# ReleasableAccidentes

BARDID: MN-2019-0033
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:39:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Forest
NearestCityorTown: Forest Lake
County: Washington
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
While on patrol of Forest Lake, deputy received a radio call for a hit and run boat accident. He responded to the location. Deputy asked Operator #1 if he had any injuries and he stated that he did not. When asked what happened, Operator #1 stated that he was wake jumping out on the lake and hit a really hard wave. After hitting the wave, he stopped to recover from the jolt before moving on. 

While he was sitting still, a black and yellow PWC, with an older man operating, collided with the port side of PWC #1. Operator #1 stated that by the time he was able to make sure he was alright, PWC #2 had taken off in the direction of Lake 1 of Forest Lake. 

Operator #1 stated he was unable to follow and headed back to the house as the PWC was taking on water due to the damage. The damage consisted of several external and internal damages with part of the hull and foot area being removed. The lake was checked for a PWC with damage matching the description, but was not located. A life jacket was being worn on PWC #1 and alcohol was not a factor. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor for PWC #2.


BARDID: MN-2019-0034
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: St. Croix
NearestCityorTown: Oak Park Heights
County: Washington
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft was operating on the river. There was a large rolling wave, approximately 6 feet high, that the watercraft struck, tossing a passenger into the air and back onto the chair. She landed on her back. The operator transported her back to the marina to obtain medical attention. EMS responded and transported her to the hospital. It is unknown if life jackets were being worn. There was no obvious structural damage found for the watercraft. Operator smelled of an alcoholic beverage, but was not impaired.


BARDID: MN-2019-0035
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Prior
NearestCityorTown: Prior Lake
County: Scott
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Deputy was flagged down by a boater (Operator #2) who had been bumped by another boat in the channel under the wagon bridge. The deputy made contact with Watercraft #1, and Operator #1 admitted they had bumped into another boat due to little space under the bridge. He had been heading westbound and did not think any damage had occurred. 

He said this was his first time driving a boat. The deputy saw no visible signs of damage to WC #1. The deputy spoke with Operator #2. He said he was eastbound when WC #1 bumped into his boat. He tried to flag down WC #1, but Operator #1 drove away. Operator #2 then saw the deputy's boat and flagged him down to report the accident. There was a foot-long scratch on the port side of WC #2 pontoon. There were no injuries and life jackets were not being worn. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0036
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:44:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Blackwater
NearestCityorTown: Longville
County: Cass
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
County deputy was dispatched to Pine Haven Resort to meet with parties involved in a watercraft accident. Upon arrival, he met with the operator of Watercraft #1. Operator #1 stated that he was anchored and fishing when he observed a boat heading his way. He thought it was his brother-in-law coming to talk to him. Operator #1 stated the boat then collided with his boat on the stern starboard side, causing damage. The deputy then spoke with the operator of Watercraft #2. He stated he was attempting to plane out his boat so he couldn't see where he was going due to the bow being in the air. He had one passenger with him. There was damage to his boat on the starboard side. Life jackets were being worn in both boats and there were no injuries. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0037
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:32:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Spirit
NearestCityorTown: Menahga
County: Wadena
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft was pulling a skier. The skier attempted to do a trick and was unable to, causing him to lose his balance and hurt himself. He was brought to shore and was then transported to the hospital by ambulance. Life jackets were being worn by all and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0038
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:02:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi
NearestCityorTown: Dresbach
County: Winona
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator was in a rented boat with two passengers. Operator was fishing while drifting upstream of Lock and Dam 7. 

The boat was getting close to the main channel just upstream of lock and dam 7, so he attempted to start the motor. He was unsuccessful. He then switched to the electric trolling motor, but it was not strong enough to overcome the current. The boat then impacted gate 7 on L&D 7. The boat and the three occupants then got washed under gate 7. 

The two passengers came out the other side of the gate with their life jackets on. The operator who had not been wearing a life jacket when the boat was submerged under the gate, came up on the downstream side of the gate and grabbed a floating PFD and put it on himself. Lock and Dam personnel pulled the young passenger and the operator from the downstream side of the gate with a ring buoy. The adult passenger was pulled up by a fisherman about 100 yards south of the dam. The young passenger was transported by ambulance to the hospital with injuries. The adult passenger and the operator received first aid at the scene. Alcohol was not a factor in the incident.


BARDID: MN-2019-0039
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake of the Woods
NearestCityorTown: Warroad
County: Roseau
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was tied to the dock with no occupants. Watercraft #2 was reversing from an adjacent dock. WC #2 reversed into starboard side of WC #1, cracking the fiberglass at point of impact. In addition, WC #1 was pushed into the dock causing cracking along the hull ribs. There were no injuries, and life jackets were not being used. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0040
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Star
NearestCityorTown: Dent
County: Otter Tail
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of Watercraft #2 was fishing in front of the resort. He claims to have fallen asleep and this resulted in him crashing into a boat lift, boat and dock. There was damage to both boats, the lift and the dock. Operator #2 was alone on the boat and was not wearing a life jacket. There were no injuries. Operator #2 received a citation for reckless operation. Alcohol was a factor.  Operator had a .125


BARDID: MN-2019-0041
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:03:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Excelsior
County: Hennepin
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:
Operator of Watercraft #1 was pulling away from the dock at the restaurant when she accidentally hit the throttle forward and rear ended Watercraft #2, which was unoccupied and tied to the dock. There was damage to both watercraft. Life jackets were not being worn and there were no injuries. Alcohol was not a factor. Watercraft #1 was a rental craft.


BARDID: MN-2019-0042
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:02:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Vermilion
NearestCityorTown: Breitung Township
County: St. Louis
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Onboard navigation aids
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The deputy received a report of a boat that had hit a rock in front of 5751 Puncher Point Road. While on the way to that location, the deputy made phone contact with the boat operator's son who said he had spoken with his father. The operator had told him that he had hit a rock and that he was fine and had help on the way and had to go because his phone was going to die. The son also spoke to a First Responder/Firefighter who was responding to the page and informed him of his phone conversation with his father. The first responder cancelled responding units given the operator's report of safety to himself and his passenger. A neighbor of the "accident address" reported going out on the water in his small fishing boat to check on the boat on the rocks. He asked if everyone was okay to which he was told that they were okay and they only had small scratches and had some help on the way. The deputy asked the son to have his father (boat operator) call to report the accident information. The deputy also attempted phone contact with the operator without success. The island (Ely Island) struck in this incident was just east of Echo Point and was lighted. Life jackets were on board the boat, but were not being worn.

Phone contact was eventually made with the operator who reported that he had been drinking the night of the incident but did not believe he was intoxicated. He said the GPS had malfunctioned on the boat and he was navigating without it and struck Ely Island. He told the deputy that he had reported the incident to his insurance agency and that the boat had been "totaled" but gave no dollar amount. The deputy went to his residence and observed the boat. It had significant damage and appeared unrepairable. No BAC was obtained as this was reported after the fact.


BARDID: MN-2019-0043
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake of the Woods
NearestCityorTown: Baudette
County: Lake of the Woods
WaterConditions: Very rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft with four occupants was travelling south and entered the buoys near the light house gap. The operator reported that a large wave pushed his boat, causing it to run aground. There were three passengers on board - ages 7, 34 and 6. The two children were wearing life jackets but the adults were not. There were no injuries and alcohol was not a factor. The boat was disabled after grounding and had to be pulled to shore. There was damage to the boat's prop and rudder.


BARDID: MN-2019-0044
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:23:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Daggett
NearestCityorTown: Crosslake
County: Crow Wing
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
While waterskiing, the victim cut hard and hit a big wake from the towing watercraft and fell over, causing injury to his back and upper leg. He was transported to the hospital by ambulance. Life jackets were being worn by all. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0045
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:44:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnewaska
NearestCityorTown: Starbuck
County: Pope
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #2 was anchored in the water and had two swimmers laying on a tube that was tied to the boat. 

Watercraft #1 drove too close to Watercraft #2 and struck the tube and two occupants, causing injury to both parties on the tube. Life jackets were being worn on both watercraft, but not by the swimmers on the tube. Alcohol was not a factor. Operator #1 received a warning regarding operating a PWC too close to other watercraft.


BARDID: MN-2019-0046
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: St Louis
NearestCityorTown: Duluth
County: St. Louis
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was westbound on the St Louis River, approaching the area of the Blatnick Bridge (Duluth Harbor). Watercraft #2 was proceeding eastbound through the channel at 10-15 MPH dragging an immense wake, according to Operator #1. 

Watercraft #1 was travelling approximately 15 MPH and hit WC #2's large wake. The passenger in WC #1 was thrown from her seat and struck the floor of the boat, causing injury. 

Operator #1 was unable to get a better description of WC #2 other than it was a "large blue boat." Operator #1 immediately proceeded to Rice's boat landing where his wife was transported by private vehicle to the hospital. This incident was not reported until 7/23/19. Unknown if alcohol was a factor. Life jackets were not being worn in WC #1. Sheriff's office will attempt to check local marinas and work with Operator #1 to identify #2.


BARDID: MN-2019-0047
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:42:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Darling
NearestCityorTown: Alexandria
County: Douglas
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 and Watercraft #2 left the same location a few minutes apart. WC #2 was running about 15 mph and WC #1 was running about 5 mph. WC #2 did not see WC #1 and ran into the back of the boat. 

The motor on WC #1 took the brunt of the crash and was destroyed. A passenger in WC #2 had lacerations to his face but refused medical attention. Operator #2 did not see any front lights on WC #1. 

Operator #1 said they were working earlier in the day, however, she was not sure if they were working at the time of the crash because she can not see them from the driver's seat. The front lights of WC #1 were not working while the deputy was on scene. Operator #1 had some minor signs of alcohol use and admitted to consuming a couple of beers throughout the evening. Field sobriety was performed and she passed, then provided a PBT with .000 results. Operator #2 had no signs of alcohol consumption. WC #1 was towed to a landing by the Sheriff's office. Life jackets were not being worn in either boat. There was damage to both watercraft.


BARDID: MN-2019-0048
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:24:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi
NearestCityorTown: Winona
County: Winona
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Dam/lock
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and passenger were in the boat fishing on the upper side of the spillway located near Prairie Island Campground. 

The operator maneuvered the boat too close to the spillway and the boat was pulled parallel with the spillway. The passenger stated their motor did not have enough power to pull them away from the spillway and straighten out. 

The boat ultimately capsized, throwing both operator and passenger overboard. Just prior to capsizing, the operator told the passenger, "We are going to sink." The boat and both occupants went over the spillway. No life jackets were worn by either occupant but were in the boat. There was a throw cushion as well. The passenger was able to grab onto a life jacket after the boat capsized. The passenger was uninjured but the operator drowned. 

Alcohol was not a factor. The boat did not appear to be damaged, but the motor was submerged under water for an extended period of time. The operator's body was recovered the following day at 8:02 p.m.


BARDID: MN-2019-0050
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Orono
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was entering the channel from Crystal Bay into Lower Lake North. Watercraft #2 (a personal watercraft) was in Crystal Bay by the Arcola Bridge. WC #2 sped into Crystal Bay. People on WC #1 said they could only see the bottom of WC #2 as it was coming toward them. WC #2 landed on the port side bow of WC #1. WC #1 had a lilypad swim raft rolled up on the front of the boat. It was damaged in the collision. The port float at the bow was bent on WC #1. WC #2 bent the eyelet on the bottom of their PWC. WC #2 was unable to be started after the collision. Life jackets were being worn on WC #2 but not on WC #1. There were no injuries. Alcohol was a factor. Operator #2 was arrested for BWI.


BARDID: MN-2019-0051
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Deephaven
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/25/2019 at about 0900 hours, a woman and her daughter came to the Sheriff's Water Patrol Office to report a personal injury accident that happened on Lake Minnetonka on 6/29/2019. The woman explained that she was not aware at the time of the accident that it needed to be reported, otherwise she would have called immediately.

The daughter (passenger #1) explained that on 6/29/19, she and a friend were at a private event on an island in the lake. They wanted to leave so another friend arrived at the island on a personal watercraft. The PWC was rated for three people so the three of them boarded the PWC wearing life jackets and left the island at approximately 1900 hours and began heading to shore. 

Shortly after leaving the island, the watercraft was hit by a large wave and Passenger #1 fell off the back of the PWC and into the water. The water jet forced water up her rectum and into her intestine. She was able to get back on the PWC and arrived at shore. In obvious pain, her parents transported her by car to the medical center. After being evaluated, she was transported to a hospital by ambulance for emergency surgery. Life jackets were being worn by all and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0052
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:37:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Long
NearestCityorTown: Long Lake
County: Hennepin
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:
Victim was in a rented rowing shell and accidentally overturned it. While attempting to turn it upright, he dislocated his left shoulder. He was transported to the hospital by ambulance. He was wearing a life jacket and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0053
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Spring Park
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Shift
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was backing out of slip at Lord Fletchers. Operator #1 stated his gear shifter became stuck in reverse. Operator #1 stated he was attempting to get the gear shifter out of reverse and just before he was able to get it into drive, he backed into WC #2. Operator #1 then drove forward with the steering wheel still turned completely clockwise and circled around, colliding with WC #2 for a second time. Operator of WC #2 stated WC #1 collided with the back swim platform, the port side and the bow of his boat. WC #2 was floating in the water waiting to pull into the slip that WC #1 was backing out of. There were no injuries and life jackets were on board both boats, but it is unknown if they were being worn at the time of the incident. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0054
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Greenwood
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #2 (a kayak) had two occupants. The occupants were adjusting position in choppy water causing the kayak to capsize. The occupants went in the water and were not wearing life jackets. A passerby (Watercraft #1) was attempting to help the people in the water, when his watercraft floated over them. The male occupant of the kayak was cut by WC #1's propeller, causing lacerations to his arm. The injured party was transported to the hospital. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0055
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:33:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Minnetonka Beach
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was skiing and fell. The impact from hitting the water caused injury to the victim's shoulder. He was transported to the hospital by ambulance. Life jackets were being worn by all. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0056
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:02:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Mound
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #2 was anchored when Watercraft #1 (a PWC) crashed into it. The deputy went to the park where WC #1 was. He was met by a man who stated that his cousin from Nigeria was the one driving WC #1. The deputy spoke to Operator #1, who said he was ok and did not need medical care. Operator #1 explained that he had driven away from the beach and as he was driving he noticed a white boat in front of him so he tried to hit the break. He demonstrated squeezing his right thumb and hand as he was holding handle bars. The deputy told him there was not a brake on a PWC and if he squeezed his right thumb on a PWC he would have been hitting the throttle. Operator #1 said as he accelerated, he tried to turn to the right but it was too late and he hit the boat with the starboard bow of the PWC.

The deputy then spoke to Operator #2 who was anchored about 250 feet off of shore. He stated they had been anchored and his kids were about to jump in the water when they saw WC #1 driving straight at the side of his boat. WC #1 hit the center of the boat on the port side. The deputy asked how fast WC #1 was going and Operator #2 said "too fast." He said they were the only boat in the area at the time and the PWC could have gone in any other direction. He stated there were no injuries to anyone in his boat.

There was damage to both watercraft. A life jacket was being used on WC #1 and were on board WC #2, but were not being worn. Alcohol was not a factor. Operator #1 was given a citation for careless operation, as he was not in control of his watercraft and driving fast when he hit another boat.


BARDID: MN-2019-0057
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:51:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Deephaven
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
WC #1 was coming from St Louis Bay headed toward Excelsior Bay. WC #2 was coming from Big Island and heading toward Excelsior Bay. Operator #1 thought his boat was going parallel to WC #2. Operator #2 did not see WC #1 until the last second due to water conditions and crossing boat traffic. Both watercraft attempted to turn away and avoid the collision, but were unsuccessful. There was damage to WC #2. A lifejacket was being worn on WC #2 but not on WC #1. There were no injuries, and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0058
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 03:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Vermilion
NearestCityorTown: Tower
County: St. Louis
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating his boat in the dark. He was going approximately 25-30 MPH and he was following his fish finder tracking. He followed his trolling track and grounded on shore. The boat hit rocks and was lifted onto a dock where it came to a stop. Life jackets were not being worn. There were no injuries. The incident was reported later that morning. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor. The boat received heavy damage.


BARDID: MN-2019-0059
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Marion
NearestCityorTown: Dent
County: Otter Tail
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Other
OtherEquipmentFailure: activity equipment
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The watercraft was pulling two separate tubes, with one occupant each, in the bay in front of the Cozy Cove Resort. The rope that was pulling one tube broke at the boat causing the rope to whiplash back toward the tubers. The rope immediately wrapped around the other tuber's neck, causing her to fall from the tube. The operator was able to get to the victim and unravel the rope from her neck and body. Upon getting back into the boat, the victim began vomiting blood and had trouble breathing. Dent rescue and Perham ambulance met the boat at the dock of the resort and transported the victim to the health facility. Life flight was called to meet the victim at the health facility. Both tubers were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident. The occupants of the boat were not wearing life jackets. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0060
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Little Pelican
NearestCityorTown: Breezy Point
County: Crow Wing
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
The victim was fishing by himself on his boat and was last seen 35 minutes prior to the boat being observed without anyone on board. The trolling motor was running. Per family members on scene, the victim had been drinking earlier in the day. The victim was found, deceased, in the water approximately 3 hours after he was reported missing. The incident was unwitnessed, and it is unknown how the victim fell overboard. He was not wearing a life jacket. There was no damage to the boat.


BARDID: MN-2019-0061
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Detroit
NearestCityorTown: Detroit Lakes
County: Becker
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was towing a wakeboarder. Watercraft #2 was a personal watercraft being operated by a juvenile with no operator's permit. Watercraft #2 was following and jumping the waves of WC #1. The wakeboarder from WC #1 fell and was in the water. WC #2 jumped a wave and landed on the wakeboarder, causing injury. The wakeboarder was wearing a life jacket. The operator of WC #2 was cited for operating the PWC in a manner that unreasonably or unnecessarily endangers life, limb or property.


BARDID: MN-2019-0062
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:49:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pepin
NearestCityorTown: Lake City
County: Wabasha
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
One occupant (female) of the sailboat was controlling the rudder while the other (male) went to drop the sail. 

The winds were moderate and the male occupant fell in the water and was unable to swim. The operator threw two float cushions to the man in the water, but the wind blew them out of reach. The operator continued to circle him until he went under. The operator called 911 by cell phone. Authorities arrived and a search began immediately. The victim was found about 11:45 a.m. on 7/27/19, deceased in the water. He was found by a boater in the center of the channel across from the northern part of the city of Pepin, WI. Life jackets were not being worn, and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0063
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Leech
NearestCityorTown: Walker
County: Cass
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft was pulling a person on a tube. The tube hit a wake, causing the tuber to go up in the air. She then landed on her chest and lower back, causing injury. She was transported to the hospital by ambulance. She was wearing a life jacket. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0064
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:27:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnesota
NearestCityorTown: Belle Plaine
County: Scott
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
A watercraft was found by a fisherman, running and in gear on top of a log in the river. It is believed that the single occupant of the boat fell overboard or was ejected from the boat and drowned. After an extensive 4-day search, the boater's body was discovered near where the boat was found. He was not wearing a life jacket. The end of the skeg was broken off. Alcohol was a factor. The incident was unwitnessed.


BARDID: MN-2019-0065
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-07-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Holt
NearestCityorTown: Garrison
County: Crow Wing
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator #1, was sitting on the personal watercraft and attempted to start it. Fumes ignited and the PWC exploded, throwing Operator #1 in the air. He landed back in the water. He was wearing a life jacket and was able to get to a dock, where first aid was administered. He was then transported to the hospital by ambulance with back pain. The fire department was able to get the fire put out and pulled the hull back to shore. The PWC was a Total Loss. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0066
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: West Fox
NearestCityorTown: Fifty Lakes
County: Crow Wing
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent3: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Deputy talked with Operator #1. Operator #1 stated that they had just gotten off the dock, turned the boat around to head north onto the lake to go water skiing. He was traveling at a speed of approximately 3-5 mph due to the terrain of the lake. As he was heading onto the lake, he noticed a pontoon boat (WC #2), which was hauling a tube with two occupants, was driving along the west shore of the lake, to the north shore. 

Once WC #2 got in front of WC #1, it turned south and started heading directly toward WC #1. The occupants of WC #1 began to yell to WC #2 to try to divert it. WC #1 was only 100-150 yards off shore. WC #2 noticed WC #1 and took a hard right and was then heading toward the west end of the lake. WC #2's turn had caused the tube to slingshot into the right side of WC #1, sending the younger tuber into WC #1. 

He landed on two of WC #1's passengers, and received a minor injury. The other tuber went flying off the tube and ended up in the water, face down. The impact caused the right windshield of WC #1 to shatter. The impact also caused a passenger, who was sitting in the bow of WC #1, to fall into the water. Another passenger assisted her back into the boat and then he saw the tuber in the water and jumped in and swam to him, and flipped him over. The tuber became conscious at that point. A man who saw the incident from his dock came out in his boat to assist. The two men held on to WC #2 to get the tuber back to shore. They stayed in the shallow water with the tuber, to not make his injuries worse, and waited for first responders.

The deputy then talked with Operator #2. Operator #2 stated that she was driving the pontoon boat and was making her last lap around the lake, pulling two people in the tube, traveling at approximately 25 mph. She turned to head south on the lake when she heard yelling. She looked forward and saw a woman standing in the bow of the boat she was heading at. Operator #2 then took a sharp right turn and caused the tube to swing around and hit the right side of WC #1. She saw the two people in the tube go flying from the impact. She saw one tuber floating in the water and immediately began yelling to try to find the other tuber. He had been flung into WC #1. She then drove the boat to where the tuber was in the water. Two men holding the tuber grabbed onto the side of her boat and she drove them slowly back to shore, where they waited in shallow water. The tubers were transported to the area where the helicopter was staged. The older tuber was transported by air to a St. Cloud hospital. The younger tuber was checked out by paramedics and was cleared with only a scratch behind his ear. There were some bumps and bruises to some occupants of WC #1. Life jackets were being worn by tubers and occupants of WC #2. They were not being used on WC #1. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0067
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:46:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Gull
NearestCityorTown: Nisswa
County: Crow Wing
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was intoxicated. He was alone in the boat and attempted to travel from the bar at the south end of the lake to Roy Lake. He struck a dock near shoreline on east side of the lake, causing damage to both the boat and the dock. There were no injuries and no life jacket was being worn. He was arrested for BUI.


BARDID: MN-2019-0068
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:59:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: St Croix
NearestCityorTown: Stillwater
County: Washington
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The watercraft was operating on plane near the Highway 36 bridge. The passenger was sitting in the open bow of the boat. The boat hit a large swell and the passenger bounced into the air and back into the boat, causing injury. Life jackets were not being worn. There was no damage to the boat. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0069
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-08-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:47:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Little Cormorant
NearestCityorTown: Audubon
County: Becker
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator had just purchased the watercraft. He took the watercraft around the lake one time - he heard a pop and the watercraft caught fire. He jumped out of the boat and swam to shore. He was taken for medical care by air med. The boat was a Total Loss and all identifying info was destroyed. A life jacket was not being worn and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0070
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sibley/Mayo Channel
NearestCityorTown: Pequot Lakes
County: Crow Wing
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator #1 stated he was operating Watercraft #1 (a PWC) with his wife riding directly behind him. He was pulling a three-person tube with three occupants - two adults and a child in the middle (the female tuber is listed as a witness in this report). They were on their way from Sibley Lake, heading south in the channel on their way to Mayo Lake. 

When first entering the channel, they were traveling at 14 mph. The operator stated the channel was full of weeds so to get the PWC up out of the water to avoid the weeds, he increased speeds to 15 mph, to not suck weeds into his PWC. About halfway through the channel, there are two concrete structures that protrude into the channel from each side. The operator stated that directly south of the two structures where two kayakers in the middle of the channel, blocking his route of travel. To avoid the kayakers, he turned right, to the west side of the channel. 

The operator stated that during the process of avoiding the kayakers, the tube had gotten outside the wake and was now riding closer to the east side of the channel, and was no longer traveling directly behind the PWC. He stated he was unsure of how the tube got outside the wake. He stated he was not watching his mirrors to see where the tube was riding, and instead looked forward to the kayakers. He stated the combination of these events caused the tube to hit the east concrete structure in the corner. 

He stopped the PWC and swam to the tipped over tube and found the male tuber, who had shielded the child during the impact, holding her in his arms. The operator took the child and set her down on the concrete structure. He yelled for someone to call 911. He checked her vitals (he's a sports trainer) and then placed her carefully in the tube and began to swim with the tube south to the county highway bridge between the lakes. He reached the bridge just as the first responders did. The operator informed the deputy that they were carrying two lawn chairs back with them. One was placed on the PWC and the other was in the tube with the occupants. He stated he believed the child's injuries were a result of getting hit by the chair on the tube and not the concrete structure, since she had been shielded in the male tuber's arms.

The deputy got a statement from the PWC passenger. She stated that she was on the PWC at the time, facing forward looking at the kayakers during the impact. She stated the operator was traveling at approximately 12-13 mph during the impact. She said she looked back and saw the tube flipped over after the impact and began yelling to see if the child was alright and kept yelling asking if the child was breathing. She called 911 and then assisted the others towards the bridge to meet first responders.

The deputy spoke to the male tuber to clarify some details. When asked how he believed the tube got outside the wake, the tuber stated that he believed it was due to the fact that his side was heavier, which caused it to drift to the east side towards the concrete structure.

Life jackets were being worn by all involved. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0071
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:59:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Hubert
NearestCityorTown: Nisswa
County: Crow Wing
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 (a PWC) was pulling a tube with three children on it. One of the children fell off the tube, so Operator #1 turned the PWC around to get the child. As he was turning around, the tube, with the other two children on it, swung around and hit an anchored pontoon boat (WC #2). One of the children on the tube struck the side of the pontoon and fell off the tube. He was taken to the hospital. Life jackets were being worn by all involved. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0072
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Zumbro
NearestCityorTown: Mazeppa
County: Wabasha
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator advised that he had docked his watercraft (a pontoon boat) near the building structure portion of the power dam at Lake Zumbro and walked around on land for some time. The group boarded the pontoon and began driving away from that location. Operator advised that after a short period of time he noticed that they were on the edge of the dam. He attempted many maneuvers to exit the area, but realized that they were going to go over. He had the passengers stand on one side of the watercraft in an attempt to keep it from going over and had them put life jackets on. One passenger jumped off the watercraft before it went over and swam to a buoy. She was later rescued by a nearby boater. The rest of the occupants rode the watercraft over the dam. the watercraft stayed upright and came to rest on a shelf below the dam with the three occupants remaining in the watercraft. All three were rescued from the watercraft and brought to shore by first responders. All were checked out by ambulance personnel and one passenger was transported to the hospital. There was some damage to the boat. Alcohol was a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0073
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:16:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi
NearestCityorTown: Welch
County: Goodhue
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was traveling northbound near Diamond Bluff when it came upon a barge traveling in the opposite direction. The barge started to swing toward the opposite side of the channel, pointing toward WC #1. 

Due to additional traffic wake, and the wake of the barge, WC #1 was steered in a direction that they could either make contact with a green river marker or risk hitting the barge. After hitting the green river marker, it appears as if the chain on the marker got wrapped around the prop and lodged the green marker under the swim deck. 

WC #1 was essentially dead in the water, as the operator could not steer or move any further at this point. They were able to contact someone to come get them off the boat after Tow Boat USA was unable to free them. They later made arrangements for a larger boat (with a crane) to come get their boat. The crane operator was able to lift WC #1 and cut the chain off and tow WC #1 back to the marina. Life jackets were available, but not in use at the time. There were no injuries. Alcohol was not a factor. There was damage to the watercraft.


BARDID: MN-2019-0074
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:54:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Excelsior
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft was pulling a tube with one occupant. The person on the tube placed his foot into the handle of the tube for more support. He fell off the tube and his foot was stuck in the handle. He felt pain in his upper thigh. They went back to the dock and he was transported to the hospital to be checked out. All were wearing life jackets and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0075
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-08-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:02:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi
NearestCityorTown: Red Wing
County: Goodhue
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Other
OtherEquipmentFailure: air conditioner
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was tied to the dock at the marina. The owner/operator was on board about 5:45 p.m. when he noticed smoke inside the boat. He grabbed a fire extinguisher and searched throughout the boat but didn't locate any fire. 

He thought toward the aft of the watercraft, below the salon in a bedroom, the smoke seemed heavier. He shut off the power to the watercraft, and it kept getting smokier. At approximately 5:54 p.m., he had to leave the watercraft due to the smoke being too strong, and called 911. 

Two other watercraft (#2 and #3) were tied off to the dock and were getting damaged by the heat from the fire. Marina staff removed WC #2 and WC #3 from the slips to minimize the damage. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. WC #1 was towed to the boat access to be removed from the water. Owner #1 stated the last voyage with the watercraft was on 8/3-8/4/19. 

He hadn't noticed any issues with the boat He thought maybe the air conditioning unit was to blame, since he had noticed on the circuit box the unit was showing the circuit had been tripped. Duty officer was notified, and no apparent fuel leaked from the fire. There were no injuries and a life jacket was not being worn. Alcohol was not a factor. Watercraft #1 received heavy fire damage and was a Total Loss. 

Watercraft #2 and #3 received heat related damage. There was also some damage to the dock, which is owned by the City of Red Wing.


BARDID: MN-2019-0076
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:08:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Maple
NearestCityorTown: Mentor
County: Polk
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was traveling along the shoreline area with one occupant (Operator #1). Watercraft was going about 20 MPH. The operator stated he looked down to grab a soft drink and some Cheetos. He was also watching a nearby person on a PWC. Watercraft #1 was close to the shoreline area. WC #1 hit a dock and caused damage to the dock. An unoccupied sailboat (WC #2) which was on a lift by this dock also sustained damage. WC #2 was leaning on its side when officers arrived on scene. Operator #1 was not wearing a life jacket when officers arrived at the scene. He had sustained bruising and minor bleeding to his forearm area, but declined medical attention. Alcohol was not a factor. Watercraft #1 received minor dents and scrapes on the pontoons of his boat.


BARDID: MN-2019-0077
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:23:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Medicine
NearestCityorTown: Plymouth
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft was pulling a skier. The skier dropped a ski and began skiing with one ski. Shortly after dropping the ski, the skier fell, causing a hip injury. Life jackets were being worn both on the boat and by the skier. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0078
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Orono
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated that he was operating the boat and pulling three staff members on a tube. There was a female staff member in the boat with the operator. The operator turned the boat, and when doing so, all three riders fell off the tube. One of the riders flew over the other two riders. The operator turned the boat around and got the tubers into the boat. The tuber that flew over the other two complained of rib pain and that he also felt disoriented. The operator transported the injured tuber to the camp swim beach, where he was transferred onto a floating dock with the camp's Waterfront Director. The director checked him over and put a foam collar on his neck. They transported him with a side by side UTV to the main camp building. He had not lost consciousness and still had circulation, sensory and motor skills in all extremities. He was transported by ambulance to the hospital. Life jackets were being worn by all involved. Alcohol was not a factor. (The uninjured tubers are listed as people on board on the People Tab of this report.)


BARDID: MN-2019-0079
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Orono
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Deputy arrived at location and spoke with the parties involved.

Watercraft, with two occupants, was pulling a tube with two children on it. The children's mother was acting as observer on the boat. The kids were laying on their stomachs facing forward on the tube. The observer stated they went over some waves and then she saw her daughter (who was on the tube) put her hand out, motioning the boat to stop. She then saw her son (who was on the tube) bleeding heavily from the mouth. She saw that his tooth was missing (it fell into the lake). The tubers got back into the boat and they went back to shore. She said she wasn't sure what he had hit his tooth on and they were not doing anything crazy. 

The boat operator stated she was looking forward and focused on driving the boat so she didn't see exactly what happened. She said they were out on the boat for approximately 30-45 minutes prior to the accident. She said she was driving approximately 20-25 MPH. She said she drove the boat in one large circle and came back around when the tube went off a wake about 1 1/2 to 2 feet high. After the tube went over the wake, she was told to stop the boat.

The deputy was not able to speak to the injured party, as he was in the back of the ambulance with paramedics. He had gauze in his mouth and was not able to speak to the deputy. He was taken by ambulance to the hospital.

All were wearing life jackets and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0080
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:38:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Leech
County: Cass
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator of Watercraft #1 was going back to his resort and did not see the lights on Watercraft #2 because of the angle of the watercraft. WC #1 hit WC #2 in the left front corner of the pontoon, causing damage to both boats. Both watercraft had lights on at the time of the accident. Life jackets were being worn by all and there were no injuries. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0081
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-08-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:03:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pelican
NearestCityorTown: Orr
County: St. Louis
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Improper anchoring
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft with two occupants was drifting while the occupants were trying to anchor in 18 feet of water. The anchor was tied off the back and the boat drifted into the rocks near Bald Island. The anchor finally caught on the rocks. The boat occupants said 3 to 4 foot waves were coming over the back of the boat. The motor got caught on the rocks and anchor rope. The boat was flooded in a few minutes. The occupants jumped out of the boat before it capsized. They were picked up by other boats in the area. The boat capsized and was later towed by the rescue squad to the public landing. There was damage to the boat, and it was a Total Loss. Life jackets were not being worn. There were no injuries. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0082
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:44:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Manuella
NearestCityorTown: Litchfield
County: Meeker
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator of Watercraft #1 (a PWC) was wearing a life jacket and was traveling at about three quarter speed when he got a bug in his eye. He said he throttled down while trying to get the bug out of his eye. He said when he saw the boat (WC#2) in front of him, he could not turn because he was not on the throttle anymore. WC #1 hit WC #2, throwing Operator #1 over WC #2 and into the water. He received a cut to his knee, which required stitches. WC #1 was damaged and was towed to shore.

Operator #2 said he was just leaving the lake and was not at full throttle when he looked down at something by his foot. When he looked up, he saw WC #1 coming at him. Operator #2 said he tried to turn to the right, but WC #1 struck his boat. Operator #2 said the force of the impact caused him to fall off of his seat. WC #2 started to take on water after the collision. Operator #2 was not wearing a life jacket, but received no injuries.

Alcohol was not a factor in the incident.


BARDID: MN-2019-0083
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:48:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pepin
NearestCityorTown: Lake City
County: Goodhue
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was pulling two tubes, each with a single tuber. Each tube was attached to the boat with separate 30-40 foot ropes. They were traveling in the channel at approximately 20 MPH. After 10-15 minutes, the parent of one tuber pulled up to her in a different boat. 

The tuber stated she didn't feel well. She complained of vision loss, was pale and had vomited. She had not fallen off the tube, nor had she bumped the other tuber. Victim's parent advised victim had been on the tube before and was fine. 

The parents took her to the launch site and transported her to the hospital. Operator #1 stated the lake was calm and was traveling at 22-25 mph. He would turn the watercraft and allow the tubes to cross the wake. Operator #1 stated the tubes did bump, but nothing aggressive. Operator #1 also stated that during this time the victim never fell off the inner tube or crashed into the second inner tube being pulled. On 9/4/19, parents advised deputy that victim had suffered from a mild concussion. Life jackets were being worn, and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0084
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-08-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Wayzata
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 (a PWC) was traveling west in Wayzata Bay. Operator estimated her speed to be nearly 60 MPH. She was scanning the distance and did not see a large wake from another boat. She launched off the wake, which caused the PWC she was operating to flip. She suffered injuries to her hand and leg from striking the PWC. She was wearing a life jacket and also the cut off lanyard. She was transported to the docks by her friend who was on another PWC. She was then transported to the hospital by her mother. There was damage to the PWC, and it was a Total Loss. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0085
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Orono
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat #1 was traveling north from Mahpiyata Channel heading towards Arcola Bridge. Passenger on WC #1 spilled a beer and turned on a spotlight to try to clean it up. Operator #1 stated he was looking down at the floor of the boat and was being blinded due to the bright light illumination the inside of the watercraft. Watercraft #2 was traveling south from the slow no wake channel in Lower Lake heading towards Lafayette Bay. Operator #2 noticed a watercraft traveling head-on toward them at a high rate of speed. 

Operator #2 turned his watercraft to face west, towards Huntington Point in an attempt to get the attention of Operator #1. WC #1 continued to approach at a high rate of speed. Operator #2 accelerated in a attempt to avoid contact. Contact was made on back left gunwale of WC #2 and front bow on WC #1, causing damage to both. Life jackets were not being used in either watercraft. The passenger on WC #1 was injured. Alcohol was a factor. Operator #1 was cited for careless or reckless operation.


BARDID: MN-2019-0086
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:23:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big Kandiyohi
NearestCityorTown: Lake Lillian
County: Kandiyohi
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The watercraft (a sailboat) was anchored out from the island and the two occupants were sleeping. The watercraft capsized due to the winds from a thunderstorm in the area. Both individuals (the owner/operator and a passenger) entered the water underneath the boat and were separated. The passenger was able to swim approximately 1 mile to the north shore of the lake, where he summoned help from the owner/operator's brother. They contacted 911 prior to taking a pontoon boat back out on the lake to search for the other man (owner/operator). He was also able to swim to the lake's north shore and seek help at a residence on the lake. He was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The passenger had no injuries and refused medical treatment. It is unknown if life jackets were used or if alcohol was a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0087
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:39:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Vermilion
NearestCityorTown: Cook
County: St. Louis
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Sheriff's Office received a report of a two watercraft property damage accident on Lake Vermillion. The accident occurred at the end of Hibbing Point Rd. in the Head of Lakes Bay. Watercraft #1 was traveling westbound at 15-20 MPH toward the Landing Supper Club. Watercraft #2 was traveling southbound at 30-35 MPH toward Spring Bay Resort. Operator #1 was in the middle of WC #1 where the controls are located and saw WC #2 approximately 50-75 yards away. 

The occupants of WC #1 saw WC #2 coming toward them and started waving/yelling. Operator #1 stated his watercraft  is a 1905 and unable to stop easily. Operator #2 stated he was going directly back to the resort and WC #1 wasn't in front of him. WC #1's bow then struck WC #2 in the port side. WC #1 received moderate damage to the bow but was operable. WC #2 received severe damage to the port side. Both watercraft were eventually pulled from the water. 

Deputy believes WC #1 failed to yield to right of way of WC #2. WC #2 was approaching from the starboard side of WC #1. The three occupants of WC #1 received very minor injuries that didn't require first aid. The occupant of WC #2 didn't receive any injuries. No alcohol or drugs were involved. Both watercraft were properly equipped with life jackets but they were not being used in either craft.


BARDID: MN-2019-0088
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Francis
NearestCityorTown: Kingston
County: Meeker
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Family was tubing on the west side of the lake. Watercraft was pulling a tube with two people on the tube. As the watercraft made a turn, the rope slacked enough to stop the tube. As the rope tightened, it popped the tube and tubers out of the water. Then the boat rolled causing the occupants in the boat to go in the water. One passenger hit her face on the motor cover, causing bruising. All were wearing life jackets. Alcohol was not a factor. The boat sank and was a total loss.


BARDID: MN-2019-0089
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:31:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi
NearestCityorTown: Lake City
County: Goodhue
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to occupants of boats that were anchored and tied up together, the suspect boat (WC #2) was driving too close to them as well as too fast. As a result of this alleged conduct, the wake from WC #2 caused the tied up boats (WC #1) to rock back and forth, causing damage to WC #1 as well as snapping a few of the anchored lines that were tied from boat to boat. This conduct allegedly happened twice after Operator #2 was confronted and came back into their area. Words were exchanged at this time between all parties. Before the deputy got to the scene to talk to Operator #1, he was stopped by an independent party (who wished to remain anonymous). He told the deputy if he was heading to the tied up boats, WC #2 did not create the wake that caused any damage. According to the anonymous party, he was about 100 yards from the tied up boats and there was a large boat in the main channel that had created the damaging wake. He stated WC #2 contributed, but there was no way it did the damage the tied up boat occupants were claiming because boat 2 was 75-100 feet away from them he thought, and it didn't appear to be running anywhere near wide open. The anonymous party had no affiliation with either party, he just didn't want someone (WC #2) to get blamed for something they didn't do. Upon the deputy's arrival in the area, he checked local boat launches for WC #2. Upon arrival to the tied up boats the deputy noted they were tied up close together in 8-10 feet of water. He made contact with the occupants, some of whom had been consuming alcoholic beverages. They claimed there was no other boat in the main channel, Operator #2 had called them choice words, and they all had sustained some degree of damage as a result of this alleged conduct. On 9/2/19, the Deputy was finally able to make contact with Operator #2. Operator #2 said he was in that area, there was a confrontation but WC #1 had an inaccurate story. Operator #2 said he drove by at about 10-15 mph and was heading to the beach south of the tied up boats. He said he was plenty far away from the tied up boats. He said his wife alerted him that some people on the tied up boats were shouting at him and possibly needed help so he returned to the area near the boats. Operator #2 said he was greeted with cussing and accusations so he went back to the beach, where he was followed by an inflatable boat that belonged to one of the tied up boats. Operator #2 said he had his kids and wife with him, and felt threatened by the occupants, so he left the beach and returned home.


BARDID: MN-2019-0090
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi
NearestCityorTown: Welch Township
County: Goodhue
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated that around 11:00 a.m. on 9/7/19, his boat was parked in the marina and he went out on the river to make sure it was running properly before his guests arrived. Around 11:30 a.m., the operator and 10 other people went out onto his boat (WC #1) Shortly after leaving the marina, Operator #1 said he remembers hitting something hard with his boat. He said he started to have engine issues at this time, but he checked in the compartments and didn't see any water, and didn't notice the pumps kicking in. He said he drove the boat through the Lock and Dam and down to Lake Pepin, not stopping along the way. On the way back to the marina, they stopped the boat in Red Wing to let the kids and dog run and stretch. After approximately twenty minutes, they drove back through the Lock and Dam and back to  the marina, parking the boat in a slip. After everybody had offloaded, he had help putting the canopy cover on the boat and went up to his camper about 8:30 p.m. He was notified the following morning that his boat was sinking in the marina. He stated that other than hitting something initially, the boat seemed to be running fine, and there was nothing else he could think of that would have made his boat sink. Life jackets were not being worn at the time of the incident. There were no injuries and alcohol was not a factor. There was an unknown amount of damage to the boat.


BARDID: MN-2019-0091
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:29:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sandborn
NearestCityorTown: Backus
County: Cass
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft was pulling two tubes with a child in each. There were also four passengers in addition to the operator on board the boat. The Operator was turning to the left and passed out due to a medical issue. The watercraft struck a dock and then impacted the shoreline. The two on the tubes jumped off before the impact with the dock. A passenger who was standing in the aft seating area of the boat flew forward during the impact with shore and received a bump on his head, but was cleared by ambulance personnel. There were no other injuries and life jackets were being worn by all on board. Alcohol was not a factor. There was some damage to the boat and the dock.


BARDID: MN-2019-0092
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Upper South Long
NearestCityorTown: Brainerd
County: Crow Wing
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #2 approached Watercraft #1 during a water fight. WC #2 was told by a third party to "Go get" WC #1. WC #2 raised their jet motor at a distance of approximately 15-20 feet away from WC #1 and proceeded to spray water onto WC #1. The force of the water broke the middle windshield in WC #1, and sent a passenger falling to the bottom of the boat. He sustained cuts requiring stitches on the left elbow and the right hand. The boats were both approximately 30-40 yards off shore in 8-10 feet of water. They were not anchored when the incident occurred. Life jackets were not being worn in either boat and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0093
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:18:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Goodview
NearestCityorTown: Goodview
County: Winona
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft with two occupants were on the lake fishing. The watercraft was drifting. The passenger reached down to grab a bobber, and then fell into the water. While he was in the water he kept telling the operator "this isn't good." The operator said the man's head never went under the water, though. The man in the water then went unresponsive and the operator dragged him on a log to start CPR. First responders shortly after arrived on scene, and continued CPR. The man was transported to the hospital in Winona. He arrived at the hospital and according to medical staff, they were able to determine that there were signs of life and the man was flown to a hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he was later pronounced dead. The County Sheriff's Office received the medical examiner's report on 1/23/2020. The ME report indicated several cardiac issues, as well as other complications, and the final result of the victim's death was indicated as drowning. Life jackets were not being worn. Alcohol was not a factor. The owner had just purchased the watercraft the previous day from a man who had used it on a private pond. The watercraft had not been registered by either the previous owner nor the current owner. There was an electric trolling motor on the boat, but it was not being used at the time of the incident. The deputy could not find a HIN and it is unknown what year the boat was built. Best guess was the mid-1990s.


BARDID: MN-2019-0094
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-10-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: North Long
NearestCityorTown: Merrifield
County: Crow Wing
WaterConditions: Very rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator, three passengers and a dog were duck hunting in the boat when strong winds pushed water over the bow. The operator decided to head back to the landing, but due to overloading and strong winds, the boat capsized. All four occupants swam to shore. All four people were transported by ambulance to the hospital for treatment. Deputies recovered the boat and misc. items related to duck hunting. Life jackets were being worn and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0095
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:54:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Mound
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Weather
OtherAccidentCause: improper mooring
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The two watercraft involved in the incident share a dock slip. Owner #2 had his watercraft secured with mooring whips and the boat was not secured tightly to the whips. Watercraft #2 drifted over due to waves and wind and rubbed against Watercraft #1, causing damage to the driver's side of the watercraft. WC #2 also obtained scratches on the back left corner. The deputy was able to move WC #2 and saw it make contact with WC #1. The deputy secured the ropes to ensure no further damage occurred. There was no one on board either boat at the time of the incident.


BARDID: MN-2019-0096
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-10-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Leech
NearestCityorTown: Walker
County: Cass
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator left the dock in his watercraft with one passenger, heading into the main lake. The operator did not see a small island in the dark. The boat struck the rocky island and grounded. Responders made it to the boat and there were no injuries. The occupants of the boat were checked out by ambulance personnel. The operator's BAC was 0.07. He was advised to not consume alcohol and operate a boat. Life jackets were not being worn. There was some damage to the boat.


BARDID: MN-2019-0097
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-10-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:54:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: St. Croix
NearestCityorTown: Scandia
County: Washington
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator #1 was kayaking on the river near William O'Brien State Park. His wife was in another kayak. Operator #1 was not wearing a life jacket and did not have one in his kayak. The river was at a high level and had a strong current. Operator #1 somehow went into the water and was able to get to a tree and hang on. When the deputy arrived, he saw the man sitting on some debris out in the river. He was approximately 100 yards from shore in some trees on an island that was submerged due to high water. 

The man said he was not hurt but was really cold. Scandia Fire had their boat launched and was working on getting out to the man. They got him back to shore to a waiting ambulance. The man's wife said they had been kayaking on a lake and then decided to go on the river. She said she was worried about the heavy current, but then saw a couple of kayakers come through the area she was worried about. She said she had her back to her husband as they were going down the river. She heard him gasp for air and heard him in the water. She turned her kayak around and was able to assist him to a tree where he hung on until he was rescued. Alcohol was not a factor. The man received a citation for no life jacket. The kayak is not registered, since it is non-motorized and less then 10 feet long.


BARDID: MN-2019-0098
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-10-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:08:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wild Rice
NearestCityorTown: Canosia Township
County: St. Louis
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator #1 and his friend were duck hunting from shore on Rice Lake. He shot a duck and had gone out in the canoe to retrieve it when he lost control and dumped the canoe. He was able to swim to shore (about 100 yards). His companion gave the man his outer clothing and the man stripped out of his wet clothes. He believes he was in the water for about 15 minutes. He was taken to the hospital to be treated for hypothermia. He was wearing a life jacket when he went out in the canoe. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0099
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Eagle
NearestCityorTown: Maple Grove
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft with nine occupants, including the operator, was pulling two tubes - one with two occupants and one with three occupants. The Operator made a quick left-hand turn toward shore. The three-person tube collided with a boat lift, throwing the tubers out of the tube. Two of the tubers struck the dock and were unconscious. Witnesses pulled the victims out of the water. The two victims that hit the dock were transported to the hospital with back and head injuries. The third tuber was not injured. The five tubers were all wearing life jackets. The nine occupants of the boat were not wearing life jackets. Alcohol was a factor. The operator was charged with Criminal Vehicular Operation.


BARDID: MN-2019-0100
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Superior
NearestCityorTown: Duluth
County: St. Louis
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: finger tangled in vsl equipmen
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator attempted to tie off her sailboat when she left the engine in gear, causing the sailboat to drift. In an attempt to tie the boat off during this, the operator got her fingers caught in the knot she had made. The sailboat kept moving and tightened the knot causing her fingers to be severed. She was transported to the hospital. Her boat was later located by the USCG. She was not wearing a life jacket and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2019-0101
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:04:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi
NearestCityorTown: St. Paul
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator #1 stated that he was shore fishing near the Fort Snelling Channel. He was standing on the left bank and had his boat anchored near where he was standing. He said there was a large white boat (Watercraft #2) exiting the slow no wake area approximately 75 yards from shore. WC #2 got up on plane and created a large wake that pushed water inside of his boat. He stated that there was approximately 500 gallons of water inside his boat. He said the waves pushed the boat into some rocks and broke a portion of his lower unit off. He then got in his boat and followed WC #2. He got WC #2 to stop and made contact with the operator. He stated Operator #2 said it was an accident and he did not see Operator #1. Operator #1 asked to trade information and Operator #2 asked if he had insurance. Operator #1 stated no and Operator #2 said "that sucks" and drove off.

The deputy made contact with a yacht club employee who was able to give the deputy the name of the owner of WC #2. Deputy made contact with Operator #2 who stated he was taking a boat ride up to the dam and back. He said that he did notice some boats fishing near the shore on his way back but figured he was in the center of the channel and was not bothering them. He then noticed a fisherman (Operator #1) following them. He waved to the fisherman and the fisherman gave him the finger in return. Operator #2 stated it appeared the fisherman was taking photos. Operator #2 stopped and asked the fisherman if there was an issue. Operator #2 stated the fisherman said Operator #2 had swamped his boat and created damage. Operator #2 apologized and said that he did not see him. The fisherman then stated he did not have insurance and that he had contacted Water Patrol. The fisherman then sped off.


BARDID: MN-2019-0102
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-10-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Orono
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator #1 stated that he had just launched his boat at the Maxwell Bay landing. He said his boat was not tied to the dock but was running and in neutral gear. He stated that his boat was within the dock area when Watercraft #2 was in the process of loading onto a trailer, under power and in gear. 

There were no passengers in either boat. Operator #1 stated that WC #2 jumped side to side while loading at the middle area of the boat launch. He stated that WC #2 bumped WC #1, causing scratches in WC #1 finish, rub rail and logo. 

Operator #2 admitted to loading his boat onto a trailer under power but stated that Operator #1 let his boat drift into WC #2. He stated Operator #1 did not control his boat and caused the contact between the two boats. Operator #2 reported no damage to his boat. The deputy thought strong, gusty winds may have made boat operations difficult for the operators and caused the boats to drift. No injuries were reported and alcohol was not a factor. Life jackets were not being worn at the time of the incident.


BARDID: MN-2020-0001
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-04-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:28:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Orono
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator put 12 gallons of fuel in the watercraft via portable gas cans on the dock, then pulled away from the dock and the watercraft shut off after approximately 1 minute of operation. 

The operator realized he did not turn the blower on. Once the blower switch was turned on, he could not hear it running. When reaching down to open the engine compartment to see if the blower was running, there was an explosion. When the operator "came to," a nearby boater was instructing him to jump in the water. The operator was assisted out of the water and brought to shore by nearby boater. The operator was not wearing a life jacket. The boat was fully engulfed when the deputy arrived on scene. The fire department extinguished the flames. The operator was transported by EMS to a nearby medical center burn unit. The boat was a Total Loss. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0002
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:24:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Shorewood
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator stated that he and a friend had gone out fishing on Gideon's Bay. They fished near the channels on one side of the bay and decided to cross the bay and fish the channels on the other side. 

They were going about 20-25 MPH across the bay when a wave hit the boat. The impact knocked some items onto the floor of the boat, and he reached for those items. The operator stated he thinks another wave hit the boat and he and the passenger were knocked into the water. 

There were life jackets in the boat, but neither operator or passenger were wearing one. The boat was going in a circle and he started yelling for help. He stated he thought shore was too far away so he told the passenger to try to get to the buoy. The operator estimated that he was in the water for about 10-15 minutes and thought he had 5-10 seconds before he would have been "down." 

Two men in a ski boat rescued him. He could not see his passenger in the water and knew that he must have gone under. The rescuers saw a jacket in the water and thought it was the passenger, so one man dove in the water to get him, but it was just a jacket so they kept circling the area to look for the passenger. They then brought the rescued operator to shore where he was checked out by paramedics. Deputies started a search for the missing passenger using side scan sonar. He was located via side scan imaging in 7 feet of water at about 12:01 pm. Divers were called for assistance. He was removed from the water at about 2:02 pm. The circling boat had been stopped by a barge that was working in the area. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0003
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:48:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Harriet
NearestCityorTown: Minneapolis
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The sheriff's office received a report of two people swimming away from a tipped canoe in the lake. When the deputy arrived, he observed a person in the water across the bay. Another person on a paddle board was paddling towards the person in the water. The deputy observed a juvenile female in the ambulance on shore. The man who was in the water also went to the ambulance to be checked out.

The deputy spoke with a bystander who stated he had been running round the lake when he noticed a group of people on the shore facing the water. When he approached the crowd he observed two people splashing in the water. He went searching for a boat and found a woman with a small kayak. He paddled the kayak out to the people in the water, who both grabbed on to the kayak. The canoe they had been in was taken away by the wind. 

The man in the kayak tried to paddle both into shore but was struggling with the waves and wind. He brought the young girl to shore while the man (the girl's father) attempted to swim to shore. Another man took a paddleboard out to the man still in the water. He got the man to shore. Both people from the canoe had been wearing life jackets. Neither of the men who went out to help them were wearing one. The two people from the canoe were taken to the hospital via ambulance to be checked out. Alcohol was not a factor. The canoe was located the following day and had no damage.


BARDID: MN-2020-0004
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:46:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ida
NearestCityorTown: Alexandria
County: Douglas
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator stated that he and a friend had been fishing on the lake. They were at cruising speed when the 200 HP tiller motor handle broke off, causing the boat to turn suddenly, throwing the operator into the water.

 He was not wearing a life jacket and is not a swimmer. He was able to hold onto the side of the boat until help arrived. There was a passing boater that stopped to help, assisting the operator into their boat. He had been in the water for about 15 minutes. The boater brought him to the nearest access. Ambulance personnel assessed him and transported him to the emergency room. The county sheriff's water patrol towed his boat, and the friend, to the access to load it onto its trailer. The operator was treated at the hospital for hypothermia and other medical conditions caused by the cold water. Life jackets were not being worn by either occupant. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0005
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fountain
NearestCityorTown: Albert Lea
County: Freeborn
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was navigating in high wind gusts and large wave action. Operator turned boat sideways against large waves and overturned the watercraft, putting the operator in the water. He was not wearing a life jacket. He was treated for hypothermia. There was a small amount of water damage to the boat's motor. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0006
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Orono
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
The PWC operator stated that he took off from the dock and was jet skiing for approximately 45 seconds to a minute when he tried to do a right turn at full speed. 

He flipped over the PWC and hit his leg on the frame but was unsure how it happened. He swam back to his PWC and rode it home and that was when 911 was called. When the deputy arrived, the operator was in the back yard near the water's edge. He was laying on his back and had his leg propped up on a life jacket and appeared to be in pain. 

He was transported to the hospital by ambulance. The PWC had a break in the fiberglass approximately  inches in a circle on the top right side of the craft. The broken fiberglass was where the operator thought his leg hit the frame and caused the break to his leg. The operator had been wearing a life jacket and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0007
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:56:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Long
NearestCityorTown: Aitkin
County: Aitkin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator had been seen in his kayak by another boater who was trolling by and waved at him. About 10-15 minutes later, the boater heard shouting for help. The person shouting for help was another person who, along with his father, had seen the victim lying face down in the lake. He was still seated in his kayak which was floating on its side. The victim was wearing a life jacket but was still face down. 

His upper body was supported as he was brought to the nearest lake shore with a dock. There was a small amount of alcohol in his system at autopsy.

The victim's wife, who was back in the Twin Cities metro area at their home, stated that he was an excellent swimmer and had been kayaking for years. Because the incident was unwitnessed, it is unknown what caused the kayak to capsize. Because the kayak is only 10 feet long, it is not required to be registered.


BARDID: MN-2020-0008
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-05-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:21:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mule
NearestCityorTown: Longville
County: Cass
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was drifting while fishing around a point on the lake. Watercraft #2 was under power going approximately 20 MPH on plane when rounding the corner around a point and striking WC #1 in the starboard side. 

The collision was described as a sideswipe by Operator #2. There was damage to starboard side of WC #1. Boats were bumped and occupants pushed back in their seats. There were no injuries in either boat. WC #2 left the scene and didn't stop to talk with WC #1.

 The parties were later identified on the lake and approached by family of WC #1. Life jackets were being worn in both watercraft. It is unknown if either operator had been drinking. The reporting officer only had phone contact and later after the incident. Both operators denied any alcohol use. Watercraft #1 was a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2020-0009
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:16:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Orono
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 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: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of WC #1 stated that he was headed eastbound at approximately 35-40 MPH. He stated WC #2 was headed westbound going 30-35 MPH. Operator #1 said he slowed to 30 MPH and then put the boat in neutral. 

He attempted evasive action and turned right but it was too late and they collided. He said WC #2 went up and over the front of his boat and Operator #2 was ejected over the starboard side and ended up in the water on the starboard side of WC #1. 

He said that both boats were on plane when they hit each other. He stated he believed he had the right of way since he was on the right side. He was wearing his life jacket and his kill switch. He remained in the boat and received a small cut on his knee. 

Operator of WC #2 stated he was headed westbound at approximately 25 MPH taking a lap around the lake for the night. He thought that both boats were on plane when they collided. He stated he did not see WC #1 until a split second before they collided. He said WC #1 came from the right at what he believed was a high rate of speed. He said he was westbound and the sun was in his eyes, so he was having trouble seeing in front of him. He said the boats collided head on and he was ejected from his boat. He thought he was in the water for about a minute before Operator #1 pulled him from the water. He had a cut on his arm but said it was ok. He had three passengers on his boat. One passenger on WC #2 was injured and was transported to the hospital. No one on WC #2 was wearing a life jacket.

There was damage to both boats. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0010
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Orono
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and passengers stated that while traveling across Crystal Bay, they hit a large wave head on and felt a "thud." They began to notice the watercraft was taking on large amounts of water. 

Boat was brought to a shallow area where they found the watercraft had received extensive damage. A barge lifted the watercraft out of the water and brought it to the boat landing. The damage to the fiberglass was roughly 6 feet long and 8 inches wide. Life jackets were not being worn and there were no injuries. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0011
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:12:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Round
NearestCityorTown: Cushing Twp.
County: Morrison
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
A boy was floating on a wake board behind the watercraft. The observer on the boat threw a rope to the boy but the rope fell short. The operator put the boat in reverse but was unable to disengage the motor prior to hitting the boy. 

The prop hit both of the boy's legs and his left arm. He was brought to shore by boat. Life jackets were being worn by all and alcohol was not a factor. It is unknown how many people were on the boat, besides the operator, the observer and the boy on the wakeboard.


BARDID: MN-2020-0012
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:29:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi
NearestCityorTown: Wabasha
County: Wabasha
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Failure to vent
AccidentCause3: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
The Operator stated that they had just purchased this boat and were going to sail it from Lake City, MN to Illinois. 

She said she believed that the boat had two fuel inlets and they had some issues fueling it up. They had a mechanic help them and eventually had them on their way. The boat motor died for a third time outside Wabasha, MN. 

They decided to try the other fuel inlet and poured in 5 gallons of gas from a can to see if that made a difference. The operator said that after they dumped the can in, she went to start the motor and there was an explosion. 

The operator's son was close to the motor and suffered more burns than she did. They used the fire extinguisher but could not put the fire out. A witness on shore heard the explosion and then saw the boat. She and others drove watercraft to the burning boat and were able to get the operator and passenger off the boat and transported to shore, where the deputy met with them. They were checked over by ambulance staff and signed off with no transport. The boat burned almost entirely and sank. Both occupants were wearing life jackets. Alcohol was not a factor. The boat was a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2020-0013
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:22:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Benton
NearestCityorTown: Lake Benton
County: Lincoln
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator #1 stated they were out tubing and one of his passengers said her friend and the friend's kids were swimming at the campground. They stopped at the campground and picked up the kids so they could go tubing. 

They went to the middle of the lake to tube, with the older child on the tube. The tuber said she wanted to go past her mom so she could see her tubing. 

They made a couple passes in front of the public beach at the campground. Operator #1 then began to do loops to try to get the tuber to fall off. He said he was approximately 300 yards away from shore between the two boat launches when he saw the fishing boat (WC #2) while he was turning. 

He throttled his boat down (he had been going about 25 mph) and the tuber was still on the tube and spinning around. The tuber then collided with WC #2, hitting it with her body at the bow of the boat. 

The rope broke and she fell into the water. She was wearing a life jacket and was pulled into WC #2 and 911 was called. Operator #1 was very distraught with himself and shook up that he didn't see the other boat. When asked if he had consumed any alcohol he said he had two beers after lunch. PBT showed a result of 0.000. Everyone in WC #1 was wearing life jackets, including the tuber.

Operator #2 stated that he, his wife and daughter were just starting to fish. They were trolling with a bow-mounted trolling motor, traveling between 1-2 mph. They saw the boat out tubing (WC #1) and it eventually got closer to them. He said they were about 300 yards off shore between the north boat launch and the south boat launch. 

He said there was one girl being pulled on the tube and the boat was coming at them when it was making a turn. His wife began to yell at the boat. Operator #2 said the tuber was coming right at them so they all fell down to the bottom of their boat so they didn't get hit by the tube, the tuber or the tow line. He said that is when the tuber hit the starboard side of the bow of his boat. 

The tow line then broke and when they got up, the tuber was floating in the water, unconscious near the starboard side stern of the boat. He pulled her into the boat and his wife called 911. No one in WC #2 was wearing a life jacket. Alcohol was not a factor.

When EMTs arrived they were able to stabilize the victim and get her on a backboard. She was in and out of consciousness and had a 2-3 inch cut on her neck. While getting her on the backboard, they noticed she had a fractured right femur. They transported her to the hospital by ambulance since air care was still 20 minutes out.


BARDID: MN-2020-0014
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:17:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi
NearestCityorTown: Hastings
County: Dakota
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
After fueling the watercraft, the operator had the blower on for a few minutes. As soon as the operator turned the key for the port engine, a fireball erupted from the engine bay, burning the two people who were sitting on top of the engine covers. They were both transported to the hospital with 2nd degree burns. There was damage to the engine bay. Life jackets were not being worn and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0015
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cedar
NearestCityorTown: Minneapolis
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated he was paddle boarding, lost his balance and fell off into the water. He was having a difficult time getting back on the paddle board.  There was a slight chop to the water which may have been a cause for him to lose his balance. 

He said he had taken swim lessons as a child but is not a strong swimmer. The fire department arrived and was able to get him back to shore. He was treated by paramedics and then was transported to the hospital with mild hypothermia. He was in the water for approximately 25 minutes. He was wearing a life jacket and swim trunks and a long-sleeved shirt. Alcohol was not a factor. Because the paddleboard is only 10 feet long it is not required to be registered.


BARDID: MN-2020-0016
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-19 00:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Tuscarora
NearestCityorTown: Grand Marais
County: Cook
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Deputy was dispatched to a search and rescue regarding an overturned canoe that was located within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness on Tuscarora Lake. 

Three men, all in their late 20s, were camping at the island campground on the lake. One man (operator) was fishing from the island's shore and got his line tangled. All three men decided to go in the canoe to go untangle it. 

The operator wanted to keep fishing after they got the line untangled so they stayed out in the canoe. After a little time, one passenger noticed they were getting far away from their campsite and drifting out further into the lake. The next thing they knew, the canoe had capsized and all three were in the water. 

They attempted to flip the canoe over and scoop out the water for around 15 minutes. That did not work so they abandoned the canoe and swam in different directions. One passenger made it to the campsite on the island. 

The other passenger made it to shore, and the operator swam in the direction of a different island, but apparently never made it as he was found in the water. 

The passenger on the island was stranded there with no boat and the other passenger was stranded on shore. Both men yelled for help all night and into the morning. The passenger on the island saw people in a canoe that morning. The canoe went to pick up the passenger on shore and brought him to the campsite on the island and then went for help to a party they knew had a satellite phone, who was on Missing Link Lake. Help was contacted. Life jackets were being worn by all three men. The lake was choppy and had a strong current at the time of the incident. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0017
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:43:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Zumbro
NearestCityorTown: Mazeppa
County: Wabasha
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The victim was kayaking on the river with family. He was riding in a kayak with his grandfather when the current picked up around a bend in the river. 

There was a downed tree where the current took the kayak. The kayak became entangled in the submerged tree and capsized and the victim was pushed underwater and into the submerged trees.

 He was underwater for several minutes. The deputy and family members got him out of the water and onto the shore where CPR was started. He was transported to the hospital where he later passed away. Life jackets were being worn by all and alcohol was not a factor. The kayak is 10 feet and is not required to be registered.


BARDID: MN-2020-0018
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:43:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Orono
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The victim was on the front deck of the boat when a wave rolled through. Per witness on the boat next to this watercraft, when the wave hit the boat it caused the victim to lose her balance and fall through the open hatch and onto the floor of the cabin. 

They stated the victim hit her head on the floor of the cabin. The victim, the witness and the owner all stated that the victim did not lose consciousness. Victim was transported to shore by Sheriff's Water Patrol boat. She was evaluated by EMS and then transported to the hospital via ambulance. 

The watercraft was anchored at the time of the incident so there was no operator at that time. It is unknown if life jackets were being worn or how many people were on the boat.  The victim had been drinking at the time of the incident, however, because she was not operating the watercraft, no BAC was taken.


BARDID: MN-2020-0019
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi
NearestCityorTown: Brownsville
County: Houston
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
A Wisconsin Conservation Officer took a report of a boating incident but thought that it occurred on the Minnesota portion of the river and relayed the information to the Houston County Sheriff's Office. She stated that a pontoon boat had struck a practically submerged main channel marking buoy. There were no reported injuries. She did not think the operator was impaired. She said the operator was having phone problems and to call the phone number of a woman who was a passenger on the boat.

The Houston County deputy made contact with the woman. She said she was not a passenger on WC #1 but was a passenger on a boat that was following WC #1. She said she was part of the same group as Operator #1 and that the group was split up on two separate boats. 

She said she observed WC #1 strike an object and was told by Operator #1 that it was a submerged marking buoy. She was not currently at the accident scene nor was Operator #1. She said the incident had happened about an hour before and since then Operator #1 had parked his boat on a beach near the accident scene and got a ride back to the La Crosse area from the boat the woman was a passenger on. 

She said she did not believe Operator #1 was impaired at the time of the incident. She told the deputy where the buoy was located and that WC #1 was parked on a beach across the river from where the incident had happened. She didn't know where Operator #1 had gone and could not reach him by phone. The Deputy attempted contact with Operator #1 multiple times but each time the call went straight to voicemail.

The deputy located WC #1 and eventually located the submerged buoy. He reported the buoy location to the Wisconsin CO who was in direct contact with the US Army Corps of Engineers.

The deputy made contact with Operator #1 on 6/14. He told the deputy that he was operating his boat south in the main channel. He was on his way to Crater Island when he struck the buoy. He said the buoy was submerged and only visible when the waves of the water would go over the buoy. He said his boat had significant damage and needed to be assisted from the area where he parked it after the accident to a landing where he could trailer the boat. He said his wife was a passenger on board at the time of the incident and they were both uninjured. Life jackets were not being worn at the time of the incident.


BARDID: MN-2020-0020
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:28:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Vermilion
NearestCityorTown: Cook
County: St. Louis
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Sheriff's office received a report of a boat up against the rocks with a man slumped over partially into the water. Deputies responded to scene. The man (operator #1) was found with his legs in the boat and his upper body hanging over the starboard side at the steering console. The motor was running in neutral. His head was partially in the water and was between the boat and a rock. The man was deceased. It was unknown if the male was knocked over by the waves and wind or if he had a medical issue causing him to fall over. It was believed he was close to the shore and either in neutral or moving slowly at the time of the incident with the little amount of damage to the boat. The victim was alone in the boat and there were no witnesses. He was not wearing a life jacket and there were none in the boat. There was no alcohol in the boat nor at his cabin, however there was alcohol in his system at autopsy.


BARDID: MN-2020-0021
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:03:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Wayzata
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
The deputy received a report of a watercraft that was taking on water. He was informed that the boat plug had possibly fallen out while boating and the boat was now at the public docks and everyone was on shore. When he arrived on scene, he observed a watercraft that was submerged under water, with water over the side gunwale. It was tied to the dock and no one was on board.

The deputy spoke to the owner/operator. He told the deputy that he had launched his watercraft at Grays Bay and was driving to Wayzata Bay. He noticed water on the floor and turned on the bilge pump. The pump did not appear to be working. He went to the public docks and tied his watercraft to the docks where the watercraft continued to take on water. A barge removed the watercraft from the water and secured it on the watercraft's trailer. There were no injuries and life jackets were not being worn. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor. There was water damage to the boat.


BARDID: MN-2020-0022
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-05-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Upper Red
NearestCityorTown: Waskish
County: Beltrami
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was taking off and traveling northbound from Rogers Resort harbor. Operator #1 witnessed boats on his right and left but did not see the boat directly in front of him (Watercraft #2). 

Occupants of WC #2 started yelling, getting the attention of Operator #1, who then attempted to correct, however, still collided with WC #2. 

WC #1 struck the bow on the starboard side of WC #2, breaking through the fiberglass bow and taking the trolling motor off of WC #2. WC #2 was not under power at the time of the incident. Operator #1 stated that he did not see WC #2 and believes it was due to his passenger sitting in the bow seat. All individuals were cleared by EMS and all denied any medical assistance or transport. Life jackets were being worn in WC #1 but not in WC #2. Alcohol was not a factor. There was damage to both boats, and WC #2 was a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2020-0023
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake of the Woods
NearestCityorTown: Baudette
County: Lake of the Woods
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat was anchored from rear of boat (transom) and started taking water over the transom due to high waves. After operator realized boat was filling with water, he attempted to reverse boat to loosen anchor rope. Then operator reversed boat, the boat rolled, causing the boat to capsize. the Operator was rescued by a nearby boater. The boat then drifted into shallow waters. No injuries were reported. A life jacket was not being worn. There was damage to the boat. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0024
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Leech
NearestCityorTown: Walker
County: Cass
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator said they hit a wave and the transom on the boat broke, causing the craft to take on water and sink. Life jackets were being worn and there were no injuries. Alcohol was not a factor. The boat was a Total Loss. The incident was reported the following day.


BARDID: MN-2020-0025
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:09:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mitchell
NearestCityorTown: Big Lake
County: Sherburne
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Both PWC #1 and PWC #2 were wave jumping and were coming at each other. PWC #2 caught more air and landed on top of Operator #1. 

Operator #1 was unconscious for a short period of time but was brought to shore where medical staff provided aid. He was transported to the hospital. Life jackets were being worn by all. Alcohol was not a factor. The was some damage to PWC #1.


BARDID: MN-2020-0026
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cedar Island
NearestCityorTown: Richmond
County: Stearns
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was operating west bound on the lake near an island and navigating around other watercraft in the area. Operator #1 estimated he was going about 25 MPH. He said he tried turning away from WC #2 but it kept turning towards him. 

He said he turned away at the last second and WC #2 hit him on the front left side of his bow, behind the registration numbers. The deputy observed a large hole in that area of the boat that was approximately three feet wide and over one foot tall. The driver's console was also broken away from the side of the boat. The operator had an abrasion to his right arm and was experiencing back pain.

Operator #2 said he was driving around two kayakers and waving at his friends in another boat when he throttled up to turn and go over and say hello. He said he saw WC #1 approach at a high rate of speed. 

He tried to turn to avoid the collision but hit WC #1 with his bow. The deputy observed heavy damage to the fiberglass on the front of WC #2. The driver's side window was broken and the throttle assembly was no longer operational. Operator #2 had pain in his right wrist.

Life jackets were not being worn in either boat. Neither operator requested medical attention. Alcohol was not a factor. There were no witnesses to the incident.


BARDID: MN-2020-0027
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:40:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Forest Lake
NearestCityorTown: Forest Lake
County: Washington
WaterConditions: Very rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator of the watercraft jumped off the drifting boat into the water to pee. He was holding on to the pontoon on the upwind side and was not wearing a life jacket. 

A large wave hit the pontoon causing the man to lose his grip. The people on board the boat tried to throw a rope to him but the wind prevented it. There was no throwable on board. 

The man's wife tried to get the pontoon boat turned around but the man went under the water before they were able to get to him. The man's wife said he is a strong swimmer and he had one Bloody Mary a couple of hours before they got on the boat. He had not had any other alcohol that day. A search of the water was started. On 6/10/2020 at 0951 hours, the Deputy received a call that a body had floated to shore.

The victim had a .184 BAC.


BARDID: MN-2020-0028
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:21:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Shetek
NearestCityorTown: Currie
County: Murray
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was traveling southwest along the south shoreline at a low rate of speed with 11 people on board. Watercraft #2 was traveling west away from the south shoreline and had one occupant. 

WC #2 struck WC #1 in the rear left corner of the watercraft, causing WC #2 to leave the water and mount WC #1. Operator #2 stated he had not been consuming alcohol and he was attempting to get to a fishing spot and the sun was in his eyes prior to the incident. 

Operator #1 stated he had been consuming alcohol prior to operation, and his boat was traveling at a low speed. The deceased victim from WC #1 had been standing near the mid-engine of the watercraft on the left side prior to being struck by WC #2 and thrown from the boat. 

The male injured party from WC #1 had been sitting on the rear left platform of the watercraft prior to being struck by the front point of WC #2. 

The female injured party from WC #1 had been sitting in the middle rear platform of the boat when she was struck by WC #2. Life jackets were not being worn in either boat. There was damage to both watercraft.


BARDID: MN-2020-0029
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:52:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big Kandiyohi
NearestCityorTown: Lake Lillian
County: Kandiyohi
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator was using the watercraft for the first time. He had limited watercraft experience. He was cruising at low speed when he throttled up the motor. The boat began to shake and the motor fell off the boat, damaging the transom. 2/3 of the boat was under water. The 8 occupants went into the water and were rescued by a passerby on a pontoon boat. Life jackets were being worn at the time of the incident. There were no injuries. Alcohol was not a factor. The cause of the damage was overloading and the age/structure of the boat. The boat is a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2020-0030
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:56:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Little Latoka
NearestCityorTown: Alexandria
County: Douglas
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The watercraft was on the water for the first time this season. The Owner/Operator fueled the boat. He started it up while it was tied to the dock, heard a big boom and the engine started on fire. 

His wife, who was in their cabin, called 911. Before the County Sheriff's Office Water Patrol and the fire department arrived on scene, a neighboring fire department member was able to get the fire out with his fire extinguisher. The outboard motor as well as the railing and seats at the back of the pontoon boat were damaged. A life jacket was not being worn and there were no injuries.


BARDID: MN-2020-0031
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:17:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pillager
NearestCityorTown: Pillager
County: Cass
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #2 was using the trolling motor to hold their location while the operator was filling a tube with air. A passenger on the boat shouted that a boat (WC #1) was coming at them. Everyone except one passenger bailed out of WC #2 before WC #1 hit them on the starboard side.

Watercraft #1 was trying to get on plane while pulling a wakeboarder. The operator and two passengers were all looking back at the person being towed when they felt their boat hit WC #2. WC #1 then stopped and backed away from WC #2 while trying to offer help.

Everyone on board both boats, as well as the wake boarder, were wearing life jackets. There were no injuries. Alcohol was not a factor. There were scuffs to the bow of WC #1 and some damage to WC #2.


BARDID: MN-2020-0032
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnewaska
NearestCityorTown: Glenwood
County: Pope
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator (victim) was at a local restaurant/bar on the lake and departed at approximately 2030 hours via his pontoon boat. He had been drinking. Indications are he approached his dock at his home on the south shore of the lake, and partially deployed his pontoon rear sea legs. The boat was discovered 5-6 feet from the end of his dock. Neighbors said he always parked on the right side of the dock. Summation is he attempted to step from his pontoon boat to the dock and lost his balance, struck his head and went into the water. The victim was discovered, about 9:30 a.m., by neighbors two houses west of the victim's dock, floating face first in the water. He was approximately 15-20 feet from shore. He was not wearing a life jacket.


BARDID: MN-2020-0034
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:56:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Tonka Bay
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with governmental vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator #2, a deputy sheriff, initiated a "traffic stop" on an unregistered watercraft. He put his boat in neutral and directed Operator #1 to pull next to his boat on the port side. 

Operator #1 was coming in at too great of an angle and too fast. Instead of turning away from WC #2 and slowing down, Operator #1 turned into WC #2 and accelerated. He was heading toward the stern of WC #2. A passenger in WC #1 stuck her arms out to try and prevent the boats from colliding. 

Due to the rate of speed, her arm bent and got caught between the two boats. The deputy thought the arm might be broken and administered first aid - wrapped it in an ace bandage and put on a sling. She was transported to the hospital by occupants of WC #1. 

Life jackets were not being worn on WC #1. Alcohol was not a factor. WC #1 had a 21-day temporary registration. There was no damage to either boat.


BARDID: MN-2020-0035
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-06-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Island
NearestCityorTown: Duluth
County: St. Louis
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator had rented a personal watercraft and was using it on the lake near his uncle's property. He was cruising around and collided with the dock. There were no passengers on the PWC and the operator was wearing a life jacket. There were no injuries or damage to the dock. Alcohol was not a factor. There was substantial damage to the rear hull of the PWC and it was a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2020-0036
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:32:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Esquagamah
NearestCityorTown: Hill City
County: Aitkin
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft was pulling a skier. The skier cut back against the wake and lost balance. The skier suffered a broken femur from fall. He was airlifted due to injuries. Life jackets were being worn and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0037
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pebble
NearestCityorTown: Fergus Falls
County: Otter Tail
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft was pulling a skier. The skier hit a large wave and fell into the water. He sustained a rib injury and was taken by private vehicle to the hospital. Life jackets were being worn. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0038
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Jewett
NearestCityorTown: Fergus Falls
County: Otter Tail
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Occupants of Watercraft #2 were fishing and the boat was stationary. Watercraft #1 was pulling a wake board, travelling about 11 mph, and ran directly into WC #2. 

The three occupants of WC #2 all waved an hollered before being hit but WC #1 had music playing and did not see or hear WC #2. The occupants of WC #2 all jumped in the water before being hit. There were no injuries in either boat. Life jackets were not being worn in either boat. Alcohol was not a factor. There was a small amount of damage to WC #1 and extensive damage to WC #2.


BARDID: MN-2020-0039
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:19:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big Sandy
NearestCityorTown: McGregor
County: Aitkin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 drove into Watercraft #2 causing damage to WC #2. There were no injuries. Life jackets were not being worn. Alcohol was a factor and operator #1 was arrested for BWI.


BARDID: MN-2020-0040
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:12:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wilkins
NearestCityorTown: Aitkin
County: Aitkin
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Intentional act
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of WC #2 was thrown from the boat by a wave. WC #2 started doing death circle, so Owner of WC #2 took WC #1 (which he also owns) and ran into WC #2 to stop WC #2 before it ran into any people or property. 

There were no injuries and alcohol was not a factor. A life jacket was being worn in WC #2 but not in WC #1. There was damage to both boats, and WC #2 was a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2020-0041
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Vermillion
NearestCityorTown: Tower
County: St. Louis
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
The deputy was dispatched to a medical that was upgraded to a water emergency, where a man had cut his head during a single-boat accident. 

The injured party was the boat operator. He was travelling on plane when he reached for a life jacket that was about to blow out of the boat. As he did so, he pushed the tiller handle to the port side of the boat which caused the boat to make an unexpected and abrupt starboard turn. 

This caused the operator to fall forward and hit his head on the boat's interior surface - a shelf interior of the port gunwale. This also caused the passenger in the bow to be ejected from the boat. 

The middle passenger was able to regain control of the boat and help the operator to his seat. The middle passenger then assisted the bow passenger back into the boat with the assistance from members of the same fishing party who were in another boat and witnessed the incident. A person from that boat then drove WC #1 back to the lodge where medical treatment was obtained. Operator #1 was transported to the hospital by ambulance. The bow passenger was checked on scene and released. All parties had life jackets readily accessible, but were not wearing them. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0042
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: North Twin
NearestCityorTown: Brooklyn Center
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was pulling a tube with an adult male on the tube. There were two occupants in the boat - the operator and a spotter. 

The spotter told the deputy that they were pulling the man on the tube and were going fairly straight when the man jumped off the tube. She didn't know how fast they were going at the time, but didn't think it was very fast. 

The man was able to get out of the water and onto the boat, but had severe pain in his neck. The fire department arrived prior to the county deputies and transported the victim back to shore. He was transported to the hospital by ambulance. Another boater brought the spotter to shore where she met with the deputies. The boater then went back to tow WC #1 back to shore. Operator #1 spoke to the deputies when the boat got back to shore. They asked how fast he had been going and he said he wasn't sure but he was not at full throttle but was up on plane. Life jackets were being worn and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0043
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big Stone
NearestCityorTown: Ortonville
County: Big Stone
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #2 (a PWC) was tied to three other watercraft which were anchored. Watercraft #1 (also a PWC) came in towards the anchored boats at a high rate of speed, striking PWC #2. 

PWC #1 went over PWC #2, injuring both operator and passenger on #2. Neither operator or passenger on PWC #1 were injured. Neither occupant of PWC #2 received medical treatment. Life jackets were being worn on PWC #1 but not on PWC #2. There was damage to both PWCs. Operator #2 may have been drinking, but the incident was reported to the county the following day, so there is no BAC for Operator #2.


BARDID: MN-2020-0044
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:48:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fish Lake Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Duluth
County: St. Louis
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was traveling east through the "straights." The passenger from WC #1 stated that another boat (WC #2) was approaching them head on. 

She said it looked like the operator of WC #2 was reaching for something and looking into the sun. She said she didn't think the other boat could see them, so they started yelling and Operator #1 attempted to turn the boat in an effort to avoid a collision. She stated WC #2 did the same but it ended up colliding with the front corner of their boat. 

She saw the impact coming so she got down on the deck, but the collision caused the operator to fall and hurt his arm. After that, they drove to their dock, along with WC #2. The passenger from WC #1 said she had minor pain in her chest muscles but did not need medical care. Operator #1 had an ice pack on his arm and also refused medical treatment.

Operator #2 stated that he was alone in the boat with his dog. He did not have any injuries. He confirmed the passenger from WC #1's course of events.

Life jackets were being worn in boat watercraft. Alcohol was not a factor. There was some damage to both boats.


BARDID: MN-2020-0045
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cedar
NearestCityorTown: New Prague
County: Scott
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The victim was on the lake during the day on a pontoon boat with several friends, the majority were impaired. 

The victim's brother was the operator and was driving the boat toward shore. The victim was sitting on the front of the pontoon boat outside the safety rail. Witnesses said they hit a wave and the victim fell off the boat and went under between the pontoons and was struck by the propeller. 

He received several lacerations - right leg, right shoulder, neck and head. A man who was in another boat saw the victim fall off the boat. He didn't see him surface but then saw him bobbing in the water when WC #1 passed him. 

The man jumped in the water and grabbed the victim to prevent him from drowning. He was able to remain afloat with the victim until 2 or 3 other guys got them out of the water and on the boat. They brought him to shore, where emergency personnel met them. He was taken by ambulance to a landing zone and transported to a hospital in Rochester by air ambulance. All occupants of the boat were found to be in their mid- to late-twenties and the group, as a whole, had been consuming alcoholic beverages. 

The operator was arrested for BWI and Criminal Vehicular Operation of a Watercraft. Life jackets were not being worn by anyone on the boat. There were four people in an additional boat that was travelling with WC #1 who were witnesses to the incident.


BARDID: MN-2020-0046
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pelican
NearestCityorTown: Orr
County: St Louis
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Incident occurred on Pelican Lake near Island View Resort, which is located on a point. Watercraft #1 was traveling West at approximately 10-15 MPH with the lights on. 

Watercraft #2 was traveling East at approximately 20-30 MPH with the lights on. 

Operator #1 stated he saw the light on WC #2 coming towards him and at first didn't think much of it. As WC #2 approached, Operator #1 turned to the left. 

Operator #2 stated he saw WC #1 approaching and turned to the right. The two watercraft hit head on. The operators brought the boats back to the resort. 

WC #1 had severe damage to the front end and the front of the left pontoon. WC #2 received severe damage to the front end. No one was ejected from either boat and there were no injuries reported. The boats were properly equipped with life jackets, but they were not used. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0047
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Gull
NearestCityorTown: East Gull Lake
County: Cass
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was being pulled on an inflatable innertube by Watercraft #1. Victim was ejected from the tube by a wave from another boat, causing her to fly in the air and land back on the innertube. Impact of the landing caused injury to the victim's hip. The victim was brought to shore. EMS arrived and transported the victim to the emergency room. Life jackets were being worn both in the boat and on the tube. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0048
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cedar
NearestCityorTown: Faribault
County: Rice
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause2: Other
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The victim was riding on the gunwale of the pontoon boat, hanging feet into the water, while the boat was underway. Victim fell overboard and cut the front of lower left leg on the motor prop. Victim was transported via air-ambulance as precaution. Life jackets were being worn on the boat and alcohol was not a factor. The operator received a citation for allowing riding on gunwales or decking.


BARDID: MN-2020-0049
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ten Mile
NearestCityorTown: Hackensack
County: Cass
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was floating in bay on lake prior to sunset, enjoying the evening. 

Watercraft #2 was pulling a skier into the bay. There were two people on board - the operator and the spotter who was in the rear-facing seat. 

WC #2 was heading straight west into the sun, and the operator estimated that he was going about 24-26 MPH. Operator #2 stated he could not see the other boat until the very last minute. 

He struck WC #1 on the starboard side and steered away from it. He described it as a "broadside crash." The damage was significant to WC #1, disabling it. The damage to WC #2 was minor. There were no injuries.

 Life jackets were not being worn in either boat. Alcohol was not a factor. The incident was reported the following day, when they learned they needed to report for insurance purposes.


BARDID: MN-2020-0050
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Scandinavian
NearestCityorTown: Glenwood
County: Pope
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The watercraft (a pontoon boat) was in transport. The victim, a passenger on the boat, walked to the front of the boat, fell overboard and went under the boat, getting hit by the propeller.

 He suffered multiple injuries, including a broken hand, 2 missing fingers, and a broken sternum. Life jackets were not being worn by anyone on the boat. 

The victim's father believed the victim was very intoxicated and that's why he fell overboard. The family brought the victim to the hospital. They reported the incident to the county sheriff's office after that.


BARDID: MN-2020-0051
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:38:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Shorewood
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft was traveling east to west at about 18 MPH at 12:38 a.m. It struck a dock, and left the scene.  

The Operator/Owner's information was gathered by the dock owner and was given to the Hennepin County Water Patrol. There had been a passenger on the boat who received an injury. Life jackets were not being worn, and it is unknown if alcohol was a factor. There was damage to both the watercraft and the dock.


BARDID: MN-2020-0052
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:54:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Andrew
NearestCityorTown: New London
County: Kandiyohi
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft was pulling a kneeboarder. The kneeboarder attempted to do a flip over the boat's wake. In the process, his kneeboard hit him in the forehead and cut the bridge of his nose and forehead open. He was taken to shore by relatives and transported to the hospital by ambulance. Life jackets were being worn by all and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0053
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:51:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Mound
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Deputies responded to the report of a boating injury. The watercraft had been towing a woman on a wake board. The woman said she had been riding the wake board when she suddenly fell and the board came up and hit her in the right eye. 

The operator stated that he was only driving about 11 MPH when his wife fell. He said he did not see the incident because he was watching traffic in front of him. The woman was checked by EMS and was transported to the hospital for further evaluation per her request. Life jackets were being worn by the wake boarder, as well as everyone on board the boat. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0054
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:44:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big Birch
NearestCityorTown: Grey Eagle
County: Todd
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The Sheriff's Office received a report of a boat collision on Big Birch Lake. Deputies arrived at the landing to find multiple people with injuries that needed transport to the hospital. Ambulance and rescue personnel, along with a DNR Conservation Officer were requested.

A pontoon boat carrying a number of victims from WC #2 came to the landing. Rescue personnel assisted in the medical needs of the injured parties from WC #2. Operator #2 and his infant child were transported by ambulance. WC #2 was tied off at the lake shore and a deputy spoke to the owner of WC #2, who was also a passenger. He stated the lights on WC #2 were operational at the time of the crash. He was transported to the hospital, along with another passenger from WC #2. 

A deputy then went to the hospital to talk to Operator #2, who stated that he was traveling at a low rate of speed with six passengers on the pontoon boat (WC #2). They were traveling east when a speed boat (WC #1), traveling at a high rate of speed through the channel, struck WC #2 on the right side. Operator #2 stated that WC #1 was traveling at a high rate of speed and there was no way to get out of the way.

While at the boat landing, deputies talked with a number of parties involved in the incident, but were unable to contact the operator of WC #1. It was discovered that he was staying at an address on the south end of the lake. A deputy went to that location and spoke with parties from WC #1. A number of people from WC #1 were also injured and multiple ambulances were dispatched to assist. He spoke with the sister of Operator #1.

 She stated that she transported her brother by watercraft from the residence that WC #1 had been towed to and brought him back the this cabin prior to the deputy's arrival. When asked if the deputy could speak to him, she and other members of the family stated that the operator had left the residence on foot and they weren't sure where he went. The deputy asked them to have Operator #1 call him as soon as he was available.

The deputy made contact with Operator #1 the following day. He stated that he had left the residence prior to the deputy's arrival because he was shook up and needed time to think. He said he was traveling from the cabin with 6 other people on board. He was heading towards the north end of the lake when he struck WC #2. He stated he did not see WC #2 and believed that it did not have lights on it. Prior to speaking with Operator #1, the deputy made contact with a passenger of WC 1 in the hospital waiting room. He stated that he believed WC #1 was traveling at approximately 3/4 throttle and that the incident happened so quickly that he did not believe Operator #1 was able to swerve to miss WC #1. Another passenger from WC #1 had also been taken to the hospital.

It is unknown if there were life jackets on board WC #1, or if they were being worn. WC #2 had life jackets on board, but it is unknown if they were being worn. It is suspected that Operator #1 may have been drinking, but since he fled prior to deputies arrival there is no BAC. There was extensive damage to WC #1 but dollar amount is unknown. WC #2 was a Total Loss. The incident was referred to the county attorney for criminal charges.


BARDID: MN-2020-0055
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Excelsior
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent2: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Hennepin County Water Patrol was dispatched for a call for service on Lake Minnetonka. While deputy was responding with lights activated he struck a water skier with the sheriff's boat (WC #1) as the towing boat (WC #2) crossed the bow of the sheriff's boat. 

The skier was recovered from the water and taken to the hospital by ambulance. The skier was wearing a life jacket. Alcohol was not a factor. The case was given to Ramsey Co. Sheriff's Office to investigate to avoid any conflict.


BARDID: MN-2020-0056
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:16:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: White Bear
NearestCityorTown: White Bear Lake
County: Ramsey
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was in the cove of Manitou Island placing a marker out for the sailing school and then left to go back to White Bear Yacht Club. 

As WC #1 was traveling out of the cove at full plane, Watercraft #2 struck head on into the right side of WC #1. 

Operator #1 was injured and WC #1 received extensive damage. WC #2 had minimal damage and there were no injuries. Life jackets were not being worn in either watercraft. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0057
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:40:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bowstring
NearestCityorTown: Deer River
County: Itasca
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator/victim was witnessed approaching the dock and trimming the motor up due to shallow water. The victim was later found floating partially under the dock. Life saving efforts failed and victim was pronounced deceased at scene. The victim had a laceration to his right ear. Alcohol containers were located inside the victim's boat. There was no damage to the boat, and a life jacket was not being worn. Toxicology test is pending.


BARDID: MN-2020-0058
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Upper Cormorant
NearestCityorTown: Lake Park
County: Becker
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Carbon monoxide exposure
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Becker Dispatch received a call of a Medical out on Upper Cormorant Lake. The juvenile victim (a passenger on the boat) was having a seizure. He was brought to shore and transported by EMS to a hospital in Detroit Lakes. Victim was diagnosed with high levels of carbon monoxide. He had been by the back of the boat when the incident occurred. 

The victim's mother was a passenger on the boat and stated that all parties were wearing life jackets and that they were trolling slowly around the lake. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor, as the incident was treated as a medical rather than a boating incident.


BARDID: MN-2020-0059
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:27:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Orono
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #2 was traveling eastbound through the channel between West Arm Bay and Crystal Bay. Per witness, WC #2 had the right-of-way since WC #2 was already under the bridge. 

WC #1 attempted to pass by WC #2 while WC #2 was still going under the bridge. Per the witness, Operator #1 put the boat in reverse when he realized it could not fit past WC #2. 

WC #1 backed into the seawall causing damage to the starboard side of the swim platform. Operator #1 then put the boat in gear moving forward and hit WC #2, causing scratches on the port side of WC #2.  

There were no injuries and life jackets were not being worn in either boat. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0060
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Jewett
NearestCityorTown: Fergus Falls
County: Otter Tail
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft was pulling a woman on a tube. The tube became airborne and she fell off the tube, hitting the water. She had pain in her abdomen and passed out when trying to stand up. It is unknown if anyone besides the operator was on the boat at the time of the incident. Life jackets were being worn and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0061
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-07-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:57:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rainy
NearestCityorTown: International Falls
County: Koochiching
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
The canoe, with two occupants, flipped while traveling through rapids at Gold Portage. Voyageurs National Park Rangers went to the accident scene and transported the occupants to the VNP docks where they met with a deputy. The victim stated that her knee got trapped between the canoe and rocks/lake bottom. 

The victim reported having twisted her knee and was transported to a local hospital for an evaluation. The canoe reportedly appeared to have struck rocks while traveling through the portage, causing denting/cracking to the hull of the canoe. The canoe was a rental and was reported by the owner to have been a Total Loss. Life jackets were being worn and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0062
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Leech
NearestCityorTown: Walker
County: Cass
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 7, deputy was dispatched to Spirit of the North Resort for a boating accident that had occurred on August 3, 2020 with a rental boat. The resort/boat owner stated the party had hit two other boats in the harbor. 

Upon arrival, the deputy spoke to the operator of WC #1. He stated he was attempting to pull out of the harbor on 8/3 and had accidentally backed into 2 different boats with the boat he had rented from the resort. 

One of those boats, WC #2, was also owned by the resort. The other, WC #3, was owned by a different party. Neither of those two boats were occupied and both were tied to the dock. There was damage to all three boats. Operator #1 had been wearing a life jacket. Alcohol was not a factor. There were no injuries. The owner of WC #1 and WC #2 stated he needed the report for insurance purposes.


BARDID: MN-2020-0063
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rainy
NearestCityorTown: International Falls
County: Koochiching
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator #1 was operating a PWC pulling a tube with one occupant. His friend (Operator #2) was operating a second PWC pulling a wakeboard with one occupant. Operator #1 was driving by PWC #2, which was stopped. The tube being pulled by PWC #1 swung toward PWC #2 causing the tuber to let go of the tube. The tuber tumbled across the water and struck PWC #2 with his arm, causing an injury.

Operator #2 reported the same version of events. He stated that he had stopped his PWC and that PWC #1 was crossing in front of him as he started to drive forward, causing Operator #1 to swerve out of the way, which caused the tube he was pulling to swing toward PWC #2. He said the tuber tumbled across the water and into his PWC after letting go of the tube, which caused his injury.

Life jackets were being worn by all involved and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0064
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Winnibigoshish
NearestCityorTown: Deer River
County: Itasca
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was trolling northbound on the eastern shoreline of the lake. While traveling 2-4 mph with a trolling motor, Watercraft #2 was on plane coming from the rear. 

As WC #2 approached, Operator #2 did not see WC #1. As a result, the bow of WC #2 struck the transom area of WC #1. Operator #2 thought he was going approximately 20-plus mph. He also stated that he had a tiller motor and was not able to clearly see ahead. There was some damage to both watercraft. Life jackets were being worn in WC #2 but not in WC #1. There were no injuries. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0065
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:49:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi
NearestCityorTown: Inver Grove Heights
County: Dakota
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft was tied to pier while the operator was fueling. After fueling, the boat would not start. The operator was attempting to figure out why the boat would not start. The boat then exploded while they were attempting to start the engine. 

There were three fire extinguishers on board and two were used to try to extinguish the fire. They were not successful. The boat was set to drift due to the close proximity to fuel at the dock. 

The boat drifted south on the river and ran aground at an island just south of the marina. The fire department extinguished the fire. 

It is suspected that gas fumes had filled the enclosed engine compartment. The operator received minor burns on his leg but did not seek medical treatment. The incident was reported to authorities immediately, but when the deputy arrived, he talked to the police officer on scene and then learned that the operator had left to go view his boat. The deputy talked with the operator by phone on 8/4/2020. It is unknown if Alcohol was a factor. The boat was a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2020-0066
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-08-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:21:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Orono
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator stated she had been out on the watercraft since 1730 hours with her dad and stepmom. She stated that they returned to her grandparents house on the lake to drop off her parents and she and two friends went back out on the lake to watch the sunset. She said the watercraft sputtered a few times before the motor would turn over. 

After departing from the dock she heard an explosion and the engine compartment of the watercraft lifted, revealing flames inside the compartment. The operator and passengers grabbed their cell phones and the keys to the watercraft and exited at the dock next to theirs. 

The watercraft continued to drift northeast, near a larger dock section containing approximately 10 boats. Long Lake fire had a watercraft on scene that was attempting to extinguish the fire, but it appeared they had issues with their fire pump. The sheriff's deputies were able to redirect the watercraft away from the large dock section and with assistance from Long Lake Fire on the dock, the fire was put out.

The operator stated that the watercraft was recently in the shop getting repairs to the motor and they had operated the boat approximately 4 times since the repairs had been done. While operating the watercraft on this day, she stated the steering wheel felt wobbly, which hadn't happened before.

There were no injuries and life jackets were not being worn. Alcohol was not a factor. The boat was a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2020-0067
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:55:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Detroit
NearestCityorTown: Detroit Lakes
County: Becker
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Drug
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was out in an inflatable canoe with his brother. Victim stated he wanted to go swimming and took off his life jacket before leaving the canoe. While swimming, the victim stated he was getting tired and tried getting back to the canoe. He was unable to get back into the canoe and went under the water. He didn't resurface. His body was recovered on 08/10/2020 at 1:22 p.m. The inflatable canoe was 10 feet or less so was not required to be registered. Alcohol was not a factor.  The victim had evidence of marijuana and meth in his system.


BARDID: MN-2020-0068
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:11:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Franklin
NearestCityorTown: Pelican Rapids
County: Otter Tail
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator was towing a tube with three occupants (all of which were wearing life jackets). The boat hit a wave and all three tubers fell off the tube. 

Upon turning around to retrieve the tubers, the operator overcorrected and turned too sharp, causing the boat to capsize. The operator was ejected from the boat but was able to get back to the capsized boat. He was not wearing a life jacket. The boat was towed to shore by family members and no injuries were reported. Alcohol was not a factor. The owners of the boat were making arrangements with a dock/boat service to have the boat turned upright. There was water damage to the motor and some damage to the boat.


BARDID: MN-2020-0069
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:21:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Granite
NearestCityorTown: Annandale
County: Wright
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
The passenger was sitting on a chair, in front of the railing, on the pontoon boat. The operator said the boat was going about 10 mph. He thought the passenger reached down for something and fell over the front of the boat. The passenger was not wearing a life jacket and did not respond when one was thrown to him. The operator jumped into the water to try to help the passenger. A witness on shore called 911. A deputy took a boat out to get both parties out of the water and to shore where an ambulance was waiting. The ambulance pronounced the passenger dead. The Operator was not transported. Life jackets were not being worn by either party.


BARDID: MN-2020-0070
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:24:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ottertail
NearestCityorTown: Ottertail
County: Otter Tail
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: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was just arriving to their dock. While Operator #1 was tying the boat up to the dock, Watercraft #2 was seen traveling at a high rate of speed towards shore, just behind WC #1. Two of the occupants of WC #1 were already walking on the dock while the Operator and his wife (passenger) were still in the boat. Watercraft #2 turned sharply clockwise and directly collided with WC #1. 

WC #2 went over the top of WC #1 portside to stern, hitting Operator #1 and the motor. Operator #1 was thrown in the water. The passenger was thrown from WC #1 but was uninjured by the collision. WC #2 continued to circle in a clockwise manner until Operator #2 could regain control. Operator #2 continued to his dock, approximately 50 feet away. He proceeded to put his boat on the lift while rescue efforts continued for Operator #1. 

Witnesses recovered Operator #1 shortly after the collision, in approximately 4 feet of water. Operator #1 was deceased on scene. Operator #2 was arrested for criminal vehicular homicide. Alcohol and prescription drugs were a factor. Life jackets were not being worn in either boat. There was damage to both watercraft. There was also some damage to the dock. Still waiting for BAC for Victim - will update when receive (1/28/2021).  Operator2 had a .046 BAC


BARDID: MN-2020-0071
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:06:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Carlos
NearestCityorTown: Carlos
County: Douglas
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
According to witnesses, the victim was a passenger on the pontoon boat. He went to the back of the watercraft (possibly to urinate), and entered the water a short time later. Witnesses were unsure whether he jumped or fell in. He splashed around in the water, and witnesses were concerned that he was unable to swim. Another passenger on the boat stated that the man in the water was a strong swimmer and regularly went to the YMCA, so witnesses believed that the man in the water was trying to mess with them. The splashing slowed down and then stopped. The operator turned the boat around, but the passengers were unable to find the victim when they went back to the spot where they had last seen him. They returned to shore and called 911. Life jackets were on the boat, but were not being worn. It is unknown if the operator had been drinking. The man's body was recovered the morning of 7/5/2020.


BARDID: MN-2020-0072
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:50:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Long
NearestCityorTown: New Brighton
County: Ramsey
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The victim was kayaking while her husband was paddle boarding around the lake. The husband's hat blew off from the wind and the victim said she would recover it. The victim was approximately 50 feet behind her husband when the husband heard a thud. The husband then turned around and the kayak was empty. He could not locate his wife. He called 911 and the Water Patrol and Fire were launched in the water within 10 minutes of the initial call and began dragging operations. The search continued for 4 days and the victim was finally located on 9/22/2020 at 1530 hours. A life jacket was not being worn, and alcohol was not a factor. The kayak is under 10 feet long and is not required to be registered.


BARDID: MN-2020-0073
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:39:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lower Whitefish
NearestCityorTown: Crosslake
County: Crow Wing
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating a personal watercraft with little experience. He was traveling at a high rate of speed, and made a sharp turn and got thrown from the PWC. 

The operator got back on the PWC and did the same thing again. A witness stated that this time, the operator was moving slow and lethargic. The operator made it back to the dock before laying down and becoming unresponsive. 

First responders and paramedic arrived and assessed the operator. He was transported to the hospital by ambulance. A life jacket was being worn and there was no damage to the PWC. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0074
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-03-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Superior
NearestCityorTown: Duluth
County: St. Louis
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Two men were in a canoe about 100 yards off shore on Lake Superior. The waves were choppy and when the weight in the canoe shifted, the canoe capsized. 

Neither were wearing life jackets, but they were in the canoe. After capsizing, the passenger was able to grab a floating life jacket and swam to shore. 

The operator was in the water, but not able to get his life jacket. He held on to the canoe and was able to keep his head above water long enough for a passing fishing boat to rescue him from the water and bring him to shore. Both were brought to a good samaritan's home and placed in a warm shower by Duluth fire department. They were also treated for signs of hypothermia by the ambulance service. Alcohol may have been a factor, but no BAC was obtained.


BARDID: MN-2020-0075
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:03:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Little Sturgeon
NearestCityorTown: Side Lake
County: St. Louis
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Personal Watercraft #2 was operating with two people on board. They were heading west approximately 75 yards from shore. 

Personal Watercraft #1, owned by Operator #2, was operating with one person on board. He was heading east and was closer to shore. 

PWC #2 turned toward shore, in front of PWC #1. PWC #1 struck PWC #2, causing injury to both the operator and the passenger of #2. They were both transported to the hospital. There was some damage to both PWCs. All three individuals were wearing life jackets. Operator #1 was later found at the cabin owned by the occupants of PWC #2. He failed a PBT. He was arrested for criminal vehicular operation.


BARDID: MN-2020-0076
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:57:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bassett
NearestCityorTown: Bassett Township
County: St. Louis
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft was pulling 2 skiers. The tow rope was caught around one skier's arm. The rope tightened causing serious injury (which required surgery). He was transported to the hospital by personal vehicle. The scene of the incident was not observed by the deputy. Information was gathered after the incident was stable and the injured party was treated. Life jackets were being worn and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0077
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-10-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Devil Track
NearestCityorTown: Grand Marais
County: Cook
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator told the deputy that he had a boat get away from him while he was at shore, so he hopped in a kayak to retrieve his other boat. 

The wind and waves caused him to capsize. He called for help. A person on shore heard his calls and called 911. Deputies responded and put their boat in at the public access. They were able to get the man into their boat with the assistance of another boat manned by Cook County Search and Rescue members. He was brought to shore at Sand Point, loaded into the ambulance and transported to the hospital. 

He was conscious and coherent when the officers found him in the water. He was not wearing a life jacket. Alcohol was not a factor. He was given a verbal warning for not having the life jackets on board. There is no registration information for the kayak.


BARDID: MN-2020-0078
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:58:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pelican
NearestCityorTown: Orr
County: St. Louis
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Sudden medical condition
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft was drifting while some occupants were swimming. One passenger had jumped in the water and came up floating. Another person jumped in and was able to get him back into the pontoon boat. 

He was not breathing and had no pulse. CPR was started and he was taken to the boat landing. While the ambulance was on the way, it was reported the man was now alert, conscious and talking. He was transported to the hospital. Life jackets were not being worn, and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0079
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Kabetogama
NearestCityorTown: Kabetogama
County: St. Louis
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Four boats (all parties known to each other) were traveling together when the last two boats in line collided. The boats were northbound at an estimated 25 MPH on the lake, north of Sugarbush Island. The second boat in line lost a ball overboard. 

The operator of the third boat in line (WC #2) turned sharply to starboard, intending to retrieve the ball, while simultaneously slowing down. 

The operator of the last boat in line (WC #1) did not see the maneuver and proceeded straight north on this path. 

Operator #1 heard his passengers yell a warning. He pulled back the throttle instinctively and a split second later collided with the approximate center of WC #2. 

WC #1 did an override of WC #2, coming to rest with the lower unit inside WC #2, with a passenger of WC #2 trapped under WC #1. 

Operator #2 hit his head on WC #1 as it crossed him, knocking him back and completely removing the driver's-side console. 

WC #1 hit another passenger in WC #2 in the leg, as she was sitting behind the passenger-side console. 

The bow of WC #1 exited the port side of WC #2. All the passengers pushed WC #1 further out of the port side of WC #2 to free the trapped passenger, who was not injured. Other boats and the National Park Service assisted parties, transported to shore, and later separated the boats and towed them to the National Park Visitor Center boat ramp. The injured passenger was transported to the hospital by ambulance. Operator #2 was not transported. There were no injuries in WC #1. Life jackets were not being worn in either boat. Alcohol was not a factor. There a small amount of damage to WC #1 and WC #2 was a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2020-0080
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-10-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:22:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi
NearestCityorTown: St Paul
County: Ramsey
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Other
OtherEquipmentFailure: Propane gas intake
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
The deputy responded to Harriet Island Yacht Club private docks for an active houseboat fire. Upon arrival, the fire department had extinguished the fire and was putting out any hot spots that were remaining. The deputy spoke to the owner who stated that he left his houseboat at 12:40 p.m. to go to an appointment. 

He was later called by his neighbor at 2:19 p.m. to let him know that his houseboat was on fire. He said there was no one on his boat when he left for his appointment and he didn't know how or where the fire could have started. The Fire Chief on scene said that his crew observed that the fire started from the propane gas intake to the refrigerator inside the cabin of the boat. The owner said he would make arrangements to remove the boat from the river and get it dry docked on land.

The deputy attempted to contact the owner several times to get the hull number and boat information with no return calls back.


BARDID: MN-2020-0081
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-10-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:33:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Upper Rice
NearestCityorTown: Shevlin
County: Clearwater
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
The owner/operator was duck hunting with a friend in separate kayaks. His kayak tipped and capsized making him unable to get back into the kayak. 

His life jacket was tucked inside of the kayak and he was unable to retrieve it. His friend attempted to tow him to shore, but he almost made the friend's kayak fill with water. 

They called for assistance. He was rescued from the water by EMS and Law Enforcement. He was taken to the medical center for treatment of hypothermia. He had been in the water for approximately 1 hour prior to rescue, holding on to decoys to keep him afloat. 

He was not wearing a life jacket, and alcohol was not a factor. The kayak was less than 10 feet long and was not required to be registered. His kayak was not recovered from the water.


BARDID: MN-2020-0082
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-08-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:48:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Island
NearestCityorTown: Gnesen Township
County: St. Louis
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
PWC owner (Operator #1) and his wife (Operator #2) were getting ready to take their personal watercraft out for a ride. Operator #1 went to start his PWC and there was an explosion due to mechanical failure of some kind. 

Operator #2 had already left on another personal watercraft and returned because Operator #1 wasn't following her. Upon returning, she saw Operator #1 facedown in the water and his PWC on fire. 

She pulled him to shore and started CPR on him and was able to revive him. Both operators sustained burns (Operator #2's were 3rd degree). The fire spread to their nearby pontoon boat that was tied off to a dock and was unoccupied. 

PWC #2 also caught fire, and sunk approximately 10 yards out from shore near the end of the dock. Both parties were transported to the hospital. They were both wearing their life jackets and alcohol was not a factor. There were no witnesses to the incident. The incident was reported by multiple neighbors in the area who heard the explosion and saw the smoke. When the deputy arrived on scene, the pontoon boat was fully engulfed and the hull number or any other distinguishing marks were unreadable. Owners were in rough shape and were unable to provide information. All three watercraft were a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2020-0083
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-10-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rice
NearestCityorTown: Deerwood
County: Crow Wing
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was out duck hunting in a wildlife management area. At about 1600 hrs., the operator began to row out to get his decoys. While he was loading his decoys, he fell overboard. 

He held on to the rear of the boat to keep afloat. The operator yelled for help. Someone heard his calls and called authorities.   When authorities arrived they couldn't find him because of all the vegetation. One deputy was able to make verbal contact with him from land and another deputy used a drone to locate him. 

MN DNR had a boat that they were able to take out to rescue him. He was rescued at 1837 hrs. He was transported by ambulance to the hospital. The watercraft was not required to be registered. He was wearing a life jacket, and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0084
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:15:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Winona
NearestCityorTown: Winona
County: Winona
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Drug
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was paddling his inflatable paddleboard when he somehow fell off into the water. He was seen splashing in the water by a witness. She said he yelled and it appeared that he was trying to get the attention of a boater nearby. She ran along the bike path to the south side of the lake to get closer and saw him go under the water and not resurface. His body was found about 3 hours later. He was not wearing a life jacket. The paddleboard was not required to be registered. Alcohol was not a factor.  Operator's drug use (THC) was listed as a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0085
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-11-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Clear
NearestCityorTown: Le Center
County: Le Sueur
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Overloading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and his father (passenger) were hunting on the lake and were returning to the public access. When they were approximately 75-100 yards from the access, the jon boat began taking on water and then capsized, throwing both occupants into the water. 

The operator was able to climb onto the overturned boat. The passenger was struggling to return to the boat and was drifting further away. It appeared that he was removing his life jacket to try to get his chest waders off, however he continued struggling at the surface and his torso/head then went under water, with the air in his waders floating his legs/feet. The operator called 911 from the overturned boat. Responders arrived and took a boat out to the passenger and then picked up the operator from the overturned boat. They were brought to shore and life saving efforts were performed on the passenger. He was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. The operator was taken to the hospital and evaluated for hypothermia. Life jackets were being worn by both in the boat (and by the operator after capsizing). Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0086
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnewashta
NearestCityorTown: Chanhassen
County: Carver
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The watercraft was pulling a 3-person tube with a 59-foot rope. The operator was making S-turns with the boat causing the tube to cross over the wake back and forth. 

The operator estimated they were 300 yards directly west from 6701 Minnewashta Parkway, Chanhassen, MN. There was a 14-year-old on board acting as a spotter, and three 14-year-olds on the tube. 

The operator indicated he was making a turn to his port side, which caused the tube to cross from the port-side wake towards the starboard side. The spotter and occupants of the tube stated that when the tube hit the boat's wake, the starboard side of the tube dug into the water, causing the port side to lift. 

The victim was seated on the starboard side of the tube. His arm entered the water, causing it to be pulled back, injuring the shoulder, and the victim was ejected from the tube. The victim was transported by ambulance to the medical center. All were wearing life jackets and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0087
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lotus
NearestCityorTown: Chanhassen
County: Carver
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator was bringing the personal watercraft in to have it docked. She had two children behind her as passengers. One of the children behind the operator pulled on the accelerator to the PWC. As a result, the PWC grounded onto the grass shoreline several feet. 

One of the passengers suffered a minor laceration to the abdomen. The child was transported by a parent to have the injury treated. The PWC owner inspected the craft and no damage was located. Life jackets were being worn by all. There was a some alcohol in the operator's system, but not above the legal limit.


BARDID: MN-2020-0088
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Detroit
NearestCityorTown: Detroit Lakes
County: Becker
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Improper loading
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft was pulling a person on a tube. The tuber fell off and the boat slowed to 5-10 mph to turn around and get the tuber. At the same time the boat was slowing and turning, a passenger stood up in the boat to put a life jacket on. 

The passenger lost balance during the turn and fell overboard. The passenger is a poor swimmer and swallowed water. The passenger was taken for treatment to the local emergency room. Life jackets were not being worn and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0089
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:04:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: White Bear
NearestCityorTown: Mahtomedi
County: Washington
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft was coming off plane to come to a stop. A young passenger on the boat, without warning, jumped off the front of the boat while it was still slowly moving. 

The operator attempted to steer the boat away from the boy in the water. The boy's leg was hit by the propeller causing serious cuts. Life jackets were being worn on the boat. Unknown if the victim was still wearing one when he jumped into the water. There was one adult and 5 kids on board the watercraft. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0090
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Spring Park
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The watercraft was traveling northbound in Excelsior Bay. A large wave hit the boat, causing a passenger to be thrown out of her seat. She landed on her tailbone on the floor of the boat. Her back hurt and she was unable to move. The operator took the boat back to their dock and called 911. The passenger was transported to the hospital to be evaluated. Life jackets were not being worn and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0091
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Orono
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Deputies received a call that a man (passenger) had fallen on a boat and hurt his neck and they were heading to the public safety dock. 

When the deputy arrived at the dock, the injured passenger was laying on his back in the watercraft. The other occupants of the watercraft were on scene. He was transported to the hospital by ambulance. The deputy spoke to the watercraft operator/owner. 

The operator stated that at about 4:30 p.m. they were cruising Lower Lake South when the passenger leaned too far back on the center console seat and the seat folded backwards. The operator explained that the seat is made to fold either forwards or backwards if you put enough pressure on it. 

The operator said the passenger fell backwards. The operator admitted he had been drinking but was not arrested. There were no other injuries. Life jackets were not being worn by the adults. It is unknown if the young child was wearing one.


BARDID: MN-2020-0092
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:34:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Orono
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Deputy was in Crystal Bay when he was flagged down by a juvenile male. The boy told the deputy that his friend had a broken wrist. He directed the deputy to the address where his friend was located. 

When the deputy arrived, he observed a boy with his left wrist resting on the back seat of a personal watercraft. The injured boy stated that he was operating the PWC when he turned sharply and the PWC stopped quickly. 

He said he then fell forward, causing the injury to his wrist. The injured operator was brought to shore and a splint was put on his arm. Paramedics arrived and he was transported to the hospital by ambulance. 

The passenger on the PWC confirmed that the injured boy was operating and that they turned sharply and that was when the operator injured his wrist. Life jackets were being worn. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0093
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:49:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: St Croix
NearestCityorTown: Stillwater
County: Washington
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft was operating on the St Croix River with 3 people on board. It hit several waves from wakes. The passenger sitting in the bow bounced when they hit the waves, hurting her back. Deputy assisted EMS on scene. The passenger was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Life jackets were being worn and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0094
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:34:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: St Croix
NearestCityorTown: Afton
County: Washington
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft was underway on the river. There was a passenger sitting in the bow reading a book. The water was rough and the boat hit a wave. The passenger did not see the wave and when the boat hit it, she fell, causing injury to her back. She was transported to the hospital by ambulance. Life jackets were not being worn and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0095
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-08-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:47:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Tamarack
NearestCityorTown: Detroit Lakes
County: Becker
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was out fishing in his canoe. He said it was his first time on the lake. He had a trolling motor on the canoe, which weighed it down some. He said the wind came up and the waves came over the sides, sinking his watercraft. The weather was overcast and windy with pending storm approaching. The operator was not wearing a life jacket, but was able to hang on to a throwable until deputies arrived. He was brought to shore and checked out by EMS. Alcohol was not a factor. The canoe sank to the bottom of the lake and is a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2020-0096
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:14:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake of the Woods
NearestCityorTown: Baudette
County: Lake of the Woods
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: Bilge pump
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft, with three occupants on board, was on the lake near Pine Island. The occupants were fishing. The boat took a wave over the back of the boat. The bilge pump didn't work. The boat filled with water and drifted onto a sandbar. The boat was then overturned by a wave, putting two people in the water. Deputies responded to the area. Life jackets were being worn and there were no injuries. Alcohol was not a factor. There was damage to the boat and it is a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2020-0097
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lizzie
NearestCityorTown: Pelican Rapids
County: Otter Tail
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft was on the lake with 3 occupants. The boat began to take on water after the operator heard a crack near the hull of the boat. 

As the boat filled with water, it became incapacitated on the lake. The occupants of the boat were able to pull it toward shallower water in the channel between Rush and Lizzie Lakes. They stayed with the boat until help arrived. Deputies along with a DNR Conservation Officer helped at the scene. There were no injuries and alcohol was not a factor. Life jackets were being worn. The boat was unable to be towed and the owner was making arrangements with a salvage company to get the boat back to shore. The watercraft did not pose a water hazard for other boats. The boat was a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2020-0098
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:48:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi
NearestCityorTown: Homer
County: Winona
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #2, a Sheriff's boat, was assisting a pontoon boat (WC #1) with a tow, because it had run out of fuel. 

As the deputies were attempting to land the stranded boat on shore, the stranded boat struck the rear of the Sheriff's boat. The impact created a small hole in the engine shroud. There were no injuries and alcohol was not a factor. Life jackets were being worn by all. There was no damage to WC #1.


BARDID: MN-2020-0099
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Mound
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator stated that he was attempting to pass through the Black Lake Channel when he struck the underside of the the bridge with his boat, ripping the radar arch off. 

He said no one was injured during the incident and that he was barely moving, "closed throttle". He stated that he had passed through there with their other boats and also other boats the same size as his boat and never had an incident, so he didn't think this time was going to be a problem. The incident occurred on 7/25/2020 but was reported to the County Sheriff's Office on 8/19/2020. Life jackets were not being worn and there were no injuries. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0100
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Wayzata
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Deputy was dispatched to a report of a watercraft property damage accident. He talked with the operator of WC #1. She said that on 8/23, she and her husband had docked their watercraft at the Wayzata public docks for about 2 1/2 hours while they went to dinner. 

When they got back to their boat, there was a note on the seat from a witness who saw another boat (WC #2), that was slipped next to WC #1, had come loose from its dock ties and was hitting against WC #1. 

The deputy talked with the witness who said that he saw a pontoon boat (WC #2) that had come loose from its rear dock ties but was still tied at the front. The motor and starboard side of WC #2 was hitting and rubbing against the port side of WC #1. He said there were large scratches on both watercraft. 

He tied WC #2 back up and left a note in WC #1. The deputy went to talk to Owner #2 at his residence. Owner #2 said he was out of town that day and his friend had used the boat. The boat was at Owner #2's residence so the deputy and owner went to look at the boat. There were minor scratches on the starboard side and a paint transfer on the starboard side of the motor. Deputy also checked out the damage to WC #1. Both boats were unoccupied at the time of the incident. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0101
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:08:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Spring Park
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Shift
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Deputies received a call regarding a watercraft accident that occurred at the docks at Lord Fletchers Restaurant. Deputies spoke to the witness that saw what happened. He told them that he works at Lord Fletchers. Watercraft #2 was traveling east in the dock area. WC #2 stopped and attempted to back up. While backing up, the watercraft started to turn and hit another watercraft (WC #1) that was tied to the dock.

Operator #2 told the deputies that while arriving at the restaurant he was attempting to park his watercraft when his starboard engine became stuck in reverse. As his boat continued in reverse, he placed the port side engine in drive, which made his watercraft begin to turn. He said he was unable to control his boat and struck a watercraft (WC #1) parked behind him with the swim platform of his watercraft.

Operator #1 told the deputies that she had her watercraft tied to the dock and was eating in the restaurant. She did not see the accident.

WC #1 received some damage. WC #2 did not receive any damage. Life jackets were not being worn in WC #2. There were no injuries. Alcohol was not a factor. Operator #2 was unable to produce a valid registration. He said he had just applied for Coast Guard registration and the documentation that he gave the deputy showed an expiration date of 7/31/2019. Operator #2 was issued and mailed a citation for operating an unregistered watercraft.


BARDID: MN-2020-0102
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: St Croix
NearestCityorTown: Stillwater
County: Washington
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator of Watercraft #1, who was later found to be under the influence of alcohol, was attempting to navigate through the Mulberry Point Marina. 

He was traveling westbound through the "A" section of the marina, impacting several docked boats on his way in, and then turned around, traveling eastbound, hitting several docked boats on his way out of Section A. 

His slip was in Section C and he mistakenly traveled to the wrong one. All of the docked boats were unoccupied. All boats sustained some damage. Life jackets were not being worn in WC #1. There were no injuries. Operator #1 was arrested for BUI. His BAC is unknown because he refused testing.


BARDID: MN-2020-0103
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:48:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Orono
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was going through the channel from Crystal Bay to West Arm Bay. Operator #1 stated that he was just about out from under the bridge when two pontoon boats (traveling together) tried to go past him. 

Operator #1 put his boat in neutral and he and his 2 passengers pushed off of one of the pontoon boats (WC #2) and then immediately after the first went by, they had to push off of a second pontoon boat (WC #3) to avoid a collision. 

Operator 1 stated due to pushing the other two boats to avoid collision, his boat was pushed into the last cement pillar of the bridge, causing some damage to his boat and also to 3 wakeboards that were on the side of his boat. Life jackets were not being worn on WC #1 and there were no injuries. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor, since the deputy spoke to Operator #1 by phone.

WC #2 and #3 were both rental boats. The person who rented the boats was not operating either of them, and wasn't sure who was. She eventually got back to the deputy, on 8/7, with the name of the operator of WC #2, which was the boat she was a passenger on. The deputy talked to Operator #2, who said he wasn't sure who was operating #3. 

Operator #2 had no further information about Operator #3, except that he may have been out of the country. Life jackets were not being worn on #2 or #3 and there was no damage to either craft. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor.


BARDID: MN-2020-0104
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-10-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:38:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Medicine
NearestCityorTown: Plymouth
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Deputy was dispatched to an overturned canoe on the lake with 2 people in the water yelling for help. While en-route, the deputies were notified that both parties made it to shore safely. When they arrived on scene, they spoke to an officer with the Park Police. 

He said that the canoe had 2 occupants when it capsized. The owner was able to swim to shore, but the operator was struggling. A bystander swam out and brought the operator to shore. The deputy then spoke with the watercraft owner. He stated that some big waves came over the side of the canoe and they panicked and tipped the canoe over. 

They had life jackets in the canoe and put them on once they were in the water. The owner said he tried to bring in the operator, but was unable to and that is when the bystander swam out and assisted the operator with swimming back to shore. 

The canoe sank and was not able to be saved. Deputies were notified that the operator was able to walk over to the ambulance under his own power and went to a medical center for precautionary measures. Alcohol was not a factor. The watercraft is a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2020-0105
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:13:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Orono
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Deputies received a report that a watercraft (WC #2) had hit an anchored watercraft (WC #1) and was attempting to leave. 

When the deputy arrived on scene, he noticed damage to the portside of WC #1. He documented the damage and got the operator's info. 

He then went to talk to Operator #2. Operator #2 admitted to driving the watercraft and hitting WC #1. He had slurred speech and the deputy smelled a strong odor of alcohol. Operator #2 was arrested for BUI. His passenger was given a ride home. While talking with Operator #2, he claimed that he was driving the watercraft when his passenger hit the throttle causing the watercraft to accelerate forward and hit the anchored watercraft (WC #1).

 The deputy followed up with Operator #1. When asked if he could explain what happened leading up to the accident, the operator stated they were anchored in Cruisers Cove and WC #2 was anchored to the portside stern of their watercraft. 

He said he saw Operator #2 attempt to pull their anchor and leave. WC #2 drove forward and hit the portside of their watercraft causing the fiberglass to break, creating a hole and a scratch on the portside of the watercraft.

 He said he believed WC #2 hit them because the operator didn't pull the anchor up and WC #2's anchor rope caught on the cleat and pulled the watercraft into theirs. Life jackets had not been worn in either watercraft. There were no injuries. Operator #1 had not been drinking. There was damage to both watercraft.


BARDID: MN-2020-0106
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-08-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:14:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: School Grove
NearestCityorTown: Cottonwood
County: Lyon
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The owner/operator had recently purchased the boat from South Dakota and wanted to test the boat/motor. He launched the boat and took it for a short drive around the lake. When he was coming back to the launching area, the boat caught on fire. The owner did not have boat information other than it was an "old boat" that he purchased for $600. The fire did cause damage to a nearby dock. 

The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The owner/operator was given a verbal warning for failure to register boat. There were no injuries and life jackets were not being worn. The boat was towed from the scene and was a Total Loss.  It is thought the fire started due to an electrical issue near the motor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0001
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-04-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:08:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Marquette
NearestCityorTown: Bemidji
County: Beltrami
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Three students at the college took a kayak (WC #1) and a canoe (WC #2) from the waterfront area of the college property. The kayak had one occupant and the canoe had 2 occupants. They didn't think the wind was that bad when they left shore. They paddled straight out from the beach. At some point they tried turning around to return to the beach due to the excessive wind and rough water. It is unknown how far they were from shore. A short time later, WC #1 floundered, took on water, and the operator ended up in the water. He was unable to right the kayak. He tried to climb into WC #2, but during his attempts, the canoe capsized and all three of them ended up in the water. They then swam to shore. Operator #1 noticed that neither of the other two seemed like strong swimmers and he had to help both of them back to shore. Once on shore, they went to one of the building on campus and found someone to call 911. They went to the hospital and were released after being treated for hypothermia. All three were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident. The kayak was less than 10 feet long and was not required to be registered. The canoe was found washed up on shore a couple of days later, but the kayak has not been found - Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2021-0002
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-04-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:08:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mille Lacs
NearestCityorTown: Onamia
County: Mille Lacs
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
The watercraft, with four occupants, went out to net fish. They were only out about 20 minutes and decided to turn around and go back to shore because the water was getting "choppy." The passenger seated at the front of the boat said they were about 200 yards off shore when two waves came over the boat, causing the front to dip, sending that passenger into the water. The operator handed him his life vest and he swam toward shore. The passenger seated at the back of the boat said the operator went into the water right after the first passenger went in. He and the passenger seated next to the operator stayed with the boat. The passenger seated next to the operator was wearing a self-inflating vest. He said they all went into the water about the same time. He and the passenger seated at the back were able to climb back into the boat. He said his vest deployed as soon as he climbed out of the water. Officers got the two passengers, who were with the boat, back to shore and to an ambulance. Some fishermen in another boat found and brought the first passenger that went into the water back to shore and the three were taken to the hospital. The same fishermen went back out, found the missing fourth occupant (the operator) and brought him to shore. Lifesaving measures were started. He was transported to the hospital, where after lifesaving measures and rewarming, he was pronounced dead. When retrieving the boat, officers found a throwable device floating in the boat and another wearable PFD in the water about 50 yards from the boat. There was no damage to the boat. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0003
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-04-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi
NearestCityorTown: Minneiska
County: Winona
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Equipment failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: Drain plug dislodged
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
As boat was returning to dock at dusk, the main engine failed. The operator went to use the trolling motor at which time it was noted that water was coming into the boat. Approximately 10 minutes later, the boat went under water and flipped over. The occupants were not wearing life jackets and hung on to the boat. They called for help. A passerby picked them out of the cold water and brought them to shore. It was determined that the water was coming into the boat because the drain plug came out. The boat occupants were cold from being in the water and were warmed up in a warm truck. They did not seek/need medical treatment. The boat is a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2021-0004
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-04-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Elbow
NearestCityorTown: Cook
County: St. Louis
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator was located in the water holding on to the middle support of his capsized canoe. He was located by a passerby, pulled into a boat and transported to a public access. He had been located approximately 1.5 miles north of the public access (GPS Coordinates 48.0036.3, -92.3926.0). The incident was unwitnessed and it is unknown what caused the canoe to capsize. The canoe was equipped with a small motor and there didn't appear to be any damage to it. The man was last seen operating the canoe approximately 1.5 hours before he was found. He was wearing a Type III life jacket. He was suffering from severe hypothermia and unable to provide any information. He was transported to Cook Hospital and then airlifted to another hospital in Duluth. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0005
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-04-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:50:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Leech
NearestCityorTown: Cass Lake
County: Cass
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator and his friend were the sole occupants of the watercraft and they had just departed from the landing heading west/northwest into Sucker Bay of Leech Lake. The operator noticed water in the back of the boat and had been experiencing problems with a leaking drain plug. He retrieved another plug from the live well and lifted the motor. He then leaned over the transom of the watercraft to replace the suspected faulty plug. The friend/passenger had his back turned to the operator at this time, but heard the operator go into the water. The operator was not wearing a life jacket and the passenger threw him one along with a throwable flotation device. The passenger then repositioned the watercraft in an attempt to rescue the operator who was now unable to hold onto the PFD and throwable and was completely underwater. The passenger jumped into the water and held on to the operator and the boat in an attempt to keep the operator's head above water. The passenger began yelling for help while they drifted toward shore. Eventually, several people arrived on scene in two separate watercraft and assisted with getting them to shore and CPR was initiated. Law enforcement and EMS arrived on scene and performed life saving measures including an AED but no spontaneous signs of life were ever observed. Hospital medical control called the death. Estimated time the operator was in the water was 25 minutes. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0006
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:49:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mike
NearestCityorTown: Vergas
County: Otter Tail
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Two people went fishing on the lake in a 14-foot non-motorized rowboat. Shortly after leaving the dock, one of the occupants shifted their weight and the boat began to capsize. Both occupants fell out of the boat. They tried to remain with the boat but the operator lost his grip and floated toward the middle of the lake. The passenger stayed with the boat and eventually came near shore, where she was able to get onto land and get help. Both occupants were wearing life jackets and had adequate throwables in the boat, which were used in their survival. Both were taken to the hospital for hypothermia and observation. There was no damage to the boat and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0007
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sturgeon
NearestCityorTown: Prairie Island
County: Goodhue
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
The watercraft was traveling south on the lake going to the marina docks. It came upon very shallow water (approximately 1-2 feet) and grounded, causing the boat to come to a quick stop.

Operator stated he had never operated a cruising style boat. He had not operated a boat in approximately 15 years and had only operated a speed boat a couple of times. He was not familiar with the waterway and did not know the water would get so shallow where he was attempting to operate. He thought he was operating in the Mississippi River channel but was actually in Sturgeon Lake. He was driving the boat due to being the designated sober driver. He thought he had struck a log causing him to come to a stop but learned it was the bottom of the waterway.

The injured party was the only passenger of the watercraft. He was kneeling on the very front of the bow, near the anchor drop area. He was thrown off the front of the watercraft as the watercraft grounded. His leg got caught in the railing of the bow, catching him from falling into the water. When he was thrown overboard, his face/head struck the fiberglass hull portion of the bow. He was heavily intoxicated, but deputies were unable to obtain a PBT breath sample. He received medical treatment for his injuries.

There was no damage to the watercraft and life jackets were not being worn.


BARDID: MN-2021-0008
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:32:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Gervais
NearestCityorTown: Little Canada
County: Ramsey
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Overloading
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Three individuals were in a two-seater canoe fishing on the lake. They were approximately 100 yards NW of the eastern peninsula of the lake when the canoe capsized, putting all three occupants into the water. The two passengers resurfaced, but the operator didn't. Witnesses near the capsized canoe came to help. One witness attempted to grab the operator, who was still submerged, but was unsuccessful. He got the two passengers into his boat because they were visibly struggling to stay above water. At this point, the operator had slipped below the waterline to where he was no longer visible to witnesses. The Sheriff's Office personnel arrived on scene and began search and rescue attempts, but were unsuccessful. The dive team arrived and began to search, utilizing divers and remote operated vehicle (ROV). The operator was located by the ROV at about 2248 hours and a diver was sent in to recover him. The passengers had no injuries. Life jackets were not being worn, nor were there any in the canoe. There was no damage to the canoe. The passengers didn't know what caused the canoe to capsize. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0009
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:33:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Prior
NearestCityorTown: Prior Lake
County: Scott
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Witness stated that WC #1 was docked at the end of a dock slip just north of Charlies on Prior restaurant. He saw WC #1 going backwards between two slips as he was walking out toward WC #1. He said WC #1 then drove forward crashing into a docked boat (WC #2). WC #1 then backed up and hit another docked boat (WC #3) in a slip just north of WC #2. The witness took photographs of WC #1's registration number, got the operator's phone number and reported to his manager. The deputy spoke to the owner of WC #1 who said he had rented out the boat, and had all the rental paperwork. He said when the boat was returned, the anchor line was cut. He asked the renter/operator what had happened to it and the operator said he didn't know what had happened to it. The owner stated the rope was brand new when the renter took the boat. The deputy contacted Operator #1 by phone based on the rental paperwork information. Operator #1 stated that he did rent the pontoon boat and was at the restaurant. When asked about hitting two boats at the restaurant docks, he said he bumped one and didn't believe there was any damage. He was informed there was a witness who saw him driving the pontoon boat into WC #2 causing damage to the fiberglass hull. Operator #1 stated damage can be contested and he believes the damage could have already been there. Owner #2 had shown up when he was notified of the incident and looked at the damage to his boat. He said it had not been there before and pictures were taken. There was no noticeable damage to WC #3. Life jackets were not being worn on WC #1 and there were no injuries. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor, as the deputy only spoke to Operator #1 by phone and it was at a later time.


BARDID: MN-2021-0010
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:37:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bald Eagle
NearestCityorTown: White Bear Township
County: Ramsey
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Boaters were out tubing and skiing on the SE side of the lake. The operator was attempting to pick up a passenger in the water after skiing. As the passenger swam up to the rear end of the boat, she began to get sucked under it. A loud smack was heard coming from under the boat. The passenger came up and yelled out that her leg was cut open. The other passengers in the boat helped her into the boat, wrapped her leg in towels and drove her to the operator's parent's home dock. They called 911. The deputy arrived on scene with the medics and assisted with controlling her bleeding and ongoing assessment. All the occupants of the boat were under 21 and all admitted to drinking some alcoholic beverages. The operator was placed in custody for underage alcohol use and cited for underage drinking and driving. The victim was transported to the hospital and treated for several leg lacerations. Life jackets were being worn by all. The victim stated that she thought the boat was in neutral, but the operator had unknowingly left the boat in reverse.


BARDID: MN-2021-0011
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi
NearestCityorTown: Minneiska
County: Wabasha
WaterConditions: Unknown
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
The County Sheriff's Office was advised, at 1943 hours, of an unoccupied fishing boat under power driving in circles in the lower end of Weaver bottoms on the Mississippi River. They tried contacting the registered owner and did not make contact. They were able to make contact with the owner's son. He said his father was pre-fishing for an upcoming tournament and had left his residence where he docks the boat at 11:15 a.m. to fish. He was by himself. The son had checked on his father's location by his phone at 5:15 p.m. and he was where he should have been in the lower portion of the Weaver bottoms. He said his father was overdue and had not returned. The deputies talked to the man who found the circling boat. He said he was fishing in the same area and saw the boat doing circles with it's trolling motor. He approached and saw it was unoccupied. He tied up to the boat and unplugged the trolling motor as he couldn't turn it off. He anchored the boat. He said the seats were up and the trolling motor was on "full blast" before he unplugged it. When the motor was plugged back in and played with, it didn't work.  A life jacket was found in the boat. The operator was found at 2120 hours, in about 4.5 feet of water, using a drag bar. The incident was unwitnessed. It is unknown what time or how the operator entered the water. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0012
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:52:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Little Splithand
NearestCityorTown: Grand Rapids
County: Itasca
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft, a pontoon boat, was near the north shore. The operator and his female passenger had travelled to this area numerous times and cut the motor and drifted with the wind to the south shore, while they fished. On about the seventh time, the passenger snapped her lure as she was fishing in the bow area of the watercraft. The operator retied the line and later returned to the stern area of the boat. A short time later, he walked to the port area of the boat and accidentally fell out of the side door (which was open) of the boat. The passenger heard this as he fell into the water. She attempted to save him by jumping into the water to locate him. She was unable to find him. He never resurfaced. She swam back to the boat and yelled for assistance. The boat was drifting with the north wind and the passenger had a difficult time making it back to the watercraft, but succeeded.

A nearby boat came to the immediate area of the incident to assist. The anchor was thrown on the pontoon boat, but the rope was not nearly long enough to anchor the boat. It continued to drift with the wind. Authorities were called and a search for the man was started. After 5 days of scanning the lake with sonar and other technology devices, the man was located in 20 feet of water by sonar. He was brought to the surface on 6/28/21 at 2030 hours.

Life jackets were not being worn by either occupant. The passenger was not injured. Alcohol was a factor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0013
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Trout
NearestCityorTown: Breitung Township
County: St Louis
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Trout Lake is water access only in the BWCA with access from Lake Vermillion.

The watercraft operator stated they had just arrived at the lake that day. They had left the Albany, MN area at approximately midnight and drove up to Lake Vermillion and then portaged into Trout Lake. They had finished setting up camp and decided to go out on the lake to do some fishing. He was operating the boat with his wife in the middle seat and his brother (the victim) seated in the bow of the boat. They were slowly trolling along the shoreline and shortly before the incident, he noticed his brother was sleeping in the front seat. The seat the brother was sitting in is on a raised casting deck and is positioned very close to the bow. The operator stated they were still trolling when he suddenly heard a splash and looked over to see his brother had fallen in the water. He said his brother briefly came to the surface and then went under. The operator jumped in the water to help him and was able to the victim up briefly, but stated he couldn't hold him up without going under himself and had to let go. He and his wife started yelling for help. People in another nearby boat heard the screams and immediately went over to assist. One of them jumped into the water to look for the victim. He found him under the water and was able to get him to the surface. They got the victim to the nearby shoreline and started CPR. It is estimated the victim was under water about 5 minutes and the rescuer stated he never saw any signs of life after they got him out of the water. They continued CPR until medical staff arrived.

The deputy arrived and CPR was still in progress by ambulance staff who had arrived via assistance from the US Forest Service float plane. Life saving efforts were unsuccessful and time of death was called at approximately 4:09 p.m.

The operator stated he had some beer while they were setting up camp. The deputy did not observe any signs of impairment after the accident. The victim also had been drinking while setting up camp.

Life jackets were on the boat, but were not used by any of the occupants.


BARDID: MN-2021-0014
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:32:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big Kandiyohi
NearestCityorTown: Blomkest
County: Kandiyohi
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Parties were boating in approximately 12 feet of water. The winds were strong and the waves were substantial. The boat was stopped to allow the Operator and three children onboard to swim. Life jackets were not being worn while swimming. The boat did not anchor and was drifting in the strong winds and waves while the swimmers were in the water. One child began to struggle while swimming and the Operator jumped in to help. The Operator then began to struggle and slipped under the surface before the boat could reach him. The other adult passenger on the boat was not familiar with boat operation at all. The child was saved from the water and the boat drifted to shore. Two days of searching with drags and sonar were conducted. The victim's body floated to the surface on 6/9/2021 and he was recovered at 0641 hours.


BARDID: MN-2021-0015
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:38:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Loon
NearestCityorTown: Crane Lake
County: St. Louis
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Two men were camping in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. They had rented a canoe and stayed on Loon Lake. The second day, they were met by the U.S. Forest Service and advised of park closures due to wildfire activity in the area. They used the satellite phone to contact the outfitters they had rented from to let them know they were going to alter their travel towards another lake due to the fire. They packed up camp and began to cross Loon Lake. About a half hour into their paddling, they began to hear distant thunder, and the wind and rain began to pick up from the approaching storm. They stopped at a point on the lake briefly to put on rain jackets. Neither of them were wearing life jackets. They picked another point to paddle toward and continued on. The approaching thunderstorm "sounded like a freight train" and the wind and waves picked up very quickly. The waves were estimated to be in excess of two feet high. The rain was coming down so hard they couldn't communicate with each other. They turned the canoe to the east to go toward shore. The wind was coming from the north and as they turned, the canoe caught a large wave and capsized. The passenger grabbed two floating bags and swam toward shore, which was about 60 yards away. The operator stayed with the canoe, holding on to the side of it. When the passenger reached shore, he looked back and did not see the operator anywhere. He set up a tarp and used the satellite phone to call the outfitters to get help. Multiple resources arrived on scene and after a search of the area, the County ROV Team was requested. The operator's body was recovered at 1539 hours. There were life jackets in the canoe but they were not being worn. Alcohol was not a factor. The passenger was not injured.


BARDID: MN-2021-0016
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:46:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Crystal
NearestCityorTown: Burnsville
County: Dakota
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The Operator and his passenger (girlfriend) were on the boat drifting in the water. The Operator pushed the Passenger into the water and then went in to help her to the boat. The Passenger was able to get back to the boat. The Operator told her he thought he was going to drown. The Passenger put on a life vest and threw one toward the Operator. He was under the water and she could not see him. She then jumped in the water and was unable to locate him. She then called 911. It was reported the Operator was under the water approximately 3 minutes when the Passenger made contact with the dispatcher. His body was located, and recovered at 11:35 pm. Life jackets were not being worn, and alcohol was a factor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0017
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-06-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:47:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Tonka Bay
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operators of PWC #1 and PWC #2 are friends. They were on the lake riding and wake jumping. They were operating on East Upper Lake when PWC #1 slowed to a stop and PWC #2 collided with PWC #1. PWC #2 impacted #1 on the rear port side, traveling over #1 and exiting on the front starboard side. Upon impact, Operator #1 was struck by PWC #2 in the left hip, body and in the temple. Operator #1 was found in the water after the impact. He was later pronounced dead. Operator #2 suffered facial lacerations. 

Deputies spoke to Operator #2. He stated that Operator #1 and another friend had been doing a little wake jumping prior to the crash. He said that Operator #1 stopped abruptly, likely with the brake feature on the PWC. He didn't know why he would have engaged the brake. Operator #1 stopped approximately 20-25 feet in front of PWC #2 at a "T" or angled position. Operator #2 was going approximately 35-40 mph when #1 braked.

The other friend said Operator #1 may have stopped to check his phone. Operator #1's mother said she had sent a text message to her son, and was concerned that he stopped to read her message. Operator #1's phone is in the lake.

Life jackets were being worn by both and alcohol was not a factor. Following too close, excessive speed, and lack of experience are thought to be the causes for this incident. There was damage to both craft and PWC #1 is a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2021-0018
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:48:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Minnetonka
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Throttle
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was approaching the dock when the operator pushed the throttle all the way forward and ended up striking the public dock and one other watercraft (#2) that was tied to the dock. The dock was tipped over.

Operator #1 said that the throttle had gotten stuck in drive and the rear end of the boat had struck the dock.

Watercraft #2 was tied to the dock at the public access and had one passenger sitting in it. The owner of WC #2 stated that his wife was sitting in the boat while it was tied to the dock. He said another watercraft (#1) pulled up to the dock and the operator must have hit the throttle in error, causing it to spin twice, striking the dock and the stern of their watercraft.

No one was injured. Life jackets were not being worn. Watercraft #2 and the dock both received damage. There was no damage to WC #1. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0019
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:53:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Marion
NearestCityorTown: Lakeville
County: Dakota
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft was pulling a tube with one rider. The operator was the only person on the boat. While making a left-hand turn, the boat hit 2 bumps (waves) and the operator was launched from the boat when it hit the 3rd. The operator and the person on the tube were able to make it to shore safely as the watercraft continued to circle out of control. The Watercraft then collided with a rock retaining wall, receiving damage to the hull. Life jackets were being worn by both, and alcohol was not a factor. There were no injuries. The operator was inexperienced and may have been going too fast. The operator was cited for not having mirrors while towing a tube without a spotter in the boat.


BARDID: MN-2021-0020
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:37:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big Sandy
NearestCityorTown: McGregor
County: Aitkin
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The pontoon boat was cruising on the lake out in front of a resort. One passenger was on the front of the boat and fell off while the boat was underway. The man went under the boat, between the pontoons, and was struck in the head by the motor propeller. The man sank in the water and was not recovered until the following day. Life jackets were not being worn, and alcohol was a factor. The operator was arrested for BUI.


BARDID: MN-2021-0021
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:29:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Orono
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Deputies received a report of a watercraft that had caught on fire and was completely engulfed. Deputies responded and attempted to put out the fire. Fire department towed the watercraft to the marina and land units helped put out the fire from shore. All parties from the burning boat had jumped off and were safe with no injuries. The Operator said they had filled their boat up with gas cans at the dock and after filling they took it out for a drive. They had driven out from the bay area when he noticed the smell of electrical burning. He checked on the smell but did not notice anything out of the ordinary. He continued to drive and that's when the boat started on fire. He attempted to use two fire extinguishers. The fire became big and they jumped off the boat. Life jackets were not being worn at the time of the incident. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor. The boat was a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2021-0022
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:17:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rush
NearestCityorTown: Crosslake
County: Crow Wing
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Both operators were cruising around on their personal watercrafts. They got too close to each other and were not paying attention. This caused Operator #2 to hit Operator #1, sending both individuals into the water. Both were wearing life jackets. Neighbors heard the collision and rendered aid to the operators. They were brought to shore to seek medical attention. Operator #2 was transported to the hospital by aircare and Operator #1 was transported privately. There was damage to both watercraft. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0023
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:08:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sand
NearestCityorTown: Britt
County: St. Louis
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Drug
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Two men were in a canoe. The operator was paddling while the passenger (victim) fished. They were heading to Cattail Island, which was .8 miles east of the cabin they were staying at. Neither were wearing a life jacket and there were none on board. They encountered high winds and large waves. They were more than half way across the lake heading towards the island when the canoe took on water and capsized. Both men were thrown into the water. They stood on the submerged canoe for a while, before they eventually tried swimming toward shore. The operator made it to the island, but the passenger never arrived. The operator thought maybe the passenger had tried swimming to the cabin. The operator was picked up from the island by friends in a boat. He learned that the passenger was not at the cabin and it was presumed that he had drowned. 911 was called. A search and recovery effort took place. The passenger was recovered from the lake, about 500 meters north of where the incident occurred, on 8/16/2021 when his body floated up. The operator admitted to drug use.


BARDID: MN-2021-0024
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:54:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ruth
NearestCityorTown: Emily
County: Crow Wing
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and Passenger were enjoying a day on the lake. The pontoon boat was drifting across the lake when the Passenger dove off the boat in roughly 10 feet of water. The Operator felt immediately that something was wrong. She saw that the Passenger was struggling and beginning to panic. At one point, he was hanging on to the side of the pontoon but could not continue to hang on. The Operator could not maneuver the boat close enough to the man in the water due to the wind and the choppy water conditions. The Operator told him to float and threw him multiple Type III lifejackets because there was no Type IV throwable device on board the boat. Another watercraft on the lake heard the calls for help and got the victim in their boat and brought him to the public access. First responders rendered aid but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Life jackets were not being worn, and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0025
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:50:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Leech
NearestCityorTown: Walker
County: Cass
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
The witness said the victim was in the water with his dog when they went past in their boat the first time. When they came by again, the dog was treading water away from WC #1, with no one around. The witness called 911 and put the dog back in WC #1 until the authorities arrived. 

In WC #1 was a half empty bottle of vodka and the victim's clothes. The victim's body was found about 400 yards southeast of WC #1. He was under the surface in 3 feet of water, face down with no clothes on. WC #1 was still running at idle during the time of the incident. No personal flotation devices were used. Alcohol was a factor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0026
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Little Mantrap
NearestCityorTown: Park Rapids
County: Hubbard
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Deputies were dispatched to the lake for a possible drowning. A small boat was spinning out of control and there was a man in the water, then the man had gone under the water.

When one of the deputies arrived, he saw the boat spinning about 50 yards out from the shoreline. There were two other boats nearby, a pontoon and a fishing boat. The pontoon operator came to get the deputy and brought him to the scene. The deputy was able to get the spinning boat stopped by throwing an anchor into it, and the anchor rope tangled in the motor. The deputy, with help from the pontoon boat occupants (listed as witnesses) secured the stopped boat.

The pontoon boat and the aluminum fishing boat were anchored near a yellow buoy, which marked the spot where the man had gone under the water. The deputy asked what had occurred. The passenger on the pontoon boat said his son and grandson (occupants of the aluminum fishing boat and listed as witnesses) had waved them down. He said he then saw the out-of-control boat. The son was able to throw a lifejacket to the man in the water, but he went under before he could get the life jacket. The son then dove into the lake in an attempt to bring the victim to safety. He was unable to get the man, who never surfaced.

Deputies and a first responder used sonar to try to locate the victim. They marked something on the bottom of the lake, near the pontoon boat. The dive team arrived and at 2344 hours, the victim was found in 16 feet of water.

A deputy talked with the son and grandson (witnesses) the following day. The grandson stated that he and his father were out on the lake fishing when he heard a boat drive past. He said it sounded like the boat was going wide open. He stated that his dad mentioned that he heard a loud bang. The grandson looked over and observed a small boat driving in circles with no one in the boat. He and his father then observed a man in the water attempting to swim to shore. They rushed to the location and his father threw a life jacket to the man, but he was unable to grab it. The man then went under the water. The man never said anything to him or his father. When the man went under, the father dove in to try and save the man, but he was unable to reach him.

The deputy then spoke to the son. He stated that he and his son were out fishing. He heard a boat drive past and his son stated that "the boat was flying." He advised that the boat's motor seemed to be at full throttle. He then cast his line out and looked away from the boat. He said he heard a loud bang. He looked back toward the boat and saw it going around in circles. He thought it was possibly "some kids screwing around." His son then said he didn't think there was anyone in the boat. He then saw the man in the water attempting to swim to shore. They rushed over to him and saw that his head was almost completely under water. He attempted to throw a life jacket to him. The man was still attempting to swim and he hit the life jacket twice, but then went under water. He told his son to call 911 and then he dove in the water to attempt to save the man. He dove down 4-5 times but was unable to reach or find him. They threw out a fishing buoy/marker to mark the spot he went under.

The actual incident was unobserved and it is unknown what caused the boat to go out of control and throw the man overboard.

The victim was not wearing a life jacket. Alcohol was a factor in the incident.


BARDID: MN-2021-0027
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:39:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: White Bear
NearestCityorTown: White Bear Lake
County: Ramsey
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The victim and several co-workers had rented the watercraft. The boat was drifting and the victim, who was a passenger on the boat, was in the water swimming. He became distressed and went under the water. Several of the others on the boat attempted to locate him, but were unsuccessful. Authorities were called and Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, White Bear Lake Fire and Washington County Sheriff's Office boats searched the area. Dive teams from both counties were activated. Searching boats located the man in 8 feet of water about 4 feet from the surface. A diver recovered him, placed him on a fire boat and CPR was started by medics from the fire department. He was taken to shore, transferred to an ambulance and transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Life jackets were not used. Alcohol was a factor with the victim, although it is unknown if the operator had been drinking.


BARDID: MN-2021-0028
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:07:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Waukenabo
NearestCityorTown: Palisade
County: Aitkin
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
The watercraft was drifting. The operator jumped overboard to swim. He started to struggle. Life jackets were thrown toward him, but missed. He went under the water and did not resurface. His body was recovered almost 9 hours later. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0029
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Eagle
NearestCityorTown: Willmar
County: Kandiyohi
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator #1 and Operator #2 were both on the lake operating personal watercraft. 

Operator #1 stated she was stopped on the lake while Operator #2 was driving around and near her. It was reported that Operator #2 was trying to spray or splash Operator #1. Operator #2 drove toward Operator #1 at a medium speed and then collided front to front. Operator #1 was knocked into the water. Operator #1 reported a bruise on her hip, but did not seek medical attention.

Operator #2 stated that both watercraft were traveling on the lake in near the same direction. Operator #2 planed to turn right and had lost track of where Operator #1 was. Operator #2 turned around to the right and collided with WC #1. The collision was almost head on. Operator #2 stated she was not attempting to splash or spray Operator #1.

The incident was reported to authorities about an hour after it occurred. Witnesses in the area reported hearing the crash but did not observe it happen. Both operators were wearing life jackets. They both had little experience. Operator #2 was cited for not having a required Youth Watercraft Operator's Permit. Alcohol was not a factor. There was damage to both watercraft.


BARDID: MN-2021-0030
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:48:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Leech
NearestCityorTown: Walker
County: Cass
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was drifting off the west side of Ottertail Point while the occupants fished. They saw a boat heading in their direction. As WC #2 got closer, Operator #1 stood up and began waving his arms in the air to attempt to get the other boater's attention. This did not work. WC #2 struck the port side of WC #1 and went over the top and landed with the outboard motor caught in WC #1. This caused damage to WC #1. The passenger in WC #1 was able to lift the back of WC #2 and get them separated. They exchanged information and the Owner/Operator of WC #2 said he had to get off the lake and back to the resort he was staying at because he was taking on water. A Sheriff's Deputy arrived and got information from Operator #1. He followed Operator #1 back to his resort. Then he went to the resort that Operator #2 was staying at. As he pulled up to the dock where WC #2 was, Operator #2 stated "it was totally my fault, I did not see the other boat at all." He went on to say that the front seat of his boat blocked his view and he believed this was why he struck WC #1. The passenger in WC #2 did not see WC #1 either, as her view was blocked as well. There was some damage to the motor on WC #2. There were no injuries. Life jackets were not being worn in WC #1 but were worn in WC #2. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0031
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:13:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Leech
NearestCityorTown: Walker
County: Cass
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The watercraft was anchored and the occupants had started fishing when a wave came over the transom causing the boat to take on lots of water. The boat then started to sink, causing the boat to roll over. Both occupants were wearing life jackets and were rescued by a passing boater. Both occupants denied medical attention upon returning to shore. Alcohol was not a factor. There was damage to the boat and it was a total loss.


BARDID: MN-2021-0032
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:15:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Long
NearestCityorTown: Longville
County: Cass
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The watercraft was pulling a skier. The skier fell and hit his head against the water. The impact caused him to be unresponsive. CPR was started until the ambulance arrived on scene to take over. He was still unresponsive, but had a pulse when he was transported by Air Care to the hospital, where he later died. Life jackets were being worn, and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0033
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-05-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:46:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: White Bear
NearestCityorTown: White Bear Lake
County: Ramsey
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Deputies were dispatched to a boat fire at the city docks on White Bear Lake. The boat owner had taken his boat out onto the lake for about 40 minutes and when he returned to his slip at the dock, he noticed smoke coming from the rear of the boat - engine area. He opened the rear compartment and the boat's engine was on fire. He called the fire department. They arrived and extinguished the flames. He did not use his fire extinguisher. There were no injuries and alcohol was not a factor. The boat suffered damage to the rear and the engine. It is a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2021-0034
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:19:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Otter Tail
NearestCityorTown: Otter Tail City
County: Otter Tail
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The family was tubing on the lake in front of their residence. Watercraft #1 had just completed a turn and the tube went over the wake causing the two kids on the tube to bump together. One of the tubers was injured. The family called 911 and headed back to shore. They met the ambulance and the female victim was taken to the hospital for treatment. The boat was going about 15-20 MPH at the time of the incident. Life jackets were being worn. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0035
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:58:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Mound
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim (Operator #1) was operating a personal watercraft. A witness from another PWC said he saw Operator #1 drive into a wake and jump out of it. He said PWC #1 had gotten some air and when it came down, Operator #1 had landed face-first into the handle bars. He said a friend had helped Operator #1 onto the friend's PWC and brought him back to shore.

Another witness said she had been driving her boat. PWC #1 was following her boat and started to wake jump off her wake. After a couple of jumps, Operator #1 went deep into the boat's wake and accelerated out of it. After shooting into the air, he lost his grip and hit his face on the handle bars. The witness saw one of the other boys pick him up and drive him back to the dock.

Operator #1 was transported by ambulance to the medical center. There was no damage to Watercraft #1, which was not registered. A life jacket was being worn and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0036
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Mound
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Deputy was dispatched to a watercraft incident in Cooks Bay.

Upon arrival, the Deputy observed a sailboat (WC #2) tied to the left side of the access dock, with the owner standing on the dock. The PWC involved (WC #1) was trailered and pulled to the side of the parking lot.

Owner #2 stated that he and his wife were notified by another citizen that someone had hit his boat with a personal watercraft. There was damage on the port side of the boat. The boat was unoccupied at the time of the incident.

Operator #1 stated he was inexperienced and was driving too fast when he hit the sailboat (WC #2) tied to the dock. There were small scratches on the bow of WC #1. (WC #1 was new and had not been registered at the time of the incident.)

There were no injuries and alcohol was not a factor. A life jacket was being worn on WC #1.

Registration information for Watercraft #1 is now added to this report. 2/14/2022


BARDID: MN-2021-0037
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-05-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big Marine
NearestCityorTown: Scandia
County: Washington
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 accelerated out of the shallows and was not on plane yet. He did not see Watercraft #2 stationary in the bay. WC #1 collided with WC #2 broadside. Operator #2 received some minor injuries and was checked out at the emergency room and released. Both boats used their navigation lights. Life jackets were not being worn in either boat. Alcohol was not a factor. Both boats received damage, and Watercraft #2 is a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2021-0038
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: White Earth
NearestCityorTown: Ogema
County: Becker
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
PWC #1 was pulling a tube with three children. PWC #2 was making waves for the children on the tube. PWC #1 and PWC #2 collided. Operator #1 suffered an injury. There were no injuries to the other parties involved. Life jackets were being worn by all. Alcohol was not a factor. There was no damage to either watercraft. Operator #2 received a warning for careless operation.


BARDID: MN-2021-0039
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cedar
NearestCityorTown: Annandale
County: Wright
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was operating a personal watercraft. The PWC apparently hit a wake wrong causing the operator to strike her head on the steering area of the PWC she was operating. She had been out on the lake alone and was found floating with her life jacket. She was brought back to shore in a boat by one of the other parties at the residence. She did not remember/couldn't recall how she had been injured. A life jacket was being worn and alcohol was not a factor. There was no damage to the PWC.


BARDID: MN-2021-0040
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:06:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Koronis
NearestCityorTown: Paynesville
County: Stearns
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with governmental vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
During a Sheriff's patrol on the lake, Officers observed a pontoon boat (WC #1) with no registration. While approaching WC #1 the water was choppy and it was very windy. Officers were in WC #2 and approached WC #1 to obtain necessary information to verify the boat was legal to operate. When returning the documents to the occupants of WC #1, the wind picked up and a large wave raised the boats up and brought them closer together. As officers tried to push away from the new pontoon boat (WC #1), WC 2 pivoted on the rear and scratched the rear passenger side quarter panel of the enclosure around the pontoon boat. There were no injuries and alcohol was not a factor. Life jackets were not being worn in WC #1 but were worn in WC #2. There was no damage to WC #2.

WC #1 has since received its registration number which has been added to this report.


BARDID: MN-2021-0041
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:28:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Whitefish Chain
NearestCityorTown: Crosslake
County: Crow Wing
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
WC #1 was traveling westbound on the Whitefish Chain. WC #2 was traveling eastbound. Both Watercraft had their navigation lights on. Operator #1 stated he never saw WC #2. Operator #2 stated he saw WC #1 coming and tried to veer right and get out of the way before contact. Life jackets were not being worn in WC #2, it is unknown if they were worn in WC #1. Both occupants of WC #2 were injured and transported to the hospital. Operator #1 was arrested for BWI. There was damage to both boats and WC #2 was a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2021-0042
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Excelsior
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Deputy was dispatched to a restaurant on the lake for a damage to property report. When he he arrived, a witness told him that a black Cobalt watercraft (WC#1) was pulling into the docks at the restaurant and ran into a parked boat (WC #2). A dock helper (listed as Witness and Injured) who is employed by the restaurant, was attempting to prevent WC #1 from hitting another watercraft, and WC #1 smashed his finger, causing a laceration. WC #1 took off from the scene.

The deputy then talked to the two individuals who were responsible for WC #2. They did not witness the incident. 

The deputy then talked to the restaurant manager who did not witness the incident. The manager said there are no video cameras that were pointed to the docks.

After the deputy left the scene, he spoke to the dock helper by phone. The dock helper had gone to the hospital and received stitches and was released. He could only remember that WC #1 was a black cruiser with an adult male, an adult female and approximately 2-4 younger people. (He is listed as Witness and Injured WC #1 in the people tab in BARD. BARD will not let me enter the injury unless I also enter a Watercraft, so I put WC #1 since that is the boat that caused the injury. THE INJURED PARTY WAS NOT ON WC #1.)

There was damage to WC #2. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor. Incident was a Hit and Run.


BARDID: MN-2021-0043
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi
NearestCityorTown: Red Wing
County: Goodhue
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentCause1: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was traveling the river within the normal channel buoy markers. The channel buoy markers were currently not set appropriately due to low waters and barges becoming stuck/moving them. WC #1 struck a completely submerged channel marker buoy that was not visible from the surface, causing damage to the watercraft.

Operator #1 has been operating in this body of water since he was young. He stated he knew the channel buoys were not laid out correctly but knew where the channel was supposed to be and was operating within that area. Operator #1 stated as he was traveling, he struck what he later learned to be a submerged channel marker buoy. Operator #1 stated he was able to use his secondary "kicker" motor to get back to the boat launch, as his primary motor was completely non-functioning. Operator #1 took a photograph of the submerged buoy and showed it to the deputy, proving the buoy was completely underwater and not visible. All that could be seen was ripples in the water. The deputy confirmed this the following morning and marked the submerged buoy.

Life jackets were being worn and there were no injuries. Alcohol was not a factor. There was damage to the watercraft.


BARDID: MN-2021-0044
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Middle Cormorant
NearestCityorTown: Lake Park
County: Becker
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator #2 stated she was teaching Operator #1 how to ride (operate) a personal watercraft when the crash occurred. Operator #2 said PWC #1 was in front of her and Operator #1 had pointed to a house, causing Operator #2 to look away for a brief moment. When operator #2 looked forward again, she saw PWC #1 was stopped and Operator #2 had to cut hard to the left to try and avoid #1. When #2 made the hard cut, she hit the right side of PWC #1 causing Operator #1 to fall off and land in the water. Operator #2 was also thrown off her PWC. Operator #2 could hear Operator #1 yelling her name and Operator #2 began to swim over to check on Operator #1. Operator #1 was having trouble with her back but was able to lay in the water and float. Another boat heard the incident happen, but did not see it occur. They were able to transport Operator #1 to shore for medical attention. Life jackets were being worn by both parties and alcohol was not a factor. There was a small amount of damage to both watercraft.


BARDID: MN-2021-0045
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:08:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Waconia
NearestCityorTown: Waconia
County: Carver
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator #2 stated PWC #1 was doing "donuts" in one location as he approached. He indicated he was off to one side of PWC #1 when Operator #1 quickly steered out of the circular turns and moved into his path. Operator #2 had little, if any, time to react. Operator #2 said he believed Operator #1 did not notice him approaching and PWC #2 struck the right side of PWC #1. Life jackets were being worn on both PWCs and there were no injuries. Alcohol was not a factor. There was extensive damage to PWC #1 and minor damage to PWC #2.


BARDID: MN-2021-0046
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Maple
NearestCityorTown: Mentor
County: Polk
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The Sheriff's Office received a call from the Riverview Emergency Room regarding a patient who had been in a boating accident. He was uncooperative and would not provide any information. He denied operating the boat and said he had fallen and hit his head. He was treated and released to his brother (who is the boat owner).

The boat owner indicated the following: The operator called his mom and said the boat was stuck. The mom asked her other son (the boat owner) to pull the boat back to the dock. The boat was found stuck in some reeds on the south side of dry land. There was a path where the boat had driven over about 20-25 yards of dry land and came to rest in reeds on the other side of the point. There was damage to the bottom of the boat.

The operator had been alone on the boat at the time of the incident. It is unknown if he had been wearing a life jacket. He had been drinking. He was transported to the hospital by family. It is suspected that excessive speed was the cause of the incident as the boat was traveling fast enough to drive over about 20-25 yards of dry land. BWI charges are pending.


BARDID: MN-2021-0047
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pelican
NearestCityorTown: Pelican Rapids
County: Otter Tail
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was drifting while the occupants fished. Watercraft #2 approached WC #1 on a parallel course off the port side of WC #1. WC #2 suddenly turned hard to starboard in an attempt to cut behind WC #1. WC #2 struck the port stern area of #1 with it's bow at right angle. Life jackets were not being worn in either craft. There were no injuries. Alcohol was not a factor. There was significant damage to WC #1 and a small amount of damage to WC #2.


BARDID: MN-2021-0048
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pickerel
NearestCityorTown: Pickerel
County: Otter Tail
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
WC #1 was pulling a water skier. Upon returning to the dock, the skier attempted to drop a ski, and in so doing, lost her balance and did a splits in the water, injuring her right leg. She was brought to the dock where she was met by ambulance. They provided care for her leg and she was transported to the hospital for further examination of her injuries. Life jackets were being worn by all. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0049
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Blackduck
NearestCityorTown: Blackduck
County: Beltrami
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Starting in gear
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
A 4-year-old was placed onto the personal watercraft (WC #1) from the dock, as his older brother (19-year-old) was going to give him a ride. The older brother was standing in the water holding onto the side of the PWC before boarding himself. During this time, the 4-year-old child started the PWC and grabbed the throttle. The PWC rapidly accelerated toward the dock and shoreline. The PWC struck the dock, throwing the child in 6 - 12 inches of water. The PWC continued under the dock coming to rest on the rocks of the west shoreline of the lake. The child sustained facial lacerations as a result of striking the dock. He was transported by ambulance to the medical center for further evaluation. Life jackets were being worn and alcohol was not a factor. There was some damage to the PWC.


BARDID: MN-2021-0050
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:47:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Orono
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Deputies responded to a report of a personal injury accident in Maxwell Bay on Lake Minnetonka, a man had been thrown off his personal watercraft (WC #1) and was unconscious. Upon arrival, deputies found him on the back swim platform of a watercraft. A deputy asked him if he was ok and he gave the officer a thumbs up. He said he was ok and only his jaw hurt, and he never lost consciousness. While he was put on a backboard and readied for transport to shore, deputies gathered information from others about the incident. The operator of the boat that the victim was found on said he had not seen the incident, but heard yelling and looked back and saw the man in the water. He pulled him onto his rear swim platform. Another witness stated that the victim had fallen off the personal watercraft while it was turning. A woman identified herself as the victim's girlfriend. She said she was operating the personal watercraft with the victim as her passenger. He had informed her that another jet ski was behind them on the left side, so she steered to the right a little bit. She wasn't sure what happened next to make them fall off. She believes they both fell off the left side and she remembers grabbing him and she started screaming. She said he was awake when she got to him, but was just floating and not talking. The other boat came and got him on board.

It is unknown how fast they were going at the time of the incident. The operator was not injured. Life jackets were being worn and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0051
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi
NearestCityorTown: Homer
County: Winona
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator stated that while driving back to the campground, his passenger lost his balance while trying to secure an American flag that was flying in the front half of the watercraft. The passenger fell into the water on the right side of the boat, at a speed of about 20 mph. The watercraft then ran over the passenger and the prop of the engine cut the left leg of the passenger multiple times between the knee and the ankle. The operator pulled the passenger from the water and continued to the campground to retrieve help. The passenger was treated for injuries and transported to the hospital. Life jackets were not being worn, and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0052
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:26:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big Floyd
NearestCityorTown: Detroit Lakes
County: Becker
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was jumping waves with his personal watercraft when it flipped over. He was pulled from the water by nearby boaters. He was wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident. He was transported to the hospital by ambulance for injuries sustained. He admitted to consuming alcohol. He was charged with BWI, but not arrested. There was no damage to the PWC.


BARDID: MN-2021-0053
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:12:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cass
NearestCityorTown: Cass Lake
County: Cass
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
A personal watercraft was pulling a water skier. The skier lost a ski and fell down. The observer (skier's sister) jumped off to assist her brother with the ski when the rope got tangled around the boy's wrist. The rope got sucked into the PWC motor and dragged the boy under the PWC. The Operator (boy's father) jumped in the water with a knife and pulled his son above water. The rope was cut off of the son's wrist which was very badly cut, but hand was still partially attached and he was transported by boat to shore for medical treatment. Life jackets were being worn by all. Alcohol was not a factor. There was no damage to the PWC.


BARDID: MN-2021-0054
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bass
NearestCityorTown: Remer
County: Cass
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Personal Watercraft #1 (operated by father) and Personal Watercraft #2 (operated by young daughter) were out on the lake. PWC #1 pulled in front of PWC #2, causing #2 to strike #1 on it's port side. Operator #1 received an injury to his leg. Other people on the lake saw Operator #1 in the water waving his hands in the air. A boat pulled up and got both Operator #1 and Operator #2 from the water and rushed them to shore, where they met up with Deputies and EMTs. Operator #1 was transported by ambulance to meet up with air care and was transported to Duluth. Life jackets were being worn by both operators. Alcohol was not a factor. Operator #2 was operating underage, but did not receive a citation. There was no damage to either watercraft.


BARDID: MN-2021-0055
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:11:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Gull
NearestCityorTown: East Gull Lake
County: Cass
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft was towing a tube with two occupants. The tube hit a wave, causing both to fall off the tube. One of the tubers complained of sore ribs and difficulty breathing. The Operator called 911 and went to the closest restaurant on the lake. An ambulance met them at the restaurant and transported the injured party to a medical center for treatment. Life jackets were being worn by all. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0056
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:08:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi
NearestCityorTown: Winona
County: Winona
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: Handle grip
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was driving the personal watercraft with one passenger at an on-plane speed. The left handle grip came off, and he overcorrected the steering. This caused both him and his passenger to be thrown overboard at a high rate of speed. The passenger was injured on impact when she hit the water. She was transported by ambulance to the hospital. The operator was not injured. Life jackets were being worn by both and alcohol was not a factor. There was no damage to the personal watercraft.


BARDID: MN-2021-0057
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:54:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sturgeon
NearestCityorTown: Sturgeon Lake
County: Pine
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #2 was driving across the lake towards the access and hit the bow of WC #1, which was drifting, head on. The occupants of WC #2 were ejected from the boat. Occupants in WC #1 jumped off the boat before impact. There were no injuries sustained. Life jackets were not being worn in either boat. Lights were being used on both watercraft. Alcohol was not a factor. There was damage to the bows of each boat. WC #1's trolling motor was also damaged beyond repair.

Cannot find WC #1 registration number in MN system - Not sure where this watercraft is registered.


BARDID: MN-2021-0058
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:09:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chubb
NearestCityorTown: Carlton
County: Carlton
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft (a pontoon boat) was cruising on the lake with four people on board. One passenger was sitting on the front of the boat, and when it hit a small wave, she fell overboard. She was struck in the legs by the pontoon, causing a laceration. She was transported to the hospital by her family. Life jackets were being worn, and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0059
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big Turtle
NearestCityorTown: Marcell
County: Itasca
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator traveling on the lake at about 1:00 a.m. It was foggy and he lost his bearings and ran his watercraft on shore. He was on plane and traveling about 20-30 MPH, the entire watercraft slid onto the shore. He was not wearing a life jacket and received an injury. Alcohol was not a factor. There were only very minor scratches to the bottom of the boat. The incident was not reported until the following day.


BARDID: MN-2021-0060
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:09:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Winnibigoshish
NearestCityorTown: Deer River
County: Itasca
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was drifting near Battle Point, while the occupant fished from the bow area. Watercraft #2 was on plane and traveling toward WC #1. WC #2 had three occupants, the two passengers were sitting backwards in the mid and rear areas of the boat, facing the operator. WC #2 was going approximately 20-30 MPH. Occupant of WC #1 was waving his hand, trying to get the attention of WC #2. WC #2 struck WC #1 with its starboard side causing damage to both watercraft. All occupants remained inside their boats during the collision. Occupant of WC #1 fell to the bottom of his boat, causing injury. Operator #2 later admitted to not seeing WC #2. Life jackets were not being worn in either boat. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0061
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Koronis
NearestCityorTown: Paynesville
County: Stearns
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of WC #1 attempted to back up, but accidentally went forward, striking a dock. Somebody called and reported this and said the operator was possibly intoxicated. Deputies made contact with the operator, and determined there were signs of impairment. The operator was arrested for BWI and brought to jail. There were no injuries. There was damage to the watercraft and also to the dock. It is unknown if he was wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident.


BARDID: MN-2021-0062
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:19:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bald Eagle
NearestCityorTown: White Bear Township
County: Ramsey
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
The victim was standing in the back of the boat while she was teaching her daughter how to water ski. The boat operator gave the boat some gas, causing the boat to thrust forward and the ski rope to tug, which caused the victim to fall overboard from the back of the boat. Her knee struck the moving prop on the motor. She was removed from the water and placed back in the boat, where she was met by Water Patrol and medics. She was transported to the hospital for treatment. Life jackets were not being worn. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0063
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: George
NearestCityorTown: Oak Grove
County: Anoka
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was on a wake board being pulled by Watercraft #1. The wakeboarder jumped a large wave and when he was landing, he hit the water hard. The spotter on the boat noticed that the wakeboarder wasn't moving after the fall. When the boat turned around and got back to him, he was face down in the water. They pulled him into the boat and rushed him to shore. He was transported by Air Care to the medical center. Life jackets were being worn by all and alcohol was not a factor. It is not known how fast the watercraft was going.


BARDID: MN-2021-0064
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:34:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Orono
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft was anchored in Cruiser's Cove with one occupant (the operator) on board. She fell down a set of stairs on the boat and injured herself. She already had a boot on her foot from a previous injury, which caused her to lose her balance. She admitted to having a few drinks throughout the day, however no BAC was obtained. She was assisted onto the patrol boat and transported to the Public Safety Dock where paramedics were staged. A life jacket was not being worn.


BARDID: MN-2021-0065
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-09-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake of the Woods
NearestCityorTown: Northwest Angle
County: Lake of the Woods
WaterConditions: Very Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator stated that he and two friends had been fishing near Garden Island. Strong winds came up and the motor on the boat quit working. Waves came over the back of the boat causing the boat to fill with water. The two passengers climbed to the bow of the boat and the operator stayed at the back. They called the resort for help. They drifted with the boat until about 4:30 a.m. The boat then overturned putting the occupants in the water. The passengers were able to climb on top of the capsized boat and the operator hung on to the back of the boat near the motor. They were found at about 6:30 a.m. by a passing fisherman. He brought them to another resort. Life jackets were being worn and the men were not injured. Alcohol was not a factor. The boat was removed from the lake but was a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2021-0066
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-10-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:02:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Spring Park
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Sheriff's Office received a report of a Hit and Run incident. WC #1 was docked and hit by an unknown boat, which completely ripped the swim platform from WC #1 and caused damage to the mounting equipment at the rear of the boat. The incident was unwitnessed.


BARDID: MN-2021-0067
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-12-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:56:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi
NearestCityorTown: Champlin
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Water patrol received a report of a capsized canoe in the river. There was a person and a dog in the water. The person was wearing a life jacket. Fire departments responded and initiated an ice/water rescue based from the shoreline. Both the man and the dog were rescued. The man was transported to the hospital to be treated for possible hypothermia. The canoe went down in the river. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0068
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Spring
NearestCityorTown: Prior Lake
County: Scott
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
While attempting to pull up to neighbor's dock, it was windy, and surf boat wakes contributed to pushing the boat into the corner of the dock frame. This caused a deep scrape/gash. No injuries to people.


BARDID: MN-2021-0069
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:01:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Gull
NearestCityorTown: East Gull Lake
County: Cass
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Deputies received a report of a personal watercraft accident, with injury, at a resort. A PWC, which had been rented through the resort had hit a boat lift, causing damage to the lift. Resort staff told the deputy that the injured party was the operator of the PWC. The deputy spoke to the operator who said a wave must have pushed the PWC into the boat lift near the end of the dock. The operator was transported to the hospital for his injuries. The passenger on the PWC had hit his lip on something when they crashed. He did not seek medical attention. The PWC had scuffs to the front and the left-side mirror. The boat lift that was struck was at the end of the marina dock where the resort has their rental watercraft. The lift was on the outer portion of the dock. Based on the damage to the lift, the PWC was probably traveling at a higher rate of speed when it struck the lift. The exact speed is unknown. Alcohol was not a factor. The operator was cited for violation of a slow no-wake zone within 150 feet of shore.


BARDID: MN-2021-0070
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:14:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rainy
NearestCityorTown: International Falls
County: Koochiching
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Deputy was called to a report of a boating accident with an injured 14-year-old. The deputy met the medical crew, the operator and the victim at a dock. The personal watercraft had been pulling the victim in a tube. Somehow, the victim fell off the tube, injuring his leg. It is unknown what he hit, if anything. Life jackets were being worn and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0071
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-07-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:19:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cedar
NearestCityorTown: Aitkin
County: Aitkin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
AccidentCause3: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Two watercraft were cruising on the lake in front of 334th Ln. WC #1 was struck by WC #2. Both operators claim the other boat did not have their lights on. Passengers from both boats fell into the water, two passengers from WC #1 received injuries. Life jackets were not being worn in either boat. Alcohol was a factor. Operator #1 was arrested for BWI/Criminal Vehicular Operation. Operator #2 admitted to drinking, but would not take a PBT and passed the Field Sobriety Tests. There was damage to both watercraft, and WC #1 was a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2021-0072
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:13:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rainy
NearestCityorTown: International Falls
County: Koochiching
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Deputy was called to a boat fire. He spoke to the operator, who said he did not turn on the blower before starting the engine. The passenger received some burns on her legs. Life jackets were not being worn. Alcohol was not a factor. The boat was a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2021-0073
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cross
NearestCityorTown: Crosslake
County: Crow Wing
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was traveling out of a channel into open water and couldn't see Watercraft #2 near the shoreline fishing. WC #1 collided with the side of WC #2 causing damage to both boats. Both boats had their navigation lights on. Life jackets were not being worn in either boat. There were no injuries. Alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0074
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-09-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:26:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Roosevelt
NearestCityorTown: Outing
County: Cass
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was traveling northbound on the lake heading back toward the public landing when it struck WC #2. Operator #1 stated he could not see WC #2 until it was too late. WC #2 did not have its rear white light on. It was completely dark at the time of the accident. There were no injuries and alcohol was not a factor. Life jackets were not being worn in either boat. There was damage to both watercraft. Operator #2 received a citation for not displaying proper navigation lights.


BARDID: MN-2021-0075
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:32:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rush
NearestCityorTown: Crosslake
County: Crow Wing
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Both watercraft were on Rush Lake heading back into the channel towards Boyd Lodge. Both watercraft were approaching a slow no-wake zone. WC #2 passed a pontoon boat on the right, and when WC #2 was approaching the slow no-wake zone, WC #2 collided into the side of WC #1. WC #2 claims he got sucked into the wake of WC #1 and was not able to turn out of the wake before they collided. Life jackets were being worn in WC #1, unknown if they were worn in WC #2. There were no injuries and alcohol was not a factor. There was major damage to WC #1 and minor damage to WC #2.


BARDID: MN-2021-0076
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Clamshell
NearestCityorTown: Pequot Lakes
County: Crow Wing
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator states he was operating the personal watercraft on the lake in front of his parents residence. He said he wasn't paying attention and hit the dock. He was wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident and was not injured. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor. The incident was reported two days after it occurred. There was damage to the PWC and it is a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2021-0077
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rush
NearestCityorTown: Crosslake
County: Crow Wing
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator #1 stated he was traveling westbound in the channel between Cross Lake and Rush Lake, coming into Rush Lake. He said a pontoon boat (WC #2) approached him at a high rate of speed and collided into the rear of his boat. He said he had his navigation lights on at the time of the incident. He admitted to consuming alcohol earlier, however provided a PBT which resulted in 0.00. Life jackets were not being worn in WC #1.

The deputy made contact with Operator #2 the following day. He said he was driving the pontoon boat at the time of the incident. He said he did not see the other boat while traveling through the channel. He had his navigation lights on. He admitted to consuming alcohol, however, it was an undetermined amount due to contact being made the following day. Life jackets were not being worn in WC #2.

There was damage to WC #1 and WC #2 only had a paint transfer.


BARDID: MN-2021-0078
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-08-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:21:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pearl
NearestCityorTown: Kimball
County: Stearns
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft was drifting while the passengers fished. The operator was attempting to start the motor when the engine started on fire and flames burned two of the passengers. Another boat picked up all passengers and transported them back to the boat access, where they met law enforcement and first responders. The passengers were cleared by ambulance. The fire department arrived to assist with removal of the burned boat however the boat sank before they were able to recover it. Life jackets were being worn at the time of the incident. Alcohol was not a factor. The boat was a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2021-0079
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Forest #3
NearestCityorTown: Forest Lake
County: Washington
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was trolling the weed line. Watercraft #2 had obstructed vision below the windshield. Operator #2 did not see WC #1 prior to impact. The boats hit head on, off center. All information was exchanged at the boat launch. The incident was reported to law enforcement about 3 hours after incident occurred. The boats were already off the water and sent home. There were no injuries. Life jackets were not being worn. Alcohol was not a factor. There was damage to both watercraft.


BARDID: MN-2021-0080
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-09-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sand Point
NearestCityorTown: Crane Lake
County: St. Louis
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 9/26/2021 at 1109 hours, Operator #1 called 911 to report a watercraft accident that occurred on 9/25/2021 at 1500 hours. It was not called in at the time due to no cell service. Operator #2 was driving his boat at about 25 MPH in the narrows of Grassy Bay. He had two passengers. Operator #1 was following WC #2 while staying in its wake. Operator #2 stopped to check on a fishing spot. Operator #1 was looking to the side for a campsite. Operator #1 noticed the stopped boat and attempted to turn to the right and gave it gas. WC #1 struck the starboard side transom of WC #2 with its front keel. WC #1 rode up on top of WC #2. They were able to get WC #1 off WC #2 and got both boats to shore. There were no injuries and all occupants were wearing life jackets. A resort was contacted to tow both boats back to the landing. Alcohol was not a factor. There was damage to both boats.


BARDID: MN-2021-0081
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-09-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:07:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi
NearestCityorTown: Red Wing
County: Goodhue
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator #1 got WC #1 in morning on 9/11/2021 and had battery issues 2 weeks prior. At 1330 hours the boat was headed south in the river channel. There were no issues when it came out of the No Wake area. Operator got the boat on plane and noticed an issue with the starboard motor, he couldn't get it over 2800 RPM (normal RPM is 3100 coming up on plane). Operator backed off the throttle, checked to see if anything was plugged and noticed nothing. Operator tried coming up on plane and had the same issue a second time and noticed now the port motor had died. Passenger on board smelled smoke, and Operator then saw black smoke coming from the back of the boat. Operator killed both motors and opened engine compartment to see black smoke and visible flames. Operator got everyone away and had passengers put on life jackets. Operator used a fire extinguisher to put out the flame. Operator mentioned that all three batteries were changed prior to the voyage. The operator noticed a battery cable was resting on serpentine belt on the starboard motor. Operator believes the cause of the fire was from a possible electrical arc. There were no injuries and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2021-0082
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-10-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Vermilion
NearestCityorTown: Tower
County: St. Louis
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with governmental vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was floating with the motor off getting ready to fish. WC #1 was facing south in Everetts Bay in the narrows going into Big Bay. WC #1 was to the right of the green buoy marker. Operator #1 saw WC #2 coming and attempted to get their attention by waving arms and yelling. WC #1 was struck head on by WC #2.

WC #2 was North cruising to check fishing nets in the entrance of Big Bay. Operator #2 saw WC #1 and went to the right to avoid it. WC #2 got closer and operator didn't see WC #1 and struck it head on. Passenger of WC #2 was sitting right front, facing backwards toward the operator. It appeared that the passenger was obstructing the view of the operator. The passenger in WC #2 was wearing a life jacket and was thrown into the water when the boats collided. The passenger from WC #2 was taken from the water and put in WC #1 and everyone was brought to shore. The passenger from WC #2 had a possible minor injury to his arm but did not seek medical treatment. Life jackets were being worn in WC #2 but not in WC #1. Alcohol was not a factor. Both watercraft received damage but were both still operable.


BARDID: MN-2021-0083
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-11-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:26:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi
NearestCityorTown: Red Wing
County: Goodhue
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was done fishing for the day and was southbound on the Mississippi River. WC #2 was trolling northbound at approximately .5 MPH on the Mississippi near the Vermillion River. WC #1 was traveling approximately 21 MPH upon impact with WC #2. WC #1 impacted on the starboard bow going over the top of WC #2. Operator #2 was ejected from the boat and passenger on WC #2 had his head hit by WC #1. Operator #2 was able to get back into WC #2. Passenger on WC #1 notified Operator #1 of a person in the water and they turned around. Operator #1 stated he could see the sides and shore, but not in front of WC because a passenger was sitting in the front seat. Operator #2 stated prior to crash they saw WC #1 coming at them and began waving and yelling. Life jackets were being worn in WC #1 but not in WC #2. Alcohol was not a factor. There was damage to both boats.


BARDID: MN-2021-0085
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:23:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Orchard
NearestCityorTown: Lakeville
County: Dakota
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Deputies on scene talked to the male party involved in the incident. He said he was a passenger on the personal watercraft. He said the female victim had been operating the PWC. They had just gone over a jump and stopped to take a picture. They forgot to put their phones away and were getting ready to start riding again when the phones fell in the lake. She wanted to jump in to get the phones. He told her not to and said he would buy her a new phone. She took her life jacket off and jumped in the lake. She went under water and didn't resurface. He jumped into the water and pulled her to the surface. She was foaming at the mouth and making a weird noise. He was unable to get her back on the PWC. Friends helped get her to shore and started CPR. She regained consciousness and was transported to the hospital.

She had been drinking and a Lakeville police officer estimated her BAC. Both parties stated they were a passenger. It is unknown which person was the operator. It is unknown if the male party had been drinking.


BARDID: MN-2021-0086
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-09-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lost/Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Mound
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Sheriff's Office was dispatched to a boat fire at a dock on Lost Lake - Lake Minnetonka. As the deputy approached, he observed a small aluminum boat (WC #1) burned to just above the waterline and still smoldering as firefighters were spraying water on it. The bow had melted down to the waterline. The transom was still intact and was supporting an outboard motor. The city dock and security gate were burned and charred. Another boat (WC #2) was slipped just west of the burned boat, this boat had melted fiberglass and upholstery along the starboard side. 
The owner of WC #2 said he had not used his boat that day. 
The owner of WC #1 said he had been on his boat earlier in the day. When asked if he had fueled his boat and if he had any special electronics on it, he said he had not put gas in it that day and he did have a bow mounted trolling motor with two batteries in the bow and one battery at the stern. He said he did use the trolling motor briefly and remembered shutting off the batteries when he slipped the boat. He was unaware of any mechanical issues or anything on the boat that would have caused the fire. The repair shop and insurance company were unable to determine the cause of the fire. Watercraft #1 was a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2021-0087
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:58:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pelican
NearestCityorTown: Breezy Point
County: Crow Wing
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was attempting to back the boat into their spot at a dock. The operator's husband (a passenger on the boat) exclaimed that the operator was about to back into another docked boat. The operator then quickly put the boat into forward and rapidly drove into the shore, which caused the boat to come to an abrupt stop. The husband fell over in the boat as a result, and was knocked unconscious. EMS arrived on scene and transported him to the hospital. Life jackets were not being worn. Alcohol was not a factor. There was a small amount of damage to the pontoon boat.


BARDID: MN-2021-0088
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fox River
NearestCityorTown: Fifty Lakes
County: Crow Wing
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Passenger was climbing into the back of the watercraft via ladder near the motor, when he fell back into the water and hit the activated prop, which cut his leg. Life jackets were being worn. Alcohol was not a factor. There was no damage to the watercraft.


BARDID: MN-2022-0001
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-04-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi
NearestCityorTown: Little Falls
County: Morrison
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was kayaking on the river at about 4:00 p.m. and fell off the kayak. She was not wearing a life jacket. There were still ice sheets on the river and she got trapped between ice chunks. She was rescued by emergency personnel with the use of floatation boats and cold water rescue suits. She was transported to the hospital. Alcohol was not a factor. The kayak was not required to be registered.


BARDID: MN-2022-0002
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-04-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith
NearestCityorTown: Nelson
County: Douglas
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator/Owner was in his kayak in the bay, cleaning up garbage. His kayak started to fill with water. He was too far from shore to get back before the kayak was filled with water, putting him in the lake. He held on to the kayak while swimming back toward shore. After approximately 8-10 minutes, he was able to touch the bottom of the lake and walked back into shore where he was met by first responders. He was transported to the health center to get checked out. He was not wearing a life jacket, and there were none on board. Alcohol was not a factor. There was no damage to the kayak. The kayak is not required to be registered.


BARDID: MN-2022-0003
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-05-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:49:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Green
NearestCityorTown: Spicer
County: Kandiyohi
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause2: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Occupants were aboard a homemade boat and were bowfishing. Multiple occupants stood on the bow of the boat, causing it to take on water. The boat capsized, putting all 5 people in the water. All 5 were able to climb onto the capsized boat to await rescue. Life jackets were not being worn and there were none on board. The PFDs had apparently fallen out of the boat on the drive to the lake. Alcohol was not a factor. Multiple occupants refused EMS, but parents made them go to the hospital to get checked out. There was no damage to the boat.


BARDID: MN-2022-0004
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-05-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:09:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sauk
NearestCityorTown: Waite Park
County: Stearns
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
A husband and wife (in separate kayaks) were paddling on the river together. They had just gone under the County Road 121 bridge when the husband (operator #2) turned around to check where his wife (operator #1) was. He hit his head on a tree branch which caused him to flip. He was uncertain as to whether he had lost consciousness. The wife tried to stop because she saw her husband flip and did not see him surface. While trying to stop, the wife also flipped. Both parties were able to get to an area where they could stand in a grove of trees in the middle of the river. The wife called 911 and emergency crews responded. An airboat was used to get both parties to shore. Both parties were treated on scene by ambulance, and later were transported to the hospital by private party. The river current was strong and the water was high. They both were wearing lifejackets, and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2022-0005
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-04-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:56:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big Marine
NearestCityorTown: Scandia
County: Washington
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and passenger left the boat launch at a high rate of speed. At some point, for unknown reason, the boat took a hard left turn. Both occupants ended up in the water without lifejackets. Another boater tried to rescue them, but they both went under and did not resurface. A search was started and the operator's body was recovered at about 1900 hours the same day. The passenger's body was recovered at about 1600 hours the following day. There was no mechanical equipment failure found. Life jackets were on board, but were not being worn. Alcohol was not a factor. There was a small amount of damage to the boat.


BARDID: MN-2022-0006
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-05-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:07:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sagatagan
NearestCityorTown: Avon
County: Stearns
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Sheriff's Office received a call regarding a capsized canoe, south of St John's University. The caller was one of the canoe occupants, who was in the lake treading water. He said the canoe was sinking and only one of them had a life jacket on. There had been no other life jackets in the canoe. When the deputy arrived, he could see the men floating in the water. St. John's Life Safety launched a small, flat bottom boat and rescued the four male subjects. Two of the men were transported to the hospital with low body temps and the other two refused medical. The boat was left floating because a storm was coming and Life Safety would recover it at a later time. The canoe occupants said they had been paddling back to shore because there was a storm approaching. Alcohol was not a factor and there was no damage to the canoe.


BARDID: MN-2022-0007
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-05-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi
NearestCityorTown: Red Wing
County: Goodhue
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Witness is a City of Red Wing employee and is in charge of Ole Miss Marina. He was on Dock 'G' when he heard yelling and a loud crash. He didn't see the crash but got the vessel information of WC #1 in case they didn't return. He said other boats on the dock didn't appear to be damaged. 

The operator of WC #1 had just put in at the Bay Point Boat Launch in the City of Red Wing. Operator #1 had the vessel in reverse, backing up between Dock C and Dock D so he could get turned around. He had a passenger on board who was at the stern of the vessel, watching as the operator backed up. The Passenger told the Operator to go forward as WC #1 got close to Dock D. The Operator told the officer that the left (port) controls are for gear shifting and the right (starboard) controls are for the throttle. The Operator pushed the throttle, instead of changing gears, while still in reverse. WC #1 was going approximately 5 MPH, and the swim platform made contact with Dock D. The Passenger yelled at the Operator to go forward. The Watercraft stayed in reverse at full throttle for some time until the Operator changed gears. Operator left to go dock his boat at River Valley Marina. There was no visible damage to WC #1. 

The Passenger stated that he was assisting the Operator to launch his vessel. He was on the stern of the boat, helping the Operator to back up. The boat was about 6 feet from the dock and the Passenger advised the Operator to go forward. The Passenger saw the Operator put what he thought was forward control, but was actually was the throttle. The watercraft was still in reverse and the swim platform hit the dock, causing damage to the dock.

Alcohol was not a factor. There were no injuries. Life jackets were not being worn. There was no damage to the watercraft, but there was damage to the City Dock.


BARDID: MN-2022-0008
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-05-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi
NearestCityorTown: St Cloud
County: Stearns
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft (a kayak) was entering the river from the public access just south of the St. Cloud Dam. The operator attempted to cross over swift moving water, and the current and rapids pulled the front of the kayak below the surface. The kayak filled with water and the operator was thrown into the river. He grabbed ahold of the kayak and was swept downstream. He yelled for help and went approximately three to four miles downstream before being assisted to shore by three other kayakers. He had no visible signs of injury but complained of being tired and sore. He was seen by ambulance staff and medically cleared but refused transport. The kayak is under 10 feet and is not required to be registered. Alcohol was not a factor. There was a life jacket in a compartment on the kayak, but it was not retrieved and operator was not wearing one. There was no damage to the kayak.


BARDID: MN-2022-0009
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2022-05-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:07:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sauk
NearestCityorTown: Sartell
County: Stearns
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The kayak/operator (WC #1) was on the Sauk River, along with two other kayakers. The water level was high and the current was moving faster than normal due to flooding. They were traveling downstream and were by Heim's Mill. The kayaks hit an obstruction under the water, described to be a concrete block. All three were thrown from their kayaks. The other two were able to grab their kayaks and swim to shore. Operator #1 was unable to get his kayak and it continued downstream. Operator #1 was able to swim to shore. All were wearing life jackets and alcohol was not a factor. All three were tired and sore. There was no visible signs of injury. They were checked out by ambulance service and medically cleared. They refused transport. Kayak #1 was less than 10 feet long and not required to be registered. It was not recovered and is a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2022-0010
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: West Sylvia
NearestCityorTown: Annandale
County: Wright
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The victim was swimming in the lake when he was struck by a pontoon boat. He reported that the pointed part of the boats float tube (pontoon) struck him in the forehead and then the propeller struck him in the left ear. He advised that he was wearing a floatable wet suit and was dragging a bright orange buoy for visibility. He reported that he was swimming approximately 50 yards from shore, northbound on the north part of the lake. He was evaluated at the emergency room and received stitches but was cleared of head trauma via CAT scan. The driver of the boat has not been identified. The victim said the boater stopped but did not provide information. The incident was reported to authorities by the victim, after he came home from the emergency room. He said he swims in the lake about 3 times a week as he enjoys doing triathlons. He thought the boat approached him from the NW because he takes breaths to the right so he would have seen it coming from the east. He said he didn't report the incident right away because he didn't think it was a big deal and that the hospital staff convinced him to call the authorities. He did not have any information about the boat, beyond that it was a pontoon boat, or the people on board.


BARDID: MN-2022-0011
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:38:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Detroit
NearestCityorTown: Detroit Lakes
County: Becker
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
The passenger had spilled beer on himself and decided to jump into the lake to wash it off. He was wearing a tee shirt and jeans but wasn't wearing a life jacket. The operator stated the motor was off and they were drifting when the passenger jumped into the lake. The pontoon boat started drifting away from the man in the water and he started to swim toward it. 

He started to struggle after about 2 minutes and started yelling for help as he couldn't catch the boat. Another passenger jumped into the water and tried to help, but the man started to pull her under so she swam back to the boat. The other male passenger jumped into the water to try to help, but he was also pulled under and had to let go to save himself. He then swam back to the boat. The operator then jumped into the water, but he couldn't find the man. 911 was called immediately. The man's body was recovered about 3 1/2 hours later. Life jackets were not being worn. Alcohol was a factor. There was no BAC taken for the operator, but he admitted to drinking half a beer.


BARDID: MN-2022-0012
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2022-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:04:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sauk
NearestCityorTown: Sartell
County: Stearns
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
A concerned citizen contacted 911 to report seeing an empty kayak go past him downstream on the Sauk River. Deputies responded and located two men at the Sauk Rapids Regional Park. The men told the deputies they were kayaking on the river near the park. They were in separate kayaks and both craft entered rough water with strong current. Both kayaks were pulled under the water and began flooding and sinking. The men were thrown from their kayaks into the water. They were wearing lifejackets and were able to swim to shore. They both complained of being tired and sore, but refused medical attention. Alcohol was not a factor. The kayaks were under 10 feet in length and were not required to be registered. The craft continued downstream and were never recovered. Both were a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2022-0013
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:02:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Vermilion
NearestCityorTown: Tower
County: St. Louis
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator let go of the tiller to catch his hat which had blown off. The boat turned sharply and caused the operator to be thrown overboard from his seat. His hand was caught in a cleat, which caused his thumb to be ripped almost completely off by the force. The passenger was able to get the boat under control, the motor turned off and the operator back in the boat. He was airlifted to a hospital in Duluth. Alcohol was not a factor. Life jackets were being worn. There was no damage to the boat.


BARDID: MN-2022-0014
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ten Mile
NearestCityorTown: Hackensack
County: Cass
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The Sheriff's Office received a call regarding a watercraft accident involving two personal watercraft. The woman calling was at the hospital with a passenger (a foreign exchange student who was in her care) who was being checked for a head injury. The deputy got the information for all involved in the incident and followed up the following morning. He met with the Operator/Owner of Personal Watercraft #1. He had been operating with two passengers. His daughter was operating PWC #2, also with two passengers. Operator #1 said they had been on the lake for about an hour and were operating out in the lake just to the east of their cabin. He said he had made a big loop and stopped PWC #1 while waiting for PWC #2 to catch up. He stated that as Operator #2 came out of the loop, she didn't see that he had stopped and her PWC struck his at approximately 5-10 MPH. PWC #1 overturned dumping the three occupants in the water. They got PWC #1 turned upright and towed it to shore. Operator #2 agreed that this was an accurate description of the incident. After getting the PWCs to shore, they had decided to go for a pontoon ride. While on the pontoon boat, a passenger from PWC #1 started to complain of a headache and a large "goose egg" appeared on her forehead. She was taken to the hospital to be checked out and that's when the Sheriff's Office was called. When the Deputy finished up with Operators #1 and #2, he met with the Injured Passenger and the woman she was staying with. The injured party had been treated and released from the hospital the evening before. She confirmed the statements given by Operator #1 and #2 about the incident from the day before. There were no other injuries from the incident. Life jackets were being worn by all involved. Alcohol was not a factor. There was some damage to PWC #1.


BARDID: MN-2022-0015
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:08:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Gull
NearestCityorTown: East Gull Lake
County: Cass
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of the watercraft was approaching the dock to pick up the Victim. There was a mechanical malfunction with the motor and the Operator realized he was approaching too fast. The victim attempted to catch the front of the watercraft with her feet. She was unable to stop the watercraft and her feet went under the front of the watercraft, pinching her legs between the dock and the watercraft. She sustained severe damage to both legs in the calf area. She was airlifted to the Twin Cities for treatment. Alcohol was not a factor and life jackets were not being worn. There was no damage to the boat.


BARDID: MN-2022-0016
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:48:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi
NearestCityorTown: Red Wing
County: Goodhue
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with commercial vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator left Boom #5, Boathouse in Red Wing, operating WC #1. Operator #1 added gas to the fuel tank from a canister inside the boathouse prior to leaving. Watercraft #1 was northbound on the river. They were at the end of the northern No Wake Zone in Bay Point, in the middle of the channel. WC #1 has a manual trim; the pin on the trip was in the second hole up from the bottom. Operator #1 turned off the motor and went to lift the motor and place the pin for the trim. Operator #1 stated they leave it up when stored in the boathouse to keep the motor out of the water. Operator #1 looked downstream and didn't see anything. A passenger on WC #1 told Operator #1 that a barge was coming.

Operator #1 had the motor back in the water. The motor wouldn't start. Watercraft #1 floated into the port side of the barge towed by WC #2. WC #1's impact was on the bow, port side. Watercraft #1 overturned and all occupants were out of the boat and in the river. Operator #1 was able to locate three of the juvenile passengers, but was unable to find a 5-year-old boy. Operator #1 thought the boy was underneath the overturned boat. A good Samaritan towed WC #1 to Red Wing Marina. When WC #1 was to the dock, the good Samaritan noticed a child's shoe in the boat. The good Samaritan pulled the boy out of the boat and CPR was started. The victim was not breathing and was taken by Red Wing ambulance to the hospital in Red Wing, where he was then flown to Rochester.

Alcohol was not a factor. Lifejackets were being worn. There was some damage to WC #1.


BARDID: MN-2022-0017
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Francis
NearestCityorTown: Elysian
County: Le Sueur
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator #1 and Operator #2 were riding their Personal Watercraft together on the lake. At one point, Operator #2 approached Operator #1 and due to windy/choppy conditions, PWC #2 bumped into PWC #1. During the collision, Operator #2's right leg was pinned between the two PWCs, causing injury. Both were able to make it to shore, where they located help and called 911. Life jackets were being worn by both operators and alcohol was not a factor. There was a small amount of damage to each PWC.


BARDID: MN-2022-0018
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-01 00:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Washington
NearestCityorTown: Madison Lake
County: Le Sueur
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The victim had left on the pontoon boat about 6:00 p.m. the previous evening (6/30/2022) to visit a local establishment. The County Sheriff's Office received a call about 6:40 am the following morning (7/1/2022) when the man's family could not locate him. The boat was found floating along the shoreline about 35 feet from the dock. The deceased man was eventually found in about 2 1/2 feet of water about 30 out from the dock. He had facial lacerations and a large bump on his head. It is unknown if he had fallen overboard or if the boat was already beached and the operator was walking over to the dock. He was not wearing a life jacket. Alcohol was a factor. There was no damage to the boat.


BARDID: MN-2022-0019
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:48:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake of the Woods
NearestCityorTown: Angle Inlet
County: Lake of the Woods
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Occupants were using the Mercury 9.9 HP motor to move the boat at a slow speed while fishing. The victim was standing on the rear casting platform near the transom of the boat. 

The boat hit an underwater object. After the boat hit the object, the victim fell overboard. The other passenger reported that the victim was motionless after falling into the water. He used a Type IV throwable and landed it near the victim. The victim was still motionless and began sinking. The passenger jumped into the water in an attempt to rescue the victim. He was later recovered from 7 feet of water by Sheriff's Deputies. Alcohol was not a factor. The victim was not wearing a life jacket. The victim drowned while possibly having a seizure.


BARDID: MN-2022-0020
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:16:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: South Lida
NearestCityorTown: Pelican Rapids
County: Otter Tail
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
OtherAccidentCause: Operator behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The watercraft left the dock with 2 passengers and a dog on board. After about 5 minutes, the dog jumped into the lake. The boat was drifting and the Operator jumped in to save the dog. He began to struggle. It was very windy and the boat drifted away. 

The male passenger turned the boat around and went back to the victim. He threw a Type IV seat cushion to the victim. He noticed the victim was still struggling and jumped in to help, as the female passenger drove the boat back to them. 

The man was able to drag the victim towards the boat using the seat cushion, but the victim lost consciousness and did not hang on. The victim was eventually dragged onto the boat by both passengers, and was unresponsive. 

They began CPR and drove the victim to the public access via the boat to meet the ambulance. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Life jackets were not being worn and alcohol was not a factor. COD was determined to be "Natural due to swimming induced cardiac arrhythmia."


BARDID: MN-2022-0021
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:59:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pelican
NearestCityorTown: Breezy Point
County: Crow Wing
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The victim was operating his recently purchased pontoon boat with three passengers on board. He stopped the boat on the south end of the lake. The anchor was lowered in deep water, although the boat continued drifting. 

The victim swam from the boat to relieve himself. The three passengers remained on the boat as it drifted away from the victim. The victim started struggling, and then became fully submerged face-down in the water for approximately one minute. 

The three on the boat were unfamiliar with it's operation. They eventually maneuvered back to the victim and it took approximately 3-4 minutes to pull him back onto the boat. CPR was started as soon as he was on the pontoon boat. The male passenger was able to get the boat to the public access, where lifesaving measures were continued. The victim was later pronounced dead at the scene. Lifejackets were not being worn. There was a small amount of alcohol in the victim's system.


BARDID: MN-2022-0022
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lower Prior
NearestCityorTown: Prior Lake
County: Scott
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
The watercraft was pulling a wake-surfer. The operator got the boat up to approximately 10.8 MPH and hit a submerged rock just under the water. The operator could not see the rocks under the water. He described feeling like they hit a wall, going from 10.8 MPH to 3 MPH in one second. There were no injuries. Life jackets were not being worn. Alcohol was not a factor. There was damage to the boat.


BARDID: MN-2022-0023
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Prior
NearestCityorTown: Prior Lake
County: Scott
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft was operating at about 10 MPH in about 4-feet of water. The watercraft must have hit a rock or a sandbar. The propeller stopped and they thought the crank shaft snapped. The boat was towed to the marina. Life jackets were not being worn. There were no injuries. Alcohol was not a factor. There was damage to the boat.


BARDID: MN-2022-0024
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:31:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Prior
NearestCityorTown: Prior Lake
County: Scott
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Patrol boat (WC #2) vs. Pontoon boat (WC #1) at the Marina. WC #2 was pulling into the gas dock to tie up. WC #1 was already tied up and preparing to leave after getting fuel. Operator #2 misjudged the distance he was from WC #1. As Operator #2 went to maneuver around WC #1, his motor clipped the bow of WC #1 causing an indent and paint transfer on the rub rail. There were no injuries and alcohol was not a factor. There was a very minor scratch to the rear of WC #2. Life jackets were being worn in WC #2, but not in WC #1.


BARDID: MN-2022-0025
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2022-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Prior
NearestCityorTown: Prior Lake
County: Scott
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Deputies were dispatched to an accident on Prior Lake. It was reported that a personal watercraft (WC #1) had hit a boat (WC #2), the PWC operator had fallen off and was treading water near the boat and did not seem to have any apparent injuries. The PWC had not sunk, and a pontoon boat had helped the PWC operator out of the water and got her to shore. Deputies were given the address that the PWC operator was at.

Deputies arrived and located Operator #1 at that address, which was her home. She was limping and showed the deputy a few scrapes on her legs. She said she was not injured and that she was "in shock." When asked what happened, she said that her friend's kids had gotten stuck on a PWC on the lake so she had gone out one her PWC to help them. She said she did not see the boat (WC #2) when she was coming back to shore and thought it could have been because of a blind spot or the sun. She said the boat operator moved to the front of the boat and was waving his arms at her, which is when she finally noticed the boat, but not before the collision. She said that the PWC is old so the key sometimes sticks. She said it "took off" on her. She said she was wearing a life jacket at the time of the collision. She had been alone and had not lost consciousness. She declined medical attention from the ambulance service and declined to be transported to the hospital.

Operator #2 had been on the lake with his wife. He said he had been driving south on Upper Prior Lake. A PWC was driving toward them fast, in the direction of the shore. He stated he went to the front of the boat and started waving his arms. He was able to get the attention of the PWC operator, but she had not been able to avoid hitting his boat.

A witness advised that the boat was driving south on Prior Lake. She stated that the PWC was driving toward the boat very fast. She said the PWC driver was looking behind her and not wearing a life jacket. She said the driver of the boat attempted to get the PWC operator's attention but was not able to do so before the PWC collided with the boat.

Life jackets were not worn on WC #2 and probably were worn on WC #1. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor. Operator #1 later went to Urgent Care to have her legs checked, they were not broken. Operator #1 was issued citations for PWC operation between 1 hour before sunset and 9:30 a.m. and also for PWC operation in any other manner that is not reasonable and prudent. There was damage to both watercraft. WC #1 is a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2022-0026
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:32:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Superior
NearestCityorTown: Knife River
County: Lake
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator/Owner launched his 42-foot boat at the Knife River Marina in route to Barker's Island Marina in Superior, WI. He had three passengers. They were at a slow speed, approximately 10 MPH when they approached Stoney Point. As they neared Stoney Point the boat hit a fixed object in the lake and jarred very hard and stopped. The boat immediately started taking on water. Operator explained that on his graph there were no rocks showing on the lake bottom, but when he looked over the edge he saw a large shelf-like rock that the boat was stuck on. All occupants then put on life jackets. The operator used the distress signal on his marine radio and contacted the US Coast Guard to come to his aid while one of the passengers called 911. When the deputy arrived at the scene, she saw the boat tipped partially on its starboard side into the water and stuck on the rock ledge approximately 200 yards out from shore. The USCG responded and safely removed all passengers from the boat. The deputy spoke with the boat operator who said he has been a boat captain for about 15 years and has over 500 hours on that specific boat. The operator arranged a private salvage tow. There were no injuries, and alcohol was not a factor. There was significant damage to the starboard side of the boat.


BARDID: MN-2022-0027
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:35:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: St. Croix
NearestCityorTown: Stillwater Township
County: Washington
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim (Owner/Operator) was on the river and apparently fishing in the overnight hours. According to family members and friends, he frequently fishes at this time of day and also in this particular part of the river. 

Another user of the river spotted the victim's empty boat floating in the river and called the Sheriff's Office. The boat was recovered and brought to shore. The area was searched by State Patrol helicopter, deputies walking the shoreline and a sheriff's boat using side scan sonar. During the search efforts, the subject was located in the water by another river user. 

It is unknown how the subject entered the water. He did have 2 fishing poles in his boat with various amounts of fishing tackle. The incident was unwitnessed and it is unknown what time he went in the water. He was not wearing a life jacket and alcohol was not a factor. There was no damage to the boat.


BARDID: MN-2022-0028
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:47:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Little Fourteen
NearestCityorTown: Cook
County: St. Louis
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentCause2: Failure to vent
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator had just re-fueled his PWC and was 15-20 feet from shore when he started it. Once started, the PWC had "exploded" which caused the operator to become airborne. He landed back on the seat, but quickly jumped off once a fire started in the engine compartment. The hood cover was also blown off and hit the operator in the forehead. A life jacket was being worn and alcohol was not a factor. The operator sought medical attention for his back.


BARDID: MN-2022-0029
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Gull
NearestCityorTown: Fairview Township
County: Cass
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Statement from witness was that Watercraft #1 (rental pontoon boat) was having difficulty with departing the dock at the Quarterdeck/Dock establishment on the morning of 6/18/2022. it was stated that the rear of WC #1 made contact with an unoccupied pontoon boat (WC #2) which was tied up at the dock. The witness stated that WC #1 then hit the dock with it's pontoon as the operator was attempting to depart the dock area.

The Operator of WC #1 and his wife admitted to having difficulty that day maneuvering the rental pontoon boat due to high winds and rough waters. They admitted to backing into the docked pontoon (WC #2) which was unoccupied and tied to the dock that day, however, they stated that they didn't believe any damage had been done. They stated that they didn't believe they made contact with the dock causing any damage that day. They stated that they did advise the staff at the rental company about the incident and believed everything was fine as the staff didn't bring up any issues.

Lifejackets were being worn and it is unknown if alcohol was a factor. There were no injuries. There was damage to both watercraft and the dock.


BARDID: MN-2022-0030
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:08:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Mound
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Owner/Operator stated that his wooden boat "shrunk up" a lot in the heat and when he went to launch it, it took on a lot of water. They couldn't get the boat trailer back into the water fast enough to pull the boat back out right away, so a lot of water was able to get into the cabin of the craft. After an hour and a half of the bilge pump running and allowing it to drain slowly, they were able to pull the half-sunken boat onto the trailer and pull it out. A life jacket was not being worn and there were no injuries. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor. There was water damage to the inside of the watercraft.


BARDID: MN-2022-0031
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:41:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: White Bear
NearestCityorTown: White Bear Lake
County: Ramsey
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The Owner of WC #1 (and witness) stated that one of his boat renters had run into a privately owned pontoon boat (WC #2) which was parked over on the gas dock. He gave the officer the information for the boat renter (Operator #1), who had already left the scene and could not be interviewed. The officer then talked to the owner of WC #2. She said that she had her boat tied up to the gas dock when WC #1 struck it on the right side near the driver's chair. She said that no one was operating her boat when it was struck.

On 7/17/2022, the officer contacted Operator #1 to collect his statement. He said he was backing up the fishing boat (WC #1) that he had rented. It was a tiller style steering motor that he is not comfortable using. As he was backing up from the docks, he steered to the right which was getting close to a small boat. He started to go forward but the throttle was sticky and he turned to the left side, striking the pontoon boat (WC #2) that was tied to the gas dock. He said there were 5 people on the pontoon boat at the time of the incident. He said that his father was the only passenger on board with him. He said he did not remember if they were wearing life jackets or not. He talked with the owner of WC #1 to make sure that he had his contact information and then he and his dad left the scene.

There were no injuries with this incident. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor. Life jackets were not being worn in WC #2. There was damage to WC #2 and a small amount of damage to WC #1.


BARDID: MN-2022-0032
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Kerbs
NearestCityorTown: Perham
County: Otter Tail
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
PWC #2 was doing a circle "donut" in the middle of the lake. PWC#1 struck PWC #2 on the starboard side. Both operators were ejected off their PWCs into the water. They were both wearing a life jacket and there were no injuries. Unknown if alcohol was a factor as the incident was reported the following day. PWC #1 sustained damage and PWC #2 only had cosmetic damage on the starboard side.


BARDID: MN-2022-0033
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:07:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Dead
NearestCityorTown: Richville
County: Otter Tail
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was heading back to the cabin after the storm started and he could not see because of the heavy rain. He realized he passed the cabin and eased up on the throttle and turned sharp to turn around. The next thing he remembered was being in the water, looking up and seeing the boat coming directly at him. He dove under the water and the boat hull hit his head. This happened twice. The boat was going an estimated 30-35 MPH. No life jacket was being worn. Alcohol was not a factor. He received medical treatment for his head.


BARDID: MN-2022-0034
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Tetonka
NearestCityorTown: Waterville
County: Le Sueur
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was driving his PWC on the lake near the resort. It is presumed due to a malfunction in the machine, the Operator was subsequently thrown from his PWC and hit his head on the water very violently. With the help from his wife and other boaters, He was able to get to shore where he was treated by medical personnel. A life jacket was being worn and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2022-0035
State: MN
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2022-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:53:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Eunice
NearestCityorTown: Detroit Lakes
County: Becker
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated that he had put the PWC in the lake at about 6:00 p.m. He drove it around and it was running fine. He went into the house and then came back out to give the kids a ride on the PWC. He stated he tried to start the PWC, but it would not start. He attempted to start it again and it exploded. Operator stated he flew in the air and landed on the dock.

Operator's wife (witness) stated that her husband (operator) attempted to start the PWC and it exploded. She said the Operator flew approximately 5-6 feet into the air and landed on the dock, which was 12-15 feet away. She called 911. 

Operator received medical treatment. It is unknown if he had been wearing a life jacket, or if alcohol was a factor. The PWC was a Total Loss.


BARDID: MN-2022-0036
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Horseshoe
NearestCityorTown: Pine River
County: Cass
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Owner/Operator stated he was pulling a kneeboarder. He was going approximately 19-20 MPH and the kneeboarder signaled she wanted to return to shore. The operator swung his watercraft in toward the dock and the kneeboarder swung out and let go of the tow rope toward shore. She glided across the water all the way to shore and went up onto the shoreline and struck a rock wall, causing injury. 911 was called. Victim was transported to hospital by ambulance. Life jackets were being worn and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2022-0037
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:39:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Prior
NearestCityorTown: Prior Lake
County: Scott
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of Watercraft #1 was leaving the slips and making his way into the channel. As he was doing this, Operator of WC #2 (a pontoon boat) was pulling in. Operator #2 had a large amount of band equipment on board the boat. He tried to get Operator #1's attention. Operator #1 was looking down at his dog and didn't hear Operator #2. The boats collided. Operator #1 stated he was leaving the slip and WC #2 was coming too fast. Life jackets were not being worn and alcohol was not a factor. There were no injuries. WC #1 had a large hole in the fiberglass from the aluminum toon on WC #2. WC #2 sustained very minor damage.


BARDID: MN-2022-0038
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Vermilion
NearestCityorTown: Cook
County: St. Louis
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was unoccupied and tied to the dock. Watercraft #2 was backing out of a boat slip when the operator put the throttle in forward and started to slowly drive. Operator #2 said she reached down to swat a horsefly and accidentally pushed the throttle which increased the speed. The bow ring from WC #2 hit the motor cover of WC #1, causing minor/moderate damage. During the impact, WC #1 had also been pushed down which caused a dock ring to leave a scratch on the right side of WC #1. Life jackets were on board WC #2, but it's unknown if they were being worn. There were no injuries. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor. There was some damage to both boats.


BARDID: MN-2022-0039
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-08-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:48:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake of the Woods
NearestCityorTown: Baudette
County: Lake of the Woods
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator took two friends and his two grandchildren out on pontoon boat (WC #1) to fish. After fishing for a short while, the kids and the female passenger entered the water to swim. The watercraft was shut off and drifting. 

The Operator said he was "coming in to join the fun." He dove in the water from the back of the boat. He was an inexperienced swimmer and was not wearing a life jacket. He did not resurface after jumping in the water. 

The passenger got the kids and herself back in the boat. The male passenger was trying to get to the back of the boat to throw something to the operator but tripped and fell on the way. 

The male passenger drove the boat back to shore while the female passenger called authorities. A search was conducted and the man's body was recovered at 2225 hrs. The boat had drifted after the Operator entered the water. Alcohol was not a factor in the incident.


BARDID: MN-2022-0040
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:57:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rush
NearestCityorTown: Ottertail City
County: Otter Tail
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1, with 2 occupants, had just put the boat in the water at the public access and were heading to the cabin to take the kids tubing. At an unknown speed the cable from the steering column to the motor broke. This sudden change in direction caused the Passenger to be tossed from the boat. The Operator was thrown to the floor causing injury.

 The operator was able to get the boat under control and get the Passenger out of the water. They were able to get the boat back to the shore and call 911. Both parties were transported to the hospital by ambulance. Life jackets were not being worn and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2022-0041
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:36:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: East Battle
NearestCityorTown: Henning
County: Otter Tail
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator #1 and Operator #2 were on personal watercraft. Operator #1 had little experience and collided with Operator #2 causing injury to #2's leg. It is unknown how fast PWC #1 was traveling. Alcohol was not a factor. Life jackets were being worn. There was no damage to either watercraft.


BARDID: MN-2022-0042
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sibley
NearestCityorTown: Pequot Lakes
County: Crow Wing
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
The watercraft was towing a tube behind it with 2 passengers on the tube and 2 persons onboard the boat. At one point, when the operator began to accelerate, the motor began shaking and moving around loosely as if the motor was not firmly attached to the watercraft. The watercraft suddenly began to fill with water, coming inside near the rear of the boat. The watercraft filled with water and slowly sank in the shallow water and the occupants jumped out of the boat. The watercraft was towed back to the public access by another watercraft that was on the lake. It is believed that the boat was so rotted and in such poor condition that the motor punctured through the stern of the hull and water then flowed through the openings around the motor and into the boat. No injuries occurred in this incident. Life jackets were being worn and alcohol was not a factor.


BARDID: MN-2022-0043
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-09-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:26:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Vermilion
NearestCityorTown: Buyk
County: St. Louis
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The Owner/Operator (WC #1) and a Passenger were in the unregistered canoe on the river, harvesting wild rice. They got into an argument because the Passenger wasn't helping to rice. The Passenger tipped the canoe and they both went into the water. 

Another canoe was coming by and helped the Owner out of the water and to shore. The Passenger, who by that time was sitting in the canoe, wanted to stay with the canoe which was upright but filled with water. 

The Owner went home. The empty canoe was later seen floating down the river and was reported to authorities. A search was started for the missing man (Passenger). His body was found in the river the following day, just after 4:00 p.m. Life jackets were not being worn. Alcohol was a factor (unknown BAC for Operator). There was no damage to the canoe.


BARDID: MN-2022-0044
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ten Mile
NearestCityorTown: Hackensack
County: Cass
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The watercraft operator stated that he was pushed toward shore by the wind while fishing on the lake. He stated that he got underway and was traveling approximately 30 MPH when the boat struck something and came to an abrupt stop. 

The victim had been sitting behind him in the boat and when the impact happened, she was thrown into his back with their heads colliding. He said that he regained his composure, confirmed that everyone was still in the boat, and began administering aid to the victim. 

One of the passengers brought the boat to shore while another one called 911. Once at shore, the victim was tended to by relatives that were off duty EMS professionals until first responders and ambulance staff arrived. 

She was treated by EMS for approximately 1 hour until she was pronounced deceased. There were no other injuries. Life jackets were on board but were not being worn at the time of the incident. The Operator had some alcohol in his system. There was extensive damage to the watercraft.


BARDID: MN-2022-0046
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big Trout
NearestCityorTown: Crosslake
County: Crow Wing
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The Owner of Watercraft #1 and both Witnesses stated that at approximately 0045 hours they heard a boat motor traveling at slower speeds (unknown speed) and the sound of a crash. Later that morning the Owner noticed that there was damage to his dock, boat lift, and to the motor of the boat (WC #1) that was on his boat lift at the time. 

After noticing the damage, the owner reported the damage to the Sheriff's Office. Witnesses described there to be laughing coming from the suspected watercraft (WC #2) after hearing the sound of the crash. The watercraft (WC #2) was also driving slowly in circles just to the north of the dock after the collision and was not believed by witnesses to have any navigational lights in use. 

Witnesses said it looked like someone on board WC #2 was using a small handheld device such as a cell phone, to emit light and act as a stern light. The Owner of WC #1 then stated that WC #2 left the scene of the crash and traveled eastbound across the lake then he lost sight of it. Owner #1 and Witnesses were not able to get any type of description of the involved watercraft (WC #2). It is unknown if life jackets were being worn in WC #2 or if alcohol was a factor. Unknown if there was any damage to WC #2.


BARDID: MN-2022-0047
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Excelsior
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was attempting to leave parking dock. Watercraft #2 was tied to the dock with no one on board. Watercraft #1 started to get sucked under the dock (which was higher than the boat), causing damage to the stern. Operator #1 applied power on throttle too quickly in an attempt to overcome the high wind after the stern went under the dock. WC #1 surged forward and went up and onto WC #2's swim platform, causing damage to both watercraft. Life jackets were not being worn in WC #1. Alcohol was not a factor. There were no injuries.


BARDID: MN-2022-0048
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:06:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ten Mile
NearestCityorTown: Hackensack
County: Cass
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft was towing a water skier. The Operator was bringing the skier in toward shore in front of the cabin at the resort. The skier caught the edge of the resort's swim raft with his right leg, causing injury to his leg. He lost control and fell into the water. He was treated on scene by EMS and was airlifted to a hospital for further surgery. Life jackets were being worn, and alcohol was not a factor. There was no damage to the boat or the swim raft.


BARDID: MN-2022-0049
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:09:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sauk
NearestCityorTown: Sauk Centre
County: Stearns
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
WC #1 was traveling southbound at approximately 20-25 MPH, near the middle of the lake. Operator #1 stated that the bow was up in the air, limiting his visibility. He said he usually sat on top of the ledge of the seat so he sat higher but had not done so during this incident. He saw another watercraft off to his left, closer to shore, he stayed more in the center of the lake and continued traveling southbound.

Operator #1 described seeing a flash of a yellow object directly in front of his boat. He saw an arm raised up out of this yellow object moving in a waving motion. Prior to this, he did not see or hear anything in front of him. He pulled the steering wheel to the left to avoid the object but was unsuccessful. 

WC #1 struck WC #2. Operator #1 slowed to a stop and realized he had struck a 2-person kayak. He saw a man in the water struggling to hold a woman above the water. A passenger from WC #1 entered the water to help the two victims. 

Another boater in the area came to help with a pullable boating tube. They put the woman on the tube and Operator #1 got on with her and they headed toward shore. The Passenger from WC #1 helped Operator #2 onto WC #1 and they began following the other boat. An uninvolved PWC collected the kayak (WC #2) and brought it to shore.

The occupants of WC #2 were brought to Lakeshore Drive and then were transported to the hospital for treatment. WC #1 remained at that location until law enforcement arrived.

The occupants of WC #2 were renting a cabin on the lake. WC #2 (an unregistered kayak) was owned by the rental property owner. WC #2 was traveling eastbound across the lake, approximately 200 feet from the west shoreline. They were heading back to the rental property. They saw WC #1 approaching them and began yelling and waving right before they were struck. Operator #2 said it appeared WC #1 never saw them. They were both thrown into the water. The passenger in WC #2 was facedown, unconscious in the water. Operator #2 flipped her over and held her above water until she was put on the boat tube.

Life jackets were being worn in WC #2 but not in WC #1. Alcohol was not a factor in either boat. The occupants of WC #2 both received injury. There was a small amount of damage to WC #2.


BARDID: MN-2022-0050
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:51:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big Rice
NearestCityorTown: Blackduck
County: Beltrami
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft with four occupants was moving approximately 10 miles per hour while occupants were fishing. One passenger (Victim) was seated on the front pedestal seat of a standard console-style fishing boat. At some point, the steering wheel was jarred by a young passenger, causing the boat to veer. The Victim lost his balance and fell overboard.

 He was pulled from the water by other family members who were in a separate boat and they all returned to the resort. The Victim had received several lacerations to his face and head and it is believed he had been struck by the prop. 

Life jackets were not being worn at the time of the incident. Alcohol was not a factor. There was no damage to the boat.


BARDID: MN-2022-0051
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Wayzata
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
AccidentCause3: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
WC #1, a personal watercraft, was pulling a tube with one person on the tube. The tow rope got sucked into the impeller of the PWC, causing the PWC to stop. They started to drift towards the public docks. When they got close enough to the docks, the tuber was able to get off and try to remove the rope from the impeller. He was pulling on the rope and told the operator to turn on the PWC in order to allow the rope to clear itself. When the PWC was turned on, it appeared that the rope was sucked further in causing it to tighten and then snap, with the tuber's finger stuck in it. The tuber was assisted to the dock to wait for help. He was transported to the hospital by ambulance. Life jackets were being worn and alcohol was not a factor. There was no damage to the PWC.


BARDID: MN-2022-0052
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Mound
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 and Watercraft #2 were at anchor and were tied together. Operator #1 was in WC #2. He decided to jump back into WC #1 and misjudged the jump. 

He hit his right shin on the cleat of WC #1, causing a gash and then hit his right shoulder on the gunwale of the boat, causing a collarbone injury. Authorities were called and he was transported to the hospital. There were lifejackets on board both boats but were not being worn. Alcohol was not a factor. There was no damage to the boats.


BARDID: MN-2022-0053
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Leech
NearestCityorTown: Walker
County: Cass
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was struck by Watercraft #2. The Deputy met with Owner/Operator #1 at the place they were staying. Operator #1 stated that they were fishing on the lake just north of Diamond Point. The watercraft was "spot locked." He was fishing at the rear of the boat when he heard the noise of a boat close by. He looked up as the front starboard side of his boat was struck. WC #2 then continued forward and scraped down the entire right side of WC #1. Operator #1 stated that WC #2 stopped and then came and made contact with them. Information was exchanged and both boats went their separate ways.

The Deputy then contacted Operator #2. Operator #2 stated he was out fishing with two passengers in the boat. He was following his GPS to their fishing spot. His vision was obstructed by the passenger sitting in front of him. He said he looked around the passenger, just as his boat struck the stopped boat (WC #1). He stopped and made contact with the other boat to make sure everyone was ok. He exchanged information with occupants of WC #1.

There were no injuries in either boat and life jackets were not being worn. Alcohol was not a factor. There was damage to both watercraft.


BARDID: MN-2022-0054
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:07:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Forest/Minnetonka
NearestCityorTown: Orono
County: Hennepin
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Watercraft #1 was pulling up to some other boats in the middle of the bay. The Operator put the boat in neutral to coast towards the other boats. When she did that, one of the passengers on the boat jumped off the back of the boat into the water, without anyone realizing. The Operator thought she was approaching the other boats too fast, so she put the boat into reverse to slow down. When she put the boat into reverse, the boat started to go backwards toward the passenger in the water. He held on to the back swim platform as the boat approached him and his feet got caught up in the propeller. They brought him to shore to meet EMS. He was transported by ambulance to the medical center. Life jackets were not being worn. The Operator had not been drinking. It is unknown if the victim had consumed any alcohol.


BARDID: MN-2022-0055
State: MN
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:19:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rainy
NearestCityorTown: Ranier
County: Koochiching
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
The watercraft was traveling at a high rate of speed at approximately 1/2 hour after sunset. The boat struck a rock, causing the motor to snap off the back of the boat. The motor flew into the boat between the operator and passenger. The operator was not wearing the emergency shut-off tether. When the motor entered the boat, the propeller was still moving as fast as it can. The motor came down onto the operator, cutting his left arm and left leg. When the motor landed on the floor of the boat, it started cutting the passenger's right leg. A nearby fisherman saw the incident happen and pulled their boat to shore, with them in it. They were met my EMS and were transported to the medical center. They were later air lifted to a hospital in Duluth. 

The witness that got them to shore said he was fishing about 300 yards to the southwest of where the boat hit the rock. He said there is a white "rock marker" marking the rock. He observed the boat, which was fully up on plane, hit the rock. He also could hear the motor still running wide open for over a minute. When the motor stopped, he went over to the boat and observed the two men in the boat had severe injuries. He immediately hooked up their boat and knew he had to get them to shore near a county road. He brought them to a dock that is right by the road.

It is unknown if navigation lights were being used at the time of the incident. Alcohol was a factor. Life jackets were not being worn. A search warrant was issued for operator's blood for CVO.


