# ReleasableAccidentes

BARDID: KY-2014-0023
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-06-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FARM POND BEHIND 1456 WATKINS
NearestCityorTown: SEBREE
County: WEBSTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 14, 2014 at approximately 5:00pm, subject and found a truck he knew to belong to Victim sitting in his yard.  Subject was familiar with Victim due to Victim being very close friends to his son.  Subject assumed that Victim and his son were fishing in a farm pond located behind the residence and proceeded to walk back to the pond to check on the men.  Upon arrival to the pond, Subject noticed that a red plastic, two man canoe was capsized near some willow trees.  He yelled for the men for several minutes until finally getting into a second boat that was on the bank and rowing over to the capsized boat.  After turning the canoe rightside up he noticed that the front seat was still folded down, indicating that only one person had been in the boat.  Subject returned to his residence and called his son to see if he knew where Victim was.  Son arrived at the scene a few moments later and jumped into the second boat and began probing the bottom of the lake near the willow trees with his oar.  Fearing for his son's safety father ordered his son home.  Father then went to Victim's home to talk to Victim's wife and see if she knew where her husband had gone.  Once she told him that she thought Victim was fishing and getting no response from calling and texts they called 911.  The investigation that followed revealed that Victim could not swim and did not take a personal floatation device with him in the canoe.  Although there were no witnesses to the accident it appears that Victim was fishing in a 12 foot canoe when he lost his balance near a willow tree.  A broken branch was found near the capsized boat indicating he had grabbed it as he fell into the water.  His body was located directly beneath where the boat was found.  A fishing pole was located within arm's reach of the body.


BARDID: KY-2014-0024
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ALBANY
County: CLINTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
MachineryFailure: Fuel
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating a 23.5 ft Rinker Captiva on Dale Hollow Lake near the State Park Marina when the vessel caught fire. According to Operator he had just fueled up the boat @ the Dale Hollow State Park Marina. They traveled south on the lake about 2 tenths mile when the boat seemed to lose power. He stopped the vessel and opened the engine compartment. Upon on opening the engine compartment smoke came out and was also coming out of the bilge. He attempted to get a fire extinguisher out of the storage compartment but it was full of flames. The group was unable to get PFDs, they had to grab something that would float and jump into the water. The boat burnt to the water line and was a total loss. The group was rescued by a good samaritain and took to shore. No one reported being injuried.


BARDID: KY-2014-0025
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: MONTICELLO
County: WAYNE
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: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
I was advised by Officer that a P.W.C. collision had occurred in Beaver Creek and one person was gravely injured. It was reported that C.P.R. was in progress. 

Officer responded to the Beaver Creek Marina where the Victim was being treated by EMS personnel. C.P.R. was in progress when he arrived. Officer learned that two Polaris P.W.C.s had collided and that the victim was struck by the impacting P.W.C. 

The Polaris watercraft were operated by Operator1 and  by his daughter Operator2, onboard  with Operator2 was Victim.  Operator1 reported to Officer that he was operating the impacting P.W.C.. Officer interviewed  Operator1 and afterwards administered field sobriety testing as well as a preliminary breath test. Operator1 passed all testing and test negative for the presence of alcoholic beverage. I arrived on the scene about this time. The Wayne Co EMS was leaving the marina with the victim. The victim was in grave condition and was being transported to the Wayne Co. Hospital. I was briefed as to what had taken place by Officer. I also interviewed Operator1 as well as take photos of the watercraft involved. Officer took Operator1 to the Wayne Co. Hospital to check on the victim and to have blood drawn. Operator1 voluntarily submitted to a blood test. I made arrangements to have Marine Assist remove the P.W.C.s  and take them to their storage facility.
I was notified by Officer after his arrival at the hospital that the Victim had been pronounced dead. Officer interviewed the operator of the second P.W.C. at the hospital as she had accompanied the victim the hospital. 

The following is a summary of what was reported to have occurred by both operators. According to Operator1 he was operating vessel #1, he stated that he was following vessel #2. as they were traveling in a deep cove near Buffalo Ridge. Operator1 on his P.W.C.  was just behind vessel # 2 in close proximity and off to its left rear when he attempted to pass vessel #2 on the left side. As he was attempting to pass vessel#2 vessel #2 made a left turn. Operator1 stated that he struck vessel #2 on the left rear side and also struck the passenger Victim.

Operator2 reported that she and her passenger were traveling in the cove near Buffalo Ridge, that her father was on another P.W.C. and was following her. She stated that she started to make a left turn just as her father Operator1 was attempting to pass. She stated that she saw the other PW.C. at the last minute and cut hard left hard to try to avoid the collision. They were struck in the left rear side by vessel #1 and Victim was knocked off the P.W.C. by the impact.
 
Operator1 jumped into the water and attended to the victim and she went to get help from friends and family on the houseboat as well as call 911. Some of the party they were with had a boat and they came to the scene and took the victim to the marina to meet EMS.
\
According to the Wayne Co. Coroner Forest Hicks preliminary autopsy reports that Victim died from blunt force trauma consistent with being struck by a P.W.C., he also stated the victim had multiple internal injuries as well as broken bones.

At this time  the autopsy report is incomplete as well as toxicology and toxicology from Operator1. Alcohol or intoxicants are not suspected.
Attached to this report are 28 pages of photos.


BARDID: KY-2014-0026
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OHIO RIVER
NearestCityorTown: LAGRANGE
County: OLDHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V2 was moored at his slip at Cardinal Harbour Condominiums on the main bank of the Ohio River when it was struck from the rear by vessel1. This incident occurred in Oldham County, Kentucky. 

V2 owner explained to me that his boat had been hit from the rear while it was moored in his slip and that extensive damage had occured. V2 owner showed me the vessel which by then he had pulled from the water and was sitting on a trailer, he also showed me the slip behind his home. The damage to V2 owner's vessel consisted of a bent bimini top, large scratches and holes to his engine cowling, scratches to his gel coat, a bent starboard rail, and damage to his swim platform.

V2 owner stated that there were two witnesses to the incident, a maintenance man for the complex and his next door nieghbor. Witness #1 stated that he was down by the slips talking on his phone when he looked up and saw a large white boat coming towards the dock. It hit the stern of V2 owner's vessel and backed out a ways. He called loudly to the operator of the vessel to dock in one of the slips so that he could get his information. The operator of the vessel called out on a bull horn his name, phone number, and said he could not park in the slip. The vessel then left.

Witness #2 who lives next door to V2 owner saw the incident from his balcony. He stated that he saw the boat hit V2 owner's boat. He thought the vessel to be a Carver about 27 feet long and White with a black top. He also stated that the vessel appeared to not have anyone at the helm at the time of the incident.

On Wednesday July 30, I spoke with operator1 about the incident. He stated that he and a passenger were on the Ohio river when he went below deck to get a soft drink. Operator1 stated that his vessel was in neutral at this time. When he came back to the helm, he noticed that the wind had blown him close to shore and the boat slips. He put his vessel in reverse but was too late and struck V2 owner's vessel. Operator1 stated that he took pictures and did not think there was too much damage, only a few scratches to the engine cowling. Operator1 stated that he went to Cardinal Harbour looking for V2 owner on Monday July 28, and found the secretary to the complex to whom he gave his insurance information to. 

I spoke with V1 occupant on July 30 about the incident. He stated that both him and Operator1 were below deck having a snack when they noticed out the port hole that they were dangerously close to the docks. Operator1 raced to the controls and turned the engines on to back away, but was too late. V1 occupant also said that he thought they had not done much damage when they left.


BARDID: KY-2014-0027
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND/BEAVER CREEK
NearestCityorTown: MONTICELLO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: person struck by activity equi
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 08-02-2014 at approximately 1900 hrs operator was operating OH 0907 YP in Beaver Creek. Operator was pulling individuals on a ski board from his vessel. Operator had stopped to allow Subject to ski and to allow Victim to come back into the vessel. Once Victim had boarded the vessel her boyfriend was going to throw the ski rope and handle back out to subject. He decided to start swinging the rope and handle like a lasso to throw it back out. The handle then struck Victim in the forehead causing a laceration on her forehead. Shortly after the accident occurred, I was coming through the area headed back to Beaver Creek Marina and the operator motioned and flagged me down. They told me they needed help and they had an injured person on - board. I contacted Post 15 and requested an Ambulance out of Wayne County to be enroute to Beaver Creek Marina. Wayne County EMS arrived and transported Victim to Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital.


BARDID: KY-2014-0028
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: JAMESTOWN
County: RUSSELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
subject was skiing behind a 21ft Ebbtide boat when he made a sharp turn and possibly dislocated his right shoulder. victim was transported from the scene by Jamestown Fire & Rescue and the Russell Co EMS. victim was treated at the Russell Co hospital ER and released.


BARDID: KY-2014-0029
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TAYLORSVILLE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: TAYLORSVILLE
County: SPENCER
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Other
OtherEquipmentFailure: ladder failure
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
The owner of the vessel, his wife & daughter were fishing/swimming @ Taylorsville Lake. The daughter decide to go swimming, as she was getting into the water from a ladder off the back of the boat, the ladder came off the bracket it was attached to resulting in the daughter hitting & severely cutting her upper right thigh. The parents then got back onboard & took her to the marina where she was met by Spencer Co. E.M.S. & transported to University Hospital. Sgt. conducted an interview with the mother & daughter. The daughter was treated & released.


BARDID: KY-2014-0030
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: JAMESTOWN
County: RUSSELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator, he and his wife had left the Lake Cumberland  Raft Up event and were heading back to the Jamestown Marina. Operator stated that just west of Campbell's Landing he hit something in the water or the steering malfunctioned and the boat made a right hand turn. The next thing he remembered is finding himself in the floor of the boat and that the boat had ran aground. He stated that his wife had been ejected and was injured. He was able to summons help and was towed to the Jamestown Marina. Officer  made initial contact with Operator, he observed Operator to be intoxicated. Officer administered field sobriety testing to Operator and he stated he failed all testing and test .216% on a P.B.T.. Officer requested Operator submit to a blood test, initially he gave consent but later withdrew it. Officer arrested Operator for Alcohol Intoxication in Public. I arrived at the marina and assessed the damage the boat had sustained, took photos and interviewed the injured passenger. On Monday the 11th I located the scene where the boat impacted the shore and interviewed Operator.

The area where he ran aground is a fairly straight open area with no known hazards. The damage to the boat is consistent with running aground and striking a tree. Also in the boat were several empty beer cans.


BARDID: KY-2014-0031
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OHIO RIVER
NearestCityorTown: FT THOMAS
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
According to the three males interviewed at the Auquaramp Marina who were traveling southeast on the Ohio River heading for the Riverbend Music Center to see if any boats were anchoring for the Jimmy Buffet concert which was held the next evening. Shortly before they got to the I-275 bridge in Ft. Thomas, the boat hit a wake and tossed all four occupants into the river.  The vessel was submerged and floating upside down.  The lone female passenger swam to the Ohio bank immediately and walked to a business to call 911.  The three males stayed with the boat and did not notice that Female had swam to shore.  Injured victim1 made attempts to swim under the boat to look for Female.  Eventually, the three men swam to the Ohio bank at the Cincinnati water pump station and were picked up by emergency vessels.  All three males refused medical treatment at the scene but Injured victim1 complained of pain in his side.  Two days later Injured victim1 drove himself to Wellington Sports Medicine in Cincinnati and learned he had four broken ribs.  Female was transported that night to a hospital in Cincinnati and apparently received stitches to her forehead.  I have been unable to contact Female but she was interviewed by Cincinnati Police Officer.  Female drew a diagram of where everyone was seated in the vessel and according to the diagram she claimed Injured victim1 was operating the vessel.  I made several calls to Female and left messages but have been unable to talk with her.  I conducted field sobriety tests on oeprator.  Evidence showed him to be under the influence of alcohol.


BARDID: KY-2014-0032
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NOLIN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LEITCHFIELD
County: GRAYSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 27th 2014 operator1 was operating vessel #1 a PWC on Nolin Lake in the area of Rock Creek.  He states he was not paying attention and has very little experience on a PWC.  Operator1 states, as well as all of the witnesses, that Operator1 hit vessel #2 which is a pontoon.  No one was on the pontoon at the time of the collision.  Operator1 was the only person on the PWC at the time of the collision.  No injuries were incurred due to the accident.  All other witnesses were on the dock when the collision happened and none of those incurred any injuries.


BARDID: KY-2014-0033
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-04-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BARREN RIVER
NearestCityorTown: BOWLING GREEN
County: WARREN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Dam/lock
AccidentCause3: Alcohol
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 4/21/14 two people launched the above mentioned boat at the boat landing road boat ramp. The two subjects began slowly downstream toward Greencastle dam fishing. At approximately 1700 hours, Operator1 stated that as they grew closer to the dam they began to turn the vessel around. While doing this Operator1 stated that the prop on the motor struck something underwater causing the motor to malfunction and die. Operator1 began to attempt to restart the motor but was unable to. The two victims and the vessel then proceeded over the dam. Operator1 stated that when he came up to the surface of the water he did not see Victim. There were three PFD's on board the vessel but none were worn. Authorities were notified when Operator1 reached the river bank. Search and Rescue operations then began to search for Victim. Victim's remains were found on 5/2/14 many miles downstream at the Rochester Dam.


BARDID: KY-2014-0034
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-08-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: MONTICELLO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
While operating a motorboat in the Buffalo Ridge area of Lake Cumberland in Wayne County subject  began turning the vessel he was operating to go back to Beaver Creek Marina.  While making the turn the operator did not make a sharp enough turn which resulted in the vessel striking a portion of a submerged point.  After the vessel struck the underwater area of the point the vessel then ran aground onto the area of the point that came out of the water.  As the vessel grounded all occupants were thrown from the vessel into the water.  The vessel came to rest on its port side on the shoreline where it nearly  entered the waterway.  The hull of the vessel sustained considerable damage including a large hole knocked completely through the fiberglass roughly two feet square.  The hull was also damaged from the point of first impact with the submerged point roughly ten feet consisting of deep scratching through the fiberglass and gel coat.  The lower unit/prop had also made contact with the rocky bank with the prop being damaged beyond repair.  

As the vessel made the turn into the shoreline after striking the point the operator was thrown through the windshield before making it into the water.   Upon my arrival numerous alcoholic beverage containers were present in and around the vessel.  The subject who claimed to be operating the vessel was administered several sobriety tests and showed multiple clues on each of them.  A passing vessel had called the grounding in and reported all persons present had appeared intoxicated to them as well.  My arrival was a considerable time after the grounding however the operator was to me to impaired to have been operating a vessel at that time.  All of the other occupants had also been consuming alcoholic beverages however none were what I deemed to be Intoxicated.  No occupant had been wearing pfds at the time of the accident.  

All had been picked up prior to my arrival by a passing vessel and were on board it when I arrived.  Marine Assist Salvage and Towing Service was notified and recovered the vessel later in the morning.  Charges are pending related to the Operating a Vessel Under the Influence of Alcohol as a criminal summons was obtained for the operator and was served to him on 08/31/14.  He could not be arrested on scene as he had not been observed operating the vessel.  

Most of the occupants on the vessel received minor  cuts and bruises from being ejected but declined medical attention other than first aid measures.  I followed up with the occupants on the evening after the accident and reviewed their statements of what happened and was told the same by all occupants as well as the operator regarding striking the submerged point before the ejections and grounding.  None of the three occupants riding in the bow  seating area of the vessel were serving as lookout.  Had the operator been paying closer attention to  the area and not consumed as many alcoholic beverages throughout the evening his reaction time would have been faster and he may have been able to see and avoid the shoreline by a greater distance.


BARDID: KY-2014-0035
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BARKLEY
NearestCityorTown: KUTTAWA
County: LYON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 8/1/14 at approximately 1300, Operator and her two friends were riding on a Seadoo Jet Ski just outside the break wall at Kuttawa Harbor. Operator, who does have her Boater Education Certificate (BE7905), was operating the jet ski traveling at 30-40 mph at time of accident. The three friends had just passed a "large boat" and thought they were clear of the larger vessel's wake when they hit an unexpected wave. Operator lost control of the jet ski and all 3 occupants were thrown into the water. Operator caught the inside of her left thigh on a broken piece of plastic just in front of the port mirror causing a serious laceration requiring 32 stitches. Her left foot was also scraped badly. All three occupants were wearing type 3 pfd's and managed to climb back onto jet ski where one of the friends motored back to the fueling dock at HU-B's Marina where an ambulance was called. The damage on the jet ski which caused the injury was already there when they went to the lake for the day.


BARDID: KY-2014-0036
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-09-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREEN RIVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CAMPBELLSVILLE
County: TAYLOR
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
A 26 year old male that had broken his leg while wakeboarding. Victim was in the water with a life jacket on, but could not get back into the boat.

   According to witness statements, operator of Campbellsville was operating a 1995, 20 foot, blue and tan Bayliner and towing Victim, who was attempting to wakeboard for the first time. Witnesses stated that they were in the first big cove on the right, past the State Park on Green River Lake, traveling towards Green River Marina. Witnesses also stated that Victim attempted to bring the wakeboard on plane 3 or 4 times, but was unable to do so. After his last failed attempt the passengers on the boat realized Victim was in pain, and when they got close to him he was screaming that he had broken his leg. According to witnesses the pressure from the water while being towed caused Victim’s right femur to fracture.  Victim was unable to get back into the boat so a passenger on the boat called 911.  The injured subjects girlfriend got into the water and stayed with Victim until emergency responders were on scene.

 * On 09/30/2014 victim had surgery at UK Hospital on his right femur due to a fracture suffered


BARDID: KY-2014-0037
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BARKLEY
NearestCityorTown: KUTTAWA
County: LYON
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 was operating vessel in channel on Lake Barkley during a severe wind storm when waves crashed over the bow of vessel. Operator1 turned on his bilge pump but was unable to pump water out faster than the waves were coming over. Vessel finally submerged and pontoon vessel was able to retrieve all 3 subjects and take them to shore. 2 adults were not wearing PFD at the time. 3 year old male was wearing PFD. Operator1 did not dial 911 or report accident. Rescue, EMS, and LE were on scene for 4 hours before Operator1 showed back up to shoreline. We pulled Operator1 vessel to a secluded section of bay out of way of other vessel traffic for him to retrieve next date.


BARDID: KY-2014-0038
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-09-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OHIO RIVER
NearestCityorTown: CASEYVILLE
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: bilge pump
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 stated that his vessel was not running on plane at full throttle.  Operator1 stopped his vessel and it began to take on water. Operator1 believed his bulge pump was not working because his vessel was filling up with water.  They Operator1 and his wife were able to wave another boater and were rescued and taken to Caseyville boat ramp.  Operator1 stated that as soon as they got off the boat it turned over and capsized somewhere between the Mouth of Tradewater River and Caseyville. Crittenden County Rescue and I were able to find the boat and tie it to the bank below the Mouth of Tradewater River.  I will be in contact will Operator1 for him to retrieve his boat.


BARDID: KY-2014-0039
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FARM POND
NearestCityorTown: COLUMBIA
County: ADAIR
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 1, 2014 at 17:50 hours, Adair County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched for an unresponsive male.  Deputy located a Hispanic male lying by a pond that was located behind the residence.  Deputy started CPR and continued until Adair County EMS arrived.  Victim was taken to Russell County Hospital and later flown to University of Kentucky Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead on September 2, 2014 at 01:07 hours.  Witnesses told Deputy that Victim was intoxicated, and he had fallen from a small boat in the pond.  Witnesses lost sight of Victim for three to five minutes.  A witness went into the pond, located Victim, and pulled Victim up on the pond bank.   Subject is the boat owner as well as the owner of the pond.  

On September 3, 2014 at 07:00 hours, I was notified of this drowning incident by Sgt..  Upon notification, I proceeded to retrieve the vessel, a kayak, and took photos of the pond, incident scene, and photos of the vessel that Victim fell from.   After leaving the scene, I proceeded to Moore’s Garage.  There I interviewed Subject, and he told me the same statement as recorded by Deputy.   Subject again stated that he had seen Victim fall out of the vessel and into the pond, and that he then dove into the pond, retrieved Victim, and laid Victim on the pond bank.  At that time, Subject began first aid and called 911.  Subject stated that Victim did have a pulse after he pulled him from the water.  

On September 4, 2014 at 10:30 hours, I traveled in an attempt to locate other witnesses.  No witnesses were found at this address.   On this same date at 21:00 hours, I talked to Deputy, and he advised that he did not have any other witnesses, names, or statements.

On September 8, 2014 at 20:36 hours, I interviewed Subject for the second time.  He stated that he had assumed that Victim had fallen from the vessel.  However, he had not actually seen Victim fall from the vessel.  Subject stated he had seen Victim operating the vessel using a home made paddle.  Subject turned around, saw the vessel was upside down in the pond, and Victim was not in sight.  Subject dove into the pond and pulled Victim up on the pond bank.  Subject stated that Victim was the only person in the pond, prior to Victim falling in the water.  

On September 9, 2014 at 16:00 hours, I went to try for a second time to locate any other witnesses.  I was unable to locate any other witnesses.  As of this date, Deputy has no other witnesses either.  

Based on my investigation and statements from Deputy   (Fayette County Coroner’s Office), and Subject it was determined that Victim was acutely intoxicated.    Also, no personal floatation device was in the boat nor was one available for Victim.  According to Fayette County Coroner’s Office, no autopsy was performed, and no foul play is suspected.

NOTE:  Subject spoke very limited English, which created a language barrier.


BARDID: KY-2014-0040
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-09-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:37:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAUREL RIVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CORBIN
County: WHITLEY
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sept 14 2014, operator was operating his boat on Laurel Lake when Occupant1 stood up and subsequently fell on Operator. This caused Operator to lose control of the vessel and run into the bank causing injury to Operator, Occupant1 and two others. 

As Operator was navigating the turns past the Primitive Campgrounds, Occupant1 stood up from the Passenger front seat. Occupant1 was advised by multiple persons onboard the boat to sit back down. Quickly after standing up Occupant1 lost his balance and fell into the helm of the vessel. 

When Occupant1 fell into the helm, and Operator realized he was unable to navigate his vessel, he pulled the Kill Switch Lanyard that he had attached to his wrist. 

Occupant2 was seated on the rear bench directly behind Operator with her feet on the back of the drivers chair,  and Occupant3 was seated on the rear bench behind the passenger chair.  Immediately before impact Occupant3 attempted to use her body to shield Occupant2. 

Upon Impact with the bank, Occupant1 suffered injury resulting from impact with the Helm.  Occupant2 suffered injury from impact with chair in front of her then from striking the rear sun deck of the boat upon recoil impact.  The driver chair was removed and thrown onto the bank by the occupants of the vessel in order to remove occupant2 from the vessel. 

At BRMC, Operator consented to a chemical test of his blood.  Alcohol results were .125.


BARDID: KY-2014-0041
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-10-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:41:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CALVERT CITY
County: MARSHALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was attempting to replace drain plug in transom while on plane with nobody at the controls. Operator stated he felt vessel make a right turn. Operator stated vessel struck a steep rock bank and came to rest at a near vertical position some 6 feet out of the water. Operator claimed no injury verbally and in writing.


BARDID: KY-2014-0042
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-10-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 03:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OHIO RIVER
NearestCityorTown: MAYSVILLE
County: MASON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Subjects launched their boat from the Aberdeen, Ohio  boat ramp. They came to the Maysville, Kentucky side  of the Ohio River and put out jug lines. They tied off to the ice breakers below the Simon Kenton Bridge  to fish. They fell asleep and their boat began to take on water. They awoke at approximately 0300 and their transom was below the water. They put on life jackets and swam to the Kentucky shore. They walked across the Simon Kenton Bridge to Aberdeen, Ohio and retrieved their truck and trailer. They drove themselves to the  Adams County (Ohio) Regional Medical Center where they were treated and released for hypothermia.  They went home without notifying any authorities of their accident or that their boat was abandoned in the river. At 0850 a vehicle crossing the Simon Kenton Bridge noticed a capsized boat and contacted Maysville Dispatch.


BARDID: KY-2014-0043
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-09-27 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LEVISA FORK OF THE BIG SANDY R
NearestCityorTown: BETSY LAYNE
County: FLOYD
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 9/27/14 at 17:42hrs initial incoming call came into Post 9 (Pikeville) reference missing person involving kayaking on the Levisa FK of the Big Sandy River. 

Trooper advised that Victim had been dropped off behind Deskins Motors with four friends to kayak the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River. Victim's son was the one who dropped them off. The four friends advised that they had stopped at the Pike / Floyd County line on a sand bar off the river to take a break. Victim told them he was going home and continuing down stream without them. They also advised that he had drank six to eight beers up until this point. They also advised that he could not swim, was not wearing a PFD and did not have a PFD onboard. The four friends came upon Victim's kayak, upside down and lodged on the bank of the river. I only spoke with three of the four friends. This location is behind Betsy Layne Elementary (Floyd Co) and a couple hundred yards from the Justell Bridge.  The orr was found just below the kayak. On 9/28/14 at 1310hrs I arrived at the scene of the recovered body. Victim's body was under three foot of water caught by a tree snag perpendicular to the river bank .Victim’s daughters advised me that Victim drank alcohol regulary, smoked heavily, had recently had heart surgery, could not swim, never wore a PFD and never had a PFD onboard. They also advised that he had thirty plus years kayaking the river. I spoke with the Medical Examiner's office in Frankfort, Dr advised me that the cause of death was drowning with no signs of trauma. Toxicology report is still pending.


BARDID: KY-2014-0045
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-10-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CEDAR CREEK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: STANFORD
County: LINCOLN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On October 29, 2014 around 12:20PM I, KDFWR Conservation Officer was dispatched to Cedar Creek Lake in the area of the beach near boat ramp #1 for someone who had fallen in the lake and that CPR was being performed on this person.  

Upon arrival, myself nor EMS could not locate the victim.  Another call came in that they were in a cove somewhere on the lake.  That is when myself and (Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Creel Surveyor for Cedar Creek) and unit L967 from the Lincoln County Fire Department got in the boat and started checking each cove to try and find them.  About 1/4 way up the lake we were able to find them in a cove that goes around behind the island by the old 150 Highway.  We then saw the caller and he was able to direct us to where the victim's were located. 

When we arrived on scene the victims daughter advised that her father had been unconscious for about 20 minutes and that she and subject had already tried CPR.  I checked for a pulse, but couldn't find one. A short time later an EMT arrived on scene and also checked for a pulse, and he was not able to find one either.
     
Operator advised that she and her father had rented a canoe earlier in the day from the owner of Leaky Canoe in Crab Orchard Kentucky.  She advised they were in the canoe together talking, and that she was not sure what made the canoe suddenly  capsize.  She believed that Victim may have been getting ready to make a cast with his reel to fish.  She advised once they were in the water that they attempted to turn the canoe back over and could not. They then started yelling for help and  a fisherman from across the lake that had heard their calls for help, came to assist.  She also stated that she had asked her father  at one point if he was "Okay" and he answered "Yes."  Operator advised sometime during Subject coming to their aid that her father had become unconscious. Operator advised that her father had trouble keeping his head out of the water due to his arthritis in his neck and spine.
 
Subject advised that when he initially got to them that Victim was unconscious and he immediately grabbed onto Victim by his PFD.

Subject and Operator tried to pull Victim into Subjects boat but were unable to lift him into the boat.  They then decided to try and tow her and her father to shore with the trolling motor on his boat.  Once on shore Subject and Operator did CPR on Victim and could not get any vitals signs from the victim.  Subject then drove his boat out of the cove onto the main part of the lake so he could signal first responders to where the Victim and Operator were located.

The canoe was recovered and returned to the owner.  Numerous items from the canoe were also recovered belonging to the victim and Operator.  She advised that the only thing she can think of that was not recovered was her purse and some fishing equipment.

Lincoln County Deputy Coroner investigation and report determined that the cause of death was Accidental Drowning.  His report also listed Positional Asphyxiation, Crippling  Arthritis and Ischemic Heart Disease as significant conditions contributing to his death. 

Both Operator and Victim were wearing a personal flotation devices (PFD) at the time of the accident.

The Use of Intoxicants by Victim and Operator is not suspected and no suspicious activity was suspected by Operator.


BARDID: KY-2014-0046
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: MONTICELLO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
I responded to a boating accident in White Oak Creek on Lake Cumberland on June 28, 2014 at approximately 2054 hours. I met Wayne Co. EMS at the Conley Bottom Marina and transported them to the scene. Upon arrival to the accident location I observed victim laying in the water complaining of extreme back pain and shortness of breathe. A group of bystanders were crowded around Victim while she was in the water supporting her neck and back.  Wayne Co. EMS prepped Victim at the scene and we transported her back to the Conley Bottom Marina. Victim was airlifted by helicopter from the Conley Bottom Marina to the University of Kentucky Medical Center.

At this time it is unknown who the operator of the vessel was or what vessel was involved. From what little information I was able to obtain on scene, it appears that Victim attended a wedding on a houseboat with many people she didn't know.  She asked someone to take her for a ride on a PWC.  While in White Oak Creek the unknown operator made a sharp turn with speed and threw Victim off. She landed oddly in the water which caused the injury.

She was extremely intoxicated and the members in her party were extremely intoxicated. No one that I interviewed stated that they saw the accident or knew who was operating the vessel.


BARDID: KY-2014-1000
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-09-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:18:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ohio River
NearestCityorTown: Cincinnati
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with commercial vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
USCG entered report:  Received notification of two persons who were recovered deceased from blunt force trauma with object after veering in front of a commercial vessel towing barges.  The recreational vessel initially struck the towing vessel on the forward port barge and became wedged on the towing vessel’s starboard barge.  After the vessels were separated, the recreational vessel began to take on water.

Alcohol was involved on the recreational vessel; the operator had a .178 BAC and the occupant a .158.

Excessive speed on the part of the recreational vessel was also at fault.  Video images capture the vessel traveling at a greater speed than wake in an area with a no wake speed during sunset to sunrise.

Operator of towing vessel (Vessel1) had over 30 years experience as a Master.  He had been on this particular towing vessel for two months.  

The towing vessel had operational navigation lights.  Recreational boaters have frequently complained about the difficulty distinguishing barge lights from background shore lights.


BARDID: KY-2015-0001
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-03-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREEN RIVER
NearestCityorTown: CAMPBELLSVILLE
County: TAYLOR
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at 11:29 Eastern Standard Time (EST), I received a call from KSP dispatch of a possible drowning in Green River around the 8 mile river marker. I arrived at the boat ramp below the spillway at 11:32 EST. I ran tag number KY 540-MCG, which was in the ramp parking lot, and it came back to a white Ford registered to subject. I then responded to the Roachville Ford area of Green River, where Taylor County Rescue was unloading their rescue boats to search for the reported victim, at 11:44 EST. I was told to proceed to a bottom field on the river, on Tucker Road, where Taylor County Rescue (T.C.R.) member was with one of the persons involved in the incident. I arrived on Tucker Road location at 13:06 EST. 
 
I was advised that his personnel had picked up Subject, who had paddled his canoe to the river shore and was sitting on the bank. T.C.R. brought Subject across the river to where I met them. Subject’s 16’ canoe was left sitting on the river bank, where they had found him (Coordinates: 37 13’ 19.84” N -85 23’55.55’ W). Subject was dry and visibly shook up. Subject started having chest pains and took Nitroglycerin pills for the pain he was having. Before T.C.R. transported Subject to the awaiting ambulance, they asked that I pat down Subject for weapons. With Subject’s permission, I did a thorough search of his person. Subject was transported to Taylor County Hospital, where he was treated. During this time, KSP Post 15, advised me that Subject had an arrest warrant from Metcalfe County; for possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana less than 8 oz. 
 
I arrived at Taylor County Hospital at 14:40 EST, where I interviewed Subject, while he was in exam room. Subject asked that I write out his statement for him because he was shaking too bad to do so. 
Subject stated that he and Victim, his friend, whom he didn’t remember his last name, met at Subject’s house around 08:00 EST on 3-25-15. Subject stated after having breakfast they left Victim’ truck, a white Toyota, by Green River at an access point by the Armory, which is below the Fairgrounds in Greensburg. Victim got into the car with Subject and they proceeded to Taylor County where they launched two canoes, both belonging to Subject, in the river at the ramp access below the dam. Subject stated they started their trip down river around 10:00 EST. 
 
Subject said they had gotten to approximately river mile marker 8 when he looked back up river and saw Victim was out of his canoe. Victim’ canoe was a 15’9, Blue Hole canoe, red in color. Subject stated that he started trying to paddle up stream to Victim. Subject stated he was around 100 yards ahead of Victim when he observed Victim was in the water, hanging on to the canoe. Subject said he saw Victim, while still holding on to the canoe, hit a log, that was overhanging the river. Victim and the canoe went under the water. Then, both Victim and the canoe resurfaced. After Victim and the canoe resurfaced, Victim got separated from his canoe. Victim went under a second time, came back up, went under a third time, and came up again. Victim stayed above water a few seconds this time, while still trying to swim. Subject stated Victim went under a fourth time and did not resurface again. Subject stated he was around 6 feet from Victim, when Victim went under the water the last time. Subject stated that Victim had a life jacket in his canoe, but he was not wearing it. The estimated location of the incident is coordinates: 37 13’21.85” N-85 23’22.89” W. 
 
Subject said he then paddled his canoe, a 16’ Bell canoe, Tan in color, to the river bank and called 911. Taylor County 911 received his call at 11:18 EST. Subject remained at this location until he was picked up by T.C.R. personnel. Subject stated that he and Victim had used these canoes around 10 times since January of this year, and had around 30 hours of water travel in these same canoes. 

Later this same date, while T.C.R. wa


BARDID: KY-2015-0003
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-04-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: DRAFFENVILLE
County: MARSHALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Seat broke loose
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated he was fishing with victim Granville Victim at Sled Creek . Operator stated at the time of the incident, he (Operator ) was in the front of the boat facing away from Victim, and that he suddenly, and without any warning, heard Victim yell "Help (name)"! Operator stated he turned in time to see Victim entering the water, and making initial contact on his back. Operator stated Victim was not wearing a life jacket. Operator stated he went to the back of the boat and picked up a life jacket, then turned to see one of Victim' hands out of the water. Operator stated he tossed the PFD toward Victim' hand, but the hand went below the surface without taking the PFD. Operator stated he did not see Victim again. Operator stated he looked where Victim was sitting and noticed the seat was broken.
 
Marshall County Deputy Coroner stated Victim' body was recovered by divers and released to Milner and Orr Funeral Home. Coroner stated there was no need for an autopsy after his (Coroner's) interview with Operator, and that he (Coroner) determined cause of death to be heart attack.
 
Victim' boat was located the next day in Lovelaceville, KY. Operator stated he brought the boat to a shop owned by Victim' business partner at the request of Victim' wife. Examination of the boat revealed what appeared to be failure of the pedestal seat that, according to Operator, Victim was sitting in. Officers found the solid base that bolts into the bottom of the seat was separated from the seat. Further examination revealed that the bolt holes in the bottom of the seat appeared to be stripped out. Four bolts that are suspected to have been used to attach the seat to the base were located in the immediate area of the bottom of the boat. Victim' body and personal items were examined and photographed at Milner and Orr Funeral Home in Bardwell, KY. The body had been embalmed prior to our arrival. No obvious signs of foul play were observed. 

 


BARDID: KY-2015-0004
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2015-03-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GUIST CREEK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SHELBYVILLE
County: SHELBY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was fishing on Guist Creek Lake when he noticed water filling the rear of his boat.  Operator stated that he then started his boat and was heading back to the marina. After Operator had gotten a short distance the rear of his boat filled with water and caused his boat to sink. Operator was wearing his PFD at the time of the accident Operator was picked up by another fisherman that was nearby. Operator told this officer that he did not know much about the boat or boating this was his second time out with this boat.


BARDID: KY-2015-0005
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2015-05-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAUREL LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LONDON
County: LAUREL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating his 1985 Baja on Laurel Lake when he collided with the bank causing severe injury to Victim2 and fatal injury to Victim1.

Shortly after leaving Grove Marina while navigating the turn around the Grove Boat In campground, Operator struck the bank near the Flatwoods Boat ramp.

Operator was operating the vessel from the helm, Victim1 was seated in the front passenger seat, Victim2 was seated in the rear passenger side of the vessel.

Operator stated that he remembered turning in the area of the campground but did not remember the accident. He suffered injury to the chest and face as a result of striking the steering wheel and helm.

Victim2 stated he was rinsing off a mirror in the spray from the vessel, and did not know what happened before impact. He suffered injury to the right arm, stomach and left leg.
 
Victim1 was pronounced dead on scene by the Laurel Co coroner, as a result of fractured cervical vertebrae upon impact.

PFD Wear Unknown, and not a factor.

Wallen's towing secured the vessel and trailer. Sgt responded to the scene at the time of the accident. Ofc was not on scene until all involved persons had left.

Officer interviewed both subjects at UK Hospital. The operator consented to a blood test, and admitted to using Marijuana. Operator chemical blood test at UK ER, and was found to have 11-Nor-Carboxy THC in his blood. Alcohol was not present.

 
 


BARDID: KY-2015-0006
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2015-05-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NOLIN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BROWNSVILLE
County: EDMONSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject had filled the boat with fuel at a gas station up the road and went to Nolin Lake to put on the water. Pulled the boat off the trailer into the water, and the boat would not go forward. Subject opened the motor hatch to check a linkage, and when he opened the compartment the engine ignited into flames. The explosion threw him into the water, he was unable to swim back to the boat and try to put out the flames. Subject was burnt on his hands, legs, and face, he went to the ER by ambulance, and released the same day.  The vessel was a complete loss. Subject stated that he had lifejacket (which were Sterns) and all safety equipment, but due to the damage of the vessel no safety items were found.
 
 


BARDID: KY-2015-0007
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-05-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREEN RIVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CAMPBELLSVILLE
County: TAYLOR
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 05/24/2015 at approximately 15:23 hours, I received a phone call from one of the Green River Lake Corps Officers about a possible boat accident.  After the phone call, I contacted Taylor County Dispatch and EMS by phone and was notified that a 44 year old had been injured while attempting to wakeboard on Green River Lake. 
 
  According to EMS reports, a call came in at 19:00 hours on 05/23/2015, reporting that a subject had possibly broken his right leg. EMS arrived at Smith Ridge Boat Ramp at 19:11. Once on scene, EMS crew removed Victim from the boat and placed him on a stretcher, before transporting him to Taylor County Regional Hospital. Victim arrived at Taylor County Regional Hospital at 19:54, and due to the amount of swelling in his leg he was flown on to the University of Louisville at 23:17 by Air Evac. While at the University of Louisville Victim underwent surgery to repair a broken right femur.
 According to witness statements, on 05/23/2015 at approximately 18:55, Victim broke his right femur while attempting to wakeboard on Green River Lake.  More specifically Victim was attempting to wakeboard behind the boat at approximate GPS Location N37 16' 44.96” W85 18' 12.93. Witnesses stated that Operator was driving his red and white Mastercraft runabout boat on Green River Lake, heading southwest towards the “cut through”, when the incident occurred. 
 
  The boat was also occupied by two other occupants. According to the statements of these individuals Victim was learning to wakeboard for the first time, and had attempted to get up on the board somewhere between 5 to 7 times, but was unable to get up on plane. According to Victim' statement, on his last attempt to get up on plane his right leg twisted under the water and broke because of the water pressure. 
 
 According to witness statements after Victim had broken his leg, and while still in the water, Victim began to wave his arms to signal that something was wrong.  After the stress signal was recognized, Operator entered the water while occupant took control of the boat.  Operator then pulled Victim up to the boat and assisted him in removing the green and white wakeboard that was still attached to Victim' feet. After removing the wakeboard, Operator then pulled Victim up onto the swim deck of the same boat. At this point the witnesses stated they knew Victim' leg was broken and occupant immediately called 911. Operator then took back over operation of the boat and idled the boat to Smith's Ridge Boat Dock where EMS was waiting.

*CAD Incident: 2015-00007144
*All times are Eastern Daylight Time.
* Witnesses ,including Victim himself, stated that Victim had drunk a couple of beers that day; however it is unknown if alcohol was a contributing factor.

 


BARDID: KY-2015-0008
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-05-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BARKLEY
NearestCityorTown: CADIZ
County: TRIGG
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to witness statements they observed the younger subject in the water trying to hold something or someone up assuming it was the older subject.  The witnesses stated they heard him yell help and they started to head his direction to assist him but when they got in the area both subjects had went under and did not resurface.  A bank fisherman called 911 when officer and myself arrived divers from forest service were in the water diving to retrieve the bodies thanks to the help of a local fisherman who was running his sidescan sonar unit and marked the bodies.  Both bodies were recovered in the area they were last seen shortly after we arrived and released to the Trigg county coroners office.  Christian county was notified and did the next of kin notification they were able to identify the younger victim.  Toxicology and the coroners report will be provided in a supplemental as soon as they are available.
*****The boat was not capsized and there were no apparent objects in the immediate area to suggest that vessel struck something.  Based on one witness statement, there were two distinct splashes heard.  Based on this, is seems plausible that one subject fell from the boat (possibly due to wake) and the other occupant voluntarily left the vessel to render aid.  The boat drifted from them and both drown.  These are speculations based on witness statements after both subjects were seen in the water.

 


BARDID: KY-2015-0009
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY RIVER
NearestCityorTown: HARRODSBURG
County: MERCER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 24 2015, victim drowned in KY River at approx. 1800. Mercer SO Chief Deputy was dispatched at 1814. Fish and Wildlife was dispatched at 1959. 

Upon arriving on scene at 2011, Search and Rescue was set up on Palasaides Ramp and Command post was set up on Brooklyn Bridge (Hwy. 68). I immediately learned from officer what had happened and who was involved. 

The victim was the only other person involved and was the owner and operator of the 1994 Bombardier, GTX Waverunner, KY-0120-NF. (Written statement attached) 

Operator was driving his waverunner from the Palasaides ramp, down stream, with Victim as his passenger. When Operator got just passed Brooklyn Bridge, approx 2000', he realized Victim was missing. Victim was found on May 27, 2015, approx. 300' downstream of the ramp. 

Neither subject was wearing a PFD. From the toxicology report Victim's BAC was .151 and also tested positive for amphetamines.           

 


BARDID: KY-2015-0010
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NOLIN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BROWNSVILLE
County: EDMONDON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was kayaking on Nolin Lake on the evening of Sunday June 7th  2015. He was wearing a PFD and was kayaking in a Prodigy 10.00 Perception Kayak.  According to Victim's mother, who witnessed the incident, a passing boats wake rolled him over in the kayak (the State listed hazardous waters as the cause).  Victim's PFD performed as it was designed but he surfaced face down.  The two who were operating a pontoon boat (KY 0550 UK), pulled Victim out of the water and proceeded to give him rescue breaths and CPR. The subjects transported Victim to Moutardier Marina where professional rescuers continued to try and save his life. They stopped when he was pronounced dead on the scene by the Edmonson County Coroner at 17:15:13 HRS.
 
The postmortem examination was performed by the state medical examiner. Her opinion is "Death in this 33-year-old white male, is attributed to drowning while kayaking on Nolin Lake" and  Victim had a "Left temporoparietal subgaleal hemorrhage without evidence of intracranial injury. 2.  Finding consistent with recent diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. Toxicology reports showed no ethanol. Toxicology tests only showed Gabapentin which is a prescription drug taken for Multiple Sclerosis. 
 
 



 


BARDID: KY-2015-0011
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-06-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:02:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TAYLORSVILLE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: TAYLORSVILLE
County: SPENCER
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject is the owner operator of the 2005 Master Craft Ski Boat. The boat is Black and Red in color with a inboard/ Outboard motor. Victim is the victim with a broken Femur. Operator was operating the vessel on Taylorsville lake about a half mile north of the Chowning Boat Ramp. He was pulling Victim on a wake board. While pulling him they said that they heard Victim scream as if he was in pain and fall into the water. When we received the call from KSP Dispatch we were told this happened just outside the Settlers Trace Boat Dock. Officer was enroute to settlers trace. When arriving by boat to settlers trace we could not locate the boat anywhere. We then loaded two EMT onboard our vessel and headed back up the main channel to locate the vessel. We located them around Little Beach Creek and loaded victim on a back board and onto our vessel. We then took him to the Settlers Trace ramp where the rest of the EMS was waiting to transport. Once we arrived at the ramp we off loaded him on to a stretcher and into the ambulance. He was transported to University of Louisville Hospital.  After interviewing the passengers on the vessel they explained to me that when coming out of the water on the wakeboard Victim had the front tip of the wakeboard dip below the surface of the water which caused torque on his leg, breaking his right femur about midway between his hip and his knee. 

 
 


BARDID: KY-2015-0019
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:19:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ALBANY
County: CLINTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/18/2015, at approximately 17:35, KSP dispatch took a call from Clinton County dispatch stating that two wave-runners had hit head on at Dale Hollow Lake and that EMS was at Wisdom Dock picking up one of the injured.  I was notified at approximately 18:30, by KSP dispatch, to be enroute to work the accident by authority of Sgt..   
 
At approximately 19:45 I was notified by Clinton county EMS staff that the injured person was 43 year old. EMS staff stated that Victim had severe lacerations to the head just over his left eye, his right ankle, and possible broken bones in his right leg. The EMS crew was also able to give me some contact information for the injured party. 
 
Operator2 stated that she was the operator of one of the jet skis involved in the accident and that she was not injured. She also stated that she and Operator1 were on Dale Hollow Lake, in Kentucky waters, operating 2 separate jet skis in a cove when the accident occurred. While speaking with Operator2 she agreed to meet with me the following morning to give me a written statement. After the phone conversation Officer and I cleared the scene at 21:42. 
 
The following morning on 07/19/2015 at approximately 09:45, I met with Operator2 and another witness, Witness1, at Wisdom Dock. According to Operator2’s statements, she had rented a pair of blue and white Yamaha jet skis from Jbeez Watercraft, in Silver Point Tennessee, and it was almost time to turn them in when the accident occurred.  She stated that prior to the accident she was following behind and to the right of Operator1.  She stated that the accident occurred when Victim made a hard right turn causing the bow of her jet ski to collide with the starboard side of Victim’s jet ski.   Operator2 also stated that she was not able to see Victim because of the water, but she did remember seeing Victim’s head make contact with her jet ski. Operator2 stated that when her jet ski made contact with Victim that Victim was thrown off of his jet ski, and then her jet ski went over top of Victim’s jet ski. 
 
After taking statements from Operator2, I was able to speak with Witness1 who was a witness to the accident. Witness1 stated that he was on a house boat near the accident and observed the accident occur. According to Witness1’ statements, prior to the accident he saw two jet skis heading west, and that Victim and his jet ski were about one length in front of Operator2 and her jet ski. Witness1 stated that Victim made a hard right in front of Operator2 causing her jet ski to collide with Victim and his jet ski. Witness1 also stated that he seen Victim was thrown from his jet ski, and when he hit the water he was not swimming.  Witness1 stated that when he saw that Victim was not swimming, he immediately yelled for someone to call 911.  Witness1 also stated, but did not put it into his written statement, that it looked like Victim wanted to use his jet ski to throw water on Operator2 and he got to close.   
 
After taking Statements from both operator2 and Witness1, I made my way to Jbeez Watercraft at 17055 Smithville Hwy, in Silver Point TN, to take photographs of the jet skis involved.  I arrived at Jbeez Watercraft at approximately 12:50 and met with the owner who allowed me to take pictures of both jet skis. See attached sheets for detailed vessel information. 
 
On 07/27/2015, Sgt. and I, went to interview Operator1 at his residence. While interviewing Victim he stated that he and Operator2 were operating two rental jet skis and it was getting close to time to turn them in when the accident occurred. He also stated that prior to the accident he had looked over his left shoulder a couple of times and noticed that Operator2 was getting closer to him.  Victim further stated that he was getting ready to go into a smaller cove that they had been using that day and realized that there may not be enough room for both of the jet skis in the small cove. According to Victim’s statements, when he reali


BARDID: KY-2015-0020
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BARKLEY
NearestCityorTown: CADIZ
County: TRIGG
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/16/15, I received a call from SGT. asking about a boat accident that occurred on Lake Barkley. I advised him that I hadn’t received any information from Trigg Dispatch or KSP about a boat accident. I placed a call via cell phone into Trigg County Dispatch and they advised that they had a female that had hurt her back and was transported by Trigg County Ambulance to Trigg County Hospital and she was flown out to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville IN. I finally tracked down (Husband of Victim) phone number and spoke with Subject about what had happen.

Subject advised that occupant1 and himself were passengers along with operator/owner of KY 0508 CL, 2 more adults and six small children. They were traveling north on Lake Barkley about ½ mile form Little River when they hit a wake made by a bigger boat. Victim left her sitting position and landed hard on her rear end causing damage to her lower back. Operator turned the vessel around and headed to Lake Barkley Marina where they met Trigg County Ambulance. Subject advised that victim had prior back problems in the past.

 


BARDID: KY-2015-0022
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BARKLEY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: KUTTAWA
County: LYON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: person struck by activity equi
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Other
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Dispatched to an unknown medical call at Kuttawa Harbor Marina. I was on scene of another BA when call came in around 2046. Saw complaining vessel enter marina and flagged it to my location for medical treatment. Upon docking, operator was operating vessel and victim was applying pressure to a laceration on her left eye and left side of face. EMS transported victim to Caldwell County ER. Upon interview of victim at the ER, she stated she was operating vessel and pulling subject on a tube. Operator stated she heard rope make a pop sound and then it broke from tube and slingshot back to vessel striking her in the eye and left face area.  The tuber confirmed the story as well.


BARDID: KY-2015-0023
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:53:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREEN RIVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CAMPBELLSVILLE
County: TAYLOR
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 08/01/2015 at approximately 16:53 EST, Taylor County Dispatch received a phone call from subject stating that a 23 year old male had possibly dislocated his shoulder and was on Green River Lake.  This incident was not immediately reported to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Widlife.  Sgt., who was working an unrelated incident in Green County this same date, overheard Taylor County Rescue Squad members discussing a boat accident on Green River Lake.  Through his investigation into the incident, KSP Post 15 was notified by Taylor County Dispatch at approximately 18:09 that someone had been injured while tubing on Green River Lake. Officer was notified (via cell phone) by Sgt. at approximately 18:13 and was directed to work the incident.
 
 At approximately 20:14, Officer was able to contact Operator (via cell phone) and he stated that they would meet in the Wal-Mart parking lot in Lebanon to give statements.  Officer arrived on the scene at 20:43 where he met with the boat operator and the injured subject, (who had already been released from the hospital at this time).  According to their statements, Operator was operating a green and white Sting Ray Runabout boat with registration number, KY 0253 VJ, when the incident occurred.  They were heading East on Green River Lake, close to the Taylor and Adair County line, when the incident occurred at approximate GPS location N37 13' 18” W 85 18' 50.4”.   They also stated that Victim and a Hispanic male by the name of Subject were being pulled behind the vessel on a blue and white tube prior to the incident.  According to their statements, the incident occurred when Victim was thrown off of the tube, due to rough water.  Victim stated that when he was thrown off the tube, he landed in the water on his left shoulder causing it to become dislocated.  Once Victim realized he was injured, Subject and Operator helped Victim into the vessel and Operator called 911.  
 
 According to Taylor County CAD sheets, Taylor County EMS was dispatched at 16:59, arrived at Ramp One at 17:29, and transported Victim to Taylor County Regional Hospital.  There, Victim was treated for a dislocated left shoulder and released the same day.  
 
 
 


BARDID: KY-2015-0024
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NOLIN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BROWNSVILL
County: EDMONSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Two people were operating their PWC's on Nolin Lake.  Operator2 had their granddaughter on the PWC with her.  Operator1 stated that he was pulling up behind Operator2 to tell her something when she just stopped all of a sudden.  Operator1 had no time to react and ran up onto Operator2' PWC as well as her back.  This resulted in all riders being thrown from their PWC's. v2 occupant was positioned in front of Operator2 and did not sustain any injuries but Operator2 was complaining of back and neck pain.  Operator2 was transported by Edmonson Co EMS to a medevac unit that transported her to UL hospital.

Witness who witnessed the accident and helped get Operator2 to shoe, stated that Operator2 abruptly stopped and Operator1 was so close he couldn't avoid running over Operator2.

 


BARDID: KY-2015-0025
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:28:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OHIO RIVER
NearestCityorTown: LOUISVILLE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Very rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator in a rented 24' pontoon boat with 8 passengers on board, was operating in swift water near the new I-65 bridge construction site of the Ohio River. Witness accounts indicate operator was having difficulty navigating in the swift condition and struck a stationary barge that was moored to one of the new bridge pillars. The operator's vessel then capsized and came to a rest, upside down, under the bow of the barge. All occupants (9) of the vessel were ejected from the vessel. Four of the occupants were able to seek refuge on the barge and escaped major injury. Two additional occupants were recovered in the river by responding law enforcement and were subsequently pronounced deceased a short time later. At the time of this report, three (3) occupants of the vessel are still unaccounted for. 

The remaining three (3) missing occupants were recovered, deceased in the following days following the accident. 

On July 4, 2015, at approximately 2128 hrs, the Louisville Metro Police Dept River Patrol, while on routine patrol of the Louisville Waterfront during a 4th of July celebration event which included a scheduled fireworks display from a barge on the river, received a report of a pontoon boat that had impacted with a "Big Four Bridge" pillar and was now capsized. Radio dispatch also advised there were at least five individuals in the water. The River Patrol immediately proceeded to the area of the reported impact and located the four male individuals on a stationary barge that was secured to one of the new I-65 bridge pillars. River Patrol Officers also observed what appeared to be a pontoon boat capsized and submerged under the bow of the barge. Upon making contact with the four individuals located on the barge, it was determined the pontoon boat contained 9 passengers. At that time a rescue operation was implemented. With the assistance of the Louisville Metro Fire Dept, the pontoon was pulled from under the barge and towed to the waterfront in an effort to locate any victims that may still be trapped in the vessel. During the rescue efforts, two victims were retrieved from the river and were declared deceased a short time later. The four victims located on the barge were also evacuated and transported to area hospitals for minor injuries and observation. At the time of this report, the remaining 3 victims have yet to be located and are presumed deceased. A large search and rescued operation has been implemented involving multiple assets and is still in effect. The assets include boats and Personnel from the Louisville Metro PD River Unit and Dive Team,The Louisville Metro FD, KDFWR, Jeffersonville Indiana PD, Clark Co Indiana SO, Indiana DNR, and the Jefferson Co Coroner with a cadaver K-9. 

Addendum 

On July 6th, at approx 2000 hrs. The River Unit recovered the body of a subject in the river at approx MM605 and near the Indiana shore. 
On July 7th, at approx 1045 hrs. The River Unit recovered the body of a subject in the river at approx MM612.2 in the center of the river. 

****This report is secondary to the primary report and investigation being conducted and maintained by the Louisville Metro Police Homicide Unit and all files, interviews, photographs and investigations will be conducted and maintained by the Homicide Unit under the case file 15-246****. 

Addendum 

On July 7th, at approx 1745 hrs the River Unit recovered the body of a subject in the river at approxMM626.5 and near LG&E Mill Creek power plant. This victim suffered significant trauma to the face, head and legs. Cause of death and identification will be pending the results of a post mortem autopsy examination. It is noted none of the recovered deceased victims were found with a PFD. 

River flow over the McAlpine locks and dam at the time of this incident is estimated to be approx 250KCF with all dam gates open.


BARDID: KY-2015-0026
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CAVE RUN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: FARMERS
County: ROWAN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 8-09-15 at 15:30 hours an accident occurred as victim was stepping from a pontoon boat onto the Scottscreek Marina dock when a fall occurred. The pontoon was being docked by operator and with some forward motion the victim was standing on the front of the boat when she slipped between the dock and vessel. As she fell into the water she struck her left side on the boats' rail and her foot on the dock. Myself and another Fish and Wildlife officer were at the gas pump just yards away from the scene and were there with the victim within a minute as the operator yelled for help. As she was still in the water she passed out as a bystander was holding her arm. She was lifted onto the dock where an off duty nurse took vitals before the ambulance arrived. She was transported to Saint Clair Regional Hospital by Rowan County EMS. She was not kept overnight however she did sustain broken ribs and some abrasions on her right foot but was released within a few hours.


BARDID: KY-2015-0027
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND/INDIAN CREEK
NearestCityorTown: ALBANY
County: CLINTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 16, 2015 around d1025 cst an injury accident occurred at Grider Hill Marina involving a rental houseboat.  According to all occupants on the vessel operator was operating a Grider Hill Marina houseboat with a KY registration of KY 0222 NE.  He was inside the harbor of Grider Hill and was attempting to pull up to the dock to tie off.  Operator was operating the vessel heading SE and attempting to pull up to the dock with his starboard front corner.  A passenger jumped from the bow of the houseboat onto the dock.  Victim did not notice the dock winch was directly behind him.  The houseboat's momentum continued and the front of the houseboat overlapped the dock and smashed Victim in between the starboard front corner and the dock winch.  Victim's back was against the winch and the boat was against his chest. The operator immediately placed the boat in reverse but with it being a large vessel the reaction of the vessel wasn't immediate.  Once they got the vessel off Victim, they immediately called for help.  I received the call at 1030 and was on scene at 1051.  Victim at the time was already in the ambulance.  EMS transported him to a nearby LZ and he was flown to UK Medical Center.  I cleared the scene at 1156.

 


BARDID: KY-2015-0028
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2015-08-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: MONTICELLO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Aug 15, 2015 at approximately 2005 est a boat accident occurred on Lake Cumberland in the Mill Springs area.  According to statements given to me by all occupants Operator was operating his 2007 Crownline with a Kentucky registration of KY 0675 JC. Also on the vessel were 3 passengers. According to Operator and all occupants he was operating his vessel headed North headed out of the cove at Mill Springs and was traveling to Lee's Ford Marina. Operator took off from the cove and got up on plane and there was a coke bottle that had turned over up near the bow and started to roll to the aft of the vessel. Operator took his eyes from in front of him and temporarily took his hands from the wheel in an effort to retrieve the coke bottle. During this short time period the vessel veered to the right and struck the bank and run aground. All occupants remained in the vessel. 
 
As a result of the collision Operator suffered bruised ribs and a broken and lacerated nose. Occupant suffered lacerations to his face and bruised ribs as well. I was notified of this accident at 2020 est and was enroute from W Hwy 92 near Beaver Creek. I arrived on scene at 2045. I loaded the passengers up in my vessel and transported them to Conley Bottom to meet with Wayne County EMS to be treated for their injuries sustained. EMS bandaged them up and they refused any further treatment there. I then transported them by truck to their vehicles at Lee's Ford Marina. I cleared the scene at 2138. All occupants then drove to Saint Elizabeth Hospital in Covington, KY to receive further treatment. The vessel was picked up and pulled out of the water by Marine Assist the following day. 

 


BARDID: KY-2015-0029
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:09:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: JAMESTOWN
County: RUSSELL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Above subjects were adrift with engine off near Difficulty Creek on Lake Cumberland in a 1996 Four Winns model 225 Sundowner DLX. Subjects were wake boarding and had stopped to change out the persons wakeboarding, when two (2) unknown boats (possibly "Formulas", red and white and very similar) came out of the head of the creek and passed extremely close and at a high rate of speed next to their vessel. The passing boats caught the tow/ski rope (60 ft. in length) and as the rope tightened up and moved from the rear to the left front of the boat it collapsed the ski/tow tower on the boat. The impact broke the windshield and did damage to the fiberglass where the ski/tow tower was mounted to the vessel. Five of the six passengers were uninjured and the sixth only received very minor scratches to his left arm. All persons refused any medical treatment.
 
No citations were issued due to the parties causing the accident and damage left the scene and failed to render aid. The identification of the boats involved are very sketchy with no "real" identifiers to work with. 

 


BARDID: KY-2015-0031
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2015-08-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OHIO RIVER
NearestCityorTown: PADUCAH
County: MCCRACKEN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Dam/lock
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 8/21/15 at approximately 20:00 hours the above parties went for a boat ride on the Ohio river.  At appoximately 22:00 hours state EOC Dispatcher received a call that a boat had capsized on the Ohio river near the I-24 bridge.  The boat was occupied by the 6 above people, 2 survivors survived the accident. Three others were recovered soon after the accident. The other bodies were recovered sunday 8/23/15 down river from the accident site.  Survivor statements indicate they were boating after dark using a small light to navigate and got to close to the dam and did not realize it until the boat started to be swept over the dam and capsized.  I was notified around 01:00 hours 8/22/15 and went to Baptist Hospital in Paducah to assist McCracken County Sheriffs Office.  While crews were searching the river no boat has been located at this time and nothing was found by dispatch as to what type of boat they were in.  According to statements by family the boat was between 14 and 18 feet in length and fiberglass construction and that is all that is known at this time.  Also there were 4 PFD,s recovered from the river and 1 child PFD recovered by McCracken county Sheriffs Office in the vehicle located at the ramp.  While talking to family members at the hospital the description of the boat varied greatly.  McCracken county detectives performed the interviews of the two survivors at the hospital and it was determined that no one was wearing PFD's at the time of the accident.  When I arrived the survivors had already gone.


BARDID: KY-2015-0032
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2015-09-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:38:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BENTON
County: MARSHALL
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 9/12/15 at approximately 15:30 a 20' Sea Ray runabout (KY-0496-SR) with 6 occupants was traveling north on Kentucky Lake in the vicinity of Barge Island at Big Bear Creek. 
 
According to operator who was operating the rental boat, an impending storm with high winds had caused a high wave condition. 
 
Operator slowed the boat to idle speed in forward gear with the bow pointed directly into the waves. At that time a large wave broke over the bow allowing for a high amount of water to enter the boat. This water forced two occupants from the front of the boat to the back. Within seconds of these 2 occupants changing positions, a second large wave again broke over the bow of the Sea Ray. The boat then started to sink.
 
Interviewing all passengers on board indicated that nobody was wearing a PFD at the time of sinking. But while the boat was going down, life jackets were distributed as best as possible. 
 
Four of the occupants managed to swim to the bank. Operator was able to hold on to a channel marker until another boater picked him up and transported him to safety. All 5 survivors were transported to Marshall County Hospital in Benton via ambulance. According to hospital staff, nobody was injured.
The missing passenger, was last seen floating south holding on to an actual boat seat that he had managed to grab ahold of. 
 
Search & rescue efforts were called off shortly after dark due to hazardous water conditions.

At approximately 22:00, Marshall County 911 received call from residence on County Rd 1125 G telling dispatchers they could hear someone calling for help from out in the lake. 
 
Around 22:30, Marshall Co. Search & Rescue responded by boat and found subject still floating/swimming with the boat cushion. He was taken to Hester's Marina boat ramp for ambulance transport to Marshall County Hospital for mild hypothermia and extreme exhaustion.  

From the site of the initial accident, subject drifted approximately 2 miles south before he was pulled into the search & rescue boat and spent roughly 7 hours in the water without ever making it to shore.

Initial Accident: N 36 Degrees 54' 01.7"
                        W 88 Degrees 11' 43.3"

Recovery Site: N 36 Degrees 52' 23.6748"
                       W 88 Degrees 11' 04.704"


BARDID: KY-2015-0033
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-09-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: MONTICELLO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 11, 2015 at approximately 1600 hours Officer with KDFWR responded to a boating related injury in the head of Jack's Branch on Lake Cumberland. Upon arrival to the scene Officer met with and transported Victim from (Vessel 1) (KY-0337-PY) to the Camp Attrahunt boat ramp to meet with Wayne County EMS. I (Officer) also with KDFWR responded to Vessel 1 to take the report during this time.
 
The injury occurred while the operator of Vessel 1, Operator was attempting to move the vessel backwards to straighten out the line in his raft-up party. As Operator started the engine Victim was swimming behind the stern of the vessel.  At some point during the situation Victim sustained a prop cut to the bottom of her foot. Operator and Victim have different scenarios to this occurrence.  
 
Operator stated that he was in the process of moving Vessel 1 backwards to straighten the raft-up line. He stated, that he did start Vessel 1's engine but at no point engaged the prop to move. He stated, that he thought Victim was climbing the ladder on the stern of Vessel 1 and heard him start the engine and fell into the prop which was not moving at the time. On September 21, I contacted Operator for some additional information to complete this report and asked him to type up a statement in regards to the accident and email it to me. He provided me with some general information that day but the following day he called me back and advised me that his legal counsel advised him to not prepare a statement for me to include in this report. 
 
Victim states that she was swimming in the water behind Vessel 1 when the vessel began to back up. She attempted to swim away from the vessel but the suction produced by the vessel's prop in reverse sucked her right foot into the prop.  At that point she began screaming which caused Operator to turn off the engine of Vessel 1. Subjects have prepared a statement to be included in the report with photos. It will be attached to the back of this report.
 
It is unclear whether the prop was actually engaged during this time or if the vessel was in neutral.  It was determined however that the engine was running and the intent of the operator was to move the vessel.
Operator was given FST's at the scene; he showed clues of alcohol impairment and displayed nystagmus on all stages of the HGN test. He showed clues of impairment on the ABC test and during the finger count test. The portable breath test indicated that Operator was a 0.072 BAC at the time that the FST's were performed.  Operator was not arrested at the scene but charges are being pursued at this time. The interview and FST's were video recorded and a total log of the incident can be reviewed on KSP CAD# 2300.


BARDID: KY-2015-0034
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BENTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 9/5/15, This officer was dispatched to the area of Bringingham Point in reference to a boat accident.  The operator of the boat was transported to Jackson Purchase Hosptial. Upon arrival this officer spoke with operator.   Operator  person had a strong odor of alcoholic beverage, talked with slurred speech and eyes were glassy. Operator had blood on his face due to cuts from impact of the boat. This officer asked Operator several questions and only got a vague description of what happen. Operator advised that he left Moores Resort and was heading to his dock when the next thing he remembers he was laying on the floor of the boat. Operator couldn't recall how much alcoholic beverage he consumed throughout the day, couldn't recall if anyone was on the boat and didn't  know what he had hit. This officer returned to the site of the wreck and found the boat about 40 yards from the water line , facing north against a retaining wall in a beach area. There was blood on the floor and cabinet next to the steering wheel of the boat.  On 9/6/15, this officer returned to the area to take pictures of the boat and spoke with Operator's wife and she advised that there were no other people on board and they didn't have a dock in front of there house either.  Operator's Blood Alcohol was a .25

 
 
 


BARDID: KY-2015-0036
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-09-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:17:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: MONTICELLO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
According to reports from bystanders and the operator, Vessel #1 ran aground near and across the lake from Ramsey Point. The operator was intoxicated and was very evasive as to what had occurred other than the boat ran aground. He received minor injury and refused treatment. He was cited for failing to have current registration or documentation.  

I encountered the vessel under way and being operated by a friend  several miles from where the incident occurred. I have no first hand knowledge of the facts of the grounding other than second hand information


BARDID: KY-2015-0037
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2015-08-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREEN RIVER
NearestCityorTown: BOWLING GREEN
County: WARREN
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Dam/lock
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday, August 7, 2015, at approximately 1900 hours, witnesses observed a subject in a canoe being overtaken by strong currents and swept over the lock and dam at Lock 5 on the Green River.  After impacting the water below, the subject was separated from the canoe and disappeared under the turbulant water.  The subject re-surfaced approximately 100 yards downstream and made a futile attempt to swim but was again forced underwater by strong current.  The subject was not observed re-surfacing a second time.  Local search and rescue squads participated in search/recovery efforts and eventually located the subject on Sunday, August 9, 2015, at approximately 1100 hours.    

The victim was later identified.  Victim was a novice boater who recently purchased a trolling motor and battery for his Old Town Saranac Canoe.  According to Victim's wife, Victim launched his Canoe on the Green River above Lock 5 with plans to fish and camp out overnight.  The investigation revealed Victim never wore any type of personal flotation device.  It is believed that Victim had a class IV throwable cushion as one was observed re-circulating within the dam's boil near the location where he was believed to have been washed over.  

Upon examination of Victim's body, there was no visible trauma or injury to document.  

Victim's vessel was damaged significantly in the keel area and believed to be totaled.  The total value of the vessel was approximately $600.00.  

 
 


BARDID: KY-2015-0038
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-09-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:27:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: MONTICELLO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 12th at about 10:27 PM operator ran aground on the exposed shoreline near Ramsey Point injuring one of his 3 passengers.

Operator stated that he had been to Harmon Creek earlier that day and left to return to Grider Hill Marina.  After traveling an undetermined distance, he realized he was going the wrong direction and turned around.  After turning around, he did not remember seeing the illuminated buoys but he noticed vegetation and realized he was grounded.  

Operator stated he had consumed alcoholic beverages earlier in the day, and had difficulty maintaining his balance on shore.  He had multiple clues on HGN and hand coordination,   PBT at Scene showed .147.  He was arrested and consented to an evidentiary test at the Wayne County Detention Center where the Intoxilizer showed .121. 

All occupants of the vessel initially refused EMS, but subject requested EMS for rib pain.  occupant rode with him to Wayne Co Hospital but was not a patient in the ambulance.

Upon removal of vessel from the shore by Marine Assist the next date and subsequent inspection by Welch Marine it was found to have damage to the hull and outdrive.

 
 


BARDID: KY-2015-0039
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NOLIN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CLARKSON
County: GRAYSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The family stated that they had dropped Victim off by vehicle around 16:00 hours (8-9-15) at Pine Springs Ramp so that he could drive his pontoon that was harbored there to Sportsman's Paradise Ramp to load onto a trailer.  The family waited several minutes for him to arrive.  When he did not arrive, the family went back to Pine Springs Ramp to find the boat in the water in idle, but no sign of Victim.  A boat cover belonging to Victim's boat was found floating in the water near the ramp.  Search and Rescue units from Leitchfield FD, Wax FD, Grayson Co. SO, and Army Corps of Eng. assisted in the search.  Victim's body was recovered the following morning (8-10-15) by a dive team.  Autopsy results show the cause of death was drowning, with heart conditions an underlying factor.  

 


BARDID: KY-2015-0040
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-09-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: MONTICELLO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Calm
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was attempting to navigate from Jamestown Marina to Conley Bottom Marina when he struck the shoal near Ramsey Point, grounding his vessel.

Operator stated that he had left Jamestown Marina to return to Conley Bottom Marina,  but felt that he may have went too far.  After he turned around he saw 2 buoys with flashing lights on top of them and  he thought they were navigation buoys so he drove in between them.  Shortly after passing between the 2 buoys he became grounded.

No one aboard the vessel requested to be seen by EMS when asked, and intoxicants were not suspected to be involved.

The vessel had a 30 day temp registration for Illinois in the name of the owner. Valid registration from Wisconsin (WS7731DX) until 2018 was assigned to the HIN under the previous owner, but vessel did not have any registration numbers displayed.

 


BARDID: KY-2015-0041
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-10-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE JERICHO
NearestCityorTown: SMITHFIELD
County: HENRY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: bilge pump
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On October 1, 2015 at approximately 1215 subject was attempting to load his boat onto it's trailer at Lake Jericho. His brothers were out of the vessel at this time backing the trailer down the ramp. As reported by brothers, the vessel began to take on water from the stern. It was also reported that the cause of this was due to a malfunction of the bilge pump. I witnessed the plug still applied to the drain hole after the boat was pulled out of the water. At this time subject put on a Personal Flotation Device. The boat began to take on large amounts of water until only the bow was visible. Victim began to swim, but as reported by his brothers, he soon became motionless. His body then floated from the wind approximately 100 yards from the boat ramp. Oldham County water rescue, who was notified by KSP Post 5, made the recovery of the body. Due to the PFD the body was still floating. As logged in the CAD, Victim was determined to be deceased at 1314. From the Preleminary Autopsy Report, submitted to me by Coroner, it was determined death was caused by hypertensive cardiovascular disease. Thus it was not determined to be a drowning.
 


BARDID: KY-2015-0042
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2015-07-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BENTON
County: MARSHALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
MachineryFailure: Fuel
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7-12-15 I was dispatched to a vessel fire at Moor’s Marina on KY Lake. Upon my arrival, all victims had already been transported to hospitals. Other FW units went to hospitals to interview victims while I stayed on scene to document the scene. Deputy State Fire Marshall led the investigation since I have no training on vessel fires. His report is included attached to this one. Cause was determined by SFMO to be accidental, preventable, and ignition of fuel from faulty equipment and operator inattention from starting the motor while fuel vapors were present.


BARDID: KY-2015-0043
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-09-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREEN RIVER
NearestCityorTown: ONTON
County: WEBSTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject and his son were jug fishing Green River on 09/25/15.  While running at full throttle from one group of jugs to another the lid from a large plastic tote bin came off and flew into the air.  Fearing that the lid was about to strike his 4 year old son, Operator reached to block it.  For an unknown reason the boat suddenly turned sharply to the port side.  Operator feared that his son would be injured if he was inside the boat when it struck land so he grabbed him and threw him into the water.  The 4 year old was wearing a personal flotation device and was uninjured.  Operator was thrown from the boat when it struck land.  He does not remember whether he hit the water or the bank but he ended up at the water's edge next to his boat, which was 90% out of the water.  A witness to the accident describe the accident the same as Operator.  A follow up with Operator revealed that he did not suffer any permanent physical damage.  An MRI indicated a disc protrusion that is expected to heal properly.


BARDID: KY-2015-0044
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-07-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:34:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BARREN RIVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SCOTTSVILLE
County: ALLEN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
I Officer received a call from Scottsville Dispatch at approximately 2:45 PM CST that the Allen County EMS had a 19 year old female that had fallen off a jet ski.  She was transported from Barren River Lake from a cove where some of her family has a dock and access to a main road.  The EMS had established a landing zone for the Life Flight helicopter to land at off Grandview Drive. She was flown to the U of L hospital for additional medical care.  I was able to speak with her aunt who is a Registered Nurse and attended to her until EMS arrived. She advised that victim had a history of medical conditions and she could have received a neck injury from the fall.


BARDID: KY-2015-1000
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Cumberland
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: unknown
Visibility: unknown
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to a news media report, one person was injured and another killed from a boating accident near Burnside Marina on Lake Cumberland.  Apparently, the two victims were attempting to moor a rented houseboat with a friend.  The injured victim was standing on shore to tie the boat up in a cove and was struck by the boat, injuring her foot.  The deceased victim departed the boat, upon seeing the injury, and was also struck by the boat and killed from trauma. No further information.


BARDID: KY-2016-0001
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-03-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:51:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CUMBERLAND RIVER
NearestCityorTown: JAMESTOWN
County: RUSSELL
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Owner of the vessel listed in enclosed report stated that he and a friend/passenger were drifting down the river fishing. He stated they decided to crank the outboard motor and go back up to make another drift/pass down and continue fishing.
 
Subject stated while he was using the trolling motor to hold the boat in the middle of the river, his friend/passenger, attempted to move to the rear of the vessel to crank the outboard motor and when he did, his weight shifted in the vessel and the right corner of the stern of the boat went under the water’s surface. Immediately their vessel was swamped out from under them and both persons were left swimming in the Cumberland River approximately a mile or so below the Wolf Creek Dam. Both were wearing PFD's and made it to the shoreline where they were picked up approximately 30 minutes later by a passing boater and taken back to the boat ramp at Kendal Park Recreational Area below the Wolf Creek Dam. 
As of 03/05/2016 the vessel had not been recovered.

 
 
 


BARDID: KY-2016-0002
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-03-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:47:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LITTLE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: CADIZ
County: TRIGG
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Dispatched to a canoe overturned near the 68 Bypass in Trigg County on Little River. All involved had been rescued and out of water prior to my arrival. I met both involved at the Trigg County ER in Cadiz, KY.  Owner/Operator refused medical treatment. 
 
Owner/Operator stated that himself and passenger had been fishing/paddling down river towards the Cadiz Park and came upon the 68 Bridge. Due to being low in the water, they could not see the rip rap that had been extended into water nor could they see the swift water current that had been created by this blockage of rip rap. Stated they tried to paddle through a small opening but could not due to the small passage and swift water, thus turning canoe and themselves over.  
 
Owner/Operator also stated that passenger became entangled in rope from canoe and was unable to stay on surface for very long. Stated both eventually became free of canoe and managed to hang on to tree limbs and roots for 30 minutes until bank fishermen arrived and pulled them out. Both were wearing PFD's according to Owner/Operator and credited those to saving their lives. Passenger was not interviewed due to being treated at that time by medical staff. 
 
Medical staff at hospital advised me that the passenger had mild hypothermia and mild sprains of muscles.  Included are 2 pictures of the undamaged canoe in this report that I got after leaving hospital. Included in this report are 3 pictures of accident scene below 68 Howard Anderson Bridge. Included in this report are 3 pictures of Contractor Notices with names and contact info for companies with permits through the state that have worked on this jobsite. 
 
At inspection of bank to bank with only around 4' of navigable water left on the west bank. This placement of rock created very swift water that would only be navigable by small kayaks and experienced operators.  It is my opinion that this accident occurred due to 1 Hazardous Waters from swift current made by rock placed in river and 2 Operator Inexperience in navigating swift water conditions. Also included in this report is the CAD Event. No witnesses were available to interview at the accident scene.


BARDID: KY-2016-0003
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-03-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: NANCY
County: PULASKI
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: Plug
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On March 7, 2016, I was contacted by US Army Corps of Engineers Ranger who informed me about a sunken boat floating in Fishing Creek with just the bow sticking up out of the water. Ranger stated he was contacted by one of the maintenance workers at Fishing Creek Recreation Area whom had seen the boat out on the lake.

I informed Ranger I would respond and see what the issue was. I immediately contacted KSP London Post via radio to advise them of the traffic I was responding too. 

I arrived on scene at Pulaski County Park boat ramp at 17:09 hours. Present at the boat ramp was subject and his employee’s with Marine Assist. They had also responded and had the vessel already removed from the water and sitting on the boat trailer at the ramp.

I made contact with the owner/operator of the vessel. He advised me last date on March 6, 2016 around 11:00 hours, he launched his boat for the first time this year out of Pulaski County Park.  He stated he was at a fast idle cruising upstream for around 10 minutes when the engine started running hot.  He smelled and saw smoke coming from the engine compartment.  He stated he immediate shut the engine down to investigate and let it cool off. 
 
Operator stated when he lifted the back hatch he noticed water filling up in the engine compartment. He stated he started the engine back up and proceeded back to the boat ramp which took about another 10 minutes. During that time the engine continued to overheat and smoke continued rolling out of the hatch opening. Operator stated when he got within close proximity of the shore near the ramp he shut the engine off and steered towards the nearest tree located on the bank. 

He stated he tied the boat to a tree about 50’ up the hill from the shoreline. He used a yellow and blue ski rope tied together to secure the boat to the tree.  

Estimating the time to be around 13:00 – 14:00 hours, he stated he went into town after the boat was secured. He then returned that evening around dusk attempting to push the boat off the bank, but was unable to move the vessel. 
 
Operator returned the next date on March 7, 2016 around 09:30 hours and found his boat missing from where he had secured it to the tree and located it out on the lake submerged with the bow up out of the water. Operator advised he believed someone had cut and taken his rope. It appeared cut on both ends and the majority excess was gone.

I asked Operator about the plug used for the boat and if he had forgot to put it in due to taking on water. He advised me that he did have a plug in it, but it must have come out because it was missing. 

The intended plug for the vessel is a hard metal or aluminum threaded drain plug. Operator stated it did not come with one when he bought the boat last year so he bought a replacement at Walmart. The type he bought and used was a rubber plug that twists and compresses, swelling the rubber around the surface of the hole to secure and prevent leaks. 
 
This type plug has an arm that folds down to lock in place when you reach your desired compression and seal.

Also present on scene was Certified Marine Surveyor sent down by Operator’s Insurance Company. I cleared the scene at 17:56 hours.

Boat Registration: KY-0720-XA
Registration Expires: 04/30/2016
Boat HIN: CCBBF149L586
Make: ChrisCraft
Model: 266AC Scorpion
Year: 1986
Type: Cruiser
Length: 26'
Hull Material: Fiberglass
Propulsion: Inboard
Engine Make: MerCruiser
Engine Serial #: B402677


BARDID: KY-2016-0004
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TAYLORSVILLE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: TAYLORSVILLE
County: SPENCER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Overloading
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 04/16/16 at approximately 1431 Vessel 1, a runabout boat operated by Operator1, was hit in the center portion of the stern by the bow of Vessel 2. Vessel 2 was operated by Operator2. Operator2's vessel is a jon boat with a small outboard engine. Both Operator2 and his passenger (Injured1) agreed the boat was traveling at a good speed. Injured1 said close to 10-20 MPH. All parties stated that Vessel 1 was sitting still when hit and was not under power at the time. The vessels collided in the main channel of the lake near the dam. Operator2 stated his passenger was sitting in the front of the boat facing the stern and he could not see Vessel 1 in front of him. Operator2 had a small cut on his hand and Injured1 had a large laceration in top of his head. Operator2 refused medical treatment and Injured1 was transported to Baptist Health East in Louisville. All parties on Vessel 1 were not injured and did not want to be seen by medics. 

Vessel 1 was sitting in the lake where they had a right to be when they were hit. After speaking with all of the passengers and both of the operators, the operator of Vessel 2 simply could not see Vessel 1. The passenger of Vessel 2 was facing the stern and on his phone and was either partially or fully blocking the vision of the operator at the time of the accident. 

Both vessels had minor damage but were able to get to the marina and were seaworthy.


BARDID: KY-2016-0005
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TENNESSEE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: REIDLAND
County: LIVINGSTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Early in the morning well before sunrise on 5/15/16, four men were competing as one team in a bowfishing tournament based out of Eddyville, Ky. 
Operator1 and his three friends, Occupant1, Occupant2 and Injured1 had been doing well and decided around 1:30 AM that it was time to travel back to the ramp for weigh-in. 
This particular night was cold at a low of 43 degrees and it had created a very dense fog on top of the much warmer Tennessee River.

The boat in question on that night was an 18' Alweld aluminum Jon propelled by a 250 HP Mercury jet outboard. It had an elevated front deck to accommodate bowfishing as well as an added fan drive on the stern to propel the boat in extremely shallow water.  

When the decision was made to leave, Operator1 was operating the boat and Occupant2 was sitting to his left in the bucket seat. At this time, roughly 1:45AM, all 4 men said that a very dense fog bank drifted over them, more dense than usual. 
In an attempt to help navigate the extremely dense fog and high flow of the river, Occupant1 and Injured1 stepped onto the elevated platform and remained standing as the operator brought the boat onto plane. 
According to the interview with boat operator Operator1, it was said that the GPS navigation system had stopped working at this particular time and left him operating essentially blind. 
When the boat reached plane but not full speed, described by the occupants to be somewhere around 30-35 MPH, all 4 men saw the bank straight ahead of them, but it was too late. 

Operator1 shifted the engine into reverse as both men in the front of the vessel made an attempt to lie down and secure themselves as best as possible.
The boat struck the hard mud bank at almost a 90 degree angle.  Injured1 slid forward feet first and described essentially his own body weight coming down onto his leg causing both bones to break below his left knee and protrude from the skin.

A quick assessment of the situation was made both of their boat and Injured1's leg.  They then decided to travel back to the McCracken County bank where they saw the light of a residential house.  They beached the vessel and climbed the bank called 911 and had emergency services respond to their location on Stiles Landing Road.  Injured1 was the only occupant needing immediate medical attention.


BARDID: KY-2016-0006
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:07:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WOOD CREEK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LONDON
County: LAUREL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Seat broke loose
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject1 was fishing from a Jon Boat at Wood Creek Lake when he fell overboard and sustained mild hypothermia.

Subject1 launched his boat from the Homer D Ramp on Wood Creek Lake and was fishing in the idle zone area.  As he was preparing his lines his seat broke.  He then fell out of the boat and capsized it as he attempted to hold onto it. 

He stated the boat rolled 3 times as he was attempting to reboard it.  As it rolled over an eyelet on the gunwale of the boat caught the buckle of his PFD and caused it to fail.   He then used the 3 loose PFD's and the overturned boat to stay afloat until the Laurel County Rescue Squad and Wood Creek Lake Patrol arrived.

Good Samaritan1 was fishing from the bank at the Homer D boat ramp and witnessed the accident.  He entered the water to rescue Subject1, but was unable to continue, and called for assistance.

Subject1 was transported to St. Josephs Hospital in London by Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County where he was treated and released for hypothermia.

KDFWR Officers did not respond to the scene. Laurel Co advised the use of intoxicants was not suspected.


BARDID: KY-2016-0007
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:04:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TAYLORSVILLE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: TAYLORSVILLE
County: SPENCER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
AT APPROXIMATELY 20:00 HOURS THE PARTIES WERE OPERATING THEIR SEA DOOS NEAR THE DAM ON TAYLORSVILLE LAKE.  SUBJECT1 WAS CIRCLING IN A CONTINOUS MOTION, SUBJECT2 WAS PASSING SUBJECT1, WHEN SUBJECT1 UNEXPECTEDLY TURNED INTO THE PATH OF SUBJECT2.  SUBJECT2 STRUCK THE PORT SIDE OF SUBJECT1’S SEA DOO.  THE IMPACT THREW SUBJECT1 FROM THE SEA DOO ALSO BREAKING HIS LEFT LEG.  SUBJECT2 AT THAT TIME CALLED 911 AND TRANSPORTED SUBJECT1 BACK TO SETTLERS TRACE MARINA.  SUBJECT1 WAS TREATED AND TRANSPORTED TO UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE TRAMA CENTER.  SUBJECT2 WAS NOT INJURED AND REFUSED MEDICAL TREATMENT AT THE SCENE.  BOTH SUBJECTS WERE WEARING PFDS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.  SUBJECT1 SUFFERED A LEFT BROKEN FEMUR.  NO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL SUSPECTED


BARDID: KY-2016-0009
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREEN RIVER
NearestCityorTown: ROHESTER
County: OHIO
WaterConditions: Very rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Dam/lock
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday, May 24, 2016, at approximately 0934 hours KSP Post 2 received a call of a boating accident and two male subjects being swept over the Rochester Dam.
 
At this time KSP Post 2 contacted Sgt. requesting for officers to respond to the scene. Sgt.1 and I were at the Muhlenberg County Court house attending District Court. Sgt.1 advised me to respond to the scene and the he would load his patrol boat and meet me there. 
 
When I arrived on scene I was met by Trooper1 and the passenger/witness of the accident. Members of the Ohio County Sheriff’s office, Ohio County EMS/Rescue Squad, and bystander were also on scene. Trooper1 advised me that what appeared to be the body of a male subject was floating face down below the lock wall. Bystander was able to hook the shirt of a male subject with a fishing pole. There was no way of safely retrieving the male subject due to water conditions without the assistance of a boat. So at this time I conducted an initial interview with Passenger.
 
Passenger advised me that he and his friend Victim had launched their boat at the Mud River Boat Ramp earlier that morning. Passenger stated that the boat was just recently purchased by Victim and they had the boat out on the water yesterday for the first time. Passenger said that just after leaving the boat ramp the engine died. 
 
Victim continued attempting to start the engine but the motor would only run for a couple of seconds before shutting off. Passenger then made an effort to operate a trolling motor that was mounted to the front of the vessel. Passenger stated that he had never operated a foot control trolling motor and was unable to control the trolling motor. Passenger then realized the trolling motor was not hooked up. He then tried hooking the trolling motor to the battery but attached the wrong cables to the battery post. The boat was just above the dam and both subjects jumped overboard into the water. 
 
Passenger then stated that he was under the water and was trying to swim to the surface when he felt his hand hit something. He then grabbed the object and pulled his self to the surface of the water. Passenger had grabbed the side of the boat but the boat had capsized and was floating on its top. Passenger was then able to climb onto the boat. Passenger then heard Victim yell his name twice. Passenger stated that he could see Victim and that the back of Victim's shirt was pulled over his head covering his eyes but not covering his nose or mouth. Passenger then looked down at the boat attempting to locate a rope or something to throw to Victim but was unable to find anything. When Passenger looked up he could no longer see Victim. Passenger stayed on the boat and continued floating downstream until the boat floated close to the bank. Passenger then grabbed onto a down tree that was in the river and climbed out of the water. He was then able to walk to a nearby house where home owner contacted Emergency services. 
 
After the interview members of the Ohio County Rescue Squad arrived in a boat and were able to secure the male subject and maneuver to the river bank. At this time the Ohio County Chief Deputy Coroner pronounced Victim dead.
 
When Sgt.1 arrived on scene with his patrol boat we were informed by the Ohio County Rescue Squad that the boat had been located downstream.  Sgt.1 and I then travelled downstream below the dam attempting to locate the vessel. We made contact with a fisherman who had tied his boat to the abandoned vessel (N37.13'25.3” W086.54'45.7”). At this time Sgt.1 and I took control of the boat and towed it back to the boat ramp just below the Rochester dam. 
 
While Sgt.1 and I were on the water, Passenger's Mother arrived on scene and stood by with Trooper1 who was present with Passenger at the Mud River Boat Ramp.  Once we arrived Trooper1 was released and Sgt.1 and I then re-interviewed Passenger to attempt to gain more knowledge about what took place. Passenger was able to elaborate on some minor details, but for the most part his statement remained consistent with his initial statement. 
 
Sgt.1 and I remained at the Mud River Boat Ramp, awaiting the arrival of Victim's mother. Victim's mother along with other members of the Victim Family arrived on scene. At this time the recovered property was released to the family. 
 
While in the area I travelled to the residence. At this residence I made contact with the owner. Subject was the first person Passenger made contact with after the vessel was swept over the dam. Subject stated she was babysitting when she heard her dog start barking. She then exited her residence and saw Passenger walking toward her home. Subject described Passenger as being very shaken up. At this time Passenger asked Subject if anyone (Victim) had been by her home and informed her that he and his friend had went over the dam. Passenger then asked Subject if she would give him a ride to the Mud River boat ramp; advising her that this was the place where they launched the boat and that Victim may have made his way back to that location to wait for him. Subject responded that she could not give him a ride because she was babysitting a small child who was inside her residence asleep. Subject then called another person and advised him of the situation. (Subject2 is the Director of Ohio County Emergency Management) After speaking with Subject2, Subject called subject3. Subject3 lives just across the river in Rochester. Subject stated that she knew he was a retired police officer and could possibly assist with the situation. Subject stated that Passenger then told her that he was going to cross the ferry on foot in order to make his way back to the Mud River Boat Ramp. 
 
After speaking with Subject, I interviewed Subject3 at his residence. Subject3 confirmed that he was contacted by Subject via phone.  He stated that after speaking with Subject, he got in his vehicle and headed toward the Mud River Boat Ramp. On his way, he spotted Passenger and picked him up. The two then made their way to the Mud River Boat Ramp. Once they arrived, they did not see Victim. Subject3 then told Passenger he thought it would be a good idea to go back to the Ohio County side of the river, downstream of the dam, to search for Victim. They then traveled back across the Ferry to the end of Rochester Lock Lane. At this location they were met by members of Kentucky State Police, the Ohio County Sheriff's Office, and Ohio County EMS/Rescue Squad. During this time an Ohio County Deputy spotted what appeared to be a body of a male subject floating face down in the river. Subject3 stated that a member of Emergency Management asked him if he had any fishing gear with him; that they may be able to cast a line to the body. Subject3 advised me that he then went to his truck and tied a crank bait onto one of his fishing poles. He then made his way to the lock wall where he was able to cast the lure and snag a portion of the male subject's shirt. Subject3 was able to keep contact with the body until a boat arrived.


BARDID: KY-2016-0010
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:11:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TAYLORSVILLE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: TAYLORSVILLE
County: SPENCER
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 29, 2016 at approximately 1600 two subjects were in his Lowe Jon Boat that is white in color With registration number of KY 0648 HZ. 


BARDID: KY-2016-0011
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BENTON
County: MARSHALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Was dispatched to a fight in progress and boating accident call at KY Dam Marina Fuel Dock. Upon arrival, KSP Troopers had taken several people into custody. Only 1 person remained with knowledge of any boating accident. 

Myself and Officer interviewed subject who had rented the 2 PWC involved in the accident as well as a houseboat from KDM. 

Subject verbally stated and gave a written statement that he was operating #6 PWC with his son Operator2 as a rear passenger and that Operator1 was operating #5 PWC with his girlfriend as a rear passenger.  

Subject stated that the #5 PWC came in front of his and stopped abruptly causing his #6 PWC to strike the #5 in its left or port side just rear of the handlebars. Subject stated this is how his son Operator2 cut his left ankle badly and had to go to the hospital. 

Subject stated the #5 PWC had been having mechanical issues and he thinks the PWC died in front of him before impact. The #5 PWC had fiberglass damage at the midline of the hull near the area where an operators left foot would be while in the operating position. A lot of blood was seen on the #5 PWC. The handle bars on the #5 PWC were broken as well, indicating someone went over them or into to them at impact. 

Subject's story does not coincide with the physical evidence and injury of his son. There was minor scratches to the front of #6 PWC. Officer and myself next interviewed Operator1 at the Marshal County Jail. Operator1 stated he was operating #6 PWC with his girlfriend as a rear passenger and struck #5 PWC when it stopped in front of him. 

Operator1 stated that Operator2 was operating #5 PWC with no passengers. Operator1 stated he had been drinking alcohol that day and was arrested shortly after collision by KSP for A.I., Disorderly Conduct, and Resisting Arrest. That same evening Officer and myself interviewed girlfriend at her residence. She gave a statement and in writing that she was riding on the rear of the #6 while her boyfriend Operator1 operated it. She stated that Operator2 was operating the #5 and they were operating close to each other and splashing water on each other when they got too close and the #6 PWC struck the #5 PWC in the left/port side causing Operator2 to be ejected. 

She stated she drove the #5 PWC and operator2 drove #6 back the marina and it was running fine. On 6-4-2016, Officer and myself interviewed and got injury pictures from Operator2. Operator2 stated and wrote a statement that he was operating #5 and Operator1 was operating #6 when his stalled and the #5 ran into him causing him injury.

Operator2 also stated that his father had lied to protect him when questioned about his fathers statement. It is my conclusion that alcohol played a contributing factor based upon the arrest report at the marina and from statements made during interviews that they had been consuming alcohol. 2nd contributing factor is reckless/careless behavior for operating too close to another PWC. 3rd contributing factor is operator inattention for each operator not being aware of the other PWC being so close and not being aware of the distance needed to maintain safe stopping.


BARDID: KY-2016-0012
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND/BEAVER CREEK
NearestCityorTown: MONTICELLO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to witnesses on May 28, 2016 Operator1 was operating 2012 Sea Ray bearing Kentucky registration KY 0662 NK in the harbor of Beaver Creek Marina. Operator1 was approaching the fuel pier where he struck a 2014 Solid Craft owned by Beaver Creek Marina bearing Kentucky registration KY 0693 RX. 

The pontoon was tied to the fuel pier on the starboard side of the vessel not running with no occupants on board. Operator1 collided with the pontoon with the bow of his boat striking the rear starboard corner of the pontoon.  The bow of vessel 1 struck the fuel tank on vessel 2 initially and momentum of vessel 1 caused sliding to occur. Vessel 1 bow then slid over into the engine cover of vessel 2. 

The bow of vessel 1 was now caught in between the fuel tank and engine of vessel 2. When the collision occurred, due to the pontoon being tied to the dock, it caused the railing on the starboard side pull loose from the deck and posts by breaking several welds. The gas tank was struck causing significant amount of damage along with the engine cover. I was notified of the incident by a voicemail left on my cell phone by the marina manager. 

I interviewed 2 witnesses there at the marina that are employees and were working on the fuel pier at the time of the accident. Both stated that Operator1 was attempting to dock his vessel and came into the fuel pier at a bad angle. They stated that once the initial impact was made it was as if the throttle was still engaged in forward causing Operator1's vessel to continue on push on the pontoon. One witness stated that Operator1 said that his throttle messed up and couldn't get it to come out of gear. 

Upon interviewing Operator1 on the phone, he described the same thing. He stated that he just got finished letting his passengers off by nosing into the dock. He was then attempting to dock his vessel and tie up to the fuel pier. When he began his approach and noticed he was coming at a bad angle, he then tried to put into reverse to stop his vessel. That is when he said it was as if it was still in forward and wouldn't come out. He stated that the throttle handle would move but it was not reacting. He then struck the pontoon and he stated that he attempted several times to get it out of forward and finally shut off the engine to stop his vessel. Operator1 stated that when he started his vessel back up that everything was back to normal and the throttle was working properly. Operator1 stated that later in the weekend that this problem occurred again but in open waters where he had time and distance to stop the vessel. Operator1 trailered his vessel and took to his mechanic at Sea Ray of Louisville.

I visited a local Sea Ray dealer to inquire about any recalls or known issues with this particular vessel or throttle system. They informed me that there was no recalls on either. They did state that the vessel has a DTS (Digital Throttle System) and that there is a safeguard built into the throttle system that will not allow you to go straight from forward to reverse without stopping in neutral and allowing the rpm and propeller to slow down. This is a built in safeguard to protect the gears in the lower unit. I also called and spoke with the dealer in Louisville that Operator1 took his vessel to. They stated that they were unable to duplicate the problem but did find a bad battery in which is the battery that the DTS is ran off of. Operator1 had both batteries replaced and hasn't had the issue occur again.


BARDID: KY-2016-0013
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: MONTICELLO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
While attempting to leave their slip at Conley Bottom Marina with wind estimated at between 16 and 17 mph with gusts recorded at 24 mph the operator of vessel 1 encountered mechanical problems with the bow thrusters on his vessel.  

At that time he had difficulty navigated  between the piers and vessels moored to them.  He attempted to leave the area of his slip  in the direction of the marina breakwall.  While passing vessels moored to pier 5 vessel1 struck vessel 2 near the starboard rear causing significant damage to two windows on vessel 2.  The area of damage on vessel 2 is consistent with the height of scuff marks on the slide on vessel 1.  

Vessel 1 then continued on and struck a 4 slip section of covered slips located directly in front of 
vessel 2 causing structural damage to the slip section.  A section of roof gelcoat damage on vessel  1 is consistent with the height of damage to the metal roofing on the slip section that sustained  damage and is believed to be the point of impact between the two. 

Vessel 1 then travelled on and ended up alongside vessel 3 which was moored in their slip at the end of pier 5. Vessel 3 sustained  only minor damage to a mirror that had been mounted to the starboard side of the vessel and what appeared to be minor scuff marks down the starboard side of the vessel from the bumpers attached to vessel 1.  

Vessel 1 then left the harbor area and travelled to open waters to attempt to avoid any  further damage to vessels or structures in the harbor.  The operator of vessel 1 then returned to the area and notified the marina as well as law enforcement.  The marina notified the owners of vessels 2 and 3 and also took action to attempt to sturdy the section of slips that had sustained damage.  It was determined that the section of slips was not structurally sound and all vessels located under the covered section of slips were moved out.  

Estimates in this report were given by the owners and  or Sunstar Houseboats.  No one was onboard vessel 2 or 3 at the time of collision however did come and inspect their vessels for damage and provide information for this report.  The only damage noted by the operator of vessel 1 to his vessel was some cracked fiberglass on the port rear roof and edge of roof and a couple scuff marks on the slide located on the port stern of his vessel.  The slide had made contact with another object with enough force to knock it to the starboard side by pulling the screws that mount the base of the slide into the hull of the vessel.  The operator of vessel 1 stated he had few hours at actual operation of his vessel including operating the vessel in the wind conditions that were present at the time.                 


****$31,500.00 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO THE MARINA.******


BARDID: KY-2016-0014
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREEN RIVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CAMPBELLSVILLE
County: TAYLOR
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
      On 06/25/2016 at approximately 5:01 pm I was dispatched to Green River Marina in reference to a sinking SeaDoo. I arrived on scene at 5:34 pm, where I interviewed  subject at the Green River Marina. Subject stated that he and his friend had rented a couple of jet skis from Wet-N-Wild Motorsports Inc.  

Subject stated that he was operating Vessel 1 (KY-0679-AM) when the motor quit running.  Subject stated after the motor quit running he got on the other rental jet ski with Subject2, and they returned to Green River Marina.  Subject stated that he notified the women that he had rented the jet skis from of the occurrence. According to Subject statements at this time the women went to look for the jet ski. Employee was gone for about an hour before she returned to the Marina. Unable to locate the SeaDoo, Employee then takes Subject with her to the exact location. At this time according to Operator1's statements the boat was beginning to sink.
 
     After the interview with Subject, I was able to interview Employee, an employee with Wet-N-Wild Motorsports Inc.. In a written statement, Employee states that the two SeaDoo's were rented at approximately 1:00 pm, the party brought back one Seadoo at approximately 3:00 pm. At this time the party stated that Vessel 1 would not crank, so they left it on the water. At this time Employee states that she went to look for the SeaDoo, but was unable to locate it so she came back to the marina and picked up the members of the party. Subject then took Employee to the exact location. Employee writes that when she located the SeaDoo it was in an upright position and sinking. 
 
     After interviewing both parties at approximately 6:18 pm, I was able to locate the SeaDoo at approximate G.P.S Location N37 17' 47.44" , W85 16' 24.35". At this time only the nose of Vessel 1 was above the surface of the water. Green River Marina employees arrived shortly after and pulled Vessel 1 to Smith Ridge ramp where it was loaded on a trailer. 

     Once Vessel 1 was trailered and pulled from the water, I observed a lot of water escaping from the bottom stern side of the vessel. I photographed the vessel 1 and cleared the scene at approximately 06:49 pm. 

     I continued the investigation on 07/01/2016, with a telephone conversation with a boat mechanic at Personal Performance in Russell Springs.  The mechanic advised that he had looked at Vessel 1 and based on his observations the following occurred. A lot of rock and gravel was sucked through the jet pump impeller, causing the pressure that is produced by the jet pump to be reduced. The same jet pump is also used to keep the exhaust cool, and when the pressure was reduced the exhaust got too hot. As a result the plastic around the exhaust was melted which allowed water to start entering the hull of Vessel 1, causing it to sink.

     Based on my investigation I believe that all statements given by all parties involved are truthful. Subject left Vessel 1 on the water in an up right position near G.P.S Location N37 17' 47.44" , W85 16' 24.35" after the motor had quit running. At this time Vessel 1 was most likely taking on water, but not enough water had entered the hull to cause it to sink. At some point between the time Subject left Vessel 1 and the time Employee located the Vessel 1, the vessel had taken on enough water to cause it to sink. I can not determine as to when the rocks were sucked through the impeller which was the primary cause of damage. 

*** No one was injured as a result of this accident. Damage to Vessel 1 is estimated at $2500.00.
*** All times are Eastern Standard Time.


BARDID: KY-2016-0015
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CAVE RUN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: MOREHEAD
County: ROWAN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Unit #1 was turning his boat around at idle speed in the marina, he advised he drifted over too far toward a parked, unoccupied rental pontoon belonging to the marina, pinning his wife between the slide sticking out and her seat. 


BARDID: KY-2016-0016
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:04:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: KY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BENTON
County: MARSHALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Dispatched to a missing boater call on KY Lake near Moors Resort on 7-16-2016. Upon arrival with 104 at around 2230 hours we contacted a vessel at anchor near Moors Marina. Inside vessel was 2 the non injured passengers listed in report. They stated that the victim and them had been drinking beer all day and that the victim was intoxicated. They stated they were heading south on lake from the rock quarry while the victim was operating vessel. They stated that while the victim was operating vessel that he went to back of vessel and was dancing on swim platform while vessel was still under power. They stated that he fell off and was screaming after he entered water. The male passenger jumped in but could not find the victim. 911 was called and a Marshal County Rescue member met this vessel and stayed with them until our arrival. Search crews started a search for the body of the victim at that time. 


BARDID: KY-2016-0017
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:09:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: BURNSIDE
County: PULASKI
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Shift
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7-08-16 at 14:46 responded to a call of a boat accident with injury upon arrival at Burnside Island Ramp took report from individuals involved in accident. Unit 1 was coming into the dock area of Burnside Island ramp to load the boat. Unit 1 pulled up to the dock and wind caught the boat while idling up to dock area. 

Unit 1 struck the starboard side of Unit 2 that was loading onto the trailer at the ramp. Unit 1 shifter on boat stuck into gear in forward motion at the time of impact.  Unit 1 caused damage to starboard side console, side railing, and injury to passenger. Victim was transported by Somerset/Pulaski EMS with neck,back,left leg,and chest pain injuries. Operator of Unit 2 lost his sunglasses in lake on impact. No other injuries or loss of property was reported.


BARDID: KY-2016-0018
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE MALONE
NearestCityorTown: DUNMOR
County: MUHLENBURG
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Responded to report of a 2 boat injury accident on Lake Malone. Upon arrival on scene both boats were afloat near a boat dock on east bank. Both victims were on board respective boats and conscious.  

  Operator of Unit #1 was not able to give any cognitive statement on scene. Operator of Unit #2 stated he was in a bass tournament and all he could remember is running down the lake and next thing he knew he was hurt and people were talking to him.  

  Another vessel with 2 witnesses was contacted. Two subjects both stated that all 3 vessels were travelling south while participating in a bass tournament that took off at 19:00 hours. Witness1 stated he was operating his vessel alongside Vessel1's vessel running down the lake when all the sudden Vessel1's vessel struck Vessel2's vessel from behind. Witness1 stopped his vessel. Witness1 rendered aid and assistance to first responders.  Witness1 advised that he was boat #5 in take off position, and that he thought Vessel2 was boat # 3, and that Vessel1 was boat #6.  

  Upon inspection and documentation of damage on both vessels it appears that Unit #1 travelled up from behind and struck #2 just right of center stern, and travelled over top and landed in front of Unit #2. The engines from both vessels were separated from the transoms. Engine from Unit #2 was still attached with the steering cables. Engine from Unit #1 was not recovered. 

  Both victims were transported from the scene by EMS to Logan Memorial Hospital in Russellville. Both were transferred same day to Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, TN with multiple injuries. 

  On 5-14-16 I spoke with victim from Unit #2, Vessel2's mother. She advised he had a broken right femur, a broken pelvis, and a broken vertebra in his lower back. 

  On 5/20/16 I spoke with victim of Unit #1, Vessel1 at his residence. He stated he had 2 broken vertebra in his lower back, and both lungs were bruised.  He gave a statement as to what he remembered from the accident. He stated that he was boat #8 in the tournament and that he was following witness Witness1's vessel about 50 yards behind when he hit some boat wake. He stated his boat went up in the air and when it came back down he was positioned out of his driver's seat and saw Unit #2 just for a split second before striking it in the transom area. He stated that Vessel2 told him he may have turned in front of him but was not sure what happened.


BARDID: KY-2016-0019
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:28:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ROUGH RIVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LEITCHFIELD
County: GRAYSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: gas attendant error
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating his vessel on Rough River Lake in the Cave Creek area on 6/18/2016 around 19:00 CST. Operator was loading the vessel onto his boat trailer, and when he turned the ignition key off, an explosion occurred causing the boat to catch fire, and Operator to jump into the lake.

Operator stated that day he went to Nicks Marina on Rough River Lake around 17:50 CST to get gas. He told the gas hand that he wanted 20 gal of gas, and then left the vessel in the gas slip. Operator and subject1 went into the Nicks Marina store to look around while Gas hand pumped the gas. Operator stated that at some point while in the store, Gas hand asked if he wanted $20 of gas or 20 gallons. Operator replied that he wanted 20 gallons.

Operator returned paid for the gas, and returned to the vessel. He stated shortly after leaving the marina's no wake zone that his vessel was not running correctly. The vessel's motor would die and would not want to crank back over to start. After Operator lifted the cowling of the motor, he said the motor would then start correctly.

Operator stated that he was making his way to the Sandy Beach area on the lake, and on his way, he noticed the floor of the vessel was wet. He stated that when he touched the floor and felt the dampness, it didn't have a gasoline odor, but did not feel like lake water. 

Operator decided that something was wrong when he noticed his gas gauge was not showing the correct level for 20 gallons of gas being added, and that the motor was still not running right. Instead of going to Sandy Beach, he decided to return to Cave Creek boat ramp, where he launched his vessel earlier, and take the vessel to his buddy to see what was wrong.

Once at Cave Creek ramp, Operator unloaded his passenger to pick up his vehicle and trailer. Operator loaded his vessel onto the trailer and when he turned off the ignition switch, he stated that a ball of fire came from cubby area of the vessel and the whole vessel caught on fire. Operator jumped into the lake, which he claimed, he was on fire, and tried to push the vessel away from the boat ramp and into the cove area.

Grayson County Fire, diver, and two Corps Rangers were on scene. Sgt. and I received a call about the boat on fire, and made our way to Cave Creek from the Long Lick Creek area. Once we arrived on scene, the vessel was beached and the fire was extinguished. Grayson County EMS had already transported Operator to Twin Lakes just prior to our arrival. I spoke with one of the Corps Rangers about the incident and he stated that when he arrived, Operator was receiving treatment from the burns, and when he spoke with Operator about the incident he could smell an odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath.

 Inside the brunt vessel was a blue beer can that was untouched by the fire. We gathered the information and assisted with putting the burnt vessel back onto Operator's trailer and the Corps Rangers took the vehicle and vessel to their lot.

Sgt. and I went to Twin Lakes Regional Medical center to obtain more information about the incident. Around 21:30 CST we spoke with Operator and the medical staff attending to his burns. The medical staff stated that Operator had 1st degree burns on his right upper arm, abdomen, and left hand, 2nd degree burns on both of his legs and less than 2% of his bodies surface area had burns. Operator informed Sgt. and I about the incident and guessed that the dock hand at Nicks Marina accidently put the 20 gallons of gas into the septic container instead of the fuel container, which might have cause the fumes to build and ignited the fire when he shut the motor off. Sgt. and I left the medical center around 22:00 CST.


BARDID: KY-2016-0020
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BENTON
County: MARSHALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 2nd, 2016 around 9:30 PM a boating collision occurred between two vessels in the vicinity of Bee Springs Campground & Southern Komfort Resort on Kentucky Lake in Marshall County. 

  Vessel #1 was a 19' Crown Line runabout supposedly occupied by 6 adults who were returning from a firework show at Birmingham Point. They were traveling south on plane back to the boat ramp at Southern Komfort Resort. Officers were told upon interview the same night as the accident (7/2) that Operator1 was operating the boat. 

  Vessel #2 was a 21.7' Suntracker pontoon occupied by 3 adults and a 2 year old infant who all had recently just attended a firework display at Hester's Resort and were traveling north back to their camper at Bee Springs Campground. Upon interview of this party on the afternoon of 7/4, officers were told that Operator2 was operating the boat. 

  Both parties involved did call authorities to notify of a boating collision. However, vessel #2 was the initial caller of the accident at 10:01 PM with vessel #1 not calling until  10:25 PM. It should be noted that Vessel #1 was taking on significant water and was en route to safety which more than likely led to the delay in call time. 

Myself & Ofc. received the call from Post 1 about both parties and their location and responded by vehicle to Southern Komfort to interview the 6 adults of Vessel #1. 

Upon our arrival, the boat had already been trailered and all occupants provided the same story. They all stated that while they were traveling south and on plane, they unknowingly came upon a boat which did not have any navigation lights on which they claim led to the collision. 

Those on board Vessel # 2 claim that all navigation lights were on and in working order before the collision and that they were in no way at fault. Although, due to the instrument panel switch layout, Operator2 mentioned that it was possible that the force of the collision caused his left hand to bump the switch turning them off by accident. Vessel 2 was traveling at idle speed right before the collision occurred at which point Operator2 shifted the engine into reverse trying to avoid the accident. 

  All of the statements and interviews from those aboard Vessel 1 mention that Operator2 was "uncooperative" in providing the pertinent accident information immediately following the collision when both vessels came close enough in proximity to speak to one another. Since Vessel 1 was taking on water, they had to leave fairly quickly and were only able to take a picture of the pontoon's registration number.

It should be known that both myself and Ofc. did notice the smell of an alcoholic beverage coming from the breath of Operator1(Vessel 1). When the operator was questioned he claimed that there hadn't been any alcohol consumed while on the water and that he himself had not consumed any alcohol that evening. 

  The 3 adult occupants aboard Vessel 2 were interviewed the following Monday on the 4th. It should be clarified that on the night of the accident I repeatedly tried calling Operator2 to learn of his present location but was unsuccessful in reaching him until later in the night after both officers had left the scene. A phone interview was conducted until we could meet in person. 

  Upon interviewing the 3 adults of Vessel 2, all 3 individuals say that there were only 5 people on board the 19' runabout and that they all seemed to be significantly intoxicated and "hostile" once conversations started. Operator2 even stated at one point, due to the hostility, that he was in fear for the well-being of everyone on board his boat, including his 2 year old grandson. Both vessels were in close proximity only for a short while before parting ways.


BARDID: KY-2016-0022
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY RIVER 5 POOL
NearestCityorTown: LAWRENCEBURG
County: ANDERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 17:04 I received a call from Lawrenceburg dispatch in regards to a boating accident on the Kentucky River near the BG Parkway bridge. Once on scene and talking to witnesses, both subjects advised that Operator vessel struck a large tree limb, sending it approximately 10 feet in the air and tearing off the vessels engine. 

Subject stated that the vessel came back down and struck another limb, sending it airborne again and slamming Operator into the vessels center console. Witnesses immediately went to Operator to help. Witness stated that once they approached Operator vessel that his head was hanging over the edge of the vessel and was spitting up blood. 

At the time two others stopped to offer help and was able to load Operator into their boat to transport him to the Tyrone boat ramp to meet Anderson County EMS. Operator was treated by Anderson County EMS and transported to University of Kentucky Medical Center.

Operator is in critical condition at The University of Kentucky Medical Center. Operator is being treated for a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), multiple facial fractures, two cervical fractures in his neck, as well as memory loss.


BARDID: KY-2016-0023
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:58:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BARKLEY LAKE/EDDY BAY
NearestCityorTown: EDDYVILLE
County: LYON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The two injured parties were being towed on an inner tube behind a jet ski.  Operator stated that she was operating the Jet Ski at approximately 25 MPH when she turned the inner tube swung to the outside and hit a wave tubers fell off the inner tube and Tuber1s right elbow struck Tuber2 above his left eye.  Tuber1 appeared to have broken his right elbow or forearm and Tuber2 had a 4 or 5 inch Laceration above his left eye.  Tuber2 and Tuber1 were transported by EMS to Baptist Health Paducah for treatment.


BARDID: KY-2016-0024
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BENTON
County: MARSHALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 operator stated while following vessel 2, vessel 2 stopped. Vessel 1 operator stated vessel 1 struck vessel 2 in the rear causing vessel 1 to go airborne, and causing vessel 2 operator to be ejected. Vessel 1 operator stated vessel 2 operator's head struck vessel 1 during the ejection. 

Vessel 2 operator's family is not taking calls in effort to assist in her recovery from a skull fracture.


BARDID: KY-2016-0025
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:47:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREEN RIVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: COLUMBIA
County: ADAIR
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: pump
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/15/2016 at approximately 18:01 Dispatchers at the Columbia KSP Post (Post 15), received an incoming call that a boat was on fire in White Oak Creek area of Green River Lake.  I, (Conservation Officer) received a call from Post 15 while off duty at approximately 18:04 to respond.  I arrived on scene, at the end of Texas Eastern Road in Adair County at 19:46.  By the time I arrived all parties in Vessel 1 and the responding agencies had left the scene, but Vessel 1 was still sitting on the lake bank. 

At that time, I observed that all registration numbers and Hull Identification Numbers had been burnt off of Vessel 1, as a result of the fire. While at the scene I contacted the Adair County Fire and Rescue teams that responded earlier to gain additional information. At that time the responders were able to advise me that no one was injured in the accident and advised that the owner of the Vessel could not provide any other information.

Owner's neighbor stated that Owner had been working on his boat for several weeks and noticed that he was pulling an empty trailer earlier on that same date.  

     After several attempts to contact Owner, Conservation Officer and I, were finally able to interview Owner on 07/26/2016, at approximately 17:01.  We met Owner at his residence. 

In the interview Owner stated the accident occurred when he was operating Vessel 1 (KY-0225-VT)(1997 Marand,MX-3), heading northwest from the Knifley road bridge towards Holmes Bend. Owner stated he had been operating the boat for approximately 20 minutes when he heard a very loud noise. At first he thought they had hit a tree under the water. Owner then stated about 10 seconds after he heard the loud noise, he observed black smoke and flames coming from the engine compartment.

 Owner also stated that the fire extinguisher that he had onboard the vessel were in the engine compartment and he could not access it due to the fire.  Therefore, Owner and all the passengers entered the water and swam to shore.  

     When I asked Owner what he thought may have caused the fire, he stated that he had put a new hydraulic pump that used regular motor oil on the boat about two weeks prior. This was Owner's only explanation and could explain the black smoke coming from the engine compartment.  He also stated that it appeared that something was feeding the fire, and that after about 20 minutes the boat was unrecognizable.   

     Emergency services were contacted by a nearby fishermen at 17:47. Adair County Fire Department arrived on scene at 18:07. According to Adair County CAD Incident Detail Number 201624006. Emergency personnel noted that the boat had a hole that contained fuel and that it was still burning at 18:35.  At approximately 18:40 Emergency personnel noted that they did not have enough extinguishers to put out the gas and oil fire. At this point the vessel was towed to the bank near the end of Texas Eastern Road where the fire was sprayed with foam. Adair County Fire departed the scene at 19:42.  Vessel 1 was left at scene until it was picked up by the Owner on 07/16/2016.

     Due to the severity of the damage it is unknown what specifically caused the fire, but based on the witness statements and physical evidence I believe it is reasonable to believe that the new hydraulic pump was a contributing factor.  

** There were beer cans in the boat, however it is unknown if alcohol was a contributing factor.

**All times are Central Standard Time.


BARDID: KY-2016-0026
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:54:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAUREL RIVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LONDON
County: LAUREL
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7-17-2016 a vessel was towing an inflatable tube.  As the tube crossed the wake of the vessel, the tow rope became slack and wrapped around victim’s upper arm.  When the rope became taught it caused injury to tuber’s arm by tearing the flesh from his upper arm.  

Tuber was treated by Laurel EMS and thereafter transported by helicopter to the University of Kentucky Hospital.


BARDID: KY-2016-0027
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:01:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BARKLEY/MAIN CHANNEL
NearestCityorTown: CADIZ
County: TRIGG
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Officer1 and I 2343 dispatched to the Prizer Point Marina in reference to a person that had lost a finger. Upon arrival, we observed a pontoon boat with several people on board docked at the refueling dock. Officer1 asked one of the subjects if they knew of anyone that had been hurt. They advised that one of their friends had a finger removed from his hand and is on the way to the hospital. I spoke with the operator of the pontoon boat bearing KY 0676 AH.  Operator advised that Victim was at the back of the boat holding a ski rope so it wouldn’t get caught in the prop as they took off. The rope started to tighten up on the tube and the rope had gotten around Victim’s left middle finger. 

While speaking with Operator, I observed a large garbage bag full of empty beer cans being removed from the boat and I asked Operator if anyone had been drinking. Operator replied that they had been drinking that day. They were 7 people on board the pontoon when the accident happen. 

 I asked if Victim had been drinking as well and Operator did advise yes he had. The incident happened in Rockcastle Bay where they was tubing next to the rocks where they jump off into the main channel. Officer1 located blood on the back deck floor, rope, and seat. Dispatched advised me that Victim was taken to Trigg County Hospital and I contacted Cadiz Police Department to see If they would speak with Victim to get his personal information and to fill out a statement sheet. Victim was transferred to VA Hospital in Nashville due to him being prior military.


BARDID: KY-2016-0028
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:06:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAUREL LAKE
NearestCityorTown: KEAVY
County: LAUREL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 operator told me he was traveling North from High Top to Holly Bay. Speed was estimated around 26  MPH, Operator1 advised he was traveling right of mid channel, although weather was light rain visibility was good.  Approximately 200 yards North of Flatwoods boat ramp, his boat struck another boat. Operator1 and his passenger (son) both stated they did not see other boat until impact. No lights were visible. Upon impact, they turned and went back to check other boat, which had also turned. All involved were uninjured and proceeded to Flatwoods ramp to call authorities.

 Vessel 2 advised he had been near Holly Bay Marina fishing, when a storm with heavy rain moved in. When it slacked of he proceeded to return South to Flatwoods boat ramp. He advised that he was running around 35-40 MPH, he advised it was dark and still a little rainy. As he navigated an approach the boat ramp, he saw another boat just in time to avoid a head on collision. He advised he never saw this boat or any lights until just prior to impact. After seeing that everyone was uninjured he along with Operator1 went to Flatwoods ramp to call authorities.

Officer assisted me with retrieving the parties GPS information. The following day he and I went and downloaded track data from both vessels GPS units with consent of the owner. Officer was able to put this info onto Google Earth to Illustrate the accident. Which  supports both parties statements, and is a part of this report. 

Upon completing this accident investigation Vessel 2 failed to maintain a course that kept it right of mid channel. While other factors listed all contributed to accident. Failure to follow Navigation rule of staying right of mid channel seems to be the primary contributor.


BARDID: KY-2016-0029
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-07-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:16:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: BURNSIDE
County: PULASKI
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
operator launched his 20 foot 1992 Stratos bass boat with 225 horsepower Mercury at Burnside Island State park and traveled north heading to the power plant. Operator1 stated when he was approaching the two bridges over lake Cumberland he encountered heavy wake. 

Operator1 said all at once both of his bilge pumps started working and his Vessel was taking on water. Operator1 manage to navigate his vessel to the south side shore under the railroad bridge and tie his vessel off. Operator1 received a ride back to his vehicle by another fisherman. I arrived on location and noticed the vessel was 75 percent under water and there were also a lot of wood debris floating in the area. I left the scene and located Operator1 at his residence. He stated he wanted Lake Cumberland Marine assist to recover his vessel. I notified Kentucky State Police Post London and they called Lake Cumberland Marine assist.


BARDID: KY-2016-0030
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: MONTICELLO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 10, 2016 a call came in to Wayne Co. 911 regarding a boat accident on Lake Cumberland near the area known as F&T. Initial call came into Wayne Co. 911 at 0654 EST. Sometime between 0630 and 0700 EST subject was passing through on a wave runner coming from Little Cub Creek and heading to Conley Bottom and noticed a vessel that appeared to be on the shore. 

Subject drove closer to the vessel and noticed someone's arms waving. Subject approached and found the beached vessel with 2 occupants.  Subject asked both Operator and Occupant what had happened and Occupant stated that the boat was stuck and she had got off the vessel in an attempt to free the vessel and her leg was cut by the prop. 

Subject initially called Conley Bottom Marina that was nearby and contacted Marine Assist. Subject stated when interviewed that Operator appeared to be heavily intoxicated and did not seem concerned at all about the victim and her condition.  Wayne County EMS was dispatched to Conley Bottom and went out on a vessel with an employee of Conley Bottom. Once on the scene they transported Occupant back to Conley Bottom where she was flown to UK Medical Center by PHI at approximately 0800 EST. Operator refused medical treatment and remained on the scene with his vessel. 

The call came into Kentucky State Police Post London at 0708 EST. The first responding officer was Officer. Officer1 was dispatched at 0733 and arrived on scene at 0816. Upon arrival Officer1 witnessed Operator operating his vessel in an attempt to back it off the shore. The lower unit and propeller was approximately under the water 12" - 18". Officer1 had to tell Operator several times to stop his actions and turn the vessel off due to the dangers he was presenting to himself and the responding Officer. Officer2 arrived on scene at this point at 0836 EST. Officer1 conducted several Field Sobriety Tests on scene and came to the decision due to the clues shown to place Operator under arrest. The time was 0909 EST. Officer1, after speaking with County Attorney, decided to obtain a search warrant for blood evidence of Operator.  Officer1 after consulting with County Attorney charged Operator with Boating Under Influence 1st (KRS 235.240) and Assault 2nd (KRS 508.020). Operator was lodged in the Wayne County Detention Center.

During the time that Operator was with Officer1, Operator gave several conflicting stories regarding the accident and what happened. Operator stated the victim was his sister, his girlfriend, and his cousin through out the morning. Operator was unable to give a consistent explanation of what happened with his story changing numerous times. Operator even went as far as stating that he "fillet her like a fish" and did not seem like he understood the gravity of the situation making light of it several times. Operator even stated to me in a conversation on the phone that he had asked Occupant to pull from the back of the boat to try to get it unstuck. Operator quickly retracted the statement once he said it. 

Myself, Officer, drove to UK Medical Center to speak with the victim in regards to the accident. Upon contact with Occupant, I asked her what had happened. At the time she was unable to remember much but stated they were lost and was trying to get back to where they had launched the boat. At the time she couldn't remember but later found out that it was Halcombs Landing near the dam. 

While at UK Medical Center I photographed the injuries that Occupant sustained on her leg before treatment was give to repair. On July 25, 2016 I went to Occupant's residence to follow up with her and to see if she recalls anymore of what happened. She stated that she couldn't recall what they hit but when they crashed she was in the front of the boat and was thrown backwards through the windshield and believed that is what cut her leg. 

She stated that the boat was still running after impact and that she pulled the keys from the ignition to turn off the boat. She stated that Operator was passed out for a period of time on his hands and knees between the driver seat and helm and she could not get him to wake up for some time.  Occupant stated after Operator regained consciousness he was up looking for the keys to the boat and his truck and fell on her leg causing the injury to be much worse. 

She stated to me that she was never back behind the boat around the propeller for any reason or even outside the boat. She stated that she was begging him to call 911 and he told her he would if she would quit being lazy and get up to help him find his keys. She stated that he kept telling her to shut up and quit screaming while she was laying there. 

She also recalled an incident that happened before the accident where they had pulled up to a fishing boat in a cove and was asking how to get back to dam. She stated that the fisherman said to get away from his boat that he was trying to fish. She then stated that the fisherman fired a gun in the air a couple times to run them off. 

After several interviews with both Operator, Occupant, and other witnesses Operator and Occupant's stories are not consistent with each other. Both of them have given several different versions of the crash to numerous people including myself. Occupant made a statement to Subject (the person who found them) that she was cut by propeller. Occupant now denies this to me. Operator also made statements to me and Officer1 that she was cut by the propeller but denies this as well now. There will be a more detailed analysis along with an opinion of what occurred following the completion of the investigation and will be placed in the case file.


BARDID: KY-2016-0031
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:01:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BARKLEY
NearestCityorTown: CADIZ
County: TRIGG
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Drug
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
I was dispatched to the area of Devil’s Elbow Boat Ramp in reference to two bass boats had collided and one person was injured. Upon arrival, I observed a bass boat with two occupants and Operator1 had just docked at the ramp. I approached the dock and observed several boats heading to the ramp and one of them was towing a boat upside down. 

Upon contact with Subject1 who was operating the boat that had just docked. He advised that Subject2 and Operator1 was the one that was one of the boats in the accident with Operator1 being hurt. Trigg County EMS had arrived short time after I did and removed Operator1 and transported him to Barkley Airport where he was taken to Baptist Health by helicopter. I spoke with Subject2 and asked him what happen?  He advised that they had just taken off to fish a tournament with 10 boats in the field. They had approached the mouth of the Devil’s Elbow when Operator1 asked Subject2 if he thought they could cut the point.

Subject2 replied to Operator1 “yes I think we can.” Operator1 turning the vessel to a north west position towards the secondary channel and proceeded to full throttle around 58 MPH. Subject2 observed another boat off to his left that was getting closer and Subject2 started hitting Operator1 in his left shoulder trying to get his attention to let him know that a boat was off to his left.

 It was too late and Operator1's( boat #1) boat struck  boat #2 in the right side in front of console with the left side of bow causing boat #2 to rock to the left and right and spinning out with the motor shutting off. Operator1's boat rode up over top of the gunnel of Operator2's boat causing it to roll to the right side, throwing both occupants out into the water and continued to flip completely over. Only thing was visible was the bottom of the boat. Subject2 swam back to the boat and got on top of it, while Operator1 was thrown a life jacket by Subject1 and Subject3 who was right behind the two boats.

Subject2 stated that Operator1 never did see the other boat until contact. I spoke with (boat #2) and asked him what happened? He advised that he took off and seen Operator1 driving Subject2 boat and it was off to his right. He proceeded towards the mouth of the bay and swung wide to give the other boat enough room and headed north towards the bridge. The boat was on plane and running around 60 mph and he happened to look to his right and seen the bow of Subject2's boat about two feet from hitting his right side. Operator2 laid down to the left in the seat knowing that they were going to hit. After impact, Operator2's boat was facing in a south position and he didn't know what had happen to the other boat until he looked to his left and seen the other boat upside down. 

I spoke with Subject1 and Subject3 who was right behind the boats that was in the accident and first on scene. They stated that Operator2 (Boat #2) came out of the mouth of Devil's Elbow wide and headed north towards the bridge and Subject2's boat (Boat #1) headed out of the mouth in a west  direction and never changed course. Subject2's boat (Boat #1) struck Operator2's boat in a 45 degree angle causing it to deflect and flip throwing out both occupants. 

When we stopped to help Subject2 had already made to the flipped boat and Operator1 had surfaced. We threw a life jacket to Operator1 until we made it to him and we picked up both of them out of the water. We then proceeded back to the ramp where EMS was waiting.

While I was collecting information about the accident, it was made known to me that Operator1 was asking for two pain pills, while waiting for the ambulance. Operator1 was transported to Lake Barkley Airport where he was flown by Life Flight to Baptist Health of Paducah. Once I cleared the scene at Devil's Elbow, I arrived at Baptist Health to speak with Operator1 and he had already gone to x-ray. I spoke with the head nurse that was in charged and asked if a drug screen panel had been performed on Operator1? She advised me that they would do one and that they had found two prescription bottles in his blue jean front pockets. One was Hydrocodone and other one was unmarked. She advised that they did have pills in them and they were locked in a safe at the security office.

On 8/5/16, I talked with the Trigg County Attorney to obtain a subpoena or search warrant for Operator1's medical records. He advised me to obtain a search warrant and I proceeded to McCracken County Court house to get a judge's signature for the search warrant. No judge was in the office and I located Honor at his residence. I proceeded to Baptist Health Medical Records Department where I executed the warrant and obtained a large packet of medical records from the 7/26/16 to 8/5/16 on Operator1. The drug panel showed that Operator1 had Methadone and Opiates in his blood at the time of the accident.


BARDID: KY-2016-0032
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-07 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GRAND RIVERS
County: LYON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On the evening of August 7th, 2016 subject and his 4 friends were being towed north from the rock quarry area of Kentucky Lake toward the canal between Barkley and Kentucky Lake. 

The vessel Operator was operating was a 20' Sea Ray Runabout. A friend was towing the Sea Ray with a separate personal watercraft. 

Somewhere around Moss Creek public access in LBL, the 20' runabout was able to start and run without immediately stalling out. At this point, around 5:25 PM, Victim said that he needed to use the bathroom. Operator stood on the swim deck at the stern of the boat but somehow slipped and fell into the water. According to all the witnesses and the injury sustained by Operator,  the boat must have still been in forward gear as the right leg of the victim from the knee down sustained very severe lacerations from the propeller. 

Operator was able to climb back into the boat by himself. After doing so, the 4 other occupants immediately began to cover his leg with towels in an attempt to stop the bleeding while 911 was called. They made their way to Lighthouse Landing Marina in Livingston County. 

Once at Lighthouse Landing, Livingston County EMS transported the victim to Lourdes Hospital in McCracken County. From there, Operator was flown via helicopter to Vanderbilt Hospital. 
(Air Evac Run #628587 at 7:56PM)


BARDID: KY-2016-0033
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BARKLEY
NearestCityorTown: CADIZ
County: TRIGG
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Officer and I docked the patrol boat at the refueling dock at Barkley Marina to refuel. One of the deck hands notified me about two rental jet skis were involved in an accident with a shoulder injury to one of the operators. 

I spoke to subject1 who observed the accident from a pontoon boat that was anchored near the beach area. Subject1 stated that everyone was getting ready to head back towards the marina to turn in the pontoon boat and jet skis. Operator2 was setting on a Jet Ski next to the pontoon, while Operator1 was on the other Jet Ski. Operator1 was attempting to pull next to Operator2’s Jet Ski, when he approached at a fast rate of speed hitting Operator2’s Jet Ski and knocking him off into the water. 

Upon collecting all the information from all the parties involved, Officer and I left the refueling dock and placed our patrol boat into the slip located on dock 1. I proceeded to Trigg County Hospital where Operator2 was transported by personnel vehicle. I located the father of Operator2 and Operator1. I asked Operator2’s father if he observed the accident. Operator2’s father stated that he was talking with Operator1’s father on the pontoon boat, when out of the corner of his eye. He observed Operator1 hitting Operator2's Jet Ski and knocking him off. Operator2 started yelling, I need some help. I helped Operator2 onto the boat and he was complaining of his left arm hurting.

I spoke with Operator1 and he stated that he attempted to pull next to Operator2's Jet Ski, when he hit a wave causing the Jet Ski to shut off, still traveling around 25 to 30 MPH. The front of the Jet Ski struck Operator2's Jet Ski at a 45 degree angle knocking him off. Operator2 returned from X-Ray and he advised that he was sitting on the Jet Ski, next to the pontoon boat, when operator1 came towards me really fast and collided. The front of his Jet Ski struck his Left side knocking him into the water, causing a fracture to his left arm. 

 I observed the damage of both Jet Skis and Jet Ski #1 (Operator1) proceeded at a high rate of speed, struck Jet Ski #2 (Operator2) with the front. Causing serve damaged to the top and front of Jet Ski #2, and then striking Operator2 left side from the elbow to the top of his shoulder. Operator2 was knocked into the water from the impact.


BARDID: KY-2016-0034
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GRAYSON LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GRAYSON
County: CARTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7 Aug 2016, Ofc and I were on boat patrol duty on Grayson lake. At 15:25 hrs, we received a call from Post 14 / Ashland, reporting a boat vs jet ski accident at the marina. We responded to the call and arrived on scene @ 15:34 hrs. We located the subjects involved at the courtesy dock at the boat ramp. A juvenile female subject was lying in a boat w/ her left forearm area covered by a makeshift bandage. She was conscious and aware of her surroundings. We arrived on scene at the same time that the Carter Co EMS did, so I let them do their initial assessment on the injured subject. After they did their initial evaluation, I spoke with the lady holding the victim, the victim’s mother. I got the victim’s name, address, DOB and other information. According to her, the victims PWC stopped in front of them and they collided with her. The boat was being operated by the victim's father. Carter Co EMS transported the victim and mother (uninjured) to Cabell Huntington Hospital and operator2 stayed to give us the details of the accident.
 
Operator2 stated he was operating the boat with Victim’s mother and another person as passengers. His daughter Operator1 was operating the PWC with her friend as her passenger.  They had left the Grayson Lake Marina and were traveling up the lake (going south) at approximately 30 mph. They were within 150-200 yards of the sandbar area at the point (Rosedale) when the accident occurred. There were two (2) pontoon boats in the area and Operator1 changed directions to go between the pontoon boats. When she changed directions, it put her inline, in front of his boat. When she came between the two pontoons, she hit a wave, which made the PWC stall (the jolt of the PWC hitting the wake possibly causing her to inadvertently to pull the kill switch), With the PWC stalled in front of him, operator2 saw the PWC slowing in and cut power to his vessel. Seeing that he was still gaining on the PWC, he cut to the left, but still clipped the port (left) side of the PWC with the starboard (right) front section of his boat, hitting the back passenger (V1 occupant) on the triceps area of the left upper arm / left shoulder area and catching the PWC operators left forearm  between the boat hull and the PWC handlebar, causing a laceration. Both PWC riders were put into the water by the collision. Both PWC passengers were recovered from the water. The victims forearm was bandaged and both vessels w/ passengers were taken to the boat dock at Grayson Lake Marina, where 911 was called. The injured victim was transported to Cabell Huntington Hospital by Carter County EMS. 
 
An examination of the vessels showed the following information:
The Bayliner boat (KY 0043 SU) had scratches on the starboard side hull, starting at 27" from the nose of the boat, running 20" long, toward the rear of the boat. A second (2nd) set of scuffs / scratches started 60" from the front and ran 24" toward the rear of the boat. Both sets of scratches were just below the rub rail of the vessel and in the maroon paint on the vessel. 
 
The Bombardier PWC (KY 0661 SR) showed no visible body damage. There was blood on the center and left handlebar section.
 
UPDATE: 13 Aug 2016: I contacted the family. Mother stated her daughter also had two broken ribs along with the laceration to the left forearm. She spent two days in the hospital and has since returned home.


BARDID: KY-2016-0035
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BURKESVILLE
County: CUMBERLAND
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
     On 8/7/2016 at approximately 12:10 I received a phone call from Sgt. in reference to a boat accident at Sulpher Creek Marina. I was in route to the location at 12:39, and arrived on scene at 13:31. Upon arrival I was able to interview and obtain witness statements from the owner of each vessel and an independent witness. The damage to both vessels was documented and photographed. I cleared the scene at 16:10.

     According to witness statements on Sunday, August 7, 2016, at 11:15, operator1 was attempting to moor his vessel, Vessel 1, a 66’ Summerset houseboat, Coast Guard documented as "Incommunicado" (#1092312) into slip C-45, at Sulphur Creek Marina, on Dale Hollow Lake. As Operator1 was starting to pull into his slip, a gust of wind turned Vessel 1 sideways and he was unable to recover. 

The port side of Vessel 1 struck the stern of Vessel 2, a 60' Sumerset houseboat, (KY 0691 PT), which was docked in slip C-43.  The impact cause damage to a slide that was attached to the stern of Vessel 2. To prevent more damage to Vessel 2, Operator1 gave more power to Vessel 1, attempting to separate from Vessel 2. This action caused Vessel 1 to contact Vessel 2, two more times.
 
      co-owners of Vessel 2 stated that Vessel 1 struck their boat a total of three times.

  ***Notes.
*Damage to Vessel 2 was observed on the slide, slide railing, slide bracket and also damaged some canvas on walk rail. 
 
*Damage to Vessel 1 was a slight scratch on rear port of the vessel. 
 
*Vessel 1 also bumped into another houseboat that was docked and unoccupied, in slip C-41. No damage was observed to that boat. 
 
*No foul play is suspected in this incident.*
*No citations were issued.
*No one was injured as a result of this accident.
*Damage Estimated at $2500
*All times are Central Standard Time.


BARDID: KY-2016-0036
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:15:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BENTON
County: MARSHALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On the 19th of August 2016, Victim, his wife and two other family friends had rented a houseboat from Kentucky Dam Marina and were headed south on the lake in the vicinity of Big Bear Creek.  

At approximately 5:15 PM, roughly 1 hour after leaving the marina, a beverage koozie was noticed falling overboard. At this point, and according to a witness statement, the decision was made to turn the houseboat around in an attempt to retrieve the koozie. Victim was observed to go downstairs off the top deck and then to immediately return to the top deck wearing only a pair of shorts. 

Victim was asked to wear a life jacket by those on the boat before jumping into the lake but he ultimately decided not to. 

With the houseboat turned off and floating adrift unanchored, Victim jumped off the top deck.  
According to a statement, Victim immediately resurfaced after jumping in and was calling for help. Initially, the effort was made to start the houseboat and motor to Victim' aide, but they were unable to successfully start the engine. At this point a life ring was thrown to victim by his wife. However, despite her efforts, Victim was not able to grab the life ring before he went under. 

In the immediate aftermath, and according to a statement, they did manage to start the engine successfully but it was still too late. 

It is my understanding, after speaking with an employee of the rental business, that Kentucky Dam Marina houseboats have a multiple-step procedure to accomplish before the engine will successfully turn over. It should also be noted that the houseboat was retrieved after the incident by employees of KDM who didn't have any issues starting the engine to return it back to the marina.  

Marshall County Search & Rescue led the search efforts late into the following afternoon on the 20th when the body of Victim was recovered at 2:56 PM by Marshall S&R Boat 206. 
        
*Coordinates of Discovery*
N 36 Degrees 55' 15.36"
W 88 Degrees 12' 3.60"

After approximately 22 hours missing, the body was recovered roughly 300 yards from the estimated point of entry from the evening before. The body floated to the surface. Upon recovery, custody of the body was transferred from Marshall Boat 206 to Marshall Boat 205 for transport to Rocky Point Boat Ramp. From there, an employee of the Marshall County Coroner's Office transported the body to Benton where it arrived at close to 4:00 PM


BARDID: KY-2016-0037
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NOLIN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CLARKSON
County: GRAYSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/23/16, at approx 23:30, I received a call from post 4 about a vessel on Nolin Lake that had run upon a sand bar, they also provided a contact number for the operator of the vessel.  I contacted the operator and he advised that they had help on the way, but may need an ambulance and some help removing one person from the vessel.  The operator wasn't sure of their location, and advised he would call me back when their help arrived to give me a location.  The vessel operator called me back and advised that they were close to the Wax boat ramp.  

I then called Grayson Co 911 and requested they send an ambulance with search and rescue to the Wax boat ramp.  I did not travel to the scene, do the time it would have taken (they would have been gone before I could have arrived).  Wax search and rescue helped one injured person off of the vessel and Grayson Co. EMS transported two injured persons to Twin Lakes Regional Hospital, where they were treated and released.  

The following morning (07/24/16) at approx 08:00, I went to the scene and documented the vessel that had run aground.  The vessel appeared to have just slid up the bank and was almost completely out of the water (photos attached).  I did not see any obvious damage, other that setting on the ground.  

I then contact the operator who is also the owner of the vessel, to interview him and his passengers.  Operator advised that he and the other passengers were at his lake house, and he would call me when they were all awake.  Operator contacted me and I went to his lake house, at Sportsman's Paradise, to conduct my interviews.  

Operator advised that he was leaving Wax Marina, headed to Dog Creek, when he realized that he had missed a turn.  Operator then looked down at his cell phone to pull up the GPS function.  While he was looking down, a passenger (Occupant1) who was standing up beside him, advised that they were about to hit the shore.  Operator looked up but did not have time to react, do to them running on plane.  The remainder of the passengers who were all sitting, said they did not see anything or know what had happened until after they ran aground.  

Operator had six passengers and he on the vessel.  Two of the passengers had injuries beyond first aid.  

Occupant1 had a laceration that required stitches on her fore head and her right shoulder was dislocated.  Occupant2 had a sever sprained left ankle.  No other passengers were injured.  Occupant1's injuries were a result of falling forward into the dash and windshield of the vessel upon impact, and occupant2’s injury was a result of falling into the floor upon impact.  

It is this investigators conclusion that this accident was caused by operator inattention and excessive speed.  The operator, Operator was distracted and possibly blinded when he looked down at his phone, and he was running to fast for the lighting conditions.  Running on plane in the dark greatly decreased the operator's reaction time and he couldn't avoid running the vessel aground.  Operator advised during a phone interview on 08/10/16 that the insurance adjuster estimated the damages at $3800.  The rudder fin was broken off upon impact, the cabin door was broken off its hinges and the out drive had internal damages.


BARDID: KY-2016-0038
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BARREN RIVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GLASGOW
County: BARREN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 1400 I received a call from Allen County Sheriff that there was a possible drowning on Barren River Lake.  I meet the Allen County Sheriff and Barren County deputies at the Port - Oliver boat ramp.  A witness had seen the individual fishing from a bass boat in Skaggs Creek in the third cove on the left. He then said approximately 10 minutes later he saw the boat unoccupied and the boat drifting to the other side of the cove. The trolling motor was still in the down position as it would be if you were fishing. He yelled out to see if the person answered and thought he might have got out on the bank and the boat drifted away, but he got no response. This started the search in the location where the individual was last seen fishing. 
*****UPDATED 9/22/16: THOUGH THERE ARE WITNESSES LISTED, THERE WERE NO WITNESSES AS TO WHAT HAPPENED OR WHAT CAUSED THE FALL.  THERE ARE NO CLUES AS TO WHAT CAUSED THE FALL OVERBOARD.


BARDID: KY-2016-0039
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-09-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:09:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GRAYSON LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GRAYSON
County: CARTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Upon arrival at scene I observed a white boat upside down in Grayson Lake on the west side of the Bruin bridge. I saw several rescue boats around the boat and 2 individuals hanging on to the back of the boat. I was able to drive to the waters edge thru the woods. Upon getting to the scene I was told that one of the two people at the back of the boat was the owner\operator of the boat. They stated that he would be flown to St Mary's hospital in West Virginia. I ask where the other passengers were and they said one was just down from me on the shore line and the other was in one of the rescue boats and was the owner\operator's grandson. I ask if they were hurt. 

I was told that the grandson was complaining with knee and elbow pain. The other passenger at this time said he was ok. Elliott Co rescue loaded all passengers on their boats and took them to the Bruin Boat ramp to waiting ambulances.

Grandson stated that they had came out of the idle speed area and went to full speed. He stated that the boat had taken a sharp right and a hard jerk and hit the rocks and went into the water.

Occupant2 stated that they had came under the bridge on plane and the boat took a hard right and his hat came off. He then looked back to see where his hat went. He turned back around and all he could see was the rock cliff they were going towards. He said the driver got the boat turned enough so that we glanced off and the boat flipped over throwing us into the water.

Witness stated that he saw  the boat take off from Bruin and as the boat passed under the bridge it made a hard right turn. He said just before it hit the rock wall it turned back left slightly and made contact with the rocks, when I arrived I saw three people in the water. He ask which type steering the boat had and the owner stated cable steering.

At 15:56 I left the scene enroute to St Mary's hospital in West Virginia to interview the owner\Operator. I arrived at 16:19.  Owner\operator was in the Emergency room and was unable to give a written statement so I interviewed him utilizing my Bodycamera to record his statement. operator stated that he had the boat at full speed and it had just turned suddenly to the right. I ask if he thought the steering cable had broke and he said he really didn't know what had happened. He didn't recall even turning the boat back to the left to avoid the rock cliff.

18:08 left the hospital enroute to Rick's towing in Grayson Kentuky to examine the boat and get pictures of the boat out of the water. Upon arrival I inspected the steering cables by turning the steering wheel and they  seemed to be in good working order. They were free and smooth working order with no hanging up or any other defects that I could detect. I saw no evidence, with my untrained eye, on the hull or motor of the boat that would have caused it to suddenly turn right


BARDID: KY-2016-0040
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:25:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: PRIVATE FARM POND
NearestCityorTown: ELIZABETHTOWN
County: HARDIN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 9th 2016, Office contacted Sgt#1 about a possible boat accident in Hardin Co. on July 5th 2016.  I checked with the Hardin Co. Sheriff's Office and discovered that there was in fact a boat accident that resulted in a drowning on the date in question, but the KY Dept. of Fish & Wildlife was not made aware of it.  I obtained a copy of the report from the deputy (Deputy#1) who responded to the scene and discovered that a Victim#1 had capsized a kayak and drown in a pond on his own property.  Victim#1 was rowing the kayak across the pond while his wife (Wife#1) and two juvenile grandchildren watched.  Victim#1 told the deputy that she had just received the kayak the day before from her place of employment, for 25 years of service.  She also stated that Victim#1 had never operated a kayak before, but was going just fine when he flipped over.  Victim#1 appeared to move his arms very slowly after he flipped, but then all movement stopped and he didn't resurface.  I also learned from the deputies report that Hardin Co. 911 was called at approx 6:25 P.M.  Fire & Rescue along with EMS were sent to the scene, and Rescue recovered Victim#1’s body form the pond.  The Coroner was then contacted and once at the scene pronounced Victim#1 dead.  Hardin Co. EMS transported the body to Coroner's office.  Coroner's preliminary thoughts were that Victim#1 may have suffered from a slight heart attack which resulted in him drowning, but since receiving the medical examiners report we know this not to be true.  The information contained in this narrative was derived from Deputy#1’s report and a conversation with him.  I confirmed the information in the report and asked a few other questions, such as if there was a PFD at the scene of the accident.  Deputy#1 stated that he did not see any PFD at the scene.  Other information was obtained through Hardin Co. 911 and the medical examiners report.  Deputy#1's report is attached as a witness statement and the medical examiners final diagnosis is attached.  Wife#1 was not interviewed; Sgt#1 and I did not feel as though it was essential to interview Wife#1 about the accident since so much time had passed from the time of the accident and the time this report is being completed.


BARDID: KY-2016-0041
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-08-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:56:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CARR CREEK LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SASSAFRAS
County: KNOTT
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Seat broke loose
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was coming down the lake around 2100 hrs when he stated that his seat broke and he fell backwards. 

He said that the boat made a sharp right turn and hit the bank. Operator said that he was running about 35 mph.  Two occupants were flown to bell Huntington Hospital. I check and the hospital said they had non life threatening Injuries.  

Subject was a witness and he stated he saw the boat make a right turn and hit the bank. He went to help and said the operator  was trying to back the boat up and he advised him that his boat was badly damaged.


BARDID: KY-2016-0042
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: MONTICELLO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 4th 2016 operator was operating his 24 foot Sea Ray cabin motorboat on the waters of Lake Cumberland in Wayne County.  While operating his vessel Operator was pulling a tube with two people riding.  

During his operating of the vessel and pulling the tube Operator crossed what he described as a large wake from another vessel while on plane.  When the following tube crossed the same wake it ejected both occupants.  

Upon ejection it is believed that Tuber1 came into contact with the leg of Tuber2 in the knee area with her head.  Tuber1 was apparently knocked unconscious by the impact.  Upon seeing the riders ejected operator circled back around to pick them back up and he as well as other passengers on his vessel observed Tuber1 with her face down in the water.  

Subject jumped into the water to attempt to assist Tuber1.  Tuber1 regained consciousness and was loaded into the boat.  At this time she became nauseated and began vomiting water.  She complained of neck and head pain as well.  Passengers aboard the vessel then called 911 and proceeded to travel to Conley Bottom Marina to meet an ambulance crew there.  Upon my arrival all occupants were at the marina in and around the vessel tending to Tuber1.  A Wayne County EMS crew shortly arrived at which time Tuber1 was immobilized and loaded into the ambulance for transport to Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital for possible head and neck injuries.  I placed a follow up call on September 23rd 2016 and learned that Tuber1 was diagnosed with a sprain and was having muscle spasms for a short time due to the accident.  She has now been cleared medically with no long term injuries apparent.


BARDID: KY-2016-0043
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:36:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: MONTICELLO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
I received a call of a boating accident on Lake Cumberland with no injuries on 30 September 2016 at 20:04 Hours from Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London.  Post advised Operator2 was the caller reporting he was involved in a Boat accident and he was leaving the location and was going back to his vehicle located at the boat ramp off of Dug road in Monticello.

    At 21:00 Hours I arrived at the Boat Ramp at the end of Dug road and Located Operator2. Operator2 had His 2016 18Ft Bass Cat Margay vessel on his trailer. I Noticed He was missing his outboard motor and his vessel was struck in the stern of the boat. Operator2 stated subject and Himself were fishing in a tournament.  

Operator2 said he was traveling down the lake and hit a wake from another vessel around the area known as the end of five fingers. When he hit the wake his vessel's back end kicked sideways. At that time he was struck in the stern by a vessel operated by Operator1. 

The passenger wearing a PFD from Operator1's vessel was ejected from the boat and Operator1 quickly put him back in the boat.  Operator2 stated he lost his 150 horsepower outboard Mercury motor along with his HDS generation 2 Depth finder and four rod and reels.  Operator2 exchange phone numbers with Operator1 and both parties left the scene.  Operator2 has insurance with progressive policy.

   At 21:30 Hours I went to the residence of Operator1. On Location I spoke with Operator1, he stated he was participating in a fishing tournament traveling down the lake in his 2002 tracker nitro model 892. When the vessel in front of him hit a wake and the back end kicked sideways, Operator1 slowed down and tried to avoid colliding with the vessel in front of him and failed to do so causing his vessel to collide with the stern of the boat in front of him with the bow of his vessel. 

Operator1 stated his passenger that was wearing a PFD and was ejected out of the boat. Operator1 stated he was able to get him out of the water with no injuries.  Operator1 told me he exchanged information with Operator2 and both parties left the location of the collision. Operator1 has Farm Bureau insurance policy.


BARDID: KY-2016-0044
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:24:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: TAYLORSVILLE LAKE
NearestCityorTown: TAYLORSVILLE
County: SPENCER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Carbon monoxide exposure
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim#1, His wife Passenger#1, and daughter Operator#1 just launched their boat at Taylorsville Lake Marina. They idled out about 100-200 yards with Operator#1 driving when they noticed the boat was taking on water. Victim#1 told his daughter to turn the boat around. As they headed back to the dock, Victim#1 attempted to place the plug in the boat. He leaned over the stern prior to getting in the water to put the plug in. His wife asked if they needed to shut the engine off and he said no. Passenger#1 looked forward and then back and saw her husband on his back in the water. She then saw him sinking and screamed for help. Witness#1 and Witness#2 both were there quickly and jumped into the water but could not find Victim#1. KDFWR, Army Corps Rangers, Taylorsville Spencer County Fire and Rescue, Louisville Fire and Rescue, and the LMPD Dive Team all assisted with the search. On 06/21/2016, before sunrise, and off duty Taylorsville Police Officer spotted the body of Victim#1 around where witnesses said he went down. His body was recovered by Taylorsville/Spencer County Fire and Rescue. He was transported to the State Medical Examiners Office in Louisville, KY.                                                                                                             
 
  ***Initial autopsy results stated there was no external trauma and final results for toxicology and cause of death were due to asphyxia via carbon monoxide intoxication complicated by drowning.                                                          
1. Postmortem right chest cavity carboxyhemoglobin level 32.7%                                                                                      
2. Absence of Trauma                                                                                                                                                          
 3. Ethanol 0.031%                                                                                                                                           
***Postmortem urine toxicology results negative for alcohol and tested drugs of abuse.                                          
                                                                                        


BARDID: KY-2016-0045
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:23:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BARREN RIVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SCOTTSVILLE
County: ALLEN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On September the 3rd I officer was contacted by the Allen County Dispatch of a boating accident on Barren River Lake out from the Bailey's Point camp ground.

 Upon arriving by patrol boat to the boat ramp at Bailey's Point a victim from the bass boat had been transported to TJ Sampson Hospital in Glasgow, Kentucky. Two victims from the pontoon boat had been transported to the Medical Center in Scottsville, Kentucky.  Upon interviewing witnesses the pontoon was leaving the idle zone from the Bailey's Point camp ground heading to the main lake and making a right turn.  The bass boat was running close to the bluff heading into the front of the pontoon when it made its turn into the main lake. The bass boat was on plane and traveling at an accelerated speed.  The pontoon was just above idle speed while traveling in to the main lake.  Then the bass boat before impact made a hard left turn while the pontoon also made a hard right turn causing the pontoon to strike the bass boat in the side of the operator.
 

After interviewing witnesses and a member from the Allen County Rescue Squad the location of the accident was in the area between Mason Island and the Peninsula.  Statements from the individuals on the pontoon and witnesses both stated that the bass boat was on plane and traveling at speeds from 40 to 60 mph and this would be consistent with the damage that was sustained by both the pontoon and the bass boat.


BARDID: KY-2016-0046
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-10-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BENTON
County: MARSHALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Two people where fishing adrift at the mouth of jonathan creek on ky lake around 1745 in a triton fish and ski.

 At same time a winner bass boat driven on plane by operator2 was navigating from the main lake into the mouth of jonathan creek. According to operator2, the sun was in his eyes and he failed to see the triton boat until he was about 30' away and turned sharply to the starboard side causing his vessel to strike and go over the triton on the triton's starboard side near the bow. 

The collision knocked the rear passenger into the lake. V1 occupant was recovered by her husband shortly after and she only complained of being sore. 

The collision knocked the trolling motor off of the triton, broke front nav light, broke front electronic panel, had damage to cap of hull near the bow, and broke rear high rise seat. Only the driver of the winner vessel was wearing a pfd. Operator1 stated he screamed at the oncoming vessel and it was about 30' before that vessel tried to avoid a collision and ended up striking his near the bow on the starboard side.

Included in this report are 2 voluntary statements from the operators and digital photographs with nothing digitally altered.


BARDID: KY-2016-0047
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-10-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CUMBERLAND RIVER
NearestCityorTown: JAMESTOWN
County: RUSSELL
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Dam/lock
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 10\30\16 at approximately 09:40 Victim and Occupant were fishing in the Cumberland River just below the Wolf Creek Dam. Occupant stated that they were fishing up next to the wall of the dam in front of the generators and had drifted into the area where the dam was letting water out through the sluice gates. Occupant stated that Victim attempted to move the vessel away from the area the water was being discharged, but the electric trolling motor wasn't strong enough to overcome the draw of the current being produced by the large volume of water being put through the sluice gate. Victim then attempted to crank the boats main engine and it failed to start. Occupant said the boat was pulled under the water being sprayed into the air from the sluice gate and was quickly swamped as he jumped into the river. 

Occupant and Victim were located a short time later and pulled to the bank by a couple of fishermen in a boat that just happened to see them in the river. Occupant was treated at the scene by Russell County EMS and refused any other treatment. Victim was administered CPR at the scene but efforts failed to resuscitate him and he was pronounced dead a short time later by Russell County Deputy Corner.
 


BARDID: KY-2016-0048
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND/STATE DOCK
NearestCityorTown: JAMESTOWN
County: RUSSELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 08\27\2016 Operator was returning to State Dock Marina in his 33' Sea Ray "Sundancer" Boat after a day on Lake Cumberland with friends.

 According to Operator and other passengers on board his vessel, the wireless anchor system located in the bow of the boat, had malfunctioned earlier in the day and he was unable to bring the anchor in. 

 According to Operator he made the decision to bring the boat back to State Dock Marina with the anchor down, with approximately 60-80 feet of line\chain out.

 According to Operator he slowly returned his vessel back to the State Dock Marina.  With the depth of the lake and encountering no underwater objects with the anchor, he made it back to the marina and the row of slips where he keeps his boat.

Operator Approached the inside of the marina where his boat slip is located, then after traveling a short distance, the vessels anchor became entangled in the marinas underwater structure which prevented Operator from getting his vessel in the slip. Operator stated he pulled forward and backed up three times in an attempt to free the anchor but was unsuccessful and according to a witness, it was being operated very erratically back and forth.

 According to a passenger on the Operator Vessel, her and Victim had moved to the rear of the vessel onto the swim deck\platform to assist in docking and tying the vessel off to the dock as Operator backed it up as far as the stuck anchor would allow, then they would work to free the anchor. 

 Operator stated that as he backed the vessel towards his slip, a passenger notified him that Victim had fallen overboard and was stuck in the boats propellers. It’s unclear if Victim entered the water due to the erratic operation of the boat or attempted to jump\step from the vessels rear deck\platform onto the dock and misjudged his distance or just lost his balance and fell overboard.

  Victim's fall was apparently directly between the vessels twin engine propellers and as Operator backed the vessel up he backed over Victim resulting in victim being struck by both propellers and instantly succumbing to his injuries.     
 


BARDID: KY-2017-0001
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-02-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: LICKING RIVER/CAVE RUN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WEST LIBERTY
County: MORGAN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 2\26\2017 at 19:01 hours morgan county dispatch received a call of a possible drowning on the licking river in morgan county.  Subject and a juvenile had launched a 14ft john boat onto the licking river to test run a new mercury motor. The juvenile rode a couple passes with Subject but got scared and Subject took the juvenile to the shoreline. The juvenile attempted to pull the boat and tie it off but Subject told him not to because he was going to make a couple more runs. Operator then went up stream on the river for several hundred feet , turned around and then came back down stream. Subject then travels several hundred feet past the make shift ramp and started to make a left handed turn. As he was turning the witness saw that the boat began taking on water and Subject reved the motor on up in an attempt to finish the turn. During the turn was taking on so much water that the boat began to sink. At this time Subject came out of the boat and was fighting to get back to the boat but went under the water. He resurfaced once and the juvenile ran to the house for help. At the time of the drowning Subject was the only person on boat the boat.

 on wednesday april 12, 2017 at 14:41 hours, morgan co rescue recovered the body of Subject. His body was recovered approximately 2 miles down stream from point of accident. The coroner made a positively identified the body as Subject due to the clothing and physical description.


BARDID: KY-2017-0002
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-03-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:20:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREEN RIVER
NearestCityorTown: MUNFORDVILLE
County: HART
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Drug
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On March 24, 2017, at approximately 13:28 CDT, Capt. notified Sgt. of a capsized vessel on the Green River, in Hart County. Capt. later advised that kayakers had located the vessel, as well as a body floating near it. At approximately 14:21 CDT, Sgt. and I arrived on scene where the Hart County Rescue Squad had secured the body. Next, we observed a capsized vessel in the river with what appeared to be fishing tackle laying on top of the vessel. I ran the boat registration  number. 

  KSP units responded to Operator1's residence and spoke to his wife. She advised KSP that a neighbor had left yesterday morning to go fishing with her husband, Operator1.      Via boat, along with the Hart County Coroner, I began to search the area near the capsized vessel while the Coroner was taking pictures. We observed claw marks on the bank of the river along with articles of clothing, it was at that time we noticed a second body submerged in the river near the vessel (Occupant).            

On a gravel bar in the middle of the river, Sgt. interviewed a kayaker who initially located Operator1.  He advised several people were kayaking down the Green River when he observed a floating body. He also advised that he observed a capsized vessel with a tackle box sitting atop of it, nearby.  Shortly thereafter, he advised he called 911 and stood by at the scene for personnel to arrive.        

We ran the only vehicle license plate in the parking lot at H H Wilson boat ramp, which came back to Operator1.  We were able to identify Occupant by his driver's license, which was in his wallet in the rear pocket of his pants. We were also able to locate a driver's license for Operator1 that was inside his vehicle at the boat ramp.  A family friend who was at the boat ramp, identified the body's of both Operator1 and Occupant.     

 The Hart County Coroner took possession of both bodies and he also ordered Operator1's vehicle, trailer, and boat to be towed from the scene.   Coroner transported both bodies from the scene to Louisville and delivered them to the Medical Examiner's Office.    The autopsy report revealed that both Operator1 and Occupant both had a blood alcohol level of over .20 and had a variety of narcotics in their systems.  The Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death to be accidental drowning.  Operator1's body had moderate scratches to his abdomen and ribs, but it is unknown if they were sustained prior to or during him drowning.       

It is not known exactly how or when Operator1's vessel became capsized and left both he and Occupant in the river.  However, it was reported to me approximately two weeks after the incident by Coroner, that occupant’s daughter had advised him that she spoke to her father, Occupant, at approximately 21:30 hrs. on March 23, 2017 via cell phone.  Occupant’s daughter advised Coroner that her father told her that both he and Operator1 had fallen out of their boat, but that both of them were okay.  It is also unknown how the tackle box ended up atop the boat, or if the claw marks on the bank belonged to Operator1 or Occupant.  Upon flipping Operator1's vessel upright, it was discovered that they did have two serviceable PFD's in the boat, but neither appeared to have been used by either victim at the time of the incident.  Upon recovery of Occupant, he was found to be clinching a flashlight in his hand.     The exact circumstances that led to the drowning are not known.  However, it is noteworthy that both Operator1 and Occupant had alcohol and drugs in their systems, the river current was strong, and the water temperature in the Green River was 48 degrees Fahrenheit and the air temperature was 67 degrees Fahrenheit on March 24th, 2017.* All times are Central Daylight Time


BARDID: KY-2017-0003
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:58:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAUREL RIVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CORBIN
County: LAUREL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Dam/lock
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating his vessel near City Dam with Subject when the motor would not start, the vessel was then caught in the boil of the low head dam where it swamped, capsized and sunk.
Operator launched his boat at 312 Boat Ramp and travelled up river to City Dam. After arriving at City Dam, he and Subject were cast netting for bait fish. 
As they started to drift near the turbulent water from the dam, they attempted to start the outboard motor. The outboard would not start, so they attempted to use the trolling motor. Upon starting the trolling motor, the stern of the vessel swung towards the dam it began travelling backwards towards the low head dam. 
Both occupants then grabbed a PFD and departed the vessel and swam to shore.
The vessel was then pulled by the current into the face of the low head dam, where it capsized and continued to roll until it was destroyed and sank.


BARDID: KY-2017-0004
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-05-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:17:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CAVE RUN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: MOREHEAD
County: ROWAN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 1817hrs on 5-7-17 I was dispatched to the area of Alfrey Boat Ramp on a boat that had sunk and one person had not been located. While en route I met a deputy who had located the other three individuals from the boat at "fishing point" where they had been picked up and brought to by another boater.

 I proceeded to the marina and launched the patrol boat to continue the search. Ofcs were in route to the area of fishing point to interview the three individuals who had been on the boat. At approximately 1905hrs Morehead Search and Rescue located a female floating facedown in the area where the boat sank and began CPR and transported her to the area of fishing point. All parties were transported to St. Claire Medical by ambulance where she was pronounced dead by the Coroner at 2010hrs. Ofcs followed them to the hospital and conducted video interviews of the three witnesses. The other three individuals were released by the hospital shortly after. 

All parties state that the boat had been sluggish and they were having trouble getting it up on "plane". Subjects stated the boat started taking on water and sinking and they all started swimming towards the bank. One person stated there were pfd's on the vessel, however; none were obtained or worn by any of the individuals. The three survivors claimed to have grabbed debris to help them float to the bank. The individuals stated that due to the high winds and choppy water they lost sight of victim and never saw her after she started swimming. Subject was operating the boat at the time; a search warrant for a blood draw was obtained and executed, blood is pending.  Search for the boat continued the next date with no confirmation on the location of the boat. 
 


BARDID: KY-2017-0005
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:22:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GRAYSON LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SANDY HOOK
County: ELLIOTT
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 29, 2017 Officers were patrolling Grayson Lake up Clifty. At 2:22 P.M. Post 14 contacted officer's and advised a boat accident had occurred and that a child had been injured and was being transported by a small boat to the main marina. 

While officer's were responding to the marina, Post 14 contacted officer's and advised that the child was at the Bruin boat ramp and that EMS was responding; that the child was laying on the dock next to the boat ramp. 

Officer's changed course and headed to Bruin boat ramp and arrived at approx: 2:30 P.M. As officer's were approaching the boat dock, observed ambulance taking off. Bystanders stated that the father was very upset and told them that he and his boy was kneeboarding and a boat ran over their rope causing the boy to be injured  and that the subject's on the other boat cursed him and left. 

The father asked the bystanders to watch over his vehicle, boat and dog while he went to the hospital in the ambulance with his son. Officer retrieved the KY registration off the boat: KY 5221 JJ, briefly looked for damage and returned to patrol vessel. Post 14 advised that the other suspects were at the marina and that they may be trying to leave. 

Officers asked post to see if the Carter County Deputy on duty could respond. As officer's approached the marina there were several peopled around the office: the Deputy, a TPR unit, two corp engineers along with the two male worker's working at the marina, operator of the vessel that ran over the rope, another adult male and three male children. 

Officer and myself approached the subjects and asked for identification.  Operator1 stated that he was the operator of the vessel, a rental (Pontoon) KY 0191 KM, that he was moving at 3/4 throttle around Little Gimlet and while passing a boat that was not moving, ran over that boat rope causing it to jerk and spin. 

Stated he noticed a boy sitting on the gunwale and when he caught the rope with his motor that the boy ended up in the floor of the boat. Operator1 stated he went back to check on the kid that he had heard the man yell that his kid was hurt and that the father yelled again that his kid was hurt and took off. He followed until the man and boy turned off and that he went on to the marina to report the accident. 

Operator1 stated he wasn't that familiar with the lake and he knew to come to the marina to report it. Subject stated that they ran over the boat rope and when they tried to  check on the kid that the father cursed them. They apologized and that they followed until the father turned another direction and they came to the marina to report the accident. Subject and Operator1 both stated that they didn't see the rope in the water. 

Officer's asked the deputy, Tpr., and corp ranger's if it seemed like Operator1 and Subject were trying to leave the area and they stated that it didn't. The two male worker's at the marina stated that they reported the accident as soon as they arrived at the marina. Operator1 and Subject provided written statements.


BARDID: KY-2017-0006
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:17:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NOLIN RIVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CUB RUN
County: HART
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger or Skiier Behavior
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 29, 2017 at approximately 18:56 CST I was contacted by Sergeant, and he advised that there had been a boat accident on Nolin River Lake.  He advised me to respond to Dog Creek Campground. I arrived on scene at 19:27 CST to find the event over, and the victim had already been transported, via Air Methods, to the University of Louisville Hospital. I contacted and spoke to a Hart County Sheriff Deputy, who advised me that  he victim was a 15 year old female. He stated that she had fallen off of her "wake board" while being towed behind a vessel, and was unable to move, or feel her lower extremities. I contacted victim’s mother, and set up a time to meet for an interview. 
  On June 2, 2017 at approximately 1800 EST myself and Sergeant, arrived at Victim's residence for an interview. Victim stated that she was coming across the wake of her father's vessel when the front of her board dipped down into the water. She was violently forced face first into the water with her legs being stretched far over her head. When she reemerged from the water, she was in a large amount of pain in her neck, back, and was numb from the waist down. She stated that she was unable to move either of her legs. Fearing the worst, her father pulled her up on their vessel, and drove her back to Dog Creek Campground while her mother called 911. Once at the hospital the doctors advised her that she had a "stinger" injury. Her spinal cord had been stretched out, causing her temporary paralysis. She suffered no visible injuries other than a bruise on her right inner shin and will have no permanent injuries from the incident. A witness statement was taken from all members aboard the vessel and are included in this report. 
  It is this Officer's conclusion that this was truly an accident. Victim stated that she dipped her board the wrong way causing her to be forced into the water violently.


BARDID: KY-2017-0007
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-06-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:31:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BARKLEY
NearestCityorTown: EDDYVILLE
County: LYON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
MachineryFailure: Fuel
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Dispatched to a vessel fire at Eddy Creek Marina at 0831 hours on 6-10-2017. Upon arrival I saw a vessel that had burned to the water line and was near the shore just left of the boat ramp closest to docks at marina. The fire department had extinguished the vessel prior to my arrival. Upon speaking with the owner/operator, he stated that he had filled the vessel with gasoline this morning prior to launch. He stated that he had not operated the vessel this year and this morning was the first time. He stated he turned on the blowers prior to starting engine and they sounded to be functioning properly. He stated shortly after launch and the engine starting, that he heard an explosion and the rear motor cover left the vessel. He stated he jumped from vessel without PFD into lake and swam 50' back to shore. The vessel became fully engulfed shortly after. Fire Crews were able to tow to shore and extinguish the vessel and it partially submerged near the shore. Owner/Operator stated he had no work done on vessel lately and had not experienced and mechanical issues.


BARDID: KY-2017-0008
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BENTON
County: MARSHALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 10th, 2017, subjects rented a 22' ski boat from Big Bear Resort on Kentucky Lake in Marshall County. At approximately 11:00AM the rental boat was checked out and they left the Marina with 3 other occupants.

  Around 12:15PM they returned in their rental boat to the marina and Operator1 was seen driving as she dropped off Subject1 and one other occupant onto the dock. Upon doing so, Operator1 attempted to back the boat away from the dock to turn around. Giving the throttle too much gas in reverse jolted the boat hard in a backward direction prompting her to hastily return the throttle to forward gear. As Operator1 returned the throttle back to forward gear she again gave it too much gas making the boat lunge forward and into the dock creating a substantial commotion and attracting the attention of  several witnesses. 
However, there was no obvious damage to the rental boat or dock from this collision. According to witness statements and security footage, immediately after hitting the dock Operator1 managed to get the boat turned around and began to leave the marina in a very fast manner. By traveling well above the "No-Wake" limits within the confines of the marina, Operator1 created a substantial high-wake condition in very close proximity to several moored boats in their slips. 
  This high-wake damaged a boat as it collided with the dock several times bending the bow eye and creating stress fractures in the gelcoat. It also broke a piece off of the trolling motor bracket. 
  
  After leaving Big Bear Resort in the rental ski boat, Operator1 eventually made her way out of Big Bear Creek and turned right on the main lake to head south towards the Bee Spring Lodge/Southern Komfort area. According to witness statements, Operator1 was seen driving the boat above plane "dangerously" close to the bank as well as other people. It was at this time at approximately 12:50PM that the rental boat being driven by Operator1 collided with submerged concrete causing extensive damage to the boat. Witnesses were able to identify the boat as a rental belonging to Big Bear Resort. Management from BBR was contacted at roughly the same time advising them of what was just witnessed and employees from the marina were sent out to terminate the rental agreement and retrieve the boat for damage inspection. Shortly thereafter around 1:50PM, Big Bear Resort contacted law enforcement authorities requesting an officer to be en route to their marina for assistance in the manner.


BARDID: KY-2017-0009
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:13:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BARKLEY
NearestCityorTown: CADIZ
County: TRIGG
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of vessel number one turned in front of vessel number two while on plane, striking vessel number one with front, causing damage to the right side of vessel number one and injury to operator1. Operator of vessel number one stated that he lost steering when he quit accelerating and couldn’t get out of the way of the other vessel. Operator of vessel number two stated that he was on plane and couldn’t maneuver the vessel quickly enough before striking vessel number one when he tried to cross in front of the vessel.


BARDID: KY-2017-0010
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BARREN RIVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GLASGOW
County: BARREN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 19th, 2017, at approximately 13:15 hrs. CDT, Operator and subject were camping at the Narrows Campground on Barren River Lake. They decided to take their boat out with their son and some of his friends. When they idled past the no wake buoy's coming out of the campground, they decided to do some tubing. 
Operator was driving the boat and Subject1 was watching the tubers, along with Subject2. The boat was heading to the mouth of Skaggs Creek passing the Narrows Marina on their left. As they approached the mouth of the creek, Operator made a right hand turn to go back up the creek. As he made the wide right hand turn, the tube came across the wake of their boat, and then struck some more waves that had been made by other boaters. When the tube hit the waves it threw all three kids off of the tube. As they were falling off of the tube, Victim's right hand got caught in the handle of the tube as he flew off, resulting in an injury to his hand and wrist. 
	When the kids fell off the tube, Subject1 and Subject2 told Operator that they had fallen off. As he started turning around to go pick up the tubers, they realized Victim's hand and wrist had been broken. Victim seems to think his hand slid through the handle and got wrapped as the boat was pulling the tube. Subject1 called 911 as all three of the tubers got back into the boat. They headed toward The Narrows Marina to meet the ambulance. When the ambulance arrived, Victim was transported, and Subject1 rode in the ambulance to T.J. Samson Hospital, located in Glasgow, Ky along with him. Once at the hospital they were able to reset the bones in his hand/wrist and put him in a cast.  
	The tube being pulled by Operator and being ridden by the three boys was a Cabela's brand tube. The tube is called "Force", it is designed for tubers to lay on their stomach and hold on to the handles on the front of the tube. All of the tube riders were riding the tube properly laying side by side on top of the tube. The tube that was used that day had a total of six handles on it. Three of the handles are starting to get worn and foam is showing out from under the material where the seams are starting to rip and unravel. Other than a few rips in the handles the tube overall looked in good shape.


BARDID: KY-2017-0011
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:07:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BARKLEY
NearestCityorTown: KUTTAWA
County: LYON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Officer and I arrived on scene at 17:48. We approached vessel # 1 in which we found Operator1 sitting in the driver seat. Upon speaking with Operator1 it was apparent that he was under the influence of either drugs or alcohol. 

Officer1 asked him to step out of the boat so we could talk with him. When Operator1 stood up out of his seat he stumbled a couple of times before grabbing the side of the boat to stabilize himself before exiting. As he exited the vessel he had to be helped by a deck hand and myself. While helping Operator1 from the vessel you could smell alcoholic beverage on his person. Once he exited the vessel, he was escorted to a stable location on the dock for further questioning. Officer1 asked him if had been drinking alcohol and Operator1 responded with no. 
He also told Officer1 that he was looking for his bumpers while he was approaching the dock and did not see the other boats. He was then placed under arrest for alcohol intoxication in a public place because it was apparent that he was manifestly under the influence of alcohol. Officer1 requested that a deputy, from the Lyon county sheriffs' office, escort him to the dentition center while we gathered information from the witness and the owners of the 2 vessels involved in the accident. 
After speaking with the witness and owners we found that Vessel # 2 and 3 where both tied to the dock on their starboard side and were both struck on the port side by Vessel #1.  Both Vessels were not occupied at the time of the incident. Operator1 also struck the dock during the accident. Vessel # 2 was damaged on the port stern side of the vessel. His vessel had a couple paint chips and also sustained a spider web fracture in the gel coat. Vessel # 3 sustained a scratch on the port side of the bow.


BARDID: KY-2017-0012
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:33:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NOLIN RIVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CUB RUN
County: EDMONSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Officer and I were on routine patrol when we happened upon a boat fire at approx  09:33 hours CST.  KSP Post 3 was notified as we approached the vessel.  Lincoln Fire Department was dispatched at 09:33 and arrived 09:43 according to their dispatch.  Vessel owner and operator had just pulled out of the ramp at Sunset Harbor on Nolin River Lake near Cub Run, KY.  
Operator was operating a 1995 Caravelle Runabout Inboard with a 250 HP Mercury Engine. Operator had two adults and three children passengers.  Operator stated that he had the boat running just after launch when the boat unexpectedly stopped running.  He tried to start the motor again, with the motor cover open, when he noticed a flame and explosion.  All passengers exited the vessel and entered an unknown pontoon that was near.  All three children were wearing PFD's at the time of the accident and PFD's were available for each adult, but not used.   
Six fire extinguishers were used and eventually many buckets of water were poured on the boat to prevent further damage and subdue the flames.  Lincoln Fire Department arrived approximately 09:43 and completely dissolved the flames.  The vessel appears to be a complete loss.  Subject trailered the boat and took it with him.  No injuries were reported or noticed.


BARDID: KY-2017-0013
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:13:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: CORINTH LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CORINTH
County: GRANT
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject left his home around 0500 hours on 06/24/2017 and traveled with a canoe to Corinth Lake in Grant county, KY.  A witness stated he saw Victim unloading a canoe at around 0930 hours and that he stumbled several times trying to get the canoe in the water.  It was reported that Victim was attempting to place trotlines in Corinth Lake when his canoe apparently capsized. 

His life jacket was found attached to the canoe with a bungee cord.  At 1113 hours, witness, called dispatch to report he had found the flipped canoe and Victim floating in the water nearby.  He performed two rounds of chest compressions and three breaths.  No pulse was present.  No one reported seeing Victim go into the water.  Riverside, OH Police Department sent an officer to make the death notification to the victim's wife.  Coroner is performing a toxicology screen.  Family did not want an autopsy performed.


BARDID: KY-2017-0014
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BARKLEY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: KUTTAWA
County: LYON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/17/17 at approximately 18:04 above subjects were operating a JC Spirit 221 pontoon boat on Barkley Lake.  They were headed east around the 35 River Point on the right side of the channel. Subjects stated they were meeting a large cabin cruiser headed west.  They stated the cabin cruiser came off of plane and started to slow down producing very large waves.  
The operator of the Spirit 221 stated she turned to head into the waves and told everyone on board to hold on. The Spirit 221 pontoon boat impacted the wave and when it did the passenger was thrown into the air and came down impacting her back.  The operator navigated back to Kuttawa Harbor Marina when at that time EMS was called and transported victim to Caldwell County Hospital.  No other passengers were injured.    The Spirit 221 was a rental boat from Kuttawa Harbor Marina and was returned to the owner with no visible damage.


BARDID: KY-2017-0015
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GRAND RIVERS
County: LYON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On the afternoon of June 4th, 2017, Operator2 and Operator1 rented two personal watercrafts (PWCs) from Kentucky Dam Marina on Kentucky Lake in Marshall County. Subject1 and V2 occupant accompanied them bringing the total to 4 people using the two jet skis. Operating one jet ski was Operator2 and with him as a passenger was V2 occupant. The other jet ski was being driven by Operator1 who had Subject1 as a passenger. 
	The two PWCs left out from Ky Dam Marina and traveled southeast approximately 7 miles across the main lake to the Lyon County side near Pisgah Bay and the popular "Rock Quarry" hang-out spot. Just past 2:00 PM Central Time, an accidental collision occurred between these two jet skis resulting in V2 occupant being severely injured. 
	Officers with KDFWR arrived at the site of the accident at 2:36 PM to find the 4 individuals on the bank of the main channel, jet skis nearby, in the vicinity of Hillman Ferry Campground within Land Between the Lakes. Due to the extent of V2 occupant's injuries, it was decided that she needed to remain on the bank until officers could retrieve paramedics and a body board with neck brace to immobilize her and help prevent further injury. Ofc. remained on the bank with V2 occupant and the others while I took the boat to the main ramp in Pisgah Bay at Hillman Ferry Campground to retrieve two paramedics and Ofc. with KDFWR. Within 15 minutes of leaving V2 occupant we arrived back at the scene with paramedics and their equipment to secure her for transport back to the ambulance. Ofc. with KDFWR also responded to the scene in his boat and was able to help the paramedics. Upon returning to the ramp, Lyon County EMS transported V2 occupant to Lourdes Hospital in Paducah.
	Based on interviews with Operator2, Operator1 and subject1 it was determined that the accident was caused by operator inexperience with the jet ski. The PWC that V2 occupant was a passenger on was being operated by Operator2. Their PWC was at idle and sitting still when it was struck by the jet ski operated by Operator1 at approximately 15-25 MPH. Operator1 stated that he had turned his PWC around to come back to Operator2 and V2 occupant to talk. Upon doing so he attempted to turn/stop but, being unfamiliar with how PWC maneuvering works on water jet propulsion was unable to and struck their jet ski at a near 90 degree angle exactly where V2 occupant was sitting.
	All 4 individuals were thrown into the water. V2 occupant had been struck on her left femur between the hip and knee breaking that bone completely. The force of the impact also caused her head to strike the front of the colliding PWC resulting in a severe laceration just above her left eye which would later require 7 stitches. Because of the impact, V2 occupant was momentarily unconscious in the water. The 3 young men were able to get to her and hold her head above water while she regained consciousness and they swam to the bank with her to call for help.


BARDID: KY-2017-0016
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:56:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NOLIN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BEE SPRINGS
County: EDMONSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/16/2017 at approx. 21:59 CST, I received a call from KSP Post 3 about a boat accident on Nolin Lake.  The dispatcher advised that no one was injured in the accident, but that it involved one of their officers and they provided me with his contact info.  I contacted the officer (Operator2) and he advised that both vessels and all persons involved were at the Nolin Sate Park Boat Ramp.  
     I arrived at the boat ramp at approx. 22:55 CST, and made contact with Operator2.  Operator2 advised that he and his passenger (V2 occupant) were headed up the lake in his bass boat when they suddenly noticed a boat in front of them.  Operator2 turned his steering wheel to the right to avoid hitting the other boat in the rear, but in doing so caused the starboard (right) rear side of his boat to strike the port (left) rear side of the other boat.  Operator2 then pulled around the other side of the boat he hit and turned on his docking lights to check on the other boat.  Once Operator2 and V2 occupant determined there wasn't any injuries, they asked the other boat "where are your lights".  Operator2 and V2 occupant stated that a male passenger on the other boat then moved an American flag to reveal the stern light, which was on.  
     I then spoke to the operator (Operator1) of the other vessel, a pontoon boat with seven passengers.  The first thing the Subjects expressed was how fast the bass boat was going.  The Subjects then stated that they were out just idling along enjoying the stars, when they heard a boat coming up behind them and before they knew it, the boat had hit them.  All occupants of the pontoon boat had similar statements of how they heard the boat coming from behind and being hit with no warning.  Subject1 stated he noticed the boat approaching quickly and thought it would hit them directly in the rear, and he began to holler but the engine from the bass boat was too loud and he didn't think the other boat heard him.  
     I interviewed operator1 and husband, and they both stated that their navigation lights were working and were not obstructed.  They advised me that their lights had quit working shortly after the accident, but showed me where the flag was hanging from the back of their boat.  From what I saw it did not appear that the flag could have obstructed the view of the stern light.  All occupants of the pontoon expressed great concern about the speed of the bass boat.  Written statements were taken from all the occupants of the Subjects vessel.
     I then interviewed Operator2 and  V2 occupant and asked about their speed of travel.  Operator2 advised he was on plane and typically while on plane he runs about 60mph during the daylight and about 40 mph when its dark.  Operator2 and V2 occupant both advised that they did not see any lights until after the collision, but agreed they were on and didn't think they would have had time to react to turn them on if they had been off.  I asked Operator2, when did he realize that there was a boat in front of him.  He and V2 occupant think that their front navigation lights lit up the back of the pontoon and then they realized a boat was in front of them.  Written statements were taken from both Operator2 and V2 occupant. 
     I interviewed both parties again the next day and their statements stayed the same.  The Subjects say their lights were on and unobstructed, but the bass boat was traveling way too fast.  The Subjects did advise they were having electrical issues with their vessel after the accident and now it would not run at all.  Operator2 admitted he was on plane, but did not see any lights until after the accident when he thinks someone moved an American flag to reveal the stern light which was on.  
     It is my opinion that the primary cause of this accident was excessive speed for the light conditions.  The night of this accident, the lake was extremely dark with very little to no moon light.  Both parties agree that the navigation lights on the Subjects boat were on, and I did not see any evidence that the stern light was obstructed.  It is possible that Operator2 and V2 occupant were sitting so low in the bass boat on plane that they could have been looking upward at the back of the pontoon boat, due to such a close proximity.  This could have possibly caused the American flag to block the view of the stern light, but again the speed of Operator2's boat would  be the primary cause of the collision.


BARDID: KY-2017-0024
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:33:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREEN RIVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CAMPBELLSVILLE
County: TAYLOR
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Carbon monoxide exposure
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Carbon monoxide exposure
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 4, 2017 at approximately 15:33 est. Taylor County 911 dispatch took an incoming call stating that there was a four year old white male at Emerald Isle Marina that had been under the water for an unknown amount of time.  I, Conservation Officer, was dispatched to Emerald Isle Marina by Kentucky State Police Dispatch at 15:39. I arrived on scene at 15:46; when I arrived Taylor County EMS was already on scene, and the juvenile was alert and responsive. 

While on scene I conducted a brief interview with Victim’s mother Victim’s mom, and confirmed that Victim was wearing a life jacket when the incident occurred. Victim’s mom stated that Victim was swimming behind the boat and went unconscious. She stated when this happened she immediately got Victim out of the water ripped his life jacket off, and took him to Emerald Isle Marina.   After the interview I photographed the boat and went to the incident location at approximate GPS location N37 17' 73” W85 18' .1”. At this location I located a yellow and orange youth life jacket that met the description that Victim’s mom gave me.   
      Victim was taken by ambulance to Taylor County Regional Hospital, where I followed up with Victim's parents and obtained written statements.  Victim was swimming in Green River Lake, behind the swim deck of their boat a (Red and White, 2003, Mastercraft, Registration Number: KY 0704 CS) when the incident occurred. Specifically, witnesses stated that Victim had been swimming behind the swim deck of their boat while the boat was running to charge the batteries. They then noticed Victim struggling to get back in the boat, and watched him lose consciousness in the water; Victim stayed afloat because of a life jacket.  Victim’s mom then jumped in the water and handed Victim to subject who was in the boat. After Victim was out of the water they immediately took him to Emerald Isle Marina and called 911. 
     Victim was diagnosed with Carbon Monoxide poisoning at Taylor County Regional Hospital shortly after his arrival. After the diagnosis Victim was taken by Campbellsville/Taylor County EMS to Norton's Children's Hospital in Louisville KY, where he was treated for his injuries. Victim was released from the hospital the following day July 5, 2017.   According to Victim's mother Victim’s mom Victim has made a full recovery.


BARDID: KY-2017-0025
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:27:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAUREL RIVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CORBIN
County: LAUREL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and friends were boating on Laurel River Lake when their vessel swamped and capsized.
Operator stated water was filling the front "Cooler" (Livewell) while they were on the water. The boat was loaded near capacity with much of the weight on the bow of the vessel. They encountered wake from passing boats in the area of Mill Creek while attempting to return to 312 Boat Ramp.
The wake came over the bow of the vessel and caused the vessel to flood. Passengers on the vessel advised him to stop, and when he shifted into neutral the vessel nosed down into the water. This caused further flooding resulting in swamping. The swamping of the vessel in addition to the wake and passenger action caused the vessel to capsize.
Adult occupants were not wearing PFD's at the time of the flooding, but had them readily available and were wearing them when the vessel capsized.
Unknown bystanders gave the occupants of the vessel a ride to the 312 bridge boat ramp. Operator and subject with the assistance of bystanders got the vessel turned back over and were able to bail it out and tow it back to 312 boat ramp. Upon reaching the ramp, the vessel was loaded onto the trailer.
Operator said he had owned the vessel for years but had not had it on the water recently until the date of the accident. He claimed to be unfamiliar with the vessel, it's mechanical systems and it's operation.
Use of intoxicants was not suspected.


BARDID: KY-2017-0026
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-08-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ALBANY
County: CLINTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 3, 2017 at approximately 1425 hours CST, I responded to the Dale Hollow State Park Marina on Dale Hollow Lake in reference to an incident involving a PWC fire. Once on scene I interviewed the operator and passenger of the vessel. 
According to operator of Vessel #1 (OH 0110 CT)(HIN # ZZN01001K900) he had just put fuel in his vessel at the Dale Hollow State Park Marina and had left the fuel pier. While in the idle speed zone his PWC quit running. After several attempts to restart the vessel he had no success. On the last attempt to start the engine the vessel exploded propelling him and his passenger approximately 10 feet in the air and then into the water. Both were able to swim to the dock, uninjuried.
Marina workers were able to quickly get the fire under control and tied the sinking vessel to the dock. The vessel was submerged under the dock throughout the evening. The Corps of Engineers were notified and worked with the owner to get the vessel removed from the water the following day
No one was injured as a result of this incident. However, Vessel #1 was a total loss and the damage was estimated at $2500.00.


BARDID: KY-2017-0027
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-08-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BENTON
County: MARSHALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 8-3-2017 i was dispatched to a vessel fire near moors marina on ky lake.  While enroute i was notified that all 4 occupants had made it out of vessel safely and on to another vessel. I was also notified that vessel had completely sank while being extinguished by east marshall fire boat. Upon arrival at moors marina, i met and took statements from the operator and 3 passengers. 
Operator stated he bought vessel 3 weeks ago and has used vessel 7 days with no problems. Operator stated that during operation today he noticed temp gauge elevated and he stopped to investigate. Upon opening rear hatch, flames escaped and engulfed the rear of vessel. At that time, he had all passengers and himself exit into the lake and into a passing vessel. Operator and passengers listed lots of personal items lost on the statement forms they provided. Attached to bar is 1 cad and 4 statements and 2 digital photos provided by witness.


BARDID: KY-2017-0028
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:29:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: OHIO RIVER
NearestCityorTown: MAYSVILLE
County: MASON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 lower unit broke away from hull causing boat to spin violently, ejecting all four passengers. Three passenger landed close to the boat, the fatality was ejected around 60 yards and never resurfaced. Operator of  vessel 1 was not wearing a kill switch and the boat began to circle the three in the water. The pontoon, vessel 2, nosed up to the three in the water and vessel 1 circled and hit vessel 2 ejecting the operator and injuring the his leg severely. Deceased was recovered at 20:25.


BARDID: KY-2017-0029
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-09-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:40:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BENTON
County: MARSHALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Late in the morning on the 16th of September 2017, victim and 3 friends were bass fishing within the area of Kentucky Dam Marina; more specifically in the vicinity between pier 1 and pier 2 and close to the bank. This boat with 4 occupants was fishing as part of a larger bass club event with other friends and acquaintances in bass boats nearby. 

At approximately 11:40AM, Victim was sitting in the swivel seat on the back deck of the bass boat. One account from a friend on board stated Victim had been sleeping in that chair. All 3 individuals on board recalled hearing Victim falling into the water, yet no one stated they actually saw Victim doing so. Upon falling into the water, Victim was not wearing a life jacket although friends had requested him to do so earlier in the day. 


According to interviews and witness statements, Victim surfaced almost immediately after entering the water and then just as quickly went back under. He appeared only one more time above the surface before again going back underwater. He never re-surfaced. 

Witness interviews describe the event as happening extremely quickly and without any time for action to intervene. No life-jackets or throwable devices were deployed to Victim due to the fast nature of the accident. Within minutes of Victim's disappearance underwater, Sgt. with Kentucky State Parks Law Enforcement entered the water and made numerous attempts to dive and recover Victim but was unsuccessful.  

The body of Victim was recovered shortly before 2:11PM roughly 2.5 hours after he had fallen in. 

During the interview of an occupant and friend on board, it was stated that Victim did know how to swim.


BARDID: KY-2017-0030
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-07-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: HERRINGTON LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BURGIN
County: MERCER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/26/2017 around 1630, Operator was loading his 2009 Suntracker pontoon onto his trailer at Chimney Rock Marina on Herrington Lake. As Operator loaded the pontoon, he realized he needed to move up about 6 more inches to get the boat trailered. As Operator started the boat, the engine suddenly caught fire. Operator used his fire extinguisher to try and put out the fire, but it failed to extinguish the fire. Operator then got out of the pontoon, and pushed it off of the trailer and back into the lake until the Burgin Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire. There was no damage to the marina or any other property.


BARDID: KY-2017-0031
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-09-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:19:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: MONTICELLO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 22:18 KSP post 11 dispatched all units on Lake Cumberland there had been a call regarding a boat running ashore on Ramsey’s point. Officer and myself responded to the call, we weren’t the first group of officers to arrive on scene. 
Lt. and Sgt. were on scene when we arrived. Sgt. was conducting Field Sobriety tests at the time of our arrival and, Lt. was checking on the passenger that was laying stationary on the ground complaining of hip pain.
I spoke with Victim who was the injured passenger and he stated he was riding in the front passenger seat of the boat. 
After Sgt. finished with his sobriety tests I spoke with him about the results. Sgt. stated there were multiple clues showing Operator’s impairment and that he believed that there was another substance in his system as well as alcohol. I asked Operator if he needed any medical attention he stated he didn't. I asked Operator what happened, he then stated he thought he was running in the mid channel of the lake. He stated he could see a camp fire and thought that's where the shoreline was. Operator stated he was heading back from State Dock to Conley Bottom where his campsite was. I asked Operator how fast the boat was traveling he stated he was on plane and was going around 35-40mph. Based on the distance traveled after the initial impact the evidence indicates the  boat had to be on plane.  I asked Operator if he noticed the two flashing buoys he had driven between that marked the island and no boat zone that he drove into. He stated he did not see them at the time he drove through them. 

At the time I was on the scene and when I left both buoys were flashing and located outside of the point marking the danger areas. I asked Operator how much he had to drink prior to driving he stated he had drank two beers.  I then asked Operator if there was anyone else on the boat, he stated no. I went and looked in the boat to make sure there wasn't anyone left on the boat. The boat was unoccupied the door to the cuddy was open and there were two beer cans in plain view lying on the floor. The carpet inside the boat was wet and smelled of alcoholic beverage. 

At this time I examined the damage to the boat inside and out. There were multiple stress fractures to the cuddy door and trim around the door from the impact. It pushed some of the wood used to brace the backseat out into the floor. The boat was measured to have travelled 120 feet on the shoreline out of the water. The terrain consisting of rocks and sand tore the hull and outdrives on the motor up to the point of leaving the boat inoperable. While walking around the boat to look at the damage it was discovered that roughly 25 feet from the boat was a cooler with beer that matched the manufacturing numbering of the beer from the boat as well as a box containing 2 bags of marijuana, as well as several small smoked marijuana joints. 

The box also contained paraphernalia consistent to marijuana use. There were footprints in the sand leading from the boat to where the cooler and box was located. I asked Operator if the box and cooler sitting beside the boat was his or his passengers and he stated it was not. He stated that it could be anyone's and implied there were people that showed up as soon as the boat ran ashore and it could be theirs. The two adults camping had their children with them and were roughly 200-300 yards from where the boat ran ashore.  I spoke with two witnesses that were camping on the shoreline that saw the boat run onto the shore. They both stated they could see the boat coming from the water, and they came around the point and were headed straight for the shore and never changed directions. They also stated once they ran ashore Operator who was driving seem uninjured and was out walking around. They stated Victim seemed to be in pain and discomfort and laid down almost immediately after getting out of the boat. Victim was transported from the scene by Wayne County EMS. Wayne County EMS transported Victim to Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital where he was treated and later released that night. 
After speaking to everyone involved it was evident that impairment was a factor in the boat running ashore. Also speed, inexperience of the terrain in the area, and not having a proper lookout contributed to the grounding. 
Operator was arrested and his Miranda rights were read. He was then transported to Wayne County ER for a blood draw. Operator was read the implied consent form at which time he refused to submit to a blood sample. Operator was transported to Wayne County Detention Center upon leaving the hospital. While traveling to and from the above listed locations Operator seemed lethargic and confused of the situation that had happened. He spoke about his trip down that weekend and a series of events that had happened that didn’t pertain to what was going on the night of the accident. Operator needed to have everything explained multiple times when traveling to and from the hospital and jail after he had been told what was occurring.


BARDID: KY-2017-0032
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OHIO RIVER
NearestCityorTown: LOUISVILLE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1 is a jet water "FLYBOARD" attached to a 2016 SEADOO (PA 9380DP), Operator of "FLYBOARD" (Vessel #1) was operating in close proximity of anchored vessels.  Operator of "FLYBOARD" lost control and fell approximately 15-20 feet onto the rear swim platform of Vessel #2 that was anchored and not moving.  
Operator of "FLYBOARD" struck head on the rear swim platform then entered the water to the rear of anchored vessel.  The "FLYBOARD" was still operational and continued to propel the operator further under water.  Two witnesses immediately jumped into the water to assist the "FLYBOARD" operator. 
US Coast Guard Vessel and Louisville Metro Police River Unit vessel were in area when accident occurred.  US Coast Guard and Louisville Metro Police personnel deployed rescue swimmers/ divers to assist the victim.  The "FLYBOARD" operator was still under water until rescue swimmers were able to reach and recover the operator and disable the FLYBOARD operations via remote on operators wrist.  
Rescue swimmers and EMS personnel were able to remove the FLYBOARD from the operator and successfully board the victim for transport.  Louisville Metro Police River Unit transported the victim to the LMPD Dock House located at 1229 River Road, Louisville KY where EMS (St. Matthews Medic) transport was awaiting.  Victim was transported to University of Louisville Hospital.  
The owner of Vessel #2 that was anchored during the incident was present and gave a statement and information.  There was no damage to Vessel #2. There was also no damage to Vessel #1, only the operator of Vessel #1 (FLYBOARD) received non-life threatening injuries.  Two other witnesses were able to give statements and provide videos of the incident.  Vessel #1 (FLYBOARD) operator was admitted to University of Louisville Hospital for a head injury and was released the next day 08/20/2017 with a fractured upper jaw.


BARDID: KY-2017-0033
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:06:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ROUGH RIVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: AXTEL
County: BRECKENRIDGE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Owner/Operator stated that his vessel was having issues idling through the no wake zone of Axtel marina.  The operator attempted to give the boat throttle and the boat died.  He jump started the boat to get it running.  He gave it throttle again and the engine compartment caught fire.  

Two passengers jumped from the vessel into the lake as the operator attempted to fight the fire.  The operator stated that he also tossed the two passengers life jackets when they jumped from the boat when the fire became too large for him to fight with his fire extinguisher.  He then also jumped into the lake as another boat attempted to rescue him and the passengers from the water.   

A passing pontoon extinguished the fire with their fire extinguisher as another boat transported the passengers of the damaged vessel to nicks boat dock. Police, Fire, and EMS were dispatched to the Axtel boat ramp for the passengers.  The burnt vessel was towed to North Fork boat ramp by an assisting pontoon.  The owner was transported by Law Enforcement to North Fork as well.  The burnt vessel was loaded onto the trailer and then transported to Fentress Marine by the owner.  The owner retrieved the vessel the following Saturday 8/26. 

Operator admitted to consuming two alcoholic beverages.   HGN was conducted with no visible clues.
PBT result .012/bac
Operator stated everyone on board was also under the influence of alcoholic beverages (Coors light).


BARDID: KY-2017-0034
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CAVE RUN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: SALT LICK
County: BATH/ROWAN LINE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Congested waters
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 24th at approximately 1530 hours, the above individuals were recreational boating on Cave Run Lake near the dam on the main portion of the lake.  
According to Operator, he and his wife, two children, his sister and her child along with Operator’s mother-in-law were out up near the dam on the main lake.  Operator stated he was watching other traffic up around the dam while operating his 2002 Crownline (KY0381YZ) at approximately 40 mph.  Operator stated he was looking off in another direction watching traffic as his boat struck the wake of a crossing boat.  
Once Operator struck the wake in a perpendicular motion it jolted the boat he was in significantly.  Operator immediately reduced throttle to soften the impact.  When his boat struck the wake, Victim who was sitting in the open bow area of the boat became airborne and landed back down in the area in which she left.  
Witnesses inside the boat said they thought she had struck her back on the lower portion of the split windshield of the boat that Operator was operating.  Another passenger in the boat stated she heard Victim cry out, “I've broke my back”.  The other occupants immediately laid Victim down flat in the bottom of the boat.  Operator drove the boat back to the Twin Knobs campground area where they all had been camping and notified emergency personnel.  I and Officer were patrolling the lake around Longbow when we received the call from Kentucky State Police making us aware of the boat accident.  Upon our arrival Victim was being loaded up and awaiting the aircraft that took her to the University of Kentucky Medical Center.  
Officer and I began gathering information on witnesses and all parties involved.  US Forrest Service Officer also assisted with the interviews for his reporting purposes.  Operator did not appear to be under the influence of any alcohol or drugs and was cooperative during the course of my investigation.  I asked Operator if anyone else was injured during the situation and he stated no.  Officer conducted a boat inspection and it appeared that everything required for the boat was in working order and no damage was reported to Operator's boat.  Operator also stated that the wake of the boat that he hit was not damaged nor was it close to Operator's boat during the time of the accident.  On 6/25/2017 I spoke to Operator to gather additional information regarding Victim and the extent of her injuries.  
Operator said that she had fractured vertebrae in her lower back and that she was supposed to be released from the hospital on 6/26/2017.  On 6/26/2017 I spoke to subject in order to gather additional personal information on the children who were passengers in the boat.  She said that Victim was going to be sent home after being fitted with a back brace and that it appeared that she was not going to require any surgery for her injury at this time. On 6/27/17 I received additional personal information on child age passengers that were on the boat during the time of the accident.


BARDID: KY-2017-0035
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BARREN RIVER LAEK
NearestCityorTown: GLASGOW
County: BARREN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7-26-2017 Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife was dispatched to a possible boating accident on Barren River Lake. Captain responded to the scene of the accident. Upon investigation, he made contact with Operator2 and v2 occupant. I interviewed the couple on 7-27-17 and received a statement from them concerning the boat accident. 
They stated that they were traveling in front of Barren River State Park toward Walnut Creek.  As they were traveling, they were struck by vessel number 1 that was traveling toward Barren River Lake Dam. Operator2 was operating vessel number 2 and said that as they were traveling they could see the navigation lights of vessel number 1 traveling toward them. Operator2 said that the other vessel was traveling on the wrong side of the lake and at first he was not concerned. However as vessel number 1 got closer it didn't appear that it was going to yield. Operator2 said that at the last second, he made a sharp turn to the right in an attempt to avoid being struck, but they still collided with vessel number 1. Operator2 stated that he was traveling approximately 40 miles per hour at the time they collided.  After their vessel was struck they stopped to assess the damage to their boat. Operator2 stated that vessel number one stopped after a few hundred yards and came back and asked if they were ok. Operator2 stated, "No you hit our boat". Operator2 then said that the operator of vessel number 1 said that they had to go. They never said who they were or offered to exchange any information. While vessel number 2 was back at the scene, v2 occupant was able to see the registration number KY 0443 LT. At the time of this interview, she gave a very detailed description of the boat and the two occupants. I had dispatch check the registration of the boat. No injuries were reported at the time of the accident. 
        As I began my investigation, I spoke with the management of the Narrows Marina and it was discovered that registrant normally kept that boat at the narrows marina. I was able to obtain a phone number for her. When I called the subject she stated that they had not been on the lake and they were at their home in Louisville and they stated that their boat was at Birge Marine being repaired. 
I then travelled to Birge Marine and I immediately noticed the boat matching the description and verified the registration number KY 0443 LT on the vessel. I also noticed that the two subjects in the shop working matched the description that v2 occupant gave of the occupants. 
The two subjects were identified. They stated that the boat had not left their shop to their knowledge. I noticed the damage on the boat matched the damage on Vessel number 2. I was then asked to leave the premises by the owners of Birge Marine. I then obtained a search warrant for the vessel so that I could safely document possible evidence. 
At this time, it is suspected that Operator1 was the operator of vessel number 1 and V1 occupant was an occupant. I went through Kentucky State Police and had them put together a photograph lineup with Operator1 and V1 occupant. I then went to the residence of Operator2 and showed them the lineup and they positively identified Operator1 as the Operator of vessel number 1 and V1 occupant as an occupant. At this time I have probable cause to believe that Operator1 was the operator of vessel number 1. 
         All times documented in this report are Central Standard Time and estimates are based off the damage estimate guide attached in the report.


BARDID: KY-2017-0036
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: JAMESTOWN
County: RUSSELL
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The accident report enclosed is lacking information due to the inability to speak with family, friends witnesses etc. in reference this incident. 
According to a witness that assisted the injured subject back to the Marina, he had never met Operator until this date. He stated he thought Operator had ask to take the PWC for a ride from a person that he had met on the lake that day. Subject told the witness that he jumped a wave and lost control and that he was complaining of leg and shoulder pain. Witness said that operator wasn't from here (Kentucky) and he thought he might even live out of the country. He stated he didn't know who he was with or any of his family or who the PWC was borrowed from.
 Operator was air-lifted to UK Medical Center where he was treated for his injuries. At 21:41 this date, Columbia Post 15 contacted UK in attempt to gather more info ref this accident. UK took Columbia's phone number and ask next of kin or the injured subject to call back. We have been  unable to make contact with anyone regarding this incident since.


BARDID: KY-2017-0039
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:52:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BARKLEY
NearestCityorTown: EDDYVILLE
County: LYON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Officer and I were on patrol on Lake Barkley near the mouth of Dryden Creek, when we were flagged down by a boat. They advised that a pontoon boat bearing KY 0720YW had pulled a kid on a tube into a Navigational Buoy. 
We located the vessel about 60 yards from where we were flagged down at. Upon contact with the vessel, we observed a child lying on the back of the pontoon floor with two adults over top of him. Officer boarded the vessel and assessed his injuries. Lyon County EMS was notified via radio and they met us at the Dryden Creek Boat Ramp. The child was transported to Lourdes Hospital and I spoke with the operator of the vessel. He advised that “He seen a large, barge wake and was trying to jump the wake, but it was larger than he thought and didn’t pay attention to where the Navigational buoy was. The front, right side of the boat struck the buoy and continued forward pulling the tube with the child into it. The child struck the buoy with his right side causing his right hip to fracture.


BARDID: KY-2017-0041
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:28:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: MONTICELLO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On September the 3rd 2017 at 0528 in the Morning I received a call from Kentucky state police post 11 in London informing me that they were two fishermen in a vessel that were overdue from weighing in at the fishing tournament from Burnside Island they were supposed to be back at 0400 AM.

I arrived at the Burnside Island State Park Ramp at 0600 Hours. I spoke with an off duty Somerset police officer. That is where I learned the two fishermen that were overdue hadn’t  been heard from them in a while and the last location they knew the fishermen was near was the Jamestown area.

At 0605 hours Kentucky state police post 11 were able to contact AT&T and obtain a Ping location on Victim1’s cellular phone near Ramsey’s point area of Wayne County.  I contacted the Wayne County Search and rescue squad through the Wayne County 911 center and requested them to respond to the Ramsey point boat ramp.

While in route to Ramsey point Boat Ramp at 0706 hours Wayne County 911 contacted post and told them they have got a call from someone reporting a possible boating fatality East of Ramsey point. I arrived at 0732 hours and was taken to the accident location by the county Search and rescue squad. 

On location, I noticed a capsized vessel with the passenger on the shoreline being treated by Wayne County EMS and approximately 20 feet away still on the shoreline was the operator that was obviously lifeless. I took statements from the fishermen that found the boat accident. They stated the fog was still heavy on the water and as they approached the capsized vessel they thought it was a log floating in the water. As they went in closer for a closer look they heard a voice saying help. As they approached the shoreline they noticed a male wearing a life jacket floating face down in the water and another male wearing a life jacket halfway in halfway out of the water on the bank. One of fisherman jumped into the water and pulled the victim to the shore and rolled him over and checked for a pulse and could not find one. He then transferred over to the passenger to render aid. The other fishermen called 911 and were told to go to the Ramsey point boat ramp where they were first responders waiting on him to show them where the wreck was.

Victim2 was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Wayne County Coroner's office and the patient Victim1 was transported to the Lake Cumberland regional hospital by the Wayne County EMS then took to the University of Kentucky hospital. 

The vessel Impact location with the bank was N 36 56 39.0 W 84 55 00.5, the patient was located N 36 56 38.3 W 84 54 59.5, and the Victim location N 36.56 38 W 84.54.59. From the point of impact the vessel road the shoreline bank approximately 32 feet. The Patient was approximately 90 feet from the point of impact and the Victim was approximately 112 feet from the point of impact.    

Lake Cumberland Marine assist recovered the white, yellow, and black 19 foot 2006 STRATOS MODEL/294 PRO with 200 horse power mercury. The vessel was taken to the Marine assist Garage.


BARDID: KY-2017-0042
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-08-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:04:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: JAMESTOWN
County: RUSSELL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 21, 2017, at 18:22 hours, I was dispatched to a boat accident on Lake Cumberland involving a fatality just east of Campbell's Landing boat ramp in Russell County. Upon arrival at 18:47 hours, I observed a houseboat adrift with passengers waving me down and a red and white runabout floating next to the shoreline just out in front of the houseboat. Occupants aboard the houseboat advised there was a deceased male inside the vessel in front of their houseboat. 

They advised they hadn’t observed the accident but was passing by when notice the boat with bow damage and then seen the debris on the shore. They were unable to get close enough to check on the vessel due to the size of their houseboat so they flagged down anglers who were passing by on a bass boat and asked them to check the runabout for them. They advised the anglers stated there was an older male with severe head trauma and broken legs who appeared deceased with his eyes rolled back in his head and no pulse or breathing. 

Subject1 then called 911 to report the accident. Recruit collected contact information from the occupants onboard the houseboat, however, the anglers who had checked the status of the victim were gone prior to our arrival and no information was gathered from them.  

Approaching the vessel it was a Chaparral runabout with severe damage to the fiberglass at the bow. The registration on the boat was OH-5034-EZ.  Also observed was where the vessel had made contact with rocks on the shoreline. It appeared the vessel had struck the shore head on and with excessive speed. Loose items from within the vessel, including seat cushions and fiberglass from the boat, had been thrown off the boat and up the shore from the water's edge up to approximately 7 – 10 feet away. 

One particular rock looked as if it had absorbed most of the impact, with fiberglass and scuff marks on its face. Idling up to the vessel EMS boarded the boat to check the victim's status, but it was apparent he had been deceased for a while. I observed severe head trauma and it appeared his legs were possibly broke from the impact. 

The Russell County Coroner was then notified by EMS. While waiting for the Coroner to arrive, I began documenting and searching the scene for evidence. I took numerous photographs of the damage and evidence on the vessel while on the water. Onboard the vessel I located a wallet inside the glove compartment area. The wallet contained a driver’s license matching the owner of the vessel. Based on the driver’s license photograph it appeared to match the victim as well. On the port side of the bow was a Conley Bottom Marina Campground sticker. I contacted Conley Bottom to see if they knew the victim. They stated one of the workers had talked to him earlier that day and Victim had told him he was fixing to head to State Dock to visit with some friends. Conley Bottom also gave me a description of the victims' vehicle and trailer in the campground area. 

 Also onboard were two coolers, which had been knocked open and flipped on its side. One cooler contained several unopened Miller Lite alcoholic beverages. However, there were several open Miller Lite alcoholic beverages lying in the floorboard of the vessel. Inside one of the compartments, I located a clear trash bag that was also full of empty Miller Lite alcoholic beverages. One particular cam of Miller Lite located in the back of the vessel next to the victim’s body. This can of Miller Lite in a koozie and appeared crushed somewhat with blood spatter on it. The indention on the can favor an indention made from someone holding it and squeezing it with their hand. It's possible that alcoholic beverage might have been in the operator's hand at the time of the accident.

 The gage and steering wheel housing had been completely ripped from its mounted location and was lying on the floorboard in front of the driver seat. The steering wheel was bent and warped from impact with the operator. The front windshield wasn’t cracked, but had a spot of fleshy tissue and a smug mark that appeared to be of blood. This was possibly the cause of head trauma to the victim. The throttle lever was all the way forward indicating the vessel was moving at full throttle, unless it had been hit by the operator at the time of impact, which would've pushed it forward as well. This could have happened either way because fleshy tissue was also located on the throttle lever.

Once on scene the Coroner pronounce the deceased and took possession of the body. Marine Assist Towing arrived on scene about the same time as the Coroner. They tied up to the vessel and attempted to tow it back to the marina, but the lower unit was sitting on a rock and wouldn't move. I climbed over on the vessel involved and turned the key on raising the trim so the vessel was free from the rock. While doing this I also lifted up the steering wheel housing and moved the steering wheel all the way right and left making sure it worked properly. It seemed functional even in the condition it was currently in. At the marina once the vessel was loaded on a trailer; I conducted another check of the steering cables and turned the steering wheel to make sure they were working properly. It continued to work fine even in its current condition. 

I cleared the lake and headed to the Coroner's office. Once I arrived there I contacted KSP Post and asked them to contact the local law enforcement agency in Hamilton, Ohio for conducting a death notification. Later on that night I was contacted by Post who patched me through with the victim's wife. I explained to her what had happened and put her in contact with the Russell County Coroner's office and also gave her my contact information in case she needed anything from me. 

The next day, August 22, 2017, I went to Marine Assist Towing storage location. I took more photographs of the vessel while on a trailer. I again checked the steering cables and steering wheel assembly to make sure it was working correctly. I went back over the entire boat to make sure I hadn’t missed something. While at Marina Assist, I was contacted by one of the family members who were present with wife. They needed directions to the Coroner's office and to get the vehicle, trailer and vessel. The vehicle and trailer was in Wayne County at Conley Bottom Marina’s Campground. Marine Assist told the family they would go get the vehicle and trailer for them and have it all at one location for them when they came down from Ohio. The family agreed and granted Marine Assist permission to get that arranged.

With the medical examiner’s autopsy and toxicology report, it shows the victim was operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol and having an alcohol concentration of twice the legal limit of 0.08. This would have definitely impaired his operating ability of the vessel. It is unknown if there were other factors involved in this accident, due to not having any witnesses.


BARDID: KY-2017-0043
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-11-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BARREN RIVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GLASGOW
County: BARREN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 11-29-17 at 15:30 CDT there was a boating accident on Barren River Lake.  The accident took place between the Peninsula Marina and Port Oliver Boat Ramp. There were 3 people involved in the accident and only 1 of them were injured. The boats involved in the accident were a Tracker fishing boat owned/operated by Operator1 and a Triton pontoon boat owned by V2 subjects. 
	V2 subjects had been out on their pontoon boat on Barren River Lake and they were getting ready to go back to their slip at the Peninsula Marina. Before going back to the slip they have to put the top down on their boat so it will fit under the roof of the slip they have rented. They were sitting out in front of the marina area with the boat running in neutral as they put the top down on the boat. V2 occupant was putting the cover on the top and Operator2 was sitting in the drivers seat picking up trash they had laying on the boat. 
	Operator1 had been fishing near Skaggs Creek when he decided to go back to the ramp and pull his boat off the water. As Operator1 was heading back to Port Oliver Boat Ramp he rounded a point and the sun was shining right in his face. The sun was setting over the dam and the glare from it coming off the water made it hard for him to see what was in front of him. All of a sudden Operator1 saw a pontoon right in front of his boat and he turned to the right but was unable to avoid a collision with it. 
	V2 subjects were on their pontoon and heard a boat getting very close to them as they sat still in the water. Operator2 looked up and yelled "He's going to hit us" just seconds before Operator1's boat struck the front starboard side of their pontoon. Operator2 had tried to put the boat in reverse to get out of the way but he didn't have enough time to get out of the way. 

Operator1's front port side hit the front starboard side of V2 subject's pontoon. After the initial impact the boats became parallel with each other and scraped all the way down the port side of Operator1 boat and the starboard side of V2 subject's pontoon.  The collision threw V2 subjects into the floor of their boat and splashed them with water. When V2 subjects were able to get back to their feet they could see Operator1's boat starting to go in circles near the pontoon. Operator1 had fallen into the water and his boat was circling him. V2 subjects were able to start their boat and drive over to Operator1 and grab him before he went under water. V2 subjects held Operator1's head out of the water until some nearby fishermen showed up who had heard the collision and they helped pull Operator1 out of the water. The fishermen that came to help took Operator1 to the boat ramp to meet the ambulance because V2 subjects's boat would not start. 
	Once we knew everyone was safe and getting the attention they needed first responders went to get the boats out in the middle of the lake. V2 subjects's boat was able to be driven back to their slip at the marina. Operator1's boat was being watched by first responders until the motor died and it stopped circling in the open water. Operator1's boat was then towed to the Peninsula Marina and tied up next to the gas pumps near the boat ramp. Both boats have been taken off the water since the accident. 
	The estimates for both vessels were taken from the Kentucky Boating Accident Damage and Value Estimation Guide that is attached to the electronic version of our report. I have attached a copy of the guide along with photos and statements from the accident that have been sent to Frankfort to The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Headquarters.


BARDID: KY-2017-1000
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:08:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ohio River
NearestCityorTown: Louisville
County: Jefferson
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with commercial vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
According to a Coast Guard MISLE report and the news, a recreational cabin motorboat carrying two people onboard ran into a moored tug, resulting in the death of the operator and injury of the occupant of the recreational boat. Preliminary reports indicate the recreational vessel swerved to avoid hitting another boat.  Alcohol may have been involved.


BARDID: KY-2018-0001
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-02-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: JAMESTOWN
County: RUSSELL
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On February 22, 2018 a family member of victim made contact with KSP Post 11 with concerns of Victim's well-being. The caller advised that no one had been in contact with Victim since Tuesday February 20th at 0012hrs and that his last known location was on Lake Cumberland. Shortly after the call Victim's truck was located at Conley Bottom Marina in Monticello, KY. It was also discovered that his vessel was not in his docking slip. Once notified, responding F&W Officers conducted an on the water search for Victim in the Conley Bottom area until dark on that same day. After the search was suspended for the evening KSP Trooper entered Victim as a missing person.

Due the uncertainty of Victim’s location and the treacherous lake conditions at 0800hrs CST on February 23rd, a request was made to have KSP fly over the lake in an attempt to locate Victim’s vessel. Shortly after the fly over Victim’s boat was located in the middle of the lake at the mouth of Otter and Beaver Creeks.

At approximately 1228hrs CST Officer and I, Officer2, made contact with the vessel, a twenty-seven feet, Sea Ray cruiser named Ray’s Ray, (KY 0457 KN), on the water by boat.  Upon contact we cleared the vessel finding no occupants on-board. With a quick observation of the exterior of the vessel it appeared that the vessel had been involved in an accident. The starboard side windshield had been broken out and the starboard side stern had sustained heavy impact from what appeared to be a tree. There were two missing sections of a seat from inside the boat which were later located at Conley Bottom Marina. It appeared that Victim removed the seats prior to leaving the dock.  The navigation light switch was in the on position, and Victim's mast light for the 365 degree light source was screwed in as if he was traveling after sunset. 

Shortly after our contact with the vessel Officers arrived on scene and began to search the immediate area and shorelines for Victim. Due to heavy rainfall and rising lake levels Officers were unable to determine a crash location.

Officers contacted Marine Assist, a towing company to tow the boat back to Jamestown Marina to be trailered out of the water. Once on the trailer several transfer and gouge marks were observed on the hull that were consistent with running ashore. Damage to the lower unit was also observed and the entire prop was missing. The vessels throttle was observed to be at full throttle and the key was on. The vessel was photographed and evidence was collected to complete the required boating accident report.  All photos of the vessel and evidence are copied onto a CD that will be attached with this report.

Victim's vessel was released to KSP Trooper on February 23, 2018.

At approximately 13:08hrs CST on March 12, 2018, Officer and I were notified from KSP Post 15 that a group of fisherman had located a person that appeared to be deceased floating in the water near School House Branch on Lake Cumberland. I was first on scene and confirmed that there was a deceased male floating in the water along the shoreline. Officer and Sgt. arrived shortly after I made contact with the body, and stayed with the body while I spoke with the fisherman that had contacted KSP Dispatch. The Russell County Coroner was then notified that the body was located in Russell County.  I stayed at the location of the scene with the body while Officer and Sgt. traveled to Jamestown Marina to pick up a member of Coroner's Office to bring her to the scene. Upon the arrival of Officer and Sgt. with the Assistant Coroner (A.C.), and the Russell County Rescue Squad, recovery efforts began. The Rescue Squad assisted and retrieved the body from the water at 15:27hrs CST. The body was escorted back to the Jamestown Marina by law enforcement and turned over to the Russell County Coroner's Office. Later that evening I met with A.C. to gather additional photographs and required case information. 

On March 14, 2018 I was contacted by the A.C. and was advised that the Medical Evaluators' Office in Frankfort, KY had positively identified the body as Victim by fingerprint analysis.  She also advised that the cause of death was consistent with drowning. 

A copy of A.C. Coroner Summary Report will accompany this report. The summary includes a toxicology report which lists Victim's blood alcohol content at 0.167 after the recovery. The autopsy report is still incomplete at this time.   

There were 5 officers that assisted in the search for Victim, up until this date there has been roughly 155 working hours spent on the search and investigation on this case.

KSP CAD # 11-18-0154

*** Damage is estimated at $5000.00


BARDID: KY-2018-0002
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:22:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: ROLLING FORK RIVER
NearestCityorTown: CALVERY
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Dam/lock
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 05-06-18, I was conducting boat patrol on Rough River Lake when KSP Post 15 called me at approximately 4:30 PM EST.  They dispatched me to a drowning in Marion Co., on the Rolling Fork River near Mill Dam Rd. at the low head dam.  

Officer1 and I started that way, and due to us being an hour and a half out, Officer2 responded as well.  Officer1 and I were coming into Marion County when Officer2 advised search and rescue were going to stop searching for the night, because of harsh water conditions and an approaching storm. At this time Officer1 cancelled his assist and turned back towards Nelson Co. I met Officer2 at the Marion County EMS Office and obtained information relating to the event. 

Officer2 and I then contacted the witnesses and had them fill out statements. Officer2 explained what had happened on the river, to his understanding, prior to me arriving.  He stated that five individuals put kayaks in at the Campbellsville Bridge off of HWY 68 around noon.  The witnesses stated the river was up, but seemed to be ok until they reached the low head dam, by Mill Dam Rd. This is where two individuals went over the dam and both were ejected from their kayaks.  

Subject1 stated that when he came out of the water Victim was above the water and attempting to swim back to his kayak, which was stuck in the current by the dam. Subject1 then stated he told Victim to forget the kayak, but the current swept him down river and he lost sight of Victim.  Marion Co. Search & Rescue was dispatched at approximately 3:00 PM and with the assistance of Campbellsville Search & Rescue attempted to locate Victim, without any successes and a storm approaching, they cleared the scene at approximately 6:00 PM.   Campbellsville Search & Rescue returned to the scene at approximately 8:00 PM and flew a drone to survey the area Victim was last seen.  

Victim's kayak was still caught in the current at the dam and rescuers made plans to come out the next day when water levels dropped and weather conditions were better, to search for Victim.  The search for Victim went on for four days.  On day four, 05-09-2018 at 5:31 PM, Marion Co. Rescue called and said he had recovered Body. Victim's body was recovered by the Deputy Coroner at 6:38 PM at GPS coordinates 37.5090133, -85.3426569 and was Identified by his father soon after. According to the Medical Examiners autopsy report: Alcohol (0.032), Cocaine, and Methamphetamine were found in Victim's blood, but he ruled death as caused by asphyxia via drowning. 


BARDID: KY-2018-0004
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-05-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:02:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: JAMESTOWN
County: RUSSELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 12th 2018 at approximately 12:06cst a call was dispatched out to Sgt. in reference to a vessel that was on fire at the Halcomb’s Landing boat ramp on Lake Cumberland. Sgt. arrived on scene at approximately 12:50cst where he found the 19 foot, Wellcraft runabout, (KY 0195 VP), also from this point will be referred to as Vessel 1.  Vessel 1 was in flames on the water just off the launching ramp area. Sgt. took a statement from the non-injured operator of Vessel  1. Victim1 was an injured passenger on Vessel 1 during the fire, and was transported from the scene by Russell County EMS. Victim1 was later flown to Louisville for further treatment. The South Russell Volunteer Fire Department along with Marine Assist pulled the vessel to shore and extinguished the flames on the boat. Sgt. photographed the damage sustained to Vessel 1.  Brumley's Wrecker Service towed the vessel once the flames were extinguished, and all photographs had been taken. Sgt. left the scene at approximately 14:48cst. 

Sgt. contacted me (Officer) and informed me of the boat accident that had taken place. Sgt. disseminated all the information and photographs he had pertaining to the case and I then took the case over. I made contact with Victim1 as a statement was not obtained from him on the day of the accident due to him leaving the scene for medical treatment. Victim1 stated, that the vessel had been fueled up prior to the arrival to Halcomb's Landing to launch the vessel.  Victim1 stated, his wife and he had a routine and each knew what the other was supposed to do while launching the vessel. 

Victim1 had taken all the straps off the vessel and Victim’s wife and their dog got into the vessel and proceeded to start the boat and lower the outdrive. Victim1 stated, his wife told him the trim wasn't working properly; it wouldn't lower the outdrive into the water. Victim1 climbed onto the vessel and stated, he could hear the trim engaging but it wasn't lower or raising the outdrive. Victim1 stated, he then went to the back of the vessel lifted the seat and moved a section of carpet and plywood, in order to get to where he could look at the issue. Victim1 stated, he heard a large boom and flames shot into the direction of his face. Victim1 stated, he never lost consciousness and remembers jumping into waist deep water on the ramp and submerging himself to put out the flames on his arms and face. Victim1 stated, he could hear his wife telling him he needed to get the boat off the trailer. Victim1 stated, he got into his truck and backed completely into the water to get his vessel off the trailer in hopes that if it blew up it would be out on the water away from other vessels and people. I asked Victim1 about the extent of his injuries and he stated he was released from Louisville hospital after being seen by the doctor. He stated, he saw his primary care doctor a few days after the accident, and was told the burns were consistent with a severe sunburn.  Victim1 stated, he sustained burns to the top and bottom of his right forearm as well as his ears and parts of his face where his hair was singed from his eye brows and lashes. 

I also contacted wife whose statement followed the same series of events as her husband's (Victim1). She did state that the blower was on and working at the time of the boat being backed into the water. She stated, she started the boat as she always does by putting the boat in neutral and priming it while starting it. She stated that everything started fine and worked properly other than the trim not working and not raising the outdrive up or down. She stated, she had not put on her life jacket yet as she always waited until the boat was off the trailer before doing so.

She stated, the initial boom and burst of flames subsided some but continued to burn at a rate that she didn’t think a fire extinguisher would be able to effectively put out the fire. That’s when she told her husband they needed to get the boat off the trailer. Victim’s wife stated, once the boat was off the trailer they then went to the top of the boat ramp to wait for EMS. Victim’s wife stated, she sustained no injuries from the accident. I was contacted by the Insurance Company and gave them the contact information for Brumley’s Wrecker Service who towed the vessel in after the accident. 
***Vessel 1 was a total lost and damage is estimated at $9,500.00.
***Vessel 1 was released to the Guinn's Insurance Company days later.


BARDID: KY-2018-0005
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-04-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:36:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: MURRAY
County: CALLOWAY
WaterConditions: Calm
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
KSP Post 1 dispatched me to wildcat boat ramp at 0950. I arrived on scene at 0955. I asked if anybody had any medical needs. Operator2 stated that his ribs were hurting and he was going to the doctor later but he was okay for now. Operator1 and his passenger both said that they were fine and did not need any medical attention.
	 Operator2 was trolling for crappie in Blood River Embayment on Ky Lake at approximately 9:36 the morning of April 11, 2018. Operator2 was fishing out of a 2014 18.9ft ranger LS Reata with a 150hp Mercury outboard. He had out four poles on the front deck and was utilizing a drift sock, with 60inch harness, attached to the transom of the vessel. Operator2 stated that he saw a boat coming towards him. Operator2 then stood up and waved a red life jacket. However, the oncoming vessel did not see him until it was too late. The vessel, traveling approximately 15 to 20 Mph, struck the starboard side of Operator2's vessel. The vessel that struck Operator2 was a 2009 18ft Triton bass boat powered by a 2009 115 hp Mercury Outboard. The triton bass boat was operated by Operator1 and had one passenger. Immediately after the incident both parties asked if everyone was okay, than they contacted State Police Post 1.
	Pictures were taken of both vessels due to the substantial damage that occurred from the collision. Operator2's vessel was damaged on the starboard side. The upper fiberglass cap was cracked and had multiple stress fractures. The vessel's windshield and rubber railing were also damaged. Along with the structural damage Operator2 also lost 1 14' HT fishing pole with a Lews crappie reel and his 60" wind sock harness was broken. Operator1's vessel was also damaged on the starboard side. Operator1s Vessel had a substantial crack that extended approximately 3 feet along the hull of the vessel, just at the waterline. Both parties exchanged insurance information and had begun the process of filing claims.


BARDID: KY-2018-0006
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ALBANY
County: CLINTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: bilge pump
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5-13-18, at approximately 13:30 hours, Operator and passengers were traveling on Dale Hollow Lake from the Dale Hollow State Park Marina toward the Wisdom Marina when their boat began taking on water. Operator was able to get the boat to shore and tied up before it completely sank. When I arrived on the scene, the boat was almost completely submerged in the water with just a little of the bow exposed. Operator and passengers were standing on a friend's pontoon that had pulled up to help them.  Operator was unsure of why the boat began taking on water. Operator stated that he believed the drain plug was in his boat. I was unable to confirm while I was on scene if this was correct. Both witnesses stated that they were traveling toward Wisdom dock when they noticed the boat was taking on a lot of water and the stern was beginning to sink.  They also stated they were able to get to shore and call for help before the boat completely sank. There were no injuries. 
Based upon my investigation, I concluded that the bilge pump on the boat was not operating. Since the party left Dale Hollow State Marina and did not take on water while in the no wake zone, I believe that the plug was in the boat. Due to the low profile of the boat, the rough water, and slight wind the vessel was taking on water and the bilge pump was not properly expelling the water from the vessel. 
Operator had the boat removed from the water by a friend.  Operator took the boat to a boat mechanic in Albany, KY and verified that the bilge pump was not working.

* All times are Central Standard Time
* The cost of estimated damage to vessel was provided by owner, Operator 


BARDID: KY-2018-0007
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:23:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: KY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: KUTTAWA
County: LYON
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5-11-2018 at 1423 a 911 call was received of a missing male from an innertube on ky lake. Upon arrival by officers it was determined that subject was being towed without a pfd at idle speed from a rental pontoon. 15 witnesses in or near pontoon stated that victim fell off tube and yelled for help. According to witnesses help was rendered but unsuccessful as victim was panicked and pushed rescuers underwater. Witnesses stated victim never resurfaced. Witnesses stated no alcohol or drugs involved during boating outing that day. 

Search and rescue continued until 5-14-2018 at 0745 hours when the body of victim surfaced. Body was briefly examined by myself and lyon county deputy coroner and then body was transferred to madisonville for autopsy by medical examiner. Body recovery was by marshall co rescue and gps coordinates of recovery were 36.957472 88.199714. 

Recovery was within 150 yards of location witnesses had last seen victim go underwater. According to rental agreement from gear to go, the vessel had a capacity of 10 persons and was only issued 10 personal flotation devices. Operator was in operation of vessel that was overloaded in violation of 301 kar 6:030(5) when he operated the vessel with 16 occupants. He was also in violation of 301 kar 6:030(2) when he operated the vessel and pulled passengers on tubes that were not wearing personal flotation devices. Water conditions were rough and winds moderate.


BARDID: KY-2018-0008
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: MAIN LICKING RIVERS
NearestCityorTown: FALMOUTH
County: PENDLETON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Drug
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 29, 2018 at approximately 15:30 hours Sgt. responded to a boat accident that occurred on the  Main Licking River in Falmouth. On arrival, Sgt. made contact with Pendleton County SAR and the Sheriff. 

Three days earlier on May 26 two people had launched a jon boat on the Licking River near Falmouth. Along their journey, Subject1 stated the boat overturned. Subject1 made it to shore but Victim and the boat continued down the river. On May 29, 2018 at approximately 15:00, Subject1 contacted the Falmouth Police and the Sheriff's office to report Victim was missing. Subject1's description of the accident was vague, possibly due to recent drug use. She stated that she was unable to immediately report the accident because she spent a day holding on to a log jam in the river.    

Pendleton County Sheriff, Pendleton County SAR and Sgt. started searching the Licking River from the confluence of the South Licking and Main Licking River. The river level was too low for a boat with an outboard motor. SAR possessed a jet boat capable of searching during low water levels. SAR found the Jon boat and the body of Victim about four miles down the river at the mouth of Kincaid creek.

 The Toxicology Report showed levels of drugs and alcohol that may have contributed to the accident.  

***CAD# 2018-110230 PC Dispatch
***CAD# 2018-14691 KSP
***No damage observed to jon boat.  


BARDID: KY-2018-0009
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:28:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: JAMESTOWN
County: RUSSELL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 29, 2018 at approximately 18:41EST, I, Officer, was dispatch to an injury related boating incident that occurred on Lake Cumberland in the Thomas Branch area of Russell County, KY. The operator of Vessel 1, KY registration (KY 0752 BK), had contacted KSP dispatch and requested for EMS to respond to Conley Bottom Marina and stated he was currently en route to that location. Once I arrived at Conley Bottom Marina I observed the owner of Vessel 1 operating the vessel in the idle speed zone and approaching where EMS and I were staged. The EMS crew quickly attended to the injured passenger, due to multiple lacerations to her leg. Her injuries were so severe that EMS immediately called for Air EVAC upon observation. EMS personnel stated Victim was going to be flown to the University of Kentucky Medical Center for further treatment due to the severity of her lacerations. I assisted EMS in transporting Victim from the boat into the ambulance. 
When interviewed at the scene Victim stated she had been drinking throughout the day, and that she was on the back of the boat when she was thrown in the water and struck by the propeller. 
Officer (KDFWR) then arrived on scene and assisted with the investigation.  It was very obvious that Operator had consumed some quantity of alcoholic beverages due to the strong odor that was coming from his person when speaking. Operator had very bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and delayed reaction to all questions. Operator stated he had been drinking throughout the day. Operator also stated that Victim and he were in Thomas Branch trying to find a cove for the night. At one point during the hunt he was maneuvering Vessel 1 in reverse when he heard his wife go into the water and immediately scream as he had backed over her.
After the preliminary interview I requested that Operator put on a PFD and step onto my patrol boat where I conducted standard field sobriety tests (SFSTs). Operator showed multiple clues of impairment in all SFSTs administered. Upon completion of the SFSTs I placed Operator under arrest for "Operating a Motorboat Under the Influence 1st" (BUI), and transported him to the Wayne County Detention Center. Officer remained with Vessel 1 and Marine Assist was contacted to tow the vessel to a secure facility.  
Once at the detention center I read Operator the BUI implied consent warning in its entirety. Operator submitted to a breath test resulting in a BAC of 0.147. I then read Operator his Miranda Rights. Operator stated he understood his rights and gave me a written statement of where and how the incident happened.  I charged Operator with BUI in Wayne County. Due to the incident occurring in Russell County I contacted the Russell County Commonwealth Attorney in reference to pursuing an additional charge of assault in the second degree. 
Photographs were taken on scene and when the vessel was retrieved from the water. Additional photographs were taken the following day due to low light conditions. 
Victim was flown to University of Kentucky for further medical treatment the day of the incident and later released with stitches to her leg.


BARDID: KY-2018-0010
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:43:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BULLOCK PEN
NearestCityorTown: CRITTENDEN
County: GRANT
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/03/2017 at approximately 13:30 hrs. Operator and Victim were fishing by boat in a bass tournament at Bullock Pen Lake. According to Operator, Victim had stepped to the center of the boat to tie on a lure. After Victim secured the lure, he attempted to return to the aft pedestal seat. Operator stated that he saw Victim on his knees and then observed him fall overboard on the starboard side. 

Operator immediately threw a seat cushion to Victim and directed him to grab hold. Operator stated that Victim appeared to be struggling and did not respond to any commands. Being too far away to assist Victim, Operator started his boat and attempted to return to Victims location. At this point, Victim was submerged and no longer visible. Operator initiated the GPS, "Man Overboard" feature on his fish finder and reported the incident to Kentucky State Police Post 6 in Dry Ridge for assistance. Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Units, Kentucky State Police, Grant County Emergency Management and Williamstown Fire responded. 

After efforts to locate Victim were unsuccessful, assistance was requested by Grant County for Boone County Water Rescue. BCWR deployed side scan sonar and at 21:06, Victim was recovered. He was pronounced dead by Deputy Coroner. 

Due to Operator's description of Victim's unresponsive behavior while attempting rescue, Victim was sent to the Kentucky State Medical Examiner for autopsy. Report states that Victim's death is consistent with drowning. Please see attached medical examiners final diagnosis. A safety inspection of Operators boat revealed 1 equipment violation; he was operating with an expired fire extinguisher. Neither Operator or Victim were wearing the Type III inflatable PFD suspenders inspected on board at the time of the accident. No criminal charges are expected to be filed at this time. Case is closed. 


BARDID: KY-2018-0011
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:21:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BARKLEY
NearestCityorTown: GRAND RIVERS
County: LIVINGSTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Dispatched to a vessel explosion at green turtle bay marina in grand rivers ky.  I was on scene with in 10 minutes of 911 call.  Upon arrival i found several victims being treated by marina employees and civilians. A 32' wellcraft was being extinguished by several people on the fuel dock.  It was apparent that the vessel expoloded next to fuel island and debris was over 100 yards long in the water.  According to witnesses, the 32' wellcraft had just finished fueling and exploded when the operator started the engines.  

Debris from the explosion struck multiple people on the dock and a pontoon that was on the opposite side of fuel island.  Both operator and passenger of the 32' wellcraft were pulled from the water and transported to lourdes hospital in paducah.  

Multiple people were treated on the scene, but refused transport by livingston county ems.  Their injuries were within the scope of first aid.  V2 occupant1 sustained the most injury of the victims not on the 32' wellcraft.  V2 occupant1 had a large scrape and a red contusion on his abdomen. 

The pontoon opposite of the 32' wellcraft sustained damage on the port side mid- way above the pon- toon.  Debris went through the aluminum siding of that vessel.  

According to witnesses and dock hands the 32' wellcraft had just fueled 2 tanks with 65 gallons of gasoline. 1 witness stated he heard the blowers of the 32' wellcraft for 3 seconds and a loud pop after the engine was cranked and then an explosion.  Statements were taken on the scene by myself and officer.  Officer went to lourdes hospital and interviewed the operator/owner of the 32' wellcraft.  According to operator's video and written statement, he fueled 65 gallons of gasoline.  He stated he then tried to start port engine but it died, so then he attempted to start starboard engine and the vessel exploded.  Vessel was retrieved and loaded onto the shore by norman's marine service from camden, tn.  

According to the daughter, they were treated and released from lourdes hospital that night.  On 5-28-2018 at 1000 hours i went to green turtle bay boat works and inspected the remains of 32' wellcraft vessel.  Both fuel tanks were retrieved and appeared to be intact with no leaks and still felt full of gasoline.  Both fuel fill ports appeared intact.  1 tank still had the original fuel hose dated 1987 attached and appeared in good shape with a fresh tear on the end that attaches to the fuel fill.  The blowers switches had been removed from the dash, but it is unknown if they were detached from the explosion or salvage removal.  The port motor had an attached carburetor flame arrestor with the plastic cover still attached.  The starboard motor had an attached carburetor flame arrestor with plastic cover still attached.  The starboard motor had an attached carburetor flame arrestor but the plastic cover and nut that holds it to the top of that were missing.  It is unknown if this was the cause but may be a contributing factor.


BARDID: KY-2018-0012
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:33:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: JAMESTOWN
County: RUSSELL
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 16, 2018 at 16:34, I, Officer, received a call from dispatch regarding a boat sinking at the mouth of Wolf Creek on Lake Cumberland. While en route Officer and I were flagged down at the Campbell's Landing boat ramp in Russell County. Upon making contact we learned that the individuals flagging us down were the complainants. Once on scene, we observed a yellow Crownline, Kentucky registered vessel (KY-0675-XL), roped off in one of the slips to prevent it of sinking further. The owner/operatorbwas inside of the vessel assessing the damage and removing belongings from the vessel. I then contacted Marine Assist for assistance. While waiting on the arrival of Marine Assist I interviewed the operator and passenger of the vessel about what happened. 
 
Subject advised that he was traveling down the lake from Harmon Creek to Alligator 2 Marina when he struck a log floating in the lake. He also advised that he lost power in the vessel's engine and performed an initial check in the engine compartment area and realized that the vessel was taking on water. He also observed oil in the water around the vessel. He then flagged down a nearby vessel and received a tow to the dock at Campbell's Landing. 
 
The passenger/witnessnconfirmed what Subject had stated. However, he added they were traveling approximately 40-50 mph when he noticed a floating log in their path of travel.  He then alerted Subject about the log. Subject swerved in an effort to miss the log but was unable to turn the vessel in time. The vessel struck the log and the motor immediately lost power and came to a drift. He stated they realized they were taking on water and flagged down a nearby vessel for assistance.
 
After interviewing the occupants of the vessel Officer and I attempted to locate the accident site and the floating log they had struck. We were able to locate a floating log that appeared too had recently been stuck by a vessel, however it is unknown and just suspected that this was the log Subject’s vessel made contact with. I documented the evidence with photographs since it was the only floating log we could locate in that area.
 
When Marine Assist arrived they began to further securing the vessel to the boat dock. Marine Assist then placed a bilge pump inside the vessel to begin pumping water out to prevent further sinking. Due to the amount of damage sustained and the approaching wake created by passing vessels the bilge pump was unable to pump the water out quick enough to help. Marine Assist advised they would need to airbag the vessel to raise it out of the water and that they had a diver en route to assist. I collected all the pertinent information needed for the report and we cleared the scene.
 
On June 18, 2018 Officer and I went to the Marine Assist shop to take photographs of the vessel out of the water. Overlooking the vessel, it was apparent the water had come in from the rear of the vessel through the engine compartment. The lower unit had been removed and was lying on the ground, and the damage was severe. The force from striking the log had busted the lower unit casing which explains why the occupants onboard observed oil in the water after impact. I made sure to thoroughly document all the damage sustained to the vessel. 
 
***No one was injured as a result of this accident.
***Property damaged is estimated over $10,000.00


BARDID: KY-2018-0013
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:03:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GRAND RIVERS
County: LYON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator/Owner stated after venting and starting his 21 ft Cobalt boat, he and three passengers began to idle out of the Rock Quarry. Operator stated he and his party were within 100 meters of the mouth of the rock quarry when he heard a loud bang. Operator stated he looked toward the back of the boat, and observed a large amount of smoke, and rear passengers lunging toward the bow of the vessel. Operator stated the smoke intensified and a small flame appeared as Occupants jumped into the water. Operator stated he and his wife threw life jackets to Occupants, then he and his wife grabbed life jackets and followed Occupants into the water. Operator states all 4 swam away from the vessel, which was by now producing a large plume of smoke. Operator stated a pontoon boat ( TN 7844HE) moved in to assist Operator and his party by helping them into the pontoon boat and getting them a safe distance away. Reporting Officer arrived on scene and transferred Occupants to Patrol boat, then to Star Point Boat Ramp in Pisgah Bay, we were met by EMS. Occupants, who were suffering from burns to their backs, transferred themselves to EMS, and were transported to Lourdes Hospital Paducah KY. One person was later shipped to Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, TN where she was treated for 2nd Degree burns to her back and shoulder, and discharged at 1200 Hours June 3rd. 
Towboat US from Green Turtle Bay is in charge of recovering the burned vessel 6-4-18.


BARDID: KY-2018-0014
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-05-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:29:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BARKLEY
NearestCityorTown: CADIZ
County: TRIGG
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
A 1981 CARVER WITH TWO 350 ENGINES, 3 OCCUPANTS ON BOARD HAD JUST REFUELED WITH 70  GALLONS OF GAS AT THE LAKE BARKLEY MARINA FUEL DOCK, CAUGHT FIRE WHEN THE OPERATOR STARTED THE SECOND ENGINE. A  LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD AND BLACK SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE OCCUPANTS ON BOARD JUMPED INTO THE WATER WITH ONE OF THEM HAVING MINOR INJURIES THAT DIDN'T REQUIRE ANY MEDICAL ATTENTION. ONE OF THE WITNESS PUSHED THE VESSLE AWAY FROM THE MARINA BECAUSED IT HAD DRIFTED BACK  TOWARDS THE FUELING DOCK, CAUSING IT TO BEACH ON A SMALL ISLAND, WHERE IT BURNED AND SUNK IN FRONT OF THE MARINA. 
Vessel was a Total Loss.


BARDID: KY-2018-0015
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:57:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: JAMESTOWN
County: RUSSELL
WaterConditions: Rough
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 16, 2018 at approximately 1200 hours CST, Sgt. responded to a boating accident that occurred during the Lake Cumberland Thunder Run near the mouth of Wolf Creek on Lake Cumberland in Russell County. Upon arrival he made contact with the owner/operator of Vessel 1, a 2009 Sunsation, registration (IN 3173 DW) and advised him to remain on scene until he could take care of the injured. Sgt. then made contact with the owner/operator of Vessel 2, a 2009 Baja, registration (TN 0064 UC) and assisted him/EMS/passengers in preparing to transport the injured party, from Vessel 2. Once Victim was loaded onto the EMS vessel she was transported to the Lake Cumberland State Dock where an ambulance was standing by.  Sgt. advised the operators of Vessel 1 and Vessel 2 to also return to the State Dock to continue the investigation due to the treacherous lake conditions at the time. Once back at the State Dock Victim was transported by Russell County EMS to the hospital with possible neck and back injuries.

At this point I, Officer arrived at the State Dock and took over the investigation. After interviewing all parties involved it was determined that while participating in the Thunder Run the operator of Vessel 1 lost control of his vessel due to wake being produced from all the traffic and was thrown to the floor of Vessel 1 causing the vessel’s kill switch to be activated. Vessel 1’s momentum continued, however and resulted in a near head-on collision with Vessel 2 that was adrift approximately 100 yards from the shoreline. Vessel 1 impacted Vessel 2 on the port side bow and rode upon the port side of Vessel 2 to its stern causing damage to the port side bow, port side windsheild and port side stern. During this time Victim was located on the swim platform at the stern of Vessel 2. She sustained a direct impact from the bow of Vessel 1 and was knocked into the water. Another passenger was also impacted in the arm by Vessel 1 but sustained no injuries. Victim stated, she had visited her family doctor after being released from the hospital. She stated everything checked out, but she was still sore from the accident. 

Photographs were taken of both Vessel 1 and Vessel 2 and all on-scene information that could be obtained at the time of the accident was gathered. Statements from all passengers and witnesses were taken. 


BARDID: KY-2018-0016
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: KY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAKE CITY
County: LYON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
I received a call from KSP Dispatch on June 14 at approximately 7:29 about a missing person on KY Lake. Dispatch notified me that the missing person was last seen the night of June 13 operating a small john boat. Dispatch stated that the vessel was found on the shore of KY Lake in Pisgah Bay and had sustained damage to the front end.  I arrived on scene at Hillman Ferry boat ramp which is within Pisgah Bay at 8:16. Once on scene, a member of the Houseboat in which Operator was staying, met me. Subject took me to the vessel that Operator was operating that was found by his dad at approximately 6:00am on the morning of June 14.
	
	Once at the location where the vessel was found (36 degrees 56’ 19” N, 88 degrees 10’ 11” W) I asked if anybody had moved or disturbed the vessel in any way.  Subject answered with “No”. I then inspected the vessel. The vessel had sustained damage to both the port and starboard bow. The motor on the vessel was turned to the port side and was in forward gear with throttle turned to the fast position, as shown in the pictures attached to this report. The fuel tank was collapsed and the kill switch was in the on position. The motor was not currently running. The damage to the bow seemed to match the damage to the trees and shoreline where the vessel was found. The damage to the shoreline indicated that the vessel was beached and ran in that location for some period of time. Pictures of this location were taken and attached to this report. 

	After inspecting the vessel, I had Subject transport me to the Houseboat in which Operator was staying. While on our way to the house boat I was waved down by a couple individuals camping on the nearby shore. They stated that they saw a man driving a vessel that matched Operator description come by their camp site at approximately 20:35 on the night of June 13. Both individuals stated the vessel came dangerously close to two children that were playing on a paddle board less than 20 ft from the shore. Once I received statements from those individuals I had Subject transport me to the house boat. Once on the house boat I introduced myself and asked all the individuals on board if they could provide a statement to the events that took place. 

	While on route to the damaged vessel we were stopped by the Lyon County Search and Rescue. They stated that they had found the missing subject. We then reported to the location in which Operator was found (36 degrees 56’ 34” N, 88 degrees 10’ 5” W). Operator was floating face down at this location. Pictures were taken of this location. I then boarded a Lyon County Search and Rescue Vessel to help retrieve Operator from the shallow water. Once I made contact with Operator I rolled him over so Pictures could be taken at the recovery location. We then wrapped a small strap around him so that we could move him from the shallow water into deeper water so that he could be loaded in the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife’s vessel that was on scene. He was then transported to the Hillman Ferry boat dock. Once at the boat dock the Lyon County Coroner took possession of Operator. The family was then notified.

Once the Coroner took possession, several KDFWR officers returned to the house boat to ask a few more follow up questions and to inform the occupants that Operator was found. During the follow up Interviews, we were told by two people that they had tried to stop Operator from going out in the small john boat because it was getting dark and that Operator had consumed several alcoholic beverages. 

Subject stated that his brother pulled the kill lanyard to stop Operator from taking the vessel. However it did not work. Subject stated that the last time he saw Operator was when he went around the point of the campground at approximately 20:30. According to witness statements shortly after Operator left, the individuals on the house boat went to sleep. According to father, he woke up at approximately 2:00 a.m.  and operator had still not returned. However, he did not call 911 at this point because Operator had operated several small boats and he thought he was just sitting on the bank somewhere because it had gotten dark. Father stated that when the sun came up and Operator had not returned he began to worry. Father then got in the other small john boat to go out and look for Operator. Father found Operator’s vessel at approximately 6:00. Once he realized Operator was not in the vessel he then spent some time searching for him. When he did not have success finding him, he then called the U.S. Coast Guard in which called Kentucky State Police Post 1.

At this point in the investigation it is unknown to the cause of death and the amount of impairment due to alcohol. A supplement report will be submitted once the Coroner finalizes his reports.


BARDID: KY-2018-0017
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: STRIP PIT/WATER RESERVOIR ON J
NearestCityorTown: DAWSON SPRINGS
County: HOPKINS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
In the early morning hours of 6/16/2018  the Hopkins County Medical Center was called at 02:13 to a report of a missing person/possible drowning. Both witness and Victim had travelled from their residence to a strip pit/ water reservoir at mile marker 8 on Hwy 109. 

Witness stated that they took the canoe through the woods and launched it into the strip pit. Witness also said they had been fishing when they both leaned to the same side of the canoe when it tipped over and both subjects fell into the water. The witness said that they both grabbed onto the canoe which was now upside down before they started grabbing for their fishing gear. The witness stated that had had a fishing pole and sweatshirt in his hand and a his tackle box handle held by his mouth. 

The witness said that he saw the victim who had flipped the canoe back over trying to scoop water out of the vessel with his hands. The witness then said he had to drop his pole and sweatshirt and started swimming toward the shoreline. Once he reached the shoreline he began screaming for the victim but did not hear or see anything. 

Once the witness realized his calls were not being answered he left the scene and travelled by foot to his residence to call for help. Upon my arrival on scene the Hopkins County Sheriff's Office, Charleston Fire/Rescue, and Hopkins County Medical Center were all on scene. The fire and rescue with the aid of a drone located and recovered the body of the victim about 20 yards off of shore in about 6-9 ft of water.


BARDID: KY-2018-0018
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: TOMPKINSVILLE CITY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: TOMPKINSVILLE
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 18th, 2018, at approximately 22:11 CST, I responded to a possible drowning at Tompkinsville City Lake. Upon arrival I made contact with a Tompkinsville City Police Officer who advised me of where the accident occurred and who the witnesses were. Upon my arrival Victim's kayak was already on the bank of the lake, it had been brought in by the first responders on scene. Victim's body had also been recovered before my arrival. I then made contact with all the witnesses that were at the scene at the time of the accident. 

All of the witnesses stated that Victim and Subject1 had been kayaking that afternoon at the City Lake. Victim had an eight year old in between his legs on his kayak. It was after sunset and there was only one life jacket on the kayak, of which neither Occupant nor Victim were wearing. Witnesses stated that for unknown reasons the kayak Victim and Occupant were on began to flip over. When it turned completely over victim was able to throw Occupant up and away from the kayak.  

Witnesses who were fishing nearby, observed the accident. Good samaritan1 went into the lake and was able to retrieve Occupant. Good samaritan2 followed and attempted to save Victim from drowning, but was unsuccessful. Good samaritan1 and Good samaritan2 stated that Victim went under the water and resurfaced in a panic before going under the water once again, never resurfacing. Good samaritan1, Jamison samaritan2, and Subject1 continued to search for Victim in an attempt to rescue him. Victim's body was recovered by Monroe County Deputy at 21:52. . After speaking with his family it was discovered that Victim had just purchased the kayak earlier that day and did not know how to swim. Victim was pronounced dead at the scene by the Monroe County Coroner.
 
       Based on my investigation I believe that due to lack of Victim's experience with a Kayak led him to capsize the boat. I also believe that Victim's inability to swim and not wearing a personal flotation device caused him to drown. 

        I received an Autopsy report from the Monroe County Coroner on 8-30-2018. The results of the autopsy concluded that Victim died of an accidental drowning. 


BARDID: KY-2018-0019
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BARKLEY
NearestCityorTown: EDDYVILLE
County: LYON
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Dispatched to a PWC accident on Eddy Creek in Lake Barkley. Upon arrival, Lyon County EMS was treating victim for busted lip, broken teeth, and laceration above left eye. Victim refused medical transportation and chose self transport. According to victim and 1 witness, the pair were on seperate PWC traveling in Eddy Creek. Statements indicate the victim hit a large wave causing his face to smash the handlebars of his PWC he was operating. Victim was wearing a PFD and had a temporary loss of consciuosness. Victim had taken a boating safety course while attending Camp Curry 6-7 years ago. This was his first time on a PWC. 


BARDID: KY-2018-0020
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:13:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OHIO RIVER
NearestCityorTown: UNIONTOWN
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Unknown
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Dam/lock
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On the evening of 7/5/2018 Operator and occupant were fishing around the sandbar located adjacent to JT Myers Lock and Dam. Through an interview with Operator I found that the vessel they were fishing from had an engine malfunction. The engine would not start. As the boat started drifting closer to the dam the two subjects put on life jackets and threw the anchor. Operator said the anchor did not catch and they tried throwing the anchor again a second time. By this time the boat had already rounded the wier wall and was pulled into the dam. The two subjects struggled under the turbulence, Operator was able to feel a screw sticking from the dam wall and was able to put his foot on it and lean his body back against the wall to stay in place. He then grabbed Occupant and held on to him until rescue arrived. The boat was left tied to a sandbar just adjacent to the dam and it was turned upside down. 


BARDID: KY-2018-0021
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ROUGH RIVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: FALLS OF ROUGH
County: BRECKINRIDGE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday, July 4th, Officer and I checked the state ramp of Rough River Lake to get an idea of the boat traffic in that area. When we approached the ramp by vehicle, two pontoons were coming into the ramp area towards the courtesy dock. One pontoon had just dropped off what appeared to be several kids, and a woman on the pontoon waved her arms in a distress type manner. When I got out of the truck and headed to the courtesy dock, a male was standing by the dock watching the people unload from the pontoons. Operator, was the male, and when I asked him what was going on, Operator stated "my boat sank." I made sure that all occupants of the sunken vessel were accounted for and that there were no injuries. Operator stated that the boat was tied up to the rock wall, and his keys to his vehicle were on the rocks next to where the boat was tied up. Operator got into our vehicle, while I told the other occupants of the sunken vessel, to stay in the shade and someone from the state park would pick them up in a van. 
Officer, Operator, and I drove up to the state park resort, and asked if they could get a van to pick up the occupants of the sunken vessel and that everyone was okay. Officer and I took Operator to get his keys on the rocks near his vessel, and we were able to see Operator’s vessel in the water that was 3/4 submerged. The bow of the vessel was visible, and the registration numbers were clearly visible.
Once we returned back to the state park resort, Officer gathered all witness information, along with Operator's information and statement. Operator, and 8 other occupants, were on his vessel, they left the state ramp and went towards the location where the boat went under. Operator and witnesses stated that they went swimming for about 30-40 minutes, when all individuals got back onto the vessel from swimming they noticed the stern of the vessel had taken on a lot of water. Operator said he knew the boat was going under and told everyone to grab a PFD and any valuables, and hop back into the water. Two pontoons noticed that the boat was going under and came over to recover all the occupants.
We asked Operator if the boat had any leaks or cracks in the hull that he knew of, to which he replied "no". Then when asked about putting the plug in prior to launching the boat, Operator was unsure and stated he thought the plug may have come out when they were riding to the swimming spot. Officer and I left the resort to meet up with Operator at the state ramp, by our vessel, so we could go out to the site and recover the items that were floating in the lake. 
Once we recovered majority of the items, we took Operator back to the state ramp and gave him the contact for vessel recovery on the lake. We informed him that he would need to contact the Core and see what timeline he has to recover his vessel, or they might file charges on him.


BARDID: KY-2018-0022
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BARREN RIVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GLASSCOW
County: BARREN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Shift
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On the afternoon of 6/23/2018, at approximately 1340 hrs. CST, Operator was driving his boat to Barren River State Park Marina to get some fuel.  There were a total of six people on the boat at the time of the accident.  Three others and two small children were all passengers sitting in the boat when the accident happened.  Victim and Subject1 work at the State Park Marina and they had approached the edge of the dock near the gas pumps waiting for Operator to pull his boat up to the dock so they could tie his boat up and put fuel in it.

As Operator was making his approach toward the dock he put his throttle into the neutral position and was coasting toward the dock.  Operator was needing to slow his boat down a little so he shifted the boat into reverse and moved the throttle back and down to give it some power.  When the throttle was engaged in the reverse gear the boat went forward instead of going in reverse.  When the boat went forward it hit the dock.  After the boat hit the dock Operator moved the throttle into the reverse gear again and gave it some gas to move away from the dock but the boat went forward again hitting the dock and running up on top of it as well.  Subject1 and Victim were trying to stop the boat as it was coming up on the dock but they were not able to .  

As the boat came onto the dock it barely missed the gas pumps and the winch that are mounted on the dock.  The boat missed Subject1 but while Victim was trying to get out of the way the boat struck him and knocked him into the winch that is mounted between the gas pumps and injured his leg.  The boat then turned to the right and fell off the dock back into the water.  Victim's right leg had hit the winch when he was falling and other employees ran over to help him.  Operator was able to get his boat stopped and he then threw a rope to some employees that were standing on the dock and they were able to pull him to the dock and get his boat tied up.

The boat Operator was driving was a 24ft Chaparrel open bow runabout.  It had been having some work done to it at Birge Marine and Service in Scottsville before the accident.  According to Operator, when he was approaching the dock to get fuel his shift cable malfunctioned and it had the boat locked in forward and it was unable to be put into reverse.  He advised as he was moving the throttle to give the motor power in the reverse gear and it was actually giving power to the forward gear making the boat jump up onto the dock before falling back into the water.

Victim was taken by his parents to the Scottsville Medical Center to be checked out by a doctor just as a precaution.  Victim suffered some bruising on his upper right leg.  The boat Operator was driving suffered some damage as a result of hitting the dock on the bottom and also near the front tow hook.  The dock had several boards chipped and splintered and the rubber bumper of the dock was torn in several places.  There are pictures and a video of the accident attached to this report.

The boat that Operator was driving was taken off the water and dropped off at Barren River Boat Shop on hwy 31E. The mechanic at Barren River Boat Shop called me after he looked the boat over and found that the inner shift cable had come loose inside the box it was mounted in.  I was unable to see it for myself.  The mechanic verified that the boat was unable to be shifted into reverse and also stated that they were lucky to be able to get it into neutral.

The estimates for the damage on the vessel came from Kentucky Boating Accident Report Damage and Value Estimation Guide attached to our reports.  The estimate for the dock damage came from prices of wood and rubber and estimated work time to replace them.  There are witness statements, pictures and a video of the accident attached with this report.


BARDID: KY-2018-0023
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CUMBERLAND RIVER
NearestCityorTown: SOMERSET
County: PULASKI
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 8/01/18 at 16:38hrs. I responded to a call of a skiing accident with injury. Upon arrival at Buck Creek Ramp I took a report from individuals involved in accident. Operator was operating a motorboat on the North Fork area of the Cumberland River while observer notified operator that the skier had fell from skiing.  

The Operator then turned the motorboat around to retrieve the skier. Upon contact Victim advised that she had left side hip pain. They pulled Victim into the motorboat from the water to transport her to Buck Creek Ramp. Victim was transported from Buck Creek Ramp by Somerset/Pulaski County EMS to Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital with left hip pain injuries, also on scene to assist was the Haynes Knob Fire Department. No other injuries were reported. Victim advised that she was wearing a PFD while skiing and at the time of the accident, a boat inspection was performed on the motorboat and alcohol use was not suspected or any other type of illegal use of impairments.


BARDID: KY-2018-0024
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: JAMESTOWN
County: RUSSELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/21/18 at approximately 1615cst hours, I, Officer responded to a property damage boating incident at the Jamestown Marina on Lake Cumberland . By all accounts operator1 was observed operating the houseboat he rented from Grider Hill Marina, KY registration (KY-0153-SW), (Vessel 1), inside of the Jamestown harbor. As Operator1 approached the fuel pier at Jamestown Marina he lost control of the vessel due to a gust of  wind that pushed the vessel to the East end of the Marina. At this point Operator1 backed up and attempted to drive the vessel out of the harbor of Jamestown Marina back to the main channel of the lake. During this time the stern of Vessel 1 struck, Vessel 2, a 2018 29QX Rinnker Boat and two PWCs, Vessel 3 and Vessel 4. Vessel 3 was a 2001 model Sea Doo with OH registration (OH-0554-EP) and Vessel 4 was a 2000 model Sea Doo with OH registration, (OH 0555 EP).
 
Vessels 2, 3 and 4 were moored to the front of Jamestown Marina and all three received minor damage. All three vessels were unoccupied at the time of the accident. A witness, said the rental boat attempted to pull into the fuel dock when the accident occurred. 

  When interviewing Operator1 he stated that he was the operator of the Vessel 1 and was not aware that he had hit another vessel while at Jamestown Marina. Upon inspecting the vessels involved in the accident, I located what appeared to be fresh fiberglass fragments on the rear deck of Vessel 2 along with dents in the aluminum trim strip around the outside of the vessel near the damaged fiberglass. Given the location of the damage to Vessel 2, 3 and 4 it is very likely the damage was caused by Vessel 1 as they were in the direct line of travel of Vessel 1 when witnesses say it impacted that area of the marina. No visible damage was observed on Vessel 1.


BARDID: KY-2018-0025
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NOLIN RIVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BROWNSVILLE
County: EDMONSON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator reported that on 07/07/2018 at approx. 6:00 PM CST, his 16 ft. fishing boat was sitting in his boat slip on Nolin lake and began taking on water.  Operator stated his bilge pump operated for a short time, but then quit, he tried to get the bilge pump operating again but could not.  Operator then attempted to move his boat, in an effort to get it on the trailer.  Operator backed his vessel out of the slip and do to it already having water in it, the stern dropped below the water line which swamped the vessel and then it sank.

At the time vessel sank, Operator was about 15 feet from his boat slip at Sunset Harbor.  He was alone on the vessel when it sank. Depth of lake at this point is about 30 feet according to Operator.

Operator did not notify KDFWR of the accident until the next day (07/08/2018), at which time I began the accident report. 

Operator did recover the boat a few days after the accident and determined that a hole in the hull of the boat caused the leak and ultimately the vessel to sink.


BARDID: KY-2018-0026
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:48:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CAVE RUN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: MOREHEAD
County: ROWAN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday July 29th I was notified by Kentucky State Police dispatch about a collision involving two personal water craft (PWC).  Upon arrival at the scene, we were informed that assisting boater had taken the two injured individuals to Scott Creek marina to meet with EMS personnel.  Officer and I made contact with the two operators of the PWCs. Operators, who are in a relationship, stated they were on separate Jet skis near the Twin Knobbs Beach. Both subjects stated they were riding around in circles near each other jumping the wake. They stated that they lost sight of each other briefly and they each turned towards each other hitting head on.  Both victims were transported to St. Claire Regional Medical Center in Morehead.  Operator1 was later transported to the University of Kentucky Medical Center for further treatment.  Operator1 received multiple lacerations to her face as well as a fractured jaw and missing teeth.  Operator2 sustained a hand injury as well as a hematoma to the left side of his head.  During the course of the investigation we were unable to obtain any further information with regards to any witnesses nearby.  Beachgoers stated they heard the collision but did not observe it from their viewpoint.


BARDID: KY-2018-0027
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:37:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: MONTICELLO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 29, 2018 at 13:11 hours, I responded to a complaint of a houseboat on fire at Beaver Creek Marina in Wayne County, KY. Upon arriving I met with my supervisor, Sgt. who had arrived before me. Sgt. had already taken photographs of the incident and was in the process of interviewing the owner of the vessel. 

The owner stated he wasn't on the boat when it caught fire. While in Somerset, KY he stated he received a phone call from someone informing him of his vessel on fire. He immediately rushed back to the marina where he learned the flames had already been extinguished. 

Owner stated he renovated the houseboat in April due to some water damage. The fire seemed to have originated from a bottom room of the houseboat. Owner stated that room had also been recently remodeled. Before he left the vessel for home, he had placed some power tool batteries on a charger in that room. There was also a fan and a dehumidifier running. He also stated about 2 weeks prior to the fire he had smelt one of the outlets in that bottom room getting hot. 

Sgt. also collected another statement from a witness. Subject1 stated he heard the vessel was on fire and rushed to get fire extinguishers. He stated he got in a boat and tied to the houseboat to pull it away from the marina to prevent the fire from spreading. Once across the cove he tied the houseboat to the shore and assisted the fire department with extinguishing the flames.

The houseboat was located at slip at Beaver Creek Marina. The N Dock is located over next to the boat ramp. That slip has electricity running to it. The houseboat was plugged into the electric from the dock during the time the fire started. 

On August 10, 2018, I contacted Owner to see if his insurance company had come down to assess the damage. He advised they came down on August 7, 2018. He stated they couldn't advise how much actual damage was caused, but they are considering the vessel to be a total loss.

***No one was injured as a result of this accident.
***Property damaged is estimated over $10,000.00.


BARDID: KY-2018-0028
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: MONTICELLO
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Choppy
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 6th 2018 operator was operating a 20 foot open bow Starcraft motorboat powered by a Mercury Pro XS 250 outboard with 8 people on board.  In addition to the 8 people positioned inside the vessel.  Occupant was pulling an additional 3 juveniles on a Sidewinder brand tube.  He estimated his speed at the time as being on plane at a speed around 30 miles per hour.  This was agreed to by the owner of the vessel who was also on board at the time.  

While pulling the tube Operator was travelling in the area of White Oak Creek where it opens into the main lake area of Lake Cumberland.  In this area Operator stated he travelled across a large wake produced by another vessel in the area and has he had been unaware of the wake the tube also proceeded to cross it.  He stated that he did not see the wake coming nor was he told of it from anyone designated as a spotter.  After striking the wake all three riders on the tube were thrown from it into the water.  All three got back into the boat on their own power however one juvenile was complaining of back, head and neck pain and was having difficulty breathing.  As she was thrown from the tube her body made contact with the other ejected tube riders. 

 One of the passengers on the vessel then called 911 and asked that EMS meet them at Conley Bottom Marina. 

  I observed that the vessel had been rated for 10 people however it had been under power with 11 persons on board.  Most of the occupants were under the age of 18 that had been on board with most being well under average weight calculated for an adult passenger.  The operator also voluntered sobriety testing at this point and was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  He as well as all other passengers appeared to be very concerned with the injury to the victim.  
  I followed up with the grandmother of the injured party several days later and was told that the victim had been released from Lake Cumberland Regional the same evening that she had been transported there and was diagnosed with non-surgical mild compression fractures of the T10 and T11 vertrabre.

While photographing the involved tube the label provided general use guidelines.  These included speeds not to exceed 20 miles per hour with adult riders and not to exceed 15 miles per hour with children.  The guidelines also included not to tow near other watercraft.  The area the tube was being utilized in typically a high traffic area.  The speed reportedly travelling while utilizing the tube also was above the listed maximum.


BARDID: KY-2018-0029
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: JAMESTOWN
County: RUSSELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 15th 2018, at approximately 12:29cst I Officer, was dispatched to a non-injury boat collision occurring at Wolf Creek Marina fuel pier on Lake Cumberland. Once on scene I was advised that Vessel 1, KY registration (0547-JR) collided with vessel 2 while it was moored to the dock.  By all accounts Operator1 was idling into the fuel pier area to park the rental vessel belonging to Jamestown Marina when he drifted into Vessel 2, KY registration (0688-xg).  Vessel 2 was tied up in the fuel pier area while the occupants were inside the restaurant eating.  Both parties exchanged information and went their separate ways.

At the Marina I made contact with the owner of Vessel 2. V2 owner and his family witnessed the collision from the restaurant as Vessel 1 struck Vessel 2 on the starboard side portion of the sterns panel.  I observed the damage sustained from the collision and photographed all areas damaged.  Due to the size of the dent and scratch sustained from the collision and photographed all areas damaged.  Due to the size of the dent and scratch sustained from the collision V2 owner and I weren't certain that the damage would exceed $500.  I advised V2 owner to get an estimate.

I spoke with the Jamestown Marina Rental Manager, I advised him of the incident involving the marinas rental pontoon.  I obtained all information needed to move forward with my report.  I was later contacted by the marina in reference to Vessel 1 and was advised that they observed no damage to their vessel.  On July 15, 2018 I was unable to locate Vessel 1 on the water as the parties had exchanged information and left the scene before I arrived.

I was contacted by V2 owner on 7/30/2018 in reference to the estimate he obtained for the damages that occurred on 7/15/2018.  Anchorage Marine gave V2 owner an estimate to fix all repairs and the total amount exceeded $2000.

***Photographs of damage were taken on scene 7/15/2018

***CAD # 2018-10592

***Two passengers on Vessel 1 were juveniles and were not listed in the non-injured passengers information

***no one was injured as a result of this incident


BARDID: KY-2018-0030
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAUREL LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LONDON
County: LAUREL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 4th, 2018 I was dispatched to a single boat fire on Laurel lake, in The Holly Bay Marina area at 16:55. Upon arrival at 17:06 the boat was docked at the Holly Bay marina boat ramp. There were no injuries and during inspection there were no visible damage to the exterior of the boat, but the engine and engine compartment had fire damage. 

The owners of the Boat explained they had just left the no wake zone at Holly Bay marina and had the boat on plane cruising at around 30mph when they had got no further then about 100yds they noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. They stopped the boat, opened the engine compartment up and small flames were shooting from the back bottom side of the engine. They quickly grabbed their fire extinguisher and put out the flames and got a tow back into the Holly Bay marina boat ramp. 


BARDID: KY-2018-0031
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: JAMESTOWN
County: RUSSELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 4, 2018 at 13:15 I, Officer, received a call from dispatch about a boat accident at Wolf Creek Marina. Officer and I then responded to the accident and arrived on scene at 13:22 hours. Upon arrival I was flagged down by a worker at the marina. I observed two vessels tied up at the Wolf Creek Marina with occupants inside. On scene was a white Formula, Kentucky registered vessel (KY-0091-KE), (Vessel 2), with damage to the fiberglass on the port side and a broken windshield. Inside of the vessel was owner/operator and passenger. Both occupants advised that they did not have any injuries and did not need medical attention. Also on scene was a white and black Bayliner, Kentucky registered vessel (KY-0794-VK), (Vessel 1), with black scuff marks on the bow of the vessel. Inside of the Bayliner was operator, passenger, their juvenile son (approximately 1 year old), and their juvenile daughter (approximately 3 years old). The occupants advised that they did not have any injuries and did not need medical attention. 

Operator2, operator of Vessel 2, advised that his party were en route to the Wolf Creek Marina and were sitting inside of the harbor with the boat adrift. He also advised that his boat was not anchored. Operator2 was sitting in the passenger seat of the vessel adjusting the radio and his passenger was in the back right seat of the vessel. He advised that he did not hear anything coming and the vessel operated by Operator1, Vessel 1, suddenly struck the port side bow of his vessel.

Subject reported that they were headed to the Wolf Creek Marina to use the restroom and refuel their vessel. Before going to the marina they decided to pull the vessel out of the way and let the vessel sit adrift. She advised that their vessel was suddenly struck on the port side by the vessel operated by Operator1. She reported that Operator1 then put the vessel in reverse and backed off their vessel. 

Operator1 reported that he was in the idling through the harbor of Wolf Creek Marina when his juvenile daughter attempted to pull a towable tube from the bow of the vessel toward the stern. The juvenile daughter was standing near the throttle of the vessel and when she began pulling on the towable tube the throttle was further engaged. The vessel then accelerated and struck Vessel 2 in the left bow side. Operator1 advised that it happened very quickly and he did not have time to slow the vessel before it struck Vessel 2. Operator1 informed that he was not the owner of the vessel and it was a rented vessel from State Dock Marina.

The two vessel's then returned to the Wolf Creek Marina and were moored to the dock. After collecting all pertinent information and photographing both vessel's Operator1 left the scene to return to State Dock Marina. Operator2 left the scene to load his vessel on his trailer located at the boat ramp at Wolf Creek Marina. I cleared the scene at 14:51.

***No one was injured as a result of this boating incident.


BARDID: KY-2018-0032
State: KY
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:38:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CUMBERLAND
NearestCityorTown: BURNSIDE
County: PULASKI
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 12, 2018 at 15:38 hours I, Officer responded to a call from London Post 11 of a possible drowning in Cedar Sinking Creek on Lake Cumberland in Pulaski County, KY. Upon my arrival I spoke to witness a retired Deputy from the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department. Witness advised me that Victim the owner of Vessel 1, documentation number (1259914), a Formula 45 Yacht was anchored in the immediate area and was tied up with other boats. Witness stated that while people were swimming behind their boats they observed Victim walking out then slipping on the swim platform on the stern of Vessel 1. During the fall Victim was observed hitting the back of his head on the swim platform as he went into the water. Witness stated that Victim was not wearing a PFD. 

Witness also advised that he and several others looked in the area where Victim had entered the water, but could not locate him. Witness said that after a few minutes of looking that they contacted State Police Dispatch in London. 
	
The wife of Victim was swimming in the water behind Vessel 1 at the time. She also observed Victim slip on the back of the swim platform of the boat hitting his head as he went into the water. 

Somerset/Pulaski County EMS along with Pulaski County Rescue Squad responded to the scene and recovered the body of Victim. Pulaski County Rescue Squad diver retrieved the body below the stern of where Vessel 1 was located. Pulaski County Deputy Coroner pronounced Victim deceased at that time.

Autopsy and toxicology results were released to the Pulaski County Coroner's Office on September 11th, 2018. Autopsy results are located in tabs Autopsy 1-3 and the toxicology results are located on tabs Toxicology 1-6 in this BAR. Autopsy results, laboratory case number:3153272, indicate alcohol and ethanol were present with a blood ethanol level of 0.156% and vitreous humor ethanol at 0.184%. Based on the Office of the Associate Chief Medical Examiner Office case ME-C 2018-485 time of death was pronounced at 17:00 hours on 08/12/2018 due to drowning.


  CAD# 201815422

***No other injuries reported
***No property damage reported
***No loss of property reported


BARDID: KY-2018-0033
State: KY
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GREEN RIVER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CAMPBELLSVILLE
County: TAYLOR
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 3, 2018 I received a call from Sgt. about a boat that had caught on fire at Emerald Isle Marina on September 2, 2018. The vessel that caught on fire was a 2007 Maxum 2400 SE cabin cruiser with Kentucky registration number 0518 HT. The owner of the vessel, stated that the boat caught on fire around 11:00 am in his slip at Emerald Isle Marina. More specifically, the boat was on row three behind the gazebo in slip (GPS coordinates Lat: 37.285828 Long: -85.305787). Subject was helping out the Emerald Isle Marina due to the holiday weekend. He stated that he was working out front of the dock when he saw a big cloud of smoke coming from row three behind the marina and had realized that the smoke was coming from his boat.
	Subject wife, stated that around 10:45 am she went to the marina to get breakfast and told her son and his friend to stay on the boat while she went to the restaurant. She stated that she was at the marina for about 15 minutes when she tried to call her son’s friend, and that they didn’t answer. She then got up to leave and go check on them when she looked out of the marina window and saw her son and his friend standing in front of the window. Her son and his friend then came into the marina and ate ice cream while Subject’s wife ate her breakfast. While she was waiting on her son and his friend to finish their ice cream, she heard Subject, who was in the kitchen at the marina, say that their boat was on fire. She then had two of the waitresses watch the boys while she went to help attend to the boat.
	 Subject2 stated that he ran to the slip where Subject's boat was to extinguish the fire.  Also to make sure everyone was at a safe distance from the boat in case they couldn’t get the fire out then they could move the boat away from the marina and other boats. Once they were at the boat, they opened up the doors to the cabin and started putting water on the fire with a water hose and used a fire extinguisher to put the fire out. After they got the fire out, they took the boat to the ramp to load the boat on Subject's trailer. Once the boat was on the trailer they pulled it to the parking lot and waited around the boat to make sure the fire did not start up again. Subject stated that it looked like the main breaker was the start of the fire because it appeared to be the hottest point of the fire.

 On September 6, 2018 I went to the boat in the marina parking lot to take pictures of the boat and to finish my investigation. In conclusion, it does appear that the fire did start at the main breaker due to it appearing to be the hottest part of the fire. The fire then went up the left side of the cabin back into the sleeping area of the boat and then over to the bathroom straight across from the breaker panel. The boat was pronounced a total loss by Progressive insurance company.

*** There was no one on board at the time of the fire
***No other witness saw the boat on fire
*** No one was wearing PFD
*** No Injuries
*** All times are EST


