# ReleasableAccidentes

BARDID: AR-2015-0053
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-11-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE DARDANELLE
NearestCityorTown: COAL HILL
County: JOHNSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Overloading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator and passenger they were heading back in from duck hunting on Lake Dardanelle; attempting to cut through a jetty to the boat ramp when V1 took on water and capsized.  As they approached the narrow cut, the operator slowed down and as the bow lowered water came over into V1. The passenger was holding onto a PFD and decided to jump into the water and swim to shore. Water continued to flow into V1 and the operator decided to abandon ship also.  

Once recovered, V1's capacity plate noted the boat was rated for 4 people or 500 pounds.  Both the operator and passenger were over capacity to begin with aside from all their gear.  The passenger sitting in the bow weighed 400 pounds and there was very little freeboard; so any movement or change in the bow's elevation would immediately cause water to enter V1.


BARDID: AR-2015-0054
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2015-12-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:46:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GRAPEVINE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CALION
County: CALHOUN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: drain plug dislodging
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator and passenger, all at once they noticed water in the bottom of V1 and discovered that the drain plug had somehow become dislodged.  They were unable to get the plug back into V1. The passenger stood up to get his feet out of the water and due to the instability of V1 filling with water he fell overboard.  The operator managed to climb out onto a stump in the water.  Due to the flooded conditions, V1 sank and was taken away by the flood waters.  There were no injuries.
 
As of this date: 01-11-16 V1 has still yet to be recovered again due to the severely flooded conditions and investigators have been unable to inspect V1 to confirm both the operator's and passenger's statements.  Even though the vessel's value is less than $2,000 it is being reported as a "complete disappearance" of the vessel within the 30 day reporting period; however the operator stated he will recover V1 when the flood waters recede.


BARDID: AR-2015-0055
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-12-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: DEVALLS BLUFF
County: PRAIRIE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 operator stated he was traveling upstream when he was struck head on by V-2.  V1 operator stated when he saw V2 he attempted to turn right to get out of his way and V2 also turned right.  V2 ramped over V1 and ejected V1's operator. V2 aided V1's operator and got him out of the water. V2 operator stated he was traveling down stream, hugging the east bank, when he saw V1 coming up stream. He stayed to the east bank but could not avoid V1. None of the parties involved admitted to having any injuries. 
 
V1 sustained extensive damage to the front and port side and to the motor cowling.  V2 sustained damage to the front port side and had an approximately 6 inch gash in the bottom of the vessel. 


BARDID: AR-2015-0056
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2015-12-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OUACHITA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: SMACKOVER
County: OUACHITA
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Overloading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated he and the three occupants in V1 were attempting to transport a Yamaha Rhino ATV across the river in V1 when they began taking on water. V1 quickly filled with water and sank along with the Rhino.  All occupants were able to make it to shore safely.
 
On 12/29/15, a side scan sonar was deployed in an attempt to locate V1 and/or the Rhino.  A possible location was detected however the water is 30ft deep in the target spot and with all the flooding the currents make it to dangerous to dive at this time.


BARDID: AR-2016-0001
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-01-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BAYOU METO WMA
NearestCityorTown: STUTTGART
County: ARKANSAS
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was traveling in the Lower Vallier ditch of Bayou Meto WMA when it slowed to check on a docked vessel at the water control structure.  V1's engine quit and V1 was overtaken by the extremely swift water flowing through the control structure.  V1 struck the water control structure and capsized; ejecting both occupants.  V1 sustained hull damage from bow to stern.


BARDID: AR-2016-0002
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-01-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FELSENTHAL NWR
NearestCityorTown: STRONG
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of V1 was returning after duck hunting on Felsenthal NWR, negotiating through the flooded timber with the sun in his eyes when a vine attached to a tree caught passenger 2 around his face and head causing him to be thrown into the operator.  This caused the operator to lose control of V1 and strike a tree.  Upon impact passenger 3 was thrown forward causing him to strike the side of V1 with enough force to rupture his spleen.  Passenger 3/victim was transported by EMS to the hospital where his spleen was removed.
 


BARDID: AR-2016-0003
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-01-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: NORFORK
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was drift fishing above Sheid Bridge; as he looked up and started the motor, it was too late to maneuver away from the bridge pier.  V1 struck the pier on the port side of the vessel.  V1 was submerged and has not been recovered at this time; the operator stated V1 was in two pieces the last time he saw it.


BARDID: AR-2016-0004
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-02-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:34:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE MAUMELLE
NearestCityorTown: LITTLE ROCK
County: PULASKI
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 2/10/16 a witness called and advised there was a boat (V1) circling in the water near the Hwy 10 Bridge on Lake Maumelle with no one on board.  Another witness advised they had actually seen two people in the water but could no longer see them.  Upon arrival this officer noticed V1 in fact circling but could not locate anyone in the water.  V1 was stopped and towed to the nearest shore.  There were no PFD's found floating or in V1; the only items located in V1 was a gas tank, battery and a hand-held GPS unit that was still on and tracking.  Cpl. searched the GPS which showed V1 making evasive and sharp turns all over the lake.  Officers searched for the victims until 22:30 that night and resumed the search on 2/11/16 at 08:00. Both of the victim's families were notified and each confirmed that they had gone to Lake Maumelle to "try out the new boat".  Victim 2's family also advised that he had MS and could not swim.  At approximately 13:30 we located an image with sonar that appeared to be two bodies lying close to each other near the area V1 was found circling.  Pulaski Co. Divers were able to dive and recover both bodies. The bodies were positively identified and sent to the Crime Lab for autopsy and toxicology screens.

There was no evidence on V1 that indicated a collision or that it had struck any object.  The bottom of the lake in that area has a smooth sandy bottom with minimal stumps.  A Snap Chat photo posted by victim 2 earlier on 2/10/16 was given to officers that had a "selfie" picture of victim 2 sitting in the front of V1 and victim 1 operating the boat with the caption - "This guy is going to kill me".  

Again with the evidence from the GPS, the Snap Chat photo and no damage to V1; it is the opinion of this officer at this time (without knowing the toxicology results) that the victim's were operating V1 in a reckless manner that caused both to be ejected and failure of either to wear or have access to PFDs caused their drowning.

However, this report will remain open until results from the Crime Lab are available which could take several weeks or even months.

UPDATE: 4-20-16 - CRIME LAB RESULTS RECEIVED; BOTH DEATHS WERE RULED DROWNINGS AND THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF ANY ALCOHOL OR DRUG USE BY THE OPERATOR.


 


BARDID: AR-2016-0005
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-02-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: MERCER BAYOU
NearestCityorTown: DODDRIDGE
County: MILLER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was checking V1 out prior to going bowfishing that night.  Operator stated he lost control of V1 and hit a cypress tree which caused him to be thrown out of his seat and onto the bowfishing platform in the bow of V1.  He hit the platform with his shin, splitting it open. Witnesses were able to assist getting him and V1 back to the ramp.  The operator/victim was transported by personal vehicle to St. Michael's Hospital in Texarkana, Tx.
 


BARDID: AR-2016-0006
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-02-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:19:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BEAVERFORK
NearestCityorTown: CONWAY
County: FAULKNER
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to witnesses, they heard screaming coming from the lake and saw V1 going in circles without anyone on board.  They then noticed two small children in the water and were able to get into another boat and rescue the two children passengers.  The children advised them that their father (victim) was operating V1.  Arriving officers to the scene were able to stop V1.  V1's kill switch lanyard was still attached to the motor and the other end was wrapped around the motor bracket.  Upon inspection of V1, no damage or malfunctions were detected.  It is unknown what caused the occupants to be ejected as the children were not able to provide any information.  
 
The children were transported to Conway ER for observation only and released to family.
 
The victim was recovered within approximately 90 minutes of the accident and was pronounced dead upon recovery.  The coroner took possession of the body and was going to perform an autopsy and toxicology screens; of which he said the results should be back within 8 weeks.
 
UPDATE 11-1-16: CORONER REPORT RECEIVED TODAY. CAUSE OF DEATH DETERMINED TO BE DROWNING.  UNFORTUNATELY ACCORDING TO THE CORONER, "THE BLOOD SAMPLES TAKEN FROM THE VICTIM WERE COMPROMISED DUE TO A POWER FAILURE OF THE REFRIGERATION EQUIPMENT" SO NO TOXICOLOGY RESULTS AVAILABLE.


BARDID: AR-2016-0007
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-03-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: EDEN ISLE MARINA
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
911 dispatch received a call advising they heard someone yell "Help" on the lake near point 4 but they could not see anyone or any vessel.  Another call came in shortly thereafter for a welfare concern on what turned out to be the victim.  A friend called stating the victim had gone paddling in his boat that he launched from his vacation home and who was supposed to return by 7pm to watch a ball game on TV.  A search was conducted in the area until 2am with nothing being located and due to visibility issues was suspended until daylight the next morning.  At approximately 08:30am the victim was located floating near Pt. 4 between Eden Isle and Heber Springs Marina.  The victim was wearing a dark shirt, grey underwear, no pants and only one shoe. He was floating face down near the rocky shoreline and he had an inflated PFD tied around his waist and his arm was through the area that should have been worn over the head.  There was severe trauma to the face and deformation of the cranium and ocular orbitals; he also had a blood trail from his ear and hemorrhaging in the eyelids.  Later that day, V1 was located in the breakwater at the marina and retrieved. According to the victim's neighbor; prior to going out on the water, he had brought her a frozen margarita and she concluded it would have been a lot of effort to only make one frozen margarita - when asked if the victim had been drinking.
 
 
Autopsy, BAC and Toxicology tests are pending. 
 
 
UPDATE: 2-7-17: Toxicology results  - positive .073 for ethanol.


BARDID: AR-2016-0008
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-03-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORFORK
NearestCityorTown: GAMALIEL
County: BAXTER
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: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 rounded Arnett Point heading South and met V2 heading North.  V1 operator stated he could see V2 approximately 300-400 yards away but both vessels were fast approaching each other. He further stated when the vessels got really close, he made a right hand turn to evade a head on collision but V2 appeared to go the same direction causing V1 to make a quick left hand turn. As V1 made a sharp left, V2 reacted by making a sharp right turn resulting in both vessels impacting each other Port to Starboard and ejecting all occupants of both vessels.
 
Operator 2 was killed (he suffered fatal head injuries and multiple left rid fractures) and both subjects on V1 were injured (operator suffered bruising to lower extremities and occupant suffered a fracture vertebrae in her neck, broken ribs and a collapsed lung).  Both operators were at fault for improper lookout.


BARDID: AR-2016-0009
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-03-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:49:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated the owner had asked him to dock the boat because he had trouble docking it earlier.  Operator advised as he approached the dock he pushed the throttle lever forward, V1 accelerated and hit the dock.  He advised he was unfamiliar with operating the vessel.


BARDID: AR-2016-0011
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ARKANSAS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: OZARK
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Received a 911 call from a bank fisherman advising of a vessel sinking below the Ozark Lock and Dam.  Upon arrival at the scene, both occupants of V1 were located safe after they swam to the bank.  They advised that they tried to anchor in front of the generators but realized the generators were running so they moved over in front of the flood gates.  The operator stated he anchored V1 from the stern and then dropped an anchor from the bow.  The stern anchor got caught and V1 began taking on water.  Both occupants were able to put on PFD's and swim to the bank.  The lock master advised that every gate was open slightly with a flow of 58,200 CFS.  V1 was not located until the following day.  It was upside down with the bow anchor hung in a rock jetty; so Ken's Towing company was contacted to remove the vessel.


BARDID: AR-2016-0012
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE MONTICELLO
NearestCityorTown: MONTICELLO
County: DREW
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator advised they were in the middle of the lake when they noticed V1 taking on water.  He realized he forgot to put the plug in before they left the ramp.  He attempted to start the motor but the engine compartment was already flooded and V1 would not start.  Monticello FD arrived on scene and were able to tow V1 to the ramp before it completely sank.


BARDID: AR-2016-0013
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BAYOU DEVIEW
NearestCityorTown: HUNTER
County: WOODRUFF
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated he was navigating in a southwest direction on Bayou DeView attempting to go between two trees when V1 became stuck.  He turned off the motor and walked to the bow of V1 in an attempt to free it from the trees.  During this process, V1 became free but the transom dipped below the water causing V1 to take on water and sink.  The operator was able to hang onto a tree and call for help. When rescue arrived, they noticed V1's bow sticking about 6 inches out of the water.
 
The operator advised V1 had a 27 hp Kohler shallow drive motor (mud motor) on it but he didn't know the registration numbers as he had just purchased the boat 3 weeks prior.  However, investigation indicated although it was a Fins and Feather boat, it had a Louisiana Homemade HIN on it.
 
The operator was advised to retrieve his boat so that a further inspection for damage could be conducted.  On 05/12/16, the operator advised he went to recover V1 but discovered someone had stolen it so the theft was reported to the local Sheriff's Office.


BARDID: AR-2016-0014
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ARKANSAS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: PINE BLUFF
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was traveling down river between Rising Star Access and Lock and Dam #3. V1 struck a rock dike that destroyed the lower unit; grounding V1 in low water.  On 05/31/16 V1 was recovered by the owner.  Improper lookout and weather (rain) were factors.


BARDID: AR-2016-0015
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OUACHITA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: MOUNT IDA
County: MONTGOMERY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to V1 operator he left Shangra-la ramp and headed east; when he had traveled about 1/2 mile, he slowed to an idle speed and began following another vessel. According to V2 operator he also left Shanga-la ramp headed east just a few minutes after V1. When V2 entered the main water body, he got on plane.  V2's operator stated he did not see V1 until right before impact.  V2's bow made contact with V1's stern and outboard motor.  V2 then ramped over V1 with it's keel and lower unit striking V1's motor cowling and driver's seat; then landing on the starboard side of V1.  V2 towed V1 to Mt. Harbor.


BARDID: AR-2016-0016
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SANDY BEACH
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Upon arrival at the scene, V1 was pulled up on the shore completely filled with water and the operator was bailing water out with a bucket. V1's operator advised they were stopped and exchanging skiers when another vessel passed by approximately 50 to 75 feet off his bow.  The passing vessel's wake breached V1's free board causing it to swamp.  

The passing vessel (V2) was described as a wake boat, white in color with a blue stripe down the side and no visible registration numbers. A search for V2 was conducted but no vessel matching the description was ever located. 

Upon further inspection of V1 it was noted that the vessel was over horsepowered and most likely exceeded its weight capacity. V1 was originally equipped with an 185hp motor, within the USCG's capacity plate maximum rating of 198hp; however V1 currently contains an after-market OMC 351 Windsor 250hp motor that weighed approximately 550lbs. Weights of all the passengers totaled approximately 748lbs. The total weight capacity for gear and persons according to the plate is 1300lbs. It is unknown the other "gear" weight (wake boards, ropes, PFDs, etc.) that was on board during the accident.  However given the fact that it was over horsepowered it was most likely over the weight capacity also thus the reason V1 swamped.


BARDID: AR-2016-0017
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: EDEN ISLE MARINA
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to V1's operator they were not underway, just drifting, facing southwest with their navigational lights on.  He noticed V2 (also with their navigation lights on) coming toward them from the north.  He assumed V2 would turn to avoid a collision but as V2 came closer it became apparent impact was imminent. According to V2's operator they were on plane traveling south and he simply did not see V1 until right before impact. The first thing V2 operator saw indicating there was a vessel on the water was the broadside view of the port side of V1. As soon as he saw V1 he turned hard to starboard. V2's bow went up over the stern of V1 and then V2 hit the water on its starboard bow. 
 
Damage was consistent with the operator's statements. The bow of V2 impacted the port side stern of V1, however V2's course did not change until after impact. The initial strike from the bow eye of V2 upon the transom of V1 is at a 91 degree angle from the keel of V1. V2's bow then traveled over V1's motor cowling. V2's port rubrail struck the ski-pole, sending V1 into a counter-clockwise motion while its stern was pressed downward. The starboard stern of V2 also struck the port stern guard rail of V1 as it continued through the path of engagement.

Based upon knowledge of the area surrounding Eden Isle Marina, a primary factor of the accident is the excessive lighting emitted from the Marina. Each dock has a red light and a white light which is visible from open water, thus making it difficult to distinguish the dock lights from the white stern and red bow light on V1.


BARDID: AR-2016-0018
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BUFFALO RIVER
NearestCityorTown: HASTY
County: NEWTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Occupants of V1 were canoeing upstream from the Hasty Access when they encountered a fallen tree and root wad in the river. They were unable to avoid the root wad and when V1 struck it they capsized.  The victim was pinned between the canoe and root wad under water. The river had risen several inches due to thunderstorms earlier that day and the current was very strong. Rescue personnel were finally able to dislodge V1; but the victim remained pinned down.  A diver was able to grab the victim's hand and place a tether on her arm.  Rescue personnel were finally able to dislodge her after several attempts. There were no marks on the body except pressure marks where she had been pinned against the root wad. 
 
 On 07-25-16 Toxicology report received from the Crime Lab; indicated the victim had a BAC of .108 at the time of the accident.


BARDID: AR-2016-0019
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: MISSISSIPPI RIVER
NearestCityorTown: MEMPHIS TN
County: CRITTENDEN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
This officer was notified of this accident on 06/13/16 by TWRA Officer.  He advised he began working the accident, gathering information when he learned it actually occurred in AR. He turned all the information he had thus far over to me.  Upon contact with V1's operator he advised the accident actually occurred 11 days prior on 06/03/16.
 
V1 operator stated he was traveling south on the AR side of the Mississippi River with 17 passengers onboard.  He thought he was approximately 100 yards east of the rock dike that is submerged.  He stated he felt a sudden shake in the boat and noted that his depth still showed 30ft. He immediately went to the engine compartment and noticed damage and water flooding in. Passengers began bailing water but couldn't keep up and neither could the bilge pump. He made a distress call and was assisted by another vessel from the Memphis Yacht Club.
 
The operator has been requested several times to provide a passenger list but has failed to do so.  The operator has failed to return phone calls and e-mail requests for his response so no passenger information has been received or verified.


BARDID: AR-2016-0020
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: HORSESHOE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HORSESHOE LAKE
County: CRITTENDEN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of V1 stated he was traveling east on plane when his passenger screamed and he quickly put V1 into reverse to try and stop. He advised he never saw V2 in front of him until it was too late. Both V1 operator and passenger stated there were no lights on V2.  V1 sustained damage to the hull toward the bow.  Operator of V2 stated they were stationary in the water watching fireworks without any lights on. He noticed V1 approaching and tried to paddle out of the way but wasn't able to. He further stated V1 partially submerged V2 when it hit but very little damage was done.


BARDID: AR-2016-0021
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:53:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DIERKS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DIERKS
County: SEVIER
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V2 was stationary with the bow facing southeast. V1 Operator launched from the boat ramp and headed southeast. V1 approached V2 from the rear/stern. V1's operator failed to see/notice V2; came along the starboard side and collided with V2. V1's forward port side struck the forward starboard side of V2.
 
V1's damage consisted of denting/crushing of the aluminum hull and deep scratches in the hull and paint. V2 received damage where the top cap/deck attaches to the hull along the rubber bumper rail. There was a gouge in the fiberglass above the bumper line and scratches and striations along the side of the rubber bumper. The rubber bumper was also partially pulled out of the track holding the bumper.

According to V1 operator his vision was blocked by one of his passengers. According to V2's operator and passenger 2,  when they saw V1 approaching they both stood up began yelling and waving their arms but V1's operator and the passengers were turned around looking behind the boat. 


BARDID: AR-2016-0022
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ARKANSAS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: DUMAS
County: DESHA
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated they were anchored from the bow and stern out from Dam#2 and the hydro-electric plant on the AR River. When they got ready to leave, the rear anchor became entangled in the prop and as the operator attempted to untangle it, the boat tilted and began to take on water. When this happened passenger 2 cut the bow rope (anchor) causing V1's bow to drift down current.  Water came into the rear of V1 and capsized sending all occupants into the water. They were able to hold onto V1 and drifted downriver about 1/4 mile until they were picked up by another boat.


BARDID: AR-2016-0023
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAPILE CREEK/FELSENTHAL NWR
NearestCityorTown: FELSENTHAL
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was traveling down Lapile Creek toward the Ouachita River when it hit a submerged stump that caused the operator to lose control and the passenger to be ejected. V1 was a stick steer and the operator lost control of the stick when he was thrown into the bottom of V1. V1 made multiple circles before the operator could reach up and shut the throttle level off because he was not wearing his kill switch lanyard.  The passenger was able to re-enter V1 and drive it to the ramp to get help because the operator could not get up. 


BARDID: AR-2016-0024
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GREERS FERRY
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 Operator advised he was entering into the Shiloh Marina cove when his wife pointed out a vessel (V2) approaching from the southeast and appeared to be on a course to collide with them. V1 Passenger advised she stood up and began waving her hands over her head in an attempt to gain the attention of V2. V1 Operator further advised that V2 was not traveling very fast but was in a plowing position with its bow high out of the water. 

V2 Operator stated he was going into the Shiloh Marina cove and had begun to slow down but not enough for the bow to fall. He admitted he kept the throttle at a level to maintain a plowing attitude.   He also stated he did not ever see V1 but he did see V1's passenger's arms waiving and he immediately turned V2 to starboard to try and avoid the collision. However, he was unable to due to his speed and the distance from V1 at this point. A witness advised he noticed V2's operator looking over his right shoulder toward his houseboat when V1's passenger began waving her arms.
 
Thus, the port bow of V2 struck the starboard stern of V1.  The pitch of V2 resulted in an override of the stern of V1 and caused V1 to slide to its port as well as yaw in a clockwise direction.  V2's heeling to the starboard side was increased upon impact and the angle of yaw changed as a result of deflection off of V1. The deflection of both vessels resulted in the lower unit and prop of V2 to make contact with the starboard pontoon of V1.


BARDID: AR-2016-0025
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORFORK
NearestCityorTown: MOUNTAIN HOME
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was traveling in a westerly direction with no navigation light on. V2 was traveling in an easterly direction. Operator of V2 saw V1 and swerved to the left barely avoiding a head on collision. V2 did hit V1 on the starboard side 6" from the bow and continuing all the way to the transom. V1 had very little damage.


BARDID: AR-2016-0026
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was traveling east on Lake Ouachita. Passenger stated they hit a very large wave and were thrown from V1. She did not think she hit V1, nor did she recall making contact with the operator as they were ejected. She stated she remembers feeling the top buckle on her PFD being shoved up into her neck during the fall and believes that is what caused her injury.


BARDID: AR-2016-0027
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: NEWARK
County: INDEPENDENCE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Overloading
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was leaving the boat ramp at Oil Trough when the operator accelerated he said it felt like they hit something and the weight in the boat shifted and V1 capsized. Other boaters on the water responded to V1 to assist. The victim was pulled into one of the responding vessels and was not breathing. They began CPR as they headed to shore.  While awaiting for EMS, they were able to get a pulse and the victim began breathing. She was then transported to White River Medical Center in Batesville. 

V1 was a 14ft flat-bottom carrying 6 people and was obviously overloaded at the time of the accident. No damage was found on V1 to indicate it struck anything.


BARDID: AR-2016-0028
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:29:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Drug
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Both vessels were headed back to the Crystal boat ramp when they approached the "no ski" buoy out from the marina. Both vessels slowed because they thought it was a "no wake" buoy. Waves created by other boat traffic pushed V1 into V2. The impact was minor (no damage visible to either vessel) but it was enough to make the passenger/victim of V2 fall off.  

The victim was holding onto the back of V2 operator's PFD and when she fell she pulled the operator into the water with her.  Both operators stated that when they looked the victim she was face down in the water and non-responsive.  V1 operator grabbed the victim and tried to get her out of the water. A passing vessel stopped and helped load her onto V1. They took her to the bank where CPR was performed by campers at the campground to no avail.  
 
The Coroner drew blood and advised the only injury he could find on her entire body was a small quarter sized bump on the back of her head.  She also had a prominent bulge in her stomach to which the Coroner explained that it was a pain pump for pain management from previous injuries/health issues.  Cause of death ruled a drowning. Toxicology results pending.
 
UPDATE 09/23/16 - Toxicology results: Diazepam was found in the victim's system which is a muscle relaxer.


BARDID: AR-2016-0029
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Both vessels were heading north when V2 made a hard right hand turn in front of V1. V1 was unable to stop and contacted V2, ejecting both occupants. V1 operator stated he got nervous when V2 approached on his port side at a very close distance so he began to slow down and that's when V2 cut in front of him.  V2 operator indicated she noticed V1 was slowing down and thought he was going to stop so she decided to go in front of him.  Damage to both vessels was minimum.


BARDID: AR-2016-0030
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: MT. IDA
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated he was traveling west when he ran aground near island 28 damaging the hull of V1. The operator also struck the windshield, breaking his nose. In the area where this occurred is a partially submerged island. The island is marked with a shallow water buoy, however it is a large area and at the time of this accident the buoy had floated quite a distance from the actual island. The position of the buoy and the island being completely submerged made it very easy for even a safe and observant operator to run aground.


BARDID: AR-2016-0031
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE DEGRAY
NearestCityorTown: BISMARCK
County: HOT SPRING
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was traveling west between two islands near the Arlie Moore boat ramp. V1 ran aground and came to a stop completely out of the water. According to the operator, he lost track of where he was and was shining a spotlight in another direction when he ran aground.


BARDID: AR-2016-0032
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: EDGEMONT
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was drifting in open water and V1's occupants were swimming and floating on life jackets directly behind V1 when they noticed a boat (V2) quickly approaching. V2 never veered or changed directions and continued to head straight at them. V2 struck V1 in the stern port side, while also striking the victim.  According to V2's operator and passenger, they were traveling across the lake attempting to take down a rain shield from across the front of V2.  V2 stated they believed they hit a stump at first but then realized they struck another boat. Both the operator and passenger of V2 stated they never saw V1 prior to striking them.


BARDID: AR-2016-0033
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORFORK
NearestCityorTown: GAMALIEL
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: live well
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 08/12/16 at 7am we were notified of a deceased male subject floating holding onto a life jacket in Norfork Lake. The victim did not have any visible injuries to his body.  Several items were located up against the bank about 800 yards west of the body including another life jacket, a throwable device, red boat seat, black boat paddle and a red ball cap. All items were identified by a fishing buddy as belonging to the victim.  Utilizing side scan sonar, we were able to locate V1 in 28ft. of water resting on the bottom with the bow sticking up and trolling motor down. AGFC Divers noted the plug was in, the shifter was in neutral and the key was in the off position.  V1 was then recovered and inspected. The inspection revealed a 1/4in gap where the live well pump entered the live well.  The live well pump was in working order and completely filled the live well until the water began leaking through the 1/4 in gap and began filling up the rear compartments of V1.  At no time did the bilge pump kick on; it had to be manually turned on.  V1 had very little freeboard at the transom.  
 
It is believed the operator was unaware his boat was filled with water becoming unstable and any movement would have caused V1 to capsize. V1 had no flotation in the boat.


BARDID: AR-2016-0034
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ROGERS
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator he was following the GPS route on his GPS while passing Deer Island.  On the far west point of Deer Island, the operator ran V1 aground. V1 traveled about 50 ft. on a sand and gravel bar and was about 5 feet from the water line resting on the shore. Damages were scratches and gouges in the gel coat on the bottom of the hull.


BARDID: AR-2016-0035
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-08-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:28:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was cruising south 1/4 mile west of the big Hwy 7 Bridge. V2 was also cruising south west of the big Hwy 7 Bridge.  V2 failed to detect V1 and struck V1 in the stern, ramping over them causing severe damage to both vessels.  Only two of the occupants of V1 received minor injuries. Operator of V2 was cited for Negligent Operation and No Proof of Insurance.


BARDID: AR-2016-0036
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OUACHITA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: PINE PRAIRIE
County: BRADLEY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The passenger was teaching the operator how to operate a tiller handle boat (V1). They had been fishing and when they decided to relocate, the operator started  the motor and headed to the other side of the river. At some point she struck a log and attempted to pull the kill switch to stop the motor but was unable so the passenger who had been sitting on the front deck facing her stood up and started to walk toward the stern to assist. When he stood up, the operator could no longer see in front of her and struck a tree with the bow of V1. The impact caused the operator to fall forward into the bottom of V1, splitting both her knees open and caused the passenger to fall backwards striking his head and neck on the trolling motor.  The passenger then drove V1 back to their camp and then drove both of them to the Bradley Co. Medical Center for treatment.


BARDID: AR-2016-0037
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-08-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:27:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LITTLE MISSOURI RIVER
NearestCityorTown: MURFREESBORO
County: PIKE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
The occupants launched V1 at the Hwy 27 Bridge access and shortly afterward struck a submerged log which caused V1 to lean to one side.  The occupants were thrown to that side thus causing V1 to take on water and capsize.  They were able to swim to shore and call for help.  V1 has yet to be recovered.


BARDID: AR-2016-0038
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ROGERS
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 made a right turn while passengers 5 & 6 were on the tube.  Passenger 6 (victim) stated during the turn he fell off the tube landing in an awkward way fracturing his right femur.


BARDID: AR-2016-0039
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BULL SHOALS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: PONTIAC MISSOURI
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated they were traveling south in the Pontiac arm of Bull Shoals approximately 1 mile south of the state line when V1 struck the shoreline.  He also stated he had the windshield closed and was using his GPS but he still struck the island. 


BARDID: AR-2016-0040
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HEBER SPRINGS
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 (rental) was brought back to the marina by the operator; at which time he notified the marina that he had struck something in the water.  Upon interviewing the operator it was determined he was operating in the day use area of Dam Site Park in the no wake zone. He advised he was not going fast but felt an obvious strike as V1 hit an unknown object in the water.  At this time the lake's water level is down and this area is traditionally very shallow and narrow. Inspection of V1 revealed significant damage to the prop and the skeg was broken off of the lower unit.
 
The other occupants of V1 were unable to be located and the operator only knew the first names of two of the passengers so no information could be obtained on them.


BARDID: AR-2016-0041
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 03:38:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
This officer first interviewed the operator at St. Vincent ER.  The operator stated he had dropped off two females at Fisherman's Wharf and was traveling west at idle speed when he was hit by what appeared to him as a bass boat that left the scene.  

He proceeded to his parent's home which is approximately 1/4 mile west of the 70 bridge and they transported him to the ER. Upon inspecting V1 it was noted that there was evidence that a wooden dock had been impacted. A second interview was conducted discussing the dock evidence and the operator stuck with his story that another boat hit him - he did not recall hitting a dock although it was a possibility but he didn't remember. 

After further examination of V1 it was noted there was also some white or gray markings on the right side of the bow just forward of the dock impact damage.  A search was conducted in the area between the residence and Fisherman's Wharf but no damaged docks were found. A few days later on 09/12/16 dispatch received a call of reported dock/boardwalk damage.  The owner was contacted and the dock/boardwalk was inspected and found to have extensive damage along with material from V1.  The portion of boardwalk that was damaged was gray and matched the markings on V1. The dock/boardwalk is well illuminated with timer control lights that were operational.  No evidence of another boat being involved was ever found and obviously the operator's statements were found to be untruthful.  He was charged with Negligent Operation.


BARDID: AR-2016-0042
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HEBER SPRINGS
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Shift
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of V1 was attempting to dock his vessel in a slip at Dam Site Marina and in the course of docking he put V1 into reverse and then shifted the throttle lever back into the forward position; however V1 did not shift and continued in reverse. V1 collided with V2 which was docked in a slip across from V1's slip.  The operator notified the marina of the collision and left his contact information. Upon inspection V2 had a gaping hole approximately 3" in diameter on the stern. V1 sustained only minor scratching on the swim deck; however the throttle cable was found to have snapped.


BARDID: AR-2016-0043
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HEBER SPRINGS
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
According to statements from Operator V2, Passenger V1 and eyewitnesses on the ramp - V2 was pointed toward the ramp approx. 70 yards out from the ramp. V2 was stationary waiting for a friend to back a trailer into the water.  V1 was making a left turn past the ramp. V1 Operator was looking back at the ramp to see if her trailer was being backed into the water when she collided with V2.  
 
V1 Operator was transported to Baptist Hospital by EMS and V1 Passenger was taken to the hospital via personal vehicle.  A written statement was obtained from V1's Passenger via her mother because the passenger has to communicate by sign language. V2 Operator was given a PBT at the scene and registered .000 and no odor of intoxicants were present. A sample of V1's Operator/victim was taken and submitted to the AR Crime Lab. Results pending.
 
UPDATE 12/19/16: RESULTS FROM CRIME LAB REPORT THAT THE SAMPLE WAS INSUFFICIENT TO PERFORM TOXICOLOGY TESTS.  BLOOD WAS DRAWN BY HOSPITAL STAFF.


BARDID: AR-2016-0044
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORFORK
NearestCityorTown: MOUNTAIN HOME
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Passenger stated they were traveling south in the Bennetts Creek arm of Lake Norfork when the aft light vibrated out of its slot. The operator stopped V1 to reinsert the light pole.  Once reinserted, he throttled V1 up to continue south.  Within seconds the passenger stated she heard a noise and felt the impact of V1 striking land (Minge Point). She also stated it takes a while for V1 to plane out but she wasn't sure if V1 had planed out before the impact.  The operator sustained facial fractures and was unable to give a statement.


BARDID: AR-2016-0045
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CLINTON
County: VAN BUREN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated he was pulling a tube occupied by passengers 3 (victim), 6 and 8.  The victim was sitting in the middle of the three person tube when V1 traveled over some waves.  The older riders on the tube immediately motioned for V1 to stop and when they pulled alongside the tube, the operator stated he could tell something was wrong with the victim's arm as it was deformed and immobile.  Apparently when V1 traveled over the waves, the victim's arm somehow became lodged under one of the other riders.  The victim was transported by POV to Clinton Hospital where it was discovered he had suffered two broken bones (one in his radius and one in his ulna) on his right arm midway between his wrist and elbow.


BARDID: AR-2016-0046
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BLUE MT. LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BLUE MOUNTAIN
County: LOGAN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 10/16/2016 I was advised by a fisherman of a possible accident that occurred a few weeks prior (9/24/16) however the fisherman did not know the name of the person involved.  On 10/20/16 I was able to find out the operator's name and made contact.  The operator confirmed he was in a boating accident.  He stated he was on plane going about 50mph following the old river channel traveling northwest toward Crow Creek when his motor struck a submerged/fixed stump.  The force of the impact caused V1's motor to kick up into the back of V1 as it was ripped off the transom and finally ended up sinking into the lake.  He also advised the impact caused V1 to do an 180 degree turn before coming to rest.  He was able to use his trolling motor to get back to the Ashley Creek ramp.  He also advised he was not injured and did not realize he needed to report this accident. V1 was inspected and the damage was consistent with the operator's statement.  A local dive team attempted to recover the motor (10/23/16) but was unsuccessful.


BARDID: AR-2016-0047
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-10-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OUACHITA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: CROSSETT
County: ASHLEY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator advised he was traveling along the south side of the channel traveling west and turned to go towards the north side of the channel when V1 struck a tree near the north bank of the river.  The impact occurred in the driver's side console area and ripped off the starboard rear corner of V1.  After the impact, both the operator and passenger were thrown to the bottom of V1.  According to the operator the kill switch was attached to his life jacket and was pulled but V1's motor did not stop and V1 began going in circles. The operator was able to put V1 in neutral and eventually kill the engine. Other boaters in the area heard the impact and came to help.  Both the operator and passenger were taken by POV to the local hospital to get checked out.


BARDID: AR-2016-0048
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-11-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CROWN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HORSESHOE BEND
County: IZARD
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Owner of boat advised he was going to give V1 to the victim to use duck hunting. The victim wanted to "test" V1 out before going hunting the next day (11-23-16) even though at the time strong storms were moving through the area. 

At approximately 2300 the call came in regarding a missing person on Crown Lake.  Upon arrival at the scene, a truck and boat trailer was located on the ramp with the truck still running. Other responding officers located V1 approximately 900 yards across the lake on the bank. The engine was not running but the gear shift was in the forward drive position.  There were no signs of damage to V1 or the motor.  The storms at the time made visibility poor and conditions dangerous so the search for the victim was suspended until daylight the following day. The victim was located on 11/23/16 in 23ft. of water approximately 200 yards out from the boat ramp.  There were no visible signs of trauma on the body. Blood was drawn by the coroner and sent to the Crime Lab for analysis.

Due to the fact there were no witnesses at the time, we are unable to determine how the accident occurred. We do know however that no PFD's were located in V1 or on the victim's body.

Crime Lab results pending.

UPDATE 01/10/17: CRIME LAB RESULTS INDICATE NO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS IN THE VICTIM'S SYSTEM.


BARDID: AR-2017-0001
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-01-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 04:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BAYOU METO - HURRICANE SLOUGH
NearestCityorTown: HUMPHERY
County: ARKANSAS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 01/05/17 at approximately 0420 a boating accident occurred on Bayou Metro WMA in Hurricane Slough involving a boating striking a tree. Operator of the vessel, stated he hit a submerged object causing the motor to pop up into the lock position, resulting in loss of control of the vessel, and ending in a collision with a tree.  Damage was to the bow of the vessel (see attached photos).  At the moment of collision, passenger was laying on the port side, at the front of the vessel with his head toward the bow.  A neck injury was sustained from the collision to the passenger.  EMS arrived on the scene and requested Med Flight which transported him to UAMS.
 


BARDID: AR-2017-0002
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-01-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 04:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BULL BREAK (FELSENTHAL NWR)
NearestCityorTown: CROSSETT
County: ASHLEY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
While turning out of the boat channel to the south, V1 struck a cypress knee causing the motor to kick up and throw the handle onto the rear passenger seat. The throttle jammed causing loss of control and resulted in V1 striking a tree.  Passenger 2/victim was thrown into V1 hitting his left arm causing injury.  They were able to motor back to the ramp and get help.


BARDID: AR-2017-0003
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-01-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LONG POND BAYOU
NearestCityorTown: STUTTGART
County: ARKANSAS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated he was traveling back to the ramp when he hit a floating log.  When he hit the log, it knocked the outboard tiller handle motor completely off the back of his boat.  At the time of the accident, the motor had still not been recovered.


BARDID: AR-2017-0004
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-02-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: HORSESHOE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HORSESHOE LAKE
County: CRITTENDEN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V2 Operator stated he was approaching V1 to perform a safety inspection.  He approached V1 on the starboard side at a 45 degree angle and once within arm length he cut the engine of V2 and caught V1 to begin the check.  

Waves from an unknown vessel caused V2 to hit V1 just above the registration numbers on the starboard side; causing spider web cracks in the fiberglass.  V1's operator admitted there was prior damage to V1 in the same area just above the "new damage".  
 
There was no visible damage or paint transfer found on V2 so it is questionable whether or not the damage was caused during this contact. 


BARDID: AR-2017-0005
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-03-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:52:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: SYLVAN HILLS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WARREN
County: BRADLEY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
AccidentCause2: Drug
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
According to the passenger, he and the victim were fishing when the victim caught a fish and in doing so knocked his paddle out of V1.  When he reached for the paddle, V1 capsized.  The passenger who was wearing a lifejacket swam to a nearby dock and noticed the victim was thrashing in the water so he ran for help.  The victim's body was recovered approximately 5 yards from the dock in about 9 feet of water.


A blood sample from the victim was taken and sent for analysis - results pending.

UPDATE: CRIME LAB RESULTS RECEIVED 08/14/17 - VICTIM TESTED POSITIVE FOR CANNABINOIDS AND COCAINE.


BARDID: AR-2017-0007
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-02-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:54:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GOSHEN
County: WASHINGTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator advised he was maneuvering through a shallow area with strong current when his motor failed.  He attempted to restart the motor but the vessel was swept backwards into a stump causing V1 to capsize.  The operator was wearing a PFD and was able to get to the shoreline and walk to a nearby residence for help. V1 was unable to be retrieved until the following day due to the hazardous conditions. Damage to V1 was to the left rear gunwale and 25hp outboard motor.


BARDID: AR-2017-0008
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-03-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE DEGRAY
NearestCityorTown: BISMARCK
County: CLARK
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was traveling west and V2 was traveling east. V2 Operator stated his view was obstructed by the sun and the bow pedestal seat.  He did not see V1 until the last second and attempted to avoid V1 but was unable to. V1 Operator state he was trolling about 3mph at the time of the collision. He stated he saw V2 coming toward him at a high rate of speed and tried to yell out to V2.  The operators of both vessels suffered minor injury after impacting their vessel.


BARDID: AR-2017-0009
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-03-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: OIL TROUGH
County: INDEPENDENCE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Overloading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 3/25/17 at approximately 11:30pm, V1 was traveling East on the White River toward the Oil Trough boat access when V1 began to take on water from the bow where the 3 passengers were seated.  

According to the operator they were motoring at idle speed when water began to come over the bow. All occupants advised they had been bow fishing earlier and stated they had additional equipment in V1 such as a built in platform on the bow, extra lights, a generator, large fan and an 18hp fan motor.  

According to statements, once V1 began taking on water, it was fully submerged within seconds.  They were all able to swim to shore safely. V1 remains submerged in the White River and it is unknown at this time whether or not it can or will ever be retrieved.


BARDID: AR-2017-0010
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-04-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:23:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: MT. IDA
County: MONTGOMERY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was traveling west at approximately 40 mph following behind a group of boats and V2 was traveling north at approximately 25 mph.  V2 drove in front of V1. 

V1 struck V2 on the starboard side at the stern. The impact was at an approximate 140 - 150 degree angle. Both the operator and passenger of V2 was ejected. 

Neither occupant was wearing a PFD and the operator failed to have the kill switch attached.  

V1's operator was able to rescue V2 occupants and secure V2. V1 stated he did not see V2 until just prior to impact as his focus was on the boats in front of him. 

When he did see V2, he throttled back and turned left. V2 passenger stated she saw V1 coming toward them and told the operator they were going to crash.


BARDID: AR-2017-0011
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-04-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:09:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: SALINE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: PARON
County: SALINE
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was traveling south on Alum Fork of the Saline River below the Winona spillway during a high water event in excess of 2ft above the spillway gauge height. The victim traveled to a point along the river where he entered into flooded timber and rapids when V1 struck a tree, partially capsized and became pinned in the current against the tree. The victim was trapped inside the cockpit with his head downstream and he was unable to free himself. Two other kayakers made several attempts to free him but were unsuccessful. Rescue personnel arrived, however recovery of the victim was impeded until the following morning due to the terrain and hazardous water conditions.

Blood was drawn by the coroner and submitted for toxicology testing - according to the Crime Lab the results could take 8 weeks or more due to backlog.

UPDATE: 08/14/17 - CRIME LAB RESULTS RECEIVED. ALL RESULTS WERE NEGATIVE FOR ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS.


BARDID: AR-2017-0012
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:09:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: BULL SHOALS
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
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: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V2 was drift fishing down the White River and V1 was motoring up the river. 

Operator of V1 did not see V2 and ran into the rear of V2.  All occupants in V1 were ejected but no injuries were sustained.


BARDID: AR-2017-0013
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: CRYSTAL SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was traveling east out of Crystal Chute when it struck a wake from another boat. V1's operator lost control of V1 and both the operator and passenger were ejected. The operator was not wearing the required kill-switch and thus V1 began to make right hand circles. Both the operator and passenger were picked up by a nearby boat and escaped unharmed. Officers were able to slow V1 by throwing a rope in the path of the vessel which entangled the prop. V1 eventually struck an underwater obstruction near the bank which disabled the vessel.


BARDID: AR-2017-0014
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: MISSISSIPPI RIVER
NearestCityorTown: MELLWOOD
County: PHILLIPS
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Drug
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Witnesses stated they were fishing from the road at the bottom of the levee where the flood waters crossed the road into Mellwood Old River. They advised V1 was on the side of the road where they were fishing and further advised the victim told them he was going to take V1 so he could go fish further out. 

The witnesses told him not to take V1 because it didn't belong to him but he did anyway. As soon as the victim pushed V1 off the bank, the wind began taking V1 further out into the flooded waters.  

The victim panicked and threw the anchor off the front of V1, but it kept drifting. He then jumped out of V1 into the water and grabbed onto the bow of V1 and began trying to swim back to the shore, pulling V1.  He was unsuccessful at going anywhere.  He then climbed back into V1.  The witnesses began yelling at him to stay in V1 and let it float to the other side. 

The victim then began removing his clothing until he was only wearing a t-shirt and boxers. At this point, the witnesses advised V1 was between 150 and 200 yards from the shore where it was taken.  The victim jumped back into the water and began swimming back to shore.  The witnesses advised he swam about 5 yards before going under and never resurfacing.

V1 was found about 250 yards from where it was taken in about 2 feet of water with the anchor deployed.  The anchor had approx. 6ft of rope which is why it did not stop/anchor V1 when originally thrown as the water level varied from 10 to 14ft. V1 had both an outboard motor and trolling motor which were both in the up position and out of the water. 

Search crews finally found the victim 3 days later.  His body was recovered and sent to the Crime Lab for autopsy.  

UPDATE: 12/11/17 - Crime Lab report received.  Cause of death was ruled a drowning.  Toxicology results showed positive for Methamphetamines and Ethanol at .059%.


BARDID: AR-2017-0015
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Accident was reported after all parties left the scene so no on-scene interviews or conditions were available.  

Upon interview the victim stated he was swimming in the water behind V1 when the operator engaged the boat into forward gear to counter the effects of waves in the area. He further stated the waves initially caused V1 to move backward before or simultaneously as the operator tried to go forward and his (the victim's) swim trunks came into contact with the prop, pulling his leg into the prop.  The victim's leg received a 20cm laceration on the right thigh.  He was pulled aboard V1 and transported to Sunnybrook ramp to the awaiting EMS.


BARDID: AR-2017-0016
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ARKANSAS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: NEW BLAINE
County: LOGAN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 operator advised they had just launched and gotten on plane when complete steering control was lost and V1 made a 90 degree left turn causing a collision into the shoreline.  

Upon striking the shoreline, V1 made a 90 degree turn to the right and traveled approximately 30 yards before stopping.  

Operator advised that as soon as steering control was lost, he shifted into neutral and let off the hotfoot throttle.  Damage began on the bow between the bow eye and rub rail and ran down the hull on the port side.  Damage was noted on the hull, lifting strakes and keel. Damage was also noted on the port side chine toward the stern and around the drain plug. Upon inspection the hydraulic steering arm was loose and there was slack when turning the wheel.


BARDID: AR-2017-0017
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BREWER
NearestCityorTown: PLUMERVILLE
County: CONWAY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V2 operator advised they were stationary and fishing off the front and back decks when they noticed a metal boat (V1) take off and began heading their way.  

V2 operator further advised he noticed V1's bow in the air and it appeared as though V1 didn't see them so they began yelling and waving their arms to try and get their attention.  

After failed attempts V2's operator and passenger jumped out of the boat to avoid being hit. V1 struck V2 causing damage to the port side top rail and destroying the trolling motor.  

V1's operator advised they had just launched the boat and admitted the bow was in the air and that he had two flip up seats on the front fishing deck obstructing his view.  V1's operator advised the boat was just leveling out when he noticed V2 and immediately reduced power.  V1's operator admitted it was his fault for not seeing V2. No medical attention required.


BARDID: AR-2017-0018
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BULL SHOALS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: TUCKER HOLLOW
County: BOONE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator launched V1 and drove a short distance to the boat dock and waited for his passenger (son) to park the vehicle. 

When the passenger arrived, they noticed V1 taking on water and realized they forgot to put the plug in. The passenger then went to retrieve the vehicle and back it down the ramp so they could load V1 onto it but the operator of V1 never showed up. 

The passenger then went back to the dock to find V1 capsized.  A wrecker service towed V1 back to the boat ramp where it was loaded onto the trailer.


BARDID: AR-2017-0019
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: MERCER BAYOU
NearestCityorTown: DODDRIDGE
County: MILLER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator advised while cruising he noticed V1 was overheating so he stopped to let the motor cool down for about 30 minutes. He then started the motor and decided to head back to the ramp.  On route while going around the curve at Cutshaw Creek, the motor overheated and died at which time the operator lost steering control.  Operator stated when he lost control, V1 banked, cut hard and struck a cypress tree head on.  

The passenger/victim was sitting in the operator's lap and upon contact with the tree both the operator and passenger were thrown into the front deck with the passenger/victim sliding across and also making contact with the tree and entering the water.  The operator called for help and the passenger/victim was taken by POV to Neighbor's Emergency Center to get checked out.

Damage: The bow eye was pushed in and the surrounding metal bent in.  The impact shifted the motor and fan forward causing the ends of the propeller to protrude through the wire cage.  The muffler was also detached from the stern of V1.  Also upon inspection it was noted the engine coolant reservoir was completely empty - potentially the primary factor for the overheating.


BARDID: AR-2017-0020
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-05-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:22:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: LAKEVIEW
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Improper anchoring
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated they were drift fishing when he decided to anchor V1. When he tossed out the anchor from the rear, the current immediately swamped V1 sinking it.


BARDID: AR-2017-0021
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: MT IDA
County: MONTGOMERY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Owner of V2 advised that while V2 was tied to the dock, V1 struck V2 causing a dent on the port pontoon at the bow.  Operator of V1 stated when he attempted to pull out of the marina, he pulled the lever to put it in reverse but it didn't work and he accelerated V1 going forward and hitting V2.  

No mechanical deficiencies were found on V1.


BARDID: AR-2017-0022
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:16:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ARKANSAS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: DYER
County: CRAWFORD
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was traveling northeast in Clear Creek toward the AR River.  While following the channel, a log was floating on the surface of the water which the operator stated he did not see until the last minute.  When V1 struck the log, it knocked the motor in the full upright position locking the motor in place.  The impact caused the transom to bust and display stress fractures. The impact ejected the passenger on the port side.  The operator pulled the kill switch to kill the engine.  The passenger was wearing his PFD and sustained a knot below his right knee and scrapes on his legs from hitting the console.  He refused medical treatment.


BARDID: AR-2017-0023
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HEBER SPRINGS
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Upon arrival at the scene V1's port side bow was collapsed and the damage was consistent with striking a large stationary object. 

The operator advised he was traveling east through Peter Creek on plane when his vessel suddenly struck an object (a submerged rock next to the bank). He further advised he was thrown into the steering column and found himself lying in the center of V1 near the bow. He got up and moved the steering column back towards the stern but realized V1 could not be operated.  He advised his passenger was ejected from V1 but landed on the shore.  They got help and drove themselves to the hospital.


BARDID: AR-2017-0024
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: ROYAL
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator advised they had just refueled. V1 was were operating near Pt. 4 on Lake Ouachita when V1 began to "act funny". The occupants stated they smelled gas so the operator shut off the motor and turned the blowers on. He then attempted to start the motor again and V1 caught on fire. All the passengers jumped out into the water and swam to shore (about 15ft).  The operator unsuccessfully attempted to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher. V1 burned to the waterline and was a complete loss.


BARDID: AR-2017-0025
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORFORK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: MT. HOME
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V2 was pulling into a stall and missed their slot; so they tried a second time and a strong gust of wind caused them to collide with V1 which was docked and unoccupied.  The frame on V2 was bent on the port side and the frame and water slide was damaged on V1.


BARDID: AR-2017-0026
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:03:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORFORK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: NORFORK
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Sudden medical condition
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was kayaking when a storm blew up and caused him to fall out of V1.  He was not wearing a life jacket and struggled causing him to have a heart attack and drown.


BARDID: AR-2017-0027
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: MTN. PINE
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was traveling downstream on plane when it collided with a seawall.  V1 then glanced off the seawall and made a secondary impact into a fixed dock. V1 came to rest upright and floating but taking on water. Prior to Law Enforcement arrival, witnesses advised the occupants of V1 transferred several beer cans and other alcoholic beverages along with the female passenger to another boat which left the area.  Three people were injured when they impacted the vessel.


BARDID: AR-2017-0028
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:03:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: FAIRFIELD BAY
County: VAN BUREN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
V2 was docked at the marina and V1 had just picked up a passenger and began backing out of the slip next to V2.  V1's operator advised that she accidentally hit the throttle into forward gear causing V1 to strike V2's motor cowling damaging it.


BARDID: AR-2017-0029
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: TUNICA CUTOFF LAKE
NearestCityorTown: TUNICA, MS
County: LEE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator advised they were fishing along the bank and he was running the trolling motor.  The victim got his hook hung under water and after fighting with it, he took his life jacket off and they began to fish again. 

They came to a low hanging limb and began passing under it.  The operator told his passengers to watch out for the limb but the victim was standing on the back of V1 with his back turned and when he turned around the limb hit him in the chest causing him to lose his balance and fall out of V1 and go underwater. 

The operator turned V1 around with the trolling motor to try and locate the victim. After a couple minutes the operator knew something was wrong and called 911.  The victim's fishing pole resurfaced and passenger 2 grabbed it and began reeling it in.  The passenger then stated he pulled hard on the line and when he did the victim's body surfaced. 

The line from the pole was wrapped around his arm and leg and the hook was caught in his shirt. The victim was not breathing and they began yelling for help. A fellow fisherman heard them and helped them get the victim's body out of the water and back to the nearest boat ramp where the coroner pronounced the victim's death


BARDID: AR-2017-0030
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:59:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ARKANSAS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: NORTH LITTLE ROCK
County: PULASKI
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated he was running full throttle with the passenger sitting on a bench seat on the port side even with the operator's seat.  Operator stated the table in the front of V1 began to fall out of it's carrier in the floor so he left the driver's seat and told the passenger to take the steering wheel. 

However the passenger stated she had a towel over her head and never heard the operator. V1 was still at full throttle when the operator left his seat. According to the operator, V1 immediately turned sharp to the right and struck the rock bank.  

When V1 struck the bank, the operator was ejected out of the front of V1 and landed on his forehead and shoulder.  The passenger was thrown onto the floor of V1 and could not figure out how to turn the motor off.  The operator was able to climb back aboard and shut off V1. Another vessel witnessed the accident and came to their aid and transported them to the ramp where they met an ambulance.

Upon arrival at the scene, V1 was located 3/4 of the way up the rock jetty out of the water and the throttle was still in the full throttle position.  Both pontoons had extensive damage.


BARDID: AR-2017-0031
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ROGERS
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of V1 hit a large wake at approx. 40mph and went airborne.  When he landed, he injured his hip and became incapacitated.  Another vessel rendered assistance and took him to a nearby dock.  He was then transported by EMS to Mercy Medical Hospital.


BARDID: AR-2017-0032
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ROGERS
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Shift
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 operator was attempting to pull into a boat slip when the throttle control cable disconnected causing V1 to shift into reverse. V1 continued out of control, in reverse, at full throttle until it's starboard side stern struck V2's prop causing a blade to bend. V2 was unoccupied and on a boat lift at the time of the accident.

V1 operator stated V1 had recently been serviced and the mechanic told him he had adjusted the throttle cable.  Upon inspection a cotter pin was missing from the throttle cable.


BARDID: AR-2017-0033
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BULL SHOALS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BULL SHOALS
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was pulling the victim on a tube.  While turning they hit a wake and when they went to pick up the victim, they discovered she had a broken left arm.


BARDID: AR-2017-0034
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BEAVERFORK
NearestCityorTown: CONWAY
County: FAULKNER
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 operator advised they were in a bass tournament and they used a "shot gun" start to begin the tournament. 

V1 stated they were running about 60 mph when V2 struck him on his port side causing damage to the fiberglass.  V2 Operator stated he also was traveling about 60 mph when a boat in front of him slowed down and began turning left.  

He further stated he slowed down to pass the boat in front of him and after he passed he straightened back up and that's when he noticed V1 strike him on the starboard side at the driver's console and traveled down to the stern of V2.


BARDID: AR-2017-0035
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:49:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE DEGRAY
NearestCityorTown: BISMARCK
County: CLARK
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Carbon monoxide exposure
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: improper maintenance
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was anchored approx. 1/4 mile west of the Caddo Bend boat ramp on Lake DeGray. The owner/operator/victim and his dog were found by a friend in the aft sleeping berth of V1.  The aft sleeping berth shares a wall with the engine compartment and is on the same level. The dog was deceased and reportedly cold to the touch when rescuers found them. The victim was unconscious, lying on his back in the rear portion of the aft sleeping berth. When rolled onto his side to extricate him, the victim exhale vomited. Victim was transported by EMS to Baptist Medical Center in Arkadelphia and later transported to Baptist Medical Center Little Rock.

There was a Honda EU2000i gasoline powered generator in V1's engine compartment what was switched on but was out of fuel. Metal flex tubing was used in an attempt to exhaust the generator's emissions to the exterior of V1.  Upon inspection of the connections of the flex tubing, it was found that neither end of the tubing was a proper fit nor were the ends fastened in such a way that would prevent the flow of exhaust into the engine compartment. 

During post incident interviews with the victim he stated he arrived at the lake between 1730 and 1800 and made some repairs to V1's air conditioning system.  He stated he started the generator, closed the cabin of V1 and went to bed at approx. 2330.  Victim does not have any idea how long the generator ran before running out of fuel.  When rescuers boarded V1 the generator was not running.

Interviews with the victim's friend who located him revealed that the friend had attempted to raise the victim by shouting and honking his boat's horn. When the victim did not respond the friend swam to V1 and boarded it. He found the cabin area completely closed including all doors, windows and vents. He opened the door to the cabin and entered and said it was so hot he could barely stay below. It was at this point he noticed the victim's deceased dog and thereafter the victim and began rescue attempts.

BMC Emergency personnel indicated the victim's blood chemistry was consistent with that of someone who experienced acute exposure to a high level of carbon monoxide.


BARDID: AR-2017-0036
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:11:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DEQUEEN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DEQUEEN
County: SEVIER
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was pulling the victim on a wake board. The victim attempted to perform a back flip while skiing across the wake of V1 but when he landed he fractured his tibia and fibula.  He was pulled back into V1 and taken to the boat ramp area where EMS transported him to St. Michaels Hospital in Texarkana.


BARDID: AR-2017-0037
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-06-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: COTTER
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated they put in mid-afternoon on the White River at Cotter and began floating downstream to her residence.  When they tried to dock on the upside of the dock, V1 flipped ejecting both occupants.  Both occupants were swept under the dock but managed to free themselves.  V1 disappeared completely and has not yet been located.

At the time of the accident 5 generators were in operation at the dam and the White River was flowing at 11,813 CFS.


BARDID: AR-2017-0038
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:40:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HEBER SPRINGS
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator and all witnesses they advised they had been out tubing around the Sandy Beach area.  The victim and her boyfriend (passenger 3) were on the tube and each witness said once V1 began towing them, they only traveled a very short distance (around 20 seconds) when they noticed the victim began to have a seizure and fell off the tube. V1 came back around and they lifted the victim out of the water and placed her in the floor between the captain's chairs and traveled to Dam Site Marina at a high rate of speed. 

According to the attending physician at the ER, the cause of death was not drowning but that the victim's neck was broken at C1 and C2 cutting the spinal chord.  There was no obvious trauma to her face or head indicating an impact with an object.  The manner by which the victim's neck was broken is unknown at this time.


BARDID: AR-2017-0039
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:34:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
AT APPROXIMATELY 14:32 ON SUNDAY JULY 9TH 2017, DEPUTIES WERE DISPATCHED TO A BOATING ACCIDENT SOUTH OF THE 70 WEST BRIDGE.  UPON ARRIVAL, WE FOUND A YELLOW AND BLACK SUPIRA (V2) AS WELL AS, A YELLOW AND WHITE SEADOO (V1).  BOTH VESSELS WERE APPROXIMATELY 200 YARDS SOUTH OF THE 70 WEST BRIDGE.  ALL PARTIES STATED THEY WERE UNINJURED.  

V2 HAD BEEN TRAVELING UPSTREAM IN THE MAIN CHANNEL AND VESSEL 1 WAS JUMPING THE WAKE OF VESSEL 2.  VESSEL 2 SLOWED THEN VESSEL 1 STRUCK THE STERN AND STARBOARD SIDE OF THE BOAT.  VESSEL 1 HAD MINOR DAMAGE TO THE BOW AND VESSEL 2 HAD DAMAGE TO THE SWIM DECK AND REAR STARBOARD CORNER.  OPERATOR OF VESSEL 1 WAS CITED FOR RECKLESS OPERATION OF A PWC AND NO BOATING EDUCATION.


BARDID: AR-2017-0040
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: BULL SHOALS
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator STATED AND PARK STAFF ALSO OBSERVED THAT AS Operator WAS APPROACHING THE STATE PARK DOCK THE CURRENT CAUSED him TO MISS THE INTENDED STALL.  HeTHEN BACKED UP TO RE-APPROACH THE DOCK, GAVE THE BOAT MOTOR TOO MUCH THROTTLE AND THE VESSEL TOOK ON WATER AND SANK. 


BARDID: AR-2017-0041
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:36:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Investigation revealed V1 had been rafted up earlier with friends and after some time decided to leave.  V1 headed west out of the Little Mazarin arm of Lake Hamilton into the main channel of the lake when it encountered V2.  V2 was headed south down the main channel.  When V1 entered the main channel, he did so around a point of land and failed to yield prior to entering.  Once he rounded the point, V2 was operating on the right side of the main channel and they impacted. V1 sustained damage to it's port side from just behind the bow to the middle of V1. V2 sustained damage to it's left front pontoon.  

Operator of V1 initially stated at the hospital that he looked at his speedometer and it said 10mph and when he looked up V1 planed out and it was at this time he noticed V2 and he turned the wheel "all the way to the right" but it was too late.  He then stated he was in too much pain to talk.  Further attempts to interview days and weeks later were blocked by V1 operator's father.  Damage to the vessels are not consistent with V1 operator's initial statement.


BARDID: AR-2017-0042
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: MULBERRY RIVER
NearestCityorTown: MULBERRY
County: CRAWFORD
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator advised he was returning to the boat ramp when he struck a submerged stump. The water in the area is very muddy and prevents seeing anything that is submerged.  He advised he felt the thump but he didn't think it was that significant; however the vibration became extreme as he drove on.  Once at the ramp, he discovered the skeg was broken off and the shaft was bent.


BARDID: AR-2017-0044
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: PRESTONS FERRY
County: ARKANSAS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was floating on a life jacket during the Flotilla on the White River when an unknown subject started his vessel and backed up causing the victim's lifejacket straps to become wrapped in the prop. The operator killed the motor and helped to free the victim.  The victim was taken by her husband to Stuttgart Urgent Care and treated for her injuries.  

The operator left the scene without providing any information.  A search is ongoing for the operator. 


BARDID: AR-2017-0045
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ARKANSAS RIVER
County: DESHA
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
ON AUGUST 1, 20017 AT APPROXIMATELY 10:00 AM OPERATOR AND PASSENGER WERE TRAVELING UP RIVER WHEN THE VESSEL STRUCK A SET OF LARGE ROCKS UNDER THE SURFACE.  AS A RESULT OF THE COLLISION  THE VESSEL SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE PROP, LOWER UNIT AND TRANSOME.  Operator WAS ABLE TO STEER THE BOAT SAFELY BACK TO THE BOAT RAMP.  THERE WERE NO INJURIES TO EITHER OCCUPANTS IN THE BOAT.


BARDID: AR-2017-0046
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Paradise Marine stated that one of their rental boats (V2) had been damaged while undertow.  According to the operator of V1 (Paradise Marine tow boat), he was notified by the operator of V2 that V2 had broken down and needed to be towed back in.  While in tow, both V1 operator and now passenger of V2 stated a red speed boat with Budwiser on the side (V3) had come within 20 to 25ft of them going the opposite direction. The wake from V3 caused V1 and V2 to crash together severely damaging V2.  V3 never slowed down or stopped.  Later V3 was located at the Treasure Isle campground boat docks but the owner could not be located.  Several hours later contact was made by phone with the owner and the owner denied any involvement in the incident.


BARDID: AR-2017-0047
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Accident was not initially reported.  Officers found out about this accident while performing a HIN inspection at a neighbor's house of the operator/victim.  When officers finally made contact with the operator/victim on 08/04/17, the operator advised he was riding his newly purchased PWC (V1) going about 50 mph when he hit a wake and became airborne.  When V1 landed, the operator/victim's right leg hit the side of V1 causing a fracture to his fibula.  The operator/victim advised he thought he just sprained his ankle at the time so he didn't report it or seek medical attention.  However 4 days later he finally went to the doctor and had an x-ray taken; it was at this time he learned he actually fractured his leg.


BARDID: AR-2017-0048
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:23:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GILLHAM
NearestCityorTown: GRANNIS
County: HOWARD
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Overloading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator advised they had stopped V1 to swim.  After they finished swimming, he along with passenger 2 and 3 re-boarded V1 at the back of the vessel and when they did water started coming in over the back of V1.  The operator turned the bilge on and stated that a steady stream of water began pumping out but that there was still about 3 inches of water covering the back deck of V1.  They jumped back into the water and V1 tried to level out but instead capsized.  


During the interview, it was determined that V1 was overloaded. It is also suspected that either the plug wasn't properly installed or even at all also causing water entry into the boat.

Damage amount included the replacement of the instrument cluster, engine electronic components and the trolling motor. 


BARDID: AR-2017-0049
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORFORK
NearestCityorTown: MT HOME
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 and V2 were following a ski boat jumping the wake.  V2 operator turned to jump the wake and didn't see V1 and ran into the side of V1 ejecting the operator of V2. V2 operator received injuries to her mouth, head and shoulder.


BARDID: AR-2017-0050
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:54:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE PICKTHORNE
NearestCityorTown: CABOT
County: LONOKE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was located hung on a log close to the levee. The motor was in gear and the kill switch was in the "on" position however the actual lanyard was located in a storage compartment. There were no PFD's in V1 or on the victim and no visible injuries to the victim. The victim's body was located approximately 300 feet north of V1.

Officers have had prior issues with the victim drinking heavily and being in a boat fishing on this lake in the past; therefore alcohol is suspected to be a factor.


BARDID: AR-2017-0051
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: BRADY MOUNTAIN
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator advised they were motoring toward Island 41 when the victim decided to jump off the front of V1.  Operator advised he attempted to turn to the left to avoid hitting the victim, but the next time he saw him was when he came out from the back of V1 screaming that his legs had been cut. 

They were able to get the victim back on board and drove to the nearest dock to meet EMS.  Upon interview of the victim at the hospital he advised he was trying to be funny for his granddaughter's birthday and he jumped out of V1.  He further advised that he didn't jump far enough and once he hit his head under V1 he knew he was in danger.  He was struck by the vessel's propeller.


BARDID: AR-2017-0052
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE DEGRAY
NearestCityorTown: BISMARCK
County: CLARK
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 Operator was pulling a tube, operating close to several individuals swimming at the island south of the Arlie Moore boat ramp. When the operator came too close to the victims in the water, he maneuvered V1 to the left causing the tube to swing wide and go in between the victims and the bank. The rope attached to the tube struck both victims injuring them. Operator was cited for negligent operation and for no insurance.


BARDID: AR-2017-0060
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-10-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CUT BLUFF SLOUGH OFF WHITE RIV
NearestCityorTown: CASSCOE
County: ARKANSAS
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated he was drift fishing when V1 hit an underwater obstruction (log possibly), causing water to rush over the stern of V1. V1 sunk completely in a matter of seconds. V1 is still currently submerged in about 5 feet of water.


BARDID: AR-2017-0061
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-10-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: JESSIEVILLE
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator advised he was traveling south out of Cedar Fourche when he struck an underwater obstruction and was ejected from V1. He also advised he was wearing a kill-switch but it failed to kill the motor and V1 began circling.  He was able to swim to the bank and seek help.  When he returned to the area with help, V1 was located upside down in the area.  Damage sustained to V1 included: broken trolling motor shaft, dents from the port side bow to the stern where V1 had struck several trees while circling and damage to the prop and lower unit.


BARDID: AR-2017-0062
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-11-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ARKANSAS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: KNOXVILLE
County: JOHNSON
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
All witnesses stated there were winds of 40+ miles per hour and waves up to a couple of feet high at the time of the accident. The victim had been duck hunting with 4 other individuals (witnesses) on an island when he departed the island with his dog and multiple bags of equipment in an attempt to make it back to the Cabin Creek Park boat ramp. The other hunters stated there were multiple attempts by everyone to keep the victim from leaving the island due to the water conditions. As those attempts failed, he was urged to wear a PFD but he chose not to.  

The hunters further stated the victim was wearing his waders when he departed the island and that V1 appeared to become airborne multiple times as it traveled over the waves and that the motor died each time it left the water. They then advised V1 swamped and capsized. They attempted to use binoculars to locate the victim in the water but had trouble due to all the hunting gear and debris from V1 floating in the water. 

Several agencies responded and began searching for the victim. V1, the victim's waders, a tent, numerous decoys and his dog (alive) were located along the bank. The search was called off at dark due to conditions. The search resumed the next morning and AGFC's dive team was able to locate and recover the victim's body.

Inspection of V1 revealed the motor was in neutral and the throttle was in the "start" position which is consistent with witness statements advising he was having trouble keeping the motor running.


BARDID: AR-2017-0063
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-11-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: MILLWOOD LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SARATOGA
County: HOWARD
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The hunting party was returning to Jack's Isle boat ramp from duck hunting. Operator stated as they neared the Highline boat run and got into open water; the choppy water changed into 4 foot waves.  The operator attempted to maneuver V1 into the waves to prevent nose diving; however the waves approaching from several directions caused V1 to take on water over the sides and stern. The operator maneuvered toward a boat run pole where passenger 2 attempted to use a rope to tie V1 off in an attempt to steady it and use the bilge pump to remove the water. Unfortunately the waves were filling V1 faster than the bilge could pump out and the stern went under. As the stern sank, V1 capsized forcing the occupants into the water. Passenger 3 dove under V1 and retrieved PFD's for everyone. While passenger 2 was holding onto the boat lane pole, waves forced V1 into the pole smashing his hand between V1 and the pole.  

The victims were rescued by AGFC officers but V1 submerged completely and was unable to be retrieved for several days.


BARDID: AR-2017-0064
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LITTLE RED RIVER
NearestCityorTown: HEBER SPRINGS
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Received notification of an overdue kayaker on the Little Red River. According to the caller, the victim launched V1 at JFK boat ramp around 6:00pm. V1 was located unattended .75 miles downriver. Victim's body was located approximately 200 yards downstream from the boat ramp facedown with a rope wrapped around his left leg above the knee on one end and tied to an anchor that was lodged between two rocks on the bottom of the river on the other end. 

Victim's body was sent to the Crime Lab for autopsy.  The ME determined the cause of death to be accidental drowning.

It is believed shortly after launching V1, the victim deployed his anchor which became lodged and caused V1 to capsize and in the process the victim became entangled in the anchor rope and drowned.


BARDID: AR-2017-0065
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-11-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:40:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: BALD KNOB LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BALD KNOB
County: WHITE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Witnesses stated V1 was traveling north on Bald Knob Lake at approx. 3/4 throttle, after making a large counter clockwise loop.  They stated it was getting dark and they had a bar light from a vehicle shining onto the lake from the boat ramp. 
They further stated shortly after passing through the light, they heard the motor rev loudly as if it had come out of the water and then shut down. They then heard the operator/victim scream.  They called to him but only heard him a couple of times.  They then called one of their moms and 911.  First responders located V1 adrift with a life jacket on the floor and the kill switch activated and the kill switch cord missing.  A cap and pair of leather boots were found floating in a cove  northeast of the area described by witnesses as the incident scene. The victim was located by AGFC sonar at approx. 01:10am in 8 feet of water.
The witnesses stated they had just bought V1 and were trying it out prior to opening morning of duck season. The victim had fallen overboard due to inexperience and weather.


BARDID: AR-2017-0066
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-12-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:58:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE DARDANELLE
NearestCityorTown: RUSSELLVILLE
County: POPE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was fishing in a bass tournament and was returning for the 15:00 weigh-in at the State Park. V1 was on plane traveling southwest in open water when it came to an abrupt stop and a wave of water flooded V1. The Operator was able to lower the trolling motor and reach the shore before completely sinking.

Upon inspection of V1, an area of fiberglass (2ft X 8in wide) was missing from the underside of V1 on the starboard side near the stern. V1 struck an unforeseen underwater object, possibly a log. 


BARDID: AR-2018-0001
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-01-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ARKANSAS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: SPADRA
County: LOGAN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated they had gone duck hunting around 2:30pm on January 19th and launched from the Spadra ramp. To get to the area they wanted to hunt, they took a small cut west of the rock dyke off the main channel south of Spadra. In this cut there are two submerged rock walls that must be navigated over; depending on water levels these structures are usually deep enough to go over as long as the motor is raised. According to the operator they had no problems navigating the cut on the way to hunt. Shortly after sunset they loaded up and began heading back to the ramp. Operator stated they again had no problem navigating the cut but as they left the mouth of the cut they struck a submerged object. As they traveled into the main channel, they began noticing water coming into V1 from the floor. Operator stated the faster he went the more water came into V1. By the time they made it to shore, V1 was completely filled with water. When asked about visibility the operator stated he did have lighting problems with his navigation lights as well as the bar LED light and was having a hard time seeing.

Damage to V1 consisted of a 33 inch puncture to the port side hull. V1 does not have flotation and does not comply with USCG safety standards as noted by the red tag commericial use only on the vessel. 


BARDID: AR-2018-0002
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-02-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OUACHITA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: MITCHUM LANDING ROAD
County: BRADLEY
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated he and his passenger unloaded V1 with intentions on going to their cabin to remove some items from the rising flood waters. They launched V1 along side Hwy 63 and began easing down the ditch.  While motoring down, they caught a cross current that was going through a culvert that ran under Hwy 63. V1 struck the culvert and the current trapped V1 up against it; water quickly filled V1 causing it to sink. Both the operator and passenger were able to escape unharmed and get on dry land.  Damage to V1 included a dent/scrapes on the port side and the motor remained submerged for several days until retrieval was possible.


BARDID: AR-2018-0003
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-04-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: MULBERRY RIVER
NearestCityorTown: OZARK
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 along with others in a large group were rented from the Turner Bend store.  They embarked on an 8 river mile float trip that normally takes about 4 hours to complete. The water level was at 2.8 ft which is a good canoeing level but the air and water temperatures were still pretty cool. All subjects were issued PFDs.  At approximately 14:15, V1 entered a set of rapids known as "the Sac" where it struck a rock and capsized; ejecting all three occupants. The victim was wearing a PFD but he had failed to zip it up. When the victim surfaced, he was face down in the water and the PFD was wadded up toward the middle of his back.  The other occupants were able to pull the victim to the south bank of the river approximately 100 yards downstream from the initial accident.  They were not dressed for cold water immersion and only had on traditional Amish attire.


BARDID: AR-2018-0004
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-03-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: MNT. PINE
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 and V2 were traveling parallel to each other near Echo Canyon. V1 was on the east side of the chute and V2 was on the west side of the chute. When they entered a curve in the chute, V2 began turning left to make the corner but according to V1's operator he "looked down" for just a minute and didn't turn thus impacting V2 at the passenger console at a 105 degree angle and began ramping over V2. V2 continued traveling forward throughout the course of the collision and V1 kept travelling over V2 until it collided with V2's motor causing V1's occupants to be ejected. Upon impact both vessels motors shut off.  V1's throttle was in the full throttle position when it was recovered. V2's throttle was in gear but was near idle position after it was towed to Echo Canyon Marina.   


BARDID: AR-2018-0005
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-04-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANGHOFFER
NearestCityorTown: PINE BLUFF, AR
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF V1 STATED THAT HE WAS MOTORING ON LAKE LANGHOFFER WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD BANG WHEN HE NOTICED FIRE AND SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF V1.  HE ATTEMPTED UNSUCCESSFULLY TO RETRIEVE THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER.  OPERATOR RECEIVED HELP FROM ANOTHER BOATER AND WAS ABLE TO GET OUT V1 SAFELY. 

UPON INSPECTION AND INTERVIEW, OPERATOR HAD JUST FUELED UP PRIOR TO LAUNCHING; SO IGNITION OF SPILLED FUEL SUSPECTED.  NO MECHANICAL WORK HAD BEEN DONE RECENTLY.


BARDID: AR-2018-0006
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-04-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:39:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ARKANSAS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: LITTLE ROCK
County: PULASKI
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF V1 STATED THAT OPERATOR OF V2 HAD BEEN JUMPING THE WAKE OF HIS VESSEL BEFORE OVERTAKING V1 FROM THE RIGHT AND ABRUPTLY TURNING IN FRONT OF HIM CAUSING A COLLISION.  WITNESS 1 STATED HE HAD OBSERVED V2 CIRCLING V1 PRIOR TO CUTTING BACK IN FRONT OF V1 AND GETTING RAN OVER.  OPERATOR OF V2 STATED HE WAS OVERTAKING V1 FROM THE RIGHT WHEN HE CUT IN FRONT OF V1 TO AVOID A BUOY AND WAS STRUCK BY V1.  HE SUSTAINED INJURY FROM IMPACT WITH THE BOW MOUNTED TROLLING MOTOR OF V1.  STATEMENTS WERE CONSISTENT WITH EVIDENCE FOUND ON BOTH VESSELS AS WELL AS THE PERSONAL INJURY TO OPERATOR OF V2. 


BARDID: AR-2018-0008
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-04-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORFORK
NearestCityorTown: NORFORK
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was exiting Sally Hand Cove heading northbound into the main lake channel when the operator failed to notice a narrow rocky point in the mouth of the cove.  V1 struck the point and became grounded. Upon impact the operator struck the console causing injury.  He was transported to Baxter Regional Hospital by POV and received 8 stitches on his nose.  V1 sustained heavy damage along the entire bottom hull, including a large hole that had to be patched prior to being towed.


BARDID: AR-2018-0009
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-04-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:41:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: BULL SHOALS
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator advised he was approaching a dock to park V1 when the current swept V1 under the dock.  Both occupants were able to jump from V1 onto the dock.  At the time of the accident, 8 generators were in operation on the river.


BARDID: AR-2018-0010
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:46:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: GRAND LAKE
NearestCityorTown: EURDORA
County: CHICOT
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
This officer received a call regarding an unoccupied vessel on Grand Lake.  Upon arrival V1 was located and the key switch was in the "run" position and the throttle lever was in the forward position.  The steering handle was down, the kill switch was hanging freely and the gas tank was empty.  A PFD and walking cane was located next to the front seat. On May 16 at approx. 1310, the operator/victim's body was recovered approx. 500 yards from V1's location.  Victim was sent to the crime for autopsy and toxicology screening.

According to the victim's family the victim advised he was going to run trotlines on the lake.  They further advised he was an experienced boater; however he just purchased the vessel last year and he was still learning how to operate a stick steer vessel. 

UPDATE 6-13-18: CRIME LAB REPORT RECEIVED.  DEATH RULED AS DROWNING AND NO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS WERE DETECTED.


BARDID: AR-2018-0011
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ARKANSAS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: CLARKSVILLE
County: JOHNSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ONE WAS TRAVELING AT IDLE SPEED WHEN OPERATOR FELT A "SMALL BUMP".  OPERATOR INCREASED SPEED AND BEGAN TRAVELING WEST UP THE ARKANSAS RIVER.  OPERATOR NOTICED BOAT TAKING ON WATER AND PULLED UP ONTO A SANDBAR. ONCE LOADED ONTO A TRAILER, INSPECTION REVEALED A LARGE HOLE IN THE BOTTOM OF THE HULL TOWARD THE REAR OF THE VESSEL UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT.


BARDID: AR-2018-0012
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: DEVALLS BLUFF
County: PRAIRIE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR WAS OPERATING VESSEL ONE SOUTH ON THE WHITE RIVER.  AS HE ACCELERATED THE BOAT HE HEARD THE BOAT BACKFIRE AND THE BOAT STALLED.  THE OPERATOR LIFTED THE BACK COVER TO THE MOTOR AND FLAMES SHOT OUT.  THE OPERATOR ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE UNSUCCSEFULLY WITH THE ON BOARD FIRE EXTINGUISHER UNTIL THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER WAS EMPTY.  THE OPERATOR AND PASSEGNERS WERE ABLE TO GET ABOARD ANOTHER NEARBY BOAT WITHOUT INJURY.


BARDID: AR-2018-0013
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BEE BRANCH
County: VAN BUREN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR JUMPED A WAKE, COMING DOWN ONTO THE VESSEL AND FELT PAIN IN HIS BACK FROM PRIOR INJURIES.  VICTIM COMPLAINED OF NUMBNESS IN HIS EXTREMITIES. 


BARDID: AR-2018-0014
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:08:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE DEGRAY
NearestCityorTown: CADDO VALLEY
County: CLARK
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ONE WAS TRAVELING EAST WHEN IT LOST POWER AND STEERING CONTROL CAUSING IT TO COAST INTO VESSEL 2 WHICH WAS DOCKED.


BARDID: AR-2018-0015
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ARKANSAS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: CLARKSVILLE
County: JOHNSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ONE WAS FISHING IN A TOURNAMENT ON THE ARKANSAS RIVER ON MAY 26TH, 2018.  WHILE TRAVELING UPSTREAM AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MILES PER HOUR, VESSEL ONE STRUCK SEVERAL LARGE WOODEN RAILROAD CROSS TIES THAT HAD BEEN FASTENED TOGETHER TO MAKE A "SKID" OR RUIDMENTARY BRIDGE.  THIS "SKID" WAS FLOATING IN THE RIVER JUST NORTH OF THE CANE CREEK RECREATIONAL AREA AND RIVER ACCESS.  UPON IMPACT BOTH OCCUPANTS WERE PUSHED FORWARD TOWARDS THE BOW OF THE VESSEL.  AT THIS TIME he SUFFERED A LACERATION TO HIS LEFT ARM.  THE IMPACT ALSO CAUSED THE OUTBOARD ENGINE OF THE VESSEL TO BREAK FREE FROM ITS MOTOR MOUNT AND FALL IN THE WATER.  AFTER THE OUTBOARD ENGINE FELL INTO THE WATER, THE STEERING CONTROL LINE, ELECTRICAL LINES AND FUEL LINE KEPT THE ENGINE FROM FALLING FREE FROM THE VESSEL, HOWEVER THE ENGINE SWUNG UNDER THE VESSEL AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE STERN OF THE VESSEL ON THE STARBOARD SIDE, PUNCTURING THE FIBERGLASS HULL IN AT LEAST TWO PLACES.


BARDID: AR-2018-0016
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-06-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ROGERS
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator advised he just purchased V1 on 3/17/18 and he was not aware of any work being done on V1 prior to his purchase.  He further advised he had filled V1 with approx. 80 gallons of fuel on his way to Beaver Lake. They launched V1 and went out a little ways to swim while his wife parked the vehicle. He said after a short swim, all occupants re-boarded V1 and he started the engine to go pick up his wife from the shore.  When he turned the ignition, he immediately heard a "pop" and the motor cover blew off. He was able to flag down another boater who helped get everyone off V1 safely.  V1 continued to burn for approx. 30 minutes.  Operator stated he did "vent" the vapor/gas after fueling but admitted he should have probably vented again after he launched and tried to start V1.


BARDID: AR-2018-0017
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GREERS FERRY
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 Operator advised he and his wife (V2 Operator) were stopped talking to each other.  V1 was directly behind V2.  V1's small son was sitting in front of him.  While they were talking his son accidentally hit the throttle of V1 causing it to ramp up onto V2 striking the victim in the back/head area causing her to go unconscious for a couple of minutes.  The victim was transported to the bank and med-flighted to the hospital.


BARDID: AR-2018-0018
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:44:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was attempting to start V1 when it exploded and launched the operator approx. 15 feet into the air.  V1 then burned to the waterline and sank.  According to the owner, V1 had just recently had work done to the engine and new plugs put in a week ago.  This was the first time it was going to be operated since the repair work.


BARDID: AR-2018-0019
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:08:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OUACHITA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: ARKADELPHIA
County: CLARK
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Overloading
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
ACCORDING TO OPERATOR, OPERATORWAS TEST DRIVING THE BOAT ON THE OUACHITA RIVER NEAR OPEN BANKS WITH HIS WIFE AND THREE SONS.  WHILE TRAVELING UPSTREAM, AN UNSEEN TREE LIMB PROTRUDING UP FROM THE WATER AND AT AN ANGLE TOWARD THEIR VESSEL CAME OVER THE BOW OF THE BOAT AND STRUCK THE VICTIM WHO WAS SITTING IN THE FRONT OF THE BOAT.  THE LIMB PENETRATED THE VICTIM'S NECK WHILE PUSHING HIM BACK TO THE MIDDLE OF THE BOAT.  DURING THE IMPACT, A PIECE OF THE LIMB WAS BROKEN OFF INTO HIS NECK.  THE VICTIM WAS RENDERED UNCONSCIOUS FOR A BRIEF TIME AND WAS IMMEDIATELY TAKEN TO THE BANK TO RECIEVE MEDICAL CARE.  THE VICITM WAS THEN TRANSPORTED TO LITTLE ROCK CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL BY HELICOPTER.

UPDATE: 8/22/18 - ALCOHOL SCREENING RESULTS RECEIVED FROM HEALTH DEPARTMENT.  OPERATOR .03 BAC.


BARDID: AR-2018-0020
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:08:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HEBER SPRINGS
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Drug
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
THE OWNER OF VESSEL ONE EXPLAINED THAT THE VESSEL WAS BEING OPERATED BY OPERATOR 1 AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.  THE VESSEL WAS TRAVELING SOUTH IN THE "CHUTE" NEAR THUNDERBIRD COUNTRY CLUB WHEN A LARGE WAKE CAME OVER THE BOW OF HIS VESSEL.  THE VESSEL DID NOT RECOVER FROM THE WAKE, RATHER IT BEGAN TO PITCH THE BOW BENEATH THE WATER'S SURFACE, CAUSING EXCESSIVE DRAG THOWRING THE PASSENGERS FROM THEIR SEATS.  ACCORDING TO OWNER AND OPERATOR 1, OWNER GAVE THE COMMAND TO ABANDON SHIP.  WHEN OWNER DID SO, OPERATOR 1 ABONDONED THE HELP, LEAVING THE VESSEL IN GEAR.  OPERATOR 1 WAS NOT WEARING A KILL SWITCH LANYARD.  OPERATOR 1 GRABBED OCUUPANT 1 AND TOSSED OCUUPANT 1 OVERBOARD, THEN GRABBED OCUUPANT 2, TOSSING OCUUPANT 2OVERBOARD AND JUMPING IN DIRECTLY BEHIND OCUUPANT 2.  WHEN OPERATOR 1 AND OCUUPANT 2 WENT OVERBOARD, THEY DID SO OVER THE BOW.  WITH THE VESSEL STILL IN GEAR, THEY JUMPED DIRECTLY INTO THE PATH OF THE VESSEL.  OWNER, REMAINING ABOARD, PULLED THE VESSEL OUT OF GEAR.  WHEN OWNER DID SO THE VESSEL'S BOW RETURNED TO ITS NORMAL POSITION, ABOVE THE WATER.  THE VESSEL TRAVELED OVER THE TOP OF OPERATOR 1 AND OCUUPANT 2.

UPDATE: 07-11-18 - CRIME LAB TOXICOLOGY RESULTS RECEIVED.  OPERATOR TESTED POSITIVE FOR BENZODIAZEPINES (CITALOPRAM, DIAZEPAM AND NORDIAZEPAM) AND CANNABINOIDS.


BARDID: AR-2018-0021
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BULL SHOALS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BULL SHOALS
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL TWO WAS DOCKED AT BULL SHOALS LAKE STALL #XXX ON DOCK 11.  THE OWNER OF VESSEL TWO NOTICED ON JUNE 16TH, 2018 THAT THE BOAT HAD BEEN DAMAGED BY ANOTHER UNKNOWN VESSEL (VESSEL ONE) SOMETIME BETWEEN JUNE 16TH AND JUNE 9TH, THE LAST TIME THE BOAT WAS USED.


BARDID: AR-2018-0022
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:29:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ROGERS
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ONE WAS APPROACHING A DOCK WHILE TOWING TWO TUBES.  VESSEL ONE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN AS IT TURNED LEFT IN AN ATTEMPT TO GET THE TUBES CLOSER TO THE DOCK.  THE VICTIM IN ONE OF THE TUBES MADE CONTACT WITH THE DOCK CAUSING INJURIES.


BARDID: AR-2018-0023
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORRELL
NearestCityorTown: ALEXANDER
County: SALINE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE WAS DOING CIRCLES ON A JET SKI.  OPERATOR LOST CONTROL AND FELL OVERBOARD.  UPON FALLING OVERBOARD, THE OPERATOR HIT HIS LEG CAUSING INJURY.


BARDID: AR-2018-0024
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentCause2: Failure to vent
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE LEFT "KAHUNA MART" AFTER FUELING THE VESSEL.  AFTER IDLING APPROXIMATELY 25-50 YARDS, FROM "KAHUNA MART", THERE WAS A LOUD BOOM.  THE OPERATOR AND OCCUPANT LOOKED BACK TO SEE THE MOTOR BOX BLOWN OFF AND ON FIRE.  THE OPERATOR ATTEMPTED TO GET THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER BUT DECIDED TO GRAB PFDS INSTEAD AND SWIM BACK TO "KAHUNA MART".


BARDID: AR-2018-0025
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ROGERS
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE BEGAN TAKING ON WATER JUST MINUTES AFTER LAUNCHING.  OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE WAS ABLE TO GET THE BOAT TO THE SHORE WHERE HE AND THE OCCUPANTS TIED IT OFF TO A TREE.  VESSEL ONE BECAME COMPLETLEY SUBMERGED OTHER THAN THE BOW.  OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE STATED HE DID NOT CHECK TO SEE IF THE PLUG WAS IN BEFORE LAUNCHING. WHEN V1 WAS RECOVERED IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE DRAIN PLUG WAS NOT IN.


BARDID: AR-2018-0026
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BLACK RIVER
NearestCityorTown: BLACK ROCK
County: LAWRENCE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ONE WAS TRAVELING UP STREAM ON THE BLACK RIVER WHEN IT STRUCK A SANDBAR IN SHALLOW WATER.  THE OCCUPANT WAS EJECTED.  WHEN THE OCCUPANT WAS EJECTED HE STRUCK THE SIDE OF THE VESSEL WITH HIS FOREHEAD CAUSING TWO LACERATIONS THAT REQUIRED STITCHES.


BARDID: AR-2018-0027
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BULL SHOALS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DIAMOND CITY
County: BOONE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE WAS TRAVELING NORTH ON BULL SHOALS LAKE.  AS HE TURNED WEST TO AVOID A SHALLOW POINT HE NOTICED ON HIS DEPTH FINDER THAT DEPTH WAS DECREASING.  BEFORE HE WAS ABLE TO STOP HE RAN AGROUND.


BARDID: AR-2018-0028
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE DEGRAY
NearestCityorTown: BISMARCK
County: CLARK
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 Operator advised he had been marking fishing locations with his GPS and decided to motor back to the Caddo Drive boat ramp.  He was watching his fishing graph while motoring when a boat came out of a cove, so he motored behind the boat and crossed over its wake.  Shortly thereafter V1 grounded on the bank.  The operator didn't immediately report the accident.  A COE ranger discovered V1 the next day still grounded about 15ft up on the bank.  Damage was to the bottom of the hull and the lower unit.


BARDID: AR-2018-0029
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: TANNANBAUM
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
THE INJURED SUBJECT FELL OFF HIS SURF BOARD BEHIND THE BOAT AND CUT HIS FOREARM ON THE SURF BOARD AS HE FELL.


BARDID: AR-2018-0030
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: AVANT
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator advised while pulling the tube, he went into a small cove and discovered the cove was too small to tube in so he made a U-turn to the left to leave the cove and when he did the tube struck the bank ejecting both occupants onto the rocks.


BARDID: AR-2018-0031
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HIGDON BAY
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ONE WAS OPERATING NORTH BOUND ON GREERS FERRY LAKE AT APPROXIMATLEY 10:15 PM.  OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE STATED THAT THEY WERE LOST AND IN SEARCH OF CHOCTAW BOAT RAMP.  WHILE TRAVELING NORTH, VESSEL ONE RAN AGROUND ONTO A WOODED ISLAND.


BARDID: AR-2018-0032
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE DARDANELLE
NearestCityorTown: DARDANELLE
County: YELL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ONE DROVE INTO THE NORTH PART OF DARDANELLE BAY AND CAME TO A STOP APPROXIMATELY 100 YARDS FROM THE BANK.  VESSEL TWO ENTERED DARDANELLE BAY FROM THE ARKANSAS RIVER TRAVELING SOUTH/SOUTHEAST WHEN IT CAME INTO CONTACT WITH VESSEL ONE.  VESSEL TWO IMPACTED VESSEL ONE AT THE STERN OF THE BOAT AND THEN SLID OFF THE PORT SIDE OF THE VESSEL.


BARDID: AR-2018-0033
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-07-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:18:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: ROYAL
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSELS ONE AND TWO WERE BOTH TRAVELING SOUTH ON LAKE HAMILTON NEAR THE 270 BRIDGE.  VESSEL ONE STRUCK VESSEL TWO ON THE PORT SIDE STERN AS IT ATTEMPTED TO GO PAST VESSEL TWO.


BARDID: AR-2018-0034
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: MT. IDA
County: MONTGOMERY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ONE WAS ON PLANE TRAVELING SOUTH TO DENBY POINT BOAT RAMP ON LAKE OUACHITA AT APPROXIMATELY 11:55 PM.  VESSEL TWO WAS ADRIFT A WAYS OUT FROM THE NO WAKE ZONE WITH NO STERN LIGHT ON.  VESSEL ONE STRUCK VESSEL TWO ON THE STERN, STARBOARD SIDE.  
ACCORDING TO V2 OPERATOR THEY DID NOT HAVE PERMISSION TO TAKE THE BOAT OUT AFTER DARK AS CAMP EMPLOYEES.


BARDID: AR-2018-0035
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORFORK
NearestCityorTown: MOUNTAIN HOME
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR VESSEL ONE WAS TRAVELING SOUTH AROUND POINT 6A ON NORFORK LAKE WHEN HE HIT A WAKE AND GOT WATER IN HIS EYES, WHEN HE GRABBED THE STEERING HE HIT THE THROTTLE AND RAN AGROUND.


BARDID: AR-2018-0036
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:33:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREER'S FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: FAIRFIELD BAY
County: VAN BUREN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 AND V2 WERE ANCHORED AND TIED TOGETHER ON GREERS FERRY LAKE.  THE VICTIM WHO HAD BEEN CONSUMING ALCOHOL ATTEMPTED TO STEP FROM ONE VESSEL TO THE OTHER AND FELL IN BETWEEN THE VESSELS STRIKING HER HEAD ON ONE OF THE VESSELS. SHE INITIALLY CAME UP OUT OF THE WATER AND STATED SHE WAS FINE BUT THEN BECAME UNCONSCIOUS AND WENT BACK UNDER THE WATER.  WITNESSES WERE ABLE TO RESCUE HER AND BEGIN CPR. ANOTHER NEARBY VESSEL TRANSPORTED HER TO FAIRFIELD BAY MARINA TO AN AWAITING AMBULANCE.


BARDID: AR-2018-0037
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE DEGRAY
NearestCityorTown: POINT CEDAR
County: HOT SPRING
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
THE INJURED OCCUPANT WAS JUMPING OFF AND SWIMMING AROUND VESSEL ONE WHICH WAS STATIONARY ON DEGRAY LAKE.  AS HE JUMPED, HIS LEFT PINKY BECAME STUCK IN THE BOAT'S GATE HINGE AND WAS RIPPED OFF.


BARDID: AR-2018-0038
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ARKANSAS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: PINE BLUFF
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE WAS BEING TOWED DUE TO A DEAD BATTERY.  OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE NOTICED THE VESSEL "SITTING FUNNY" IN THE WATER, THEN NOTICED WATER POOLING IN THE REAR OF THE VESSEL.  THE OPERATOR JUMPED FROM THE VESSEL AND THE VESSEL COMPLETELY SUNK IN 30FT. OF WATER AND HAS NOT BEEN RECOVERED.

ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER, THE VESSEL WAS NOT DESIGNED TO BE OPERATED IN DEEP WATER AND DID NOT HAVE ANY FLOTATION BUILT INTO IT; THEREFORE ANY WATER IN THE VESSEL WOULD CAUSE IT TO SINK IF NOT UNDER POWER.


BARDID: AR-2018-0039
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: GEORGETOWN
County: WHITE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Overloading
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ONE WAS HEADED WEST ON THE WHITE RIVER AT A SLOW SPEED WITH SIX OCCUPANTS WHEN WATER CAME OVER THE FRONT CAUSING IT TO SINK TO THE BOTTOM OF THE RIVER.  VESSEL ONE ALSO HAD ON BOARD A GENERATOR, FIVE BOWS, THREE BATTERIES FISH BARREL AND TOOL BOX.


BARDID: AR-2018-0040
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: ST. CHARLES
County: ARKANSAS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Overloading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ONE WAS SITTING STATIONARY ON THE WHITE RIVER NEAR THE ST CHARLES ACCESS POINT.  THE OPERATOR STATED THAT WHEN HE SAT DOWN IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT HE NOTICED SEVERAL INCHES OF WATER IN THE BOTTOM OF THE BOAT.  HE THEN LOOKED BEHIND HIM AND NOTICED WATER COMING OVER THE TRANSOM.  THE STERN OF VESSEL ONE THEN BEGAN SINKING AND THE OPERATOR FELL BACKWARDS OUT OF VESSEL ONE.  VESSEL ONE ENDED UP SUBMERGED WITH JUST THE TIP OF THE BOW STICKING OUT OF THE WATER.


BARDID: AR-2018-0041
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:44:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CADDO RIVER
NearestCityorTown: GLENWOOD
County: MONTGOMERY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS TRAVELING SOUTH ON THE CADDO RIVER WHEN THEY CAME UPON A GROUP OF LARGE ROCKS STRETCHING ACROSS THE RIVER. BOTH THE OPERATOR AND PASSENGER (VICTIM) STATED THEY DID NOT SEE THE ROCKS UNTIL V1 WAS UPON THEM.  V1 STRUCK THE ROCKS CAUSING IT TO CAPSIZE AND BOTH OCCUPANTS WERE EJECTED. THE VICTIM'S RIGHT LEG BECAME TRAPPED BETWEEN TWO OF THE ROCKS.  THE OPERATOR WAS ABLE TO FREE THE VICTIM AND CALLED FOR HELP.  VICTIM WAS TRANSPORTED TO HOSPITAL WHERE SHE WAS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING TORN HER ACL AND MENISCUS.


BARDID: AR-2018-0042
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:15:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: SPRING RIVER
NearestCityorTown: SADDLER FALLS
County: FULTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE WAS TRAVELING SOUTH ON THE SPRING RIVER IN HIS KAYAK WHEN HE CAME UPON A NEWLY DEVELOPED WHIRLPOOL.  THE WHIRLPOOL CAUSED HIS KAYAK TO CAPSIZE, EJECTING OPERATOR ONE AND THE WHIRLPOOL SUCKED THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE UNDER THE WATER.  ACCORDING TO WITNESSES, THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE SURFACED APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES LATER APPROXIMATELY 15 FEET DOWNSTREAM.  CPR WAS ADMINISTERED, HE WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE AND PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE WHITE RIVER MEDICAL CENTER.


BARDID: AR-2018-0043
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SPRING RIVER
NearestCityorTown: SADDLER FALLS
County: FULTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ONE WAS TRAVELING SOUTH DOWN THE SPRING RIVER WHEN IT CAME UPON A NEWLY DEVELOPED WHIRLPOOL.  THE WHIRLPOOL CAUSED VESSEL ONE TO CAPSIZE EJECTING BOTH THE OPERATOR AND OCCUPANT.  THE OPERATOR WAS SUCKED UNDER THE WATER BY THE WHIRLPOOL AND SUSTAINED BROKEN RIBS.  HE WAS AIRLIFTED TO WHITE RIVER MEDICAL CENTER.


BARDID: AR-2018-0044
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-08-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:01:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ROGERS
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS TRAVELING NORTH, TURNING RIGHT TO GO AROUND GOAT ISLAND. V1 STRUCK V2 WHICH WAS SITTING STATIONARY IN BETWEEN POINT 8 AND GOAT ISLAND.  THE OCCUPANTS OF V2 JUMPED FROM V2 PRIOR TO IMPACT.


BARDID: AR-2018-0045
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-08-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORFORK
NearestCityorTown: MOUNTAIN HOME
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS TRAVELING SOUTHEAST OUT OF 101 BOAT DOCK AND ALL FOUR SUBJECTS WERE LOOKING FOR WHERE THEY WERE STAYING AT THE WAGON WHEEL RESORT. OPERATOR STATED HE GUESSED HE LOOKED AWAY TOO LONG AND V1 BEGAN HITTING GRAVEL ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE LAKE. OPERATOR STATED HE CUT THE WHEEL HARD TO AVOID THE BANK AND V1 FLIPPED OVER TRAPPING 3 OF THE SUBJECTS UNDERNEATH AND EJECTING PASSENGER/VICTIM 3 ONTO THE SHORELINE. VICTIM 2 WAS TRAPPED TOO LONG UNDER THE WATER AND DROWNED.


BARDID: AR-2018-0046
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ARKANSAS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: OZARK
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ONE WAS TRAVELING, ON PLANE, WEST ON THE ARKANSAS RIVER WHEN THE OPERATOR FELT THE LOWER UNIT IMPACT A SUBMERGED LOG.  THE OPERATOR IMMEDIDATELY NOTICED AN EXTREME VIBRATION IN THE STEERING.  HE STOPPED AND INSPECTED THE PROP AND LOWER UNIT AND NOTICED A PROP WAS BROKEN OFF AND THE SHAFT WAS BENT.


BARDID: AR-2018-0047
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:33:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BLACK RIVER
NearestCityorTown: POWHATTAN
County: LAWRENCE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ONE WAS TRAVELING SOUTH ON THE BLACK RIVER WHEN THE MOTOR STRUCK A SUBMERGED OBJECT.  THE OPERATOR STATED THAT THE BOAT BEGAN TO FISHTAIL BACK AND FORTH CAUSING HIM TO BE EJECTED OFF THE STARBOARD SIDE.  VESSEL ONE THEN CAME BACK AROUND AND THE OPERATOR WAS STRUCK BY THE PROP.  THE OPERATOR STATED THAT HE DID HAVE HIS KILL SWITCH LANYARD ON BUT THE SWITCH MECHANISM HAD BROKE DURING THE ACCIDENT.


BARDID: AR-2018-0048
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:20:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: CANE CREEK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: STAR CITY
County: LINCOLN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
VICTIM WAS FISHING ALONE AND AT SOME POINT FELL OVERBOARD AND DROWNED.  UPON ARRIVAL AT THE SCENE, V1 HAD MULTIPLE TACKLE BOXES AND FISHING POLES COVERING THE INSIDE OF THE VESSEL. THERE IS NO CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE ON HOW OR WHY HE FELL OVERBOARD.  THE VICTIM WAS WEARING A PFD BUT THE PFD WAS VERY OLD AND NOT SERVICEABLE.  THE FLOATATION WAS DEGRADED AND NOT ATTACHED IN THE PROPER AREA OF THE INSIDE OF THE JACKET.  CORONER RULED VICTIM'S DEATH A DROWNING.


BARDID: AR-2018-0049
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-08-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE DEGRAY
NearestCityorTown: CADDO VALLEY
County: CLARK
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
THE OPERATOR OF V1 WAS LAUNCHING THE VESSEL AFTER FUELING IT AT THE SHELL STATION UP THE HIGHWAY. HE ATTEMPTED TO START THE ENGINE AS HE UNLOADED IT OFF THE TRAILER BUT HEARD A NOISE FROM THE ENGINE.  HE LIFTED THE COWLING AND A FIRE STARTED NEAR THE STERN OF THE VESSEL.  OPERATOR OF V1 ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL.


BARDID: AR-2018-0050
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CACHE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: LITTLE DIXIE
County: WOODRUFF
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR STATED HE WAS TRAVELING DOWN STREAM TRYING TO MANEUVER AROUND A LOG JAM IN THE CACHE RIVER.  THE BOAT BECAME LODGED SIDE WAYS IN THE JAM AND WATER STARTED COMING OVER THE STARBOARD SIDE OF THE BOAT.  THE BOAT FILLED WITH WATER QUICKLY AND OVERTURNED.  THE OPERATOR AND PASSENGERS WERE FORCED TO JUMP FROM THE BOAT.  THE BOAT IS STILL MOSTLY SUBMERGED AT THE SAME LOCATION AWAITING RIVER LEVELS TO SUBSIDE IN ORDER TO RETRIEVE THE BOAT.


BARDID: AR-2018-0051
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:16:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: MT. IDA
County: MONTGOMERY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
MachineryFailure: Shift
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
ACCORDING TO OPERATOR OF V1 HE WAS LEAVING THE FUEL DOCK AND PUT V1 INTO REVERSE TO BACK AWAY.  HE THEN ADVISED V1 BECAME STUCK IN REVERSE.  V1 MADE A COMPLETE RIGHT HAND CIRCLE IN REVERSE AND THEN STRUCK V2 ON THE STARBOARD SIDE WHICH DROVE IT INTO THE STERN OF V3.


BARDID: AR-2018-0052
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: ROYAL
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Even though the date of the accident was 08/05; it was not reported until a month later.  Since it was well after the fact, there was difficulty tracking down the party involved and getting the necessary information.  The owner/company of V1 was cited for various infractions.
Upon interview, the operator stated he was backing away from island 36 or 37 (he couldn't remember) and advised he must have hit a rock or something.  He further advised as he was headed back to the marina one of the engines stopped working.  He said he reported the engine trouble to the company.


BARDID: AR-2018-0053
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: MT PINE
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 OPERATOR ADVISED HE MADE A LEFT TURN TO HEAD BACK INTO ECHO CANYON AND THE TUBE HE WAS PULLING HIT A WAVE THAT SENT THE OCCUPANTS AIRBORN. VICTIM HIT THE WATER BELLY FIRST INJURING HIS LEG/HIP.  VICTIM WAS TRANSPORTED TO CHI ST. VINCENT'S HOSPITAL WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED HE HAD A DISLOCATED HIP.


BARDID: AR-2018-0054
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-10-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: PRIVATE POND
NearestCityorTown: PARKDALE
County: ASHLEY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Overloading
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated they had completed fishing and were returning to the bank.  As he was motoring, he felt V1 rock and heard a splash.  

He turned around and observed the rear seat leaned over and the victim struggling in the water.  He threw an ice chest and a seat overboard so the victim would have something to hold onto but the victim went under and never resurfaced. There was no indication the operator was under the influence or impaired; he consented to a BAC test which registered .000.


BARDID: AR-2018-0055
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-10-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CATHERINE
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE WAS TRAVELING SOUTH ON LAKE CATHERINE.  OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE LEANED OVER WHILE TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED TO PLACE HIS DOGS ON A LEASH.  AS THE DRIVER WAS ATTEMPTING TO LEASH HIS DOGS THE BOAT VEARED TO THE LEFT, STRIKING A DOCK WALKWAY SENDING IT AIRBORNE INTO A CONCRETE PILLAR.  VESSEL ONE CAME TO REST COMPLETELY OUT OF THE WATER, ON THE BANK BEHIND THE DOCK.


BARDID: AR-2018-0056
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-11-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:07:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LITTLE MISSOURI RIVER
NearestCityorTown: CHIDESTER
County: OUACHITA
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was heading down river when the accident occurred.  Operator stated there was water inside V1 due to previous rainfall the night before; therefore he pulled the plug and placed it on the seat, intending to run V1 and drain the water out. He then stated at one point the plug fell down by the transom and he began to struggle to find the plug and manage control of V1 at the same time. He then impacted the bank where he was partially ejected and V1 quickly began to take on water via the plug hole.  V1 quickly capsized due to the strong current and completely submerged. Operator was able to self-rescue and climb out on the bank.


BARDID: AR-2018-0057
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-11-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: MULBERRY RIVER
NearestCityorTown: MULBERRY
County: CRAWFORD
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated they launched V1 at the Vine Prairie boat ramp and were traveling downstream toward the Arkansas River when they hit a submerged object. The object punctured a hole in the bottom of V1 and it began to take on water.  They were able to get V1 to the shore and tie off. Once V1 was towed back to the ramp, our inspection did in fact reveal a hole in the bottom of V1.


BARDID: AR-2018-0058
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-11-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:16:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORFORK
NearestCityorTown: MT. HOME
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
All information is according to witnesses and first responders on scene.  Witness 1 advised he was the first person on scene. Witness 1 stated he saw V1 going in circles and the operator in the water. Witness 1 used his vessel as a shield and retrieved the operator out of the water and also was able to grab onto the victim and take them both to a nearby shore.  It was already obvious that the victim was deceased and the operator was visibly traumatized.  Witness 2 arrived on scene shortly after they got to the shore.  Witness 2 "interviewed" the operator and according to him the operator stated that she was operating V1 and victim was "dancing/acting goofy" on the front of V1 so the operator pulled the throttle back and when she did it caused the victim to fall forward tearing the front gate off the hinges as he fell into the water.  The operator in a panic pushed the throttle forward running over the victim.  Operator then jumped in the water with V1 still in motion to save victim.  It was at this time Witness 1 saw what was happening, came to their aid and was able to get them both to shore.


BARDID: AR-2018-0059
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-11-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 04:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CUT BLUFF SLOUGH
NearestCityorTown: CASSCOE
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Machinery failure
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE STATED THAT HE WAS TRAVELING EAST IN CUT BLUFF SLOUGH WHEN HIS OUTBOARD MOTOR CAME INTO CONTACT WITH AN UNKNOWN UNDERWATER OBJECT.  THE OPERATOR STATED THAT THE MOTOR KICKED UP BREAKING THE TILLER HANDLE CAUSING HIM TO LOSE STEERING.  THE VESSEL THEN CAME INTO CONTACT WITH A TREE ON THE BANK EJECTING THE OPERATOR AND BOTH PASSENGERS.  ONE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A BROKEN FEMUR AND WAS AIR LIFTED.


BARDID: AR-2018-0060
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-12-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WEST BAYOU
NearestCityorTown: STUTTGART
County: ARKANSAS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was heading east on plane when it struck an unknown underwater object causing the motor to kick up out of the water.  The operator lowered the motor back into the water at full throttle causing V1 to strike a cypress tree.  Upon impact, the occupant was thrown into the front deck causing broken ribs.

The operator was cited for Failure to Report a Boating Accident.


BARDID: AR-2018-0061
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-12-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ARKANSAS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: BACK GATE
County: DESHA
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause3: Overloading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated they were traveling north in the backwaters of the Arkansas River in strong current when he stopped V1 to look at an area to hunt; causing waves to come over the transom of V1.  Water quickly filled V1 and it sank.  All occupants were able to make it safely to the bank.


BARDID: AR-2019-0001
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-01-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DAVE DONALDSON WMA
NearestCityorTown: PEACH ORCHARD
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was traveling in a boat run when the motor struck a submerged object causing the motor to pop up.  As the motor popped up, it broke the tiller handle off which caused a loss of control. Both the operator and passenger were ejected.  V1 continued on and struck a tree causing damage to the bow. No injuries were sustained.


BARDID: AR-2019-0002
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-03-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SALINE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: WARREN, AR
County: DREW
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE TIED HIS VESSEL OFF TO A SUBMERGED FISHING NET AND BEGAN TO ATTEMPT TO RAISE THE NET FROM UNDER THE WATER.  THE NET WAS TOO HEAVY AND CAUSED VESSEL ONE TO OVERTURN AND BECOME SUBMERGED.


BARDID: AR-2019-0003
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-03-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: MISSISSIPPI RIVER
NearestCityorTown: WEST MEMPHIS
County: CRITTENDEN
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
ACCORDING TO THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE, HE AND THE OCCUPANTS WERE TESTING A NEW MOTOR ON THE BOAT.  WHILE IN STRONG CURRENT, THE MOTOR QUIT AND THE CURRENT PUSHED VESSEL ONE INTO POWERLINE POLES THAT HAD BEEN SUBMERGED DUE TO HIGH WATER.  WHEN VESSEL ONE STRUCK THE POLES, IT OVERTURNED, EJECTING THE OPERATOR AND OCCUPANTS AND BECAME SUBMERGED.  THE OPERATOR AND PASSENGERS CLANG TO THE POLES UNTIL RESCUED.  OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE WAS ISSUED CITATIONS FOR PFD REQUIREMENTS (NOT ENOUGH PFDS) AND BOATER EDUCATION REQUIREMENT.


BARDID: AR-2019-0004
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-03-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ST FRANCIS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: PARAGOULD
County: GREENE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was turning V1 around to load onto a trailer when he hit a submerged log with the bow.  Water began to immediately overtake the transom and V1 began to submerge; eventually capsizing it. Operator was able to swim to the bank safely. V1 rolled downstream approx. 50 yards and submerged under a log jam in about 8ft. of water.


BARDID: AR-2019-0005
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-03-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: NOB HILL
County: WASHINGTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Subjects were fishing in V1 with the operator in the front bow area and the victim at the stern. Operator advised he heard the victim stumbling around and turned in time to see the victim toss his cell phone on the deck and fall backwards into the lake.  Operator stated the victim made no attempt to swim and immediately sank out of sight.  Operator called 911, a search ensued and victim was recovered 3 days later.

UPDATE: 8/1/19 - Autopsy results list the cause of death as drowning and Toxicology screens were negative for all substances.


BARDID: AR-2019-0006
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-03-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: MT. IDA
County: MONTGOMERY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: live well pump
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
All occupants had been fishing in the area for a while and decided to move.  When the operator sat down in the driver's seat passenger 3 (seated on the rear pedestal) advised V1 was taking on water.  Operator then noticed water coming through the floor vents so he started the motor and attempted to turn left to head toward the bank.  V1 listed left and quickly capsized ejecting all three occupants.  The occupants were safely picked up by another boater.

Upon inspection of V1 it was discovered that the live well pump failed and filled the hull with water.


BARDID: AR-2019-0007
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-04-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORFORK
NearestCityorTown: MT. HOME
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated he thought he was further out in the lake than he actually was and misjudged the distance of Cowl Point extending out into the lake.  V1 struck the point ejecting both occupants from the vessel.


BARDID: AR-2019-0008
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-04-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:14:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE DEGRAY
NearestCityorTown: BISMARCK
County: CLARK
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was spotted floating unoccupied near Caddo Bend on Lake DeGray. The ignition was off, throttle was in neutral, the trolling motor was down and the Hummingbird GPS/Fish Finder was still on. There was no visible damage to V1. The operator's wallet, shoes, insulated bibs, long sleeve shirt, hat and cell phone were in a pile in the floor of V1.  Officers were able to use the GPS/Fish Finder to determine a possible search area for the operator/victim. The victim was located in 9ft. of water and recovered.  Victim was wearing a t-shirt, cargo shorts and socks.  

Officer is of the opinion that the victim was changing out of his warm clothing and in the process fell overboard.

Toxicology results are pending.

UPDATE: TOXICOLOGY RESULTS RECEIVED 6/28/19 - 0.00 BAC


BARDID: AR-2019-0009
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:25:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE JACK NOLAN
NearestCityorTown: GREENWOOD
County: SEBASTIAN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was standing on the front deck while the victim was sitting in the pedestal seat on the back deck. They had been crappie fishing since 0700 and around 1025 the operator looked back and observed the victim sitting upright with his eyes closed.  A few moments later he heard a loud splash and turned around to see the victim in the water.  Operator tossed him a life jacket and the victim reached for it but missed and went under and never resurfaced. Operator was unable to enter the water as he is unable to swim. The victim had a prosthetic leg due to diabetes.  Operator advised blood sugar levels were always a concern but it was not unusual for the victim to fall asleep while they were fishing.  Victim was recovered at 1500hrs by AGFC Dive Team.  Victim's blood sugar level was tested and found to be 196.


BARDID: AR-2019-0010
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: JOPLIN
County: MONTGOMERY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was drifting facing south. V2 was traveling south when it struck V1 at the stern.  Damage shows initial impact occurred with the lower starboard side of the hull of V2, approx. 8ft behind the bow and the outboard motor on the stern of V1.  

V2 continued to ride upon the outboard motor of V1 and then onto the railing located on the port stern before leaving contact with V1. 

Statements indicated V2 turned to the port side just prior to impact.  Statements also indicated that V1's anchor light was on prior to impact; and V2's navigation lights were also on.


BARDID: AR-2019-0011
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE DEGRAY
NearestCityorTown: CADDO VALLEY
County: CLARK
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was traveling north in the "Chain Islands" area when it struck a sunken rocky ridge.  The ridge is not marked with warning buoys and is submerged.  V1 sustained damage to the lower unit and transom which allowed entry of water into V1.


BARDID: AR-2019-0012
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: ST. CHARLES
County: ARKANSAS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On june 17 around 13:00 received notification of a possible lost boater on the white river. The victim's friend last heard from him at 11:32 on june 16th, when he stated he was going out in his boat launching at anderson bay.  At 18:34 we located the victim's capsized and submerged boat in the timber of anderson bay. The victim was found next to v1 tangled and holding onto a ski rope that was tied to the transom of v1. V1's motor was locked in the upward position (out of the water) and in neutral with the key in the off position. No pfd's were located in v1 or floating in the bay.


Update: 01-07-20 - toxicology results received showed victim had a bac level of .30.


BARDID: AR-2019-0013
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ONE WAS OPERATING SOUTH WHEN ANOTHER BOAT, POSSIBLY A RED MASTERCRAFT SKI BOAT, STRUCK THE PORT SIDE OF VESSEL ONE.  THE RED SKI BOAT LEFT THE SCENE.


BARDID: AR-2019-0014
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GATEWAY
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE WAS MANEUVERING A 2016 SEA DOO GTX 300 PERSONAL WATERCRAFT WHEN HE JUMPED A WAKE AND WENT AIRBORNE.  WHEN VESSEL ONE FELL BACK INTO THE WATER, THE OPERATOR CAME DOWN HARD ON THE PWC, HIS RIGHT FOOT STRIKING THE FOOT PAD DECK INJURING HIS ANKLE, COMING DOWN HARD ON THE SEAT INJURING HIS BACK AND STRIKING THE HANDBARS WITH HIS CHIN CAUSING A LACERATION.


BARDID: AR-2019-0015
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-12 00:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CYPRESS CREEK
NearestCityorTown: CONNELLS POINT
County: PHILLIPS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7-12-19 at approximately 10:05PM received a missing person (victim) report.  The victim's daughter advised she last spoke to the victim at approximately 8:00AM and he advised he was going to work on his duck blind located on Cypress Creek.  Victim's truck and UTV and trailer were located in the area.  The victim was known to park his UTV next to the creek and use V1 to paddle out to his duck blind (approximately 200 yards). Victim was located in the water next to V1 approximately 60 yards from the bank under a low hanging limb.  Victim was wearing knee boots and the water was about 4ft deep. Based on evidence at the scene it looked as though the victim was sitting on top of a milk crate paddling when either he struck the limb and fell into the water or he possibly had a medical event that caused him to go into the water.

I requested the Phillips County Coroner and CID Investigator draw blood for a toxicology screen and an autopsy to determine cause of death since this could very well be a medical event and not a boating accident give the victim's age.  They both state they would comply.  However when I checked on the progress of the testing on July 17th; I was advised that no blood was drawn and no autopsy was done because the coroner released the body and just said cause of death was due to drowning.  The coroner was advised and reminded that state law requires these procedures in an investigation but it's too late at this point as the victim has been embalmed.  Therefore much of the information for this report is "unknown".


BARDID: AR-2019-0016
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: WAR EAGLE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: WAR EAGLE MILL
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Dam/lock
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim and wife and their friends were canoeing the War Eagle River and upon arriving at the War Eagle Mill, the victim paddled to the shoreline and let his wife out of V1 so she could video the victim canoe over the dam.  Victim went over the dam, exited V1 and made several attempts to retrieve V1 that was caught in the undertow.  Bystanders and his wife tried to assist by throwing ropes with a drag attached and kept yelling for him to leave V1 and exit the water.  Victim went under and didn't resurface. Body was recovered from the water, PFD removed and CPR started with no success. 

Coroner collected samples for toxicology testing - results still pending.

In the days following the accident, several attempts were made to contact the family to follow-up on collecting information with no success.  The family has refused to cooperate with the investigation and has even stated that V1 was stolen (but no official report has been made).  On 7/11/19 this officer finally located the residence where the victim and wife lived but the house was empty and looks like it's being remodeled.

UPDATE 02-06-20: CRIME LAB TOXICOLOGY REPORT RECEIVED.  NO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS WERE DETECTED IN THE VICTIM.


BARDID: AR-2019-0017
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-04-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:41:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: BULL SHOALS
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE WAS APPROACHING A DOCK TO PARK THE VESSEL WHEN THE CURRENT TOOK THE VESSEL UNDER THE DOCK CAUSING IT TO FILL WITH WATER AND SINK.  BOTH OCCUPANTS WERE ABLE TO JUMP ONTO THE DOCK.


BARDID: AR-2019-0018
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: MOUNT IDA
County: MONTGOMERY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
According to the occupant's statement, he and the operator of vessel one were boating on lake ouachita when they decided to stop the boat and jump in the water to cool off.  Occupant said that after they jumped off the boat, the wind began to blow vessel one away from them.  The occupant and operator began swimming after the vessel but were unable to swim fast enough to catch it.  The occupant swam to shore and the operator went missing and is presumed drowned.  A recovery of the operator has not been made.


BARDID: AR-2019-0019
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:38:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: EUREKA SPRINGS
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATORS OF VESSEL ONE AND VESSEL TWO WERE OPERATING PARALLEL TO ONE ANOTHER HEADING THE SAME DIRECTION.  OPERATOR OF VESSEL TWO THEN OPERATED HIS PWC TO THE LEFT MAKING A WIDE CIRCLE TURN.  OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE SLOWED HIS PWC AND TURNED TO THE LEFT AND STOPPED.  AS OPERATOR OF VESSEL TWO CAME OUT OF HIS CIRCLE TURN TO HIS RIGHT, HE OBSERVED VESSEL ONE IN FRONT OF HIM, BUT COULDN'T STOP AND STRUCK VESSEL ONE ON THE BOW, PORT SIDE.


BARDID: AR-2019-0020
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:37:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: FAIRFIELD BAY
County: VAN BUREN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was anchored outside the brake waters of the marina getting ready to watch a fireworks show.  Both occupants were on top of the double decker boat putting up the top during a strong storm with high winds when the conditions caused V1 to overturn.  Rescue crews were close by and able to rescue the subjects from the water without incident.


BARDID: AR-2019-0021
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: COTTER
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 saw a lady in distress on an overhanging tree limb on the side of the river with her head barely above water.  The operator of V1 maneuvered V1 in position to rescue the lady.  The starboard side of V1 contacted the tree limb when trying to pull her in and V1 took on water and sank.  All were rescued without incident.


BARDID: AR-2019-0022
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: COTTER
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of V1 was drift fishing and was not paying attention and drifted into a boat dock.  The current caused V1 to sink almost immediately.


BARDID: AR-2019-0023
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:56:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OUACHITA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: MALVERN
County: HOT SPRING
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ONE WAS IDLING DOWN STREAM BOW FISHING IN STRONG CURRENT WHEN IT STRUCK A LARGE ROCK.  THIS CAUSED THREE OF THE FIVE PASSENGERS TO BE EJECTED.  THE CURRENT CAUSED VESSEL ONE TO SPIN AROUND AS IT WAS STUCK ON THE LARGE ROCK.  VESSEL ONE STRUCK ONE OF EJECTED PASSENGERS CAUSING INJURY.


BARDID: AR-2019-0024
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:33:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GREER'S FERRY
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ONE WAS TRAVELING SOUTH AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MILES PER HOUR.  SUDDENLY THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE SAW ANOTHER VESSEL IN THE PATH OF VESSEL ONE WITH NO NAVIGATION LIGHTS ON.  VESSEL ONE COLLIDED WITH VESSEL TWO.  VESSEL TWO OPERATOR STATED THAT THEY WERE ADRIFT AND WERE STRUCK BY VESSEL ONE.  OCCUPANT TWO OF VESSEL TWO WAS EJECTED DUE TO THE COLLISION.


BARDID: AR-2019-0025
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE WAS TRAVELING DOWN LAKE WHEN HE TRAVELED THROUGH A SHALLOW AREA OF THE LAKE STRIKING THE LOWER UNIT OF THE MOTOR DISABLING THE VESSEL.


BARDID: AR-2019-0026
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:43:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BULL SHOALS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: PEEL
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was cruising south along the north share of Bull Shoals.  Operator advised he dropped an item in the floor and was trying to pick it up when he looked up and saw he was going to run aground.  Operator made a hard turn to starboard and clipped the bank; ejecting him.  V1 came to rest in the water and he was able to swim to shore.  Operator refused treatment on scene but was taken by POV to a local hospital where he received 15 staples in his head and was diagnosed with a concussion.


BARDID: AR-2019-0027
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ARKANSAS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: BARLING
County: SEBASTIAN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE WAS TRAVELING WEST ON THE ARKANSAS RIVER WHEN HE POSSIBLY STRUCK AN UNFORSEEN UNDERWATER OBJECT OR THE BANK; AS THE OPERATOR WASN'T SURE.  AS A RESULT, THE STARBOARD SIDE PONTOON WAS PUNCTURED AND CAUSED THE VESSEL TO BECOME PARTIALLY SUBMERGED ON ONE SIDE (STARBOARD).  Operator1 was arrested for BUI.


BARDID: AR-2019-0028
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
V2 stated they were sitting still in the main channel south of the HWY 70 bridge waiting on two juveniles to get onto a tube. V1 stated that his boat "drifted to the left" and he struck V2. 

V2 stated V1 came back to ask if they were OK and then fled the scene. V1 was later located at a boat dock and the owner was contacted.  The owner stated he was out of state but that he allowed one of his employees to use his boat.  V1's operator was located and he admitted to operating V1 but refused to answer any questions regarding the accident. He did however sign a statement wherein he admitted to leaving the scene "because he was afraid he would be arrested".  V1 Operator was issued citations for leaving the scene of an accident and negligent operation.


BARDID: AR-2019-0029
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OUACHITA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: JERSEY
County: BRADLEY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSELS ONE AND TWO WERE BOTH TRAVELING SOUTH ON THE OUACHITA RIVER.  VESSEL TWO ATTEMPTED TO OVERTAKE VESSEL ONE AND SPLASH VESSEL ONE WITH ITS WAKE.  VESSEL TWO GOT TOO CLOSE AND STRUCK VESSEL ONE ON THE STARBOARD STERN, CAUSING THE OCCUPANT OF VESSEL ONE TO BE EJECTED AND CAUSING VESSEL ONE TO CAPSIZE.


BARDID: AR-2019-0030
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-09-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE DEGRAY
NearestCityorTown: CADDO VALLEY
County: CLARK
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ONE AND VESSEL TWO WERE TRAVELING WEST ON DEGRAY LAKE.  ACCORDING TO WITNESSES, BOTH VESSELS WERE TRAVELING CLOSE TO EACH OTHER ATTEMPTING TO SPLASH EACH OTHER.  OPERATOR OF VESSEL TWO WAS TRAVELING JUST AHEAD OF OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE.  VESSEL TWO TURNED RIGHT AND VESSEL ONE STRUCK VESSEL TWO ON THE STARBOARD SIDE.  OPERATOR OF VESSEL TWO WAS AIRLIFTED WITH A BROKEN TIBIA.


BARDID: AR-2019-0031
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE COLUMBIA
NearestCityorTown: MAGNOLIA, AR
County: COLUMBIA
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: live pump failure
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR AND OCCUPANT OF VESSEL ONE WERE CRUISING WHEN THEY NOTICED THE VESSEL TAKING ON WATER.  THE OPERATOR STOPPED THE VESSEL AND WENT TO FIND THE SOURCE OF HOW THE WATER WAS GETTING IN TOWARDS THE STERN.  VESSEL ONE THEN BECAME OVER TAKEN WITH WATER OVER THE TRANSOM CAUSING VESSEL ONE TO OVERTURN TO THE STARBOARD SIDE.  THIS CAUSED BOTH THE OPERATOR AND OCCUPANT TO BE EJECTED.  THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL ONE WAS NOT WEARING A PFD AND DROWNED.  UPON INSPECTION IT WAS DISCOVERED THE LIVE WELL PUMP DID NOT WORK AND THAT THERE WERE HOLES THAT ALLOWED WATER TO ENTER AND DRAIN UNDER THE FLOOR BOARDS.  OCCUPANT CONFIRMED THEY WERE AWARE OF THIS.


BARDID: AR-2019-0032
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE DEGRAY
NearestCityorTown: BISMARCK
County: HOT SPRING
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Drug
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
ON 09/13/19 AT 06:30 WE RECEIVED A REPORT OF V1 CIRCLING IN THE WATER WITH NO ONE ONBOARD. UPON INSPECTION OF V1, THE MOTOR WAS IN FORWARD GEAR AND THE THROTTLE WAS WIDE OPEN. THE CHOKE WAS PULLED AND THE COWLING WAS IN THE FLOOR OF V1. ALL EVIDENCE POINTS TOWARD THE VICTIM WORKING ON THE MOTOR, ATTEMPTING TO START IT AND SUBSEQUENTLY FALLING OVERBOARD AFTER THE MOTOR STARTED.  FOUR GRAMS OF METH WAS ALSO LOCATED ON ONE OF V1'S SEATS.  THE AREA WAS SEARCHED WITH SONAR FOR SEVERAL DAYS. THE VICTIM FINALLY SURFACED AND WAS RECOVERED ON 09-26-19.


BARDID: AR-2019-0033
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-11-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 04:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OUACHITA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: CROSSETT
County: ASHLEY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated that it was really foggy and he could tell he was off-course so he began to slow down.  V1 struck 3 cypress knees and on the third one, V1 slid back and hung up between them and began to take on water rapidly.  V1 then began to roll and capsized.  All occupants were able to safely get away from V1.  They along with some friends were able to get V1 flipped over and back above the water.  Due to going underwater while running and remaining underwater for an extended about of time the mud motor is a total loss.  Also the motor handle was broken completely off during the incident.


BARDID: AR-2019-0034
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:34:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LITTLE RED RIVER
NearestCityorTown: HEBER SPRINGS
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated he and the victim were fishing just below JFK park on the Little Red River when they noticed the water level rising rapidly. They were able to lift the anchor, start the 10hp motor and begin to travel back upstream toward the park.  At some point the motor died and he was unable to get it started again. 

V1 struck a downed tree in the river and capsized ejecting both the operator and victim. The operator was able to swim to the bank but advised he never saw the victim again. At approximately 1400 hours rescuers were able to locate V1 and the victim trapped underneath. 

A blood sample was taken from the operator for testing by Conway Regional Hospital; however the hospital informed the Officer on 10/22/19 that the testing facility rejected the sample due to a fatal flaw - specimen ID number missing.  Officer advised that he did not witness any signs of impairment and the operator was very compliant during the event.


BARDID: AR-2019-0035
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-12-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CACHE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: GREGORY
County: WOODRUFF
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
All three subjects stated they were traveling north headed to the Float Road ramp when another vessel stopped in front of them.  

The operator stated he tried to go around the stopped vessel when a wake caused V1 to clip a tree and caused him to lose control and hit another tree.  

When the second tree was struck both occupants were ejected out of V1 sustaining injuries.  The operator advised he was thrown forward causing injury to himself also. 

The stopped vessel came to their aid and got everyone back on board and they traveled to the boat ramp.  All three subjects then took a POV to the hospital in Searcy. None of the subjects reported the accident.  We were made aware of the accident the following day and were able to track the subjects down on December 16th. OVC was issued for failure to report.


BARDID: AR-2019-0036
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-12-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BARNETT
NearestCityorTown: FLOYD
County: WHITE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
AccidentCause2: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR AND PASSENGER ADVISED THEY WERE CHECKING A TROT LINE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE PASSENGER WAS STANDING UP IN V1 TUGGING ON THE TROT LINE WHICH HAD GOTTEN HUNG UP ON SOMETHING AND WHEN IT SUDDENLY CAME FREE THE PASSENGER ROCKED BACKWARDS CAUSING WATER TO COME OVER THE SIDE OF V1. V1 THEN SUDDENLY CAPSIZED.  

THE OPERATOR/VICTIM WAS ABLE TO GET ONE ARM THROUGH A LIFE JACKET AND HOLD ONTO V1 WHILE THE PASSENGER SWAM TO THE BANK FOR HELP. WHEN RESCUE CREWS ARRIVED THE OPERATOR/VICTIM WAS UNABLE TO MOVE AND HYPOTHERMIC. HE WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL WHERE HIS CORE TEMPERATURE WAS 88 DEGREES.  HE REMAINED IN THE HOSPITAL AND WAS ABLE TO RECOVER.


BARDID: AR-2019-0037
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-12-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:36:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BACKWATER FROM WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: RUSSELL
County: WHITE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR ADVISED HE WAS CHECKING ON SOME DUCK BLINDS IN THE BACKWATERS OF THE WHITE RIVER WHEN HE HIT A SUBMERGED OBJECT AND THEN STRUCK A TREE HEAD-ON. UPON IMPACT HE WAS THROWN FORWARD AND HIT A SEAT PEDASTAL.  A WITNESS STATED SHE HEARD V1 APPROACHING AT WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND AFTER SHE HEARD THE IMPACT SAW V1 WITH IT'S MOTOR STILL RUNNING THROWING A ROOSTER TAIL. THE WITNESS CALLED FOR HELP AND THEY WERE ABLE TO GET THE OPERATOR/VICTIM TO AN AWAITING AMBULANCE.  

OPERATOR WAS CITED FOR MANNER OF OPERATION AND FAILURE TO REGISTER VESSEL.


BARDID: AR-2020-0001
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-01-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE PICKTHORNE
NearestCityorTown: CABOT
County: LONOKE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Drug
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was located floating near the bank of lake pickthorne. Upon recovery, the victim was found to be wearing thick winter style clothing with no pfd. In addition no pfd was found floating or in v1. V1 was located approx. 400 yards west of the victim and a paddle was located approx. 100 yards southwest of v1. An inspection of the victim revealed a smoking device made of glass inside his jacket pocket.  According to the victim's wife she last spoke to him around 5:00pm on january 20th when he told her he was going to lake pickthorne to go fishing. She received a text from him around 7:00pm asking what she was doing, she replied and never heard from him again.  

Update 1/27/21: autopsy results received from the crime lab.  Victim had toxic levels of methamphetamine in his system.


BARDID: AR-2020-0002
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-01-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:10:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: FLIPPIN
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Passenger stated they were drift fishing by dragging a chain from the bow of v1 when they noticed they were about to drift backwards into a tree protruding out from the bank.  V1's motor hit the tree and the current caused v1 to turn sideways and become parallel with the tree.  

The current then forced v1 under the tree and it ended up swamping and capsizing. All occupants were ejected but managed to stay afloat due to wearing pfds and they were able to grab onto different objects on the bank but couldn't pull themselves out of the water.  

Another vessel downstream came to their rescue after they noticed "debris" floating downstream. Additional vessels from rainbow landing also responded to try and get the victim out of the water.  He was conscious and talking while in the water but said he was "about to give out" and as soon as they got him out of the water he became unresponsive.  They began cpr efforts until ems arrived and he was pronounced dead upon arrival to the hospital. 

There were 6 generators running at the dam at the time of the accident.

Due to the conditions v1 hasn't been able to be recovered at this time.

Blood was taken from the operator for testing; however he was uncooperative and refused to give a statement.  He was charged with inattentive operation.

Update: 2-12-21 - just found out from the coroner that somehow the blood vial "broke" and he didn't want to tell us, so no toxicology screen was performed.


BARDID: AR-2020-0003
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-01-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SWEPCO LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GENTRY
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 LEFT THE BOAT RAMP AND HEADED SOUTH TOWARD THE DAM AND SUDDENLY V1 RAN AGROUND UPON THE DAM AND CLIMBED APPROX. 60 FEET ABOVE THE WATER LINE BEFORE IT CAME TO REST ON A GRASS BERM. THE OPERATOR STATED THEY WERE GOING ABOUT 30 MPH WHEN THEY HIT THE DAM.  HE ALSO ADVISED HE'S ONLY BEEN ON SWEPCO LAKE ONE OR TWO TIMES PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT AND NEVER DURING PERIODS OF DARKNESS.

V1 SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT FIBERGLASS DAMAGE ALONG THE KEEL FROM BOW TO STERN.


BARDID: AR-2020-0004
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-03-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE FORT SMITH
NearestCityorTown: MOUNTAINBURG
County: CRAWFORD
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
While patrolling lake fort smith park, a witness approached and advised there was a kayaker who had fallen overboard and was calling for help. A state park ranger's boat was obtained and we tried to locate the victim but unfortunately he had already gone under and did not resurface. There were no records of the victim staying at the park.  Investigators found several open containers of alcohol, prescription pills and a receipt for v1 which was purchased at approx. 0230 am that morning. 

At approx. 1548 hrs on 03/04/20 the victim was located in 56ft. Of water and recovered. Victim was sent to the crime lab for autopsy and toxicology screening.  Contact was made with the victim's family in houston, tx and they advised the victim had been hospitalized for mental illness and had checked himself out of the hospital against doctor's wishes.

Update 2-12-21: crime lab results received and showed no evidence of alcohol or drugs.


BARDID: AR-2020-0005
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-02-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: COTTER
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 OCCUPANTS WERE DRIFT FISHING WHEN THEY STARTED THE MOTOR AND PUT IT IN FORWARD WITH NO RESPONSE. THEY RAISED THE MOTOR AND DISCOVERED THE PROP WAS MISSING.  V1 DRIFTED INTO A BOAT DOCK AND FLIPPED OVER DUE TO THE CURRENT.  OPERATOR WAS ABLE TO GET ON THE DOCK AND HELP HIS FATHER OUT OF THE WATER.  PASSENGER WAS EXHIBITING SIGNS OF HYPOTHERMIA AND WAS TAKEN TO BAXTER REGIONAL.


BARDID: AR-2020-0006
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-03-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE ERLING
NearestCityorTown: BRADLEY
County: LAFAYETTE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
V2 OPERATOR WAS TRAVELING NORTH DOWN THE BOAT LANE CLOSE TO THE 41 CUT-OFF AREA WHEN V1 ATTEMPTED TO PASS HIM IN A CURVE OF THE BOAT LANE. V1 STRUCK THE STARBOARD SIDE OF V2, KNOCKING V2'S OPERATOR INTO THE FLOOR OF V2. NO INJURIES SUSTAINED THOUGH.


BARDID: AR-2020-0007
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-03-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE ERLING
NearestCityorTown: BRADLEY
County: LAFAYETTE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
According to the passenger, V1 along with another boat had been running yo-yo's all night while also drinking and "racing" up and down the boat lane. He further stated he didn't know how the accident happened.  

They (V1) were traveling north when V1 made a sharp right turn hitting a wave and ejecting them both out. The passenger did not believe they hit a stump or anything. He said V1 circled them once, straightened out and hit the bank on the west side of the lake.  

He further stated the operator/victim was "freaking out" and gasping for air; he tried to calm him down but the victim ended up going under.  The victim was recovered the next morning in approx. 20ft of water.  Inspection of V1 revealed no damage to indicate it has struck any object in the water. The victim was requested to be sent to the State Crime Lab for an autopsy and toxicology testing.

UPDATE: 8/18/19 - Investigating Officer advised upon transport to the Crime Lab, the coroner was informed that due to Covid-19 they couldn't accept the body since it wasn't a murder investigation so the coroner just took the body to the funeral home and failed to draw blood or do an autopsy - violating state law.  Therefore, no toxicology results are available but alcohol is still suspected as the cause of this accident.


BARDID: AR-2020-0008
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-03-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: MTN. HOME
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS DRIFT FISHING ON THE WHITE RIVER AND AT THE TIME THE RIVER WAS AT VERY HIGH FLOW DUE TO HEAVY WATER RELEASE AT BULL SHOALS DAM.  

AS THEY WERE QUICKLY DRIFTING BACKWARDS THEY ENTERED A CHUTE WITH A SUBMERGED JETTY AND TREES STICKING OUT OF THE WATER. 

WHEN THE OPERATOR NOTICED THIS HE ATTEMPTED TO USE THE MOTOR TO MANEUVER V1 OUT OF THE DANGER BUT THE CURRENTS WERE TOO STRONG. V1 STRUCK A TREE AND CAPSIZED EJECTING ALL THE PASSENGERS.  THE OCCUPANTS WERE RESCUED HOWEVER V1 REMAINED SUBMERGED FOR SEVERAL WEEKS UNTIL THE HEAVY FLOWS DECREASED AND IT WAS ABLE TO BE RETRIEVED.


BARDID: AR-2020-0009
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:07:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATKINS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: PINE BLUFF
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
A witness at a residence on the lake reported seeing a boat running without an operator and a person "flailing" in the water. The witness attempted to rescue the victim but could not get to him before he submerged. The victim's body was recovered the afternoon of the accident.  Upon inspection of v1, the operator's seat was found on the floor of v1 dislodged/removed from it's normal position within v1. V1 was found to have no other defects and was in working order. It is unknown at this time what caused the victim to fall overboard.


BARDID: AR-2020-0010
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:19:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BULL SHOALS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: MOUNTAIN HOME
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS ANCHORED BY POWER POLES FISHING. V2'S OPERATOR (A MARINA EMPLOYEE) APPROACHED V1 TO TELL HIM NOT TO FISH NEAR THE FUEL LINES GOING TO THE DOCK.  

AS V2 APPROACHED HE TURNED OFF THE MOTOR AND BEGAN DRIFTING TOWARD V1. OPERATOR OF V2 ATTEMPTED TO START THE MOTOR WHEN HE REALIZED HE WAS GOING TO IMPACT V1 BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL CAUSING DAMAGE TO V1'S PORT POWER POLE AND STERN.


BARDID: AR-2020-0011
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: KINGS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: COUNTY RD 25
County: MADISON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
ACCORDING TO WITNESSES THE VICTIM WAS LAST SEEN PADDLING DOWN RIVER FROM THE BOATING GROUP HE WAS FLOATING WITH ON MAY 17TH. THE WATERS OF THE KINGS RIVER WERE AT FLOOD STAGE DUE TO RECENT STORMS. WITNESSES FURTHER STATED AFTER THEY CROSSED A LOW-HEAD DAM, THEY FOUND THE VICTIM FLOATING FACE DOWN IN THE WATER NEAR V1 (OVERTURNED) AGAINST SOME FALLEN TREES. THE VICTIM WAS APPROX. 100 YARDS DOWN STREAM FROM THE LOW HEAD DAM. LIFESAVING EFFORTS WERE UNSUCCESSFUL.  VICTIM WAS WEARING A LIFE JACKET AND HELMET.

UPDATE 8/18/20: TOXICOLOGY SCREENING RESULTS RECEIVED AND THE VICTIM DID TEST POSITIVE FOR CANNABINOIDS. UNKNOWN AMOUNT IN SYSTEM OR TO WHAT EXTENT THEY MAY HAVE HAD AN EFFECT (IF ANY) ON THE ACCIDENT.


BARDID: AR-2020-0012
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:44:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ROGERS
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
After reviewing witness statements, v1, surveillance video footage of v1 and victim's body it has been determined that the victim fell from the rear swim deck while possibly urinating in the water and drowned. 

While fishing a witness advised he noticed v1 traveling in his direction at idle speed and after about 30 seconds he heard a scream like someone falling into cold water.  After the scream v1 passed dangerously close to him and he noticed it was still under power but no one was onboard. 

The witness searched for the victim after stopping v1 but couldn't find anyone and called 911. Inspection of v1 revealed no damage however an empty bottle of canadian mist whiskey, a bottle of malibu rum and a partial empty bottle of effen cucumber vodka was located. 

 On may 26th the victim's body was located and no apparent injuries were observed. However the zipper on the victim's cargo shorts was down indicating the victim was probably attempting to urinate.  Samples from the victim were sent for toxicology screening by the coroner's office.

Update 1-25-21:  received toxicology report - showed .130 bac


BARDID: AR-2020-0013
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-05-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:54:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ROGERS
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 SANK AFTER THE FIBERGLASS ON THE TRANSOM BROKE CAUSING LARGE AMOUNTS OF WATER TO FLOOD THE INNER COMPARTMENT.  OPERATOR STATED HE HAD RECENTLY REPAIRED V1'S TRANSOM.


BARDID: AR-2020-0014
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS TOWING A TUBE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DOCK AT FISHERMAN'S WHARF RESTAURANT BOAT DOCK WHEN HE LOST POWER BECAUSE THE TOW ROPE GOT CAUGHT IN THE MOTOR. V1 THEN IMPACTED V2 THAT WAS DOCKED.  ALL STATEMENTS WERE TAKEN AND V2'S OWNER NOTIFIED. SHORTLY THEREAFTER AS V1 WAS LEAVING THE DOCK IT STRUCK V2 AGAIN CAUSING ADDITIONAL DAMAGE.


BARDID: AR-2020-0015
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE DARDANELLE
NearestCityorTown: RUSSELLVILLE
County: POPE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS ON PLANE TRAVELING EAST TOWARD THE AR RIVER CHANNEL FROM THE ST. PARK WHEN IT STRUCK AN UNDERWATER OBJECT AND CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP.  THE PASSENGER/VICTIM WAS EJECTED FROM V1 INTO THE WATER AND THE OPERATOR WAS THROWN FORWARD INTO THE BOAT.  

THE OPERATOR LOCATED THE PASSENGER/VICTIM UNDER THE MOTOR OF V1 - HIS SHIRT WAS WRAPPED IN THE PROP.  GOOD SAMARITANS CAME TO ASSIST AND THEY WERE ABLE TO FREE THE PASSENGER/VICTIM WHO HAD VISIBLE ABRASIONS AND BRUISING ON THE LEFT SIDE OF HIS TORSO. HE WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT HIS SPLEEN WAS LACERATED AND UNDERWENT EMERGENCY SURGERY.


BARDID: AR-2020-0016
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HEBER SPRINGS
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 OPERATOR ADVISED THEY LAUNCHED V1 AND AS THEY LEFT THE NO WAKE ZONE V1 DIED.  WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO RE-START IT THEY HEARD AN EXPLOSION AND BEGAN THROWING THE KIDS OVERBOARD.  

UPON INSPECTION IT APPEARED THAT A METAL FUEL TANK MADE CONTACT WITH A PULLEY ON THE BOAT MOTOR AND THE PULLEY HAD WORN A HOLE IN THE GAS TANK AND CAUSED A SPARK WHICH IGNITED THE VAPORS AND SMALL AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE TANK. THE EXPLOSION BLEW THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT LID OPEN CAUSING THE VICTIM'S BURN INJURIES.


BARDID: AR-2020-0017
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HEBER SPRINGS
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 operator stated he was pulling 2 passengers on a tube when the victim fell off and while making the turn to retrieve him, the other passenger fell off.  

As they were picking up v1 passenger (4) the victim was struck by v2.  

V2 operator stated that he and some of his family members along with some potential customers were testing v2 for purchase. V2 passenger (3) was sitting in front and stated he saw a splash out of the corner of his eye and realized it was a person (v1 victim) diving under v2.  

V2 passenger (3) yelled at the operator who stopped v2 and they realized the victim had gone under the vessel. V2 operator stated he never saw anyone in the water or a vessel near the victim. V2 passenger (3) stated when they turned around to check on the victim, v1 was picking him up.   V2 followed v1 back to the boat ramp where the victim was airlifted to the hospital.


BARDID: AR-2020-0018
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GREER'S FERRY
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS STATIONARY AND IN NEUTRAL. THE VICTIM HAD BEEN WAKE BOARDING AND WAS ATTEMPTING TO BOARD V1 AT THE STERN AND WHEN SHE DID A LARGE WAVE LIFTED V1 OUT OF THE WATER AND THE SKEG OF THE MOTOR CAME DOWN ON THE VICTIM'S LEG CAUSING A 6" BY 1" LACERATION ON HER RIGHT THIGH.  THE WATERS WERE VERY ROUGH AT THE TIME WITH 2 - 3 FT. WAVES.


BARDID: AR-2020-0019
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:19:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: MT. VIEW
County: STONE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
WHILE OCCUPANTS WERE FISHING, V1 DRIFTED INTO A BRIDGE ABUTMENT AND GOT PINNED AND SANK.  ALL OCCUPANTS WERE RESCUED BY OTHER BOATERS AND V1 WAS NOT RECOVERED.


BARDID: AR-2020-0020
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORFORK
NearestCityorTown: MT. HOME
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DOCK OPERATOR OF V1 STRUCK THE DOCK WITH THE PORT SIDE PONTOON CAUSING CRUSHING DAMAGE TO THE NOSE CONE OF THE PONTOON.


BARDID: AR-2020-0021
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:16:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GREESON
NearestCityorTown: KIRBY
County: PIKE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator purchased over 100 gallons of fuel from the marina.  All passengers boarded and v1 was pushed away from the marina. Operator stated he turned on the vent blower and it ran less than 1 minute without the rear hatch open.  He attempted to start the port engine but it didn't turn over at all.  

He then attempted to start the starboard engine and it didn't turn over either.  He again tried to start the port engine and heard a loud explosion when he turned the key. 

Operator turned to see several members of his family burned and on fire jumping into the water. He then opened the rear engine hatch to check for fire.  He stated there was no fire and the onboard fire suppression system had not discharged. 

 Injured persons were transported by ambulance and air evac to hospitals.  Passengers 5 and 7 were below deck in the bow cabin when the explosion occurred. All other passengers were in the stern area over the engine hatch.


BARDID: AR-2020-0022
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LITTLE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: HORATIO
County: SEVIER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On may 30th at approx 11:30am received a report of a possible boating accident on the little river.  Reporter advised there was a boat (v1) that was covered in blood and nobody around it.  V1 was bent around a tree and had a broken windshield. There was an impact mark on the tree approximately 2 feet above the bow of v1. 

While towing v1 back to the ramp, another report was received that all occupants were alive and accounted for.  After inspection v1 was turned over to the registered owner's brother in law and contact was made at the hospital with the operator.  

Due to the extent of his injuries a statement wasn't able to be obtained but information was gathered from his wife along with the identity of the other 2 passengers.  

Both passengers stated the accident occurred the evening before (may 19th) and  it was getting dark and they were on plane coming around a curve in the river when they crashed into a tree.  They attributed the accident to poor visibility as well as the river being high with stronger than normal current.  *it is suspected that alcohol may have been involved but there was no evidence at the scene of the crash and cannot be proven.


BARDID: AR-2020-0023
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORFORK
NearestCityorTown: GAMALIEL
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
ACCORDING TO STATEMENTS, V1 WAS STATIONARY IN THE WATER FACING WEST WHEN V2 APPROACHED V1 ON THE PORT SIDE AND DID NOT STOP OR REMAIN IN CONTROL OF V2 TO PREVENT A COLLISION. 

THE BOW OF V2 STRUCK V1 IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PORT SIDE.  BOTH OCCUPANTS OF V1 WERE EJECTED OFF THE STARBOARD SIDE AND PICKED UP BY A NEARBY VESSEL. THEY WERE TAKEN BY POV TO THE HOSPITAL TO GET CHECKED OUT.


BARDID: AR-2020-0024
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HEBER SPRINGS
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS PULLING TUBE WITH PASSENGERS 2, 3, AND 5 ON THE TUBE WHEN THEY HIT A WAKE AND PASSENGER 2'S HEAD STRUCK PASSENGER 3'S LEG KNOCKING HER UNCONSCIOUS.


BARDID: AR-2020-0025
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HEBER SPRINGS
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS AT THE RAMP PICKING UP A PASSENGER WHEN HE TURNED TO LEAVE THE AREA, V1'S MOTOR DIED AND HE COULD NOT GET IT STARTED.  THE WIND AND WAVES BLEW V1 INTO THE REAR QUARTER PANEL OF A 2006 GMC TRUCK THAT WAS BACKED INTO THE WATER UNLOADING HIS VESSEL CAUSING $2000 OF DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK.


BARDID: AR-2020-0026
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OUACHITA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: EL DORADO
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 and v2 were spraying each other. V2 came to a stop in the middle of the river as v1 was doing donuts.  As v1 came out of the last donut it struck v2 on the starboard side and continued over the top of v2 and the operator/victim. 

V1 retrieved the victim and took him to the sandbar where another boat took him to the ramp to meet an ambulance.  Operator of v1 and a few friends loaded v2 and took it behind a camp. The operator of v1 took his vessel and left the scene.  Once investigators finally located v1's operator he told them he "slammed" some beers after the accident.  It can't be proven but from all indications it is believed the group had been drinking prior to the accident.


BARDID: AR-2020-0027
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORFORK
NearestCityorTown: MOUNTAIN HOME
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Agfc was not notified of this accident until several hours after it happened and v1 was never located. When interviewed, the operator said he couldn't remember anything about that day.  He didn't know where he got v1 and he didn't know any of the people "he was with".  All he could remember is that v1 was black and possibly a yamaha.  Operator was jumping the wake of another unknown vessel and when he landed he hit his head on the steering console knocking him unconscious and lacerating his head.  He apparently was picked up by someone, taken to the hospital (where we located him) and received 15 stitches to his head.


BARDID: AR-2020-0028
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ROGERS
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
ACCORDING TO AN EYE WITNESS V1 HIT A LARGE WAVE AND THE OPERATOR/VICTIM WAS THROWN INTO THE AIR AND THEN LANDED ON V1 AND THEN FELL INTO THE WATER.  

THE WITNESS WAS ABLE TO RENDER ASSISTANCE, CALL 911 AND TRANSPORT THE VICTIM TO AN AWAITING AMBULANCE WITH HIS BOAT.  UPON INTERVIEWING THE VICTIM AT THE HOSPITAL, HE WAS STILL DIZZY AND WAS UNAWARE HE HAD EVEN BEEN OPERATING V1. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT V1 WAS RECENTLY PURCHASED BY A FAMILY MEMBER OF THE VICTIM. VICTIM WAS TREATED FOR HEAD TRAUMA, A BROKEN LEFT ARM AND FACIAL LACERATIONS.


BARDID: AR-2020-0029
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GREERS FERRY
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS PULLING A SKIER AND THE OPERATOR WAS LOOKING BEHIND HIM WATCHING THE SKIER WHEN HE RAN INTO V2 WHICH WAS DOCKED ON A LIFT AND THE DOCK. 

UPON IMPACT PASSENGER 1 WAS EJECTED INTO THE WATER BUT WAS NOT HURT AND WAS SAFETY RECOVERED. V1 WAS ON PLANE AT THE TIME OF IMPACT. V2 SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE STERN INCLUDING THE OUTBOARD MOTOR BEING KNOCKED OFF AND WAS ONLY HANGING BY THE CONTROL CABLES. THE BOAT DOCK ALSO SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE AND WAS MOVED APPROX. 10 FEET FROM IT'S ORIGINAL LOCATION.


BARDID: AR-2020-0030
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:12:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: LAKEVIEW
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Improper anchoring
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
ACCORDING TO THE OPERATOR, THEY WERE DRIFTING DOWN RIVER WHILE DRAGGING AN ANCHOR FROM THE STERN. HIS SON ASKED ABOUT ANOTHER ANCHOR THAT WAS ATTACHED TO THE BOW AND THE OPERATOR TOLD HIM TO THROW IT IN THE WATER TO HELP SLOW THEM DOWN.  ALMOST IMMEDIATELY THE BOW ANCHOR HUNG AND V1 CAPSIZED TO THE PORT SIDE. ALL OCCUPANTS WERE ABLE TO SWIM TO SHORE SAFELY. V1 IS STILL COMPLETELY SUBMERGED AND UNABLE TO BE RETRIEVED AT THIS TIME.


BARDID: AR-2020-0031
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE DARDANELLE
NearestCityorTown: NEW BLAINE
County: LOGAN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
ACCORDING TO THE OPERATOR AS THEY WERE MOTORING BACK TO CAMP, V1 STRUCK A SUBMERGED OBJECT DISABLING THE MOTOR. V1 SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE LOWER UNIT AND PROP.


BARDID: AR-2020-0032
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ARKANSAS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: SCOTT
County: PULASKI
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR DID NOT REPORT OR NOTIFY AUTHORITIES OF THIS ACCIDENT UNTIL 2 DAYS AFTER THE OCCURANCE - WARNING CITATION ISSUED.  

ACCORDING TO THE OPERATOR HE WAS FISHING A SECTION OF THE BACKWATERS ON THE ARKANSAS RIVER JUST SOUTH OF TERRY DAM WHEN HE LEFT THE AREA TRAVELING WEST TO ENTER THE MAIN CHANNEL AND STRUCK A SUBMERGED ROCK DIKE.  UPON INSPECTION OF V1; THE SKEG WAS COMPLETELY SHEERED OFF.


BARDID: AR-2020-0033
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:15:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: RED RIVER
NearestCityorTown: TEXARKANA
County: MILLER
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Drug
AccidentCause2: Improper anchoring
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 operator launched from the ramp. He attempted to start the motor but it wouldn't start. Operator then threw an anchor out of the stern of v1 and he instructed the passenger to throw another anchor out at the bow. Almost immediately v1's stern dipped down and water began to enter v1. The passenger was able to pull the bow anchor back up but the stern anchor was stuck and the operator couldn't pull it up. V1 then sank beneath them. The passenger grabbed onto a container that held pfd's and was able to swim to the bank. Once on the bank she yelled and looked for the operator but could not see or hear him. She ran for help and called 911. A search for the operator/victim was conducted and he was located approximately 27 hours later about 200 yards downstream from where the passenger swam out.  

Toxicology results are pending.

Update 2-1-21 toxicology results received.  Report shows victim had a .04 bac and was positive for cocaine and methamphetamine.


BARDID: AR-2020-0034
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GREERS FERRY
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR STATED THEY WERE LEAVING THE DOCK AFTER FUELING UP AND HE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF TRAFFIC. HE TURNED OFF THE ENGINE WHILE WAITING AND WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO RESTART A SMALL EXPLOSION OPENED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

 ANOTHER VESSEL PULLED ALONG SIDE AND BOTH V1 PASSENGERS BOARDED THEIR BOAT. V1 OPERATOR COULDN'T EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AS IT WAS TOO LARGE SO HE JUMPED INTO THE WATER.  THE MARINA'S WORK BARGE THEN PULLED ALONG SIDE AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE.


BARDID: AR-2020-0035
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HEBER SPRINGS
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
ACCORDING TO WITNESSES IN THE AREA, V1 AND V2 HAD BEEN SEEN OPERATING TOO CLOSE TO EACH OTHER AND HAD BEEN TOLD TO SLOW DOWN AND SEPARATE.  

OPERATOR OF V1 STATED V2 HAD BEEN FOLLOWING HER AROUND BUT SHE DID NOT KNOW THEM.  OPERATOR OF V2 STATED HIS PASSENGER HAD ASKED HIM A QUESTION AND HE TURNED AROUND TO ACKNOWLEDGE HIM AND WHEN HE TURNED BACK AROUND V1 WAS TURNING IN FRONT OF HIM AND HE STRUCK V1 ON THE PORT SIDE. V2 TRAVELED OVER V1 AND V1 OPERATOR WAS STRUCK IN HER LEFT LEG/PELVIS AREA.

V1 OPERATOR WAS ISSUED A WARNING FOR FAILURE TO HAVE BOATER ED. V2 OPERATOR WAS ISSUED A WARNING FOR OPERATION RESULTING IN A COLLISION.


BARDID: AR-2020-0036
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
RENTAL COMPANY STATED THAT WHEN V1 OPERATOR RETURNED THE VESSEL THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE LEFT PONTOON.  

SHE FURTHER STATED WHEN SHE ASKED THE OPERATOR ABOUT THE DAMAGES THAT HE STATED "DO WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO" AND LEFT THE BUSINESS.  SEVERAL ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO MAKE CONTACT WITH THE OPERATOR AND/OR PASSENGER WITHOUT SUCCESS.  ESTIMATED REPAIR COSTS FURNISHED BY THE RENTAL COMPANY ARE $8,000.


BARDID: AR-2020-0037
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:31:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREER'S FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HEBER SPRINGS
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 OPERATOR STATED THEY WERE TRAVELING NORTH GOING ABOUT 60MPH WHEN THEY CROSSED A LARGE WAKE FROM ANOTHER BOAT. V1 BECAME AIRBORN AND WHEN IT LANDED, HIT ANOTHER WAKE CAUSING V1 TO ABRUPTLY STOP EJECTING BOTH THE OPERATOR AND PASSENGER. THE OPERATOR WAS INJURED (8 BROKEN RIBS AND A COLLAPSED LUNG) AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO AN AWAITING AMBULANCE BY GOOD SAMARITANS.  OPERATOR ADVISED HE HAD JUST PURCHASED V1.


BARDID: AR-2020-0038
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 OPERATOR STATED HE WAS DRIVING AND NOT PLANED OUT YET WHEN PASSENGER 2 YELLED AT HIM. OPERATOR THEN REALIZED HE WAS GOING TO HIT V2 SO HE BUT V1 INTO NEUTRAL JUST BEFORE V1 IMPACTED V2 IN THE PORT BOW.  V2 OPERATOR STATED HE WAS STATIONARY CHANGING OUT SKIERS WHEN HE SAW V1 WAS GOING TO HIT HIM.


BARDID: AR-2020-0046
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V2 OPERATOR STATED THEY WERE TRAVELING SOUTH NEAR THE 70 WEST BRIDGE WHEN V1 MADE AN ABRUPT LEFT TURN AND V2 WAS UNABLE TO KEEP FROM HITTING V1. THE BOW OF V2 STRUCK THE PORT SIDE OF V1. V1 OPERATOR (SEVERAL WEEKS LATER UPON INTERVIEW) STATED HE WAS SITTING STILL WHEN V2 HIT HIM.  IT IS BELIEVED BOTH VESSELS WERE MOVING AT THE TIME OF IMPACT, V1 AHEAD OF V2.  WHEN V1 TURNED TO SEE IF V2 WAS STILL WITH HIM AND V2 STRUCK V1.


BARDID: AR-2020-0047
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BULL SHOALS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: TUCKER HOLLOW
County: BOONE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: Livewell hose
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 OWNER DROVE V1 AND MET UP WITH ANOTHER BOAT OPERATED BY V1 OPERATOR.  ONCE THEY MET UP, EVERYONE GOT INTO THE WATER TO SWIM.  AT ONE POINT THEY NOTICED V1 WAS BEGINNING TO SINK SO THE OPERATOR GOT INTO V1 AND ATTEMPTED TO GET IT UP ON PLANE. WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO GO FORWARD V1 WAS COMPLETELY OVERTAKEN BY WATER.  V1 WAS TOWED TO THE BANK AND UPON INSPECTION IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE LIVEWELL DRAIN HOSE HAD BECOME DISCONNECTED AND WAS ALLOWING WATER TO ENTER V1.


BARDID: AR-2020-0048
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-08-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:49:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ROGERS
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Failure to vent
AccidentCause3: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR STATED HE RECENTLY HAD WORK DONE ON V1. HE FURTHER STATED HE RENTED A BOAT SLIP FOR THE NIGHT AND UPON DOCKING FILLED V1 WITH FUEL.  HE CONFIRMED AT NO TIME DID HE ENGAGE THE BLOWER; IN FACT HE JUST PURCHASED V1 AND DIDN'T EVEN KNOW WHAT THE BLOWER WAS USED FOR.  THE NEXT DAY V1 OCCUPANTS HEADED OUT TOWARD THE HWY 12 BRIDGE AND REPORTED HEARING A LOUD BANG AT THE STERN OF V1 AND THEN SMOKE COMING OUT FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. UPON LIFTING THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER FIRE ERUPTED AND ALL OCCUPANTS JUMPED INTO THE WATER AND SWAM TO SHORE.  UPON INTERVIEW V1 OPERATOR ALSO STATED HE LEFT A 12V AIR PUMP IN THE STERN COMPARTMENT (LOOSE); HE STATED THE CLAMPS COULD HAVE BOUNCED AROUND AND CAUSED A SPARK.


BARDID: AR-2020-0049
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CADDO RIVER
NearestCityorTown: CADDO VALLEY
County: CLARK
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR HAD PULLED UP TO A GRAVEL BAR TO LET HIS DOGS PLAY. ONE OF THE DOGS SWAM DOWN RIVER AND GOT SWEPT AWAY BY THE CURRENT SO THE OPERATOR LAUNCHED V1 TO SAVE THE DOG. THE RIVER CURRENT SWEPT HIM AGAINST A DOWNED TREE PINNING V1. V1'S STARBOARD STERN TIPPED DOWN AND FILLED WITH WATER CAUSING V1 TO CAPSIZE. OPERATOR WAS ABLE TO CLING TO A LIMB UNTIL HE WAS RESCUED BY CADDO VALLEY FD.


BARDID: AR-2020-0050
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: MULBERRY RIVER
NearestCityorTown: OZARK
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
VICTIM WAS KAYAKING WITH HIS FAMILY WHEN HE SAW HIS MOTHER FALL OFF HER KAYAK IN SOME RAPIDS.  WITHOUT THINKING THE VICTIM STOOD UP IN V1 AND DOVE INTO THE SHALLOW WATER STRIKING HIS HEAD ON A ROCK.  HE CAME UP HOLDING HIS HEAD AND NOTICED HIS MOTHER WAS BACK SAFE ON HER KAYAK. VICTIM WAS TAKEN TO THE BANK AND EMS WAS CALLED.


BARDID: AR-2020-0051
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ARKANSAS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: OZARK
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 OPERATOR ADVISED THEY WERE RETURNING TO GAR CREEK BOAT RAMP AFTER A FISHING TOURNAMENT; RUNNING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RIVER CHANNEL GOING AROUND 65 TO 70MPH WHEN HE FELT A "BUMP" UNDER V1.  IMMEDIATELY HE LOST CONTROL OF V1 AND IT TURNED HARD TO THE RIGHT AND RAN AGROUND ON THE SOUTH BANK OF THE RIVER. UPON INSPECTION DAMAGE WAS LOCATED ON THE KEEL AND STERN OF V1 THAT CONFIRMED V1 STRUCK AN OBJECT IN THE WATER. NO INJURIES REPORTED.


BARDID: AR-2020-0052
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:51:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: MT. IDA
County: MONTGOMERY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT THE CONDITIONS WERE VERY DARK WITH LITTLE OR NO MOONLIGHT. THE NIGHT LIGHT AT THE BOAT RAMP WHICH IS A MAJOR REFERENCE POINT FOR NIGHTIME OPERATION WAS NOT WORKING. THE OPERATOR WAS AWARE OF A SEMI-SUBMERGED TREE IN THE CHANNEL BETWEEN HIS LOCATION AND THE BOAT RAMP.  AS THEY RETURNED TO THE BOAT RAMP, HE TRAVELED SOUTH IN ORDER TO GET FAR ENOUGH TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID THE TREE AND WHEN HE FELT HE CLEARED THE TREE HE TURNED BACK LEFT AND RAN AGROUND ON THE SHORE. V1 IMPACTED THE SHORE AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE AND TRAVELED APPROX. 75 FEET ON SHORE BEFORE OVERTURNING AND EJECTING ALL OCCUPANTS.


BARDID: AR-2020-0053
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-08-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BULL SHOALS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: PEEL
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 HAD JUST COME AROUND THE POINT OF JONES POINT WMA AND WAS HEADED IN AN EASTERLY DIRECTION WHEN PASSENGER 2 WAS LOOKING AT BAITS IN A BAIT BOX FOR A SPECIFIC COLOR AND THE OPERATOR LOOKED DOWN TO LOOK AT THE BAITS ALSO. THE OPERATOR STATED HE LOOKED UP JUST BEFORE THEY IMPACTED THE BANK.  OPERATOR STATED THEY WERE GOING APPROX. 27 MPH WHEN THEY HIT. UPON IMPACT THE PASSENGER WAS EJECTED THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD OF V1 AND ONTO THE BANK. OPERATOR IMPACTED THE STEERING WHEEL BUT WAS NOT EJECTED. V1 HAD DAMAGE TO THE KEEL AREA OF BOW AND LOWER UNIT AND PROP.


BARDID: AR-2020-0054
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE DARDANELLE
NearestCityorTown: RUSSELLVILLE
County: POPE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS TOWING PASSENGER 4 ON A TUBE. V2 WAS STATIONARY IN OPEN WATER.  V1 STRUCK V2 ON THE PORT SIDE STERN WITH IT'S PORT SIDE.  ACCORDING V1 OPERATOR HE WAS NOT ON PLANE BUT RATHER PLOWING THROUGH THE WATER AND HIS BOW WAS IN THE AIR.


BARDID: AR-2020-0055
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SPRINGDALE
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
UPON ARRIVAL, V1 WAS COMPLETELY OUT OF THE WATER AND LODGED ON TOP OF A SHALLOW BAR. OPERATOR STATED HE WAS NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE AREA AND WAS JUST TRYING TO GET BACK TO WAR EAGLE MARINA. HE FURTHER STATED THEY WERE TRAVELLING AT APPROX 2000 RPMS WHEN THEY HIT.


BARDID: AR-2020-0056
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:18:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SPRINGDALE
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
VICTIM WAS TRYING TO RE-BOARD V1 AT THE STERN BUT THE OPERATOR STILL HAD THE MOTOR ENGAGED AND WHEN A ROGUE WAVE HIT THE SIDE OF V1 IT KNOCKED THE VICTIM BACK INTO THE WATER CAUSING HER TO MAKE CONTACT WITH THE PROP. VICTIM'S LEFT LEG WAS SEVERELY INJURED AND ENDED UP HAVING TO BE AMPUTATED BELOW THE KNEE.


BARDID: AR-2020-0057
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: DEVALLS BLUFF
County: PRAIRIE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 OPERATOR STATED HE CAME OUT OF A NARROW OPENING AND TURNED BACK WEST AND NOTICED V2 COMING AT HIM HEAD ON. HE ATTEMPED TO TURN RIGHT TO AVOID THE COLLISION BUT WAS UNABLE. V2 OPERATOR STATED HE WAS TRAVELING TOWARD THE RIVER CHANNEL HEADING EAST WHEN HE NOTICED V1 COMING OUT OF THE NARROW OPENING OF THE TREES AND HE TURNED LEFT TO TRY AND AVOID CONTACT. V1 IMPACTED V2 ABOUT MIDPOINT ON THE STARBOARD SIDE.


BARDID: AR-2020-0058
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:36:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LITTLE RED RIVER
NearestCityorTown: HEBER SPRINGS
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Improper anchoring
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Passenger advised they were attempting to stop v1 to continue to fish in another spot when the passenger dropped an anchor from the bow. Passenger said he heard a splash and saw that the operator/victim dropped an anchor from the stern. 

V1 immediately began to take on water. The passenger said he grabbed 2 life jackets as he exited v1. He tried to grab the operator/victim but the current was too strong and they got separated. The passenger was able to swim to the bank and call for help. The operator/victim was located in the water a few hours later deceased.

Update: 10/26/20 - toxicology results received. No drugs or alcohol detected in the victim.


BARDID: AR-2020-0059
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: BUFORD
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
According to victim's son, they had just launched v1 and his dad (victim) was going to motor it to their rented lodge on the river. The current was very swift at the time. It appears from evidence on v1 that the bowline was never brought in or secured on v1 and when the victim put v1 into gear, the bow line got tangled in the motor killing the engine.  

Victim's son said his dad tried several times to restart the engine but it would immediately die.  The son yelled at his dad that he would go down to the next take out on the river and wait for him there to help him and that is the last time he saw the victim.  V1 was located with a white nylon rope tightly wound around the lower unit and a large bag of tools were laying out toward the middle of v1 on the starboard side. The victim was located approx. 50 yards up river from where v1 was found.  

It is unknown how the victim ended up in the water.  Victim did have extensive existing medical conditions (artificial heart valve, stints, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.).  It is unknown if he had a medial issue (heart attack) and fell into the water or if he fell in trying to cut the bowline.  Coroner ruled the death as an accidental drowning due to existing medical issues.  Blood results pending.

Update: as of 2-22-21 we still have not received the results from the coroner after multiple attempts.  It is unknown why he keeps being evasive with us but it is suspected he may have screwed up and not sent the sample in as he was supposed to do by law. We do not suspect alcohol to be a factor based on initial investigation; however it is unknown whether or not the victim may have had other chemicals/prescription drugs in his system that may have affected his ability at the time of the accident.  Unresolved but closed at this point unless further information is received.


BARDID: AR-2020-0060
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORFORK
NearestCityorTown: MT. HOME
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
WHEN THEY LAUNCHED THE WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE UNFAVORALBE WITH HEAVY RAIN AND FOG. THE OPERATOR KNEW HE NEEDED TO SWING WIDE TO GET AROUND BIDWELL POINT BUT HE WAS TOO CLOSE TO THE EASTERN SHORE AND RAN AGROUND.


BARDID: AR-2020-0061
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:52:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OMAHA
NearestCityorTown: CHEROKEE VILLAGE
County: FULTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS LOCATED APPROX. 41 FEET UP ON THE BANK.  DUE TO INTOXICATION A STATEMENT WAS UNAVAILABLE FROM THE OPERATOR AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.  THE OPERATOR ALSO REFUSED BAC TESTING AND WAS CHARGED WITH BWI AND REFUSAL. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE OPERATOR GAVE A STATEMENT THAT HE WAS ONLY GOING 15MPH WHEN THE PASSENGER/VICTIM SAID LOG AND HE VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND "GOT SUCKED INTO THE BANK".  THE PASSENGER/VICTIM STATED HE DOESN'T REMEMBER ANYTHING EXCEPT SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT AND THEN WAKING UP WHEN EMS ARRIVED.  THE VICTIM'S HAT WAS LOCATED 26 FEET ON SHORE FROM WHERE V1 MADE LANDFALL.


BARDID: AR-2020-0062
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: LAKEVIEW
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR THREW AN ANCHOR OUT WHILE DRIFT FISHING AND V1 SANK ALMOST IMMEDIATELY; THERE WERE 6 UNITS AT THE DAM GENERATING AT THE TIME.


BARDID: AR-2020-0063
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:52:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GARFIELD
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR STATED HE HAD SLOWED TO IDLE SPEED WHEN HE LEFT THE MOTOR ENGAGED AND TURNED TO HELP THE PASSENGER (HIS SON) FIX HIS FISHING POLE.  WHILE HE WAS NOT LOOKING HIS SON PUSHED THE THROTTLE FORWARD AND V1 RAN AGROUND ON THE SHORELINE.


BARDID: AR-2020-0064
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OUACHITA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: CROSSETT
County: ASHLEY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR STATED THEY WERE LEAVING WILDCAT LAKE MOTORING TOWARD THE HIBBIE CUT ACCESS. WHILE MOTORING HE HAD V1'S MOTOR TRIMMED UP CAUSING THE BOW TO RISE AND RESTRICTING HIS VISION.  V1 WAS FOLLOWING SEVERAL OTHER VESSELS AND THEIR PROP WASH CAUSED V1 TO GO TO THE RIGHT.  V1 THEN STRUCK A TREE BEHIND THE DRIVER'S CONSOLE CRUSHING THE FIBERGLASS.


BARDID: AR-2020-0065
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:02:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CADDO RIVER
NearestCityorTown: GLENWOOD
County: MONTGOMERY
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 occupants were floating down the caddo river with the victim being in the bow.  According to the operator, while negotiating through some rapids, v1's bow made contact with a tree causing v1 to overturn ejecting both passengers. 

The operator further stated the current carried them downstream - he was going downstream feet first and said the victim was going downstream head first while holding onto v1. The current carried them close to another tree that extended across the rapids. The victim made contact with the tree and was pulled under.  

The area where the victim was pinned was relatively narrow approximately 25-30 feet wide and the tree extended out nearly half that distance. The west bank was steep and the east bank was a gradually sloping gravel bar.  The natural flow of the water created a very strong current against the steep west bank. 

The water was approximately mid-thigh deep on an adult.  The victim remained pinned under water for approximately 10 minutes before rescuers could free her. An off duty nurse began cpr and was able to revive the victim although her breaths were very shallow. Med-flight was able to land and transport the victim to chi st. Vincent hospital. Victim was pronounced deceased later that afternoon.


BARDID: AR-2020-0066
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: NORFORK
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Dam/lock
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT THE FLOW/CURRENT OF THE WHITE RIVER WAS EXTREMELY STRONG DUE TO 6 GENERATORS BEING ACTIVE AT THE DAM. 

V1 IS A "CROSS" VESSEL BETWEEN A CANOE AND OPEN MOTORBOAT - SMALL, NARROW, SHALLOW DRAFT BUT OUTFITTED LIKE A MOTORBOAT.   

V1 OPERATOR THREW OUT AN ANCHOR AND V1 SANK ALMOST IMMEDIATELY, SENDING THE OPERATOR AND PASSENGER/VICTIM INTO THE WATER.  THE PASSENGER/VICTIM WAS RECOVERED/RESCUED AND TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL.  SHE WAS REVIVED 3 TIMES ENROUTE AND PLACED IN A HYPERBARIC CHAMBER AT THE HOSPITAL.  AFTER 3 DAYS THE FAMILY TOOK HER OFF LIFE SUPPORT AND SHE PASSED AWAY.


BARDID: AR-2020-0067
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-09-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: GUION
County: IZARD
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR ADVISED AFTER HE LAUNCHED V1 HE ATTEMPTED TO THROTTLE UP BUT THE BOW OF V1 WENT UNDER WATER AND ALMOST IMMEDIATELY FILLED V1 WITH WATER CAUSING IT TO SINK.  THE OPERATOR AND OCCUPANTS WERE ABLE TO MAKE IT SAFELY TO THE BANK. THE OPERATOR MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO TRY AND LOCATE V1 BUT HAS BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL.  HE FAILED TO IMMEDIATELY REPORT THE ACCIDENT AND DID NOT DO SO UNTIL A WEEK LATER; THEREFORE MUCH OF THE INFORMATION ON THE PASSENGERS IS UNKNOWN.


BARDID: AR-2020-0068
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to the rental facility they advised the renter (passenger 2) that the tube was tied to the fencing of the pontoon to keep it secure while motoring and further advised that they would need to remove it and secure to the tow eye when tubing. 

According to the renter and occupants they were never informed of this so they began tubing with the tube still tied to the railing.  V1's railing and canopy were subsequently pulled off v1 and damaged.

By the time the investigating officer arrived many of the passengers had left the scene and the renter was unable to provide dobs and addresses.


BARDID: AR-2020-0069
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-10-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORFORK
NearestCityorTown: MT. HOME
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
CONDITIONS WERE EXTREMELY FOGGY AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. AS V1 WAS GETTING ON PLANE TO LEAVE BRIAR CREEK HE DID NOT SEE V2 WHO WAS IDLING WHILE FISHING AND STRUCK V2 ON THE PORT SIDE BOW.


BARDID: AR-2020-0070
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-05-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:44:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CROOKED CREEK
NearestCityorTown: YELLVILLE
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT CROOKED CREEK WAS AT FLOOD STAGE DUE TO RAIN IN THE AREA. VICTIM WAS WITH HIS SON AND A FRIEND. ALL WERE APPROACHING SOME RAPIDS AND THE VICTIM OVERTURNED WHEN HE STRUCK A TREE AND BECAME PINNED WITH V1 PUSHING HIM INTO THE TREE. HIS SON AND FRIEND WERE ABLE TO GET TO HIM AND FREE HIM FROM THE TREE BUT HE HAD BEEN UNDERWATER FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND CPR WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. V1 WAS NEVER FOUND OR RECOVERED.


BARDID: AR-2020-0071
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BULL SHOALS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: OAKLAND
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS DRIFTING TOWARDS THE SHORE SO THE OPERATOR DECIDED TO START THE ENGINE AND PUT IT IN REVERSE WITHOUT LOOKING BEHIND HIM.  THE VICTIM WAS SWIMMING AT THE STERN OF V1 AND WAS STRUCK BY THE PROP.  THE OPERATOR GOT THE VICTIM BACK ONBOARD V1 AND TOOK HIM TO OAKLAND CAMPGROUND TO MEET EMS.


BARDID: AR-2020-0072
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-11-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BEAVERFORK
NearestCityorTown: CONWAY
County: FAULKNER
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 OPERATOR STATED HE WAS TROLLING (FISHING) GOING APPROX. 3MPH.  HE ALSO STATED HE IS HARD OF HEARING AND DID NOT HEAR OR SEE V2 UNTIL IMPACT. V2 OPERATOR STATED HE WAS MAKING SEVERAL PASSES ON THE LAKE BREAKING IN HIS NEW MOTOR AND WATCHING THE RPM GAUGE TO MAKE SURE HE WAS NOT EXCEEDING THE RECOMMENDED RPM.  HE FURTHER STATED HE DID NOT SEE V1 AND IT WASN'T UNTIL HE WAS EJECTED INTO THE WATER THAT HE REALIZED WHAT HE HIT.


BARDID: AR-2020-0073
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-12-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OUACHITA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: FELSENTHAL NWR
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 OPERATOR STATED HE WAS TRAVELING DOWNSTREAM  TOWARD THE CORPS BOAT RAMP FOLLOWING 2 SURFACE DRIVE BOATS.  V1 OPERATOR DECIDED TO PASS THE 2 VESSELS THAT WERE AHEAD OF HIM, WHILE BRAKING OVER THE WAKE OF ONE BOAT THE WAKE FROM THE OTHER BOAT CAUSED HIM TO LOSE CONTROL AND SENT HIM TOWARD THE BANK. HE STATED HE THROTTLED DOWN AND PULLED HIS KILL SWITCH LANYARD.  V1 THEN IMPACTED A ROOT BALL FROM A FALLEN TREE WHICH EJECTED HIM INTO THE WATER AND CAUSED V1 TO CAPSIZE.  HE WAS RESCUED BY ONE OF THE VESSELS HE TRIED TO PASS.


BARDID: AR-2020-0074
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-12-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 04:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BLACK RIVER WMA
NearestCityorTown: DELPLAINE
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS WESTBOUND IN THE WINCHESTER CANAL. V2 WAS TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND IN A SLOUGH THAT T'S INTO THE WINCHESTER CANAL.  V2 FAILED TO YIELD AS IT ENTERED THE CANAL AND SIDE SWIPED V1.  THE IMPACT KNOCKED THE TILLER HANDLE OUT OF V1 OPERATOR'S HAND AND V1 CONTINUED ONTO THE BANK ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE CANAL.  V2 FAILED TO STOP.  V1 OPERATOR DESCRIBED V2 AS A TAN HAVOC VESSEL WITH A 50 HP YAMAHA MOTOR.  V2 HAS NOT BEEN LOCATED.


BARDID: AR-2020-0075
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-12-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 04:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: HURRICANE WMA
NearestCityorTown: BALD KNOB
County: WHITE
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
ACCORDING TO THE OPERATOR THEY WERE TRAVELING THROUGH THE BOAT TRAIL GOING THROUGH A BEND WHEN HE STATED HE WAS TURNING RIGHT AND CAUGHT PART OF THE BANK AND STRUCK A TREE WITH V1'S PORT SIDE BOW. OPERATOR WAS STANDING UP RUNNING THE MUD MOTOR ON THE STARBOARD SIDE, PASSENGER 2 WAS SITTING ON THE PORT SIDE IN THE STERN OF V1 ON THE POD AND PASSENGER 3 (VICTIM) WAS LAYING ON THE FRONT PLATFORM OF V1 FACING THE STERN. V1 SUSTAINED DAMAGE (U-SHAPED IMPACT) ON THE PORT BOW.  

VIDEO OBTAINED FROM SOCIAL MEDIA SHOWED SEVERAL BOATS "RACING" TO GET TO DUCK HOLES AT THE TIME - ALL IN VIOLATION OF RECKLESS OPERATION.  V1 OPERATOR WAS CITED.


BARDID: AR-2021-0001
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-03-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE MILLWOOD
NearestCityorTown: MINERAL SPRINGS
County: HOWARD
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR STATED THEY WERE ON PLANE HEADING TOWARD THE LITTLE GAS LINE TRAIL INTERSECTION WHEN HE LEANED OVER TO THE CENTER OF V1 TO ASK HIS FATHER (PASSENGER 1) A QUESTION.  THE PASSENGER WAS SITTING ON THE CASTING DECK WITH HIS FEET ON THE BOTTOM OF V1 FACING THE REAR OF V1. OPERATOR THEN STATED WHEN HE STRAIGHTEN UP HE REALIZED HE HAD DRIFTED TO THE RIGHT EDGE OF THE BOATING LANE AND WAS ABOUT TO COLLIDE WITH A TRAIL MARKER POST.  HE STEERED HARD TO PORT BUT STILL COLLIDED WITH THE POST.


BARDID: AR-2021-0002
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-03-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:59:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: ROYAL
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
ACCORDING TO V1 OCCUPANTS THEY WERE TRAVELING SOUTH ON PLANE THROUGH THE CRYSTAL SPRINGS CHUTE WHEN THEY SAW A BOAT (V2) WITH A BRIGHT WHITE LIGHT SHINING TOWARD THEM. THEY FURTHER STATED THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE THE DIRECTION OF TRAVEL OF V2 BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T SEE THE RED/GREEN NAVIGATION LIGHTS. V2 ADVISED HE WAS TRAVELING NORTH ON PLANE THROUGH THE CHUTE WITH HIS NAVIGATION LIGHTS AND A 12 INCH WHITE LED LIGHT BAR ACTIVATED. V1 OPERATOR STATED HE BEGAN EVASIVE MANEUVERS TO AVOID V2 AND TURNED HARD TO THE EAST TO AVOID V2.  DAMAGE TO BOTH VESSELS REVEALED V1'S STARBOARD SIDE BOW STRUCK V2'S PORT SIDE BOW AND V1 SPUN COUNTER CLOCKWISE AND MADE A SECONDARY IMPACT ON V1'S STARBOARD SIDE AND V2'S PORT SIDE.  THE SECONDARY IMPACT CAUSE V1 PASSENGERS 3 AND 4 TO BE EJECTED.


BARDID: AR-2021-0003
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-03-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DEQUEEN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DEQUEEN
County: SEVIER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR ADVISED HE LAUNCHED V1 AND WAS MOTORING BACK TOWARD THE CAMPGROUND WHEN THE ENGINE DIED.  AT THIS TIME V1 BEGAN TO TAKE ON A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF WATER AND CAPSIZED.  BYSTANDERS ON THE BANK WERE ABLE TO PULL THE OPERATOR TO SHORE. ONCE V1 WAS RECOVERED AND LOADED ONTO A TRAILER IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE BOAT PLUG WAS PUT INTO THE WRONG HOLE, THUS CAUSING V1 TO FLOOD AND CAPSIZE. WHEN V1 CAPSIZED THE VICTIM'S ARM MADE CONTACT WITH THE VESSEL, BREAKING IT.


BARDID: AR-2021-0004
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-03-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HIGDEN
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V2 WAS TROLLING HEADING WEST NEAR THE POINT IN HIGDEN BAY WHEN HE SAW V1 COME AROUND THE POINT HEADED SOUTH. V2 OPERATOR STOOD UP IN V2 AND WAVED HIS ARMS TRYING TO GET V1'S ATTENTION.  V1 TRIED TO TURN AT THE LAST SECOND BUT ENDED UP COLLIDING WITH V2 ON ITS STARBOARD STERN. V1 OPERATOR STATED HE DID NOT SEE V2 UNTIL THE LAST SECOND BECAUSE HIS VISION WAS OBSTRUCTED BY A SEAT ON THE FRONT DECK.


BARDID: AR-2021-0005
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-03-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:34:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR STATED SHE BACKED OUT OF THE DOCK AT ORR MARINA AND BEGAN TRAVELING EAST AND STRUCK THE SEAWALL WITH THE STARBOARD SIDE OF V1.


BARDID: AR-2021-0006
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-03-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LITTLE RED RIVER
NearestCityorTown: HEBER SPRINGS
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 OCCUPANTS WERE RENTING A PROPERTY ON THE LITTLE RED RIVER AND V1 BELONGS TO THE PROPERTY OWNER.  THEY PADDLED V1 UPSTREAM APPROX 100 YARDS AND WERE IN THE PROCESS OF TURNING AROUND TO GO BACK DOWNSTREAM WHEN V1 COLLIDED WITH A DOCK.  THE DAM ON THE RIVER WAS GENERATING AT THE TIME THUS THERE WAS A STRONG CURRENT AT THE TIME.  V1 IMMEDIATELY CAPSIZED.  OCCUPANTS 3 AND 4 WERE ABLE TO SWIM TO THE BANK.  OCCUPANTS 1 AND 2 COULD NOT SWIM AND A GOOD SAMARITAN DOWNSTREAM WAS ABLE TO GET INTO HIS BOAT AND RETRIEVE THEM FROM THE WATER.


BARDID: AR-2021-0007
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-04-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE FORT SMITH
NearestCityorTown: MOUNTAINBURG
County: CRAWFORD
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR WAS DOING DONUTS AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED JUST IN FRONT OF THE BOAT RAMP AND NOT WEARING HIS KILL SWITCH.  OPERATOR STATED HE HAD JUST COME OUT OF A TURN WHEN V1'S BOW WENT UNDERWATER AND V1 CAPSIZED THEN SANK. A PASSING VESSEL PICKED THE OPERATOR UP AND TOOK HIM TO THE BOAT DOCK. 

OPERATOR WAS CHARGED WITH NEGLIGENT/RECKLESS OPERATION, FAILURE TO REGISTER V1 AND ISSUED A WARNING FOR KILL SWITCH REQUIREMENTS.


BARDID: AR-2021-0008
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: FAIRFIELD BAY
County: VAN BUREN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: Live well hose
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR STATED HE WAS LEAVING THE CHOCTAW MARINA AREA HEADING TO FAIRFIELD BAY WHEN HE NOTICED V1 WAS TAKING ON WATER. 

HE FURTHER STATED THE WAVES WERE VERY CHOPPY AND BY THE TIME HE NOTICED THE WATER IN V1 IT WAS TOO LATE. OPERATOR HAD THE PASSENGERS GO TO THE BOW OF V1 AND ALMOST IMMEDIATELY V1 CAPSIZED. 

A GOOD SAMARITAN NEARBY WITNESSED WHAT HAPPENED AND RETRIEVED ALL OCCUPANTS FROM THE WATER. FAIRFIELD FIRE AND RESCUE ARRIVED ON SCENE AND FLIPPED V1 BACK OVER AND TOWED IT TO THE MARINA.  OPERATOR ADVISED HE JUST BOUGHT V1 A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO.  IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE LIVEWELL HOSE WAS BUSTED AND ALLOWED WATER TO ENTER V1.


BARDID: AR-2021-0009
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
AT 0020 OPERATOR WAS DRIVING V1 EAST BOUND ON LAKE HAMILTON ON PLANE.  V1 STRUCK THE FARR SHORES BOAT DOCK AND LANDED ON TOP OF V2 COMING TO A STOP.

THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO BOTH VESSELS AND THE DOCK, BUT NO INJURIES.  THE ACCIDENT WAS NOT CALLED IN UNTIL 0830 THE NEXT MORNING.  ALCOHOL IS HIGHLY SUSPECTED BUT COULD NOT BE PROVED DUE TO THE LENGTH OF TIME FROM OCCURRANCE TO REPORTING.  

OPERATOR STATED HE DID NOT SEE THE DOCK BECAUSE THERE WERE NO LIGHTS ON IT.  HOWEVER, THE DOCK HAPPENED TO HAVE A SURVEILLANCE CAMERA MOUNTED AND THE FOOTAGE OF THE ACCIDENT CLEARLY SHOWS THERE WERE SEVERAL LIGHTS ON THE DOCK. FOOTAGE FUTHER REVEALED THE OCCUPANTS TRYING TO DISLODGE THE VESSELS WITHOUT SUCCESS, STUMBLING AROUND AND REMOVING A LARGE COOLER FROM V1.


BARDID: AR-2021-0010
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:28:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR ADVISED THEY WERE ANCHORED AT THE SAND BAR WHEN THEY NOTICED LARGE WAVES BEGINNING TO COME OVER BOTH SIDES OF V1.  V1 FILLED UP QUICKLY CAPSIZED AND SANK. OWNER AND OPERATOR WERE ABLE TO RECOVER V1 LATER AND TOW TO A NEARBY RAMP.


BARDID: AR-2021-0011
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE DEGRAY
NearestCityorTown: BISMARCK
County: HOT SPRING
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator advised they were traveling down the lake when the victim stood up, took his hat off and jumped overboard.  Operator stated he turned around and drove up next to the victim and opened the side door of v1 and grabbed the victim by the hand and attempted to pull him in.  

He further advised he couldn't hold onto the victim and told him to swim to the front of v1 and he would put down the ladder.  Operator put down the ladder but the victim never swam to the front; the operator then looked under v1 thinking the victim was playing a joke on him but couldn't find him.  Passenger 3 then called 911.  Operator stated the victim never acted like he was hurt or struggling and further advised that the victim had been drinking a lot and was very intoxicated.

Autopsy and tox screens pending.
Update 2-2-22: still no tox results, as the hot spring co. Medical examiner "can't find them". However, it was noted in the autopsy that alcohol was apparent and the victim showed iv drug use.


BARDID: AR-2021-0012
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: RAMSEY SLOUGH
NearestCityorTown: BATESVILLE
County: INDEPENDENCE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
A fisherman launched his boat and traveled approx. 1/4 mile from the boat ramp when he noticed v1 floating and discovered 2 bodies floating nearby. Operator/victim was floating next to v1 and the passenger/victim was floating approx. 100 yards away.  

V1 had two fishing poles with lines still in the water, the motor was turned off and the kill switch was still connected. 

There was no evidence v1 was moving at the time of the accident or was involved in any type of collision.  Passenger/victim was not wearing a shirt and when the operator/victim was recovered he had the female's shirt still in his hand.  

There were 2 drink containers in v1 that appeared to have alcohol in them and a cooler with an unopened bottle of vodka in it.

Autopsy and tox. Screens still pending.  
Update 12-9-21: crime lab reports indicate both victims died from drowning. Operator/victim had a .277 bac and no drugs detected. Passenger/victim had a .000 bac and no drugs detected.


BARDID: AR-2021-0013
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-05-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:33:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SPRING RIVER
NearestCityorTown: IMBODEN
County: LAWRENCE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR ADVISED HE WAS RETURNING TO LOAD V1 ONTO HIS TRAILER AND WHEN HE CAME OFF PLANE HE HIT AND UNKNOWN SUBMERGED OBJECT.  V1 BEGAN TO TAKE ON WATER AND CAPSIZED; WHILE TRYING TO ESCAPE HIS FOOT GOT HUNG IN THE STEERING WHEEL  CAUSING THE INJURY TO HIS FOOT.


BARDID: AR-2021-0014
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HEBER SPRINGS
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS TOWING THE VICTIM ON A TUBE WHEN THEY MADE A RIGHT TURN AND THE TUBE BOUNCED UP AND THE VICTIM WAS THROWN INTO THE AIR AND LANDED IN THE WATER UPSIDE DOWN. WHEN V1 CAME AROUND TO PICK HER UP THE OPERATOR STATED SHE WAS CONSCIOUS AND BREATHING BUT COULD NOT RESPOND VERBALLY OR MOVE HER ARMS OR LEGS. VICTIM WAS RUSHED TO THE BANK TO AWAITING EMS AND WAS AIR EVACED TO CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL.  VICTIM WAS FOUND TO HAVE A PINCHED NERVED AND WAS RELEASED THE NEXT DAY EXPECTED TO FULLY RECOVER.


BARDID: AR-2021-0015
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: NARROWS
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 OPERATOR STATED HE WAS SOUTH BOUND IN THE NARROWS JUST SOUTH OF THE BRIDGE WHEN THE PORT BOW OF V2 STRUCK THE STARBOARD SIDE OF V1 FROM BEHIND EJECTING BOTH V1 OPERATOR AND PASSENGER. V2 OPERATOR STATED HE WAS CRUISING SOUTH WHEN V1 TURNED RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIM.


BARDID: AR-2021-0016
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:22:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: MT. IDA
County: MONTGOMERY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
According to passenger 3 they were floating and letting the kids swim.  

When passenger 4 jumped off v1 into the water the straps of the pfd came unbuckled and he began struggling to stay afloat.  

Passenger 2 (victim) jumped in to save passenger 4.  Passenger 3 tossed a manual inflatable pfd to the victim who was also now struggling.  The pfd was never inflated and the victim pushed passenger 4 to v1 which had begun to drift away. 

The victim then went under and passenger 3 jumped in to get passenger 4 and swam back to v1.  Victim was recovered the next day (05/27/21) by search teams.


BARDID: AR-2021-0017
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:50:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: FRONTIER CANYON
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was traveling east approximately 30 yards off the bank when fishing poles laying in the bow of v1 flew up and struck the operator (fatal victim) in the face. As he tried to swat them out of the way, v1 struck a tree and then continued on about 15 yards and struck the bank.  

When v1 hit the bank it struck another tree on the starboard transom side and then 2 more trees before coming to rest back in the lake about 5 feet from the bank.  During the impacts both the passenger (injured) and operator were ejected with the operator landing on the bank and sustaining heavy head trauma and mid body trauma resulting in his death.

Update 12-7-21: toxicology results received - .000 bac


BARDID: AR-2021-0018
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GREESON
NearestCityorTown: MURFREESBORO
County: PIKE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR ADVISED HE TOOK V1 OUT AFTER HIS PARENTS WENT TO BED AND DRANK A FEW BEERS.  OPERATOR'S BAC AT THE TIME OF THE INTERVIEW WAS .187. HE FURTHER ADVISED WHEN THEY RETURNED TO SHORE HE PARKED IN THE WRONG SPOT AND KNEW HE HAD TO MOVE SO HE BACKED UP AND WHEN HE WENT FORWARD V1 STRUCK V2 PARKED BESIDE HIM.  OPERATOR ATTEMPTED TO BACK UP AGAIN AND WHEN HE STARTED FORWARD HE STRUCK V2 AGAIN.  THE THIRD ATTEMPT WAS FINALLY SUCCESSFUL.


BARDID: AR-2021-0019
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORRELL
NearestCityorTown: BENTON
County: SALINE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR STATED HE WAS DEPARTING FROM THE BOAT RAMP AND WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO START V1 IT EXPLODED.  OPERATOR WAS LAUNCHED INTO THE AIR BUT WAS NOT INJURED.  V1 HAD BEEN FUELED UP PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT THE LAKE.


BARDID: AR-2021-0020
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HEBER SPRINGS
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
BOTH OPERATORS STATED V2 WAS SLIGHTLY AHEAD OF V1. V2 SLOWED TO WAIT FOR V1 AND HAD NO DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. 

AS V2 ATTEMPTED TO COME ALONG SIDE OF V1, V2'S BOW WAS DRIFTING TO PORT AND V1 BUMPED V2. 

NO DAMAGE WAS CAUSED TO EITHER VESSEL; HOWEVER WHEN V1 STRUCK V2 IT STRUCK V2'S PASSENGER'S LEFT LEG CAUSING A 2 INCH LACERATION.  PASSENGER/VICTIM WAS TAKEN BY POV TO THE HOSPITAL WHERE SHE RECEIVED STITCHES.


BARDID: AR-2021-0021
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 STATED THEY WERE IN SKINNY DIP COVE RAFTED UP WITH OTHER BOATS INCLUDING V2.  WHEN V2 WENT TO LEAVE THE BOW STRUCK V1'S MOTOR COWLING AND LADDER. 

V2 HAD LEFT THE SCENE PRIOR TO LE ARRIVAL BUT THEY DID ALLOW V1 OPERATOR TO TAKE A PHOTO OF THEIR INSURANCE CARD AND EXCHANGED INFO. UNABLE TO MAKE CONTACT WITH V2'S PASSENGERS 5 AND 6 TO GET THEIR INFORMATION.


BARDID: AR-2021-0022
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-05-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:28:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ARKANSAS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: NEW BLAINE
County: LOGAN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 OPERATOR FAILED TO NOTIFY ANY AGENCY REGARDING THIS ACCIDENT.  HE FINALLY CALLED WHEN HIS INSURANCE COMPANY REQUESTED A COPY OF AN ACCIDENT REPORT OVER A MONTH LATER.  ACCORDING TO THE OPERATOR THEY WERE LEAVING SHOAL BAY AND WERE RUNNING "WIDE OPEN" WHEN THEY STRUCK A PARTIALLY SUBMERGED RED NAVIGATIONAL BUOY. 

V1 IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO TAKE ON WATER.  THE OPERATOR CALLED A FRIEND TO TOW HIM BACK TO THE RAMP.  FROM PHOTOS OBTAINED OF V1 SHOWS V1 SUSTAINED A LARGE GASH BEGINNING AT THE END OF THE KEEL GUARD ON THE HULL EXTENDING DOWN THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF V1 ON THE STARBOARD SIDE.


BARDID: AR-2021-0023
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: PRAIRIE CREEK
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Drug
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated he and his girlfriend (victim) had been arguing and he decided to return to prairie creek marina where her vehicle was parked so she could leave. While enroute the victim jumped out of v1.  Operator stated he was going about 30 mph and at one point realized she was not talking anymore so he looked back and saw that she was no longer in v1.  He further stated that the victim had threatened to jump out of the vessel on previous occasions but had never followed through.  

Victim's body was recovered and sent to the state crime lab for autopsy and toxicology tests.  Update 2-7-22: toxicology results on the victim received. Victim had a .082 bac and showed positive for cannabinoids.


BARDID: AR-2021-0024
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HEBER SPRINGS
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
BOTH VESSELS WERE IN SLIPS AT THE MARINA AND BOTH WERE RENTALS. DOCK EMPLOYEES HAD JUST PUSHED V1 OUT OF THE SLIP AND THE OPERATOR GAVE IT TOO MUCH THROTTLE WHEN HE PUT V1 INTO FORWARD GEAR AND COLLIDED WITH V2. V2 WAS WAITING FOR V1 TO CLEAR THE DOCK BEFORE LEAVING THE SLIP. V1'S BOW HAD SLIGHT DAMAGE AND V2'S MOTOR COWLING AND ENGINE VALVE COVER WERE BOTH DAMAGED.


BARDID: AR-2021-0025
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: ROYAL
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR WAS MANEUVERING V1 AROUND THE DOCK WHEN THE LEFT FRONT PONTOON STRUCK THE DOCK.  THE NOSE OF V1'S LEFT PONTOON WAS DENTED. BRADY MT MARINA FAILED TO NOTIFY US OF THE ACCIDENT UNTIL SEVERAL WEEKS LATER SO WE WERE UNABLE TO GATHER ALL THE INFORMATION FROM THE PASSENGERS.


BARDID: AR-2021-0026
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ARKANSAS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: CLARKSVILLE
County: JOHNSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR STATED HE LAUNCHED V1 AND WAS TRAVELING EAST WHEN HE HEARD A POP IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.  OPERATOR OPENED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST AREA OF THE ENGINE BUT NO FIRE.  HE THEN SAW WATER BEGIN TO RUSH IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND HE TRIED TO HEAD TOWARD THE SHORE. HE WAS ABOUT 50 FEET FROM THE SHORE WHEN HE ABANDONED V1.  ONCE ON SHORE HE LOOKED BACK AND SAW THAT V1 HAD COMPLETELY SUBMERGED.  V1 SUNK IN THE ARKANSAS RIVER AND HAS NOT BEEN RECOVERED.


BARDID: AR-2021-0027
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GREERS FERRY
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Drug
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Upon arriving on scene, victim's wife stated that the victim had consumed a 30 pack of 12oz cans of beer and was intoxicated when he entered the water.  Victim had jumped in the water to relieve himself and began struggling to keep his head above water as v1 drifted a few feet away from him. Several of v1's occupants jumped in to help but it took them approximately 20 minutes to get the victim back on board.  During this time he went under for a short time and was unresponsive and had lost color in his face when they got him on board.  They began cpr on the way to the boat ramp to awaiting ems where he was pronounced deceased. Toxicology results pending on victim.

Update: 12-7-21: toxicology results received: bac - .22 and positive for amphetamines.


BARDID: AR-2021-0028
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:19:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR ADVISED HE BACKED V1 INTO THE LAKE, UNHOOKED FROM THE TRAILER AND WAS WORKING ON THE MOTOR WHEN THE ENGINE SPARKED CAUSING THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO CATCH FIRE AND EXPLODE. OPERATOR FURTHER ADVISED HE JUMPED FROM V1 AND GRABBED FIRE EXTINGUISHERS FROM OTHER BOATS BUT WAS UNABLE TO PUT OUT THE FIRE.


BARDID: AR-2021-0029
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:48:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR ADVISED SHE WAS FOLLOWING HER GROUP OF JET SKIS AND SHE SPED UP TO PASS THEM AND HIT A WAKE THAT CAUSED HER TO HIT HARD AND LOSE CONTROL SENDING HER STRAIGHT INTO A CONCRETE SLAB ON THE BANK. UPON IMPACT THE OPERATOR/VICTIM WAS THROWN OVER THE HANDLE BARS OF V1, GOING AIRBORN AND LANDING ON HER BACK ON THE SHORE.


BARDID: AR-2021-0030
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:52:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 OPERATOR ADVISED THEY WERE TRAVELING NORTH FROM THE HWY 270 BRIDGE GOING AROUND 5 TO 10MPH AND NOTICED V2 COMING TOWARD THEM. 

HE AND V1 OCCUPANTS BEGAN YELLING TRYING TO GET THEIR ATTENTION BUT THE VESSEL SWERVED AT THE LAST MOMENT STRIKING THE BOW OF V1.  

V2 OPERATOR ADVISED THEY WERE TRAVELING SOUTH TOWARD THE HWY 270 BRIDGE.  PASSENGER 2 ADVISED SHE WAS STANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CONSOLES BEING A LOOKOUT.  

OPERATOR ADVISED THEY WERE GOING AROUND 25 TO 30MPH. OPERATOR FURTHER ADVISED THEY DIDN'T SEE ANY OTHER VESSEL UNTIL THEY SAW A RED LIGHT AND SWERVED LEFT AT THE LAST MOMENT STRIKING V1. 

V2 SUSTAINED DAMAGE ON THE STARBOARD SIDE BOTTOM NEAR THE DRIVER'S COMPARTMENT.  SEVERAL WITNESS ON SHORE ADVISED THAT BOTH VESSELS HAD ALL NAVIGATION LIGHTS ON AT THE TIME AND THAT THEY HEARD YELLING BEFORE THE COLLISION. UPON INSPECTION V2'S WINDSHIELD WAS COMPLETELY FOGGED OVER.


BARDID: AR-2021-0031
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: DEVALLS BLUFF
County: PRAIRIE
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: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
This accident occurred in a small narrow cut (approx. 30ft wide due to thick vegetation growth) where the basin entered the river. V1 operator stated they were returning to the boat ramp and as they entered the cut v1 passenger/victim yelled "oh shit" and it was then he caught a glimpse of v2 as they impacted. 

He said upon impact he was ejected and when he came to he saw 2 people face down in the water. He was able to drag them to the bank and then realized his passenger/victim was missing. He tried to find him in the water but couldn't. He further stated he was running on plane about 1/2 throttle and it appeared that v2 was also on plane at the time.  

V2 operator was unable to give a statement due to his severe injuries, but in speaking with his wife on several occasions she advised he had a complete loss of memory of that day and had difficulty recalling anything from his daily life; he was also struggling with forming words due to the extent of his brain injury.  Blood samples were collected from both operators and eye fluid was collected from both victims for testing by the crime lab.

Upon inspection of the vessels it was determined: the port side bow of v1 impacted the center bow of v2 at approx. A 20 degree angle. After initial impact, the bow of v1 rode up onto the bow of v2. V1 continued to ride over v2 until the bow of v2 penetrated the hull of v1. At this point the vessels separated. 

V1's operator and passenger/victim were ejected over the port side. Injuries to the upper lip of v1 passenger/victim correspond to blood found on a 1/4inch thick metal plate which extends approx. 2 inches over the starboard gunwale of v2. 

Operator and passenger/victim of v2 were ejected to the starboard side of v2. Damage to the gear shift and throttle control assembly indicate the operator contacted the controls as he was ejected which are consistent with his injuries on the right side of his body. An aluminum fishing dip net that was resting against the starboard side gunwale was damaged. The bend in the frame of the net indicate that the passenger/victim made contact with the gunwale when he was ejected.

Update 12/08/21: crime lab results received. V1 operator: no alcohol or drugs detected. V1 passenger: no alcohol or drugs detected. V2 operator: no alcohol detected; but he did show positive for fentanyl and generic opioids (diphenhydramine). V2 passenger: no alcohol or drugs detected.


BARDID: AR-2021-0032
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HEBER SPRINGS
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
PASSENGER/VICTIM STATED SHE WAS STANDING ON THE FRONT OF V1 WHEN A WAVE CAUSED V1 TO ROCK AND SHE FELL OVERBOARD.  SHE FURTHER STATED WHEN SHE FELL HER HEAD AND BACK STRUCK THE PONTOON CAUSING A LACERATION TO THE BACK OF HER HEAD. THE OPERATOR HELPED HER REBOARD AND TOOK HER TO BAPTIST HOSPITAL BY POV WHERE SHE RECEIVED 15 STITCHES.


BARDID: AR-2021-0033
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CACHE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: GREGORY
County: WOODRUFF
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR ADVISED THEY WERE RUNNING "FULL THROTTLE" WHEN HE SAW A FLOATING LOG BUT WAS UNABLE TO AVOID HITTING IT.  WHEN V1 STRUCK THE LOG, V1 WENT AIRBORN AND STRUCK A NEARBY TREE WHICH EJECTED THE OPERATOR AND PASSENGER 2.  PASSENGER 3/VICTIM WAS THROWN INTO THE BOW (FRONT) PART OF V1 BUT WAS NOT EJECTED AND SUSTAINED INJURIES.


BARDID: AR-2021-0034
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HEBER SPRINGS
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR/VICTIM STATED HE AND HIS FAMILY WERE AT SANDY BEACH SWIMMING WHEN AN UNKNOWN MAN RODE UP ON V1 (YELLOW AND BLACK PWC).  THE MAN WAS JUST LETTING PEOPLE RIDE HIS PWC.  THE OPERATOR/VICTIM SAID HE GOT ON V1 AND WAS GOING "VERY FAST" WHEN HE HIT A WAVE CAUSING HIM TO BE EJECTED AND BREAKING HIS FEMUR. WHEN OFFICERS ARRIVED ON SCENE THE MYSTERY MAN AND HIS PWC (V1) WERE GONE.  OFFICERS HAVE ATTEMPTED TO LOCATE V1 FOR 2 WEEKS BUT HAVE NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL.


BARDID: AR-2021-0036
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: LAKEVIEW
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR THREW OUT AN ANCHOR FROM THE BOW OF V1 WHILE 6 UNITS OF GENERATION WERE OPERATING ON THE WHITE RIVER.  V1 ALMOST IMMEDIATELY SUBMERGED AND THE OCCUPANTS WERE RESCUED BY ANOTHER BOATER.


BARDID: AR-2021-0037
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORFORK
NearestCityorTown: HENDERSON
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN WHILE PULLING A TUBE WITH TWO OCCUPANTS ON IT.  THE TWO OCCUPANTS ROLLED OFF THE TUBE AND COLLIDED WITH EACH OTHER CAUSING INJURY TO THE VICTIM.


BARDID: AR-2021-0038
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:12:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR WAS TRAVELING EAST BOUND WHEN V1 STRUCK THE DOCK AT ORR MARINA.  THE INCIDENT WAS CAPTURED ON CAMERA FROM THE MARINA'S SECURITY VIDEO.  OPERATOR WAS ARRESTED FOR BWI AND REFUSAL.  ADDITIONAL DAMAGE TO THE DOCK WAS $500.


BARDID: AR-2021-0039
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREENBRIAR CREEK
NearestCityorTown: BATESVILLE
County: INDEPENDENCE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
WHILE MOTORING UPSTREAM V1'S MOTOR STRUCK A SUBMERGED LOG CAUSING THE MOTOR TO KICK UP AND THE LOWER UNIT TO COME OUT OF THE WATER.  THE OPERATOR LOST CONTROL OF V1 AND IT STRUCK THE STEEP BANK. V1 THEN SLID BACK INTO THE WATER AND BEGAN TO FLOOD AND SUBSEQUENTLY SANK.  THE OPERATOR WAS ABLE TO SAFELY SWIM TO THE BANK.


BARDID: AR-2021-0040
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: FLIPPIN
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS DRIFTING DOWN RIVER WHILE THE OCCUPANTS WERE FISHING WHEN IT CAME UPON A DOCK.  THE OPERATOR ATTEMPTED TO BACK AWAY FROM THE DOCK BUT HE ACCIDENTALLY PUT IT INTO FORWARD GEAR INSTEAD OF REVERSE WHICH CAUSED THEM TO STRIKE THE DOCK'S ANCHOR CABLES. 

THE OPERATOR WAS EJECTED FROM V1 BUT WAS ABLE TO HOLD ONTO THE UP STREAM SIDE OF THE DOCK. V1 PASSENGER WAS KNOCKED INTO THE FLOOR OF V1.  OPERATOR WAS PINNED TO THE DOCK FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES IN THE STRONG CURRENT UNTIL HE LOST HIS GRIP AND WAS SWEPT UNDER THE DOCK.  FORTUNATELY HE POPPED UP ON THE OTHER SIDE AND WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE BANK AND CLIMB OUT.  EMS TRANSPORTED HIM TO THE HOSPITAL TO RECEIVE STITCHES ON HIS HAND AND TO BE CHECKED OUT. THERE WERE 8 UNITS GENERATING ON THE RIVER AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.


BARDID: AR-2021-0041
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: COTTER
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 OCCUPANTS ADVISED THEY WERE FISHING WHEN THE OPERATOR AT THE LAST MINUTE NOTICED THEY WERE DRIFTING BACKWARDS TOWARD THE SUPPORT CABLES ATTACHED TO RAINBOW RESORT'S DOCK. 

OPERATOR ATTEMPTED TO AVOID CONTACT BY TURNING V1 STARBOARD BUT THE CURRENT AND ACTION WAS TOO LATE AND V1'S PORTSIDE BOW AND TROLLING MOTOR STRUCK THE DOCK. 

WATER IMMEDIATELY CAME OVER THE STARBOARD STERN CAUSING V1 TO CAPSIZE. THE OCCUPANTS WERE RESCUED BY RAINBOW RESORT PERSONNEL AND V1 CONTINUED TO MOVE DOWNSTREAM.  V1 WAS EVENTUALLY "CAPTURED" AND PULLED TO THE BANK WHERE IT COULD BE LOADED ONTO A TRAILER.  V1 SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE PORT SIDE TRANSOM, TROLLING MOTOR AND MAIN MOTOR THAT WAS RUNNING WHEN V1 SUBMERGED AND CAPSIZED.


BARDID: AR-2021-0042
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-08-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OUACHITA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: CROSSETT
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR ADVISED HE TRAVELED UPRIVER FROM THE RAMP TO TEST OUT HIS MOTOR SINCE HE RECENTLY HAD WORK DONE ON IT. HE TURNED AROUND TO HEAD BACK AND SAID HE WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 50MPH WHEN HE BEGAN TO SLOW IN ORDER TO MAKE A TURN AS HE DID THE BOW DUG IN CAUSING V1 TO MAKE A SHARP RIGHT TURN TOWARDS THE BANK. 

THIS TURN THREW THE OPERATOR INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE WHICH DISCONNECTED THE KILL SWITCH. HE WAS UNABLE TO GAIN CONTROL AND STRUCK A TREE ON THE BANK WITH THE PORT SIDE BOW WHICH THREW HIM INTO THE DASH WHERE HE SUSTAINED INJURIES.  UPON INSPECTION OF V1, SEVERE DAMAGE WAS NOTED AND IT APPEARED THAT V1 WAS SPLIT FROM THE BOW ALL THE WAY DOWN THE PORT SIDE.


BARDID: AR-2021-0043
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: NORFORK
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to witnesses the victim was kayaking down the white river when he turned over.  Several members in his group tried to help him by handing him the end of a paddle but he was fighting the water and wouldn't grab it. Victim went under and never resurfaced.  Victim wasn't located until 09/04/21 (7 days after the accident). Tox. Screen pending.  Witnesses advised the victim had consumed alcohol but didn't know how much or if he was impaired at the time.

Update 2-2-22: autopsy received. Toxicology results showed a .10% ethanol level; however it could not be determined the level of alcohol consumption prior to the event and how much was due to decomposition.


BARDID: AR-2021-0044
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OUACHITA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: CADDO VALLEY
County: CLARK
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS TRAVELING SOUTH (DOWN RIVER) THROUGH A NARROW CHUTE BETWEEN THE BANK OF RIVER AND AN ISLAND. V2 WAS TRAVELING NORTH ENTERING THE SAME CHUTE.  BOTH VESSELS WERE ON PLANE. ACCORDING TO V1 OPERATOR WHEN HE FIRST SAW V2 HE TURNED HARD TO THE LEFT TO ATTEMPT TO AVOID A COLLISION AND STATED THE VESSELS COLLIDED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. OPERATOR OF V2 STATED HE SAW V1 TURN LEFT PRIOR TO IMPACT.  V1 IMPACTED THE PORT SIDE BOW OF V2 WITH ITS STARBOARD SIDE BOW. V1 CONTINUED ON HIS STARBOARD SIDE UP ONTO AND ACROSS THE BOW OF V2 AND EXITED V2 ON THE STARBOARD GUNWHALE.  DURING THE COLLISION V2 PASSENGERS WERE THROWN TOWARD THE POINT OF IMPACT WHERE THEY SUSTAINED INJURIES.

UPDATE 11/08/21 - BAC RESULTS RECEIVED THAT SHOWED BOTH OPERATORS WITH 0.00 BACS.


BARDID: AR-2021-0045
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ROGERS
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
NOTIFICATION OF THE ACCIDENT WASN'T RECEIVED UNTIL THE NEXT DAY (09/06/2021). OPERATOR ADVISED ONE OF HIS SMALL DOGS WAS AT THE STERN OF V1 WHEN IT FELL IN. OPERATOR THOUGHT HE SHIFTED V1 INTO NEUTRAL AND JUMPED IN TO SAVE THE DOG.  HOWEVER INSTEAD OF NEUTRAL HE SHIFTED V1 INTO REVERSE. HE WAS ABLE TO LUNGE HIMSELF AND THE DOG BACK INTO V1 BUT NOT BEFORE GETTING STRUCK BY THE PROP ON HIS LEGS.  HE CALLED HIS DAD FOR HELP WHILE THE PASSENGER DROVE THEM TO THE MARINA.

*ALCOHOL IS SUSPECTED BUT CANNOT BE CONFIRMED DUE TO NOTIFICATION DELAY AND DAD "TAKING CARE" OF THE VICTIM AND V1.


BARDID: AR-2021-0046
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:36:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WAR EAGLE
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS HEADING TOWARD THE BOAT RAMP TO TAKE OUT WHEN HE SAW V2 WITHOUT ANY LIGHTS ON. V1 OPERATOR ATTEMPTED TO SWERVE LEFT TO MISS V2 AT LAST MOMENT BUT WAS UNABLE TO AVOID THE COLLISION.  V2 OPERATOR STATED HE WAS FISHING WHILE EVERYONE ELSE WAS ASLEEP ON THE BOAT.  HE TURNED HIS LIGHTS OFF TO CONSERVE BATTERY POWER AND SOON FELL ASLEEP HIMSELF.  V2 OPERATOR WAS CITED FOR LIGHT REQUIREMENTS.


BARDID: AR-2021-0047
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-09-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:26:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OUACHITA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: DONALDSON
County: HOT SPRING
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS TRAVELING NORTH ENTERING A 180 DEGREE BEND OF THE RIVER INTO WHICH A TREE HAD DRIFTED NARROWING THE PASSABLE CHANNEL.  OPERATOR TURNED SHARPLY TO THE LEFT TO TRY AND AVOID THE TREE AND NEGOTIATE THE BEND. 

V1'S STERN SLID AROUND INTO ANOTHER TREE THAT WAS OVERHANGING THE RIVER. THE IMPACT SPUN V1 CAUSING THE STARBOARD SIDE OF THE BOW TO DIG INTO THE GRAVEL BANK BRINGING IT TO A RAPID STOP. THE IMPACT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE STERN STARBOARD SIDE, BROKE THE MOTOR MOUNTS, DAMAGED THE TRANSOM AND LOWER UNIT. 

THE MANUFACTURER DECLARED V1 A TOTAL LOSS.


BARDID: AR-2021-0048
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-10-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:38:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BULL SHOALS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DIAMOND CITY
County: BOONE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR ADVISED HE HAD BEEN FISHING AND WAS HEADED BACK TO THE DIAMOND CITY BOAT LAUNCH WHEN HE SAW A LIGHT COME ON SEVERAL YARDS IN FRONT OF V1. HE THOUGHT THIS LIGHT WAS A BOAT COMING TOWARD HIM SO HE TURNED TO THE LEFT AND V1 RAN ASHORE ON THE BANK AND CAME TO REST COMPLETELY OUT OF THE WATER.  

HE FURTHER STATED HE DISCOVERED THAT THE LIGHT HE SAW WAS ACTUALLY THE LANTERN OF TWO BANK FISHERMEN ABOUT 50 YARDS UP FROM WHERE V1 RAN AGROUND. THE AREA THE BANK FISHERMEN WERE STANDING ON EXTENDED OUT INTO THE WATER SEVERAL FEET AND COULD GIVE THE APPEARANCE THAT THEY WERE IN THE WATER. THE OPERATOR SAID HE SPOKE TO THE TWO FISHERMEN BUT DID NOT GET THEIR NAMES OR INFORMATION SO THEY COULD NOT BE CONTACTED TO VERIFY WHAT HAPPENED.  SEVERAL DEEP SCRAPES TO THE FRONT  AND BOTTOM OF V1'S HULL COULD BE SEEN BUT DID NOT SHOW ANY SIGNS OF PENETRATION.


BARDID: AR-2021-0049
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HEBER SPRINGS
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
THIS ACCIDENT WENT UNREPORTED UNTIL A WEEK SUPPOSEDLY AFTER THE OCCURRENCE; BY THAT TIME THE OPERATOR (RENTER) HAD RETURNED HOME. THE RENTAL COMPANY MADE THE NOTIFICATION. OFFICER MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO CONTACT THE OPERATOR OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS BUT WAS ONLY ABLE TO FINALLY MAKE CONTACT TO GET HIS STATEMENT AND INFORMATION LAST WEEK.  

OPERATOR STATED HE DID NOT KNOW HIS EXACT LOCATION AND WASN'T SURE "WHERE" THE INCIDENT OCCURRED BECAUSE HE "NEVER FELT ANYTHING".  HE DID NOT KNOW ANYTHING WAS WRONG UNTIL HE NOTICED WATER IN THE FLOOR OF V1. UPON INSPECTION OF V1 AFTER THE FACT THERE WAS DAMAGE LOCATED ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE HULL NEAR THE STERN.  IT IS BELIEVED AT SOME POINT V1 STRUCK AN UNFORESEEN UNDERWATER HAZARD/OBJECT THAT CAUSED THE DAMAGE.


BARDID: AR-2021-0050
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-10-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LITTLE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: WILTON
County: LITTLE RIVER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR ADVISED HE WAS IDLING OUT OF BIG SLOUGH INTO THE LITTLE RIVER CHANNEL WHEN HE STRUCK A SUBMERGED STUMP. THE BOW OF V1 CONTINUED UPWARD ONTO A SECOND PARTIALLY SUBMERGED STUMP. V1'S STERN LOWERED AND WATER BEGAN TO FILL V1. THE OPERATOR WAS ABLE TO JUMP FROM V1 AND GOT ONTO THE SHORE BEFORE V1 FLOODED AND CAPSIZED.


BARDID: AR-2021-0051
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: AUGUSTA
County: WOODRUFF
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS FOUND IN GEAR, RUNNING AND LODGED IN A TREE TOP WITH NO ONE AROUND. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT V1 WAS TRAVELING NORTH AND STRUCK A 4 INCH LIMB (THAT WAS PART OF THE TREE TOP) AND THE IMPACT THREW THE OPERATOR/VICTIM WHO WAS SITTING IN THE FRONT OF V1 FORWARD CAUSING HIM TO PUSH THE STEER STICK FORWARD JAMMING IT IN PLACE. THIS CAUSED V1 TO VEER TO THE STARBOARD SIDE WHERE IT ENTERED THE LOG JAM/TREE TOP.  AT SOME POINT THE OPERATOR WAS EJECTED OR FELL FROM V1. VICTIM WAS RECOVERED ON 09/06/21.

THE PRELIMINARY CORONER'S REPORT STATED THE VICTIM DIED OF A HEART ATTACK PRIOR TO IMPACT SO THEREFORE NO ACCIDENT REPORT WAS CONDUCTED.  HOWEVER THE VICTIM'S FAMILY DEMANDED AN AUTOPSY BE PERFORMED BY THE STATE CRIME LAB. THE RESULTS WERE JUST RECEIVED THAT LISTED THE DEATH AS DROWNING, THEREFORE THE DELAY IN REPORTING.


BARDID: AR-2021-0052
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-11-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BULL SHOALS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DIAMOND CITY
County: BOONE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
NOTIFICATION OF THIS ACCIDENT WAS NOT RECEIVED UNTIL ALMOST A WEEK AFTER THE OCCURANCE. V1 OPERATOR REPORTED THE ACCIDENT WHILE HE WAS IN NEW MEXICO TRAVELING BACK TO CALIFORNIA WITH HIS VESSEL. HE STATED HE HAD BEEN FISHING IN A TOURNAMENT AND WAS HEADED BACK INTO THE NO WAKE ZONE AND BOAT RAMP AREA FOR THE LAST MINUTE WEIGH-IN WHEN A SMALL WAVE CAME OVER THE SIDE OF V1 HITTING HIM IN THE FACE CAUSING HIM TO BE DISTRACTED; AT THIS TIME THE STARBOARD SIDE OF HIS BOAT STRUCK THE BOW OF V2. V1 OPERATOR FURTHER STATED HE WAS ONLY GOING AT IDLE SPEED WHEN THE COLLISION OCCURED.  OBVIOUSLY AN INSPECTION OF V1'S DAMAGE COULD NOT BE PERFORMED BUT THE OPERATOR DID SEND PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGE TO HIS VESSEL. THE PHOTOS SHOW A VERY LARGE (APPROX. OVER A 1 FT. IN DIAMETER) PENETRATING BLOW INTO THE FIBERGLASS ON THE STARBOARD SIDE AT OR SLIGHTLY BEHIND THE OPERATOR'S SEAT. 
V2 OPERATOR STATED HE WAS WAITING IN LINE TO LOAD AT THE BOAT RAMP WHILE THE VESSELS' OWNER PULLED THE TRUCK AROUND. HE FURTHER STATED THAT HE SAW V1 COME INTO THE NO WAKE ZONE ON PLANE AND THEN "SHUT IT DOWN" BUT V1 CONTINUED TO TRAVEL ABOVE "NO WAKE SPEED" FOR A DISTANCE; V1 THEN COLLIDED WITH V2'S BOW CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE TROLLING MOTOR. V2 OPERATOR STATED HE WAS STATIONARY AT THE TIME OF THE COLLISION.

BASED SOLELY UPON THE OPERATOR'S STATEMENTS AND DAMAGE TO THE VESSELS IT IS BELIEVED THAT V1 WAS TRAVELING GREATER THAN NO WAKE SPEED INTO A CONGESTED AREA WITH SEVERAL BOATS WAITING TO LOAD OUT AND OR WEIGH-IN CAUSING THE COLLISION.


BARDID: AR-2021-0053
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-11-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CACHE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: AUGUSTA
County: WOODRUFF
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR STATED THEY WERE TRAVELING NORTH ON THE CACHE RIVER WHICH WAS EXTREMELY LOW, AT 10-12MPH WHEN THE MOTOR STRUCK A SANDBAR THAT CAUSED V1 TO VEER INTO A CYPRESS TREE.  

OPERATOR STATED HIS FOOT WAS BRACED AGAINST ON OF THE CROSS MEMBERS IN THE BOAT AND THE FORCE OF THE COLLISION PUSHED HIM FORWARD INJURING HIS LOWER LEG.  V1 DIDN'T SUSTAIN ANY DAMAGE. OPERATOR WAS TRANSPORTED TO AN AWAITING AMBULANCE AND IT WAS DETERMINED HE BROKE BOTH HIS TIBIA AND FIBIA REQUIRING SURGERY.


BARDID: AR-2021-0054
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-11-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DIERKS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DIERKS
County: SEVIER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
ACCORDING TO THE OPERATOR THEY WERE RETURNING FROM HUNTING  WHEN THEY HIT A SUBMERGED STUMP WHICH CAUSED V1 TO ROCK TO THE SIDE AND FLOOD WITH WATER.  

THEY RECEIVED ADVICE FROM A FRIEND TO GET V1 ON PLANE AND REMOVE THE PLUG TO GET THE WATER OUT.  THIS WAS TRIED WITHOUT SUCCESS AND THE ENGINE STALLED AND V1 BEGAN TO TAKE ON A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF WATER AND EVENTUALLY SUNK AND CAPSIZED. 

THE OCCUPANTS WERE PICKED UP BY A FAMILY MEMBER IN ANOTHER BOAT WITH NO INJURIES. V1 WAS RECOVERED THE FOLLOWING DAY.  THE MOTOR WAS COMPLETELY FLOODED AND A TOTAL LOSS.


BARDID: AR-2022-0001
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-01-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 04:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CACHE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: AUGUSTA
County: WOODRUFF
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Notification of the accident was 2 days after the occurrence. Operator stated they were in the staging area and were the 4th or 5th boat in line awaiting the 04:00 start. At 04:00 the boats in front of him took off and he followed. He then advised he thought the boat in front of him slowed so he swerved and hit a tree and continued to "bounce" off trees until he hit one head on. 

A witness to the accident confirmed the operator's story. The witness stated v1 operated for about 20 seconds before it began "pinballing" off trees.  Estimated speed at the time was between 25 and 35mph.  The occupant/victim was unable to make a statement as he doesn't remember anything about the accident because he was knocked unconscious.  The operator said he had just bought v1 a couple weeks ago but had not yet obtained a registration in his name.

Occupant suffered SHATTERED T7, PINS PLACED IN T5 AND T9 WITH 55 STITCHES AND STAPLES IN BACK. ALSO LACERATION ON HIS HEAD THAT REQUIRED 6 STITCHES


BARDID: AR-2022-0002
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-01-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:50:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE DESOTO
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was paddling v1 on lake desoto and according to witnesses v1 began to rock back and forth causing the victim to fall overboard and capsize v1. Victim was extremely muscular and heavily dressed due to the cold weather (hoodie, jeans, and boots). The victim's girlfriend who was in another vessel (kayak) attempted to help him but the victim ended up turning her kayak over too. The victim soon went underwater and never returned to the surface. Neither of the vessels had pfd's on board. Individuals from nearby houses rescued the girlfriend without incident or injury. The victim's body was recovered two days later (1/18/22).  Blood was drawn from the victim and sent to the crime lab for toxicology testing - results pending.

Update 6-29: crime lab results received - toxicology results all negative.


BARDID: AR-2022-0003
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2022-02-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:43:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TABLE ROCK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BLUE EYE
County: BOONE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator, they were transporting v1 to dan's marine to be dry-docked for fiberglass work. While in transit across the lake the main engine began to overheat so he shut it down and attempted to start the second engine.  The second engine would not start. While inspecting the engine, the operator noticed a fuel leak so he made repairs to fix the leak.  The operator asked his passenger to try and start the second engine again but it would not start. The operator then "wiggled some wires" that caused a spark which ignited the spilled fuel and vapors.  The operator attempted to put the fire out with an extinguisher, to no success.  V1 quickly became engulfed and both the operator and passenger bailed overboard.  They were able to make it to the shore and call for help.  V1 burned to the water line and was a total loss.

A visual inspection of v1 after recovery revealed: there were 3 battery terminal wires that were not hooked up to the batteries. There were also multiple wires that had been cut in front of the starboard motor but it could not be determined where these wires went or what they controlled.


BARDID: AR-2022-0004
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2022-02-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ARKANSAS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: NORTH LITTLE ROCK
County: PULASKI
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR HAD JUST PURCHASED V1 AND WAS BREAKING IN THE MOTOR.  V1 WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 63MPH ACCORDING TO HIS GPS. V1 FIRST STRUCK A ROCK JETTY ON THE STARBOARD SIDE JUST IN FRONT OF THE OPERATOR; V1 CONTINUED ONTO THE JETTY TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 100 FEET BEFORE OVERTURNING IN THE WATER. OPERATOR WAS EJECTED FROM V1 AT SOME POINT. IT IS OF THE OPINION THAT THE OPERATOR WAS RELYING ON GPS TO GUIDE HIM SINCE IT WAS DARK WHILE BREAKING IN THE MOTOR.


BARDID: AR-2022-0005
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-03-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: ROYAL
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR LEFT THE NO WAKE ZONE DURING A FISHING TOURNAMENT HEADED WEST WHEN HE DROVE ACROSS A MARKED SHALLOW WATER AREA STRIKING AN OBJECT ON THE STARBOARD SIDE STERN.  V1 SUSTAINED SEVERE DAMAGE DUE TO THE IMPACT AND BEGAN TAKING ON WATER.  OPERATOR WAS HOWEVER ABLE TO GET V1 BACK TO THE RAMP BEFORE IT SANK.  V1 ALSO SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE LOWER UNIT AND PROP.


BARDID: AR-2022-0006
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-03-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LITTLE RED RIVER
NearestCityorTown: HEBER SPRINGS
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, THE RIVER WAS ABOVE NORMAL POOL DUE TO RECENT RAINFALL AND THE DAM GENERATION SCHEDULE. OPERATOR WAS ATTEMPTING TO DOCK V1 WHEN THE FRONT OF V1 HIT THE DOCK CAUSING V1 TO TURN SIDEWAYS WHICH RESULTED IN WATER RUSHING INTO V1. V1 QUICKLY FILLED AND SANK; HOWEVER THE OPERATOR WAS ABLE TO GET PASSENGER 2 ON THE DOCK BEFORE V1 WENT UNDER. THE OPERATOR AND REMAINING PASSENGERS WERE EJECTED INTO THE WATER BUT WERE ALL ABLE TO REACH THE DOCK AND PULL THEMSELVES OUT OF THE WATER WITHOUT INJURY.


BARDID: AR-2022-0007
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-03-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Received notification from a fisherman who found the bodies of two children along with debris from a boat floating near the shoreline. V1 was located approximately 1/4 mile from the bodies almost completely submerged. It was determined a third victim (operator) was still missing.  On march 24, agfc dive team began searching for the operator/victim. The search was officially called off on march 28th; operator/victim is still missing - where he went down is approximately 160 feet deep with standing timber.  

On march 30, a capacity reconstruction was performed on v1.  It was determined v1 was rated for 3 persons and a maximum weight of 600 pounds. Using a certified scale all known contents were weighed along with the motor and victim's weights and the total "known" weight combined was 843.73 pounds.  

Findings concluded the following: at the time of the accident weather conditions were dangerous for this type of vessel with 17+ mph winds, v1's carrying capacity was overloaded by a minimum of 243.73 pounds which in turn caused v1 to take on water and overturn.  It was also noted the throttle was in the full forward position.

Update 10/26/22 - still no recovery and none expected.  Unable to confirm or deny if operator was under the influence of any alcohol or drugs. Investigation is closed unless other new information/body recovery is made.


BARDID: AR-2022-0008
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-04-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:22:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CATHERINE
NearestCityorTown: MALVERN
County: HOT SPRING
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS STATIONARY FACING APPROX. 320 DEGREES NW WHILE THE OPERATOR ATTEMPTED TO WORK ON THE TROLLING MOTOR/BATTERY AT THE STERN OF V1. V1 DID NOT HAVE ANY LIGHTS TURNED ON AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED 42 MINUTES AFTER SUNSET. V2 WAS TRAVELING APPROX. DUE NORTH WHILE POWERING DOWN TO APPROACH THE BOAT RAMP. V2 STRUCK V1 NEAR THE PORT SIDE BOW WITH IT'S BOW, TURNING V1 IN A NORTHWARD DIRECTION. V1 SUSTAINED SCRATCHES WHERE V2 IMPACTED AND WHERE V2'S PROPELLER STRUCK THE LOWER PORTION OF V1'S PORT SIDE SEVERAL TIMES. V2 SUSTAINED GOUGES TO THE KEEL GUARD AT THE BOW AND ON IT'S STARBOARD SIDE.

V1 OPERATOR WAS CHARGED WITH LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS AND FAILURE TO REGISTER.


BARDID: AR-2022-0009
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-04-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: FAIRFIELD BAY
County: VAN BUREN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
WHILE MOTORING CHECKING THEIR TROTLINES, BOTH THE OPERATOR AND PASSENGER HAD TO URINATE.  THE PASSENGER STOOD ON THE BOW AND THE OPERATOR KEPT V1 IN GEAR WHILE HE ATTEMPTED TO STAND IN THE BACK.  

OPERATOR LOST HIS BALANCE AND AS HE WAS FALLING OUT OF THE BOAT, HE GRABBED THE TILLER HANDLE AND PUT V1 INTO FULL THROTTLE. THE PROP HIT HIS RIGHT LEG SEVERAL TIMES.  THE PASSENGER WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL OF V1 AND CIRCLE BACK AND PICK UP THE OPERATOR/VICTIM.  HE WAS TRANSPORTED BY POV TO THE LOCAL MEDICAL CLINIC.  BOTH OCCUPANTS ADMITTED TO HAVING A COUPLE OF BEERS EARLIER. OPERATOR WAS CHARGED WITH NEGLIGENT OPERATION.


BARDID: AR-2022-0010
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-04-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:19:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: OUACHITA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: CAMDEN
County: OUACHITA
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Drug
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to the passenger, they left a friend's dock and traveled toward the middle of the river and struck a submerged object causing her and the operator to be ejected. Life jackets were securely tied to both seat backs and the kill switch was not attached to the operator.  

When they were ejected v1 began to circle uncontrollably and finally struck the bank. Passenger advised she could see the victim/operator as she swam toward the bank; but at some point he went under and never resurfaced. She was able to climb into v1 and shut off the motor and call 911.  Multiple searches were conducted over the next several days for the victim.

Victim floated and was recovered on may 17th approximately 18 miles downstream from the site of the accident.  Body sent to the crime lab for autopsy.

Update 11/02/22:  crime lab report received.  Autopsy confirmed the manner of death as drowning.  Toxicology results showed .102 ethanol level and positive for amphetamines, generic opioids, methamphetamine and zolpidem.


BARDID: AR-2022-0011
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-05-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OUACHITA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: CROSSETT
County: ASHLEY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
ACCORDING TO THE OPERATOR WHILE FISHING A TOURNAMENT THEY WERE CUTTING THROUGH A SLOUGH WHEN THEY STRUCK SOMETHING SUBMERGED THAT CAUSED V1 TO VEER RIGHT AND STRIKE A LARGE CYPRESS TREE CAUSING SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED.


BARDID: AR-2022-0012
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-05-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORFORK
NearestCityorTown: ELIZABETH
County: FULTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR WAS BREAKING IN THE ENGINE OF V1.  HE STATED AT SOME TIME WHEN HE WAS UNDERWAY HE "PASSED OUT" AND THE ONLY THING HE REMEMBERED WAS WAKING UP AFTER V1 COLLIDED WITH THE BANK. WHEN V1 STRUCK THE BANK, HE WAS THRUST INTO THE STEERING WHEEL AND CONSOLE CAUSING HIS MINOR INJURIES; HOWEVER DUE TO HIS RECENT ISSUES AND THESE INJURIES HE WAS ADMITTED TO THE HOSPITAL AND KEPT OVERNIGHT.  ACCORDING TO HIS WIFE HE HAD BEEN HAVING RECENT MEDICAL PROBLEMS INCLUDING UNANNOUNCED PERIODS OF "FALLING ASLEEP".


BARDID: AR-2022-0013
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-05-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BUFFALO RIVER
NearestCityorTown: YELLVILLE
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Overloading
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 occupants were paddling down the buffalo river when they encountered clabber creek shoal.  The river level had risen approx. 9ft from previous rains and the shoal was very rough.  The occupants were unfamiliar with the area and were not prepared for the type of waves (5 to 6 ft) they encountered when they entered the shoal.  V1 was heavily loaded with their "camping supplies".  The operator stated v1 almost immediately rose up and made a violent clockwise turn ejecting both of them. The operator who was wearing a pfd called to his brother (victim) and he heard him yell that he was in trouble. The operator never saw the victim resurface again.  
Searches began immediately and continued for a week before the victim was located approx. 23 miles downstream from where the accident occurred.

Toxicology results on the victim are pending.  Update: 06/17/22 coroner's  report received no alcohol or drugs detected - ruled accidental drowning.


BARDID: AR-2022-0014
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-05-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:04:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator/victim was testing out v1.  He was traveling north in bull bayou cove at a high rate of speed (76 mph according to gps) when v1 made a sharp right turn ejecting the operator. Operator contacted the left gunwale with his left side leaving a slight abrasion on his lower left rib cage. Operator was not wearing a life jacket or kill switch. As he began swimming toward the docks on the shore he began struggling and yelling for help. Operator went underwater as soon as a good samaritan on shore reached him.  The samaritan was able to pull the operator out of the water and began cpr.  After emt arrived, cpr continued for approx. 30 minutes until time of death was called.

Update 10/26/22: toxicology results received - negative for alcohol or drugs.


BARDID: AR-2022-0015
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORFORK
NearestCityorTown: PIGEON CREEK
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
OCCUPANTS 5 (VICTIM) AND 6 WERE RIDING ON A TUBE WHEN THEY BOTH FELL OFF. WHEN V1 CIRCLED AROUND VICTIM WAS YELLING IN PAIN AND HIS LEG WAS OBVIOUSLY BROKEN.


BARDID: AR-2022-0016
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:57:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS STATIONARY IN SKINNY DIP COVE TIED TO ANOTHER VESSEL.  VICTIM/OWNER OF V1 LEANED OVER THE GUNWALE TO HAND A DRINK TO A PASSENGER IN THE OTHER VESSEL WHEN HE LOST HIS FOOTING AND FELL OVER THE SIDE, STRIKING THE RIGHT SIDE OF HIS FACE ON THE BOAT CLEAT. FACE WAS LACERATED FROM HIS LIP TO HIS NOSTRIL.


BARDID: AR-2022-0017
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GILLHAM LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GILLHAM
County: HOWARD
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
PASSENGERS 8 - 11 WERE RIDING ON A LARGE TRIANGLE SHAPED TUBE. AS V1 MADE A STARBOARD TURN, THE TUBE HIT A WAKE AND TIPPED OVER CAUSING ALL THE RIDERS TO FALL OFF.  WHEN V1 CAME BACK AROUND IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT THE VICTIM WAS IN PAIN.  VICTIM WAS TAKEN TO AWAITING EMS AT THE SHORE.


BARDID: AR-2022-0018
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORFORK
NearestCityorTown: MOUNTAIN HOME
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
ACCORDING TO THE OPERATOR THEY WERE DRIVING SOUTH WHEN THEY HEARD AND FELT V1 HIT AN UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT CAUSING THEM TO LOSE THRUST. V1 IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO TAKE ON WATER IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.  A NEARBY BOATER WAS ABLE TO HEAR THEM AND COME TO THEIR AID AND TOWED V1 TO THE RED BANK ACCESS.


BARDID: AR-2022-0019
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-05-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OUACHITA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: MORO BAY
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR STATED AS THEY WERE TRAVING UP THE RIVER HE NOTICED A LOG FLOATING SO HE EASED OVER TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID IT. HE THEN REALIZED THE LOG WAS BIGGER THAN HE THOUGHT AND IT WAS SUBMERGED. WHEN V1 WENT OVER THE LOG, IT RIPPED THE LOWER UNIT OFF V1. V1 IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TAKING ON WATER.  THEY TRIED TO PULL IT TO THE BANK UNSUCCESSFULLY DUE TO THE CURRENT. V1 EVENTUALLY CAPSIZED AND CAME TO REST FURTHER DOWN THE RIVER WITH ONLY THE BOW STICKING UP.  V1 WAS UNABLE TO BE RETRIEVED UNTIL 05/27 DUE TO RIVER CONDITIONS.


BARDID: AR-2022-0020
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2022-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GREERS FERRY
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
OWNER AND PASSENGER OF V1 WAS NOT OPERATING DUE TO HIS LEVEL OF INTOXICATION.  THE OPERATOR STATED IT WAS DARK AND SHE WAS NOT FAMILIAR WITH OPERATING V1 OR THE LAYOUT OF THE LAKE BUT THE PASSENGER WAS SEATED RIGHT NEXT TO HER GIVING HER INSTRUCTIONS. OPERATOR STATED SHE WAS TRAVELING APPROX. 35MPH AND THE BOW OF V1 WAS "UP IN THE AIR" WHEN SHE STRUCK A ROCK BANK.  V1 THEN TRAVELED ABOUT 15 YARDS ONTO LAND AND LANDED WITH THE BOW POINTED 90 DEGREES TO THE RIGHT.  BOTH OPERATOR AND PASSENGER WERE EJECTED ONTO DRY GROUND.


BARDID: AR-2022-0021
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: BRADY MOUNTAIN
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR WAS TRYING TO RIDE V1 ONTO THE JET DOCK AT THE RENTAL FACILITY. OPERATOR BECAME AFRAID SHE WAS GOING TO MAKE CONTACT WITH A STATIONARY UNMANNED PWC (V2) ALSO ON THE JET DOCK SO SHE STUCK OUT HER LEFT HAND TO TRY AND AVOID CONTACT WITH V2.  THE PORT SIDE OF V1 AND THE STARBOARD SIDE OF V2 SMASHED THE OPERATOR'S LEFT HAND RESULTING IN A SEVERE LACERATION TO HER THUMB THAT REQUIRED 9 STITCHES.


BARDID: AR-2022-0022
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: GOSHEN
County: WASHINGTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 OPERATOR WAS "TRYING OUT" V1 TO PURCHASE.  SHE ADVISED THE OCCUPANT/VICTIM WAS SHOWING HER HOW TO DRIVE.  SHE FURTHER STATED AS THEY WERE CRUISING THEY POSSIBLY HIT SOMETHING SUBMERGED IN THE WATER THAT EJECTED THEM BOTH. THE KILL SWITCH WAS NOT BEING UTILIZED.  AS V1 BEGAN CIRCLING THEM, SHE WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE BANK AND SAW V1 STRIKE THE VICTIM.  V1 EVENTUALLY HIT THE BANK AND STOPPED. OPERATOR WAS ABLE TO ASSIST THE VICTIM TO THE BANK.  UPON INTERVIEWING THE VICTIM HE SAID ALL HE REMEMBERED WAS FEELING V1 HIT HIS HEAD AND SO HE PUT HIS ARM UP TO PUSH IT AWAY.  OPERATOR WAS CITED FOR NOT WEARING A KILL SWITCH


BARDID: AR-2022-0023
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: MT. IDA
County: MONTGOMERY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 OPERATOR STATED HE WAS ON PLANE HEADING WEST WHEN HE HEARD SOMEONE SCREAMING JUST BEFORE HE COLLIDED WITH V2.  HE FURTHER STATED HE DIDN'T SEE ANY NAVIGATION LIGHTS ON V2 UNTIL V1 DRIFTED INFRONT OF V2 AND HE SAW THE RED LIGHT. V2 OPERATOR STATED THEY WERE ANCHORED WITH ALL THEIR LIGHTS ON WHEN HE NOTICED V1 COMING TOWARD THEM SO HE STOOD UP AND BEGAN YELLING AND WAVING HIS ARMS.  HE FURTHER STATED THAT JUST BEFORE IMPACT HE KNEELED DOWN AND BRACED HIMSELF AGAINST THE CONSOLE.  DAMAGE ON BOTH VESSELS ARE CONSISTENT WITH ALL STATEMENTS.  UPON ARRIVAL V2'S LIGHTS WERE ON AND OTHER WITNESSES IN THE AREA REPORTED BEING ABLE TO SEE THEIR LIGHTS PRIOR TO IMPACT.


BARDID: AR-2022-0024
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:26:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: JESSIEVILLE
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/11/22 v1 was rented and left the marina at approximately 3:00pm.  According to the occupants the victim and passenger 10 were being pulled on a tube.  The victim was not wearing a life jacket as required by law.  After several minutes they stopped and were just floating discussing "who" was going to ride next.  As they were swapping out riders, the victim began struggling in the water. At 3:26pm, v1 occupants called 911 because the victim had not resurfaced.  Victim was recovered the following afternoon at approx. 3:50pm.  No alcohol was on board or suspected as a factor.


BARDID: AR-2022-0025
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:09:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LITTLE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: WILTON
County: LITTLE RIVER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
WE WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THIS ACCIDENT UNTIL 06172022 SO NO ALCOHOL BAC COULD BE OBTAINED. ACCORDING TO THE OPERATOR THEY WERE GOING UP RIVER AT FULL THROTTLE WHEN HE DECIDED TO DIG AROUND IN A LUNCH SACK FOR SOMETHING TO EAT AND WHEN HE LOOKED BACK UP THEY WERE ABOUT TO HIT A TREE TOP THAT HAD FALLEN INTO THE WATER. UPON IMPACT VICTIM 2 WAS THROWN FROM V1 STRIKING HER HEAD ON PART OF THE TREE; HE WAS THROWN INTO THE CONSOLE BREAKING IT FREE FROM V1 AND BREAKING HIS LEG AT THE SAME TIME. HE WAS ABLE TO CALL 911 AND THEY WERE TRANSPORTED TO ST. MICHAEL HOSPITAL (OPERATOR) AND AIR LIFTED TO UAMS IN LITTLE ROCK (PASSENGER).


BARDID: AR-2022-0026
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR STATED HE WAS TRAVELING NORTH WHEN HIS CAT CRAWLED UNDER HIS FEET AND HE BENT DOWN TO PICK IT UP WITH V1 STILL IN MOTION. WHEN HE LOOKED BACK UP V1 CRASHED INTO THE DOCKS LOCATED AT LEDGERWOOD DRIVE, LODGING V1 UNDER THE DOCKS. OPERATOR WAS CITED FOR RECKLESS OPERATION RESULTING IN A COLLISION.


BARDID: AR-2022-0027
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: PRAIRIE CREEK
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was traveling west toward prairie creek marina when the victim fell overboard from the front port side of v1. The operator said he attempted to turn v1 around to find the victim but he wasn't located. Victim wasn't wearing a pfd because he stated "he was the strongest swimmer of everyone on the boat".  Prior to officers arrival on scene, witnesses advised v1 occupants were tossing empty beer cans into the water.  Operator was arrested and taken for a blood draw for toxicology testing.  When victim was recovered blood was also drawn and sent for testing.  Both results are pending.

Update 01-12-23: toxicology results received.  Operator's bac was .073 and victim's toxicology revealed no results or negative for alcohol or drugs.


BARDID: AR-2022-0028
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: AUGUSTA
County: WOODRUFF
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR HAD JUST PURCHASED V1 A WEEK BEFORE THIS ACCIDENT. HE ADVISED THEY WERE TRAVELING SOUTH IN TAYLOR BAY GOING FULL SPEED WHEN HE STRUCK A LOG THAT CAUSED V1 TO VEER RIGHT AND THEN STRIKE A TREE.  OPERATOR WAS THROWN OVER THE CONSOLE (TEARING IT FROM IT'S MOUNT) TO THE FRONT OF V1 WHERE HE THEN STRUCK THE TREE WITH HIS BODY BEFORE LANDING IN THE WATER.  THE PASSENGER REMAINED IN V1 BUT GOT THROWN AROUND RECEIVING ABRASIONS OVER HER BODY. OPERATOR WAS CITED FOR NO BOATER ED.


BARDID: AR-2022-0029
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: COTTER
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OCCUPANTS OF V1 WERE DRIFT FISHING WHEN V1'S STARBOARD STERN DRIFTED INTO A DOCK.  UPON CONTACT THE CURRENT IMMEDIATLY FORCED THE PORT SIDE UNDER WATER CAUSING V1 TO CAPSIZE.  BOTH OCCUPANTS WERE ABLE TO MAKE IT SAFELY TO SHORE. V1 WAS RECOVERED DOWNRIVER BY GOOD SAMARITANS AND PULLED OUT OF THE RIVER. THE 20HP OUTBOARD WAS MISSING AND FIBERGLASS DAMAGE WAS VISIBLE IN MULTIPLE LOCATIONS.


BARDID: AR-2022-0030
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2022-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HEBER SPRINGS
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS STATIONARY APPROX. 50FT OUT FROM HIS DOCK FACING SOUTH. V2 WAS ON PLANE HEADING NORTH. V1 NOTICED V2 APPROACHING AND BEGAN WAVING AND YELLING TO TRY AND GET V2'S ATTENTION. V2 STRUCK V1 BOW TO BOW, OVERRIDING V1 AND CONTINUING TO TRAVEL DOWN THE PORT SIDE OF V1 TO THE STERN.  V2 FLED THE SCENE PRIOR TO OFFICERS ARRIVING.  V1 OPERATOR INITIALLY STATED HE DID NOT KNOW V2; HOWEVER UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION HE CHANGED HIS STORY AND SAID HE DID KNOW THEM; SO OFFICERS MADE CONTACT. DAMAGE WAS DOCUMENTED AND CONSISTENT WITH V1'S STATEMENTS AND V2 OPERATOR WAS CHARGED WITH: FLEEING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT, CAUSING A COLLISION.  V1 OPERATOR WAS CHARGED WITH FALSIFYING INFORMATION AND INTERFERING WITH AN INVESTIGATION.


BARDID: AR-2022-0031
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2022-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: ROYAL
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS HEADING NORTH TOWARD SADDLEBACK ISLAND. OPERATOR STATED HE COULDN'T SEE VERY WELL AND RAN INTO THE ISLAND AT APPROX. 35 - 40 MPH.  OPERATOR INJURED HIS THROAT WHEN HE WAS THROWN INTO THE WINDSHIELD.  PASSENGER WAS INJURED WHEN HE WAS EJECTED ONTO THE ISLAND. THEY SWAM TO THEIR HOUSEBOAT TO CALL FOR HELP AND WERE  TRANSPORTED TO THE BOAT RAMP BY A FRIEND TO AWAITING EMS. V1 HAD MAJOR FIBERGLASS DAMAGE (COMPLETE SEPARATION) TO THE BOW, PORT SIDE, STARBOARD SIDE AND BECAME COMPLETELY SUBMERGED.


BARDID: AR-2022-0032
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: MT IDA
County: MONTGOMERY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
PASSENGERS 3 AND 4 WERE BEING PULLED ON A TUBE WHEN THEY HIT A WAVE AND FLEW UP INTO THE AIR.  WHEN THEY CAME DOWN, THEY BUMPED HEADS AND PASSENGER 4 SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION AND FRACTURED VERTEBRAE.


BARDID: AR-2022-0033
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORFORK
NearestCityorTown: MOUNTAIN HOME
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
PASSENGERS 7, 8, AND 9 WERE JUMPING OFF THE ROCKS AND SWIMMING AT BIG E BLUFF.  WAVES WERE ROUGH DUE TO THE BREEZE AND BOAT TRAFFIC IN THE AREA SO THE OPERATOR PUT V1 IN REVERSE AT IDLE TO HOLD V1 OFF THE ROCKS.  THE VICTIM UNBEKNOWNST TO THE OPERATOR SWAM AROUND TO THE STERN OF V1 TO BOARD THE LADDER BUT WAS STRUCK BY THE PROP.


BARDID: AR-2022-0034
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BULL SHOALS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BULL SHOALS
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS FOLLOWING V2. V2 SLOWED ALMOST TO A STOP.  V1 OPERATOR SAID HE LOOKED AWAY FOR A MINUTE AND WHEN HE TURNED BACK, HE WAS ABOUT TO HIT V2.  V1 ATTEMPTED TO TURN LEFT BUT WAS UNABLE TO AVOID HITTING V2.  V1 STRUCK V2 IN THE REAR CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE MOTOR AND REAR.  V1 TOWED V2 BACK TO THE DOCK.


BARDID: AR-2022-0035
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:11:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V2 WAS DOCKED AT SUNBAY RESORT WITH PASSENGERS 2 AND 3 SITTING ONBOARD; NO OPERATOR.  V1 WAS BACKING UP BEHIND THEM AND STRUCK THE REAR OF V2 CAUSING DAMAGE.


BARDID: AR-2022-0036
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 OPERATOR WAS ATTEMPTING TO DOCK V1 INTO HIS BOAT DOCK BUT WAS UNABLE DUE TO BEING SO DRUNK AND HAD TO MAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS.  DURING ONE ATTEMPT HE RAN V1 INTO THE NEIGHBOR'S DOCK CAUSING DAMAGE TO BOTH V1 AND THE DOCK.  HE EVENTUALLY GOT CLOSE, JUMPED OUT AND RAN INSIDE HIS RESIDENCE LEAVING HIS CHILD ON BOARD.  NEIGHBORS CALLED 911 AND CARED FOR THE CHILD UNTIL OFFICERS AND HER MOTHER ARRIVED ON SCENE.


BARDID: AR-2022-0037
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OUACHITA
NearestCityorTown: ROYAL
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Poor maintenance
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 HAD JUST BEEN FUELED UP BY BRADY MT MARINA.  OPERATOR ATTEMPTED TO START V1 AND AFTER 12 MINUTES OF ATTEMPTING TO START V1, THE OPERATOR WENT TO THE BACK OF V1 TO CHECK THE MOTORS. THE OPERATOR NOTICED FUEL IN THE BOTTOM OF THE HULL AND TURNED TO GO BACK TO THE FRONT OF V1; AT THAT TIME THE FUEL IGNITED AND A FLASH FIRE CAUSED SERIOUS BURNS TO THE OPERATOR.  UPON INVESTIGATION IT WAS REVEALED THAT THE MARINA NOTIFIED THE OPERATOR MONTHS AGO REGARDING LEAKING FUEL IN V1. A COMPANY WAS HIRED BY THE OPERATOR TO REPLACE THE LEAKING FUEL TANK RECENTLY AND IN DOING SO ALSO FAILED TO CONNECT THE VENTILATION HOSE BACK TO THE PETCOCK. THEREFORE, WHILE FUELING GAS WAS SPILLING FROM THE PETCOCK TO THE HULL OF V1. HOWEVER; DUE TO OPERATOR'S INJURIES/MEMORY WE ARE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE EXACT IGNITION SOURCE.


BARDID: AR-2022-0038
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: MOUNTAIN VIEW
County: STONE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
OCCUPANTS PUSHED V1 AWAY FROM THE DOCK BUT V1 BECAME WEDGED BETWEEN THE DOCK AND ANOTHER BOAT IN THE SLIP.  WATER QUICKLY BEGAN COMING OVER THE STERN DUE TO THE RIVER CURRENT, CAUSING V1 TO SINK.  PASSENGERS 2 - 4 WERE ABLE TO CLIMB OUT ON THE DOCK AS V1 WAS SINKING.  THE OPERATOR WAS EJECTED INTO THE WATER AND FLOATED DOWNSTREAM UNTIL SOMEONE THREW HIM A LIFEJACKET AND HE WAS ABLE TO SELF RESCUE.  V1 CONTINUED DOWNRIVER UNTIL IT SANK COMPLETELY.  V1 WASN'T ABLE TO BE RECOVERED BY THE OWNERS UNTIL 07-14-22.  THE MOTOR WAS A TOTAL LOSS.


BARDID: AR-2022-0039
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2022-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORFORK
NearestCityorTown: MOUNTAIN HOME
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
ACCORDING TO V1 OPERATOR, V1 WAS FULLY FUELED AND THEY WERE PREPARING TO GO WATCH THE FIREWORKS ON THE LAKE.  HE STARTED V1 AND WAS WORKING ON GETTING THE STERN LIGHT CONNECTED AND WORKING WHEN THE MOTOR COMPARTMENT EXPLODED, BLOWING THE BACK COVER OFF V1. 

HE ALSO STATED HE WAS "PRETTY SURE" HE TURNED THE BLOWERS ON BUT THIS CANNOT BE CONFIRMED OR DENIED DUE TO THE VESSEL BEING COMPLETELY DESTROYED.  ALL OCCUPANTS WERE ABLE TO DISBOARD WITHOUT INJURY. TWO MEN ON THE NEXT DOCK (DOCK 4); HEARD THE "BOOM" AND RAN OVER AND TRIED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHERS BUT WERE NOT SUCCESSFUL.  THE FIRE QUICKLY SPREAD TO THE DOCK (DOCK 3) AND NEIGHBORING BOATS.  

OF THE 36 SLIPS IN DOCK 3, 29 VESSELS SUFFERED DAMAGE (TOTALED), 6 WERE ABSENT (ON THE LAKE DURING THE FIRE) AND 1 SUFFERED NO APPARENT DAMAGE.  ESTIMATED DAMAGE TO VESSELS IS APPROX. $598,000.  ESTIMATED DAMAGE TO THE DOCK IS $190,000.


BARDID: AR-2022-0040
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HEBER SPRINGS
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
THE PASSENGER/VICTIM HAD JUST FINISHED PUTTING TANNING OIL ON AND WAS WALKING FROM THE SWIM DECK TO THE FRONT OF V1 WHEN THE CHOPPY WATERS CAUSED HER TO LOSE HER BALANCE AND FALL OVER THE STARBOARD GUNWALE. AS SHE FELL, HER RIGHT LEG GOT CAUGHT ON THE CLEAT AND WAS LACERATED.


BARDID: AR-2022-0041
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2022-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:02:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORFORK
NearestCityorTown: MOUNTAIN HOME
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and passenger were fishing in a tournament and were heading back to the weigh-in area. As v1 was traveling west/northwest on lake norfork, v1 collided with the south side of a support column on the hwy 62/412 bridge. 

Operator was ejected into the column and the passenger was also ejected into the column but fell back into v1. According to the victim, they were both looking at v1's gps unit when the impact occurred.  

Toxicology report is pending. 
Update 10-14-2022: autopsy received - cause of death confirmed and no alcohol or drugs present in the system.


BARDID: AR-2022-0042
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORTHFORK RIVER
NearestCityorTown: NORFORK
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR WAS GOING EAST THROUGH SOME RAPIDS WHEN HE STRUCK AND GOT HUNG UP ON SOME LARGE BOULDERS.  V1 QUICKLY SANK BUT THE OCCUPANTS WERE ABLE TO GET OUT AND REACH SHORE SAFELY.


BARDID: AR-2022-0043
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORFORK
NearestCityorTown: HENDERSON
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR STATED THEY WERE ATTEMPTING TO RETURN TO THE MARINA AS A STORM APPROACHED THEIR LOCATION BUT THE STORM INTENSIFIED QUICKLY AND THE WIND AND WAVES CAUSED V1 TO CAPSIZE.  OPERATOR AND OCCUPANT WERE ABLE TO SELF-RESCUE AND RETURN TO THE MARINA ON A PWC THEY WERE TOWING BEHIND V1.  V1 DAMAGE: SEVERAL ALUMINUM SUPPORTS FOR THE BIMINI TOP WERE BROKEN IN HALF, MULTIPLE RAILINGS WERE BENT AND THE BACK SUN DECK WAS RIPPED OFF AND TRAPPED UNDER V1'S MOTOR.


BARDID: AR-2022-0044
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:06:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GILLHAM LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GRANNIS
County: HOWARD
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
VICTIM AND PASSENGER 4 (THE FATHER) WERE BEING TOWED ON A WAKE BOARD WHEN SLACK DEVELOPED IN THE ROPE AND PASSENGER 4 FELL OFF.  THE VICTIM THEN FELL FORWARD INTO THE SLACK ROPE AS THE OPERATOR ACCELERATED.  THE ROPE TIGHTENED AROUND THE VICTIM'S NECK AND PULLED HIM UNDER.  THE OPERATOR STOPPED AND JUMPED IN TO SAVE THE VICTIM.  ONCE ONBOARD V1 THE VICTIM BEGAN VOMITING WATER AND LOST CONSCIOUSNESS.


BARDID: AR-2022-0045
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-08-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ARKANSAS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: GILLETTE
County: ARKANSAS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
WHILE TRAVELING UP RIVER V1 STRUCK A GREEN NAVIGATIONAL BUOY CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE BOW, TROLLING MOTOR AND OUTBOARD MOTOR. OPERATOR STATED HE WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND DID NOT SEE THE BUOY.


BARDID: AR-2022-0046
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-08-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:13:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BLACK RIVER
NearestCityorTown: LYNN
County: LAWRENCE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator and witnesses: the victim was intoxicated and walking up and down the sand bar yelling he was going to walk across the river to get something to eat. V1's operator got the victim into his boat to give him a ride to his vehicle. 

Operator proceeded up river to "show the other friends on the sandbar that he had the victim in his boat".  After he passed the friends, the operator made a u-turn in the river and during the turn the victim fell out of the boat.  

The victim was seated in a swivel seat in the middle of v1. Operator stated he immediately turned around to where he saw bubbles and jumped in to try and find the victim but was unsuccessful.  

Operator had also been drinking and blew a .11 on a pbt but refused all sfst's and bac.  A warrant was issued for a blood draw and results are pending.  Victim was not located until 8/21/22.  The body was sent to the crime lab for autopsy and toxicology testing.

Update 02-14-23: autopsy received on victim.  Autopsy confirmed multiple blunt force trauma (prop wounds to victim's head).  Due to decomposition and missing organs/parts a full toxicology could not be performed.  A piece of his liver did show the presence of beta-phenethylamine (gc-ms).  Operator's warranted blood draw toxicology results - .078 bac.


BARDID: AR-2022-0047
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-08-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREERS FERRY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GREERS FERRY
County: CLEBURNE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF A POSSIBLE BOATING ACCIDENT AT 01:00 BUT THE LOCATION WAS UNKNOWN.  AT 06:00 2 VESSELS (V1 AND V2) WERE LOCATED GROUNDED ON THE SHORELINE NORTH OF SHILOH MARINA.  V1 AND V2 OPERATORS STATED THE OCCUPANT OF V1 HAD GOTTEN ANGRY AND DECIDED TO TRY TO SWIM TO THE MARINA.  THE OCCUPANT WAS FINALLY LOCATED SEVERAL HOURS LATER SAFE.  ALL THREE ADMITTED TO CONSUMING ALCOHOL AND DECIDED TO GO FOR A BOAT RIDE SOMETIME AROUND MIDNIGHT. NONE OF THEM WERE FAMILIAR WITH THE LAKE.  V1 AND V2 WERE TRAVELING SINGLE FILE RUNNING APPROX. 45 MPH WHEN V1 RAN AGROUND AND CAME TO REST APPROX. 120 FEET ONTO THE SHORELINE. V2 OPERATOR STATED HE WAS FOLLOWING V1 BUT REDUCED SPEED WHEN V1 IMPACTED THE SHORE; HOWEVER HE WAS FOLLOWING CLOSELY SO HE ALSO RAN AGROUND BUT CAME TO REST ONLY A FEW FEET UP ON SHORE.


BARDID: AR-2022-0048
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:50:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: OUACHITA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: MALVERN
County: HOT SPRING
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
*WE DIDN'T RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF THIS ACCIDENT UNTIL 08/29/22!  RESPONDING PD NEVER NOTIFIED ANYONE!

INFORMATION GATHERED FROM FAMILY MEMBERS: VICTIM WAS ATTEMPTING TO NEGOTIATE THE RAPIDS AT THE OUACHITA RIVER WHITEWATER PARK.  

FLOW AT THE TIME WAS 4,000 FT/SEC.  VICTIM'S GROUP WAS BELOW RAPIDS WAITING FOR HIM. THEY LOOKED AND NOTICED V1 FLOATING UNOCCUPIED DOWNSTREAM. THEY THEN SAW THE VICTIM CAUGHT IN THE HYDRAULIC CREATED BELOW THE RAPIDS. HE WAS TRYING TO USE HIS PADDLE TO FREE HIMSELF. THEY BEGAN TO PADDLE TOWARD HIM BUT THEN SAW HIM FLOATING FACE DOWN IN THE WATER.  THEY WERE ABLE TO GET HIM TO SHORE AND BEGAN CPR UNTIL EMS ARRIVED.  EMS CONTINUED CPR ENROUTE TO THE HOSPITAL BUT HE WAS PRONOUCED DEAD SHORTLY AFTER ARRIVAL.


BARDID: AR-2022-0049
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-08-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ROGERS
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
V2 OPERATOR STATED THEY WERE ANCHORED JUST OFF THE SHORE FISHING WHEN THEY NOTICED V1 BEGAN TO APPROACH THEM ON THEIR PORT SIDE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THEY TRIED TO GET V1'S ATTENTION BY JUMPING UP AND DOWN WAVING THEIR ARMS AND YELLING BUT WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. 

V1 COLLIDED WITH V2 (GLANCING BLOW). V1'S OPERATOR WAS EJECTED BUT THE OCCUPANT WAS ABLE TO PULL HIM BACK IN THE BOAT WITHOUT INJURY. V1 OPERATOR STATED HE SAW V2'S LIGHTS BUT THOUGHT THEY WERE JUST A BOAT DOCK IN THE DISTANCE.  HE FURTHER STATED HE WAS USING HIS GPS/FISH FINDER TO GUIDE HIM OUT OF THE COVE HE WAS IN; HE WAS JUST FOLLOWING HIS PREVIOUS TRACK.


BARDID: AR-2022-0050
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-08-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:53:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORFORK
NearestCityorTown: MOUNTAIN HOME
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR STATED HE WAS TOWING PASSENGER 5 WHEN THE SKIER FELL.  HE THEN STATED THAT HE MADE A U-TURN TO PICK HIM UP AND AT SOME POINT THE VICTIM FELL OUT OF V1. HE FURTHER STATED HE FELT A SLIGHT BUMP AND THEN SAW THE VICTIM IN THE WATER BLEEDING.  THEY GOT HIM ON BOARD AND CALLED 911.


BARDID: AR-2022-0051
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-08-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GARFIELD
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR FAILED TO NOTIFY ANYONE REGARDING THIS INCIDENT UNTIL HIS INSURANCE COMPANY WANTED A REPORT.  ALL INFORMATION WAS GATHERED AFTER THE FACT AND THE OPERATOR HAD ALREADY TAKEN V1 TO A REPAIR SHOP IN MISSOURI.  ACCORDING TO THE OPERATOR THEY WERE TURNING AROUND IN A COVE WHEN THE LOWER UNIT STRUCK SOMETHING IN THE WATER; SHEARING OFF THE PROP AND CAUSING LOWER UNIT DAMAGE.


BARDID: AR-2022-0052
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-08-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:48:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 CAPSIZED APPROX. 50 YARDS FROM THE BANK. OPERATOR BEGAN SWIMMING WITH V1 TOWARD THE BANK.  A FRIEND IN ANOTHER KAYAK ASKED THE OPERATOR IF HE NEEDED HELP AND THE OPERATOR STATED NO.  THE FRIEND PADDLED TO THE DOCK AND WHEN HE LOOKED BACK, THE OPERATOR/VICTIM WAS FLOATING FACE DOWN.  CPR EFFORTS WERE UNSUCCESSFUL.

UPDATE 10-25-22:  TOXICOLOGY RESULTS RECEIVED - NO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS PRESENT.


BARDID: AR-2022-0053
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2022-08-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORFORK
NearestCityorTown: HENDERSON
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR STATED HE'D BEEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH V1'S MOTOR TRIM SWITCH.  WHILE HE WAS MOVING, HE NOTICED THE ENGINE BEGAN SMOKING AND QUICKLY ERUPTED INTO A FIRE. HE JUMPED OVERBOARD AND WAS PICKED UP BY A NEARBY BOAT.  V1 BURNED TO THE WATERLINE.


BARDID: AR-2022-0054
State: AR
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2022-09-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:27:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SPRINGDALE
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
According to all parties involved: v1 was traveling north and v2 was traveling south.  V1 noticed v2 (although they could not see any legal navigational lights they knew it was a vessel); so v1 turned to the right to avoid v2. 

V2 then turned to the left putting them back on a collision course. V1 then turned to the left and reduced speed but v1 turned back to the right again toward v1.  At this time the vessels collided.  

V1 struck v2 on the starboard side at the driver's console, ejecting both v1 occupants and the operator of v2.  

Upon interview v2's passenger stated "it was not v1's fault they did everything they could to avoid the collision".  

He further stated they (v2) were going approx. 60 mph following a previous gps track.  V2 passenger saw v1 and tried multiple times to get v2's operator to turn to avoid v1's path.  He further stated that he noticed the operator throw his arms up just before the collision.  He confirmed that v2 did not have operational navigation lights but they had clamped a battery operated red/green light onto a sonar bracket at the base of the bow.

Autopsy report on v2 operator and blood testing results from both operators are still pending.

Update 1-12-23: toxicology results received.  V1 operator showed tested for opiates.  V2 operator tested positive for amphetamines, cannabinoids, and methamphetamines.


BARDID: AR-2022-0055
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-09-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ARKANSAS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: NEW BLAINE
County: LOGAN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS TRAVELING SOUTH THROUGH THE NARROWS OF SHOAL BAY WHEN IT ENCOUNTERED ANOTHER VESSEL TRAVELING NORTH. V1 MANEUVERED TO THE RIGHT TO ALLOW THE VESSEL PLENTY OF ROOM TO PASS WHEN A THIRD VESSEL ALSO TRAVELING NORTH ATTEMPTED TO PASS THE SECOND VESSEL THAT WAS ALREADY MEETING V1. V1 PERFORMED AN EVASIVE MANUEVER TO THE RIGHT AGAIN AND STRUCK AN OVERHANGING TREE ON THE STARBOARD SIDE.  V1'S STERN THEN CONTACTED SEVERAL LARGE ROCKS IN THE SHALLOW WATER.  NEITHER OF THE NORTH BOUND VESSELS STOPPED OR WERE IDENTIFIED.


BARDID: AR-2022-0056
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-10-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HAMILTON
NearestCityorTown: HOT SPRINGS
County: GARLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR WAS EAST BOUND ON LAKE HAMILTON WHEN THEY RAN ACROSS A SHALLOW AREA.  V1'S LOWER UNIT WAS RIPPED OFF AND V1 TOOK ON WATER AND PARTIALLY SUBMERGED.  THERE WERE NO INJURIES.


BARDID: AR-2022-0057
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-10-21 00:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: TABLE ROCK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BLUEYE
County: CARROLL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Notification of the accident was by the victim's wife who said the victim left at 06:00 to go fishing that morning and had not returned. At 22:00 she pinged his phone and the location showed as table rock lake.  S&r teams located the victim's boat after midnight and the gps was inspected to determine v1's track. No damage was detected on v1. The victim was not located until 10/28. There was not any trauma detected on the body and the victim was sent to the crime lab for autopsy and toxicology screening.

Update 02/10/23:  crime lab reports received.  Cause of death was drowning and there were no alcohol or drugs present in his system.  It is unknown how the victim came to be in the water but he was not wearing a pfd nor was one found floating anywhere.  There was one in v1 but it obviously was not utilized.


BARDID: AR-2022-0058
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-11-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: MOUNTAIN VIEW
County: STONE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR WAS FISHING WHEN HE DROPPED AN ANCHOR OFF THE BOW OF V1.  WHEN THE ANCHOR LINE PULLED TIGHT, THE LINE BROKE.  OPERATOR STARTED V1 AND DROVE BACK UPRIVER WHERE HIS LINE BROKE AND DROPPED A SECOND ANCHOR OFF THE PORT SIDE OF V1 (DOWNSTREAM SIDE).  WHEN THE ANCHOR LINE PULLED TIGHT, THE CURRENT PUSHED V1 AGAINST THE ANCHOR LINE AND CAPSIZED V1.  OPERATOR WAS ABLE TO GRAB A FLOATING PFD, PUT IT ON AND SWAM/FLOATED TO THE SHORELINE. OPERATOR/VICTIM WAS UNABLE TO GET OUT OF THE WATER BUT WAS FOUND BY ANOTHER FISHERMAN AND WAS PULLED TO SAFETY OUT OF THE WATER. V1 SUSTAINED A BROKEN TROLLING MOTOR AND CRACKED MOTOR COWLING AND WAS RECOVERED BY AGFC.


BARDID: AR-2022-0059
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-11-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: NORFORK
County: BAXTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 OCCUPANTS WERE FISHING WHEN THE OPERATOR TURNED V1 TOO SHARP TO THE RIGHT WHEN TURNING IN THE CURRENT WHICH ALLOWED WATER TO COME OVER THE BACK CORNER OF V1. WATER FILLED V1 QUICKLY SUBMERGING IT AND CAUSING THE MOTOR TO BE RIPPED OFF THE TRANSOM AND LOST IN THE RIVER.  THE OCCUPANTS WERE SAFELY RESCUED BY NEARBY FISHERMAN WITHOUT INCIDENT.


BARDID: AR-2022-0060
State: AR
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-11-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TUNICA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: TUNICA, MS
County: LEE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Overloading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS TRAVELING SOUTH WITH IT'S FRONT LED LIGHT BAR ON AND V2 WAS TRAVELING NORTH WITH IT'S LED LIGHT BAR ON. ACCORDING TO BOTH OPERATORS THEY SAW EACH OTHER AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME BUT THEY BOTH THOUGHT THEY WERE FURTHER AWAY FROM EACH OTHER THAN THEY REALLY WERE. V2 TOOK EVASIVE ACTION FIRST (TURNING RIGHT); HOWEVER, V1 TURNED INTO V2'S PATH AND BOTH VESSELS COLLIDED. V1 CAME TO REST PARTIALLY ON TOP OF V2 BEFORE V2 SUBMERGED. 
UPON INVESTIGATION IT WAS NOTED THAT V1'S CAPACITY PLATE LISTED 3 PERSONS AND 50HP MAX. V1 HAD 4 OCCUPANTS AND A 60HP MOTOR.


BARDID: AT-2014-1000
State: AT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atlantic Ocean
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
A charter vessel that was being used for recreational purposes at the time was involved in a boating accident.  Four people onboard were trolling with up to ten fishing lines in the water at Baltimore Canyon 50 miles from shore.  While moving the vessel, the two propellers became entangled in the lobster trap buoy’s line and the engines ceased.  After putting the engines in neutral, the Captain dove into the water with a knife to unfoul the propellers. He dove twice, the first to free five feet of line.  The second time, the starboard propeller began to turn and move the vessel in reverse.  The Captain suffered propeller strikes to the head, trunk and legs.  He was removed by two cousins and administered CPR for 20 minutes until the victim started foaming in the mouth.  Good Samaritans assisted.

The autopsy revealed trauma and drowning as causes.


