# ReleasableAccidentes

BARDID: GA-2017-0117
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-10-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityorTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Congested waters
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday October 28th around 12:30 I RFC received a call about a boating incident that happened earlier that morning on Lake Lanier. I was informed that two boats had hit each other during the "blast off" at a local fishing tournament. 

Both vessels continued to fish and asked that I meet with them after the tournament at Laurel Park boat ramp. When I arrived at the boat ramp I met up with both operators of the vessels. Both recounted how neither one had seen the other and Operator1 stated he turned at the last second to avoid a catastrophe.

 I then took a look at the damage to both boats. Operator2's boat, a Ranger bass boat, had a 30 inch impact area on its starboard stern gunwale with deep cuts into the gel coat and fiberglass; while Operator1's vessel, a Stratos, had some transfer marks on his port hull near the stern. 

Both men described going down the lake and negotiating a steep curve in the lake. Operator2 stated he believed he was doing around 60 mph, while Operator1 thought he was doing around 35 mph. When both men's boats ended up next to each other Operator1, thinking that a collision was imminent, made a sharp right hand turn and when he did the angle of his stern changed so much that both boat's sterns collided together. Both boats stopped and made sure everyone was alright, then continued fishing the tournament.
END OF REPORT


BARDID: GA-2017-0118
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-06 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OCONEE
NearestCityorTown: GREENSBORO
County: GREENE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6-6-2017 at 15:19 hours, I Ranger received a call from the Thomson Region III DNR LED office, in reference to a boat accident on Lake Oconee.  
Subject explained that his boat had been struck by another vessel, while it was docked.  Subject then told me when he checked his pontoon boat at 6pm on 6-5-2017 there was no damage.  Subject advised that when he checked his pontoon boat the morning of 6-6-2017, the right rear corner of the boat had been damaged.  No witnesses to this occurrence have been identified at time of report.
Subject advised that he called the Greene County Sheriff's office and they told him to call DNR.
Subject led me to the vessel that was secured to the dock behind his residence. I inspected the vessel and it appeared to have been struck by another vessel on the right rear corner.  The vessel appeared to have been docked for several days.

Nothing Further.


BARDID: GA-2017-1001
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-30 00:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sinclair
County: Baldwin
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
According to News Media the body of a fisherman was recovered from the waters of Lake Sinclair in Baldwin County.  It appeared the victim’s death was the result of an accidental drowning.  His bass boat was spotted on the lake about but no one was seen in or around it fshing lines and tackle were seen in the water.  Divers retrieved the body in depth of water between 7 and 10 feet.
There didn't appear to be any damage to the boat.


BARDID: GA-2017-1002
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-09-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atlantic Ocean
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Man drowns in Tybee Island jet ski accident
9/16/17 – Tybee Island, GA 
The person who died after a Jet Ski accident on Saturday has been identified as 31-year-old. Tybee Island Fire Chief  said one person drowned, and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is handling the investigation.  public affairs officer with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement division, said DNR Game Wardens responded to a boating fatality around 6 p.m. involving one person on a personal watercraft using a hoverboard. He said the DNR Law Enforcement Critical Incident Reconstruction Team (CRIT) is investigating, and the investigation will likely take about six weeks.
http://www.wtoc.com/story/36385361/1-drowns-in-tybee-island-jet-ski-accident


BARDID: GA-2017-1003
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-12-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Clarks Hill Lake
County: Columbia
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
According to News media two bass boats collided at suspected high rate of speek on Clarks Hill Lake ejected both drivers.  Both men were missing, and later found - pronounced dead.  Investigation continues.


BARDID: GA-2018-0001
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-02-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityorTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with commercial vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 informed RFC he had been travelling north near Four Mile Creek in his Ranger bass boat. He advised a commercial barge was coming out of Four Mile Creek and pulled out in front of him. Operator1 said he turned his vessel to the right but still "hit side to side" with the barge. 

After striking the barge Operator1 spoke with the other operator to make sure they were not injured. When he confirmed they were okay, he advised them he was going to travel to boat ramp in case the boat tried to sink. 

On February 13, 2018 SGT met with the operator and occupant from the barge. They provided SGT with a written statement of what happened. In their statement they advised they were leaving the mouth of Four Mile Creek when they observed a bass boat on plane about ten feet from the starboard side of their vessel. The operator turned his boat hard to the right to avoid a collision. They were unable to avoid the collision and were struck on the starboard bow of their vessel. 

Operator2 observed major damage on the bass boat. The bass boat operator, Operator1, advised he had just put in at Charleston Park. He further advised he was going to "hurry back toward Six Mile Creek". 

Written statements were obtained from both parties by RFC and SGT.


BARDID: GA-2018-0002
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-03-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE WF GEORGE
NearestCityorTown: LUMPKIN
County: STEWART
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: livewell
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday March 04, 2018 at 1517 hours Florence Marina State Park called me and said he was on the water heading to a boat that was sinking near Rood Creek. I arrived at Florence Marina State Park and Subject1 had returned with the boat operator and a passenger from the sinking boat. I conducted a quick interview of both the operator and passenger; I had both write a brief statement.
   The boat operator and owner said they noticed water coming into the boat. Operator said the boat started filling up fast, so his son (the passenger) pulled the boat into shallow water. The boat sunk, but did not go completely under, the bow and the motor were still not under water.
   I then rode with Subject1 on a park boat to the incident scene where I photographed the boat. Once we returned to Florence Marina, some friends of Subject1’s who specialize in boat recovery had arrived and later were able to recover the boat.
   I spoke with operator a few days later and it was believed the live well aerator malfunctioned and caused the boat to fill with water. The estimated damage to the vessel with recovery cost will exceed $2000. 00, the exact cost has not been determined as of the completion of this report.


BARDID: GA-2018-0005
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-03-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityorTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On March 18, 2018 at 0006 hours I, Ranger received a call from Georgia State Patrol Communications regarding a boat incident with injuries. I was informed the incident occurred on Lake Lanier near Port Royale Marina. Additionally, I was informed Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) deputies and Forsyth County Fire Department personnel were on scene. 

I arrived on scene at approximately 0044 hours. Both of the boats involved were tied up at Dock. I met with the deputies on scene, and they were able to point out the operators of both vessels. Operator1 was identified as the operator of the white Donzi motorboat involved. Operator2 was identified as the operator of the red Citation motorboat involved. 

I was informed by FCSO deputies that V2 occupant1 was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center with a head injury. 

I had Operator1 explain to me what happened. Operator1 told me that they had all been hanging out on a houseboat inside Port Royale Marina. The two boats left after an unknown amount of time to return to Gainesville Marina. Operator1 said Operator2 left the no wake zone first. He explained in his verbal statement he heard Operator2’s boat “plane out” so he proceeded to do the same. 

As Operator1’s bow began to come down and get on plane, he and V1 occupant1 noticed Operator2’s boat directly in front of them. He stated he saw no stern light on Operator2’s boat. Operator1 told me he throttled down and turned hard to the left in an effort to avoid a crash.  

Operator1’s boat ran over Operator2’s boat from the stern, and proceeded to go over it, exiting on the port (left) side, mid-ship.  They returned to Dock at Port Royale Marina and met back up with Operator2, V2 occupant1, and Subject1. Operator1 said he hit his head hard on the boat during the crash. He said he had jaw pain but refused medical treatment on scene. 

While speaking with Operator1 I noticed his eyes were glossy and his speech was slurred. I detected the odor commonly associated with alcoholic beverages coming from his person. He was also unsteady on his feet as we spoke away from the other parties in the asphalt parking lot next to Dock. I inquired as to how much alcohol he had consumed over the course of the day. The operator stated he only had one beer while handing out on Subject1’ houseboat early. Operator1 said following the crash he and Operator2 returned to Subject1’ houseboat and began drinking to “calm their nerves”.

V1 occupant1’s account of what happened was very similar to Operator1’s. She wrote in her statement they left around 2355 hours. As they left the no wake zone they were looking for Operator2’s boat. She explained that all of a sudden they were directly on top of the passenger side. After the collision, they searched for Operator2’s boat but couldn't find it so they returned to Dock. 

In Operator2’s statement he wrote he was past the no wake buoy line at Port Royale Marina when his boat was struck. He said his boat was struck from behind as he was headed to Gainesville Marina. Operator2 wrote they went straight back to Dock (at Port Royale Marina). His wife, V2 occupant1, was transported to hospital. 

Due to the lapse in time, admission to drinking following the crash, and head injury to Operator1, boating under the influence charges were not pursued. Operator1 was cited for no registration, no fire extinguisher, and improper personal floatation devices (PFD’s). 

Both of the vessels were turned over to the parties on scene.

--

Sergeant and I traveled to Northeast Georgia Medical Center to follow up with V2 occupant1. Due to her condition, she was unable to provide a written statement. 

--


BARDID: GA-2018-0007
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-02-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: WEST POINT LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAGRANGE
County: TROUP
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 2/15/2017 at approximately 6:00pm I, Game Warden, received a call from my supervisor, Sergeant, in reference to an overdue boater at Clark Access on West Point Lake. I immediately responded too Clark Access to meet with Troup County Sheriff’s Office whom was already on scene with the victim’s wife. Upon my arrival I spoke with the Sheriff’s Office deputy and Victim’s wife. Also at that time the victim boat had been located approximately a half mile north of the boat ramp at Clark Access in shallow water with no person in or around the vessel. Victim vessel is a blue and grey 17 foot Basstracker Tournament TX17 Aluminum open motorboat with 75 horsepower Mercury Tracker gas outboard motor bearing Georgia Registration #GA6177EW.

Victim’s wife explained that her husband, Victim, was normally a very punctual person and told her he would be home from fishing at 4:00pm. Victim’s wife explained that Victim had left to go fishing at approximately 12:00pm and that she was unsure where he was going. At approximately 4:15pm when Victim had not arrived home Victim’s wife began calling Victim on his cell phone. Victim’s wife stated that the phone rang multiple time before going to voicemail. Victim’s wife continued to Victim multiple times. Victim’s wife explained that around 5:00pm Victim’s phone was no longer ringing and going straight to voicemail when called. 

At that time Victim’s wife called her friends and notified them of the situation. I spoke with Friend1 and his family member at a later date and they advised me that Friend1 immediately began searching multiple boat ramps for Victim’s truck and trailer eventually locating it at Clark Access on West Point Lake. Troup County Sheriff’s office was also notified at that time. Friend1 and Subject1 immediately began using their personal boats to search the area north and south of the boat ramp for any signs of Victim or his vessel. At approximately 6:40pm Subject1 located Victim’s vessel just north of Clark Access approximately 25 yards off the shoreline. Subject1 notified Friend1 whom immediately responded to the area and searched immediately around the vessel finding nothing. Friend1 explained that the trolling motor was running, outboard engine was stuck in the mud, and that a fishing pole could be seen hanging off the port side of the vessel half in the water. After failing to find the victim, Friend1 returned to Clark Access ramp to retrieve a Troup County Sheriff's Deputy.

Friend1 and Troup County Deputy returned to the vessel and searched around the vessel once again. Deputy unplugged the trolling motor on Victim’s vessel and also searched the immediate shoreline for signs that Victim may have gone to shore. The vessel was in approximately 2 feet of water at its location. After searching the shoreline Deputy returned to Friend1’s vessel and they searched the immediate area to the north of the vessel. Approximately 200 yards to the north and in approximately 2 feet of water Friend1 and Deputy located Victim facedown floating on top of the water unresponsive and not breathing. At that time Deputy entered the water with Victim. Victim was approximately 25 yards from the shoreline. Friend1 explained that Victim was found holding his hands to his chest and legs extended. Friend1 had Subject1 meet Deputy at the location where Victim was located. Friend1 then brought his young grandson, whom was also in the vessel with deputy and him, back to the boat ramp at Clark Access.
I then got onto Friend1's vessel with Friend1 who then escorted me to the location where Victim had been found. Upon our arrival back at the location Victim had already been removed from the water and placed on the back of an UTV. Troup County Deputies then escorted Victim and the coroner was notified. While awaiting the coroner photos


BARDID: GA-2018-0008
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SEMINOLE
NearestCityorTown: DONALSONVILLE
County: SEMINOLE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 5, 2018 at approximately 18:31 hours, officers responded to the report of an overturned vessel on Lake Seminole in the Cyprus Drain area of Seminole County. Upon arrival, it was determined that the operator of the 15 foot airboat slowed down to make a left turn in the middle of the river channel. As he turned, the back corner of the vessel was overtaken by its own wake. The wake rolled over the left rear corner, transom, and side of the vessel causing it to overturn and sink in 8 feet of water. The operator and his passenger swam to shore. There were no reports of injuries.

On May 15, 2018, I received a phone call stating the owner of the vessel had discovered the engine block of the airboat’s engine was cracked. He estimated the dollar amount of the damage to be $5000.


BARDID: GA-2018-0010
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FLINT RIVER
NearestCityorTown: REYNOLDS
County: TAYLOR
WaterConditions: Very rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 23rd, 2018, at approximately 1230 hours, I, GWFC received a phone call from Capt. in reference to an overturned vessel floating down the Flint River in Crawford County. I immediately called Crawford County Sheriff's Office to receive more information on the incident. I was told that an off duty deputy observed a capsized vessel floating passed the Hwy 128 boat ramp on the Flint River. The dispatcher also advised that there had not been any missing person's reported. I notified Sgt. of the incident and DNR LE personnel were then dispatched to the area. I spoke with the operator of the vessel about what had occurred during the incident.

	According to Operator1. At approximately 1330 hours, He and the occupant launched his vessel at the Hwy 128 boat ramp. Operator1 stated that he started traveling south from the boat ramp staying close to the Taylor county side of the Flint River in search of the missing vessel. 

Operator1 also explained that two DNR LE officers had also launched a patrol vessel and were traveling down the other side of the river. Operator1 explained that the DNR vessel then went down river ahead of him. Operator1 stated he saw the DNR vessel again in the first curve of the river directly across from cabin in an overflow creek. 

Operator1 said that it looked as though the DNR vessel was in trouble so he turned around to help. At that point, he said that he felt his vessel beginning to be pulled in the same direction that the DNR vessel was heading. Operator1 explained that at that point, he had lost all control of his vessel and was trying desperately to regain control. 

Operator1 then explained that his vessel struck a fallen tree lying across the creek channel. At that point, both he and Occupant were ejected into the water. Operator1 went on to tell me that after they were ejected, his vessel began taking on water and then became submerged. Operator1 and Occupant were able to swim to safety and eventually met up with the two DNR LE officers that had also been in the water and had to swim to safety. Operator1 and occupant were picked up by the GSP helicopter and transported to the Hwy 96 boat ramp where EMS later evaluated their condition. 

	I spoke with Occupant about the incident as well. Occupant's account of what happened mirrored what Operator1 reported. Occupant explained that once they returned to Hwy 96 boat ramp he was then transported to the Houston Medical Center where he received treatment for an injured shoulder. Nothing further.


BARDID: GA-2018-0011
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DARIEN RIVER
NearestCityorTown: DARIEN
County: MCINTOSH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating his 17' Key West center console vessel on the Darien river headed toward Darien. Occupant was sitting directly in front of the center console. Operator was sitting down behind the center console and admits that his vision was obstructed by his sun faded windshield and should have been standing. 

Occupant said he seen the channel marker (26 red) approaching but figured Operator saw it too. Occupant finally alerted Operator and he abruptly took action to his port avoiding a head on collision striking the pole on his starboard side just forward of center ejecting them both. 

The boat kept going and ran up on the bank on the east side of the river. Operator and Occupant swam to the rivers edge where they were picked up by private citizens. Operator was uninjured. Occupant sustained injuries to his right arm. Occupant was treated for pulled muscles and deep bruising at immediate care in brunswick.


BARDID: GA-2018-0012
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:37:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: HARTWELL LAKE
NearestCityorTown: HARTWELL
County: HART
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 13, 2018, I, RFC at approximately 4:37 PM responded to a possible boating incident that I heard over Hart County dispatch.  I called Hart County and got what details were given about the incident.  

I arrived on scene off Old 29 Hwy near Brown Circle on Hartwell Lake, to find a pontoon boat that was beached near the road.  It contained four adults and four children.  I went down to the boat to find out that an eight year old had been injured while swimming.  Victim, determined to be the victim, had been swimming and fell/jumped off the bow of the boat and struck the end of the pontoon.  Victim suffered an eight inch laceration to the left thigh.  His wound was being cared for by his mother at the time.
EMS arrived on scene and cared for Victim's wound.  Victim was loaded into the EMS vehicle and transported to AnMed Health Hospital in Anderson, SC.  His father and mother rode in the EMS vehicle with him.

Upon talking with the operator/owner of the boat, he stated that the boat was anchored and that he was in the water at the back of the boat.  Operator stated that he saw Victim, through the pontoons, hit the water facing the back of the boat.  Operator stated that the kids were swimming and his wife and two others were on the back of the boat.  I collected the information about the boat and everyone’s phone numbers then left the scene.

On May 14, 2018 I called operator and asked about Victim.  I asked him again what took place, due to him being in shock about the situation the day before, and he stated the same.  He did state though, that his son, was playing with Victim at the bow of the boat.  He stated that his son possibly pushed Victim into the water.  On this same day I met with victim’s father and asked about Victim.  He stated that Victim received twenty-three staples and seven sutures to the wound but was sent home the same night.  He stated that Victim is in good spirits.  He also mentioned that Victim said he felt the boat owner’s son’s hand on his back.  He stated that he knew it was an accident and was not going to make an issue of it.


BARDID: GA-2018-0014
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityorTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 05/13/2018 at approximately 20:00 hrs. while on vessel patrol on Lake Lanier I, Cpl., heard a call from Hall County dispatch of about an incident in Flowery Branch Creek near Van Pugh North Park.  A boat was reported to be on fire.  Hall County Fire Engine 8 was being dispatched.  I contacted Engine 8 and advised them to notify me if there were any injuries and the owner’s contact information.  Later, Engine 8 advised me no injuries.  They also gave me his contact information.  

I called Operator and he explained over the phone that had taken his vessel out for the first time this year and was cruising at a slow speed in Flowery Branch Creek when he noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment.  He shut the boat off and the smoke continued to come from the engine compartment.  A passerby came to assist.  Operator got his daughter and her friend off his vessel and on to the assisting pontoon boat.  Operator then lifted the engine cover in an attempt to put out the fire with his fire extinguisher.  He also used a Good Samaritan’s fire extinguisher from the other vessel.  Operator was successful in putting out the fire.  They towed the vessel to nearest shore, which was at Chestnut Ridge Campground.  There, Hall County Fire advised that they leave the boat there because the engine was still hot. 

I arranged to meet with Operator on 05/14/2018 at Van Pugh North Park.  There I again interviewed Operator and got all the information needed for the boat incident report.  I also assisted Operator in recovering his vessel and loading it onto his trailer.


BARDID: GA-2018-0015
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-03-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SEMINOLE
NearestCityorTown: BAINBRIDGE
County: DECATUR
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday, March 02, 2018; at approximately 1530 hours, I was notified by Sergeant of a boat incident which occurred early that morning on Lake Seminole in Decatur County.  I then called Game Warden First Class (GWFC) who was on scene at the incident. GWFC said the incident occurred between  0735 and 0745 hours. GWFC said two vessels had collided during a Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) bass tournament. One person was seriously injured during the incident and was taken to the hospital in Tallahassee, Florida. GWFC said the vessels involved and the other occupants had left the area. GWFC said the owner and operator of vessel one had drove back home. GWFC said the owner and operator of vessel two would be returning for the tournament the next day. I arranged a time of 1600 hours for March 03, 2018 to meet with GWFC and the operator of vessel two.

    On Saturday, March 03, 2018; at 1600 hours I met GWFC at the Earle May Boat Basin in Bainbridge Georgia. GWFC gave me his notes with vessel operator’s names, the injured person’s name, other vessel occupants name’s as well as names of witness’. 

The operator of vessel two was Operator2. Operator2 was sitting in his vessel at the landing in the water waiting his turn to pull the vessel out of the water. Once Operator2 was able to get his vessel out of the water we had him park on the side near the boat landing. I turned my body camera on and began to interview Operator2. Operator2 said he was coming out of Sealey’s cut from Spring Creek back out to the main river channel. Operator2 said when he saw the other vessel and he thought they were going to crash, he pulled the throttle back and turned his vessel to the left. Operator2 showed me on his GPS Lowrance unit where he believed they were at the time of the incident. Operator2 gave me a GPS coordinate of N 30 45.464  W 84 50.570. After the interview I took pictures of Operator2’s vessel and measurements of the damage. Operator2’s vessel sustained scratches and some fiberglass damage to the bow of the vessel. I then asked Operator2 for permission to take his Lowrance unit so I could download the GPS data; Operator2 gave me permission and signed a consent to search form. I concluded my interview with Operator2 and inspection of his vessel.

    On Monday, March 05, 2018; I was on my way to Cloudland Canyon State Park for GPS Forensics training. On the way I went to Operator1 residence. Operator1 is the operator and owner of the vessel one. Once at the residence, I turned on my body camera on and conducted an interview with Operator1. Operator1 said he was in the main channel heading up stream when he saw another vessel coming out to the channel from another creek. Operator1 said when he saw the other vessel was getting close and it looked as though they were going to crash he pulled back on his throttle and turned right. I then began to take photographs and measurements of Operator1’s vessel. Operator1’s vessel is nineteen feet long, the damage is on the passenger or port side of the vessel. The damage begins at the passenger / port side gunwale at eleven feet from the tip of the bow and continues to fourteen feet nine inches. The total width of the damage is three feet nine inches and its depth is ten inches from the top of the gunwale. The passenger seat is slightly damaged. The damage was due to the bow of vessel two going through the hull. After finishing photographs and measurements I asked Operator1 if I could have his Lowrance unit so I could download the GPS data. Operator1 gave me permission and signed a consent to search form.
 
   On Tuesday, March 06, 2018; at Cloudland Canyon State Park, I was able to download the data from both GPS Lowrance units. 

    On Sunday, March 11, 2018; I conducted a phone interview with the person who was injured during the incident


BARDID: GA-2018-0016
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:39:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CLARKS HILL LAKE
NearestCityorTown: APPLING
County: COLUMBIA
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On the listed date and time, Game Wardens received a call in reference to a jet ski crash at Wildwood park.  Officers arrived on scene and were flagged down by the operator of V-1.  The operator stated that he collided with another vessel causing injury to the other operator.  We followed him to the incident location.  

Upon arrival Officers found the operator of V-2 in the water complaining of pain to her left back, side and wrist.  She was wearing a CCA PFD floating in the water.  EMS was notified.  Gold Cross Med 46 responded.  The operator of V-2 was transported to Doctors Hospital in Augusta GA for treatment.  Officers gathered written and verbal statements on scene.  

Officers investigation found that V-1 and V-2 were both traveling North on Keg Creek at Wildwood Park.  V-1 was at the port stern of V-2.  The operator of V-1 stated that they were traveling approx 30 mph when he struck a wake causing his jet ski to strike the port side of V-2.  

The bow of V-1 struck the port side of V-2 and continued onto the ski striking the operator of V-2. V-1 continued to travel toward the bow of V-2 breaking the port mirror and front compartment area.  Officers found that the V-1 was operating within 100' of V-2.  

The operator of V-1 was found at fault in the crash for violation of 100' law and operator inattentiveness. The 2 jet skies were turned over to the operator of V-1.  Officers responded to Doctors Hospital.  The victim was admitted by Dr..  The victim was treated and released this date.  Officers found that the victim sustained contusions to her left side, back and wrist.  No further action was taken.


BARDID: GA-2018-0017
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CLARK'S HILL LAKE
NearestCityorTown: APPLING
County: COLUMBIA
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On the above listed date and location, I responded to a PWC incident at approximately 18:30 hours. Upon arrival at the scene, I met with a skier involved in the incident. At this time, Subject stated that he and Subject2 were tubing on the PWC. The two subjects observed a large storm heading their way and tried to make it across the lake to safety. 

Before the tube could reach a safe location, they were trapped in the storm in which Subject2 was blown off the PWC. After being knocked off the ski by high winds, Subject2 left leg struck a piece of rip rap on the Thurmond Dam. Subject2 and Subject secured the PWC on the dam and walked up to Hwy US 221. The two subjects were picked up by US Corps of Engineer Rangers and were transported to the Lake Dam Project Office. At this time, Subject2 transported himself private party to Augusta University Hospital. He was treated in the ER by Dr. for a bruised left leg. PWC information was recorded at scene and I went back in service.  No further action was taken.


BARDID: GA-2018-0021
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WASSAW SOUND
NearestCityorTown: SAVANNAH
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated the two occupants fell off the rear of the PWC when he accelerated from an idle position.  Operator stated when he turned to pick them up he noticed blood on victim coming from the thigh/groin area.  father transported her by vessel to Dutch Island community dock where she was relayed to an ambulance then transported to Memorial Medical Center in Savannah.  The injury to Victim was diagnosed as a vaginal tear possibly due to impact with the water.  Doctors' were unable to determine the direct cause of the injury.  The injury required surgery and stitches.


BARDID: GA-2018-0022
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityorTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated that he launched his Personal Watercraft (PWC) from its home mooring at Port Royale Marina, when he attempted to start the PWC it blew up.  Operator stated he was launched approximately 25-35 feet in the air and back into the water approximately 5 feet to the side of the PWC.  Cause of the explosion was undetermined.


BARDID: GA-2018-0023
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityorTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated they were traveling in Flowery Branch Creek on Lake Lanier when the vessels engine suddenly shut off.  Then he and the other occupants noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. They tried to extinguish the fire using the fire extinguisher onboard the vessel with not luck.  A witness stopped and got all the occupants onto his vessel.  He also offer his fire extinguisher to assist with putting the flames out.  Cause of the fire is believed to be related to the electrical system.


BARDID: GA-2018-0024
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-04-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BURTON
NearestCityorTown: CLAYTON
County: RABUN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 21, 2018, I, Game Warden with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources-Law Enforcement Division, received notification of a boating incident on Lake Burton, in the area of 205 Limberlost Trail, at 2316 hours.  

I arrived at 205 Limberlost Trail, at approximately 2345 hours, and met with Rabun County EMS personnel.  Rabun County EMS said a male subject and a female subject were unconscious and being transported to a landing zone for Life Flight transport to a hospital.  The specific hospital the two subjects were going to was unknown at that time, but later found to be Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, Georgia.  EMS staff said another female on board the vessel had a large cut on her forehead and may require treatment.

EMS staff told me the male subject receiving Life Flight transport had a serious open wound head injury.  Other EMS personnel on scene said that it appeared as if the operator of the vessel struck a pine tree still attached to the bank on Lake Burton.

I contacted Sergeant, with GA DNR-LED, and advised him of the boating incident.  I told Sgt. the details that I had so far in reference to the injured persons on board the vessel involved in the boating incident and asked if DNR-LED CIRT could respond.  I was advised that the boating incident did not meet CIRT requirements.  At approximately 0002 hours on April 22, 2018, I began gathering names, dates of birth, and contact information for the occupants on board the vessel involved in the incident.

The owner/operator of the vessel was identified.  When I asked Operator for his name and date of birth, his speech was slurred and mumbled to the point that I had to ask him for confirmation of the spelling of his last name.  When I asked Operator for his date of birth, Operator seemed to be confused and hesitated before giving an answer.  Operator gave his date of birth only after subject1 reminded him that I needed his date of birth.  I had to ask Operator to confirm the year of his date of birth due to his slurred and mumbled speech.  Operator stumbled as he walked on the gravel driveway, and appeared to be unsteady as he walked.  Operator mentioned he thought he had a head injury.  I asked Operator if he needed to be transported to a hospital, and Operator refused transport.  Operator said he was fine.  Operator had a strong odor of alcoholic beverage upon his breath when he spoke to me.  I noticed Operator’s eyes were red and watery when we spoke.  (Note: Operator was asked several times by both Rabun County EMS personnel and GA DNR-LED Game Wardens if he needed to go to the hospital to have his head checked.  Operator maintained he was fine and only had a “bump” on his head.)

I recorded everyone’s information, including the male and female subject that received a Life Flight transport, and recorded where they said they were on the vessel when the incident occurred.  Operator was the operator of the vessel, Subject1 was seated in the rear middle of the vessel, Subject2 was standing in the rear middle of the vessel, Subject3 was seated in the rear of the vessel behind the operator, Subject4 was seated in the middle passenger side of the vessel, Subject5 was seated in the front passenger side of the vessel, and Subject6 was identified by the other passengers as being on board the vessel and receiving a Life Flight transport.  Subject2 was the male subject that received a Life Flight transport.  Subject1 was the female passenger that received a cut on her forehead.  At this time GW arrived on scene and I turned the investigation over to GW since he is the boating safety officer assigned to Lake Burton.  GW visually observed the vessel and incident location after arriving on scene.
The vessel had hit the hanging tree and then grounded in shalllow water.  THe victims received injuries from impacting the tower, tree, and interior of vessel.


BARDID: GA-2018-0025
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:46:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NOTTELY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BLAIRSVILLE
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 6, 2018 at approximately 14:46 Operator his wife Wife and their three juvenile children were traveling north at approximately 25 MPH on Nottely Lake at what is known as the "S" Curves when their Ebbtide ski type boat struck what we believe was a floating log. 

Operator stated that he heard a loud bump and the steering wheel immediately turned hard right throwing Operator into the left passenger seating area of the boat where Wife and Occupant2 were located. The boat traveled approximately 35 yards and struck the bank causing Occupant3 to be ejected into a pine tree located near the bow of the boat. Operator stated that he could not see Occupant3 but could hear him screaming. Operator and Wife checked every one for injuries and they tried to call 911 via cell phones but did not have cell service. 

A boater spotted the boating incident and provided assistance by loading the Family into his boat and transporting them to Nottely Marina. At Nottely Marina all 5 members of the Family were checked by EMT's from Union County Med 7 and refused any treatment. All the injuries appear to be minor at this time. Sgt. and I obtained information about the incident and utilized a Nottely Marina boat to investigate the grounded boat on the bank and incident scene. The grounded vessel was able to be pulled off the bank and driven to the owner’s boathouse and put on a lift. Alcohol was not a factor in the incident and all the boat occupants only suffered minor injuries.                                                      

   On May 7, 2018 at approximately 17:30 I contacted Operator via cell phone and he stated that when he lifted the boat at his dock, he observed the skeg was chipped and wood splinters were lodged in the broken skeg's jagged edges. Operator stated that he only observed minor damage to the vessel’s passenger seat and radio where he landed when he was thrown from the operator’s seat. Operator is having the boat checked out by certified mechanics this week. Wife has a doctor’s appointment this week as well due to head pain. I advised Operator that I would complete the investigation on Friday. 

 *** On May 12 th, 2018 at approximately 1400hrs. Sgt. and I met Operator and obtained the following information. operator stated the skeg of the vessel only had a small chip and he would repair it his self. The only known damage to the inside of the vessel was the passenger seat was broken from the floor, the radio was knocked out of the console and scratches under the bow rub rail in the jel coat. Operator stated that on May 6 th, 2018 his wife was checked for a concussion at High Mountain Health Care by Dr.. Wife was diagnosed with a concussion and was treated with aspirin. 

Based on the information made available to me it appears that the 18' Ebbtide boat operated by Operator struck a floating submerged log causing the vessel to abruptly change directions throwing Operator from the operators seat into the passengers seat causing the passenger seat to break from the floor of the vessel. The violent action of Operator being thrown from the operators seat likely caused injuries to  Wife and the damage the passengers console area. The vessel struck the bank causing Occupant3 to be ejected into a pine tree located near the bow of the boat causing minor injuries to Occupant3. I believe with this information this boating incident was unavoidable due to the submerged log. This report is based solely on the information made available to me at the time I received it and the results may be changed or modified with the discovery of any new information.


BARDID: GA-2018-0026
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NOTTELY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: BLAIRSVILLE
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 12th, 2018 at approximately 2045 hrs. I, CPL, received a call from an employee of Nottely Marina in reference to a boating incident that just occurred on Nottely Lake at Point 8 which is the intersection of Young Cane Creek and Nottely Lake . 

The owner/operator stated that he, his wife and his daughter were cruising in their boat in Young Cane Creek and turned left into Nottely Lake traveling down stream toward Point 7 at approximately 25 mph. Operator was operating the vessel, his wife was located in the front of the vessel and his daughter Occupant2 was located in back of the vessel. Operator stated that he felt the vessel hit something and he lost power / thrust so he cut the motor off. He noticed the vessel started taking on water and they called Nottely Marina. 

Subject responded to the location and towed the vessel to the Family's boat dock and placed it onto the boat lift. The Family's and I walked down to the boat dock and I observed a 1999 19' Chaparral open motor boat sitting in the boat lift with the entire lower unit broken from the vessel and just hanging by what appeared to be the throttle cables. While obtaining the vessels information Subject called me and he stated that he located a large 15'-20' log that was submerged just below the surface of the water floating in the area where he had earlier located the Family's stranded vessel. Subject stated that he towed the log and attached it to the shore line so no other vessels would hit it. I obtained the information to complete the boating incident report and advised the Family's to notify me when they obtained  the estimate to repair the vessel.  *** On June 3rd, 2018 I contacted Operator Family and he stated that they had obtained an estimate from Lake Chatuge Marine to repair the vessel. Family emailed me a copy of the estimate and the estimate stated the cost of the repair would be $9,380.52. This report is based solely on the information made available to me, the statements made to me by Shane Subject, the Family's and the visible damages that I observed on the vessel. I believe the Family's vessel struck a submerged log causing extensive damage to the out drive / lower unit of the vessel. I believe this boating incident was unavoidable due to the submerged log. This report is based solely on the information made available to me at the time I received it and the results may be changed or modified with the discovery of any new information.


BARDID: GA-2018-0027
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BURTON
NearestCityorTown: TIGER
County: RABUN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 08, 2018, I, Game Warden First Class, with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources-Law Enforcement Division, received a call at approximately 1721 hours in reference to a boating incident that occurred on Lake Burton earlier in the day.  I was told by Georgia State Patrol Dispatch to call Habersham Medical Center for further information.  The victim was transported to this medical facility.  I called HMC and was told Victim had a minor hip injury.

I went to HMC and spoke with Victim.  Victim said she was at idle speed attempting to dock a jet ski, with Georgia registration GA1077FR, when the steering quit functioning.  Victim said she bumped into a stationary vessel, with Georgia registration GA0485JH, that was docked at the boathouse owned by her parents.  Victim said she bumped into the port bow area of the stationary vessel with the port bow area of the jet ski.  Victim said there was no damage to either vessel.  Victim said she jumped off the jet ski and hurt her groin/thigh area.  Victim said the incident happened at approximately 1445 hours this same date.

Subject called her father who asked to speak to me.  The father did not want an incident report completed, but I advised that I was required to do one since Victim required medical treatment.  I had asked Victim for consent to have Game Warden, also with GA DNR-LED, go to the property and take pictures of the vessels and confirm registration numbers prior to victim calling her father.  The father pulled consent for pictures, but did allow for GW to confirm registration numbers.  GW advised me that the GA registration numbers given to me were correct.

No charges.  Nothing further.


BARDID: GA-2018-0028
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:37:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityorTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 6, 2018 at approximately 21:45 hrs I, Cpl., received information on a boating incident, which occurred in Hall County on Lake Lanier near Sunset Cove involving a female.  She was being transported to NEG Braselton Medical Center for possible broken ribs.  Cpl. traveled to the hospital and interviewed the female, a 39 yr. old female. 

Victim stated, she was swimming at the beach area in Sunset Cove and was invited to go on a boat ride by a white male subject, 50 - 60 years in age.  Subject was operating a white wakeboard boat.  After a short boat ride, Victim with assistance from Subject, tied herself around her waist to the vessel because they were going to go fast.  

Victim was sitting on the stern of the vessel when Subject took off.  Victim fell into the water and was towed around the waist for a short distance.  Subject assisted her back into the vessel.  Victim was complaining about possible injuries and that is when Subject took her back to the courtesy docks at Sunset Cove.  Subject picked up Victim, “threw” her on to the dock, and left the scene.  She does not know anything about the vessel other than it being white. She does not remember the operator or where the incident took place other than Sunset Cove. The time of the incident is somewhere around sunset, which was 20:45 hrs that day.
THe victim was under the influence of alcohol.


BARDID: GA-2018-0029
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SIDNEY LANIER
NearestCityorTown: BUFORD
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 9, 2018 at approximately 1645 hours I received a call from Cpl in reference to a boating incident that occurred in Hall County just outside of Sunset Cove.  Officer was at the hospital gathering information on the victim.  I called the operator of the vessel at the time of the incident.  

Operator advised me that he was exiting Sunset cove.  He turned the vessel to the port side and throttled it, the change in speed and direction forced the ejection of victim into the water. victim broke her left wrist and possible her hip on the left side.  Operator advised me that he stopped the vessel and got her to the shore as quickly as he could.


BARDID: GA-2018-0030
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SIDNEY LANIER
NearestCityorTown: BUFORD
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Throttle
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday June 10, 2018 at approximately 1845 hours Ranger and I received a call in reference to a possible boating incident in Hall County on Lake Sidney Lanier.  The caller advised us that the exact location was in Shoal Creek just south of Russell bridge.  

Subject was collecting items from a vessel that appeared to have sank.  I observed a ring buoy with a rope tied to it floating near Subject. Subject agreed to write a witness statement and the statement is attached with this report. The rope was fixed to something very secured at the bottom of the lake.  Hall County divers dove and located a vessel with the registration numbers, GA0475HC.  

Owner advised me that her husband was operating the vessel when a wave hit them and broke the throttle cable.  She said they only had reverse to navigate the vessel.  This is when she noticed water coming in the stern portion of the vessel and started to sink.  They swam to shore and flagged down a person.  They were taken back to their campsite. She advised me that no one was hurt in the incident.  I advised them that they must make an attempt to remove their vessel from the lake as soon as possible.  I gave them Tow Boat USA's phone number.    She refused to write a statement.  ***END OF REPORT***


BARDID: GA-2018-0031
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-04-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SEMINOLE
NearestCityorTown: BAINBRIDGE
County: DECATUR
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday April 29, 2018, at approximately 0700 hours, I was notified of a possible boating incident on Lake Seminole in Decatur County. The caller advised there was a vessel stuck in the saw grass near Jack Wingate’s boat landing. The complainant advised the boat had water in the bottom of it and he could see where someone had possibly waded through the grass into a yard on the nearby bank.

Later that morning I made contact with the owner / operator of the vessel. Subject stated at approximately 2200 hours on the previous evening (April 28th), while operating his vessel en-route from Big Jim’s to Faceville Landing, he apparently strayed from the channel and struck a submerged stump. Subject estimated his speed to be between 20-25 mph at the time of impact. He then noticed his vessel was beginning to take on water so he intentionally ran the vessel aground in the saw grass to keep it from sinking. Subject and the two occupants of the vessel then waded through the saw grass to shore near Dogwood Drive.

The bottom of the vessel sustained a hull puncture on the star board side near the transom measuring approximately 3-4” wide and 24” long. There were no reported injuries. The damages were photographed and written statements were obtained from Subject and the other two occupants of the vessel.


BARDID: GA-2018-0032
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BLACKSHEAR
NearestCityorTown: CORDELE
County: CRISP
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator of the vessel and the passenger did not suffer any injuries from the vessel fire.  Operator was operating his 1983 Glastron ski boat, Georgia Registration number GA6120GL, with an inboard/outboard motor.  Operator said he and Occupant were just going to take the vessel out for a ride, because it had not been used for several months.  Operator said he had trouble starting the vessel’s engine and the engine was running rough as he idled through the no wake zone.  Operator said just outside of the idle speed zone, he gunned the vessel’s engine and heard a loud explosion in the engine compartment.  Operator said he used the vessel’s fire extinguisher, but was unable to put out the fire.  An off-duty Crisp County Sheriff’s Deputy was boating nearby and went over to assist Operator.  Operator and Occupant got into the deputy’s vessel and they towed the burning vessel closer to shore so the fire department could extinguish the vessel.  The vessel was located approximately 20 feet from shoreline and it was fully submerged. WE attempted to tow the vessel to the boat ramp, but were unsuccessful due to the damage the vessel sustained from the fire.  The next day I took photos of the vessel after Operator recovered the vessel from the lake.


BARDID: GA-2018-0034
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:59:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BLACKSHEAR
NearestCityorTown: CORDELE
County: CRISP
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, June 9th, 2018 at 1600 hours, I was contacted by the Crisp County 911 Dispatch Center in reference to a possible drowning on Lake Blackshear in Crisp County.  Dispatched informed me an individual flipped his kayak, went underwater and had not resurfaced.  The incident occurred at 1559 hours, and was located north of Loren Williams Park.  At 1603 hours, I notified Sergeant of the boating incident.  

At approximately 1636 hours, Sgt., Cadet, and I arrived on scene by patrol vessel.  According to witness Deputy, the incident occurred approximately 160 yards west.  Deputy was off duty and boating on Lake Blackshear when this boating incident occurred.  Several Crisp County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were already staging incident command at the above address and gathering witness’s statements.  We utilized the patrol vessel’s side scan sonar in an attempt to locate the missing kayaker.
 
Several witnesses were in the area when the incident occurred.  According to witnesses, a strong storm was moving into the area, causing very choppy waves.  Two separate vessels witnessed Victim and subject in separate kayaks.  Both vessels observed Victim trying to flag them down for assistance, due to the waters being rough. 

Assisting vessel number one was a pontoon boat.  Good samaritan1 stated both the kayakers began to scream for assistance.  Good samaritan1 said Victim had turned his kayak over and tried to enter the pontoon boat from the rear.  Victim fell back into the water and attempted to get on Subject’s kayak, causing her kayak to tip over and dump her into the water.  Good samaritan1 stated the other occupants of his vessel were attempting to throw Victim lifejackets since he was in the water.  Subject was able to get on the pontoon safely, but witnesses said Victim went under and never resurfaced.  In another witness statement, she heard Subject yelling he (Victim) couldn’t swim.  

Assisting vessel number two was a red ski boat, operated by Deputy.  Deputy stated Victim was flagging them down and requesting help, due to Subject having a severe panic attack.  Deputy stated him, along with other witnesses in the other boat, attempted to throw several floating devices to Victim for him to grab onto.  Deputy stated Victim went under at one point and came back up still clinging onto a yellow life vest.  Due to him panicking, Victim went back under and never came back up.  An occupant of Deputy’s vessel had entered the water in an attempt to locate Victim underneath the water.

A Crisp County Sheriff’s Office patrol vessel picked up Subject and Victim’s floating personal belongings.  The items were recovered north of the incident scene and included, a blue in color Sundolphin, Aruba 8 kayak, eight feet in length, belonging to Subject.  A green in color Sundolphin, Aruba 10 kayak, ten feet in length, belonging to Victim.  Two paddles, one can of sunscreen, one cellphone, green soft cooler, grey soft cooler, pink soft cooler and a pink drawstring bag.  All items were photographed by the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office and returned to the family. 

The patrol vessel’s side scan sonar was used to search for Victim’s body until approximately 2330 hours, but was not located.

On Sunday June 10th, at approximately 0620 hours, the search resumed for Victim’s body.  Shore sweeps were conducted Sumter County Fire and Rescue, and Crisp County Sheriff’s Office personnel.  Two Game Warden patrol vessels equipped with side scan sonar searched the incident area until the Georgia Department of Natural Reso


BARDID: GA-2018-0035
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SAVANNAH RIVER
NearestCityorTown: RINCON
County: EFFINGHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
I, Ranger First Class received a call from GSP Statesboro Post concerning a boating incident on June 17, 2018.  I received the call at approximately 12:00 PM.  Dispatch stated that a boat hit the embankment and went into the trees on the edge of the river.  The incident occurred on the Savannah River below Mill Stone Landing.  I was in Bulloch County and I immediately began in that direction.  I informed dispatch that I had to go to Plant McIntosh in Effingham to launch the boat.  I directed dispatch to also call South Carolina DNR and have them enroute because it was still undetermined whether the incident happened in Georgia or if it occurred in South Carolina. 
	I arrived at Plant McIntosh and launched the patrol vessel.  I went downstream to the incident site and discovered South Carolina DNR officers were already on scene along with several other boats that were trying to help.  It was confirmed that the incident occurred in Georgia.  Officer with South Carolina DNR advised me that they had already gotten the injured operator to Mill Stone Landing and he was transported by EMS to a nearby hospital in South Carolina.  The three other occupants had minor scrapes and bumps but were still on scene of the incident.  They refused medical attention.
	I could see that the wrecked vessel was about approximately 50 feet into the tree line.  I pulled to the bank and got out of my vessel to begin the investigation.  I took numerous pictures of the scene and inspected the vessel for any evidence of what caused the incident, such as alcohol consumption.  No alcoholic beverages were located.
	After I finished with the scene, I decided to get the three occupants back to Mill Stone Landing and begin to get their statements.  A witness and a few more individuals stayed behind and pulled the boat back into the river and began towing it to Mill Stone Landing.
		They stated that they left from Plant Vogtle Ramp in Burke County and went to River Street in Savannah.  On their way back through, the cooler was stored in the bow of the boat.  As the boat hit waves, the cooler kept sliding back to the passenger part of the boat.  Apparently, operator took his hands off of the steering wheel and tried to push the cooler into the bow from where it had slid. The boat was going at a high rate of speed and turned hard to the port side.  The boat went into the tree line, glanced off of several trees, and settled into the wood line.  They stated that they had not been drinking alcohol and we could find no evidence to dispute it.
	


BARDID: GA-2018-0038
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SINCLAIR
NearestCityorTown: EATONTON
County: PUTNAM
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 24 June 2018 at approximately 14:10 hours, a boating incident with injuries was reported on Lake Sinclair at Oconee Springs. CPL and SGT responded immediately. CPL and SGT arrived at Oconee Springs Park at approximately 14:30. There, they met with the victim and his brother, Subject1. Victim was already being treated by Putnam County EMS. CPL spoke with both of the individuals in order to determine what caused the accident.

CPL spoke with Victim first. Victim stated that he was operating a PWC with registration number GA0509SN, at approximately 15-20mph when he struck a wake. When he struck the wake, he was thrown forward over the PWC, causing his right arm to strike the handlebar. When he emerged from the water, he noticed his arm was bleeding. His brother, Subject1, witnessed the incident and immediately went to his brother’s aid.

After speaking with Victim, CPL spoke with Subject1. Subject1 agreed to write a written statement about what occurred. Subject1 stated that he and Victim were riding PWCs in front of Oconee Springs Park when another vessel passed them at a high rate of speed, causing a large wake. He stated that the front of Victim’s PWC dipped down into the wake, causing it to come to an immediate stop. When this happen, Victim was thrown forward over the PWC. When he was ejected, his arm was caught on the handlebar, causing a large laceration. Subject1 stated that when he saw the incident occur, he immediately went to check on his brother. He noticed his brother was holding his right arm and that he was bleeding. Subject1 attempted to hold on to his brother and take him into shore, but Victim was unable to hold on to the PWC. Subject1 then noticed a passerby vessel. He waved them down, and they came to their aid. The vessel took Victim to shore, where they contacted EMS. 

I, Game Warden, contacted Subject1 to validate his story. He verified what occurred, and informed me that his brother had not had much experience on that particular PWC, and was not looking in front of him when he struck the wake. He also stated that his brother has been a diabetic since he was 11, and has dialysis treatment three times per week. Subject1 said that after being treated by Putnam County EMS, Victim was transported to The Medical Center Navicent Health Emergency Room. I contacted the ER to get information on the extent of Victim’s injuries. The nursed stated that his injuries only required stitches, and that he had no broken bones. He was released at approximately 18:00 on 24 June 2018. End of report.


BARDID: GA-2018-0039
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SINCLAIR
NearestCityorTown: EATONTON
County: PUTNAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/15/2018 at 18:10, a boating accident was reported to Putnam County. The witness estimated that the incident occurred approximately thirty minutes before at approximately 17:40.  Putnam County Sheriff’s Deputy who said he could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Operator.  Deputy said that when he questioned Operator as to if he had any alcoholic drinks since the incident and he said no, but did admit to drinking before the incident.
	I began to interview Operator as to what had happened. I asked if he had experience riding a PWC. He said his family owned personal watercrafts and he had experience riding them. I asked if he had any kind of boating education classes, he replied some training as an eagle scout, but had not taken DNR boating education classes.  He said that he was traveling south in the Southshore Cove area toward the main body of water. I asked how far away from the docks he was and he responded about the middle of the cove.  Then he went to turn right and the PWC would not turn and made contact with the dock.  I asked if he attempted to stop the PWC by pulling the cut-off switch.  His response was that he panicked.  Operator said that after he hit the dock, he had to get on the dock and push the PWC to free it.  He then said he returned to the dock.  I asked Operator if he had been drinking before he got on the PWC, he said he had some drinks around two to four o’clock.  I then asked if he had been drinking after the incident he replied that had had a few sips of other people’s drinks but did not have his own drink. 
	I then interviewed a witness to the incident.  At the time of the incident Witness was watching from his home.  He said he observed Operator on the PWC doing loops and was close to the docks.  As Operator came out of the loop, he was still on the throttle with the front of the PWC up out of the water and made contact with the dock.  Witness said the PWC had made hard contact with the dock. Witness said Operator then said “oh fuck” and began to try to get the PWC freed from the dock.  He then observed Operator getting on the dock and rocking the PWC to get it loose.  According to Witness once the PWC was freed, Operator went back to the dock Road where the PWC was put on a lift and covered up.  He said he did not call the incident in because he wanted to see if Operator would do the right thing and call it in.  I asked how much time Operator had to avoid hitting the dock after coming out of the loop. Witness responded “two tenths of a second.”  I also asked Witness how fast was the PWC going before impact. He said it was a high rate of speed.
		While on-scene, I observed the damage to the dock.  There were busted 2x6 wood boards and part of the busted board was floating on the water.  A pylon that supports the dock was also knocked out of its original position by approximately twelve inches, and there was damage to some of the decking boards. I also observed two pieces of blac


BARDID: GA-2018-0040
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:09:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SINCLAIR
NearestCityorTown: EATONTON
County: PUTNAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
I began to question Operator1 about what led up to the incident.  Operator1 said he was on the PWC doing figure 8s.  He was operating in the body of water straight in front of the dock, as he was coming out of the figure 8 turn, he had gotten water in his eyes.  When he could see again he seen the other vessel, but did not have time to avoid a collision. He made contact with the right front port side of the vessel.  The other vessel involved then assisted him back to his dock. I asked if he was injured he said no just sore from tensing up, but he did not need medical attention.  Operator1 said he had rented the PWC and had watched the safety videos required before renting a vessel.

Operator2said that he was operating the vessel with two other occupants in the boat. He was pulling two people in a tube behind the boat. Operator2 said as he began to turn to the right he could see Operator1 to his left on the PWC.  He said that the PWC then was turning as well and collided with his boat.  This damaged the boat and it began to take on water.  

Operator2 then assisted Operator1 and helped him out of the water and pulled the PWC back to the dock.  Operator2 then began to go to his dock when his engine stopped. The operator then had to get assistance from a passing vessel to pull him to his dock.  I spoke with all those in the vessel and they said they were not injured.

After hearing the witness statement and seeing the evidence.  I determined that Operator1 should have been the give way vessel and Operator2 was the stand-on vessel.  No citations were issued to Operator1 for failure to obey the boating rules of the road.


BARDID: GA-2018-0041
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:08:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OCONEE
NearestCityorTown: MADISON
County: MORGAN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Narrative for case number 2152018062401

	On June 24, 2018, I Cpl. received a call from the Morgan County 911 center in reference to a boat incident near Blue Springs Marina.  The dispatcher stated there were seven people in the water.  The dispatcher stated it was a single vessel incident.  I asked for the name of the person who called 911.  The dispatcher stated the vessel owner/operator was the one who called and she provided me with the cell number.  I called the number and spoke with subject stated he was the owner and operator of the vessel.  I asked if there were any injuries and Operator stated there were no injuries and another vessel stopped and helped the children while he and his friend stayed with the vessel until they could tow it back to Blue Springs Marina.  I advised Operator I would meet him at the marina.
	When I arrived at Blue Springs Marina, they were putting a black pontoon vessel on a trailer.  I made contact with Operator.  Operator stated he just bought the pontoon vessel and brought it to Lake Oconee so the kids could tube.  I asked Operator where he was boating and he pointed to the buoy markers in the distance.  He stated he was approximately 40 yards on the other side of the markers.  I advised Operator those markers indicated there was standing timber and were marked with a diamond which meant danger.  Operator stated he did not read the buoys and looked as if the area was clear.  Operator stated they were looking for a spot to pull the kids on a tube.  He stated he just took off and the vessel came to a complete stop causing him to be thrown over the driver console.  Operator stated the vessel started leaning to the right and sinking.  The children already had on life jackets and he stated he and his buddy put theirs on immediately.  A passing vessel stopped and took the children to the marina.  The vessel came back and pulled the crippled vessel back to the marina.  
	I took all the information for the report.  I noted the damage to the vessel.  The front door of the compartment was sprung, the driver’s steering wheel console was busted, and the starboard pontoon had a large gash and was also busted at a welded seam.  I did not note any damage to the motor or the port side of the vessel.  I walked around the vessel and videoed the damage with my Vie Vue.  There were no injuries in the incident and no citations were issued and alcohol was not a contributing factor.  Operator stated it was his first time on Lake Oconee and was not familiar with the lake or the hazardous areas.  I completed a boating incident form and wrote a L.E. notification to the command staff advising of the incident.


BARDID: GA-2018-0042
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FREDERICA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: ST SIMONS ISLAND
County: GLYNN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On the evening of July 13th I, Sgt., responded to a boating incident at Morningstar marina involving two yachts with no injuries.
 
When I arrived vessel 1(vo1) a 38 foot Bertram, The Jenni, was laying against vessel 2(vo2) a unoccupied 53 foot Fleming which was docked at the marina and a dock piling. The anchor located on the bow of vo1 was lodged into the side of vo2 just below a window on the starboard side of the cabin. The end of the anchor had punctured a hole all the way thru the wall.( see attached photos)

At slack tide vo1's anchor was slowly removed by assistance from Tow Boat US which was tied off to the starboard side of the Bertram. Once removed the Bertram was then towed to Brunswick Landing marina.

I interviewed the owner/operator and crew of vo1,The Jenni at Brunswick Landing marina.
The Jenni owner stated that "they approached the dock from the south into the slip area, lost propulsion and got dragged by a fierce current into the channel. The boat than struck another boat and came to a complete stop."

Crew member stated “approached dock from the south entrance, lost control with fast current, the vessel turned 90 degrees and came to rest against a pole and another vessel.

 At the time of the incident vo2 had no one on board and was tied off to the marina dock. 

The damage to vo2 consisted of 
1. The hole below the window(outside gel coat and inside trim) 
2. Small gouge  to the teak trim rail.
3. Two areas to the gel coat above the trim rail.

On July 20th, (owner of vo2) sent an email with an estimate for the repairs from Hinckley Yacht Services in Savannah. The total estimate was for $5747.51 which included yard services if needed. 

There was no damage to vo1.


BARDID: GA-2018-0043
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SINCLAIR
NearestCityorTown: SPARTA
County: HANCOCK
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 7, 2018 at approximately 15:30 hours, an incident occurred on Lake Sinclair in the Island Creek area.  DNR was notified by Hancock County Sheriff’s Office at 17:17 hours. I (Game Warden) arrived to the victim’s location at approximately 17:40 hours.  Once on-scene, I received a statement from the operator of the vessel (V01) that was struck.  I then had to patrol the waters in the area to locate the Personal Watercraft (PWC) that was involved in the incident because the operator failed to call me back with his current location.  I then located the PWC (V02) and operator.

	Using the statement from Operator1 and Operator2 as well as my knowledge and experience the following occurred:  Operator1 was traveling north in Island Creek in his vessel, pulling his son and daughter in a tube.  Operator2 was traveling east across the lake toward Operator1.  When Operator1 saw they were about to collide with each other, he throttled down and made a sharp turn to the left.  At this point, Operator2 was still headed towards Operator1’ vessel.  When Operator2 saw the vessel in front of him, he let off of the throttle on the PWC, but still made contact with Operator1’ vessel.  The Yamaha PWC operated by Operator2 made contact with the front starboard side of the Stratos boat operated by Operator1.
 
	According to the boating rules of the road law, Operator1 was the stand on vessel and should have been able to continue the direction he was travelling. While Operator2 was the give way vessel and should have changed direction or stopped and allowed Operator1 to proceed.  Operator2 is at fault in the incident, as well while giving his statement to me Operator2 admitted that it was his fault.  He also told me that he had told Operator1 after the incident that he would pay for the damages to his vessel.


BARDID: GA-2018-0044
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OCONEE
NearestCityorTown: EATONTON
County: PUTNAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 16, 2018, at approximately 1524 hours, I was contacted by Sgt. in reference to a boating incident on Lake Oconee.  I proceeded to call Putnam County's Sheriff's Office dispatch and they confirmed a boating incident. 

	At this point in time, the victim had been transported to Putnam General Hospital by Putnam County EMS.  My preliminary interview on the dock were consistent with Operator1 being the operator of vessel one (red jet ski), GA Registration 0822WF.  Operator2 was the operator of vessel two (black jet ski), GA Registration 0919TH.  V2 occupant1 was the observer riding with Operator2 while Victim was being pulled on a tube (port side) along with V2 tuber2 riding starboard side of the tube.  I proceeded to inspect both jet skis for safety compliance and both checked out satisfactory.  Operator1 informed me that she struck the victim with the jet ski due to a steering issue.  While her ski was on the lift, I ran the ski and operated the steering column and all appeared to be in working condition. Both above skis came back registered to the same person (who was not present at the time).

	During this period, while at the above address, V2 occupant1 appeared to be very concerned about law enforcement presence and liability concerns.  I had to instruct V2 occupant1 by state law, it was required to report such boating incidents.  I proceeded to Putnam General Hospital to check on the victim and attempt to speak with him.  Victim was in no condition to speak.  He was being attended to by Dr. and other hospital staff.  Victim was being treated for a punctured lung, possible broken ribs, lacerations under the chin, and bruising to right side of face.  

	While at the hospital, I secured statements and confirmed through these statements that Operator1 was driving the red jet ski (listed above), Operator2 was driving the black jet ski (listed above) with V2 occupant1 as the observer/passenger while pulling the tube with Victim and V2 tuber2. 

	On July 17, I received an email and phone call from Operator1 revising her initial statement that she was the driver of the red jet ski.  She advised that she was not driving the red jet ski, that she was driving the Mastercraft Boat, GA6338DS.  She stated that V2 occupant1 urged her to say the accident occurred with the jet ski instead of the family's boat in hopes of keeping the boat out of the situation.  My observations of this situation confirms my suspicion of V2 occupant1's actions the day of the incident.  Up until this point, none of the other individuals involved reached out to correct their statements.  

Operator1, V2 occupant1, V2 tuber2, and Operator2 all provided false statements and information to me as I attempted to investigate this incident.  These four individuals listed above were interviewed openly and none of them made an attempt to contradict the others' statements (They all had an opportunity to correct each other's statements, but chose not to). On July 18, 2018 at 1142 hours, I conducted a phone interview with Operator1 and she advised again that she was the operator of the Mastercraft boat with occupants.  Later, as I spoke with the two occupants, they confirmed being occupants of the Master Craft.  They both informed me that they were present at the hospital when all of the interviewing was taking place, but chose not to give their statement that day.  The two also confirmed that V2 tuber2 was driving the black jet ski while V2 occupant1 was the passenger/observer, along w


BARDID: GA-2018-0045
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OCONEE
NearestCityorTown: GREENSBORO
County: GREENE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Narrative for case number 21518070401
	Owner stated she and her sister in law stopped and anchored their vessel so they could swim.  Owner stated they started to leave but the vessel would not start.  Owner noted there was smoke coming from the engine compartment.   Owner stated there was a pontoon vessel close and a male individual swam to her vessel to help.  Owner stated as he opened the engine compartment, flames erupted from the compartment.  The male subject used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames before we arrived.  The fire appeared to be an electrical fire.  The vessel was taken back to Owner’s dock and secured.  Owner stated she needed a report for insurance purposes.  There were no injuries or any other property damage associated with the incident.


BARDID: GA-2018-0046
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WEST POINT LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAGRANGE
County: TROUP
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
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
I first spoke with Operator2, owner/operator of the bass boat, about what occurred. Operator2 explained that while he and his son were heading south in the channel on West Point Lake shortly after crossing under the Cameron Mill bridge he observed two PWC’s coming from the area of Yellow Jacket Access Beach and crossing in front of him heading toward the entrance of Half Moon Creek. Operator2 stated that one PWC had already crossed in front of him and began maneuvering sharp circles in front of him and to his left. To avoid the PWC he slightly turned his vessel to the right as to make plenty of room. Upon turning his vessel slightly right and beginning to pass the first PWC he observed the other PWC to his right also making sharp turning circles. Operator2 attempted to give plenty of space to the second PWC by turning his vessel slightly to the left. Upon turning slightly the first PWC impacted Operator2’s vessel in the left side rear of the bass boat. 

Operator2 stated that he immediately slowed his vessel to neutral and checked on his son whom was sitting on the left side of the vessel in the area of the PWC’s impact. Operator2 stated that he observed someone in the water from the PWC but as more concerned about his son. A woman, later identified as the owner of the two PWC’s, immediately rode up to Operator2 and his son and asked if everyone was ok. Operator2 explained that the operator of the PWC that struck him got back on the PWC and rode it to the beach. Operator2 asked her about the damage to his boat and she explained that they were all over at the beach and they could go to the shore and talk about the damages. While in route over to the shore Operator2 was able to get in contact with Sgt. While at the shore Operator2 explained that that a man came up to him and apologized for hitting his vessel. Operator2 explained that all parties waited until Game Wardens arrived.

	I then spoke to the second boat operator about what occurred. Operator1 stated that he was operating the PWC that struck Operator2’s vessel. When I asked him to explain what happen he stated that they were out toward the middle of the lake turning doughnuts when he struck Operator2’s vessel. I asked him if he recalled if he was turning left or right and he stated that he could not clearly remember and attempted to reenact the scene to remember. Operator1 explained at first that he was turning left and then stated he was turning right after crossing in front of the bass boat. I then asked Operator1 if he was crossing the channel and he stated they were not crossing but in the channel turning doughnuts and playing around. Operator1 explained that there was a lot happening at once and a lot of boats in the channel at once. I asked Operator1 who owned the PWC’s. I asked Operator1 if he could remember anything else and he stated that he could not. He was just playing around and hit the other boat.
 


BARDID: GA-2018-0047
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:43:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TWIN LAKES
NearestCityorTown: LAKE PARK
County: LOWNDES
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
	On Monday, June 25, 2018, I responded to a report of a boating incident on Twin Lakes in Lowndes County (private property) involving a boat collision with a dock. The Lowndes County 911 dispatchers advised that the operator of the boat had been transported to South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta and that one of the occupants, a young child, was being life flighted to Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida.

	When I arrived on scene, I spoke with Lowndes County Sheriff’s Deputies that advised me of the details they had about the boat and the occupants, as well as the witnesses they had identified.  The deputies advised that the boat operator and two occupants had left the 4-H club, which was on the opposite side of the lake and went for a ride.  At some point, they struck a fixed dock with the boat and came to a stop against the bank behind the neighboring residence.  

The deputies advised that the two juvenile occupants were currently enrolled in Camp Rock, which was taking place at the 4-H club.  After speaking with the deputies, I interviewed the first witness.  Witness1 stated that she did not see the collision but heard the impact while she was outside in her yard.  Witness1 stated that when she heard the impact, she immediately knew that a boat had hit a dock and that she and her friend ran across the street and behind the residence where the boat had come to rest, in order to offer assistance to the occupants of the boat.  

Upon speaking to witness2 a short time later, she provided the same information.  Witness1 stated that when they made it to the boat, it was stopped against the bank and the male operator was trying to move the pieces of wood from on top of the other two occupants in the boat.  Witness1 stated that the operator appeared to have injuries to his side and that one of the occupants had injuries to his head.  Witness1 also stated that Operator made statements about looking back at something in the water and then hitting the dock.  She also advised that later, Operator stated that the steering in his boat broke and he could not steer away from the dock. 
 	
	After speaking with Witness1, I went to the 4-H Club to find out the identities of the two juvenile occupants involved in the crash.  They advised that subject1 had been taken to Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida and that subject2 had gone back to class with the other students.  I requested that the camp staff contact subject2’s parents and ask them to come to the camp so that I could interview their son about the incident.  A short time later, the parents arrived back at the camp.  With their permission and in their presence, I interviewed subject2 about the incident.  Subject2 stated that they were riding around the lake and the steering on the boat malfunctioned which caused them to run into the dock.

	After speaking with Subject2, I went to South Georgia Medical Center to interview the boat operator.  Operator stated that he was the operator and that while they were riding in the boat, he looked away for just a second and when he looked back forward, he saw the dock.  Operator advised that his steering locked and he was unable to steer out of the path of the dock.  However, Operator also stated that after the collision, his steering “freed up” and he was able to steer the boat toward the bank.

	Incident was due to operator inattention.


BARDID: GA-2018-0048
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALAPAHA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: LAKELAND
County: LANIER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday, July 25, 2018, at approximately 21:25 hours, we (Georgia Department of Natural Resources) received a call from GSP in reference to a boat accident involving a PWC that took place on the Alapaha River in Lanier County.  The dispatcher advised that the operator of the boat had been taken to South Georgia Medical Center-Lanier Campus in Lakeland, Georgia for treatment and was currently still in the emergency room there.  Sergeant and I responded to the hospital in order to investigate the incident.

	When I arrived at the hospital, I spoke with Lanier County Deputy, who provided me with the information about the operator of the PWC as well as the witness who had transported the operator to the hospital.  The witness, stated that his girlfriend was the operator of the PWC during the accident.  

Witness advised that he, Operator and some other individuals had been hanging out along the sandbar at the river.  Witness advised that he observed Operator ride down river on the PWC without wearing a PFD at approximately 15:30 hours.  Witness advised that after a short period of time, he noticed that Operator had not returned.  Witness stated that he became worried, so he used one of their floats and paddled down river in order to locate Operator.  Witness stated that after paddling approximately one (1) to two (2) miles down the river he heard Operator yelling for help.  Witness stated that when he located Operator along the eastern bank of the river, she was laying on the ground with obvious injuries to her face, arms and legs and the PWC was up on the river bank in the bushes.  Witness advised that the PWC was approximately 100-150 feet away from the river bank.  After dragging the PWC back down to the river, Witness advised that he loaded Operator onto the PWC and drove her back down river to their vehicle and then transported her to the hospital in Lakeland.  Witness also advised that he felt like alcohol had possibly played a role in causing the accident because he had seen Operator drinking beer throughout the afternoon and he also knew that she had a prescription for anti-anxiety medication.

	After speaking with Witness, I spoke to the ER staff about Operator’s injuries.  The ER nurse advised that Operator possibly had a broken jaw, lacerations to her arms and hand, injuries on her leg and foot as well as her right orbital socket possibly being broken.  The nurse advised that they were awaiting an ambulance to transfer Operator to South Georgia Medical Center-Main Campus in Valdosta for further treatment.  She advised that Operator was awake and alert but in a lot of pain, and she was not able to communicate much, due to the injuries to her jaw.  After speaking with the nurse, I requested that she explain and witness Operator’s signing of a medical record release and she agreed.  Operator was explained what the release was for as well as why it was needed and her signing of the form was witnessed by myself and the ER nurse.

	On Thursday, July 26, 2018, Sgt. and I attempted to locate the accident scene along the river bank but were unable to due to inclement weather that moved through the area immediately after the accident took place as well as very unclear directions that had been given by Witness.  Later that same date, Sgt.  and I were able to look at the PWC that was involved.  The PWC had a Georgia registration of (GA 0506 CR) and was sitting on the ground in the yard, as there was no trailer.  We photographed the PWC but there were no obvious signs of damage from the accident as the PWC is a 1993 model and had obvious signs of age and use.

	Based on the statements from Witness, and not being able to lo


BARDID: GA-2018-0050
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: HARTWELL LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAVONIA
County: HART
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 20, 2018, I, RFC at approximately 3:40 PM was notified by Hart County dispatch that a boating incident had occurred near Party Island on Hartwell Lake and EMS was en route to Rock Springs Ramp to assess the injuries.  I told dispatch that I would be en route from my location.  I notified GSP dispatch of the situation.  

I arrived on scene at approximately 4:00 PM and met the ambulance leaving out with the injured subject.  I spoke with the EMS on scene and got a general description of Victim's injuries.  They stated to me that Victim was struck by a vessel and was knocked unconscious.  They stated that when they arrived on scene that Victim had regained consciousness and wanted to refuse treatment but was strongly advised by EMS to be checked out at the hospital.  Victim agreed and was ultimately transported to AnMed in Anderson, SC.

There were two vessels involved in this incident and a total of six persons.  One was an inboard ski-type vessel, further known as vessel 1.  The other vessel was a PWC (personal watercraft), further known as vessel 2.  I spoke with both operators of each vessel.  Vessel 1 operator stated that the two vessels were heading to Party Island and approximately one hundred yards before reaching the island is when the incident occurred.  Operator1 stated that he had come off plane and was at idle speed approaching the island.  Operator1 stated that's when vessel 2 operator hit him from the back of the vessel and ramped it on the left side.

Victim was sitting directly in the path of vessel 2 at the back/left side of vessel 1.

I spoke with Operator2, who is 14 years of age, with the permission of Operator1 and he stated that he was not paying attention to where he was going and hit vessel 1.  Operator2 stated that while approaching the island he was looking at it and did not notice that vessel 1 was at idle speed.  Operator2 stated that his vessel ramped up the other vessel and rolled off.  He stated that he had taken the Boating Education Course and produced his card proving that he had.  I took a photo of it.  

I took notice of vessel 1's damaged and noticed that most of the damage was at the passenger’s side window.  There were two panels and both were busted out.  I also noticed that at the back of the vessel where vessel 2 had ramped it.  There was damage to the side vent, the stern light pole was bent, the canopy structure was bent, and there were scratches at the back and along the gunwale.  I then released all from the scene to follow up with Victim.

On July 22, 2018, I called Operator1 and got an updated report on Victim.  He stated that she was at home now after spending two days at the hospital and everything was going good.  He stated that the doctors found that Victim had a slight brain bleed but released her because it seemed to be just bruising now.  He stated that the doctors gave her medication for seizer's and antibiotics for the bruising and whiplash.  He stated that Victim flew in from Texas to stay for the weekend but is going to stay a few more days.  I got Operator1 to go over with me again what happened and he stated the same as before but added a few more details.  He stated that Operator2 was ejected off of vessel 2 and at the time that was their main concern because they thought that vessel 2 had landed on him as it rolled off of vessel 1.  After determining that Operator2 was fine, that's when they noticed that Victim was unconscious.  Operator1 stated that she was sitting up like she was unharmed.  All the attention was on her at that time.


BARDID: GA-2018-0051
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HARTWELL
County: HART
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/21/2018 at 1430 hours RFC was contacted by GSP dispatch of a boat incident on Lake Hartwell. RFC Pierce called GSP dispatch to get further information and was advised that the subject was at  St Mary's Hospital in Lavonia. RFCS traveled by patrol vehicle to St. Mary's Hospital and made contact with operator who owns the boat involved in the incident. operaotr was towing victim on a wake board when victim fell and struck his face on the wake board knocking out his two front teeth and lacerating his upper lip. Victim was treated at St. Mary's Hospital  where he received stitches in his upper lip and one tooth was placed back into its socket.


BARDID: GA-2018-0052
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HARTWELL
NearestCityorTown: ROYSTON
County: HART
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 1400 hours on 07/03/2018 Cpl. was notified by Hart County EMS about a subject that was injured while operating a PWC on Lake Hartwell. A female subject was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital in Lavonia and treated for a broken left ankle. Cpl. responded to the hospital and began investigating the incident. Cpl. found that the woman was jumping waves, and was thrown from her PWC.  Her left leg got stuck while being thrown off the PWC, subsequently breaking her left ankle. She was released from the Hospital the same day. Nothing further


BARDID: GA-2018-0053
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityorTown: BUFORD
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: bilge pump
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 6,2018, I Game Warden along with Sgt. responded to a sunken vessel call near Russell Bridge. Upon arrival, the vessel was located in a cove near the shore, with the bow sticking out of the water. Contact was made with the vessel owner via cell phone. 

Owner told me that he and Occupant were driving around when he lost steering control of the vessel. Shortly after, the vessel began to take on water. Occupant went to the stern of the vessel to check on the bilge pump. It was determined that the bilge pump was not working properly. Occupant then jumped out of the vessel to lessen the weight inside the vessel. The boat continued to sink from stern to bow. 

Based on my training, knowledge, and experience, I believe the vessel lost buoyancy due to mechanical failure.


BARDID: GA-2018-0054
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:43:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityorTown: BUFORD
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
I arrived on scene at approximately 8:49 P.M. to find a burnt PWC 3/4 of the way submerged under water. I spoke with a couple witnesses on the dock and determined that when the PWC exploded, several bystanders obtained several fire extinguishers and proceeded to spray the burning jet ski. 

	I later determined that no one except the operator of the PWC was injured from the incident. I spoke with Operator at the scene to determine his condition. While speaking with Operator, I could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his person. I asked him how much he had to drink and determined that he had drank two "Lake Waters." Due to his condition, Operator was then transported to Gwinnett Medical Center in Lawrenceville. I obtained 4 witness statements from the scene, then I went to Gwinnett Medical Center to interview Operator. 

	Operator stated that he had driven the PWC to Holiday Marina to eat at the Twisted Oar. After he ate, he went to the PWC to start it. He untied the PWC from the dock, hit the start button and nothing happened. Operator then primed the PWC and hit the start button again. The PWC still did not start. Operator tied the PWC back to the dock and primed the PWC again, he attempted to start the PWC again with no luck. Operator then primed the PWC for the third time, he then hit the start button again; it was at that moment, the PWC exploded throwing him approximately 20 feet in the air (per witnesses). When Operator came down, he hit his face on the dock with the rest of his body landing in the water. Nearby bystanders, helped him out of the water and to safety. 

	After speaking with Operator at the hospital, I determined that he has had this particular PWC for 20 years. Operator does all the maintenance on the PWC himself. Recently, Operator had worked on this PWC by installing a new primer kit on the PWC. I also determined that he was wearing his life jacket at the time of the incident. 

	Based on my knowledge, training, and experience, I believe that this incident occurred due to the engine system and fuel system causing the gas fumes to ignite. As a result, the PWC exploded, throwing Operator off the PWC and resulting in the PWC to catch fire. Operator sustained a couple broken ribs, and lacerations to his face.

	  I do not believe that this incident occurred due to Operator consuming a couple alcoholic beverages.


BARDID: GA-2018-0055
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityorTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Carbon monoxide exposure
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Two subjects were supposed to be on a 24 foot Sea Ray cabin cruiser boat. Their last known location was somewhere near the Two Mile Island chain. The subjects had not been heard from in over twenty four hours.

Cpl. and Ranger located the vessel around midnight. The vessel was anchored near an island across from Two Mile Creek Park. Both occupants were found deceased in the cabin.

(Cpl. informed me later the cabin hatch was closed when he initially boarded the vessel. He opened it and found the victims.)

RFC and I transported Forsyth County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) investigators to the scene by vessel. The investigators boarded the victim's vessel and took photographs and notes for their case file. The victim's vessel was towed by Tow Boat U.S. to Vann's Tavern Boat Ramp. Once at the boat ramp, the victims bodies were removed by Forsyth County Coroner's Office personnel. The bodies were taken into custody by the Forsyth County Coroner's Office for autopsy. 

---

On May 30, 2018 I traveled to the FCSO impound lot. On board the vessel, I observed all of the cabin window vents were closed and secured with their designed clasp inside the cabin. 

I located a portable generator inside the engine compartment. The generator was in the "start" position and switched "on". (Cpl. informed me the generator was not running when he located the victims on May 28, 2018.)

I did not immediately notice any type of carbon monoxide or smoke detector inside the cabin.  

---

On July 9, 2018, I received a copy of Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Division of Forensic Sciences, lab reports. (The FCSO investigators requested a carboxyhemoglobin determination from the GBI). 

GBI Forensic Toxicologist indicated the following in his reports:

Victim 1- Presence of carboxyhemoglobin ; 67% saturation (+/- 3)
Victim 2 - Presence of carboxyhemoglobin ; 73% saturation (+/- 3)

The determinations were made using multiple blood samples from both victims. A copy of the GBI lab report for each victim is included in the case file. 


BARDID: GA-2018-0056
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WASASAW SOUND
NearestCityorTown: SAVANNAH
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to Operator, they had just pulled up their anchor and got underway when the engine shut off and would not restart.  Operator stated due to the rough seas water started coming over the stern of the vessel which caused the vessel to flood and capsize.  

Operator said they called 911 and put on their life jackets then went into the water.  Operator and the two occupants were picked up from the water by Chatham County Marine Patrol officers who arrived on scene approximately 1 hour after the vessel capsized.  Chatham County Marine Patrol Officer advised me of the rescue via mobile phone so I could cancel my response.  During an offshore patrol on Sunday mid-day, officers, and I spotted the vessel adrift just south of Tybee Roads buoy chain entrance into the Savannah River, several miles east of Tybee Island.  Sgt. relayed the coordinates to Officer via mobile phone. Operator stated the vessel was recovered by Tow Boat US late Sunday afternoon and he has it back at his residence.  The vessel was not insured.  

 No registration number has been assigned yet, Temporary Number:  01804405864510107101


BARDID: GA-2018-0057
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:56:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SINCLAIR
County: PUTNAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Game Warden and Sgt. responded to a call regarding an injured skier. Upon arrival witness statements were given out to 2 witnesses on scene. The Operator and the spotter both stated that while towing Victim on a tube she hit a medium sized wake which seemed to be what injured her. Victim was hurt so the witnesses called over a pontoon vessel to take Victim Back to the dock where they came from. She was transported to Milledgeville Navicent Health where she was released with no serious injury. It was determined later that she had only suffered from a neck and back sprain.


BARDID: GA-2018-0058
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:46:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: JOHNSON CREEK
NearestCityorTown: MIDWAY
County: LIBERTY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 28, 2018, I, Cpl., received a call from GSP Dispatch notifying me of a boating incident involving a capsized boat that had occurred in Liberty County on the Intracoastal Waterway near Marker 130.  The dispatch advised me that Liberty County 911 had dispatched the Eastern District Fire/Rescue boat and that they were on scene.  Dispatch advised me that everything seemed to be handled and that Coast Guard had been notified also.  

At the time of the call, myself and Game Warden were patrolling the upper Ogeechee River near Morgan's Bridge.  Once we made it back to the ramp that we had launched from, Cpl. called me to inform me that he had heard that there had been eight persons in the water and that there had been 2 - 3 injuries.  I contacted Liberty 911 Dispatch who informed me that they were informed that two persons had been injured and a third had fainted (this later was found to be a mix up in communications from the rescue boat - there were a total of eight persons on the secondary boat after they had rescued the three passengers in the first boat).  They informed me that the Fire/Rescue boat had already transported the injured persons to the boat ramp at Sunbury to meet two ambulances which were already en route to Memorial Hospital in Savannah, GA.

    Once I got back to my truck at the Richmond Hill Hatchery, I asked Warden1 to proceed to the hospital to gather information and talked to any of the victims or witnesses.  I proceeded to Half Moon Marina in Liberty County to the location where Sea Tow was towing the vessel.  Once at the marina, I met Capt. of Sea Tow.  He advised me that the boat had not capsized but had run aground on the creek bank.  He also advised that the passengers had been taken to the hospital.  I inspected the boat and took photos.  I could not see any significant damage at the time.  I then went to the fire station at Sunbury and talked to a fire fighter who stated the rescue boat had responded to find that there had only been three persons in the boat and that they had been picked up by another boat that they had been following.  The rescue boat met the second boat and followed it back to the Sunbury boat ramp after putting a paramedic onto the assisting boat.  The fire fighter who had stayed at the ramp during the rescue, stated that he had heard that the boat operator had passed out and lost control of the boat and that the other two passengers had sustained cuts on their feet when they stepped onto oysters shells trying to climb into the assisting boat.

     At the hospital, Warden1 talked to stepson of the boat operator/owner.  Subject1 had not been in the boat or at the scene.  Subject1 stated that Operator had been speaking incoherently and was shivering.  The hospital staff were concerned that Operator may have hit his head so they took him to conduct a CAT scan.  Subject1 stated that his stepfather had recently started a vegan diet and that they were concerned that his body levels might be off.  Subject1 then took Warden1 to meet his mother who was with her five-year old daughter in the pediatric-care ward.  

Wife told Warden1 that they had been returning from the beach on the north end of Blackbeard Island, coming up the Intracoastal Waterway through Johnson Creek when she and her daughter moved up to the front of the boat.  Her daughter started yelling to "go straight" and she saw that they were heading towards the shoreline.  She turned back to look at her husband but could not see him so she moved to grab the steering wheel.  She found her husband laying back passed out on the seat and they hit the creek bank before she could turn the boat.  The boat ran up the bank over an oyster shell outcropping and into the edge of the marsh grass.  She said that it took nearly five minutes to wake her husband who then began


BARDID: GA-2018-0060
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SEMINOLE
NearestCityorTown: BAINBRIDGE
County: DECATUR
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday July 7, 2018 at approximately 2:55 p.m. I responded to Bainbridge Memorial Hospital in reference to a boating incident that occurred on Spring Creek. Upon arrival I met with the victim and her husband. Both subjects stated they were passengers in a vessel that was being operated by their son Operator. According to both individuals, the vessel they were riding in was traveling north from Ralph King landing when it struck a submerged stump. The vessel then quickly decelerated and turned sharply to the right. The impact caused the victim to fall forward into the floorboard of the vessel causing a puncture wound to her left arm. I then made contact with the operator of the vessel at Ralph King Landing. Operator confirmed the victim’s account of the incident.

Based on statements made by the victim, passenger and the vessel’s operator, it appears that vessel #1 was travelling North on Spring Creek when it struck a submerged stump. The vessel rapidly decelerated and made an abrupt right turn before coming to rest. The force of the impact caused the victim to be thrown to the vessel’s floor where she received a puncture wound to the left arm. An inspection of the vessel revealed no signs of obvious damage. The victim was transported to the Bainbridge Memorial Hospital E.R. by private vehicle and was treated for her injuries before being released. Investigation into the incident also revealed that Operator did not meet the required boating education standards. Operator was cited for failure to meet the required boating education requirements.


BARDID: GA-2018-0061
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:08:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: JACKSON LAKE
NearestCityorTown: COVINGTON
County: NEWTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentCause2: Failure to vent
AccidentCause3: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Fuel
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 24, 2018, at 1631 hours, I, Game Warden, with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Critical Incident Reconstruction Team (GA DNR CIRT) was contacted by Game Warden in reference to a possible boating incident on Jackson Lake at Barry’s boat ramp involving a boat fire.  

Next, I spoke with witness1.  Witness1 explained that on June 23, 2018 the fuel pump on the boat went out due to bad gas.  Witness1 said Victim replaced the fuel pump the morning of June 24, 2018.  Witness1 said Victim was “getting the boat ready” because he (Witness1) purchased the boat a month ago from Victim.  Witness1 said they purchased 27 gallons of gas on the way to the lake that day.  Witness1 explained that when they arrived at the boat ramp Victim turned on the blowers, started the vessel and let it run for 15 seconds.  K.  Witness1 said he backed the boat down the ramp into the water.  Witness1 said Victim started the boat and then Victim’s wife asked him to check the engine compartment for water leaks.  Witness1 said he went to the bow to finish launching the boat when Victim went to open the engine compartment.  Witness1 said he was grabbing the eye hook when the engine compartment exploded.

Next, I walked to the boat ramp and observed a vessel with registration number SC 2074 CB partially submerged.  The entire seating area and engine compartment appeared to be destroyed by fire. (See photographs.)  Next, Newton County fire department called a wrecker (K-2) to remove the vessel from the boat ramp.  

Next, I proceeded to Piedmont Hospital in Covington to speak with Victim’s wife.  Wife said the boat had not been in the water for seven years, however, they replaced the motor about a year ago.  Wife said the fuel pump was replaced on June 24, 2018.  Wife said the boat “ran” fine with the new pump at home.  Wife said she smelled gas and the boat engine was running.  She said it was within seconds from the time the engine compartment was opened to the explosion.  Wife said two people were buying the boat.  Wife also included that Victim was a mechanic and had over 100 hours of boating experience.  

Next, I spoke with Witness2.  Witness2 said her husband and Victim replaced the fuel pump and the boat was running well.  Witness2 said she was talking to subject when Wife walked to the boat and she saw Witness1 in the water using the winch to launch the boat.  Witness2 said she turned her head to continue talking when she heard the explosion.  Witness2 said she saw Wife on the dock but did not see Witness1 until she realized he was rescuing Victim.  Witness2 said she immediately called 911.  

Next, I observed the body of Victim.  The right knee cap area contained an abrasion and singed hair was present on the face.  No other visual signs of trauma were observed.

On June 25, 2018, I proceeded to K-2 towing in Covington to process the vessel with Sgt..  Upon arrival I photographed the vessel.  The engine compartment at the stern on the starboard side contained a strong gas odor.  I removed the alternator from the engine to determine if it was designed to be utilized on a vessel.  

On June 26, 2018, I was contacted by subject who said he had video footage of the incident.  I proceeded to Berry’s Boat Ramp to receive the files.  (See video)


BARDID: GA-2018-0062
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityorTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Weather
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/22/2018 at approximately 1600 hours, officers responded to a call regarding two subjects in the water that had fallen off of a sail boat into the water. Once on scene, it was determined that the male subject was picked up and a female later identified as Subject2 was still unaccounted for. Hall County Fire was on scene and had begun to check Subject1 out to make sure that he was ok. OFficers began using side imaging sonar to scan the general area looking for Subject2. Sgt and myself located the sail boat that was being held in place by subjects in a pontoon. Being that the sail was still up and the wind was blowing, Sgt boarded the sail boat and lowered the sail. 

Sgt then operated the sail boat to Subject1's location and got him on board the sail boat and operated the vessel back to Sunrise Cove Marina L Dock slip. I followed. The sail boat was then secured in its slip. Subject1 was then asked to ride with us back to the scene to find an area to begin searching. While riding back to the scene, I spoke with Subject1 to try to determine what had happened. 

Subject1 stated that they were sailing North to South in the sail boat. The water had been choppy and the wind had been blowing steady. He proceeded to state that the wind had slowed and Subject2 wanted to swim. So he put slack in the sail and told her she could jump in and swim around to the ladder to get back in. However, while she was in the water a gust of wind came and blew the sail boat away from her. Then some waves came out of nowhere and began to hit Subject2 in the face. Subject1 proceeded to turn the vessel around with the sail. He said that Subject2 began to panic and struggle. Subject1 stated that she then went limp and it was at that time that he jumped in but was approximately 20 yards away and could not get to her. 

I asked Subject1 if he and Subject2 were in a relationship. He stated no that she had a boyfriend but she did live with him. 

Once back to the general location of the incident, I had Subject1 direct us to where he believed Subject2 had jumped in the water. When we had reached where he believed she jumped in, we threw out markers to mark the location. 

The location was approximately 100/150 yards from Channel Marker 22, which is located near the third island out from Old Federal when headed towards the main channel. 

Searches were conducted by sonar, air, and surface for 15 days after incident without success. Surface searches are still ongoing.

Sgt was in contact with Subject2's family.


BARDID: GA-2018-0063
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER-CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Fuel
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 4th, 2018, at approximately 1145 hours, I, Game Warden First Class (GWFC) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources-Law Enforcement Division (GADNR-LED), along with GWFC, were on routine vessel patrol on Lake Lanier.  At that time, we received a call from Georgia State Patrol (GSP) Dispatch, reference a boating incident that had occurred at approximately 1110 hours on Lake Lanier, in the Chattahoochee River, at the River Forks Park boat ramp area.  Dispatch advised that a boat had caught fire, and one adult male occupant had been injured in the incident.  I advised Dispatch that we would respond to the scene.  Dispatch further advised that Hall Co. Fire (HCF) had extinguished the boat fire, and Hall Co. Emergency Medical Services (HCEMS) had made contact with the Victim, and were treating him at the scene.

	We arrived on scene at approximately 1200 hours, and made contact with HCF and HCEMS, Victim, as well as other witnesses.  I positively identified Victim, and he provided me with a witness statement.  HCEMS advised that Victim had suffered second degree burns to his legs, and first degree burns to his face and arms.  Victim advised me that he had added approximately 17 gallons of fuel into his 1992 Wellcraft open-motor boat earlier that date at approximately 1100 hours.  He proceeded to Lake Lanier via motor-vehicle, with the Wellcraft in tow.  

He then arrived at the River Forks Park boat ramp.  Victim's son-in-law maneuvered the boat trailer into the water.  Victim then detached the Wellcraft, and started the engine, in order to back it off the trailer.  Victim stated that the Wellcraft was in the water for approximately 30 seconds.  He also stated that the blower had been engaged.  It was at that time according to Victim, that the Wellcraft caught fire.  Victim advised that he believed the fire was due to an unknown, and unexpected, fuel related problem.  

Victim stated that the fuel neck may have leaked.  Victim stated that he heard a pop, then felt the floor-board become hot, and then flames abruptly surfaced at the rear of the Wellcraft.  Victim stated that the lids blew up, and the fire filled the area under the floor.  Victim also stated that he tried to put out the flames with a fire-extinguisher, but to no avail.  He then exited the Wellcraft, and proceeded to safety, but sustained the said burns.  HCF then arrived to extinguish the fire.  The boat was a total loss.  Victim stated that in the fire, he lost his wallet, credit cards, cell-phone, and other miscellaneous items of value.  Also, Victim stated that the vessel had a monetary value of approximately $5,200.00.  Additionally, I interviewed three witnesses.  They each provided me with statements, and gave me similar accounts of what occurred.  Victim refused to be transported to a medical facility for further evaluation, or treatment.

Conclusion:

	Following the review of all statements, and analysis of all evidence available at the time of this report, it is my opinion, based upon my knowledge, training, and experience, that the boating incident involving Victim occurred in the following manner:

	   On August 4th, 2018, at approximately 1110 hours, Victim operated his Wellcraft from the boat trailer at River Forks Park boat ramp.  He started the engine.  It was at that time, that the Wellcraft caught fire.  The fire appeared to be the result of an unknown, and unexpected, fuel related problem.  The boat was a total loss. 

	This incident report is based exclusively upon accessible information at the present time; results are subject to be amended upon additional information becoming available.  The case is unfounded, as no criminal activity was found to have occurred.

***End of report***


BARDID: GA-2018-0064
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SIDNEY LANIER
NearestCityorTown: GAINESVILLE
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 24, 2018 at approximately 1230 hours I received a call in reference to a boating incident located near Port Royale Marina on Lake Sidney Lanier.  I responded to the location by vessel and arrived at approximately 1300 hours.  The individuals were being transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, Ga. for treatment.  At approximately 1430 hours I arrived at the hospital. I was notified by the nurses on staff that the other individuals involved in the incident were sent to Northside hospital in Forsyth County by mistake but were on the way. 

The operator of vessel 1, advised me that he was traveling at approximately 45 mph when he was struck by the operator of vessel 2.  He advised me that she was traveling at approximately 35 mph when the impact occurred.  He said he was thrown from the jet ski on impact.  

V1 occupant, the passenger on board his jet ski was also thrown off immediately once the two vessels collided. I interviewed Operator2 at the hospital.  Operator2 said that she was traveling approximately 100 feet apart from Operator1 and going in the same direction of travel.  Operator2 said that Operator1 was slightly ahead of her on her starboard side when he turned left sharply.  She advised me that she couldn't stop in time and hit his jet ski on the his port/bow side.  



Operator1 suffered a broken hip and three broken ribs. V1 occupant suffered a broken left arm and two hairline fractures to his pelvis.  The individuals did not want to complete a witness statement.  This incident is audio and video recorded.  ***END OF REPORT***


BARDID: GA-2018-0065
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
When we arrived we met a man who informed us his vessel had been struck earlier that evening by his slip neighbor while docking his vessel. A witness and security guard for the marina came forward and told us he had seen a man driving his boat and while trying to dock accidentally strike V1‘s vessel. This collision caused a large hole in Operator2's boat and damage to the bow of V1 boat. After gathering witness statements and information we left. I later contacted Operator2 and interviewed him about his side of the story. He stated that he had struck V1‘s vessel while docking and that he had already worked it out with his insurance. In conclusion Operator2's while attempting to dock caused the port stern gunwale to strike the bow of V1‘s vessel causing damage to V1‘s vessel and a large hole in the stern gunwale of Operator2's is vessel. This concludes my report.


BARDID: GA-2018-0066
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 29, 2018 at approximately 17:00 I Game Warden First-Class while on vessel patrol on Lake Lanier received a call about a boating accident in Cocktail Cove. I responded by vessel and encountered three house boats tied up together in the center of Cocktail Cove. The three houseboats were having a large party with lots of alcohol and people on the boat. As I arrived I saw the fireboat attending a young woman with a head injury. The fireboat left soon after taking the young woman to Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton. I stayed to gather what had happened from witnesses at the party. I was able to determine that the young woman had slipped and fallen down some stairs and cut her head requiring stitches. After retrieving all the boats registration and owners information, I contacted Game Warden First-class and asked him to go to the hospital to take down a witness statement from the victim. After reviewing her statement along with information I gathered from the party I concluded that  the victim slipped down the stairs and cut her head while heavily intoxicated requiring several stitches. 
This concludes my report.


BARDID: GA-2018-0067
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WEST POINT LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAGRANGE
County: TROUP
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On the evening of August 11th, 2018, at approximately 20:15 hours, I, Game Warden First Class was contacted by Sergeant concerning a boat fire that had occurred at Highland Marina on West Point Lake.  I proceeded to contact Georgia State Patrol Dispatch and advised that I would be enroute to the location.  I was also advised by GSP Dispatch that there had been an explosion and the Troup Co. Fire Department was also enroute. 

I arrived at the location a short time later and observed the Fire Dept. extinguishing the remains of a Seadoo personal water craft.  I proceeded to interview the father of the victim.  Father advised me that his son was attempting to start their 2011 Seadoo personal water craft when it exploded, knocking Victim approximately ten feet into the air and landing him in the water.  Father said Victim and his friend who was alongside Victim at the time both swam back to the shore as the vessel continued to burn.  Father stated that they had filled the PWC full of fuel earlier and had not had any previous mechanical issues with PWC not starting or running.  After the vessel was removed from the lake, I proceeded to document the damage by taking pictures of what was left from the fire.  The vessel was towed from the lake and put on Father’s PWC trailer.  

During the interview, Father advised me that Victim was complaining about a bruised rib and was transported to the Emergency Room.  After gathering victim and witness information, I proceeded to the West Georgia Medical Center to interview Victim.  Victim stated that he was attempting to start the PWC, and after multiple attempts it sputtered once and then exploded.  Victim said that they had just put the vessel in the water and was trying to start it.  Victim had just received a CAT scan when I arrived and was awaiting results when I left.  I made contact with Father the next day and he advised that Victim did not have any broken bones or any other major medical issues, only minor bruises.  

It appears the PWC had a small fuel leak and the fuel vapors were ignited when Victim attempted to start the vessel

Recorded on Vievu and digital camera.

Nothing further.


BARDID: GA-2018-0069
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BURTON
NearestCityorTown: CLAYTON
County: RABUN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator of vessel-01, a Cobalt boat, was identified.  I spoke with a witness, who said Operator1 was operating V-01 above idle speed inside the marked no wake zone at LaPrade's.  Witness said Operator1 struck two pontoon boats docked at LaPrade's.  Witness said Operator1, then went in reverse for a short period of time.  Witness said Operator1 put V-01 in forward drive and struck the wooden seawall at LaPrade's Marina.  Witness said he assisted Operator1 dock V-01 in an empty slip at LaPrade's Marina.  There were no injuries documented during this incident.


V-02 had damage to the upper area of the motor cover.  V-03 had damage to the propeller and skeg.  There were no persons on board V-02 or V-03 when this incident occurred.  

LaPrade's Marina wooden seawall received damage in form of one broken board.  

I spoke with Operator1.  Operator1 told me she was backing out of a docking slip when she noticed another vessel backing out of a nearby slip.  Operator1 put V-01 in neutral, but was still moving in a reverse manner.  Operator1 said she put V-01 in forward drive.  Operator1 said she gave V-01 a little too much throttle and struck V-02 and V-03.  Operator1 said she put V-01 in neutral again.  Operator1 said she then put V-01 in forward drive, and gave V-01 too much throttle, striking the wooden seawall.

Operator1 said there were five adults, including herself, on board V-01.  Operator1 said five juveniles were on board V-01.  The juveniles are listed in the persons tab of this report.  Operator1 said there were no injuries.

Operator1 took me to see the damage that V-01 received during this incident.  V-01 is owned by Operator1's uncle.  V-01 received damage to the bow of the vessel and damage to the gel coat and fiberglass on the port side of the vessel.

In conclusion, I found that Operator1 was not intoxicated.  


BARDID: GA-2018-0070
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CHATUGE
NearestCityorTown: HIAWASSEE
County: TOWNS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 6, 2018, at approximately 1700 hours, a juvenile female was traveling on a 2018 SeaDoo towards the Ridges Marina in the rain when she collided with a tree on an embankment across from Woods Grove boat ramp. I estimated that the juvenile would have been traveling at speeds from 20 to 40 mph and the cause would have been the rain striking her in the face causing her to duck down behind the handle bars of the PWC. 

The collision ejected the juvenile from the PWC and split the vessel from the bow to the handle bars. Some friend of the family found the juvenile and transported her to the Ridges Marina where she was transported to Chatuge Regional Hospital by her mother her step father. The juvenile was diagnosed with a concussion, a few cuts and bruises on her right leg and face. She was released from the hospital that night to her mother.


BARDID: GA-2018-0071
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityorTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 4, 2018 officers responded to a boating incident in Hall County, in Holiday Marina, U-Dock at approximately 1630 hrs.  The boating incident was reference to a male sustaining a prop cut to his leg.  Once on scene I identified the vessels occupants and witnesses, the victim had already been transported to the Medical Center.  I spoke to the vessel’s operator.  

He advised that he was towing Victim who trying to learn how to wakeboard in the cove just north of University Yacht Club.  When Victim had enough, He maneuvered the boat close and cut the engine.  Victim attempted to enter the vessel from the stern.  When he attempted to lift himself out of the water, he used his legs to in a kicking motion to assist.  His right leg inadvertently kicked the prop sustaining an approximately 3 inch long cut midway up his shin.  The occupants of the vessel immediately pulled Victim out of the water when they realized something had happened.  They applied towels and pressure to the wound.  Operator drove the vessel back to Holiday Marina to await medical personal.  The other occupant’s statements collaborated the Operator’s boating incident statement.

At a later point, I made contact with Victim over the phone.  He said he was doing well.  He did receive a cut to his right shin but it turned out to be more serious than just stiches.  He received a cut to his tendon and it will require surgery to repair.


BARDID: GA-2018-0072
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER-SHOAL CREEK
NearestCityorTown: BUFORD
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 4th, 2018, at approximately 1245 hours, I, Game Warden First Class (GWFC) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources-Law Enforcement Division (GADNR-LED), along with GWFC were on routine vessel patrol on Lake Lanier.  At that time, we received a call from Georgia State Patrol (GSP) Dispatch, reference a boating incident that had occurred at approximately 1230 hours on Lake Lanier, in Shoal Creek, near Lanier Islands Parkway adjacent to Blueridge Campground.  Dispatch advised that three teenagers were injured in the incident.  I advised Dispatch that we would respond to the scene.  Dispatch further advised that Hall Co. Fire (HCF) and Emergency Medical Services (HCEMS) had made contact, and treated them at the scene.

	GWFC and I arrived on scene at approximately 1300 hours, and made contact with HCF and HCEMS, the operator of the vessel involved in the incident (Operator), as well as other witnesses.  I noted that the three victims were transported by HCEMS to Northeast Georgia Medical Center-Gainesville (NEGMC).  I received witness statements from three others.  I noted that all three statements were consistent.  They advised that Operator operated his 2006 Godfrey pontoon boat northeast at a high rate of speed on Lake Lanier into a cove near Lanier Islands Parkway adjacent to Blueridge Campground.  They also advised that Operator towed Victim3, Victim2, and Victim1 on a tube, as he made too wide of a turn towards the back of the cove.  Additionally, they advised that Operator proceeded to operate his boat in such a manner that he caused Victim3, Victim2, and Victim1 to be ejected from the tube, into the rocky shoreline, which resulted in injuries.

	I interviewed Operator, and received a written statement from him.  I noted that he advised from June through October each year, for the past 5 or 6 years, he operated his boat exclusively on Lake Lanier, as he towed persons 1 to 2 times per month.  He advised that on the date of incident, he operated his boat in the main body of Lake Lanier, and towed Victim3, Victim2, and Victim1 on a tube.  He also advised that the tube they were on was newer, and that it did not maneuver like the tubes he normally towed.  In that, he stated the newer tube slid awkwardly sideways, and caused Victim3, Victim2, and Victim1 to constantly slide off it.  Operator then advised that he proceeded to tow Victim3, Victim2, and Victim1 from the main body of Lake Lanier, into the cove near Lanier Islands Parkway adjacent to Blueridge Campground.  I noted that the said cove was quite narrow, and seemed like an inappropriate location to tow persons on a tube in which they were having difficulty staying on.   Additionally, he advised that when he proceeded to operate his boat into the cove, he did so traveling approximately 35-40 miles per hour (MPH).  He stated that he then operated his boat, making too wide of a turn, in such a manner that he caused Victim3, Victim2, and Victim1 to be ejected from the tube, into the rocky shoreline.  The witnesses on scene quickly rendered aid to Operator, Victim3, Victim2, and Victim1.  The witnesses also called HCEMS.   

	Due to the impact with the shoreline, Victim3 suffered facial fractures, facial lacerations, knee lacerations, and abrasions at multiple sites.  Victim2 and Victim1 each suffered abrasions at multiple sites as well.  All three passengers were transported by HCEMS to NEGMC, and were later released that evening.  Corporal (Cpl.) and Game Warden (GW) responded to NEGMC to make contact with Victim3, Victim2, and Victim1.  They each provided written statements.  


BARDID: GA-2018-0073
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER IN BALD RIDGE CREE
NearestCityorTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 11th, 2018, at approximately 1430 hours, I, Game Warden First Class (GWFC) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources-Law Enforcement Division (GADNR-LED), along with GWFC, were on routine vessel patrol on Lake Lanier.  At that time, we received a call from Georgia State Patrol (GSP) Dispatch, reference a boating incident that had occurred at approximately 1420 hours on Lake Lanier, in Bald Ridge Creek, near Cherokee Trace.  Dispatch advised that a male subject (later identified as Operator) was injured in the incident.  I advised Dispatch that we would respond to the scene.  Dispatch further advised that Forsyth Co. Sheriff's Office (FCSO) Deputies were on scene, and would transport Operator to Bald Ridge Marina.  Operator was then released to the care of Forsyth Co. Emergency Medical Services (FCEMS).  Operator was later transported by FCEMS to North Fulton Medical Center (NFMC) for treatment.

	GWFC and I arrived on scene at approximately 1439 hours, and made contact with FCSO Deputies, the owner of the personal watercraft (PWC) that was involved in the incident, as well as other witnesses.  Owner refused to provide a written statement, but did give a verbal statement.  I noted that all statements were consistent.  Witnesses advised that Operator operated Owner's 2018 Yamaha GP 1800 PWC, blue in color, northwest at a high rate of speed on Lake Lanier in Bald Ridge Creek, and proceeded to jump the large wake of an unknown black in color pontoon boat.  Witnesses stated that when Operator jumped the large wake, he ascended vertically to an approximate height of 5 to 8 feet.  Operator then allegedly landed on his back, striking the PWC, knocking the seat off.  Operator then allegedly ascended again vertically to an approximate height of 3 feet while unconscious, and landed in the water face down.  Several passersby in other vessels stopped to render aid to Operator.  Owner stated that he was approximately 100 yards away from Operator when the incident occurred, as he operated another PWC, however Owner did not witness the incident.  Owner also rendered aid to Operator.  I noted that the PWC had obvious and very recent damage to the rear port-side body area, which was above the foot-well, and just below the seat. The damage consisted of an approximate 8 inch puncture, which was part of an overall approximate 24 inch line fracture.

	GWFC conducted a follow up at NFMC.  Due to the impact with the PWC, Operator suffered rib fractures (2 through 6), collapsed lung (left), as well as air present in the mediastinum.  He is expected to recover.

	I processed the PWC, which included taking photographs.  I noted that the required fire extinguisher was not present on the PWC.  

Conclusion:

	Following the review of all statements, and analysis of all evidence available at the time of the incident, it is my opinion, based upon my knowledge, training, and experience as an officer, that the serious injury boating incident that involved operator Operator occurred in the following manner:

	At approximately 1420 hours, Operator operated Owner's 2018 GP 1800 Yamaha PWC, blue in color, northwest at a high rate of speed on Lake Lanier in Bald Ridge Creek, and proceeded to jump the large wake of an unknown black in color pontoon boat.  When Operator jumped the large wake, he ascended vertically to an approximate height of 5 to 8 feet.  Operator then landed on his back, striking the PWC, knocking the seat off.  Operator then ascended again vertically to an approximate height of 3 feet while unconscious, then landed in the water face down.  Due to the impact with the PWC, Operator sustained the said injuries, and was subsequently transported to NFMC.  

	This conclusion is based exclusively upon accessible information at


BARDID: GA-2018-0074
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WEST POINT LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAGRANGE
County: TROUP
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On the afternoon of September 3rd, 2018 at approximately 17:30 hours, I, Game Warden First Class was contacted by the manager of Highland Marina Resort on West Point Lake concerning a rental pontoon boat that had returned with a large hole in it.  I advised Subject1 that I would be en route.  

While I was en route to the Marina Subject1 called and stated that they were moving the boat to the boat ramp of Highland Marina to remove it from the water due to the vessel taking on a large amount of water and possibly sinking.

I arrived at the location a short time later and located Subject1 with the vessel on a trailer in the parking lot at the boat ramp of Highland Marina.  Upon inspection of the vessel, I observed several large tears at the rear of the port side pontoon near the water line, damage to the rear deck corner, port side, where the corner cap had been torn off, and damage to the railing on the port side near the stern.  The damage was photographed and documented.  

After leaving Subject1, I proceeded to interview the operator and occupants of the vessel who were waiting at the Highland Marina Office.  I began by interviewing the operator who said they were headed into the marina in a heavy rain when they may have gotten too close to the shoreline.  They looked back at some point and noticed a large amount of red cloudy water where it may have gotten to shallow.  After speaking with Operator, I interviewed the rental agreement holder who gave a similar statement about possibly getting into some shallow water while returning to the marina during the storm.  I proceeded to gather the contact information from the remaining individuals who were on the vessel at the time and still at the marina.  I advised Operator and the rentee that I would complete a boating incident report documenting the incident and that the report would be available by request.  I left Operator and rentee my business card with my contact information if they had any other questions or wanted to a copy of the report.  

Due to the involvement of only one vessel and the unknown location of the incident, I cannot define what may have been hit or struck by the vessel.  I can state that damage was done to the vessel on the port side near the stern by striking an object of some kind.  

Recorded on Vievu.

Nothing further.


BARDID: GA-2018-0075
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityorTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Upon arrival, I learned that a PWC (vessel 1) struck two other vessels moored at the dock.  I located the operator of the PWC, and spoke with the operator and her father (the owner). 

Operator stated that she was attempting to dock her PWC on her starboard side and was nervous because a person from the dock was watching her intensely.  She thought she put the PWC in reverse and gave it some gas.  The PWC lurched forward striking a 21’ Chaparral (vessel 3) which was moored.  Operator then went further out and attempted to dock on her port side.  She then struck another vessel that was moored.  Neither vessel 2 nor 3’s owners witnessed the incident. 

I did speak to a witness who was moored on the opposite side of the Dock.  He stated that Operator did appear to be having trouble and he was watching her.  He stated that she came to dock next to vessel 3 and struck that vessel on 3 different occasions while manipulating the shifter on the PWC.  She then went back out into open water, attempted to dock next to vessel 2, and struck that vessel.
No further details at this time.

Boating incident initial investigation was recorded via body camera.


BARDID: GA-2018-0076
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:22:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityorTown: BUFORD
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 08/19/2018, at approximately 6:30 AM, I, Game Warden along with Hall County Fire responded to a boating incident on Lake Lanier, in Big Creek, near marker 3BC. Once on scene, I observed a center console that had ran aground on a point. The boat was occupied by (Operator) and (Occupant). I got Operator in my vessel and escorted him back to Holiday Marina's Gas Dock. Hall County transported Occupant to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville for treatment of a laceration on her forehead. 

While escorting Operator to Holiday Marina, I asked him what had occurred. Operator told me that he and his daughter were going fishing and had just left the slip at Holiday Marina.  He began showing her his new radar/GPS system. The GPS system went out and Operator looked up and saw the land approaching. He attempted to turn sharply to the left to avoid the land. Operator told me that due to the impact, his daughter bumped her head on the console. Operator was going approximately 25 mph at the time of the incident. 

I dropped Operator off at Holiday Marina and traveled to Northeast Georgia to check on Occupant. Once at the hospital, I spoke with Occupant and determined that she had a small laceration on her forehead that was going to require a few stitches. Occupant confirmed the same thing that Operator had told me. 

Due to my training, knowledge, and experience, I believe this incident was attributed to operator inattention, knowledge of the lake, and equipment failure.


BARDID: GA-2018-0077
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityorTown: GAINESVILLE
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 09/01/2018, I Game Warden responded to a boating incident at channel marker 11 TM in Two Mile Creek, that involved a pontoon striking a PWC. Once on scene, I spoke with the occupants of both vessels. 

After speaking with Operator2, I determined that he was riding the PWC and it stalled out. Operator2 noticed the pontoon traveling straight for him at approximately 200-250 feet away from him. Operator2 attempted to get the operators attention by waving his arms in the air. However, the operator of the pontoon, Operator1 never looked ahead of him. As the pontoon got closer, Operator2 proceeded to jump off his PWC and swim away. It was at that time, Operator1 struck the PWC. 

After speaking with Operator1 and the passengers of the pontoon, I determined that Operator1 was speaking with the 3 other occupants of the pontoon while traveling south. As a result, Operator1 did not see the stalled out PWC in the water and struck it. 

Throughout my investigation, I determined the PWC driven my Operator2 was the stand on vessel and the pontoon, driven by Operator1 was the give way vessel. 

Due to my training, knowledge, and experience, I believe that Operator1 was at fault in this incident by operating in a reckless manner by not being observant to the boats around him.


BARDID: GA-2018-0078
State: GA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-08-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityorTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentCause2: Failure to vent
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 28, 2018 at approximately 0712 hours, I, Ranger, received a call from Georgia State Patrol Communications in reference to a boat fire on Lake Lanier. The communications officer advised the boat was near Tidwell Boat Ramp and the operator was safe. 

I responded to Tidwell Boat Ramp and met with the operator/owner. Operator explained to me he had launched from Habersham Marina and was out to photograph the sunrise. The boat was filled with gas (26 gallons) prior to his departure. He stated he had been having issues with the vessel starting. 

Operator drove to Tidwell Boat Ramp to turn off the vessel to see if it would start back. The vessel started on this attempt. He said he decided to push away from the courtesy dock and try again a little bit further away from the shore. 

On his second attempt to start the boat, he turned the key over and an explosion erupted from underneath the center console. The explosion knocked a part of the boat into his right leg causing a laceration. Furthermore, the explosion and flames caused minor burns to his left leg. 

A smaller explosion followed near the rear of the boat and it subsequently erupted into flames. A nearby fisherman attempted to suppress the flames with his fire extinguisher to no avail. 

Operator abandoned his vessel and jumped into the water. He made it safely to shore. 

Forsyth County Fire Department and Tow Boat US extinguished the fire. The vessel was towed back to Habersham Marina by Tow Boat US. The vessel was a total loss.


BARDID: GA-2018-0079
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE LANIER
NearestCityorTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The original call came from subject1. Subject1 advised the dispatcher the other vessel involved, a white and blue Glastron, had rammed into his vessel and then fled the scene towards Holly Park. Subject1 said the operator of the Glastron appeared to be intoxicated based on the exchange of words and gestures. 

While en-route, the operator of the Glastron, operator2, called 911 to report the incident as well. At the request of Cpl., I responded to Operator2's dock to meet with him. Upon arrival, I located his vessel tied up in his dock. I observed broken glass, scratches, and slight fiberglass damage at mid-ship on the port side. I did not observe any alcohol containers inside the vessel.

I located Operator2 in the driveway of the lake house. His wife was being seen by Hall County Fire/EMS for the lacerations to her legs (she refused transport). She was sitting in the passenger seat, mid-ship.  I spoke with Operator2 and had him explain to me what happened. 

Operator2 stated he was traveling north (in the Chattahoochee River portion of the lake) near marker 50, when he began to overtake a black Sea Ray open motor boat. He stated the operator of the Sea Ray was not paying him any attention and was drifting towards his vessel. Operator2 said the driver finally acknowledged him and accelerated forward, veering right, into his direction of travel. 

Operator2 said he motioned his displeasure to the operator and accelerated as well to leave the area. He explained he stayed along the shoreline as he turned to the right out of the main channel and into the bay area along Sportsman Club Drive. This was the opposite direction of the Sea Ray. 

Thinking he was away from the traffic of the main channel, Operator2 maneuvered his vessel at idle speed in the direction of his dock. I was told the Sea Ray then appeared out of no where, approaching his port side at a high rate of speed. He stated the driver did not pull back the throttle until he was approximately 50 feet from his vessel. Operator2 wrote in his statement, "I see from the sudden change in facial expression the driver has lost control of the Sea Ray and was "fighting" the steering wheel to avoid hitting my boat." According to Operator2, the operator attempted to steer hard left but still collided with his vessel. 

The impact caused the glass in the windshield to shatter. 

The operator of the Sea Ray allegedly refused to exchange information and claimed to have struck Operator2's vessel because he "shot him a bird". He said both vessels then went opposite ways.

While speaking to Operator2, I detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath. I asked if he would allow me to check him to see if he was safe to operate a vessel. Operator2 declined my request. Operator2 estimated the damage to his vessel around $2,000.00

While I was speaking with Operator2 at the lake house, Cpl. responded to Subject1's slip at the Chattahoochee Country Club. Cpl. spoke with Subject1 on the telephone and learned they had to leave the lake abruptly due to a family emergency. Cpl. took pictures of Subject1's vessel. 

---

I spoke with Subject1 on September 7, 2018 via telephone and had him explain to me what happened. 

Subject1 advised he and his passengers were traveling north after leaving Twisted Oar restaurant at Holiday Marina. He said a short distance past Gainesville Marina he noticed an open motorboat was approaching Him quickly.  The operator estimated the vessel to be about 50 feet from him.  Unsure of the vessels intentions, he accelerated and got away from it.

He told me after he created some distance he came back down to a cruising speed.  At that point, the other vessel passed him on his starboard side and drove alongside for a few moments.  He advised the man was yelling at him and cursing.   The exchange of curse words and gestures was mutual.

After a brief exchange, the vessels went opposite directions.  He told me he wanted to make things right so he went and found the other vessel.  He approached at idle speed with intentions of pulling alongside (starboard to their port).  When the vessels were about 10 feet apart, he said the operator of the other vessel put him in drive, turned to the left and then to the right, which caused the other vessel to strike his vessel near the bow.  He attempted to turn left to avoid collision but could not do so in time.

The vessels went separate ways.  He had a family emergency and had to get off the water.  He was able to buff out the scratches on his vessel.

Due to conflicting accounts, no citations were issued.


BARDID: GA-2018-0080
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:49:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALTAMAHA
NearestCityorTown: JESUP
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 061618 around 1645 two jet skis collided injuring one of the drivers. Jetski operator one 15 year old female was traveling down river with her stepfather operator of jetski number 2. Operator2 got ahead of Operator1 and turned looking for her. 

As he turned to look for her, Operator1 struck him at a high rate of speed, knocking her unconscious for a few seconds. Operator2 pulled Operator1 onboard with him and brought her back to JC landing where they met with EMS. 

Operator1 had a fractured left arm, bruised ribs and lungs, and a two inch laceration on her jaw. No back or neck injuries. Operator1's mother was on jetski number 3 and was a witness.


BARDID: GA-2018-0082
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE JACKSON
NearestCityorTown: JACKSON
County: BUTTS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On October 05,2018, at approximately 1114 hours, I RFC received a call from Jasper 911. The 911 operator stated that subject had request a boating incident report in reference to a boating incident that had occurred prior to this date.

   At approximately 1325 hours on October 05,2018 I meet with Subject at his residence. Subject stated that he hit the sand bar on the Tussashaw River located on Lake Jackson in Butts County on Saturday September 22, 2018 at approximately 1900 hours. Subject stated that as he was getting on plane with his 2006 Stratos he veered too far to the left and hit the sand bar causing the boat motor to kick up which caused the oil reservoir cap to become dislodged from the reservoir tank which contributed to engine damage.

    I then went to Barry Marine Service, located at 1340 Jackson Lake Road in Jackson Georgia and met with subject2 in reference to the damaged vessel. Subject2 showed me an oil reservoir and stated he believes that the oil sensor float became lodged in the strainer and caused a failure of the low oil alarm. This resulted in the reservoir becoming low on oil which caused the engine damage. Subject2 also showed me the lower unit of the motor and stated that the prop had damage that was consistent with that of someone hitting a sand bar. Subject2 stated that it was also possible for the float to have become dislodged when Subject struck the sand bar. In the water intake of the 150-horse power Vmax engine (serial number V150TLR/1009413) there was sand residue that was consistent with the possibility of the motor striking a sand bar.


BARDID: GA-2018-0083
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:58:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BURTON
NearestCityorTown: CLAYTON
County: RABUN
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator2 said he stopped the PWC he was operating, turned around, and they were struck in the rear by the second PWC. Operator2 had an injury to his left arm/wrist and his occupant was life flighted for a head injury.

V1 occupant said they were traveling approximately 30-40 miles per hour and the water was choppy. V1 occupant said Operator2 stopped on his PWC. V1 occupant said they could not see Operator2 stop and they struck Operator2’s PWC from the rear. Subject said she was looking back and suddenly they were in the air. 


BARDID: GA-2018-0084
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SARDIS CREEK ON LAKE LANIER
NearestCityorTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to witnesses, Operator operated a 24 foot Forest-River Inc. pontoon boat on Lake Lanier, in Sardis Creek, near Sardis Creek Park.  The witnesses advised that while Operator was operating the pontoon boat, he towed Victim behind on a tube.  At approximately 1615 hours, while Victim was being towed on the tube, the tow-rope managed to wrapped around his left upper arm.  The force of the rope resulted in Victim sustaining a fractured left humerus bone.  Additionally, witnesses provided me with a cell-phone video showing the moment the incident occurred.  The video shows Victim being injured while on the tube.  I obtained witness statements, then proceeded to NEGMC to meet with other witnesses, Victim, and Operator.  At NEGMC, I met with medical staff who confirmed the said injury to Victim's arm.  I also received additional witness statements, as well as interviewed Operator.  Operator admitted to operating the pontoon boat at the time of incident.  Victim was in severe pain, and could not provide a statement.   All witness statements were consistent, and appeared to support the manner in which the incident occurred.


BARDID: GA-2018-0085
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORTH RIVER
NearestCityorTown: ST MARYS
County: CAMDEN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 12th 2018, operator and his family were launching his vessel at the Meeting Street boat ramp in St. Mary's Georgia. Upon launching the vessel, Operator realized that water had collected in the stern of the vessel. While inspecting the vessel, another vessel approached creating a small wake. 

Operator's vessel began take on water while at the boat ramp. With the vessel taking on water and the tidal current pushing the vessel towards the dock, the vessel sank and overturned. The vessel was pinned under the gangway and the dock. St. Mary's Fire Department and St . Mary's Police Department arrived on scene and determined a tow truck could retrieve the vessel. St. Mary's Recovery was dispatched to recover the vessel. The vessel was recovered and transported per Operator's request. 

GWFC spoke with Operator who claimed the value of the property loss was $4000.


BARDID: GA-2018-0087
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FLINT RIVER
NearestCityorTown: BAINBRIDGE
County: DECATUR
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated they had been on the river for a few hours pulling the 4 children.  Operator said the kids wanted him to pull them in circles; he began to steer the vessel to pull the tube in circles and as the tube slid into its second counter-clockwise circle it struck a tree near the bank injuring two of the children. One of the children was being air lifted to the hospital in Tallahassee Florida. The other was being taken by ambulance to the same hospital. Both children were alive. Operator stated he was traveling about 15 miles per hour.

The operator was charged with boating under the influence. 


BARDID: GA-2018-0088
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICHAWAYNOCHAWAY CREEK
NearestCityorTown: MORGAN
County: CALHOUN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Both Subject1 and Subject2 said the victim was recovered around 0445 hours and was found floating in the water a few yards from where he had fell in. I also interviewed the victim’s son in law who told me what had transpired that evening. 

Son in law said Victim, Subject3 and Subject4 (Victim’s half-brother) had decided to take the vessel out for a night cruise on the creek; because Subject4 had never been out there and wanted to go. Son in law said while they were out there Victim was sitting on the front seat of the vessel and Subject3 was operating the vessel. Son in law said Subject3 told him Victim was having trouble breathing then grabbed his chest and his whole body stiffened up and he then fell out of the vessel into the water. Son in law said Subject3 and Subject4 looked for Victim for nearly an hour before going to Son in law house for help, they believe the incident occurred around 0200 hours. At the house 911 was called. Subject1, Son in law and Subject2 took the vessel back out and after a brief search located the body of Victim floating in the water.
   At the scene I took photos of the victim and the vessel. We waited for the Calhoun County Coroner to arrive on scene. Once Deputy Coroner arrived the body was turned over to her. The body was placed in a body bag and put into a van. The body was then transported to Cuthbert’s morgue; Sgt. escorted the van to Cuthbert. Deputy Coroner and I went to the residence of Son in law and spoke with the family. I interviewed Subject3 and he told me that his father had been having some health issues, even complaining of chest pains and trouble breathing the week leading up to this incident. Subject3 said his father Victim grabbed his chest as if in pain. Subject3 said his father stiffened his whole body and slumped over in the seat, Subject3 told his father you going to turn the boat over and told him to lean back up, that is when Subject3 said his father just slid off the vessel into the water. Subject3 said his father did not say a word and did not try to grab hold of anything as he fell out of the vessel. The seat Victim was sitting in was broken prior to this incident, the back-rest of the seat was broken backwards.  Subject3 said he and Subject4 dove in the water looking for Victim. Subject3 said he was able to stand up with his head out of the water where his father fell in. Subject3 said his father made no attempt to call out for help, nor swim…


BARDID: GA-2018-0089
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OCONEE RIVER
County: LAURENS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Deputy stated that he met with the victim at his place of business and stated that the victim was "traumatized" and could not recall the crash or what happened after the incident (see attachment #3 for L.C.S.O report). According to Deputy after the crash another subject was returning to the Buckeye boat landing from fishing in his vessel. 

Witness stated that the victim stopped his vessel down river from the landing and then accelerated. At some point while traveling up river the bow of the vessel lifted up and the vessel flipped end over end ejecting the victim and coming to rest in an upside down position. 

Upon inspection of the vessel there was minimal apparent damage. The Plexiglas windshield was broken, the cowling on the outboard motor was missing, there were two small tears in the outer layer of laminate of the cockpit, and one location between the cockpit and the transom there appeared to be a crack in the fiberglass under the outer layer of laminate. The speed control device located on the port side of the vessel in the interior wall of the cockpit had become detached. The engine kill lanyard was not attached to the vessel control and was laying in the bottom of the vessel. 

The nurse stated that the victim was admitted with a concussion, internal injuries (lacerated spleen) and difficulty breathing due to a condition of pneumothorax. He stated that the patient had been moved to the Critical Care Unit and was currently in surgery. 


BARDID: GA-2018-0090
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LANIER
NearestCityorTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 2, 2018 I received a call of a hit and run boating accident in Bryant Creek on Lake Lanier. A witness stated he was working on a customers boat (V01) at their dock when another boat (V02) entered the cove. He stated the boat went to the back of the cove out of site. V02 then exited the back of the cove, and while doing so struck his customers boat. He advised V02 was occupied by four white males ranging in age from 40's to 50's. He stated he advised them that they damaged his customers boat and would need to wait while he notified the owner. As he walked to the house he stated the 4 males left the scene in in V02. I responded to the area and was unable to make contact with a vessel matching the description of V02. Next I located V01 and observed the vessel had damage to the front of the right pontoon at the bow eye. The bow eye plate was broken. It also appeared to have scratches on the starboard bow near the bow eye. On Tuesday September 4 I attempted to make contact with the owner of V02. I attempted both phone numbers and also drove to the location of a home on the lake. I was unable to locate the boat or Subject1. On September 13, 2018 I received a call stating he had found damage to his dock. I advised him I would look into it. On September 14 Sgt. and I traveled to the area by vessel and located V02 and arranged to speak with Subject1. I was also able to locate damage to V02. The visible damage was his port side pontoon at the keel area was bent and had several small cracks in it. Next I traveled to the dock and located the damage he was claiming. The damage appeared consistent with the statement provided. Later that day I spoke with Subject1 and he provided me with a statement of his account of the incident.


BARDID: GA-2018-0091
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SIDNEY LANIER
NearestCityorTown: BUFORD
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 1115 hours we received a call in reference to a boating incident that occurred on Saturday, August 4, 2018 at approximately 1600 hours.  

  Subject said he did not observe the incident but was told that his vessel was struck by the vessel in the slip next to his.  The witness advised him that the boat was attempting to dock and hit his vessel in the stern.  I observed minor damage to the port stern of the vessel that allegedly hit his vessel.  He showed me his outdrive which had the remaining pieces of gel coat and fiberglass on it from another vessel.  The left outdrive was noticeable bent in a position not resembling the other outdrive.  

A white male walked up to me at this time and was boarding the vessel in question.  Operator1 advised me that he did hit Subject's vessel while attempting to dock the day before.  He advised me that there were kids swimming in the marina and he had to swing wide to avoid hitting them in order to dock.  He said that the wind also pushed him while backing into the slip.  He said due to the swimmers coupled with the wind while backing into the slip he hit Subject's vessel.  This incident is audio and video recorded. Operator1 declined to complete a witness statement form. ***END OF REPORT***


BARDID: GA-2018-0092
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-10-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HARTWELL
NearestCityorTown: LAVONIA
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 18:15 while heading back towards the dock, he hit a wake. The wake was created by another vessel that had come through the area.  Subject said that he hit the wake at a fairly fast speed.  The PWC went over the wake and came down hard, at this point he was thrown forward on the PWC.  His chin made contact with the steering control and busted open.  He said he got back to the dock, but did not immediately go to the hospital.
	He received eight stitches to his chin, but was not prescribed any medication.  He was then released from the hospital.


BARDID: GA-2018-0093
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-11-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake WF George
NearestCityorTown: LUMPKIN
County: STEWART
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
We traveled at idle speed, as foggy conditions limited visibility to 3-5 feet in every direction. After around 30 minutes of searching, Operator had flagged us down, by using a flashlight, from the East bank of the river. As we approached alongside his vessel at 0830 hours, Operator seemed to be in a slightly dazed state. He had a few scratches and a small cut on his head, but did not have any major external injuries. Despite that, the bow of his boat had a significant amount of sand from the collision, there was no observed functional damage to his vessel. Operator said that he was ejected onto the river bank and not into the water. We continued to talk to Operator for a few moments, and he expressed that he was well enough to head back to Florence Marina. As a precaution, I rode with Operator in his vessel and we followed Corporal back to Florence Marina at idle speed. 

Operator explained that he left Florence Marina dock at approximately 4:45 am central (0545 hours eastern) to go deer hunting on the Army Corps of Engineers property. He described the conditions to be very foggy with 0 visibility. Operator said he was navigating using GPS southbound towards his destination of Little Barbour Creek, when he lost power to his Garmin GPS unit. He throttled down to reconnect the unit, and then continued back up on plane 15-20mph. Within a few seconds, Operator wrote that he had crashed into a bank on the Georgia side of the Chattahoochee River. The impact threw him head first into the river bank. Operator continued to explain a few moments after the crash, he had called his wife for help who then contacted Florence Marina, and they got in contact with Corporal. Operator recalled that we arrived on scene around 7:30 am central (0830 hours eastern). 


BARDID: GA-2018-0095
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SINCLAIR
NearestCityorTown: MILLEDGEVILLE
County: BALDWIN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 20 August 2018, at approximately 21:00 hours, I, Game Warden received notification of a boating incident that happened on Lake Sinclair on the west side of the HWY 441 bridge in Baldwin County. The incident happened at approximately 10:45 hours. subject was tubing behind a vessel when he was suddenly thrown off. While he was in the water, a vessel passed by close to his vessel at a high rate of speed, causing a large wake. The wake pushed Subject's vessel back towards him in the water. He attempted to get out of the way of the vessel, but was unable to do so and his foot struck the prop, causing a deep laceration to his foot. Subject was unable to climb back into the boat due to his injury and was in the water for approximately 10-15 minutes before a passerby vessel stopped to help him in climb back into his vessel. After being pulled back onto his vessel, Subject then lost consciousness due to blood loss. He was picked up by EMS staff, and transported to Navicent Health Baldwin in Milledgeville, GA where he received treatment for his injuries. He is now home recovering. No other injuries or damages were reported.


BARDID: GA-2018-0097
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SIDNEY LANIER
NearestCityorTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Once on scene, it was determined that a female was wake boarding when she fell and injured her knee. The victim was wake boarding near Sunrise Cove Marina. While wake boarding, she let go of the tow rope, she fell backwards and twisted her left knee, injuring it. She was pulled from the water and taken to Sunrise Cove  Marina where she was transported to the hospital for treatment. Victim had sprains/ strains to the internal portion of her left knee. There was no damage to the vessel.


BARDID: GA-2018-0099
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-04-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:15:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: OGEECHEE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: ELLABELLE
County: BRYAN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Detailed Narrative
Bryan County
4/29/2018
On April 29, 2018, I, Corporal, an investigator for the Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division’s (DNR LED) Critical Incident Reconstruction Team (C.I.R.T.), was notified of an incident involving 3 Hispanic males and the capsizing of their rental canoe on the Ogeechee River in Bryan County.  Bryan County Emergency Services (BCES) was notified by an employee at Ogeechee Outpost, the canoe rental business, at approximately 2114 hours that one Hispanic male was missing.  BCES noted difficulty in obtaining incident details due to a language barrier with the two Hispanic males.  The incident location was somewhere upriver from the Highway 204 Bridge and Morgan’s Bridge boat ramp.

DNR LED Corporals responded to the scene and a search of the river was conducted throughout the night. The search ended at approximately 0200 hours on April 30.  Deputies from the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), First Responders from BCES, Effingham County, Pembroke Fire Department, and a Coast Guard helicopter participated in the search.

I observed floating beer bottles and pieces of Styrofoam cooler that I was told came from the capsized canoe along the Bryan County bank of the Ogeechee River.  Nothing else remarkable was observed.  We did not find Victim’s body.  

At approximately 1230 hours, I spoke with Ogeechee Outpost canoe rentals.  Ogeechee Outpost is approximately 1/10th of a mile up river from the Morgan’s Bridge boat ramp at 182 Rose Drive, Ellabell, Ga. 31308.  Subject said Subject1 and Subject2 had returned to the Ogeechee Outpost without Victim at approximately 2030 hours.  Subject said Subject1 and Subject2 were distraught.  Subject said her son attempted to communicate with Subject1 and Subject2 to determine how to help.  

Subject said Son called BCES to report Victim was missing.  Subject said she and Son got into the canoe and paddled up river to the “Swirl” looking for Victim.  Subject showed me the canoe that had been rented by the three the previous day.  The canoe, a green Old Town Discovery 160K, was pulled to the bank.  Within the canoe were 3 personal flotation devices (PFD), two paddles and some river water.  I photographed the canoe and obtained a written statement from Subject. (See attached statement)

Subject1 and Subject2 arrived at the Morgan’s Bridge boat ramp.  A request was made to the Richmond Hill Police Department for a Spanish speaking officer.  Officer arrived at approximately 1530 hours.  I asked Officer to have Subject1 and Subject2 describe the incident.  The following is a summary of what Officer interpreted to me:

Victim, Subject1 and Subject2 rented the canoe and paddled up river past the “Swirl”.  At some point they stopped on the Effingham County side of the river to eat lunch.  After eating, they paddled down river and in the section called the “Swirl”, Victim, who was seated in the middle, stood up and attempted to grab overhanging tree branches.  This action caused the canoe to capsize and all three went into the water.  Two people were able to swim to the Bryan County side of hte river but the third was not seen again.


BARDID: GA-2018-0100
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OCONEE
NearestCityorTown: EATONTON
County: PUTNAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent3: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: Fall on dock
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, August 25, 2018, I was notified of a boating accident that took place earlier in the day at Young Harris Watersports dock on Lake Oconee.  I was notified around 1600 hours and arrived on-scene at 1700 hours.  Upon my arrival, I met with an employee at Young Harris.  I was advised that Young Harris Watersports had rented a pontoon boat to Operator1.  

Young Harris advised that while undocking the rented pontoon boat Operator1 ran into the back of a docked pontoon boat.  Personnel at Young Harris stated that Operator1 had backed out of the boat slip and was attempting to maneuver forward when she struck the back end of a docked pontoon boat.  They advised that the docked pontoon boat was pushed up onto their floating dock which caused damage to the dock.  Both vessels involved received damage.  

I investigated the damage to V01 and V02 and documented the damage.  The damage on both vessels and the dock were consistent with the accident description that I was given by Young Harris.  The damage showed that V01's bow struck the motor and stern of V02.  Damage to the dock was consistent with V02 being pushed up onto the dock.  The floating dock was cut by the pontoon of V02.  The evidence suggested that V01 struck V02 at an angle that would have put V02's outboard motor between V01's middle pontoon and the starboard side pontoon.  The evidence suggested that upon contact V01's bow road up onto V02's motor and came to rest at the rear seating rail.  Evidence to V02 suggest that during contact the bow line ripped off a port side cleat and port side bow light and bent several pieces of aluminum railing.  When V02 struck the floating dock it caused a nearby witness to stumble and fall.  Witness did seek medical treatment as a result of the fall.  Per a phone conversation with subject, she advised that she suffered a sprained ankle and possibly a stretched ligament. 

I interviewed the Operator1.  Operator1's party had rented this residence.  Operator1's recollection of the events that took place were consistent with that of Young Harris' personnel.  Operator1 stated that she had backed out of the slip, turned the wheel to start a forward movement.  Operator1 stated that she thought she was far enough out to avoid a collision with the pontoon boat she struck.  Operator1 advised that when she went to put the boat in gear that the throttle went all the way down and the boat took off.  Operator1 stated she tried to react but, didn't have time to do so before striking the other boat.  Operator1 stated that her passenger even hollered because the boat accelerated so quickly.  Operator1 stated that she thought there may be a problem with the vessel's throttle.  

The vessel that Operator1 was driving was taken out after the accident by some friends/family of Operator1.  They advised that the vessel drove fine.  When I examined the vessel it was not in the same condition as it was at the time of the accident.  The prop came back damaged due to it striking something underwater.  I moved the throttle back and forth and it appeared to be functioning properly.  The throttle did seem to be very sensitive.  

My conclusion to this accident investigation leads me to believe that this accident happened as a result of Operator1's inexperience operating this particular type of boat. No charges will be filed against Operator1 in this accident.


BARDID: GA-2018-0101
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SINCLAIR
NearestCityorTown: MILLEDGEVILLE
County: BALDWIN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Upon Arrival I saw the injured woman with a towel wrapped around her hand. She showed me the injury which was not life threatening so I told her to keep pressure on it until and ambulance arrived. She was then taken to Navicent Health in Baldwin County. 

According to witnesses victim was preparing the tube to be pulled behind the vessel by holding the rope. As soon as the vessel was underway she tried to let the rope go but it was wrapped around her pinky. It then pulled the tip of her pinky off right under the fingernail. There were no other injuries.


BARDID: GA-2018-0102
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SINCLAIR
NearestCityorTown: EATONTON
County: PUTNAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/09/2018 at approximately 1700 hours I, Corporal received a call in reference to a missing boater near Oconee Springs Park on Lake Sinclair. I arrived on scene at approximately 1800 hours and gathered information from a witness as well ascertained where the canoe and personal belongings were found. An oar and sunglasses were located approximately 100 yards from shore and the canoe was found capsized near the shoreline. The canoe did not appear to have any damage.
	Witness statements stated Operator frequently canoed along the shoreline in the area and was seen between 1600 hours and 1630 hours at Oconee Springs Park and a dock. It was furthered noted that witnesses stated that he appeared intoxicated earlier in the day. Numerous empty beer cans were found floating in the water between the dock and where the canoe was located. 
	Based on witness accounts of Operator's normal day to day activities it is believed that Operator was paddling his canoe along the shoreline traveling north when he somehow became distressed causing the canoe to capsize. Operator was not wearing a PFD but a PFD was located in the canoe. The approximate time of the incident is believed to be 1630 hours on 07/09/2018.
	On 07/10/18 at approximately 0820 hours Operator's body was recovered by DNR in 3 foot of water about 75 yards from where the canoe was originally located. There was no visible signs of trauma to Operator. Operator's body was taken to the GBI crime lab for an autopsy.


BARDID: GA-2018-0104
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-10-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OSSABAW SOUND
NearestCityorTown: SAVANNAH
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday, 11/01/2018, at 1556 hours I, Game Warden of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division, spoke with the vessel captain, who said he and two others were on a 2004, 22 foot long Grady White with Georgia Registration “6406PA” at the south end of Wassaw Island near a sand bar and a green channel marker.  Operator said they were preparing to fish for red drum and were in the process of setting the anchor when their vessel swamped with water and eventually overturned resulting in all three occupants entering the water.

	Operator said he was in the process of setting the anchor at approximately 1030 hours while Subject1 operated the steering and throttle to maintain their position in the current.  Operator said the anchor line immediately became entangled in the propeller upon setting the anchor.  Operator said when they tilted the motor up and out of the water the stern of the vessel dipped low enough for the water to rush in and fill the vessel.

	Operator said he entered the water and attempted to cut the anchor line, with a dull bait knife, which was wrapped around the propeller three times.  Operator was able to free the line from the propeller but the vessel had approximately 14 inches of standing water in it.  Subject1 attempted to place the vessel into gear while Subject2 attempted to bail water by hand and Operator remained in the water.

	Operator said they were concerned the vessel was going to sink as the water was not exiting the vessel as quickly as he had hoped.  Subject1 attempted to send a Mayday call over the radio and Subject2 got four personal flotation devices (PFD).  As Operator attempted to re-board the vessel a wave came over a nearby sandbar and struck the vessel causing the vessel to roll over in the water and all three occupants of the vessel to enter the water.

	Operator said all three occupants gathered back at the vessel once it was floating upside down and all three put on type II PFD’s and remained with the overturned vessel.  After approximately one hour Subject1 realized her phone was still working and called 911 but the operator could not hear her and the line disconnected.  Subject1 called the Ford Plantation Security but they could not fully understand her and the line disconnected.  Eventually the Ford Plantation Security called back and spoke to Operator who was able to explain their situation and request the assistance of 911, Coast Guard and a Ford Plantation Security employee,  who Operator knew was out in a vessel and he hoped was nearby.  The Coast Guard called Subject1’s phone and was able to identify their location by the cell phone and said a Coast Guard helicopter and vessel would be sent to their location.  The Ford Plantation called back and told Operator that subject4 was on his way to them.

	Subject4 arrived and recovered Operator, Subject1 and Subject2 in his vessel and transported them safely to a marina on Skidaway Island; other responding emergency resources were discontinued.  Sea Tow responded to the Grady White still in the water, righted the vessel and towed it to shore to be trailered and towed for repair.

	There was approximately $5,028.70 in damage and loss due to the vessel swamping and overturning.  There were no reported injuries because of the vessel overturning and the three occupants entering the water.  There are no further leads or information at this time.


BARDID: GA-2018-0105
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:57:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
We received a call from GSP dispatch in reference to an injured boater near Bethany Bridge. We made contact with the boat at the courtesy dock near the boat ramp and identified the operator. Operator was pulling a tube when Victim fell off and injured his leg and/or hip. Victim was awake, conscious and in good spirits sitting on the back of the boat. He was not able to move his leg that much and stated that it felt numb. EMS was already notified and arrived on scene. Victim was loaded on to a stretcher board and taken to the hospital in Cartersville. Operator did not appear to be impaired and no other violations were noted during the event.


BARDID: GA-2018-0106
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BLUE RIDGE
NearestCityorTown: BLUE RIDGE
County: FANNIN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 4, 2018 at approximately 14:40, Fannin County Dispatch received a call of a skiing accident on Blue Ridge Lake. At approximately 14:49 I (Cpl.) was notified of the situation and I responded to Lake Blue Ridge Marina. I met an ambulance on scene and there I talked with the victim, who was in the back of the ambulance. I got his basic information and he was then transported to the Fannin County Regional Hospital. I then talked with the victim's wife, who said that she was operating at the time of the incident. She informed me of what happened and then provided me the location of where the vessel was docked at in the Marina. She went to the hospital with her husband and I investigated the vessel. I observed their safety equipment in the boat. 

Victim informed me that he was skiing on two skies behind his pontoon vessel that his wife was operating in the area between Marker 5 and Marker 6. He was traveling down stream and was attempting to cross the wake of another boat. As he was crossing the wake, his right ski sank too deep into the water causing him to fall. In the process of falling, his right hamstring muscle was strained. He was in great pain and assumed he damaged his hip during the fall. He was helped on board and transported to Lake Blue Ridge Marina where he was loaded into an ambulance and then transported to the Fannin County Regional Hospital. He spent a couple hours in the hospital and was informed that he strained his hamstring muscle. End of report.


BARDID: GA-2018-0107
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 3, 2018, I responded to a single vessel boating incident on Allatoona Lake at Park Marina. The vessel operator advised that he was trying to make it back to Park Marina to beat the oncoming thunderstorm when he struck a large wake causing his wife to become injured by striking the inside of the vessel with her lower back. The injuries sustained were to her tail bone. No other occupants of the vessel were injured.


BARDID: GA-2018-0108
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA
NearestCityorTown: EMERSON
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 2, 2018, subject had his Monterey cabin cruiser anchored on Allatoona Lake near Webster's Ferry.  On board the vessel was his wife and two children.  Operator was attempting to pull up his anchor when he fell inside his vessel.  During the fall, Operator sustained a laceration to his foot and an injury to his lower back.    
Operator was treated at Cartersville Medical Center Emergency Room and released.  Nothing further at this time.


BARDID: GA-2018-0109
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On the above date and time cpl. and i responded to a call in reference to a disabled boat, operated by operator, at clear creek on allatoona lake. The vessel had hit something in the water rendering the engine inoperable. 

We made way to the boat house and got our patrol boat. On the way there the vessel was being towed by a passerby back to park marina. We arrived in the area to make sure there weren’t any large objects floating in the water and made contact with another boat who spoke to the operator of the disabled boat. He pointed out rocks at the reef outside of clear creek as the location where the impact occurred. 

Operator later confirmed this information. We noticed that a group of rocks approximately 35 yards away from the reef marker had a broken reef pole next to them indicating at some point someone had knocked the pole over. We informed operator that the corps of engineers controls all the regulatory markers and that we will notify them of the broken pole. No injuries were reported.


BARDID: GA-2018-0111
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-10-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: EMERSON
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Throttle
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Marina employee advised that the vessel was pulling into the slip on October 20, when his throttle cable broke.  Operator1's incident left damage to the dock and possibly V2's vessel.  Employee's with Glade Marina had to repair and replace some of the wooden boards on dock A between Operator1's and V2's vessels.  At that point in time, neither Operator1 nor Glade Marina employees notified V2 of any damage to his vessel.

It was not until December 9, 2018, when V2 returned to Glade Marina and his vessel and noticed the damage sustained to the bow, gunwale, and bimini top.  V2 and I observed some small pieces of what appeared to be fiberglass in the floor of his vessel.  I observed the damage to his vessel and the newly repaired dock.  I attempted to contact Operator1 to determine what happened during the incident on October 20.  Operator1 did not answer my phone call.  I left a voice mail message for a return phone call regarding the incident.

Operator1 stated that as he was slowly maneuvering his vessel back into his slip at Glade Marina, he attempted to put his vessel in reverse when the vessel actually went forward.  As this was happening, Operator1's vessel ramped up onto the dock walkway and appeared to strike V2's vessel.  Operator1 stated the whole incident was over in a matter of seconds.  Operator1 advised he pulled the kill switch cord to get the vessel to stop.  The vessel then fell back into the water in his boat slip.  Operator1 advised he then went straight to the marina office and advised them of the incident.  Operator1 advised that he did not look at the vessel in the slip across from him.  Operator1 advised that is why he did not report hitting another vessel, he did not realize that he had done so. The only damage he thought was sustained was to the walk-way.  (see attached witness statement)

Glade Marina management created an incident report for their records.  Glade Marina management advised that they did not look at V2's vessel to see if it had any damage.  Glade Marina management had the walk-way repaired from the incident.


BARDID: GA-2018-0112
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:54:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CANTON
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator told us that victim was wake boarding behind his boat in the area of Sweetwater Creek.  Victim fell and broke his leg.  He was then transported to Kennestone Hospital for the treatment of his injuries.  

There is nothing further to report.


BARDID: GA-2018-0113
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CANTON
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
At the above date and time I received a call about a boating incident at Allatoona Lake.  I learned that Cherokee County Fire/EMS and Cheorkee Sheriff's Deputies were responding to an injured female at the Blue Cat Lodge at Little River.  I responded to the lodge by truck but was unable to locate any responding agencies.  I called Cherokee 911 and was told a black female was transported to Northside Cherokee Hospital in Canton.  The 911 operator could not provide any additional patient information.

	I went to Northside and met with the injured female.  Victim told me that she was tubing with friends on the lake; 3 white males and 1 black female.  She said that Operator turned the boat, she went in a dip, and fell off the tube.  Victim said that she injured her should when she came off the tube.  I spoke with Victim only for a short time as the hospital staff were conducting their business and Victim was given a strong pain medicine as soon as I met with her.  

	I contacted Victim on July 17, 2018 to find out about her injuries.  Victim told me that her shoulder was broken in several places and the ball joint was dislocated as well.  She told me she was having surgery the next day.

There is nothing further to report at this time.


BARDID: GA-2018-0114
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CANTON
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 29, 2018 I was on vessel patrol on Allatoona Lake with Bartow County Deputy.  At approximately 1915 hours I was flagged down by the Tow Boat US operator and advised of a capsized boat in Little River.  At the time I was in the area of Bartow Carver.  I immediately responded to the area of Little River.  

I located a ski boat towing a 13 foot Boston Whaler above the Bells Ferry Rd Bridge.  I spoke with the passengers and was advised that the boat being towed was the one that capsized.  The operator of the capsized vessel stated that he encountered a very large wake from a ski boat and capsized.  He and his passenger swam to shore.  Operator stated that two people on PWC's in the area assisted in flipping the vessel back over.  Neither the operator or passenger reported any injuries.  I observed that the steering column was broken off completely.  Operator stated that several items were lost when the vessel capsized.  He stated the vessel's battery, cell phones and other personal items were lost.  Operator stated that the motor would not start.  Operator's parents were on scene in another vessel assisting. Tow Boat US arrived and towed the vessel.


BARDID: GA-2018-0115
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ACWORTH
County: COBB
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject1 had severe burns to his legs, lower torso and left arm.  Subject2 had a burn to his left ankle area.  

Subject1 stated that he and Subject2 were on the boat and had picked up the anchor, started the engine and planned to move locations.  Subject2 stated that he had a 5 gallon can full of gas on the back of the boat.  He stated that a yellow ski boat came by very close, causing a large wake that knocked over the gas can.  He stated that he attempted to pick up the gas can and the vessel became engulfed in flames.  He and Subject2 jumped into the water and swam to shore for help.  Cobb County Fire was able to access the lake from Hwy 41 to put out the fire.  The vessel was a total loss.  What was left of the vessel eventually sank.  Subject1 stated that the vessel was a 24 foot Bayliner and that he had not started the registration process.  Subject1 did not know the HIN number for the vessel. Subject1 was transported to the Cobb County Burn Unit for treatment. 

After an hour of searching they were unable to locate the boat.


BARDID: GA-2018-0118
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-04-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WOODSTOCK
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
We received a call from GSP dispatch regarding a boat accident on Allatoona Lake near Harbor Town Marina. Once near Harbor Town Marina we saw two individuals on a dock with two PWC’s (personal water craft’s). We approached the two individuals and asked if they were the ones who were in the accident, in which they responded they were. We saw the damage to the PWC’s and asked if anyone was injured or needed medical attention. Operator1 was the only one with injuries on his leg but he denied medical treatment. 

The individuals explained the accident and showed us the damage to the PWC’s. I took down the contact information from both individuals, PWC’s damage report, and vessel insurance. Game Warden asked Operator2 if he had any alcoholic beverages today in which he replied he did not. Game Warden then proceeded to run Operator2 though the DNR Law Enforcement Standardized Field Sobriety Test Form (see attached form). His results showed he was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
   
Game Warden had both Operator2 and Operator1 fill out witness statement forms about the accident (see attached form). Per their statements, while both vessels were in motion, Vessel 2 accelerated past vessel 1 on the right side and made a left hand turn in front of vessel 1 and slowed down. Vessel 1 could not stop in time and collided with vessel 2’s port stern of the PWC. The individuals said they were both ejected from the PWC’s as a result of the collision. A passing boater saw the accident and picked up Operator2 and Operator1 and brought them and the PWC’s back to Operator1 dock.

We issued Operator2 a citation for violation of Rules of the Road (52-7-18). We told them if they needed a copy of the report for insurance purposes they could contact the office and request one. Game Warden and I left the scene.

Nothing further to report.


BARDID: GA-2018-0119
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:34:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday, July 04, 2018 I Game Warden received a call from GSP dispatch regarding a PWC (personal water craft) accident on Allatoona Lake near Red Top Mountain State Park. GSP dispatch advised me that a 14 year old male hit a wave and was ejected off his PWC and sustained injuries. The family met Bartow County Fire and EMS at the Sunoco gas station off interstate 75 and Red Top Mountain Road SE. I arrived on scene and Bartow County Fire and EMS were treating the victim for a broken left femur. I spoke with his mother and she told me that her son was riding their PWC on Allatoona lake Near Red Top Mountain State Park when he hit a wave and was ejected off the PWC. When she saw her son’s leg was swollen, they loaded up the PWC’s, called 911 and met EMS at the gas station. 

Subjects told me Operator accelerated and passed them on the port side of the PWC traveling approximately 50-55mph. He hit a large wave caused by another vessel and he jerked the handle bars of the PWC to the right causing the PWC’s port bow to be forced under the water.  The PWC stopped abruptly and the momentum of the sudden stop ejected Operator off the PWC and into the water. Operator’s left leg made contact with the PWC’s handle bars as he was ejected. 

The physician at Cartersville Medical Center told subjects that Operator suffered a femoral shaft fracture. Operator femur was split down the middle of the bone and towards the bottom of the bone it broke in a “Y” shape. The physician said Operator would need surgery to have a metal rod put in his left leg.

I collected all the information for the individuals and took pictures of the PWC Operator was operating. After looking at both PWC’s neither of the PWC’s had damage that would lead me to believe he made contact with another PWC or vessel.  Victim’s mom said that Operator has not taken a boaters education course. 


BARDID: GA-2018-0120
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator of vesel 1 was travelling towards Bethany Bridge in the area of the point with two other PWC's following close behind.  The operator of vessel 2 was travelling in the same direction at approximately the same speed at a distance of approximately 30-45 feet behind and slightly to the left.  It appeared as if he were travelling in the blind spot of vessel 1.  Both vessels were travelling at a high rate of speed with no apparent regard for other boats.  

The operator of vessel 1 made a turn to the portt and was immediately struck by vessel 2.  Vessel 1 sustained a significant impact to the port side midship and the operator of vessel 1 was struck by vessel 2 and knocked into the water.  Upon impact with the vessel, the operator of vessel 2 was ejected into the air and flew approximately fifteen feet into the air.  Both victims were assisted onto their vessels and made their way to the shore.  

Vessel one, a Red Yamaha PWC, had damage on the bow’s port. The PWC’s bow compartment hood was sheared off. Vessel two, a white and black Yamaha PWC, had minor scratches on the bow.

Operator1 and Operator2 said they were following each other and moving about 30mph. Vessel one, occupied by Operator1, made an unexpected turn to the left. Vessel two, occupied by Operator2, could not make corrections in time and kept going straight. The vessel made contact with vessel one. Vessel one was struck on the bow’s port. Both Operator1 and Operator2 were ejected from their PWC’s into the water. Both individuals were wearing a type III non inflatable life jacket. After all statements and information were collected, both parties left.
 
I followed up with both individuals to see how they were doing. Operator1 and Operator2 told me they were both were doing well, other than the injuries sustained during the accident.
 
End of report.


BARDID: GA-2018-0121
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WOODSTOCK
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
We asked the operator of vessel one Operator1 what happened prior to us arriving on scene. Operator1 said they were anchored outside of the cove across from Victoria Marina playing cards on the vessel. They had their stern/anchor light tuned on and was visible from 360 degree. They noticed another vessel coming towards them. They all started to yell and wave their arms trying to get the attention of the other vessel. Vessel two; a red and black Baja occupied by seven people had not seen them until the last minute and jerked the wheel to the right, striking them on the starboard stern of the vessel. One subject dove into the water off vessel one to avoid being struck by vessel two.

We asked Operator1 if the vessel that had struck them was still around. He said he waited with them for 20-30 minutes until he had to leave, Operator2 stated that he was taking on water and wanted to get his kids and boat off the water. The operator of vessel two, gave them all his information and left to Kellogg Creek boat ramp. I gathered all their information and told them I will be contacting them in the next few days to receive a written statement from them and take pictures of the damage. 
 	
Numerous attempts were made by three officers to contact with Operator2 via phone but we could not make contact with him. It appeared that he was avoiding our calls.  We proceeded to send a Cherokee County deputy over to his house to talk to him. The deputy told me that he did not seem to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs and that all parties that were on his vessel were okay. The deputy told Operator2 I would be contacting him in the next few days. 

Witness said he was behind Operator2 and knew vessel one was there because he saw it before it was dark when he left the cove earlier. He said that vessel one had a dim stern/ anchor light that was visible from 360 degrees but about 20%-30% of his stern light. He said after Operator2 had to leave, he would stay to meet DNR when they arrived on scene. 

On Sunday, June 10 2018, I interviewed Operator2 and he told me that he and another boat were in the back of the cove and they were leaving the cove around 09:45pm-10:00pm. He proceeded to head out of the cove, nearing the end of the cove he saw a vessel right in front of him and jerked the wheel of the boat to the right. He made contact with the starboard stern of the vessel and glanced off to the right. Once he made sure everyone on his boat was okay he went over to Operator1 vessel to check on them. They said they were alright and they proceeded to call 911. Operator2 said he was going to stay with them until he realized his vessel was taking on water. He give Operator1 all his information and how to contact him and left and headed to Kellogg Creek boat ramp where he had launched his boat from. I had him write a statement about what happened and draw a diagram of the vessel and where everyone was located at on his boat right before the accident occurred. 


BARDID: GA-2018-0122
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator2 said, his wife was backing off the trailer when a yellow Fountain motor boat (vessel one) backed into the water at a high rate of speed. When vessel one entered the water, it created a suction and pulled their vessel (vessel two) towards vessel one. The port stern of vessel two made contact with vessel one on the starboard center. Operator2 said he did not cause any damage to vessel one since, he had a rubber guard on the edge of his vessel and the operator of vessel one was lying.  Operator2 was clearly upset, saying the operator of vessel one was being argumentative. 

Operator1 pulled his vessel off the ramp and back to the parking lot so we could view the damage to the boat. Operator1 said Subject1 backed vessel two off their trailer and was unable to operate it properly and made contact with his vessel. The damage was on the starboard side near the center of the vessel. Operator1 said she proceeded to run into the courtesy dock making contact with the his vessel with the stern of her vessel. Operator1 told us his vessel was still on his trailer and he had not unhooked it when Subject1 hit his vessel.

I gathered both parties information while Cpl. boarded vessel two and looked at his stern port side. Cpl. saw yellow fiberglass pieces located on a screw that was sticking out from the side of the rubber guard on Operator2’s vessel. Cpl. took pictures of the colored fiberglass that matched vessel ones paint. After talking to both parties and viewing the damage on the vessel, what happened was vessel two was launching their vessel as vessel one was backed in the water. Vessel one was in the water and stationary, when the operator of vessel two backed into vessel one making contact with vessel one on the starboard center of the vessel with the port stern of vessel two. 

Cpl. told both parties, since they had insurance on their vessels they would let them take care of it and a report would be done if the damage to vessel one was over $2,000. Both parties agreed and exchanged information. Cpl. and I left the scene.

On 08/14/2018, Operator1 emailed me an estimate on the damage received to his vessel. The damage was appraised at $2,000.


BARDID: GA-2018-0123
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:36:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
After my investigation, I concluded that the operator and passenger of the vessel were travelling down the lake at a high rate of speed (approximately 60+ mph) and were ejected after striking a large wave. Victim struck her ankle on the starboard gunwale of the PWC, breaking it, as they were ejected off. 
Nothing further to report.


BARDID: GA-2018-0124
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause3: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
After my investigation, I concluded that the operator and passenger of the vessel were travelling down the lake at an increased rate of speed (approximately 30+ mph) and were ejected after striking a large wave. Victim felt a pop in his lower back after they were ejected off the PWC. 
Nothing further to report.


BARDID: GA-2018-1000
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-02-20 00:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pond
County: Brooks
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: unknown
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Sheriff's Office confirmed the bodies of two fishermen have been found in the pond off of Reedy Creek Road.
Officials say the pair left their homes Tuesday morning to go fishing and one of their spouses was in contact with them around 9:30 a.m. to touch base, but they never heard from them again. 
Authorities say they got a call later in the evening on Tuesday and the Department of Natural Resources got involved to help find their bodies.


BARDID: GA-2018-1001
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atlantic
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
The Coast Guard rescued three boaters Tuesday after their vessel capsized near St. Catherines Island, Georgia.
A good Samaritan at 12:45 p.m. saw a capsized vessel with possible people in the water. Rescue crew embarked two boaters while a crew member stayed on the beach with the remaining boater.No injuries were reported.
The cause of the vessel capsizing is under investigation.


BARDID: GA-2018-1004
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-05 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Burton
NearestCityorTown: Burton
County: Rabun
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: unknown
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: hit by tow rope handle
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Quarterback broke a bone in his non-throwing hand during a boating accident earlier this week. Athletic department spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY Sports on Thursday that Quarterback suffered a "small fracture" in his left hand but won't miss any summer workouts and is already throwing. UGASports.com, a Rivals affiliate, first reported the news. The injury occurred earlier this week when Quarterback and some friends were wakeboarding on Lake Burton in northern Georgia, according to multiple reports. UGASports.com and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution both reported that Quarterback was riding in the back of the boat when the handle on the end of the pull rope snapped back and hit the back of his left hand.


BARDID: GA-2019-0001
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-01-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Crescent River just off of int
County: MCINTOSH
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 stated that he was running his boat and attempting to put on his gloves. He stated that he was also running into the sun. He stated that he did not see the anchored boat until the last second.  He stated that he almost missed it but he did strike the boat in the rear. He immediately stopped and checked on the boat occupants. Nobody was hurt in either boat.

Vessel 2 stated that he was anchored out in the Crescent River just out of the intercostal waterway. He stated that he did not hear the boat coming and all of a sudden he felt a jar to his boat. He immediately went outside of the cabin and found where his boat had been struck. The other boat came over to check to make sure everyone was ok.


BARDID: GA-2019-0002
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-02-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Oconee
NearestCityorTown: EATONTON
County: PUTNAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On February 15, 2019, While driving Sgt. noticed a vessel grounded on the shoreline just north of the Sugar Creek bridge on Parks Mill Road. After investigating scene and talking to Putnam county dispatch, Sgt. found out that the vessel was grounded earlier that morning with no injuries. Sgt. contacted Sgt. and informed him of the situation. 

At this time, Sgt. contacted me. I arrived at the scene with Sgt. standing by the vessel. Sgt. informed me of the information he had already received and I proceeded with the investigation of the incident. I called the vessel owner and operator of the vessel. He stated that he was on his way back to the incident scene to try and recover the vessel. I took pictures of the vessel and examined damage while waiting on Operator. The vessel appeared inoperable and not float worthy. At this time, Sgt. arrived on scene. When Operator arrived, he stated that he and subject were fishing toward the mouth of Sugar Creek. They decided to head back toward the marina (Sugar Creek Marina) because of the rain which made it hard for him to see. He stated that they were cruising back when they struck the shoreline. He saw the shoreline just before grounding his vessel and dropped the gear shifter into neutral. The vessel went completely onto shore. It was 01:45 am at the time of incident. He stated that himself nor occupant were injured. He said they tried to put the vessel back in the water with no success. He also stated that a Putnam county officer, Deputy, filled out a report. DNR was not notified by Putnam of a boating incident occurring. Sea Tow was called and he accessed the situation. Operator decided not to use Sea Tow due to possible cost. I called Bo's Wrecker Service and explained the situation. Operator agreed to the cost. Bo's arrived and was able to lift vessel and set it on Operator's boat trailer. Afterwards, Operator filled out a witness statement and answered a few more questions for my incident report. He was issued two written warnings.


BARDID: GA-2019-0003
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-03-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: PINE MOUNTAIN
County: HARRIS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Dam/lock
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Cpl. and I went to EAMC to interview the victim’s husband. Husband was in the emergency room with two small children.  I asked Husband to explain what happened and he said all 4 of them were riding in (2) 11 foot Sea Eagle inflatable kayaks without wearing personal flotation devices. They put the kayaks in the river at the Langdale boat ramp and floated downstream. The first kayak was operated by Husband, the female child, and a dog. The second kayak was operated by Victim and the male child. 

Husband said they had no experience with this particular section of the river. The fast moving water forced both kayaks toward the Crowhop low head dam. The first kayak was able to make it to the shoreline and both occupants exited the kayak. The second kayak went over the low head dam. The male child jumped out of the kayak prior to going over and Victim went over the dam while inside the kayak. She became caught in the hydraulics and could not swim out. The male child was able to swim to the shoreline. 

Husband jumped into the water to rescue Victim and was unable to pull her out of the hydraulics after becoming separated from her several times. He was eventually able to pull her out of the water further downstream and administered CPR until EMS arrived and took over. Victim was pronounced deceased by Dr. at 1645 hours at the EAMC-Lanier hospital. The Harris County Coroner arrived at the hospital and examined the deceased and determined the cause of death was accidental drowning. No autopsy was performed.  

I asked Husband about Victim' swimming ability and he described her as a good swimmer. The male child received some bruising and scrapes to his right elbow and right knee, with X-rays showing no broken bones. Husband received a laceration to the rear of his scalp and his CT scan results were negative for head injuries. The female child received no injuries. Nothing Further.


BARDID: GA-2019-0004
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-03-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: West Point Lake
NearestCityorTown: LAGRANGE
County: TROUP
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 03/16/2019 at 0758 hours Game Warden Corporal responded to a boating accident at the Highland Marina boat ramp. 

	Operator1 advised he was the operator of Vessel One. Operator1 was traveling North West exiting Highland Marina. Operator1 increased his speed so his vessel was on plane. Operator1 did not see Vessel Two and the bow of his boat impacted the starboard quarter of Vessel Two. The damage to Vessel One was the fiberglass bow and the trolling motor.  Operator1 was not injured and did not have any passengers in his boat.  

	Operator2 advised he was the operator of Vessel Two. Operator2 was traveling North East in the main channel of the lake. Operator2 observed Vessel One traveling towards him. He attempted to avoid a collision with Vessel One but was unsuccessful. The Bow of Vessel One impacted the starboard quarter of his vessel. The damage to Vessel Two was the fiberglass on the starboard quarter, bilge pump, and motor housing. Vessel Two was taking on water. Operator2 was not injured and did not have any passengers in his boat. 

	I took photographs of the damage to Vessel One and Vessel Two. Operator2 and Operator1 were able to trailer their vessels and remove them from the scene. They were both advised how to obtain a copy of this report and to contact the Department of Natural resources with any additional information. Body camera video and audio is available for this call.


BARDID: GA-2019-0006
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-03-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Brunswick River
NearestCityorTown: BRUNSWICK
County: GLYNN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 3/31/2019, Sgt. received a call about a sunken vessel in Brunswick River near Bird Island. Sgt. spoke with the owner and gathered all the initial information. Sgt. turned that information over to me, Cpl., to do the report and follow up with Operator. I attempted several times to contact Operator the following week and spoke to him briefly on 4/10/2019 when he told me he was going to try and retrieve the boat on Saturday, 4/13/2019. 
	We were finally able to discuss the incident in detail on 4/13/2019. Operator stated that he had been working on the boat and had replaced several items totaling almost $7,000.00 in the boat. He was trying it out that day. He had his wife and two children, ages 5 and 14 with him. He started having engine trouble with one of the engines. While drifting and working on the engine he ended up on a sandbar near Bird Island. He got his buddy who was also on the water, to come try to pull him off the sandbar. Operator said when he was being pulled from behind, the water rushed over the low stern and into the boat. They rehooked and Friend pulled Operator's boat from the bow and Operator thought he could just let the water out at the ramp and his bilge pump was going. As he was being pulled, the water ran toward the stern of the boat and it swamped quickly. Operator and his family jumped into the water and were picked up by Friend. Friend tied a red buoy to the other end of the tow line to mark the spot the boat sank.
	Operator told me that Seatow wanted $4,000.00 to raise and remove the boat but he didn't have that kind of money. He stated that he had recently filed bankruptcy and couldn't get a loan for the money either. He told me that he had friends that could dive and was going to borrow some air bags but that he was afraid he would tear up the bags and have to pay for them. He talked as though he was just wanting to leave it there and be done with it.
	I advised Operator that was not an option. I told him that would be considered unlawful dumping and would constitute a separate violation each day it remained there. I told him we could give him a little bit longer to get the boat out but that we recommend no more than 30 days, especially in saltwater, due to the strong currents and tides. I told him it was up to him to figure out a way to remove the boat. I told him to call me when he did and that I would meet him at the ramp to take pictures and document the boat.


BARDID: GA-2019-0007
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-04-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Jekyll River
NearestCityorTown: BRUNSWICK
County: GLYNN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 4/9/2019, I, Cpl., received a call about a two boats colliding at the Jekyll Marina. I spoke with Subject1 who stated that the Marina folks told him someone hit his boat while being docked. Subject1 stated that he inspected his vessel and found lots of damage due to the hull being compressed against the dock. Subject1 said the steps were cracked, there was a spot of delamination, and that he was now taking on water. I proceeded to Jekyll Island and made contact with the other vessel owner while on the way.

	The boat, "One Love", was already tied to the dock and the "Follow Me" was being assisted to the dock by dock hands at the Marina. There was no one on the "One Love", which is owned by Subject1. The "Follow Me" was being operated by Operator2. His wife was on the rear deck while it was being docked. Subject2 stated that Operator2 slowed while being directed into the dock space and his vessel was blown by the strong wind into the "One Love". The window frame on the rear port side of Operator2's vessel scrubbed against the rear starboard corner about 24 inches above the water on Subject1's vessel causing about a two inch long fracture of the fiberglass. I photographed that damage and took measurements which matched up to Operator2's window frame. 

	Operator2 and Subject1 argued a little bit on the dock and I tried to calm them down and separate them. Operator2 said he had no damage and was unaware he had even hit Subject1's boat. Operator2's wife knew they hit but didn't think there was any damage. Subject1 showed me another spot near the water line below the fracture that he said was delamination. It appeared to be just a bubble in the fiberglass finish that had been there already. I entered Subject1's boat and let him show me the rest of the damage he said happened. We stepped down into the port side and he showed me the bilge which had what looked and smelled to be urine in it. He said the collision broke the valve on his holding tank and that was what leaked into the bilge. He claimed that area had been dry the week before. There was lots of things being stored on top of the engine access that had to be moved. Nothing looked out of place or broken. Subject1 told me that this happened several years ago and was extremely expensive to fix because his boat is specially made thinner in order to be lighter and go faster. He said the damage is from being compressed and can't be seen with the naked eye. He said he had to fly in a specialist to scan the boat for fractures and delamination issues which were scattered all over the boat. I videoed the areas and then stepped back off the boat.

	I went back to the truck with Operator2 to get his information and work on the report. Operator2 left and I spoke with the Marina manager. He stated the same as Subject2 that the two boats did not hit that hard against each other.

	I spoke with Subject1 again today, 4/15/2019, and he stated that his holding tank was actually broken in the collision and that his entry door was sprung. He also said that it broke the water line fitting on his refrigerator and caused it to malfunction. He said he now had sea water coming into his starboard bilge but did not know where from. He also said he had water in his salon area which is two feet above the water line and didn't know how it was getting there either. He told me that he was going to have the boat pulled out as soon as someone was able to do it.

	Based on my knowledge and experience, the small fracture in the fiberglass on the edge of the port stern corner is the only damage that I can say I believe was caused by the collision. Subject1's claims of other damage will have to be supported by the same research he said he used in the past incident. ***
 
	I have spoked with Subject1 by phone again since then and he is now claiming more issues from the collision. The estimate amount entered in this form is the opinion of owner of v1.


BARDID: GA-2019-0008
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-04-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:29:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Hartwell
NearestCityorTown: LAVONIA
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 3, 2019 at approximately 11:30 hours I received a call from Franklin Co 911 in regards to a vessel fire in Gumlog Creek on Lake Hartwell. I got some initial information from dispatch and along with GWFC headed to the address.
	When we arrived on scene, the Gumlog Fire Department had already put out the fire and secured the boat back to its dock.  I went down and talked to the owner to see what had happened.  
	Owner told me that he and three other occupants had gotten on board the vessel to go for an outing on the lake, but were still tied up to the dock.  Owner stated that he clicked the battery switch, pushed the choke in twice like he always does, but when he turned the key in the ignition switch there was an "explosion" on the starboard side of the engine and it caught fire.  After unsuccessful attempts to extinguish the fire with the on-board fire extinguisher, all the occupants got off the vessel uninjured while the vessel continued to burn.  All had life jackets accessible to them, but were not used.  All occupants said they were able to swim, but none had to as they got out of the vessel onto the dock.
	Although the vessel was tied to Owner' dock, when the fire department arrived and attempted to douse the flames, the force of the water from the hose broke the already weakened rope and caused the vessel to break free from its mooring. The boat floated away from the dock, but did not come in contact with any other boats or docks.  No other boats or docks were damaged, but Owner' boat was burned down to the floor and pontoons. Damage was in excess of $2,000.00.


BARDID: GA-2019-0009
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Vernon River/Green Island Soun
NearestCityorTown: SAVANNAH
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated while he and his wife were underway in his vessel on Saturday May 4th, 2019 at 1330 hours they struck what they believe was a damaged and submerged aid to navigation in the intercoastal waterway (ICW) of the Vernon River.  Operator reported it was ICW Marker 86.  The marker was recently damaged and a red nun buoy marker was put in place of the damaged marker.  Operator believes he struck part of the damaged marker that is submerged below the water.  Operator stated damage to his vessel included an approximately 4 feet long, 1 inch deep gouge along the portside hull just below the waterline of the vessel.  Operator also stated the portside engine received damage to the skeg.  Operator estimated the damage to be approximately $6,000.  Operator stated he was able to get the vessel back to Savannah Yacth Club unassisted.  Operator said the gouge was not deep enough to cause the vessel to take on water.  Operator nor his wife were injured at the time of the incident.  Operator advised he reported the incident and the situation to Petty Officer at the USCG Aids to Navigation Team at Station Tybee Island.


BARDID: GA-2019-0010
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-04-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
operator of Vessel 1 was attempting to dock his vessel at "A" Dock within Landshark Cove on Lake Lanier.  While attempting to dock the vessel he struck another vessel that was docked causing damage.  No injuries were reported by any of the occupants.


BARDID: GA-2019-0011
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-01-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: LULA
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Overloading
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
The vessel was traveling away from ramp and into the river channel.  Vessel started taking on water from the bow of the vessel causing the vessel to capsize and turn over dumping the two occupants out of the vessel.  Both occupants made it to the bank under their own power.  Both occupants were transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center for exposure.  THe vessel was overloaded.


BARDID: GA-2019-0012
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-03-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:20:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Chatuge
NearestCityorTown: YOUNG HARRIS
County: TOWNS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Based on statements from witnesses, CAD reports, GBI autopsy, GPS analysis, and vessel evidence damage, on March 16, 2019 at approximately 07:15 hours, a bass tournament began by releasing entered bass fishing registrants from Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds boat ramp.  V1 had two people onboard and was the first to leave the area heading west.  V2 had two people onboard and were heading east towards the fairgrounds to check into the tournament.  V1 was operating left of center and continued to travel on the wrong side of the lake.  V2 was operating right of center and kept moving right as v1 was approaching v2.  

V2 backed off the accelerator and its bow lifted.  V1 turned left in front of v2, causing v2 to strike v1 and ramp on top of v1, striking the starboard bow at a 20=degree angle, continuing its course \across v1, causing crushing damager to the operator console, and fatally striking operator1, bending the stern light, tearing the stern seat and damaging the outboard motor.  Just before impact, v1 occupant dove to the floor.  He had a broken right rib.  V2 subjects were not injured.

V1 violated rules of the road by traveling left of center of the channel & turning left in front of v1. 

It is the officer’s opinion that operator1 did not see v2.  In his passenger’s words, the passenger yelled at operator 1 about the boat but the operator didn’t respond.  It was dusky dawn at the time of incident.  Operator1 was wearing sunglasses, had a hood tightened down around his face and he was behind a tinted windshield, with a GPD unit positioned on the dash-in use- with a bright screen displayed.  This would have limited his view and ability to navigate to see V2’ approaching.  Operator1’s cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head, neck, torso, and extremities.


BARDID: GA-2019-0013
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-03-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ocmulgee River
NearestCityorTown: COCHRAN
County: BLECKLEY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On Thursday, March 14 at approximately 2130 hours, I received a call from the Bleckley County Sheriffs Office in reference to a possible boating incident that occurred near Dykes Landing on the Ocmulgee River. I made contact with the complainant at approximately 2145 hours. The complainant advised that Operator had recently purchased the boat and was test driving the boat while he observed from the boat ramp. He also stated that the boat appeared to running fine as Operator went up and down stream multiple times. On the final pass, Subject stated that Operator went south past the boat ramp and out of sight. Subject advised that he heard sound of the motor change as if the prop came out of the water. He said he heard Operator yelling for a brief second and advised that it got quiet. Subject advised this was at approximately 1930 hours. Subject then called his wife to bring another boat when Operator did not return. After launching a boat at approximately 2200 hours Subject was unable to locate Operator or the vessel. Subject advised after being unable to locate Operator, he decided to call 911.    
	 Multiple units from Bleckley County EMA also responded and launched their boats. They located the vessel approximately a half a mile south of Dykes Landing. Operator was not located at this time and it was evident that the vessel had struck multiple trees before it came to rest on West Bank of the river.
		The search continued in this manner through Monday, March 18, 2019 when the body of Operator floated to the surface and was located by a GSP dive team member. 
	The vessel used by Operator had damage consistent with hitting several trees. The throttle was located in the "full throttle' position with the key in "on' position. There was no lanyard attached to the kill switch. The navigation lights were not in use. The steering appeared to have a full range of motion. The piston that allows the motor to be electronically raised and lowered was completely detached/broken from the mounting bracket which indicates a heavy impact with a fixed object. The vessel also had damage to the starboard side of the vessel as well as the bottom consistent with damage to trees in the immediate vicinity of where the boat came to its final resting place on the West Bank of the river. There were several damaged trees from approximately 75 yards upstream leading to where the boat was finally located.  Multiple PFDs were also located in the vessel.
	The evidence suggest that after the initial impact with a small group of trees, Operator was ejected. The boat continued downstream with the motor still running and in gear. The boat struck several more trees and ultimately hit the west river bank and came to rest with the motor still running.


BARDID: GA-2019-0014
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-03-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WEST POINT LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAGRANGE
County: TROUP
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 3/23/2019 at approximately 3:15pm I, Game Warden, was notified by Game Warden, of a boating incident on West Point Lake near Ski Cove and the Chattahoochee River. I immediately responded to a residence (where the vessel was partially submerged).

Game Warden arrived shortly before me. Upon my arrival I spoke with one of the boat owner. Owner explained to me that he and the other men on the boat were all co owners of the vessel and have recently completed major restoration to the vessel. The vessel a described as a white 1964 37’ Trojan Cabin Motorboat bearing Georgia Registration 9020VV.

Owner explained that at approximately 2:45pm he and the other men were cruising on the vessel toward his residence. Owner was on the bow of the vessel starboard side. Operator was driving the vessel. Occupant2 was beside Operator at the helm. Occupant3 was also on the bow on the port side. While traveling into the cove Operator piloted the boat in the middle of the channel but had to move further to the port side of the vessel due to another vessel fishing in the cove. 

While swinging wide in the cove Owner stated he saw a quick algae bloom on the starboard side. At the same time an underwater object struck the port side of the vessel below the water line causing a large approximately six foot long and two feet wide hole to be punctured in the hull. 

Owner and Occupant3 were both thrown forward catching themselves on the handrail of the vessel. They reported no injuries. Operator and Occupant2 were also thrown forward and reported no injuries at the time of the incident. Owner explained that he observed the vessel begin to sink in the water quickly and told Operator to continue the vessel forward in order to keep the vessel from sinking in deep water. Operator continued into the cove until it was unsafe to continue at plane and began to slow the vessel down. 

Upon slowing down another vessel in the cove assisted the sinking vessel closer to the shore until it ran aground in soft sand bottom. The vessel continued to sink until the stern of the vessel was completely submerged and on the bottom of the lake. Approximately half the vessel remained out of the water in the shallow cove approximately twenty feet from shore. The vessel was tied to numerous spots on the shore in order to keep it from drifting away.

I observed the vessel still in the water and spoke with Occupant2, Operator, and Occupant3. Their explanation of the events that occurred was similar to Owner explanation. Information was given to Owner to recover the vessel from the lake. I requested Owner send me photos and estimate of the damage once it could be assessed properly. Photos were taken and uploaded. No further action was taken at this time.
Nothing Follows.


BARDID: GA-2019-0015
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WEST POINT LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAGRANGE
County: TROUP
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
MachineryFailure: Fuel
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/18/2019 at approximately 4:00pm I, Game Warden was on vessel patrol on West Point Lake in LaGrange with Game Warden. Game Warden received a call from our supervisor, Sergeant, about a vessel fire at Sunny Point Access on the lake. I initiated my vessels’ emergency lights and sirens and responded to the area.

Upon our arrival we observed what appeared to be a yellow and white ski boat fully engulfed in fire. The boat was later identified by the Hull Identification Number as a 2000 19ft Chaparral Ski boat with Georgia registration GA0387MD. We were told while passing the Lagrange Fire Department on the HWY 219 Bridge that all occupants were out of the water and accounted for. GW and I approached the boat and attempted to extinguish the fire with a wash down hose onboard my patrol vessel but were unsuccessful. We then met with two LFD firefighters at the Sunny Point boat ramp and brought them to the vessel where they extinguished the fire enough to place a tow rope to the front eye hook of the vessel. We then towed the vessel back to the Sunny Point boat ramp where it was pulled up to the ramp and extinguished fully by firefighters on the ramp. GW and I spoke with the boat owner and operator.

Operator explained that he recently filled the boat up with fuel earlier in the day and that he thought it was odd that the vessel required approximately $80.00 in fuel due to the fact the boat had not been used much this season and that the tank was not that large. He stated that he filled the boat fuel tank fully. 
Upon arrival at the ramp he, his wife, and his daughter were in the vessel when it was backed into the water. Upon entering the water and off the trailer Operator stated that he started the engine blower (ventilation) for some time and then attempted to start the vessel. Upon starting the vessel there was a large pop and burst of what sounded like an explosion. 

Wife and Daughter were sitting in the rear of the vessel next to the engine compartment. After the noise Daughter felt like she was burning and ran to the front of the vessel and jumped off the bow into the water. Wife also felt like there was something wrong and also ran to the front of the vessel but did not jump off the vessel. Daughter swam to the floating courtesy dock and was helped out of the water by her fiancé who was still on the dock after backing the boat and trailer into the water. Operator stated that at that time he did not see anything that was wrong with the boat but out of caution decided it was best for them not to take the vessel on the water that day. He then was able to get the boat to the dock where Wife got off the vessel. He then told Daughter’s’ fiancé to go get the trailer and they would load it back on the trailer. He then pushed away from the dock due to waiting vessels and to load the boat back on the trailer.

Upon pushing away from the dock Operator attempted to start the vessel again approximately 100ft from the dock. While trying to start the vessel he noticed that the fuel gage, which was recently worked on over the previous winter, was already reading approximately a half to three quarters of a tank. Upon starting the boat there was another large pop and explosion sound that occurred in the engine compartment. Operator quickly went back to the compartment and lifted the cover observing a large fire at the bottom of the compartment. Operator attempted to reach the fire extinguisher on the vessel which was in the engine compartment but was unable to due to the flames. Operator then decided to jump off the boat into the water. He was rescued a short time later by another vessel near the area and brought to the dock. The boat then proceeded to continue to catch fire burning the entire inside of the vessel to the top of the gunwale until our arrival on the scene. Operator stated that he believed that there was a large fuel leak in the engine


BARDID: GA-2019-0016
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Tobesofkee
NearestCityorTown: MACON
County: BIBB
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 25th, 2019, at approximately 1900 hours, at the upper end of Lake Tobesofkee, victim attempted to board a Moomba, 23 Ft,  Red in color, vessel after skiing. The vessel displayed a registration of  AL-8339-LG. The vessel is owned by operator. While attempting to board the vessel, Victim slipped on the vessel’s swim platform and fell against the trim tab. Victim sustained a laceration to back side of his right heel. The individual was transported to Lake Joy Med Stop where he received ten stitches to close the wound.
 
Photos are attached.


BARDID: GA-2019-0017
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chattahoochee River
NearestCityorTown: COLUMBUS
County: MUSCOGEE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 05/26/2019, around 2330 hours, I, Game Warden was notified by Cpl. about a boating incident which included a fatality. The boating incident occurred on the Chattahoochee River in Columbus, earlier in the evening. The incident was originally reported to Columbus 911 around 2048 hours. 
The vessel was almost completely submerged and lodged up against some debris in the river. We decided to check the parking area at Rotary Park for the victim's vehicle and trailer. The vehicle could not be located. As we returned up river, Fire & Rescue had utilized air bags to get the vessel to float enough so it could be taken to the boat ramp. As we arrived to the ramp, I got off the boat and went to help pull the vessel onto the ramp.
	On 05/28/2019, I gathered the reports made of the incident from Columbus Fire & Rescue and the Columbus Police Department. The reports stated there were two men in a boat going through the rapids on the river and flipped their vessel. One occupant made it to shore. Operator was located near Oglethorpe Bridge south of the Trade Center boat ramp on Bay Avenue. After EMS administered CPR he was then transported to Piedmont Medical Center in critical condition. The CPD report states that at 2300 hours, Dr. pronounced Operator deceased.
	 I spoke with occupant who told me his account of the incident. Occupant stated they were going fishing up near the shoals and rapids just south of the whitewater course. Occupant stated they were anchored at one point and then went closer to the rapids. Occupant stated Operator was trying to take the vessel across the last bit of rapids. At this time water came into the boat over the bow. 
Occupant stated that Operator tried to turn the boat around and throttle out of the swift water. This is when more water came into the vessel. The boat began to sink as it was pushed down river toward the steps on the Georgia side. 
Occupant stated he tried to use a bucket to bail water out of the boat. He said Operator was still trying to get the vessel righted and keep it from sinking. Occupant stated the boat had sank to the point where he fell out of the vessel with his dog, which was also in the boat with them. He said once he came up from under the water he could not see Operator. A fisherman threw Occupant a cast net and helped him to the steps.
 Occupant said another individual who had jumped in to help them, grabbed his dog and tossed it up to the steps and began to swim after the boat. After he caught his breath, Occupant walked to the boat ramp on Bay Avenue where EMS, Fire & Rescue and CPD had already arrived. 


BARDID: GA-2019-0018
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:13:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SINCLAIR
NearestCityorTown: EATONTON
County: PUTNAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 4th, 2019 at approximately 1213 hours, I responded to a call from Putnam County dispatch regarding a boating incident with no reported injuries. As I arrived on scene I saw the boat that was damaged and took information from the operator. (operator) told me that he was looking back at the child on board and before he could react, he struck an old dilapidated dock with the front right side of the boat. 

A child was thrown overboard but had a Type III PFD on, there were no injuries to the child. I took pictures of the damage to the vessel as well as talked with the owner about getting his vessel back to his residence. The neighboring resident decided to tow the vessel back as it was not taking on any water.

I then measured the damage on the vessel:

 - 	32 inch crack in fiberglass on the Starboard side above docking rail.
 -	19 inch crack in fiberglass on the Starboard side below docking rail.
-	44 inch scratch compromising the gel coat on the vessel near the waterline. 
 -	7 inch crack in fiberglass near the waterline. 

Damage was estimated to exceed $3000.00 in repair. 
Received Insurance information on vessel at a later date: Allstate Insurance
No charges were made on the operator.


BARDID: GA-2019-0020
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atlantic Ocean
NearestCityorTown: SAVANNAH
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
While myself and Capt. were on vessel patrol in Tybee Creek, a vessel containing Victim pulled along beside of us.  The owner/operator stated Victim had been injured by the propeller.  I did not see any blood in the vessel and Victim was holding a beach towel on her right backside. Victim was conscious and responsive.  I advised them to go to AJ's Restaurant dock while I called Tybee Police Department dispatch in order to have EMS enroute.  Victim received a cut to her upper right buttocks from the propeller after she jumped into the water at the stern of the vessel.  Victim stated she jumped into the water to urinate.  At the time she jumped into the water the boat operator was trying to anchor the vessel with the power pole.  The engine was still running and the propeller was still turning.  The water depth was shallow enough that she could stand in the water without swimming.  Victim stated that when she felt the propeller hit her she jumped back into the vessel and applied direct pressure to the cut.  According to Victim, the cut was approximately 5 inches long and 2-3 inches deep. Victim was checked at the dock of AJ's Restaurant along Tybee Creek by Tybee Island EMS.  She was transported to the hospital where she received 15 stitches.  No alcohol was involved in this incident.


BARDID: GA-2019-0021
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-04-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Brunswick River
NearestCityorTown: BRUNSWICK
County: GLYNN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday, May 1, 2019, I Cpl. was contacted by the Brunswick Office regarding a boating incident that had previously occurred.  The vessel owner wished to make a report of the incident.  I contacted the vessel owner and began investigating the incident.  

	Owner advised that on Sunday, April 28, 2019 at approximately  1500 hours he and his Aunt had launched his vessel and were actively engaged in fishing in the Brunswick River between the old Lanier Bridge (fishing pier) and the Liberty Harbor ship launch.  Owner advised that a car carrier (ship) was passing through the shipping channel causing a wake that subsequently caused waves to break over the stern of his vessel and fill the boat with water causing his vessel to sink.  Both occupants were wearing PFD's and were in the water for approximately two minutes. Shortly thereafter a good Samaritan vessel that had four people on board assisted them into their vessel and returned them to the Lanier Park boat ramp.  Owner contacted sea tow for a possible recovery, but when Sea Tow was able to respond they were not able to locate the small vessel.  

	The 14' Sunliner vessel was powered by a 50 HP Johnson 2 stroke outboard motor and also had a MinnKota foot controlled bow mount trolling motor on the vessel.  Other than the vessel, outboard motor and foot control trolling motor, Owner advised that he also lost various fishing gear and safety equipment that was on board.  No injuries were reported to me and medical attention was not needed for the occupants.  I also contacted Sea Tow Brunswick, whom advised that Owner had contacted them regarding the incident.  Sea Tow was unable to locate the sunken vessel.  Owner advised that the total value of the vessel and contents was approximately $2500.00.  

	On Thursday, May 2, 2019, Cpl. was able to make contact with Owner to obtain pictures of the vessel and information for the boating incident report.  The information has been entered into the report at this time.

End of Report.


BARDID: GA-2019-0023
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:02:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Satilla River
NearestCityorTown: WOODBINE
County: CAMDEN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 2nd 2019 at approximately 1530 hrs, four people put Subject's vessel in the Satilla River in Woodbine, Georgia to go tubing. Subject drove the vessel up river 2-3 bends to where they began tubing. After tubing for an hour or so, both girls decided they wanted to tube together. At this time Operator began operating the vessel. While tubing, the tube flipped over causing the two females to fall off into the water. When the two females got back on the tube they realized that Victim was bleeding down her legs from her groin area. They brushed it off and continued to tube up and down the river until they fell off the tube again. At that time Victim realized that she needed to get into the boat. She tried to cover up the blood with a towel due to not wanting to be embarrassed in front of her friends. A short time later when everyone realized that she was injured they quickly returned to the Woodbine boat ramp where Operator picked up Victim and put her into his truck and they drove to Subject's residence where his father was at. 

Upon he realized the severity of the injury and called Camden 911. Camden Fire and EMS arrived at the residence and determined that Victim needed to be transported to Camden Medical Center. Victim's parents met Victim at the hospital where it was determined that Victim needed to go into surgery to find out why she was bleeding. GWFC  went to Camden Medical Center while CPL went to Subject's residence to interview the rest of the subjects involved. During surgery it was found that she had a 1.5-2 inch laceration that needed to be repaired. GWFC spoke with Victim's Father around 11 P.M. who stated that she was out of surgery and expected to be released sometime the next day.


BARDID: GA-2019-0024
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Medway River
NearestCityorTown: SUNBURY
County: LIBERTY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/13/2019, at approximately 1906 hours, I, Corporal (CPL) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division (GADNR LE), received a call from Sergeant reporting a boating incident in Liberty County, Georgia. I responded and arrived at Sunbury Marina at approximately 1937 hours. 

I met with Operator2 and V2 occupant. I interviewed vessel operator and occupant. I responded to private dock where commercial shrimp trawler "Miss Denise" was located. I interviewed operator Operator1 and occupants V2 occupant1 and V2 occupant2. I photographed Operator2's vessel. I collected two sharks from onboard Operator2's vessel. I spoke with United States Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit (USCG MSU) in Savannah regarding the incident. Operator2's vessel was secured to the trawler "Miss Denise" overnight. I returned to Sunbury Marina and met with Operator2 and V2 occupant. I issued resource warning to Operator2 for two sharks found aboard his vessel. I cleared the scene at approximately 2200 hours.  

On 5/14/2019, I followed up with USCG MSU. I spoke with Operator2 and Operator1 regarding the process of the investigation. Operator2 made arrangements to remove his vessel from the water at Sunbury public boat landing. 

On 5/15/2019, USCG MSU conducted an inspection on trawler "Miss Denise". 
I determined on 5/13/2019 at approximately 1850 hours, commercial shrimping trawler "Miss Denise" was traveling outbound in the Medway River. Operator1 left the wheelhouse of the trawler while the vessel was underway. At approximately 1850 hours Operator2 and V2 occupant were aboard Operator2's vessel at anchor while engaged in recreational fishing activity. Trawler "Miss Denise" collided with Operator2's recreational vessel. Operator2 and V2 occupant jumped from Operator2's vessel into the water. Operator1, V2 occupant1 and V2 occupant2 assisted Operator2 and V2 occupant from the water on board trawler "Miss Denise". Crew aboard "Miss Denise" assisted in towing Operator2's vessel to private dock at Sunbury. At approximately 1937 hours Operator2 and V2 occupant were evaluated by Liberty County Emergency Medical Services, Operator2 reported spinal injuries. 

Upon completion of investigation I have determined Operator1 violated navigational rules by failing to maintain proper lookout while operating commercial shrimping trawler "Miss Denise". Operator1 operated vessel with reckless disregard by leaving the wheelhouse while the vessel was underway.


BARDID: GA-2019-0025
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-02-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Medway River
NearestCityorTown: SUNBURY
County: LIBERTY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 2/8/2019, at approximately 1400 hours, Game Warden First Class (GWFC) and I spoke with Victim while on vessel patrol in the Medway River. GWFC gave Victim directions to Jones Creek. We observed Victim operate vessel in a westerly direction upriver. At approximately 1530 hours, GWFC and I observed Victim operating in an easterly direction downriver in the Medway River. GWFC and I completed our patrol and returned to Demeries Creek Law Enforcement Division Office. At approximately 1800 hours, I received a call from GWFC reporting a search and rescue reported to him by United States Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Charleston. GWFC and I determined from the description given to USCG that the missing boater was likely Victim. I called and spoke with subject, who reported Victim missing. GWFC and I responded to Demeries Creek Law Enforcement Office and took vessel on search and rescue detail. When GWFC and I reached the Medway River, subject called and reported that Victim was at the Sunbury Public Boat Landing. 

I determined Victim's vessel had run aground in Dickinson Creek around approximately 1730 hours. Victim exited the vessel and crawled through the marsh to the nearest shoreline. Victim sustained numerous lacerations from oysters in Dickinson Creek. Victim walked through private property known as Springfield Plantation to the public highway. Victim flagged down a motorist who took her to the Sunbury Boat Landing. GWFC and I responded to Sunbury Boat Landing. USCG and Liberty County Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) also responded to Sunbury Boat Landing. Victim was suffering from severe hypothermia and was transported by Liberty County EMS to Memorial Hospital in Savannah.  Victim was released from Memorial Hospital on 02/09/2019. Victim's vessel was recovered on 02/10/2019.


BARDID: GA-2019-0026
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Walburg Creek
NearestCityorTown: SUNBURY
County: LIBERTY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/18/2019 at 1232 hours, Georgia State Patrol Dispatch reported a boating incident in Walburg Creek in Liberty County. Game Warden First Class and I, Corporal, responded to the scene of the incident arriving at Saint Catherine's Island at 1338 hours. 

We met with the vessel owner and operator and occupant.  Occupant1 sustained a head injury and lacerations in the boating incident. I assisted Saint Catherine's Island staff with administering basic first aid to Occupant1. I initiated response from Liberty County Emergency Medical Services. Operator requested Occupant1 be transported for emergency care by Air Med Services. I assisted Occupant1 in coordinating response, Air Med Services arrived on scene at approximately 1700 hours. Air Med Services transported Occupant1 via helicopter to Memorial Hospital in Savannah. We transported Operator via patrol vessel to his vehicle located at Belvedere private boat landing in McIntosh County. 

I determined at approximately 1215 hours on 5/18/2019, Operator was operating vessel in a Northerly direction in Walburg Creek. Occupant1 attempted to remove an anchor from a compartment located in front of the operators console. Operator was distracted and attempting to assist Occupant1. Operator steered the vessel toward port side and the vessel collided with the marsh line. Vessel became grounded in the marsh. The collision caused Occupant1 to be thrown towards the bow of the vessel. 

Occupant1 struck the frontal bone of her skull on the interior of the vessel. Occupant1 landed on her knees resulting in abrasions on her knees from impact with hull of the vessel. Operator sustained minor contusions from impact with steering wheel, windshield and components of operator's console. Operator declined to list any property damage resulting from the incident.


BARDID: GA-2019-0034
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Tired Creek Lake
NearestCityorTown: CAIRO
County: GRADY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
MachineryFailure: Fuel
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday May 8, 2019 at 11:30 a.m.  I received a call from GSP dispatch in regards to three fishermen with a boat on fire and stranded at Tired Creek Lake.  I immediately made contact with one of the passengers aboard the vessel.  Subject1 advised me the operator was attempting to start the vessel when the engine burst into flames.  He informed me they were able to put the fire out with several buckets of water.  I then asked if anyone was injured and he stated everyone was ok, just a little shook up. 

When I arrived on scene, the 17ft Bass Tracker (GA0981LZ) was docked next to the boat ramp and the three men were on the bank.  I made contact with the operator of the boat and he stated that he and his friends were out fishing.  When he tried to start the engine to change locations, the motor made a loud bang and was on fire.  Upon further investigation of the motor, it appeared that a fuel line came off the fuel pump and caused fuel to leak into the motor.  I asked if they had a fire extinguisher on board and subject stated “I do, but we were frantic and didn’t even think about it.”  Subject1 then said “the water was closer so I started to scoop.”  


BARDID: GA-2019-0035
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Seminole
NearestCityorTown: BAINBRIDGE
County: DECATUR
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 2, 2019, at approximately 1600 hours, Sgt. and I were patrolling the Flint River when we observed a deck boat with six subjects aboard in the trees next to the bank. 

Sgt. pulled the patrol vessel next to the deck boat and made contact with the operator inside the vessel to make sure no one was injured aboard the vessel.  The operator stated they were heading north on the Flint River when he lost steering in his deck boat causing them to turn sharply towards the bank.  He advised as soon as he lost steering, he put the throttle in the neutral position and the vessel struck the east bank of the river causing damage to the canopy and front starboard side of the vessel.  Sgt. and I then advised operator to idle back to the boat landing and we would follow them back to make sure they arrived safely.  I received written statements of the occurrence from all the subjects aboard the vessel and photographed the damage to the vessel.  Later that afternoon, Sgt. received a call from the owner of the vessel stating the damage to the vessel exceeded $2000.00.


BARDID: GA-2019-0036
State: GA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-05-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Flint River
NearestCityorTown: BAINBRIDGE
County: DECATUR
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
OtherAccidentCause: lack of flotation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, May 19, 2019 at approximately 20:20 hours I received a call from Sgt. in reference to a boating incident that had recently occurred on Lake Seminole. Sgt. advised me that everyone was okay and provided me with the vessel owner's information. I called subject1 and he agreed to meet me at the Decatur County Sheriff's Office so I could get some information involving the boating incident. 
	Subject1 and two occupants of the vessel met me at the Decatur County Sherriff’s office. They stated that at approximately 18:30 hours they were fishing in a straight away around a bend, when a large twin engine vessel came around the corner creating a large wake. The initial wave from the wake began swamping the vessel. Subject1 tried to crank up the motor to better position the vessel for more wave impact however a second wave completely overtook the vessel, sinking it to the bottom of Lake Seminole.  All occupants of the vessel statements coincided with each other. 
	Subject1 informed me that they all began to swim to the bank, however, the twin engine vessel turned around and picked them up and took them back to their vehicle. All Subject1 knew about the twin engine vessel was that at the landing the subject had a Florida tag on his vehicle. Subject1 advised me that he had purchased the boat for $400. I informed Subject1 that he needed to get the vessel out of the Lake this week. He contacted me on May 23rd and stated he was unsuccessful in locating the vessel and was unable to retrieve it.


BARDID: GA-2019-0037
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chattahoochee River
NearestCityorTown: DONALSONVILLE
County: SEMINOLE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 3rd 2019, at approximately 3:17 p.m., I received a phone call from the Early County Sheriff’s Office in reference to a boating incident that had occurred on the Chattahoochee River near the Confederate Naval Yard. I made contact with Captain with the Sheriff’s office and he advised me that EMS was on scene treating a 78 year old man for lacerations on his ankle along with some scrapes and bruises down his back and on his arms. I arrived on scene at 3:51 p.m.  The victim, Victim, had been transported to Southeast Alabama Medical Center in Dothan, Alabama. Subject advised me that Victim had been the only occupant in the vessel at the time of the incident and that the vessel was tied off down river.

	I met Cpl. and Game Warden at Desser Landing and launched a patrol vessel to locate Victim’s vessel. The vessel, a 15ft 1991 Lancer stick steer with a Mercury 60HP outboard, was tied off to a stump on the Georgia bank just inside Seminole County.  While photographing the vessel for evidence, I notice the kill switch was still attached to the vessel throttle assembly. I also noticed that there was a moderate amount of water in the rear of the vessel, but, overall it seemed to have no notable damage. We towed the vessel back to the Confederate Navel Yard and spoke with Victim’s daughter, over the phone. She advised us which dock to tie the vessel off to. On that dock, I noticed blood from where Victim was picked up by EMS along with a pair of sandals. We secured the vessel to the owner’s dock.

	Victim stated that he had been fishing that morning and was about to leave for his brother’s birthday party. While he was riding at about ¾ speed, something flew out of the back of the vessel and he turned to see what it was. Victim stated during this time he must have let go of the stick and the vessel took an extremely hard left, throwing him out of his vessel. Victim informed us he was not wearing a PFD or his kill switch when the incident occurred. 

He began to swim to the bank and that his vessel continued to circle in the river. After making it to the bank he noticed that his right ankle was cut in two places. Victim stated that he watched his boat approximately an hour and a half before it ran out of gas just below where we located it. A short time later he was able to flag down an unidentified man who was able to help Victim tie his boat off to the stump and take him to shore for medical attention. At the dock, Victim said that his ankle began to bleed more severely and that they called 911 for an ambulance. 
	
Victim did not feel up to writing a statement himself at the hospital, but instead had his daughter write down his statement and he signed it. He also signed over a copy of his medical records pending his release from the hospital.


BARDID: GA-2019-0038
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-03-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Jackson Lake
NearestCityorTown: JACKSON
County: BUTTS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On March 13, 2019, I, was contacted by Corporal in reference to a boat fire on Jackson Lake.  Cpl. explained that according to Jasper County Fire Department (JCFD) all occupants were out of the water but the boat was still burning. Cpl. said the boat was located about 300 yards from Boat ramp.  I proceeded to Boat Ramp via patrol vehicle while Cpl. proceeded by patrol vessel.

I arrived at Subject’s at approximately 2000 hours.  Upon arrival I talked with Subject.  Subject explained that the boat occupants and JCFD left the scene.  JCFD explained that the vessel had four occupants.  d all occupants went into the water and were picked up by a pontoon boat and taken to Subject’s.  They were all wet and cold while he was collecting information from them.  JCFD said the boat owner said he recently spent $5,000 on the boat (boat work) and that he put 25 gallons of gas into the boat.  
Next, I looked up boat registration information for the boat owner.
  Three people jumped into lake Jackson from their vessel when it caught flame due to trapped gas fumes on 03/13/2019 at approximately 1930 hours. Operator attempted to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher, which resulted in a failure to extinguish the flames. According to Operator there were a sufficient amount of PFD'S on board the vessel at the time of the incident. All three occupants on board the vessel were picked up by a pontoon boat and taken to Subject's were they were inspected by Jasper County Fire Department for injuries and information. vessel was not recovered and was last seen aflame/sinking. There were no injuries or fatalities. Operator explained to me that he had recently done roughly 4,000.00 dollars in work on his vessel's engine. The vessel was without insurance at the time of the incident.


BARDID: GA-2019-0039
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:27:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Tobesofkee
NearestCityorTown: MACON
County: BIBB
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 29th, 2019, at approximately 1400 hours, Game Warden were notified about a boating incident on Lake Tobesofkee by Lake Tobesofkee Ranger, Neal Moody. The incident occurred at the Northwood Lake boat ramp. 

Operator2 is the owner and operator of Vessel two, a 1967 Larson boat. Operator2 informed the officers that while he was launching his vessel, the operator of vessel one was preparing to leave the boat ramp to tow an individual with a tube. At that time Operator2's engine stalled. While attempting to get his vessel restarted, Operator1 in vessel one, proceeded to exit the area. 

Operator1 while operating at idle speed, turned to speak with the individual that he was preparing to tow.  Operator1 was unaware of Operator2's mechanical issue. Operator2's wife, was onboard vessel two as well.  She observed vessel one approaching and shouted to her husband to warn him. Operator2 attempted to stop vessel one by reaching out with his hands and pushing against the bow of the vessel. Operator2 was unable to stop the vessel from impacting his port side at approximately mid vessel. The collision caused the paint and fiberglass to sustain damage on the port side of vessel two. Vessel one sustained no visible damage. No one was injured in the incident. 

Photos and witness statements are attached.


BARDID: GA-2019-0040
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:36:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Tobesofkee
NearestCityorTown: MACON
County: BIBB
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Game Warden and Game Warden First Class were stopped out on Lake Tobesofkee and made aware of a boating incident that occurred at approximately 16:30 hours. The injured person was a 20 year old male that was preparing to be pulled up on a wake board. Victim was holding onto the rope, when the operator changed speed to begin towing. At that time, Victim felt his shoulder dislocate from the initial increase of speed. The vessel stopped and Victim climbed on board and was escorted back to the boat ramp. He was taken to Houston Medical for treatment of his injury. Nothing Further.


BARDID: GA-2019-0041
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chattahoochee River
NearestCityorTown: BLAKELY
County: EARLY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
The incident occurred on the Chattahoochee River south of Gilbert’s Boat Landing near Columbia, Alabama. Sgt. said only one vessel was involved in the incident and the operator was found deceased by Columbia EMS. I arrived on scene at Gilbert’s Landing at approximately 2323 hours.
Officer said Victim called a friend and told Friend he had been in a boat “accident”. Officer said Victim told Friend he was having trouble breathing. Officer said Friend called another friend who worked for the Columbia EMS and a search for Victim began. Officer said Columbia EMS located Victim and his boat about two hundred and fifty yards south of Gilbert’s Landing. Officer said EMS attempted CPR on Victim, but he was already deceased.
     Columbia Police Department and Henry County Alabama Sheriff’s Office contacted the Early County, Georgia Sheriff’s Office about the incident, the incident scene is located in Early County Georgia. The Early County Sheriff’s Office notified Georgia DNR Law Enforcement at approximately 2000 hours.
    I spoke with the Early County Coroner who was on scene at the landing. 
    Victim’s vessel was jammed into some trees and was hung up by something underneath the vessel. The decision was made to leave the vessel until the next morning.  
    On Friday May 03, 2019, I returned to Gilbert’s Landing and was met by GW.  We put a vessel on the river and went to the incident scene. At the scene I took photos and some measurements. The scene is approximately six hundred yards from the mouth of the creek at Gilbert’s Landing. There is a power line crossing the river approximately fifty yards from the incident scene. The river is one hundred sixty yards wide at the incident scene. Victim’s vessel was on the west bank of the river. The vessel struck a log sticking out from shore into the water approximately three feet, the log was broken off at that length. A second log was sticking out from shore nine feet and was struck by Victim’s vessel six feet from shore. Victim’s vessel traveled underneath a tree hanging over the water next to the river bank (See photographs and incident scenes). The river bank at this location has twelve to fourteen-foot-high dirt embankment cliffs. The tree hanging over the water that Victim’s vessel went underneath is about three to four feet above the water. The tree hanging over the water is approxi…


BARDID: GA-2019-0042
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Burton
NearestCityorTown: CLAYTON
County: RABUN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
I, Game Warden First Class was en route to Lake Burton on Sunday May 26th when I overheard traffic from Rabun dispatch regarding an injured skier near the Cherokee Road area.  Since I was already in the area, I proceeded by vehicle to a residence.  When I arrived, the victim was still on the back of the vessel that he had been wake boarding behind earlier.  Victim was in a lot of pain and the initial prognosis by an onsite EMT was that Victim had suffered a high femur break.  I spoke to Victim's mother in law who was driving the boat when the injury occurred.  

Operator stated that she was attempting to get him up on his wake board.  Operator said Victim fell on the first attempt and the injury occurred on the second attempt.  Operator stated that Victim immediately began screaming and yelling that he had hurt his right leg badly.  Operator went on to state that she and her daughter were the only occupants of the boat and that they had great difficulty getting Victim up on the back of the boat.  Operator further stated that she immediately went to the closest dock and asked the homeowners to call for help.  

I followed up with Operator on May 28th and she told me that Victim had underwent surgery that morning. Victim had a rod put in his leg to repair the break.


BARDID: GA-2019-0043
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: GAINESVILLE
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 24, 2019 at approximately 2100 hours, GWFC and I, received a call from Georgia State Patrol Dispatch regarding a boat incident involving two Personal Watercrafts (PWC’s) on Lake Lanier near Chestatee Bay. Dispatch said that the incident happened earlier and one of the vessel operators was currently at the Northside Forsyth Medical Center. I contacted the hospital and spoke with Subject1. Subject1 stated that he was about to be released, and sustained injuries to the ribs and kidney. GWFC and I, went to the dock where the two PWC’s were located, and noticed minor damage to the PWC Subject1 was operating. I obtained information and a witness statement from Subject1 about the incident. Subject1 stated he was driving and made a sharp left turn, without knowing his son was on his left. Subject1 collided into the other PWC, and both operators where thrown from the PWC’s. Subject1 and his son made it back safely to their dock.


BARDID: GA-2019-0044
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Rabun
NearestCityorTown: TALLULAH FALLS
County: RABUN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: Person struck by activity equi
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 29th 2019 I, GWFC overheard an EMS call in reference to an injured boater on Lake Rabun.  I proceeded to Hall's Boathouse where I met with the injured person and her husband.  Operator stated that his wife was a passenger in their vessel while they were towing subject on a wake board. The ski rope handle slipped out of Wakeboarder's hand and struck Occupant in the face causing her to be injured.  Operator stated that they immediately called for an ambulance and went to Hall's Boathouse to meet it.  Occupant suffered injuries to her eyelid and upper lip (see supplemental) and was transported by ambulance from Hall's boathouse to Habersham County Medical Center where she received treatment.  


BARDID: GA-2019-0045
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Hartwell
NearestCityorTown: LAVONIA
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 1630 hours a white and blue ski boat was traveling north down the Tugaloo River. A blonde female was driving the ski boat with a male passenger. The ski boat hit the pontoon that was adrift and left the scene. According to witnesses there was extensive damage to the port side back of the ski boat. The pontoon received damage to the front right side of his vessel. There were no injuries as a result of the incident. The ski boat left the scene and headed towards South Carolina waters. A few days later I received a tip from a subject that knew the location where the white and blue ski boat was housed at. 

After receiving the tip and seeing the damage on the vessel it was clear that this was the vessel that had left the scene. A picture was taken and the damage surveyed and it was confirmed by the other boaters that this was the vessel that had hit them. 

Subject1 admitted to being involved in the boating incident and confirmed that his girlfriend was the driver on the afternoon of the boating incident. Subject1 allowed me to see his vessel and survey the extent of the damage. After getting Subject1 to draw me a diagram of the incident I asked him if he could get girlfriend and himself to meet me at the GSP Post 52 office so I could get her side of the story and he said he would call her. Approximately one hour later they both meet me at the office and I got her statement on the incident. Her recollection of the incident was similar and she admitted to drinking around 3 beers before the incident occurred. After she admitted to driving the vessel and leaving the scene intentionally I advised her and Subject1 that they were at fault in the incident. I advised both of them of their charges and explained the court date of August 01 in Franklin County.


BARDID: GA-2019-0046
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Rabun
NearestCityorTown: TALLULAH FALLS
County: RABUN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 29, 2019, GWFC was approached by vessel owner who informed GWFC of a boating incident that occurred on Lake Rabun on May 27, 2019.  GWFC forwarded the information to me, GWFC, and I interviewed Subject1 on May 31, 2019.  

	Subject1 said that his son was operating the 1941 Chris-Craft triple cockpit boat on Lake Rabun with family onboard when the vessel struck a partially submerged log in the main body of the lake.  The incident occurred just outside the cove on which Subject1 lives.  

	the vessel began to take on water, and several occupants boarded a passerby's vessel and returned to Subject1's boathouse.  Operator returned the vessel, then occupied by himself, Subject1, and subject2, to the boathouse.  
	No injuries were reported from the incident.
	The vessel sustained damage to the starboard hull midship chine.  The estimated repair cost of the vessel is $30,000.00.


BARDID: GA-2019-0047
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, June 2, 2018 at approximately 1648 hours, GWFC and I, responded to a call about a boat that was sinking on Lake Lanier at Old Keith’s Bridge Park Boat Ramp in Forsyth County. When GWFC and I arrived on scene, we observed a blue over white Fourwinds 190 Horizon boat with GA registration GA6648BP. The vessel was tied off to the area boat dock. 

GWFC and I, noticed that there was water inside of the vessel and was taking on water. I spoke with the owner of the vessel. Owner stated that her husband was the one operating the vessel. Operator went to get the trailer for the vessel from there campground and was headed back. I gathered information and a witness statement from Owner. GWFC and I, helped get the vessel away from the dock and closer to the shore so that the vessel wouldn’t go under. Once Operator arrived with the trailer, GWFC and I, and Forsyth County Deputies pulled the vessel up onto the trailer. I then talked with Operator about what happened and gathered a witness statement from him. Operator stated that the boat was making a weird noise while driving to the dock. Operator said he looked into the storage and engine compartment and noticed it was full of water.


BARDID: GA-2019-0048
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:46:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: GAINESVILLE
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, June 22, 2019 at approximately 1730 hours, Game Warden (GW) and I Game Warden (GW), responded to a call about an injured person at Port Royale Marina on Lake Lanier in Forsyth County. Upon arrival, GW and I, located the injured person. Victim was being examined by Forsyth County EMS personal. I gathered information from Victim, and the operator of the vessel. Victim, stated that they were docking the boat at the marina. When approaching the marina dock, Victim put her left leg and foot on the dock to try and keep the boat from ramming into it. At that point, Victim's leg and foot, was smashed in between the dock and boat. Victim was taken to Northside Forsyth Hospital for further treatment.


BARDID: GA-2019-0049
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Deputy saw the victim fall off his foot-operated paddleboat, enter the water, and not resurface. 

We recovered the victim using SONAR and the ROV at approximately 0417 hours. The victim was turned over to the Forsyth County Coroner at the Six Mile Creek boat ramp at approximately 0438 hours. The Forsyth County Coroner will not be requesting an autopsy from the medical examiner due to Deputy observing the victim going into the water.


BARDID: GA-2019-0050
State: GA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Walter F. George
NearestCityorTown: FORT GAINES
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
AccidentCause3: Equipment failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
EquipmentFailure: Fire extinguisher
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday June 29, 2019 at approximately 0830 hours, I, Cpl. was notified by Georgia State Patrol (GSP) dispatch of a vessel fire on Lake WF George. I arrived on scene at 1015 hours and the owner / operator of the vessel had already left the scene. The vessel was found about one hundred yards from the boat landing at Pataula Creek Park, in Pataula Creek. I spoke to the vessel owner by phone. 

Owner said he was launching his vessel when he backed into some rocks at the landing. Owner said the vessel backfired and caught fire. The vessel has an inboard motor. Owner said he had been working on the motor and brought it to the lake to try it out. Owner said when the vessel caught fire he hit the onboard fire extinguishing system, but it did not work. Owner jumped out of the vessel and swam to shore. Owner’s vessel floated about one hundred yards west of the landing and came to rest against some trees in the water. The vessel burned to the water line and then sank. 

   I explained to Owner he was responsible for removing the vessel from the water way and he said he would take care of it. The vessel was a total lost and Owner did not have insurance on it.

   This is a true and accurate account of this incident based on statements from those involved and knowledge acquired through investigation. Facts and opinion contained in this report are based solely on information available at the time and may change upon the discovery of new evidence or information.


BARDID: GA-2019-0052
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-11-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:17:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Brunswick River
NearestCityorTown: BRUNSWICK
County: GLYNN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday, November 25th, 2019 at approximately 12:45 p.m. I, Game Warden, was notified of a boat capsizing near Bird Island in the Brunswick River. I was several miles away and responded in my state vehicle to the DNR dock in Brunswick, arriving at 13:05 p.m. When I arrived both victims of the boating incident had been transported to Southeast Georgia Regional Medical Center in Brunswick. Shortly before I arrived Game Wardens Corporal left by vessel to the scene of the incident in an attempt to recover the vessel and preserve evidence. I reported to the hospital to check on the well being of the vessel's occupants and gather information about the nature of the incident. 

Upon arriving at the hospital I was notified by the medical staff that Subject1 was not able to be resuscitated and that he had passed away. Subject2 was in his own room in the Emergency Room and was unaware. Subject2 was being treated for shock and complained of a sore neck when I visited with him. It was at this time that I asked him what had happened. 

 Subject2 stated that it was a relatively peaceful day on the water. Subject2 said the weather was good and that other than the tide moving, that the water was fairly calm. Subject2 then told me that he and Subject1 were moving to a better fishing spot when they realized the anchor line had gotten entangled in the propeller, while Subject1 was trying to set his anchor. The vessel would not steer due to the entanglement. 

Subject1 then raised the motor to try to clear the line. At that time the tidal current was moving quickly and the anchor took hold of the sea floor. This tension brought the stern of the boat low in the water, allowing water to come over the back end of the vessel. Subject2 said that he told Subject1 that they had better get their life jackets on. Subject2 went to the front of the boat and put his life jacket on. At that time the vessel suddenly overturned due to the volume of water the boat had quickly taken on. Subject2 said that he was thrown into the water and that he heard Subject1 call out to him as it was happening. Subject2 was able to surface and grab ahold of boat's front rail. Subject2 said he called to Subject1 but did not hear or see him. 

 At that time, Subject2 began to call out for help. A vessel from the environmental cleanup crew operating on the overturned vessel Golden Ray, was 500 feet away. The vessel saw the bow of the overturned vessel and heard Subject2's cries. The crew of this vessel responded to the boat and radioed other vessels in the area for help, including the Coast Guard. 

Subject3 jumped into the water and was able to pull Subject2 to the cleanup vessel where the crew took him aboard. Subject2 told Subject3 that his friend, Subject1, was still in the water. Subject3 dove under the vessel three times before managing to pull Subject1 out from underneath the vessel. Subject1 was taken aboard the environmental vessel and the crew began CPR. Subject1 expelled a large amount of water and vomit as CPR was performed. Other environmental vessels responded to the scene as well as a Coast Guard vessel. Subject1 was taken aboard the Coast Guard vessel with CPR continuing to be performed. Subject1 was rushed to the DNR dock where EMS was waiting. He was placed in the care of the EMS crew. Subject2 was brought to the DNR dock a few minutes later by the environmental crew and also transported by EMS. 

 Subject2 was notified by the Emergency Room physician of Subject1's death in my presence. Subject1's wife then arrived at the hospital and was also notified of her husband’s death by the ER physician in my presence. I then made arrangements with wife to collect the boat trailer. I went to the boat ramp on Blythe Island where the vessel was put in and towed the bo


BARDID: GA-2019-0054
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Darien River
NearestCityorTown: DARIEN
County: MCINTOSH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/05/2019 at 1449 hours, I, Game Warden arrived on scene to a two vessel collision at 1418 Sapelo Avenue in Townsend, GA. I was greeted by the owner of the vessel that was struck. V1 owner Showed me the damage of his vessel. Most of the damage was taken on the Port side fiberglass surrounding the window, estimated to be around six thousand dollars in repair. V1 owner stated that at approximately 1300 hours his vessel was docked and was struck port side by a shrimping vessel. V1 owner stated that the shrimp boat was leaving the dock with an incoming tide. 

The shrimp boat Cpt. Was unfamiliar with the sand bar east of the fish docks. As the shrimp boat turned out into Blackbeard Creek, the tide pushed the stern of the shrimping vessel onto the sand bar; causing the Cpt. to lose control. The tide gradually caused the shrimping vessel to make impact with its bow on v1 vessel’s port side. There were no individuals occupying v1 vessel at the time of impact. 

	On 06/05/2019 at 1533 hours, I, Game Warden interviewed Operator2 at the Shrimp Docks on 1418 Sapelo Avenue in Townsend, GA. Operator2 was operating the shrimp boat at the time of the collision with Vessel. Operator2 stated that he was unfamiliar with the sand bar the sits east of the docks. As Operator2’ vessel was turning left into Blackbeard Creek, the incoming tide pushed the shrimping vessel aground. As the shrimping vessel was grounded, Operator2 stated that the tide caused the bow of his vessel to make impact with docked vessel. Operator2 stated that there was no damage to his vessel. There were no injuries on vessel. V1 owner and Operator2 exchanged insurance information. There where no citations issued.


BARDID: GA-2019-0055
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 27, 2019 at approximately 1020 hours I received a call from GSP Dispatch in reference to a vessel that was swamped on Allatoona Lake.  I spoke with Tow Boat US, he advised Observer called Tow Boat US on May 25th at 1720 hours and advised his 2018 Malibu M235 took a very large wake over the bow and his engine went into "protection mode".  

Observer advised that the engine began to overheat and began smoking. Observer stated a large amount of water filled the boat and the bilge pumps came on.  Observer shut the engine down and was towed back to Allatoona Landing by Tow Boat US.  I met with Observer on May 27th, the vessel had been pulled out and loaded onto a trailer.  Observer stated that the engine and electrical system had major damage and the boat would be taken to Singleton Marine for assessment. 


BARDID: GA-2019-0056
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 26, 2019 I received a call in reference to a female that was injured in a boat incident on Allatoona Lake.  I was advised that the female had a back injury and transported to Kennestone Medical Center in Cobb County.  I responded to the Hospital and met with operator in the ER.  Observer stated he was driving and encountered large wave just outside of the boat ramp at Bethany Bridge. Observer advised that the female fell inside their boat when they encountered the wake and was injured.  She suffered a fracture to her T-12 vertebrate.  


BARDID: GA-2019-0057
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: EMERSON
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Carbon monoxide exposure
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 26, 2019 I received a call in reference to male and female transported from Allatoona lake that had been exposed to carbon monoxide.  I was advised that the male and female were transported to Kennestone Medical Center.  I responded to the Hospital and met with Victim1 in the ER.  Victim1 advised that she and her husband stayed overnight on Allatoona Lake in their houseboat, tied up with several other boats.  Victim1 stated that the morning of May 26th her neighbor found her and her husband sluggish and somewhat unresponsive.  Victim1 stated that at that time 911 was called.  Victim1 and her husband were transported to Kennestone Medical Center for treatment for Carbon Monoxide exposure.


BARDID: GA-2019-0058
State: GA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 16, 2019 I responded to Allatoona Lake at Coopers Branch.  Bartow County Fire / EMS were en route to a boat fire near the boat ramp. Once on scene I locate the owner / operator of the boat.  Observer was being treated by EMS.  Observer had a deep cut to his right foot and left knee.  I spoke with Observer.  He stated that he stopped the boat near the boat ramp to work on the radio.  He stated that when he started the boat back up it immediately caught fire in the engine compartment.  

Observer stated he jumped from the boat and was picked up by another boater in the area.  The vessel, a 20 foot Chris Craft, burned to the water line and was a total loss.  Observer refused to be transported by EMS to a local hospital. He was transported by a friend to Cartersville Medical center for treatment.


BARDID: GA-2019-0059
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OCONEE
NearestCityorTown: EATONTON
County: PUTNAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 05/30/2019 at approximately 1215 hours, I was notified by Putnam County dispatch in reference to a capsized vessel in Lick Creek on Lake Oconee. The vessel was located between the Old Phoenix Road bridge and the Georgia Highway 44 bridge located in Putnam County Georgia. Upon my arrival to the Fish Tales Marina, the capsized vessel was being towed in by personnel with the marina with the use of their pontoon boat. The two occupants of the 15'4" Custom Craft were picked up by a passing boater and carried to the Fish Tales Marina boat ramp. Once at the marina, we were able to load the vessel on its trailer and drain the water. The 90 HP outboard Evinrude motor was hanging by the power supply and steering cables. The motor broke from the transom of the boat. As I spoke to operator, he advised me this was the first time he operated the above vessel with the Evinrude motor. He stated as he left the boat ramp and was traveling between the two bridges, the motor broke off from the rear of the boat and capsized his vessel.
	My investigation revealed the transom of the above vessel was rotted out. I observed bits of plant matter growing from the transom of the vessel. The vessel's transom was weakened due to rot which caused the motor to break off. All the required vessel's safety equipment was present.


BARDID: GA-2019-0060
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:39:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Oconee
NearestCityorTown: GREENSBORO
County: GREENE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/21/2019 at approximately 1239 hours, I was contacted by Grovetown dispatch in reference to a boating incident on Lake Oconee.  The dispatcher proceeded to connect me to the complainant.  While on the phone with Operator1, he informed me that he was operating his personal boat located near the jumping rock (Lake Oconee, Greene County Georgia) when his vessel struck an object in the water.  Operator1 advised that his boat was currently taking on water and that he was abandoning ship.  

	I confirmed all occupants were safe and out of harms way, and requested Operator1 to tie a buoy to his vessel in the event his vessel sank.  Upon my arrival to the incident location, I made contact with Operator1, his wife and a friend.  All three occupants were safe and secured in a friend's vessel.  Operator1 advised he was traveling towards the dam, to the right of the standing timber near the area of the jumping rock when he apparently struck standing timber. 
 
	While on the scene, I observed approximately 3 feet of Operator1's vessel sticking out of the water, bow up.  I also noticed the hazard buoy marking the corner of the standing timber missing and was not observed anywhere in the area.  I observed this same buoy present on 7/20/2019 at approximately 1600 hours.  

	At this time, I put Operator1 in contact with Sea Tow and he made arrangements for the boat recovery process.  Personnel with Sea Tow towed Operator1's 2007 Chaparral boat (GA Registration GA 6506MD) to Water Front Marina located in Eatonton,Georgia.  The towing and recovery process lasted approximately 7 hours and once the vessel was lifted by forklift out of the water, I could assess the damage.  Operator1 struck standing timber about mid-ways down the hull of his vessel and as it moved towards the stern of the boat, the object impelled itself through the hull causing an extensive tear.  As the vessel traveled across the object, it proceeded past the boat and struck the prop breaking one of the fins.  

	The Chaparral was left on a wash rack located at the above marina. The vessel's windshield and side was damaged due to flipping the vessel upright.


BARDID: GA-2019-0061
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: BUFORD
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 05/25/2019, I Game Warden with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources along with Sgt. from Gwinnett County Police Department were patrolling Landshark Cove on Lake Lanier in Hall County by vessel. At approximately 2034 hours, we received a call over Hall County Event 4 in reference to a subject that had been under water for a short period of time at Shoal Creek day use boat ramp. We responded to the call; arriving on scene at approximately 2045 hours. Once on scene, Cpl. and I began establishing a search area based off of eye witness accounts. 

	While Hall County Dive Team was conducting grid searches in an attempt to locate victim, I began collecting witness statements from the witnesses. After speaking with the witnesses, I determined that Operator was on the Red and Black PWC (HIN YAMA1218G898) without a PFD. Operator, had taken the PWC out to turn it around to put it on the trailer. As, Operator was making a left hand turn at a slow speed in front of the boat ramp, the PWC over turned causing Operator to end up in the water. 

Operator began to struggle to stay atop the surface. It was at that moment, another jumped into the water to save him. Subject was able to get to Operator and get him above the water. However, Operator began to panic; as a result, pushing Subject under the water almost causing him to drown. Therefore, Subject let go of Operator in order to save himself. Another by stander threw Subject a seat to keep him from drowning. 
	The ROV and Sonar was used to locate Operators body and Hall County Dive Team Recovered the body.


BARDID: GA-2019-0062
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-04-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Oconee
NearestCityorTown: GREENSBORO
County: GREENE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 30, 2019 at 2014 hours, Sgt. was notified by GSP Grovetown of a missing boater on Lake Oconee.  Sgt. made contact with Subject1 and see advised him that a Victim had left his parents residence on a jet ski at approximately 1700 hours and had not returned yet.  Subject1 advised that neighbors had been out looking for him with no success and that his cell phone was going straight to voicemail.  Subject1 advised that Victim was on a blue/white Yamaha wave runner. 

	Cpl. arrived on scene at 2119 hours and Sgt. arrived shortly thereafter.  GWFC1 went to our boathouse and brought our patrol boat to the scene.  Sgt. requested GSP Aviation at 2104 hours for their assistance.  Once on scene, Game Wardens made contact with Victim’s parents to gather further information.  Game Wardens attempted to ping Victim’s cell phone through Verizon and the last known ping measured out from the residence in the lake.  GSP Aviation arrived on scene at 2249 hours.  Captain responded after being notified and arrived on scene.  GSP Aviation flew until approximately 0145 hours next date with no success.

GWFC1 located the missing PWC at approximately 0300 hours just north of the residence.  Evidence suggested that Victim was most likely missing and was in the water.  Officers notified family that they had found the missing PWC but, not their son.  Plans were then made to start water searches in the morning.  Cpl. was left on scene with the PWC.  GWFC1 was released from the scene.  

The body of Victim was recovered at approximately 1157 hours by the Old Salem Fire Department Dive Team.  Coordinates for the body location was N33 27.628/W083 15.659.

	Notification to the family was made.  The PWC was transported back to the residence’s dock were it was examined for evidence.  There was no damage to the vessel.  The kill switch was not in the vessel and it was found still attached to the victim’s arm.  Sgt. further examined the vessel and it crank and ran properly.  

	Evidence of this accident suggest that Victim left his parents residence just before 1700 hours on the family’s PWC.  Evidence suggest that Victim traveled north on the lake and that while the PWC was in motion fell off the PWC.  The kill switch still being attached to Victim arm is indicative of this.  It is unknown what took place once Victim was in the water.   The operator had been drinking.  He had a .226 and evidence of cannabinoids.


BARDID: GA-2019-0063
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 30, 2019 at approximately 16:00 hrs, Game Warden and I, Cpl, responded to a call of a sinking vessel in Hall County, Lake Lanier near Van Pugh Park.  Once we arrived to the scene, I observed an overturned vessel (vessel 1) floating near a blue cruiser with multiple occupants waving us down.  

I approached the cruiser to learn that they pulled all three occupants of the capsized vessel out of the water and everyone was accounted for from vessel 1.  

I brought the occupants of vessel 1 over to my patrol boat and carried them to shore.  After interview the passengers and the owner/ operator of the vessel, I discovered that they were cruising on the lake when a storm came up.  The water became very choppy and waves came over the bow of the vessel causing the vessel to swamp.  

They attempted to bail out the water but the vessel began to roll and they were forced to enter the water.  They stated that it all happened within a matter minutes and did not have time to get their personal floatation devices on.  Hall County Fire Department assisted in securing the vessel close to shore. 

No further details at this time.


BARDID: GA-2019-0064
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OCONEE
NearestCityorTown: EATONTON
County: PUTNAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5-25-2019 at 14:00 hours I Game Warden and Corporal responded to a call of a sinking vessel in the Sugar Creek area of Lake Oconee. CPL and GW also responded to the incident.

When we arrived on scene the vessel in question was at the Sugar Creek Boat Ramp. As the boat was being loaded on to a trailer, I began to question the Owner Operator of the vessel. Operator showed no signs of intoxication.

Operator stated that he had been driving the vessel in the area of Sugar Creek behind the Hazardous Area buoys when the vessel struck an object under the water's surface. Operator then stated that once the vessel struck the object that he immediately shut down On 5-25-2019 at 14:00 hours I Game Warden and Corporal responded to a call of a sinking vessel in the Sugar Creek area of Lake Oconee. CPL and GW also responded to the incident.

When we arrived on scene the vessel in question was at the Sugar Creek Boat Ramp. As the boat was being loaded on to a trailer, I began to question the Owner Operator of the vessel. Subject showed no signs of intoxication.

Subject stated that he had been driving the vessel in the area of Sugar Creek behind the Hazardous Area buoys when the vessel struck an object under the water's surface. Subject then stated that once the vessel struck the object that he immediately shut down the throttle on the vessel. Subject stated that the vessel would not move under its own power after the incident. Subject stated that they then began pulling out life jackets for everyone on board and began waving down passing boats for assistance. Subject told me that they were towed into the boat ramp by an unknown person on a jet ski. 


Once the vessel was on the trailer I could see that the hull of the vessel was cracked where the bottom of the vessel and the transom meet. I estimate the damage to be over $2000.00 in repairs.
n the throttle on the vessel. Operator stated that the vessel would not move under its own power after the incident. Operator stated that they then began pulling out life jackets for everyone on board and began waving down passing boats for assistance. Operator told me that they were towed into the boat ramp by an unknown person on a jet ski. 

Operator informed me that others were on the vessel with him at the time of the accident. I spoke to all of the occupants of the vessel and there were no injuries reported.

Once the vessel was on the trailer I could see that the hull of the vessel was cracked where the bottom of the vessel and the transom meet. I estimate the damage to be over $2000.00 in repairs.


BARDID: GA-2019-0065
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Oconee
NearestCityorTown: EATONTON
County: PUTNAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
I Game Warden with the Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division received a call from Corporal about a possible boating incident involving a dock at Water Front Marina on Lake Oconee on June 19, 2019 at approximately 1800 hours. 

owner of Sea Tow Services, received a call from owner and operator of the wrecked vessel (GA0405FT), that he had wrecked his vessel into the docks near the Water Front Marina. Seatow notified Sergeant who notified Corporal who in turn notified me to head to the location of the incident. Once I arrived on scene at approximately 1840 hours on June 19th I noticed the vessel suspended on top of the wooden dock. 

I surveyed the damage of the vessel along with the dock. I took notes, pictures and videos of the crash scene. I contacted Seatow and received information about what the operator had told him. I went to Operator1’s home on June 20th.  According to Operator1 and his wife just before the accident on June 19th around 1530 hours they were cruising at a slow pace parallel to the shoreline heading in a Northeast direction toward Old Phoenix Bridge. 

Wife stated both her and Operator1 were trying to pour water into a bowl on the floor of the boat to give to their dog. They believe Operator1’s elbow caught the steering wheel turning them in a 90 degree direction headed straight for the shoreline.  At the time of the turn due to their proximity to the shoreline they hit the dock before they knew the boat had changed its direction of travel. Wife was sitting at the edge of her seat inside the vessel and was tossed to the floor of the boat upon impact. Both operator and passenger had no injuries. I contacted retailers in the area to get estimates on replacing the damaged pontoon on the vessel, dock and the cost of the removal of the vessel. Operator1 was issued a warning for violation of operating vessel above idle speed within 100 feet of object/ shoreline.


BARDID: GA-2019-0066
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Oconee
NearestCityorTown: EATONTON
County: PUTNAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
I Game Warden with the Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division was patrolling Lake Oconee on July 4, 2019 at approximately 1800 hours. I received a call from Sergeant about a boat wreck just south of Horseshoe Bend. At the time of the call we were just north of that location. When we arrived on scene I noticed a blue pontoon boat along with Putnam County Sheriff Office patrol boat. 

Putnam County deputies had the victim in their vessel. Putnam County called for an ambulance to transport the victim from the nearest home. Once I had gathered more information from the witnesses in the pontoon boat, I made contact with the two subjects still involved in the collision. The blue jet-ski (US-KAW50918C717) was operated by Operator1. The orange jet-ski was operated by Operator2 (US-KAW50478K18). 

The victim was sitting behind Operator2. According to multiple witnesses and Operator1, Operator1 was following Operator2 as they headed south on the water. Operator2 had slowed down but Operator1 was traveling too closely to react to the change of speed. 

According to Operator1 he released the throttle and attempted to turn his vessel. The vessel would not turn because it was not under power. Operator1 made contact with the rear of Operator2’s vessel. Once contact was made, Operator1’ vessel ran up on the rear end of vessel. The first spot of contact was made on Operator2’s vessel just behind Victim. The hull of Operator1’ jet-ski ripped the handle off Operator2’s vessel and then made contact with Victim’s lower back. 

Victim was thrown to the left side of Operator2’s vessel. Operator1’ vessel continued to travel over the right rear of Operator2’s. The handle that was ripped from the vessel was never recovered. One of the witnesses helped recover Victim from the water. I spoke with Operator1, Operator2, and Victim. All stories were similar, and all subjects were interviewed separately. 

Operator1 was issued one citation for operating personal watercraft above idle speed within 100 feet of object in the water. On June 5th, the following day, I conducted a follow up investigation on the damage between both vessels. Sergeant and I traveled to the residence and took multiple pictures and measurements of damage. The blue jet-ski that ran onto the rear of the other had a large gash in the hull. The paint was rubbed off and the hull had a large crack and hole approximately ¼ inch wide. I called a local fiberglass repair shop and received estimates of the damage on both vessels. The owner of the vessels was contacted and notified of the damage and received information pertaining to law and regulations dealing with personal watercraft operation.


BARDID: GA-2019-0067
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-04-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:38:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: allatoona lake
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 19, 2019 I Game Warden was contacted by Tow Boat Us in regards to a sunken vessel on Allatoona Lake. Towboat US said he dropped off the two occupants at Gate wood boat launch and was about to retrieve the vessel from the water. 

I went to Gate wood boat launch and talked to subject. They said they were fishing in a tournament on Allatoona Lake and were out for about three hours in the boat an then it started to swamp and take on large amounts of water. They drove the boat to the shore line where 2/3rds of the vessel went under the water. I gathered all their information and wait on Towboat US to bring the vessel back to the boat Launch. I inspected the vessel once it was back on the trailer. It was undetermined what caused the vessel to sink. All occupants were uninjured that were on board the vessel. I took a report and I gave my card and told him how to get a copy of the report if he needs for insurance purposes. 
End of report.


BARDID: GA-2019-0068
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-04-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALLATOONA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WOODSTOCK
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 28th, 2019, I, Game Warden, a Georgia POST certified Peace Officer with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Division, Region 1 Acworth along with Game Warden Corporal, was contacted by GSP dispatch in reference to a boat accident on Allatoona Lake near Gault’s Ferry. GSP said both vessels were trailered and Cherokee County Sheriff’s office was on scene. 

Cpl. \ and I arrived on scene and I proceeded to talk to the PWC operator. Operator1 said his truck was hit in the parking lot and a witness told him the boat floating near the boat launch may have been involved. Operator1 launched his PWC and headed towards them. Operator1 said he took pictures of the vessel in case they were involved. Operator1 said the operator of the other vessel was irate and was yelling at him. After a few moments, the other vessel accelerated and hit the starboard stern of Operator1 PWC.

I then talked to operator2 who was in the other vessel that was floating just off the boat launch area. Operator2 said he was on his boat with friends and a red PWC started to circle their vessel, yelling at them, that they hit his truck. Operator2 said the operator of the PWC was taking pictures and filming their boat. Operator2 said they were shouting for him to go away and they proceeded to leave the area. Operator2 said the PWC then accelerated and hit the port stern of his vessel. Operator2 then called 911 and reported the accident. 

After talking with Operator2, I smelled the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his person and asked Operator2 how much he had to drink today. Operator2 said he had 1-2 beers all day. I had him sit on the tailgate of my DNR truck, and started the DNR Law Enforcement Standardized Field Sobriety Test Form.  I completed all the preliminary information blanks, asked all qualifying questions on the form, and documented all Operator2 answers. I then asked, "Will you perform a series of tests to assist me in determining if it is safe to operate your vessel?" Operator2 stated, “Yes.”

Test # 1 Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus
I observed lack of smooth pursuit in both his left and right eyes. 
Total Clues: 2/6

Operator2 appeared not be under the influence to the point where he was less safe to operate his vessel. I had both Operator2 and Operator1 fill out a witness statement form and I told them, if they needed a copy of the report they can contact our DNR office with the number located on my business card. I then told both parties that they were free to go and I would be in contact with them if I needed more information. 

End of report unless amended.


BARDID: GA-2019-0069
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: WOODSTOCK
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 6th 2019, Operator2 called GA DNR LE office to report a hit and run boat accident. A white house boat made contact with her white pontoon boat inside the wake barrier at Victoria Marina. She talked to Cpl.  in regards to the initial accident. She told Cpl. on Saturday, May 5th 2019, a white house boat was uniting his vessel to leave Victoria Marina. He united the boat and proceeded to take off, at that time the wind pushed the white house boat backwards towards other vessels. The house boat hit Operator2 pontoon boat shortly after the house boat untied from the dock. Operator2 said that the driver did not stop driving after he hit her vessel. 

Operator2 said the only way she would have known about it is if people did not tell her that someone hit her vessel. The other witnesses said they knew who he was and gave her the description of the boat and Operator1’s number. She then proceeded to get on to her pontoon boat and drive out to him, eventually meeting him around Harbor Town Marina. She said she told him that he hit her vessel and he was responsible for fixing it.  Operator1 said he would pay for it. 

Cpl. asked Operator2 for photos of the accident to be emailed to him so we could do a report.  She forwarded multiple photos to Cpl. and me showing the damage to her vessel and photos of the vessel that performed the “hit and run.”  The following line is the contents for one of the email correspondence. 

[These are the pictures that the two witnesses took and pictures that I took of the damage of my boat… I talk to my mechanic today and he said it’s going to be $250 just to write up an estimate on the damages… He also said that that whole panel will have to be removed it cannot be fixed and then the whole boat would probably have to be repainted just to make it match… I was wondering if you got in touch with operator1 because I think he needs to pay for the $250 estimate.] 

On Sunday, June 2nd 2019, Cpl. and I went to Harbor Town Marina to talk to the house boat operator, Operator1, about the incident. We found the vessel from the photos Operator2 sent us, and proceeded to the vessel to perform a marine toilet inspection and to discuss the circumstances behind the accident. 

Upon finding the vessel, we pulled next to the slip and talked to Operator1’s daughters that were on board. They asked us if we were here about the pontoon boat accident. I told them yes and to perform a marine toilet inspection. We started with the marine toilet inspection and found they were not keeping a pump out log and advised them that they needed to have a physical copy of one onboard the vessel. We then talked to the two individuals about the accident, they said as they were pulling out of the marina the wind started to blow very strong pushing them backwards. 

They said their father, Operator1, did all he could to avoid hitting any boats and docks. They said he did not want to stop the vessel, since they would have hit multiple boat inside the marina. The two individuals said they did not know they made contact with any vessel until the owner of the pontoon boat came over to them and told them. They said their dad told Operator2 that he would fix their boat and he was sorry but if he stopped they would have it many more boats due to the side of the house boat. I gave Operator1’s daughters my work cell phone and personal cell phone number on my business card and told them to have him call me so I can talk to him.
 
After six plus times calling Operator1, he finally called me back on June 10th 2019. I told him I would like to meet him so I can get his side of the story. I met Operator1 at Home Depot in Canton and asked him what transpired that day. Operator1 said “what happened is what she said.” I told him to give me his side of the story. He told me that his two daughters and he went to dinner on the lake and when they were trying to leave Victoria Marina the wind p


BARDID: GA-2019-0070
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, June 16th, 2019 at approximately 14:45 hours, I, Game Warden, a Georgia POST certified Peace Officer with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Division, Region 1 Acworth, was notified by GSP dispatch in regards to a person that was struck by a propeller of a vessel. 

The subject and vessel were located in Tanyard Creek. The operator of the vessel was assisting with transporting the inured individual though the woods to meet the ambulance. Cpl. was enroute via truck and I was enroute via vessel to the individuals. 

Cpl. and I arrived on scene at the same time. I talked to Operator1 about what had transpired. Operator1 said he was in his boat located by the railroad bridge that passes over Allatoona Lake. Victim jumped in to the water to swim. Operator1 said he was bumping the boat in and out of gear to keep the boat still due to a slight breeze. Operator1 said he told Victim to get back on the vessel from the front after he was done swimming. Operator1 made his way over to him slowly and then saw Victim at the back of the vessel. Operator1 said the boat was in gear and before he knew it, Victim was struck by the propeller of the vessel. 

I then told Operator1 I needed to make sure he was safe to drive the vessel at the time of the incident. I ran Operator1 though field sobriety in which he was not under the influence. I then had Operator1 fill out a witness statement form as I gathered all the information about the vessel and persons aboard during the incident.  After Operator1 was finished with the form, I told him a report would be done within a few days. 

Cpl. went to the hospital to talk to the injured person, Victim, about what happened. Victim said he was swimming and went to go get back on the vessel to get out. He did not think about the propeller still turning and swam around the back and that’s when he made contact with the propeller.

Victim was transferred to Cartersville Medical Center where, he was treated for two very deep lacerations to his buttocks and his lower right leg. 


BARDID: GA-2019-0071
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, June 8th, 2019, I GWFC received a call from GSP dispatch saying that a woman wanted to report a boating incident that had happened the day before on June 7th. I drove to Northside Hospital in Cumming and there I met subject. Subject stated that the day before she, her friend, her friend’s brother, and another woman went for a boat ride on Lake Lanier in Operator's 2008 Sea Ray boat. Subject stated that she was drinking a hard ice tea while on the boat and that Operator was drinking malt liquor earlier in the day and he drank a small 50 mL liquor bottle while on the boat. 

As they got underway around 12:45 p.m., Subject says that Operator (who was driving the boat) warned everyone on the boat that he was going to go faster. After cruising for a few minutes they slowed down again. When a song on the stereo came on that Subject enjoyed she stood up to dance to the music. Suddenly, Subject says that Operator pushed the throttle and the boat began to accelerate quickly. This caused Subject to fall. The impact with the hull of the vessel injured Subject’s back and she began crying in pain. Operator blew a horn on his boat in an attempt to flag down a fire department boat that was passing by, but the boat didn’t stop. The group then made their way back to Operator's home. Subject was soon after taken to the hospital by her aunt where she was told she had a fractured vertebrate in her spine.

After obtaining Subjects statement and contact information I made my way to operator’s house where he and subjects were staying for the weekend. I received statements from the three witnesses and interviewed them about what happened. The three of them gave a similar story about what happened except they stated that Operator had not accelerated the boat causing Subject to fall. They stated the boat had been going about 5 mph when Victim stood up to dance, when suddenly a wake from another boat came and shook the boat which caused Victim to fall. Operator also disputed the claim that he had been drinking that day.

She sustained a fractured vertebrate while riding in a 2008 Sea Ray boat owned and driven by operator. According to different witness accounts the injury was sustained either to Operator accelerating his boat while Subject was standing up dancing to music or when a wake from another boat encountered their vessel while Subject was standing up dancing to music which shook the boat causing Subject to fall.


BARDID: GA-2019-0072
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday June 21st 2019 I GWFC was notified by GSP dispatch that there had been a boating incident on Lake Lanier. The incident involved a young man jumping into the water off the back of a pontoon boat and getting sliced by the boat prop on his left arm above the elbow. I was told that the boat was making its way to Hideaway Bay Marina and would be meeting fire and paramedics at the gas dock. I went to Hideaway Bay Marina by truck and went to the gas dock. 

I saw victim being worked on by EMT's and being lead to a waiting stretcher. Victim and his mother were taken by ambulance to Northeast Georgia Medical Center. I remained at the scene and interviewed two remaining witnesses. They both stated that the family was out wakeboarding  near a island out in Flowery Branch Creek on Lake Lanier. 

After subject1 got done wake boarding and the boat was coming to a stop Victim while wearing a life jacket, jumped off the back of the boat to give the rope back to Subject1 as he was making his way back to the boat he swam to close to the prop and it cut him. 

Victim began screaming and started climbing back into the boat. That's when they both saw all the blood running down his arm. Subject1 made his way back to the boat and everyone took off for Hideaway Bay Marina while Subject1 called 911. 

After interviewing Subject1 and operator I went to Northeast Georgia Medical Center to interview mother and Victim. When I got to the Hospital I found Victim but due to the severe pain of his injuries he had been sedated by doctors. I spoke with mother and she told a similar story. In conclusion Victim was cut on his arm when he swam to close to the prop while the prop was still spinning.


BARDID: GA-2019-0073
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: BUFORD
County: GWINNETT
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:
On July 13, 2019 GW contacted me and advised that there was a vessel that was on fire at Lanier Point Park Boat Ramp.  Myself and Cpl. responded by boat from Aqualand Marina to the location.  Once we were on scene the boat was out of the water and operator and passenger were on land uninjured.  i asked Operator1 what had happened.  He advised to me that he started the boat and had activated the blower for the engine compartment.  Then he noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment.  When he noticed the smoke he turned the engine off.  Operator1 contacted Tow Boat USA and told them his boat was on fire and needed help.  Tow Boat told him to call 911.  Gwinnett County Fire responded to the incident and put the electrical fire, and transported the 4 occupants to the ramp while Operator1 loaded the vessel on his boat trailer.  Operator and occupants were uninjured and the vessel had electrical wire issues due to the fire.  It was determined that a tube was blocking the vents for the engine compartments blower system.


BARDID: GA-2019-0074
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: BUFORD
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 was attempting to dock the boat when she became confused on what she needed to do when she approached the dock.  Operator1 panicked and put the vessel in forward gear and turned to the right causing the vessel's stern to make contact with the dock and causing hull damage to the rear port side of the vessel.  The accident was caused by a lack of operator experience in docking a vessel.  The vessel was a rental from Nautical Boat Club.  Operator1 had insurance on the rental boat purchased in the rental agreement.


BARDID: GA-2019-0075
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Clarks Hill Lake
NearestCityorTown: APPLING
County: COLUMBIA
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Saturday, July 27: 
At approximately 1515 hours, Game Wardens received a call about a drowning incident at Pointes West on Clarks Hill Lake.  GW arrived on scene at 1530 hours along with Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Rescue. Once on scene, GW encountered a red Old Towne Discovery Scout Canoe (12 ft.) capsized with no persons to be found in the immediate vicinity. 

Boaters in the area said that one subject was taken to shore and was being treated by Columbia County EMS while another subject remained missing in the water. GW flipped the canoe over to check for someone underneath. When the canoe was flipped over, GW discovered two orange PFDs, a paddle, a water bottle, and a chrome “Crown Royal” flask floating under the canoe. GW retrieved all objects. The flask contained a small amount of liquid that smelled of a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage. GW towed the canoe to shore and spoke with the boaters that picked up the surviving subject. 

The rescuers told GW that a 46-year-old black male and his 23-year-old nephew were in the canoe when it flipped over due to boat wake. Neither subject was wearing a PFD, but there were two in the canoe. 

They told GW that they only saw one subject holding on to the canoe and were told that his nephew was still in the water, but nowhere to be seen. Good Sam1 marked the GPS coordinates (N 33* 41.594’ W 82* 18.930’) to where he rescued the subject. He and other people jumped in the water to search for the missing subject, but were unsuccessful. The uncle was Occupant and the missing subject was his nephew Operator. 

After learning more information, the incident was updated to a boating incident due to the canoe being in motion when the subjects fell overboard. Cpl. was dropped off on shore to speak with the uncle along with local authorities. Occupant told Cpl. that Operator was wearing a black shirt with black and red swim trunks and had eaten a large breakfast earlier in the day. Cpl. said Occupant had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his person. Occupant also said he had been holding onto the overturned canoe for a period of time before being rescued. GW began utilizing sonar on the boat to try and locate the victim. Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Columbia County Fire Rescue and Dive Team, and Sea Tow all had boats on the water to assist with the search and remained on scene. GW continued to search the incident area. Captain requested for the sonar team to assist with the search. GW continued to search until the sonar boat arrived. 


BARDID: GA-2019-0076
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 20, 2019 I, Game Warden First-class was asked to go to Aqualand Marina to meet a man named regarding a boating incident that happened on September 14, 2019, the weekend prior. I arrived and met Subject1 and he told me he had attended a tie-up party at "Wedding Island" on Lake Lanier, he showed me his cabin cruiser and the damage that of been caused when a PWC driven by Operator1 had ramped onto the back of the swim platform knocking off a table along with causing cosmetic damage to the platform as well as interior damage to the fiberglass of the vessel. I took Subject1‘s information and he provided me a list of witnesses to contact who could corroborate his story. Subject1 also gave me a witness statement taken by the Forsyth County sheriffs earlier that week. Subject1 also provided photos and a video of Operator1 sitting on a PWC that is on the back of Subject1's vessel. 

	 I made contacted with several of the witnesses on Subject1’s witness list and received statements from them over the next couple of weeks. The statements said  that Operator1 was attempting to splash water on people at the party using the jet motor of the PWC he was operating. Suddenly he hit the accelerator moving the PWC at a high rate of speed causing it to ramp on the back of Subject1’s swim platform. 

Due PWC's weight being greater than what the swim platform is rated for, it caused damage to Subject1’s boat when the screws that held the platform bent. All the witnesses named Operator1 as the driver of the PWC and all the statements where consistent regarding what they witnessed as Operator1's irresponsible and reckless behavior on that day. Using  my training knowledge and experience I came to the conclusion that On September 14th 2019, while operating a vessel on waters of the State of Georgia Operator1 was acting in a reckless manner and did operate the PWC above idle speed within 100 feet of people and objects in the water. Operator1 was solely responsible for the damage caused to v1 vessel when he drove the PWC onto the swim platform. I went to the Forsyth County magistrate and obtained warrants for the arrest of Operator1 on the charges of reckless operation and operating a PWC within 100 feet of an object in the water.


BARDID: GA-2019-0077
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Nottley
NearestCityorTown: BLAIRSVILLE
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 15, 2019, I, Game Warden, (GA DNR LED) received information from Sgt. telling me he had responded to a possible boating incident on Lake Nottely, near Nottely Marina in Blairsville, GA on August 4, 2019 and the owner/operator of the vessel was requesting a boating incident report be completed now.  

I was contacted by Operator1 and he told me on August 4, 2019, around 2100 hours, Operator1 and some of his friends were riding in his pontoon boat on Lake Nottely.  Operator1 was towing two young people in a tube.  One of the occupants in the boat asked Operator1 if he could hand them a water bottle.  While doing so, Operator1 was not paying attention to where he was going.  This inattention caused him to run the pontoon boat into the bank.  No one was injured and no one required any medical attention. 

When Operator1 started to get his vessel repaired, he found out the estimated damage to the pontoon boat was in excess of $2000 so he requested a DNR Boating Incident Report.  *** On August 5, 2019 at approximately 2118 hours, I, Sgt. with the Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Division responded to a call from GSP Gainesville about a boating incident on Lake Nottely where a pontoon boat ran aground. I spoke to the operator, Operator1, by phone and he said everyone on board is accounted for and he only had some minor injuries. 

Operator1 told me he was traveling back towards the marina in a narrow part of the lake, looked away and struck the bank which ran the vessel into the shore. Operator1 was thrown to the floor of the vessel and sustained minor cuts and an injury to his knee.  The five passengers did not report any injuries. The operator said he was not going to seek any further medical treatment for his injuries at this time and the damage to the vessel did not appear to be over $2,000.00 so he did not need to do a boating incident report. I did not detect any alcohol or other impairment from the group. I gave Operator1 my business card to give me a call if he decided to seek further medical treatment for his injuries or if he found the damage was over the reportable amount of $2,000.00.

On September 3, 2019 I received a telephone call from Operator1 stating that he found out the damage to the vessel was going to be over $2,000.00 and he wanted to get a boating incident report completed. I asked Operator1 to email me the information from the vessel and occupants so we could complete the boating incident report. I received emails from Operator1 with the information that I requested on September 10, 2019. 

I assigned GW2 the task of completing the boating incident report and forwarded the emails to him on September 15, 2019.


BARDID: GA-2019-0078
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Blackshear
NearestCityorTown: DESOTO
County: SUMTER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday, August 30, 2019, at approximately 0945 hours, Corporal and I received a complaint from subject in reference to a possible boating incident just south of Pecan Slough on Lake Blackshear in Sumter County.  Subject1 stated a vessel had struck his dock last night and damaged his dock.  CPL. and I arrived on scene at approximately 1045 hours and made contact with Subject1.  Subject1 stated a neighbor may have heard some type of commotion between 0100 and 0130 hours.  The dock had damage to the railing and the floor.  The railing was nearly torn down.  CPL. and I observed markings where a tri hull vessel had run up on the dock.  There were three points of contact from the vessel’s hull along with grey paint transfer located on the edge of the dock.  Some of the damaged railing was missing and presumed to be in the water.  CPL. noticed several small grey/neon green/black paint chippings on the floor of the dock.  Subject2 stated he had picked up larger pieces of paint chippings off the dock.  The paint chippings were collected as evidence.  Subject2 stated he possibly knew who had hit the dock and there was a green and grey vessel located across the lake.  Photographs of the damaged dock were taken as evidence.  

At approximately 1300 hours, CPL. and I searched by patrol vessel and located the suspected green and grey vessel, in Crisp County tied to a dock.  The vessel had a registration of GA 7588GK.  We noticed damage consistent with a vessel striking a dock from our patrol vessel.  We noticed torn spots on the top cushions located on the bow of the vessel.  We noticed wood imprinted in a screw located on the bow of the vessel along with splintered wood inside of the vessel.  Several scratches and markings could be observed on the front hull off the vessel, just above the water line.  The grey/neon green/black paint chippings recovered from the damaged dock appeared to be consistent with the vessel’s grey/neon green/black coloring.  The vessel’s damage was photographed from our patrol vessel.     

CPL. and I made contact with the owner of the vessel at approximately 1840 hours.  While speaking with Operator1 about the damage to his vessel, he said the damage was already there.  CPL. asked Operator1, if anybody was at the house or had driven the boat last night, Operator1 stated, “No sir I was by myself.”  CPL. got consent to board the vessel with Operator1 and found a wood chip consistent with wood chips from the damaged dock located in the front of the vessel.  The wood chip was collected as evidence.  Operator1 stated he was on the vessel until “about 10 or 11ish, somewhere about there”, on Thursday evening, August 29, 2019.  

CPL. made contact with Subject1 in reference to approximate damage to the dock.  Damage to the dock is estimated between $4,000 and $4,500.  

On September 22, 2019, at 1820 hours, CPL. and I made contact with Operator1 at his residence.  Operator1 was issued citations for failure to render assistance at boat accident, reckless operation of a vessel or other water device and operate vessel 100’ of object/shore above idle speed.


BARDID: GA-2019-0079
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Oliver
NearestCityorTown: COLUMBUS
County: MUSCOGEE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday, June 18th, 2019 at approximately 1540 hours, I Corporal (Cpl.) with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division was contacted by Lieutenant to respond to a vessel incident on Lake Oliver in Muscogee County.  While en route to Lake Oliver, I spoke with Sergeant (Sgt.) by phone and he said the vessel incident occurred at the Lake Oliver Marina in Columbus.  Sgt. said the vessel involved in the incident was occupied by 3 adults and 4 children.  He said the vessel ran aground and struck the picnic shelter, which is connected to the Lake Oliver Marina Building.  Sgt. said 3 of the children and 1 of the adults had been ejected out of the vessel and transported to Piedmont Hospital in Columbus with injuries.  Sgt. went to the Piedmont Hospital and spoke with the owner/operator of the vessel.  Operator told Sgt. the vessel was occupied with his 2 adult daughters. In addition to his daughters he said his 4 grand children were also in the vessel.  I asked Sgt. to find out where everyone was located in the vessel just prior to the incident. 

Prior to my arrival at approximately 1800 hours, a thunderstorm came through the area and dumped a large amount of rain at the incident location.  When I arrived, I met with Game Warden.  He told me he had spoken to some witnesses and obtained witness statements.  The vessel was a 2003 Sea Ray. From the tip of the bow the vessel traveled inland approximately 43.5 feet.  When the vessel hit the shoreline, it traveled up a steep embankment and went under the picnic shelter.  As the vessel traveled up the embankment, the bow of the vessel struck the edge of the tin roof covering the shelter. From the ground to the bend in the tin was approximately 102 inches.  After striking the tin roof the vessel continued under the shelter and collided with a 6” X 6” metal pole, which supports the shelter. The location of the pole the vessel struck was on the far side of the shelter from the shoreline.  The vessel struck the corner pole approximately 5 feet from the ground on the starboard side of the bow.  After making impact with the pole, the starboard side of the bow broke and the vessel continued forward for approximately 4 feet.  As the vessel continued forward the starboard side of the bow started canting towards the ground.  The heads of the screws holding the rub rail on caused the gouges in the pole as the vessel traveled forward.  The scratches on the keel of the vessel were caused from traveling over the large granite rocks as it traveled up the embankment. (See vessel diagram and photographs). 

While Sgt. was still at the hospital, I asked him if Operator would sign a consent to search form. After Operator signed a consent to search form, I searched the vessel for any evidence that may have caused the incident.  The throttle lever was located at approximately full throttle.  After taking pictures of the position of the throttle lever, I shifted it back and forth and the throttle linkage appeared to be functioning correctly.  The steering of the vessel could not be tested due to the outdrive sitting on the concrete slab under the shelter.  No alcohol or drugs were located in the vessel. 

When Sgt. returned to the marina, he gave me a seating chart where everyone was seated in the vessel during the incident according to Operator and subject1.  Victim1 was seated at the bow of the vessel. Victim2 was seated behind her on the portside bow of the vessel.  Victim3 was seated behind Victim2 on the portside of the bow.  Subject4 was seated on the starboard side of the bow just across from Victim2 and Victim3.  All 4 occupants seated in the bow portion of the vessel were ejected out of the vessel.  Victim1, Victim2 and Victim3 were thrown forward into the parking lot area of the marina. Subject 4 was thrown out of the vessel and landed on a concrete picnic table located under the shelter.  Victim 1 sustained superficial abrasions to both legs below the knee and a dislocation of her big toe on the left foot.

Victim2 sustained small hemorrhagic contusion in the left temporal cortex of her brain and a fracture of her skull in the right and left frontal bones.  She also had superficial abrasions to her right elbow, left elbow, and left leg.  

Victim 3 sustained a complex fracture of her right femur.  She had abrasions and contusions to her face, left thigh, and left foot.  Subject 4 was examined for head pain and left leg pain, but received no further medical attention.

It is inconclusive why the operator went almost full speed under the picnic shelter.  Operator and his two daughters and four grandchildren were returning to the marina.  As he approached the idle speed/no wake zone buoy as he passed out possibly due to a migraine.  The investigator believes his hand was on the throttle causing the throttle to go forward, increasing the vessel’s speed .  Four were ejected into the water after the crash.


BARDID: GA-2019-0080
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Oconee
NearestCityorTown: EATONTON
County: PUTNAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
I Game Warden with the Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division was patrolling Lake Oconee on August 31, 2019 along with Sergeant (Sgt.) when I received a call from Putnam County dispatch that there had been a boating incident. 

I was told a tube with two subjects on board was thrown into the dock and caused injuries. Sgt. and I headed to 123 Lullwater Lane near Fish Tail Marina. We arrived on scene at approximately 1920 hours. The ambulance was already on scene. There was one subject in the ambulance at the time. I asked Victim2 questions about what had happened. 

Victim2 stated she was being pulled on the tube by a personal watercraft (PWC) that was operated by Operator. As the PWC made a right turn the tube was too close to the dock and made contact with the dock. 

Victim1 was also on the tube at the time of the incident. Once the tube made contact with the dock Victim2 was thrown from the tube and hit the dock. Victim1 slid over onto Victim2 and was cut by the dock on her leg but managed to stay on the tube during the wreck. 

There was an observer on the PWC. Observer explained how they were trying to make a right turn but the area in which they were turning was very narrow. Operator stated she knew the tube was getting too close to the dock when she made the right turn and released the throttle thus preventing the vessel from steering. 

Victim2 sustained a bruising to her hip during the incident. Victim2 and Victim1 were both transported to the Macon Hospital for further evaluation. A witness to the accident, was on a nearby dock and saw the entire incident. After both injured parties were transported to the hospital I went down to the dock and took pictures of the tube and the dock. Operator received one citation. I requested assistance from Game Warden to go to the hospital and obtain witness statements at that time from the victims. Victim2 at the time was unable to give a written statement. 


BARDID: GA-2019-0081
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: EMERSON
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 30, 2019, I, Game Warden First Class with the Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division was notified of a possible boating incident that occurred on Allatoona Lake near Holiday Marina.  I attempted to call the original complainant back with no success at first.  The information I gathered from Bartow County dispatch was that a subject had injuries to his face from a boating incident and was being taken to a hospital by someone that witnessed the incident.  

I went to Cartersville Medical center to attempt to locate the parties involved.  I was unable to locate anyone involved at Cartersville Medical.  I then attempted to call the original complainant again.  I spoke with Subject1 about the incident.  Subject1 advised her cousin was taking the injured subject to the hospital.  I contacted Operator and he advised he was en route to Northside Medical to take victim for treatment to a gash above his right eye.

Operator advised he was operating his vessel down Allatoona Lake when he hit a large wake and Victim fell inside the vessel hitting his head on the edge of the glass window.  Victim sustained a gash above his right eye and was taken to Northside Medical by Operator.  Victim received twelve stitches and was released from the hospital.  Nothing further.


BARDID: GA-2019-0083
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Savannah River
NearestCityorTown: CLYO
County: EFFINGHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 08/26/19 I ,Game Warden First Class, was alerted by the Effingham County Sheriff's Office to a possible boating incident that took place on 08/24/19. The Sheriff's office had responded to a call involving two bass boats that collided near the highway 119 bridge on the Savannah River. The initial report was that no one was injured but one boat had sustained moderate damage. I was also given the names of the parties involved and their contact information. 

	On 08/30/19 I met with both parties involved in the incident to collect statements and evidence related to the collision. I first met with the operator of vessel one. I collected a statement from Operator1 and photographed the boat involved in the incident at his home. I then met with the owner/operator of vessel two. I met Operator2 where he was storing the vessel. Once there I also collected a statement from Operator2 and photographed his vessel. 

	Based on the statements from the individuals involved and the damage found on both vessels, it is clear that the boat driven by Operator1 collided with the boat driven by Operator2. Both individuals stated  they were part of a bass tournament that was leaving Tuckasee King landing. 

Operator2's vessel was in front of Operator1's vessel as they both traveled down river towards the highway 119 bridge. Operator2 stated  he then came down to idle speed for the bridge. At the same time Operator1 stated he looked down at his GPS unit to see how long it would take him to get to his fishing spot during which time he and was also starting to bring his vessel down to and idle. Operator1  stated that when he looked back up  Operator2's vessel was right in front of him.Operator1 said he could not avoid the collision.  

	Operator1's port side hull struck the starboard stern gunwale of Operator2's vessel and continued down the gunwale of Operator2's boat. As Operator1's vessel traveled down the gunwale of Operator2's boat the stern running light was broken off, a Humminbird helix 10 GPS/Sonar was broken off it's mount and damaged, the windshield on the diver side console was sheered off, and several spots of hull/fiberglass damage was caused. All the damage listed above was sustatined to Operator2's boat.  

	No injuries were reported from this incident. Based on the evidence and statements both written and verbal, it is my conclusion that this incident was caused due to the distraction of Operator1 when he looked at his GPS while operating his vessel. By looking at his GPS unit he lost sight of the river in front of him which inturn was where Operator2's vessel was located.


BARDID: GA-2019-0084
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:20:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Alapaha River
NearestCityorTown: OCILLA
County: IRWIN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 1, 2019 at approximately 15:30 hours, Sergeant was notified by Region 5 personnel in reference to a possible drowning on the Alapaha River on US 319 at the Tift/Irwin County line. Game Warden (GW) responded to the call along with Game Warden First Class (GWFC). Upon arrival GW made contact with a Deputy on scene with the Irwin County Sheriff's Office.  An Irwin County Deputy responded to the location with a personal vessel and traveled approximately one hundred yards downstream of the US 319 bridge to where the witness had anchored his vessel on the Alapaha River when the victim Victim fell out of the vessel.
	According to a statement made by Operator, Operator said Victim and himself had put on the Alapaha River at approximately 14:45 hours and were drifting down the river fishing. Operator said he was sitting in the front of the vessel and Victim was sitting in the rear of the vessel. Operator said Victim was laughing at him swatting horse flies when he heard a splash. Operator said he turned around and Victim was no longer in the vessel. Operator said Victim surfaced to the top of the water once and he tried to grab him but could not reach him. Operator said he immediately dropped an anchor on the vessel and dialed 911 for help.
	Victim and Operator were fishing out of a green 14 foot Alumacraft vessel powered by a trolling motor. The Georgia Registration number of the vessel was GA0763HA with no expiration decal. No life jackets were in use or in the vessel. Upon inspection of the vessel, GWFC located a rod and reel in the rear of the vessel which had a broken line belonging to the victim. 
	
	The victim was dressed in full clothing wearing camouflage pants, a dark colored shirt, and black high top shoes. Victim also had a firearm on his side when we recovered his body which a deputy with the Irwin County's Sheriff Office took possession of for safety reasons. The victim had fishing line tangled tightly around his right wrist and arm. RFC was not able to observe any other injury.  
	In conclusion, according to the physical evidence discovered and my observations of the vessel no personal flotation devices were in use at the time of incident. The vessel’s floor was cluttered with fixing tackle. No other evidence was found to contribute to why Victim fell overboard into the water and subsequently drown.  This is a true and accurate statement based on statements from those involved and knowledge acquired through investigation. This report is based solely on information, evidence, and statements provided at the time of incident and may change upon the discovery of new evidence.


BARDID: GA-2019-0085
State: GA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-04-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Abercor Creek/Savannah River
NearestCityorTown: RINCON
County: EFFINGHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 27th, 2019, I Cpl. of the Dept. of Natural Resources L.E.D. received a call from Georgia State Patrol Post in Statesboro about a boating incident that occurred in Effingham County.  The GSP dispatcher informed me  a single boat occupied by a single male, sunk at the mouth of Abercorn Creek and the Savannah River.  The occupant/operator of the boat was uninjured and was at the boat landing at Abercorn Creek.  A private individual was en route to the location to try to recover boat.  I arrived at the location at approximately 1430 hours on the above afternoon.  When I arrived at Abercorn Creek he was out in his friends boat trying to locate and recover the missing boat. 

 Operator returned to the boat landing at approximately 1530 hours.  Operator stated they were unable to locate the boat.  Operator said he was talking to some friends in the river when he noticed his boat was taking on water.  He tried to return to the boat landing, but he was unable to make it before the boat sank.  Some fisherman that were close by picked Operator up and brought him back to the boat landing.

Operator told me he paid $1200 for the boat a few months earlier.  He said he was going to return later that day with a side scan sonar unit and try to recover the boat.  To my knowledge Operator was not able to locate and recover the boat.


BARDID: GA-2019-0087
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-10-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:33:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On October 27, 2019 at approximately 16:00 hours I was notified by GW that there was a subject en route to the North East Georgia Medical Center in Brasleton who was involved in a boating incident on Lake Lanier near marker 17. 

	Operator had what appeared to be lacerations on the top of his head and on the tip of his left big toe. SGT and I introduced ourselves to him and he responded in a slurred voice. I also observed that his eyes appeared to be red and watery. Operator told us that he was the operator of his sailboat which he crashed into a sandbar on Lake Lanier. He said that he was the only one onboard the vessel during the incident. He admitted that he was drinking vodka prior to the incident.

I asked Operator if he would perform a series of tests to assist me in determining if it is safe for him to be operating a vessel. He agreed. During the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus exercise, I observed six clues. During the finger to nose exercise, I observed 14 clues. During the palm pat exercise, I observed three clues. During the Hand Coordination exercise I observed eight clues. Operator then blew into my portable alco-sensor which registered a .193.

	I read Operator the Boating Implied Consent Warning for suspects age 21 or older designating blood. Operator agreed. Due to my observations of Operator, and my 12 years of training and experience as a law enforcement officer, Operator was placed under arrest for operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol after he was discharged from the hospital. I transported him to the Forsyth County Law Enforcement Center where I released him from my custody with citation to the jail staff. SGT and GWFC secured the vessel on the sandbar near marker 17 at Lake Lanier that same evening. The blood evidence was transported to the GBI lab in Cleveland.


