while fighting the blaze and attempting to save his dog.  The fire spread to another vessel that was anchored beside him.  Vessel #1 was at the left end of a raft of 5 vessels.

Vessel #2 was a 35'' Regal occupied.  There were some discrepancies from them as to where the fire originated on Operator''s vessel.  They believed that it came from the grill of his vessel.  Both vessels burned nearly to the water but all occupants with the exception of dog were secured by the other vessels that had been part of the raft.  The occupants of the three other vessels that were affiliated with the incident are documented on page 6 of this report.


BARDID: TN-2020-0044
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT. LOUDOUN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: KNOXVILLE
County: KNOX
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 2, 2020 I was dispatched to North Shore Drive area of Knoxville about an incident that occurred the previous evening on Ft. Loudoun Lake.  The complainant alleged that a Mastercraft had driven past his dock and waked his boat so badly that it ripped a cleat out of his dock and caused some cosmetic damage to his vessel when it hit the dock from the wake.  He claimed that he got into his boat and followed the Mastercraft back into the cove where he confronted the individual.  He claimed that the operator of the Mastercraft told him that it wasn''t a no wake zone and advised him that they should get a boat lift like them.  

The complainant was able to determine what he believed to be the address to the home location of the mastercraft.  I responded to that address which is in the same cove as where the complainant resides and made contact with Operator 1, the owner of a 22" Mastercraft.  Operator 1 advised me that he had driven past the dock the night before while pulling a tube and taking his kids wakeboarding.  He also stated that several other vessels had also been operating in the area and that the boat in question had been tied to the dock for a while.

I documented the damage to the complainant''s boat and advised both parties that I would be completing an accident report and that I would advise them on how to get a copy.


BARDID: TN-2020-0045
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SOUTH HOLSTON LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BRISTOL
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday June 7,2020 I was informed by Operator 2 that two of his vessels a PWC and pontoon boat had been involved in an accident with no injuries the night before. On Monday June 8th, 2020 I met with the operators Operator 2 and Operator 1 at Sportsman''s Marina to take photographs of the vessels. 

Operator 2 stated he was operating the pontoon boat and Operator 1 was operating the PWC. Operator 2 stated they were leaving the cove headed back to the Marina when he lost sight of Operator 1. Operator 2 stated he saw Operator 1 on the PWC just before he impacted the starboard side of the pontoon. 

Operator 1 stated he was making loops on the PWC while waiting for the pontoon boat to head back to the Marina. Operator 1 stated that he lost sight of the pontoon during his second loop. Operator 1 stated he realized he was headed towards the pontoon boat as he let off the throttle, but was unable to maneuver away due to a wave pushing him towards the pontoon. Operator 1 stated that he jumped off the PWC as it struck the pontoon. Both individuals stated they were able to operate their vessels back to the marina.


BARDID: TN-2020-0046
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ANTIOCH
County: DAVIDSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 30, 2020 at approximately 13:55 I was patrolling Percy Priest Lake in the vicinity of the Party Cove Area.  I noticed occupants of a pontoon boat off in the distance frantically waving toward my direction trying to get my attention.  I initiated my blue lights and began to maneuver through the anchored boats in Party Cove.

Myself, Ofc. 2, Ofc. 3, and Sgt. 1 arrived on scene at approximately 13:57.  We were told by bystanders that a female passenger had fallen in the boat and was in need of emergency assistance. I then noticed a female passenger, later identified as Victim 1, laying on one of the pontoon boats seat in noticeable extreme pain.  She was complaining about the pain coming from her rib cage on her left side.  We evaluated her condition and notified dispatch to have EMS meet us at the nearest boat ramp, which was the Hamilton Creek Recreation Area ramp.

We then placed a lifejacket on Victim 1 and carefully moved her from the pontoon boat to our vessel for transportation.  During the transport, Victim 1's pain intensified and she began to have trouble breathing.  We notified dispatch of her condition and asked for an arrival time of EMS.  

EMS arrived on scene at approximately 14:18. They stabilized her and prepared her for transport to Vanderbilt Hospital.  EMS left the scene with the patient at approximately 14:28.

*Radio log and CAD log are included in the case file.


BARDID: TN-2020-0047
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAFOLLETTE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Based on witness statement operator was pulling two people on individual tubes in the Cedar Creek area of Norris Lake in Campbell County Tennessee. They were near the Cedar Creek bridge when the boat was turning and both were thrown from the tubes and entered the water. One subject become injured from the impact with the water.


BARDID: TN-2020-0048
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ANDERSONVILLE
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel One cruising. Vessel Two pulling tube with one occupant. Vessel Two executes turn to right.  Vessel Two completes approximately 270 degree turn to right which places them into the path of Vessel One.  Impact occurs with front of Vessel One striking left side of Vessel Two.  Parties exchange information and depart for their respective dock(s) where they contact law enforcement.


BARDID: TN-2020-0049
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:08:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HARRISON
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 20th, 2020, I was contacted about a boat accident with injuries on Chickamauga Lake. The injured subject was taken to Island Cove Marina and transported to Earlanger East Hospital. I arrived at Island Cove Marina and gathered information about the boat operator and injured occupant from a Hamilton County officer. I called the owner and operator and met him at the hospital. He explained that they were cruising on the lake when they hit a huge swell and the occupant fell and injured her back. She sustained a broken back and was admitted to the Sisken Hospital.


BARDID: TN-2020-0050
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CENTER HILL LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SMITHVILLE
County: DEKALB
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, June 21, 2020 on Center Hill Lake in Dekalb County, Tennessee at approx. 0945 hrs, Subject’s wakeboard boat (V1), was being towed upstream by Operator2''s houseboat (V2). Additionally, there were two other houseboats ( one on either side ) tied to Operator2''s houseboat. One of the other houseboats also was towing a pontoon boat behind it. This group of vessels had travelled under Hurricane Bridge and was approx. ½ mile upstream of the bridge.

 Statements given by Operator2 and Operator2''s son stated that everyone onboard their houseboat (V2) was inside the houseboat, with the exception of Operator2, who was operating V2 from the upper-deck helm. The statement from Operator2''s perspective was that a large cabin cruiser (V3) passed from their stern and along their port side, at a relatively slow speed.  He stated that he looked back and saw the swim platform of V1 up in the air as the wake from V3 was passing underneath the houseboat.  He stated that he immediately brought V2 to a stop and ran to the back of his houseboat to find the wake board boat V1 and flipped upside down and capsized.

Officer located (owner/operator of V3) and set up a meeting to obtain a statement from him on 06/24/2020.

Operator3 stated from his perspective that on 06/21/2020 at approximately 1000 hrs, he was operating his cruiser (V3) and was approached from the stern by a black/white PWC with “a very irate young man yelling and screaming obscenities, and passing the cruiser at high speed.”  Operator3 stated that “after passing several times, we finally understood what he was screaming.  He accused us of sinking his ski boat”

Operator3 stated that prior to this, they had passed three houseboats tied together and towing three or four boats.  Operator3 stated that because a pontoon boat was passing on the starboard side of houseboats, he slowed to a slow speed and passed on the port side.  He also stated that, as they passed, they waved to three individuals on the bridge of the houseboat tied on the left, and they waved backed.  Operator3 stated that, after passing beyond the houseboats he sped back up.


BARDID: TN-2020-0051
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator 1 was operating his deck boat on tim''s ford res. On sunday 06/14/2020 near the northwest side of mansford bridge at tim''s ford state park when he encountered a thunderstorm that he decided to put his boat bow aground and secure it to a tree on bank with a bowline because he had multiple passengers including children and one handicap adult. 

At or about 14:10 the wind made waves and rain began to fill vessel faster than the bilge pump could offload water and the vessel''s transom got lower in the water as an access door in the transom was flooded through with water from the lakes waves worsening the vessels condition until it was full of water and sunken to the bottom at shore with the rails and seating above the waterline. 

All passengers were removed safely to the tim''s ford marina courtesy ramp via twra patrol boats and tn state park rangers via their patrol vehicles. The franklin co., tn rescue squad pumped the water from the hull of the vessel and it was able to be towed back to tim''s ford marina with operator 1 on board and was loaded on its trailer to look for damages. The stereo system (including amp and speakers) was wet, the gas tank took on water, the motor was partially submerge, and a piece of the front left bumper rail was torn loose. Operator 1 estimated damages at $2800.00.


BARDID: TN-2020-0052
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday, June 16th, 2020 at around 11:45am, there was a collision involving 2 rental boats at Twin Creeks Marina on Tims Ford Lake.  One of the boats,(vessel 2), was docked at the courtesy dock at the marina.  Operator 1 had rented the pontoon boat from Twin Creeks Marina and was just leaving the dock when the collision occurred.  He had backed up out of the slip and shifted into forward gear to turn away from the dock.  When he put the boat into forward gear, it went forward quickly and struck vessel 2 that was docked in the next slip. 

 Operator 1 stated that he was surprised when the boat took off so quickly without warning.  He told the investigating officer and marina manager that he believed that there may have been something wrong with the throttle that caused the boat to leap forward when he shifted it into forward gear.  

The investigating officer tested the throttle of the boat with the Marina Manager and Operator 1 present and did not notice any issues with it, the throttle seemed to be functioning normally. Although he has boating experience, this was his first time operating this boat and his inexperience with the controls on this boat is considered the likely cause of the collision by the investigating officer.  

The front of the right pontoon of the boat that he was operating was dented in the collision and the hook on the front of the pontoon was bent, causing a small crack in the pontoon.  The boat that was tied to the dock had its propeller damaged, the steering arm was bent from straight to around a 90-degree angle, a couple of parts of the cover of the motor/cowling were damaged.  The estimate to fix the boat that was parked at the dock was around $3500.  The investigating officer estimated that it would cost around $750 to fix the pontoon on the boat that Operator 1 was operating.  Total cost to repair all damage is estimated at $4250.


BARDID: TN-2020-0053
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ESTILL SPRINGS
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/13/2020 at or about 11:30 am a pontoon boat rented from twin creeks marina and resort llc by operator 1 was attempting to go under the rockcreek bridge on tims ford res. When the upper aluminum deck of said vessel struck the steel i-beam of said bridge''s underside going downstream as a wake struck the pontoon boat while it was going under said bridge causing at least $2500.00 damage to the pontoons upper deck according to twin creeks marina llc the rental company. The vessel was in a no wake zone when this occurred, but the water level was higher than average on this date. The passenger on the boat and the operator were uninjured.


BARDID: TN-2020-0054
State: TN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/13/2020 at around 10:15am, a collision occurred between 2 Sea-Doos on Tims Ford Lake, in Franklin County, TN.  Operator1 was operating a Sea-Doo that is owned by his father, (Vessel 1, TN-9663-DC), V1 subject was the passenger on Operator1''s Sea-Doo.  Operator2 was operating a Sea-Doo owned by his father, (Vessel 2, TN-9001-EE), subject  was the passenger on Operator2'' Sea-Doo.  Operator1 and Operator2 were operating their Sea-Doos in the main river channel just upstream, around the bend from Lee''s Ford Bridge; near the end of Wilkerson, Ln in Winchester, TN.  The Sea-Doos were operating ahead of the other boats in their party, travelling upriver and stopping occasionally to play. As the two Sea-Doos were headed upriver, Operator2 got out ahead of Operator1.  Operator2 turned around and headed back towards Operator1, as they got closer, both operators turned to the same direction and the two Sea-Doos collided, throwing both operators and their passengers into the water.  Operator2 suffered a concussion when his head impacted one of the vessels during the collision.  A vertebra in Operator1''s back was fractured in the collision as well.  The passengers on both Sea-Doos were uninjured.  Both operators were transported by helicopter to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, where they were treated for their injuries and released.

 Operator1''s Sea-Doo appeared to have been struck from on the back end and on the bottom of the boat.  Operator1 had turned his Sea-Doo hard to avoid collision and said that his Sea-Doo was tilted hard away from Operator2'' Sea-Doo which exposed the bottom of the boat when the collision happened.  Operator1''s Sea-Doo had some broken and bent bolts, some bent metal, and the grate at the water intake was torn off.  Estimate to fix the damage to Operator1''s Sea-Doo was around $100.  Operator2'' Sea-Doo had significant damage, a large area of the fiberglass around the back-left corner, from around the middle of the boat to the stern and from the deck to well below the rub rail, was busted through the hull and it sank once it was parked at the dock.  The engine on Operator2'' Sea-Doo was likely damaged, as it was leaking oil into the engine compartment.  Operator2'' Sea-Doo was totaled, estimated value is around $7500.  There are pictures and videos in the case file that show details of the damage to both vessels.  Investigating officers believe that the main causes of the incident were Reckless or Negligent Operation/Inland Navigation Rule violations of both operators.  Both operators drove towards the other boat and did not take early action to avoid the collision, both were believed to have been operating at an unsafe speed for as close as they were to the other boat, and when the operators did turn to avoid collision, Operator1 turned in the wrong direction for a head-on situation.


BARDID: TN-2020-0056
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: MT JULIET
County: WILSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
ATTACHED BELOW IS A SYNOPSIS OF THE ACCIDENT BASED ON THE INFORMATION GIVEN IN THE STATEMENTS:  

VESSEL 1 AND VESSEL 2 DEPARTED FROM TWO FOOT COVE, OLD HICKORY LAKE TRAVELLING ALONGSIDE EACH OTHER. 

VESSEL 1 INCREASED SPEED, PASSING VESSEL 2. AFTER PASSING VESSEL 2, VESSEL 1 MADE A SHARP RIGHT TURN AHEAD OF VESSEL 2, BRINGING THEIR VESSEL TO A STOP AND PLACING IT NEARLY PERPENDICULAR TO THE APPROACHING VESSEL 2. 

VESSEL 1 STRUCK THE STARBOARD SIDE OF VESSEL 2, MAKING CONTACT WITH THE PASSENGER CAUSING BOTH INDIVIDUALS TO BE THROWN OVERBOARD. 

Victim WAS THEN TRANSPORTED TO STARK KNOB ACCESS AREA IN SUMNER COUNTY, TN AFTER A 911 CALL WAS MADE. Victim  ARRIVED TO THE ACCESS AREA AND WAS PLACED IN AN AMBULANCE AT APRROXIMATELY 17:35. Victim  WAS TRANSPORTED TO SKYLINE MEDICAL CENTER FOR TREATMENT TO HER INJURIES.


BARDID: TN-2020-0057
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SMYRNA
County: RUTHERFORD
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/13/20 Operator 1 was out on his vessel with three other of his friends. The vessel was launched from Fall Creek Boat Ramp. While they were traveling around the lake, Operator 1 gave the motor throttled and heard a loud pop. 

When they looked around to see what had happened they noticed the transom of the vessel had broken. It was at this time the vessel starting taking on water. They were able to use the trolling motor to guide the boat to the nearest shore. They pulled the boat up and secured it to some trees on land. Around 1230 p.m. 911 was notified. There were no injuries reported. Sgt. and I arrived on scene around 1315. We loaded up two of the occupants and their belongings onto our boat, and transported them back to Fall Creek Boat Ramp. The other two occupants were transported by Rutherford County Rescue on their vessel. All occupants made it back to the boat ramp with no other issues.


BARDID: TN-2020-0058
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:36:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT. LOUDOUN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: KNOXVILLE
County: KNOX
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel one was traveling upstream after filling boat with fuel at Volunteer Landing Marina.  As Vessel one traveled upstream, the operator observed smoke coming from around the inboard engine''s cowling.  Flames soon engulfed Vessel one as the operator and his passenger donned PFDs and swam to shore.  Knoxville Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire.  Fire department members placed absorbent booms around the dock at South Knox Bridge to capture any spilled fuel.
The burnt wreckage was removed from the scene by Chestnut Street Towing and provided to the owner for his disposal.


BARDID: TN-2020-0059
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HENDERSONVILLE
County: SUMNER
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/1/2020 on Old Hickory Lake at approximately 21:00, Operator 1 was operating his vessel traveling downstream near RM 235 when he struck an unknown object.


BARDID: TN-2020-0060
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT. LOUDOUN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LENOIR CITY
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1 was headed downstream on Ft. Loudoun Lake on the right side descending side of the river at approximately the Tennessee River Mile 603.  By the operator statement he was traveling about 35 mph.  Vessel #2 had left Calhouns at Ft. Loudon Marina and rounded Arrival Point and was headed upstream.  Shortly thereafter, there was a collision between the two vessels.  Vessel #1 impacted Vessel #2 near the stern on the port side.  Vessel #1 passed mostly through and over Vessel #2 coming to rest with only the lower unit of #1 hanging up on the starbord side of the transom of #2.  The passenger in Vessel #1 was the only injury.

Both parties claimed to have been running their navigation lights which was backed up by an independent witness.  When I arrived on scene which was minutes after the accident, someone from one of the two vessels proclaimed, "We had our lights on."  The navigation lights of both vessels were on upon my arrival.  Filaments of both navigation lights were examined but neither showed any noticeable deformation.  The operator of Vessel #1 did state that he believed Vessel #2 was running dark.  An independent witness stated that he believed that the back lighting from the dam may have obscured Vessel #2 which is a common occurrence in boating accidents.  Through my experience in investigating boating accidents and as well as my local knowledge, I would agree that it possibly contributed to the incident.

A forensic analysis was also completed on the electronics of Vessel #1, but no information was discovered pertaining to the location as well as the night in question.

Both operators were asked if they had been drinking or had used narcotics.  The operator of Vessel #1 claimed no to both and there was no evidence to indicate otherwise.  The operator of Vessel #2 claimed he had drank a few beers earlier in the day and there was a pill bottle with what appeared to be small amounts of marijuana and the roach of a marijuana cigarette.  There were no other indications of impairment other than one independent witness stating that  the occupants of Vessel #2 appeared intoxicated, especially the male driver.  I read an Alcohol And/Or Drug Level Request form to operator 2 (Vessel #2) and he declined to supply a blood sample.  He did submit to a FST in which he performed adequately.


BARDID: TN-2020-0061
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OCOEE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: DUCKTOWN
County: POLK
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
I, Ranger, was at the Caney Creek Commercial take-out on the Ocoee River on 06-08-2020. At 14:55 a subject informed me that a person in her group had suffered an injury. SUBJECT told me that the injured party was off the river and in route to Caney to pick up his boat. VICTIM was driven to Caney Creek by another person. VICTIM said he had flipped his kayak at the rapid called Table Saw. VICTIM stated that when he was under water a rock hit him in the head and believed he was unconscious for less than one minute. VICTIM had a contusion on his right eyebrow. VICTIM also was complaining of stiff neck. VICTIM stated he was getting a ride to Tinnova hospital in Cleveland TN to get checked out. VICTIM was treated and released the same day.


BARDID: TN-2020-0062
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: PICKWICK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: COUNCE
County: HARDIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to operators and occupants, on Saturday, June 6, 2020, Operator 1 was operating a personal watercraft (Vessel 1) in the Dry Creek area of Pickwick Lake in Hardin County, TN.  Occupant 1 was a passenger of vessel 1. Operator 1 was towing a tube that Occupant 2 and Occupant 3 were riding.  

Operator 2 was also operating a personal watercraft (Vessel 2) in the Dry Creek area of Pickwick Lake in Hardin County, TN.  Occupant 4 was a passenger of vessel 2.

Vessel 1 and Vessel 2 were being operated in the same general area.  At some point around 1630 hours, the tube being towed by vessel 1 made impact with bow area of vessel 2.  

Occupant 2 and Occupant 3 were thrown off the tube into the water.  Operator 2 and Occupant 4 stopped vessel 2 and checked on them.  Both individuals claimed they would be fine.  Operator 1 and Occupant 1 put Occupant 2 and Occupant 3 on vessel 1 and took them back to Operator 1's parents, also in the Dry Creek area.  Operator 2 and Occupant 4 followed vessel 1 back to Operator 1's parents.  The adults in the group told Operator 2 and Occupant 4 they were fine to leave.  

Statements were taken from the parties involved.  Operators and occupants of Vessel 1 claim that vessel 2 struck the tube resulting in the ejection of the two individuals on the tube.  Operators and occupant of vessel 2 claim that vessel 1 made a left turn and “slung” the tube into the front of vessel 2. 

It is to be noted that the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency was not notified of the incident until midday, Sunday, June 7, 2020.


BARDID: TN-2020-0063
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:57:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DOVER
County: STEWART
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7 June 2020 I was contacted by TWRA Region 1 Dispatch about a boating incident involving a rental pontoon boat from Paris Landing Pontoon Rentals at Fat Daddy''s in Standing Rock Creek. The Stewart County Sheriff''s Office recieved a call from a witness at the marina who observed the pontoon boat operated by Operator 1 of McKenzie, TN attempting to undock striking two boats and the dock and then leaving the area. a Stewart County Deputy responded to Fat Daddy''s and spoke with a witness and boat owner. The boat owner stated there was very little damage to his vessel and did not want a report taken.The deputy went back in service with no report taken. No vessel owners that may have been struck was able to be interviewed by TWRA officers. I then called Paris Landing Pontoon Rentals and spoke with Individual 1 who said she was aware of the incident and that she had already removed the pontoon boat from the water and that the renters of the boat had already left. She gave me the information she had for the operator which was Operator 1. I called Operator 1 and he stated he was on the way back to McKenzie but admitted that he could have hit something while leaving Fat Daddy''s but thought it was only the dock. He stated that while attempting to back out of the slip and leave his back left corner of the pontoon hit the dock as he was going forward. The damage was consistent with his statement which included an approximate 31" puncture completely through the pontoon log on the port side of the vessel near the stern. There were also 2 long scratches on the same pontoon log on the port side near the stern. Operator 1 stated that the pontoon log began filling up with water and so he returned the vessel to Breakers Marina. He stated he gave all his information to Individual 1 in case anyone needed him.I advised Officer 1 of the incident and where Operator 1 lived. Officer 1 responded to Operator 1's residence and interviewed him about the incident. Operator 1 also stated that he had 2 Coors Lights and some water while at Fat Daddy''s.
I met with Officer 2 who had already arrived at Breakers Marina to inspect the pontoon boat involved in the incident. Officer 2 took pictures of the damage to the vessel. Individual 1 with Paris Landing Pontoon Rentals also met with us to show us what damage was from the incident and what damage was already present prior to renting the vessel. I informed Individual 1 that we would be doing a report on the incident and that(owner of Paris Landing Pontoon Rentals) could contact us if he needed any information.


BARDID: TN-2020-0064
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DOVER
County: STEWART
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 13, 2020 at or about 16:30,(Vessel 1) was operating a personal watercraft (PWC) on Kentucky Lake south of Hughes Bay near the end of Land Between the Lakes road 392 (Hendon Cemetery) in Stewart County, TN. Vessel 2 was being operated by Operator 2. Both vessels were jumping wakes when the starboard side of the bow of Vessel 1 impacted the port side of Vessel 2. All occupants (2 from Vessel 1 and 1 from Vessel 2) were thrown off of the PWCs. Vessel 1 began flooding after the collision and was pulled to the bank to prevent sinking.


BARDID: TN-2020-0065
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BUCHANAN
County: HENRY
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Congested waters
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 13, 2020 at or about 17:45, (Vessel 1) had passed a pontoon boat (Vessel 2) on his port side near the mouth of Cypress Bay on Kentucky Lake in Henry County, TN. Vessel 2 was being operated by Operator 2. The engine on Vessel 1 shut off unexpectedly, causing it to come to a sudden stop. Operator 2 (operator of Vessel 2), attempted to stop by putting his engine in reverse, but the starboard side of the bow of Vessel 2 impacted Vessel 1 on the port side of the stern.  Damage to Vessel 1 is estimated at $7700.00. Damage to Vessel 2 is estimated at $10,818.24.


BARDID: TN-2020-0066
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On the above date and time, the operator rented a pontoon boat (V1) from the Holiday Marina for the day. The operator and 8 other family members left Holiday Marina and proceeded down stream under Awalt bridge toward open water of the lake to enjoy the day. The operator stated, between 1400 and 1530 hrs they felt like there was a storm coming, so they headed back to Holiday Marina. A violent rain storm hit the area of the lake where they were located, so much that the operator had to move the boat to the bank because she could not see anything to drive. The storm began to slow down as she was close to Holiday Marina and as she was pulling in, the sun came back out and the storm ceased.  At approximately 1530 - 1600hrs,  the operator headed back out to the main channel of the lake towards Awalt bridge.  As V1 approached Awalt bridge, the operator went to the far right side of Awalt bridge to attempt to go back out to the main channel. As the operator started under Awalt bridge, she underestimated the distance between the upper deck of V1 and the bridge structure above striking Awalt bridge structure and causing severe damage to the upper deck of V1. The operator immediately returned back to Holiday Marina and spoke regarding the damage to V1.  An employee of Holiday Marina called in to TWRA to report the accident. The operator did not realize that the right side of Awalt bridge was lower than any other part of the bridge.


BARDID: TN-2020-0067
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CARYVILLE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: Person struck by tree
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Natural phenomena
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 3, 2020, at about 5:00 in the afternoon operator was driving his pontoon boat on Norris Lake around Vasper Hollow Access Area. He was pulling his son and daughter on a tube while his wife served as a lookout from their pontoon. Wife heard a loud pop and saw a large tree starting to fall toward the pontoon, at that point she ran toward the back of the pontoon. The tree struck on the front right corner of the pontoon. Wife was struck in the back by limbs and knocked to the floor of the pontoon. Wife''s injuries did not appear to be serious in nature. 

 The weather was clear and calm, the tree was dead and fell on its own.

Two TWRA officers responded by boat and two by truck. The boating officers assisted the family and started an investigation by gathering evidence and pictures.  The tree was removed from the pontoon with the help of a couple volunteers who brought a chainsaw. The pontoon was driven to nearby Twin Cove Marina, loaded on a boat trailer and taken to the house.


BARDID: TN-2020-0069
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TELLICO LAKE
NearestCityorTown: VONORE
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 5, 2020 I met with Victim 1 at Tellico Marina on C Dock where she keeps her 2017 Suntracker pontoon boat in a slip. Victim 1 explained to me that she had been out on her boat on July 3, 2020 and had the boat back in the slip by 2000 (8:00 p.m.)  that night. She said that when she returned the next day, July 4, 2020,  a yellow double decker pontoon boat with a blonde haired woman in it, told her that someone had hit her boat the night before. Victim 1 said the people in the pontoon boat did not give her any other information. I spoke with the dock owner and Sgt spoke with the harbor master, neither of them witnessed the boat being hit. Video footage was also reviewed and a pontoon boat was seen near Victim 1's boat the night the incident was said to have happened, but the boat was unidentifiable and did not provide conclusive evidence that it struck Victim 1's boat. The damage on her boat was on the lower unit of her 90 HP Mercury outboard motor. The damage was done to the skeg and the propeller. The skeg appeared to have about 1/2 inch of the very bottom tip knocked off and one of the blades on the propeller was scratched.


BARDID: TN-2020-0070
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HARRIMAN
County: ROANE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: Live well
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 8 July 2020, Operator 1 and his friend was fishing on Watts Bar Lake at Caney Creek when they noticed their boat taking on water. Operator 1 turned on the bilge pump but water was still coming in. He headed in by using the trolling motor but was unable to reach the bank before the boat sank, and they had to swim to the bank which was about 15 feet and the water was less than 8 feet deep. A passing boat came by and gave them a ride back to the boat ramp, and it is here where he called the TWRA main office in Crossville to report the incident. I officer  received the call about 11:30 and arrived on scene approximately 11:50. This all occurred on Watts Bar Lake in Roane County.


BARDID: TN-2020-0071
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CENTER HILL LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SMITHVILLE
County: DEKALB
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 9, 2020, Operator 1 took out one of Subject 1's pontoon boats out for the day.  He is an employee there and gets to use the rental vessels during the week if available.  He let an friend Operator 2 drive the vessel going up the lake.  As they traveled up the lake, they started searching for Operator 2's cell phone.  Operator 2 was innatentive while operating and run the boat aground on a rocky bank.  The vessel struck a tree on the bank and the impact casued the tree to fall on the boat.  Operator 2 has 10-15 hours of operating experience with no education courses completed.    

On impact, Operator 2 impacted the steering column and had small cut on his right knee.  Operator 1's head impacted something in the vessel causing a laceration to the back of his head.  He also was unconscience after impact.  Operator 2 started chest compressions on Operator 1.  Operator 1 regained conscienceness after about one minute.  He was moving and sitting upon my arrival, but not talking or communicating.  EMS transported him to the Indian Creek Access Area.  They decided to airlift him to Skyline Hospital in Nashvillie, Tn.  He was treated for a concussion and the laceration was closed with staples.  He was released the same day.


BARDID: TN-2020-0072
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: HIWASSEE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: GEORGETOWN
County: MEIGS
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/07/2020 Operator was operating his 2014 Moomba Wakeboard boat upstream on the Hiwassee River. There were 4 passengers, 5 total persons on board the vessel. 

Operator was attempting to operate his vessel back to cover during a rainstorm.  The occupants of the vessel were all covering their heads with towels trying to avoid being struck by heavy rain. Just before reaching gunstocker creek, Operator indicates he struck an object in the water that caused his vessel to turn and strike the riverbank. 

this is when subject struck her head, resulting in her injury. 

Operator backed the boat off the riverbank, checked damage, and continued upstream.  Operator indicated he made no phone calls to report the injuries or damage. Operator indicated that he had to operate the boat slowly upstream, to BandB Marina due to the damage. Upon arriving at the marina, the boat was loaded onto the trailer and parked in the parking lot. All parties involved left the marina. Victim waited until the next morning to seek medical treatment for her injury. She received 5 stitches above her right eye.


BARDID: TN-2020-0073
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HIXSON
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 8th 2020 at approximately 2024 I Wildlife Officer 1 along with Wildlife Officer 2 responded to a call of a two Jet Ski collision with possible injuries at the Chester Frost Boat Ramp. Upon arriving Emergency Medical Services were already tending to an injured party. 

I was advised by on scene Sheriff''s Deputies that the two vessels had collided out about 150 yards from the boat ramp and had directed me to the drivers of each of the vessels. I spoke with a Victim 1 who was an operator of an older model Bombardi Personal Water Craft (PWC) who stated that him and his friend, Victim 2 were riding around in Dallas Bay on Chickamauga Lake when they had lost momentary sight of one another and then collided with one another. 

Victim 2 was in operation of a newer model Sea Doo PWC at the time of the incident. A witness to the incident stated that the two parties were, “doing tricks” when the Victim 2 party slowed his vessel while the Victim 1 party began to do another “trick” and that is when the two vessel collided. The Victim 2 party was treated by on scene medical staff and denied further treatment at a hospital. The incident occurred in Hamilton County Tennessee.


BARDID: TN-2020-0074
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SPRING CITY
County: RHEA
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 11th, 2020 I was patrolling Watts Bar Lake in Rhea Co. when I was notified by the Rhea County Medical Center ER that a Victim 1 had checked into the emergency room with a laceration to his ankle. Victim 1 told the emergency room that he had sustained his injury while riding on a jet ski on watts bar lake. I asked Officer with the TWRA to respond to the emergency room to contact Victim 1. Victim 1 stated that the jet ski he was riding on hit the front of a boat and that he went into the water. Officer informed me that the vessel and other parties involved with Victim 1's accident were located at New Lake Rd in Spring City. 
I responded to New lake Rd. where I contacted the owner of the vessel who identified himself as Operator 1. Operator 1 stated that him and some friends had been on the water riding jet skis and a pontoon boat. According to a statement given by Victim 1 he was operating one of the jet skis and went ahead of the pontoon boat and stopped to watch another jet ski. When Victim 1 looked behind him, he saw the pontoon boat coming which was to close for him to react and move out of the way. The pontoon boat struck Victim 1 and the jet ski causing a laceration to Victim 1's leg. Victim 1 and the jet ski went underneath the pontoon boat. When asked how close the jet ski cut Infront of the pontoon boat Operator 1 stated that it was about 5 feet. 
According to statements from the witnesses and passengers on the pontoon vessel the jet ski was stuck underneath the pontoon vessel. Once the jet ski was removed all parties proceeded to the dock at New Lake Rd. where they could take Victim 1 to the hospital to receive care for his leg.


BARDID: TN-2020-0075
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GALLATIN
County: SUMNER
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Jet ski was cruising down Old Hickory Lake, when she passed a houseboat going the other direction. The jet ski tried to slow down to avoid the big wake from the houseboat but could not. The operator was able to hang on through the first wave but the second wave impact caused her to hit her head on the handlebars and was then ejected.


BARDID: TN-2020-0076
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:07:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: MT JULIET
County: WILSON
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 20, 2020 at approximately 1808 hours, I received notification from our Region 2 dispatch of a missing person that was ejected from a PWC on Old Hickory Lake.   I responded and arrived to the scene at the FOP Camp boat ramp on Old Hickory Lake near mile marker 226 to begin my investigation.    
 
Upon talking with the Officers that were first on scene, I gathered statements from them, as well as statements from the witnesses that saw the event occur.  

The findings of this report are based on my investigation as well as the statements of the first responding officers and the witnesses of the incident:

At approximately 1800 hours, on June 20, 2020, witnesses saw 2 Sea-Doo''s proceeding at a fast pace navigating up-river.  The 2 Sea-Doo''s were in the area of the 226 mm of Old Hickory Lake.   The second Sea-Doo that they saw had an operator that did not have a lifejacket on.  

Operator''s Sea-Doo hit a wake and was ejected off of his Sea-Doo and into the water.  Witnesses stated that they observed Operator struggling to stay above water as the first Sea-Doo came back to try to help him.  Multiple witnesses jumped in the water in an attempt to help Operator but he went under the water before anyone could get to him. The first responding officers and witnesses stated that the water conditions at this time were rough with waves approximately 3-4 feet due to heavy boat traffic. 

TWRA Boating Investigator arrived on scene at approximately 1754 hours with a Remote Operated Vessel (ROV) to begin recovery efforts.  Operator was located by the ROV at approximately 2318 hours in the same area where he was last seen.


Operator was then brought to the FOP boat ramp and was transported to the Medical Examiner''s Office in Nashville, TN.

The final report will included pictures, diagrams, and the autopsy/toxicology report.

******

Update:

Upon review of the autopsy and toxicology report, results revealed foamy fluid of the airways, congestion of the lungs, a small amount of clear fluid in the sphenoid sinus, and watery stomach contents.  In addition, the heart was enlarged and exhibited moderate to severe stenosis of the coronary arteries, and a bloody right rib fracture was identified. 

Postmortem toxicology results of the blood revealed an ethanol intoxication level of 0.171.

The cause of death was drowning and the manner of death was determined to be an accident.

The complete and final case file is available by contacting the Legal Department at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency:

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
5107 Edmonson Pike
Ellington Agricultural Center
Nashville, TN 37211
Ph: (615) 781-6500


BARDID: TN-2020-0077
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/01/2020 at around 12:00pm, there was a two-boat collision that occurred between two rental pontoon boats on Tims Ford Lake near the mouth of Ray Branch and Lost Creek.  Both boats were rented by the same individual from Tims Ford Marina. 

The boats were rented for a family outing.  The group had parked in Ray Branch for a while and were going to leave that location and try to find another spot to stop and hang out.  Operator 1 started Vessel 1 and left out of the cove towards Lost Creek. Operator 2 had to lower the motor of Vessel 2 into the water before he could start it and it took him a little longer to get going than it had Operator 2 on Vessel 1.

  When Operator 1 realized that the other boat was not behind him, he turned Vessel 1 around and started back to check on them.  The two vessels ended up headed towards each near the end of the point where Ray Branch and Lost Creek come together.  While attempting to avoid a collision, both boats turned towards the point and Vessel 2 struck Vessel 1 on its right side, right behind the driver''s console on Vessel 1.  

Vessel 1 had damage to the metal around the deck of the boat and the railing was bent and pushed in until it was nearly touching the driver''s seat.  Vessel 2 had damage to the front of its left pontoon which was bent in a few inches.  Nobody on either boat was injured and both boats were still functioning.  The family continued with their day and did not report the incident to anyone until they told the Marina staff when they turned the boats back in that evening.

Based on what the investigating officer learned during the interviews with the drivers over the phone, and the evidence of the damage to the boats that was observed,  the investigating officer believes that a violation of Inland Navigation Rule 14 by Operator 2 was the main cause of the incident.  Operator 2 turned to his left side which is incorrect based on Rule 14.  Operator 1 turned to his right side which is correct direction based on Rule 14.  There may have been other factors, but this was determined to be the main contributing factor.  The estimate to fix the damage to vessel 1 was about $1560.  The estimate to fix the damage to vessel 2 was about $4125.


BARDID: TN-2020-0078
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GALLATIN
County: SUMNER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/4/2020 at approximately 0545hrs on Old Hickory Lake near River Mile 241, operator was operating V1 traveling upstream at a speed of approximately 60-65mph when his vessel struck a submerged object. He was ejected from the vessel. His passenger assisted him in reboarding the vessel, then flagged down another vessel for assistance. He was transported to Sumner Regional Medical Center.


BARDID: TN-2020-0081
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:27:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HENDERSONVILLE
County: WILSON
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Overloading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
TWRA Region 2 Dispatch was contacted at approximately 14:55 by the son-in-law of the owner of vessel one regarding significant damage sustained to the bow gunnel and seating of the vessel caused by large wakes created by other vessels on Old Hickory Lake approximately 200 feet from Sanders Ferry Access Area, Hendersonville, TN. 

We made contact with the vessel at approximately 15:51 at a private dock. Upon investigation, it was determined that the operator of the vessel, encountered abnormally large wake caused by a large concentration of cabin cruiser-type vessels that were exiting Drake''s Creek. He stated that his vessel was unable to navigate the large wake, causing the bow of the vessel to temporarily submerge underwater, causing significant damage to the gunnel on the bow of the boat, seating located on the bow, starboard side of the vessel, and the starboard pontoon.


BARDID: TN-2020-0082
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-09 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GALLATIN
County: SUMNER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/9/2020 at approximately 1600 Subject was aboard his vessel at Gallatin Marina when he witnessed smoke coming from V4 (Hilburn Houseboat 0078DV). He then called 911 and began cutting nearby dock lines to separated vessels from the fire. At 1645 I responded to a Marina fire at Gallatin Marina. 12 vessels are known to have been damaged or destroyed. Gallatin Fire Dept investigated the origin and source of the fire. Their report is included in the case file. Specific cause of the fire is unknown.


BARDID: TN-2020-0083
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CENTER HILL LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SMITHVILLE
County: DEKALB
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 15, 2020, Operator took his vessel to meet friends on a houseboat in Indian Creek on Center Hill Lake at approximately 9 pm.  He left to head home around 11:10pm.  After approximately one-half mile from the houseboat, Operator impacted the east bank of the creek across from Indian Creek Church Camp.  He looked down at his console that had bright lights on it and lost his night vision causing him to not see the bank.  The impact ejected Operator up on the rocky bank.

Operator called his friends on the houseboat to get help and then called 911.  Operator's friends came and picked him up and took him to Indian Creek Boat Ramp to meet EMS.  Operator thought he broke his clavicle

I received a call from Officer at 11:25 pm.  He had received a dispatch from Dekalb County.  We met at Hurricane Marina to take a boat to the scene.  I asked Officer to respond to Dekalb County Hospital to interview Operator.  Upon arrival at the accident location, we met with Operator's friends'' boat and they informed us of all they knew.  We documented the vessel and noted no signs of alcohol consumption.

Officer interviewed Operator and his wife at the hospital.  Operator submitted to a blood draw, but Officer did not detect any alcohol or drug use.

The hospital treated his injuries as a broken clavicle.  Around 4:00 am, Operator's wife started driving toward Murfreesboro, when Operator started losing consciousness.  She took him to the ER in Murfreesboro and then transported him to Vanderbilt Hospital.  

At Vanderbilt, they discovered he had 3 fractured vertebrae, concurred the broken clavicle, and bruised kidneys.  He was treated and released the next day.


BARDID: TN-2020-0084
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:47:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: MEADOW CREEK PARK
NearestCityorTown: MONTEREY
County: PUTNAM
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Drug
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 16, 2020, Operator1 and his son (6 years old) went to Meadow Creek Park on Hwy. 62 east of Monterey to fish and kayak.  It is unknown if Operator1''s son was in the kayak or swimming during the incident.    Operator1 fell out of the kayak and was not wearing a PFD.  A near by witness heard the struggle and helped the son out of the water, and he saw Operator1 go under and never resurface.

Monterey Police Department received a 911 call from the witness and responded with Putnam County Rescue Squad.  The rescue squad used sonar to locate the victim and send a diver down to recover the body. 

TWRA  was not notified until the next morning.  Monterey Police department worked it as a drowning and didn''t inform the agency because they didnt know a kayak was considered a vessel.



Autopsy report dictates Operator1 was under the influence of Methamphetamine during the time of the incident.


BARDID: TN-2020-0085
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BYRDSTOWN
County: PICKETT
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 stated that Vessels 1,2 and 3 were tied together, vessel 4 took off creating a wake that rocked their vessels causing them to collide, causing scratches/gouges to them.


BARDID: TN-2020-0086
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: KINGSTON
County: ROANE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday July 19, 2020 between the hours of 12:00 am and 1:00 am. Operator 1 was operating his vessel in the Caney Creek area of Watts Bar Lake. He and an occupant had been fishing. Around stated time, the vessel started to have problems with the spark plugs in the outboard motor. They were on their way back to an access area to meet Operator's son. 

His son was to pick Operator to take him to get his truck in order to get the vessel out of the water and back to their residence. Operator was operating the vessel when the motor started missing. Both individuals noticed water coming in the boat. The boat was swamped and then capsized. Both individuals were in the water holding onto their life jackets. The vessel remained afloat. Individuals on a pontoon boat seen the accident and assisted by pulling both to safety.


BARDID: TN-2020-0087
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:13:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TELLICO LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GREENBACK
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
OtherAccidentCause: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim 1 and Victim 2 stated they left Sequoyah Landing Marina around dark on two pwcs.  They were heading downstream to the boat ramp at Morganton Cemetery Road.  At some point the pwc 2 was driving broke down.  Victim 1 stated he was in the process of towing the broken down pwc when they were struck by a boat.  Operator  admitted to being the operator of the boat that struck the pwc.  Operator stated the collision took place after dark and he did not see the pwc''s until it was too late.  Victim 2 was ejected from the pwc as a result of the collision.  She was knocked unconscious.  Victim 1 jumped in the water and put Victim 2 on his boat.  Another boat showed up and took Victim 2 to the boat ramp.  Operator drove to the ramp as well.  Victim 1 and the two pwcs were transported by friends back to the boat ramp.  All three operators appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.  All three subjects admitted to consuming alcoholic beverages.  Victim 1 and Victim 2 were transported by ambulance to UT Hospital due to injuries.  Victim 2 provided a blood sample which has been submitted to the TBI lab for analysis.  Victim 1 refused to provide a sample.  Victim 1 sustained no injuries.  Officer administered field sobriety tests to Victim 1.  He was subsequently arrested for boating under the influence.  He provided a breath sample which indicated a BAC of .126.

Per the district attorney additional charges were filed on 8-19-20 as follows:

Victim 1, 69-9-216 reckless operation with injury, 69-9-209 pwc operation between sunset and sunrise.

Victim 2, 69-9-217 BUI, 69-9-216 reckless operation with injury, 69-9-209 pwc operation between sunset and sunrise, 69-9-226 violation of boater education requirements

Operator, 69-9-216 reckless operation with injury


BARDID: TN-2020-0088
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT. LOUDOUN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: KNOXVILLE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday July 14 2020 , at around 10:00 am , The bass boat being operated by Subject struck a log near Louisville Point on Ft. Loudoun Lake. Subject and a female passenger had been fishing near the Lousville Landing Marina. They began traveling west towards the public ramp at Concord / Northshore. The vessel was traveling at approximately 40 mph when Operator noticed a log in the water. He turned sharply to avoid hitting the log but struck a second log that was submerged near by. 

The impact caused the boat to launch slightly and the outboard engine was torn from the stern. There was also damage to the fiberglass at the lower stern caused by the engine or the log striking it. The boat became disabled. Another fisherman towed the vessel back to Concord Ramp. TWRA was notified and met with Operator around 11:22am.


BARDID: TN-2020-0089
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DECATUR
County: MEIGS
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 06, 2020 Operator was operating his vessel on Watts Bar Lake. He had been fishing a tournament and just concluded his weigh-in at Sandy Bottoms access area. As he was leaving the ramp, he turned to go up river. There was a storm in the area and it worsened. His visibility was poor and the weather conditions were made for hazardous conditions to navigate a vessel. 

At this time Operator was using his spotlight to help him navigate. At approximately 10:00 pm Operator hit a pole that was sticking out of the water approximately 2ft. Immediately before he hit the pole he noticed it and decreased his speed from 40mph to approximately 20mph. The boat sustained damage to the entire length of the port side of the hull. 

Operator was ejected from his vessel as a result of hitting the fixed object. Operator was also wearing his pfd and motor shut off switch, which shut the motor off upon him being ejected from the vessel. Operator did not sustain injuries beyond first aid and because upon further investigation alcohol could not be determined to be a contributing factor. No charges will be pursued. My investigation is complete.


BARDID: TN-2020-0090
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-11 00:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Operator behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, July 11th, 2020 at around 12:15pm, Boating Officer1 was notified by phone of a possible drowning on Tims Ford Lake, near Hog Island, (Leatherwood Island).  Subject had been the operator of a pontoon boat that was rented from Holiday Landing Marina.  Operator drove the boat to a small cove near Wiseman Bend and Leatherwood Island and stopped the boat.  

Operator then climbed up on the upper deck of the pontoon and jumped into the water to swim.  The occupants of the boat saw Operator come back to the surface after he jumped in and spoke to him.  They then were not paying attention for a couple of minutes, other individuals jumped in to swim as well.  

After a few minutes, the rest of the group realized that they had not seen Operator for a while and started calling his name and looking for him.  One of the individuals on the boat said that they thought that Operator may have been swimming under the pontoon boat.  

They had thrown out the anchor of the boat when they had stopped originally, but the anchor was not holding the boat and it was drifting in the wind.  After a few minutes of trying to locate Operator, one of the occupants on the boat called Holiday Marina and advised that Operator was missing.  Holiday Marina then notified Officer1.

More TWRA officers as well as the Franklin County Rescue Squad, and Tims Ford State Park Rangers came to the scene.  TWRA and the Franklin County Rescue squad used sonar, divers and an ROV to search the area that was identified by one of the occupants of the pontoon boat as the area where they believed that Operator had disappeared.  

Later, the same individual found a video on his phone that showed when Operator had jumped in.  An attempt was made to pull GPS location data from the video, but it was not successful.  Using the video as a reference, officers continued the search on that evening, into the night.  The search was complicated by many rocks and logs/downed trees on the bottom in the area where Operator had disappeared.  After several hours of searching, the search was called off until morning.  

There were storms and rain in the morning that postponed the search further.  The search was able to resume around 12pm on 07/12/2020. Operator''s body was located in about 30ft of water by TWRA officers with the ROV at around 3:39pm on 07/12/2020.  Franklin County Rescue Squad divers then recovered Operators body.  A Franklin County Sheriff''s Deputy took a blood sample from Operator''s body after it was taken to land and sent the sample to TBI.


BARDID: TN-2020-0091
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-11 00:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityorTown: NASHVILLE
County: DAVIDSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday July 11th at approximately 1630 Operator and his wife launched their boat from the Four Corners boat ramp to go meet friends/family. Operator tried motor before backing down and it cranked and ran. 

Wife backed the truck and launched Operator and their dog on the pontoon boat. Wife parked truck and came back to ramp to see the pontoon boat up against a houseboat. Operator told Wife at that point that motor would not start. 

Operator had put trolling motor down but did not have the pedal control with him. Operator was standing near the front of the pontoon boat when Wife turned to ask a bystander if he would help Operator with a rope. 

Wife turned back around and did not see Operator on the pontoon boat and started yelling.  At this time time the first witness was coming into the boat ramp on his PWC. He noticed Operator struggling in the water so he jumped in and helped keep his head above the water. Then the second witness who is a former EMT was on a boat that was launching from the ramp. He jumped in the water as well and helped tie a rope around operator and drug him to shore by the boat the former EMT was on. Once on shore the former EMT performed CPR until Nashville Fire and Ambulance arrived and transported operator to Southern Hills Hospital. Operator died on July 19th.


BARDID: TN-2020-0092
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: MAYNARDVILLE
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating his pontoon boat in the Clear Creek area of Norris Lake at about 6:15pm on July 18,2020. He drove into the creek arm to fish. While underway he looked down to locate his anchor that was covered with fishing equipment, he worked to free the equipment then heard trees breaking and felt his pontoon hit shore and go into the forest coming to a stop. 

He was soon picked up by another boat and went back to Shanghai Marina. He stated that he was uninjured in the accident. He reported the accident the next day at about 6:00pm. Operator freely admitted to having been drinking beer but, stated he wasn''t intoxicated. I presented the report to a Union County District Attorney Assistant, he had no interest in pursuing charges against Operator. Operator values the pontoon at $58,000.


BARDID: TN-2020-0093
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityorTown: NASHVILLE
County: DAVIDSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/4/2020 at approximately 13:30 hours I responded to a boating accident that occurred on Percy Priest Lake.  
Upon arriving to the scene at Nashville Shores Marina, I contacted and spoke with Operator 1, the owner of a Ski Nautique vessel that was involved in the incident.  Additionally, I contacted and spoke with Operator 2, the operator of the SeaDoo that was involved in the incident.
 Operator 1 stated that as he and his 3 passengers were operating out on the lake, a SeaDoo struck the port side of his vessel.  The passenger of the SeaDoo, Occupant 1, was ejected into his vessel.  Additionally, the operator of the SeaDoo, Operator 2, was ejected into the water.  
Operator 1 initial observation was that the passenger, Occupant 1, was actively bleeding and had a laceration on his right leg.  Operator 2, that was ejected off of the SeaDoo and into the water.  Operator 1 was yelling for help and was saying that his leg was broken.  Operator 1 immediately went to Operator 2 and was able to get him into his boat and transport him and Occupant 1 to Nashville Shores Marina for medical assistance.
Operator 2 stated, that as he was operating his SeaDoo on the lake, he turned his and noticed a vessel in front of him (Ski Nautique) but he was unable to stop before impacting the Ski Nautique.  Operator 2 was ejected into the water while his passenger, Occupant 1, was ejected into the Ski Nautique.  The operator of the Ski Nautique, Operator 1, then came and retrieved him from the water and transported him and Operator 2 to Nashville Shores Marina to receive medical care. 
Upon EMS arriving to the scene, Operator 2 and Occupant 1 were evaluated and transported to Summit Medical Center for lacerations and a possible fracture to their legs.  Operator 2
and his wife, Occupant 2 were transported to Summit Medical Center for diagnostic tests to be ran due to possible neck/spine injuries.   
Upon receiving medical care, Operator 2 and Occupant 1 were diagnosed with lacerations to their legs that required stitches.  Neither had any broken bones.  Occupant 
1's laceration was due to being ejected into the Ski Nautique.  Operator 2''s laceration is believed to be from impacting the side of the Ski Nautique before he ended up in the water.
Occupant 2 was diagnosed with sprains/strains to the upper torso due to the impact of the SeaDoo with the Ski Nautique.
All injured parties were treated and released.


BARDID: TN-2020-0094
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BARKLEY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CLARKSVILLE
County: MONTGOMERY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Per the owners of the boat, they had the boat serviced about a week or so ago. They off loaded the boat from their trailer on the Clarksville Marina boat ramp and heard something “pop." They then noticed smoke coming from the boat's engine compartment once they had tied up the boat and were standing on the courtesy dock. At some short moment after, a fire had begun in the engineer compartment and emergency services were contacted.

Clarksville Fire and Rescue: 
Engine Four along with Rescue One and Battalion Two responded under emergency conditions to a boat fire attached to the Liberty Point boat dock. While enroute; the Marine division was dispatched as well. Engine Four arrived on scene to find a 17 foot Bayliner walk thru window boat unoccupied; tied to the dock with the engine compartment fully involved. Officer 1 established Command. Our initial attack consisted of using a dry powder extinguisher to slow the process of the fire spread; while employing 6 sections of 1 3/4 attack lines down the boat ramp to apply foam. Battalion Two and Rescue One arrived on scene; Command was transferred over to District Chief and Rescue One assisted with adding the additional sections of 1 3/4 lines. Marine One arrived on the scene and assisted with extinguishing the watercraft from the Aft section of the boat. Once the attack lines were deployed FF in Full PPE extinguished the fire. Chief One arrived on the scene during the extinguishment and observed our actions. Equipment was recovered; dry powder and one air bottle was exchanged with Rescue One. The boat owner removed the boat from the water to ensure no environmental hazards; Command conducted an after actions review and then transferred command back to Lt. Information was gathered from the boat owners. At some time Chief arrived to assist with any concerns as well. Chief One, Battalion Two and Rescue One was released from the scene; while Training One and Command gathered final information from the operator. Command was then terminated and Engine Four and Training One returned to service.


BARDID: TN-2020-0095
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BOONE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GRAY
County: WASHINGTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 4, 2020 Officer 1 and I received a complaint on Boone lake in Washington County TN about a possible hit and run in the area of Jay''s Dock. Officer 1 and I responded to the area learning that a Stratos bass boat struck a stationary pontoon boat while leaving a slip puncturing the panel of the pontoon. Witness 1 of Jay''s Dock observed the accident from close proximity as she was asking the operator of the Stratos bass boat to move out of the slip he occupied. The driver of the Stratos bass boat informed Witness 1 that he would return the following day to make arrangements to repair the damage, however, the operator never gave his name or contract information to Witness 1. Witness 1 took a picture of the Stratos boats registration numbers as well as the operator and passenger. Witness 1 then reported the accident TWRA citing that she wanted to document the accident in case of the operator failing to return the next day. Officer 1 and I located and stopped the aforementioned Stratos boat at Pickens Bridge Access Area. At this time, initial statements and a preliminary report was completed. The Stratos bass boat was seized for evidence and processing. After completetion of processing, the stratos bass boat was returned to Operator.


BARDID: TN-2020-0096
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HAMPTON
County: CARTER
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Based on statements given by witnesses on Saturday July 4, 2020 at approx. 15:00 a Polaris PWC (v2) impacted a Yamaha jet boat (operated Operator1) on the starboard side causing a significant hole in the hull of the impacted vessel.  

The Yamaha had slowed and was attempting to make a 180 turn when the PWC was attempting to approach the Yamaha.  The PWC sustained significant hull damage to the bow during the impact. The Yamaha began taking on water and the occupants were off loaded from that vessel onto a TWRA patrol vessel and transported to shore.  The Yamaha was towed by TWRA patrol vessel back to Watauga Point.  Neither operator has completed a Boater Safety Coarse with only Operator1 having any boating experience.  Operator1 stated that approx. 100 hrs of operating experience and operator2 stating he had only minutes of operating experience.  Operator2 was unable to steer or manuever the PWC once he let off the throttle when he realized Operator1 was performing the turn.


BARDID: TN-2020-0097
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HAMPTON
County: CARTER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday July 24th, 2020 shortly before 19:30 Operator1 and Occupant were traveling by boat on Watauga Lake when Operator1''s dog jumped from the vessel. Operator1 came off throttle and turned the vessel off. 

Before the vessel had stopped Occupant jumped off the vessel and attempted to swim to the dog. Operator1 observed Occupant struggling to swim and attempted to throw a Type IV PFD to him but missed. 

A house boat then pulled up. Operator1 and subject pulled Occupant from the water and began CPR due to Occupant being unresponsive. Occupant was taken to Fish Springs Marina where Carter County EMS was waiting. Carter County EMS was unable to revive Occupant and he was pronounced dead.


BARDID: TN-2020-0098
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SOUTH HOLSTON LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BRISTOL
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 1st, 2020 at approximately 11:45 a vessel operated by Operator 1 was pushed away from the dock by a Laurel Marina employee. Operator 1 stated that his vessel was drifting past the avalon pontoon boat that was docked along the walkway. Operator 1 was attempting to swing his boat around in reverse and made contact with the avalon on its starboard pontoon leaving a 4in x 6in dent.


BARDID: TN-2020-0099
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAVERGNE
County: RUTHERFORD
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
OtherAccidentCause: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
According to statements by individuals involved in an incident, 2 bass boats left the no-wake zone at 4 Corners marina at approximately 1800 hours. (Vessel 2) experienced engine failure just outside the no wake zone.

(Vessel 1) continued on. V1s boat came in contact with a large wake left by a cruiser. The wake caused V1's boat/prop to lose its bite causing a reduction in speed. V1 stated he was almost at a stop when V2's boat ran into his. 

V2 stated the wake caused V1's boat pitched 90 degrees to the left causing him to run under the bow of V1's boat. This was a property damage only incident, no injuries.


BARDID: TN-2020-0100
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DECATUR
County: RHEA
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday July 21, 2020 Victim 1 and Victim 2 were fishing a bass tournament. The tournament began at around 7:00 pm (EST). They began their voyage out of the access area at Watts Bar Dam. They proceeded to fish as far up river as Hornsby Hollow, which is near river mile 540. The pair then traveled down river crossing Iron Hill cut through, which is near mile marker 541. They then passed Goat Island on their way to fish Low Branch. Victim 1 turned into Piney Creek and then turned back out onto the main river channel heading to Low Branch. It was at this time, around 10:00 pm (EST), that their vessel struck a stationary duck blind that was built on the shallow flat. The vessel came to a stop. The incident occurred around the 531 mile marker. Sometime later Victim 2's father, found the 2 on the river and made their way back to the access area. Victim 1 was taken to Star Medical in Athens Tennessee where he was treated for his head injuries and released. Victim 2 had minor injuries that did not require treatment beyond first aid.


BARDID: TN-2020-0101
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-26 00:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Naco lake
NearestCityorTown: Hohenwald
County: LEWIS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday the 26th day of July, 2020 at approximately 1100 operator launched his vessel, a 1993 18'' Tracker pontoon with TN registration number TN0010KB into Naco lake located at 1363 Napier Rd Hohenwald, TN. Subject backed his boat and trailer into the water to launch while his wife pulled the truck out of the water to park. 

When Wife parked the truck and walked back to the ramp Subject had drifted off from the ramp a short distance away so that he could not be handed the key to the vessel. Subject and his wife decided he would tie a rope to his hand and swim the boat back to the ramp. 

Subject entered the water and began to swim, but after a few swim strokes he rolled to his back and became unresponsive. Bystanders saw what was happening and swam out to help Subject. They were able to remove him from the water and placed him back onboard his vessel to begin CPR. They continued CPR until emergency crews arrived. Lewis county medical examiner arrived on scene and pronounced Subject dead at 1130.


BARDID: TN-2020-0102
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ROCKFORD
County: ROANE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday August 01, 2020, three people were recreational cruising on Watts Bar Lake. At approximately 18:00 hours Subject was approaching an island to drop off subject1. As they approached the island Subject exited the bow of the vessel to lead it onto shore where Subject2 was going to exit the vessel. 

When Subject did this, the water was deeper that he had anticipated. He instructed Operator to operate the vessel to assist him with leading the boat aground. At this time the wind was very strong making operating the vessel very difficult. 

Subject scaled down along side of the pontoon to the back where he would attempt to climb up the ladder on the rear of the vessel. At this time the prop struck Subject on the lower section of his body, causing major injuries. Subject was taken by helicopter to University of Tennessee Medical Center for his injuries.


BARDID: TN-2020-0103
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: REELFOOT LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SAMBURG
County: OBION
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, April 19th around 2:30 p.m. I Officer received a phone call from an individual in Allen''s Opening near Grassy Boat ramp on Reelfoot Lake in Obion County Tenneessee. The individual said there was an unoccupied boat drifting in Allen''s Opening. I responded to the call and arrived at Grassy Boat ramp around 3:10 p.m. I met the individual that called me at the ramp and got in his vessel. We went to the unoccupied vessel in Allen''s opening. 

I observed a 2003 Xpress boat with the trolling motor still down in the water and a camo seat on the bow of the boat still flipped up. I tied the boat up to the tree. I then started to ask for other Officers to come meet me to help look for the individual. I went back to get my boat to put on the water. I launched the boat at Gray''s Camp boat ramp right across the lake from Grassy Boat ramp. 

Officers went back in Allen''s Opening to where the boat was tied up. Officers began looking for the individual in Allen''s Opening. The individual was found approximately at 4:45 p.m. 45 yards behind the vessel. Officers that were on scene then waited for Officer to arrive to help us recover the body. This was done after direction from medical examiner. Sergeant and Officer were informed that the individual''s wife was at a resort on the lake in Samburg Tenneessee. They went to the resort and did next of kin notification.


BARDID: TN-2020-0104
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:49:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CELINA
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday July 19th, 2020, Operator 1 was operating a 1998 Stingray runabout on Dale Hollow Lake. At approximately 1649, she was travelling Northwest from the main channel on Dale Hollow and was entering the Long Brach area. At the mouth of Long Branch, there is a ledge that sticks out when the water levels are lower. On this date the ledge had just started to come out of the water. 

The operator was entering the mouth of Long Branch and did not see the ledge. The vessel struck the ledge, causing damage to the hull of the vessel. The vessel started to take on water. A passerby saw the accident and helped the family to shore. The vessel was tied up to the rock ledge and had a significant amount of water in it when I arrived. The Clay County Rescue Squad was on scene when I arrived. The rescue squad was assisting in getting items from the vessel, while I spoke with Operator. Individual 1, from Dale Hollow Marina, arrived to assist in pumping water from the vessel. It was determined that the boat could not be pumped out and we could not tow the vessel without it sinking. Tow USA was contacted by TWRA Dispatch and communication was set up between Tow USA and Operator 1. The family were transported to Dale Hollow Marina by Individual 1. The vessel was secured to the ledge until Tow USA could arrive, which they did the following day, July 20th, 2020.


BARDID: TN-2020-0105
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HARRISON
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentCause3: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 2nd, 2020 at approximately 1500 hrs I Wildlife Officer 1 responded to a call of a vessel on fire at Harrison Bay State Park. Upon arrival the vessel was fully engulfed with flames and the Dallas Bay Fire Department was on scene controlling the blaze. Wildlife Officer 2 was also on scene speaking with the individual who identified himself as the operator. He had identified himself as Operator 1 and had claimed he was doing mechanical work on the vessel for the vessels owner who is a Owner 1. Operator 1 claimed that while doing work on the vessel he was attempting to start the motor that was having trouble starting when he heard an explosion and then saw that the motor compartment was on fire. Operator 1 jumped off the vessel to avoid being burned from the fire and swam to shore. The incident occurred in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2020-0106
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CELINA
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 8, 2020, operator and occupants were at Dale Hollow Lake.  They had been boating for a couple hours and decided to let Victim 1 ski.  They were in the back of Indian Creek, heading toward the main channel of the lake.  Operator was driving his mother-in-law''s (Occupant 1) boat.  Victim 1 was in the water in the ready position for skiing.  When Operator accelerated to pull Victim 1 up, she immediately fell and was in pain in her hip.  She struggled to get back to the boat and they realized there was some internal injury and called 911.  Officers and I all arrived at Pleasant Grove access areas about the same time as the party was arriving by boat.  EMS was on scene and Officers and I assisted to get Victim 1 on the stretcher and into the ambulance.  Operator and I followed the ambulance to Livingston Regional Hospital.  We spoke with the doctor and Victim 1 .  The doctor advised there were no signs of fractures or breaks, but did think she had some soft tissue tears that could not be seen with x-rays.  Victim 1 was released at approximately 14:30 on August 8, 2020.


BARDID: TN-2020-0107
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:32:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CELINA
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday August 2, 2020 at approximately 15:32, Operator was operating a rental pontoon owned by Willow Grove Marina and Resort. At this time, Operator was towing his daughter and son behind the boat. A wake caused by another vessel on the water at the time (unknown) came into contact with the tube. Upon impact, the 2 tubers (Victim 1 and Occupant 1) were ejected from the tube to what was estimated by Witness 1(mother/observer) to be about 5-6ft. in the air. The tubers then impacted the water and Operator turned the boat around and went to retrieve them. At this time it was determined that Victim 1 had sustained an injury to her back. Victim 1 and Occupant 1 then returned to the boat and Operator drove them back to Willow Grove Marina where Overton County EMS was waiting to assess the severity of Victim 1's injury. The speed of the vessel at the time of impact is believed to be approximately 22.1 mph. based on data obtained from the GPS unit on the boat.


BARDID: TN-2020-0109
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DOVER
County: STEWART
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday June 28, 2020 I received a text from Montgomery County WO in reference to a boating incident that occurred on Kentucky Lake. He stated that Operator 1 who lives near to his home had a vessel sitting at his house that he noticed did not look normal. He pulled in to check it out and noticed severe damage to the bow and starboard side. He spoke with Operator 1 who stated that on June 12, 2020 he was fishing Kentucky Lake near the Paris Landing Highway 79 bridge when he ran into a concrete pillar. He had already reported the incident to his insurance company and was paid on it but did not know he was supposed to report the incident to TWRA. I made contact with Operator 1 by phone and on July 9, 2020 Operator 1 sent me pictures of the damage to the vessel which was consistent with the photographs WO sent me as well as a statement of what had occurred that night. Operator 1 stated that he was fishing in the area of Grays Landing when the water became choppy. He decided he would move to the south side of the bridge to see if the water was any calmer. While operating south he noticed his minnow bucket bouncing around and so he shifted into neutral and bent down to retrieve his minnow bucket when he allided with a concrete pillar from the bridge. He stated that he had some scratches but had no major injuries. He loaded his vessel up at Grays Landing and returned home.


BARDID: TN-2020-0110
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:52:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HENDERSONVILLE
County: SUMNER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday August 8, 2020 at approximately 2052 hrs. on Old Hickory Lake in Drakes Creek a 40'' Sea Ray cabin cruiser (Vessel 1) was headed southwest towards Drakes Creek Marina where that vessel docks while a 32''8" Sea Ray cabin cruiser (Vessel 2) was headed north towards Creekwood Marina where that vessel docks. 

Vessel 1 was traveling at idle speed while Vessel 2 was plowing going approximately 15-20 miles per hour. Water conditions were calm with light winds and clear skies at the time of the incident. The accident occurred after dark during the night.

Based on witness statements it was determined that both vessels maintained and continued their course until Vessel 2 struck Vessel 1 on the port side of the bow approximately 2 feet from the tip of the bow causing extensive damage to Vessel 1. 

Vessel 2 ramped up the port side bow of Vessel 1 creating significant paint transfer with substantial fiberglass and metal railing damage. Vessel 2 suffered paint and minor surface damage to the keel and bow hull. 

In conclusion speed played a crucial role that caused Vessel 2 to plow making the vessel''s bow rise in a much more elevated position than normal, greatly restricting the operator''s visibility at the helm. 

Vessel 1 rang their bell and honked their horn but failed to gain the attention of the operator of Vessel 2. Ultimately Vessel 2 failed to yield to Vessel 1 per navigational laws which led to Vessel 2 striking Vessel 1. Witness accounts also state that both vessels were displaying proper navigational lights at the time of the incident.


BARDID: TN-2020-0111
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:15:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ANTIOCH
County: Davidson
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Drug
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 08/10/20 at approx. 1700 Officer was notified via cell phone that Nashville Metro OEM was responding to Drummond Island near Four Corners Marina for a drowning near the island.

Officer arrived on scene at approx. 1748 hours and spoke with the witnesses, who informed him that Victim 1 was last seen at aprox. 1615 swimming with his friends off Four Corners Marina rental pontoon boat #222. They had all jumped into the water and were swimming when Victim 1 began to struggle and started gurgling water while calling for help. His friends attemped to get Victim 1 back to the pontoon boat, but it had been blown further away from where they had jumped into the water by the wind and due to it not being anchored.

Victim 1 body was recovered by Metro OEM at 1808 and was transported back to the Four Corners Marina access ramp to await the medical examiner.  Victim tested positive for drugs.  No one was in control of the vessel when the victim departed.


BARDID: TN-2020-0112
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CELINA
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday July 10, 2020 at approximately 11:15 AM Operator was operating a 22ft. Larson Runabout on Dale Hollow Lake. Headed upstream from pleasant grove boat ramp, the vessel entered Long Branch. Operator then noticed that the cove was busy with other vessels and turned around to head back out to the main river channel. 

Upon exiting the cove he turned the boat upstream and struck a submerged rock with the bottom of the boats hull and lower unit of the engine. The boat then began to take on water and the bilge pump engaged. The motor would not shift out of idle speed. Operator then idled the boat back to Pleasant Grove boat ramp with the bilge engaging multiple times to pump water out from the hull of the boat. He then loaded the boat on the trailer and called TWRA Region 3 Dispatch about the incident.


BARDID: TN-2020-0113
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CENTER HILL LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SMITHVILLE
County: DEKALB
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 1530 on August 2, 2020 units were notified of a boating incident on Center Hill Lake near Pates Ford Marina.  Officers 1,2,3, and 4 responded by boat while 5 and Officer 6 responded by land.  Upon arrival at Pates Ford Marina it was discovered that Victim 1, the operator of the vessel, was already there and refused treatment from EMS.  

It was determined from interviews with Victim 1 and witnesses that Victim 1 was taking pictures with his phone from his vessel while traveling at approximately 20 mph in the direction of Pates Ford Marina and struck the bank with his vessel which then overturned.  Victim 1 was trapped underneath the boat but was pulled out of the water by the witnesses.  Officers secured the vessel and retrieved some personal belongings from the scene.


BARDID: TN-2020-0114
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ROCKWOOD
County: ROANE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Fuel
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday August 08, 2020 6 vessels were involved in a marina fire at Blue Springs Marina (BSM).  On this day, Victim 1 and his wife Victim 2 were recreational cruising on their 31'' Sea Ray (Vessel #1) on Watts Bar Lake. They traveled to Caney Creek earlier that morning and filled their vessel up with 400 gallon of gasoline.  That evening they spent the day recreational cruising again. They then docked/moored their vessel in Slip F6 at BSM and exited the boat. They went to eat and came back to re-board the vessel a couple hours later. At approximately 9:15 pm (est.) Victim 1 and 2 were back on the vessel. Victim 1 advised that he “smelled gas in the engine compartment.”  Victim 1 then opened the compartment to check to see what the problem was. When he opened the compartment, Victim 1 advised that an automatic hatch light may have come on. At this time there was an explosion.  Victim 1 got thrown to the roof of the vessel and Victim 2 got ejected into the water. Victim 1 was able to make his way to Victim 2, where he and Witness 1 of Vessel #2 helped pull Victim 2 to safety. Victim 1 and 2 were flown by Lifestar to UT Medical Center. They were stabilized their and then flown to Vanderbilt Medical Center for treatment for their extensive burns.All times are approximate and based off of victim''s and witness's statements.


BARDID: TN-2020-0115
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:06:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SODDY DAISY
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday August 17th 2020 at approximately 1906 I, Officer 1 was notified by Hamilton County 911 of a boat accident with injuries coming into the boat ramp at 11100 Armstrong Rd in Soddy Daisy. Upon arrival I observed a single pontoon with heavy damage to the bow of the vessel. There were two occupants on board the vessel at the time of the accident. The second of the two occupants was identified as Occupant 1. I was able to talk with Occupant 1 before he was transported to the hospital and she advised me that he was driving his pontoon heading towards the main river channel when he had looked away and let go of the wheel to help his wife adjust her seat. 

He stated that when he had looked back up his vessel had shifted course and he was heading straight for the bank and an overhanging tree on the bank. Operator was able to drive his vessel to the boat ramp on the other side of the creek to wait for emergency medical assistance. The two occupants on board were both transported to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, Tn. Operator 1 was transported for contusions to his left leg and a laceration to his left arm and Occupant 1 was transported with having a broken right leg. The accident occurred in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2020-0116
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: KINGSTON
County: ROANE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Fuel
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday August 08, 2020 Victim 1 was operating his vessel on Watts Bar Lake. He had just launched his vessel. At approximately 17:40 Victim 1 attempted to start his vessel. He stated it at that time it blew up. Victim 1 ejected the vessel voluntarily and swam to shore safely. Victim 1 did not sustain injuries. Alcohol was not involved. It remains undetermined what caused the fire. Investigation is closed.


BARDID: TN-2020-0117
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:39:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAFOLLETTE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 8-8-20 the vessel operated by Operator 1 was traveling upstream on the Powell River near the Peninsula.  Operator 1 stated that he was traveling about 28-30 mph when he noticed a large wave ahead, he slowed down to encounter the wave, which came up over the bow of his 20'' Malibu.  Operator 1 stated that two more waves followed closely behind the first causing the bow of the boat to become submerged, thus resulting in the subsequent swamping and capsizing of the entire vessel.  Operator 1 and five other occupants were able to exit the vessel unharmed during the incident.  The vessel was a total loss.


BARDID: TN-2020-0118
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: MORRISTOWN
County: HAWKINS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Based on interview of operator and eyewitness:

On Sunday, August 16, 2020, at approximately 19:30 hours, a single personal watercraft incident occurred on Cherokee Reservoir in Hawkins County.  Victim 1 was operating a 2016 Sea Doo Wake 155 West of Point 22. Victim 1 was traveling approximately 40 mph when he jumped a wake from his parents'' wake boat.  Witnesses state that Victim 1 was well outside of 100 feet of their vessel.  Witness 1, Father and registered owner of pwc, stated his son jumped the wake and was ejected up off the pwc.  When Victim 1 came back down on top of pwc he struck pwc with the left side of his body.  This secondary impact ejected him into the water.  Victim 1 was face down and unconscious in the water.  His father jumped in and turned his son face up and started swimming him towards the swim platform on the wake boat.  At this time, Victim 1 coughed and began to breathe.  Once Victim 1 was loaded, they returned to the residence.  A passenger had called 911 at request of Witness 2.  Upon arriving to dock at the residence, Victim 1 was coherent and able to walk to house.  They called 911 and advised not to send an ambulance and Victim 1 would be driven to hospital by parents.


BARDID: TN-2020-0119
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:16:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ANTIOCH
County: Davidson
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 22nd 2020, at approximately 1819, Operator was leaving Stone Island on J. Percy Priest Lake enroute to Four Corners Marina on his 2016 Yamaha jetski. While passing between Bear Island and Anderson Road Recreation Area, traveling approximately 55mph, Operator hit the wake of a boat that he was not prepared for. This wake caused Operator to be thrown from his jetski. While being thrown from the jetski, Operator''s left leg made contact with the handlebars of the jetski, which is believed to have cause the fracture to his left femur.

After he was thrown from his jetski, the kill switch turned the jetski off and Operator was able to swim to the swim platform and sit on it. Operator sat on the jetski and waited for a vessel to come by. A vessel that Operator was out on the lake with earlier in the day came by and transfered Operator to it, while an individual from the vessel jumped on Operator''s jetski and drove quickly to Four Corners Marina to inform them on the accident and to call for emergency assistance.

Operator was transfered to a Metro Nashville ambulance and transported to Vanderbuilt Medical Center.


BARDID: TN-2020-0120
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LEBANON
County: WILSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: Boat lift damaged
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 8/23/2020, at the Cherokee Marina "No Wake Zone," at approximately 15:00, Operator was reportedly observed operating V1 (46'' Sea Ray Express TN4812DJ) above an idle or "No Wake" speed that created wake from his vessel as he approached the gas docks. Operator was refused service at the gas docks and immediately left the area, reportedly also operating above an idle or "No Wake" speed that created wake from his vessel. Officer was immediately notified of the incident and a short time later contacted V1 in the main channel. Officer performed a safety inspection and collected Operator''s information. At approximately 18:00 Officer was contacted by Cherokee Marina staff that there was damage to an electric boat lift in a rented slip that was caused by the wake of V1.


BARDID: TN-2020-0121
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: Speedwell
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On or about 8/28/2020 two Yamaha PWCs, rented from Flat Hollow Marina, were being operated by a Operator 1 and a Operator 2 who were traveling upstream on Norris Lake in the vicinity of Flat Hollow Marina.  Operator 2 was ahead of Operator 1 who was following behind approximately 50 ft. from the vessel operated by Operator 2.  As they rounded the bend just upstream from the Marina the PWC operated by Operator 2 hit a large wake and turned abrubly to the left causing Operator 2 to be thrown off the PWC and into the path of the vessel operated by Operator 1.  Operator 1 turned sharply to the right but was unable to avoid striking Operator 2 in the head with the PWC, causing serious injury to Operator 2.  The abrubt turn threw Operator 1 off of his PWC and into the water along with the injured party Operator 2.  Operator 1 swam over to Operator 2 where they were picked up by a pontoon boat and transported to Flat Hollow Marina.  Operator 2 was transported via Lifestar to UT ER were he was treated for head injuries and released.  Per 69-9-217 (d)(3) and 69-9-217(h)Operator 1 was asked to submit to BAC testing with which he complied, Operator 2 was also asked to submit to BAC testing, which he refused.  BAC testing results from Operator 1 were negative for alcohol.


BARDID: TN-2020-0122
State: TN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-08-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: PERRYVILLE
County: PERRY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday August 12, 2020 at approximately 15:30 a 26ft Sea Ray (TN 1710 DI) operated by Operator 1 struck the eastern bank of the Tennessee River at approximately river mile marker 132.5.  Officer arrived on scene at approximately 16:43 at Mousetail Landing State Park. Operator 1 was being treated by Perry County EMS for lacerations to his head. He was transported to Perry County Hospital, where he was treated and released. Operator 1 stated that he was looking at his phone at the time of the accident. I spoke with Operator 1 on 8-3-2020,  he stated an insurance adjuster totalled the vessel. The monetary value of the vessel was $42,000.00. This boating accident is deemed reportable due to the damage to the vessel exceeding $2000.00.


BARDID: TN-2020-0123
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: PICKWICK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: COUNCE
County: HARDIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, August 15, 2020, two vessels collided in the Dry Creek area of Pickwick Lake in Hardin County, Tennessee.  This collision resulted in the death of two individuals.  The causes and contributing factors are still under investigation.


BARDID: TN-2020-0124
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 23, 2020 Operator was operating a 18'' 1999 Four Winns on Douglas lake. Operator had two individuals in the water on a tube, Injured 1 and Injured 2. The vessel struck the occupants on the tube causing serious injury. Both were transported to UT Medical Center via EMS.


BARDID: TN-2020-0125
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:40:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HENDERSONVILLE
County: SUMNER
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 9/6/2020, on Old Hickory Lake in Drakes Creek approximately .65 miles South of Creekwood Marina near the west bank, V1 (2018 Pontoon TN0754BR) was occupied by 9 individuals and was adrift. At or about 15:30, Subject1 was observed on the front most platform of V1, outside the railed-in area. She was observed trying to stand up from a seated position when she lost balance and fell into the water. A short time later her head was observed breaking the surface of the water approximately 30-50ft away the disappear under the surface of the water again. She did not resurface.

Officers and emergency personnel arrived on scene beginning at approximately 15:50 after receiving 911 call information from Sumner County ECC. Officers began gathering witness information and coordinating with Hendersonville FD, Hendersonville PD, and Sumner Co EMA. After searching the area described by witnesses, her remains were discovered at a depth of 19ft of water at approximately 21:15.( PER USCG Needed Clarification - Alcohol Was a Factor.  The vessel was adrift at the time of the incident, not cruising.  The deceased person was not wearing a PFD)


BARDID: TN-2020-0127
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CELINA
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday August 16, 2020 at approximately 0900 a rental pontoon boat being operated by Operator 1 was exiting Holly Creek Marina. When the vessel went to come up on plane, the boats bow was raised up which restricted the operator’s vision. At this time, the vessel struck a submerged object and severely damaged the lower unit of the motor. The submerged object that was struck is still unknown.


BARDID: TN-2020-0128
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:27:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HARRISON
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 4th 2020 at 2317 Officer 1 received a call from Hamilton County 911 of a boat having been sunk close to the Island Cove Marina in Harrison off of Highway 58. Upon arrival I observed a single vessel that was mostly submerged in the water. I spoke with one of the two occupants who were both off of the vessel and uninjured. 

Operator, who was the owner and operator of the bass boat advised me that they were fishing off of the bank across from Island Cove Marina when water was noticed coming from the floor of the boat. Once he said he tried to rid the vessel of water by bilging it was too late and the vessel overturned. 

Operator advised that they were fishing a local bass tournament and that they had caught their first fish hours before the incident happened. Once they caught their first fish they had turned on the live well aerators and all of those had been running during the duration of their fishing trip. Tow boat US was able to recover the vessel and once it was out of the water I was able to inspect the hull to which I found no obvious signs of failure. The incident occurred in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2020-0129
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: TEN MILE
County: ROANE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, September 05, 2020 Operator was operating his vessel on Watts Bar Lake. At the time of operation two people were occupants on the vessel. At approximately 17:00 (EST.) the vessel was traveling into the cove that Blue Springs Marina is located in. As they entered the cove Operator lost his footing and fell to the floor of the vessel. 

Operator attempted to regain his footing and control of the vessel, but was unable to. This resulted in the vessel impacting the South Western bank of the cove. The impact resulted in the death of Operator. One person also sustained major injuries, and a third sustained minor injuries.

Operator had a .23 BAC


BARDID: TN-2020-0130
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:03:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HARRISON
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 6th 2020 at approximately 2003 hrs I Wildlife Officer 1 received a call from Hamilton County 911 of a party driving a jet ski that had a leg trauma was waiting at Harbor Lights Marina. Upon arrival at the marina, other first responders and I were directed to one of the docks towards the middle of the slough. Once we were with the injured party we were advised that he had a severe pain coming from his right knee. 

The injured party was sitting on a personal watercraft at the time that medical responders were attempting to help him. The injured party was identified as Victim 1. Once he was able to get off of the watercraft and into the ambulance I was able to speak with him and he advised me that he was driving the PWC that he was just sitting on over in Hide Out Slough when he made a directional change at what he thought was about 15 mph when he hit a wave and was ejected from the vessel. He climbed back on the watercraft and drove it back to Harbor lights Marina when he started to feel a sharp pain. He was then transported by ambulance to Erlanger Children''s hospital in Chattanooga, Tn. The accident occurred in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2020-0131
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT. LOUDOUN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LENOIR CITY
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sept. 5, 2020 on Ft. Loudoun Lake in Loudon County, TN there was an incident involving one vessel.  While attending a boat parade, the operator of Vessel #1 experienced extremely rough and high water created by other vessels that were mostly participating in the parade.  The vessel took several wakes over the bow leading it to eventually capsize.  There were 12 occupants onboard the vessel including the operator.  Some occupants jumped overboard and some stayed until the vessel eventually capsized.  The occupants were pulled from the water by good samritans, the LCEMA vessel, and TWRA and then taken to the gas dock of the Ft. Loudon Marina.  TWRA and EMA stayed with the vessel as the Tellico Boaters Assistance Response Team hooked to and towed the still capsized vessel to the Lenoir City Park where it was salvaged the next morning.

There were no fatalities on injuries beyond first aid.  The operator admitted that he had drank a beer but showed no signs of impairment.


BARDID: TN-2020-0132
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Collins River
NearestCityorTown: MCMINNVILLE
County: WARREN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday the 6th Day of September 2020, I was headed into Cotten''s Marina to park my patrol boat in the slip when I observed the owner. I asked him how he was doing and he stated that his rental boat operator called him stating they had ran aground and he had been looking for them for 2 hours. 

He finally figured out that they were above Hennessee Bridge on the Collins River.  I told him I would go to the area to attempt to locate them.  I drove above Hennessee Bridge and located the vessel.  

Operator1 stated that he was driving up the Collins River at just above idle speed when he felt the vessel hit something.  He determined that the water level was very shallow and the prop struck rocks on the river bottom.  He stated that he had notified Cotten''s Marina that the boat was broken down and had been waiting for over 2 hours for help.  

I  observed the damage to the prop at which time Owner arrived to tow the vessel.  Owner stated that his wife told Operator1 to not navigate the boat above Hennessee Bridge when Operator1 signed the rental agreement because the water level gets very shallow.  

Operator1 stated to me that he did not know the area, and he didnt know that the water level gets shallow in that area.  The water was muddy and there are no warning signs or buoys to notify boaters of the hazards of shallow water.  

In this area, the river is wide but the water depth turns into a shallow river.  Owner towed his rental pontoon to a nearby campground with a boat ramp and tied the vessel to the riverbank.  Passengers were taken back to Cotten''s Marina, and Owner later retrieved his rental pontoon vessel and took it back to his marina.  

He stated that the prop would cost about $175 to repair so I did not get information from the passengers.  The next day, Monday September 7th, 2020, while patrolling Great Falls Reservoir, I asked Owner how the conversation went with the pontoon boat renters and he stated that he gave Operator1 a bill which included a new prop, tow bill, and the next day''s rental fee for a total of $980.  Owner stated that Operator1 refused to pay the bill.  Owner stated that he inspected the vessel again and found that the lower unit was also damaged and will need to be replaced at the expense of $3,500. I told him that a boating accident report would need to be filed.  This did occur on the Collins River located in Warren County.


BARDID: TN-2020-0133
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:14:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: NICKAJACK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 7th 2020 two parties went fishing on the Nickajack Reservoir in Hamilton County. The parties had put the boat in at the boat ramp off of Suck Creek Rd. 

During the fishing trip the two parties had gotten separated. Subject1 had returned from the trip where as Operator remained last seen in control of the vessel. On September 10th 2020 a body was recovered floating in the same area. The incident is currently under investigation and took place in Hamilton County.  The circumstances of the death/incident are unknown.  The victim died of drowning complicated by complicated by acute methamphetamine toxicity.


BARDID: TN-2020-0134
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 8/13/2020 at or around 1400 I responded to a single boat accident on Douglas Lake in the Muddy Creek area. Operator1 was operating his 2010 23''6" Premier Pontoon boat (TN 1605EA) in Muddy Creek, upstream from Moonhill Bridge. Occupant was attempting to place their pet dog in Operator's lap. Operator left the boat in gear and continued to travel up muddy creek during this. Occupant estimated that he was doing about 20mph. He turned to his left and put his feet on the cooler beside of him while his wife attempted to place the dog in his lap. 

At some point the vessel turned left and impacted the rock shoreline while both occupants were distracted. The accident occurred about 10 yards downstream and to the left of Monnhill Bridge. 

Operator impacted the steering wheel with the right side of his body. Occupant was thrown forward through a door and into the floor. Operator broke two ribs on his right side from the impact with the steering wheel. Occupant fractured five vertebrae, broke her right shoulder, and broke a rib on her right side. Both where taken to UT Medical Center and released after a few days.

The boat had a fist sized puncture into the inside of right pontoon. The deck was also bent upwards and damaged above the right pontoon. Operator's impact of the steering wheel also caused it to be concaved backwards.


BARDID: TN-2020-0135
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SOUTH HOLSTON LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BRISTOL
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday 09/05/2020 Subject 1 and Subject 2 were participating in a permitted boat parade on South Holston Reservoir. While traveling with the parade downstream Subject 1 stated that a vessel traveling along his starboard side turned towards him. Subject 1 sped up and turned away from the vessel At this time Subject 1 was alerted to Subject 2's pontoon boat on his port side due to Subject 2 blowing his horn. Subject 1 turned away from Subject 2's vessel causing the rear swim platform to strike the Starboard side of Subject 1's vessel. After the contact both vessels were able to exit the parade and no individuals on either vessel were injured.


BARDID: TN-2020-0136
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:22:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: MOORESBURG
County: HAWKINS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to occupant and operator statements obtained to date:

On Saturday, September 5th, 2020, at approximately 21:21 hrs, a Nitro being operated by V1 Operator (Vessel 1) was travelling downstream from the Three Springs area of Cherokee Lake when it met a Skeeter bass boat being operated by V2 Operator (Vessel 2). 

Vessel 2 was travelling upstream from the vicinity of Anderson Bend. Neither operator saw the other vessel until a collision was unavoidable. Both operators turned their vessels to their respective port, and the vessels came together in a sideswipe manner on their starboard sides. V2 Operator was able to turn Vessel 2 more sharply than V1 Operator was able to turn Vessel 1, with the result that Vessel 2 heeled more sharply to port and the starboard side of Vessel 2 was higher. This caused the starboard side of Vessel 2 to ramp up and over the starboard side of Vessel 1. 

During the impact, V2 Operator bruised his right ribs on the gunnel of Vessel 2. The impact also caused a passenger in Vessel 2, V2 Passenger 1, to fall on V2 Operator. This fall caused a fracture in V2 Operator's left pelvis. V2 Operator was transported to the Holston Valley Medical Center by Hawkins County EMS. After the collision, the operators beached both vessels on the shore.


This occurred in Hawkins County, Tennessee.


BARDID: TN-2020-0139
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:38:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HENDERSONVILLE
County: SUMNER
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
While making a left turn, the tube shot out to the right causing Victim to fall off and hit the water.


BARDID: TN-2020-0140
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:28:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BATHSPRINGS
County: PERRY
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: Vessel struck by person
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Bystander behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
ON 09-05-2020 AT APPROXIMATELY 1528 HOURS. A SUBJECT JUMPED FROM A TOWER LOCATED ON THE PERRY COUNTY SIDE  OF THE RIVER NEAR TN RIVER MILE MARKER 146.4. 

AS THE SUBJECT JUMPED, A VESSEL HAD PULLED UP TO THE TOWER AND DROPPED HIS DAUGHTER OFF NEAR THE TOWER. AS OPERATOR WAS BACKING OUT VICTIM JUMPED FROM THE TOWER WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY 58FT TALL AND LANDED IN OPERATORS BOAT. 

VICTIM SUFFERED SEVERAL BROKEN BONES FROM THE IMPACT AND OPERATOR''S BOAT HAD DAMAGE TO THE STERN OF THE VESSEL. VICTIM WAS TRANS PORTED BY DECATUR COUNTY RESCUE SQUAD TO SHORE AND AIR LIFTED TO Vanderbilt HOSPITAL


BARDID: TN-2020-0141
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: MELTON HILL LAKE
NearestCityorTown: OAK RIDGE
County: ANDERSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On the afternoon of September 6, 2020, Operator1 and her friend Operator2 borrowed two PWC''s. They took the PWC''s out on Melton Hill Reservoir swerving and spraying each other. They proceeded north up the Clinch River. 

Operator1 turned around to go back. She stopped her PWC and Operator2 came  behind her traveling toward her at a high rate of speed. He yelled at her when he could not turn his PWC and was going too fast to stop before hitting her.  

Operator2''s PWC struck Operator1''s from the rear on the left side. It traveled onto hers striking her in her back and ejecting her from her PWC. Operator2 helped her back onto her PWC and assisted her back to the dock where EMS was called. Operator1 and Operator2 both voluntarily gave blood samples at the hospital.


BARDID: TN-2020-0142
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAFOLLETTE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On the afternoon of September 12, 2020, Subject 1 was operating his friends PWC on Norris Lake. He was cruising when he encountered waves that almost ejected him off the PWC. Subject 1 reached for the handle bars and accidently squeezed the accelerator. The subsequent acceleration ejected Subject 1 from the PWC causing him to land flat on his back behind the PWC in the water. He immediately began wheezing and spitting up blood. He reboarded the PWC and proceeded back to the dock where he left from. There, he found help who called EMS for him. He was flown to UT medical center, where he was diagnosed with five cracked ribs, four cracked vertebrate and a pneumo thorax.


BARDID: TN-2020-0143
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DAYTON
County: RHEA
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
According to witness and operator statements:

The PWC was operating near sunset in Richland Creek.  There were two jet skis travelling upstream in Richland Creek from near Bluewater Marina.   the PWC approached the "narrows" area of Richland creek.  

While operating Operator looked back behind her towards another PWC that was in their party.  Her PWC struck a wood dock on the right hand of the creek going upstream.  She and her passenger were ejected from the PWC.  Operator sustained a small laceration on her lip.  The male passenger reports no injuries.  

The operator said the PWC was on plane when she struck the dock, exact speed is unknown. Operator admitted she had consumed some alcohol earlier in the day. The PWC striking the dock caused a large hole  in the hull approximately the size of a basketball.  The PWC then sunk in about 2 feet of water.  The male passenger left the area with Operator on the other jet ski that was in the party.  Witness, operator, and passenger statements were gathered and compiled.


BARDID: TN-2020-0144
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: PARKSVILLE LAKEK
NearestCityorTown: OCOEE
County: POLK
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday September 27, 2020 Operator1 was operating his vessel on Parksville Lake in Polk County. At the same time operator2 was operating his vessel in the same area. Both individuals were operating their vessels within the “No wake” zone in Ocoee Marina. 

At approximately 21:00 Operator1 was traveling above idle speed in the no wake zone and was traveling toward V2. She attempted to avoid Operator1 and get vessel to a place of safety and out of his path. He then turned the boat toward her and struck her vessel pushing her up against the dock. 

Operator2 was pinned between his vessel and the dock. This is where the injury occurred. Operator1 then reversed his vessel and drove away back out into the main channel. He advised that his boat was having issues stalling. Again, he started into the marina, where he turned around and went back out again. At a later time, he again, came into the marina area. This time he was swimming towing his boat into the slip.


BARDID: TN-2020-0145
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, September 12th, 2020, Subject 1 was operating his Four Winns boat on Tims Ford Lake.  Subject 1 was leaving from Twin Creeks Marina in Boiling Fork, with 3 passengers, headed toward the main body of the lake to go eat at another marina.  As the group was leaving the marina, they encountered a lot of boat traffic headed into the Twin Creeks Marina/Winchester Bass Club area.  Subject 1 stayed close to the bank on his port side, to avoid the boat traffic.  Subject 1 started to speed up and get his boat on plane, the boat hit a large wave created by the wake of the other boats.  Subject 1's boat went over the wave and then came down hard into the next wave.  Upon impacting the second wave, one of the passengers, Victim 1, suffered a back injury.  Subject 1 drove the boat into Dry Creek to get out of the waves.  An ambulance was called which met them at the Dry Creek boat ramp and transported Victim 1 to the hospital in Winchester.

When this incident occurred, there was a significant amount of boat traffic in the area because of a permitted boat parade that had occurred earlier that afternoon.  The amount of traffic in the area was comparable to what might be seen on a holiday weekend.  Many of the boats in the area were likely those that had participated in the parade and some of them were not.  

The main cause of the incident were large waves that were created by the wake from the boats operating in the area.  Subject 1's boat struck one of the large waves which lifted the boat up, the boat then came down hard into another large wave.  The impact of striking the second wave is what caused the injury to Victim 1's back.  Victim 1 did have a previous back injury from a car accident years ago.  It is unknown if the previous injury contributed to their injury in this incident.


BARDID: TN-2020-0146
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-10-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SODDY DAISY
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On October 4th 2020 I wildlife Officer 1 responded to a call of a property damage vessel collision that had occurred early in the day. Dispatch had advised me that the accident occurred a number of hours ago at the Holly Circle boat ramp in Soddy Daisy but both parties had exchanged information and returned to their residences. The caller who was Subject 1 advised dispatch that he would be awaiting my arrival at his residence. Upon arrival to Subject 1's residence he advised me that he had his Triton Bass boat moored at the curtesy dock at the boat ramp when he saw a pontoon traveling at a low speed out of the corner of his eye and then heard a loud impact.

 The operator of the pontoon vessel identified himself as Subject 2. Subject 2 explained that he had just purchased the pontoon and was brand new to boating. The impact between the two vessels left a hole on the port (left) side of Subject 1's bass boat as well as numerous stress cracks running down the bottom of the vessel. Subject 2's pontoon sustained no obvious damage. The two parties exchanged information then contacted the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to take the report. The accident occurred in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2020-0147
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-10-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:10:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HENDERSONVILLE
County: SUMNER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On, October9, 2020, operator was dropped at Creekwood Marina around 1800 hours. He was enroute to Mallard Point Boat Ramp to put the boat on a trailer. At some point during his voyage, he was ejected from the vessel but was not wearing a life jacket and did not have the safety lanyard attached to his person. Once ejected, the unoccupied vessel continued north in Drake''s Creek until it collided with a concrete retaining wall.


BARDID: TN-2020-0148
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BUCHANAN
County: STEWART
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 19, 2020 at or about 20:45, Subject 1 was operating his Sun Tracker pontoon boat on Kentucky Lake near the mouth of Rushing Bay in Stewart County, TN. The front of the port side pontoon struck a log. The vessel went over the log, and the motor struck the log as it went over, though no damage to the motor was observed. Based on field observations, the damage estimate is $8,000.


BARDID: TN-2020-0149
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-10-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:12:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORMANDY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: NORMANDY
County: COFFEE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday October 13th, 2020 at approximately 1800 hrs on Normandy Lake in Coffee County Tennessee the occupants of 16'' white Cobia open vessel (V1) was adrift and pointed in a westerly direction out from Cedar Point Campground. Occupants, 1 and 2 stated they were sitting and watching the sunset prior to impact from the other vessel.

 The operator, Operator 1 stated he noticed a boat headed in their direction and tried to evade the impact by cranking and turning the boat to the right. Vessel number two, a 22'' green Ranger bass boat style vessel (V2) was being operated by Operator 2 and traveling in a westernly direction at approximately 38 mph. The operator, Operator 2 stated he did not see the white boat (V1) because of the sun and reflection off the water until it was too late but tried to turn to the left before impact.


BARDID: TN-2020-0150
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-10-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA CREEK
NearestCityorTown: East Ridge
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday October 24th, operator was dropped off  by his fiance to kayak on Chickamauga Creek.  His kayak was found overturned by other boaters in the area a few hours later and reported to authorities.  After his fiance reported him missing, search efforts were conducted on Saturday evening and resumed Sunday morning.  His submerged body was located after noon on Sunday in the vicinity of where his kayak was found.

This entire incident was unwitnessed and his death was ruled as accidental drowning by the Hamilton County Medical Examiner.  This will conclude the investigation by TWRA unless any new and/or credible investigative information about the case arises.


BARDID: TN-2020-0151
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-10-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:03:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: JACKSBORO
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with commercial vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Based on witness statements and observations from the scene, on Saturday October 17, 2020 at approximately 11:03 pm an explosion was heard in the Shoun Hollow area of Norris Lake.  Witnesses also saw a fire and at least one of them reported their observations to Campbell County 911.  

Once on scene I observed a burning boat on the lake bank.  I also observed that the boat had collided with the bank and slid to its location.  A search of the nearby wooded area and shoreline was conducted to attempt to locate anyone that may have been involved in the crash however, no one was located. The registered owner and owner''s address were determined from the boat registration number that was obtained by firemen on scene, before the fire destroyed it.  

I spoke to Operator1''s wife at their residence at approximately 3:22 am on October 18th.  She stated that Operator1 was out fishing alone and that he was usually home by that time of the night.  I contacted Sgt. at approximately 3:30 am the same morning and he went in service.  Sgt. contacted Verizon Wireless to check if they would ping Operator1''s phone.  Verizon notified Sgt. that the phone was currently turned off and that the last time it contacted a tower was at approximately 10:13 pm on October 17, 2020.  Other officers were contacted and begin to assist in the search using side scan sonar.  


During the search one of the officers located a damaged work barge in the area that was moored to the shore.  The barge also had pieces of fiberglass scattered on it.  It was then decided to have an underwater remote operated vehicle brought to the scene to search the area around the barge.  At approximately 4:42 pm on October 18, 2020 Operator1 was located in approximately 56 ft. of water and approximately 30 ft. to the rear of the barge.  Operator1 was recovered at approximately 5:15 pm and taken to La Follette Medical Center.  

It was determined that the boat Operator1 was driving struck the moored barge at an approximate angle of 95 degrees.  As a result of the collision, Operator1 was ejected from the boat.  However, the boat continued to travel for approximately 354 yds. in the general direction of Shoun Hollow Rd.  The boat traveled over a dock anchor cable, collided with the lake bank, and traveled along the bank for approximately 63 ft. 4 in.  

An autopsy was performed on Operator1 at the Regional Forensic Center in Knoxville.  The autopsy found that Operator1''s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was .19.  Page 1 of the Final Autopsy Report states, "Death was caused by blunt force injuries of the head."  The full autopsy report is included in the casefile.  

Waterway Description
This boat incident occurred in the Shoun Hollow area of Norris Lake in Campbell County.  The cove at Shoun Hollow is off the Big Creek section of the lake.  The mouth of this cove is approximately 1 mile from Point 7 and approximately 2.3 miles from Whitman Hollow Marina.  The mouth of the cove is approximately 282 yds wide.  The cove is approximately three quarters of a mile long and an access area at the end of Shoun Hollow Rd. is located at the back of the cove.  There are several homes and floating docks along the northern shoreline of this area.


BARDID: TN-2020-0152
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-10-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:28:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LEBANON
County: WILSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 10/6/20 at approximately 16:28, I received a notification from TWRA Region 2 dispatch informing me of a single vessel boat accident on Old Hickory Lake near 2605 Mann Rd. Lebanon, TN. 

I arrived onscene at approximately 17:02 at the aforementioned address along with Wilson County Sherriff''s Office and Wilson Emergency Management. Two witnesses were still onscene who informed me that they had observed a vacant vessel adrift while they were fishing from their vessel. Deputies with Wilson County Sherriff''s Office located victim approximately 200 hundred yards from his vessel.


BARDID: TN-2020-0153
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-11-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:32:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SODDY DAISY
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On November 8th 2020 at approximately 1730 Officer 1 received a call about a boat coming into Harbor Lights Marina on Soddy Daisy with an injured party on board. Upon arrival the driver who identified himself as Subject 1 advised that his girlfriend, Victim 1 had a severe pain in her back. Subject 1 advised that while they were driving on the lake they came across a large wake from another vessel and when they hit it Victim 1 had fallen in the boat which caused her to injure her back. Victim 1 was taken by ambulance to Erlanger hospital in Chattanooga. The accident occurred in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2020-0154
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CELINA
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday September 20, 2020 at approximately 2230 Subject 1 was driving a 25 ft. Centurion Wake boat upstream from Willow Grove Marina toward Star Point on Dale Hollow Lake. When he came around the red channel buoy he turned to the right. Visibility was very low on this night as there was no moon visible. Subject 1 looked down at his depth finder and noticed the depth of the water was rapidly decreasing. 

At that time he pulled the throttle back into idle speed forward. Before the vessel could slow down enough for him to be able to see what was in front of him he ran the boat aground on the island next to Lillydale Campground. He was unharmed and called some friends staying at his houseboat at Star Point to come pick him up. The next morning, 9/21/2020 He returned to the scene and attempted to pull the boat free from the ground. After several unsuccessful attempts he contacted Willow Grove Marina for assistance. Willow Grove Marina then notified the TWRA of the accident.


BARDID: TN-2020-0155
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:52:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HARRISON
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: Person struck by vsl debris
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 8th 2020 at approximately 1050hrs Officer 1 was notified by Hamilton County 911 of a boat accident with injuries in the Harrison Bay area. An on scene deputy advised me that they would be coming into the Island Cove Marine. Upon arriving on scene I was advised of the driver who was already in a Hamilton County ambulance that was departing for Erlanger hospital in Chattanooga. The driver was identified as a Operator and I had notified Wildlife Officer 2 who was responding to Operator to interview the driver after he was emitted. There was another Hamilton County ambulance on scene that was holding one of the passengers on board and she was identified as Victim 1. 

Victim 1 advised that there were four people on board the vessel and that she was thrown overboard the vessel but did not know what they had hit. Once Dallas Bay Fire Department was able to tow the vessel to the Island Cove Marine Dock and marina employees were able to extract the vessel from the water it was apparent that the outboard motor of the 1986 Bullet Bass Boat had fallen off. 

Once a closer look of the vessel was able to take place it was noticed that transom of the vessel had sustained rot in the wood over the years causing the motor to fall off. There was also heavy damage to the console where Operator, was seated. 

Operator had suffered a severe laceration to his right lower leg and once he was able to be interviewed he stated that they vessel was traveling in the eastern bank of Harrison Bay on Chickamauga Lake at what he thought to be around 50 miles per hour when he heard a loud crack. Immediately after he hear the crack he stated that to vessel came to a stop, the helm had collapsed onto his legs and the motor had fallen from the vessel being held on by only the steering cables. 

With the statement of Operator and the evidence of the damage from the vessel it was determined that after the vessels transom had failed and once the motor had fallen from the vessel the steering cables stayed attached to both the motor and the console which caused the console to be forced onto the operator''s legs which is where an object impaled Operator's right leg. 

The speed calculations were also verified with a GPS unit that was found onboard the vessel after the accident. Operator gave consent for the GPS unit to have a forensic analysis done to it. There were also two other parties on board the vessel that were uninjured. The Incident occurred in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2020-0156
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-11-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday November 13, 2020 at approximately 14:15 Subject 1 was traveling upstream on Douglas Lake. Subject 1 stated he was traveling approximately 30mph in the river channel when he struck something under the water. Subject 1 stated that within 15 seconds water begun filling up the vessel. Subject 1 and the other two occupants stayed in the vessel until it was completely submerged. Subject 1 stated that another fishing boat came alongside and assisted them getting out of the water. Subject 1 stated no occupants were injured during the incident. Several fishermen attempted to locate the sunken vessel approximately two hours after the incident but were unsuccessful.


BARDID: TN-2020-0157
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-11-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: MORRISTOWN
County: HAMBLEN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On the morning of November 27, 2020, a property damage collision occurred involving two vessels on Cherokee Lake in Hamblen County.  The collision site was located North of the no-wake zone at Cedar Hill Boat Dock.  Subject 1launched his 2013 21'' Ranger Bass Boat (Vessel 1) at Wa-Ni Village Resort in Grainger County.  Subject 1 headed across the lake to Cedar Hill Dock in Hamblen County.  Upon entering the cove, Subject 1 encountered a heavy fog bank.  Subject 1 advised he had slowed his speed to approximately 35 mph but still at enough speed to remain on plane.  Subject 1 stated he looked at his graph located on his console above his steering wheel.  He stated when he looked up, he saw a bass boat in his path.  Subject 1 stated he saw the facial expressions on the occupants of the boat and upon collision he made a hard, right hand turn and ramped over the other boat. 

Subject 2 launched his 2019 21'' Triton Bass Boat (Vessel 2) at the ramp located at Cedar Hill Boat Dock.  Subject 2 and his passenger (Subject 3) were just outside of the no-wake zone. Subject 2 stated he was idling along, marking fish with his graph on boat. Subject 2 advised they were waiting for the fog bank at mouth of cove to lift.  He stated that Subject 3 and He could hear a boat entering the cove. When they looked up, Vessel 1 was almost to impact.  Both Subject 2 and Subject 3 dove to the bottom of boat.  After impact both vessels idled to Cedar Hill Boat Dock. 
     
A third vessel with two occupants, Subject 4 and Subject 5(father of Subject 3), were eyewitnesses to collision. They immediately came over to render aid to occupants of involved vessels.  No injuries were sustained in either vessel.
     
Vessel 1 impacted Vessel 2 on the starboard side, aft of the bow.  Vessel 1 ramped up onto the gunnel and up the console smashing fishing graphs.  As Vessel 1 progressed over, the driver''s seat was bent back, rear passenger pedestal was bent flat in the direction of travel.  Vessel 2 had extensive damage to motor cowling and starboard transom corner was crushed with extensive spider web fractures radiating outward. Both power poles on Vessel 2 were damaged. Vessel 1 had small piece of rub rail from Vessel 2 on bow eye, transfer was photographed on starboard hull chines to coincide with ramping. An approximate 18” scratch was located on starboard transom corner below rub rail. Vessel 1 had deep gouging on port side skeg of motor.  Possible match up to gouges on starboard power pole of Vessel 2.


BARDID: TN-2020-0158
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-11-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:56:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LENOIR CITY
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Very rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Dam/lock
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On November 28, 2020 at the Ft. Loudoun Dam tailwater in Lenoir City, TN, there was an incident involving a 21'' vessel.  At the time of the incident 3 spill gates were open on the dam and generators were in operation.  The vessel which was occupied by two males who were wearing PFD''s, encountered engine trouble while they were near the dam.  

The current pulled the vessel along the face of the dam and eventually into the turbulent water below the spill gates.  The vessel was trapped in the turbulent water for a few minutes before the boat eventually capsized putting the occupants into the water.  

One occupant was kept in the white water and pushed to the bottom several times before he was eventually pushed out and down the river where he was recovered after drifting almost to the HWY 321 bridge.  He was transported to the hospital but eventually released.  The second occupant was not sighted again after the vessel overturned.  He was recovered one week later in the area adjacent to where the accident occurred.


BARDID: TN-2020-0159
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-11-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SEVIERVILLE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On Thursday, November 26, 2020, at around 1400 Subject 1 was operating a 1998 20'' Champion Bass Boat on Douglas Lake in Jefferson County. He was in an area known as the Stump Fields around Point 1 just off Pleasure Ln in Sevierville. As Subject 1 came off plane the vessels lower unit struck a submerged object. The impact damaged the engine and caused the vessel to begin to flood. Once at the ramp it was discovered that a bolt on the jack plate and motor mount had pulled through the transom causing the vessel to flood. Due to varying lake levels, the definitive answer as to why this occurred or the "Cause" cannot be deemed.


BARDID: TN-2020-0160
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-12-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: NICKAJACK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GUILD
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On December 14, 2020 at approximately 02:15 AM I received a phone call from TWRA officer about a possible boating incident that had occurred on Nickajack Lake, in Marion County, TN.  Upon arriving at the marina officer and I took our patrol boat out to the TVA boat ramp close to the incident location.  We loaded up a Marion County Rescue Squad member and proceeded to the houseboat that was the incident location.  

We attempted for a few minutes to make contact with any individuals on the boat by yelling and knocking on windows.  Officer and I made entry on to the houseboat and located subject1.  She was located in the back bedroom and was shivering complaining of being cold.  

She told us that Victim was trying to get into the houseboat because the smaller boat that was being used as a tender was sinking.  She told us he had tried to step into the houseboat and fell into the water.  Subject1 attempted to rescue him by throwing him a buoy but was unsuccessful and Victim went under the water and never resurfaced.   

Officer took the patrol boat back to the TVA ramp to get EMS personnel to check Subject1 for injuries or medical issues.  After checking her out it was determined that she needed further evaluation so she was sent to Parkridge West Medical Center.  Captain brought the ROV unit to the site and we were able to find Victim in the water next to the houseboat.
Per USCG Request - Drugs were noted in the system of the operator during autopsy)
(Per USCG Request - Vessel 1 had just returned to Vessel 2 and was tying up/attempting to Moor to the vessel when the operator stepped toward V2 and fell in.  Rescue attempts were made, but unsuccessful)


BARDID: TN-2020-0161
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-12-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: REELFOOT LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SAMBURG
County: LAKE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
0n Monday December 7 at approximately 1535 a boat accident occurred on reelfoot lake causing serious injury to one individual. Three duck hunters were traveling east in a boat when they collided with another single occupancy boat that was traveling south out of ronaldson slough into donaldson ditch. Operator of the Pro Drive was seriously injured from the impact with his vessel during the collision.  Sustained facial trauma, pneumothorax and chemical burns from spilled gasoline.  Operator was not ejected.


BARDID: TN-2020-0162
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-12-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Dam/lock
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On January 7th 2021 I Wildlife Officer received a call of a boat that had washed ashore below the Chickamauga Dam off of 4501 N Access Road in Chattanooga (35.10418 -85.24495). Upon arrival I had located a smaller green Jon boat that had been bent in half with a motor still attached to it. I noticed that the vessel was still displaying it Georgia registration numbers and after running the numbers through TWRA dispatch we were able to get in touch the registered owner. 

After speaking with the registered owner, he explained to me that he was fishing on 12/27/2020 close to the lock above the Chickamauga Dam. Just after dark he stated that as he was pulling up his anchor the current began to pull the vessel and it began to take on water. 

At the point Subject 1 stated that he exited the vessel and that was the last time that he was able to see his vessel. TVA police responded the scene on the night of the incident and did a report. The TVA Police report will be attached to the case file of this report. Subject 1 suffered no Injuries from the incident. The incident occurred in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2020-0163
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-12-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: REELFOOT LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SAMBURG
County: LAKE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Sunday at approximately 1230hrs two men left BlueBank Resort in a War Eagle Jon boat to go duck hunting on Reelfoot Lake.  The wind was gusting 15-25 mph out of the south causing waves of +/- 2 feet in this area of the lake.  The individuals set out their decoys then set their anchors on the boat.  The transom was facing south which caused the waves to come over the transom and the bilge pump couldn''t keep up with the waves coming in. Within a very short period of time the boat swamped and capsized. The two men were able to get on top of the boat and call 911.  The individuals were taken back to the Resort where our officers contacted them.  Information and statements were collected and Officers located the boat as well as the decoys to get location of the accident.  



The next day Officers returned to Reelfoot Lake assisted in retrieving the boat and belongings.  Officers took pictures of the vessel and motor and reintervied the 2 men to make sure the needed information was obtained.


BARDID: TN-2020-0164
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-11-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityorTown: MEMPHIS
County: SHELBY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 11/07/2020 between the hrs of 07:00 and 08:00 Memphis Yacht Club manager reported a fire at Mud Island Marina.  Memphis Fire and Memphis Police were dispatched to the call.  The fire originated in boat in slip.  The fire then spread to 7 other boats before the fire was put out.  The owner of boat boat in slip 18 was burned on right arm and head.


BARDID: TN-2020-0165
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:07:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Hiwassee River
NearestCityorTown: Decatur
County: Meigs
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On the evening of 8/1/20, a collision involving 2 vessels occurred on the Hiwassee River upstream of the Highway 58 bridge.  Vessel 2, a Sylvan 188 Barritz had one passenger on board and was traveling downstream in the river channel.  As it made a left hand turn to go to the boat ramp, Vessel 1, a Bayliner boat, traveling upstream with three passengers on board struck it on the starboard side just in front of the operator.

Both the operator and passenger of V2 received injuries from the impact.  The operator was transported to the hospital for minor facial lacerations and released.  The occupant was life flighted to the hospital for head and facial trauma.  

Blood samples were taken from both operators and field sobriety tests administered to Operator1.  

Operator1 later reported bruises and muscle strains.  Occupant on v1 sought attention for fractured ribs.


BARDID: TN-2021-0001
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-02-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: BEAN STATION
County: GRAINGER
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 02/24/2021 at approximately 1:20 p.m., I received information from Dispatch in reference to a boating incident in the Oak Grove Area of Cherokee Lake in Grainger County. Dispatch advised a male subject had fallen overboard and had been helped from the water by witnesses. Dispatch advised the vessel was still underway, travelling in a circle.
Upon my arrival at Oak Grove Access Area, I made contact with the operator of Vessel #1, OPERATOR 1, who was being evaluated by Grainger County EMS. OPERATOR 1 advised the vessel had a couple of gallons of gas remaining. I observed the vessel at the mouth of Rocky Hollow and Circle Park. The vessel was still in gear and underway, traveling in a circle at a low rate of speed. The decision was made to secure the area and allow the vessel to run out of gas. Bean Station Volunteer Fire Dept remained on scene with the vessel while I went to retrieve my patrol boat. Upon my return to the scene, I observed the vessel had ran out of gas. Vessel #1 was towed back to Oak Grove Access Area by BSVFD. The vessel was secured on the trailer. Grainger County EMS transported OPERATOR 1 to Jefferson Memorial Hospital to receive a chest Xray to check for water in his lungs as a precaution because he had been submerged in the water and had a history of pneumonia. OPERATOR 1 made arrangements for his son to retrieve his truck and boat prior to being transported. I did not observe any damage to Vessel #1. 
I interviewed OPERATOR 1 on 02/26/2021. OPERATOR 1 stated he had been fishing in the Rocky Hollow area when the wind began to pick up and he decided to return to Oak Grove where he had launched his boat. OPERATOR 1 stated he had started towards the Access Area when the tiller handle came out of his hand and he lost his balance. He stated he wasn’t sure if he became off balance before or after the tiller handle left his hand. He stated he didn’t see any logs and didn’t recall hitting anything in the water. He stated he tried to catch himself and regain his balance but ended up going overboard. OPERATOR 1 advised he was not wearing a personal flotation device and did not have a kill switch attached to his person. He stated he resurfaced and went back under a couple of times before he could remove his jacket. He advised when he resurfaced, he observed the vessel still underway and it was travelling in close proximity to him. He stated the last time he went underwater he said a prayer and doesn’t remember anything else until he was boarded onto another vessel and transported to Oak Grove to meet with EMS. OPERATOR 1 advised he was treated and released with no injuries. OPERATOR 1 advised the only damage he observed on Vessel #1 was that his motor shift rod / slide had been damaged. OPERATOR 1 advised he believed he may have kicked the part as he went overboard.
I spoke with a witness on scene, who advised he was operating a vessel (TN 4116 DC) in the area when he observed Vessel #1 travelling in a circle. He arrived at the scene and observed OPERATOR 1 in the water and observed him go under. Good Samaritan reached into the water and was able to make contact with OPERATOR 1 and pull him to the surface. Good Samaritan advised he and two other subjects loaded OPERATOR 1 onto a vessel and transported him to Oak Grove Access Area for medical assistance. Good Samaritan provided a detailed statement by email which is included in the attachments.


BARDID: TN-2021-0004
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-02-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: HOLSTON RIVER
NearestCityorTown: BLUFF CITY
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday February 13th at around 1400 I received information from TWRA dispatch that a single vessel with 3 occupants on board had overturned below Weaver Pike Bridge on the South Fork of the Holston River.  The vessel came through the shoals between the islands and was pushed into a large limb in the water causing the vessel to swamp and capsize ejecting the occupants.  All occupants ended up stranded on Boys Island with their boat but did not have a motor or paddles to get to the mainland. None of the occupants were injured but they lost most of their equipment.  The occupants were rescued by TWRA officers and refused treatment from EMS. The occupants stated that over $2000.00 worth of gear and equipment was lost during the incident. The boat was rated for 2 individuals or 310lbs and the South Holston Dam was generating at 2400 CFS at the time of the incident.  *** Law Violations
69-9-216 Reckless/Negligent Operation



Spoke with Sullivan County DA's office on 02/19/2021 about the law violation and they have declined to prosecute.


BARDID: TN-2021-0005
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-02-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: SODDY-DAISY
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On February the 12th of 2021 at approximately 1000, operator launched his Triton TR 17 bass boat from Blythe Ferry Boat Ramp to fish, leaving his cell phone at his vehicle on the charger on accident. While fishing around the area of Hiwassee Refuge (Hiwassee River/ Tennessee River intersection) Operator ran aground at approximately 1330 for the first time that day. 

A white male in a new bass boat tried to help Operator become free from the ground but the ropes were too short to reach Operator's boat. That individual attempted to locate someone who could come help pull him off, but was unsuccessful. At that point, the individual called Tow Boat USA to come pull Operator off the ground and gave the Tow captain Operator's credit card number for payment. That individual then left. Approximately two hours after the individual called for Tow Boat USA's assistance the Tow boat arrived. 

Tow boat USA pulled him to deeper water, disconnected Operator's boat from the tow boat, and left the area- driving by Blythe Ferry Boat ramp, with Operator following him. Operator then loaded his boat, left the ramp, and drove to the America's Best Value Inn hotel in Dayton, TN. 

Operator left the hotel at approximately 2130 to go back to the Blythe Ferry Boat Ramp, and put back in the water in order to fish more, again leaving his cell phone in his vehicle. Once he launched his boat for the second time that day, he fished for a short period of time, and ran aground a couple more times. 

Each time he was able to loosen the boat from the ground by entering the water without shoes and push off the ground, except for the last time. Operator was very unclear on the direction of travel and general whereabouts of the boat ramp and sandbars as this was his first time fishing Chickamauga Lake and didn't have GPS. He said he also couldn't see much due to it being dark. 

When Operator was aground for the final time, he tried accelerating the vessel in reverse, and swamped the boat. After that, he attempted for a short time to push the boat off the ground from the water. He realized he had no choice but to sit in his boat and yell for help. Operator said he yelled for hours before rescuing parties showed up at approximately 0046 of the 13th to assist him to shore. One TWRA boat with officer and a Rhea County Deputy and one Sale Creek Volunteer Fire Department boat with two volunteers and myself made contact with Operator at his vessel below highway 60 bridge on the East side of the river. 

Upon making contact, OFC. assisted Operator onto his TWRA boat, and we took him to shore where rescue squad and EMS were staged. The staging area was off 2250 Cooper Road near Burton road in Sale Creek, TN, which is where the 911 call came from. Once on shore, EMS checked Operator and decided he should go to the hospital due to hypothermic injuries resulting from cold water immersion and exposure. 

Operator was transported and admitted to CHI Memorial Hospital in Hixson, TN. During the transport to the hospital, OFC. and I attempted to moor the vessel to the ground so it wouldn't become a navigational hazard to other vessels. We left the motor on the ground and placed the trolling motor into the ground as well in order to keep it in the same location. When I arrived back to my truck, I drove to CHI Memorial in order to interview Operator and received a signed statement (attached.) I gave Operator the TWRA Dispatch phone number in case he had any questions regarding the incident and explained that it was his responsibility once he recovered and left the hospital to retrieve the vessel from the lake. Operator couldn't remember any phone numbers of family members for himself or us to contact.


BARDID: TN-2021-0007
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-02-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: STONES RIVER
NearestCityorTown: SMYRNA
County: RUTHERFORD
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 2/6/21 while out patrolling the county I received a call from RCSO about a possible boating
accident. The call came in around the time of 1200. They advised they had received a call about a boat
that had sunk around the area of West Fork Boat Ramp. They also advised there was one individual on
the bank by the sunken vessel. I arrived on scene around 1205. RCSO and EMS arrived roughly the same time as I did. Once at the boat ramp I was able to ask some private citizens about the location of the sunken vessel. They advised it was just a few hundred yards down the river around the corner. A RCSO deputy and I hopped on board a private vessel, and he transported us the location of the vessel. 

Once on scene we found a sunken bass boat and an individual on the bank. He was identified. I first asked Operator if he was okay and if he needed medical attention. He advised he was fine and refused any treatment. The deputy and I hopped on the bank and began to investigate the scene. I started talking to Operator to see what had happened. Before we had arrived on scene, we were advised alcohol could possibly have been a factor. 

While talking to Operator the deputy was looking around the bank where Operator had a lot of his belongings from the vessel all over the ground. Sgt. and Officer showed up shortly after to assist with the incident. 

Operator told me that while he was fishing, he noticed the vessel sitting lower in the water. When he opens the back compartment, he stated that it was almost full of water. He then said he turned on the bilge pump to try to pump the water out. After a few minutes he said the water level seemed to come back down some. 

He turned off the bilge to see if he could locate where the water was coming from. Unable to locate the leak the water in the boat began to rise again. He stated he turned the bilge pump back on and started the vessel to head back to the boat ramp. When he began to move, he noticed water starting to fill up more compartments. It was at this time he decided the beach the vessel before it fully sank. 

I asked him how long he had been there, and he stated for over an hour. I asked if he called anyone, he said he had called his wife and told her to call the insurance company. I did call and talk to his wife, and she confirmed that he had called her, informed her what happened, and told her to call insurance. 

I asked Operator why he didn’t call 911 for help, but he stated he was just going to build a fire and wait for help from the insurance company. While I interviewed Operator, the deputy was on the bank looking at all his belongings. Operator did state he had two pistols on the bank. The deputy checked the firearms. They were cleared and found to be unloaded. The deputy also located multiple small bottles of alcohol, and two marijuana pipes. 

There were a few of the alcohol bottles that were empty, and more that were still unopened. When we first arrived on scene, I did notice some signs of impairment from Operator. I questioned Operator about the empty alcohol bottles. He stated he had started to drink them once he was on the bank. I asked if he had anything to drink prior to the incident and he stated no. We also questioned him about the marijuana pipes. He stated he hadn’t smoked anything but, brought them to smoke the residual left in the bowls. I asked if he had anymore on him, and he said no. We searched what items we could but did not locate any marijuana. We continued to question Operator about the incident and based off his statements and investigation we determined that no alcohol and or drugs contributed to the accident. We began to help Operator gather all the items we could carry to take back to our vehicle. Operator did climb on board the vessel to retrieve two of his depth finder units on board the vessel. He grabbed the larger one by the console, and the one


BARDID: TN-2021-0009
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-01-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: WHITE PINE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On the afternoon of January 2, 2021, a single vessel property damage only incident occurred on Douglas Lake in Jefferson County.  OPERATOR 1 and his father/passenger were fishing downstream from the Walters Bridge Access Area.  The two had been drifting and jigging for walleye.  At approximately 16:00 hrs, OPERATOR 1 started his 1976 16' Lowe Jon boat and motored upstream.  OPERATOR 1 stated he was going approximately 10-20 mph but not full throttle. OPERATOR 1 stated in the vicinity of Point 18 he observed a small twig/branch sticking up from the water and turned tiller handle of motor to go around twig.  At this time his motor shaft struck a submerged object and his outboard was torn off the back of his vessel.  OPERATOR 1 stated he turned and watched his outboard sink in approximately 20' of water. OPERATOR 1 and father were towed back to their vehicle and trailer at Walters Bridge.

The Mercury outboard motor was a clamp mount design and plywood spacer was present in bottom of hull.  The outboard did not have a safety chain or cable to transom.


BARDID: TN-2021-0010
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-03-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATAUGA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: ELIZABETHTON
County: CARTER
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday March 5th, 2021 at 03:17 I was contacted by Carter County 911 about a single vessel with two occupants that had overturned below Wilbur Dam on Watauga River. 

The occupants attempted to paddle to the opposite shore shortly after launching but the vessel was pushed by the current downstream. The occupants were able to drop anchor in calmer water but were pulled out to swift moving water causing the vessel to capsize ejecting the occupants. 

The occupants were able to swim to the riverbank  but the operator suffered a dislocated shoulder. The occupants were unable to reach their vehicle and the Carter County Rescue Squad had to launch a vessel to retrieve them. The operator was taken to the hospital but the occupant refused medical treatment. The incident occurred 300 yards below the dam while it had two generators running at 1700 CFS.  *** LAW VIOLATIONS:

TCA 69-9-216 Reckless/Negligent Operation


BARDID: TN-2021-0011
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-01-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Overloading
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On January 15th 2021 at approximately 1730 hrs EST I Wildlife Officer received a call from Hamilton County 911 that there was a boat that had overturned near the Sequoyah Nuclear plant on Chickamauga Lake. Hamilton County dispatch advised that the vessel had overturned with the closest land address being at the end of River Cove Dr. in Harrison Tn. 

Upon getting on scene at approximately 1800 hrs I was advised that there were two parties that had gotten out of the water. The two parties had advised first responders of a third party. Both of the parties on board the ambulance were taken by Hamilton County EMS to CHI Memorial Hospital in Hixson, Tn. At the hospital the injured parties were interviewed by Wildlife Officers that had confirmed that Operator was the operator of the vessel. 

They had advised that the three parties had gotten aboard an electronic powered canoe which by Tennessee state law is subject to registration when operating on waters of the state. Both injured parties confirmed that Operator was in the rear of the vessel operating it, Subject1 was in the middle and Subject2 was in the front of the 16 foot canoe. 

All three had launched the vessel from the bank off and Operator drove the vessel out of the cove and into the main river channel going north. Based on interviews the parties advised that at some point they decided to turn around and go back due to it being too cold outside and the wind was beginning to increase. 

Once Operator turned the vessel around the canoe flipped over and sank causing all three parties to be submerged in the water. Two people were both removed from the water on the 15th and treated for hypothermic symptoms. The third was not located on the night of the incident. The search continued on through 1/16/2021 and her body was located on the afternoon of 1/17/2021 due east of the Dallas Bay entrance from the Chickamauga River channel by two fisherman. Her body was removed by direction of the Hamilton County Medical Examiner’s office and taken by Hamilton County EMS to the Hamilton County Forensics center for further evaluation. The incident occurred in Hamilton County. All three persons on board were not wearing PFDs.  There were no wearables on the vessel.  The cause of death is drowning.


BARDID: TN-2021-0012
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-01-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATAUGA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: WATAUGA
County: CARTER
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator states on above date time and location, he was navigating the watauga river when the above described vessel became hung up on rocks in swift water. The current caused the vessel to capsize. The motor was damaged beyond repair as well as the boats contents as outlined in the report. The occupants were taken to shore by a passing drift boat. Owner/operator went back later that day and retrieved boat from water. As a result of this incident the occupants did not sustain any injuries.


BARDID: TN-2021-0013
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-02-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:41:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: SODDY-DAISY
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Weather
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday February 28th 2021, Wildlife Officers responded to a call at in Sale Creek, TN on the report of a sunken vessel. Once the call had come out it was then learned that all occupants were out of the water and uninjured. Upon getting on scene OPERATOR 1 advised me that due to higher winds and his boat motor going into a limp mode water began coming overboard the gunwales of the vessel. OPERATOR 1 was able to get the vessel to shore and get him and his passenger off the vessel. The accident happened in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2021-0014
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-02-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: MORRISTOWN
County: HAMBLEN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Based On Witness Statements: 
Two people were fishing in the White Pine Marine tournament on Cherokee Lake in Hamblen County on February 27, 2021. Operator was operating his 18’ 6” Ranger bass boat with Kentucky registration 0406 WM while Subject1 was an occupant. At around 1400, Operator caught a fish and Subject1 assisted with netting it to the boat just out from the Hamblen County Dock. The vessel was not under the power of the trolling motor or outboard motor at that time. 

Operator was tending to his caught fish when Subject1 returned to the rear of the vessel to continue fishing. Operator heard a large splash and turned to view Subject1 in the water. Operator used the trolling motor to swing the bow of the vessel towards Subject1 to provide aid. Subject1 stopped struggling as Operator approached him. Operator was unable to lift Subject1 in the boat but was able to lift his head out of the water with one arm and operate the trolling motor with his other arm. Operator pulled Subject1 to the nearest bank and shouted for help. 

Two people were in a nearby vessel, heard Operator, and drove to provide assistance at the bank. Operator began administering CPR after they could not identify a pulse. Subject4 called 911 and advised them of the situation and their location. After around four CPR compressions, Subject1 began to cough and expel water. The emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene just before 1430. The emergency personnel were unable to transport Subject1 up the steep embankment and they loaded him on the vessel that Subject4 and subject3 were in. They were transported to the ramp where they could take Subject1 to the ambulance. Subject1 was taken to the Morristown- hamblen Hospital where he was listed in critical condition. Operator stated that Subject1’ inflatable personal flotation device had deployed while Subject1 was in the water. The two stated that Subject1’ inflatable personal flotation device had not deployed.
OFFICIAL


BARDID: TN-2021-0015
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-03-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:15:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: TELLICO RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: LOUDON
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, March 21, 2021 at or about 13:15 there was a fatal boating incident on Tellico lake in Loudon, TN.  A pontoon boat occupied by two persons was attempting to pull into a slip at the Canaly Lane community dock in Tellico Village.  

The vessel was caught by the wind and was pushed toward a neighboring vessel.  The operator of the vessel stepped onto the dock and attempted to pull the vessel back to the correct side of the slip.  In doing so, he fell between the vessel and the dock and did not resurface.  His body was recovered by the Loudon County Dive Rescue at approximately 15:30. *** Follow Up Narrative June 22, 2021

Based on findings in autopsy report the cause of death is categorized as an accidental death by drowning.  Attached to the digital file and hard file is a copy of the autopsy report.  Another note of interest is that victim had a BAC of 0.251.


BARDID: TN-2021-0018
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-03-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ELK RIVER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator2 and operator1 launched their kayaks at tim's ford dam on 03/22/2021 at or about 10:00 am. The water level was high at the dam and levels and flow increased as tributaries entered the river from recent rain runoff. Both occupants were in 10' sun dolphin kayaks that are not meant for these water conditions. 

They came around an island near fanning bend on the franklin co. Moore co., tn line and encountered a tree across the river. Operator2 was swept out of her vessel (#2) and she swam to vessel (#1) occupied by operator1 and operator1 turned in her seat to help operator2 who was holding onto vessel #1 when operator1 capsized and fell into the elk river. 

Neither kayaker had on their pfd's. Operator1 was swept down river. Operator2 rescue swam operator1 to shore and performed cpr, revived, and warmed operator1. Operator2 walked to the nearest house she could find and called 911 for help. Operator1 was transported to lincoln co. Medical center and was treated for water in her lungs for concern of complications with co-morbid conditions, and was later released. Two dogs were present on the kayaks at the time of the accident. Both animals survived. Both vessel and two cell phones were lost.


BARDID: TN-2021-0019
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: ROGERSVILLE
County: HAWKINS
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Improper anchoring
AccidentCause3: Dam/lock
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 05/01/2021 I received a report of an overturned vessel and 3 individuals in the water below the spillway at the John Sevier Steam Plant. Three individuals had anchored below the spillway when their 14ft Jon Boat spun around due to turbulent water and began taking on water.  

One occupant pulled the anchor up and the boat swung into the spillway and took on more water.  All three occupants went into the water as the boat sank, and were pulled from the water by nearby vessels. None of the victims were wearing life jackets. All three victims were treated and released on scene at the TVA boat ramp.  *

** A boating incident was reported to TWRA dispatch at 12:14pm  on 05/01/21 by the Hawkins County 911 dispatch with a report of an overturned vessel and 3 individuals in the water below the spillway at the John Sevier Steam Plant   Units from TWRA and Hawkins County EMS responded to the scene.  Three individuals had anchored below the spillway when their 14ft Jon Boat spun around due to turbulent water and began taking on water.  

One occupant, age 56, pulled the anchor up and the boat swung into the spillway and took on more water.  All three occupants went in the water as the boat sank.  All victims swam to nearby vessels and were pulled to safety from the water.  All three victims were treated and released on scene at the TVA boat ramp.  

 *** Pending charges for the boating incident were:
-Reckless Operation  69-9-216
-Violation of PFD Below Dams 69-9-209, 1660-2-7-.11
Officers met with Assistant District Attorney on 06/09/21.  ADA advised no charges will be filed in this incident.


BARDID: TN-2021-0020
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-04-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: TENNESSEE RIDGE
County: HOUSTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 11, 2021 at or about 09:00, Operator was operating his 19 foot Javelin bass boat near the Danville boat ramp on Kentucky Lake near TN River mile 78 in Houston County, TN. Subject1 was a passenger in the vessel. After leaving the dock, the occupants attempted to get the vessel on plane, and they noticed the boat was taking on water. As OPERATOR and SUBJECT1 exited the Javelin onto another boat which had come to their aid, the Javelin capsized. The vessel sank except for approximately 4 feet of the bow which was sticking out of the water. The Javelin was recovered the following day. At this time, contributing factors are undetermined.  

*** On April 11, 2021 at or about 09:34, I (Wildlife Officer) was notified via my state issued cell phone by TWRA Region 1 Dispatch of a boat that had sunk on Kentucky Lake near Danville boat ramp in Houston County. Dispatch stated the occupants were safe and had made it ashore. I was off duty at my home at the time, but I immediately started preparing to head that way. While I was en route, Wildlife Officer called me and offered his assistance and said he was en route also. I arrived on scene at Danville boat ramp at or about 10:48. When I arrived, Officer (who had arrived 5-10 minutes prior to me) pointed out the occupants of the vessel. 

I immediately interviewed and got a written statement from the owner and Operator. OPERATOR stated in summary:
-He had just purchased the boat and this was his first time taking it out. I asked if he had test run it prior to buying it. He stated no that the seller had sent him a video of the motor running. I asked if in the video the motor was running in water or on "muffs." He stated it was running in water.
-After launching the boat, they docked it where he and his occupant worked on the trolling motor which was not working.
-After leaving the dock he realized water was inside the boat.
-He attempted to get the boat on plane, but it would not plane out.
-Water kept rushing in and the boat sank.
-He installed the drain plug in the boat prior to launching and both he and the passenger were wearing their life jackets.
-About 20-25 minutes had passed from the time the boat was launched and when he realized water was coming into the vessel.
-The incident occurred around 9:00am.
-He turned the bilge pump on.  

Then, I interviewed and got a written statement from the passenger Subject1. SUBJECT1 stated in summary:
-They had arrived around 8-8:30am and prepared the boat for launching. He saw OPERATOR install the drain plug.
-They drove the boat to the dock and worked on the trolling motor for 10-15 minutes.
-After leaving the dock, the boat would not plane out.
-They were 100-150 yards away from the dock when they noticed they were taking on water.
-They called over to a nearby vessel who came to their aid, and when they jumped aboard the aiding vessel their boat flipped.

At this time, the vessel was approximately 30 yards from the shoreline and only approximately 4 feet of the bow was visible above the water. It appeared to be hung on something and was not moving downstream or down wind, but was rotating in place with the wave action.

OPERATOR contacted a company to recover the vessel from the lake. Due to the windy conditions at the time, they decided to wait until the following day to attempt recovery. I contacted Houston County dispatch to let them know the vessel was going to be left overnight. TWRA dispatch notified the dispatch centers of Stewart, Benton, and Henry Counties of the same.

The following day on April 12, 2021, I arrived back at Danville boat ramp at approximately 08:30. The vessel was in the same spot as the day before, but had rotated. Waterworkz Marine Services arrived to recover the vessel at approximately 09:00. The Javelin was removed from the lake at approximately 15:27. I immediately began to photograph the Javelin. Noteworthy observations are a 
 -The drain plug was installed.
-The main power switch on the dash and the bilge pump switch were in the "on" position.
-Prior to removing the drain plug, water was leaving the boat from the livewell drains and a small amount from the rubrail area at the stern. I observed no water leaving the vessel from any other location. 

 
On April 14, 2021 at or about 14:11, I spoke with a person by phone. Summary of our conversation as follows:
-I asked him how he knew water was coming into the boat after trying to get the boat on plane. He stated he looked behind him and water was coming over the transom and onto the back deck.
-He noticed the boat sitting low in the back soon after launching.
-I asked if water could have been coming over the transom while the boat was docked. He said that occupant had opened the battery compartment and wiggled some wires while they were working on the trolling motor and no water was coming over the transom at that point. 
 

On April 16, 2021, I performed a search of the U.S. Coast Guard's online vessel recall database. I found recall number 961493S which included 1996 model Javelin boats. The recall stated the problem was "level flotation." I was not able to determine more information about the recall, and it is inconclusive whether this was a contributing factor in this incident. 

On April 20, 2021 at or about 10:41, I spoke with operator by phone. He had not received a damage estimate yet. I asked him if he saw water coming from the bilge pump discharge after turning on the bilge pump. He said he did just for a second then it stopped. At or about 18:14, I received a text message from him saying the total estimate from Waterworkz Marine Services was $15,611.00.

At this time, contributing factors to this incident are undetermined.


BARDID: TN-2021-0021
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:19:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: PICKWICK RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: SAVANNAH
County: HARDIN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Overloading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator states that they had launched the boat and that it sat at the marina for approximately an hour before they headed out to fish. After fishing for a while, they noticed water in the bottom of the vessel and when they tried to make it back to the ramp the vessel sank and another boat passing by picked up the occupants and carried them to shore. 

When officers arrived the boat was bow up and the stern was resting on the bottom *** On 05/01/2020 at approximately 19:40 Hardin Central Dispatch received a call of a boat sinking near the sail boat pier at Pickwick Landing State Park.

 Sgt and Officer arrived at approximately 20:30 and spoke to the operator/owner. Operator states that they (him and his father) had launched the boat and that it sat at the marina for approximately an hour before they headed out to fish. After fishing for a while, they noticed water in the bottom of the vessel and when they tried to make it back to the ramp, the vessel sank and another boat passing by picked up the occupants and carried them to shore. 

When officers arrived the boat was bow up and the stern was resting on the bottom.  Officers and Operator went out to look at the boat and seeing there was no way for the officers to pull it ashore safely, hung lights on the bow so that it was visible from all sides. 

On 05/03/2021 at approximately 16:08 hours, Hudson Marine hooked to the vessel and began removing it from the water. Once on shore Sgt. looked over the boat for any obvious signs of where water could enter the hull. Seeing none Sgt. asked if they would be willing to pull it to dry storage so that he could check more thoroughly with a water hose. 

A closer inspection was done at this location and water was found to be able to flow from around the "rub rail" along the stern of the vessel. It is believed that this may be the  point of ingress of water into the hull of the vessel. Also the several batteries, chargers and other equipment at the stern of the vessel with the addition of a person could cause the rub rail to sit at or below the water line.


BARDID: TN-2021-0022
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-04-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:32:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 24, 2021 at 9:32 a.m., two vessels collided on Douglas Lake in Jefferson County. The accident occurred between Seven Islands and Anchor Down Campground. All persons involved were ejected in the collision and were all wearing PFDs. V1 occupant sustained non-life threatening injuries and was taken to UT Medical Center. Operator1 was pronounced dead on scene. Both persons in vessel 2 were not treated for injuries beyond first aid. This accident is still under investigation.


BARDID: TN-2021-0024
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-04-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: HENDERSONVILLE
County: SUMNER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Exhaust
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 4/26/2021 on Old Hickory Lake, vessel 1 was operated by the vessels owner. While underway, operator and his 2 passengers observed smoke emerging from the engine compartment followed by the vessel taking on large amounts of water. He activated his bilge pump and was eventually assisted back to Anchor High Marina where the vessel was removed from the water. He identified to Officers what he believed to be the source of the water as being a failed plug in Vessel 1's exhaust system.


BARDID: TN-2021-0025
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-03-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: PINEY RIVER
NearestCityorTown: SPRING CITY
County: RHEA
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 3/28/2021 at approximately 1500 hrs. TWRA dispatch was notified by Wildlife Officer on two missing kayakers in the Piney Creek area of Rhea County. Once officers arrived on scene it was learned that three individuals began kayaking on 3/27/2021. Based on interviews it was learned that one of the occupants had rolled her kayak and was immersed in the water. The conditions of the flood waters continued to make the current stronger to the point where it became unsafe for continued paddling. At the point the three began trying to hike out of the woods but became separated. One of the parties was able to hike to a road and was able to call for help at approximately 2000 hrs. A search began by the Rhea county rescue squad and Tennessee State Parks but was suspended during the night due to weather conditions. The search picked back up on 3/28/2021 and the parties were located by rescue squad members and by the Tennessee Highway Patrol helicopter. The parties were roped out and transported to the hospital for evaluation. The incident occurred in Rhea County.


BARDID: TN-2021-0026
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-04-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:13:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NICKAJACK RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: JASPER
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 17th 2021 at approximately 2200 hours, I Boating Officer received a call from TWRA Dispatch of a pontoon boat that had collided with a navigation buoy on Nickajack Lake in Marion County. Upon arrival on scene at the 437 River Mile Marker, it was found that a Sun Tracker Pontoon vessel had collided with the Green Navigational buoy and had the buoy stuck underneath the vessel. Wildlife Officers then used a patrol boat to remove the Pontoon from the buoy. Once on shore the damage was analyzed and was found that the collision caused damage to the operator’s vessel. The incident occurred in Marion County.


BARDID: TN-2021-0027
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:19:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: DECATUR
County: MEIGS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 8th 2021 at approximately 1420 hours Tennessee Wildlife Officers were dispatched to a fatal boating accident south of Cottonport Resort in Meigs County. The 911 operator advised TWRA dispatch that the incident occurred in a slough around the 510 river mile marker called Jones Slough. 

Upon officers arriving on scene there was one individual floating in the water face up already deceased. There was another man in a bass boat that was struggling with hypothermic symptoms. That individual was transported by ambulance to Starr Medical in Athens, Tennessee. 

An interview with the surviving party stated that he was driving while the deceased party was sitting up front in the fishing stool. While traveling at a low speed at less than 5 mph the operator let off the throttle and that is when the bow of the vessel went under water causing the vessel to swamp and both parties being ejected. 

The vessel was located by Wildlife Officers in about 6 feet of water. Once the vessel was recovered by Wildlife Officers there were two small leaks noticed at the forward portion on the keel of the vessel. The vessel was taken to the district office pending the investigation. The incident occurred in Meigs County. Water had entered the vessel and added to the instability causing it to dip forward on the throttle change.


BARDID: TN-2021-0029
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:41:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: WHITE PINE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On Thursday, May 20th, 2021 at approximately 6:40 PM, subject was attempting to put a vessel on Douglas Lake at Leadvale Access Area in Jefferson County. Prior to the vessel starting, the vessel drifted off the trailer. Subject started the engine with it in gear and fell overboard and was struck by the propeller. 

Subject was pulled to shore by bystanders and given CPR. He was transported to Morristown- Hamblen Healthcare System via ambulance and then transported to UT Medical Center via helicopter where he later died. *** 

Officer and I conducted an interview on subject2, who stated that it was his boat and that his friend was interested in buying the boat. They had agreed to leave the boat on the trailer and back it into the water where the motor could be started to make sure it ran. Subject2 stated that Subject was having trouble starting the motor, so he loosened the rope, but when he did the boat floated off the trailer and the hook became unattached. 

Subject2 stated Subject got the motor started but it was in forward gear with the throttle up. Subject lost his balance and fell overboard. The boat began making circles at full throttle, but Subject2 was able to stop the boat once it got close to the bank. Witnesses swam out to Subject and brought him to the bank. They began administering CPR and called 911. Subject was transported via ambulance to Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System and then transported via helicopter to UT Medical Center in Knoxville where he later died.  

Officer2 met a witness Sunday, May 23rd, 2021 at 1200 to obtain a written statement as well as two videos. The two videos show Subject floating in the water, the boat doing the circle of death, and Subject2 standing on the bank. Subject2 eventually grabbed the boat once it came closer to shore and stopped it. 

Subject2 stated in his narrative he observed Subject take one drink of beer prior to leaving for the lake.

Witness stated being able to taste alcohol on Subject''s breath while performing CPR on him.

Subpeona for blood denied by DA.

ADA in Jefferson County advised no charges to be made due to death of operator.


BARDID: TN-2021-0030
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: LA FOLLETTE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday May 15, 2021, at about 3:00pm in the Cedar Creek area of Norris Lake operator was pulling a wake surfer. He had traveled down the Powell river and turned into Cedar Creek. He was traveling near the right hand bank of Cedar Creek at about 12 miles per hour while towing a wake surfer, he took his attention off his intended path and turned his attention to the surfer. He struck the right hand bank with his 24' Mastercraft Wake Boat the vessel went up a riprap bank leaving the transom of the vessel underwater. No one was injured in the incident. The above occurred in Campbell County.


BARDID: TN-2021-0031
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:27:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 31st 2021 at approximately 1730 Hours I Wildlife Officer was notified of a property damage boating incident involving two vessels. Vessel 1 was a pontoon boat that was moored to another large vessel. Vessel 2 was a runabout vessel that began to moor to Vessel 1 when an occupant tied the two vessels together connecting the two vessels by the Bimini top on vessel 1. There was then a push of wake moved the two causing significant damage to the Bimini top of vessel 1. The incident occurred in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2021-0032
State: TN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:28:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BIG SANDY RIVER
NearestCityorTown: PARIS
County: HENRY
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday evening, May 30, 2021, at or around 6:30 p.m. Operator1 and Subject1 were drifting in Little Sulphur Creek on Big Sandy RIver when they noticed the boat filling with water from large waves. 

Operator1's boat was a blue and silver fiberglass Hydrasports open motor boat. Operator1 and Subject1 were picked up in another boat as Operator1's boat was sinking. Operator1 left the boat with only the bow sticking up out of the water and went home to Union City, TN without reporting the accident. The accident resulted in damages totaling more than $2000 with the boat being a total loss and no one was injured.

The vessel was located capsized.  

Officers saw unopenned canned beverages float up to the surface along with a cup holder/console while the boat was being towed. Officers collected 3 Bush Light  beers, 1 Miller Lite beer, and the cup holder/console. 

	The boat is a blue and silver hydrasports with expired registration of 4/10/2020. The numbers on one side of the bow matched the registration tag, the opposite side did not match the registration tag. The boat was not currently registered nor were the numbers properly displayed. 


BARDID: TN-2021-0033
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: PARIS
County: HENRY
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, June 5, 2021, at or around 2:30 p.m. Operator1 was drifting, facing North, in his boat under the Highway 79 Bridge on Kentucky Lake. Operator2 was driving the rented pontoon and saw Operator1 under the bridge. Operator2 did not get the pontoon stopped before colliding into Operator1's boat. 

Operator1 left the accident and drove to Lakeview Cottages & Marina to report the accident once he saw the damage. Operator2 rented the pontoon from Lakeview Cottages & Marina earlier that day. No one was injured as a result of the accident.  

*** On Saturday afternoon, June 5, 2021, at or around 4:43 p.m. Officer received a call from dispatch about a boating accident in Cypress Creek on Kentucky Lake. Officer1 called Officers to notify them of the accident. Officer1 arrived at Lakeview Cottages & Marina at or around 4:50 p.m. Officer1 began interviewing the drivers of the vessels and getting their information. Operator1 and Operator2 were the operators of the vessels involved in the accident. Officer1 got their statements. Both operators claimed the other bumped into their vessel. Operator2 stated that Operator1 was drifting under the bridge near the pontoon and did not avoid his boat drifting into the starboard bow of the pontoon with the port side of the Capri. After the collision Operator2 said he tried to make contact with Operator1 to let him know the Capri was damaged and to see if the Operator1's were okay. Operator2 said Operator1 left the scene. 

Officers pulled up to Operator1's vessel to assess the damages. Once docked Officer took pictures of the damage on Operator1's boat and had Operator1 move from their boat to the marina to get V1 subject1's statement. V1 subject1 and Operator1 said that they knew the individuals in the other vessel well and thought they were playing a joke on them under the bridge where Operator2 was approaching in a manor they thought would hit their vessel and Operator2 did not take action to stop the vessel in time before colliding with their boat. Operator1 did not notice the damage to the fiberglass immediately, it was after he left the scene that V1 subject1 noticed the damage. Operator1 knew the Operator2's had rented a boat in Cypress Creek and drove to Cypress Creek to find the marina and notify them of the accident to make a report. 

 Officer met with the marina owner to interview him. Owner supplied Officer with a copy of Operator2's rental agreement, damage assessment of the rental boat, and a statement of prior damages to the pontoon. Owner stated that the Operator1's had come to the marina and told him that the Operator2s that rented the pontoon hit their boat earlier in the day. 

Operator2 said that the pontoon did hit the capri moving at or around 10 miles per hour and tried to turn away when they realized the pontoon was going to collide with the capri.

No damages were found to the pontoon initially. 


BARDID: TN-2021-0034
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:46:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: NEW JOHNSONVILLE
County: HUMPHREYS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday May 11th 2021 at about 6:11pm I Officer received a call about a vessel on fire at Pebble Isle Marina in Humphreys County TN. I Officer and Officer arrived on Wednesday May 12th 2021 at about 2:30pm at Pebble Isle Marina. I Officer got a statement from two people at Pebble Isle about the incident that happened. I also documented the damage that was done to the Marina and the vessels involved in the fire. After we left Pebble Isle I Officer and Officer went to get a statement from the owner of the 26ft Bayliner that was the initial boat that caught on fire.

On May 11th 2021 the owner of vessel 1 was at Pebble Isle Marina preparing his vessel for the weekend. Operator1 turned the key of the vessel to attempt to start the vessel. He heard a noticeable pop come from the engine compartment. Operator1 opened the engine compartment and noticed a fire. He used his fire extinguisher in his vessel to put out the initial fire. He then looked back and the fire had started again. Another fire extinguisher was not available. He then exited the vessel into the water with his dogs. 

Manager ran down the dock and grabbed the closest fire extinguisher as he was running towards the vessel he could see Operator1 jump in the water with a dog. Manager used a fire extinguisher to try and put out the fire. He was able to grab 2 of the 3 gas cans that Operator1 had nearby. Manager then began to cut dock lines and push vessels away from B dock. Manager states the wind was pushing the burning vessels back towards the dock so he used a tug boat to pull them away from B dock. The boats were secured until I arrived on scene.


BARDID: TN-2021-0035
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:08:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: NEW JOHNSONVILLE
County: HUMPHREYS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday May 18th 2021 at about 6:00pm I recieved a phone call about a sunk vessel near pebble isle marina in Humphreys County TN. I called RP about the vessel that was sunk and she told me it was her husbands. On Sunday 23rd 2021 at about 2:30 pm I met with RP and her husband at Pebble Isle marina and got statements. 
OP1 said he was coming under the New Johnsonville bridge going about 80-85 mph when he heard a loud boom and looked back to see water coming over his batteries. He said engine shutdown and would not turn back on. He then called his wife RP. *** Investigator comment:
Boat Accident BA002803 and BA002804 are a sequence of events that ultimately led to the sinking of the Performance vessel.   
BA002803 describes the Performance vessel striking an object in the water disabling the engines and taking on water.   
BA002804 descibes the Yahama towing the Performance until the Performance looses buoyancey and sinks damaging the Yahama.  


BARDID: TN-2021-0036
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:38:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: LITTLE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: LOUISVILLE
County: BLOUNT
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/5/2021 at 16:38 in the little River area of Ft. Loudon lake Operator1 was operating a pwc headed upstream.  While attempting to pass underneath the railroad bridge that runs parallel to the HWY 129 bridge over Little River, the pwc that Operator1 was operating collided with the railroad bridge support nearest the south shore of the river channel.  

Operator1 was thrown from her PWC and rendered unconscious as a result of the collision.  At approximately 16:39, 48 seconds after the collision of the PWC with the bridge support, a pontoon operated by Operator2 arrived on scene.  

According to statements by Operator2's daughter, a passenger on the pontoon, Operator2 spotted the apparently unconscious Operator1 floating face down near the bridge support and near her unmanned PWC.  The witness states that Operator2 maneuvered his vessel close to Operator1, brought the boat to neutral and proceeded to the stern of the vessel where he jumped into the water in an attempt to rescue the unconscious victim.  

V2 occupant states that once Operator2 jumped into the water he made his way toward Operator1 and attempted to roll her over.  Operator2 then asked for help from V2 occupant.  V2 occupant asked what she should do to which Operator2 responded that she should bring the boat nearer to he and Operator1.  

V2 occupant, being unfamiliar with the controls of the vessel, attempted to back the boat towards the victims but states that she felt like she was not getting any closer to them, so she made the decision to go forward and bring the boat around to them instead.  In her attempt to come around to them she states she hit the bridge support twice, minor damage to bow and port side of pontoon boat noted in photos, with the pontoon boat.  

While trying to bring the boat closer V2 occupant noticed that Operator2 was now face down in the water alongside the victim and not moving.  At this point V2 occupant noticed another vessel in the area and began to call out for help to this vessel at approximately 16:41.  

At this time four people jumped into the water and swam to the victims.  The rescuers worked together to turn the victims over in the water and move them to the pontoon boat.  The group of rescuers loaded the two victims onto the pontoon boat and began to perform CPR on both.  The victims were transported approximately 150 yards upstream to the community docks of Anchorage Subdivision where the group of rescuers performed CPR on both victims until EMS arrived at approximately 16:58.  

Both victims were pronounced dead on scene by EMS.  The events listed above are under further investigation.  The times listed are taken from a combination of radio traffic logs as well as security camera footage near the scene. 


BARDID: TN-2021-0037
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SOUTH HOLSTON RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: BRISTOL
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday June 13, 2021 Operator1 and his fiance launched Operator1's 19' Triton bass boat at approximately 0930 at Observation Knob on South Holston Lake in Bristol, Tennessee. After fishing for several hours, Operator1 and V1 occupant1 were traveling back to Observation Knob. Approximately 50-60 yards out from the "no wake zone" Operator1 throttled down to a plowing speed of approximately 10 mph. 

At this time, Operator1 and V1 occupant1 were struck by a Seadoo PWC. The PWC was traveling approximately 25-30 mph 50-60 feet behind the bass boat. Operator2 did not have time to avoid a collision when Operator1 throttled down. The PWC struck the top of the 200 hp outboard motor before coming over the bass boat and off of the right side just behind the operator's seat. 

Operator2 and V2 occupant1 both were ejected into the water. They were wearing traditional wearable life jackets at the time of the accident and were not injured. Operator1 and V1 occupant1 were both wearing inflatable PFD's and were not injured during the collision. Operator1 made sure the PWC occupants were uninjured while V1 occupant1 called 911. Operator2 and V2 occupant1 returned to their campsite and awaited arrival of TWRA. Operator1 and V1 occupant1 trailered the bass boat and awaited TWRA arrival at Observation Knob. Operator2 did not possess Boater Education as required by law.


BARDID: TN-2021-0038
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
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 6/4/21 an injury occurred while wake boarding on Douglas Lake. At or around 1700 hours operator got on his family's 2005 HPS jet ski to pull his sister on a wake board. Victim dry started from their family dock. Operator started the jet ski and took off and after a few seconds of being up on the board Victim lost her balance and crashed. Victim broke her right hip during the crash. She was taken to Morristown-Hamblen Hospital and then later transported to UT Knoxville for surgery. This occurred in Jefferson County, TN.


BARDID: TN-2021-0039
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TELLICO RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: VONORE
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 19, 2021 at approximately 1615 Operator was operating a 21 foot Moomba Mobius on Tellico Lake between Tellico River and Ballplay boat ramp. The vessel was loaded with 7 passengers, 4 of which were at the bow, 2 at the console, and 1 in the rear. The owner of the vessel had just got done wakeboarding and getting back into the vessel. The vessel was drifting in the channel and was getting close to the shore so Operator decided to move the vessel towards a cove. As he was moving towards the cove he came upon some waves that came over the bow. The water continued coming over the bow and eventually the boat flipped towards the drivers side. Everyone was able to safely exit the boat and a boat passing by picked up 4 of the passengers, while the other 3 secured the boat to the bank.


BARDID: TN-2021-0041
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:37:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: JACKSBORO
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
A pontoon boat with five individuals pulling two tubers was operated in a cove on Norris Lake, between Indian River and Whitman Hollow docks. 

While making a turn in the cove the operator came into hard contact with the throttle, making the pontoon run into the bank, throwing the operator and two  passengers to the floor. 

The operator and two passengers sustained lacerations and broken bones from the impact with the inside of the boat.

The right or starboard side of the boat was damaged, with the right pontoon being crumpled on the front.


BARDID: TN-2021-0043
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-03-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: BYRDSTOWN
County: PICKETT
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Occupants had been fishing/cruising in rough water. when they attempted to take off the stern of the boat began to take on water causing the boat to sink and roll over. Vessel was tie to shore to be retrieved later.


BARDID: TN-2021-0044
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 03:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: MORRISTOWN
County: HAMBLEN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Preliminary narrative based upon witness statements who rendered aid and spoke with operator:

On the morning of July 6, 2021, Operator1 was operating his 2020 20 foot SeaArk bass boat on Cherokee Lake in Hamblen County.  At approximately 0300 hours Operator1 was navigating down stream in the vicinity of Pt 8 at Panther Creek State Park.  Operator1's vessel struck the island on starboard side of bow and ejected him into steering console.  

Operator1 regained consciousness and was able to call a friend for help.  Witnesses found Operator1.  They stated they found vessel on the island at 0630 hrs with Operator1 conscious and alert.  Operator1 was sitting in floor of vessel.  He stated he was having trouble breathing and could not move his legs.  Operator1 had an approximately 4-5 inch cut over left eye and swollen left eye.  They were able to free vessel from island and drove both boats to Grainger County Park.  Operator1 was flown to UT hospital. *** Based upon operator and witness statements:

On the morning of July 6, 2021, Operator1 was operating his 2020 20-foot SeaArk bass boat on Cherokee Lake in Hamblen County.  Operator1 stated he had been out all-night catching bait to striper fish.  He sent a picture of bait tank to his brother-in-law at 0400 hours and left his slip located at Greenlee Campground in Grainger County.  He went straight out of cove and made a right-hand turn to travel downstream towards the dam.  Operator1 stated he was traveling at 4,000 – 4,500 rpm which is about 27-30 mph on his boat.  At approximately 0430 hours, Operator1 struck the island North West of Pt 8 at Panther Creek State Park. The angle of impact was approximately 45 degrees to the bank.  Vessel sustained heavy crushing to starboard bow.  Upon impact Operator1 impacted and crushed steering wheel and console.  Console was freed of vessel except steering controls. He does not remember hitting island and suspects he fell asleep at the wheel.  He stated, “I woke up when subject2 called me (0540 hours) asking me if I wanted to fish.  I told him I’m hurt bad and on the bank. I don’t know where I am.”

Two people came to assist Operator1.  They found him laying in bottom of his vessel with a cut over left eye, having trouble breathing, and unable to feel legs.  At this time, they pulled his vessel off island and drove him to Grainger County Park.  Operator1 was flown to UT Knoxville for treatment and was released later that night.


BARDID: TN-2021-0045
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SOUTH HOLSTON RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: BRISTOL
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Drug
AccidentCause3: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday June 18, 2021 I received a call from Wildlife Officer requesting my response to Hwy421 Access Area on South Holston Lake for a boating accident with injuries. I arrived on scene to find one white male occupant and two witnesses. Upon my arrival, I learned that female occupant had already been transported to Bristol Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. 

The accident was a single vessel occupied by a white male and one white female. Operator was operating the vessel at the time of impact. Occupant stated that he was operating the vessel just prior to impact, but experienced radio difficulties so he gave the wheel to Operator to crawl under the console to work on the stereo wiring while in the area upstream of Highway 421 bridge. 

According to witnesses, the pontoon operated by Operator made a sharp right turn at full speed crashing into the bank.  Witnesses rendered aid, notified 911 and towed the vessel to Hwy 421 boat ramp per 911. Officer and I interviewed Occupant about the events leading up to the accident. 

Occupant continually made contradicting statements. Occupant's pupil's were constricted and eyes where glassy and blood shot. Occupant admitted to consuming alcohol. Officer interviewed and gathered statements from the two witnesses. At this time, Occupant was transported to Bristol Regional Medical center for evaluation of his injuries by Sullivan County EMS. Witness statements and Occupant's overall condition led to the suspicion of drug involvement. 

I asked Sullivan County Sheriff's Office personnel on scene to request a K-9 to our location. K-9 Deputy Walden arrived on scene a short time later with his K-9 partner. Deputy ran his K-9 on the boat to detect the presence of narcotics. Deputy K-9 did alert to the presence of narcotics on the vessel. A probable cause search was conducted and led to the discover of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana, several pills identified as Gabapentin, and suboxone and drug paraphernalia. 

The vessel was then inventoried and released to Operator's sister. Officers responded to Bristol Regional Medical to conduct interviews and blood draws on both individuals. During the collision,Operator sustained a secondary impact with the console during the collision resulting in 8 broken ribs, a lacerated liver, a punctured kidney, and lacerations to right and left lower extremities. Occupant suffered minor abrasions, contusions, and a fractured scapula. Occupant was released the same though. Operator was in ICU for 4 days but was released to go home on June 23.


BARDID: TN-2021-0046
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:13:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: LA FOLLETTE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
According to statements from individuals involved and a witness, on Friday July 2, 2021 an Axis boat was traveling slowly through the no wake area of Whitman Hollow Marina on Norris Lake.  As the boat traveled toward the main channel of the Big Creek section of Norris Lake a Master Craft boat collided with the back of the Axis.  

The Master Craft stopped partially on top of the Axis and then either slid off or was pushed off by occupants of the Axis.  As a result of the collision, multiple people were injured and an occupant from each boat was ejected into the water.  Both ejected individuals got into the Master Craft and the operator then drove away leaving the area.  The operator of the Axis then drove to Whitman Hollow Marina.

 *** Waterway Description

This incident occurred in the cove where Whitman Hollow Marina is located.  The cove is on the Big Creek portion on Norris Lake near Point 7 in Campbell County.  The cove is approximately 1.47 miles long and approximately 243 yds. wide at its mouth.  There is also a Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency owned access area located in the cove.  This area of the lake is congested with floating houses, the marina office, restaurant, and boat slips. *** Notes

- I spoke with ADA on the morning of 07/02/21 about the incident.  He was leaning towards a reckless/negligent charge since 7.5-8 hours had passed since the incident had occurred.  I spoke with him again on 07/06/21 about the conversation I had with injured party.  ADA said that he would like to speak to V2victim3 and I relayed that information to V2victim3.  I also spoke with ADA on 07/08/21 and he advised that I could release the Axis boat.  I advised him that one of our investigators was going to scan the boat before it was released.  He also told me that he had spoke to V2victim3 and that V2victim3 was supposed to call him back in a few days to let him know if he was willing to be a wittiness to failure to render aid.


-On 07/20/21 ADA advised that Victim 3 had not called him back and ADA also attempted to call Victim 3 on 07/19/21 and was unable to make contact with him and Victim 3 did not return that call from ADA.

-OP1 and Victim 3 provided the weather, visibility, wind, and water conditions.

-The officer arrival time is from notes made by Officer 2

-Accident time is the time 911 received the call

-Investigator has a scan of both boats on file 

*** On July 2, 2021 at approximately 12:43 am while off duty I received a call from TWRA Officer, he stated that Campbell County 911 had called notifying him of an injury hit and run boat accident near Whitman Hollow Marina.  I then spoke with Campbell County 911 to try to get more details and was informed that a deputy was on a private boat attempting to locate the boat that had left the area.  I then went on duty.
  
	Once on duty I spoke with TWRA Officer by phone.  He contacted another TWRA Officer, and both went on duty a little while later.  When I got on scene at Whitman Hollow Marina, I contacted the operator of one of the boats involved, a 23ft Axis wakeboard boat with Ohio registration.  I asked OP2 if he had drunk anything that day and he said a couple of beers at lunch.  I asked him if he had a problem letting me look at his eyes and he said no.  I then conducted the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Task and observed lack of smooth pursuit in both eyes and did not observe any other clues for this task.  I also observed an odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from OP2’s person while speaking with him.  I asked him to do the Nine Step Walk and Turn and One Leg Stand Tasks and he did.  Only one clue was observed on the Nine Step Walk and Turn Task and zero clues were observed on the One Leg Stand Task.  OP2’s performance on these tasks did not indicate impairment. OP2 said the


BARDID: TN-2021-0047
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FORT LOUDOUN RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: LOUISVILLE
County: BLOUNT
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
on Saturday the 10th day of July TWRA was asked to respond to a houseboat sinking at Louisville Landing Marina. Officer responded at approximately 19:00. Under investigation there was a 35 ft house boat, TN 0356 AN, tied up to a slip on A dock at Louisville Landing Marina. The vessel was partially submerged and tied off to the slip from the bow.


BARDID: TN-2021-0048
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: LA FOLLETTE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Based on witness statements vessel 1 were fishing along the bank of Chuck Swan Wildlife Management Area using a trolling motor. 

Vessel 2 with 7 people onboard came out of the harbor at Deerfield Resort and Marina towing one person as a skier. Vessel 2 went straight across the lake while watching the skier in tow. Vessel 2 struck Vessel 1 on the front left side. 

The impact threw operator from Vessel 1 into the water with no injuries. No injuries occurred to the occupants of vessel 2. Extensive damage occurred to vessel 1 and minimal damage occurred to vessel 2. operator of vessel 2 was issued 2 citations. One for reckless operation and one for failure to maintain proper lookout. He has a court date set for August 18, 2021 at 1:00 pm in the General Sessions Court in Campbell County, Tennessee.


BARDID: TN-2021-0049
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:03:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: SODDY-DAISY
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 1st 2021 at approximately 1500 hours, Wildlife Officers responded to a call of an individual floating in the water without signs of life. The location that Hamilton county dispatch gave was in a back creek of Sale Creek. After responding to the Patterson Road access area in Sale Creek I was able to make it on the water with aid of Sale Creek Volunteer Fire Department and make contact with the parties. Upon arriving on scene I spoke with a witness who stated that he was fishing and noticed a person floating in the water.  He had pulled the person floating in the water to the shore which is where he remained until emergency personnel arrived on scene. WITNESS stated that he found the floating party about 40 yards from his kayak. After interviewing the deceased parties’ wife she had indicated that he had a little alcohol to drink prior to fishing along with bringing a cider beer with him on the trip. She had indicated that he did not seem to be impaired. Furthermore she had indicated that her and her husband were communicating on a two-way radio and last had contact via radio around 1415-1430 hours. The deceased parties’ wife also stated the Kayak that he was on was brand new and that it was his first time using it. The deceased party was transported by Hamilton County Emergency Medical services to the Hamilton County Medical Examiner’s office for an Autopsy. The incident occurred in Hamilton County. his was unwitnessed and the sole person involved died.  It would only be speculation on what happened.  Our inclination is to believe that it is a falls overboard with alcohol as a contributing factor


BARDID: TN-2021-0051
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-12-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:35:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: NEW JOHNSONVILLE
County: HUMPHREYS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Drug
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday morning, December 3, 2021 at or around 1:00-2:00 am Operator and Subject1 had returned to the New Johnsonville Boat Ramp on Highway 70 in Humphreys County, Tennessee. They loaded materials onto Operator''s Seadoo to free a boat that had run aground. Once the vessel was in the water and materials loaded, both Subject1 and Operator boarded the Seadoo. 

Operator and Subject1 fell off, Subject1 returned to the bank and sat in the truck while Operator got back on the Seadoo and drove towards the mouth of Lucas Harbor of the Tennessee River. At or around 4:00-4:30 Subject1 no longer saw a light indicating where Operator would be. 

At sunrise a fisherman arrived at the boat ramp, Subject1 and the fishermen went looking in Lucas Harbor for Operator. Operator''s Seadoo was found capsized at the mouth of Lucas Harbor. The fisherman called 911, TWRA was notified and officered dispatched. Operator was recovered at or around 16:14 in seven feet of water in Lucas Harbor, incident resulting in one fatality.   It is unknown how the vessel capsized.

*** On Thursday afternoon, December 2, 2021 OPERATOR grounds a Grumman boat registered to OPERATOR''S father, on a mudflat in Lucas Harbor of the Tennessee River in Humphreys County, Tennessee (between river mile marker 100 and 101). OPERATOR calls SUBJECT1 shortly after and tells SUBJECT1 to go to OPERATOR''S house to pick up OPERATOR''S Jeep Gladiator and Seadoo, and bring it to New Johnsonville Boat Ramp to get OPERATOR off of the mud flat. OPERATOR builds a fire on the mudflat while waiting on SUBJECT1 to arrive. 

SUBJECT1 arrives at New Johnsonville Boat Ramp at or around 18:30, launches the Seadoo into Lucas Harbor of the Tennessee River in Humphreys County, Tennessee, and drives to the mudflat to pick up OPERATOR.

At or around 18:59, Humphreys County Sheriff''s Office receives a call concerning a fire on an island at the New Johnsonville Boat Ramp. At or Around 19:35 New Johnsonville Police Officer arrived at New Johnsonville Boat Ramp to assess the fire. Officer spoke with OPERATOR in the parking lot and saw SUBJECT1 standing on the courtesy dock by a Seadoo. 

At or around 20:00 on December 2, 2021, OPERATOR and SUBJECT1 pulled the Seadoo to the OPERATOR residence to gather materials to free the Grumman boat that night. While at the residence, OPERATOR and SUBJECT1 talked to OPERATOR''S father. OPERATOR and SUBJECT1 loaded a floor jack, PVC Pipes, and other miscellaneous tools into the Jeep Gladiatior and left the residence at or around 00:00 (midnight). 

At or around 1:00 to 1:30 SUBJECT1 and OPERATOR arrived at New Johnsonville Boat Ramp. SUBJECT1 and OPERATOR launched the Seadoo and began loading the floor jack, PVC Pipes, and other miscellaneous tools onto the Seadoo at the courtesy dock. After getting the tools loaded SUBJECT1 and OPERATOR boarded the Seadoo without Personal Flotation Devices (PFD''s) on. The Seadoo began to turn over and both SUBJECT1 and OPERATOR fell into Lucas Harbor of the Tennessee River in Humphreys County, Tennessee. SUBJECT1 got to the creek bank and told OPERATOR that he was going to crank the Jeep Gladiator to warm up. SUBJECT1 watched OPERATOR board the Seadoo and drive towards the mudflat. 

After some time had passed OPERATOR called SUBJECT1 to move the Jeep Gladiator down the bank closer to the mudflat to shine the headlights towards OPERATOR to help him see. SUBJECT1 informed OPERATOR that there was a retaining wall and could not get down the bank, but would position the Jeep Gladiator to shine the headlights towards the mudflat. OPERATOR told SUBJECT1 that the impeller of the Seadoo had sucked a rope into it, but he believed he had gotten it fixed. SUBJECT1 watched OPERATOR for a while until OPERATOR went out of reach of the headlights. SUBJECT1 fell asleep. 

When SUBJECT1 woke up he saw a light, from a flashlight or spotlight believed to be one OPERATOR was using


BARDID: TN-2021-0052
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: BEAN STATION
County: GRAINGER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: Vessel destruction
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On the afternoon of 08/01/20201 at approximately 1600 hours, a single vessel property damage only incident occurred on Cherokee Reservoir in Granger County. Operator was operating his 1986 16'' Traveler Jon Boat.  He was heading into the cove on the upstream side of the island where Point 19 Marker is located.  He stated he heard a loud pop and a jerk on his tiller handle.  When he turned to look at his outboard it fell off transom.  He was towed by Boating Officer Cliff Evans to the Hwy 25 E Access Area.


BARDID: TN-2021-0053
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS RESERVOIR
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On the above date and time I received a call from TWRA dispatch stating that Campbell 911 had received a call of an injury boating accident on Norris Lake.  Dispatch stated that the victim was being transported by the operator of the vessel to Eastlake urgent care clinic in Lafollette.  I proceeded to the Urgent Care Clinic where I contacted the operator of the vessel.  He stated that he was the operator of a 2006 Bombardier PWC with his friend, the injured victim as the passenger.  He stated that they left their residence and headed downstream.  He stated that they pulled into a cove across from the Peninsula residential development and he turned sharply at approximately 10-15 miles per hour as they pulled into the cove.  

He stated that when he made the turn victim fell off the vessel and struck his head causing lacerations.  Operator then assisted victim to a nearby vessel at which point he was transported back to the residence.  Operator then transported victim to the clinic for treatment.  Operator did not possess a valid boater ed certificate and was therefore cited for a violation of R&R 1660-02-12.


BARDID: TN-2021-0055
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATAUGA RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: HAMPTON
County: CARTER
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, July 24th, 2021 at around 5:15 PM, a vessel being operated by OPERATOR 1 on Watauga Lake was coming out of the no wake zone outside of Fish Springs Marina in Carter County. OPERATOR 1 began to accelerate the vessel when he noticed an odor of gas. OPERATOR 1 let off the throttle and turned on the blower, when he heard a pop and felt heat from a fire. OPERATOR 1 and the three occupants jumped in the water and were picked up by a nearby vessel and taken to Fish Springs Marina. The vessel continued to burn to the water line before sinking. *** Officer''s Notes:
Officer 1 attempted to make contact with OPERATOR 1 via phone on Sunday, July 25th with no contact made. On Monday, July 26th, Officer 1 and Sgt. 1 attempted to make contact with OPERATOR 1 at his residence, and also at the address he provided, with no contact made at either location or by phone. On Tuesday, July 27th, Officer 1 attempted to make contact with OPERATOR 1 at his residence. Officer 1 noted 3 vehicles in the driveway, side door open, and a dog barking inside, however, no contact was made at the residence or via phone. On Thursday, July 29th, Officer 1 was contacted by OPERATOR 1''s insurance company regarding the boat accident report. Officer 1 stated she was unable to make contact with OPERATOR 1. Shortly after the phone call with OPERATOR 1''s insurance company, OPERATOR 1 contacted Officer 1 via phone and agreed to meet for an interview on Friday, July 30th. 
*** On Saturday, July 24th, 2021 at around 5:15 PM while patrolling Watauga Lake in Carter County, I observed a heavy cloud of smoke coming from a cove. Once arriving on scene, I observed a vessel fully engulfed in flames. I notified TWRA dispatch of a boat fire and advised dispatch to notify Carter County fire department. I was informed by a boat with two individuals that all occupants of the vessel had been pulled from the water and taken to Fish Springs Marina by a passing vessel. Officers arrived at Fish Springs Marina and spoke to the occupants and operator of the vessel. The operator, stated he was coming out of the no wake zone outside of Fish Springs Marina when he began to accelerate the vessel and noticed an odor of gas. He then let off the throttle and turned on the blower when he heard a pop and felt heat from a fire. OPERATOR 1 and the three occupants jumped in the water and were picked up by a nearby vessel and taken to Fish Springs Marina. Officers and members of the Butler Volunteer Fire Dept. arrived on scene by vessel and began trying to extinguish the flames. The vessel continued to burn to the waterline before sinking.


BARDID: TN-2021-0056
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:16:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: SODDY-DAISY
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 26th, 2021 I responded to a call at Harbor Lights Marina that a boat was coming into the marina with a party on board that had a laceration to the leg. Upon arrival Hamilton County Emergency Medical services had a female victim on the ambulance with a laceration to her left leg. After interviewing witnesses and the injured party, it was determined that two large vessels were anchored in a slough on Chickamauga Lake near Harrison. The two vessels were anchored to each other and the female victim was trying to leave Vessel 1 and board Vessel 2. While she was making the jump from one vessel to another, she had lost her footing and began to fall. As she was falling her left leg grabbed one of the cleats on Vessel 2 and caused a large laceration to her leg. A nearby vessel loaded her on board and took her to Harbor Lights Marina to await first responders. The victim was then taken to a local hospital for treatment of her injuries. The incident occurred in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2021-0057
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:56:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/20/2021 a property owner in Harrison, Tn had observed from his home security camera that his personal dock that was located on Savannah Creek was struck by another vessel. The owner of the dock was able to read registration from the striking vessel and a name was able to be found. On 7/2/2021 TWRA officers were able to make contact with the registered owner of the vessel who had advised that he did indeed strike the dock. The operator of the vessel claimed that while he was traveling through the creek he came head on with another vessel and to avoid striking that vessel he made an evasive maneuver and ended up striking the dock. The operator as made aware by officers that he was required to report the incident. The incident occurred in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2021-0058
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Unknown
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 3rd, 2021 I, Wildlife Officer responded to a call of an overturned bass boat at Booker T. Washington State Park. Upon arrival there was a visible bass boat on scene that was overturned, and the two occupants of the vessel were on scene as well. After speaking with both occupants, they had advised that while fishing across the river channel for approximately 20 minutes the vessel began to take on water from the stern of the vessel. Both occupants quickly started to idle the vessel back towards the State Park but as they pulled up the vessel overturned and capsized close to the boat ramp. Both occupants were able to safely swim to shore while wearing their personal flotation devices and call for assistance. There were no injures sustained from the incident. The incident occurred in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2021-0059
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:03:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA RESERVOIR
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 12th 2021 Wildlife Officer responded to the camp ground at Chester Frost park for reports of a swamped bass boat. Upon arriving on scene there was a bass boat that was tied to a tree near a campsite. Witnesses advised that while the vessel was unoccupied and anchored out away from the campsite it had broke loose from its anchor and began to take on more water from the rain that was in the area. Shortly after witnesses advised that it began to sink. It was tied up to shore before it was able to sink to the bottom. The owner was contacted and came to the scene to get the water out of the vessel. The incident occurred in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2021-0060
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:16:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: LAKESITE
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 18th 2021 I Wildlife Officer received a call from Hamilton County 911 of a large white vessel that was heading into Harbor Lights Marina and actively sinking. Once I was able to get on scene, members from Dallas Bay Fire Department, TWRA officers and other private citizens assisted in towing the sinking vessel onto the Harbor Lights Marina’s forklift before it had completely sank. After speaking with the operator of the vessel he had advised that while he was going north on Chickamauga Lake around the 480 mile marker the engine on the vessel stopped working. The owner then noticed that the vessel was actively taking on water. Once the vessel was out of the water at the marina, the owner noticed significant damage to the engine and the interior of the vessel. There was no evidence that the vessel collided with any object on the water. There were no injuries sustained from the incident. The incident occurred in Hamilton County


BARDID: TN-2021-0061
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:01:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/24/2021 at approximately 0100 Hrs. I, Wildlife Officer responded to a call of a boating accident where there was a party that was struck in the foot by the vessel’s propeller. Once officers arrived on scene it was learned that in the narrow creek channel a vessel had run aground and while the occupants of the vessel were attempting to free the vessel while the driver was working the throttle one of the parties’ foot was struck by the vessels propeller. 

While interviewing the injured party he had appeared to be intoxicated. The party that was identified by witnesses as the driver of the vessel at the time of the propeller strike was not intoxicated. The injured party was transported to the hospital for treatment of his injuries. The incident occurred in Hamilton county.


BARDID: TN-2021-0062
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 1st, 2021 I, Wildlife Officer responded to a boating accident with injuries at Harrison Bay State Park on Chickamauga Lake. Upon arriving on scene, it was learned that this was a tubing incident involving two juveniles. The driver of the pontoon boat was interviewed and based on his statement it was found that he was pulling juveniles on a tube Close to Patton Island attempting to have the tubers hit some wake. 

The driver indicated that he observed some larger vessels create a large wave that he was going to circle back and go over. Once the tubers went over the large wake and the tube came down two of the tubers collided on the tube with one another. 

The impact between the two juveniles caused a laceration and head pains to one of the parties and the other had complaints of head pains as well. The driver of the vessel drove the parties to Harrison Bay State Park to await medical treatment. Once medical services arrived on scene the decision was made to transport both parties to Erlanger Children’s Hospital in Chattanooga for further evaluation. The incident occurred in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2021-0063
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:48:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: SODDY-DAISY
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 6th 2021 I, Wildlife Officer responded to Shady Grove Marina in Soddy Daisy. The call came in of a female that had fallen overboard of a pontoon vessel and was unable to get out of the water. Once first responders arrived on scene they were able to pull her from the water. Once she was pulled from the water it was observed by medical personnel that she had sustained a possible fracture to her left hand. The injured party refused to take the ambulance to the hospital but instead was able to drive herself to a local hospital. The operator, who was the injured party’s husband, stated that while they were trying to dock the vessel in their marina slip at Shady Grove Marina when his wife had fallen overboard attempting to rope the vessel in. The incident occurred in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2021-0064
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:21:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: TELLICO RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: VONORE
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
 *** On August 6th, 2021, at approximately 2330 hours a call came into TWRA dispatch from Monroe County 911 of a 3-year-old male coming in from a vessel to Rasar Landing Campground located at 1180 Corntassel Rd with the report of CPR in progress. As first responders arrived on scene they had begun to take over with the CPR. Once an ambulance arrived the child was taken to Sweetwater hospital where he was pronounced deceased. 

The occupants of the vessel stated that after eating at  Sequoyah Lake Resort and Marina, they left to return back to the campground. Operator indicated that she was the operator of the vessel from the marina back to the campground. Operator indicated that it was common for Subject1 to drive to the marina and for her to drive back to the campground. 

Operator entered the no wake zone close to the campground boat ramp and Victim stated that he wanted to swim. Operator stated that she told him that he could swim but not at that moment. As Operator and Husband began preparation to tie and anchor the vessel as well as fill up ballast tanks, their attention was securing the vessel. 

During anchoring Subject1 had left where he was sitting beside Victim and went to the back of the vessel. Operator stated that at some point she noticed that Victim was no longer in the vessel. Operator stated that she had asked Husband where Victim was to which he stated that he was on the boat. Operator looked again and realized that he was not on the vessel. She told that Subject1 get back on board the vessel and drive to which she jumped in the water and used her cell phone light to aid in the search. She stated that she began yelling for help. As both Operator and Husband were searching for Victim a separate fisherman that was close to the boat ramp fishing came to their aid. Operator told the fisherman that she couldn’t find her son and thinks that he might be in the water. 

Subject2 began to look around with a spotlight as he was trolling to their direction. Subject2 continued to scan the area with his spotlight as he was trolling in their direction, he located Victim floating in the water face down approximately 45 feet from the shore. They collectively pulled Victim from the water, started CPR and called 911


BARDID: TN-2021-0065
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:46:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 4th, 2021 I responded to Lakeshore Marina on Chickamauga Lake with the report of a two-vessel collision without any injuries. Upon arriving on scene, it was learned that a rental vessel of the marina that was operated by the renting party had collided with a moored vessel at the marinas dock. The moored vessel was unoccupied during the collision. The incident occurred in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2021-0066
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-09-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:13:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: HARRIMAN
County: ROANE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 10th, 2021 at approximately 2215 hours TWRA dispatch was notified of a boating accident with injuries having occurred on Watts Bar Lake close to the TVA Kingston Power Plant. Once TWRA officers had arrived on scene at the Lakeshore Park boat ramp and the operator was interviewed at the scene, he had slight indicators that he was under the influence of alcohol. 

The operator had an odor of alcohol coming from his person and officers began to conduct a series of field sobriety tests to determine the operator’s level of intoxication. The operator was determined to have been under the legal limit of alcohol for operating a vessel. 

It was determined after examining the damage of the vessel and based on the locations of the initial 911 phone calls the operator had struck a concrete retaining wall near the TVA Power Plant. The collision caused several passengers, including the operator, to suffer minor injures that were all treated and released from a local hospital. The incident occurred in Roane County.


BARDID: TN-2021-0067
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: SPRING CITY
County: RHEA
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Dam/lock
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 27th 2021 I was patrolling the waters of Watts bar when I was dispatched to a boat that had called in to Rhea 911 stating that they had struck something  just above the Watts Bar Dam and were taking on water. 
	Once on scene I made contact with the operator of the vessel. OPERATOR 1 stated that while he was traveling south on the river headed toward the dam he spotted air bubbling up in the river creating what he described as boil. According to OPERATOR 1 statement he veered to the starboard to avoid the area and struck an object in the water. OPERATOR 1 vessel was rendered inoperable and started taking on water. OPERATOR 1 paddled/ drifted over to the closest bank afraid his vessel might sink. 
	The Vessel sustained damage to the stern drive unit which was broken and hanging from the transom. After I towed OPERATOR 1 and his party to safety at the nearest boat ramp I returned to the location of where OPERATOR 1 stated that he had struck an object but could not find the object. It is undetermined if what OPERATOR 1 struck was part of the oxygenation system that was creating the boil of air bubbles or another submerged object.


BARDID: TN-2021-0068
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: SPRING CITY
County: RHEA
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On the 21st of July 2021 I was notified of a boating accident by the Rhea County 911 center. I was informed that a skier had fallen off of their ski while being towed by a boat and that they had hurt their knee or leg just down from the Arrowhead Marina close to Terrace View Marina. The occupants of the vessel had called 911 and Rhea County Ambulance and Sheriff Dept. were already in route.

	I responded to Arrowhead Marina which was the location that the injured individual was taken to meet medical personnel. Once on scene I contacted the operator. He stated that pulling his father on a ski he fell while trying to cross the wake of the vessel. Operator stated that he was traveling in a straight line and approx. 31 to 32 mph when he father fell. Victim stated that when he crossed the wake of the vessel he fell and when he fell the ski twisted his leg and dislocated his knee. 
	Victim was picked up by the vessel and taken to shore where he waited on emergency personnel. The Rhea County Ambulance Service transported him to the Rhea County Hospital where he received care for his dislocated knee but was later transferred to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga for further treatment of his injuries.


BARDID: TN-2021-0069
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BOONE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: JOHNSON CITY
County: WASHINGTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Equipment failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
EquipmentFailure: Fire extinguisher
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday July 16, 2021 at approximately 20:00 I was advised of a boat fire on Boone Lake involving a single vessel that had two occupants onboard. The vessel had been operating at idle speed returning to its dock after having engine trouble. The operator was advised by an individual on shore that the engine was on fire. He attempted to extinguish the fire, but the fire extinguisher malfunctioned. The operator and passenger then put on a PFD, jumped off the vessel, and were picked up by passing PWCs.  
*** On Friday July 16, 2021 at approximately 20:00 I was advised of a boat fire on Boone Lake involving a single vessel that had two occupants onboard. Officers advised me that the Johnson City Fire Department (JCFD) was extinguishing the fire and the vessel would be towed back to its dock. Upon arrival to the dock I interviewed the operator and the passenger. They informed me that they had received the vessel back from The Boat Doctors repair company an hour before their departure. They had traveled down their cove towards the main channel when the engine began to misfire. OP1 had turned the boat around and began back towards the dock when they heard a loud backfire from the engine. They were advised by an individual on shore that the motor was on fire and they needed to depart the vessel. OP1 stated he grabbed the fire extinguisher that was showing fully charged but when he attempted to spray the fire, the fire extinguisher malfunctioned. They then put on their PFDs and jumped into the water. They were picked up by passing PWCs. The vessel was pulled to a dock were the JCFD extinguished the flames.  *** No charges found during investigation.


BARDID: TN-2021-0070
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BOONE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: PINEY FLATS
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday August 21st, 2021 at approximately 17:30 two individuals were operating a Nordic speedboat on Boone Lake in Piney Flats, TN. The occupants stated they were traveling approximately 50 mph when there was an explosion from the engine compartment. 

Both occupants were ejected from the vessel with the operator suffering serious injury and the passenger suffering minor injuries. The vessel sank immediately after the incident.  

*** On Saturday August 21st, 2021 at approximately 17:30 Operator and Subject1 were operating a Nordic speedboat on Boone Lake in Piney Flats, TN. Subject1 stated the engine had been running rough all day, and he had been trying to fix the problem. 

The occupants had stopped and spoke with a group of their friends up stream from Pickens Bridge Access Area. Operator was operating the vessel when they left their friends and were traveling approximately 50 mph downstream back to the access area. 

Operator stated approximately 100 yards from the access area, there was an explosion from the engine compartment. Witnesses stated they heard a loud noise then saw the boat splinter into pieces. Both occupants were ejected from the vessel and were picked up by a passing pontoon boat. The occupants were transported by ambulance to Johnson City Medical Center. 

Operator suffered serious injuries that required several days of hospitalization; Subject1 suffered minor injuries and was released the same day. The vessel sank immediately after the incident with only a few pieces of the vessel being recoverable. 

Operator consented to a blood draw shortly after arriving at the hospital and upon examination from the TBI lab no alcohol or drugs were found to be present.


BARDID: TN-2021-0071
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 4, 2021 at around 3:15 pm on Douglas Lake in Jefferson County, a pontoon boat was towing a tube with 3 people on the tube. The vessel was doing circles on the backside of Henderson Island across from Terry Point Campground. While towing the tube, one of the individuals on the tube fell off unexpectedly. The individual was unconscious and seizing. 

Dandridge fire arrived and loaded her into an ambulance. 

*** On July 4, 2021 at around 3:15 pm on Douglas Lake in Jefferson County, a pontoon boat was towing a tube with 3 people on the tube. The vessel was doing circles on the backside of Henderson Island across from Terry Point Campground. While towing the tube, one of the individuals on the tube fell off unexpectedly. The individual was unconscious and seizing. They called 911 after 15 minutes of holding her in the water. Sergeant and I responded by boat and arrived within 10 minutes of the call and we were followed by Dandridge fire. The fire department boat assessed her in the water and put her onto a backboard, then they loaded her into an ambulance. The ambulance took her to the University of Tennessee Medical Center where she was kept overnight and evaluated with the diagnosis of a concussion.


BARDID: TN-2021-0072
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-09-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: BEAN STATION
County: GRAINGER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Based upon all verbal and written statements:
On September 11th, 2021 at approximately 5:00 p.m., Vessel #1 (2008 Sunchaser Pontoon) was being operated by OPERATOR 1 under the supervision of his grandfather and vessel owner. The vessel was traveling on Cherokee Lake in Grainger County between point 17 and 18 heading towards the Olen Marshall Bridge. The vessel was traveling between 0-10 miles per hour with seven people on board and towing two juvenile occupants on a tube. The vessel struck a group of rocks on the back side of TVA Circle Park that were submerged in water. At this time, boat owner took control of the vessel. The vessel started sinking on the starboard side. The juveniles that were in tow swam to the bank after the impact. Boat Owner navigated the sinking vessel to the nearby bank. All occupants were removed from the vessel and the vessel was secured to the bank. Occupant called Grainger County 911 for assistance. Grainger County Rescue Squad, Grainger County EMS and TWRA Wildlife Officer responded to the scene. There were no injuries. The vessel was secured. All persons on board the vessel were transported by water where statements were taken. The owner contacted Tow Boat US and the vessel was successfully recovered on September 12th, 2021. The vessel damage was assessed, and photographs were taken by the owner and Greenlee Marine.


BARDID: TN-2021-0073
State: TN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DUCK RIVER
NearestCityorTown: COLUMBIA
County: MAURY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 28TH, 2021, AT APPROXIMATELY 18:00, I SAW A MAURY CO FIRE AND RESCUE VEHICLE HEADING TOWARDS NEW HWY 7 RUNNING EMERGENCY TRAFFIC. I CALLED MAURY CO DISPATCH TO GET SOME INFORMATION BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT COULD BE BOATING RELATED. UPON SPEAKING WITH THE DISPATCHER, I WAS INFORMED THAT A BOAT WITH TWO INDIVIDUALS HAD SANK IN THE DUCK RIVER AROUND THE 130 MILE MARKER. THE INDIVIDUALS WERE ABLE TO MAKE IT OUT OF THE SUNK VESSEL BUT WERE CLINGING TO A TREE LIMB IN THE WATER. I THEN PROCEEDED TO PICK UP MY BOAT AND HEAD TO CHICKASAW TRACE BOAT RAMP TO LAUNCH. DURING THIS TIME WAS NOTIFIED THAT ONE OF THE RESCUE BOATS WAS HAVING SOME TROUBLE LAUNCHING FROM RIVERSIDE ACCESS. I RAN EMERGENCY TRAFFIC TO CHICKASAW TRACE BOAT RAMP WHERE MAURY CO MET ME THERE TO ASSIST ME ON THE CALL. 
WE LAUNCHED THE BOAT AND MADE IT ALMOST TO THEM WHEN HE WAS CONTACTED THAT THE INDIVIDUALS HAD BEEN RESCUED FROM THE RIVER BY A MEMBER OF THE SWIFT WATER TEAM. WE THEN WENT BACK TO THE RAMP AND LOADED THE PATROL BOAT AND WENT TO INCIDENT COMMAND POST ON THE PRINCE PROPERTY AJACENT TO HWY 7. THE INDIVIDUALS HAD JUST BEEN CLEARED BY EMS WHEN I AND OFFICERS ARRIVED. 
THE OWNER/OPERATOR OF THE VESSEL STATED THAT IT WAS A RECENTLY PURCHASED JON BOAT, WHAT WE FELT LIKE WAS AROUND 10FT IN LENGTH, THAT THEY WERE IN. THEY HAD PUT IN JUST DOWN RIVER OF THE HWY 31 BRIDGE IN COLUMBIA TN ROUGHLY AROUND 15:00. AT AROUND 5:15 THEY ENCOUNTERED A BRIEF RAINSTORM WHILE ON THE WATER AND WENT PAST THE RAMP WHERE THEY WERE GOING TO TAKE OUT.  THEY THEN TRIED TO TURN THE VESSEL AROUND TO HEAD BACK UP RIVER. OPERATOR 1 WAS OPERATING A TROLLING MOTOR ON THE VESSEL AND OCCUPANT WAS IN THE FRONT TRYING TO PADDLE BACK UP RIVER. DUE TO THE CURRENT THEY WERE UNABLE TO MAKE IT BACK TO THE RAMP SO THEY CALLED 911. OPEARTOR 1 STATED THAT THE DISPATCHER TOLD THEM TO TRY TO GET TO SOMETHING THEY COULD HOLD ONTO UNTIL RESCUE MADE IT TO THEM. THEY WERE ABLE TO MAKE IT TO A DOWNED TREE IN THE RIVER TO  HOLD TO. DURING THIS TIME THEY GOT OUT THE VESSEL AND ONTO THE TREE. 
WHILE WAITING THERE OCCUPANT 1 THEN TRIED TO PULL THE BOAT ONTO THE TREE WHEN THE STERN OF THE VESSEL BEGAN TAKING ON WATER AND EVENTUALLY SANK IN THE RIVER. SOME TIME THEREAFTER FIRE AND RESCUE WAS ABLE TO MAKE CONTACT WITH THE INDIVIDUALS AND GET THEM TO SAFETY. THE VESSEL WAS LEFT IN THE RIVER. OPEARTOR 1 AND OCCUPANT 1 WERE CHECKED BY EMS WITH NO INJURIES AND RELEASED. DURING THE INTERVIEW IT WAS FOUND THAT OPEARTOR 1 HAD NOT REGISTERED THE VESSEL, NOR DID SHE HAVE ANY CONTACT INFORMATION FOR WHO SOLD HER THE BOAT NOR ANY INFORMATION REGARDING ANY REGSTRATION NUMBERS OR HULL ID NUMBER. 
SHE STATED THAT SHE HAD PAID ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR THE BOAT AND VALUED THE EQUIPMENT THAT WAS IN THE BOAT TO BE AROUND ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS AS WELL. IT WAS ALSO FOUND THAT THE INDIVIDUALS WERE IN POSSESSION OF TWO ADULT PFD''S THAT THEY STATED WERE WITH THEM DURING THE INCIDIENT. AN ATTEMPT TO CONTACT OPEARTOR 1 THE WEEK AFTER THE INCIDENT BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. DUE TO RECENT HEAVY RAINFALL I WOULD NOT SUSPECT ANY RECOVERY ATTEMPT WOULD BE MADE FOR THE VESSEL. BASED ON THE INTERVIEW IT APPEARS THE CAUSE OF THE VESSEL SINKING WAS DUE TO THE PASSENGERS ACTION OF TRYING TO GET THE BOAT OUT OF THE WATER AND ONTO A TREE LIMB, POSSIBLY TRYING TO GET WATER OUT OF THE VESSEL DUE TO THE RECENT RAIN EVENT.


BARDID: TN-2021-0074
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DOVER
County: STEWART
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
RP REPORTED TO TWRA THAT HIS SON WAS OPERATING A PWC ON KY LAKE ON JULY 4, 2021 WHEN HE ENCOUNTERED WAKE THAT CAUSED HIM TO BOUNCE HARD THREE TIMES ON THE SEAT.   HE STARTED COMPLAINING OF PELVIC PAIN AND WAS TAKEN POV TO THE ER FOR EVALUATION WHERE HE WAS DIAGNOSIED WITH A PELVIC FRACTURE.  RP SUBMITTED FORM CG-3865 TO THIS INVESTIGATING OFFICER WHICH WAS USED IN THIS REPORT.   CG-3865 UPLOADED AS ATTACHMENT.


BARDID: TN-2021-0076
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:27:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: MAYNARDVILLE
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Equipment failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: Bilge pump
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
According to statements from occupants and witnesses, on Saturday August 21, 2021 a 2005 Crownline was leaving the area known as Black Fox on Norris Lake, the occupants noticed that the boat''s engine was not running properly.  The operator stopped the boat, and the engine compartment was opened.  Water was discovered to be entering the compartment and some of the occupants along with witnesses attempted to bail the water out using buckets and cups.  There was also an attempt to use the bilge pump, but it would not turn on.  At some point another boat began to tow the Crownline but it took on too much water and partially sank.

Waterway Description

The partially sunk Crownline was secured to shore in Union County on Norris Lake.  It was also approximately 430 yards from the border with Claiborne County and approximately 0.6 miles across the main section of the lake from the no wake area of Straight Creek Marina in Claiborne County. *** Notes

- The equipment failure was the bilge pump


BARDID: TN-2021-0077
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:36:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: LA FOLLETTE
County: CAMPBELL
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: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 and Operator2 were operating two different jet skis in the  Big Creek area of Norris Lake in Campbell County.  After riding around they stopped to talk.  

An unrelated boat passed through the area.  Operator1 jumped the wake from the boat and then Operator2 went to do the same.  A collision occurred at this time between the two pwcs.  Both operators were ejected from their pwcs.  

Both were wearing pfds.  Operator1 was knocked unconscious and was discovered floating face down in the lake.  Operator2 rolled Operator1 over and rendered aid.   Both individuals were picked up by other boaters.  Operator1 was flown to UT Hospital for treatment.  Operator2 was uninjured.  The pwc Operator1 was operating sustained heavy damage to the front and right side.  The pwc Operator2 was operating sustained damage to the right underside.  Both pwcs were seized as evidence.   

On 8/20/21 Operator1 and Operator2 were cited for boater education violations.  Citations were issued per the Campbell County DA.


BARDID: TN-2021-0078
State: TN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:26:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: OBED RIVER
NearestCityorTown: WARTBURG
County: MORGAN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 8/2/2021, I was notified of a missing person from a kayak in Morgan County, TN.  Wildlife Officer indicated that the rescue squad had requested assistance from our agency for ROV assistance in locating a missing boater.  

Investigation shows that Operator was fishing from his inflatable kayak while friends were nearby.  He admittedly could not swim and was not wearing a PFD. The friends went back to the parking area and looked back upriver and saw his kayak capsized.  They immediately went to search and called for emergency assistance.

I responded and began to search the location Operator was last seen by friends.  After about 1 hour of searching, we moved closer to the confluence of the Little Emory River/Obed River.  Within about 15 minutes I located Operator in about 5 foot of water in the middle of the Obed River.  He was face down and only wearing a bathing suit.

Divers recovered the body and he was transported to the Knoxville Forensic Center for autopsy.  
Officers from the Morgan County SO/Wildlife Officer gave me all information so I could complete the required report.


