# ReleasableAccidentes

BARDID: WI-2017-0032
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big Roche a Cri Lake
NearestCityorTown: Friendship
County: Adams
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 2 Operated stated he was traveling approximately 20-30’ behind and off the port side of Vessel 1 at a speed of 10-30 mph when Vessel 1 made a sharp left turn into the path of Vessel 2.  Vessel 2 Operator stated he did not have time or distance enough to turn to the left sharp enough to avoid striking the side of Vessel 1.  The collision caused a laceration to the left leg of Vessel 1 Operator.


BARDID: WI-2017-0033
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lac La Belle
NearestCityorTown: Oconomowoc
County: Waukesha
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was going in circles at a high rate of speed on the end of the lake and fell off the PWC and broke his leg, either hitting his leg on the PWC or when he hit the water.


BARDID: WI-2017-0034
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pewaukee Lake
NearestCityorTown: Pewaukee
County: Waukesha
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator, an inexperienced boat operator was towing a knee boarder.  There were 8 occupants on the vessel, 5 adults and 3 children.   The skier fell off the knee board.  The Operator then turned the vessel to the left and circled around to pick up the skier, who was in the water wearing a PFD.  

The Operator came up alongside of the skier, who swam to the left rear corner of the vessel where the swim ladder is located.  The Operator thought he had placed the vessel in neutral and left the motor running.  However, the skier stated that the motor was inadvertently placed in reverse rather than neutral as he attempted to board the vessel.  

While the skier was at the left rear of the vessel attempting to get on the swim ladder, the vessel started backing towards him.  In an attempt to get away from the vessel, the skier tried to push off from the transom and in doing so, his feet went under the lower unit and propeller struck him in both the right and the left leg, pulling him under the vessel.  The Skier came back up on the left side of the boat near the stern and immediately called out for help.  One of the passengers jumped into the water and provided assistance.


BARDID: WI-2017-0035
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Johns Lake
NearestCityorTown: Wautoma
County: Waushara
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Owner was taking operator/victim for a ride. Operator was sitting between owner and handlebars. Owner started PWC and was attempting to put lanyard for kill switch around his left wrist at the same time looking behind him to make sure no other kids were around. At that time the operator (4yr old) hit the throttle sending the owner of the PWC off the back of it and into the water. The operator went out across the lake. The owner got on another PWC attempting to catch up to the operator, but was unsuccessful. The operator stopped about halfway across the lake, turned left and went full throttle again until he hit shore and launched into the air and struck the boathouse. When the owner of the PWC arrived the operator was still sitting on the PWC with the throttle still pulled all the way back. Owner pulled out lanyard to stop the PWC and grabbed the Operator to go get help. 

The PWC left the water and struck the boat house that was approximately 30-35 feet from shore. The first marks in the ground from the jetski were at approximately 24 feet from shore. The PWC went through a small dingy that was leaning up against the boat house where the Operator hit his head on a broken edge of the dingy causing a laceration to his head.


BARDID: WI-2017-0036
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Black River
NearestCityorTown: Onalaska
County: La Crosse
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Dam/lock
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating the bow mounted trolling motor while fishing on the Black River downstream of the Onalaska spillway.  Operator used the trolling motor to power up near the spillway to unsnag a fishing lure.  

The current swung the rear of the vessel around and pulled the vessel against the spillway.  The Operator stated he tried to use the trolling motor to pull away from the spillway, but the current was too strong.  The Operator tried to start the outboard motor, but it was already too late because the vessel had taken on water.  

Operator stated he could not get the motor started.  Operator stated that he and the Passenger were wearing life jackets prior to the incident and the Operator put on a 2nd life jacket knowing the boat was sinking.  The vessel had two power poles on the transom.  Operator stated he put down the power poles to stabilize the vessel.  Operator gave the Passenger the throwable PFD.  Operator stated they both hung onto the swamped boat until some fisherman and law enforcement officer arrived to assist them.  

The water level on the river was about 11.7' which is about 7' feet above normal for this time of year.  There was a restricted area marked by signs on both sides of the river.  The signs are about 30' downstream of the spillway and the signs mark the restricted area where boats are to keep out.


BARDID: WI-2017-0037
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Jordan Lake
NearestCityorTown: Wisconsin Dells
County: Adams
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel was traveling in a straight line on smooth water at 26 mph.  Skier left starboard side wake and began to cut back to cross wake and lost control.  When falling, skier was fully extended and hit water chest first and flipped forward (somersault).


BARDID: WI-2017-0038
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Razorback Lake
NearestCityorTown: Plum Lake
County: Vilas
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was found deceased in approximately 9’ of water near his anchored vessel.  A landing net was floating in the water nearby and a fishing pole was found on the bottom of the lake near the victim. It appears the vitcim, who had Parkinson's disease and was unstable, fell overboard and drowned.


BARDID: WI-2017-0039
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fox River
NearestCityorTown: Neenah
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Dam/lock
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
There was a small dingy/rowboat that got untied from a dock earlier in the day and drifted into the Neenah Dam.  The Operator and Occupants thought that they would be able to rescue/recover the unoccupied boat.  They got close to the dam and were sucked in by the current and unable to reverse out. The vessel struck the dam causing the Operator and Passenger 1 to be ejected and go through the dam.  Passenger 2 was able to grab hold of the dam and pull himself up.  The Operator and Occupants walked to the ambulance.  The Operator and Passenger 1 were transported to the hospital for further checkup.


BARDID: WI-2017-0040
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
County: Crawford
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Injured was being pulled behind boat in a tube.  The Operator was changing direction in the vessel and when there was slack in the line, the Injured wrapped his hand around tow line.  The vessel straightened out and the rope was tightened, pinching the Injured person's middle finger.  The Injured person's finger was broke and dangling by some skin.


BARDID: WI-2017-0041
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:33:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bay of Green Bay
NearestCityorTown: Howard
County: Brown
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Drug
AccidentCause3: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
All the boat occupants had been consuming alcoholic beverages throughout the day.  The three passengers stated that the three males in boat (Operator and two passengers) had also taken Adderall at some point in the day.  A severe thunderstorm front was approaching the lower bay of Green Bay.  Operator of the boat allowed Passenger to operate the boat has he attached and secured the boat cover to protect the boat occupants from the elements.  The operator resumed operation of the boat after the boat cover was in place. 

Crash Investigation:

It appears the boat was traveling in a southeast direction, parallel to the shipping channel and north of the Cat Island break wall.  The weather conditions of heavy rain, strong winds, and three to five foot waves, would have reduced visibility.  With the boat cover on and secured, visibility was reduced to the windshield with no installed wipers.  There was no electronic navigation aboard and it is unknown if a cellular phone with GPS was used.  The boat struck the Cat Island break wall approximately 100 yards west of the shipping channel.  The boat struck the break wall with enough speed to allow the boat to ramp up the side of the break wall and come to a rest across the causeway approximately eight to ten feet above the waterline.  Operator and passenger were ejected from the boat.  (Noted – There are no lighted navigational aids or sound warning devices located on the Cat Island break wall.)


BARDID: WI-2017-0042
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River-Running Slou
NearestCityorTown: LaCrosse
County: La Crosse
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operating south on the main channel of the Mississippi River adjacent to the intersection with Running Sough, near river mile 694.7 in LaCrosse County.  Vessel hit a floating log that caused damage to propeller, strut, and fiberglass hull.  Operator continued south down the river and propeller wore a hole in the fiberglass hull, just in front of the rudder.  Vessel took on water and engine quit while in the main channel near Crater Island.   An off-duty law enforcement officer, assisted in getting the vessel to shore, and took Operator to Lawrence Lake Marine for completion of field sobriety testing.  Operator was arrested for boating under the influence.


BARDID: WI-2017-0043
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:51:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Upper White River Millpond
NearestCityorTown: Deerfield
County: Waushara
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/07/2017, Witness, while on a pier/dock attending Camp Phillips adjacent to the Upper White River Millpond observed the Operator paddle boarding on the Mill Pond and a short time later heard a splash indicating that the Operator had left the paddleboard and entered the water. After approximately 30 seconds, the Witness did not see the Operator resurface and proceeded to put on a wearable PFD and swam out to the paddleboard's location in an attempt to rescue the Operator but was not successful in locating him. 

At approximately 4:51pm on 07/07/2017, a call was received by Waushara County Dispatch of an individual in distress and in the water near Camp Phillips on the Upper White River Millpond in the Deerfield Township of Waushara County. 

After multiple local municipalities and dive teams responded, the Operator was located by a dive team at approximately 8:05pm with a time of death of 8:30pm. It was believed as of 07/07/2017, a wearable PFD was present on the paddleboard but was not worn and the Operator may have had a medical condition involving seizures. 

Prior to the incident, it is believed that the Operator’s father was on a separate paddleboard some distance behind the Operator and may have witnessed the incident as the family was staying at a seasonal residence near the boat launch on the Upper White River Millpond


BARDID: WI-2017-0044
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:19:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Long Lake
NearestCityorTown: Saxeville
County: Waushara
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Injured party was standing on shore and attempting to take off to begin parasailing. As the boat started and the injured party began to lift off, a gust of wind came west to east and blew the woman into the backboard of a basketball hoop on the pier and then the wind and the force from the boat pulling took her into the boat lift. Before the boat could slow down/back up enough the woman hit the boat lift and became entangled. The force from the boat lifted the boat lift up and out of the water causing it to rotate and flip on its side. The parasail then became entangled in the boat lift. 

The injured party was taken by ambulance to the local EMS station where they placed her on a helicopter and took her to Theda Care in Neenah, WI. 

Officer talked with two witnesses that were assisting in tending lines and the sail when the incident occurred. They stated the Operator and Injured have parasailed in the past and had experience in what they were doing. They stated that the Operator and his daughter were in the boat.  The Injured person was in the harness and attempting to parasail. Witnesses stated that as soon as the Injured person started to get into the air a large crosswind gust came out of the west and sent her toward the pier and the boat lift. They said that the Operator was operating at about 15-20 mph at that point and started to cut back as soon as there was trouble.  The Witnesses stated the Injured person flew into the basketball hoop that was attached to the pier then into the shore side of the boatlift. The boatlift pulled up in the air and pivoted until it came to rest on its side in front of the pier was. At that point they said that the Injured Person was stuck and hanging from the boat lift with the lines and sail draped over part of the lift. They were able to get her free from the harness and float her back to the beach area while keeping her stable until EMS could arrive.

On July 11, 2017 at approximately 1:25 PM, the Officer talked with the Operator on the phone.   The Operator stated he was with his wife, Injured Person, at Freodtert Hospital in Milwaukee, WI where she was still in the ICU due to her injuries. The stated that his wife, was in good spirits and “step by step” she was improving. The Operator  said that she suffered a fracture to her spine, a small rupture to her aorta, and a broken are, but everything had been “fixed.” The Operator stated that the Injured Person has a long road of healing ahead, but she is alive and should be fine.

The Operator stated that they have a lot of experience parasailing, they have a place on Marco Island and parasail off the beaches there “all the time.” He said that the Injured Person has parasailed at least 6 or 7 times and they have done it hundreds of times and he has pulled over 200 people in a parasail. The Operator's explanation for what happened was two parts. One part was due to the gust of wind that pushed the sail to the east and into the pier and the boat lift. The Operator said the wind had been perfect out of the north and then that gust of wind came and threw the Injured Person into the pier and the boat lift. Second, the Operator attributed the accident to the high water.   The Operator said that due to the high water they took four sections out of their pier this year because they didn't need them. He said that was 40 feet that the boat lift was closer to shore than it normally is. He said that if it had been there she would have cleared everything regardless of the wind gust.


BARDID: WI-2017-0045
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityorTown: Alma
County: Buffalo
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1, Vessel 2 and a pontoon with other people on it were all boating together on the day of the accident.  The group was traveling upstream on the Mississippi River.  Vessel 1 Operator was the last person in line as the group traveled up the river.  Vessel 1 Operator stated she was riding her PWC in the middle of the river, and was not going very fast and estimated her speed to be approximately 20 mph, approximately 50-75 yards away from the pontoon.  Vessel 1 Operator stated the pontoon was off to her right and Vessel 2 Operator was by the pontoon but she didn’t know specifically where he was, just that he was in the vicinity of the pontoon.  Vessel 1 Operator stated she was looking where she was going and wasn’t sure where Vessel 2 came from before the accident happened.

Vessel 2 stated he was traveling on the pontoon’s port side, he was a little bit ahead of their wake but parallel to them, and was approximately 25’ away from the pontoon.  Vessel 2 Operator did not know where Vessel 1 was in relationship to the pontoon.  Vessel 2 Operator stated both he and the pontoon were on plane.

Vessel 2 Operator stated he moved towards the pontoon to approximately 15’ from them on their port side and swiveled around left, so he could spray the pontoon.  Vessel 2 Operator stated he didn’t look back to see where Vessel 1 was because he had been trailing the group most of the day.  Vessel 2 Operator stated when he came out of his turn from trying to spray the pontoon he saw Vessel 1, over-reacted and spun his PWC back to the right, and Vessel 1 hit him on the right side of his PWC. 

 Vessel 2 Operator was facing towards the pontoon at the time of the accident.  Vessel 2 Operator stated he was going approximately 10-15 mph at the time of the accident.
Vessel 1 Operator stated the accident occurred when Vessel 2 “whipped” around in front of her and she couldn’t stop. 

 Vessel 1 Operator mentioned that she did not know if Vessel 2 Operator knew she was still behind him at that time and didn’t know if he saw her when he went out in front of her.  

Vessel 1 Operator stated that she immediately let go of the throttle when the accident happened.   Vessel 1 Operator also stated that she had not been using the throttle when the accident happened.   Vessel 1 Operator stated that Vessel 2 crossed her path before her PWC was able to stop and that was when the accident occurred.  Vessel 1 Operator stated when she was trying to turn away, to avoid hitting Vessel 2, without the throttle engaged, the PWC didn’t turn the way she wanted it to.  Both Vessel 1 and Vessel 2 Operators confirmed that Vessel 1 went up and over Vessel 2.


BARDID: WI-2017-0046
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Nakomis
NearestCityorTown: Tomahawk
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim fell off tube while tubing, was evaluated at hospital for concussion and released without treatment.


BARDID: WI-2017-0047
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wolf River
NearestCityorTown: Weyauwega
County: Waupaca
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause3: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator navigating pontoon up river at Gills Landing, attempting to dock the 24’ rental pontoon boat.  The Operator’s intent was to dock the boat with the bow facing down river.  As the Operator turned across river, the current and wind took control of the pontoon and pushed the pontoon down river with the bow pointed west and the stern facing east.  

The Operator attempted to correct his path to the dock and at the same time one of the passengers stepped outside the railed area of the pontoon to the bow in an attempt to grab the dock.  The Passenger fell into the water and was pinched between the dock and the bow of the pontoon suffering contusions to her upper left thigh and shin.  A second Passenger then jumped into the river after the first Passenger.  This passenger was unable to swim and struggled until he made it to the bank of the shore near the most southern landing. 

The Injured Passenger was transported to the hospital to be evaluated for possible injuries.  The second Passenger accompanied the first passenger to the hospital but did not sustain any injuries requiring first aid or medical attention.


BARDID: WI-2017-0048
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:53:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fox River
NearestCityorTown: Oshkosh
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 2 traveling westbound on Fox River approaching the Oshkosh Avenue bridge.  Vessel 2 was in the slow no wake zone, travelling at slow no wake speed.  Vessel 1 entered the slow no wake zone west bound at a high rate of speed, violating the slow no wake markers.  Vessel 1 was directly behind Vessel 2 traveling in the same direction.  Vessel 1 did not move to avoid hitting Vessel 2.  

Vessel 2 Operator saw Vessel 1 at the last minute and attempted to accelerate and steer to the right out of the path of Vessel 1.  Vessel 2 could not move out of the way fast enough.  Vessel 1 drove over the back of Vessel 2.  The smaller, secondary motor was torn off from Vessel 2. 

 Two passengers on Vessel 2 had minor injuries.  The Vessel 1 Operator was arrested for intoxicated boating.


BARDID: WI-2017-0049
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Lake Geneva
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Law enforcement responded to the area of Big Foot Beach in Lake Geneva reference a boat that was sinking.  They observed a boat approximately 100’ from shore sinking with nobody on board.  The vessel Owner indicated while his boat was anchored it started sinking at which time he got off of the boat.  The Owner advised that no one was injured during this incident.  An 8x8 access panel underneath the swim platform had not been installed.


BARDID: WI-2017-0050
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Castle Rock Flowage
NearestCityorTown: New Lisbon
County: Juneau
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was navigating into the Shipwreck Bar no wake zone.  Vessel 2 was coming out of the no wake zone.  Vessel 1 struck Vessel 2 on portside causing damage.  Vessel 1 Operator stated he was blinded by sunlight which was low and reflecting off the water.  Vessel 2 Operator stated Vessel 1 was operating too fast.


BARDID: WI-2017-0051
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:41:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Wisconsin
NearestCityorTown: Merrimac
County: Sauk
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was heading northeast up the shoreline on the Columbia County side of Lake Wisconsin traveling approximately 45 MPH. Vessel 2 was heading northeast in the middle of Lake Wisconsin traveling approximately 25 MPH following another boat. Vessel 1 turned northwest heading towards a residence.  Vessel 1 turned towards the north to go around another boat and turned back towards the northwest again heading to the residence.  A short time later, vessel 2 struck vessel 1.  Both operator's indicated they did not see each other until the last moment prior to incident.


BARDID: WI-2017-0054
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityorTown: Stoddard
County: Vernon
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel entered Marine to park the pontoon, and did not get close enough to the dock.  Operator backed the vessel up to attempt to bring it forward again to park next to the dock.  After backing up, the Operator steered it forward, and the back end of the pontoon turned clockwise and bumped something.  Operator thought he had bumped another pontoon's metal float tube.  Operator heard something bump, but did not feel anything.  Operator successfully parked the pontoon and inspected the motor of the rented pontoon.  Operator looked to see if there was damage to any other boats, and did not notice any damage.  The boat he would have bumped was stationary, and there was no one operating it.  Vessel 2 motor damaged.  The fin on the bottom of the motor was bent and the end was broken off.


BARDID: WI-2017-0055
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:34:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Mary
NearestCityorTown: Twin Lakes
County: Kenosha
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was driving around the lake with tube sitting on the back deck area.  The tube blew off of the vessel and the rope got wrapped around the Injured Passenger’s foot causing a severe rope burn and possible internal injuries.  Injured Passenger was transported by ambulance to the hospital for treatment.


BARDID: WI-2017-0056
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Balsam Lake
NearestCityorTown: Balsam Lake
County: Polk
WaterConditions: Choppy
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
AccidentCause3: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator was pulling two subjects on a tube and stated he had just started pulling the tube from a stopped position.  He estimated he was going approximately 17 mph and also stated he was travelling in a straight line.   Vessel 1 Operator observed Vessel 2 (PWC) cross in front of Vessel 1 at a high rate of speed travelling from left to right.  

Vessel 1 Operator advised that he could see Vessel 2 had cleared their path as he could see it operating in front of them on their starboard side.   Vessel 1 Operator stated he heard and saw Vessel 2 hit the port bow area of the boat at the same time.  Vessel 1 Operator stated he had no idea how Vessel 2 had got back to the port side of Vessel 1. Vessel 1 went over Vessel 2 and the Victim and the personal watercraft popped up behind the Vessel 1. 

 The Victim was unconscious lying face down in the water next to Vessel 2.    Two occupants that were on the tube jumped in and flipped the Victim over.  Another vessel pulled up to assist and loaded the Victim onto their vessel and took him to the town landing.


BARDID: WI-2017-0057
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:26:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fox River
NearestCityorTown: Green Bay
County: Brown
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 2, M/V Kaye E Barker, a 767’ commercial ship had delivered a payload to a local business located on the Fox River in Green Bay, WI.  The ship was under way or making way northbound out of the Fox River at the Main Street Bridge.  The bridge in question is not perpendicular to the river and sits at an angle.  Because of this, the ship needs to hug the east shore of the river at this location.  According to a representative from the company that owns the ship, river current and other factors played a role in the ship collision/allision with Vessel 1, City Deck and eventually the east side leaf of the Main Street Bridge.  Vessel 1 was caught between the City Deck and the Vessel 2.  When Vessel 2 was not able to correct it’s path, a collision/allusion occurred and Vessel 1 capsized.


BARDID: WI-2017-0058
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: South Milwaukee
County: Milwaukee
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated that he left Milwaukee Harbor at 2055 and was travelling south to Racine Harbor, at approximately 20-25 MPH, in approximately 15 feet of water. Near the old pier at Grant Park, Operator stated that he struck something submerged in the water and lost engine power. He turned on the bilge pump to drain water from the boat. At 2137 he called 911, stating he was taking on water and lost power. We began our response at approximately 2145 and arrived on scene at approximately 2215. We then towed the motorboat to Bender Park.


BARDID: WI-2017-0059
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: St Croix River
NearestCityorTown: Hudson
County: St. Croix
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 did not see Vessel 2, a 10’ AB inflatable raft with a 25 hp outboard in sight line while underway and struck Vessel 2, which was adrift without motor running.  Prior to contact Vessel 2 Operator pushed the two young passengers to the front of the raft just before exiting the vessel off the starboard side to avoid being stuck by Vessel 1.  Vessel 2 passengers both remained in Vessel 2.  

Vessel 1 struck the left rear corner of Vessel 2, resulting in damage to the outboard motor, fuel tank, and a broken tiller handle.    

Vessel 2 Operator had a torn labrum in his shoulder.  Passenger 1 suffered a concussion and Passenger 2 suffered a bruised ankle.

Vessel 1 Operator was cited for operating a boat in reckless or negligent manner.


BARDID: WI-2017-0060
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: St Croix River
NearestCityorTown: Troy
County: St. Croix
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 cruising northbound towards Hudson on the Wisconsin side of the river.  Operator noticed a substantial amount of smoke and heat coming from the engine compartment.  Vessel 1 Operator stopped the vessel and turned off the engine.  Vessel 1 Operator verified all passengers were wearing PFDS and moved them to the front the vessel, away from the source of the smoke and upwind.  Vessel 1 Operator located the fire extinguisher.  Vessel 1 Operator connected the trolling motor and had his oldest son transport them to the nearest visible dock.


BARDID: WI-2017-0063
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Waubeesee Lake
NearestCityorTown: Wind Lake
County: Racine
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was traveling in a southwest direction at an estimated speed of Slow No Wake.  Vessel 2 was towing 2 people on tube.  Depending on who the Officers interviewed, Vessel 2 was either starting to tow the tube or slowing down to stop.  The bow of Vessel 2 was up in the air, an occupant in the front of Vessel 2 yelled out that Vessel 1 was in front of Vessel 2.  Vessel 2 bow struck the portside of Vessel 1. 


BARDID: WI-2017-0064
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:42:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Redstone
NearestCityorTown: LaValle
County: Sauk
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator towing four juveniles on a tube on the waters of Lake Redstone.  The Operator was turning left at speeds of approximately 25 mph.  While turning left, the tubers hit the wake from other boats and flipped the tube.  When flipping, two occupants, both wearing PFDs, of the tube struck heads and the Injured person was knocked unconscious.  The Injured person’s injuries consisted of a fractured orbital bone and severe head concussion.


BARDID: WI-2017-0065
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pokegama Lake
NearestCityorTown: Chetek
County: Barron
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/21/2017 the two vessels were on the waters of Pokegama Lake. Vessel 1 was southbound with two occupants in the vessel. Vessel 1 was navigating on the west side of Anbre Island. Vessel 2 was navigating westbound on the south side of Anbre Island. Vessel 1 was cruising at approximately 20 mph. 

Vessel 2 was pulling a tube with one person on it. At approximately 11:30am Vessel 2 navigated directly in front of Vessel 1. The operator of Vessel 1 said that Vessel 2 missed colliding with their pontoon by just a few feet. Vessel 2 continued past Vessel 1 and pulled the tube and person on the tube into vessel 1. 

The tube and tuber hit the port side of Vessel 1. The tuber was pulled underneath of Vessel 1. Vessel 1 immediately turned off his engine. Vessel 1 Passenger jumped into the water to get the tuber out from under Vessel 1. Vessel 1 Passenger then handed the tuber up to Vessel 2. Vessel 1 and Vessel 2 then drove over to Six Lakes Resort where the tuber and his mother were taken to the hospital by EMS and Flight For Life. The witnesses were then interviewed at Six Lakes Resort.


BARDID: WI-2017-0066
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:33:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityorTown: LaCrosse
County: La Crosse
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was operating northbound on the Mississippi River.  Vessel 1 Operator stated another vessel passed his vessel.  The other vessel caused a log to be pushed away from the other vessel and went underneath Vessel 1.  The log had struck Vessel 1’s propeller and caused damaged to the hull just above the propeller.  Vessel 1’s rudder was also broken off.


BARDID: WI-2017-0067
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Sturgeon Bay
County: Door
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Per the operator report and USCG report;

Boat left the dock from Center Point Marina slip at 7:30 am to fish salmon off of Sturgeon Bay in Lake Michigan.  At approximately 9:30 am, the owner noticed water in the cabin and checked the engine compartment, which had a foot of water in it.  

The owner pulled lines and started heading back to the marina. He notified the USCG of the situation.  The USCG arrived on scene at 10:26 am and transfer the occupants to their boat.  USCG tried to de-water the boat without success.  Owner had contacted a person to help recover the boat, but the insurance company had hired T-1 Towing.  

T-1 towing did not have a proper size vessel to recover the boat and did not mark the boat.  When T-1 Towing returned the next day they could not locate the boat.  Currently the location of the boat is unknown.


BARDID: WI-2017-0068
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Otter Lake
NearestCityorTown: Stanley
County: Chippewa
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On the waters of Otter Lake in Chippewa County, Vessel 1 was pulling two juvenile males on a tube behind the boat, with a driver and 2 passengers on board.  One the juveniles fell off of the tube into the water.  

Vessel 2 was pulling a water skier with a driver and three passengers aboard the vessel.  Vessel 2 turned into Vessel 1’s wake in an attempt to allow the water skier to be able to ride the wave.  

Vessel 2 Operator did not see the victim in the water in the waves nor over the risen bow of the boat.  The victim waved his arms in attempt to alert Vessel 2 Operator, but Vessel 2 Operator did not observe the individual in the water. 

 The victim attempted to swim away from the oncoming Vessel 2, but was sucked into the prop after Vessel 2 missed the victim.  The victim was pulled into the prop causing significant injuries to his legs.  

The victim sustained a broken left leg with lacerations and his right leg was broken in 4 locations and the bone was split length-wise with significant lacerations.  

Vessel 2 Operator, skier and witnesses were found to not have seen the victim in the water until after striking him.   Vessel 1 circled around and Vessel 2 circled around to render aid.  Vessel 2 took the victim to the hospital where he was transported by helicopter for treatment.  

Vessel 1 Operator was found to have consumed alcohol prior and after the incident.


BARDID: WI-2017-0069
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Little St Germain Lake
NearestCityorTown: St Germain
County: Vilas
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 stopped with motor idling while Operator was on the phone.  Vessel 1 was struck from behind by Vessel 2 on the starboard side stern.  Vessel 2 travelled up onto the stern of Vessel 1 causing it to take on water and ultimately sink.

Vessel 1 Operator went into the water.  Vessel 1 was fully submerged and was resting on the bottom of the lake, upside down prior to being turned over the removed from the water.
Vessel 1 Operator was injured in the neck area during the course of the impact.


BARDID: WI-2017-0070
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Flambeau River
NearestCityorTown: Ladysmith
County: Rusk
WaterConditions: Very rough
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator and Passenger were fishing from the anchored canoe.  Passenger unexpectedky stood up causing the Vessel to roll over and capsize.  Both the Operator and Passenger entered the water and struggled to make it to shore due to the cold water and current.  Both were hospitalized overnight for hypothermia.


BARDID: WI-2017-0071
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Long Lake
NearestCityorTown: Long Lake
County: Washburn
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 2 at idle speed traversing southeast across the main body of water on the south end of Long Lake,  was struck by Vessel 1 which was traveling at a high rate of speed.  

Initial impact was at a 30 degree angle off our starboard bow.  No one in Vessel 2 saw Vessel 1 approaching.   The bow of Vessel 2 was snapped off and was impaled into the bow of Vessel 1.  

Vessel 1 travelled over the starboard side of Vessel 2, through the driver’s windshield striking Vessel 2 Operator in the head and ejecting Vessel 1 Operator.  

At the time of impact, Vessel 2 passenger was knocked unconscious.


BARDID: WI-2017-0072
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:59:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Starrett Lake
NearestCityorTown: Sayner
County: Vilas
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim and his wife were paddling separate inflatable canoe on Starrett Lake off the state forest campground where they were staying.   The victim fell out of the canoe once and was assisted back in by his wife who requested he put on his life jacket, which he did not.   The victim fell out again a short time later.  The Passenger was unable to get the victim back into the canoe.  A nearby witness heard the Passenger yelling for help and swam out and pulled the victim to shore.  CPR was performed by other campers at the campground but the victim later died that night at the hospital in Wausau.


BARDID: WI-2017-0073
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan-Bailey's Harbor
NearestCityorTown: Bailey's Harbor
County: Door
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Conservation Warden was contacted about a boating collision that had occurred in Baileys Harbor near the town marina. Upon arriving to the area, the Conservation Warden met with Vessel 1 Owner/Operator who was now anchored south of the town marina. Vessel 1 Owner/Operator stated that while at anchor near the town marina he noticed a number of boats coming in from fishing and thought that they were operating fairly close to his boat. Vessel 1 Owner/Operator stated that shortly after that he observed Vessel 2, a larger fishing boat approaching and at the last moment begin to veer away from Vessel 1 but struck the port (left) bow area of the boat causing some damage to the railing and pulpit of Vessel 1.  Vessel 1 Owner/Operator further stated that the striking boat had cut the anchor line to Vessel 1 boat and that the Vessel 2 Operator provided Vessel 1 Owner/Operator with Vessel 2’s anchor.

Vessel 2 Operator stated that he was operating his boat after running a charter trip on Lake Michigan with six clients. Vessel 2 Operator stated that since it was a clear night he was not utilizing his radar along with his chart plotter and instead was following his previous track lines on the chart plotter. Vessel 2 Operator stated that approximately a quarter of a mile from the entrance to the town marina he observed a boat in front of him swerve drastically to avoid the sailboat. Vessel 2 Operator stated that he also swerved to miss Vessel 1 but struck the sailboat with the starboard (right) bow area of Vessel 2. Vessel 2 Operator stated that after striking the boat he checked on all of his passengers and then went back and spoke with the occupants of the Vessel 1 to make sure that they were not injured. Vessel 2 Operator further stated that after speaking with the occupants of Vessel 1, he provided the occupants with the anchor from Vessel 2 so that the Vessel 1 could be secured for the night. 

When the Conservation Warden asked why the Vessel 2 Operator didn't contact the Sheriff’s Department, he stated that he didn't think it was a big deal since nobody had been injured and that he had to take care of his customers. The Conservation Warden explained to Vessel 2 Operator, that as a holder of a US Coast Guard Captain's license he should know that call needed to be made immediately. The Conservation Warden explained that he would discuss the matter with the US Coast Guard Marine Safety Office in Sturgeon Bay to determine if any enforcement action would take place.  The Conservation Warden discussed the matter with the US Coast Guard Marine Safety Office, whereby a decision was made to cite Vessel 2 Operator under state regulations rather than federal regulations to not impact his US Coast Guard Captains License.


BARDID: WI-2017-0074
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:51:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Nagawicka Lake
NearestCityorTown: Delafield
County: Waukesha
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 2 was anchored by trolling motor spot lock, and the two subjects were onboard fishing.   Vessel 2 was anchored in a slow no wake area on northeast side of lake within 100 from shore. 

Vessel 1 hit Vessel 2 about 7 feet from the front port-side. Vessel 1 went over the front of Vessel 2 causing the removal of the port front side rail and seat.  Vessel 2 Victim was hit by Vessel 1 and thrown from the vessel.  

Vessel 1 lower unit caused damage to Vessel 2 port side pontoon and deck.  

Vessel 2 Victim was under water 10-15 minutes before recovered from water.

Operator1 was at fault for alcohol use.


BARDID: WI-2017-0075
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-08-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityorTown: Stoddard
County: Vernon
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1, a 32’, 10 passenger pleasure craft was traveling south and struck a concrete navigational marker, a day marker.  The vessel’s stern was submerged and the bow went vertical.  There were 7 occupants, including the operator when the crash occurred.   

The vessel was lifted by a crane out of the water and taken the LaCrosse PD Impound.  Interviews of the passengers and other witnesses were conducted by law enforcement officers.  Reconstruction efforts were conducted by the Wisconsin State Patrol of the vessel and of the concrete navigation structure.

During the day, the Operator and Deceased were switching driving the vessel.  The Operator admitted operating the vessel at the time of the crash until he was approximately 1000 feet away from the concrete structure.  The Operator told officers he switched drivers with another passenger and when he looked forward he noticed the concrete structure.  

At the time of the crash, the Operator had his hands on the steering wheel to turn the boat, but he stated the steering wheel would not move.  The Operator thought the boat may have had a mechanical issue at the time of the crash and thus caused the crash.  A certified mechanic and the Operator went to the impound and looked at the boat, and no mechanical issues were detected.

During the investigation, there were inconsistencies on who the Operator of the boat was at the time the incident occurred.  Based on the investigation, the named person was found to be the Operator of the boat at the time of the incident.

Two of the passengers were killed and five of the passengers were treated for injuries at the hospital.


BARDID: WI-2017-0076
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Poygan
NearestCityorTown: Borth
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Location was never able to be pinpointed to anything better than Lake Poygan.  Vessel 1 Operator struck rock bed in the dark and said he was airborne momentarily.  Rock piles are suspected in the Captain’s Cove area or the break wall near the natural exit of the Wolf River into Lake Poygan.  Vessel 1 Operator reports being able to still partially navigate and attempted to get back to Oshkosh when he ran out of gas.  Operator stated he got the vessel to the shore in the 9100 block of County Road and walked to Winneconne.


BARDID: WI-2017-0077
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan-Horseshoe Island
NearestCityorTown: Ephraim
County: Door
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Conservation Warden received a call at approximately 4:37pm from Rangers at Peninsula State Park of a found kayak that was on Horseshoe Island. Warden was advised that the kayak was on shore on the southeast side of the island and it was presumed to have blown off of shore from Nicolet Bay. Upon arriving at approximately 6:00pm Subject located the kayak up on shore and found nobody in the area. After some time of checking around the island the Warden seized the kayak as lost property and transported it back to Peninsula State Park.

At approximately 8:47 pm the Conservation Warden overheard radio traffic from the Door County Sheriff's Dept. of an overdue kayaker that had left from Peninsula State Park. After speaking with a Sheriff's Deputy it was determined that the kayak the Warden had retrieved was likely that of the missing kayaker. A search of Peninsula State Park located a vehicle matching a description for the missing individual. The vehicle had a backpack, life preserver and a cell phone inside the vehicle. A shoreline search of Horseshoe Island and search of the island itself revealed no indications of the now missing individual.

As the Conservation Warden continued to investigate the incident it was determined that another kayaker had located the kayak in question at approximately 1:00pm. The kayak was found capsized approximately 100 yards off shore of the island and the paddle was another 25 yards from the capsized kayak. A search of the area with assistance of the US Coast Guard air station Traverse City and members from the US Coast Guard Station Washington Island did not reveal any additional clues for the missing individual. Plans were made with members of the WI DNR, Door County Sheriff's Dept, Door County Dive Team & Gibraltar Fire Dept. to resume the search in the morning hours with the aid of sonar equipment to attempt to locate the missing individual.  On August 23, 2017 the body was recovered off of Horseshoe Island at Peninsula State Park.


BARDID: WI-2017-0078
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chippewa River/Holcombe Flowag
NearestCityorTown: Holcombe
County: Rusk
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator maneuvering around other vessels and jumping wakes and operating above slow no wake within 100’ of another vessel.  Vessel 1 Operator stated he got water in his eyes, heard the Passenger say something and then struck Vessel 2.  Vessel 1 Operator and Passenger were thrown into the water.


BARDID: WI-2017-0079
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Washington Island
County: Door
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator attempting to follow the track line on a Ipad that was on a mount on the windshield that was “Bluetooth linked” to a Simard GPS chart-plotter that was on the front of the vessel.  Operator was staying to the left of his track line that was displayed on the Ipad and that after about a minute the vessel grounded and the Operator struck his face on the windshield of the vessel.  Operator stated that he was traveling between 20-25 miles per hour.


BARDID: WI-2017-0080
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Washington Island
County: Door
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday July 24th, 2017 Conservation Warden was contacted by an individual on Washington Island that stated that a boat had struck one of the navigation aids in Detroit Harbor and was currently being taken to Yacht Works in Sister Bay. 

Upon arriving at Yacht Works Vessel 1 was found being covered up in one of the storage buildings so repairs could be made to the boat. Upon the Conservation Warden speaking with the owner of Yacht Works, he was informed that the boat had struck a buoy in Detroit Harbor. After obtaining contact information for the Owner/Operator, the Conservation Warden made several attempts to contact him without success.  The Conservation Warden met with the Owner/Operator on September 13th, 2017.

At the September 13, 2017 meeting the Owner/Operator stated that he had been operating his boat out of the marina at Shipyard Island Marine on July 23, 2017. The Owner/Operator stated that while operating the boat there were several wind gusts and that he didn't see the navigational aid near the end of the dock at the marina. The Owner/Operator stated while leaving the marina he operated too close to the navigational aid and a gust of wind blew Vessel 1 into the steel navigational aid along the port (left) side of the vessel. The Owner/Operator stated that after the incident they immediately returned to the marina to assess the damage to the boat. The Owner/Operator stated that with the damage to the boat they decided that they shouldn't operate the boat as the damage was just above the waterline so the boat was secured at the marina.


When asked why the Owner/Operator did not report the incident, he stated that since nobody was injured he didn't think he needed to. The Conservation Warden explained the rules for reporting of collision and the dollar amount so that the Owner/Operator understood the regulations as it relates to boating incidents. The Conservation Warden provided the Owner/Operator with a copy of the operator incident report and told him to fill out the report and mail it to Madison within ten days. Warning given to the Owner/Operator for failure to report the incident.


BARDID: WI-2017-0081
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:09:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Mary
NearestCityorTown: Twin Lakes
County: Kenosha
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
A 20’ Malibu Response was towing a pyramid consisting of 23 people during an Aquanut Watershows event.  The injured party was part of the pyramid.  Several people above her fell on top of her head, causing minor neck injuries.  The injured party was transported to the hospital for evaluation.


BARDID: WI-2017-0082
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:44:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Towanda Lake
NearestCityorTown: Arbor Vitae
County: Vilas
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was stopped floating in the waters of Towanda Lake. Operator and passenger were watching another boat towing a tuber.  

Vessel 2 drove towards Vessel 1 to go and talk with the operator and passenger. Vessel 2 Operator stated that he was operating around 30 to 40 mph as he approached Vessel #1. Vessel 2 Operator realized that he was traveling too fast, when he tried to turn, the jet ski continued on a direct path towards Vessel 1.

Vessel 2 Operator stated that he tried to pull out the kill switch / cut off cord, but it was too late. Vessel 2 struck the left rear 1/4 of Vessel 1. Vessel 2 rode up and over Vessel 1, striking both operator and passenger. Impact resulted in all three subjects being ejected from the PWC's and into the water. 

Third party witness's came to the aid of all three, and took them back to shore where EMS took them to Howard Young Medical Center.   Vessel 1 and Vessel 2 Operators did not have boater safety certificates as required by WI law.


BARDID: WI-2017-0083
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Milwaukee
County: Milwaukee
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Carbon monoxide exposure
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
OtherMachineryFailure: exhaust
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was recently purchased.  The Operator stated that sometime between Racine and Milwaukee, he started to feel like he had been drinking, light-headed, dizzy and nauseas.  At that time Vessel 1’s carbon monoxide alarm activated and they pulled into the Milwaukee Harbor.  All three occupants were conveyed to the Medial Center and treated for carbon monoxide poisoning.


BARDID: WI-2017-0084
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityorTown: Genoa
County: Vernon
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator was motoring north on pool nine toward Lock and Dam 8 on the Mississippi River near Genoa, Wisconsin. The Operator was unaware of a wing dam that is located approximately a half mile south of the lock. The Operator motored over the wing dam. The vessel’s lower unit impacted the wing dam structure below the surface of the water causing the boat to lose power. None of the four occupants on board were injured in the incident.


BARDID: WI-2017-0085
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake St Croix
NearestCityorTown: Solon Springs
County: Douglas
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The boat was being operated by owner, with approximately nine people on board. The boat was pulling one person in a tube. The operator turned the boat at slow speed to retrieve the tuber when the victim attempted to use his foot to deploy the boats' boarding ladder. The victims foot slipped off of the ladder and went down into the water, making contact with the propeller. The victim has a deep laceration on the back of his right foot and ankle possibly causing some nerve damage.


BARDID: WI-2017-0086
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Milwaukee River
NearestCityorTown: Milwaukee
County: Milwaukee
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #2 was tied up along Finger Pier facing north.  Vessel 1 was tied up on the face dock facing west.  Vessel 1 pulled forward out from face dock and collided with Vessel 2.


BARDID: WI-2017-0087
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Manitowoc
County: Manitowoc
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was coming out of the SNW zone in the Manitowoc Harbor and began coming up on plane and turned south towards what he thought was the horizon.  As the vessel planed out the operator realized that the horizon was actually the south break wall of the Manitowoc Harbor and tried to put it in reverse but hit the concrete break wall, causing the operator to hit the steering wheel with his torso, breaking his ribs and his face hit the dash, knocking his teeth out and pushing his teeth through his lower lips.


BARDID: WI-2017-0088
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:40:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chippewa River
NearestCityorTown: Chippewa Falls
County: Chippewa
WaterConditions: Very rough
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Dam/lock
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 08-27-2017 at approximately 1:40 pm witnesses fishing along shore observed a boat with a single occupant fishing on the Chippewa River below the Hydro Dam in Chippewa Falls. Witnesses stated that they observed the boat begin to capsize and the individual attempting to swim in the water holding onto a minnow bucket. The individual attempted to swim to shore as he was yelling for help. The individual disappeared in a the water. The individual briefly appeared again a short distance down river. The witnesses stated that he never appeared again.


BARDID: WI-2017-0089
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator stumbled while climbing out of the vessel, due to rocking caused by wake/waves.  This caused him to inadvertently step on the metal frame which resulted in front driver's side windshield to shatter.


BARDID: WI-2017-0090
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-28 00:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big Sand Lake
NearestCityorTown: Phelps
County: Vilas
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1, a Triton fishing boat was washed up on the north shore of Big Sand Lake with the motor still running in neutral, navigational lights on, and no one present in the boat.  After 5 days of extensive searching, the victim/operator was found by Conservation Warden on Saturday, September 2nd at 6:56 am.  The victim was discovered to be going to the bathroom at the time that he fell overboard.  Alcohol may have contributed to the victim falling overboard; Results are pending.


BARDID: WI-2017-0091
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:25:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Superior
NearestCityorTown: Washburn
County: Bayfield
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Owner/operator of sailboat and passenger were returning to port from a short trip under-sail with the jib sail only. The line/rope of the jib sail got tangled in the railing near the bow of the vessel. The owner went to the front of the vessel to free the line and while doing so his hand/arm became entangled in the line as the wind caught the jib sail and pulled him overboard. The passenger responded and was able to pull the line, with the owner still holding on, back to the side of the boat. 

The owner could not hold on to the line and was unable to reach for the hand of the passenger. The passenger encouraged the owner to hold on while she went to the back of the vessel to get a throw bag or cushion to throw to the owner. The passenger lost sight of the owner and performed a quick-stop maneuver, activated the MOB signal, started the motor and circled the vessel back toward the original location. The passenger located the owner who was non-responsive in the water and the USCG team arrived and pulled the owner from the water.


BARDID: WI-2017-0092
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-08-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Kirby Lake
NearestCityorTown: Cumberland
County: Barron
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator was drifting on Kirby Lake when his cellular telephone rang.  The Operator stated that when he stood up in the vessel to get his cellular telephone out of his pocket he lost his balance causing him to fall overboard.  The Operator stated that when he fell overboard, it caused the gunwale to drop below the surface of the water and the vessel immediately filled with water and sank.  The Operator stated that he was able to grab a PFD and swim to shore, but left the lake making no attempt to contact law enforcement to report the sunken vessel.


BARDID: WI-2017-0093
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Milwaukee
County: Milwaukee
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
I was on a Milwaukee Police boat following Vessel #1 when the following occurred.  Vessel # 1 was traveling southbound through McKinley Marina, passing Vessel #2, which was tied off to the face of D Dock.  

The operator of Vessel #1 stated that a boat, pictured in the diagram, was exiting the fairway between the slips at D Dock, and coming out into the boat parade that was taking place at the Marina.  

The operator of Vessel #1 stated that this boat cut Vessel #1 off, causing him (Vessel #1 Operator) to throw Vessel #1 into reverse.  Vessel #1 was, at the time, utilizing its fire hose, causing the loss of one of its jets, therefore restricting maneuverability.  Vessel #1 then made contact with the starboard side of Vessel #2, toward the bow, causing the listed damage.  

I did not observe anyone cut Vessel #1 off, however, I was able to observe Vessel #1 reversing toward Vessel #2, and eventually colliding with Vessel #2.  

I spoke with the owner of Vessel #2, who was on board the boat when the collision occurred.  The owner of Vessel #2 stated that he did not observe a boat cut off Vessel #1, however, he did note that a boat was exiting the fairway at about that same time.  

The owner of Vessel #2 stated that at about that same time, he observed Vessel #1 was "slammed" into reverse, and began to approach his vessel.  The owner of Vessel #2 stated that he yelled "Watch your stern" multiple times, each time becoming louder until Vessel #1 struck his vessel.  The owner of Vessel #2 stated that once Vessel #1 collided with his vessel, Vessel #1 proceeded forward, scraping along the side as it moved away.  

 The witness stated that she did not observe the collision, but heard it and observed Vessel #2 moving as it was struck.  The witness stated that she did observe a  leaving the fairway right before the collision, however, she did not think that it was moving excessively fast due to the limited visibility at the end of D Dock. 

 The witness stated that she did not see if the exiting the fairway cut off Vessel #1.  I spoke with the operator of the vessel that was leaving the fairway immediately prior to the collision.  

He stated that he came to a complete stop prior to leaving the fairway and did not cut off Vessel #1.  He further stated that he entered the parade after Vessel #1 had passed, and directly behind the police boat on which I was riding, making his vessel third in line.


BARDID: WI-2017-0094
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-08-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wisconsin River
NearestCityorTown: Wisconsin Dells
County: Adams
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with commercial vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was operating upstream on the WI River on the 6:00 pm tour with 7 passengers.  Vessel 1 passed Vessel 2 and Vessel 3 as they were sitting around Coldwater Canyon near the narrows.  Vessel 1 continued operating upstream and was passed by Vessel 2 and Vessel 3 either while Vessel 1 was going around Steamboat Rock or doing a maneuver just north of Chula Vista.  Vessel 2 and Vessel 3 continued operating upstream after passing Vessel 1.  Vessel 1 continued operating upstream after passing Steamboat Rock and/or doing a maneuver.


Vessel 2 was operating on the Juneau County side (left side) of the channel and the Vessel 3 was operating on the Adams County side (right side) of the channel.  Vessel 1 was operating in the middle of the channel going in between Vessel 2 and Vessel 3 just downstream of where the river opens to the bay. 

Vessel 2 started to cross the river channel towards Adams County in Vessel 1's path.  Vessel 1's operator did not see Vessel 2 until Vessel 2 was less than 10 feet away from Vessel 1.  Vessel 1's operator and 2 passengers on Vessel 1 saw Vessel 2 operating at an angle towards the port bow of Vessel 1.  Vessel 1's operator did not see Vessel 2 until Vessel 2 was approximately less than 10 feet away from Vessel 1.  Vessel 1's operator did not have time to avoid the collision after seeing Vessel 2.  Vessel 2 collided with Vessel 1 on Vessel 1's port bow.  Vessel 2 collided with Vessel 1 on Vessel 2's starboard side mid-section.  Vessel 2 and the operator went under Vessel 1 and eventually surfaced in separate areas on the river.


BARDID: WI-2017-0095
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:19:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityorTown: Victory
County: Vernon
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The Passenger/Victim and the Operator (husband) were out boating on Pool 09 on their new boat purchased three days prior.  They stopped the boat to go to the bathroom off the side of the boat. The Operator heard a splash and saw the Passenger/Victim in the water.  The Passenger/Victim was swimming back to the boat and went unconscious.  The Operator held on to the Passenger/Victim along the side of the boat while he waited for someone to drive by to help him lift her into the boat.  The Operator and the people from the other boat performed CPR until first responders arrived.  Passenger/Victim was deceased by the time EMS arrived.  There were no witnesses that observed the incident.

Autopsy results showed the cause of death was drowning.  Initially, the Operator informed Law Enforcement Officers that the victim only had approximately 3 beers throughout the day. The toxicology report indicated the victim’s BAC was .238.


BARDID: WI-2017-0096
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:10:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Little Star Lake
NearestCityorTown: Manitowish Waters
County: Vilas
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was slalom water skiing on Little Star Lake in Manitowish Waters. Victim had made a pass along the Western edge of the lake, when he went down in the water. Operator (daughter) came back around, where victim stated that he wanted to go again. Operator stated that the victim got back up, where after going approximately 50 feet, he let go of the rope and went face down in the water. Operator came back around, where victim was grasping the chest area of his life vest, could not talk, and was turning blue. Operator jumped in the water and pulled the victim onto the back deck board of the boat and began CPR. Spotter / wife drove into shore where EMS was summoned. Victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. Pending autopsy for 09/06/17 to determine cause of death. 


BARDID: WI-2017-0097
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:23:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winneconne
NearestCityorTown: Winneconne
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel was travelling approximately 10 mph in Lake Winneconne.  Passenger/Injured was standing near the front of the boat when he reported he lost his balance and then fell into the water.  Passenger/Injured reported he was struck by the prop which caused lacerations to his right arm and shoulder.  Passenger/Injured was treated at the hospital and released soon after.


BARDID: WI-2017-0098
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-09-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bughs Lake
NearestCityorTown: Wautoma
County: Waushara
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Officers responded to a call from the Waushara County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) of a possible drowning at N2614 Bughs Lake Road in the Town of Wautoma, Waushara County, WI.  

The Victim’s wallet and a fishing pole had been recovered near the spot he was last seen. The Vessel was found approximately one hundred yards south of that location. No Personal Floatation Devices (PFD) were found.  The Victim’s wife pointed to the location where she last saw her husband.  The dive team placed a floating marker at that spot. (GPS coordinates: 44.0701603,-89.2610789).

Officers later learned that the Victim had rowed the boat back to the pier and the wife got out. The Victim went back out on the lake. Shortly after, the wife heard him yell for help.  She swam out and attempted to rescue the Victim but could not hang on and he went under the water.  She swam back to the neighbor’s pier, got out of the water, and called 911.

Officers operated the boat in a in a tight, back in forth, search pattern near the spot of the floating marker.  The area searched had depths from 6 to 20 feet, the water was murky, full of weeds, and visibility was approximately 18 inches.  The dive teams began searching for victim.  Later, The Winnebago County Dive Team arrived and put two divers in the water.  They searched in a coordinated pattern. The Victim’s body was recovered at approximately 7:08PM near the spot the floating marker had been placed.

The Victim was only dressed in shorts and was not wearing a PFD.  

On October 4, 2017 Officers spoke with the County Sheriff's Detective who confirmed the Coroner believed that the Victim suffered a heart attack before falling into the water.


BARDID: WI-2017-0099
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Eagle Spring Lake
NearestCityorTown: Eagle
County: Waukesha
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was following Vessel 2 on the lake. Vessel 2 stopped and Vessel 1 didn't stop and its starboard front hit Vessel 2 on the port back side and back of the seat. 

Vessel 2 Operator and Passenger were thrown from the PWC.   Vessel 1 Operator one was thrown off the PWC as well.


BARDID: WI-2017-0100
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Milwaukee
County: Milwaukee
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was traveling westbound along the north side of the mooring basin of McKinley Marina.  Vessel 2 was moored in the northwest corner of the mooring basin.  Vessel 1 Operator stated as he was operating he was hugging the south end of the channel when the wind shifted and Vessel 2 blew in-front of Vessel 1 on its mooring. Vessel 1 Operator stated he could not turn in time and collided into the port stern of Vessel 2.  Vessel 1 Operator stated he then went back to his dock.


BARDID: WI-2017-0101
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rock River
NearestCityorTown: Fort Atkinson
County: Jefferson
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 traveling at approximately 40 mph heading north on the Rock River north of Klement Park outside the City of Fort Atkinson.  At the northern end of the island in the river, Vessel 1 Operator saw a large rock.  

Vessel 1 Operator maneuvered the vessel to the west and avoided the large rock.  Shortly after, Vessel 1 impacted a rock bar below the water’s surface which caused the vessel to lose forward momentum.  Vessel 1 Operator fell forward to the left of the steering console.  Vessel 1 Passenger fell behind the Operator.  

Vessel 1 Operator and Passenger returned to their seats and the Operator turned the vessel around.  Vessel 1 Operator could hear and feel the boat colliding with additional rocks below the water’s surface.  The vessel got hung up at one point so the Operator gave the engine more power and was able to dislodge the vessel.   Vessel 1 Operator continued south past the rock bar until the engine compartment filled with water which caused the engines to stop.


BARDID: WI-2017-0102
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-09-04 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Superior
NearestCityorTown: Bayfield
County: Bayfield
WaterConditions: Very rough
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was anchored, while owner and two others were camping on shore.  Unexpected storm approached, high winds developed, bot was rocking violently at anchor and being pushed back into the beach/rocks.  Vessel 1 took on water and sunk.  Vessel was retrieved 4 days after the incident.


BARDID: WI-2017-0104
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Upper Buckatabon Lake
NearestCityorTown: Conover
County: Vilas
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was barefoot water skiing from a water ski boom.  Victim was using a Weyers front toe hold barefoot handle attached to the ski boom.  Operator stated that they were going around 40 mph, when the Victim caught a toe in the water.  The Victim went face forward, where his head went into the center of the barefoot handle, where the rubber-coated aluminum handle caught under the Victim’s chin.  The force of the handle being pulled under his chin caused it to bend in the shape of an off-shaped U under this chin and neck.  As the Victim struck the water, the force of the pulling handle caused the Victim’s head to snap back, where the handle then came dislodged from his neck.  The Operator observed the event happening and immediately turned around, and a passenger jumped into the water to assist in turning the victim face-up from the water.  The Victim sustained a serious neck injury.  The Victim was lifted onto the back stern deck of the vessel, and taken to shore to awaiting EMS.  Victim was air lifted to trauma hospital.


BARDID: WI-2017-0105
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-09-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:41:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rainbow Lake
NearestCityorTown: Waupaca
County: Waupaca
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1- Eastbound on Rainbow Lake made left turn in circuitous pattern, and Vessel 2 Eastbound on Rainbow Lake made left turn in circuitous pattern and struck Vessel 1 in right rear side.  No injuries to operators or passengers of either vessel.  

Vessel 2 hull plastic hull failed, large crack about 6 inches wide and 24 inches long, andthen began to sink and capsized/overturned, and both operator and passenger left the vessel to keep it afloat.  Vessel 2 Operator and passenger were assisted to shore by a runabout boat.  Operator and passenger then pulled Vessel 2 ashore to drain water. 


BARDID: WI-2017-0106
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-09-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:12:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Milwaukee
County: Milwaukee
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 and Vessel 2 were participating in Louie’s Last Regatta held on Lake Michigan.  A collision occurred just 1 or 2 minutes after the start of the race.  

Vessel 1 operator stated that he did not know where the other boat that was involved was and that he was told it towed to the Milwaukee Sailing Center.  Vessel 1 Operator stated that during a sail boat race with his sail boat, another sail boat came across his bow and they collided.  Vessel 1 operator state that he going straight into the wind and called it “hard up”, the direction was east at approximately 80 degrees and was going “starboard tack”.  Vessel 1 Operator stated that he did not see the other sail boat due to the sail blocking his view and he did not hear anything on the radio either.  Vessel 1 Operator also stated that he believed the other sail boat was going “port tack”.  Vessel 1 Operator stated that the sea was calm and the wind was approximately SE 10 to 12 knots.  Vessel 1 Operator further stated that by the time he realized there was something wrong, the collision was inevitable.  Vessel 1 Operator also stated that the race has staggered times and the other sail boat was supposed to be 5 minutes of him and he was not sure why it was there.  Vessel 1 Operator then stated that he has been sailing for over 50 years and has never had an incident.  No injuries were reported.

Officer then located Vessel 2 which was out of the water.  Officers located the Vessel 2 Owner/Operator on October 11, 2017.  Vessel 2 Owner/Operator stated that he was operating the boat during the incident and did not know he had to report the incident.  During the investigation, it was found that a lot of people in the sail races, contest incidents, including accidents through a racing committee who reviews the incident and determines who is at fault, never involving law enforcement for reporting purposes.  Vessel 2 Owner/Operator believed that he did not need to report this incident and was going to do what he believed was the proper way of dealing with this incident.  Vessel 2 Owner/Operator stated that he had been sailing for over 50 years himself and was part of the sailing center’s safety course instructor staff.  Vessel 2 Owner/Operator stated that his boat was facing in a southeast direction and was going port to starboard.  Vessel 2 Owner/Operator stated he did not see the other sail boat until it was too late.  Damage to Vessel 2 was severe.  Vessel 2 Owner/Operator stated the value of his boat was approximately $5,000.   No injuries were reported by either the Vessel 2 Owner/Operator or Vessel 2 Passenger.


BARDID: WI-2017-0107
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-10-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:50:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Upper Lake Nashotah
County: Waukesha
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
No one was located that observed the incident.  

Statements of a fellow resident indicate that the Victim, was planning on removing his sailboat from the water due to the end of the boating season.  The boat was docked at the pier on the seminary property.  The Victim is known to be an experienced sailor.   

 Other witnesses report seeing the sailboat on the lake with a single occupant who was not wearing a life jacket.  One witness reports seeing the operator of the sailboat struggling to control the boat due to the wind and waves.  The caller reported that she thought she heard sounds and possibly saw someone swimming from an object, possibly a paddle board.  That witness retrieved binoculars and was then unable to see anyone nor hear any further noises.  She then called 9-1-1.

The first arriving officers utilized a resident's boat and found that the paddle board was actually an overturned sailboat.  Additional resources were summoned and a search of the lake was conducted for the operator with negative results.  Meanwhile, at the seminary, investigation revealed that the Victim was missing.  

At about 4:30pm, the search transitioned to a recovery effort.  The effort was suspended at dark, about 5:45pm.  The next morning, the recovery effort resumed.  WDNR Officer located an anomaly with side-scan sonar at about 9:46am, and was able to confirm finding a body utilizing a remote camera.  The body was brought to the surface by the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department Dive Unit, and turned over to Waukesha County Medical Examiner.  The body was positively identified by seminary colleagues.  

The sailboat was recovered from the lake and transported to the Summit Police Department.  


BARDID: WI-2017-0108
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-09-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Sister Bay
County: Door
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Conservation Warden notified by the Door County Sheriff's Department of an individual who had capsized a sailboat on Lake Michigan near Rowley's Bay and was currently lying on the boat trying to stay afloat. Upon arrival Conservation Warden observed a capsized sailboat approximately 1 1/2 miles off shore and a commercial fishing boat heading towards the capsized sailboat.

The commercial fishing boat and members of the Door County Emergency Medical Services had just picked up the individual from the capsized sailboat. The Vessel Operator was shivering uncontrollably as the medical personnel treated him. The Vessel Operator was then transferred into the Warden’s boat along with the medical personnel and transported them back to Sand Bay where the Door County Medical Services Ambulance was waiting. After the Operator was transported, the Warden returned to the location of the capsized sailboat to document its location and wait for a salvage company to recover the boat. Once the boat was recovered we secured the boat at the dock at the State Marina in Rowley's Bay. Upon initial inspection of the boat it was determined that there were no self-bailing drain plugs in the freeing ports, which allowed the boat to gradually take on water while it was being operated there by making it unstable due to the excess weight from the water in the bilge area of the boat.

On September 13th, 2017 the Conservation Warden met with the Vessel Operator at his residence located.  The Vessel Operator stated that he had planned to take the boat from his cottage over to the boat ramp in Rowley's Bay to pull the boat out of the water for the season. The Operator stated that as he was heading towards Rowley's Bay subject made a change in course from Northeast to a South West direction and the boat heeled significantly and that the Operator was unable to hang onto the tiller arm of the steering and fell overboard as the boat began to capsize. The Operator further stated that this was only his second or third time sailing and that he had recently purchased a dry bag to keep his cell phone inside in case of an emergency. The Operator further stated that he tried for 15-20 minutes to right the sailboat but was unable and finally called 911 for assistance. The Operator stated that while waiting for first responders he had thought about swimming for shore but then decided against it because he was so cold. The Operator stated that he was unsure how long it took for the first responders to arrive and didn't remember anything around the time he was picked up by the commercial fishing boat. The Operator stated that his core body temperature was approximately 90 degrees and that he was treated at the Door County Medical Center for hypothermia.

When the Operator and Conservation Warden inspected his boat which was now on a trailer near his driveway, the Operator pointed out what he thought may have been the problem as there was a slight crack in the hull where a center roller touched the bottom of the hull near the centerline of the boat. The crack extended through the gel-coat and into the fiberglass and water intrusion is very likely based upon the crack in the hull. The Conservation Warden then explained that since the boat didn't have the self-bailing drain plugs in the freeing ports in the transom it was also very likely that as the Operator was sailing he was gradually taking on water causing the boats center of gravity to shift. With a sudden change of direction, the center of gravity would then surpass the center of buoyancy causing the boat to capsize.


BARDID: WI-2017-0109
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-11-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Mendota
NearestCityorTown: Middleton
County: Dane
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel was being tested at the pier after it was rebuilt and was put in the water for the first time in 15 years.  The vessel was started and soon after began to burn under the motor in the rear of the vessel.  The motor was recently worked on by the Operator.  The Vessel was untied from the pier after the Operator got out onto the pier and wind carried the boat to the shore opposite of the boat docks in the inlet at Marshall Park.  Fire Department arrived and put the fire out before the vessel sank, however the vessel did burn to nearly the waterline.  The Operator was able to pull the vessel back across to the dock and loaded it onto a trailer.


BARDID: WI-2017-0110
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Browns Lake
NearestCityorTown: Burlington
County: Racine
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Drug
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 spun in a circle, coming to a stop in front of Vessel 2.  Vessel 2 Operator while travelling at full throttle, tried to swerve to the right while letting off the throttle.  Vessel 2 skipped across the water and collided with Vessel 1.  Vessel 1 Operator was ejected into the water.  Vessel 1 Operator had been drinking and using drugs.  Cocaine blood test - 32 ng/ML


BARDID: WI-2018-0001
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-03-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:09:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wolf River
NearestCityorTown: Fremont
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was traveling down river while Vessel 2 was traveling upriver.  Both vessels were operating in the middle of the channel.  Vessel 1 turned left, while Vessel 2 turned right.  Vessel 2 struck Vessel 1 on the right side.


BARDID: WI-2018-0002
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-04-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Monona
NearestCityorTown: Madison
County: Dane
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Received a call of a missing boater who was late reporting to a family member's residence. He was last seen using a kicker motor to propel his sailboat. A couple hours later received a call of a person floating in water face down potentially matching the description of the missing boater. He was found in water. He was pulled into my boat and CCR was attempted. He was transported to UWER and was later pronounced deceased. Subject was wearing a life jacket, PFD, with heavy clothing.  

Additional reports and photos were taken and are awaiting processing. Autopsy scheduled for Monday April 30, 2018.

Unknown direction of travel. He appeared to have been working on the motor as the cowling was off and gas line hanging loose. Gas tank not vented properly and did not appear to make it to motor. A safety rail was untied and a kayak was near boat. Appeared that he tried to get into kayak in attempts to fix motor but fell overboard.


BARDID: WI-2018-0004
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-05-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Little Okauchee
NearestCityorTown: Oconomowoc
County: Waukesha
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating his Jet boat on Little Okauchee Lake. stated he lost steering and control of is boat. Operator's boat hit a pier and boat lift and stopped before hitting the shore line.  The boat owner started out saying it was only $1500.00 damage. The owner of the pier and boat lift have not called the PD back on the cost of the damage of the pier and lift. The Town of Oconomowoc Officer said that the Pier and lift were old and would have to be replaced and gave a cost of $3000.00 for the pier and lift.


BARDID: WI-2018-0005
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-04-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityorTown: Desoto
County: Vernon
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was traveling north on the Mississippi River at a speed slower than 10 miles per hour when he struck an unidentified submerged object in the water near the northeast shoreline.  There were high water levels on the river at the time of the incident.  Vessel 1 sustained a puncture in the hull and was in operable.  The vessel was removed from the river at a location near where the incident occurred.


BARDID: WI-2018-0006
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:47:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wolf River
NearestCityorTown: Fremont
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 2 sitting on river facing northbound.  Vessel 1 heading southbound in the direction of Vessel 2.  Occupants of Vessel 2 attempted to wave their arms to warn Vessel 1 it was a slow no wake zone and that they were heading directly toward them.  Vessel 2 had to turn to the east to avoid getting hit, however, Vessel 1 struck the rear portside of the boat causing damage.


BARDID: WI-2018-0007
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wolf River
NearestCityorTown: Wolf River
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was anchored and fishing in the middle of the Wolf River about 100 yards up river from the Triangle Farm Campground.  Vessel 1 had both rear and front lights on as well as a bright fishing light.  
Vessel 2 was traveling down river at about 20 mph, the Operator stated he did not see Vessel 1 anchored.  Vessel 2 impacted Vessel 1 and went up over the top of Vessel 1.  Vessel 1’s Operator and front passenger voluntarily jumped off the boat to avoid injury and the back two passengers stated aboard.  Vessel 1 Operator and Passengers said they tried to yell and flash their lights but the Vessel 2 Operator did not see them.  Vessel 1 Operator was transported to the hospital by ambulance for concussion like symptoms and two of the passengers on Vessel 1 had cuts and bruises on their legs.  
Vessel 2 Operator was arrested for boating under the influence of intoxicants and refused the chemical test at the hospital.  Vessel 2 Operator was ultimately released to a responsible party.  Vessel 1 sustained heavy damage and is believed to be totaled.  Vessel 2 sustained damage below the water line that was not observed.


BARDID: WI-2018-0008
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Green Lake
NearestCityorTown: Green Lake
County: Green Lake
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/26/2018 at approximately 1:30 pm, an emergency call was placed to Green Lake County Sheriff’s dispatch reporting a male drowning on Big Green Lake.  Multiple agencies responded.  Deputies arrived on scene and determined a male party was swimming from Vessel 1 to Vessel 2 across an unknown distance of water.  

Vessel 1 Passengers reported throwing life jackets to the Deceased as he struggled to stay afloat in the water.  The Deceased was reported to have disappeared under water after struggling and calling for help and did not return to the surface.  Initial statement son scene indicate the Deceased swam from Vessel 1 to Vessel 2 to assist the Vessel 2 Operator start the engine.  

The Deceased was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident.  Vessel 1 and Vessel 2 were located adrift off of Belle Map Court, Sherwood Forest area along the northern shore of Big Green Lake.  The Deceased was recovered from the bottom of the lake at a depth of 109 feet of water at 7:52 pm.  The Deceased was identified and pronounced deceased on shore.  

It was reported that 13 individuals were aboard Vessel 1, which was rented along with Vessel 2.  Two individuals were aboard Vessel 2 during the incident.  Further interviews conducted uncovered that the Deceased took off his life jacket, which he was wearing while on Vessel 1 and swam to Vessel 2 which was afloat 20-30 feet from Vessel 1.  Upon reaching Vessel 2, the Deceased realized the ignition kill switch was on another individual’s wrist aboard Vessel 1.  The Deceased swam from Vessel 2 to Vessel 1 and retrieved the ignition kill switch and swam it back to Vessel 2, provided it to the Operator and swam back to Vessel 1.  

It was reported that a wave from another boat rolled over the Deceased’s head during his swim back to Vessel 1 and he went under water for a short period of time and returned to the surface.  Witnesses reported the Deceased began to struggle and call for help.  One passenger reported jumping in from Vessel 1 and attempting to save the Deceased but swam back to Vessel 1 due to the Deceased’s pulling the “would be” rescuer under the water.  

Another passenger reported attempting to save the Deceased, but also reported returning to Vessel 1 due to the Deceased pulling him under the water during his struggle.  Passengers reported throwing life jackets and a short rope, but attempts were unsuccessful.  One passenger reported that they were drinking whiskey mix drinks and that he knew the Deceased had drank multiple whiskey mix drinks and was smoking black and mild cigars, which she believed increased his fatigue in the water.  Multiple individuals on Vessel 1 were unwilling to provide information to law enforcement after they reached shore.  Multiple people aboard Vessel 1 were not able to be identified or identified further than listed in this report.  Multiple attempts were made by phone to different witnesses.  Green Lake County Sheriff’s office notified by the Coroner’s office that autopsy was complete and not foul play was suspected.


BARDID: WI-2018-0009
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Little Trade Lake
NearestCityorTown: Frederic
County: Burnett
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
OtherAccidentCause: bystander behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator was operating pontoon boat into shore/dock to pick up and drop off passengers.  Victim was standing on the dock and fell into the water and received multiple lacerations on both legs from the prop of Vessel 1.


BARDID: WI-2018-0010
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mount Morris Lake
NearestCityorTown: Mount Morris
County: Waushara
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 operated from residence's pier in one counter-clockwise circle around portion of Mount Morris Lake towing skier with operator seated in driver's seat and observer seated in front bow seat of vessel looking back towards skier. Operator of vessel 1 stated he did not see vessel 2. Operator of vessel 1 stated he looked back at skier while operating approximately 20 miles-per-hour and upon looking back towards the front of the boat observed vessel 2. Shortly thereafter, the front bow portion of vessel 1 struck vessel 2 in the rear left corner of vessel 2 and proceeded to continue forward over the left side of vessel 2 before coming to rest upright and floating in the lake.

Vessel 2 was floating and not under power prior to and at the time of the collision with one passenger being behind the vessel in the water attending to the water skies present as the vessel had just been attempting to pull skier(s). The operator of vessel 2 and injured passenger observed vessel 1 approaching while they were seated on the seat in the rear, left corner of the vessel and proceeded to yell towards vessel 1 to warn vessel 1 prior to impact. Upon impact, the injured passenger was struck in the arm(s) by vessel 1 prior to vessel 1 leaving contact with vessel 2. The injured passenger was reported as conscious and breathing after the incident with non-life threatening injuries, and upon "911" being called by a nearby neighbor, the injured passenger was transported with her husband and daughters to the Berlin, Wisconsin hospital for treatment of injuries. Two of the below mentioned three Waushara County Deputies responded to the Berlin Hospital for follow up.

Three Waushara County Deputies responded along with EMS prior to Warden arrival with all officers present taking photographs of the scene and vessel's involved along with witness statements and contact information for all individuals involved.


BARDID: WI-2018-0011
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Eagle Lake
NearestCityorTown: Dover
County: Waushara
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel Operator was patronizing the bar area at Michael's on the Lake.  Operator then left and began operating his pontoon boat in reverse from the pier.  Operator then put the throttle in forward and operated his boat at a speed greater than slow no wake towards the pier and struck the pier with the Vessel's portside pontoon causing heavy damage to the pontoon and to the pier.  Operator then drove off.


BARDID: WI-2018-0012
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Beulah
NearestCityorTown: East Troy
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator stated that he was operating his powerboat near the stump field.  A larger boat came up from behind him.  The other boat was on plane and the bow was up in the air.  The other boat caused a large wake as it passed by, at a distance he estimated to be 30 or 40’.  This wake pushed Vessel 1 into the stump field, where the vessel struck a stump and came to rest on another stump.   Vessel 1 Operator stated that his engine came up out of the water as he hit the stumps and it caused damage to the engine and lower unit.  Vessel 1 Operator also stated as his boat hit the stumps, he was thrown into the corner of the dashboard and throttle.  Vessel 1 Operator stated that his injuries were right shoulder rotator cuff area, and general bruising and strains.   The reporting officer did not observe the damage to the vessel.  There were no witnesses to the incident.  Vessel 1 Operator was unable to provide any description of the other vessel.


BARDID: WI-2018-0013
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wolf River
NearestCityorTown: Fremont
County: Waupaca
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 traveling downstream on plane on Wolf River upstream from Red Banks Resort.  Vessel 1 Operator stated he was looking down toward the back of the boat and telling his passenger to move the gas tank.  Vessel 1 Operated stated he did not realize the boat turned to the right and toward shore.  Vessel 1 struck the shore, continued forward and struck a tree.  The boat was totally grounded.  

Vessel 1 Operator stated the motor was still running after the crash and the Operator turned the motor off with the key.  When asked, the Operator and Passenger boat stated they were not injured.  The boat sustained damage to the bow, to the port side from approximately halfway down that side of the boat.  Damage to the starboard side was from the bow to approximately three feet down the side.  A trolling motor and deck mounted at the bow were also damaged.  It is unknown if the trolling motor is still working after the crash.


BARDID: WI-2018-0014
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:08:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Caledonia
County: Racine
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Hull failure
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated he was traveling from Milwaukee to Racine about one mile off shore in 50 feet of water at about 24 mph when he felt an impact.   Operator stated the passenger saw a piece of the boat break away.  Operator stated he stopped to determine what happened and saw water flood the deck.  Operator stated he called 911 and a mayday on marine channel 16 and deployed aerial flares.  Operator stated he then drove full throttle towards shore and beached the boat. There were no reported injuries from the Operator or the Passenger. 

It should be noted this incident occurred on 05/24/2018, the USCG responded to this incident.  The Racine County Marine Patrol and the WDNR were not notified of the incident until the Operator submitted a report to the WDNR Madison office, which was received on 6/7/2018.


BARDID: WI-2018-0015
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wisconsin River
NearestCityorTown: Wisconsin Dells
County: Adams
WaterConditions: Very rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator stated that he left Point Bluff Resort on the Wisconsin River with 3 passengers and that he could not get the boat motor started.  Operator stated that the river current was strong and his boat continued to drift down river until the boat made contact with a tree, causing it to capsize hear the Highway 872 bridge.  Operator and Passengers went into the water, but were all ok.  All refused medical treatment.  As of 6/1/2018, the boat has not been recovered.


BARDID: WI-2018-0016
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:37:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Lake Geneva
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator hit wave while travelling in a northeast direction approximately 300 yards off pier 887, causing the Operator to be launched into the watercraft causing his chest to hit the watercraft and his right leg to catch on the stern causing an approximately 3-4” laceration.  Operator was transported to medical center where he received approximately 15 stitches.


BARDID: WI-2018-0017
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: St Croix River
NearestCityorTown: Afton
County: St. Croix
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 WAS TOWING A TUBE ON THE ST. CROIX RIVER NEAR CATFISH POINT NEAR THE WISCONSIN SHORE. A SECOND VESSEL WAS IN THE AREA CREATING A LARGE WAKE FOR WAKE SURFERS. PASSENGER 1 WAS ACTING AS A SPOTTER. PASSENGER 2 AND 3 WERE ON TUBE.  OPERATOR OF VESSEL WAS MAKING A TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES PER HOUR. THE TUBE HIT A WAVE FROM THE WAKE SURFING BOAT CAUSING IT TO GO AIRBORNE. PASSENGER 2 WAS STRUCK IN THE FACE. PASSENGER 3 SUFFEREND A LACERATION TO HER LEG REQURING STITCHES. BOTH PASSENGER 2 AND 3 WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE.


BARDID: WI-2018-0018
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big Bearskin Lake
NearestCityorTown: Hazelhurst
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator with Passenger seated behind as an observer was towing a person who was single ski slalom water skiing.  They were travelling from the area of the boat landing towards the big island.  Shortly after the Skier dropped one ski, he made a couple of cuts slalom skiing when a wave caught his ski and twisted his left leg, causing him to fall.  The Skier was transported by the vessel to the boat landing where he was transported by ambulance to the hospital.


BARDID: WI-2018-0019
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Boom Lake
NearestCityorTown: Rhinelander
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Both vessels were heading west/southwest when the collision occurred in the area west of the Eagle Street Bridge.  Law enforcement was not notified on the incident until the next evening.  Physical evidence indicated that Vessel 2 struck Vessel 1 on its stern just port side of its outboard.  Transfer marks, prop cuts, rub rail damage and a collapsed portside windshield were visible on Vessel 1.  Vessel 2 had a minor gouge in the gel coat/starboard side, some transfer marks and a damaged propeller.  

Vessel 1 Operator stated that he was traveling at slow now wake/idle speed and had been maintaining course and speed when Vessel 2 attempted to overtake/pass him then struck his boat.  

Vessel 2 Operator claimed that the Vessel 1 Operator turned left/port just prior to the collision and as Vessel 2 struggled to come up on plane, the Operator was not able to see Vessel 1 then collided with it.  There was no physical evidence of rotation/turning of Vessel 1.  Vessel 2 Operator stated he had not looked at Vessel 1 and because he had only minor damage on the deck boat he didn’t believe it was reportable.  Vessel 1 Operator stated that he informed Vessel 2 Operator this his boat was totaled due to the damage and that he valued his boat at $6,000 when they talked at the boat launch.


BARDID: WI-2018-0020
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Kawaguesaga
NearestCityorTown: Minocqua
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator operating a rented PWC in the area of Beer Can Island on Lake Kawaguesaga.  The exact location is not known as the Operator was not familiar with the lake.  The Passenger was seated immediately behind the Operator and facing forward.  The Operator was going at a moderate rate of speed doing circles and creating a wake to jump.  The Operator make a sharp left hand turn and the Passenger was thrown from the PWC into the water.  The Operator estimated her speed at about 25 miles per hour at the time.  The Operator and Passenger went to the public boat landing and the Passenger was transported to the hospital where he was treated for a dislocated hip.


BARDID: WI-2018-0021
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Lake Geneva
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator kayaking along the shoreline near Pier 850 when her kayak overturned and she fell out and cut her right leg on a rock.  Operator was transported to the medical center.


BARDID: WI-2018-0022
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnebago
NearestCityorTown: Neenah
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 and 2 were out on the water together.  Vessel 1 was in the lead with 2 people on board.  Vessel 2 was following.  Vessel 2 Operator was looking down at the fuel gauge and did not see that Vessel 1 had stopped.  When Vessel 2 Operator looked up from the gauge, he attempted to avoid hitting Vessel 1, he was unable to and struck Vessel 1 causing non-life threatening injuries to Vessel 1 Operator and Passenger.  Vessel 1 Operator and Passenger were thrown from the vessel and had to be pulled back on.  They then went to shore where law enforcement and fire had contact with them.


BARDID: WI-2018-0023
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Beulah
NearestCityorTown: East Troy
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator phoned police on June 1,2018 and stated that her paddle board had been struck by Vessel 2, a PWC on 5/27/2018 at approximately 5:00 pm. 
Vessel 1 Operator was on her paddle board in the channel from Mill Lake to the Big Lake.  Operator was almost out of the channel that is wide enough for only one vessel at a time when she heard a PWC start to enter.  Vessel 1 Operated state that she tried yelling for the PWC not to enter but the operator did not hear.  Vessel 2 entered the channel at a speed of slow no wake and upon entering hit the front of Vessel 1 causing the operator to fall off.  Vessel 1 Operator stated that the male driver of the PWC stopped to see if she was alright, but they never exchanged information because she did not know the extent of her injuries.  Vessel 1 Operator was taken to a medical facility where she found out that her arm was broken.

Law Enforcement officer attempted contact with witnesses, however was unable to make contact.  Vessel 1 Operator stated that since the witnesses did not see any more than the Operator did, that the complaint can be considered closed with no further follow up needed.


BARDID: WI-2018-0024
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Superior
NearestCityorTown: LaPointe
County: Ashland
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Officer was informed by phone of these events by Vessel 1 Operator and Owner who were the only occupants of the boat.  They had been with their families at Big Bay State Park (east side of Madeline Island) which is located adjacent to the lake.  The wives and kids left by car after the east breeze picked up on Lake Superior where it got cold.  The Operator and Owner were to take the Boston Whaler  (middle console) boat back south and around Madeline Island to the Madeline Island Yacht Club (southwest side of Madeline Island).  The Operator and Owner were both standing at the console with Operator on the left (Port side) and Owner on the right side (Starboard side) who was initially driving the boat from Big Bay area south towards Russell Bay.  The Owner asked Operator if he wanted to drive the boat which the Operator agreed to and was driving with both hands.  The Operator stated that a towel or blanket dropped and he let both hands off the wheel to get the towel/blanket.  

Next thing the Operator knew was the boat did a sharp turn to the right and he was ejected from the boat on the back left/left side somewhere, but never felt the prop hit him as it occurred really fast.  The Operator was in the water and he tried to swim but then realized his left arm felt broken.  

The Operator heard the Owner yelling at him that he was coming to get him and to stay there.  The Owner stated he was wearing the lanyard as he was originally the one driving.  The Owner also stated the Operator made a sharp right turn for some reason and the Owner was knocked hard into the left (port) side of the boat's gunwale.  The Owner finally got his wits about him and saw the Operator/Injured in the water where he went to pick him up. 

Neither occupant was wearing a life jacket before or during the incident.  Once the Operator/Injured was back in the boat, the Owner put a towel tourniquet on the Operator/Injured’s left arm due to seeing a torn sleeve between his elbow and wrist.  The Owner then called 911 and took the Operator/Injured to a house dock which is right next to CTH H, where the ambulance arrived and picked up the Operator/Injured.  

The Operator/Injured was then flown out by helicopter from Bayfield to Duluth, where his left arm was later amputated just below the shoulder.  The Operator/Injured stated the only other injuries were bruises on the back side of his right calf and knee.


BARDID: WI-2018-0025
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Devils Lake
NearestCityorTown: Baraboo
County: Sauk
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Three females rented a canoe from the park’s concession stand.  The Injured female was in the front wearing a life jacket, female in the center was also wearing a life jacket, and the third female in the back was not wearing a lifejacket, but had one in the canoe.  

While out on the water, the center female was changing positions when the center support bar rivets broke causing a sudden shift in weight in the canoe causing it to capsize.  All on board fell from the canoe into the water and the Injured female dislocated her right shoulder in the process.  They were able to safely make it back to shore where they sought help.


BARDID: WI-2018-0026
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-05-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:52:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Milwaukee River
NearestCityorTown: Grafton
County: Ozaukee
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Three occupants launched Vessel 1, a canoe.  The river current was strong and water levels were high.  They navigated downstream a short distance and ended up striking debris/trees on the right shoreline after losing control.  The collision caused the canoe to tip.  All three occupants were tossed from the canoe and began to be swept downstream.  They attempted to get to the canoe with their gear in it, but were unsuccessful.  They were able to get to the bank.  One of the occupants had a cell phone in a dry bag and called 911 for assistance.  No injuries


BARDID: WI-2018-0027
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Wazeecha
NearestCityorTown: Wisconsin Rapids
County: Wood
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was heading west on Lake Wazeecha at approximately 35-40 mph intending to beach his boat on the sand shoreline west of the boat landing.  As operator approached the boat landing area, he turned left and crossed some waves.  As the boat impacted the waves, a speaker sitting unsecured on the console, fell between the steering wheel and throttle.  Operator stated he was unable to control the steering or throttle and the boat crashed into the shoreline and trees. Injuries were caused by impact within the vessel.


BARDID: WI-2018-0028
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:27:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Wisconsin
NearestCityorTown: Poynette
County: Columbia
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent3: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator tried to put the vessel on plane.  At the time, there were large waves and lots of other boat traffic.  Vessel 1 Operator stated that a wave caught the boat and turned it shortly after being on plane.  

Vessel 1 Operator attempted to turn the boat but lost control while he was standing.   Vessel 1 Operator fell out of the boat.  The Vessel continued on plane and started to make circles.  Vessel 1 then collided three times with a pier and Vessel 2 which was on a lift, then collided with the shore.  

Vessel 1 came to rest on shore and there were no injuries.  Vessel 1 had significant damage to the hull, Vessel 2 had damage to the port pontoon, however no damage estimated was obtained from the vessel owner.


BARDID: WI-2018-0029
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Owen
NearestCityorTown: Drummond
County: Bayfield
WaterConditions: Calm
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was adrift facing north.  Vessel 2 was southbound and at a narrow area of the lake.  Vessel 2 Operator had slowed from planning speed as another boat had overtaken him on the left and two kayaks were also in the area.  Vessel 2 bow was elevated as he was slowly plowing through the water and had a large electric trolling motor on bow.  Vessel 2 operator did not see Vessel 1 in front of him.  Both vessels collided nearly nose to nose.  No one was ejected or injured.  The front of Vessel 1 had crushed up and inward causing significant damage to the bow.  Vessel 2 sustained a small dent where the anchor had pushed into the bow.


BARDID: WI-2018-0030
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Fontana
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
MachineryFailure: Shift
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
According to witnesses, Vessel 1 attempted to drive his boat westbound onto his lift three times and the third time when the Operator put the boat into reverse to travel eastbound it made a horseshoe maneuver at a moderate speed and traveled westbound striking Vessel 2 that was unoccupied on a lift causing damage to both vessels.  Vessel 1 Operator stated the same as the witnesses but indicated the cable/line to his boat's shifter had broken when he put the boat into reverse the third time and he was unable to avoid the accident.


BARDID: WI-2018-0031
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Fontana
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was traveling southbound near Gordy's Pier when his prop struck Vessel 2 that was unoccupied and tied to a pier causing damage to the lower pontoon o the portside of Vessel 1.


BARDID: WI-2018-0032
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Mendota
NearestCityorTown: Madison
County: Dane
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Both Vessels were racing each other near the Union and heading northbound.  They were approximately 15-20 feet from each other.  Vessel 1 turned to the port and Vessel 2 ran into Vessel 1 at midpoint striking Vessel 1 Operator and launching him off and into the water.  Vessel 2 Operator went into water after striking Vessel 1.  Both Operators were transported to hospital.  Vessel 1 Operator had a broken femur and hip.  Vessel 2 Operator had broken ribs.


BARDID: WI-2018-0033
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big Hills Lake
NearestCityorTown: Wild Rose
County: Waushara
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 2 was anchored and fishing approximately 30-50 feet from two swim rafts. Vessel 1 was towing a tube with three people on the tube. Vessel 1 came around the point and went in a circle with the tube. As Vessel 1 came out of the circle and straightened out their path the operator looked back over his shoulder at the tube. Operator of Vessel 1 then looked forward and saw Vessel 2 in front of him. Operator of Vessel 1 stated he pulled back on the throttle and attempted to avoid Vessel 2, but they were too close and going too fast. The operator of Vessel 2 stated he saw Vessel 1 coming toward them and attempted to yell to them, but nobody heard him. Operator of Vessel 2 then jumped out of the way of Vessel 1 and into the water before Vessel 1 struck Vessel 2 on the rear starboard corner. Passenger of Vessel 2 also tried to leave voluntarily, but the impact with Vessel 1 caused injuries when she hit her own boat.  Both occupants of Vessel 2 ended up in the water. Three of the occupants of Vessel 1 jumped in to render aid to the passenger of Vessel 2. The injured passenger of Vessel 2 was taken into Vessel 1 and then Vessel 1 docked at the incident location pier until medical could arrive.


BARDID: WI-2018-0034
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:03:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pelican Lake
NearestCityorTown: Pelican Lake
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and family were on a sand bar on the Northeast portion of Pelican Lake and he noticed that the weather and rain was approaching. Operator walked to the PWC which was owned by his father and started the boat. Still standing in the water he, reached up to retrieve the type 3 PFD which was entangled on the handlebars and as he pulled the PFD the PWC accelerated without an operator across the water heading in a Southeast direction. Eventually the unoccupied PWC struck a small island off of State Highway 45 in Pelican Lake. Damage to the vessels bow area resulted as it struck the rocky shore and island, no other property damage and no injuries occurred. The PWC was newly purchased and the owner estimated the minimum damage to repair the vessel would be $5,000. Officers confirmed that the PFD was a three panel Type 3 with side straps attaching the front panels and the straps were entangled on the throttle lever after striking the island.


BARDID: WI-2018-0035
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:48:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winneconne
NearestCityorTown: Poygan
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator/Deceased was involved in a single unit boating incident with Passenger.  Vessel 1 operating PWC in Lake Winneconne immediately prior to the incident.  Operator/Deceased was transported to Hidden Harbor on a rented pontoon boat.  Passenger was not identified until well after the incident.   Passenger was interviewed on 7/2/18.  Passenger stated she did not know the Operator/Deceased prior to the incident.  Passenger got onto the back of the jet ski and drove away from the sandbar area south.  Passenger stated that the Operator was wearing the tether cord around his wrist and it was attached to the kill switch.  Passenger said as Operator began picking up speed, Passenger thought at some point they would be going in a circle as she and Operator discussed this being a short ride.  Passenger was holding onto the Operator around his waist and was bracing for a turn which she felt would be coming soon.  Passenger said that at no point does she recall the jet ski beginning to turn and the last thing she remembers is the jet ski was going straight.  Passenger said she did not see any other watercraft in the area and does not believe there is a possibility they collided with another watercraft.  Passenger said Operator was not driving crazy and she did not feel he was going too fast.  Passenger said she felt like the jet ski was going faster than it actually was because she was on the rear of the jet ski.  Passenger said the ride only lasted two minutes before the incident.  Officers believe that the vessel possibly hit a wave which caused both occupants to be thrown off the jet ski.


BARDID: WI-2018-0036
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:39:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winneconne
NearestCityorTown: Winneconne
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Due to the 50 mph winds from the south/southwest.  Waves crashed over the top of gunwales.  Operator first reported bilge not working but later said he saw water being pumped out as vessel went down.  Both occupants given rise to shore and vessel was attempted to be towed into shore, but lake condition continued to decrease and vessel was left anchored.  Vessel was later towed to Clarks Point where Owner/Operator will make arrangements for removal.


BARDID: WI-2018-0037
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:44:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Kewaunee
County: Kewaunee
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 4, 2018, at 10:49 pm Kewaunee Harbor master reported Gonefishin was missing from the marina to the Kewaunee Co Sheriff's Dept (KWSO).  Last contact with the Owner/Operator was before the storm had moved through.  An acquaintance who had last contact with at 5:34pm, stated that he believed that the Owner/Operator was intoxicated.  KWSO contacted Nsight for a ping information off of the Owner/Operator’s cell phone.  The last ping was at 5:44pm.  USCG was notified at 11:51pm. 
USCG helicopter located the boat on July 5 at 2:36am at 41 34.287' 087.27.166.   The Owner/Operator was not on the boat.  Searchers noted that it still had fishing line out and the Owner/Operator’s cell phone was not aboard.  At 3:57am, USCG suspended the search due to fog.  Search was resumed at 6:30am.  WDNR was notified by KWSO at 10:00am.  10:00am boat was brought back to Salmon Harbor Marina and stored indoors.  At 11:30, Warden inspected the boat and established that GPS plotter was working and had a track from 07/04/2018.  At 5:00pm on July 5 USCG suspend the search.  On July 6, at 8:30 am WDNR Wardens inspected the boat.  WDNR Warden downloaded GPS data from the plotter.  They also provided information as to how the Owner/Operator operated the boat on autopilot and the position of the fishing poles.  Another person had the last known contact with the Owner/Operator with a picture sent by the Owner/Operator to him at 5:37 pm. This allowed the wardens to establish a timeline on the GPS track when the Owner/Operator was on the boat and establish a location for a sonar search.  Search was conducted in the afternoon of July 6 and the morning of July 7 with no results.
As of 8/22/2018, the victim has not been located.  A party continues to search for the victim.  Information contained in this report may be updated at a later date if the victim is found.


BARDID: WI-2018-0038
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Dam Lake
NearestCityorTown: St Germain
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 8:30 am on 06/24/2018, Vessel 1, was being operated with the throttle fully engaged.  Vessel 1 Operator estimated he was going approximately 20 miles per hour.   Vessel 2 was trolling and operating at about 1 - 2 miles per hour.  Vessel 2 Operator said he saw Vessel 1 coming from his right and thought it was a warden and that it would slow down when it was about 100 feet away.  When Vessel 1 did not stop, he quickly put his boat in reverse to get out of the way, though the vessels still collided.  
Vessel 1 struck Vessel 2 on the starboard side just rearward of the bow.  Vessel 1 was on top of (higher up than) Vessel 2 as the damage was to the bottom of Vessel 1 and the top of Vessel 2.  Vessel 1 Operator stated in his Boat Operator Incident Report that he "was cruising back to cabin dock after fishing when I hit a boat that was trolling for Musky, could not see around front passenger and was relying on him to relay boats in area."

Vessel 2 Operator provided the following statement via e-mail: " I was fishing on Dam Lake slow-trolling (between 1-2 mph) a musky lure near the center of the lake when I noticed a boat headed straight towards me going full speed. At approximately 20-30 yards out it became apparent that the boat was not going to slow down or navigate around me. I put my boat in reverse and was able to lessen the severity of the collision. Had I not done this, there is no question that there would certainly have been severe injuries. The operator of the other claimed he never saw me. His passenger sitting in the tip was facing backwards as well, instead of facing forward to see what was in front of them. Overall, a very scary incident."


BARDID: WI-2018-0039
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wisconsin River / Biron Flowag
NearestCityorTown: Biron
County: Wood
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Throttle
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was docked at Anchor Bay.  While Vessel 2 was attempting to dock, the forward throttle cable broke and the boat lost steering control but kept forward momentum.  Vessel 2 operator shut the boat off while realizing what was happening and ran to the front of the boat.  Vessel 2 approached Vessel 1.  Vessel 2 operator attempted to stop the impact between the boats by grabbing the railing of Vessel 1.  The vessels collided and the right pontoon of Vessel 1 sustained two dents from Vessel 2 front U bolts.  A t-bone incident essentially.


BARDID: WI-2018-0040
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Geneva
NearestCityorTown: Williams Bay
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 cruising and Vessel 2 came out of nowhere and the two vessels collided.  At approximately 8:25pm Officers were dispatched to pier 250 located in Williams Bay, in reference to a hit and run by a possible intoxicated boater. Upon arrival to pier 250 both boats that were involved in the crash were docked at the Williams Bay boat launch. 

Vessel 2 Operator stated that he was traveling west bound just east of the Narrows at approximately 15 mph. Vessel 2 Operator turned around and noticed Vessel 1 1 traveling at approximately 20 mph towards his location. Vessel 2 Operator and Passengers were yelling to get the attention of the Vessel 1 Operator.  

Vessel 2 Operator then attempted to turn the vessel to avoid being struck by Vessel 1. Vessel 1 then hit Vessel 2 on the rear left corner of the swim platform. Vessel 2 Operator stated the impact caused all occupants of Vessel 1 to fall onto their knees in the boat without causing injury. 

Vessel 2 Operator was unable to get information from the Vessel 1 Operator at that time. Vessel 1 Operator 1 proceeded to travel west towards Fontana. Both vessels met at the Williams Bay boat launch. Vessel 1 Operator stated he was trying to grab his son who was positioned in the front of the boat. Vessel 1 Operator got out of the seat to grab his son which is when Vessel 1 struck Vessel 2. 

Vessel 1 Operator had been drinking but was not under the influence. There were no serious injuries to the occupants of Vessel 1.


BARDID: WI-2018-0041
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wolf River
NearestCityorTown: Fremont
County: Waupaca
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessels 1 and 2 were traveling downstream hear the Hwy 10 bridge on the Wolf River.  The vessels were traveling in line, with Vessel 1 behind Vessel 2 at a speed of approximately 30 mph.  A short time later heavy rain began, decreasing visibility.  Vessel 2 reduced their speed to slow no wake, while Vessel 1 continued at their original speed.  

Vessel 1 attempted to slow down to avoid contact with Vessel 2 by letting off the gas, and turning but was unable to turn without any power.  

Vessel 1’s bow and portside struck Vessel 2’s outboard motor engine cover and stern (starboard).  No injuries occurred and the vessels were moved to Chico’s landing.  Operators exchanged contact information.


BARDID: WI-2018-0042
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:04:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chippewa Flowage
NearestCityorTown: Holcombe
County: Rusk
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessels were operating on north side of Lake Holcombe S/E of dock at W9405 Silver Spring Road.  Operator of Vessel 1 had been fishing and was traveling approximately 20 -25 mph according to operator statement.  

 Operator of  Vessel 2 was traveling at approximately 0.8 mph with trolling motor.  Operator of Vessel 1 stated he had difficulty seeing due to sun glare.  Vessel 1 struck Vessel 2 on the port stern corner and traveling forward approximately 84 inches against hull.  

Passenger of Vessel 1 was ejected from boat and complained of injury to his lower abdomen.  All occupants of Vessel 2 stayed on-board and fell down causing injuries.  Vessel 1 hull was stuck over Vessel 2 gunwale by approximately  7 inches.


BARDID: WI-2018-0043
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Little Muskego Lake
NearestCityorTown: Muskego
County: Waukesha
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel was towing a tuber.  Vessel 2 was anchored.  Vessel 1 Operator turned to avoid an oncoming Vessel 3.  As a result of the turn, the tuber swung out and the tuber struck Vessel 2.  Vessel 2 left the area prior to officer's arrival.  Officers were not able to locate Vessel 2, therefore there is no vessel or people entry for Vessel 2.  Vessel 1 operator stated that Vessel 2 was a fiberglass open motorboat that was at anchor.


BARDID: WI-2018-0044
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chippewa River
NearestCityorTown: Cleveland
County: Chippewa
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was slowly pulling up to the dock.  Passenger/Injured jumped from the boat to the dock to assist with the docking process and tie the boat to the dock.  Passenger/Injured tripped/fell on the dock causing an injury to her arm, dislocation at left elbow.


BARDID: WI-2018-0045
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Castle Rock Lake
NearestCityorTown: Necedah
County: Juneau
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Was leaving the beach to return home. Made several attempts to start PWC and it wouldn't start. Upon trying again, it exploded, ejecting the Operator and both Passengers into the air landing in the water. According to witnesses, we were anywhere from 6-10 feet in the air and landing in the water 3-10 feet away from the wave runner. It was on fire at that point and then became completely engulfed in flames and was still burning when the three of us were taken to hospital by ambulance approximately 30 minutes later.


BARDID: WI-2018-0046
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Fontana
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday July 4, 2018 at approximately 9:27pm, Officers were working for Geneva Lake Law enforcement in Walworth county, WI, in the village of Fontana assisting water safety patrol (WSP) and the Fontana FD with keeping boat traffic out of the buoy restricted area surrounding the firework barge. Officers were notified by the Fontana fire boat that there was a large vessel (Vessel 1) approaching the firework barge not obeying the directions of the fireboat to stop. Officers directed the boat away from the firework barge, the vessel had come within approximately 20ft of the fireboat. WSP advised they had received a call that a large boat bearing “Soggy Dog” left the abbey harbor and struck a pier and multiple other boats. Fontana PD advised they had a call for the same incident and they had an officer out with the witnesses. 
Due to the congestion of the fireworks Officers were unable to make contact with the vessel until after the show ended. Officers also observed that the Vessel 1 did not have front navigation lights turned on. After the show we initiated a traffic stop on the Vessel 1. Vessel 1 Operator stated he was in a rush to get out for the firework show before it began and he did not believe he hit anything. Witnesses on the pier stated they saw the passengers on Vessel 1 looking over the side after the boat struck Vessel 2, a white 1977 sea ray which was parked and covered on a shore station in the Abbey harbor channel.  Vessel 2’s swim platform was damaged and shore station is inoperable. 
Witnesses on the pier also stated the collision was very loud and there was no way the people on Vessel 1 would not have noticed. Witnesses in the Abbey Harbor stated that Vessel 1 was headed towards them and were afraid the boat was going to strike them, they had to yell at the boat to stop. Vessel 1 Operator stated he had been drinking throughout the day but did not appear to be intoxicated, SFST conducted with negative results. Vessel 1 Operator stated he was inexperienced but believed he was the “most sober” out of the group. Citations issued.


BARDID: WI-2018-0047
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Green Bay - Haines Bay
NearestCityorTown: Sturgeon Bay
County: Door
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 towing a wakeboard when the front edge of the board caught a wake and went underwater, forcing the back of the board up and throwing the skier head over heels.  The board hit the skier in the head resulting in 11 staples to the skiers head.


BARDID: WI-2018-0048
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pickerel Lake
NearestCityorTown: Pickeral
County: Forest
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Officer report was based off operator report due to not being notified until several hours after the incident.  Per the Operator Report, the Operator was conducting maintenance on the boat while on the waters of Pickerel Lake.  Operator stated that the boat was not properly coming to plane.  Operator stated the handle of the tiller dropped causing the boat to spin, fill with water and then flip the boat causing the operator to be ejected.


BARDID: WI-2018-0049
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chippewa Flowage
NearestCityorTown: Hayward
County: Sawyer
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: overpowering
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office received 911 call of an unoccupied boat going in circles on Chief Lake (Part of the Chippewa Flowage).  Another 911 call indicated that the caller heard someone yell help.
LE and EMS arrived and found boat under power and circling.  Boat was brought under control, no indications of issue with boat controls, no outward signs of damage to boat.  Both operator and passenger seat were in the folded down position, but neither was snapped down.
Boat owner/operator was 74-year-old male who had gone out to check on his grandsons who were fishing in another boat.
Search area was somewhat defined based off information on scene.  A hat and "croc" sandals were found floating in the water.  
Shoreline check and side-scan sonar grid search did not result in recovery.  Sawyer Dive team dove on a couple of points of interest but did not locate anything.  Victim was recovered on 7/19/2018.  Boat was rated for an 85 horsepower motor, however, the boat had an Evinrude 90 hp motor.


BARDID: WI-2018-0050
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:29:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Nokomis
NearestCityorTown: Tomahawk
County: Lincoln
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was just dropped in the water at the landing.  Vessel 1 Operator had issues starting the engine.  Vessel 1 started and was put into gear and turned starboard.  Vessel 1 Operator attempted to make a U-turn to get out of the way of the boat landing.  Vessel 1 struck Vessel 2 in the engine with Vessel 1's fore portside.  Very minor if any damage to Vessel 1 portside.  Vessel 2 had disabling damage to engine.


BARDID: WI-2018-0051
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Wisconsin
NearestCityorTown: Merrimac
County: Columbia
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and Passenger #1 left dock at owners address on north side of Lake WI and went to Fritz's On The Lake to get gas.  They filled up the boat and then went to Whalen's Grade to pick up Passenger #2.  They picked her up and started back to the owners address when they got a call from a 3rd friend.  They slowed the boat and the boat engine started running rough and quit.  They finished their phone conversation and told the 3rd friend just to drive to the owners address as they were not sure if the engine would start again.  The operator went back and squeezed the primer bulb several times and then returned to the operator position and started the motor.  There was an immediate explosion from the engine and then flames started shooting from the back of the boat.  All 3 on board grabbed lifejackets and their phones and jumped into the lake and swam away from the boat.  A nearby fishing boat picked up all 3 and then they called 911.


BARDID: WI-2018-0052
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sturgeon Bay
NearestCityorTown: Sturgeon Bay
County: Door
WaterConditions: Choppy
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause3: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 traveling in the channel heading from the Bay of Green Bay toward the Michigan Street Bridge at 800 rpm or about 8 mph.  Vessel 2 passed Vessel 1 port at a high rate of speed creating a significant wake.  After Vessel 2 passed Vessel 1, Vessel 1 Operator turned hard left rudder attempting to point the bow into the wake.  At the speed Vessel 1 was traveling response was not quick enough to get the bow perpendicular to the large wake and Vessel 1 rolled side-to-side causing Vessel 1 Passenger (who was in the main cabin) to fall and hit her head.  Emergency room nurse practitioner at the hospital indicated Vessel 1 passenger most likely suffered a concussion as she passed out momentarily.


BARDID: WI-2018-0053
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Castle Rock Lake
NearestCityorTown: New Lisbon
County: Juneau
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 struck Vessel 2 on the front starboard portion of the vessel (nearly head on). Vessel 1 then ramped upwards onto Vessel 2, striking and causing injury to the operator of Vessel 2.


BARDID: WI-2018-0054
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:36:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wisconsin River
NearestCityorTown: Plover
County: Portage
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Injured person was being pulled on a wake board and fell off.  Wakeboard shot up in the air and struck the Injured person on the back of the head.


BARDID: WI-2018-0055
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Geneva
NearestCityorTown: Williams Bay
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentCause3: Weather
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The striking Vessel #1 was on scene upon Officer’s arrival, however, Vessel #2 was returned by the operator to its pier #535.  Officer took several photographs of vessel #1 but was unable to determine what damage may have occurred to it as there was previous damage already on the unit from years of use.  Officer later contacted Vessel 2 Owner, who forwarded several photographs of the damage to said vessel.  The damage to Vessel #2 consisted of a missing port side mirror, damaged fiberglass on the rear port side and the rear passenger seat cushion torn off of the unit.
Vessel 1 Operator stated that she was following Vessel #2 westward back to their pier after leaving the Williams Bay area of the lake between Conference and Cedar points because of windy rainy conditions.  Vessel 1 Operator stated that she was having a hard time seeing due to the rain hitting her face and making her somewhat disoriented with respect to her position on the water in relation to her friends on Vessel #2.  Vessel 1 Operator stated that Vessel #2 suddenly appeared to stop in front of her and she was unable to stop prior to colliding.  Vessel 1 Operator stated that the front of her vessel struck the rear of Vessel #2 and veered to the left.  This caused her vessel to tip to towards the port side enough to toss all 3 passengers off into the water.  Vessel 1 Operator nor any of her passengers were injured during the incident.  Vessel 1 Operator stated that 2 of the 3 passengers on Vessel #2 were injured and had been taken to the hospital prior to the officer’s arrival to the municipal pier.

Vessel 2 Operator, was not at the municipal pier as he had taken his vessel back to his home pier per the instruction of his mother. Vessel 2 Operator stated that after the collision, both his passengers were thrown off his vessel and although he was struck in the back of the left arm and left leg, he was not ejected from the vessel.  Vessel 2 Operator stated that he had bruising to his left leg and arm but it didn't require medical attention.


BARDID: WI-2018-0056
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:19:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Green Bay
NearestCityorTown: Ephraim
County: Door
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday June 24th, WDNR Law Enforcement was advised of a possible boating incident that had occurred off of Welker's Point on Green Bay. Initial report advised that two individuals had fallen off of a personal watercraft and were being transported to the Fish Creek dock due to hypothermic conditions after being in the water for an extended period of time. 
Upon arriving at the Fish Creek dock, LE Officer was met by Gibraltar First Responders who were in the process of treating both the Operator and Passenger for hypothermia.  Vessel 1 Operator stated that they wife were operating a personal watercraft that they had rented near the point off of Peninsula State Park. Vessel 1 Operator also stated that while trying to make turn the personal watercraft had capsized and there were unable to get back on the personal watercraft.  Operator stated that they floated with the personal watercraft until it got into the shallow water off of Welker's Point until they were picked up by a passing boat.
The LE officer asked what had caused the personal watercraft to capsize, Operator stated that they had tried to make a turn between the waves and that is when the personal watercraft had capsized. Operator was treated by members of the Door County Emergency Services for mild hypothermia and then release from the ambulance and not taken to the hospital for any additional treatment.
The personal watercraft was brought to shore and the engine compartment was completely flooded and there was damage to the stern along the edge of the fiberglass.


BARDID: WI-2018-0057
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Browns Lake
NearestCityorTown: Burlington
County: Racine
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Injured person had been tubing.  Injured person was near the back of Vessel 1 attempting to board the boat by ladder.  The Operator and Injured person did not realize that the boat was not in neutral.  The Operator stated that the propeller of the boat struck the Injured person in his right leg as he tried to enter the boat.


BARDID: WI-2018-0058
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Grindstone Lake
NearestCityorTown: Hayward
County: Sawyer
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and passenger were on a PWC on Grindstone lake on the southern side of the lake.  There were waves over 6 inches tall and weather conditions were cloudy and windy.  Operator stated that she did not know her speed but estimated over 10 mph.  Operator stated that she hit a large wave and she and the passenger were ejected from the PWC.  The Operator was not injured but the Passenger had a dislocated shoulder due to the incident.  The Passenger was picked up by a family member in another boat and was taken to shore where he was transported to the local hospital.


BARDID: WI-2018-0059
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Medicine Lake
NearestCityorTown: Three Lakes
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 leaving restaurant pier.  Steering wheel locked and accelerator stuck.  Operator could not control boat.  Vessel 1 hit another parked boat and went up the back end of the parked boat.  Vessel 1 Operator turned off ignition, engine shut off and Vessel 1 slid off parked boat, bounced off pier, and returned into the lake.


BARDID: WI-2018-0060
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-08-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: St Croix River
NearestCityorTown: Hudson
County: St. Croix
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The owner/operator prepared to launch his 1991, 42 foot Fountain Lightning motorboat (MN2906LM) at the public boat launch at Lakefront Park in Hudson, WI located off of 1st Street.  Operator was in the boat as his brother, backed him into the water.  Once in the water, Operator started engine one.  Operator then started engine 2, but as he did so, engine 1 killed.  Operator went to restart engine 1 and a large explosion occurred sending boat parts into the air.  

Operator and witness attempted to extinguish the flames.  At one point the vessel's halon fire extinguishing system deployed and extinguished the flames, but the flames returned a short time later.  The operator backed up his truck and hit the brakes, sending the burning boat floating out away from the launch.  The flames were eventually extinguished and the boat was brought back to shore, heavily damaged.  No injuries were reported.


BARDID: WI-2018-0061
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:12:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Milwaukee
County: Milwaukee
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator pulling into Slip of McKinley Marina.  Passenger/Injured standing on the port bow and began to step off with a line to secure the vessel.  Passenger/Injured tripped over something on the edge of the vessel and fell toward the dock.  Passenger/Injured struck his head and right wrist on the dock.  The contact rendered him unconscious in the water.  A witness entered the water as the Injured person’s head went under.  Passenger 2 also entered the water, and the two brought the Passenger/Injured person’s head above the water and maneuvered him to the dock where others assisted with getting him out of the water.


BARDID: WI-2018-0062
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Delton
NearestCityorTown: Lake Delton
County: Sauk
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 docked and the Operator had some tangled rope in the back area of the boat by the motor.  Vessel 1 Operator was trying to resolve the rope issue as he observed Vessel 2 being operated by the docks at approximately 15 mph.  vessel 1 Operator was observing that Vessel 2 as it was heading directly at him and observed that the hair of the Vessel 2 Operator was in his face.  Vessel 1 Operator observed Vessel 2 strike the aft of the boat and the engine area causing Vessel 1 Operator to fall and hit his face on a hard surface of the vessel.  Vessel 1 Operator did receive an injury to his nose.  Vessel 2 Operator stated that he was operating when water splashed into his face and he could not see.  Vessel 2 Operator stated that he could not see as he collided into Vessel 1.


BARDID: WI-2018-0063
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wisconsin River-Upper Dells
NearestCityorTown: Lyndon Station
County: Juneau
WaterConditions: Rough
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause3: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was heading up river after leaving the no wake zone near Blackhawk Island.  Vessel 2 was coming down stream and came off of plane in anticipation of the no wake zone.  Vessel 1 turned into the wake and subsequent roller caused vessel 1 bow to come out of the water and slam down twice.  Victim was bounced up off her seat and then back down again onto the seat hard causing injury. Vessel 1 operator called 911 and had EMS meet him at the landing.  Incident was not reported to WDNR until 8/9/2018, no other information available on Vessel 2.


BARDID: WI-2018-0064
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Castle Rock Lake
NearestCityorTown: New Lisbon
County: Juneau
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Passenger/Injured was standing on the back of the boat and leaning on or sitting on the railing while the boat was underway at approximately 10:30 pm.  Passenger/Injured had been consuming alcohol during his bachelor and bachelorette party.  He fell overboard while the boat was underway and his right arm was struck by the propeller which caused 3 lacerations and he later received 10 stitches.  
Notes: Occupant/witness list was provided by the Passenger/Injured.


BARDID: WI-2018-0065
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Linn
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
While on patrol of Geneva Bay, a subject advised over the marine 16 radio that Vessel 1 had been struck and had a large hole in the side of it, subject advised that he was floating when he was hit. 

The collision occurred in the Town of Linn north of pier 800, upon arrival we met with Vessel 1 Operator Vessel 1 Operator stated he hit a wave and dropped his Jimmy Johns sandwich and bent over to pick it up. While he was picking up his sandwich he collided into the starboard side of a Vessel 2.  

Vessel 2 sustained a large hole in the side of the boat above the water line, the internal cabin was pushed in causing the cabinets, fuse box, fridge and other items to be pushed around and damaged. Vessel 1 had minor front-end damage, the ladder was bent as it appeared to be extended down at the time of crash. A boat inspection was conducted on the Vessel 1, the boat was missing a throwable life preserved. Citations issued.


BARDID: WI-2018-0066
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Chetek
NearestCityorTown: Chetek
County: Barron
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator pulling a round tube. Operator and Injured could not remember which direction the boat was heading or which way the boat was turning when the accident happened. Boat was making a circle when the tube hit a wave and Injured bounced up in the air off the tube and landed back on the tube on his right arm.  When Injured landed on his arm the arm broke just above the elbow. 

Officer received information on the boat accident on Aug. 9th 2018.  He contacted the owner and gathered as much contact information for witnesses on the boat and victim.


BARDID: WI-2018-0067
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:58:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Mary
NearestCityorTown: Twin Lakes
County: Kenosha
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Aquanut Skit team was hosting a performance at Lance Park.  During the show, Vessel 1 was towing skier up towards the jump stationed in the water.  As the Skier was trying to maneuver his stunt, he lost his balance as he missed his landmark on the jump.  This caused him to fall forward and collide with the jump, and the water.

During the fall, the skier believes he struck his head on some part of the ramp or possibly impacted the water.  He did not believe the boat was traveling at excessive speeds or driving recklessly prior to the stung.  It was his error that caused him to fall.  Before he stopped, he felt a “pop” in his right leg.


BARDID: WI-2018-0068
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-08-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:22:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mead Lake
NearestCityorTown: Greenwood
County: Clark
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was backed into the landing.  Blower was turned on for 3 minutes.  Engine turned over with a pop (Bang).  Smoke started coming from the engine compartment.  Operator jumped out of the boat.  Smoke lasted 8 minutes until flames started to flare.


BARDID: WI-2018-0069
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Clara Lake
NearestCityorTown: Balsam Lake
County: Polk
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator operated 2 passengers as onboard observers while towing a single tube with 2 riders on Clara Lake. Operator had completed two loops around Clara Lake in a clockwise manor and was on the third loop at the time of the incident. Operator had completed a turn heading west, turning north, and finishing by heading east when the tube in tow and its passengers collided with a person, who was stationary on an inflatable chair to the east of a swim raft.


BARDID: WI-2018-0070
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:57:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Castle Rock Lake
NearestCityorTown: Quincy
County: Adams
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator was operating his pontoon boat near the docks at the Citgo gas station on Castle Rock Lake. Vessel 1 Operator was attempting to dock the boat but looked back and saw his propeller was getting too close to some rocks. 

Vessel 1 Operator then throttled up and operated the boat at a higher speed to get away from the rocks. When Vessel 1 Operator operated at a higher speed he did not realize he was so close to Vessel 2, a docked pontoon boat.  

The port side pontoon of Vessel 1 struck the 300 horse Mercury motor of Vessel 2. The impact cracked the plastic housing of Vessel 2’s motor in several places. No one was injured.


BARDID: WI-2018-0071
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnebago
NearestCityorTown: Oshkosh
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel was not under power and was not anchored.  There were large waves at the time and the Operator had the bow of the vessel going with the waves.  Operator and Passenger began to notice the vessel taking on water and the Operator attempted to start the boat, but was not able to.  The vessel continued to take on water until it sank.  The Vessel was towed to shore.  There were no injuries.


BARDID: WI-2018-0072
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fox River
NearestCityorTown: Kimberly
County: Outagamie
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel travelling downriver with two aboard.  Operator stated he was traveling fast but didn’t know how fast.  The PWC was headed toward a concrete pylon for STH 441, which was located in the middle of the river.  Operator stated he throttled the PWC down and was unable to steer away from the pylon.  Operator and Passenger bailed off the PWC prior to the PWC colliding with the pylon.  The PWC collided with the pylon, causing significant damage to the nose of the PWC and rendering the engine inoperable.  Neither the Operator or Passenger were injured.  The pylon sustained no damage.


BARDID: WI-2018-0073
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-09 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wolf River
NearestCityorTown: Fremont
County: Waupaca
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel was docked on 8/9/18.  When the Vessel was pulled out of the water on the afternoon of 8/10/2018, the stern drive mounts were broken.  The Owner had to use ratchet straps to keep the motor/propeller from striking the ground when pulled onto the trailer.  The unit is leaking oil.  The metal components are sheared off.  Officers have no way to explain the damage other than it possibly being hit by another vessel while docked in the water.  No occupants at the time of the damage.


BARDID: WI-2018-0074
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Wissota
NearestCityorTown: Chippewa Falls
County: Chippewa
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 08-19-2018 at approximately 11:30 am, the Chippewa County Sheriff's Department was dispatched to the Rod and Gun Club Boat Landing on Lake Wissota regarding a pontoon boat that appeared to have drifted into the shoreline south of the boat landing.  A witness reported the boat on the shoreline and that it was unattended but that a dog was on board. The witness told the sheriff's department that she observed a male/black and a male/white the previous day on that boat with the dog.  

The subsequent investigation resulted in the Operator being found deceased on 08/19/2018 on Lake Wissota south of the pontoon boat along the buoy line east of the dam (see attached diagram).  Victim 1’s body was attached to a rope which was connected to a tube. Victim 1’s body was submerged and suspended below the tube.  The Passenger remained missing at that time.  

On 08/20/2018, Wisconsin DNR Wardens, the Chippewa County Sheriff's Department, and volunteers from Bruce's Legacy continued to search for the Passenger.  The Passenger was not found until 08/21/2018 at approximately 9:00am when he was observed floating on the surface of Lake Wissota.  Investigators with the sheriff's department observed Victim 2’s body floating with the aid of their drone.

The investigation showed that the Operator and Passenger went out on Lake Wissota on 08/18/2018 from the boat landing the Rod and Gun Club sometime prior to 3pm.  The Operator and Passenger sent a picture message to the Operator’s girlfriend between 3 and 4 pm while on the lake.

A witness stated the she observed the pontoon boat on Lake Wissota on 08/18/18 between 4:45pm and 5:00pm. Witness stated the boat was unoccupied at that time and she also observed a tube floating near the boat that appeared to be floating in a vertical position.

A second witness stated that she was looking out from her residence at the lake around 3pm (08/18/18) and observed what appeared to be an unoccupied pontoon boat moving in a southerly direction and it appeared there was a dog on board. 

A third witness said at approximately 9:20pm (08/18/18) that he observed what appeared to be an unoccupied pontoon boat approximately 100 feet from the island near County Highway X. Witness stated that the boat did not have lights on and it was at night.  Witness also said that he remembered seeing the boat at the launch around 1pm that day.

Lastly, another Witness who works at the boat launch stated that he observed the two male victims launching the boat with the dog on 08/18/18. Witness said he was notified the following day by another person that the boat was washed up on shore, so Witness went down there to tie the boat up and contacted the Sheriff's Department.

It is unknown how or why the Operator and Passenger left the boat.  Neither the Operator or Passenger had a personal flotation device on when they were recovered.


Autopsy results for the Operator were negative for alcohol/drugs.  Autopsy results for the Passenger positive for ethanol (260 mg/dl), blood alcohol concentration (0.260 g/100 ml)


BARDID: WI-2018-0075
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-08-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:38:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnebago
NearestCityorTown: Vinland
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was traveling west bound across Lake Winnebago and Vessel 2 was traveling north bound towards Neenah.  According to both operators, neither saw the other vessel.  

The front port side of Vessel 1 came into contact with the center starboard side of Vessel 2.  When the two vessels collided, Vessel 1 Passengers along with their dog were ejected into the water.  After the collision, Vessel 2 called 911 and both vessels waited until police and first responders arrived.

Statements from both parties in the criminal complaint indicate that they had been drinking before the crash. The complaint says both Vessel Operators had their blood drawn at a hospital. Vessel 1 Operator’s blood alcohol content was .026.  Vessel 2 Operator’s blood alcohol content was .093.  

Accident reconstruction determined that Vessel 1 had right the way, and Vessel 2 was the give way vessel. 

Vessel 2 Operator has been charged with 2 counts of Homicide by Use of Vehicle with a Prohibited Alcohol Concentration.


BARDID: WI-2018-0076
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:23:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityorTown: LaCrosse
County: La Crosse
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator said he was northbound in main channel just south of 7th Street Boat launch. Operator estimated speed was around 15mph and said boat was not on plane. Operator said he was trying to pitch bow up to drain rainwater to rear while running bilge pump. 

Operator said vessel struck unknown sunken hazard. Operator described position of boat to be 0.5 miles south of 7th Street launch, and said collision occurred between red and green wing dam marker buoys. Operator said closest red buoy was 100 yards to the east off starboard side. After collision vessel began to take on water. Passerby towed vessel to sandbar before vessel was returned to 7th Street Boat launch by La Crosse Fire Boat.


BARDID: WI-2018-0077
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Noquebay
NearestCityorTown: Crivitz
County: Marinette
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was stopped and occupants actively fishing.  Vessel 1 Operator observed Vessel 2 approaching them from the west at a planing speed.  Vessel 2 continued operating straight at Vessel 1, at which time, Vessel 1 Operator began yelling to Vessel 2 Operator in attempt to prevent collision.  Vessel 2 Operator was unable to see Vessel 1due to having a boat seat in the bow blocking the Operator’s vision in front of the boat.  Vessel 1 Operator attempted to move out of the path of Vessel 2 using a trolling motor, however, despite moving, Vessel 2 was still heading toward Vessel 1.  Vessel 2 Operator noticed Vessel 1 at the last moment, attempting to swerve to avoid colliding with Vessel 1, however the two vessels collided.  
The right side bow of Vessel 2 struck the right rear third of Vessel 1.  According to statements, Vessel 1 was spun approximately 180 degrees in the water due to the collision.  Vessel 1 Operator was struck by Vessel 2 during impact.  Vessel 1 Operator put his arms out in attempt to slow Vessel 2 and lessen the impact force.  The three occupants of Vessel 1 were knocked to the floor of the boat, however, no one was ejected.  Vessel 1 Operator has since reported that he sustained a torn bicep and that his main motor and trolling motor no longer work.  
Initial information was received on this incident a few days after the incident.  At that time, the information received did not reach the level of a reportable boat incident.  After the Operator report was received, the additional injury was discovered, thus prompting a full officer investigation.


BARDID: WI-2018-0078
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:28:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bay of Green Bay
NearestCityorTown: Brussels
County: Door
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was in 23-26 feet of water.  Operator stated they took a large wave over the stern of the boat, the bilge pump turned and then a second wave came over the Stern. The operator stated the bilge pump could not keep up and the boat began to take on more water until it went under water and turned over.  Bothe the Operator and Passenger stated the plug was in the boat.  Operator stated that he intended to junk the boat.


BARDID: WI-2018-0079
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:44:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Racine
County: Racine
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
At 19:15 the Vessel “Meant-2-Be” departed Kenosha, WI Harbor with four people on board with a destination for Racine, WI for dinner. The sea conditions had wind out of the NW with @ 2-foot plus chop. Mean-2-Be departed the harbor and took a NW heading at @ 1500 RPM, @ 10MPH.  NW heading was chosen to allow for a good ride for the guest/crew.  After sunset, a course change was made to avoid Racine reef and make the approach to the Racine Harbor. 

Meant-2-Be was navigating using Visual, Radar, Auto Pilot, Depth Finder and Chart Plotter running in the background (Can only view one at a time Radar or Chart Plotter).  After two additional course changes to avoid other boat traffic, Meant-2-Be settled on a Northerly course somewhat parallel to shore, with @ 25 feet of water. Rader picked up something (later to be determined was the break wall) but was not clear do to the additional sea clutter from the NW choppy sea and only parts of the wall showing up. The break wall is unmarked and very low in the water with lake levels being high. Now with uncertainty of my location using visual ques, I was in the process of switching from radar to Chart Plotter, once on chart plotter, had to change the resolution (Zoom in) two times for additional details.  The chart plotter finished loading (chart plotter is a 1999 vintage) is when I know were very close to this break wall. Looking up from the chart plotter the wall was seen very close to the portside of the vessel and corrective maneuvers were made to steer starboard to avoid collusion with the break wall but change in course was too late. 

At @ 20:30 the port side of the vessel skimmed the break wall. Once away from the wall, brought the vessel to a stop to assess crew’s condition and damage to the vessel. While assessing, the forward bilge alarm sounded, and inspection of the cabin showed signs of water entering the cabin from the galley area. Life jackets were put on, crew worked on gathering/moving valuables away from the incoming water.  May-Day was placed with the Coast Guard. After assessing vessels condition and rate of flooding, decision was made to find a beach and beach the vessel to prevent sinking. Beached the vessel at Samuel Myers Park, South of Racine Harbor.  Once beached emergency flare was set up to assist is rescue and the engines shut down, water in the cabin was @ 3 feet and still rising. With all the bilge pumps and cabin lighting, the generator was started to support the 12-volt electrical load and vessel dewatering operations. 
With being on the beach, Coast Guard and Racine Sheriff was not able to get close enough to allow for crew transfer. Tow Boat US arrived and came along side @ 21:00. Tow Boat asked me to call Boat US and get a claim number so salvage operations could start. All Crew was loaded onto Tow Boat US and taken to Reef Point Marina where the we meet the Racine Sheriff, Deputy who filled out the required report.  Report number is 18-46831. Sheriff Protocol required to perform a sobriety test on the owner/operator/caption, test was performed with negative results (alcohol did not play a role in the accident). 
Vessel was dewatered and towed in by the salvage company and lifted out of the water @ 0250 18Aug18 
Saturday morning meet with West Shore Marine / Optimus Marine to review damage and to remove all personal items from the vessel. Requested Westshore Marine to place vessel in to indoor storage so damage mitigation/dewatering and drying out cabin could be conducted. Vessel was transferred to indoor storage at the Boat House location.


BARDID: WI-2018-0087
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:11:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Williams Bay
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator backing from slip.  Operator stated that the Passenger/Injured was seated on the front of the boat as she performed her backing maneuver.  Operator stated she began driving forward but since the trim on the motor was too high, she had trouble steering and the Passenger/Injured was using his foot to push off the post opposite of the slip to steady the boat.  The Passenger/Injured person’s foot became wedged between the post and the boat causing injury.


BARDID: WI-2018-0088
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: White Potato Lake
NearestCityorTown: Pound
County: Oconto
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator towing a slalom skier.  Operator made a right hand turn towards shore to return to their dock.  Skier was on the left side of the vessel and appeared to be leaning into the turn as he was skiing.  Passenger/Observer observed Skier hit Vessel 2.  

It was believed that the Skier had leaned forward into the back of Vessel 2 when he struck the boat.  The Skier then fell face down into the water.  Owners of Vessel 2 jumped into the water to retrieve the Skier bringing him to shore.  The Skier was believed to have lost consciousness for a brief period and when retrieved from the water regained consciousness.  Skier had a laceration on the left side of his head approximately 5 inches long by 2 inches wide.  Skier was transported to hospital where they found he had a broken neck.


BARDID: WI-2018-0089
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:07:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: St Croix River
NearestCityorTown: Hudson
County: St. Croix
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 cruising at an approximate no wake speed through the bay.  Vessel 2 was anchored in the Hudson Bay area with a visible 360 white light.  Vessel 1 Operator did not see Vessel 2 and struck Vessel 2.  Operator 1 was arrested for Boating Under the Influence.


BARDID: WI-2018-0090
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:27:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Green Bay
NearestCityorTown: Fish Creek
County: Door
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: limb tangled in vsl equipment
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday August 22, 2018 Conservation Warden was contacted by the Door County Sheriff Dept regarding an incident that had occurred on a boat near the Fish Creek Harbor. The Conservation Warden had been advised that an individual had cut the end of a finger off while on a boat that had run aground while trying to get the boat off of the shoal. As the Conservation Warden was responding he was advised that the boat was able to get off of the shoal and was currently en-route to the dock at the Alabi Marina. Upon arriving at the Alabi Marina, the Conservation Warden met with Vessel 1 Operator who was being treated for an injury to his left index finger. Vessel 1 Operator stated that he was operating and had run aground on the shoal just outside and south of the Fish Creek Harbor. While Operator and his companions were attempting to get the boat off of the shoal, a fishing boat offered to take the anchor of the sailboat out into deeper water so that Vessel 1 Operator could attempt to winch the boat off of the shoal with the capstan.
As Vessel 1 Operator was taking line out of the anchor locker, the hatch for the anchor locker fell on his left hand. The edge of the hatch caught Vessel 1 Operator’s left index finger and "de-gloved" the index finger from the first knuckle up to the tip of the finger. Vessel 1 Operator stated that there were no other injuries to anyone else on the boat and that he just wasn't paying attention and the hatch cover fell and hit his hand. Vessel 1 Operator was transported to Door County Medical Center for sutures for the injury to his left index finger.


BARDID: WI-2018-0091
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:14:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lac Vieux Desert
NearestCityorTown: Phelps
County: Vilas
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 11:15PM on 9/14/18, Vilas County Sheriff's Deputies and a WiDNR Warden responded to Lac Vieux Desert Lake to search for a missing boater. The Deputies and the Warden searched for the listed subject, but were unable to locate him. 

The listed boat, which had reportedly been operated by the missing person, was located floating on the lake NE of Hillside Resort and West of Slaughter Bay (GPS coordinates provided). When the boat was located it was out of fuel, keys out of the ignition, throttle in neutral, and swim ladder down. While searching the lake on the night of the incident, Deputies and the Warden recovered a flashlight floating in the lake near the boat. The boat was recovered from the lake and moved to Hillside Resort overnight for further investigation on 9/15/18 during daylight hours. 

On 9/15/18 at approximately 7:30AM Cpt. and Deputy continued the investigation. In the splash well of the boat, several shoe marks were observed including a sliding shoe mark near the edge of the boat's splash well. Several photographs of the boat along with these markings are in the Vilas County Sheriff's Office digital case file.

Cpt. and Deputy began a search of the lake via patrol boat. During this search, the body of the Owner/Operator was observed floating SE of where the boat had been recovered. Prior to recovery, photographs were taken of the recovery scene. He was recovered from the lake and transported to shore. Owner/Operator was later turned over to the Vilas County Coroner.

The Owner/Operator’s wife was interviewed. She advised law enforcement officers that the purpose of the boat ride was to test the boat motor as he had been having motor problems recently. Evidence suggests that the Owner/Operator ran the boat out of fuel during this boat ride, walked to the rear of the boat with the flashlight as it was dusk, slipped while at the rear of the boat and drowned as a result of falling overboard.

See photographic evidence in the Vilas County Sheriff's Office digital case file.


BARDID: WI-2018-0092
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:46:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Chetek
NearestCityorTown: Birchwood
County: Washburn
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Both PWCs were operating behind another boat with family members aboard.  The PWCS were jumping the wake from the third vessel.  During the course of this activity, both jet skis turned and unknowingly were on a collision course, but could not see each other due to the height of the wake between them.  Vessel 2 collided with Vessel 1 causing both Operators to be ejected from the PWCs.  Vessel 2 Operator was able to get back on, but Vessel 1 Operator was injured in his pelvis.


BARDID: WI-2018-0093
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:10:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Otter Lake
NearestCityorTown: Stanley
County: Chippewa
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Witnesses report that Vessel 1 Operator/Victim was anchored off of the point for several hours on Otter Lake. Witness reported that he drifted past the boat several times while drift fishing and observed Operator/Victim as the only person on board the boat for several hours.  Witness reported that he did not hear cries for help or the splash of Victim hitting the water.  Witness reports that he was one of the first people on scene and observed Victim in the water floating next to the boat that was now adrift with the anchor sitting on the boat's bow.  

Witness reports that he last saw Victim standing in the boat approximately 15 minutes before the time of incident.  LE Supervisor informed Investigator that the boat engine was off and the boat was in neutral upon inspection.  Pending autopsy results for additional information. At this time details for most of the incident are unknown. Chippewa County SO drove the boat back to the other boat landing where the truck and trailer were stored.

Final report is the same as the initial report with one main update to the cause of death.  Chippewa County Coroner reports death was due to freshwater drowning.  There may have been a fainting issue due to less than perfect blood flow in Victim’s heart from a defective heart valve.  Circumstances of how the Victim ended up in the waters of Otter Lake remain unknown.


BARDID: WI-2018-0094
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:58:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Green Bay
NearestCityorTown: Fish Creek
County: Door
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday, August 24th, 2018 LE Officer was contacted by the Door County Sheriff's Dept. regarding a sailboat that was sinking near Fish Creek towards Adventure Island. Upon arriving to the area LE Officer was advised that the occupants of the boat had been brought to shore at the Alabi Marina in Fish Creek. Upon meeting with an individual, LE Officer was advised the boat had sank near the rock pile located south of Adventure Island. LE Officer then traveled by boat to the area and located the sailboat with the use of the sonar equipment at approximately 45:08.849 North Latitude and 87:14.112 West Longitude as the sailboat had completely sank. LE Officer and members of the Gibraltar Fire Department then spent several minutes attempting to recover any of the floating debris from the sailboat that has sank.
Upon returning to the dock at the Alabi Marina, LE Officer met with Vessel 1 Operator.  Operator stated he had operated his sailboat from the Fish Creek Town Dock with the use of the diesel engine on board the sailboat. Operator stated that he and his family were planning on taking the sailboat to Sister Bay for the weekend due to the pending weather conditions that had been forecasted. Operator stated that after leaving Fish Creek, he had operated the sailboat to the south from Fish Creek and intended to operate the boat to the north with a following sea condition along the western side of the Strawberry Islands. 
Operator stated that after passing the navigation aid located to the south of Fish Creek while traveling in a northerly direction Operator observed that the chart indicated a depth of approximately 12'-15' on the chart-plotter on his boat. LE Officer asked what the draft of the sailboat was, and Operator stated "seven and a half feet". Wave conditions this day were approximately 3' to 5' in height. Operator stated that as the sailboat passed the shoal, he heard a loud "thud" and the boat turned sideways and then started drifting towards the reef marked on the navigation chart. Operator stated that after only a minute or two over a foot of water was observed down below the deck area of the boat in the salon area of the sailboat. Operator stated that at that time he advised everyone to put a life preserver on as they needed to get off of the boat, Operator stated that he had his son drop the anchor of the sailboat into the water and tie the line off to the side of the sailboat to stop the drifting of the sailboat.
Operator stated that they attempted to gather some of their personal belongings but the boat was sinking too fast. Operator stated with assistance from individuals at the Alabi Marina and an individual who was fishing in the area they were able to get picked up and taken to shore at the Alabi Marina by other individuals in boats.
Upon checking the area on Saturday, August 25th, 2018 where the boat had sank, LE Officer observed the hull of the sailboat was now located on the surface of the water in Green Bay near the latitude and longitude location that subject had documented the day prior.  LE Officer observed that the sailboat's keel had completely separated from the hull of the sailboat and a hole that was approximately 18" wide and 4' long was observed in the hull where the keel had been located. Salvage measures for the sailboat were taken care of by Yacht Works from Sister Bay WI. The sailboat was recovered on Sunday, August 26th, 2018.


BARDID: WI-2018-0096
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:03:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Silver Lake
NearestCityorTown: Summit
County: Waukesha
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator was towing Skier person behind the boat, waterskiing going westbound along the north side of Silver Lake when the Skier fell.  Operator reduced his speed after Occupants advised that the Skier had fallen off her skis and turned around to pick her up.  While approaching the downed skier, the Operator observed the Skier was laying on her back and a look of pain on her face.  After learning that the Skier’s chest hurt and she was having trouble breathing due to the pain, Operator pulled the Skier onto the boat and brought her to shore to be treated be emergency medical staff.  The Skier was treated on scene and transported to the hospital on suspicion of rib(s) injury.


BARDID: WI-2018-0097
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 03:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Superior
NearestCityorTown: Bayfield
County: Bayfield
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat operator had conducted a water taxi route (operates PMG Water Taxi Service out of Bayfield) to north side of Sand Island and dropped people off about 11pm.  Operator heard marine radio traffic about missing kayakers and decided to help on the search between Michigan/Stockton/Madeline Islands on Lake Superior, arriving about 12AM on 8/31/18 and looking for several hours for kayakers.  

Operator remembers it being about 02:30AM and seeing a storm rolling in from the west so decided time to go back towards Bayfield.  Operator remembers standing at console, using right hand on steering wheel, left hand using spotlight to see (said navigation lights were operational) as well to check shoreline for missing kayakers, and the middle window/canvas would have been up and open in full windshield so he could see.  
Next thing operator remembers is waking up on overturned boat, wading to shore then hunkering down until daylight.  Walks through woods/shoreline area to Quarry Bay where his marine handheld radio floats in to Quarry Bay Beach where he picks it up and calls in to USCG for assistance at approximately 08:15AM.  Warden and RC Warden were in the WDNR LE/V and picked him up at Quarry Bay dock (owned by the National Park Service).  
NPS Ranger  stated on looking at rocks further at incident site the operator's boat was going in a northerly direction as the bow marks on rock below the surface show about 20-30 yards off the Stockton Island shoreline.  The prop as observed by Warden had all 4 blades destroyed from turning and hitting rocks/objects.  The boat was observed facing north upside down with starboard side against the shoreline rocks before operator was picked up by wardens.  Operator stated he had a radar on board but it was not plugged in as well as for depth and chart use he has to hit a light button to see them at night.  Operator also unsure if his steering might have had problems as he had worked on it the past few days, but admitted to not having any steering problems even in the 2-3' waves earlier in the night when he does have memory of the night.  Boat was not removed until water was calmer on 9/1/18 by Tow Boat US.  Subject had left side pain above eye (contusion) down through left leg.  Operator went in to doctor on 9/3/18 to get checked out and was cleared other than left thigh pain.


BARDID: WI-2018-0098
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-10-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wisconsin River
NearestCityorTown: Mosinee
County: Portage
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Dam/lock
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 6:30 am Vessel 1 Operator and Passenger seen by witnesses launching their boat at the boat landing on the west side of the Wisconsin River below the DuBay Dam off of Dam Rd in Portage County.  

They proceeded upstream directly below the dam on the western section of the dam where the dam's gates were closed and the water was fairly calm.  They remained in that location for approximately 10 minutes and then began slowly traveling easterly along the dam towards two open gates (gates 8 and 9).  

One witness believed they were using their trolling motor because they traveled slowly and parallel the dam.  Video evidence from the Dam showed an individual wearing a light-colored jacket, likely the Operator in the front of the boat running the trolling motor and an individual in dark clothes sitting at the console, likely the Passenger.  

The front of the boat was facing the southwest away from the turbulent waters of the open gates and was moving backwards to the northeast.  As the rear of the boat started to enter the fast-moving water, the Passenger stands up and stepped towards the front of the boat.  The boat quickly capsizes and is seen flipping several times in the turbulent waters below the two open gates.  

The boat eventually is pinned up against the concrete divider between the two open gates.  Witnesses observed both the Operator and Passenger surface 50 to 60 yards down river and struggled to stay above water.  The Passenger was taken by the current towards the east and the Operator was taken towards the west.  At about 6:54am a witness called 911 and alerts another boater who was launching their boat to elicited their help.  

When the witness looked back towards the water they could not see either the Operator or Passenger on the surface.  At 7:20am the dam gates started to be closed and shortly thereafter the boat dislodged from the dam and floated down stream upside down.  A bystander in a boat recovered life jackets and other items floating down stream, but Operator and Passenger never resurfaced.  

At about 8:50am Emergency Personal located the Passenger just off shore in about 3 feet of water along the east bank of the river about 210 yards downstream of the dam.  On 10/23/18 the Operator was recovered about 7 miles downstream.


BARDID: WI-2018-0099
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:53:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Chetek
NearestCityorTown: Birchwood
County: Sawyer
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Both boats left the dock with #2 Crownline following #1 Searay.  A short distance from the dock #2 Crownline overtook #1 Searay.  The bow of #2 Crownline ramped up over the starboard gunwale of #1 Searay, continuing over the passenger compartment, causing damage to the gunwale, canopy, stern light, and windshield.  The operator of #1 Searay sustained a broken nose.  His wife, in the port front passenger seat, received some minor injuries from broken glass, and a juvenile passenger seated behind the operator was struck on the head.  All received medical treatment at Lakeview Medical Center in Rice Lake.

The operator of #2 Crownline said that he had left the dock following #1 Searay and was able to see the stern light for #1 Searay in front of him.  He said that he brought the boat up to planing speed then backed it down to approximately 20 mph and intended to follow the other boat.  He said he thought the other boat was moving and was quite a ways in front of him, but apparently the first boat has stopped or slowed in the water.  The operator of #2 Crownline said that he could see the light clearly over the bow of his boat and didn't think anything was wrong until he heard his wife start yelling.  He then realized that they were about to strike the first boat.


BARDID: WI-2018-0100
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Milwaukee River
NearestCityorTown: Milwaukee
County: Milwaukee
WaterConditions: Calm
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1, a rented pontoon boat was returned to the rental business with crash damage.  Business owner called law enforcement to file a report.  Vessel 1 with 6 on board was traveling upbound on the Milwaukee River approaching the E Wells Street bridge.  Operator stated that there was a larger boat in the center of the river under the bridge, so he navigated towards the eastern edge of the river in an attempt to not obstruct the large boat’s navigation, not realizing the height of the rental pontoon was larger than the opening in the section of bridge he would be traveling under.  

Operator stated the bridge struck the windshield and console area of the rental pontoon along with the bimini top which then forced the port bow area of the boat into the concrete pillar which supported the bridge.  

Operator stated there were no injuries to anyone onboard.  Operator stated he then returned the boat to the rental business.  Operator stated he was only familiar with 2 of the passengers onboard.  Operator stated that he was not aware that he needed to report the boat collision because he was unfamiliar with the laws regarding boat collisions and he subjectively believed that the damage to the vessel did not rise to the reporting threshold.


BARDID: WI-2018-0101
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityorTown: Lynxville
County: Crawford
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, September 15, 2018, at approximately 5:53 PM, Vessel 2 was heading north on the main channel of the Mississippi River in Wisconsin waters located just south of Gorden's Bay, near Lynxville, Wisconsin. 

Vessel 2 was pulling a tube behind their vessel occupied by one female subject. Vessel 2 came upon Vessel 1 as Vessel 1 was off to the starboard (right) side of Vessel 2. Both Vessels were traveling north at this time. Vessel 2 was traveling at a greater speed than vessel 1 and Vessel 2 proceeded to overtake vessel 1 on the port (left) side of vessel 1. After vessel 2 over took vessel 1, vessel 1 made a port (left) turn towards the east in an attempt to cut behind vessel 2. It was at this point that vessel 1 collided with the female subject trailing behind vessel 2 in a tube. 

Vessel 2 Passenger observed the striking boat hit the tube with the front left corner of the striking boat. When the other boat hit the Injured, she disappeared underneath the other boat. Vessel 1 Operator observed the striking boat run over the tube and Injured.  The Injured person and the tube disappeared, and both appeared to be stuck underneath the striking boat.   Vessel 2 Passenger observed the tow rope break and the metal or plastic part flew into Vessel 2 boat. Vessel 2 Passenger heard the metal or plastic part hit something in Vessel 1.

The Injured person's injuries were a concussion, pneumothorax, laceration to right eye, abrasions and bruising to right forehead around the right eye, partially swollen shut right eye, bruised left and right knees, and abrasions and bruising on her right shin, right thigh, right rib cage and the top of her right wrist.
 Minnesota officer made contact with Vessel 1 Operator and Passengers and used a portable breath test (PBT) to take a breath test from Vessel 1 Operator (with consent) and the test showed numbers of 1.0 at approximately 8:30 pm.  Vessel 1 Operator informed Minnesota Officer that he had been drinking whiskey at his cabin after the incident.  Passengers stated that they observed Vessel 1 Operator consuming alcohol after returning from the river.  Vessel 1 Operator claimed that he only had three beers from 11:00 am to the time of the incident at 5:53 pm.


BARDID: WI-2018-0102
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:38:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Lake Geneva
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat #1 was southbound from the piers at the Riviera Pier. Boat #2 was eastbound crossing the piers in-between the piers and the slow no wake buoys. As boat #1 was southbound and Boat #2 was eastbound, Boat #1 failed to yield to Boat #2. 

Boat #1 struck the side of Boat #2. No one claimed any injuries on either boat. The operator of Boat #2 stated he did not observe anyone at the helm of Boat #1. The passengers of Boat #2 stated they were yelling at Boat #1 before Boat #1 struck them. The operator of Boat #1 stated he was operating the boat.


BARDID: WI-2018-0103
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-10-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deer Lake
NearestCityorTown: St Croix Falls
County: Polk
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator/Deceased identified by DL that was on his person, was observed by three witnesses who were taking in their dock for the year.  Operator/Deceased had been observed fishing from the boat not far from shore. They looked at one point and did not observe the Operator/Deceased in the boat and did see him floating in the water near the boat. They used their row boat to get Deceased from the water and contacted 911.  The witnesses were able to retrieve the boat and pulled it to shore where it was secured.  The witnesses stated the boat was being propelled by the trolling motor and did not hear any calls for help. Deceased was flown to Regions Hospital in St Paul.  Investigating Officer contacted Regions Hospital and they stated the Operator/Deceased had expired.  Victims spouse indicated that the victim had been prescribed new medication earlier in the week.


BARDID: WI-2018-0104
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-10-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Puckaway / Fox River
NearestCityorTown: Princeton
County: Green Lake
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and Passenger were returning from duck hunting on Lake Puckaway on the Fox River near the mouth of the river and Lake Puckaway.  While traveling up and across the river in Vessel 1, powered by outboard motor, high winds, waves, and likely placement of the individuals in the boat, caused the boat to capsize.
Operator stayed with the boat and was later able to return to shore after the wind blew him and the boat across the river toward the vegetated/flooded shore.  Passenger/Victim was separated from the boat and attempted to stay afloat using duck decoys. A search was conducted for Passenger/Victim and he was recovered deceased, near the location the boat initially capsized. 
Passenger/Victim was wearing heavy clothing and waders. Coroner assessment indicated signs of drowning related to death and an autopsy was not ordered, no indication of foul play was observed. The boat, motor and numerous contents in the boat, including Victim’s shotgun were recovered on Sunday 10/21/2018, and later returned to the owner after being cleared by the Green Lake District Attorney.


BARDID: WI-2018-0105
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-10-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LaCrosse River
NearestCityorTown: Bangor
County: La Crosse
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The deceased was paddling / duck hunting down the La Crosse River, from the Hwy 162 boat landing when his kayak became entangled in an overhanging tree extending into the river from the shoreline.  The Kayak tipped. The individual was in the water and was pinned under the tree for 5 -10 minutes before his hunting partner could free him.

He did have on a fanny pack type inflatable PFD.  It did not inflate until he was removed from the water. The Officer could not tell if it was USCG approved or the make and model of PFD.  Most of it was cut off and discarded by the first responders.


BARDID: WI-2018-0107
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wisconsin River
NearestCityorTown: Sauk City
County: Sauk
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of boat #2 was fishing the Wisconsin River near the Highway 12 Bridge.  Operator of boat #2 positioned his boat near shore (operator estimated 30 - 40 feet away) and placed two anchors off the bow.  Boat #2 was orientated with its bow facing upstream.  Operator of boat #2 stated he left both the bow & stern navigation lights illuminated, and commenced to bait and place three fishing poles off of the stern in rod holders.  Two poles on the port stern & one on the starboard stern.  Operator of boat #2 stated he fished for a while and then laid down on the floor of his boat with his feet behind the operator's console and his head behind the passenger's console. Operator of boat #2 stated he was watching his poles and looking at the stars.  

The operator of boat #1 was fishing the Wisconsin River near the Highway 12 Bridge.  Operator of boat #1 stated he was operating on plane, at a speed of approximately 10mph - 15mph, down river heading towards the bridge.  Operator of boat #1 stated that it was "pitch black" out and that he was using the boat's depth finder's depth, the shoreline, the lights on the Highway 12 Bridge, and his experience to find his way.  The operator of boat #1 stated that he was not using a spotlight to light his way and to make sure his way was clear.  The operator of boat #1 stated he was looking for boat lights, and he stated he did not see any, so he continued at his planning speed towards the bridge, and estimated he was approximately 100 feet from shore. 

Boat #1 continued collided with boat #2 nearly bow to bow.  Operator of boat #1 stated he collided while operating at planning speed and had no indication of an impending collision and was not able to avoid it. Boat #1 ramped up and completely over boat #2 from the starboard bow and re-entered the water from boat #2's port stern--completely traveling over boat #2's consoles.  Operator of boat #1 stated he did not see any lights illuminated on boat #2 prior to crash.  Operator of boat #2 stated he heard boat #1 coming but did not think anything of it.  All persons remained in their boats and all involved stated there were no injuries.  Both boats were able to be operated back to shore and were removed from the water.


BARDID: WI-2018-0108
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-10-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:40:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Upper Nemahbin Lake
NearestCityorTown: Delafield
County: Waukesha
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator/Victim was paddleboarding Northbound along the NE shore of Upper Nemahbin Lake, while being followed by the Witness, who was also operating a paddle board ,approximately 100 feet behind the victim.  Witness observed the Operator/Victim kneel down on his board, and then put his forearms on the board.  Witness paddle up and asked Operator/Victim "are you alright?".  Operator/Victim did not respond but just fell off the board.  Once Operator/Victim went under the water, he resurfaced right away, and gasped, he then went back under the water.  Witness jumped in after the Operator/Victim and propped his head out of the water. The men were near shore and the water was approximately 3 feet in depth.  Witness dragged the Operator/Victim to shore and called 911.  Once EMS arrived Operator/Victim was dragged completely out of the water and life saving measures were attempted but unsuccessful, he never regained consciousness.

Operator/Victim was pronounced dead at 6:47 pm at the Aurora Summit Medical Center.

The Waukesha County Medical Examiner's office determined that Operator/Victim cause of death was drowning.  This determination was due to the MD being unable to conclusively determine that the heart attack suffered by Operator/Victim was not survivable, and that water was present in the victim's lungs.


BARDID: WI-2018-0109
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-02 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Linn
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Congested waters
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operated stated he was travelling west bound near the north shore area when he steered abruptly away from two boats approaching him from the west.  Operator stated that the injured person was being towed on a tube and as he made the quick turn he turned 180 degrees quickly and ran over the top of the Injured person who was still on the tube.   Injured person had obvious signs of trauma to her left shoulder, right arm and left knee area.  There were severe lacerations to the areas aforementioned.  

Operator stated that he had no experience operating a boat nor did he possess a boat safety education certificate from any state.

There were intoxicants on the vessel, the Operator stated he had consumed a half of 1 beer, the responding officer had hugged the Operator as he seemed distraught, however, the officer did not smell any intoxicants on the Operator.


BARDID: WI-2019-0001
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-03-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Badfish Creek
NearestCityorTown: Porter
County: Rock
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and Witness/companion set out on kayak trip at approximately 10:30 am.  Throughout the course of the trip the Operator tipped his kayak approximately 10 times.  Contributing factors to the incident include lack of experience with equipment, cold water temperatures, moderate winds, medical issues, and lack of food/drink.  The Operator grew cold and weak as the day progressed and eventually he unable to get himself back in to the kayak.  As a result, the Operator became unconscious and suffered from hypothermia.  The witness attempted to help the Operator by trying to get him on shore to dry land, but failed to do so.  First responders were able to get the victim to shore and began life saving measures.  Law Enforcement officers were able to interview the victim and he is expected to make a full recovery.

Additional information.  Injured is a diabetic and it is presumed his glucose level dropped, weakening him, until finally exhausted he fell into the creek.  The Injured's core temp dropped to 70 degrees.  Core temp raised, Injured intubated.  Injured remained in the hospital for 4 days and has now fully recovered.


BARDID: WI-2019-0002
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-03-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:56:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fox River
NearestCityorTown: DePere
County: Brown
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Congested waters
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 travelling northbound, west of the shipping channel.  Vessel 1 Operator was trying to avoid two boats with fisherman casting towards shore.  

Vessel 1 Operator attempted to pass those boats starboard to port and then head towards the park and hug the shore till they got to the launch.  

When Vessel 1 Operator turned to avoid the anchored boats, he did not see Vessel 2.  Vessel 1 Operator was able to turn at the last second and slow down to bounce off of Vessel 2


BARDID: WI-2019-0003
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-04-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:52:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnebago
NearestCityorTown: Friendship
County: Fond du Lac
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator launched his 10' sit-on top kayak on Lake Winnebago.  He paddled south to approximately 100 yards west of Subway Road and turned back north due to the winds picking up from the west.  At approximately 2:45 pm Vessel 1 Operator was attempting to paddle north, back towards the wayside landing.  He was pushed away from shore by the wind.  The waves began to get larger and the kayak overturned.  Vessel 1 Operator was able to get back onto the kayak but was ejected back into the water several more times due to the waves.  Operator was wearing shorts and a light shirt and did not have a PFD with.  A witness from shore called 911 .  First responders were able to reach Vessel 1 Operator and retrieved him from the water at approximately 3:30 pm.  He was transported to the hospital where he was treated and released for cold exposure and hypothermia.  Operator reported to the officer that he has ongoing medical issues due to the exposure.


BARDID: WI-2019-0004
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-04-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:23:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Menomonee River
NearestCityorTown: Marinette
County: Marinette
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Dam/lock
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Driver and passenger were both fishing on the menominee river. The boat was anchored from the back. There was a very heavy current and rapid water flowing as the dam up river had several gates open. The boat started to take on water and had waves coming inside the boat. The driver of the boat tried to bring in the anchor. When doing this the back of the boat went further down and took on more water. Very quickly the boat started to go down and capsize throwing both occupants in the water. Neither were wearing life vests and neither could swim well. There were at least 3 throwables in the boat, no life vests. The passenger was able to hang onto one and was later pulled from the river by fire. The driver went under water and has yet to be located. The boat was later recovered and towed to the mrso impound.

Victim was located on may 29, 2019.


BARDID: WI-2019-0005
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bay of Green Bay
NearestCityorTown: Green Bay
County: Brown
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 travelling on planning heading north.  Operator saw signs on dredging barge pointing east.  Operator navigated east of dredging barge and hit a pipe that was under the surface of the water and damaged lower unit.


BARDID: WI-2019-0006
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Wisconsin
NearestCityorTown: Merrimac
County: Sauk
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 2 OPERATOR WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY NORTHWEST AND VESSEL 1 OPERATOR WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY SOUTHEAST. VESSEL 1 OPERATOR NOTICED VESSEL 2 AND BEGAN TO YELL AT THE OPERATOR, AT WHICH TIME VESSEL 2 OPERATOR TOOK EVASIVE MANEUVERS TO PORT SIDE DRIVING IN FRONT OF VESSEL 1. 

THE VESSEL 1 PONTOON STRUCK VESSEL 2 ON THE STARBOARD SIDE APPROXIMATELY AMIDSHIP. THERE WERE DENTS ON THE PORT SIDE OF VESSEL 1 AND CHIPS TO THE GEL COAT ON THE STARBOARD SIDE OF VESSEL 2.  

VESSEL 2 OPERATOR STATED THAT HE HAD DROPPED HIS PHONE AND WHEN HE LOOKED UP HE TOOK EVASIVE MANEUVERS. VESSEL 2 OPERATOR STATED THAT HE HAD DRANK WHAT WAS ON THE PICNIC TABLE AFTER HE HAD DROVE THE BOAT BACK TO SHORE WHICH APPEARED TO BE THREE BEERS AND 1 PLASTIC MIXED DRINK. 

VESSEL 2 OPERATOR ADMITTED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER THAT IT WAS HIS FAULT THAT THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED.


BARDID: WI-2019-0007
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Jennie Webber Lake
NearestCityorTown: Sugar Camp
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause2: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
There were no eye witnesses to the events that led up to the accident that ultimately resulted in death, although there was an eye witness to what occurred once the Operator/Victim was in the water.   The Witness stated she had been in the yard when she noticed something in the water that looked like an overturned and partially submerged boat. She went inside to get her binoculars and, using the binoculars, could see what looked like something swimming near the over turned boat. She called 911 to report the issue. She also stated that whatever was swimming appeared to be trying to climb on the overturned boat and then started swimming away from the boat.

Given that the boat’s engine was in the “RUN” position and in a “FORWARD” gear, the Operator/Victim's size and age (reduced reaction time), and the narrow stance of the boat, it is reasonable to conclude that, while under power, the Operator/Victim shifted quickly towards one side of the boat, causing the boat to capsize and for him to exit the boat. Not wearing a life jacket, he attempted to climb back on the capsized boat but was unable to do so. At that point, either due to exhaustion or in an attempt to reach shore, he abandoned the boat and started to move south where he eventually lost consciousness and drowned.

The pathologist conducting the initial autopsy stated she had found liquid in the Victim's sinus cavities and that he had bilaterally edematous lungs, or fluid in the lungs, indicating drowning. The pathologist also said that for his size (over weight) and age, the Victim had a surprisingly healthy heart and it did not look like he had a heart attack.


BARDID: WI-2019-0008
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Yahara River
NearestCityorTown: Fulton
County: Rock
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Four canoes with two individual each, entered the Yahara River at Murwin Park at approximately 2:45 pm with an intended destination of Camp Indian Trails.  Vessel 1 entered a high current area and was swept under causing the canoe to tip and both occupants fell out of the canoe.  Due to the high waters and strong current, the Vessel 1 Operator was taken under water and was trapped under the canoe.  Vessel 1 Operator got hung up under water in a downed tree.  Vessel 1 Operator was removed from the water and life saving measures were initiated.  Victim was transported to hospital where life saving measures were stopped.


BARDID: WI-2019-0009
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Perch Lake
NearestCityorTown: Drummond
County: Bayfield
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 OPERATOR WAS FISHING ON PERCH LAKE AND PUT IN HIS ANCHOR. OPERATOR REPORTED THE ANCHOR LINE BECAME VERY TIGHT WHEN THE WIND PICK UP AND BLEW HIS BOAT. THE BOAT THEN STARTED TO TAKE ON WATER AND OPERATOR WENT OVERBOARD. AS OPERATOR WENT OVERBOARD THE BOAT  FLIPPED OVER. OPERATOR WAS NOT WEARING A LIFE JACKET AT THE TIME. WITH THE BOAT FLIPPED OVER OPERATOR HELD ONTO THE SIDE OF THE  BOAT. OPERATOR WAS ABLE TO FLIP THE BOAT OVER AND CLIMB INSIDE THE BOAT. OPERATOR REPORTED HE LAID ACROSS THE BOAT AND WAS VERY COLD. A PERSON DRIVING SOUTH ON DELTA DRUMMOND ROAD SAW SOMETHING ODD ON THE LAKE AND STOPPED. THEY SAW OPERATOR WAS IN  DISTRESS AND CALLED 911. BAYFIELD COUNTY DEPUTY WENT INTO THE WATER AND WAS ABLE TO PUSH THE OPERATOR INSIDE HIS BOAT TO SHORE. DEPUTY REPORTED THE BOAT WAS SUBMERGED AND ONLY LIKE THREE INCHES OF THE BOW WAS SHOWING. OPERATOR WAS  TREATED IN ASHLAND FOR HYPERTHERMIA AND TOLD ME HE THINKS HE WAS IN THE WATER FOR CLOSE TO 1.5 HOURS.


BARDID: WI-2019-0010
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lauderdale Lakes Chain of Lake
NearestCityorTown: Elkhorn
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator stated that he was driving north through the channel.  He turned away from the steering wheel to stop one of the dogs from jumping off the back of the boat and that's when the front starboard side of the boat struck the pier.  The responding officer observed no signs of impairment and the Operator stated that he had not been drinking.  The owner of the pier stated the estimated damage was approximately $5,000 as the pier was a total loss.


BARDID: WI-2019-0011
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:18:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Lake Geneva
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/26/2019 operator was operating his 31 foot formula vessel bearing wi/federal documented number 7562gw/1171719 on the waters of lake geneva. Approximately around  10:18 p.m. operator struck a pier that belonged to the residence. The boat was heading east towards buttons bay. The boat struck the pier on the starboards side breaking off dock posts and ruining the decking of the dock and shifting the whole pier to the south and making the pier lean. There was also damage to the post holding up the canopy to the boat lift. After hitting the pier the 31 foot formula vessel then continued heading east hitting a swim raft just east of the dock that was struck. There was an eye bolt on the swim raft that had the white paint scuffed off with blue paint markings from the boat which is were the damage on the port side of the vessel came from. Approximately 5 feet from the swim raft is where the stern drive of the 31 foot formula vessel was located laying on the bottom of the lake bed. This was the starboard side stern drive of the boat which was ripped off during the accident. After the boat hit both the pier and swim raft the boat stopped and had to be turned back on. It was at that point the formula vessel operated by the operator started heading back west towards the abbey harbor marina. Operator made it back to the abbey harbor marina on one engine moored the vessel up and left. All personal on the boat were accounted for and no injuries were reported to law enforcement.


BARDID: WI-2019-0012
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:53:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chippewa Flowage
NearestCityorTown: Hunter
County: Sawyer
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
VICTIM FOUND FLOATING FACE DOWN IN WATER APPROXIMATELY 86 YARDS FROM BOAT. VICTIM FOUND BY INDIVIDUALS MOTORING BY.  BOAT WAS ON SHORE OF AN ISLAND WITH MOTOR  RUNNING.  MOTOR WAS IN NEUTRAL. NO DAMAGE TO BOAT. POSSIBLE SMALL SCRATCH TO NECK AND SOME SMALL AMOUNT OF SKIN REMOVAL FROM HANDS OF VICTIM.  UNKNOWN OF THOSE WERE INCURRED FROM THIS INCIDENT OR BEFORE.

OFFICERS SAW THAT THE BOAT WAS UP AGAINST AN ISLAND ON THE  CHIPPEWA FLOWAGE APPRXOIMATELY 500 YARDS AWAY FROM THE NORTH LANDING.  THE BOAT HAD TWO OUTBOARD MOTORS ON THE TRANSOM OF THE BOAT AND A TROLLING MOTOR ON THE BOW.  THE MAIN OUTBOARD WAS IN RUNNING IN THE IDLE POSITION AND IT WAS IN NEUTRAL.  THE SMALLER "KICKER" OUTBOARD WAS NOT RUNNING AND WAS IN THE TRANSPORT POSITION AND WAS NOT RUNNING.  THE TROLLING MOTOR ON THE BOW WAS IN THE TRANSPORT POSITION AND WAS NOT RUNNING.  THERE WAS AN ELECTRIC ANCHOR ON THE STERN OF THE BOAT AND WAS IN THE UP POSITION AND THE ANCHOR HAD A LOT OF MUD ON IT, INCIDATING RECENT USE.


BARDID: WI-2019-0013
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Mendota
NearestCityorTown: Madison
County: Dane
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was tied to the dock on its starboard side.  Vessel 2 was operating in the docking area and collided with Vessel 1.  Vessel 1 was impacted on the port side.


BARDID: WI-2019-0015
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Shangrila
NearestCityorTown: Bristol
County: Kenosha
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
UNIT 1 LAUNCHED AT THE LAKE SHANGRILA BOAT LAUNCH ON 121ST STREET, WEST OF 213TH AVENUE.  UNIT 1 TURNED AROUND NEAR THE LAUNCH AND ATTEMPTED TO PROCEED INTO THE LAKE.  UNIT 1 TURNED AND STRUCK UNIT 2'S OUTBOARD MOTOR AND THE DOCK UNIT 2 WAS TIED TO.  

THE MOTOR ON UNIT 2 SUSTAINED GAUGE / SCRAPE MARKS.  THE DOCK SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE FAR WESTERN PART OF IT AND PART OF IT SUBMERGED INTO THE WATER.  UNIT 1 SUSTAINED A LARGE SLIT IN THE PORT SIDE PONTOON AND BEGAN TAKING ON WATER.  UNIT 1 WAS THEN REMOVED FROM THE WATER A SHORT TIME LATER.  UNIT 2 REMAINED AT IT'S DOCK.  THE OPERATOR OF UNIT 1 DID NOT NOTIFY LAW ENFORCEMENT OF THE CRASH, AND WAS LOCATED LATER DURING MY INVESTIGATION. THE OPERATOR OF UNIT 1 WILL BE CITED FOR FAILURE TO REPORT BOAT ACCIDENT.  THE OPERATOR OF UNIT 1 WAS ADVISED TO COMPLETE THE WI DNR BOAT OPERATOR ACCIDENT REPORT.  THE OWNER OF UNIT 2 ESTIMATED THE DAMAGE TO THE MOTOR AT $3000 - $5000 AND THE DAMAGE TO HIS DOCK AT $1000.


BARDID: WI-2019-0016
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake George
NearestCityorTown: Rhinelander
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
THREE SUBJECTS WERE FISHING FROM VESSEL 1 WHEN THEY EXPERIENCED ENGINE TROUBLE (THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START).  AS THEY WERE DRIFTING TOWARD PIERS ALONG THE SHORE OF LAKE GEORGE, THEY HEARD AN EXPLOSION AT THE BACK OF THE PONTOON (LIKELY GAS FUMES IGNITING UNDER THE OUTBOARD ENGINE'S COWLING) FOLLOWED BY SMOKE AND FLAMES ON THE ENGINE.  

THEY ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT FIRST WITH THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER ON BOARD AND THEN WITH BUCKETS OF WATER.  DURING THIS TIME, THEY TIED UP TO A PIER THEY DRIFTED TO AND EXITED THE VESSEL ONCE THEY DECIDED THEY COULD NO LONGER PUT THE FIRE OUT THEMSELVES.  A BY STANDER CALLED 911 AND THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED.


BARDID: WI-2019-0017
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan, Milwaukee Harbo
NearestCityorTown: Milwaukee
County: Milwaukee
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 exited marina into the outer harbor on engine power.  Vessel 1 traveled past the north gap heading south.  Vessel 1 Operator placed the vessel in neutral and began to set up sails.  Vessel 1 Operator then realized he was drifting towards the breakwall of the harbor.  Vessel 1 Operator then attempted to steer away from the breakwall but was too close and collided into the wall somewhere between the north gap and main gap of the breakwall.  Vessel 1 Operator then pulled away from the breakwall and stopped to check for damage.  Operator realized he was taking on water and called for help over the marine radio.


BARDID: WI-2019-0018
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Sampson
County: Chippewa
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 operating on Chain Lake, conducting skiing practice for a ski group.  Skier/Injured was conducting a slalom maneuver when she fell and impacted the water hard.  Skier/Injured was complaining of neck and body pain and later reported that she had sustained a minor concussion from the fall.


BARDID: WI-2019-0019
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:03:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Green Bay
NearestCityorTown: Green Bay
County: Door
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator stated that the boat had swamped in the waves and water was up to operator’s seat and the bilge pump was working.  Operated also stated that the boat had lost power but they were able to maintain with use of the trolling motor.  Law enforcement officer stayed alongside Vessel 1 as the bilge pump operated and the boat began to regain stability and floated in a near normal position as the Operator continued to use the trolling motor to travel to the landing.
Operator stated that the boat began feeling heavy while traveling in the rougher water conditions and upon coming down off of a wave the Operator heard the engine quit after a loud mechanical sound.  Upon follow up it was confirmed that the engine had hydro-locked causing connecting rod damage and other internal component damages to the engine.


BARDID: WI-2019-0020
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Green Bay
County: Door
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Carbon monoxide exposure
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Officer notified of a possible carbon monoxide incident that had occurred on a boat off of washington island. Two individuals had been transported to door county medical center for treatment. Upon responding to the medical center officer was advised that three additional victims were being transported for treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning. Upon meeting with one of the passengers, officer was advised that the seven individuals were riding on a boat off of boyers bluff near washington island when the youngest had gone down to the salon area of the boat for some snacks. Passenger advised that the youngest was only down below 30 seconds to a minute and began convulsing. 

Upon initial treatment it was determined that there were elevated carbon monoxide levels with these two passengers (15-22%). Upon speaking with the three other individuals who were transported they all told similar events. Upon inspection of the boat the following day it was determined that the rear canvas of the boat had been removed during the boating trip, causing a low-pressure event in the cabin of the boat (station wagon effect) since the forward ventilation hatch was not opened as recommended. 

Further inspection revealed a small crack in an exhaust manifold of the starboard (right) engine along the right side of the engine. A co meter was also used and determined a slight leak in the exhaust system of the port (left) engine was also occurring. Carbon monoxide levels were 15-16% in the engine compartment at idle after approximately 15 minutes. Neither of the two carbon monoxide detectors that the boat is equipped with were functional as indicated by statements of the boat owner.


BARDID: WI-2019-0021
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Castle Rock Lake
NearestCityorTown: Germantown
County: Juneau
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 OPERATOR HAD TO SEEK MEDICAL CARE AT A HOSPITAL FOR POSSIBLE BROKEN BONES. WARDENS COULD NOT RESPOND TO THE ACCIDENT AND JUNEAU COUNTY SHERIFF DEPUTY WENT TO THE HOSPITAL WHERE THE OPERATOR WAS ADMITTED TO ENSURE ALCOHOL/DRUGS WERE NOT A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT. ON JUNE 28, 2019, WARDEN SPOKE TO VESSEL 1 OPERATOR, WHO STATED HE HAD LAUNCHED AT SHIPWRECK BAY. SHORTLY AFTER LAUNCHING, VESSEL 1 OPERATOR STATED HE HIT A BUOY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LAKE. VESSEL 1 OPERATOR WAS EJECTED AND HAD ONE BROKEN RIB ON HIS LEFT SIDE. LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS WENT TO THE VESSEL OWNER’S BUSINESS AND PHOTOGRAPHED THE PWC INVOLVED. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE PORT SIDE OF THE MACHINE. OFFICERS THEN WENT TO CASTLE ROCK LAKE TO FIND THE BUOY INVOLVED IN THE COLLISION AND COULD NOT FIND ANY WITH DAMAGE. 

THE VESSEL OWNER WAS CALLED AND THEY ADVISED THAT ANOTHER PWC RENTED BY THE FAMILY OF THE OPERATOR HAD DAMAGE TO THE HULL EYE AND KEEL. OFFICERS WENT TO THE BUSINESS AND FOUND THAT THE NOSE GUARD ON THE VESSEL 2 WAS MISSING AND THERE WAS FRESH TRANSFER ON THE STARBOARD SIDE OF THE SECOND PWC AND ON THE HULL EYE. THE FIBERGLASS WAS CRACKED UNDER THE HULL EYE ON THE SECOND PWC.


BARDID: WI-2019-0022
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:43:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Delavan
NearestCityorTown: Delavan
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 sitting stationary, when Operator motioned to Vessel 2 Operator to come over.  Vessel 2 Operator killed the engine too early and lost steering.  Vessel 2 Operator bailed off of the PWC and Vessel 2 impact the right leg of the Vessel 1 Operator.


BARDID: WI-2019-0023
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
County: Milwaukee
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF VESSEL 1 WAS TRAVELING IN A NORTHWARD DIRECTION FOLLOWING VESSEL 2 AT A DISTANCE OF APPROXIMATELY 30-50 FEET TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 40 MILES PER HOUR. 

THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL 2 WAS ALSO TRAVELING IN A NORTHWARD DIRECTION AT AN ESTIMATED SPEED OF 40-45 MILES PER HOUR. OPERATOR OF VESSEL 2 BELIEVED HE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30 FEET IN FRONT OF VESSEL 1. 

PER WITNESS STATEMENTS VESSEL 2 MADE A SHARP, SUDDEN, UNPROVOKED TURN TO THE WEST (LEFT). THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL 1 WAS NOT ABLE TO REACT IN TIME AND STRUCK VESSEL 2 ON THE LEFT (PORT) SIDE IN FRONT OF THE HANDLEBARS. VESSEL 1 CONTINUED OVER THE TOP OF VESSEL 2 COMING TO REST IN THE WATER. OPERATOR OF VESSEL 2 WAS EJECTED INTO THE WATER. VESSEL TWO THEN SANK.


BARDID: WI-2019-0024
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Delton
NearestCityorTown: Lake Delton
County: Sauk
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 IS A RENTAL PWC. VESSEL 1 OPERATOR STATED HE DID REVIEW VIDEO OF OPERATION AND LAWS PROVIDED BY LAKE DELTON WATER SPORTS BEFORE RENTAL OPERATION.  OPERATOR OF VESSEL 1 STATED HE HAD ONE PRIOR EXPERIENCE WITH A PWC THREE YEARS AGO.  OPERATOR OF VESSEL 1 ADVISED HE WAS TURNING AND SAW THE BOAT LIFT AND LET GO OF THE PWC THROTTLE BUT THE PWC DIDN'T SLOW DOWN NOR WOULD IT TURN.  VESSEL 1 STRUCK THE BOAT LIFT CAUSING SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE LIFT AND A BOAT THAT WAS ON THE LIFT.  OPERATOR OF VESSEL 1 DID NOT SPEAK ENGLISH VERY WELL AND PASSENGER DID TRANSLATE.


BARDID: WI-2019-0025
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-06-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: North Turtle Lake
NearestCityorTown: Winchester
County: Vilas
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was occupied by three people and pulling two people on tubes traveling south at about 20-25 miles per hours when a "popping" sound was heard and the engine shroud moved forward about 12 inches.  Flames were immediately visible.  A fire extinguisher was deployed by the Operator which had little effect on the fire.  The three boat occupants jumped into the water.  All five people involved were picked by other boaters and transported to shore.  The boat burnt, broke in half, and sunk.  There were no injuries.


BARDID: WI-2019-0026
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:31:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winneconne
NearestCityorTown: Winneconne
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of Vessel 1 was fishing/trolling.  Operator fell overboard without a lifejacket on and drowned.  Vessel 1 continued under power of trolling motor until it was stopped by a pier.


BARDID: WI-2019-0027
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnebago
NearestCityorTown: Oshkosh
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OPEN BOW PLEASURE BOAT ANCHORED ON BOW AND STERN FISHING FOR SEVERAL HOURS UNTIL REAR ANCHOR IS PULLED AND THE WAVES VIOLENTLY BREAK OVER STERN WHICH OVERWHELM BILGE VERY QUICKLY.  OPERATOR TRIED TO DRIVE TOWARDS SHORE BUT MOTOR QUIT.  BOAT OVERTURNED AND THEY WERE RESCUED BY CITIZENS FROM SHORE.


BARDID: WI-2019-0028
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rock Lake
NearestCityorTown: Lake Mills
County: Jefferson
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 operating in channel west of Rock Lake.  Operator was traveling between 10-13 mph.  Vessel 1 all of a sudden took a hard left-hand turn and accelerated into the metal retaining wall.  When Vessel 1 struck the wall, the Operator was ejected to the port-side and struck his head and left elbow area.  Operator was able to get back onto the Vessel and returned it to his pier.  Operator went to the hospital and received stiches in his elbow area and stables in his head.  Officer talked with the technican where the Vessel was taken for inspection and repairs, and there did not appear to be an apparent reason for the possible mechanical/electrical malfunction.


BARDID: WI-2019-0029
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityorTown: LaCrosse
County: La Crosse
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vesel 1 Operator was undocking from the north side of the marine.  Vessel 1 began to head in a southwest direction and struck Vessel 2 which was legally docked, with no operator or occupants.


BARDID: WI-2019-0030
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Long Lake
NearestCityorTown: Sarona
County: Washburn
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 operator traveling in a northbound direction from the south end of Long Lake.  Vessel 1 Operator was meaning to make a left hand turn and travel in a westerly direction between the shoreline and the south end of Kunz Island.  Vessel 1 Operator traveled past the "gap" and turned in a westerly direction to far north causing the vessel to crash into the narrow strip of Kunz Island.


BARDID: WI-2019-0031
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnebago
NearestCityorTown: Oshkosh
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
UNIT 01 WAS TRAVELING SOUTH/SOUTH WEST BETWEEN 10-15 MPH. THE WIND WAS OUT OF THE NORTH/NORTH EAST CAUSING STRONG WAVES APPROX 2-3 FEET TALL. UNIT 01 HAD A WAVE COME OVER THE STERN CAUSING UNIT 01 TO START TO TAKE ON WATER. UNIT 01 ATTEMPTED TO TURN TO FACE INTO THE INCOMING WAVES HOWEVER AS IT WAS DOING THIS ANOTHER WAVE CAME IN OVER THE PORT SIDE OF UNIT 01 CAUSING IT TO SINK LOWER INTO THE WATER. THE ENGINE BECAME SUBMERGED AND STOPPED WORKING. UNIT 01 OPERATOR AND PASSENGER WERE ABLE TO CALL 911 AND ABANDONED UNIT 01 AND WERE PICKED UP BY PASSING FISHERMAN. UNIT 01 WAS TOWED INTO A BOAT LAUNCH W/OUT INCIDENT BY THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE.


BARDID: WI-2019-0032
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Milwaukee
NearestCityorTown: Mequon
County: Ozaukee
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator pulling one person on tube up river.  As Operator was turning the boat to go back down the river, the tube moved outside the wake.  The Injured person either let go or fell off the tube and her momentum carried her out further into a pier.  The tube itself did not impact the pier.


BARDID: WI-2019-0034
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mercer Lake
NearestCityorTown: Minocqua
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
TWO LARGE MASTERCRAFT BOATS, BOTH WITH OVERHEAD TOWERS FOR TOWING WAKEBOARDERS WERE MAKING A CONSIDERABLE WAKE.  VESSEL 1 OPERATOR STATED HE WENT TO THE AN AREA WHERE THE MASTERCRAFT BOATS HAD RECENTLY BEEN OPERATING AND FELL FROM THE MACHINE.  THE FALL APPEARS TO BE THE RESULT OF BOTH THE WAKE FROM THE MASTERCRAFT BOATS AND VESSEL 1 OPERATOR’S AGGRESSIVE DRIVING OF THE PWC.  VESSEL 1 OPERATOR’S LEFT ANKLE BROKE AS A RESULT OF THE FALL (IT WAS CAUGHT IN THE FOOT-AREA OF THE PWC WHEN HE FELL).


BARDID: WI-2019-0035
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:07:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Linn
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/4/2019 vessel 1 operator operating a 20 foot larson legacy 20 on the waters of lake geneva. There were 9 people on board. Vessel 1 was having electrical issues and had to be jumped by the lake geneva safety patrol boat prior to the accident happening. 

At approximately 3:07 p.m. the vessel was stopped and running due to the electrical problems. One of the passengers, who was hearing impaired and had taken off his hearing device, was in the water swimming near the aft end of the boat. Vessel 1 operator observed another vessel floating close to them, so he engaged the boat in reverse not knowing one of the members from the boat was swimming and struck the swimmer with the prop. 

Occupants of the boat immediately yelled when they noticed the swimmer was hit. That is when the operator put the boat in neutral. Swimmer was taken by lake geneva water safety patrol back to shore where they were met by the town of linn rescue and then transported to froedtert hospital in milwaukee.

The operator was detained under suspicion of owi.  Operator failed sfst’s and consented to a blood draw.  Blood was taken and will be submitted to the milwaukee crime lab.  Vessel 1 was seized, inventoried and is in storage at a dnr building.


BARDID: WI-2019-0036
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:39:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fox River
NearestCityorTown: Oshkosh
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 2 was traveling nb in the fox river in the marked slow no wake zone traveling at slow no wake speeds. Vessel 1 was traveling nb in the fox river and entered the slow no wake zone still on plane traveling at speeds faster than slow no wake. 

Both vessels were in the marked slow no wake zone south of oshkosh ave. The operator of vessel 1 said he did not see the slow no wake marker and was trying to find where it started on his gps. The operator of vessel 1 advised he was starting to slow down and a passenger yelled out boat just before the impact. 

The operator of vessel 2 saw vessel 1 traveling towards him on plane at faster than slow no wake speed. The operator of vessel 2 accelerated and turned to the right to avoid getting ran over. Vessel 1 then went up over the back of vessel 2 towards the port side. Vessel 2 accelerated out from under vessel 1. Both vessels then went to the spellmans marina and met with law enforcement. 

Officer noted that vessel 1 operator and passengers had been drinking, however did not administer test.  Officer noted that vessel 2 operator appeared normal and that passengers had been drinking.


BARDID: WI-2019-0037
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan, Milwaukee Harbo
NearestCityorTown: Milwaukee
County: Milwaukee
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with governmental vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was getting underway from McKinley Marina’s west seawall located on the courtesy dock.  Vessel 1 Operator drifted south and the vessel moved broadside to the peri.  Vessel 1 Operator then powered the engines forward to avoid impact with fixed object / Milwaukee Police Department Vessel 2.  Vessel 2 was moored and unoccupied.  

Vessel 1 made contact with the fixed object causing damage to both the fixed object and Vessel 1.  Vessel 1 then left the area without contacting the owner.  Witness observed incident, grabbed a boathook, and assisted to minimize the damage that Vessel 1 caused.  Witness reported this to the police when he saw Vessel 1 docking their other boat later the same day.


BARDID: WI-2019-0038
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Sturgeon Bay
County: Door
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
ON 07-21-2019 AT APPROXIMATELY 10:09 AM, WDNR OFFICER WAS CONTACTED BY VESSEL 1 OPERATOR TO ADVISE OF A BOAT INCIDENT WHICH OCCURRED ON 07-20-2019 AT APPROXIMATELY 10:20 PM. VESSEL 1 OPERATOR STATED HE WAS RETURNING FROM FISHING ON LAKE MICHIGAN WHEN HE COLLIDED WITH THE SOUTHERN EDGE OF THE WESTERN US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS BREAK WALL AT THE LAKE MICHIGAN ENTRANCE TO THE STURGEON BAY SHIPPING CANAL. 

VESSEL 1 OPERATOR STATED IT WAS NOT QUITE FOGGY OUT, BUT WAS DARK AND WAS HAZY. VESSEL 1 OPERATOR STATED HE WAS USING HIS CHART AND RADAR. PASSENGER WAS IN THE PROCESS OF CHANGING THE RADAR FROM 3/4 MI TO 1/2 MI WHEN THEIR BOAT COLLIDED WITH THE BREAK WALL. VESSEL 1 OPERATOR STATED THERE WAS DAMAGE TO HIS BOAT BUT NEITHER HE NOR THE PASSENGER WERE INJURED. VESSEL 1 OPERATOR STATED BOTH WERE WEARING PFDs AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. VESSEL 1 OPERATOR STATED HE WAS RETIRED LE AND RETIRED USCG AND THAT THE ENTRANCE WAS IMPROPERLY LIGHTED. VESSEL 1 OPERATOR ALSO STATED THE LIGHTING AT THE USCG STATION INTERFERED WITH THE LIGHTING OF THE CHANNEL.


BARDID: WI-2019-0039
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Legend Lake
NearestCityorTown: Keshena
County: Menominee
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 inexperience
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 OPERATOR OPERATING WITH PASSENGER SEATED IN FRONT OF HER.  VESSEL 2 WAS APPROXIMATELY 33 FEET TO THE EAST OF VESSEL 1. VESSEL 1 OPERATOR STARTED MOVING WEST BUT TURNED INTO THE SOUTH DIRECTION. 

VESSEL 2 OPERATOR STARTED ACCELERATING WEST TOWARDS THE DIRECTION OF VESSEL 1. WHEN VESSEL 1 OPERATOR SAW VESSEL 2 DRIVING TOWARDS HER SHE LET OFF THE THROTTLE. 

VESSEL 2 OPERATOR ACCELERATED TOWARDS THE DIRECTION OF VESSEL 1. VESSEL 2 STRUCK THE LEFT/FRONT PORTION OF VESSEL 1 AND RAMPED UP OVER VESSEL 1. VESSEL 2 OPERATOR WAS THROWN OFF OF THE JETSKI. BOTH VESSEL 1 OPERATOR AND PASSENGER APPEARED TO BE STRUCK BY VESSEL 2 AS IT PASSED OVER THE FRONT OF THEIR JETSKI.


BARDID: WI-2019-0040
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Runge Hollow Lake
NearestCityorTown: Jefferson
County: Vernon
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
TWO PEOPLE WERE RESCUED FROM RUNGE HOLLOW LAKE AFTER THEIR PEDAL-POWERED BOOK TOOK ON WATER AND THE TWO JUMPED OUT OF THE BOAT IN KNEE DEEP WATER.  THEY WALKED THE BOAT TO SHORE AND CALLED 911 BY CELL PHONE.  NO INJURIES TO THE MALE BUT THE FEMALE HAD AN ANXIETY ATTACK AND WENT TO THE HOSPITAL TO BE TREATED.  NO INJURIES TO HER BODY.


BARDID: WI-2019-0042
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bay of Green Bay
NearestCityorTown: Sturgeon Bay
County: Door
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 struck docks 36-39 at the marina and Operator attempted to leave the area without contacting the marina regarding the damage.  Operator stated the wind had pushed him into the docks and the marina staff would not help him.  When the Officer inspected the docks, the docks were pushed in the opposite direction of the wind.  It is apparent that the Vessel may have been getting close to the docks and at that time the Operator provided too much throttle input on the boat’s engines causing the Vessel to strike dock 36.  Once the Vessel struck Dock 36, it became hung up on the dock, the Operator then added additional throttle input and caused the vessel to continue forward until it struck the other docks.


BARDID: WI-2019-0043
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Holcombe
NearestCityorTown: Holcombe
County: Chippewa
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 with Operator and Passenger traveling in front of Vessel 2 with only Operator.  Vessel 1 made sharp turn to left.  Vessel 2 Operator struck Vessel 1 causing injury to passenger.  It was determined that Vessel 1 made the turn for no evasive reason, failing to maintain his course, which was major factor in causing the crash and Vessel 2 Operator was operating too fast for the condition, the speed was not controlled failing to avoid a collision.


BARDID: WI-2019-0044
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Two Creeks
County: Kewaunee
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 cruising north at 5.5 knots, collided abeam with power boat.

On sunday july 28, wdnr law enforcement was contacted regarding a boating incident that had occurred in kewaunee county.  Officer was informed that a sailboat had struck an anchored dive boat that was anchored near the shipwreck 'america'. Officer was informed that there were no injuries and that the boat that had been struck had begun taking on water and was being taken to algoma. 

Officer was further informed that the striking vessel had continued towards sturgeon bay. Upon meeting with the occupants of the boat that had been struck there was impact damage along the starboard (right) side in front of the helm (operators area). The windshield had been broken and the framing of the windshield was also damaged. Officer observed some  induced damage along the starboard (right) side where fixtures were attached. Upon speaking with the occupants, officer was told that they had been scuba diving on the ' america' and vessel 1 was cruising north on the lake. As vessel 1 approached vessel 2 operator stated that she started yelling and waving her arms at the boat and that vessel 1 struck the anchored vessel 2. 

Both vessel 2 operator and passenger showed the officer the dive flag that was displayed, and later showed images on vessel 2 operator’s cell phone showing the incident immediately after the collision. Vessel 2 passenger stated that upon heading towards algoma they realized that the vessel was taking on water and requested assistance from the us coast guard. They were assisted to algoma where vessel 2 was taken out of the water. 

Upon speaking with vessel 1 operator, officer  was told that vessel 1 operator had been operating the boat with the inboard engine and was just daydreaming and enjoying the day when the collision had taken place. When he was asked if he had seen vessel 2 he indicated that he had not. Two citations issued to vessel 1 operator for the violations involving the collision.


BARDID: WI-2019-0045
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnebago
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with governmental vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
DURING INCIDENT VESSEL 2 OPERATOR WAS HAVING PROBLEMS APPROACHING THE PATROL BOAT. VESSEL 2 OPERATOR HAD LIMITED PWC/BOATING EXPERIENCE AND NO VALID BOAT SAFETY CERTIFICATE AT THE TIME OF INCIDENT. VESSEL 1 OFFICER REACHED DOWN TO THE HANDLBAR AREA OF VESSEL 2 AND EITHER THE VESSEL 2 OPERATOR AND/OR VESSEL 1 OFFICER BUMPED THE THROTTLE OF THE PWC, CAUSING IT TO ACCELERATE, STRIKING VESSEL 1, THE PATROL BOAT, THEN STRIKE THE LEFT/PORT BOW AREA OF VESSEL 3. VESSEL 3 OPERATOR WAS ON THE IMPACTED PWC, HOLDING ON TO THE SIDE OF THE VESSEL 1 NEAR THE STERN FACING THE DIRECTION OF VESSEL.  VESSEL 1 CAME DOWN AND ACROSS THE PORT/LEFT SIDE OF VESSEL 3, STRIKING VESSEL 3 OPERATOR’S LEFT LEG AND LEAVING SCRATCHES ON THE VESSEL 3.


BARDID: WI-2019-0046
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:21:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnebago
County: Calumet
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 OPERATOR AND PASSENGER WERE TROLLING FOR WALLEYES ON LAKE WINNEBAGO USING 6 PLANER BOARDS ABOUT 1 MILE EAST OF CALUMET COUNTY PARK AND 2 MILES SOUTH OF SHORE FROM HIGH CLIFF STATE PARK. ONE OF THE BATTERIES DIED AND OPERATOR SWITCHED OVER CONNECTIONS TO THE SECONDARY BATTERY. THE VESSEL’S BOW WAS GOING INTO THE WAVES WHILE THEY WERE TROLLING. AT THAT POINT THEY STARTED LOSING POWER FROM THE SECOND BATTERY AND THE VESSEL’S BOW BEGAN TO SPIN AWAY FROM THE WAVES. 

THE PUMP WAS STILL CONNECTED TO THE DEAD BATTERY AND THE OPERATOR WAS USING THE 9.9 KICKER TO TROLL BUT STARTED THE MAIN MOTOR TO REGAIN POWER TO THE BILGE PUMPS. THE OPERATOR TRIED TO GO FULL SPEED WITH THE MOTOR, BUT THE VESSEL WAS ALREADY STARTING TO GO UNDERWATER. 

WAVES STARTED CRASHING ONTO THE STERN AND FILLING THE VESSEL WITH WATER. THE OPERATOR AND PASSENGER STATED THE VESSEL STARTED TO CAPSIZE WITHIN SECONDS OF THE STERN GOING UNDER THE WATER LINE. WHEN THE VESSEL CAPSIZED IT FLIPPED OVER BUT THE TOP OF THE BOW WAS STILL STICKING OUT OF THE WATER. THE OPERATOR AND PASSENGER ORIGINALLY SWAM AWAY FROM THE VESSEL IN FEAR OF GETTING DRAGGED DOWN BY LINES OR SOMETHING THAT CAME OFF THE VESSEL. 

THE OPERATOR AND PASSENGER CAME BACK TO THE VESSEL WHERE ONE OF THEM WAS ABLE TO CALL 911. CALUMET COUNTY SHERIFF AND THE WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES WERE RESPONDED VIS VESSEL AND RESCUED THE OPERATOR AND PASSENGER FROM THE CAPSIZED VESSEL. THE CAPSIZED VESSEL WAS MARKED WITH 2 ORANGE LIFE JACKETS. THE OWNER RETRIEVED THE VESSEL FROM THE WATER THE NEXT DAY. DAMAGE ESTIMATE OF $24,000 WILL BE IF THE INSURANCE COMPANY FILES IT AS A COMPLETE LOSS, AT THE TIME OF REPORT IT IS UNKNOWN IF IT IS A COMPLETE LOSS OR NOT.


BARDID: WI-2019-0047
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Little Muskego Lake
NearestCityorTown: Muskego
County: Waukesha
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 in front of Vessel 2, both travelling at 10 mph or less.  Vessel 1 Operator suddenly slowed down in front of Vessel 2 and Vessel 2 Operator was unable to avoid a collision.  Vessel 2 struck Vessel 1 on the right-hand side, causing damage.  Vessel 1 Operator was thrown from the seat and claimed to lose consciousness for approximately 5-8 seconds.


BARDID: WI-2019-0048
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wolf River
NearestCityorTown: Fremont
County: Waupaca
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
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: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel Operator attempting to dock pontoon and experiencing difficulty due to river current.  Passenger reached out beyond the side of the boat to assist with securing boat to the pier.  Victim's arm became caught between a post on the pier and a pole for the bimini cover on the boat.


BARDID: WI-2019-0049
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:53:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wolf River
NearestCityorTown: Menomoinee Reservation
County: Menominee
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The occupants were in the inflatable raft when they were washed down the first set of rapids sideways. Both of the occupants were ejected from the raft. Both occupants were able to get back into the raft once they reached calm water. The occupants made it down the second rapids, but entered a strong eddy. While in the eddy, the raft struck a large rock, which bounced operator out of the raft. Due to the sudden weight displacement, passenger was also thrown from the raft. Both occupants were washed downstream through the rapids approximately 200 yards before they could gain their footing. Fire, ems, and law enforcement made arrived and floated operator upstream in the raft where they assisted her into a truck, which took her to the ambulance.


BARDID: WI-2019-0050
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Okauchee Lake
NearestCityorTown: Merton
County: Waukesha
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and Passenger travelling a max speed of 25 mph.  Lake was fairly choppy so Operator stayed in straight line, did a slow turn and headed back towards a pontoon boat.  Passenger leaned left and began to fall off of the vessel.  As she was falling the Passenger grabbed Operator around the neck and Passenger’s right leg hit the side of Operator’s head.  Both Passenger and Operator ended up on the water as the jetski stayed upright.


BARDID: WI-2019-0051
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rock River / Lake Koshkonong
NearestCityorTown: Fulton
County: Rock
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
THE PARTY INVOLVED WAS OPERATING SOUTH WEST ON THE ROCK RIVER, TOWARDS THE ELLENDALE BOAT LAUNCH, JUST WEST OF THE INTERSTATE 90 BRIDGE. BASED OFF STATEMENTS GIVEN, THEY WERE OPERATING ON PLANE AT ABOUT 20 MPH WHEN THEY HEARD A LOUD THUD AND OBSERVED THE MOTOR AT AN UNUSUAL ANGLE. THEY THEN OBSERVED WATER COMING THROUGH THE FLOOR BOARD AND TOOK ON WATER VERY QUICK. DUE TO THIS, THE BOAT EVENTUALLY CAPSIZED, SANK, AND OVERTURNED. TWO OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PARTY WERE ON PWC'S NEARBY AND ASSISTED THEM TO SAFETY. THE CAPSIZED BOAT WAS TOWED TO NORTH ELLENDALE AND EAST KNUTSON ROAD BOAT LAUNCH BY THE 2 PWC'S REFERENCED BEFORE. NO INJURIES OCCURRED.


BARDID: WI-2019-0052
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:06:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Oconto River
NearestCityorTown: Oconto Falls
County: Oconto
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On sunday, july 28, 2019, vessel 1, a 19 foot blue fin sportsman open motorboat, left the west side beach and boat landing in the city of oconto falls.  Vessel 1 operator operated at a speed slower than planing speed but more than maximum displacement mode and was plowing water.  

In the area of the island known as monkey island vessel 1 operator operated still on an east bound course but wide to the north of monkey island to avoid the rocky shoreline.  

Vessel 2 operator was operating a 10 foot pelican kayak.  Vessel 2 operator left the east side beach and boat landing and was just north of monkey island.  Vessel 2 operator saw the motorboat coming towards her and thought the boat would change course.  

When vessel 1 didn't change course, vessel 2 operator paddled hard left in an effort to avoid the collision.  Vessel 2 operator began to yell to the vessel 1 operator that did not change course.  The witness who was nearby in a kayak, also began to scream and wave her arms.  

Vessel 1 did not change course and collided with the vessel 2.  The collision occurred on the front left side of vessel 1 and the front right side of vessel 2.  Vessel 2 was pushed under water but did not flip.  Vessel 2 operator remained in the vessel.  Vessel 1 operator did not see the kayak until after the collision.  Vessel 1 was plowing water with it's bow up in the air and the operator was not maintaining a proper lookout to see other boats on the water.


BARDID: WI-2019-0053
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:57:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Nokomis
NearestCityorTown: Nokomis
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 2 OPERATING TO THE LEFT OF VESSEL 1.  VESSEL 2 OPERATOR ATTEMPTED TO TURN TO THE RIGHT AND LOST CONTROL IN VESSEL 3’S WAKE.  VESSEL 2 OPERATOR LOST CONTROL AND DROVE INTO THE PATH OF VESSEL 1.  VESSEL 1 AND VESSEL 2 COLLIDED CAUSING INJURY TO VESSEL 1 OPERATOR REQUIRING MEDICAL TRANSPORT FROM THE SCENE AND TREATMENT AT HOSPITAL.


BARDID: WI-2019-0054
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:35:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Crowley Flowage
NearestCityorTown: Lake
County: Price
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel was traveling on plane upriver when the lower unit struck the end of a floating log that was about 6" below the water surface.  The impact stopped the boat instantly throwing both the Operator and Passenger overboard.  Vessel continued to run at high speed in circular patterns near the victims.  Neither party was wearing a PFD.  The Operator went under water and was recovered by search crews several hours later.  The Passenger was rescued from the water from citizens who heard the crash and responded in their own boat.


BARDID: WI-2019-0055
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-08-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:02:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityorTown: LaCrosse
County: La Crosse
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was traveling southeast towards the southern end of taylor island and vessel 2 was traveling south or westbound towards the same area. 

The port side of the bow on vessel 1 collided with the starboard side of vessel 2 near the stern as well as the outboard motor of vessel 2. 

Vessel 2 operator was struck by vessel 1 and lost consciousness. Vessel 1 operator then assisted vessel 2 operator into vessel 1 after the collision. Witnesses arrived on scene shortly after and assisted with towing vessel 2 back to the clinton street vessel landing. La crosse county sheriff's deputies responded to while vessel 2 was being towed and interviewed both parties at the vessel landing. 

Vessel 2 operator declined an ambulance and said he would go to the hospital on his own. Vessel 2 operator later died as a result of the impact from the collision.  Vessel 2 operator was pronounced deceased the following day.


BARDID: WI-2019-0056
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Upper Nashotah
NearestCityorTown: Summit
County: Waukesha
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Skier was up on his board for several seconds when he heard a pop and his leg gave out.  Possibly prior surgery to leg several months earlier.


BARDID: WI-2019-0057
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:39:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lower St Croix State Park Rive
NearestCityorTown: Hudson
County: St. Croix
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The houseboat was parked on Beer Can Island for 5 days. During that time the river level dropped significantly causing the stern of the houseboat to lower creating a significant angle from bow to stern. As a result, the rear of the swim platform was under water. This created a trapped pocket of air under the swim platform where any gas vapor would be ventilated from the blowers and would not be ventilated to the outside air because of this trapped space under the swim platform.  The 4 blowers were running for approximately 20 minutes as Operator was going to fill up on gas and water at the marina. One of the blowers squeaks initially and then goes away after a few minutes. Operator was on the upper deck when attempted to start the port engine when the explosion occurred.  Operator used multiple fire extinguishers to put out the fire at the engine compartment. Vessel 2 was tied to and moored near the swim platform. Operator pushed the fishing boat away from the houseboat as there was fire around this boat. Operator used river water to extinguish the flames near the swim platform. The fishing boat only sustained damage in the form of soot rom the fire and a plastic fitting melted.  Operator stated he had not replaced or modified the two engines or generators in any way other than winterizing all 3. Operator stated he had not made any changes to the wiring in the engine compartment. 

Investigator located numerous cut wires, exposed wires and spliced wires in the engine compartment, which could be possible ignition sources. Very few of the wires were labeled and tracking each individual wire through the houseboat was not possible.  Both engines and the generator looked to be unaltered mechanically and I did not observe any obvious potential ignition sources.   Water was still intruding through the hull in various places, but the bilge pump was keeping up.  Investigator observed the Halon fire suppression system capsule was still intact. The ventilation hoses were noticeably burned. No other noticeable damage was observed in the engine compartment other than the generator being off its mount and breaches in the hull. The 3 engine hatch doors broke from their hinges and the carpet edge closest to the rear of the engine hatch doors was melted. There was damage to some of the interior walls from the pressure of the explosion. 

A Fire Consultant performed the fire investigation for the insurance company.  Consultant stated it was his opinion that the houseboat was not designed to be beached because the angle the houseboat was at resulted in the swim platform being underwater. As a result, any gas fumes were not allowed to be ventilated out the transom and away from the boat because they were trapped in the pocket of air under the swim platform. Subject also stated the amount and proximity and use/disposal of smoking materials (cigarettes) at the stern of the boat could have been a possible ignition source.  Consultant stated he was not able to pinpoint an ignition source, but noted there were numerous exposed wires, cut wires and non-marine wire connections, which could have all been possible ignition sources. Consultant stated it was his belief there was not much of a fire after the explosion as evident from minimal fire damage and described the incident as a “flash fire.”


BARDID: WI-2019-0058
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deer Lake
NearestCityorTown: Three Lakes
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentEvent3: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of unit 1 reporting beginning docking maneuver when he lost his footing and accidently accelerated, and he was ejected from the unit.  Unit 1 was a tiller steer unit and it was circling striking him multiple times.  

Unit 2 was traveling through the channel and observed the incident and used unit 2 prevent the operator of unit to continue being struck.  Unit 1 did strike the port side of unit 2 and then struck the end of the pier and struck unit 3 on the starboard side. 

The operator of unit 3 had just pulled into the dock when the incident happened and did not yet secure the boat to the dock but assisted in turning off unit 1 once unit 1 struck unit 3.  Operator and passengers on unit 2 assist the operator of unit 1 with the help of another boater to get him on board the unit 2.

Operator of unit was transported to shore and he sustained a significant leg injury to the propeller.  A tourniquet was applied by law enforcement and he was transported via ambulance.


BARDID: WI-2019-0059
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:48:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityorTown: LaCrosse
County: La Crosse
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause3: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
UNIT 1 WAS TRAVELING SOUTH ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER IN THE TOWN OF SHELBY.  UNIT 1 WAS TOWING UNIT 2 BEHIND IT WITH A ROPE.  A FULLY LOADED TUGBOAT WITH BARGES WAS HEADED NORTH ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE CHANNEL.  UNITS 1 AND 2 WERE TO THE EAST OF THE TUGBOAT.  NON-CONTACT CABIN CRUISER WAS ALSO TRAVELING SOUTH.  CABIN CRUISER PASSED UNITS 1 AND 2 ON THE EAST SIDE OF THEM.  CABIN CRUISER CREATED A HAZARDOUS WAKE AS IT WENT PAST UNITS 1 AND 2.  DRIVER OF UNIT 1 SAID UNIT 1 WAS TOSSED AROUND IN THE WAKE.  DRIVER OF UNIT 1 SAID THAT UNIT 2 WAS SWAMPED WITH WATER FROM THE HAZARDOUS WAKE.  UNIT 2 WAS SUBMERGED IN THE WATER.  CABIN CRUISER CONTINUED SOUTH AND WAS NOT IDENTIFIED.  UNIT 1 AND 2 WERE NOT STRUCK DIRECTLY.  UNIT 2 WAS TOWED TO SHORE AND DRAINED.  UNIT 2 WAS RETIED TO UNIT 1.


BARDID: WI-2019-0060
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Little Star Lake
NearestCityorTown: Manitowish Waters
County: Vilas
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 OPERATOR WAS TOWING TWO PEOPLE ON A TUBE BEHIND THE VESSEL. WHEN THE TUBE HIT A WAVE, BOTH PEOPLE WERE EJECTED OFF OF THE TUBE. ONE OF THE PERSONS INJURED HIS NECK AS HE WAS EJECTED FROM THE TUBE. INJURED WAS UNSURE WHAT CAUSED THE NECK INJURY, BUT BELIEVED HE HURT IT WHEN HE HIT THE WATER. 

BOTH PERSONS WERE ABLE TO GET BACK ON THE VESSEL AFTER BEING EJECTED FROM THE TUBE.  INJURED PERSON HAD NUMBNESS IN HIS FINGERS AND VOMITED TWICE AFTER HE WAS EJECTED FROM THE TUBE. THE GROUP WENT BACK TO THE VESSEL OWNER’S RESIDENCE WHERE THE VESSEL OWNER CALLED 911 AND REQUESTED AN AMBULANCE FOR THE INJURED. THE INJURED WAS TAKEN TO THE HOPSITAL WHERE HE RECEIVED A CAT SCAN.   MEDICAL STAFF AT THE HOSPITAL ADVISED THE INJURED THAT HE HAD SPRAINED HIS NECK AND DID NOT NEED FURTHER TREATMENT.


BARDID: WI-2019-0061
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-08-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Browns Lake
NearestCityorTown: Burlington
County: Racine
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 2 Operator stated they had arrived at Fischer Park and launched the boat at approximately 10:40 am to go fishing. Vessel 2 Operator stated they were traveling westbound across the lake to find a fishing spot. Vessel 2 Operator said he was traveling between 5 and 10 miles per hour when he observed a Vessel 1, a PWC being operated towards the boat he was operating. 

Vessel 2 Operator said Vessel 1 was traveling from the south to the north towards the boat he was operating. Vessel 2 Operator stated Vessel 1 was going, “full blast” towards Vessel 2. Vessel 2 Operator said he slowed down and attempted to go in reverse but he didn’t have time and Vessel 1 struck the front of the boat where Vessel 2 Passenger was seated and ejected Passenger 2 from the vessel. 

Vessel 2 Operator said that Vessel 2 Passenger wasn’t wearing a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) at the time of the accident and was face down in the water for about 2-3 minutes. Vessel 2 Operator said that the 2 girls that were being towed on the inner tube by the PWC went to Vessel 2 Passenger’s rescue and turned him over so that he could breath. Vessel 2 Operator said Vessel 2 Passenger was transported by another boat to shore and TBPD, Chief towed his boat back to Fischer Park


BARDID: WI-2019-0063
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Camelot
NearestCityorTown: Nekoosa
County: Adams
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
During a Waterski Show, Vessel 1 was pulling a skier.  the last skier was going over a jump and over-rotated his 360 degree turn and did a 540 landing backwards off the jump.  He hurt his neck and went to the emergency room to get checked out and was dismissed.


BARDID: WI-2019-0064
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-08-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Prairie Lake
NearestCityorTown: Chetek
County: Barron
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
UNIT 1 WAS OPERATING ON THE WATERS OF PRAIRIE LAKE, BARRON COUNTY.  THE OPERATOR STATED THAT THEY WERE RETURNING TO THE RESORT THAT THEY WERE STAYING AT AND HER SONS HAD BEEN FISHING OFF OF THE BOAT.  THE OPERATOR ADMITTED THAT THEY WERE TRAVELING ABOVE SLOW-NO-WAKE SPEEDS WHEN THEY STRUCK A ISLAND NORTH OF THE CTH D BRIDGE.  THE OPERATOR ALSO INDICATED THAT SHE ALONG WITH THE OCCUPANTS OF THE BOAT WERE ARGUING AND THAT SHE WAS DISTRACTED FROM THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE BOAT WHEN THEY STRUCK THE ISLAND.  THE OPERATOR MADE NO EFFORT TO REPORT THE INCIDENT TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AS REQUIRED BY LAW.  THE INCIDENT OCCURRED AROUND 02:30AM.


BARDID: WI-2019-0065
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Green Bay
County: Marinette
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was turning to help his friend and fell off the PWC.  He was unable to get back onto his PWC.


BARDID: WI-2019-0074
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:11:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chippewa Flowage
NearestCityorTown: Winter
County: Sawyer
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Both vessels were operating in a southern direction leaving a river channel on the Chippewa Flowage coming into a bay. The lead boat, Vessel #2 had slowed down to almost a stop when the first vessel had what the operator believed to hit either the wake from the first boat or an underwater object such as a log. 

The operator of vessel #1 indicated that she could not clearly see the boat in front of her due to 3 children and a dog in the boat and this also lead to the accident. The operator of vessel #1 stated that she believed she struck the vessel in front of her although the operator of vessel #2 stated that he didn't think the vessels collided, and vessel #1 did not appear to have damage from this. 

It appeared that after the underwater object or the wake from the lead boat was hit that the boats were very close to one another and the child that suffered the most injuries may have possibly hit a ski rack that was attached to this vessel, and it is believed that the dog in the boat was thrown into the same child causing injuries. The operator of vessel #1 stated that she did observe damage to the propeller of her vessel that was not there prior to the accident. This would indicate that a underwater object was struck.


BARDID: WI-2019-0075
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Green Bay
NearestCityorTown: Green Bay
County: Door
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Weather
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Wdnr was contacted by the door county sheriff dept regarding a capsized vessel on green bay between the strawberry islands and chambers island with two persons in the water. Upon responding with members of gibraltar and ephraim fire depts, both individuals were found to have been taken to strawberry island. Gibraltar fire picked both individuals up who were treated for hypothermia after being in the water for almost 1 1/2 hours. Wdnr recovered the vessel and towed it back to peninsula state park. 

Vessel 1 operator stated that he had recently purchased the boat and were trying it out, with wind conditions building to 25 mph and gusting to 35 mph wave conditions built to 3'-5'. When vessel 1 operator attempted to make a turn the vessel capsized and they were unable to right  the vessel and keep it upright. Individuals on strawberry island observed them in the water and came out in their own vessel and recovered the two individuals. Upon inspection of the vessel the sails, jib, halyard, and lines were gone. There is an area of fiberglass damage where the mast attached to the hull that had a fracture in the fiberglass. The mast also had several areas of damage to it from being dragged through the water in the wave conditions. Vessel 1 operator was advised about the operator reporting requirement which wdnr sent to him.


BARDID: WI-2019-0076
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Milwaukee River
NearestCityorTown: Milwaukee
County: Milwaukee
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 carrying 7 on board when the Victim fell overboard.  Three passengers jumped off the Vessel in an attempt to rescue the victim.  The Victim could not swim and was intoxicated.  The efforts of the three were unsuccessful.  Law enforcement immediately began sending rescue divers into the river to search for the Victim.  Vessel Occupants stated that the Victim had been kneeling at the front of the vessel, attempting to urinate prior to falling into the water.  The deceased Victim was recovered two hours later.


BARDID: WI-2019-0077
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Geneva
NearestCityorTown: Lake Geneva
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator was driving along the North shoreline coasting along right outside of the no wake buoys. Phone fell from driver dashboard area and slid towards the back of the boat. 

Instead of stopping Vessel 1 Operator left the boat in gear and went to grab the phone. Vessel 1 Operator stated he was probably going about 25-30 MPH and the boat started drifting to the right without me noticing. 

While the Operator was reaching for the phone, Vessel 1 began to change direction towards the north shore of Lake Geneva.  Vessel 1 struck a fallen tree that was located in the waterway sustaining damage to the hull and windshield.


BARDID: WI-2019-0078
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Fontana
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ONE ATTEMPTED TO DOCK AT PIER 290 IN WILLIAMS BAY, WI. DUE TO HIGH WINDS VESSEL 1 MADE CONTACT WITH THE PIER AT PIER 290 CAUSING MECHANICAL ISSUES ON ONE OF THE ENGINES. 

ONCE AWAY FROM THE PIER VESSEL 1 TRAVELED TO THE ABBEY HARBOR LOCATED WITHIN FONTANA, WI TO DOCK. VESSEL 1 WAS UNABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY DOCK INSIDE THE ABBEY MARINA DUE TO HIGH WINDS AND MECHANICAL FAILURE IN ONE OF THE ENGINES CAUSING VESSEL 1 TO STRIKE VESSELS 2-4 IN THE FRONT HALF. VESSELS 2-4 WERE DOCKED IN INDIVIDUAL SLIPS IN THE ABBEY HARBOR. THE OPERATOR OF VESSEL 1 DID NOT IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY LAW ENFORCEMENT OF THE INCIDENT


BARDID: WI-2019-0079
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-10-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:46:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sandhill Lake
NearestCityorTown: Lake Town
County: Polk
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR AND PASSENGER WERE FISHING ON SANDHILL LAKE.  OPERATOR STATED THE VESSEL WAS NOT IN MOTION AND THEY WERE DRIFTING WITH THE WIND. THE VESSEL WAS A SMALLER OPEN BOAT WITH A SWIVEL SEAT IN THE BOW OF THE BOAT, WHERE THE PASSENGER WAS SEATED AND A SWIVEL SEAT IN THE REAR OF THE BOAT NEAR THE MOTOR WHERE THE OPERATOR WAS SEATED.  

THE VESSEL WAS PROPELLED BY A 35 LB THRUST TROLLING MOTOR.  OPERATOR STATED PASSENGER WAS IN THE FRONT SEAT OF THE BOAT, STOOD UP, APPEARED TO STUMBLE AND FELL INTO THE WATER.  THE OPERATOR STATED THE PASSENGER HAD DIABETES AND HAD BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH HIS LEGS.  

THE OPERATOR JUMPED INTO THE WATER AND SWAM PASSENGER TO SHORE WHERE HE RAN TO A RESIDENCE AND GOT ASSISTANCE TO CALL 911.  OPERATOR RETURNED TO THE VICTIM WITH OTHERS AND PERFORMED CPR.  VICTIM WAS LATER PRONOUNCED DECEASED BY THE POLK COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINER.


BARDID: WI-2019-0080
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-10-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Devils Lake
NearestCityorTown: Baraboo
County: Sauk
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 capsized due to operator and passenger error and the waves.  Both remained in the water for approximately one and half hours until rescued.  Passenger was held in the hospital due to high protein counts and concern for his kidneys, but is fine now.


BARDID: WI-2019-0081
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2019-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wisconsin River
NearestCityorTown: King
County: Lincoln
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator paddling downstream on the Wisconsin River when he capsized in some rapids.  Both the Operator and Vessels were pinned against rock requiring rescue, extrication and medical treatment for leg injury and hypothermia.  Vessel was lost in the river and unable to be located.


BARDID: WI-2019-0082
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Milwaukee
County: Milwaukee
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 and Vessel 2 were travelling in unknown directions when the starboard bow of Vessel 1 collided with the portside of Vessel 2.  Accident occurred at an unknown exact time and was reported the next day.


BARDID: WI-2019-0083
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:21:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Linn
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: Person struck by vsl equipment
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Other
OtherEquipmentFailure: swim platform
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 travelling west bound when the swim platform they had been towing began to get loose.  Passenger/Injured reach back to grab it but the cleat came loose.  The cleat broke off and struck the Passenger/Injured in the face.


BARDID: WI-2019-0084
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:47:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Green Lake
NearestCityorTown: Brooklyn
County: Green Lake
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Injured was getting pulled by Vessel 1 on wake board.  Vessel 1 started to pull Injured, when the injured person felt something in his back.  Injured person never got up on the wake board and let go of the rope.


BARDID: WI-2020-0001
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:58:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fox River
NearestCityorTown: Menasha
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Dam/lock
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 is a tandem kayak and was underway near the Menasha dam.  Vessel 1 capsized in strong current operator (rear seat) came to shore on upstream side of dam.  Occupant went over (through) dam and came to shore on downstream side.  Vessel recovered downstream from occupant.  No injury to operator. Occupant transported by ambulance to hospital due to being pregnant.


BARDID: WI-2020-0002
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Geneva
NearestCityorTown: Linn
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 operating at 20 mph close to the no wake buoys along the south shoreline trying to avoid the seas and wind.  Vessel 2, an 8' wind surfing board heading north to south traveling between 10-20 mph.  Vessel 1 and Vessel 2 collided, Vessel 1 Operator stated that he did not see vessel 2 until he was approximately 10' from Vessel 2.  Vessel 2 Operator did not see Vessel 1 at all.  Vessel 1 Operator assisted Vessel 2 Operator into Vessel 1 and took him to the pier where Vessel 2 Operator was met by friends.  Vessel 2 Operator declined medical service at the time of the incident due to COVID19 concerns.


BARDID: WI-2020-0003
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
County: Milwaukee
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentEvent3: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel number two was heading west/southwest towards a pedestrian foot bridge at a slow no wake speed (less than five miles per hour). 

Vessel number one was headed south approaching the right rear corner of vessel number two. The operator of vessel number one transitioned from a seated position to a kneeling position in the drivers seat. 

While going from seated to kneeling the operator braced her left hand on the dashboard and kept her right hand on the throttle. When she pushed herself up she pushed the throttle forward to a full throttle position. 

Vessel 1 moved forward at a speed of over ten miles per hour and impacted vessel two just forward of the right rear corner of the boat. Vessel one continued up and over vessel two before landing in the water. 

Vessel one continued upward on to the shoreline before coming to rest. Vessel two drifted west/southwest and came to a rest alongside a dock. Both vessels sustained crippling damage. 

A passenger in vessel one required hospitalization for a mouth/facial injury.


BARDID: WI-2020-0004
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:15:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Spring Lake
NearestCityorTown: Kingston
County: Green Lake
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim found face down in water was wearing an adult universal Type II which was not properly strapped.  Victim was witness on or in water by homeowners along shoreline around 1300 hours on 4/18/2020.  Witness did not see subject at 1500 hours on 4/18/2020.  Approximate time in water 24 hours from the time witnessed to time found.


BARDID: WI-2020-0005
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-05-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winneconne
NearestCityorTown: Winneconne
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 traveling on Lake Winneconne when Operator had a loss of power and heard two pops coming from the engine that sounded like a backfire.

Operator stated he looked back at the engine and saw that it was on fire.  Operator was not able to put the fire out before the fire began to spread and the Operator jumped overboard.  

A barge was nearby assisted by putting out the fire using its prop to spray water onto the boat that was burning.  The entire portion of  Vessel 1 that was out of the water was burned.  The fire extinguisher appears to have burst during the fire and was still stowed under the front driver's dash of the Vessel.  Vessel was towed to shore by the Fire Department.


BARDID: WI-2020-0006
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:34:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Black River
NearestCityorTown: Pine Valley
County: Clark
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and Passenger had been fishing on the Black River in an open rowboat.  They were attempting to cross the river above a rapids.  Vessel 1 drifted towards the rapids.  Operator/Victim attempted to stop vessel by throwing out the anchor.  The anchor hooked on something in the river and resulted in the Vessel capsizing.  Passenger was able to put on the one PFD on board after the boat overturned.  Passenger stated that the Operator/Victim did not know how to swim.


BARDID: WI-2020-0007
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:41:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wisconsin River
NearestCityorTown: Marietta
County: Crawford
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Overloading
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 OPERATOR WAS DRIFTING DOWN THE RIVER AND FLOATED INTO A SNAG THAT WAS STICKING OUT OF THE WATER. A LARGE LOG HIT THE OPERATOR IN THE CHEST AND PUSHED THE STEARN OF THE BOAT INTO THE WATER CAUSING WATER TO COME INTO THE BACK OF THE BOAT. PASSENGER/VICTIM THEN CAME TO THE STERN OF THE BOAT TO ASSIST OPERATOR PUTTING MORE WEIGHT IN THE STERN OF THE BOAT FILLING THE BOAT WITH WATER AND SINKING IT. OPERATOR AND PASSENGER SWAM TO SHORE BUT PASSENGER/VICTIM NEVER MADE IT OUT OF THE WATER AND DROWNED. HIS BODY WAS RECOVERED ON 05/15/2020.


BARDID: WI-2020-0008
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:12:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Green Bay
County: Marinette
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 TRAVELING SOUTH ON GREEN BAY WHEN SOME WAVES CAME OVER THE BACK OF THE BOAT. WATER CONTINUED TO COME IN THE BACK OF THE BOAT UNTIL THE BOAT WAS FLOODED.


BARDID: WI-2020-0009
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-05-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wisconsin River
NearestCityorTown: Dell Prairie
County: Adams
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated he the water was very rough which is why he decreased his speed from 25 mph to 15 mph.  Operator stated that he was position in the operator’s seat.  Operator stated he smelled what he described as an “electrical fire smell” and the engine stopped.  

Operator stated he went to the back of the vessel and lifted the compartment where the motor, batteries, and fuel are located; and flames came out of the compartment.  

Operator stated he used his fire extinguisher, but it would not put out the flames.  At this point, Operator stated he called a friend who was in another vessel on the water; and asked him to come and pick them up.   The operator and three passengers put on lifejackets and jumped into the water.  All four were picked up by the friend.  Fire Department responded to the incident and were able to put out the flames.  Fire Department began towing the vessel back to the boat launch, but the vessel sunk.  All four occupants of the Vessel were safe and not injured and did not need medical treatment.


BARDID: WI-2020-0011
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnebago
NearestCityorTown: Stockbridge
County: Calumet
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
From Vessel 1 Operator Report:  Was sitting at the dock letting the boat run from being the first time out this season.  There were 5 other openings at the dock for other boats to pull into while I was getting everything safe and secured.  After getting everything ready, I backed away from the dock and headed out of the harbor going in the southwest direction.  While heading out there was a log on the starboard side of the boat that I was avoiding to not cause any damage to my boat.  As I was driving through the harbor there was another boat sitting off to the side and as I continued straight making no turns, he then kicked his boat into gear and purposely hit me.  His boat was 15’ away from me when I first started to go out; but he put his in gear and purposely swing the rear of his boat into mine for no apparent reason.  He used his steel rub rail to turn directly into by boat and cause the damage he did.  The male who hit me then took off with this boat onto the trailer and left the harbor as he knew what he did was unlawful and would result in consequences.

Vessel 2 Operator Report:  Was waiting to load the boat on trailer.  I was sitting still and was waiting for my friend to back trailer into the water so I could load my boat.  While I was sitting there, a large white cigar boat was backing into the water and stopped.  The person driving that boat got into it and started to rev up the engines.  He just sat there revving the engines up and was having trouble keeping it running.  It looked like the one engine was not running properly.  The engines were terribly loud while he was revving them up.  He then backed the boat off his trailer and engine stopped again and he just drifted for a little bit until he got engines started.  He started to back up then put boat into forward gear and had trouble controlling boat.  He started to go towards other side of launch area then turned and started coming right at me.  I thought he was looking right at me but he kept moving towards me.  I saw he was going to hit me so I put my boat in gear to try and avoid a direct hit in side of my boat.  I turned boat away from him but he still hit me in the back of my boat with the front side of his boat.  I asked him what he was doing and he yelled at me as if it was my fault we hit, which was not the case.  He then proceeded out of the launch area and took off very fast once out on the lake.  The extent of damage to my boat was a scuff on the vinyl bumper rail on back left corner of my boat.  

No officer investigation was completed as the reports were submitted well after the date of the incident.


BARDID: WI-2020-0012
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:39:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Beaver Lake
NearestCityorTown: Merton
County: Waukesha
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
The victim was reported floating in the water face down near an overturned kayak. Lake country ems responded and pulled the victim from the water. The victims presumed kayak was observed 142 feet from the recovery location of the victim. The kayak was positioned vertically with the majority of the kayak underwater. The stern of the kayak was touching the bottom of the lake and the bow sticking out of the water. 

When recovered, the kayak was found to be a 10ft sit-on-top kayak. The kayak appeared to have several after market modifications that may have affected its seaworthiness. Modifications included several drilled holes in the hull and several heavily weighted accessory items and attachments (marine battery, fishing tackle and trolling motor) , these modification combined with the victim’s body weight may have contributed to a scenario that compromised the kayaks seaworthiness due to overloading. 

A pfd was not found on the victim, in the kayak or in the water in the vicinity of the incident.


BARDID: WI-2020-0013
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Holcombe Flowage
NearestCityorTown: Washington
County: Rusk
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 OPERATOR WAS OPERATING UPSTREAM (WEST) ON PLANE BETWEEN 3-4,000 RPMS WHEN HE COLLIDED INTO THE SOUTH SHORE OF THE CHIPPEWA RIVER TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON RUSK COUNTY. OPERATOR ADMITTED TO BE SCROLLING THROUGH FACEBOOK AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. REFER TO CAR # 20-C114-009 AND RUSO CASE # 20C-02006. BASED OFF THE REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND THE SPECS PROVIDED BY CRESTILINER ON A 1986 FISH HAWK. IT APPEARS THE BOAT WAS ALSO OVER POWERED.


BARDID: WI-2020-0014
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-05-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:32:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Shawano Lake
NearestCityorTown: Wescott
County: Shawano
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 had two occupants and was traveling on full plane at approximately 15-20 mph. 

Vessel 2 had one occupant and was and was drifting with the motor shut off. 

The passenger of vessel 1 was seated in the front seat and was facing the operator. The operator of vessel 1 had their vision obstructed by the passenger seated in front of him. The keel of vessel 1 struck vessel 2 in the transom between the kicker and main motor. 

Vessel 1 went airborne, clipped the windshield of vessel 2, and landed on it's port side before righting itself. The occupants of vessel 1 were knocked to the deck of the boat. Vessel 1 came to a rest in front of vessel 2. There were no injuries. Vessel 2 was unable to steer, so vessel 1 towed vessel 2 to county park.


BARDID: WI-2020-0015
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Wisconsin
NearestCityorTown: West Point
County: Columbia
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL WAS PULLING THE VICTIM AND A COMPANION ON AN INFLATABLE TUBE. VESSEL WAS HEADING DOWNSTREAM TO THE WEST APPROXIMATELY 5 TO 6 BRIDGE PILINGS NORTH OF THE COLUMBIA COUNTY SHORELINE. THE TOWED TUBE WITH PASSENGERS STRUCK THE CONCRETE BRIDGE PILING AS IT PASSED CAUSING INJURY TO THE VICTIM


BARDID: WI-2020-0016
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bass Lake
NearestCityorTown: Strickland
County: Rusk
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 HAD BEEN MODIFIED TO ACCOMMODATE THE PASSENGER'S MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS) DIAGNOSIS. THERE WAS AN ELEVATED SEAT, PLATFORM, AND HAND RAILS WELDED AND ATTACHED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BOAT. 

AFTER LAUNCHING THE BOAT, PASSENGER WAS SEATED ON THE ELEVATED PLATFORM AND CHAIR. OPERATOR ENTERED THE BOAT AND WHEN HE SAT DOWN ON THE PORT SIDE OF THE STERN SEAT TO START THE OUTBOARD MOTOR THE BOAT BECAME UNBALANCED AND CAPSIZED TOWARDS THE DOCK. 

IT IS UNCLEAR HOW, BUT PASSENGER'S RIGHT ANKLE WAS BROKEN IN THE PROCESS


BARDID: WI-2020-0017
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Castle Rock Lake
NearestCityorTown: Quincy
County: Adams
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
PWC OPERATOR STATED HE WAS OPERATING THE PWC (REGISTRATION #: IL2458KY) AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH OR LESS WHEN HE SAW A LARGE WAVE AND LET GO OF THE THROTTLE. HE WENT OVER THE WAVE AND WAS AIRBORNE. UPON LANDING ON THE WATER (WHILE STILL ON THE PWC) HE WAS IMMEDIATELY HIT BY A SECOND WAVE AND THROWN INTO THE WATER. OPERATOR STATED HE BELIEVES HIS ANKLE (LEFT ANKLE) BROKE WHEN THE SECOND WAVE HIT HIM. OPERATOR STATED THERE WERE NO OTHER VESSELS INVOLVED IN THIS ACCIDENT AND THAT HE WAS THE ONLY PERSON ON THE PWC WHILE HE WAS OPERATING IT. WITNESS ACCOUNTS FROM A DIFFERENT VESSEL WERE SIMILAR TO WHAT VESSEL 1 OPERATOR STATED.


BARDID: WI-2020-0018
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:28:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Alice
NearestCityorTown: King
County: Lincoln
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
TWO PARTIES WERE CANOEING EASTBOUND ON LAKE ALICE AFTER DEPARTING FROM MUSKIE RIVER LODGE. THE CANOE CAPSIZED AFTER OPERATOR TWO ATTEMPTED TO STAND UP. OPERATOR 2 SWAM TO SHORE WHILE OPERATOR 1 WAS NOT ABLE TO MAKE IT TO SHORE AND DROWNED. NO PFDS WERE IN CANOE AT THE TIME.  BLOOD RESULTS FOR VICTIM WAS .085.


BARDID: WI-2020-0019
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Port Washington
County: Ozaukee
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Two individuals went out on Lake Michigan and the boat took on water eight miles out.  Waves hit the back of the boat causing the boat to fill with water then overturn.  

Both Operator and Passenger fell into the water.  Operator was rescued while hanging onto the vessel.  Victim was last seen away from the boat and slipped under the surface of the water.  Operator was rescued and transported to the hospital in a hypothermic state.  The Passenger has not been recovered.


BARDID: WI-2020-0020
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:15:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Butte Des Morts
NearestCityorTown: Oshkosh
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
An anchored boat with two passengers and a dog capsized in a storm on Lake Butte Des Morts.  One person made it to shore and one didn’t.  Deceased victim was recovered.


BARDID: WI-2020-0021
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wisconsin River
NearestCityorTown: Dell Prairie
County: Adams
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 OPERATOR STATED THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: OPERATOR OPERATED A PERSONAL WATERCRAFT (PWC) ON THE RIVER AND WAS HEADING SOUTHBOUND NEAR DEVIL'S ELBOW OF THE SLOW-NO-WAKE AREA OF THE NARROWS. 

A PONTOON BOAT OPERATED NORTHBOUND CREATING A LARGE WAKE AND WENT PAST VESSEL 1. A SECOND PONTOON BOAT OPERATED NORTHBOUND TOWARDS VESSEL 1. 

VESSEL 1 OPERATOR OPERATED THE PWC APPROXIMATELY ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE RIVER, APPROXIMATELY 15-20 FEET FROM SHORE AND LET OFF THE THROTTLE WHEN HE SAW THE PONTOON BOAT OPERATING ON HIS SIDE OF THE RIVER. 

THE PONTOON BOAT OPERATED AT A SPEED OF 10-15 MILES PER HOUR AND STRUCK VESSEL 1. THE PONTOON BOAT OPERATED NORTH, STOPPED A SHORT DISTANCE LATER AND BACKED UP, THEN CONTINUED NORTHBOUND. WARDENS WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE OTHER VESSEL INVOLVED IN INCIDENT.


BARDID: WI-2020-0022
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: North Twin Lake
NearestCityorTown: Phelps
County: Vilas
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 2 operator was found by warden to have been involved in a boating incident on the west side of north twin lake, just north of the island. Vessel 2 operator was operating a red 1979 lund (reg # il 3724 fh vin # lunf8675m79e) with a 40 hp evinrude tiller driven motor when vessel 2 ran over the top of vessel 1. 

Vessel 2 boat struck the transom of the vessel 1 between the motor and port side of the boat. Vessel 2 then traveled across the top of vessel 1 where vessel 2 exited the starboard side of vessel 1 up towards the bow. 

The incident caused the vessel 1 operator to get ejected out of the boat and the passenger to jump out of the boat and into the water before the boat was struck. 

Vessel 2 operator and passenger, who was positioned in the middle of the boat, were both ejected from the boat as a result of the incident. Vessel 2 2nd passenger, who was positioned in the bow remained in the boat. 

Vessel 1 was a 1998, 14' smokercraft big fish, fishing boat (reg # ws6216ek vin # smk655081798) with a tiller driven 25 hp marineer motor. Vessel 1 operator and passenger sustained injuries that required medical treatment beyond first aid.


BARDID: WI-2020-0023
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:38:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big McKenzie Lake
NearestCityorTown: Casey
County: Washburn
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentCause3: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR WAS TRAVELING AT A GUESSTIMATED 30 TO 40 MPH DURING THE HOURS OF DARKNESS. OPERATOR WAS TRAVELING SOUTH BOUND ON WHEN HE MADE A EASTWARD TURN AND THE BEGAN TO HEAD IN A NORTHWESTERLY DIRECTION. OPERATED COLLIDED WITH A PIER PRIOR TO GROUNDING THE VESSEL ON THE SHORE OF THE LAKE.


BARDID: WI-2020-0024
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:26:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mecan River
NearestCityorTown: Mecan
County: Marquette
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Based on reports from marquette co. Sheriff deputies, the victim capsized the rented kayak and did not come back up to the surface. The business provided a pfd, but the victim was not wearing it.  

Combination of current and trees/branches underwater and no personal floatation device worn contributed. 

Witnesses stated the victim and her sister were assisted a number of times before the fatal incident and appeared to be having great difficulty navigating the river and staying in their kayaks. The coroner submitted samples for a toxicology screening, resulting in a 0.255 bac and the presence of anti depressants, which per manufacturer's label, cause dizziness, confusion and many other side effects when combined with alcohol. Others kayaking the river were able to pull the victim from the river and performed cpr until ems arrived but the victim never revived


BARDID: WI-2020-0025
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnebago
County: Fond du Lac
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Collision with commercial vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator admitted to operating the pontoon and informed the officer they had motor trouble with the pontoon and the wind picked up and blew them onto the southeast shoreline of Lake Winnebago, where they attempted to pull the boat by hand, off the shoreline rocks and by a private pier. 

Vessel 1 Operator stated that the engine made a loud “clunk” noise and would no longer engage in gear, the boat was operating on open water at the time.  Shortly after mechanical failure the winds picked up and blew the boat onto the southeast shoreline of Lake Winnebago, by Deadwood Point Beach Road.  

Vessel 1 Operator and Passengers searched for an anchor but there was not one on the rental boat at the time of the incident (confirmed later with the rental employees, they stated the previous boat renters lost the anchor).   Vessel 1 was hitting the shoreline and rocks with the rear/aft of the boat facing the shore, two Passengers were on the rear of the boat and the female Passenger/Injured #1 jumped off the boat onto the rocks, while holding a line.  

When Vessel 1 Passenger/Injured #1 jumped onto the wet rock she fell and struck her front left thigh hard on the rocks.  Vessel 1 Passenger/Injured #2 jumped off the boat shortly after this event.  Both Passenger/Injured persons used the line to pull the boat around the “L shaped” pier to the end of it to keep the boat off the rocks, at one point while pulling on the line Vessel 1 Passenger/Injured #2 person pulled a muscle in his shoulder.

When the tow boat arrived, with the waves and wind, they had difficulty beginning the tow and in the process another Passenger reported Vessel 1 Passenger/Injured #1 person was injured a second time by being pinched between the two boats while trying to push them separate.  Passenger stated that after Vessel 1 Passenger/Injured #1 person sat down on a seat near the bow of the boat.  While Vessel 1 was in tow, Vessel 1 Passenger/Injured #1 lost consciousness.  Another Passenger claimed she felt no pulse or breathing and began CPR.

At the emergency room, officer interviewed Vessel 1 Operator and Vessel 1 Passenger/Injured #1, who confirmed the above information, with one minor difference, Passenger/Injured #1claimed she was pinched between another passenger and a boat seat, not between the two boats. Passenger/Injured #1did confirm her initial injury was from jumping off the boat onto the rocks and that she became unconscious while sitting down, during the tow. She was at that time in good condition and recovering in the emergency room with her main injury being a contusion to the left thigh.  


Officer met with Vessel 2 Operator and the boat rental business at the rental docks and discovered there was a mechanical issue in the lower unit of the rented Vessel 1 pontoon and he suspected it was from the prop striking an object prior to mechanical failure.


BARDID: WI-2020-0026
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Green Lake
NearestCityorTown: Brooklyn
County: Green Lake
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
RENTER/OPERATOR WAS DOCKING THE VESSEL ON THE STARBOARD SIDE TO FUEL. MOVED THE DOCK LINES FROM PORT TO STARBOARD SIDE OF THE VESSEL, THEN STEPPED OFF THE STARBOARD BOW TO THE DOCK TO TIE LINES. ATTEMPTED TO STEP OVER GAP FROM VESSEL TO DOCK, BUT DID NOT COMPLETE TRANSFER FROM VESSEL TO DOCK. ASSUMED THE INJURED WAS SUSTAINED FROM THE DOCK OR DOCK CLEAT. INJURY SUSTAINED WAS A LACERATION TO THE MID-RIGHT LEG, APPROXIMATELY 12" IN LENGTH REQUIRING STITCHES.


BARDID: WI-2020-0027
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:29:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Milwaukee River
NearestCityorTown: Milwaukee
County: Milwaukee
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Witness stated that Vessel 1 struck Vessel 2 which was docked with no occupants.   

Witness stated that Vessel 1 then backed up before going forward and striking Vessel 2 a second time.  Witness stated that he observed Vessel 1 leave the area and proceed upriver.   A short time later Vessel 1 passed the law enforcement patrol boat.  Vessel 1 was occupied by 18 individuals who were extremely uncooperative.  

Officer was able to identify the Operator.  However, the other occupants did not provide their information.  Vessel 1 Operator stated that she had been operating the vessel the entire night.  

Vessel 1 Operator stated that she did not strike Vessel 2; but had struck another rented vessel which was part of her party.  Vessel 1 Operator stated that it was OK because they had already reported it to the rental company.  Vessel 1 Operator denied having made contact with any docked vessels.


BARDID: WI-2020-0028
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Pepin
NearestCityorTown: Isabelle
County: Pierce
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR HAD JUST PURCHASED BOAT DAY BEFORE INCIDENT. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME HE HAD OPERATED THE BOAT, THEY WERE TRYING TO GET BOAT ON PLANE BUT WERE UNABLE TO THEY SLOWED THE BOAT DOWN AND A WAVE CAME OVER THE BOW OF THE BOAT AND IT CAPSIZED, ALL SUBJECTS WERE ABLE TO SWIM TO SHORE.


BARDID: WI-2020-0029
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 03:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
County: Racine
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
BOAT WAS TRAVELING WESTBOUND ON LAKE MICHIGAN. OPERATORY SAW THE BREAK WALL ROCKS AND ATTEMPTED TO TURN NORTH TO AVOID.  BOAT HIT ROCKS WITH THE BOW THEN BOTH PORT AND STARBOARD. PASSENGERS WALKED NORTH ON BREAK WALL ROCKS TO SHORE.


BARDID: WI-2020-0030
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:56:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Kegonsa
NearestCityorTown: Dunn
County: Dane
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Intoxicated Passenger/Victim jumped off of a moving boat and never resurfaced.  No life jacket worn.  Victim was recovered 3 days after the incident.  Intox/drug panel pending.


BARDID: WI-2020-0031
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:24:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wind Lake
NearestCityorTown: Norway
County: Racine
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF UNIT #1 WAS OBSERVED SEATED IN THE KAYAK WITH THE KAYAK HAVING THE FRONT END ON TOP OF SOME RIP RAP WITH HIS BACK TO THE WATER. THE OPERATOR WAS LATER OBSERVED WITH JUST THE TOP PORTION OF HIS HEAD BOBBING AT THE WATERS SURFACE AND THEN FELL BELOW THE WATERS SURFACE. THE OPERATOR WAS RECOVERED LATER BY THE RACINE COUNTY WIDE DIVE TEAM.


BARDID: WI-2020-0032
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:28:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnebago
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
BOAT OPERATOR WAS SLOWING REVERSING TO PICK UP ONE OF THE PASSENGERS WHO WAS IN THE WATER SWIMMING. BOAT OPERATOR CLAIMED HE PUT THE THROTTLE INTO NEUTRAL AND THOUGHT HE WAS JUST DRIFTING BACKWARDS. THE PROPELLER STRUCK THE PASSENGER WHO WAS SWIMMING IN THE WATER CAUSING SEVERE LACERATIONS TO BOTH LEG AREAS. Both operator and victim had been drinking.


BARDID: WI-2020-0033
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Redstone
NearestCityorTown: LaValle
County: Sauk
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
MachineryFailure: Throttle
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/27/2020, at approximately 3pm the operator of vessel/unit #2 was unloading his boat at the boat launch in morning dove bay on lake redstone. The operator stated he put his boat into the forward gear after unloading the boat at which time the throttle stuck causing the boat to move forward crashing into vessel/unit #1. 

Vessel #1 was parked on a lift and was not being operated at the time of the accident. The operator of vessel #2 stated that vessel #1 sustained damage to the rear starboard side of the pontoon as a result of the accident requiring repairs. 

Operator2 stated he had just purchased the boat and was able to provide documentation of the purchase. Operator2 also stated that he did not have insurance at the time of the accident and his wife was looking into who to contact after the accident. 

When asked how she was planning on contacting Operator2 could not provide warden with an answer. The owner of vessel #1 stated that he was in the process of getting estimates for the repairs and had been told that the starboard side of the pontoon would likely need replaced as a result of the damage caused by the accident.


BARDID: WI-2020-0034
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake DuBay
NearestCityorTown: Dewey
County: Portage
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 OPERATOR WAS OPERATING THE PWC WITH PASSENGER. VESSEL 1 OPERATOR WAS TRYING TO MAKE PASSENGER FALL OFF OF THE PWC AND PASSENGER FELL OFF OF THE PWC MULTIPLE TIMES. 

THE PORTAGE COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINER STATED THAT THE AUTOPSY RESULTS SUPPORT THAT DURING ONE OF THESE TIMES PASSENGER WAS FATALLY INJURED FROM THE JET-WASH OF THE PWC'S WATER OUTPUT NOZZLE. 

PASSENGER/DECEASED SUFFERED INJURIES OF: BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA, SEVERE AND LETHAL; PROMINENT LACERATION TO VULVA AND PERINEUM; PERITONEAL BLOOD, NON-MEASURABLE; RETROPERITONEAL BLEEDING, BILATERAL, RIGHT GREATER THAN LEFT. PASSENGER/DECEASED WAS NOT WEARING PROTECTIVE NEOPRENE SWIM BOTTOMS.


BARDID: WI-2020-0035
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mississippi River
NearestCityorTown: Glen Haven
County: Grant
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The victim was a passenger on a Rinker Captiva 212 boat that was in the process of anchoring at a water bar on the Mississippi River south of Glen Haven, Wisconsin. As the anchor lines were being tied, the passenger dove off the gunwale near the bow on the port side of the boat. The approximate depth of water at that location was three feet. The victim suffered head and neck injuries from his impact with the river bottom. He was transported to UW Health in Madison where is succumbed to his injuries.


BARDID: WI-2020-0038
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:33:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Green Lake
NearestCityorTown: Brooklyn
County: Green Lake
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
SEVERAL PARTIES INTERVIEWED INCLUDING THE OPERATOR AND INJURED PARTY. ALL ACCOUNTS OF THE ACCIDENT ARE SIMILAR. FOUR MALES WERE ON A TUBE. THREE MALES WERE IN THE BOAT. THE ROPE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING ATTACHED TO THE PORT SIDE TRANSOM BY THE INJURED PASSENGER WHEN THE OPERATOR PLACED THE BOAT INTO FORWARD GEAR AND ACCELERATED IN AN EFFORT TO REMOVE SLACK FROM THE TOW LINE. 

PASSENGER/INJURED LOST HIS BALANCE AND FELL OUT THE REAR OF THE VESSEL STRIKING HIS FOOT ON THE PROPELLER. PASSENGER/INJURED WAS ASSISTED OUT OF THE WATER AND GIVEN FIRST AID. PASSENGER/INJURED WAS EVENTUALLY FLIGHTED TO CARE AND UNDERWENT SURGERY LATER THAT DAY ON HIS FOOT.


BARDID: WI-2020-0039
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:12:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rock River
NearestCityorTown: Fulton
County: Rock
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was traveling downstream toward the rock river marina pier to fill his boat up with gas. Vessel 1 operator stated as he approached the pier the current shifted the bow of his boat towards the center of the channel (south). 

Vessel 1 operator stated he attempted to correct his boat, but ended up colliding with vessel 2, a personal watercraft.   

The time of the collision, vessel 2 operator and passenger were both on the pwc which was secured to the end of the dock. The front right portion of vessel 1 collided with the rear right side of vessel 2. 

Vessel 2 sustained damage and cracks to the rear right and rear left side of the pwc. No one from either boat were injured. Both owners of the vehicles exchanged insurance information with one another. The owner of the vessel 2 stated the pwc was most likely totaled due to the hull being cracked in several places. Vessel 1 operator stated he was at fault for the collision.


BARDID: WI-2020-0040
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: St. Croix River
NearestCityorTown: Clifton
County: St. Croix
WaterConditions: Very rough
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 WAS TRAVELING SOUTH ON THE ST. CROIX RIVER NORTH OF KINNI STATE PARK. VESSEL 1 CAME ACROSS ANOTHER BOATS WAKE. WHEN CROSSING OVER THE WAKE PASSENGER/INJURED HAD WENT AIRBORNE FROM HER SEAT. INDIVIDUAL 2 LANDED ON HER SEAT AND BECAME INJURED. INDIVIDUAL 3 THEN NOTIFIED THE DRIVER OF INDIVIDUAL 2'S INJURY. VESSEL 1 MET LAW ENFORCEMENT AND EMS AT KINNICKINNICK STATE PARK DOCK. INDIVIDUAL 2 WAS TRANSPORTED VIA AMBULANCE.


BARDID: WI-2020-0041
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:21:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Don Jean Bay
NearestCityorTown: Elkhorn
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 (PWC) following unidentified jetski.  Vessel 1 Operator did not see Vessel 2 on his right that was drifting while picking up waterskiers.  Operator removed hand from the throttle to avoid collision.  Vessel 1 struck the front left of Vessel 2.  Both Vessel 1 Operator and Passenger fell off the boating striking Vessel 2.


BARDID: WI-2020-0042
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Whitewater Lake
NearestCityorTown: Whitewater
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Tube was leaning against engine compartment and suddenly became air borne and ejected the boat toward rear. The tube rope was connected to the back of the boat for towing.  Passenger/Injured stood up to try to grab the tube before it was ejected and simultaneously stepped into the loop of the tow rope without realizing it.  Occupants shouted to Passenger/Injured to get his foot off the rope but as the tube sailed, the tow rope grabbed and ejected Passenger/Injured out of the boat via the rope wrapped around his lower leg. 

 Passenger/Injured was airborne and landed in the water 40-50ft behind the boat.  Operator saw Passenger/Injured being ejected and stopped the boat and turned off the engine so as not to drag Passenger/Injured which did not occur.  Occupants dove in the water and swam to Passenger/Injured who was shouting in pain.  EMT didn't find any broken bones or cuts. It was decided to transport Passenger/Injured to the EMT vehicle and taken to the hospital.   At the hospital, he was treated for rope burns and released to his parents.


BARDID: WI-2020-0043
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:52:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Delavan Lake
NearestCityorTown: Delavan
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel pulling Occupant 3 and 4 on a tube.  Tube hit a wave and Occupant 4 fell off the tube into the water.  Occupant 4 complained of back and neck pain.


BARDID: WI-2020-0044
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wisconsin River/Castle Rock Fl
County: Juneau
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR STATED WAS OPERATING VESSEL 1 AT ESTIMATED SPEED OF 30-35MPH WHEN HE STRUCK AN OBJECT UNDERNEATH THE WATER SURFACE. THE OBJECT WAS MOST LIKELY A STUMP. WHEN THE VESSEL HIT THE STUMP, THE 2 FRONT PASSENGERS WERE EJECTED OFF OF THE BOAT. 

PASSENGER/INJURED WENT UNDERNEATH THE BOAT AND WAS STRUCK IN THE UPPER LEFT THIGH AREA CAUSING A SEVERE INJURY. OPERATOR STATED THAT AFTER THEY HAD STRUCK THE OBJECT, HE TURNED THE BOAT OFF IMMEDIATELY. 

THE PASSENGERS OF THE BOAT WITNESSED THAT PASSENGER/INJURED WAS IN PAIN AND 2 OTHER PASSENGERS JUMPED INTO THE WATER TO BRING HIM TO THE BOAT. ANOTHER BLUE PONTOON BOAT WAS ABLE TO ASSIST THEM IN GETTING PASSENGER/INJURED ONTO THE PONTOON TO RENDER FIRST AID. A LADY IN THE BLUE PONTOON BOAT WAS A FORMER EMT AND WRAPPED HIS LEG UP WHERE THE INJURY OCCURRED.


BARDID: WI-2020-0045
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake DuBay
NearestCityorTown: Dewey
County: Portage
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Drug
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 2 and vessel 3 side by side with passengers hanging onto the boats talking. 

Vessel 1 traveling at approximately 35 mph approaching vessel 2 from directly behind it. 

Passengers on vessel 1 dancing in front of vessel 1 operator and blocking their view. As vessel 1 closed distance on vessel 2 and passengers of vessel 1 believed a crash was imminent, they alerted the operator of vessel 1. 

Vessel 1 attempted an evasive maneuver, but the front left corner of vessel 1 struck the rear right corner of vessel 2. Once vessel 2 was struck it was pushed into unit 3. Vessel 1 continued driving away from the crash at a reduced speed, until it was confronted by vessel 2 and vessel 3. All boats were docked at sunset bay bar & grill upon law enforcement arrival.


BARDID: WI-2020-0046
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Black Lake
NearestCityorTown: Town of Round Lake
County: Sawyer
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
CAMPING ON BLACK LAKE. OPERATOR FUELED THE BOAT WITH GAS CAN. ABOUT 10 MINUTES LATER, OPERATOR, SON AND FATHER-IN-LAW SHOVED OFF FROM SHORE AT CAMPSITE TO GO FISHING. SHOVED OFF, STARTED BLOWERS AND THEN STARTED BOAT. MOTOR STOPPED RUNNING. BLOWERS CONTINUED RUNNING. OPERATOR ATTEMPTED TO START AGAIN. THIS TIME, THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION IN THE ENGINE CAUSING A FIRE AND HIS SON WAS BURNT. UNABLE TO PUT FIRE OUT. ALL THREE JUMPED OUT OF BOAT AND IT BECAME FULLY ENGULFED. FIRE DEPARTMENT CALLED. BOAT WAS TOTAL LOSS. OPERATOR'S SON SUFFERED BURNS TO RIGHT LEG AND RIGHT ARM. LESS THAN FIRST DEGREE BURNS. TAKEN TO HOSPITAL BY MOTHER.
RELEASED.


Vessel 1 Operator Report:  Boat was at the end of the trail from our campsite on Black Lake.  Went down and put about 4 gallons of gas in boat around 5:45pm.  About 5:55pm myself, my son, and my father-in-law boarded the key to start the boat.  The boat started, then shut down.  I let the blowers run another approximately 30-60 seconds (they were never shut off) and tried to start it again.  There was a big bang and blast from the engine area of the boat.  My son ran to the front of the boat and said he was hurt/burned.  I went to the engine compartment to see what was going on.  It was on fire.  Started bailing water from the lake with a 40 quart cooler to contain the fire until the passengers were off and away from the boat, the fire extinguisher was in the fire and not accessible.  At the point in which the passengers and myself jumped overboard, the boat was approximately 100 yards offshore.  When it became fully engulfed, it drifted about 100 yards down the lake, and back closer to shore where it came to rest and the Sawyer County Fire Department extinguished the fire.


BARDID: WI-2020-0047
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:17:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big Green Lake
NearestCityorTown: Brooklyn
County: Green Lake
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR HAD STOPPED THE BOAT TO ALLOW ONE OF THE TUBE RIDERS TO SWIM BACK TO THE BOAT. THE VICTIM WAS SWIMMING BACK AND WHEN SHE GOT TO THE BACK OF THE BOAT AND DID NOT REALIZE THE PROPELLER WAS STILL SPINNING SLOWLY AND GOT HER LEG TO CLOSE AND MADE CONTACT TO THE SPINNING PROPELLER. 

VICTIM WAS THEN BROUGHT INSIDE OF THE BOAT AND ONE OF THE PASSENGERS CALLED 911 TO REPORT THE INCIDENT AND THEN DROVE THE BOAT TO THE MARINA WHERE THE BOAT WAS RENTED TO MEET WITH MEDICAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL FOR TREATMENT. VICTIM WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT.


BARDID: WI-2020-0048
State: WI
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:26:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big Sand Lake
NearestCityorTown: Maple Plain
County: Barron
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL OPERATOR STATED THAT THE BOAT ENGINE WOULD NOT START, THEY ATTEMPTED TO USE STARTING FLUID BY SPRAYING IT UNDER THE COWLING OF THE OUTBOARD ENGINE WHEN IT EXPLODED. THEY ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER HOWEVER THE FIRE CONTINUED TO BURN. THEY WERE ABLE TO GET BACK TO SHORE USING A STAND UP PADDLE BOARD WHERE THEY WAITED FOR ASSISTANCE.


BARDID: WI-2020-0050
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Fontana
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Passenger/Injured was being towed on a tube, reported feeling nauseous, and thought she sustained a head injury, due to the rough wake. Passenger/Injured was transported by Fontana FD to Mercy Hospital.


BARDID: WI-2020-0051
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:41:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Linn
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 Operator was towing a water tube with 4 passengers on tube. The tube went over a rough wake, and ejected Passenger/Injured out of the tube and into the water. Passenger/Injured, injured her back upon landing in the water. The Operator stopped the Vessel and another passenger on the tube, exited the tube, and swam out to Passenger/Injured to make sure she was okay. Passenger/Injured was transported to Mercy Hospital in Walworth Co.


BARDID: WI-2020-0052
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Williams Bay
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Passenger/Injured was assisting a fellow friend/tuber with removing a rope from the prop of a pontoon. Passenger/Injured entered the water at the rear of the pontoon and as he went into the water, he was cut by the prop of the pontoon. The Operator advised the prop was not completely in neutral at the time Injured was cut. Operator doesn't know for sure if the propeller was engaged but it could have been. Injured was transported to the hospital.


BARDID: WI-2020-0054
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:19:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Williams Bay
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel was traveling eastbound near George Williams College on Geneva Lake towing Passenger/Injured on a wake surfboard.  Passenger/Injured fell and the rope wrapped around her lower right leg causing an injury. Passenger/Injured was transported to the hospital.


BARDID: WI-2020-0055
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:34:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Williams Bay
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 is kept on a mooring buoy.  Vessel Owner discovered damage on 5/31/2020 and is not aware of when the damage occurred.


BARDID: WI-2020-0056
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Lake Geneva
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Unknown
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Per operator, boat was launched without incident. Operator noticed boat was taking on water shortly their after and docked at Rivera pier. 

Operator went to go get his vehicle and trailer to remove boat from the lake. When he arrived he found his boat partially submerged. Onlookers had called for Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency (GLLEA) and Water Safety Patrol (WSP) to respond. Water safety towed boat to Lake Geneva Municipal pier where WSP and GLLEA assisted in loading boat onto trailer. The investigation did not determine what caused the boat to take on water.


BARDID: WI-2020-0057
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Geneva Lake
NearestCityorTown: Williams Bay
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 2 was floating adrift facing southward a few hundred yards west of the shoreline.  

Vessel 1 was traveling eastbound in a crowded Williams Bay at approximately 15-20 MPH when it struck Vessel 2 in the front starboard area with it's bow. 

Vessel 1 Operator stated that he didn't see Vessel 2 in front of him due in part the crowded conditions of the bay as well as the position of passengers on his boat, partially obscuring his view. 

Vessel 2 passengers did not see Vessel 1 approaching and therefore made no attempt to move or alert Vessel 1.


BARDID: WI-2020-0058
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Big Green Lake
NearestCityorTown: Brooklyn
County: Green Lake
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR WAS OPERATING PWC IN THE AREA OF HORNERS LANDING WITH A PASSENGER ON THE BACK WHEN HE MADE A SHARP TURN CAUSING THE PASSENGER TO BE EJECTED FROM THE MACHINE COLLIDING WITH THE WATER AND CAUSING INJURY THAT REQUIRED BEING ADMITTED TO THE HOSPITAL. OPERATOR AND PASSENGER LOADED UP THE PWC ON THE TRAILER AND DROVE HOME WHERE PASSENGER SOUGHT MEDICAL TREATMENT.


BARDID: WI-2020-0059
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lac Courte Oreilles
NearestCityorTown: Bass Lake
County: Sawyer
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat 1 was pulling a skier and heading east bound. Operator of boat 1 was watching skier in rear view mirror. 

Boat 2 was heading sw bound and saw boat 1 approaching them in the distance. Boat 2 operator turned west bound as boat 1 started turning north bound. 

Boat 1 turned northbound and began coming towards boat 2. 

Boat 1 turned north east bound just before striking boat 2 on the rear port side. Boat 1 operator admitted to watching skier in the rear view mirror instead of where he was operating the boat. Boat 1 operator noticed boat 2 just before striking boat 2 and turned the boat to the starboard.


BARDID: WI-2020-0060
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:28:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Poygan
NearestCityorTown: Wolf River, Town of
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
UNIT 1 WAS TRAVELING IN AN UNKNOWN DIRECTION ON LAKE POYGAN SOUTH OF CTH H IN WINNEBAGO COUNTY. THE VICTIM PASSENGER ON UNIT 1 WAS THE 3RD SEAT PASSENGER AND FELL OFF THE BACK OF UNIT 1 POSSIBLY AFTER THE VESSEL WENT OVER A WAVE. 

UPON ENTERING THE WATER, THE VICTIM FELL INTO THE PATH OF THE JET NOZZLE DISCHARGE OR A WAVE. 

THE VICTIM ADVISED SHE WAS BLEEDING SHE WAS TRANSPORTED BY A BYSTANDER VESSEL TO SHORE AND TREATED THEN AIR LIFTED TO THEDACARE NEENAH FOR INJURIES TO HER PELVIC AND GENITAL AREA AS WELL AS AIR AND FLUID IN HER ABDOMINAL CAVITY. 

NO DAMAGE TO UNIT 1. UNIT 1 IS INSURED BY AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE. OPERATOR OF UNIT 1 HAD BOATER SAFETY FOR 2 WEEKS AND PERMISSION FROM THE OWNER TO USE UNIT 1. WITNESS INFO ABOUT INCIDENT INDICATED UNIT 1 WENT OVER WAVE AND VICTIM FELL OFF


BARDID: WI-2020-0062
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Little Fork Lake
NearestCityorTown: Three Lakes
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was pulling 2 occupants on the tube and made a clockwise turning maneuver forcing the tube outside of the lake at approximately 45 degrees and towards shore. The tube struck the dock and the tube occupants were injured and were transported by boat to the residence. Occupants were transported to the hospital for the injuries prior to le arrival, r/o did speak with operator who described the incident as listed above. Operator did show the r/o the pfd's that were worn by the occupants. Operator did have an observer at the time of the incident. Operator did have two other passengers that were in the bow of the boat at the time of the incident. Operator will be issued two citation for the incident for operator of boat greater than snw within 100' of a dock raft or pier. And operating the boat at an unreasonable or imprudent speed


BARDID: WI-2020-0063
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Butternut Lake
County: Price
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 2 Operator explained that he had his 19 foot Baja Jet boat beached on the sandbar on the northeast corner of the island on Butternut Lake, Town of Lake and was just hanging out with some friends. 

Vessel 2 Operator said he was standing in the center of the boat next to the console. Vessel 2 Operator stated he and his passengers saw Vessel 1 Operator pass the east side of Vessel 2 from the north and continued south past the island then turn around and come back at them from the south at a high rate of speed. 

Vessel 2 was facing roughly south beached on the sandbar with the motor off. 

Vessel 2 Operator and Passengers noticed Vessel 1 wasn’t slowing down and was coming straight at them. 

Vessel 2 Operator stated that Vessel 1 hit the slightly submerged sand bar and he and his companions all dove out of the way to avoid the collision. 

Vessel 2 Operator said he heard what he thought to be Vessel 1 shift into reverse just before hitting the sandbar and the engine and propeller’s high rpms as it skipped over the sandbar coming out of the water. 

The front of Vessel 1 then collided with Vessel 2 striking the port side just behind the windshield. The impact pushed Vessel 1 back off the sandbar and cracked the fiberglass hull in multiple locations diagonally from the left center to the rear right corner. Vessel 1 came to rest with the stern and motor beached on the north side of the sandbar. Vessel 2 Operator estimated that Vessel 1 Operator was going approximately 40 mph at the time he hit the sandbar.


BARDID: WI-2020-0064
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 04:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
County: Door
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
THE SAILBOAT WAS INVOLVED IN THE 2020 HOOK RACE FROM RACINE, WI BOUND FOR MENOMINEE, MI THROUGH DEATH'S DOOR. 

AT THIS TIME, A STORM WITH HIGH WINDS, WAVES, AND HEAVY RAIN BLEW IN. WHILE TRAVELING NORTHBOUND PAST THE STURGEON BAY SHIPPING CANAL, A WIND SHIFT CAUSED THE SAIL TO WHIP FROM ONE SIDE OF THE BOAT TO THE OTHER, TIPPING THE BOAT, WHILE ALSO GETTING HIT WITH A LARGE WAVE. 

THIS SHIFT IN THE BOAT ALONG WITH A FAILURE IN HER LEASH, CAUSED PASSENGER/INJURED TO BE EJECTED FROM THE VESSEL. THE VESSEL OPERATOR CALLED USCG ON MARINE 16 IMMEDIATELY AND THEY BEGAN THEIR OWN SEARCH OF THE AREA. 

ALL VESSEL OCCUPANTS WERE WEARING PFD'S AND PASSENGER/INJURED ALSO HAD A STROBE AND WHISTLE. USCG RESPONDED BUT VESSEL 1 OPERATOR ULTIMATELY LOCATED PASSENGER/INJURED AFTER SHE WAS IN THE WATER FOR APPROXIMATELY 30-60 MINUTES. PASSENGER/INJURED WAS TRANSPORTED THE DOOR COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER FOR PRECAUTIONARY HYPOTHERMIA MEASURES. HER BODY TEMPERATURE WAS LOWERED 2 DEGREES. SHE WAS RELEASED FROM THE HOSPITAL LATER THAT MORNING.


BARDID: WI-2020-0065
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wisconsin River
County: Iowa
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 swamped earlier in the night and Operator did not empty out the standing water.  Vessel 1 stalled out and Passenger stood at the back of the vessel causing it to capsize.  Heavy current was also a factor in the capsizing.

Vessel 1 Operators version of the events as told to the Officer.  He put in his boat at Highway Y in Dane County at 2:00 pm. The group had been out drinking all afternoon. His friend, capsized his kayak trying to help another friend who had already capsized his kayak on a branch overhanging in the river.  Operator was out of gas and had to use his trolling motor to rescue his friends from the branch.  Operator described friend as a taller, heavyset male.  Friend swamped Vessel 1 when he got in.  This happened around 10:00 pm on 7/18/20 about 2-3 miles upstream of Traders campground.  Once at Traders, they were given two gallons of gas and failed to take the time to empty the excess water from when the friend got into Vessel 1.  They headed back up stream and tried to look for the friend’s kayak at the sweeper. Vessel 1 stalled and the friend went to the back of the boat causing it to capsize.  Vessel 1 Operator and friend were rescued by a younger male.  Once on shore, Vessel 1 Operator borrowed a phone and called his wife for a ride. Vessel 1 Operator was dropped off at the County Y boat landing and drove his truck and boat trailer home.  Vessel 1 stated that he was exhausted from the night and slept until noon.  Vessel 1 Operator and friend were not injured from accident.  Vessel 1 Operator went to his dad’s to figure out what to do with the boat.  Vessel 1 Operator claimed he was about to log on the computer and figure out who to contact when his wife called about the incident and that the DNR was requesting to speak with him.

On Friday, July 24th, at approximately 6:40 pm, the Officer called Vessel 1 Operator to inform him he needs to complete a boat accident form because of the damage amount. Operator estimated the boat to be worth $4,500 and had $10,500 worth of fishing gear in the boat at that time. Operator stated he was able to get the boat off the river with the help of others he had hired for $500. Operator also stated the event could have been avoided if alcohol was not involved. Officer informed Operator he would be receiving a citation for failing to report a boat accident to law enforcement in a timely manner. Operator expressed his gratitude and understood what he did was wrong.


BARDID: WI-2020-0066
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:05:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Geneva
NearestCityorTown: Lake Geneva
County: Walworth
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 stopped so three occupants could swim before heading in for the day.  The engine was turned off and the boat was drifting when 3 occupants jumped into the water.  The boat started to drift away.  All three swimmers attempted to swim back to the boat.  The Victim was trailing behind the others that were in the water.  

He asked them to bring the boat back to him.  Occupants threw him a life jacket but Victim was unable to retrieve it.  Vessel 1 operator prior to the incident has yet to be determined.  

Operator listed in report attempted to operate the vessel; but was unable to start the boat and return to the Victim.  The group indicated that they had been having issues with the vessel all day.  Victim went under the water and was not seen again until he was recovered the following morning.


BARDID: WI-2020-0067
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:33:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Minocqua
NearestCityorTown: Minocqua
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 STRUCK VESSEL 2 AND A SHORESTATION AT THE BOATHOUSE RESTAURANT.  VESSEL 1 OPERATOR STATED THAT HE WAS TRYING TO PULL INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH HIS BOAT WHEN STRONG WINDS TOOK HIM INTO THE BACK OF ANOTHER BOAT. HE STRUCK THE MOTOR CAUSING DAMAGE TO VESSEL 2.   VESSEL 1 OPERATOR STATED HE THEN STRUCK A SHORESTATION WHICH HAD A BOAT ON IT AND BENT THE FRAME OF THE SHORESTATIOIN. THEN HE PARKED HIS BOAT.


BARDID: WI-2020-0068
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:19:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pewaukee Lake
NearestCityorTown: Pewaukee
County: Waukesha
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
FIVE SUBJECTS WERE BOATING ON PEWAUKEE LAKE. THE BOAT WAS STOPPED AND THEN 3 OF THE GROUP WENT SWIMMING. THE BOAT WAS NOT ANCHORED AND WAS DRIFTING ON THE WATER. Subject WAS HAVING TROUBLE IN THE WATER. THE TWO GIRLS ON THE BOAT COULD NOT GET IT STARTED. THE DRIVER OF THE BOAT SWAM BACK TO THE BOAT AND STARTED IT AND BY THAT TIME subject WENT UNDER WATER AND THE GROUP COULD NOT FIND HIM. 911 WAS CALLED FOR HELP


BARDID: WI-2020-0069
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Swan Lake
NearestCityorTown: Pacific
County: Columbia
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 and vessel 2 were involved in a vessel accident on swan lake, pardeeville, wi. Vessel 1 was traveling west bound and vessel 2 was traveling east bound. 

Vessel 1 was traveling at approximately 10 mph, he turned to his port side making vessel 2 think that he was going to vessel 2 starboard side. 

Vessel 2 then turned to his port side to avoid collision. Vessel 1 then made a sharp turn to his starboard side cutting vessel 2 off. Vessel 1 turn left vessel 2 very little time to react so they collided. Vessel 2 port ponton came in contact with the rear quarter panel of vessel 1.


BARDID: WI-2020-0070
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Michigan
NearestCityorTown: Milwaukee
County: Milwaukee
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 sailing in McKinley Marine west end near the gas docks when he struck Vessel 2 which was moored.  Vessel 1 Operator stated he struck Vessel 2’s forward anchor with his portside beam safety railing pole causing the pole to bend.  Vessel 1 Operator stated that the collision took place due to Vessel 2 being illegally extended past the end of the dock.


BARDID: WI-2020-0071
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Green Bay
NearestCityorTown: Fish Creek
County: Door
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On saturday, july 25, 2020 marine conservation warden was notified by the door county sheriff's dept of a boat taking on water near fish creek. Warden was advised that the boat in question was heading towards the fish creek town dock. Upon arriving at the town dock warden met with the operator. 

Vessel 1 operator stated that while traveling back from chambers island the boat struck bottom and the struts had been pushed up through the bottom of the hull. Vessel 1 operator further stated that the water levels had gotten over the generator and air conditioning unit. 

Vessel 1 operator stated that he had been having difficulty with the depth sounder reading properly and losing power and had gotten over to close to the shoal that comes off of adventure island. Vessel 1 operator also stated that the chartplotter was scaled too far out and that the boat was offset on the plotter which also contributed to operator getting too close to the shoal.


BARDID: WI-2020-0072
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Prinel Lake
NearestCityorTown: Webb Lake
County: Burnett
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
IT WAS RELAYED THROUGH EMS STAFF THAT THE SINGLE OCCUPANT OF THE PWC (VICTIM) WAS UNCONSCIOUS BUT RESPONSIVE TO PAIN. VICTIM WAS TRANSPORTED BY AIR CARE TO A ADVANCED MEDICAL CENTER IN MN FOR FURTHER CARE. ON THIS DAY A GROUP OF YOUNG MEN ON THE NEIGHBORING PROPERTY WERE THROWING A FRISBEE FROM THE DOCK AND ATTEMPTING TO CATCH THE FRISBEE ON THE LAKE UTILIZING THE PWC TO GET WITHIN REACH OF THE FRISBEE. 

THE OPERATORS OF THE PWC'S WERE GETTING VERY CLOSE TO THE NEIGHBORING DOCK (WITHIN A FEW FEET) FROM TIME TO TIME ON THIS DAY, AND THAT THE OPERATORS OF THE PWC'S WERE NOT WEARING LIFE JACKETS. MOMENTS BEFORE THE CRASH THE VESSEL 1 WAS BEING OPERATED AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AS THE OPERATOR ATTEMPTED TO CATCH/RETRIEVE THE FRISBEE, HE APPEARED TO "FREEZE" AS THEY REALIZED AS THEY WERE SO CLOSE TO SHORE AND THEN SECONDS LATER THEY HIT THE TREE.


BARDID: WI-2020-0073
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:07:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fox River
NearestCityorTown: Rushford
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
BOAT WAS HEADED EAST ON THE FOX RIVER COMING FROM EUREKA LOCKS HEADED BACK TO SKIPPER BUDS IN OSHKOSH. THE BOAT WENT TO AVOID A FISHING BOAT AND DROVE STRAIGHT ONTO LAND NOT REALIZING THE RIVER CURVED. NO INJURIES


BARDID: WI-2020-0074
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnebago
County: Fond du Lac
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
WHILE OPERATING A RENTAL PWC ON LAKE WINNEBAGO VESSEL 1 AND VESSEL 2 OPERATORS WERE TRAVELING PARALLEL AT A SPACING OF 50 TO 100 FEET AND APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES PER HOUR. 

VESSEL 1 WAS ON THE RIGHT AND HIT A WAVE THAT TURNED HIS PWC TO THE LEFT OR PORTSIDE. 

HE OBSERVED VESSEL 2 WAS GOING TO IMPACT HIS PWC AND HE JUMPED OFF THE STARBOARD SIDE. VESSEL 2 IMPACTED THE PWC DIRECTLY RAMPED UP AND SLID DOWN THE PORT SIDE OF VESSEL 1. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.


BARDID: WI-2020-0075
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Browns Lake
NearestCityorTown: Burlington
County: Racine
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 OPERATOR INFORMED THE DEPUTY THAT HE " WASN'T PAYING ATTENTION" WHEN HE MADE A DIRECTIONAL CHANGE WITH HIS BOAT. ONCE VESSEL 1 OPERATOR CHANGED DIRECTION HIS BOAT STRUCK A STATIONARY VESSEL 2 ON ITS STARBOARD SIDE MIDDLE. 

THE IMPACT OF THE CRASH CAUSED VESSEL 2 OPERATOR TO BE EJECTED INTO THE WATER. VESSEL 2 OPERATOR WAS ABLE TO GET ONTO VESSEL 1. 

ONE PASSENGER OF VESSEL 2 SUSTAINED FACIAL INJURIES (NOSE) DUE TO THE COLLISION. THE COLLISION CAUSED TOTALING DAMAGE TO VESSEL 2 ON THE STARBOARD SIDE AND RESULTED IN VESSEL 2 TO TAKE ON WATER. 

ALL OCCUPANTS OF VESSEL 2 WERE ABLE TO GET ONTO VESSEL 1.  VESSEL 2 WAS TOWED BY VESSEL 1 TO SHORE. VESSEL 1 OPERATOR WAS CITED FOR FAIL TO YIELD RIGHT OF WAY.


BARDID: WI-2020-0076
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:11:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Butte Des Morts
NearestCityorTown: Oshkosh
County: Winnebago
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 2 WAS TRAVELING SOUTH EAST ON LAKE BUTTE DES MORTS ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE BUTTE DES MORTS BRIDGE TOWARDS THE MOUTH OF THE RIVER TOWARDS RAINBOW BEACH BOAT LAUNCH AT APPROXIMATELY 3MPH DUE TO BOAT ISSUES. 

VESSEL 1 WAS ALSO TRAVELING SOUTH EAST ON THE LAKE WEST OF VESSEL 2. 

VESSEL 1 WAS TRAVELING AROUND 35 MPH AND STRUCK VESSEL 2 IN A REAR END FASHION. ONCE VESSEL 1 STRUCK VESSEL 2, VESSEL 1 WENT ON TOP OF VESSEL 2 AND BOTH WERE CAPSIZED AND UNDER WATER.


BARDID: WI-2020-0077
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Superior
NearestCityorTown: Bayfield
County: Bayfield
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat #1 was travelling from little sand bay (town of russell boat landing) to york island to go fishing on the north side of the island. According to the handheld gps owned by the boat #1 passenger boat #1 struck into a sailing 39' sailboat (boat #2) at n 46.97202, w 90.88459. 

Boat #1 driver and passenger estimated they were cruising around 14mph to go to their fishing location. The gps line was very straight until they looped back towards boat landing after boat collision. Boat #1 driver and passenger stated they never saw the sailboat before the crash only after they were hit and saw the sailboat continue towards point detour. 

They were paying attention to kayakers on their right (east) side as they went towards york island. Boat #1 driver was in front seat at steering wheel, passenger was sitting in rear facing seat on starboard side but stated he was kind of facing and talking to driver at the time of collision. 

The bow of boat #1 had initial hit on front port side of bow with paint scrapes down to the metal. Rest of bow push in and caused the inside dash to become unstable. 

Driver fell forward and to the left, causing a left shin puncture as well as shoulder, etc being hit/bruised. Passenger fell to the middle of the boat on the floor between the seats and was not hurt. 

Sailing sailboat (unit 2) was travelling southeast from sand island towards south side of york island to go south and east to raspberry island. Occupants observed fishing boat coming at them about 50 yards away and tried to wave and yell but the crash happened in seconds.


BARDID: WI-2020-0079
State: WI
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bridge Lake
NearestCityorTown: Tomahawk
County: Oneida
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was drifting south of the railroad bridge approx 20- 30 yards southwest of a no wake buoy facing east. 

Vessel 2 (pwc) was approaching the starboard side of vessel 1.  Per witnesses, v2 was traveling at speeds varying from 10mph to 30mph. Vessel 2 operator attempted to turn quickly near vessel 1 but was not under power so did not have steering. Vessel 2 struck vessel 1 in a t-bone fashion. All occupants on vessel 1 and vessel 2 claimed no injury. Vessel 2 operator was cited for no boater safety, owi, and pac. Vessel 1 towed vessel 2 back to cabin.


