# ReleasableAccidentes

BARDID: GA-2019-0088
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:40:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Oconee
NearestCityorTown: WHITE PLAINS
County: GREENE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 14, 2019, I, Corporal (Cpl.), met  others to process the vessel involved in a boating incident on Lake Oconee the previous date. The vessel, a 2016 Malibu Wake Setter GA0448YB, was stored in the Greene County Sheriff’s office locked bay.

Operator was the operator of the vessel when Victim was ejected off the starboard bow and struck by the propeller as the vessel passed over him. Victim suffered massive trauma to the lower back, buttocks and left foot as a result of the propeller strike. 

I observed approximately fifty empty alcoholic beverage containers distributed along the deck, in various cup holders and in the seats. The only damage to the vessel I observed was to the propeller. The damage consisted of bent and chipped areas to the leading edges of the blades of the propeller. Victim’s swim trunks and underwear were wrapped around the propeller and propeller shaft. This evidence was consistent with Victim’s injuries. The vessel was not equipped with a navigation system or a Global Positioning System (GPS). No data was found to be retrievable. 

Wtiness1 was a witness who said he was approximately a quarter of a mile away on the lake from the Malibu when the incident occurred. Wtiness1 said he saw the Malibu being operated in a swerving maneuver, ejecting the front passenger overboard from the starboard side. Wtiness1 said there were no other vessels near the Malibu at the time of the incident. See Wtiness1’s attached statement.

On August 16, Division of Forensic Sciences for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation reported the Ethyl Alcohol test results for Operator to be 0.210 grams per 100ml. Victim’s Ethyl Alcohol test result was 0.183 grams per 100ml.

Based upon the evidence collected, witness statements and the statements made by Operator, I conclude that Operator was operating the 2016 Malibu Wake Setter under the influence of alcohol contrary to the legal limit. As the operator of the vessel, Operator is responsible for his passengers to remain seated within the vessel. Victim was seated on the gunwale in the bow passenger area directly in front of Operator. Operator was deliberately maneuvering his vessel with rapid direction changes. Operator’s operation in this manner contributed to Victim being ejected overboard and then struck by the propeller. The conclusions contained in this report are based upon all evidence and witness statements made available at the time


BARDID: GA-2019-0089
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Sinclair
NearestCityorTown: EATONTON
County: PUTNAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Drug
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On the evening of July 7th, 2019 Game Wardens received a call regarding a boating incident involving a PWC (Personal Water Craft) and a dock. Upon arrival Game Warden talked to the operator, Operator, as I examined the PWC. Game Warden Payne to a witness, who stated that the two women on the PWC had jumped off due to the steering getting stuck, after they jumped off the PWC struck a dock. The resident at that address refused to give Game Warden any information in regards to reporting damage to her dock. The witnesses story was the same as the operator and occupant on the back of the PWC. The PWC had been taken out of the water before we arrived on scene. The damage was as follows: (measurements are approximate) 
	
	Front: Fiberglass crack Approx 6 inches. A piece of wood was lodged into this hole before we arrived. 
	
	Front Starboard: Fiberglass was cracked approx 1.5- 2.5 feet down the starboard side of the PWC
	
The hull had been penetrated in those areas but seemed to be above the waterline due to lack of water coming out of jets ski on the trailer.  The estimated damage on the PWC was significant and the approx repair cost would be around $2,000 to $2,500. 

The operator was found to be operating a vessel under the influence and arrested. Pictures and diagram are on file at Macon Office.


BARDID: GA-2019-0090
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Sinclair
NearestCityorTown: MILLEDGEVILLE
County: BALDWIN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/04/2019 at approximately 1830 hours I, Corporal, was notified of a boating incident that occurred on Lake Sinclair in the cove adjacent to the Baldwin County Airport. The victim was already at the Navacient Health Center in Milledgeville receiving treatment from a head injury received during the tubing incident where she struck the other tube occupant.  I gathered written statements.

Vessel A was traveling approximately 20-30 mph while pulling a tube with 2 occupants. Vessel A was attempting to make a large, left hand turn when both occupants were thrown from the tube and into the water. While being thrown from the tube, the victim struck the back of her head to the forehead of tuber 02. 

Both tubers were quickly retrieved from the water and taken to the dock. The victim was taken to the Navacient Health Center in Milledgeville where she was treated for a laceration to the back of her head, a contusion as well as concussion like symptoms. The victim received several staples to close the laceration and underwent a CT scan.


BARDID: GA-2019-0091
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Sinclair
NearestCityorTown: EATONTON
County: PUTNAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 1700 hours, Monday, August 26th Sergeant and myself received a call from Putnam County Sheriff’s office about a call they received in regards to damage to a boat house and boat. Sgt. and myself met Putnam County SO and spoke with the property owners. We surveyed the damage to their boat house and boat and spoke with the owners in regards to the incident. Owner1 told us that he was alerted to the incident when he received footage from the security camera on his dock that his boat house had been hit by another vessel. The footage showed what appeared to be a bass boat hitting the dock, ramping it on the south side of the boat house, striking the owner’s boat in the slip, and exiting the west side of the boat house. This impact caused significant damage to the dock, boathouse and owner’s boat on the lift. I took pictures of the damage to the boat house and collected the shards of fiberglass left by the suspect’s boat on the dock. There was also a piece of rubber mat and what appeared to be a shard of the suspects navigation light.  

The next day, Tuesday, August 25th Corporal and myself checked the Twin Bridges, Little River and Murder Creek area of Lake Sinclair by water. We searched for a boat matching the description of the suspects boat with the same color fiberglass that was left on the dock. We did not see a boat matching the description so I contacted Twin Bridges Marina and Little River Marina. Twin Bridges Marina and Little River Marina had not seen a boat matching that description with significant front end damage pull out at their boat ramps.  

On September 17th I posted to Facebook on the “Lake Sinclair” and “Lake Sinclair Post All” the footage of the incident as well as pictures of the damage. I gave a brief summary of what had happened and asked for assistance in identifying the operator of the suspect boat. From those posts we had information given to us about a tournament that was the evening of the incident put on by the Baldwin Backlashers. Subject1 reached out on the post to volunteer to scuba dive around the dock to look for any evidence that may be in the water around the dock.  

On September 18th I contacted the president of Baldwin Backlashers to set up a time to meet with him. I met him at his business. We talked about the tournament and he gave me the sign-up sheet. He told me that several boats did not finish the tournament and weigh in. On the sign-up sheet you could see the names of the boaters that did not have an ending weight. Several only put their first names. I went through the list of names with Subject to try to gather more information on the boaters that did not weigh in. I also showed him the fiberglass that was left on the owner’s dock. Subject stated that he remembered a boat that fished the tournament that had that same color. Subject stated that the individual had not fished with them before and that he did not launch his boat at Lake Side Bait and Tackle with most of the other anglers. Subject stated that he met them there from his home that was up Murder Creek. Subject could not remember his name but only that he signed up closer to the bottom of the sheet. 

Corporal and myself began going through the list of names and pulling their information from our Go Outdoors Georgia website. We focused on boaters that were by themselves because the footage from the dock looked like a single occupant on the suspect’s vessel. One name was by himself and matched the correct area of the lake with his address. Corporal rode by several addresses registered on the west side of the lake. He did not see a bass boat of the correct color at any of the addresses listed.  

On Sunday, September 22nd myself and Sergeant…


BARDID: GA-2019-0092
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: BUFORD
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 28, 2019 I GWFC was dispatched to Northeast Georgia Medical Center for a boating incident involving a man being run over by a boat and getting cut by the propeller. When I arrived at the hospital, I interviewed the victim of the incident. 

Victim stated that he had been wake boarding when he fell back into the water, as the boat was pulling him came around to pick him back up, the operator of the boat missed judge where he was a ran over Victim. Victim passed under the boat and as he came out the stern, he felt like he was pulled into the prop and sustained a deep cut to his right leg. Meanwhile Corporal responded to Big Creek boat ramp where he met the other occupants of the skiing vessel interviewed them. The operator stated as he was approaching Victim, he thought that Victim will push himself off the bow of the boat and swim around to the Stern. However, Victim went under the boat he turned pushed the throttle to neutral. In conclusion Victim suffer a deep cut his leg for the propeller of the ski boat when it ran over him do the operator experience and attention.


BARDID: GA-2019-0093
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:10:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
a On June 28, 2019 I Game Warden First Class (GWFC) and others were patrolling Lake Lanier when we were dispatched to a call about a possible drowning at Vann’s Tavern Park in Forsyth County at approximately 1810 hours. Once on scene, GWFC began assisting with getting swimmers out of the water. GW and I got on the bank and began speaking with witnesses. It was quickly evident that a male had entered the water and did not resurface. 

GWFC immediately began searching the area with vessel mounted side scan sonar equipment. While on shore, several deputies with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office assisted us with making contact with witnesses and gathering witness statements from occupants of the vessels.  According to the initial information collected immediately on scene the victim jumped from a rented 35’ pontoon boat to assist a female swimmer that was in distress. Victim entered the water and began to struggle himself and went beneath the surface and did not resurface. Initially we were told that the vessel was beached when Victim and others entered the water. It was later determined that the vessel had likely stopped, and was not under power and was adrift when the occupants of the vessel began swimming. Numerous Game Wardens as well as local agencies assisted with continued the search and recovery operations as weather, water conditions, and boat traffic permitted. Victim’s body was ultimately located and recovered by Game Wardens on the Sonar boat on Monday afternoon July 1st in approximately 26’ of water. Victim’s body was turned over to the Forsyth County Coroner.


BARDID: GA-2019-0094
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Hartwell
NearestCityorTown: LAVONIA
County: HART
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 2, 2019 at approximately 12:24 PM, I, GWFC was notified by Cpl. that a possible boating incident had occurred on Hartwell Lake near Party Island.  I called the Hart County 911 center and asked about the details.  No details could be given to me.  I then called the Hart County Sheriff's Office and found out which deputy was dispatched to the call.

Deputy was dispatched to the call.  I made contact with him and asked him to get me the information on the victim and details of the vessel, which was a PWC.  The vessel was determined to be beached on Party Island.  Deputy advised me that Victim was going to be transported to AnMed in Anderson, SC by EMS.  Deputy stated that Victim, "Went to take a hard turn and hit a wake-foot got wedged and foot turned completely different way".

I called Victim and spoke to him while in the hospital and he was on medication for his injuries.  I asked him about the vessel and he stated that it was not his that it belonged to the owners of the residence he was staying.  I told him that I would call him back in the future.

On September 11, 2019, I made contact with Victim's fiancee by sending Cpl. , which works a close county, to their residence.  I told her that I needed the information of the owners of the vessel.  She stated that she would have the owners contact me.  She also stated that Victim had surgery on Monday and was on medication.  She stated that his left ankle was broken in two places.

On September 12, 2019, I received a call from the owners of the vessel and got the information.
*Note*: The original completed Boat Incident Report number was A000980.


BARDID: GA-2019-0095
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Hartwell
NearestCityorTown: LAVONIA
County: HART
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator fueled up at Harbor Light Marina at approximately 1030 hours. After fueling up the vessel he left the marina at idle speed. The operator advised me that he cut his blower on after fueling up and cranking up the vessel. The blower was only on approximately 10-15 seconds before an explosion occurred. After the explosion the operator tried to extinguish the fire but was unable to do so. The operator jumped over board due to the flames getting higher. He was picked up by other boaters that had seen the incident. The vessel drifted towards the main body of the Lake with a fully involved fire and sunk as a result of the fire. The operator was not injured as a result of this incident.


BARDID: GA-2019-0096
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was towing victim on water skis. She hit a wake and fell. During the fall the ski hit her in the back of the head, causing a laceration/contusion. The injury was caused by the ski striking her head.


BARDID: GA-2019-0097
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: BUFORD
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/04/2019 at approximately 1730 hrs, Hall County responded to a boating incident in Shoal Creek. The incident involved a 1996 PWC. Deputy got the operators information for me and I followed up by phone. I Game Warden, spoke with Operator over the phone about the incident. It was determined that Operator was operating a PWC when he jumped a wake. The PWC became airborne, when the PWC landed, Operator hit his face on the handle bars of the PWC. As a result, Operator suffered some injuries to his face and mouth (broken teeth). Operator did seek medical attention.  Operator stated that he would type an email with what had happened and send it to me on 07/06/2019.  *** I have attempted to call Operator several times to get his statement with no success. I have left a voicemail on his phone, with no response.


BARDID: GA-2019-0098
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:19:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: GAINESVILLE
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/06/2019 at approximately 2230 hours, officers were able to locate the first vessel, a Chaparral 244 Sunesta (GA0572CK). Due to Operator2 having sustained injuries from the collision, Forsyth County Marine Patrol drove Operator2's vessel with him in it, to Vanns tavern boat ramp; where he was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center. Operator2's vessel was then towed to the dry storage docks on Port Royale Marina by Forsyth County Marine Unit. Operator2's vessel had scuff marks down the port side of the vessel and had a vibration in the prop when Forsyth County Marine Patrol drove Operator2 to Vanns Tavern. Game Warden, went to the hospital and obtained a statement from Operator2 as well as a signed consent to search form for the electronics of the vessel.  
	 Cpl. and myself, then began to search for the house boat that was involved. Cpl. located the vessel docked at Port Royale Marina. The house boat a 67' Stardust Phoenix "Chill Pill" (GA9503EU) had damage to the port side of the vessel. Upon arrival, I also noticed, that the navigation lights and allyl other lights were still turned on. We were able to locate all occupants of the house boat and began speaking with them about what had occurred. 
	After getting statements from Subject, Operator2, and the other occupants , it was determined that the Stardust Phoenix was traveling south from Port Royale Marina and the Chaparral was traveling north from Three Sisters Islands. The port side of Operator2's vessel struck the port side of Subject's house boat. As a result of the collision, the frame of Subject's vessel was pushed in a great amount. Operator2 was very adamant that the boat he came into contact with was dark and did not have any lights on. Subject was asked about whether or not his navigation lights were on. Subject responded by telling me that they were docked at Pelican Pete's having dinner. Subject went on to say, that before he ever leaves a dock he always checks to make sure his navigation lights are on and working. 
	On 07/07/2019, Game Warden and I, went to Port Royale Marina to view the security footage to determine if Subject's vessel had its navigation lights on. I was able to locate Subject's vessel in the security footage and determined that before Subject's vessel left the dock at Port Royale, his navigation light were indeed on. 
	 Based off of my training, knowledge, experience, and witness statements, I believe the reason for the collision was due to violation of rules of the road and lack of maintaining a proper lookout and too fast for conditions. 

	 *** Subject had asked Cpl. about the condition of Operator2. Cpl. told him that he was hurt pretty bad and was taken to the hospital. Subject responded with I thought he was dead.


BARDID: GA-2019-0099
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: BUFORD
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 31, 2019 I GWFC was notified of a boating incident at land shark cove on Lake Lanier. I responded and when I arrived I encountered a Cabin cruiser that had been docked at one of the party slips at Margaritaville. 

I was approached by a man who said his boat (the cabin cruiser) have been hit earlier in the day by another vessel that was being towed. I next met a man who stated he was towing a new center console boat that he was trying to sell when you didn't clear the space and bumped the center console into the v2. I used my patrol boat to observe the damage done to the cabin Cruiser boat. I observed on the starboard side near the bow a black rub-mark approximately 10 inches long. v2 stated that when the boats hit he heard a large cracking sound. I took down both individuals names and information ad left. In conclusion v1 while towing a center console boat pulled the boat into the side of v2 cabin Cruiser causing an unknown amount of damage to the starboard bow.


BARDID: GA-2019-0101
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:36:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Hartwell
NearestCityorTown: TOCCOA
County: STEPHENS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 13, 2019 at approximately 16:58, I (Game Warden) arrived on scene to a boating incident.  The incident took place at Stephens County Recreation Area on Lake Hartwell. Once on scene, I spoke to the owner of the vessel involved.  Operator was operating the vessel at approximately 16:36 when the incident occurred.  He said that he was pulling two tubes with his vessel.  There were two boys on one tube and three girls on the other.  As he turned the vessel he crossed over his own wake, this ejected the victim and two other girls off the tube.  Victim then said she could not feel or move her legs.  She was then placed on the swim platform of the vessel and taken to the courtesy dock and 911 was called.  

	Victim was transported via ambulance to Stephens County Hospital.  She was then taken by air to Greenville Memorial Hospital as a precaution.  Victim was evaluated and she suffered a bruised bone in her neck.  She was sent home with a neck brace.


BARDID: GA-2019-0102
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-31 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Hartwell
NearestCityorTown: LAVONIA
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday August 31, 2019 I received a call from Franklin County dispatch regarding a vessel incident which had already occurred. I met with the caller and he stated that when he had gone down to his dock to check his boat that morning, he noticed what appeared to be where someone had hit the rear of his pontoon with another boat. No one was at the dock so apparently it was a hit and run sometime before that date.
	I took photos of the damage and got the complainant's information. It appeared that sometime between August 4, 2019 and August 31, 2019 the docked vessel (Vessel 1) had been struck on it's port stern side by another unknown vessel (Vessel 2). The striking vessel (Vessel 2) appeared to continue past the aluminum pontoon and sheet metal siding of Vessel 1, causing a large dent/tear in the sheet metal, transfer marks on the rear of the pontoon, and then continued on to hit the cowling of Vessel 1's engine.  The engine cowling was fiberglass and was torn. The engine was also pushed sideways due to the collision, breaking the steering linkage. No other boat incidents or damage were reported in the area.  
	Game Warden and I looked for another vessel in Gumlog Creek where the incident occurred for a vessel consistent with damage that would indicate that it was the striking vessel (Vessel 2) but did not find one. Just a note, the rear of Vessel 1 including the engine extends out into the creek further than any other dock/vessel on that side of the creek.


BARDID: GA-2019-0103
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: WOODSTOCK
County: CHEROKEE
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 struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
I, Corporal with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources-Law Enforcement Division, received a call from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office about a possible boating fatality on August 10, 2019 at approximately 1300 hours. I spoke with Cherokee County dispatch about the incident and was told to meet responding personnel at Little River Marina. I contacted DNR Corporal and Game Warden about the incident and met them on scene at the marina at approximately 1405 hours.

I met with GW1 who had already made contact with the operator of the vessel involved in the incident, Operator2. GW1 had also talked to Operator2’s daughters who were passengers on the vessel at the time of the incident. They completed witness statements about the incident. I told GW1 to check Operator2 for any signs of impairment since he had already spent some time in speaking with the family. (See supplemental report and associated forms) I learned that a male subject had been transported to Kennestone Hospital in Marietta and a female was deceased and had been transported to Northside Hospital in Canton. I secured and inventoried the vessel Operator2 was operating which was tied to the end of the nearby dock.

Operator2’s vessel was a rental boat from Park Marina which is located on Allatoona Lake. I called a rental manager at Park Marina. I told Rental manager about the incident and asked for consent to search and inventory the vessel for our report purposes. Rental manager did give me consent; the conversation was recorded on my department issued Vievue body camera. During the time I was speaking with Rental manager, I also noticed a personal watercraft tied to the courtesy dock across the channel at Cherokee Mills boat ramp. The PWC was later confirmed to be involved in the incident and belonged to Operator1. It was secured by Corporal  from the courtesy dock and pulled to the dock at Little River Marina. Corporal took Operator2 out in our DNR patrol vessel to determine the location of the incident. Operator2 noted a location to Corporal who later gave me the GPS coordinates for the overall diagram incident location.

The vessel Operator2 was operating at the time of the incident was a black and white 2018 Bayliner 190 with Georgia registration GA 4813 LR. I began photographing the vessel and the contents as I found them about the vessel. The processing of the vessel is also recorded on my department issued Vievue body camera. I immediately noticed two opened cans of Corona beer in the cup holders at the passenger compartment of the bow. The vessel had the appropriate safety equipment as required by law. I saw in plain sight two 12 packs of beer; one Miller Lite and one Corona. I checked the cooler and accounted for all 24 beers.

I saw a purple and black personal floatation device across the back seat of the vessel. I could immediately tell the PFD had been caught in the propeller of the engine due to the way it was twisted up and torn. I also could see what turned out to be the Deceased victim’s top portion of her blue swimming suit entangled in the PFD. I had GW1 assist with trimming the engine out of the water while I took photographs. I noticed a significant amount of damage to the propeller thrust housing as it was dented. This was not normal for operation and likely caused from the PFD becoming entangled in the propeller. I also photographed several small fibers, similar in color to the PFD, in the individual propeller blades.

Corporal secured the PWC from Cherokee Mills boat ramp courtesy dock to the dock adjacent to the Park Marina vessel. He received permission to retrieve the trailer for the PWC which was located in the parking lot. I checked the PWC for


BARDID: GA-2019-0104
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
At the above date and time, the listed operators were operating PWC's at Allatoona Lake near Gatewood. Operator1 was the lead vessel (V01) and had one passenger on board. Operator2 was the give-way vessel (V02), positioned slightly to the rear and left of Operator1. Operator2 claims that a wave caused her to veer to her right and led to the collision of the two vessels. 

Vessel 2 struck Vessel 1 at the rear left side and collided with the leg and foot of the passenger of Vessel 1. The passenger received medical treatment for a laceration of the left foot and contusion on the left leg. Vessel 1 sustained significant damage and vessel 2 sustained little to no damage.


BARDID: GA-2019-0105
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 10, 2019 at 1801, I, Game Warden received a phone call from Cpl that there was a man  on a jet ski on Lake Allatoona that had collided with another vessel and left the scene.  Cpl also stated that Operator2 had hit a vehicle in the parking lot at Bethany Bridge while attempting to load his jet ski. 

I arrived at Bethany Bridge boat ramp in Bartow County at approximately 1832 and spoke with Georgia State Patrol Trooper who was on scene with Bartow County Sheriff’s Department Deputies.  He informed me that the man leaning against the front of his car (Operator2) was the driver of the white and green Sea Doo Bombardier GTX that was pulled up on the bank next to the boat ramp.  There was a truck with a jet ski trailer attached sitting on the boat ramp.  Trooper stated that Operator2 had attempted to back his trailer down the ramp several times and repeatedly jack knifed the trailer, damaging the tongue of the trailer. He stated Operator2 had several bottles of vodka in his pocket and two empty bottles in the truck.  Trooper stated the other vessel was at the dock and pointed to a pontoon boat.  During this time, Operator2 stood up and appeared to be unsteady on his feet by taking several stumbling steps towards us.  When Operator2 spoke to Trooper, his voice was thick and he was slurring his words.  I stated that I would go speak with the occupants of the other vessel about what happened while Trooper was with Operator2.  

The driver of the Park MFG pontoon boat stated that he was fishing near McKaskey when he saw Operator2 on a jet ski idling around.  Operator1 was alone on the pontoon boat using his fish finder to look for fish when Operator2 yelled to him, asking if he wanted to get wet.  Operator1 said that he did not and was looking for fish.  Operator2 then started driving around Operator1’s vessel and when Operator1 left the cove, Operator2 went by him at a rate of high speed and within 10 feet of his boat.  Operator1 stated that Operator2 went around behind him and then he heard the jet ski approaching again and that he saw Operator2 swerve towards the left side of his vessel and strike the side at approximately 1740 hours.  Operator1 said that Operator2 then left and Operator1 saw him again at Bethany Bridge.  At that time he called 9-1-1 to report it because he did not feel like Operator2 should be on the road.  I looked at the side of Operator1’s vessel and a dent was evident in the left side of the aluminum pontoon and the trim above the dent in the pontoon along the left side was dented in as well.  Estimated damage is $2,000 but estimates to follow.  

I went back over to Trooper who was performing standardized field sobriety on Operator2.  As I approached Operator2 I could immediately smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage about his person.  His speech was thick and slurred as he spoke with Trooper.  Operator2 appeared unsteady on his feet and put his foot down on the one leg stand test.  Operator2’s pupils were pinpoint and very constricted and Trooper asked him if he was on any medication.  Operator2 listed off several medications and Trooper continued to question Operator2 about what medication or drugs he was on.  While Operator2 had his eyes closed and head tilted back,  I observed his eye lid tremors.  After Operator2 had finished the standardized field sobriety tests, I asked him to tell me what happened.  Operator2 stated that he was about a mile and a half down the road, then changed his wording to the lake, when he saw two females on the front of the pontoon.  Operator2 yelled to them and asked if they wanted to be sprayed.  Operator2 stated that they said yes and he was trying to do that when he hit the side of the vessel.  He said he did not know what happened but he hit the left side of the pontoon then headed to Bethany Bridge to take off the water.  At this time, Trooper placed Operator2 und


BARDID: GA-2019-0106
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:44:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 3, 2019 at approximately 2145 hours I was on vessel patrol with Warden on Allatoona Lake.  At the time I was in the area of Bethany Bridge, I heard several people yell and heard two boats collide. I immediately saw a bass boat stop and turn around to the left of my location.  I traveled to the bass boat and spoke with operator1, he stated that he made contact with a boat.  

Operator1 stated that he saw the boat at the last second and turned right to attempt to miss it, but made contact with the port side of his bass boat near the bow.  I asked if he was injured, he advised that he was not.  I then located the second vessel involved and spoke with operator2 in a pontoon.  Operator2 stated that he was travelling slow and the bass boat was moving very fast and they yelled as he approached.  Operator2 stated that no one was injured.  The pontoon had minor damage to the left pontoon.  I asked both parties to pull over the the dock at Bethany Bridge.  I copied both parties ID and boat information.  I observed that the bass boat had a deep scratch and damage to the trolling motor and rub rail on the port side.  The Pontoon had metal bent on the bow near the waterline.  Operator2 was issued a citation for violation of rules of the road on the water.  Operator2 was on the wrong side of the channel at the time of the incident.  Operator2 stated that he saw our patrol boat and traveled around it a few moments earlier and that is why he was on that side of the channel.


BARDID: GA-2019-0107
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:14:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Hartwell
NearestCityorTown: MARTIN
County: STEPHENS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 6, 2019 at approximately 2230 hours I, Corporal with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division (DNR LED) Critical Incident Reconstruction Team (CIRT) was notified of a serious vessel incident in Stephens County on Lake Hartwell.  I was informed there were two vessels involved and one person was deceased.  

The area on Lake Hartwell where the incident occurred is known as Eastanolle Creek.  I arrived on scene at approximately 2400 hours.  The area I responded to was a private boat landing in Eastanolle Creek where both vessels were located.  

The two vessels involved were a 2007 Tracker jon boat (Vessel 1) with Georgia registration GA 0923 DV hull Identification number BUJ69526I708 and a 2007 Tahoe ski boat (Vessel 2) with GA registration GA 6651 EE hull identification number BUJC92TXB707.  I was informed there had been two occupants on board Vessel 1 and four occupants onboard Vessel 2.  

The operator of Vessel 1, Operator1, had been located deceased in the water with his right shirt sleeve snagged on the propeller of Vessel 1.  The other occupant of Vessel 1, V1 occupant, had been pulled from the lake unharmed by the occupants of Vessel 2.  V1 occupant, a juvenile, had been allowed to leave the scene before I arrived.  

The operator of Vessel 2, Operator2, was still on scene.  Two additional occupants of Vessel 2 were still on scene when I arrived. a juvenile, who had been on Vessel 2 had been allowed to leave the scene before I arrived.  

Operator2 had performed a preliminary breath test and there was no trace of alcohol detected during the test.  Additionally, there were no indications of impairment with any of the occupants on Vessel 2.  Officers on scene told me witnesses stated there appeared to be beer cans floating in the lake.  I observed the navigation lights were functioning properly on Vessel 2.  

I asked Operator2 what happened and Operator2 said he had been driving his vessel down the creek channel at idle speed. Operator2 said when he reached the area where the lake opened wider he sped up.  Operator2 said seconds after he sped up he struck Vessel 1.  Operator2 said he did not see Vessel 1.  Vessel 1 had no navigational lights mounted on it.  Operator2 said after striking Vessel 1 that the occupants in his vessel pulled V1 occupant from the lake and they searched the area for any additional occupants. Operator2 said they searched until his vessel ran out of gas.  While talking to Operator2, I detected no signs of impairment.  I informed Operator2 that DNR LED would be seizing his vessel as evidence.  Vessel 1 was then loaded onto a wrecker and Vessel 2 was trailered.  I left the scene while DNR LED Officers towed Vessel 2 to the Stephens County Jail impound lot. The wrecker carried Vessel 1 to the same location.

Two beers were located in the cooler in Vessel 1.  No alcohol was located in Vessel 2.  

Vessel 2 struck Vessel 1 on the port side adjacent to the driver's seat, and traveled directly across the driver's seat through the starboard side of Vessel 1.  


BARDID: GA-2019-0108
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:20:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: West Point Lake
NearestCityorTown: Lagrange
County: Troup
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 13th, 2019 at approximately 20:20 hours, I, Game Warden First Class was contacted by Georgia State Patrol Newnan Dispatch advising a drowning had occurred on West Point Lake.  I advised Newnan Dispatch that I was not scheduled to work that day, but I would call Corporal and advise him of the incident. 

I proceeded to make contact with Cpl. and he and Game Warden First Class proceeded to the location of Sunny Point Access.  I was also contacted by State Trooper, who was on scene and he proceeded to gather witness information while Corp. and GWFC were enroute.  At approximately 23:00 hours, I was contacted by Sergeant and told the incident was to be turned over to the Critical Incident Reconstruction Team, and assigned to me.  

I told Sgt. that I would be enroute to the location shortly.  I arrived at Sunny Point Access on West Point Lake, where the victim’s vessel was located at approximately 23:15 hours.  

I was advised by Cpl. that two vessels met while traveling the lake, making a turn around an island, and the victim’s vessel impacted a wake and threw the two occupants out of the vessel.  One occupant was deceased and the other was at the West Georgia Medical Center in Lagrange.  Cpl. also stated that Trooper had made contact with the individuals who were believed to be in the other vessel.  I proceeded to take pictures of vessel #1 (V01), a 21 foot, Sportsman, center console (HIN-SMNMA491B616), located at Sunny Point.  I observed several unopened beer cans located in a small, soft cooler, along with one opened beer can. 

 I also observed where a metal rod holder had been ripped from the port side gunwhale, beside the center console, but was located on the floor of the vessel.  While I was at Sunny Point Access, Corporal was able to make contact with the operator at West Georgia Medical Center and was able to interview Operator1 and obtained a blood sample for forensic testing of impairment, to determine if he was under the influence while operating the vessel.  

A short time later at approximately 02:25 hours, I was able to interview Operator1, who had been transported back to the location by Cpl..  Operator1 stated that he and his girlfriend, Victim were traveling down the lake, on Yellow Jacket Creek when they started to make a 90 degree turn around an island near Jackson Creek.  

There they met a wakeboard boat, operated by a man, with a woman surfing behind it, making a significant wake.  Operator1 stated when he first saw the boat they were 200-300 feet away and at the closest, when passing were probably 150-200 feet away.  Operator1 said he told Victim that these were going to be big wakes.  

Operator1 stated he hit the first wake and came down in the trough and when he hit the second wake he and Victim were thrown from the boat.  Operator1 said he was not sure how he came out of the boat, but he and Victim were thrown from the port side.  

Operator1 stated after being thrown out, he began treading water and hollering for help, and saw that his boat was still going.  Operator1 was able to get assistance from another boat that had been fishing in the area and was pulled into their boat.  

The occupants of the boat were able to stop Operator1’s boat by Subject1 jumping into it, which was still circling the area, and they began looking for Victim.  During this time another john boat had come to the area and had located Victim floating face down in the water.  The two individuals were able to pull Victim into the john boat, where Subject1 also boarded and began CPR, while one proceeded to call 911.  The three boats quickly proceeded to Sunny Point Access where they were met by Emergency M…


BARDID: GA-2019-1000
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:55:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: Cumming
County: Forsyth
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
According to news media reports, two people died and three others were injured as a result of a 2-vessel crash.  The two who died were ejected from their vessel while fishing.  The three who were injured were from the other boat.


BARDID: GA-2019-1001
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-11-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:18:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Horton
NearestCityorTown: Lowry
County: South Fayette
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
According to a news media article, two people were fishing onboard a vessel.  When one stood up, the vessel capsized dumping both into the water.  One victim was recovered deceased.  It was repoted he drowned.


BARDID: GA-2019-1002
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:19:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Altamaha River
NearestCityorTown: Glennville
County: Long
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to a news article, one person was ejected from his vessel after hitting a wake.  The vessel continued to circle under power.  The victim was picked up by a passing vessel and then attempted to reboard his still-moving vessel.  The circling vessel hit him (described as the “food” of the motor) and continued under operation until it ran out of gas.  The victim was recovered and pronounced dead at the hospital.  Alcohol was apparently not involved.


BARDID: GA-2019-1003
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Satilla River
NearestCityorTown: Folkston
County: Camden
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
According to a news article, one person died after a crash of two boats.  One vessel involved in a catfish fishing tournament had pulled off to the side of the river when another operated around a bend at high speed.  The vessel struck an occupant on the drifting vessel and ejected him from the boat.  He was recovered deceased.  The operator of the underway vessel was charged with boating under the influence.


BARDID: GA-2019-1004
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: Flowery Branch
County: Hall
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to news media reports, a person on a personal watercraft grounded her vessel at a high rate of speed and became ejected.  She later passed away in the hospital.


BARDID: GA-2019-1005
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:22:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: West Point Lake
NearestCityorTown: LaGrange
County: Troup
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
According to a news article, a vessel with two people onboard was temporarily moored to a bridge while the occupants rested.  One person awoke and, having forgotten that he was on a boat, stepped off it to head to the restroom.  The other person onboard jumped in the water to assist his father.  The son drowned.  It was noted that he couldn’t swim.


BARDID: GA-2019-1006
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-08-22 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Burton
County: Rabun
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: unknown
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was seriously injured when a boat hit while swimming in Rabun County.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is investigating the incident as a hit-and-run, the victim was swimming in Lake Burton behind a home on Kubler Lane on Thursday. A passing boat hit, causing injuries to arm and head. 
 
Doctors said the injuries were likely caused by a boat propeller. The propeller cut through the skull and arm. 

From the impact, the victim must have been knocked out, but came to and managed to tread water. She was able to kick and somehow swim (to shore), screaming in pain.

A deck boat in the area heard cries for help, called 911 and rendered aid until an ambulance arrived.

The victim was flown to hospital and is expected to make a full recovery, according to the post.

DNR officials are still trying to find the boat.

https://www.ajc.com/news/breaking-news/woman-seriously-injured-after-hit-and-run-boat-incident-lake-burton/MOzC6cd6PWn2UvfDWCl3DK/


BARDID: GA-2019-1007
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: unknown
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
9/4/19 – Lake Lanier, GA 
Victim is recovering after being struck by a boat on Lake Lanier. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the operator of the 40-foot pontoon backed over the victim. The victim's left leg was severely injured and taken to Medical Center. The operator of the vessel, was arrested for boating under the influence. 
https://www.11alive.com/article/news/crime/lake-lanier-boat-incident/85-6ffe157c-f635-4652-878c-f683f3658514


BARDID: GA-2020-0002
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-03-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On March 20, 2020 I Game Warden first-class was called at my home regarding a boating incident on Lake Lanier near a Van Pugh Boat Ramp. I began coordinating the department's response with another Game Warden. I decided to go to the hospital to interview the injured party, while GW would conduct interviews with witness' at the boat ramp. When I arrived at the hospital, I encountered a young man named who was injured in the accident. Operator2 while accompanied by his father, stated that he was driving his Jet Ski out towards the main channel of Flowery Branch Bay and didn't see any other boats. Suddenly he saw another boat and tried to turn but didn't make it in time. His jet ski collided with a cabin cruiser headed into Flowery Branch Creek. 

	I left the hospital and came and met GW and received the statements he had been gathering at the accident sight. According to the statements made by the operator of the cabin cruiser and a passenger, they saw the jet ski coming on the starboard side and they started shouting for the jet ski to change course, but the jet ski didn't and collided with him. 

The Jet Ski a 2020 Yamaha sustained front in damage to the bumper and fiberglass of the vessel. 

The Cabin Cruiser a 1983 Sea-Ray sustained contact marks on the starboard side of the vessel along with slight damage to the fiberglass from the strike.


BARDID: GA-2020-0003
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-03-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 03/28/2020 at approximately 1900 hours I, Officer, responded to a boating incident at Holiday Marina. Once on scene 

	Operator advised on this date his wife and himself were involved in a boating incident. Operator was the operator of his vessel at the time of the incident. They were just North of Holiday Marina and were traveling West bound towards Glade Road. Two large cabin cruiser style vessels crossed in front of him causing a very large wake. Operator aimed his vessel towards the location where the two cabin cruisers had just passed. His wife stood up out of her seat just before their vessel impacted the large wake. Their vessel lifted and then slammed down violently. The impact caused her to injure her right leg. There was no damage to Operator’s vessel.

	Bartow County EMS arrived on scene and transported her to WellStar Kennestone Hospital. Operator could not provide me with any additional information and was advised how to obtain a copy of this report.

	I made contact with Operator on 04/08/2020 to verify injuries. He advised she had two compound fractures to her right leg and dislocated her right ankle. Video and audio is available for this call.


BARDID: GA-2020-0004
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-01-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Satilla River
NearestCityorTown: BLACKSHEAR
County: PIERCE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday, January 20th, 2020, Subject and Operator were operating a stick steer Jon Boat on the Satilla River down river from the Hwy 121 bridge. Operator was operating the vessel from the forward position and Subject, the boat owner, was riding on the seat behind him. 

During the operation of the vessel Operator encountered a tree stump ahead in the river unexpectedly but could not correct his course in time to avoid the obstruction. 

The vessel hit hard on the stump throwing Operator onto the bow and threw Subject into the seat where Operator had been sitting. Neither occupant was wearing a personal flotation device, but were not thrown from the vessel. 

Operator sustained two cracked ribs, several bruises, and a swollen knee. Subject had a severe impact with the seat and had several deep bruises on his shinbone and thigh. The accident was reported to Game Warden the next evening on January 21st, 2020. Inspection of the damaged vessel shows the right front of the vessel severely dented and a bowing of the right front gunwale and hull. Nothing else follows.


BARDID: GA-2020-0005
State: GA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-02-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Darien River
NearestCityorTown: DARIEN
County: MCINTOSH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator reported to me that he was cruising at 20mph and coming southward in the Intercoastal Waterway just passed the Darien River. He struck a submerged object that busted through the hull. They were taking on water very rapidly so he beached the boat on the edge of the marsh to avoid it sinking in the river. He called for assistance on the radio. Seatow responded and assisted him with contacting Tow Boat U.S. of which he is a member. They came and removed Operator and his wife from the vessel. Tow Boat U.S. is supposed to try to float the vessel to Brunswick for evaluation and salvage. 

	The tide was nearly high when the incident occurred. I was on scene at low tide water levels the next morning and could see the damaged, submerged piling that used to be the Red #188 day marker Aid to Navigation. There is currently a floating red can in its place until repairs could be made. The old piling is completely submerged at higher water levels.

	Operator believes the boat will be totaled due to the extreme damage to the bottom of the hull. He had just filled the boat up with fuel at Isle of Hope Marina in Savannah. He stated that his bilges were clean and the fuel tanks were undamaged.


BARDID: GA-2020-0006
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:50:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ocmulgee River
NearestCityorTown: FLOVILLA
County: BUTTS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 25, 2020, at approximately 1503 hours, I, Corporal (Cpl.) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR) Law Enforcement Division, received a call from Cpl. (GA DNR). Cpl. told me that Monroe County had a drowning on the Ocmulgee River at the Highway 83 bridge. I began responding from High Falls State Park and contacted Sergeant (Sgt.) (GA DNR). Sgt. advised that he had received a call also and was told it was on the Ocmulgee River at Wise Creek. I changed my route and received information from Butts County 911 advising that two of the subjects were on Mt. Pleasant Road at Vickers Road in Butts County waiting for first responders. I contacted Lieutenant with GA DNR aviation and requested his assistance with the helicopter.

	I arrived and contacted Operator2 and Operator4 along with Butts County Fire personnel. I cut the chain on the gate at the road to gain access to the river. I drove through a hunting club and arrived at the Ocmulgee River where I boarded a Monroe County Fire Department boat. The fireman took me to the other subjects, Operator5 and operator3. I spoke with the victims and asked them where they last saw the missing subject, identified as Operator1, go under the water. They pointed me to the area and, using a type IV PFD and an anchor with rope, I marked the spot for reference. Using the Pope’s Ferry Rescue vessel, I began to search the area with the side scan sonar.

	The river conditions were hazardous due to high water volume and swift current. Approximately 20 yards up stream from the victim’s last sighting was a rock outcrop and logs on river right. According to the subjects, their kayaks had impacted the log and flipped some of them into the water. The water in this area was between 20 and 25 feet deep. The high water and swift currents formed a large eddy flowing clockwise back behind the rock outcrop.

	Sgt1 arrived on scene with a DNR vessel and began searching the area with the side scan sonar. I moved onboard the DNR vessel with Sgt1. The extremely swift current and turbulent water under the surface caused the sonar display to look distorted in the area of interest. We attempted to search from different directions and paths but were unable to find any targets of interest. We deployed the body drag and continued to search the area. Lt. searched the area by helicopter. Game Warden First Class (GWFC) and Game Warden Cadet arrived and assisted with the search. I requested Butts County Sheriff Deputy to get written statements and identification from everyone at the boat ramp. The search was halted due to lose of daylight.

	On Sunday, April 26, 2020, I resumed search efforts at 0630 hours with GA DNR Sgt1, GWFC, GWFC, GWFC and Cadet. Sgt1 contacted Georgia Power and arranged to have the dam upstream at Jackson Lake closed to lower the water levels in the river. Sgt1 established incident command at the Highway 83 bridge and I led the search efforts at the incident scene. A search was performed using body drags and side scan sonar. At approximately 1300 hours, Alpha Rescue arrived on scene with cadaver dogs to search the area. Dragging operations were halted during this time. The three dogs independently alerted in an area and we marked that as an area of interest. The Butts County dive team deployed three divers in the river and began searching the area of interest. They described the river bottom as a mix of silt and jagged rock with steep drops and holes. The search was unsuccessful, and the divers were removed from the water as the dam had reopened and the water was beginning to rise. Search efforts were halted due to lose of daylight.


BARDID: GA-2020-0007
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Oconee
NearestCityorTown: EATONTON
County: PUTNAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
I Game Warden received a call from Sergeant about a possible fatality near Sugar Creek Marina on Lake Oconee. The call originally came in around 1620 hours that a body was found along with an overturned boat. 

On the way to the call, I received word that there were three subjects on board the vessel (GA6145FG) and that all subjects had been rescued and had made it to shore. Once I arrived on scene, I made contact with two witnesses. They explained that the boat was filling with water and the three occupants tried to make it back to shore. 

the operator stated they had put the boat in at the Georgia Power boat ramp at Sugar Creek and headed towards Parks Mill bridge. He stated the boat started to take on water under the bridge. They attempted to head back to the boat ramp but took on too much water over the back of the boat. The boat flipped due to the amount of water inside. No one was wearing a life jacket at the time. Bo's wrecker service was called to remove the boat out of the water. Parks Mill Road was shut down for a short period of time to remove the boat. The boat was removed from the water and placed on the trailer.


BARDID: GA-2020-0008
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-02-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Jackson
NearestCityorTown: MONTICELLO
County: JASPER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Tuesday February 4, 2020 at approximately 1900 hours Vessel 1 (Operator) was traveling North East on the main body of Jackson Lake up the Alcovy River, in the direction of Barry's boat dock.  

Once in the area of the overhead power line in the Alcovy River, Vessel 1 encountered a free floating dock in the middle of the lake during the hours of darkness. 

Vessel 1 struck the floating dock with the bow of the vessel and appears the port side of the vessel took the impact. Fiberglass damage was reported from the bow of the vessel down the port for approximately 7 feet in addition to the fiberglass damage the vessel's prop seem to have sustained damage as well. Operator was the only person in the vessel and no injuries were reported. 

No further.


BARDID: GA-2020-0009
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Savannah River
NearestCityorTown: AUGUSTA
County: RICHMOND
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On the evening of April 2, 2020, I, Corporal (Cpl.) was notified of a boating incident involving a Personal Watercraft (PWC) and a cabin cruiser on the Savannah River in Richmond County. Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Richmond County Fire Department Emergency Management Services (EMS) personnel were on scene. I contacted Game Warden (GW) to meet me at the incident location to assist. 

Upon arrival, I met with Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and GW and was directed to the residence. V2 subject’s vessel was a 260 Sea Ray Sundancer (GA3490SN) cabin cruiser. V2 subject’s wife was a passenger on board at the time of the incident. Also present was the operator of the PWC (GA3521RR), Operator1, his passenger their friend and operator of the uninvolved PWC. Operator1 had an injured left ankle and a scrape on his left knee. V1 occupant claimed she was uninjured. Both refused medical care from EMS. 

The incident occurred at approximately 1845 hours as Operator1 and Subject3 were operating their PWCs down river in front of the condominiums of Goodale Landing. Goodale Landing has six separate T-shaped docks that extend approximately 40 feet into the Savannah River. V2 subject had departed from his slip and was proceeding out into the river when he saw the PWCs operated by Operator1 and Subject3 approaching. V2 subject’s vessel was struck by Operator1’s PWC in the port side behind the cockpit. Operator1 made a last second maneuver to the right just before impact. Operator1 was ejected into the water and occupant was ejected into open deck behind V2 subject’s cockpit. Operator1 swam back to his PWC and all vessels returned to dock in front of V2 subject’s residence.

I took pictures of the damage to both vessels. I issued a citation to Operator1 for Rules of the Road violation.

Based upon the evidence collected and witness statements, I conclude that Operator1 was operating the 2019 Yamaha PWC in violation of the rules of road resulting in the collision with V2 subject’s vessel. A combination of operator inattention and speed caused Operator1 to fail to recognize V2 subject’s vessel departing the dock and maneuvering into the river. Additionally, Operator1 was operating his PWC too close to the vessels docked in front of Goodale Landing in violation of the 100 feet rule. (See attached statements by Subject3) The conclusions contained in this report are based upon evidence and witness statements made available at the time of this report. The addition of any new evidence or information may affect the conclusions contained in this report.


BARDID: GA-2020-0010
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-03-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Oconee
NearestCityorTown: GREENSBORO
County: GREENE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 03/21/2020 at approximately 1845 hours, I was notified by Grovetown dispatch to respond to the area of Lake Oconee at Interstate 20 in reference to a boating incident. The initial complaint was called in by Greene County so in order to get additional information, I called Greene County dispatch. I was informed a boating incident occurred and one of the occupants of the jet ski had been hit by another vessel and suffered a broken leg. 

	Upon my arrival, I determined the incident location to be in Greene County, Georgia (Lake Oconee) waters of the State. As I began to assess the scene, both injured parties had been removed from the water and were being treated by Greene County EMS. During my investigation, it was revealed that the injured parties were identified. Operator2 was transported by Greene County EMS to St. Mary's located in Greensboro, Georgia and V2 occupant1 was transported to Piedmont Hospital Athens located in Athens, Georgia.  both subjects stated the incident happened so fast they were not sure what happened. 

	As I continued to speak to Operator1, he confirmed he was operating the above vessel and stated they were attempting to spray one another with the jet of the ski. As Operator1 continued to talk, his speech appeared to be thick tongued and slurred. I also observed his face to be flushed/red along with glassy eyes. Due to my observations of Operator1 and needing to gather more information for the investigation, I requested Operator1 to place some shoes on and step off his jet ski onto the shore. Once on the shore, my suspicions were confirmed.  I detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Operator1's breath and person. Operator1 was also unsteady on his feet as he walked. At this time, I requested (and he agreed) Operator1 to lean against the guard rail in a secure position. 

	At this time, I asked Operator1 if he would perform a series of tests to assist me in determining if was safe for him to operate his vessel. Operator1 agreed, and I performed the HGN test.  I informed Operator1 that I was going to check his eyes.  Operator1's pupils were consistent in size, no sign of resting nystagmus and appeared to track equally.  As I started this test, Operator1's eyes did not pursue smoothly.  I observed distinct and sustained nystagmus at max deviation.  I observed onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees.  Operator1 exhibited a total of six clues. Operator1 was positive for vertical nystagmus.  Operator1 performed poorly on finger to nose test, palm pat and the hand coordination test.  See SFST form and video from screening for details.  

	At 1949 hours, same date, Operator1 tested positive on the portable alco-sensor.  At this point in time, due to my training and experience in detecting impaired operators for more than 25 years and the totality of circumstances, I advised Operator1 that he was under arrest and read his Implied Consent Warning for Suspects Under Age 21 at 1951 hours.  Operator1 agreed to perform a state administered chemical test of this breath.

 	Operator1 completed a breath test on the Intoxilizer 9000 at approximately 2021 hours and his blood alcohol concentration was 0.186.  While at the boathouse, Operator1 was issued citations for the following:  boating under the influence, reckless operation, and failure to me


BARDID: GA-2020-0011
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-01-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:25:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Oconee
NearestCityorTown: WHITE PLAINS
County: GREENE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 1/19/2020 at 1325 hours, I (DNR 220) received a complaint from Grovetown dispatch in reference to a truck and trailer blocking the boat ramp at Double Branches (Lake Oconee).  Subject1 stated that the Chevrolet Suburban was backed into the water with the boat trailer in the water as well with no boat.  Subject1 stated that the drivers side door was propped open, keys in the ignition switch, and two firearms in the front seat.  The complainant also advised that the vehicle had been there since 1030 hours that morning.  While in route to Double Branches I spoke with Subject1 again by cell phone and he advised that his friend had gone out in his pontoon boat and spotted a boat and possible body across the lake.  He advised me that he and Subject2 would be waiting on me at the boat ramp dock with Subject2's boat.

	I arrived on scene at Double Branches boat ramp at 1450 hours.  The Suburban and boat trailer was backed into the water blocking the ramp just as the complainant had explained. I boarded Subject2's vessel and rode with he and Subject1 to the location of the floating boat and body.  Upon arrival, I discovered a body floating face down washed up on the right side of the empty vessel. I notified Sgt. of the discovery and he notified dispatch and EMS.  I secured a rope around the right leg and right arm of the victim and tied the body off to the right side of the victim's vessel.  I recovered a green hat and a wooden boat paddle from the water as well.  I tied the boat off to Subject2's vessel and Subject2 towed Myself, the boat, and body back to the dock at Double Branches boat ramp.  

	We then loaded the vessel back onto the trailer and secured the boat.  The vehicle was searched for identification information and information of relatives to make contact with for notification.  The names and address were found for his parents.  DNR Sgt. of Gwinnett County went to the address and notified the parents of their son's passing (Death Notification 1648 Hours). The parents gave us permission to take the truck and boat to their lake home residence and leave it there.

	I drove the truck and trailered boat and parked it in the driveway.  I locked the vehicle and left the keys on top of a table inside the garage.  I went to the Coroners headquarters and observed the body.  Observations indicate that no foul play was involved.  The body was sent for autopsy in Atlanta. 

	According to Coroner, the autopsy ruled that the cause of death was drowning.  Autopsy also ruled that the victim suffered a seizure prior to death.  This ruling suggest that the victim had a seizure, which caused him to fall out of the drifting vessel and drown as a result.


BARDID: GA-2020-0012
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Jackson
NearestCityorTown: MONTICELLO
County: JASPER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 1500 hours vessel one was traveling north on Jackson lake around the South River junction. Vessel 1 made a port side (left hand) turn after passing another oncoming vessel, and vessel 2 (unknown) collided with vessel 1 the bow of vessel 2 struck the starboard stern of vessel 1 causing substantial fiberglass and body damage to vessel 1.

The operator and occupant of vessel 1 attempted to make contact with vessel 2 however vessel 2 drove away from the scene. No injuries were reported.


BARDID: GA-2020-0013
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 3, 2020 I received a complaint regarding several jet skis circling a subject in the water and attempting to spray the subject. As a result, two of the jet skis collided with one another. Sgt. and myself responded to the area and located the two jet skis at Balus Creek Boat Ramp. After speaking with the subjects, it was determined that the were operating in a manner that was reckless and resulted in the collision. One of the jet skis sustained a hole on the underside.  Due to my training, knowledge, and experience it was determined that the result of the incident was due to reckless operation on the behalf of both operators. 

Citations were issued to both subjects.


BARDID: GA-2020-0014
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: GAINESVILLE
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 05, 2020 at approximately 1550 hours, I Game Warden First Class received a call from Forsyth County regarding a subject that had crashed into a dock with a PWC and that had head trauma. Once on scene, I observed an Orange/White PWC that had severe front end damage. The operator of the PWC had already been transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville by ambulance. Corporal went to the hospital to get the status of Operator.
	I spoke with a witness of the incident. Subject1 stated that Operator entered the cove traveling approximately 50+ MPH. He also stated that Operator turned around at the back of the cove and was leaving the cove at 50+MPH. Subject1 also stated, that Operator took his focus off of driving and struck the dock. Subject1 told me that he then ran down to the dock to check on Operator. He stated that, Operator was hanging on the side of the PWC. Subject1 then assisted Operator to the side of his dock; where he helped him onto his dock until first responders arrived. 

	After speaking with Subject1 and the officers on scene, I was told that Operator had suffered head trauma, contusions to his upper torso and possible internal injuries. Due to the severity of the damage to the PWC, the PWC was secured on a Hydroport until a trailer was able to be located. 

	Due to my training, knowledge, and experience, I determined that the cause of this incident was due to reckless operation, and operator inattention. I also noticed, the PWC did not have any registration displayed at the time of the incident. 

 *** 	On 5/10/2020, I received an email that contained a scanned copy of a written statement from Operator. According to Operator, he was driving the PWC in Subject1's cove. While on his way out of the cove, he noticed a Grand Daddy Long Leg crawling up his leg. At that time, he leaned over to knock it off; while attempting to knock the spider off, Operator struck Subject1's dock.


BARDID: GA-2020-0016
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 9th 2020 at approximately 5:54 PM, I Game Warden (GW) received a call from the Gainesville Georgia State Patrol (GSP) Post. The dispatcher informed me there was a boating incident that occurred on Lake Lanier in Hall County, Georgia. It was a one vessel incident that involved one individual on one Personal Watercraft (PWC). The operator that was later identified as Operator was being transported to the hospital due to her injuries. Due to the incident and new operating procedures in reference to COVID 19, I did not go to the scene of the incident on that date.

Later that evening, I contact Hall County Dispatch and received the information of the caller and witness to the incident. The caller was later identified as the husband. I was able to get in contact with Operator’s husband and asked him what occurred. Operator’s husband informed me that they received a call from their neighbor that their kayak had drifted over to the neighbor's dock. Operator’s husband stated that Operator went to get on one of their Waverunner PWCs in order to get the kayak. After getting the kayak, Operator’s husband stated that Operator tied the line of the kayak to the front end of the PWC. As Operator was driving the PWC, the line wedged against the throttle as the PWC was turning toward the port (left) side. 

The PWC then accelerated and turned around on the starboard (right) side and kept accelerating toward the bank. The PWC then struck the bank and jumped up and struck a tree. Operator’s husband stated that Operator was approximately 80 feet from the bank. Operator’s husband stated that Operator had probably broke her ankle and was not sure how bad the head injury was. I informed Operator’s husband that I would speak to Operator when she had recovered. 

On April 10, 2020, I went to the scene of the incident for photographs and investigation. I did observe the kayak and the PWC. After taking photographs, I determined that Operator’s husband's statement did line up with what I observed at the incident.

Later that day, I was able to speak with Operator. Operator's statement was the same as what Operator’s husband had told me. She did state that she was never ejected from the PWC even after it jumped the bank. Operator had broken her left foot and received multiple bruises.

End of report.


BARDID: GA-2020-0017
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 23, 2020 at approximately 2235 hours I was flagged down by a subject on a dock at Aqualand Marina. Upon speaking to the individual, he stated that a man had pulled up to the dock and advised he fell in a boat and was bleeding. 

The individuals at the dock had previously called medical personal. I approached the injured person and asked If he was ok. His clothing and person had a significant amount of blood on it. He also had ice and a towel on his head. He stated he was ok. I asked to see his injury and his eyes. The injury appeared to be a laceration to his upper forehead and had stopped bleeding at this point. 

His eyes appeared watery, bloodshot, and his pupil size was normal and equal. I asked him what happened, and he stated he hit a wave in the boat and when he came off the wave, he hit his head on the window. He stated he became disoriented and drove around a while before ending up at his current location. He was still confused and could not give me a statement that seemed correct as to how he ended up at the dock. I also noticed he had a moderate odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his person and his speech was slurred. I asked him how much he had to drink, and he stated three beers. 

Next, I looked at the boat and observed damage on the bow at the rub rail consistent with hitting a round pole or tree like object. I also noticed two open alcoholic beverage containers in the vessel, one of which was in the operators cupholder. The boat also had a significant amount of blood in it consistent with injuries. Most of the blood was in the operator’s area and on the bow of the boat near the damage. I asked him what he hit, and he stated he did not hit anything. I advised him that based on my experience he hit something. 

He again stated he did not hit anything. He stated again that he hit a wave, then hit his head on the window. He stated that he was drifting after hitting the wave when the boat struck some rocks as it bounced on more waves. Based on my knowledge, training and experience, the damage to the vessel did not match his story. The damage in my opinion was caused as the vessel was moving in a forward motion at a speed much greater than drifting, not from an up and down movement from waves. At this time, the EMT’s arrived and began checking on the laceration on his head. 

They asked him how much he had to drink, and he told them 5 beers. They also asked him about another injury on his arm and he stated he fell earlier. They advised him that he needed to be transported for treatment of the laceration. Once in the ambulance I asked him again to explain how the accident happened and where it happened. He again stated to me the same story. At this point based on my observations, his actions, and the totality of the circumstances I believed that he was under the influence of alcohol to the extent he was a less safe operator. I issued him a citation for Boating Under the Influence and released him to Hall Co EMS for treatment.


BARDID: GA-2020-0018
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 17, 2020 at approximately 1540 hours, I was dispatched to a boating incident call in Two Mile Creek on Lake Lanier.  Forsyth County Sherriffs Office was already on scene and advised that they had witnessed the incident. 

 They advised that a PWC had struck the bow of a drifting pontoon boat. Witnesses stated that as the pontoon boat was drifting near the dock, the PWC accelerated towards the bow of the boat without turning.  

Witnesses began yelling at the PWC operator and he made a hard right turn at the last minute.  The PWC struck the port side pontoon and both occupants were thrown into the water. 

I began to speak with Operator1 and immediately smelled a strong odor of alcoholic beverage about his person.  He appeared dazed and confused and had very glassy, watery, bloodshot eyes and slurred slow speech.  I asked him to step into my vessel so that I could speak with him and he did so.  He swayed when he walked and used his arms for balance.  He admitted to drinking 3 or 4 beers.  Once he was on board my vessel, I administered the following exercises and observed these results:
1) HGN : I observed all six clues.  His eyes were glassy, watery, and very bloodshot. He also had vertical nystagmus.
2) Palm Pat: I observed 4 clues.  He was unable to follow instructions, he had improper pats, did not increase speed, and rotated his hands.
3) Hand coordination: I observed 9 clues.  During task 1 he had an improper count and an improper touch. He did not perform task 2. He had an improper count, improper touch, and did not touch his left fist to his chest during task 3.  He ended in an improper position during task 4.

Throughout our encounter, he showed numerous signs of impairment and appeared to be dazed and confused.  Due to our departments policy regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and the spread of illness, Finger to nose, PBT, and chemical testing were omitted.  Implied consent was not read and the suspect was not arrested.

He was charged with BUI, reckless operation, and operating without registration.


BARDID: GA-2020-0020
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Taccoa River
NearestCityorTown: MORGANTON
County: FANNIN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 3, 2020, I, GW with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Division, received a call from GSP dispatch about a boating incident that occurred on Lake Blue Ridge. It was reported that a vessel with eight passengers had struck the bank in the Toccoa River part of the lake and there were no injuries to report. Cpl. and I responded to the Lake Blue Ridge marina to meet with some of the vessel occupants that had been brought there after the incident.

Sgt. observed the blue and white Regal ski boat bearing registration number GA 7263 HK sitting out of the lake in the tree line on Lake Blue Ridge. Sgt. photographed the vessel and sent two photos of the incident to my state issued cell phone so that I would have them to use in my report. Sgt. picked up the owner/operator and one passenger who were waiting with the vessel to report the incident. 

Operator told Sgt. that he was operating the vessel, pulling a tube, and watching the tube instead of where he was going when he struck the bank.  

 When I arrived at the Lake Blue Ridge Marina, I spoke with three of the occupants. The vessel was towing a tube. The vessel was towed by Lake Blue Ridge Marina personnel back to the marina. There were no injuries to report. My investigation determined that the cause of this boat incident was due to careless and reckless operation of the vessel while pulling a tube.


BARDID: GA-2020-0021
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Rabun
NearestCityorTown: TALLULAH FALLS
County: RABUN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
MachineryFailure: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/06/2020 at approximately 5:04 I, Game Warden (GM) with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division (GA DNR LED) responded to Lake Rabun in Rabun County, GA in reference to a boating incident. Rabun County 911 dispatch advised me the incident occurred in the area of 60 Basin Point Road near the Big Basin. They also advised me that the boat exploded causing injuries to one and EMS was en route.

Due to not knowing where the victim was, I responded on land and Sergeant (SGT) responded by vessel. The victim and operator was later identified. He later advised me that Operator had been transported to Hall's Marina. Operator was being checked by EMS and would be transported to North East GA Medical Center. SGT was able to speak with the wife and witness. She briefly informed SGT that the boat exploded when her husband started the engine. He informed her that I would be contacting her at a later time.

On 06/07/2020 at approximately 12:30 PM, I called Operator and Witness. Witness stated that she was on land when she heard the explosion come from the area of the boat. She stated that Operator had jumped in the water and that they then used fire extinguishers to put the fire out. I then spoke with Operator and asked him what happened. Operator stated that when he was attempting to start the engine, he heard what sounded like an ignition. He then told me that he saw a big flame and that the driver seat struck him in the chest when the explosion happened. He was knocked on his back before he rolled into the water. He told me he received burns to his face. 

I informed Operator when and where Operator could receive the incident report.

Nothing further.


BARDID: GA-2020-0022
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: BUFORD
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 24, 2020 at approximately 2348 hours, I Game Warden received a call in regards to a boating incident in Little Shoal Creek on Lake Lanier. At 0013 hours, myself and Sergeant arrived on scene. I observed a white in color 31 foot Larson with several occupants on board with severe damage to the stern of the vessel; another vessel, 36 foot Cobalt was a short distance away. 

I checked on the occupants in the Larson and spoke with Hall County Paramedics to see if they had checked on the other vessel. I then went to the Cobalt to check the status of the occupants. I immediately noticed a head injury on two of the female occupants, and the operator of the vessel had a chipped tooth. Paramedics ended up taking the females on the boat to get medical treatment. Operator1 agreed to perform field sobriety exercises and was determined to be impaired and less safe to operate. 

After gathering witness statements and looking at the damage of both vessels, it was determined that  Operator2' vessel was broke down with the navigation lights on. Operator2 had already called Towboat to come assist her some time before the accident. Multiple witnesses stated that Operator2' vessel had the navigation lights on. Due to my training, knowledge, and experience, I determined that  Operator1 was at fault due to him operating under the influence and traveling at a speed that he was not able to maneuver his vessel in order to prevent a collision. Operator1 was transported to the Hall County Detention Center for boating under the influence and operating without registration.


BARDID: GA-2020-0023
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: BUFORD
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Shift
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 30, 2020 at approximately 1808 hours, Sergeant and I, Game Warden First Class responded to a boating incident where a boat had ran up on top of a B Dock inside of Landshark Cove. Once on scene, I located the operator of the vessel, and asked what had happened. 

Operator told me that he went to dock the boat and put it in forward gear to kick the boat sideways. He then tried to take the boat out of gear but it would not come out. I then spoke with the other occupants of the boat and witnesses and they said the same thing. Due to the odor of alcoholic beverage coming from Operator's person, I conducted field sobriety and determined that he was under the influence and less safe to operate. Towboat was called to get the vessel off the dock and Operator was informed that he did not need to operate the vessel anymore while he was under the influence. 

	Due to my training, knowledge, and experience I believe that the cause for the incident was due to Operator operating under the influence and the vessel becoming stuck in gear.


BARDID: GA-2020-0024
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5-23- 2020 I responded to Landshark cove on Lake Lanier in reference to a boating incident.  The operator of vessel "1" was attempting to turn around in congested waters between two courtesy docks.  

His vessel became out of control and struck vessel "2" and "3" while they were moored at the dock.  He then travelled towards the adjacent dock out of control and struck vessel "4" and "5".  

Each of the four vessels sustained damage and vessel "5" sustained damage to the anchor, bow, and stern. This includes stress fractures in the fiberglass.  One passenger on board vessel 5 sustained a broken foot as well. 

The operator of vessel "1" was found to be under the influence of alcohol and was charged with BUI.


BARDID: GA-2020-0025
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:40:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: CANTON
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Operator behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 25, 2020 at 1740 hours I received a call from GSP Dispatch in reference to a boat incident on Allatoona lake in Cherokee County.  I was advised that a male went into the water off of a kayak near Little River Marina and did not resurface.  

Cherokee County had several officers and fire / rescue units on scene searching.  I immediately responded to the area by land.  Wardens were on vessel patrol on Allatoona Lake near Allatoona Dam at the time.  I contacted the Wardens and they immediately responded by patrol boat.  Once on-scene I met with Cherokee County Deputies behind JD's off Bells Ferry Rd.  

I was directed to a cove where officers / fire / rescue units were out with witnesses.  I first spoke with subject1, she stated that she was on the shore and heard people yelling for help.  She swam across the cove to help.  Subject1 stated that she was unable to locate the missing male.  Subject1 pointed to the area the male was last seen.  I then met two others on a trail in the woods near the waters edge.  The females were visibly upset and crying. 

I walked the females back to the gravel parking area and spoke with them about the incident.  Both females stated that they were on kayaks with their friend.  They stated that a dog was on Victim's kayak and it jumped into the water and began swimming.  The females stated that Victim exited the kayak and began swimming toward the dog.  Victim began struggling, yelled for help and went under water.  The females stated they jumped into the water to help Victim, but he did not resurface.  The females were able to mark a location for the Sheriff Deputies and Rescue Units to search.  

Wardens arrived in a patrol boat and immediately began searching the area with the Cherokee County Fire/ Rescue boat.  On shore I spoke with Chief with Cherokee Fire.  Chief stated that his team was scanning the area with sonar and his dive team was preparing to search the water.  I met with Wardens on the water.  Together we searched the area with our DNR side scan sonar.  The Cherokee County Dive team began searching the area witnesses last saw Victim.  The dive team searched the area until after dark. Sgt. continued searching the area until approximately 0130 hours.  

I contacted Capt. and made the request for the DNR Sector Scan Sonar and ROV located at Lake Lanier.  I coordinated to have the sonar equipment on-scene at 0700 hours to continue the search.  The following morning I met Capt. and Cherokee County Dive Team at Little River.  We began searching the area with Sector Scan Sonar and ROV.  At approximately 1020 hours I located the victim with the ROV, and marked the location with a buoy.  The Dive team deployed on the location and recovered the victim at 1047 hours.  The victim's body was turned over to the Cherokee County Coroner's Office at the Little River boat ramp.  Immediate family members were on-scene at JD's restaurant.  The death notification was made by Cherokee County Sheriff's Office with Chaplains that were on-scene.


BARDID: GA-2020-0026
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: EMERSON
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/25/2020 at 1940 hours GSP Dispatch received a call in reference to a boat incident at Holiday Marina.  I responded to the Marina with Sgt..  Once on scene Sgt. spoke with Subject1 and Subject2.  Subject1 stated that his 1995 Mastercraft was left tied to a dock inside the Marina while his family were eating at Allatoona Grille.  

Subject1 advised that his boat was struck by another boat at the dock.  A witness, Subject2, stated that she saw a blue and white ski boat hit Subject1' boat and immediately the boat left the scene.  The unknown male operator loaded the boat on a trailer at the boat ramp inside the Marina.  Subject stated that the boat was loaded with a red truck.  No one in the area was able to obtain a registration number or vehicle tag number on the truck.  Subject1' boat had fiberglass damage just above the waterline on the starboard side near the stern of the boat. 

 *** On May 30th, I received a message from subject3, she stated she was back at Holiday Marina and the vessel and truck involved in the incident were at the Marina.  I contacted Sgt. who was working at the time.  Sgt. responded to the Marina but was unable to locate the owner of the boat or truck in question.  

Subject send me pictures of the boat registration and truck tag number.  I confirmed with staff at Holiday Marina that Operator2 kept his boat at the marina.  On June 2, I traveled to Holiday Marina to look at Operator2 boat and confirm the registration number.  I observed a few scratches near the swim platform, but no significant damage.  On June 5, Wardens traveled to Operator2 to interview him about the incident. 

 Warden advised that he spoke with Operator2 and his wife at the residence.  Warden advised that Operator2 stated that he did not believe that he hit a boat at the dock, and he thought he bumped the dock with the back of his boat.  Operator2 stated that if he did any damage he would exchange information and make it right.  


BARDID: GA-2020-0027
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: CANTON
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 4, 2020 at 1815 hours I received a call in reference to a boat incident with injury near Fields Landing on Allatoona Lake.  Cherokee County Units responded to the area and transported the injured male to a local hospital.  Sheriff’s Deputies located the operator of a ski boat that was involved.  I spoke with the boat operator, he stated that he was pulling his friend on a wake board near the beach area.  Victim was holding a rope while skiing.  When Victim fell his left hand became entangled in the rope.  His left ring finger and pinky finger was amputated when the boat tightened the rope. Operator stated he immediate took Victim to shore to an ambulance.


BARDID: GA-2020-0028
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Seminole
NearestCityorTown: DONALSONVILLE
County: SEMINOLE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday April 25, 2020 at approximately 1820 Sgt. and I responded to a boating incident on Lake Seminole near Sealy’s Boat landing. When we arrived at the location, we observed a white Chaparral vessel with registration GA6335MK taking on water and was stuck on top a tree stump. 

After taking pictures of the vessel, I called the owner of the vessel. The owner stated he and his passenger swam to a nearby residence where the incident had occurred. 

Operator stated he was traveling east in the Spring Creek Channel about ten to twenty miles an hour. He stated he decided to turn around and head back west. Operator stated as he turned his vessel to the left, he did not realize he was out of the channel. He stated as he was turning his vessel, he struck a submerged tree stump under the water. 

Operator stated the vessel started taking on water but did not sink because it was stuck on top of the tree stump. Operator stated after the vessel started taking on water they decided to swim to the shore. I asked Operator if they had PFD’s and a fire extinguisher on board the vessel. He stated they did. After interviewing Operator and occupant I advised Operator, he would have to retrieve his vessel from the lake.


BARDID: GA-2020-0029
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Blackshear
NearestCityorTown: CORDELE
County: CRISP
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, May 10th, 2020, at approximately 1520 hours, Corporal and I received a call in reference to a boating incident on Lake Blackshear in Cedar Creek in Crisp County.  CPL. and I arrived on scene at approximately 1527 hours and made contact with the operator of the vessel (Georgia registration GA0458HF), and passenger.  

Operator said the two men had been fishing and were pulling the anchor up when they noticed the boat was taking on water.  Operator stated he tried to accelerate the vessel and the stern went under water. 

Operator and Subject were both wearing personal floatation devices and were able to exit the vessel uninjured.  Subject said another vessel attempted to pull them to the bank when Operator’s vessel capsized approximately 30 feet from the bank.  CPL. and I were able to help Operator and Subject get their vessel to shore and drain water from the vessel.  The vessel was towed to Cedar Creek Public Boat Ramp and loaded onto the trailer.


BARDID: GA-2020-0030
State: GA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-05-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Seminole
NearestCityorTown: BAINBRIDGE
County: DECATUR
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
At 6:05 p.m. on Saturday May 2, 2020 I was dispatched to a vessel incident. Upon arrival, the operator of the vessel informed me he was travelling north on the Flint River in front of the Bainbridge Marina in Decatur County. 

Operator was in a 12-foot Sears boat when a larger wake boat passed by causing a large wake to crash over into Operator boat. The 12-foot Sears boat sank approximately 150 yards away from the Marina boat landing, and Operator was rescued by 4 bystanders on jet skis. All parties involved are ok and the operator was unable to recover the vessel.


BARDID: GA-2020-0031
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-03-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Blackshear
NearestCityorTown: CORDELE
County: CRISP
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
MachineryFailure: Fuel
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, March 28th, 2020, at approximately 1700 hours, Game Warden and I were working a COVID-19 complaint at the sandbar between the mouth of Cedar Creek and Wolfs Thick boat ramp on Lake Blackshear.  

We observed smoke coming from a vessel just south of the sandbar.  When we arrived on scene, we noticed a small vessel with an outboard motor smoldering.  Subject was spraying the smoldering vessel with his Personal Watercraft (PWC) to extinguish the vessel fire.  All 5 occupants from the burnt vessel had been picked up by subject2 who was boating nearby.  All 5 occupants jumped into the water when the vessel caught fire and no one was injured. 

The burnt vessel was a Larson boat with a South Carolina Registration Number SC-1026-CB.  Operator said when he attempted to start the outboard motor the rear of the vessel burst into flames.  Operator said he and the other 4 occupants jumped into the water and were picked up by a nearby vessel.  He said a subject on a PWC began spraying his vessel in an attempt to extinguish the flames. 

Subject4 said he was pulling his son on a tube on Lake Blackshear when he observed a cloud of white smoke approximately half a mile away coming from the rear of a small vessel.   Subject4 said he realized the engine compartment was on fire and the boat was sitting still.  Subject4 said when he pulled up to the burning vessel all the occupants were in the water and hanging on to an inflatable tube.  All the occupants from the burnt vessel boarded his vessel.  A friend of Operator transported all occupants of Operator’s vessel to the Crisp Power Dam boat ramp. Friend towed the burned vessel to the Crisp Power Dam boat ramp and loaded it on the trailer.  The burnt vessel was removed from Lake Blackshear.


BARDID: GA-2020-0032
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-03-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Seminole
NearestCityorTown: BRINSON
County: DECATUR
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, March 28th, 2020, Sgt. and I responded to a boating incident that occurred in Decatur County on Lake Seminole. Operator1 reported the incident to Captain who notified me at 4:07 pm. Sgt. and I met Operator1 and Operator2, the operator of the other vessel, at the Knight’s Landing to conduct the investigation. Both parties stated that the incident occurred between the hours of 2:00 and 3:00 pm but they did not report it at the time since both parties knew each other and no one was injured.  

	I interviewed Operator1 who stated he was headed south through a small canal/ or channel at approximately 35 miles per hour. Operator1 stated that as he came around a corner, he saw Operator2 operating on his side of the channel headed towards him. Operator1 stated that he attempted to give his airboat some gas to steer and to avoid a collision, however, he was unsuccessful, and the two vessels collided. Operator1’s left side gunwale struck the bow of Operator2’s vessel causing damage down the left side gunwale of Operator2’s vessel. 

	Operator2 stated that he was heading north on the right side of the channel at approximately 20 miles per hour when Operator1 came around the corner at a high rate of speed and was unable to get out of the way which resulted in a collision. Operator2 stated that Operator1 began cussing and yelling at him and the passengers aboard his vessel. Operator2 also stated that Operator1 then cranked up his airboat, turned the fan towards them and gave it throttle in efforts to blow mist and debris all over them. 

Both vessels sustained relatively minor damage, and no one was injured on board either vessel. I had both operators trailer both vessels and I photographed the vessels for damage. Culberson’s airboat sustained some cracked fiberglass on the left side gunwale. Operator2’s vessel sustained some scratches and dents to both the bow and down the front half of the left side gunwale. Operator2 was also issued citations for insufficient PFDs, as he had a total of three occupants and two PFDs.


BARDID: GA-2020-0033
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ochlocknee River
NearestCityorTown: THOMASVILLE
County: THOMAS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: Bilge pump hose
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday May 25, 2020, I (Game Warden) was contacted by Game Warden in regard to a boating incident that happened on the Ochlocknee River in Thomas County near Boat Ramp Rd. I arrived at Boat Ramp Rd and made contact with the owner/operator of the vessel. 

Operator advised he was operating his 1977 Mastercraft (Georgia Registration GA1072TK) south down the river approximately 1 mile from the boat landing when he noticed there was a large amount of water in the vessel. Operator advised that he turned the boat around to head back to the boat ramp when it capsized. 

He advised he climbed to the front of the vessel and put a life jacket on and entered the water. Operator stated he cannot swim and begin yelling for help. Operator stated two men who were fishing nearby heard him yelling for help and assisted him into their vessel.

Game Warden and I travelled by vessel to the location where Operator’s vessel capsized and took photographs which were taken using the visual labs application. The vessel was in approximately 4 ft of water with the bow above the waterline. 

On Tuesday May 26, 2020 Game Warden advised me that Operator had retrieved the vessel from the river and the cause of the vessel taking on water was due to the bilge pump hose malfunctioning.


BARDID: GA-2020-0034
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/13/2020, I Game Warden responded to University Yacht Club in reference to two house boats hitting each other. Once on scene, I spoke with both owners of the house boats and determined that Operator2 had went to get gas at the gas dock. As Operator2 was maneuvering his boat, he lost an engine. Due to the loss of the engine, the wind was able to push Operator2's boat into the back of a houseboat that was docked. As a result the houseboat was damaged at the slide, as well as some fiberglass damage to the PWC that was on the back of his boat. 

	Due to my training, knowledge, and experience, I believe the contributing factor that caused the accident is due to Operator2 losing power to one of his engines.


BARDID: GA-2020-0035
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Very rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 31st 2020 I GWFC was called to a boating incident in Big Creek on Lake Lanier. The incident involved a pontoon boat that had capsized. When I arrived there where 5 individuals sitting in another DNR boat. The 5 (2 adults and 3 juveniles) people had been pulled out of the water by good samaritans and turned over to Hall County Fire and DNR boats. I instructed the DNR boat to take it's occupants to Burton Mill.  I also asked the Hall County Fire Boat to pick up other members of the family from a local beach and taken to Burton Mill. I went and interviewed the driver and the other adult witness after everyone had been taken to Burton Mill Boat ramp. 

They both stated that they had been coming along slowly when a large wave suddenly rocked the vessel over causing the boat to capsize and throwing everyone into the water. I got the witnesses information and statements. Tow Boat was called and they responded to the incident and towed and salvaged the vessel. 

	In conclusion. The pontoon boat at 16ft in length was capsized by a large wake possible by a large cabin cruiser.


BARDID: GA-2020-0036
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:14:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
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: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 13th 2020  at aproximatly 2200 I Game Warden while assisting a fellow Game Warden with an arrest on Lake Lanier  was approached by a man in a boat. The man stated he was looking for a different boat he owned that had caught fire earlier that day and had been tied up around Old Federal Campground. Subject was then told that his boat had been moved from where it had originally been tied up to a safer location close to Old Federal Campground by the Fire Department. I gave Subject my phone number and asked him to call me the next day so I could assist him when I wasn't already occupied. 

	The next afternoon Subject called me and told me that he had been driving his boat near Old Federal Campground when passengers in other vessel began to shout that his vessel was on fire. Subject used his and another vessel's fire extinguisher to put out the flames while another person towed his vessel to shore. Subject left the scene to go get another boat in order to take the damaged boat to a mechanic. When he came back he couldn't locate his boat and spent hours driving around the lake trying to locate it. He continued looking until he met me the night before. I informed Subject that he needed to remove his vessel and to provide me with some information for the report.

	A few days later Subject called and informed me that the boat had been removed from the lake and that the right engine had been heavily damaged. Subject provided me with a statement and I told him I would write the report. 

	While working on the report I called Hall County Dispatch to see what time the boat fire had been called in. The dispatcher told me that the boat fire had been called in at 1614 on June 13 2020 and had been closed by 1630.  

In conclusion, Subject's boat caught fire on June 13 2020 a short time prior to 1614 hours. The fires origins has not been conclusively determined but, due to the damage coming from the right engine along with the age of the vessel it is reasonable to believe the fire was caused by liquid fuel of the vapor from liquid fuel becoming ignited and  spreading to other fuel causing a fire.


BARDID: GA-2020-0038
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday July 13, 2020 I received a call in reference to her vessel being struck and damaged on Lake Lanier at Hideaway Bay Marina. She stated she reported the accident to GW on July 11 and was advised to get an estimate of the damage. According to witness statements obtained a black pontoon vessel, driven by a white male, was attempting to undock their boat and leave the marina. While doing so witnesses observed the pontoon getting close to a docked Malibu vessel. 

Witnesses also observed the pontoon appeared to strike the docked vessel. Also as this was occurring, witnesses stated that an occupant of the pontoon got into the docked vessel, appearing to push the two vessels apart to keep them from hitting. The occupant then jumped back into the pontoon. The pontoon then left the marina. 

As the events were taking place v2 owner observed from the restaurant what appeared to be happening and walked down to the dock in an attempt to identify the vessel. She was able to obtain a description and the Georgia registration number of GA 2687 UJ from the vessel. She was also able to identify several witnesses. On July 14 I met hrt at Hideaway Bay Marina and viewed security video of the date in question. On the video I observed a black pontoon matching the description maneuvering in the area of vessel. I also observed her on the dock as she was identifying the pontoon in question.   I attempted several times to make contact with the owner of the pontoon with no response.


BARDID: GA-2020-0039
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Rabun
NearestCityorTown: CLAYTON
County: RABUN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 05/22/2020 at approximately 5:00 PM, Sergeant (SGT) with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division (GA DNR LED) were patrolling Lake Rabun in Rabun County, GA . We received a report of a boating incident  that occurred on Lake Rabun. While pumping gas at Hall's Marina, a lady came up and asked where the closest hospital was. We informed her about Mountain Lakes Hospital in Clayton. I asked her what happened and she said that her son had been hit by his wake board when he fell into the water. We informed her that the incident must be reported if it resulted in injury.

At that time we informed GW to meet the patient and family at Mountain Lakes to get the necessary information.

GW later informed me that the operator was pulling his nephew when Victim fell into the water. As Victim fell forward into the water the back of the wake board struck in the back of the head. Operator stated that his nephew had just started wake boarding and that he was not traveling fast. 

GW gathered all necessary information and informed them that needed to report incidents in the future. He gave all information to me for the report.

Nothing further.


BARDID: GA-2020-0040
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: DAWSONVILLE
County: DAWSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday June 20, 2020 at approximately 1946 hours I received a call in reference to a boating accident in Thompson Creek on Lake Lanier. I called the complainant, and asked for information about the accident. He advised me that he was operating his Yamaha boat when he struck a wave that he did not see. He advised me that traffic was light that day and he was not expecting the wave. He stated that as he hit the wave his passenger went airborne and struck the seat on her way down. The impact resulted in a compression fracture the L1 vertebrae. She was transported and released from NE GA Medical Center. 


Statement from operator:
On Saturday, June, 6/20/2020, at roughly 7PM, at Thompson Creek, about 3000 feet S-SE of Athens Boat club, we encountered an unusual deep swell that seemed to come out of nowhere.  my GF and passenger was on the bow seat of my boat when we hit the wave/wake.   We were traveling at about 20 mph or less before we came up to the wave/wake.  Either because of the angle or the depth of the wake or combination of those factors, the bow of the boat went up suddenly and victim became briefly airborne over the seat, just as she was beginning to descend back on the seat, the bow suddenly surged up.   victim was struck in the back by the seat as she was falling back on to seat.  victim was crying from the pain, so we knew right away it was a serious injury.

We were very close to our dock, maybe a mile away at most from looking at a map, so we slowly motored back to my dock and called 911 the minute we got there.   The EMT and paramedics that arrived gave first aid to victim and she was transported by ambulance to Northeast Georgia Medical Center where she was diagnosed with a Compression Fracture to the L1 vertebrae.  I am in the process of caring for her and helping her receive additional medical attention.


BARDID: GA-2020-0041
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 18, 2020 at approximately 1308 hours i received a call in reference to a 15 year old female with a deep laceration from a boating incident on Lake Lanier. I responded to NE GA Medical center and spoke to the subjects mom. I identified the injured female. Due to language barriers I was unable to obtain information from her. I spoke to Hall Co deputy that was on scene and he was able to provide me with an account of what happened. 

According to witnesses on the vessel, the female was standing on the front of the vessel about to jump in the water. At this time another juvenile pushed her into the water. As she entered the water her left leg hit the eye on top of the pontoon and caused a laceration to her leg. She was assisted out of the water and transported to Gainesville Marina where EMT's transported her to NEGA Medical Center for treatment.


BARDID: GA-2020-0042
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: BUFORD
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 5th 2020 at apoximatly 0900, I Game Warden \ responded to Northeast Georgia Medical Center to interview an injured man, who hit a large wake while driving his jet-ski earlier that morning on Lake Lanier. The impact with the wake caused the man and machine to launch into the air. When the man came down the force of the impact with the water caused the man’s left leg to shatter below the knee and a laceration to his right leg also below the knee. A good Samaritan in another boat picked up the injured man and took him to Shoal Creek Campground boat-ramp. At the boat ramp Hall County EMS evaluated then transported the man to Northeast GA Medical. When I arrived I interviewed operator and he explained what had happened.

	 In conclusion operator while driving his jet-ski at a high rate of speed hit a wake which caused his vessel to go airborne. When the vessel landed back into the water the force cause his leg to break and a large laceration to his other leg.


BARDID: GA-2020-0043
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: Disabled vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 18, 2020 while on vessel patrol on Lake Lanier in Hall County, I responded to a heat related injury on a vessel near Three Sisters Island. Once we arrived on scene we meet with Hall County EMS and the boat operator. 

Operator stated that they were cruising when all the sudden his boat made a turn to the port side. He came off plane and discovered his vessel would not steer. Thinking his steering linkage may have broke, he called for Towboat US. While waiting for Towboat US, his wife became very hot and suddenly collapsed. EMS treated her on scene for heat exhaustion and she was speaking to EMS. She was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center for further treatment and precautionary measures.


BARDID: GA-2020-0045
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Laura Walker Lake
NearestCityorTown: WAYCROSS
County: WARE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 25, 2020, at approximately 1600 hours, I (Corporal) received a text message from the Laura S. Walker state park manager. The message contained a screenshot of a conversation from a third party suggesting that a boating incident had occurred at the park. I learned EMS had responded to Wal Mart off Memorial drive and transported one subject to Satilla Memorial hospital in Waycross for treatment caused due to being struck by a vessel.

I arrived at Memorial Satilla Health hospital at approximately 1640 hours. As I pulled into the parking lot of the emergency room, I was met by Operator1. Operator1 stated he was the operator of a blue Seadoo jet ski (GA0857MT).  His wife was on the back of the jet ski as a spotter. He stated that while pulling his teenage son and his daughter's boyfriend on a tube behind the jet ski he started making a left turn early due to the number of boats in the area.  

As he straightened out his turn, the tube traveled from left to right crossing over the PWC’s wake striking another vessel.  Operator1 said that the vessel must have come from the campground or something because he nor his wife never saw it. After the tube struck the vessel, Operator1 jumped off the jet ski and the operator of the struck vessel assisted him with getting Subject1 onto his vessel while Subject2 was able to get to the jet Ski.  

Both subjects were carried to the shore to a waiting car to transport them to the hospital. While talking to Operator1, a female walked up and stated that she was the grandmother of Subject2. 
 
I was able to obtain written statements from Operator1s and grandmother at the hospital.  I then met with Subject1’s parents.  Subject1 was sedated at the time and was unable to provide any information.  His parents stated that he had a skull fracture and his right-side orbital bone was also fractured.  

Due to his injuries, he was transported to Savannah by ambulance for further treatment. I then located Subject2 and his mother. I asked Subject3 if she would give me a statement and she stated that she could not read very well but agreed to record her statement.  According to Subject3, she was on the back of the jet ski as a spotter.   She said they were making a left-hand turn when the tube hit another vessel.  

According to Subject3, she never saw the other vessel while making the turn.  After impact, her husband swam to Subject1, put him on the vessel that was struck, and she took Subject2 to the other side of the lake with the jet ski. I asked Subject2, who is a minor, if he was ok and if he knew what happened. 

Subject2 said that he was ok and that it happened so fast that he did not know what happened. I then asked Subject3 what the extent of Subject2's injuries were, she replied Subject2 had a goose egg on the back of his head and the hospital was waiting on the result of his CT scan.


BARDID: GA-2020-0046
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Tybee Back River
NearestCityorTown: SAVANNAH
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/22/20 I, Corporal, was notified of a boating incident by Tybee Police Department.  The incident was located in Tybee Back River near the fishing pier, involved two personal water crafts (PWC's), and no injuries were reported.  I was at the police station so I went to the southside of the island where the incident was located.  

I located the PWC's just east of the fishing pier.  I spoke with Operator1 first.  Operator1 said no one was injured.  The PWC belonged to Subject1.  At the time of the incident she was operating and driving towards the other PWC.  The other PWC was stopped.  V2 occupant had fallen off his PWC and was attempting to climb back on.  She realized she was travelling faster than she intended and attempted to turn to the starboard to avoid the other PWC.  She ended up striking the other PWC on its portside stern hull with her portside stern hull.   

I spoke with V1 occupant and she provided the same information as Operator1.

I spoke with Operator2.  He said no one was injured.  Operator2 said he was stopped in the water because v2 occupant had fallen in the water.  He was attempting to get v2 occupant back on the PWC.  He observed the other PWC travelling at them from his direct left.  The other PWC turned to it's starboard attempting to avoid them.  He jumped off the PWC before it was struck on its portside.    

I spoke with v2 occupant.  He was a passenger and fell off the PWC with Operator2 operating.  He saw the other PWC travelling at them and went under water.  He did not observe anything after that.  

I looked at the damage that each PWC incurred.  PWC 1 operated by Operator1 was a Yamaha, it was grey in color, and had a HIN of YAMA2379C616.  It had damage (cracking and crushing) to the portside stern corner.  

PWC 2 operated by Operator2 was green in color and had a HIN of YAM3624D616.  It had damage to the hull on the portside near the stern.  There was crushing, cracks, and a hole in the hull.   

Both Operator2 and Operator1 had not completed a boater education course.  They each received a warning for the violation.


BARDID: GA-2020-0047
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Tidal Cree (VII)
NearestCityorTown: SAVANNAH
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Owner/operator stated he was in the act of recreational fishing near the breakers south of Tybee Island when he ran aground.  Subject stated he ran aground and the vessel immediately started taking on water (swamping) from the breakers.  

Subject stated the vessel had filled with too much water to attempt to save it.  Subject and the other 3 occupants on board (adult males) were uninjured and rescued by a USCG helicopter.  The vessel had overturned and drifted into Ossawbaw Sound/Adams Creek area by 5/22/2020.  It was recovered on 5/22/2020 by Tow Boat US Capt of Savannah. The vessel is currently on a trailer in possession of Capt..  

Subject stated he has completed a boater education course through the state of California.  

The nearest marker appears to be GRN "7" in the Tybee Roads bouy chain.  

The vessel is uninsured.


BARDID: GA-2020-0048
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wilmington River
NearestCityorTown: SAVANNAH
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject notified me on July 23rd, 2020 of the boating incident she had while trying to go past the Causton Bluff Bridge on the Wilmington River in Chatham County.  According to Subject, the incident occurred on May17th at approximately 0800 hours. She advised she was unaware of the requirement to report such a boating incident.  

Subject advised she was heading north in the ICW and the 2nd bridge did not raise up on the west side span.  Subject stated her mast hit the bridge and broke at the first set of spreaders and about 3 feet above the deck.  Subject's vessel was assisted to Hinckley Yatch Service in Thunderbolt by Tow Boat US.  Subject stated she was only person on board.  To my knowledge no law enforcement personnel were notified and none responded to the scene.  Subject said she was made aware of the requirement to report the incident by another boater that had recently hit the bridge too.


BARDID: GA-2020-0049
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:52:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atlantic Ocean
NearestCityorTown: SAVANNAH
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday 7/26/2020 at app1645 hours I responded to a boating incident (capsized vessel) at the north end of Ossabaw Island on the ocean side.  The owner/operator stated he was attempting to approach the ocean side of Ossabaw Island in order to check out an aground pontoon boat on the beach. 

 He thought the boat may need assistance; however, the pontoon boat had been aground since the previous weekend and no one was around the vessel.  The owner/operator stated as they approached the beach his vessel capsized in the breakers near the beach.  There were three people on board one of which was a 9 year old male juvenile and all three went into the water.  The juvenile was wearing an appropriate size PFD during the incident.  No one was injured during the incident.    Myself along with Chatham County Marine Patrol Officers assisted the occupants of the vessel with getting off Ossabaw Island.  All occupants were giving a ride back to Skidaway Boat Ramp by friends in another vessel.  On 7/27/2020 the vessel was recovered by Tow Boat US of Savannah  (912) 507-2628 with the assistance of the owner/operator.


BARDID: GA-2020-0050
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-03-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wilmington River
NearestCityorTown: SAVANNAH
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 was riding jet skis with her friends and they were doing figure 8's in vessel 1 when Operator1 got too comfortable. Her friend (the driver of vessel 2) had let off the gas a little and vessel 1 coming off of a turn in the figure 8 didn't notice until the last second. 

Vessel 1 attempted to let off of the gas but could not slow down fast enough and ended up running up the back of vessel 2 damaging the rear of of the seat and hitting passenger of vessel 2 in the back. 

V2 occupant was taken to the hospital to have her back checked out. 


BARDID: GA-2020-0051
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-03-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Satilla River
County: CAMDEN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 03/03/20 at 2136 hours, I, Game Warden First Class received a call from Corporal stating Brantley county dispatch contacted him in reference to a boating accident. 

I told Sheriff1 I only had a small jon boat close by and he stated with the flooded river conditions it was unsafe for a small boat (flood stage is 13.0 ft, river was at 13.75 ft at 0645 hrs this date and rising). I told Sheriff1 I would get a larger boat in route.

I spoke with Subject1 about the incident and he stated one occupant, Victim1 was currently in the back of the ambulance on scene being treated and three vessels were actively looking for the other occupant Victim2. 

Subject2 went onto say he knew Victim2 very well and he had multiple strokes in the past and a service dog with him to help with his medical condition. 

Victim1 Stated herself, Victim2 and the dog were in the boat, and Victim2 is the operator. I asked Victim1 if Victim2 was in the front of the boat and she stated he was. I asked her if it was a stick steer boat and she replied “it had a big motor on it”, I further explained what I meant by stick steer boat and she said that was the kind of boat they were in. 

Victim1 said Victim2 had taken a video with his phone and turned to hand it to her and then they hit something. Victim1 said she assumed what they hit was a tree, but she couldn't remember if it was below the water or exposed. 

Victim1 said it was daytime when this happened and she remembered seeing Victim2 get flown out of the boat, and the boat began taking on water and spinning around. Victim1 said she had been thrown forward also, and she tried to reach forward and turn the motor off and she was thrown from the boat. Victim1 said the boat now sank and the dog was still in the boat. 

Victim1 did not see if Victim2 landed on the bank or climbed on the bank since she was thrown out the side of the vessel into the water. 

Victim1 said neither her nor Victim2 were wearing PFD’s (life jacket). Victim1 swam to the bank and when she got out Victim2 was already on the bank. Victim1 stated she talked with Victim2 a good ten minutes and he said his stomach was hurting and she told him she was going to get help. Victim1 said she placed Victim2 by a tree so if he rolled over, he wouldn't fall in the water and he was about five feet from the water when she left. Victim1 said she left Victim2 laying flat on the ground and as she was walking away, they talked back and forth until she got too far away to hear him. Victim1 said her leg was hurt and she began walking to get help and it felt like she went about a mile and was yelling


BARDID: GA-2020-0052
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:17:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Satilla River
NearestCityorTown: ATKINSON
County: BRANTLEY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/21/20, I, Game Warden First Class was notified by Brantley county dispatch of a boating incident at the Hwy 82/Atkinson landing. I responded to this location and spoke with a female subject that was one of the boat occupants. Victim had an injury to her arm and was attempting to leave in a vehicle. I asked Victim for her drivers license and contact information, then let her leave to go to the hospital. Deputy with Brantley county Sheriff’s office was on scene with the other boat occupants. Deputy stated when he arrived, he noticed alcohol in the boat, so he gave the operator a breath test and he blew a .04. 

They stated they were a few hundred yards upriver travelling back to the landing when the boat abruptly veered to the right. Victim was seated on the front bench seat facing towards the rear of the vessel when this took place. When the vessel veered to the right Victim was ejected out of the vessel on the port side. Owner stated he helped Victim get back in the vessel and they took her to the landing. Owner stated they thought some of the engine mounts broke causing it to fall to one side and this made the boat veer to the right. I observed the vessel in the water and the motor was leaning to one side more than in normal operation, photos were taken. I instructed Owner to take the vessel out of the water to inspect it further. I looked at the engine from the rear and the bracket that holds it up right was broken on both sides of the engine. Operator stated they did not hit anything while he was operating the vessel it just broke on its own. 
	
On 6/22/20, I spoke with Owner by phone to see if Victim had been released from the hospital. Owner stated Victim had a fractured left arm and she was at work at the time. Owner stated he would let Victim know I would be contacting her once she got home from work. 

Victim stated Operator was driving the boat and she was facing to the rear. Victim stated she thought the motor locked up and she was thrown out of the boat and went under the water, then they pulled her back into the boat. Victim was not wearing a life jacket when this took place. Victim stated her left arm was fractured between her wrist and elbow. Victim stated she would need surgery at some point and the doctor wanted to wait a week and evaluate after the swelling went down. 

	On 7/18/20, I met with Victim to get a statement. I asked Victim to tell me again what happened and she stated Owner was driving the boat and he had been drinking. She stated they left the sand bar headed to the landing and the boat made a three sixty ejecting her and one person pulled her back into the boat. 


BARDID: GA-2020-0054
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: CANTON
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
I responded, with GW to a boating incident at Field's Landing.  Upon arrival at the scene I learned that Operator was the operator of a PWC involved in the incident.  According to Operator, he and Victim, were using their PWC and Jetovator bike doing tricks near the boat ramp.  Operator said that Victim was through using the Jetovator and Operator had hit the throttle on the PWC.  By hitting the throttle, water is forced through a firehose that is attached to the Jetovator which is controlled by the rider.  Victim was shot up into the air approximately 15 to 20 feet.  He then came down on top of the PWC that Operator was operating.  Operator called 911 and Victim was then transported to Kennestone hospital for the treatment of his injuries.  Victim suffered several broken bones.  Victim was interviewed by Corporal at the hospital.


BARDID: GA-2020-0055
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: CANTON
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday August 8 2020, I received a call about a vessel incident at Harbor Town Marina. I met with Cpl. at the region 1 office at Red Top Mountain Rd. and responded the incident location. We arrived on scene at approximately 14:21. When we arrived Fire, EMS, and Cherokee county sheriffs office were on scene.  The weather conditions were clear and hot. 

The water had little to no current, and the water temperature was 84 degrees F and the air temperature was 94 degrees F. water conditions were calm with little to no wake present in the harbor where the incident occurred. 

The vessel itself was a 37ft cabin motor boat manufactured by Cruiser Yachts. Registration number: GA0368 TF, and HIN number: CRSJFA70A101. The vessel was being operated by the owner. In his statement he had fueled the vessel up, and prior to starting the engine he had let the blower for the engine run for several minutes. 

After the blower had run several minutes he started the engine and began to travel toward the lake at idle speed. As he was leaving the marina, the vessel's gas fumes in the engine compartment ignited and caused the explosion. 

When the explosion occurred two people, who were located at the stern of the vessel, were ejected due to the blast. 

Subject2 was knocked unconscious when he entered the water.  He was under for what they think to be about 20 seconds before he resurfaced. He suffered a slight laceration to his left shoulder. 

Subject1 suffered some severe burns to the lower half of her body. She was transported to Grady Hospital in Fulton County to receive treatment.   She was transported before myself and Cpl. arrived on scene. 

The operator of the vessel received no injuries. 

The operator's wife was located on the port side of the vessel, she received minor burns to both legs.   She did not feel it necessary to receive treatment at the scene. Four others were all located inside the cabin when the explosion happened and they were all uninjured. 

The vessel received extensive damage.


BARDID: GA-2020-0056
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 28th, 2020, at approximately 20:00, I, Game Warden was contacted by GSP regarding a boat accident on Allatoona Lake at Park Marina. Once on scene, I was told by a Park Marina manager that two of his rental boats were involved in a collision. 

Vessel one, a white and black PWC, had ran into the starboard side of vessel two, a black pontoon.  No occupants were injured and both vessels proceeded back to Park Marina. I assessed the damage on both vessels and had both parties fill out a witness statement form. After all paperwork was completed, I issued a citation for Operating a PWC above idle speed within 100’ of object in the water. Pictures of the damage were captured on my body camera. 
End of report.


BARDID: GA-2020-0057
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: Person struck by tow rope
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, August 1st, 2020 at approximately 17:30 hours, I, Game Warden, a Georgia POST certified Peace Officer with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Division, Region 1 was contacted by GSP in regards to a female being struck by a ski rope of another vessel. They were in the cove adjacent to Clark Creek south in Bartow County. Cpl. and I proceeded to the area and contacted the complainant and victim on the white sunbird.  

Once on the scene, we gathered all statements from all parties. They told me they were sitting in the water, watching their daughter wakeboard from another boat. A black Monterey who was wake skiing, throttled up and dropped his skier in the water after 2-3 seconds. 

He looked forward and saw V1's vessel and turned to his starboard (right) then adjusted course abruptly to his port (left) side instead of slowing down or waiting for the vessels to maneuver out of the way and circled across the starboard bow of V1's vessel. 

The victim and witness vessels said V2 passed approximately 5-8 feet from the vessel as it circled them well above idle speed.  This maneuver caused V2's approximately 55-foot ski rope to drag across V1's vessel's stern from the engine across the starboard side to the bow. The rope contacted all four persons on V1's vessel.  

An occupant at the bow, had the rope come across her neck/face and jerked her to the other side of the boat. She sustained bleeding rope burns where the rope contacted her face. Both parties said they exchanged words, and V1 contacted 911. 

We escorted both V2 and V1s vessels to Clark Creek South boat ramp and had victim checked out by EMS.  We gathered V2's statement and diagram, see Attached, and it seemed to corroborate the stories of the other two vessels. By both accounts and the approximate length of V2 ski rope, He would have been within 100ft of V1's adrift vessel and above idle speed.

On 08.05/2020, I talked to the Bartow County Solicitor to see what charges they would like to pursue. After talking to the Bartow County Solicitor, we decided to charge V2 with 52-7-12.1 Reckless Operation and 52-7-18 Violation of Rules of the Road
End of Report


BARDID: GA-2020-0058
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On the above date and time, I, Game Warden with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division, was informed of a boat incident by Game Warden at Allatoona Landing on Allatoona Lake. 

GW had heard of the incident through another Game Warden who spoke with one of the vessel owners via phone. GW and I arrived on scene to assess the situation. During my investigation, the operator of Vessel #1 informed me that while attempting to dock at the gas dock, the wind picked up and caused her vessel to make contact with the other vessel (Vessel #2). 

Vessel #2 was unoccupied at that time. Vessel #1 was occupied by 3 total occupants. Upon investigation, I observed a puncture in the engine cowling of the unoccupied vessel. The operator of Vessel #1 stated she had over 100 hours of experience with this particular vessel type.

	On July 2, 2020, I was informed that the owner of Vessel #1 had paid for damages to Vessel #2, not opting to inform the insurance company.


BARDID: GA-2020-0059
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On the above date and time, I, Game Warden with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, responded with Corporal to a Boating Incident on Allatoona Lake near the Narrows. 

As we arrived on scene, we observed a black in color pontoon boat with three occupants. The pontoon boat was listing severely to the rear and port side. As we observed the scene, it was apparent that the vessel had struck an underwater rock and was taking on water inside the port side pontoon. 

While speaking with the occupants, the driver was identified. Subject explained that he was hugging close to shore due to the incoming thunderstorm when his vessel struck the underwater rock. I detected the presence of alcoholic beverage on board the vessel and asked Subject how much he had to drink that day. Subject advised that he had one beer. I began SFST on Subject, however did not observe any level of impairment. 

	Towboat US arrived on scene to tow the vessel to its place of mooring at Allatoona Landing. Subject2 advised that the boat would most likely be a total loss. 

	Nothing further to report.


BARDID: GA-2020-0060
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:23:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: ACWORTH
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/21/2020 at approximately 1223 hours I, Game Warden, was dispatched to a boating incident at Glade Marina. When I arrived on scene all involved parties were gone. 

	Subject advised he was docking his boat at Glade Marina. The stern of his boat was tied to the dock. He didn't realize the bow of his vessel was not secured to the dock. Subject attempted to step off his boat onto the dock and the boat shifted. Subject fell into the water in between his boat and the dock. When he fell it fractured his hip on the left side of his body. 

	The Bartow County Fire Department and EMS arrived on scene and were able to get Subject out of the water. He was transported to Kennestone Hospital for treatment. No other information is available at this time. Body camera video and audio is not available for this call.


BARDID: GA-2020-0061
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:29:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/29/2020 at approximately 1929 hours I, Game Warden, responded to a boating incident at the Allatoona Yacht Club. When I arrived on scene all the involved parties were gone. I was able to make contact with the individuals at Egleston Hospital.
 
	I spoke with Operator1. He advised he was driving a personal watercraft and his brother, V1 occupant, was on the back of the PWC. Operator1 was traveling about twenty miles per hour and approaching the stern of a pontoon boat. The pontoon boat was being operated by Operator2. When he came close to the stern of the pontoon boat, he sharply turned the pwc to spray the individuals on the boat. This caused V1 occupant to slide off the back of the pwc and into the propeller of the boat. 

	V1 occupant was transported by EMS to Egleston Hospital. He suffered twelve lacerations to his right arm. A photograph of V1 occupant’s injuries will be attached to this report. Operator1 was issued a citation for (52-7-12.1) reckless operation of a vessel. No other information is currently available for this report. Body camera video and audio is available for this call.


BARDID: GA-2020-0062
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:18:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: West Point Lake
NearestCityorTown: LAGRANGE
County: TROUP
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 1, 2020 at approximately 21:18 hours I, Corporal, Game Warden with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources received a call from Troop D Communications in reference to a swamped vessel on West Point Lake. Troop D communications advised occupants had abandoned the vessel and were swimming to shore.

 I responded by patrol vessel and encountered the flooded boat at Yellow Jacket Creek, South of Cameron Mill Road in the center of the channel. The vessel was a blue in color Tidecraft bass boat with a 115 horsepower Evinrude outboard engine. The port side gunwale of the vessel and the top of the outboard engine were above water, but the remainder of the vessel was swamped. 

No persons were onboard the vessel or in the water in the area.  I spoke with Deputy of the Troup County Sheriff’s office who was at Highland Marina. Deputy was with the occupants of the vessel, two males and one female. 

Deputy advised they had notified a towing service, A Lagrange Towing, to come retrieve the vessel. I waited with the vessel until the towing service arrived. As the towing service began retrieving the vessel, I went to Highland Marina to contact Deputy and the vessel occupants. 

Upon speaking with the occupants, it was determined that operator was operating his vessel and had just stopped for his cousin to fish in the Northern cove at Highland Marina when a vessel passed creating a large wake that overcame his vessel causing it to begin sinking. Subject and the other two occupants exited the vessel with PFD’s and swam to the nearest shoreline where they called for assistance. All applicable safety equipment was observed on the vessel except for navigation lights. Subject claimed the incident happened at dusk. 

Subject claimed that 5 fishing rods, value estimated at or about $1200.00 went missing from the vessel. He claimed the trolling motor and outboard engine were ruined from the incident, but he didn’t cite a valuation for the motors. 

No injuries were reported. 

No further details at this time.


BARDID: GA-2020-0063
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday, April 17, 2020 at approximately 1850, Game Warden received a call from Georgia State Patrol dispatch stating that a vessel was taking on water and sinking in Tanyard creek on Allatoona Lake in Bartow County.   Dispatch also advised us that Bartow County Fire/EMS units were in route.

	GW and I launched our patrol vessel from Park Marina and travelled to Tanyard creek.  After we arrived there, GW called Bartow County dispatch to see where the units on scene were at.  Bartow County dispatch advised us that Fire and EMS had transported the people off the vessel to Blockhouse boat ramp.  GW and I travelled to Blockhouse boat ramp where we met with TowBoat USA, who will be recovering the vessel.  

	GW and I met the two occupants of the vessel which is a blue and white 2000 Moomba ski boat, Georgia Registration GA 0507 VE.  The operator stated that they had just launched from Blockhouse boat ramp and were heading towards McKinney Campground when he noticed white smoke coming from the engine compartment of his vessel.  He opened the compartment and noticed about 1-2 inches of water in the bottom of the hull.  He then stated that he proceeded towards McKinney Campgrounds until the smoke from the engine became thicker.  He stopped the vessel and checked the compartment again and noticed 4-5 inches of water in the hull.  They attempted to make it to shore until the vessel was underwater and then they began swimming to shore.  Once they were on shore, they observed the vessel submerge completely under water.  


	Operator stated that both himself and Occupant had their life jackets on since they left the boat ramp at Blockhouse.  I asked Operator and Occupant if they were injured or received medical care.  Occupant said she was uninjured and Operator said he had a blister on his index finger and minor scrapes on his legs.  I asked him if he knew why the vessel sank or what caused it to begin taking on water, and he said he did not.  Operator had just gotten the boat back from the repair shop and he said his mechanic assured him that he had put the plug in.  

	Operator and Towboat filed the claim with Operator’s insurance company and told me that they would be able to recover the vessel since it was only in approximately 20 feet of water.  Since the boat is completely submerged, damages are estimated to be at least $2,000.


BARDID: GA-2020-0064
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Etowah River
NearestCityorTown: CANTON
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, May 24, 2020, at approximately 1142 hours, I, Game Warden, received a call from GSP dispatch that there was a boat accident on the Etowah River in Cherokee County.  The dispatcher informed me that a boat with two occupants had struck a log and the female occupant had been thrown out of the boat and had a laceration to her lower leg.  The dispatcher said she had been transported to Kennestone hospital.  I asked if they had anyone on scene still and she gave me the phone number to Cherokee EMS dispatch.  I called them and asked if they could have someone on scene give me a call.  

	A fire battalion Captain called me and told me that a john boat had ran aground on the Etowah and the female passenger was thrown out on the bank.  He said that she had a severe laceration and was already in route to Kennestone but the driver was still on scene.  

I asked to speak with Operator, and I asked him what had happened.  Operator stated that they had been fishing on the river and he saw a piece of trash in the water.  He swerved over to it and picked it up.  At that time, he heard Subject1 yell, and he looked up to see the bank of the river in front of them right before they struck it.  He said both Subject1 and he were thrown out of the boat and landed on the bank.  Operator stated that he was uninjured, but Subject1 had a bad cut on her leg.  I asked Operator about the damage to his boat and he said the trolling motor on the front was broken but everything else seemed to be fine.  Subject1 said he was headed home to drop the boat then they were headed to the hospital to check on Subject1.  I asked him to wait there for me.  

	When I arrived at Operator’s home, I examined the boat for damage.  The trolling motor on the front was broken but there was no other visible damage to the vessel.   I again asked Operator what happened, and he repeated the same story.  I asked if any alcohol or drugs were involved and he said no.  Operator stated that there were two life jackets on board and a fire extinguisher.  He said he has driven a boat approximately 50 hours.  I documented the condition of the vessel and left the scene.  

She stated that Operator saw a piece of trash in the river and went to pick it up.  She said she saw the bank of the river coming up fast and she yelled right before they hit the bank.  She had a severe laceration to her leg which required 12 staples.


BARDID: GA-2020-0065
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, June 28, 2020 at approximately 1750, while patrolling Allatoona Lake in Bartow County by vessel, Game Warden s received a call from Georgia State Patrol dispatch stating that a rental vessel was damaged from a renter at Park Marina.  

	GW and I arrived on scene at Park Marina at approximately 1800.   After we arrived there, we spoke with several of the workers who stated that the renter called them stating they lost the propeller and needed someone to tow them in from near Atlanta Ski Club.  When they got to the vessel, they saw that the lower unit had been sheered off from hitting something below the water.  They then towed Subject and his passengers into Park Marina.  Once back, one of the managers stated they needed to report the damage to DNR due to the extent of the damage to the 2018 Bayliner with a 175 Mercury Verado motor, Georgia Registration GA 2903 SJ, rental number PM876.  I photographed the damage to motor and the rental office provided me with Subject’s information and phone number.  

	I called Subject, who stated that he was the one who rented the Bayliner and was operating it all day.  He stated that he was towing his dad on a tube in a cove near Atlanta Ski Club.  They were on their third pass between the island and the cove across from it.  He said they had just made a u-turn past a yellow sign that said proceed with caution: rock hazard and were heading out of the cove when they struck something below the water.  Subject said no one was injured and that he was going approximately 15-20 mph when they struck the object, he believed to be a rock or log.  He said that he immediately called Park Marina and informed them of what happened and got a tow back there.  

	On Tuesday, June 30, 2020, I spoke with Park Marina about the estimate to replace the lower unit.  He said that their estimate for parts and labor is $4,500 to replace the lower unit.


BARDID: GA-2020-0066
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:17:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, July 26, 2020, at approximately 1617 hours, we were conducting a vessel patrol on Lake Allatoona in Bartow County, when we received a call that a Bartow County Sheriff’s Deputy was requesting back up at the Allatoona Landing Boat Ramp.  As we approached the dock, there was a boat idling towards the dock, the operator sat at the helm with two female passengers standing in the boat. 

Operator steered the boat towards the dock and adjusting the throttle.  SGT said if I put him on the dock, he will go talk to the Deputy and see what is going on.  As I pulled up to the dock at approximately 1619, I noticed Operator told one of the female passengers to drive and she stated that she did not know how to drive the boat.  

Operator began to tell me that they had been involved in a hit and run on the water and that a young teenage male driving a jet ski had hit the side of their vessel while he was attempting to splash them.  I asked for a description of the jet skis and operators and they told me young teenagers no more than 12 or 13.  I asked Operator to go through it one more time. 

 He said that they were coming here from Flamingo cove and they were going to get his jet ski. Operator said that when they were about 5 feet past where our boat was sitting, and that he was trying to pull up to the dock when one of the jet skis splashed him.  During this time, I noticed that Operator appeared to be unsteady on his feet, his speech was thick and slurred, and I could smell the odor of alcohol coming from his person. 

 I told Operator that I could smell alcohol and he replied “Oh, I’ve been drinking. I’m not going to lie.” I then told Operator that when we pulled up, he was operating the boat.  He said his friend was going to get the trailer and that he was operating.   At this time, I asked Operator if he would go down to our vessel so I could make sure he was safe to operate.  

He said he was not going to take a breathalyzer and I told him I was not asking him to.  I am simply trying to make sure you are safe to operate.  He said he was operating the boat right here, but he was not driving.  I told him I saw him driving the boat and that I am simply trying to make sure you are safe to operate the boat.  He said he is not operating a boat now.  I asked if he was operating earlier and he said yes, he was right here at the boat ramp.  I said I want to run you through a few tests and ensure you are safe to operate and Operator said okay, that’s fine.  I asked Operator to walk down and sit on the front of my boat.  He agreed, walked down to our boat, and stepped aboard our vessel.  I asked him to have a seat on the front seat.  

At approximately 1634, I ran Operator through the seated battery of the standardized field sobriety tests using the DNR standardized field sobriety screen and interview form.  I thoroughly explained the general instructions and asking him all the pre-test questions before I checked Operator for Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus.  Operator had equal pupil size, equal tracking, and no resting nystagmus.  I also observed lack of smooth pursuit, distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation, and onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees in both eyes for a total of six clues.  On the Finger to Nose test, Operator was unable to follow instructions by moving from the starting position.  During the performance stage, Operator hesitated five times, searched three times, missed nose tip four times for a total of 13 clues.  During the Palm Pat Test, Operator was unable to follow instructions by lowering his hands to his lap, started at wrong time, rolled hands, and stopped before told for a total of 4 clues.  On the Hand Coordination test, Operator was unable to follow instructions and started at wrong time.  During the performance stage,  Operator had improper count on task 1 by  started with his hands in his lap and counted “1” as he put his left fist against his…  Operator had a BAC of .200 at 1645.  The operator was arrested for BUI.


BARDID: GA-2020-0067
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Little River
NearestCityorTown: CANTON
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 2nd, 2020, at approximately 16:30, I, Game Warden, along with Sargent were contacted by GSP regarding a subject down on Little River in Cherokee County. 

At approximately 17:30, we arrived at the location of 524 River Estates Pkwy. We contacted Cherokee Fire and Sheriff officers and they escorted us to the two individuals on the riverbank. Once at the riverbank, I contacted Subject1, who was the son of the deceased Victim. I asked Subject1 what happened, and he told me they were canoeing down the river when they came up upon a tree that was sticking out from the riverbank. 

His father was in the rear of the canoe and was the one responsible for steering the boat. He told me that they knew the branch was there and he did not know what happened. He tried to steer around the branch but could not. The branch hit Subject1 in the chest and knocked him and his father off the canoe into the water and capsized the canoe. 

Both individuals resurfaced and proceeded to swim to shore. Subject1 said his father was swimming on his own and just said he needed to get to shore quickly. Subject1 made it to shore with the canoe and said about ten foot from shore his father went under water for a second. Subject1 said he swam towards his father to help him out. Once he got to his father, he noticed he was unresponsive and pulled him to shore. 

He started CPR and proceeded for 22 minutes until Cherokee Fire arrived. Cherokee Fire performed CPR for another 45 minutes and Mr. Subject1 was still unresponsive. Cherokee Fire stopped CPR and called the Coroner for pronouncing time of death. I asked Subject1 if he was wearing PFD’s at the time of the incident.  He said they just took them off but did have them in the canoe. 

I asked how many times he had been on this section of the river. He told me he has been on it nine times in the past two months. He said his father has been with him three of those times. They are both experienced on that canoe and familiar with that section of the river.

 Cherokee Fire launched a jet river boat to pick up the deceased and transport him to awaiting ambulance for transfer to the GBI crime lab for investigation/determination of official cause of death. I transported Subject1 to the ambulance location and then to his house. I gave him my contact information and the information for the Corners officer. 
The corner pronounced time of death for Victim on May 02, 2020 at 18:51 hours.


BARDID: GA-2020-0068
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 25th, 2020, at approximately 18:45, I, Game Warden was contacted by GSP regarding a vessel collision at Park Marina on Allatoona Lake. Upon our arrival, I talked to Operator1 and his family, who is the owner of vessel 1 (blue Ranger Pontoon). They told me what happened and showed me the damage that occurred to the vessel. The damage was located on the starboard aft of the vessel. I then talked to the renter of vessel 2 (black and yellow PWC). There was no visible damage to the PWC that we could observe. She explained to me what happened and gave me all the necessary information. GW talked to and gathered a witness statement from an employee about what he saw and watched the security camera footage of the accident. 
 
I talked to both subjects and got witness statements from them regarding the incident. To my knowledge, Vessel two was coming into the marina to be retuned for the day. Vessel two came around the gas dock to be returned to the slip. Vessel two was in close proximity to vessel one, who was tied up to the gas dock, when they rounded the corner. Vessel two over-corrected trying to steer away from vessel one and made contact with the starboard aft of vessel one. The damage to vessel one was a dent and two large scratches to the starboard toon of the vessel. 

I explained to operator2 that this is like hitting a car in a parking lot. I told operator2 that she needs to be in control of her vessel and be aware of her surroundings at all times when operating a vessel. I told both parties that a report would be made and if either needed a copy of it, they could contact our Region one DNR office. 
End of report.


BARDID: GA-2020-0070
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Carters Lake
County: MURRAY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 4th, 2020 at approximately 2035 hours Sgt. and Game Warden responded to a boating incident on Carters Lake.  According to witness statements and information gained from officers on scene, subject was tubing behind (being towed by rope) a Tahoe ski boat (registration GA6591).  While tubing at a high rate of speed, Tuber was said to have hit a wave injuring her neck.  The incident was said to have occurred in the area of Carters Lake Dam.

     I was informed that rescue workers and boating party transported her to Dam Site Boat Ramp where EMS cared for her.  She was then flown by air ambulance to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga TN.

She had sustained a neck strain but was okay.


BARDID: GA-2020-0071
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-03-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 03/28/2019 at approximately 1330 hours Corporal and I, Game Warden, responded to a boating incident at Allatoona Landing boat ramp. 

	Operator1 advised on this date his wife and himself were involved in a boating incident. Operator1 was the operator of the boat at the time of the incident. Operator1 was traveling South West towards Allatoona Landing when an unknown cabin cruiser style vessel passed going in the opposite direction. The cabin cruiser was creating a very large wake. Operator1 was unable to avoid the wake. The impact caused his boat to be lifted into the air and slammed down violently. When this occurred his wife injured her right and left leg. 
	Operator1 does not know who was operating the other boat and could not provide me with any additional information for the other vessel. She was transported to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital. Operator1 was advised to contact D.N.R. with any additional information and how to obtain a copy of this report.
	I contacted Operator1 on 03/31/2020 to confirm injuries. He stated she broke both her legs and will need surgery. Body camera video and audio is available for this call.


BARDID: GA-2020-0072
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: WOODSTOCK
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 05/24/2020 at 1500 hours Game Warden were dispatched to a boating incident with injuries at Victoria Marina on Allatoona Lake in Cherokee County. When they arrived on scene the boat was docked and the operator was being treated by on scene emergency medical personnel.
 
	Officers on scene attempted to speak with the operator of the boat. Operator1 was uncooperative and combative with EMS. Game Warden detected a strong odor of alcoholic beverages coming from Operator1’s person. He was transported to Kennestone Hospital is Marietta Georgia. Game Warden observed a cooler located in Operator1’s boat with seventeen closed beers. There were also two open Bud Light beer cans and an open Sam Adams beer bottle located in the floor of the boat.

	Warden Spoke with the Passenger of the vessel. He advised Operator1 and himself were inside the restaurant located at Victoria Marina. They consumed four Red Bull and Vodka alcoholic beverages each. They then left the restaurant in Operator1’s boat. Operator1 and Occupant continued to consume alcohol while Operator1 was operating the vessel. While leaving the marina Operator1 almost struck a jet ski. He made a sharp turn and his vessel impacted the outside of the marina wave barrier wall.
 
	I, Game Warden, responded to Kennestone Hospital to attempt to make contact with Operator1. The hospital medical staff advised Operator1 was extremely combative when he arrived, and they were forced to give him some medication to calm him down. Due to the medication Operator1 was unconscious and unable to speak with me.

	I went to the Cobb County Court house and obtained a search warrant for Operator1’s blood which was taken from him when he was admitted to the hospital. A copy of the search warrant is attached to this report. I returned to Kennestone Hospital and served the warrant. The blood was boxed in a GBI blood test kit and mailed to the GBI forensic science lab for testing.
 


BARDID: GA-2020-0074
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:08:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Coosawattee River
NearestCityorTown: CALHOUN
County: GORDON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Natural phenomena
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday May 9th, 2020 I was contacted. Subject advised that he was fishing the Coosawattee River from his vessel in the area of his residence. Subject advised that he was anchored down while fishing, and when he went to pull up the anchor a tree limb fell on his vessel causing it to take on water and capsize. 

  Subject was able to get a PFD and safely swim to shore. His vessel a 1978 Sears jon boat with a 2020 Mercury 15 horse power outboard motor (serial number-OR951446) then sank in the river at a estimated depth of ten feet. 

  Subject advised that the value of the outboard to be estimated at three thousand dollars and the vessel to be valued at an estimate of five hundred dollars. Subject advised that the vessel and outboard to be a total loss. 

  The vessel was left at the incident location at the time of report. Subject advised that he and a friend were going to attempt to retrieve the vessel later in the evening. 

End of Report


BARDID: GA-2020-0075
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-03-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On March 21, 2020, I, Game Warden with the Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division, responded to a Boating Incident at Bethany Bridge Boat Ramp on Allatoona Lake at approximately 15:50. Upon arriving on scene, I observed a green in color boat capsized and attached to the courtesy dock. 

I identified the owner of the vessel who explained that he had purchased the boat less than 24 hours from that time and had not begun the registration process, however the vessel did have active registration through the previous owner. Subject explained that he failed to insert the vessel's plug and it began sinking on his way from the ramp to the courtesy dock. Subject advised he had less than one hour experience in boating and failed to apply the critical plug inside the vessel. Subject also explained that the damage would be at least $3100 after receiving an estimate from Towboat US who would be salvaging the vessel from the floor of the lake. Subject advised he would update me with any further damage costs.


BARDID: GA-2020-0076
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: ACWORTH
County: COBB
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On the above date and time, I, Game Warden with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division responded to a Boating Incident call at Allatoona Landing Marina. As I arrived on scene, I observed a white female in a wheelchair. 

I introduced myself to Victim and explained I would be the officer responsible for her incident’s report. I then asked for the details that led to her injury. Victim explained that she was tubing in the area of Dallas Beach on Allatoona Lake with her fiancé. Both skiers had their required PFD’s on. 

Operator was operating a vessel belonging to the boat club at Allatoona Landing when Victim was injured and had approximately seven additional passengers aboard. Victim advised that the water conditions for tubing were too rough for her capabilities and she made the decision to let go of the tube and discontinue skiing/tubing. Victim also advised that in the moment that she left the tube and entered the water that she “just hit the water wrong”. Victim then stated that she felt something “pop” in her leg as she contacted the surface of the water. She was then transported in the vessel to Allatoona Landing Marina and awaited EMS. 
	Upon arrival of EMS, Victim was loaded onto a stretcher with significant pain. It was originally speculated that the victim possibly tore her quadriceps of the left leg. She was transported via EMS to Kennestone Hospital where she was diagnosed with a spiral fracture of the left femur. She received a metal rod and six screws. Victim is expected to make a full recovery in approximately three months. All factors considered, lake surface conditions seem to be the contributing factor to Victim’s injury.


BARDID: GA-2020-0077
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Jackson
County: NEWTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentCause3: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 28, 2020, I, Corporal, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement, was dispatched to Jackson Lake by Sergeant in reference to a boat fire. I responded Berry's boat ramp and met with Newton County deputies who had responded to the call. I was advised the occupants had self transported to Newton Piedmont hospital in Covington with burn injuries. The vessel was at the boat ramp. 

	I inspected the vessel and found the carpet was melted around the engine hood and smoke damage inside the hood. There did not appear to be any melted wiring or hoses which indicated the fire was brief and most likely an ignition of gasoline fumes. The breather and spark arrester on top of the carburetor was not attached and did not appear to have any hardware to attach it. Based on this, it is my conclusion fuel vapor escaped from the carburetor and was ignited by a spark.

	I went to Newton Piedmont and interviewed the operator and occupants. owner/operator stated he had purchased the vessel two weeks prior and had used it 6 times since. He had not done any mechanical repairs to the vessel during that time. On the day of the incident, Operator said the vessel shut off after running a short time. He tried to restart the motor but flooded it. He turned on the vent fans and bilge pump and sat for several minutes before restarting it. Once the motor restarted, he put the vessel in gear and heard an explosion under the hood. Flames came from underneath the hood. The other occupants of the vessel jumped from the boat. Operator did so also after checking that everyone else was off the boat. 

	Three people received first and second degree burns as they were seated closest to the engine compartment. Two others were uninjured while sitting in the bow area. 

End of Report


BARDID: GA-2020-0078
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Oconee
NearestCityorTown: GREENSBORO
County: GREENE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday May 17, 2020 while on a vessel patrol of Lake Oconee just North the Hwy 44 bridge in Morgan County Game Warden Corporal witnessed a bass boat style vessel traveling North from the bridge encounter rough waves. 

The vessel came into contact with the waves and the vessel's bow went into the air. The vessel was perpendicular with the surface of the water while traveling at a high rate of speed. One of the occupants obtained an injury from the impact of the vessel when it remade contact with the water. The injured occupant was located in the forward most seat located near the bow of the vessel. Another occupant, stated that Victim did not move from her seat. 

Subject1 stated that when the bow of the vessel went into the air, Victim, held onto her seat. It was when the bow started to fall back to the water that Victim's legs and feet remained elevated, creating space between her legs/feet and the floor of the vessel. When the bow of the vessel made contact with the water, Victim's feet slammed into the floor/elevated portion of the vessel. This sudden impact is what injured Victim. 

It was found that the operator did not have a type IV flotation device on board, but did have the correct amount of wearable Type III's PFDs on board as well as a working fire extinguisher. 

The Operator was cited for reckless operation of a vessel: O.C.G.A 52-7-12.1 		

I later contacted Victim after her release from the Hospital to find out the extent of her injuries. She informed me that she had suffered a Fractured heel to her right foot. 
End of report.


BARDID: GA-2020-0079
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Jackson
NearestCityorTown: JACKSON
County: BUTTS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Shift
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, July 12, 2020, at approximately 1445 hours, Sergeant and I, Corporal, were on vessel patrol on Lake Jackson approaching Barnett's Bridge.  As we approached the bridge, Sgt received a call on his cell phone reporting boat incident at Reasor's Marina.  We immediately proceeded to the area.  As we arrived a few minutes later at the marina, we saw a bass boat on a boat trailer on the boat ramp.  We identified this vessel as one of the boats involved in the incident.    

We surveyed the damage to the bass boat and began the investigation of the incident.  We identified vessel #1 which is a 24' Cobalt.  I began the investigation by interviewing Operator1.  He stated that he was maneuvering his Cobalt to enter the last (northern and eastern most) slip on the boat dock opposite the boat ramp from the fuel dock.  He said that as he was trying to enter the slip he somehow ran his boat over the top rear of a bass boat (vessel #2) that was docked in the same slip. 

Operator1 reported that as his boat ran over the top of the bass boat it then ran on to the dock where it remained lodged.  Operator1 said that he had just bought the boat the day before and had operated the boat before he bought it.  He said the boat had also been recently serviced.  On board Operator1 boat at the time of the incident was his son and his daughter.  His wife was standing on the dock.  As Operator1' boat ran up onto the dock, Operator1' wife jumped into the water to escape being injured. No one was in the bass boat at the time of the incident.  

While I was interviewing Operator1, Sgt was taking photos of the damage on bass boat as well as another damaged boat, a Heyday Inboard (vessel #3), that was lightly scratched.  I asked Operator1 if he would take his boat out of the water so I could check the hull for damage.  Operator1 was hesitant and still visibly upset over the incident, so I asked if he wanted Sgt or me to take his boat out of the water for him.  He said he wanted us to.  

I told Sgt, and he agreed to operate the boat and load it on the boat trailer if Operator1 would go ahead and back the trailer into the water.  When Sgt. started the engine and shifted the boat into reverse, the boat attempted to go forward. Sgt immediately turned off the engine and checked the shift linkage but was unable to find anything wrong visually.  

Based on Sgt experience in attempting to operate Operator1' boat, we suspect that at some point the shift linkage failed while Operator1 was attempting to maneuver his boat into the slip.  On Operator1' last maneuver, the attempt to back away from the close proximity to the bass boat (vessel #2), the shift linkage failed leaving Operator1' boat still in forward gear instead of shifting into reverse.  

When Operator1 applied power to back his boat away from the bass boat, his boat, being still in forward gear, ran over the top of the back of the bass boat and onto the dock.  

The bass boat suffered extensive damage to the left rear corner of the hull as well as to the engine cowling.  Operator1' boat had minor scratches and slight gouges on the keel and the inboard port side chine.  In addition, the foot of the stern drive was scuffed.  

Vessel #3 had a slight scratch to the decal on the starboard side of the hull, possibly where the force of the bass boat being pushed against the dock caused the dock to scratch Vessel #3.  No one was injured and no one was in vessels #2 and #3 which were docked at the time of the incident.  Reasor's Marina had cameras which show the boat incident as it happens. Security video is available per Sgt.. This report is based on my knowledge, training, and experience and evidence available at this time.

End of Report


BARDID: GA-2020-0080
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Oconee
NearestCityorTown: BUCKHEAD
County: MORGAN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/20/2020 at approximately 1540 hours, I was dispatched to the area of Sugar Creek, Lake Oconee in reference to a boating incident. I was advised the vessel had struck an object and was currently sinking with occupants onboard. Upon my arrival to the incident location, Putnam County Sheriff's Office Marine Division was in the process of removing the occupants from the vessel safely to the shore of Sugar Creek Farms. 

	As I began my investigation, I determined that the vessel struck submerged timber. Subject proceeded back to the incident location (in my patrol vessel) and stated this was his first trip to Lake Oconee. Subject also advised he was unaware of the submerged timber in the lake and was not clear on what the buoys were for.

	While at the incident location, I determined the hazard buoys were in place adequately marking the standing timber located in Sugar Creek, Lake Oconee. 

	My investigation determined Subject not to be under the influence and was not familiar with the area in which he was operating the rented vessel. Subject was also not familiar with the markings of hazard buoys. Hazard buoys are common in Lake Oconee indicating the locations of submerged timber, rocks etc. 

	There were no reported injuries during my investigation of this incident and all members of the boating party were accounted for. The damaged vessel was towed by SEA TOW to the boat ramp located at Sugar Creek Farms. an Oconee Wild employee was waiting at the boat ramp to trailer the damaged vessel. Once on the trailer, I observed where the vessel experienced extensive damage to the lower unit and I observed some fresh fiberglass damage around the drain plug. I observed other (older) fiberglass damage to the hull (port side) of vessel, but employee confirmed this damage to have already happened. 

	The damaged vessel was rented to Subject for the day.


BARDID: GA-2020-0081
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:01:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Clarks Hill Lake
NearestCityorTown: APPLING
County: COLUMBIA
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Starting in gear
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 18:11 on July 31st, 2020 I, GW \, received a call from dispatch stating a person had been struck with a propeller of a boat motor near Tradewinds Marina on Clarks Hill Lake. I went in route to the scene by vehicle from Elijah Clark State Park.

	I arrived on scene at approximately 18:59. I was briefed by Columbia County deputy, Sgt. on scene. Sgt had taken witness statements from two of the people involved. One was an occupant and the other was a witness. Sgt. also provided me with the injured subject's information, whom EMS had in route to MCG hospital. 

	I checked the vessel for proper safety equipment. (11PFDs, throwable device, fire extinguisher) They had all the safety equipment, the vessel had registration. I documented the vessel's information. 

	I interviewed each occupant/witness that were still on scene. The ones that had left the scene I received their names and phone numbers to interview later.
	
Subject1
	I interviewed an occupant, Subject1, who stated that they were having boat trouble. On scene Subject1 stated he was driving the vessel at the time of the incident. The engine would not start back up after the engine cut off by itself when they came into the wake zone at Tradewinds. Subject1 stated the occupants of the vessel, including himself, did not realize that Victim had jumped overboard. Subject1 stated the boat cranked in gear and ran over Victim. Once they realized what happened they rendered aid to Victim.

Subject2  
	I interviewed witness Subject2. Subject2 was on dock A, the fuel dock at Tradewinds, waiting to be picked up by Subject3's vessel. Subject2 stated the engine was not working. Victim got out and pulled the vessel away from the shallow water. Victim was on the Starboard side of the vessel about to get back in when the vessel cranked and went forward turning towards the left. The vessel ran over Victim. 

Subject2 stated the vessel went a little way off and then turned around to go back towards Victim, not knowing what happened. A man came up on a Jetski and picked up Victim and took him to shore next to B Dock. Subject2 said he heard Victim saying that he couldn’t feel his legs. Subject2 called 911 at 18:02. Subject2 was picked up by the vessel that ran over Victim and they went to render aid to Victim. Subject2 assisted with putting a tourniquet on Victim's leg and continued to speak with EMS over the phone. 

Subject4
	I interviewed Subject4, an occupant onboard vessel. Subject4 stated when the boat would not crank, it began to float toward the shore. Subject4 stated that he and Victim got off the boat to keep it from hitting the shore. Subject4 got back on, but Victim did not. Subject4 stated that subject1 was driving the vessel. Subject4 also stated they did not know they hit Victim at the time, they ran the boat to keep it from cutting off again, made a circle and came back to get Victim.

Subject 5 indicated the boat cut off soon as they started idling into the wake zone.  They tried to get the boat started for 20-30 minutes.  The wheel was turned and the vessel started in gear and slung forward when it started.  They didn’t know they hit someone until later.


BARDID: GA-2020-0082
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:36:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Clarks Hill Lake
NearestCityorTown: APPLING
County: COLUMBIA
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 1536 hours on May 30th, 2020 Columbia County Dispatch received a call about a boat explosion in a cove on Clarks Hill Lake near the Winfield Hills boat ramps, but could not provide an exact location. CPL and SGT were on vessel patrol on the lake and responded to the area.  Columbia County Deputies also responded by vessel to the area and located the listed subjects on the shoreline. Columbia County Fire and Rescue arrived on scene at 1616 hours and met with the passengers of the boat at the spot Deputy found them. All five subjects were transported by EMS to Doctors Hospital at 1655hrs.

I responded to Doctors Hospital and met with each subject. Investigation revealed Operator was operating the listed vessel. Operator stated that he filled the vessel with fuel prior to putting the boat in the water. Operator stated he filled the tank by lifting the gas cap up and dispersing the gas into the gas fill hose. Operator stated he and subject1 launched the vessel at Windfield boat ramp and pulled around to a dock to pick up three others. After that they drove to a cove and turned the vessel off. Operator stated they discussed where they wanted to go and then he checked the battery terminals for safety reasons and then turned the key to start the vessel and that is when the vessel exploded. Operator stated that he did not smell any gas fumes prior to turning the key

I spoke with Subject1 who stated he was sitting on the rear starboard side of the vessel under the canopy when Operator and Subject2 where looking for the ignition to start the vessel and then the explosion occurred. Subject1 stated he doesn't remember anything else.

I spoke with Subject3 who stated Operator turned the key to start the boat and the vessel exploded. Subject3 stated he does not remember smelling any gas prior to the explosion

I spoke with Subject4 who stated she was sitting towards the front of the boat when the boat exploded and doesn't remember anything else. Subject4 stated she does not remember smelling any gas prior to the explosion.

Subject3 had suffered a head injury during the explosion and had a seizure when he arrived at Doctors Hospital. I followed up with him on May 31st, 2020 and he stated all he remembered was Operator starting the boat when the explosion occurred. Operator stated he does not remember smelling any gas prior to the explosion.

Subject stated that before Operator left the house with the boat that he put some gas in the boat and cranked the motor to make sure everything would work. Subject said there were no issues.

Inspection of the vessel showed significant damage throughout the vessel. There was a very strong odor of gas, and gas was flowing out of the vessel. I also found the fill hose to the gas tanks was not connected to the gas tank, but could have been disconnected from the explosion. I am unable to determine the exact cause of the explosion at this time.


BARDID: GA-2020-0083
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Sinclair
NearestCityorTown: EATONTON
County: PUTNAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 27, 2020 at approximately 1600 hours myself and SGT were notified of a Jet ski collision on the Oconee River portion of Lake Sinclair. The incident had occurred at approximately 1400 hours, involving two jet skis striking each other. This collision resulted in injuries to a juvenile operator. She was transported to Navicient hospital in Milledgeville for treatment of a broken left leg. We travelled to Navicient hospital to speak to the juvenile and her parents. 

Upon arrival at the hospital we spoke to the parents, who told us that Victim was operating the jet ski traveling south, making a left turn and was struck on the port (left) side by another PWC, resulting in injury to her left leg (broken femur) and pelvis injury. The port side and front compartment lid of her PWC were damaged. Damage to her PWC was moderate and estimated at 1,500 dollars.  

One parent did not see the collision occur but did hear the impact. He told us that the operator of the second PWC stopped and assisted with getting Victim out of the water. He told us that this unknown operator then left the area without identifying himself. He described the operator as a white male with a short beard, driving a red PWC.


BARDID: GA-2020-0084
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Sinclair
County: BALDWIN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentEvent3: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, May 31st 2020 at approximately 2000 hours Game Warden and myself, Game Warden, responded to a boating incident at Sinclair Marina that had occurred on Lake Sinclair in the area of the junction.

Vessel 1 was traveling east across the junction when the operator observed vessel 2 coming toward her around a point. Vessel 1 then made a hard left, turning northeast to avoid colliding with vessel 2. Vessel 2 was traveling west attempting to travel north around the point when he observed vessel 1 traveling towards his vessel. Vessel 2 then turned to his left, heading south west when he struck the tube vessel 1 was towing.
 
On the tube were 3 juveniles.  Subject1 and Subject2 saw vessel 2 coming and came off the tube. Subject3 was in the middle of the tube lying on her stomach. When she saw vessel 2, she was unsure of what to do, so she held on to the tube and was then struck by vessel 2. She sustained injuries to her right leg consisting of propeller cuts from her lower back to her feet. Her right Achilles tendon was cut. Her left leg sustained a broken femur and a cut Achilles tendon. Her left hand also had a laceration from the propeller. Subject1 and Subject2 were not injured. 

After the vessels discovered Subject3 had been struck, she was pulled on board vessel 1 and taken to Sinclair Marina where they called for help. She was then transported to Navicent Medical Center and eventually transferred to Egleston’s Children Hospital in Atlanta. After the incident vessel 2 also went to Sinclair Marina. 

Neither vessel sustained any damage nor was the tube damaged.


BARDID: GA-2020-0085
State: GA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Sinclair
NearestCityorTown: SPARTA
County: HANCOCK
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Lack of flotation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 1130 hours Game Warden received a call from dispatch about a boat that had sank. GW then informed Sergeant of the boating incident and Sgt. responded to the scene by land. The operator of the vessel stated that he was waiting to take his boat out at the 16 bridge boat ramp in Hancock county. He took a wave over the stern which caused the boat to take on water and eventually became completely submerged. He was wearing a life jacket and was able to swim back to the boat ramp. No injuries occurred. The vessel has not been recovered. End of Report.


BARDID: GA-2020-0086
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Blue Ridge Lake
NearestCityorTown: MORGANTON
County: FANNIN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Starting in gear
AccidentCause3: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On JULY 18, 2020 at approximately 16:40, GWFC and I (Cpl. with DNR-LED) responded to a boating incident that occurred in the "No Wake" zone at Lakewood boat ramp. Upon arrival, I talked with Witness1, who witnessed the incident. He said that there was a yellow boat (VESSEL (V01: LAKE FLIGHT / 1971 / 18 F / YELLOW / TN0080CC )  drifting on the right side (looking from shore) of Lakewood boat ramp while a male operator was working on trying to start the boat. He said that he heard the boat start up and saw it travel from right to left, hit a white ski boat (VESSEL (V02: CARAVELLE / 2006 / 24 F / WHITE / GA6682VW ), continue on until it struck the Forest Service's courtesy dock, and then stall out. 

	I talked with the owner of vessel 2 (V2). Subject1 was holding V2 at the edge of the boat ramp while the trailer was being parked. She was standing in the water at the stern of the boat when the incident occurred. She said that she felt the two boats collide and that her boat ran over her a little bit. She said that she was not injured and she refused medical treatment on scene. 

	I talked with operator1. He said that he bought the boat that previous week for $500. He said that he was working on trying to start the engine. When the engine started, the throttle was already in gear. He said that V1 ran into V2 and continued across the submerged boat ramp until it hit the courtesy dock, where the engine died. He said that during the impact, he was slammed into the operator's console. He said that he was not injured and he refused medical treatment on scene. 

	
	While on scene, I observed damage consisting of scratches and gouges to the striking vessel, V1, around the Port side Bow. Approximately a foot and a half below the rub rail, I observed a hole that had been punched through the fiberglass hull. I could see the interior of the boat by looking through the hole. I also observed damage to the prop of V1. It is possible that the prop damage came from the lake bed, when the engine first started. 

	I observed the damage on V2. There was damage to the center of the bow and to the starboard side of the bow. I observed scratches, gouges, and yellow paint transfer on V2. The bow light was completely busted off and the bow swim ladder was loose. I saw a slight paint transfer on the back half of the starboard side of V2. I also saw a lot of yellow fiberglass that was left on the Forest Service's courtesy dock. The dock appeared to be functioning properly and didn't appear to need repair.
 

	A member of Operator’s family says that he was admitted to Erlinger Hospital in Chattanooga TN a few days after the incident. It was said that he suffered from a punctured left lung and 3 broken ribs on his left side. It would be reasonable that the injury was caused by his impact with the operator console, as the boat hit the dock and came to an abrupt stop. End of report.


BARDID: GA-2020-0087
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Chatuge
NearestCityorTown: HIAWASSEE
County: TOWNS
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On JULY 25, 2020 at approximately 12:30, Sgt. and I (Cpl. with DNR - LED) responded to a boating incident that occurred on Lake Chatuge. I interviewed subject who owned VESSEL (V01: HARRIS / 1983 / 24 F / WHITE / NC1594DH ), the vessel operator and the vessel occupant. 

	The operator and the occupant said that they were operating at cruising speed as Operator1 made a left hand turn. He said that the tube that (victim) was riding on swung out and hit a wave that was made by another boat. The impact with the wave caused Victim to impact the tube and/or water at a force that caused her to fall off the tube. She then started experience pain in the lower, left side of her back and tingling in her right hand. Victim was taken back to their campsites, where she was transported to Chatuge Regional Hospital by ambulance. 

	I went to the Chatuge Regional Hospital to interview Victim. She provided similar details of the incident. She did say that Operator1 may have been going too fast as he pulled her on the tube. None of the witnesses provided any details of the other boat that made the large wake that the tube impacted. End of report.


BARDID: GA-2020-0088
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 11, 2020, I, Cpl. was on vessel patrol in Hall County on Lake Lanier. At approximately 7:19 PM I received a call from dispatch advising me of a boating incident, involving a PWC (personal watercraft) with injuries, near Holiday Marina. I was able to obtain a call back number from the caller. I spoke with the caller, who witnessed the incident. He advised me that it occurred in Little Shoal Creek. A white male subject was towing a tube with 3 young female subjects. Operator drove close to shore causing the tube and the girls to collide with the shore. I asked the witness if he would email me a witness statement and he said yes (received a statement on 6/12/2020 at approximately 5:26 PM) 

I traveled to the scene and saw Hall County Fire with no one else around. I spoke with Fire and they instructed me that one victim from the incident was taken to Children's Health Care of Atlanta (CHOA) and was unresponsive at the scene. They also stated the other people at the scene left in two vehicles just left before I arrived and travelled towards Lanier Islands. The Hall County fire personal stated that they seemed to want to leave the scene in a hurry. I asked if they would wait by the road to identify the vehicles. They assisted me in identifying the two vehicles. I spoke with the drivers of both vehicles. I asked them to pull to the side of the road so I could talk with them to figure things out. After speaking to them, I discovered that one vehicle arrived after the PWC incident and did not witness anything. The other vehicle was driven by Operator.  

After interviewing Operator, I discovered two families had set up a picnic area near the shore. One family consisting of Operator, his wife, son and daughter. Also, Operator's group contained his son's friend  and daughter's friend. The other family who was not at the scene was the one who brought the PWC.

 Operator advised me that he had his son’s friend was on the back of the PWC while he was towing three people. He attempted to make a left turn and the tube struck a point that came out into the lake and all three girls were thrown off of the tube. 

I asked Operator to point out where the incident occurred. He pointed to a location approximately 100 yards to the right of our location. He also sketched a drawing of the PWC and girl's location on the tube. I could smell an odor of alcoholic beverage coming from Operator. His speech seemed slow, and his eyes were glassy. I asked him how much he had to drink that day. Operator stated that he had one beer earlier in the day. 

I asked Operator if he would submit to a portable breath test ( PBT ) and he agreed. My PBT was not working at the time, so I asked Operator if he would mind performing a field sobriety test (FST) for me. He stated yes. The ground was very uneven where we were, so I performed the DNR Seated Battery. 
Operator’s speech was slow, his eyes were glassy, and I could smell a weak odor of alcoholic beverage about his breath.

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus:
I observed 4 clues. No vertical nystagmus.

Finger to Nose:
I omitted this test per DNR memo Covid-19 Pandemic Guidelines.

Palm Pat:
1 Clue, Operator never increased his speed like instructed him too.
I also instructed him on 3 separate occasions during the test which he failed to comply with.

Hand Coordination:
4 clues
Instructional stage, unable to follow instructions and started at the wrong time.
Performance stage,
Task 1, completed properly.
Task 2, did not perform. (see observations)
Task 3, did not return left fist to the chest. 
Task 4, completed properly.
Operator did clap his hands three times but did after task 3 not in the correct order sequence as instructed.

I performed a modified Romberg Balance exercise: Operator exhibited both eyelid tremors and body tremors.


BARDID: GA-2020-0090
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Two people were being towed on a tube behind the vessel with the registration GA 6648CH that Operator was operating. As Operator began to turn the vessel, the tube started spinning and victim’s arm became caught in the tow rope. This resulted in a deep laceration to his arm just above his elbow. He was transported to the hospital. There was no observer aboard the vessel which was the main contributor to the accident.


BARDID: GA-2020-0091
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Seed
NearestCityorTown: TIGER
County: RABUN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/23/2020 at approximately 1730 hours, a boating incident occurred on Lake Seed.  I (Game Warden) was made aware of the incident the following day.  

Operator stated that he was attempting to slalom ski, which he had not done in years.  On his second attempt to get up on skis, he felt his hamstring pop.  The occupants of the vessel got Operator back onboard and took him to their dock.  Operator’s wife then called Rabun County EMS and he was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville.  At the medical center, Operator was informed that his injury was to his hamstring.  Operator was treated and released.


BARDID: GA-2020-0092
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Tidal Cree (VII)
NearestCityorTown: TYBEE ISLAND
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday August 1st, 2020 at approximately 4:00pm a boating incident occurred involving a 2017 Key West.  Owner was on board the vessel at the time of the incident.  The vessel is a 21 foot long recreational center console vessel.  The Georgia registration number is GA 0498 RB.  There were 9 people on board the vessel at the time of the incident.  One occupant was a 7 year old female.  

The boating incident occurred on Tybee Creek which is considered waters of the state of Georgia.  The vessel was traveling west and had recently left the sand bar at the south Tybee Island beach area.  The vessel hit the bank/marsh on the north side of the creek with enough speed to eject 5 occupants from the vessel into the water and onto an oyster bar.  

The ejected occupants suffered multiple lacerations and head injuries.  I, Cpl., came upon the incident at approximately 4:11pm.  Two occupants were still in the water at that time.  A good Samaritan on a personal watercraft (PWC) helped get those two occupants safely onto my vessel.  

Shortly after arriving at AJ’s, I asked Subject1 who had been driving the vessel and she stated Operator.  I confirmed Operator who was in the grey shirt and Subject1 stated “yeah.”  Subject1 advised sometimes Operator doesn’t pay attention while driving the vessel.  After all individuals were removed from the vessels I, along with USCG personnel, conducted a safety inspection on Owner's vessel.  During the inspection, I observed a trash bag in the console that had various empty alcoholic beverage containers.  There were also various empty alcoholic beverage containers in the rear center storage compartment of the vessel.  

Later that evening, Game Warden (GW) briefly interviewed 4 of the injured individuals at Memorial Medical Health Center (MMHC) after they had been transported.  Operator stated to GW that she had been at the sandbar prior to the incident and had drank 4.5 to 5 beers since 11:00am.  GW also said that Operator stated she was standing to the left of the steering wheel and that no one was driving the vessel at the time of the incident.  GW interviewed subject2 who was also an injured occupant on the vessel.  GW advised Subject2 also said Operator was driving.  Subject1 also told GW that Operator was driving the vessel at the time of the incident.  

During the afternoon of Sunday, August, 2nd, 2020, I was advised by a nursing supervisor at MHMC that all individuals involved in the incident had been treated and discharged from the hospital.  


BARDID: GA-2020-0093
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: HAMPTON RIVER
NearestCityorTown: SEA ISLAND
County: GLYNN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 16, 2020, Sergeant, with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division, received a call about an overturned vessel with two persons in the water with life jackets on in the Hampton River. 

Glynn county dispatch received a call from one of the persons in the water.  I, Game Warden was with Sergeant at the time the call came in. We were informed that Fire Rescue was en route on land and the United States Coast Guard Brunswick Sector was en route via vessel. We also learned that the subjects made it to the marsh across the Hampton river from the North end of Sea Island and the caller's phone was dying and the caller was crying and not answering anymore questions.

	Sergeant and myself launched one of our patrol vessels from the Meridian  dock to be en route to the area of the incident. At approximately 1830 hours we arrived on scene. A charter boat captain and Coast guard were already on scene.  The charter boat captain retrieved both individuals from the marsh and had a personal watercraft with him that towed the subject's vessel out of the marsh. We approached the charter boat captain and asked the subjects if they needed medical attention and where they were going. They denied medical attention and said their vehicle was at the Village Creek boat ramp. We took both subjects on board our patrol vessel to transport them to  the Village Creek boat ramp. The jet ski was going to tow their vessel to the boat ramp and the charter captain in the pontoon had two other persons on board that were going to retrieve a boat from a separate incident in which we were not informed about. 

	After dropping off them we gathered some information and learned of how the incident happened. They hit a sand bar while boating and got stuck. Almost immediately waves started crashing into and in the boat and eventually a wave flipped the boat over. They were able to get two life jackets out from under the bow area of the vessel and put them on. Operator1 stayed with the stern of the vessel and occupant Slapikas went to the bow area and they both began trying to kick and paddle towards the marsh. It was an incoming tide, so they were being pulled inland with the current. They both also stated that multiple boats went by and that they were waving, but no one saw them. They eventually made it to the marsh on the Hampton river. Operator1 stated that he was able to get under the boat and right it when he could touch bottom. Both subjects were found in the marsh next to the boat and picked up by the charter captain prior to and as we arrived on scene. 

	I spoke with Operator1 on August 18, 2020 and he informed me that he had a mechanic look at the boat and motor. He was told that the motor would need to be replaced.


BARDID: GA-2020-0095
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Worth
NearestCityorTown: ALBANY
County: DOUGHERTY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 23, 2020 at 10:30 hours, I was notified, via email, of a boating incident that occurred on June 21, 2020 at approximately 13:30 hours, on Lake Worth in Dougherty County. The victim was being towed by a Tahoe Ski Boat (GA Reg# GA6483MX).

I responded to Phoebe Putney Hospital and spoke with Victim about the incident. Victim stated that at approximately 12:45, three people and he launched their vessel at the Cleve Cox landing and headed north on Lake Worth. 

Victim stated that at approximately 13:00 hours he started wake boarding behind the vessel. Victim stated that approximately 500 yards, up-river, from the Albany Sportsman’s Club he attempted to jump the wake coming from Operator’s vessel and landed awkwardly in the water. He stated that the front of the wakeboard went under the water and he hesitated his release of the tow rope causing him to land violently in the water. Victim stated that when he surfaced, he felt pain in his hip and thigh area. I had Victim to complete a medical records release form and informed him that I would be in contact with him if I had any further questions. I submitted the completed medical records release form the Phoebe Putney Hospital staff for processing.

After speaking with Victim at Phoebe Putney, I travelled to Master Body Works and spoke with operator regarding the incident. Operator’s statement coincided with Victim. Operator stated that he had only owned the boat a short time and that he was unfamiliar with Lake Worth and had only travelled the area a few times. He stated that Victim instructed him to keep the boat between 18 and 20 miles per hour as Victim started to ski. Operator said that Victim skied for a short distance and then attempted to jump the vessel’s wake. Operator stated that Victim fell and his wife, who was observing Victim, instructed Operator to turn around to pick him up. When Operator arrived at Victim’s location, Operator said that Victim complained of pain in his leg and thigh area. Operator jumped into the water to assist Victim to shore in attempts to load him onto the vessel. Operator loaded Victim onto his vessel with the assistance of occupants from a passing vessel and slowly transported him to Cleve Cox Landing to meet an ambulance for transport to the hospital for treatment.

In summary, I determined that the position of Victim’s wake board upon landing and his delay in releasing the ski rope led to a violent jerking motion in his lower body, due to his feet being fastened to the wake board. These actions led to his legs and torso being torqued in an aggressive manner causing injuries/fractures of his right femur and pelvic bone.


BARDID: GA-2020-0096
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Blackshear
NearestCityorTown: CORDELE
County: CRISP
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, August 9th, 2020 at approximately 1820 hours, I received a call from the Georgia State Patrol Post in Americus about an injured skier on Lake Blackshear in Crisp County.  The Americus GSP dispatcher said the victim was at the marina in Boy Scout Slough.  At approximately 1830 hours Corporal and I made contact with the victim and the vessel operator.  I asked Operator what happened. Operator said Victim fell off the tube and when Victim attempted to get back on the tube she dislocated her left knee.  Operator said this was not the first time she had dislocated her knee.  Victim was transported to the Crisp Regional Hospital by ambulance for her dislocated knee.


BARDID: GA-2020-0097
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Carbon monoxide exposure
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 8, 2020 at approximately 1129 am,  I received a call in reference to a boating incident in the area of Bald Ridge Creek on Lake Lanier. Dispatch stated that two individuals were found deceased on a boat that was anchored. They stated that the boat was being towed to Mary Alice Park to meet with medical personnel. 

witness1 and Victim stated that they arrived at the lake at approximately 1030am. They stated they were meeting Victim's three sons on the lake. Witness1 stated to me that when they approached the victims boat, he looked into the cabin and saw three males that appeared to be asleep. 

He also stated he observed alcoholic beverage containers and assumed they were asleep due to being drunk. Witness1 stated he rocked the boat and Victim got up at this time. Witness1 then stated that he gave the other victims about ten more minutes, and then attempted to wake them up. He stated that he was unable to wake them up and that both were unresponsive and had no pulse. At that time 911 was called and the boat was towed to Mary Alice park to meet the ambulance.  Victim was transported for treatment of exposure to carbon monoxide. The other two individuals were pronounced deceased and were turned over to the Forsyth County Coroner for transport to the medical examiners office. 

On August 17, 2020 I spoke to the Forsyth County Coroner who stated the deaths were ruled to be due to exposure to carbon monoxide. 

On August 19, 2020 I spoke to Victim. He stated the Victim continued to improve. I asked him to give me Victim's account of the events. He stated that they had anchored and decided to have a few drinks and spend the night. They had decided to use a generator to power the boat instead of using the battery. 

Based on the statements and observations it was determined that a generator was used to power the cabin area of the boat. The generator was found to be nearly out of gas and located in the captains area of the boat. This caused the fumes from the generator to not be able to be vented properly, causing the death of the two individuals, and the injury to the third.


BARDID: GA-2020-0098
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wilmington River
NearestCityorTown: THUNDERBOLT
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, 7/21/2020 at 2223 hours I, Game Warden of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division (DNR LED), received a call from Sergeant about a vessel collision with a dock.  Subject told me a vessel hit a dock in the Wilmington River and said she was headed to the dock to speak to the operator, occupants, and dock owner.  Subject said she would text me the address of the dock and asked me to respond with her to investigate the collision.  

	I arrival on scene at 2317 hours.  I met with Subject who had collected information from several individuals on scene and those involved in the collision.  Subject told me a woman (vessel occupant and possible vessel operator), left the scene prior to Subject’s arrival.  

	Subject showed me the vessel involved in the collision, a light blue, 2017, twenty-five foot long, Regulator, Georgia Registration “GA 0415 JK”.  The vessel had two 200 horsepower Yamaha outboard motors on it and was tied up to the dock.  I could see a slight, light green color transfer on the starboard side of the bow.  Subject told me the port side of the vessel also had a scratch, but said it was difficult to see (it was nighttime and dark outside); someone on scene showed me a picture they took, on their cell phone, which showed the scratch.  

The vessel owner was not involved in the vessel collision but was on scene and ready to remove the vessel once it was no longer needed for the investigation.  The vessel appeared to be in operational condition with only minor visible damage sustained by the hull.  Subject said she checked the boat for any intoxicants (alcohol or drugs) and did not find any.

	I spoke to the owner of the dock where the boat was tied up, this was not the dock which was stuck in the collision.  Subject2 told me he has cameras on his dock, but the cameras do not face in the direction where the boat collision occurred and would not have recorded the vessel or the collision.

	I spoke to three males who were fishing at the Savannah Yacht Club when the vessel collision occurred.  As I was getting Subject3’s information Subject4 told Subject they did not see the collision occur, but when the three of them arrived at Subject2’s dock they saw the male on the side of the vessel trying to push off the dock and said she (Subject5) was at the wheel.  

Subject4 said Subject6 was initially taking the blame but after she (Subject5) ran off, he (Subject6) indicated that Subject5 was driving.  Subject4 told me he was over at the pier (Savannah Yacht Club) so they (three males fishing) did not see the vessel collide with the dock but heard the loud splitting of wood from when the vessel collided.  Subject4 said Subject6 never said he was driving but he acted like he was driving and said he was sorry but later said she (Subject5) was driving.

	Subject told me owner did not give permission for Subject6 to use his boat, but he told Subject he did not want to get Subject6 in trouble and said Subject6 takes care of his boat for him at The Landings Harbor Marina and knows where the keys are kept.  Subject4 and Sebring told Subject they thought Subject6 was intoxicated and said Subject5 was the more sober of the two; they said she did not appear to be drunk.  I asked Subject where Subject6 was, and she indicated he was on the dock.  Subject said someone looked up Subject5 telephone number and messengered her on Facebook telling her to come back but she did not return to the scene.


BARDID: GA-2020-0099
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:25:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Tobesofkee
NearestCityorTown: MACON
County: BIBB
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 2nd, 2020, I, Cpl. received a call at approximately 00:09 hours about a boating incident that occurred on Lake Tobesofkee. I was able to contact Lieutenant with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. Lt. advised that there had been a fatal boat accident that occurred near Claystone Park at Lake Tobesofkee at approximately 22:30 hours on July 1st. Lt also advised that the body of the deceased victim had already been transported to the Coliseum Medical Center in Macon. Lt advised that the other individuals involved in the incident were back at the Claystone Park boat ramp. I advised that I would be in route to the scene.

I was able to contact Game Warden who was already in route to Lake Tobesofkee. I contacted Capt. and advised him of the incident. At approximately 00:52 Hours on July 2nd, I arrived on scene at Claystone Park boat ramp. I spoke with Lt. Lt more about the details surrounding the incident. Lt explained who was involved in the incident (operators, passengers, witnesses).

At 01:13 hours I interviewed subject1, who was operating the Ranger bass boat. Subject1 explained that he and his son were fishing in the tournament and at around 22:25 hours he began traveling in the direction towards Sandy Beach near the south shoreline. 

Subject1 explained that he saw a boat come around the point near Sandy Beach heading in his direction. Subject1 Went on to explain that at that point he started to slow down and turn his vessel left, towards the shore. 

Subject1 then stated that the oncoming vessel initially seemed as though he was going to pass on his starboard side but then turned towards the shore. 

The two boats collided, and Subject1 was ejected into the water. Subject1 stated that the last thing that he remembered before going into the water was the glow of his green navigation light on the other vessel before they hit. 

Subject1 stated that after he went in the water, some bystanders came over to help with the collision. Subject1 went on the say that once he got back in his boat, the other vessels operator and bystanders that were close by were able to get the victim back into the boat. Subject1 said he boarded the other vessel and began administering CPR and continued to administer CPR on the victim until they arrived back at Claystone Park boat ramp. 

I interviewed the operator2. Operator2 stated they were fishing in a bass tournament and were headed to fish one last spot on the lake before returning to the boat ramp. Operator2 stated he was rounding a point between Sandy Beach and Claystone Park headed East on the lake when he noticed a dark figure on the lake ahead of him. 

He stated that he then realized it was another boat that did not have any lights on. Operator2 stated he tried to make a last second maneuver to avoid colliding with the other boat. He also stated that his GoPro camera may have been recording in the front of the boat and possibly got the crash on film. He also stated his GPS was tracking the entire time and should have his path still saved on it. 
--

Based on the GPS track download from V2, the GoPro video, the operator’s statements and evidence collected, I conclude that there were three contributing factors to this incident.  For V2, the operator was operating at excessive speed given the nighttime conditions and his course of travel due east toward a brightly-lit shoreline.  An experienced operator should anticipate the possibility of the lights on shore concealing a vessel.  For V1, the operator violated the navigation rules by turning to port with an approaching vessel.  Navigation rules required both to turn to starboard when approaching head-on.


BARDID: GA-2020-0100
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-11-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Altamaha River
NearestCityorTown: TOWNSEND
County: MCINTOSH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
	On 11/28/2020 I, Cpl, received a call about a boating accident with injuries on the Altamaha River.  I was told this was a single boat accident with 2 occupants being severely injured.  When I arrived on scene at the Altamaha River Park, both occupants of the vessel had already been transported back to the boat ramp and were being treated by EMS personnel.   It was determined both victims would be taken to the Southeast Georgia Health System in Brunswick.  I did not try to interview either subject because they were attempting to stabilize them for transport.  
	
	Subject1 runs the store at Altamaha Park.  Subject1 told me he was in the store talking to a Subject2 when Subject2 got a phone call about the accident.  The two of them jumped in Subject2’s boat and headed down river to the accident location.  

Once on scene Subject1 says he saw Subject3 standing on the river’s edge waving them down.  They found Subject4 laying face down on the ground with a tree between his legs.  Subject1 said it appeared that Subject4’ boat lost control and ran up on the bank.  
	
	Subject5 was at the Altamaha Park when the accident happened.  He put his boat in the water and took EMS personnel out to the accident scene. EMS personnel was able to get both loaded up and brought back to the boat ramp.  Game Wardens put a DNR boat in the water and photographed the accident scene.  The boat, a 16-foot-long Polar Kraft stick steer model, was completely out of the water and resting on several cypress knees. 

 The boat sustained extensive damage to structure of the hull and the gunwale.  Witnesses from the scene told me they heard Subject4 say it was raining extremely hard, so he leaned forward to pull his hood up around his face.  In doing so, I believe Subject4 may not have realized his boat turned towards the bank.  After all the information was collected from the accident scene, I headed to the hospital to interview the victims.  
	
	Once at the Emergency Room, I spoke with Subject3.  Subject4 is the owner of the vessel and was the vessels operator.  Subject3 said her, and her husband left out before daylight to go check their limb lines.  

They were returning to the Altamaha Park when it began to rain heavily.  Subject3 said it was raining so hard she was hunkered over forward with her hood pulled in front of her face.  She said she does not remember feeling the boat change directions before it ran up into the woods.  Once she realized the boat struck something, she was thrown forward into the boat.  

Subject3 sustained a laceration to her forehead which would later require staples.  She said after the accident occurred, she began looking for her husband.  She found her phone in the boat and called a family friend to come help them.  She finally heard her husband answer her when she yelled for him.  She found Subject4 face down several feet in front of the boat.

	I was unable to speak with Subject4 at Southeast Georgia Health System.  He was being loaded up in another ambulance  to go to his forehead and some broken bones in his back.  The Doctor also suspected a spinal cord injury which was causing numbness in legs.  I gave Subject3 one of my business cards and told her I would be in contact in a few days to follow up on the incident.


BARDID: GA-2020-0101
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wilmington River
NearestCityorTown: SAVANNAH
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR advised that he hit the Causton Bluff Bridge with the mast of his sailboat as he was attempting to pass underneath it.  He stated one side of the bridge unexpectedly did not rise and his mast hit that part of the bridge.  He said the damaged was greater than $2,000.  He said he has been waiting on an insurance adjuster to give him an exact damage estimate.  He advised he does not need a copy of the report fort insurance but wanted to report the incident.  

Even though that side of the bridge is broken and cannot rise there is still enough overall clearance  for vessels to pass safely underneath the bridge.


BARDID: GA-2020-0102
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-10-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wilmington River
NearestCityorTown: SAVANNAH
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person Struck by Propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated they ran aground after going the wrong way in the Intercoastal Waterway.  Operator stated he put the engine in neutral then got in the water to attempt to push the vessel into deeper water.  Operator stated the propeller must have still been spinning because it cut his knee when he got too close to it.  Tow Boat US was on scene at the time I arrived on scene along with Chatham Co. Marine Patrol Officer.  

Operator's vessel was stuck in the middle of the mud bar and it was impossible to reach them by vessel. at the time we arrived on scene.  The mud was also too soft to walk to them without sinking deeply into the mud.  Operator had already tried to walk out and could not.  

Chatham County's Aviation Unit picked up Operator by helicopter so he could receive medical attention to his knee.  Operator went to Candler Hospital in Savannah and received stitches to the cut on his knee.  No one else was injured.  

Tow Boat US stayed on scene to assist them when the tide came back in high enough to get the vessel off the mud bar.  

The owner of the vessel was not on board at the time of the incident.  

Owner nor operator would not return call or text when when I requested insurance company information.


BARDID: GA-2020-0103
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-12-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Tidal Cree (VII)
NearestCityorTown: SAVANNAH
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at approximtely 1950 hours I was notified by Georgia State Patrol (GSP) dispatch about a possible boating incident in Chatham County that was called in by the US Coast Guard (USCG).  After briefly talking with GSP dispatch, I called USCG Sector Charleston and spoke with Senior Chief.  

USCG advised they were contacted via phone at approximately 1830 hours about a boating incident where the vessel was taking on water in the vicinity of Elba Island.  USCG advised they had a boat crew from USCG Station Tybee underway to search for the vessel but had not located it yet.  USCG advised during the initial call, the caller who was an occupant in the distressed vessel sounded distressed and they were not able to get accurate information from the caller.  

USCG said they think the vessel went back to the Thunderbolt area but they were unsure about injuries and the status of the vessel.  USCG advised they called Chatham County EMS dispatch in an attempt to confirm if they had responded, treated, or transported any injured victims from a boating incident.  

USCG stated at the time they believed Chatham County EMS had transported an adult female who had injuries from a boat incident but they were unsure of the circumstances.  After talking with USCG, I called Chatham County EMS dispatch in order to find out about a possible injured female.  The dispatcher I spoke with advised she nor her supervisor were aware of any ambulance transports involving an injured female from a boating incident.  

After talking with Chatham County EMS, I spoke with Chatham County Marine Patrol.  Subject1 advised they responded to the call of a boating incident in the reported area and they did not see any vessels or persons in distress at the reported location and they suspended their search.  After talking with Subject1, I called USCG back to report what I had found out.  During my second call with USCG, he advised their boat crew had found the distressed vessel moored to a dock at the Causton Bluff Marina which is a private community marina.  USCG advised all occupants of the vessel were accounted for and no one was missing.  I advised USCG I would be enroute by vehicle and I would have an estimated 1 hour time of arrival.  After I got ready, I called GSP dispatch back and updated my status.   

I arrived on scene at Causton Bluff Marina at approximately 9:21pm.  After arriving on scene I went down to the distressed vessel  that was partially sunk and tied to the dock.  The vessel had significant damage to the port side and a red marker sign was wedged into the fiberglass on the port side.  There appeared to be 2-3 empty alcoholic beverage (Ultra Light) cans floating inside the vessel along with an empty Red Bull beverage can. I did not enter the vessel because the interior was full of water.  It was also dark at the dock and I had to utilize my flashlight to observe the vessel and contents.  USCG personnel were on scene along with subject2’s father, Tow Boat US, and approximately a dozen other people who appeared to be residence of the Causton Bluff private community.  

After taking pictures of the damaged vessel while it was tied to the dock, I interviewed subject2 while we were at the dock.  Subject2 stated he was operating the vessel at the time of the incident.  Subject2 stated they were approaching the Elba Island bridge coming back fom River St. in Savannah.  Subject2 stated him and the other occupants were talking and the sun was setting.  Subject2 stated he couldn't see very well because the sun was setting.  Subject2 also advised he was going approximately 40-45 mph.  Subject2 said the incident happened around 5:30pm, right around sunset.  Sunset was at 5:25pm on December 22, 2020 in Savannah, GA.  Even though I observed a few empty beer cans in the vessel at the dock, I did not observe any signs of impairment during the interview.

The victim had fractures to her femur, arm, ribs, and spine.


BARDID: GA-2020-0104
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-12-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Turners Creek
NearestCityorTown: WILMINGTON ISLAND
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 12/12/2020 around 2100 hours, Subject was returning from a fishing trip of which he was guiding people and on the way back he started having electrical issues, but it was nothing that would have stopped him from operating the vessel. 

He entered Turners Creek enroute to the dock when he struck a vessel docked at Sail Harbor Marina That Vessel pushed up on one of the power outlets on the docked and damaged it. 

Subject1 stated that he did not see the vessel, that it was dark and that Sail Harbor Marina does not have any lights on their docks. Upon striking that vessel Subject1 did not have control of his vessel and struck another and eventually striking another vessel on the outer end of the docks. 

Subject1 then proceeded to head towards the boat ramp. Chatham County Marine Patrol tracked down Subject1 in the following days and asked him to come to their office for a talk. He explained his story and he stated that he only hit two boats. While his friend (who was assisting him with the trip) stated that he hit three. Subject2 stated that as Subject1 was hitting the vessels he was trying to get him to stop the vessel, but Subject1 would not and that ended in a fight as Subject1 continued on. Chatham County Marine Patrol issued a citation for reckless operation.


BARDID: GA-2020-0105
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-10-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Savannah River
NearestCityorTown: SAVANNAH
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 10/25/2020 at approximately 1300 hours I, Game Warden of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division (DNR LED), was on a vessel patrol with Game Warden Corporal and Game Warden First Class when the United States Coast Guard (USCG) called over VHF Channel 16 requesting we contact USCG Officer about a vessel which collided with a dock.  The USCG operator said they vessel operator needed a report due for the vessel collision.

	At 1300 hours I called Subject1 who told me the vessel owner/operator ran into a dock causing significant damage to the vessels fly bridge (upper portion of the vessel), a thirty-four foot 2005 PDQ power cat.  Subject1 said a tow boat was there and was ready to tow the vessel to Hinckley Yacht for repairs.  Subject1 said his team completed an inspection of the vessel involved in the collision and said he did not suspect alcohol consumption was a contributing factor in the collision.  Subject1 sent me several pictures of the damage to the vessel.  In the pictures I could see the fiberglass fly deck was completely knocked down and laying on the roof of the cabin of the vessel.

	After returning to the Demeries Creek Law Enforcement dock, I called Operator who told me he was currently being towed to Hinckley Yacht for repairs.  Operator provided me with the information needed to complete the vessel collision report except the estimated repair for the damage to his vessel.  


	Operator said he was traveling east in the Savannah River, outside of downtown Savannah, when his vessel’s steering quit working causing the vessel to veer right toward the southern bank of the Savannah River where it ran into the steel bar of a commercial dock.  Operator said he believes his entire upper deck will have to be re-built but said there was no damage to the dock because he hit a steel beam.  I asked Operator to provide me with the estimate for damage to his vessel once he had it.

	Operator never contacted me back to provide a damage estimate.  I called Operator in the middle of November and he said he did not have quote yet and expected it to still take a few more weeks.  I called Operator in late December and he did not answer; I left Operator a voicemail asking him to call me back with the estimate for the damage.  Operator never returned my call so no damage estimate amount is included in this report with the estimate for damage to his vessel once he had it.


BARDID: GA-2020-0106
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday Aug 7th, 2020 I GWFC was assigned a boating incident that had happened on Lake Lanier back on July 25th. Subject1 explained to me that back on July 25th a wake board boat had collided with the Timber Ridge Community dock that is owned by the Homeowners Association.


BARDID: GA-2020-0107
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday September 30, 2020 Game Warden and I, Game Warden First Class went to Gainesville Marina in response to damage that was done to the breakwater (a barrier built to protect the marina from waves) inside the no wake zone.  

After speaking with subject at the marina, it was determined that a vessel had hit the breakwater and caused substantial damage to a portion of the breakwater.  Subject was never contacted by the individual that was responsible for the damage.  However, Subject looked at the security camera footage and was able to see the breakwater in one of the cameras.  From viewing the camera footage, the breakwater was well lit and it appeared to be a clear night.  In the security footage, I was able to watch a vessel with its navigation lights on traveling north up the lake.  After a short period, the vessel appears to come to an abrupt stop and then the navigation lights cut off.  After seeing this footage, I went out and looked at the damage that was done to the breakwater.  The breakwater was severely damaged and there was fiberglass from the vessel that hit it still attached.

	Subject was unsure of who and what vessel caused this damage.  However, Subject was made aware of a subjects Facebook post that recounted the events leading up to and after a collision with the breakwater at Gainesville Marina.  Due to profile being public, I was able to locate the said post on his profile that was posted on August 30, 2020.  The post was very descriptive in a manner that only one that was involved in such an accident would be able to describe. 

	On Friday October 2, 2020 I went to Subject2’s residence to speak with him about the accident.  When I met Subject2, I told him that I was there investigating a boating incident that occurred at Gainesville Marina and believed that he was involved.  Subject2 advised me that he did hit the breakwater wall.  While speaking with Subject2, I asked him if he had spoken to any law enforcement personnel after the accident.  Subject2 told me that I was the first law enforcement personnel he had spoken with.  Later, Subject2 told me that he was still in pain and did not fill like writing a statement out while I was there.  I gave Subject2 a business card that contained my contact information and asked him if he did not mind typing up a statement and emailing it to me by the following Monday.  Subject2 agreed.  

Subject2 stated that after the collision, he retrieved a surfboard and got back into the vessel.  Subject2 backed his vessel off the breakwater and drove the vessel back to his house.  Subject2 then stated, that once at his house, he called his buddy to come pick him up and take him to the emergency room.  I asked Subject2 if his vessel was at his dock.  Subject2 told me it was. I then informed Subject2 that I was going to go down and look at it. 

	The vessel was a Teal in color Malibu Wakesetter.  The vessel had severe damage to the bow of the vessel (chunk of fiberglass missing) that was consistent with hitting the breakwater at Gainesville Marina.  The stern light located on top of the wake board rack appeared to be broken. I also noticed that there were no registration numbers or decal on the vessel. 

	On Monday October 5, 2020 Subject2 emailed me a statement recounting the events. 
	Due to my training, knowledge, and experience I determined that the cause of this accident was due to Subject2’s careless operation and operating too fast for conditions by being able to maneuver his vessel in a timely manner to avoid not being able to maneuver his vessel in a timely manner to avoid a collision.


BARDID: GA-2020-0109
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: DAWSONVILLE
County: DAWSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Per GW findings, operator was operating a 17’ Boston Whaler Open motorboat registration GA 0207 HR, when she struck a large wave causing the boat to become airborne. She stated when the boat landed she sustained injury to her back. She was then transported to NE GA Gainesville for severe back pain.


BARDID: GA-2020-0110
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject stated that he believes he struck a foreign object in the water which caused damage to the drive shaft and other electrical issues.


BARDID: GA-2020-0111
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-10-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:18:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atlantic Ocean
NearestCityorTown: DARIEN
County: MCINTOSH
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Unknown
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 10/26/2020, at approximately 1218 hours, Corporal. and I, Game Warden responded to a sinking vessel off of the coast of the Sapelo Sound. Georgia State Patrol Dispatch advised that two individuals were aboard the sinking sailboat. At approximately 1313 hours, we arrived on scene. Coast Guard Sector Charleston was currently on scene with their Helo, leaving with a female passenger. Coast Guard Sector Charleston advised that there was still a male subject aboard the sinking vessel. Sector Charleston advised that it would have been at least one hour before their return to the incident. 

We placed the bow of our 27 foot Boston Whaler on the Starboard side of the sinking sailboat and successfully extracted the remaining male subject aboard the sinking vessel. The individual was transported. 

Subject stated that the vessel ran aground off the coast of Brunswick and began to have bilge issues. While aground, Subject called SeaTow Brunswick for assistance. Subject was able to navigate off of the bottom of the ocean floor and continued North up the coast of Georgia. Subject stated that once more the vessel ran aground off of the Sapelo Sound and began to take on Water. After Subject's extraction from the sinking vessel. Subject was transported by a McIntosh County Deputy to the McIntosh County sheriff's Office to wait for transport to Savannah. Several attempts have been made to Subject's contact information to gather information on female passenger and have been unsuccessful.


BARDID: GA-2020-0112
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Altamaha River
NearestCityorTown: COX
County: MCINTOSH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
AccidentCause3: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
	On 05/16/2020 I, Corporal, was conducting a routine patrol at Barrington Boat Ramp on Harper Lake, part of the Altamaha River.  I noticed a red and white personal watercraft approaching the landing being operated by a male with no personal floatation device on.   As I exited my patrol vehicle, I noticed the female passenger looked to be in distress.  The male was yelling for someone to call 911.  I ran to the waters edge to assess what was going on when I noticed the female’s right leg had a severe laceration in the area of her thigh.  
	
	Subject said there was an accident on the river and that his wife was hit by another PWC.  I returned to my patrol vehicle to radio in the information I had received and got EMS in route.  I returned to the boat ramp to find several people had gathered with all the commotion going on.  A female advised she was a nurse and began trying to address the wound on Victim’ leg.  A shirt was placed over the wound and then taped on to keep pressure on Victim’ leg.  I advised EMS we would meet them at the paved road to avoid any confusion as to where they were going.  Barrington can be hard to find if you’ve never been there before.  Victim was loaded up in a pickup truck and driven out to Cox Road where we awaited EMS arrival.  
	
	Once the EMS arrived on scene the paramedics helped remove Victim from the back seat of the pickup truck and placed her on a stretcher.  Victim was physically nauseous and vomited several times.  I noticed a strong smell of an alcoholic beverage coming from about her person while she was on the stretcher.  The paramedics decided life flight would be the best means to get Victim to a hospital.  Victim was flown to Memorial Health, 4700 Waters Avenue Savannah, GA 31404.  After Victim was in the back of the ambulance, I returned to Barrington to begin interviewing witnesses.
	
	The first person I spoke with was the registered owner to both personal watercrafts involved.  Neither personal watercraft had a visible registration number displayed.  Subject said both PWC’s were brand new and he had the temporary authorization numbers for both on his phone.  I began asking Subject about the accident.  At first Subject told me Victim was a passenger on the PWC, and he didn’t know who was driving the other PWC.  I challenged Subject about his initial story and asked him if he knew who was driving either PWC.  Subject told me his wife was driving one and her brother was driving the other.  He said the PWC’s were traveling in opposite directions when they collided.  Subject said Operator1 Victim hit a wake causing him to spin into Operator2, causing the accident.  

	Next, I spoke with Operator1 Victim.  Operator1 said he was operating the PWC going in the same direction as Operator2 in an over taking manner when she turned a little causing him to have to turn to avoid hitting her.  In doing so, the PWC he was driving struck her on her thigh causing a severe laceration.  

	No one else actually witnessed the accident happen, they just heard the collision and reacted.  I had Game Warden Quinton Reed go to the Memorial Hospital in Savannah and get a written statement from Victim as well as ask for consent for a blood draw due to the fact that I believed alcohol was a factor in this accident.  Her statement did not give anymore details about what happened during the incident than I had already been told.  Victim would not give consent for a voluntary blood draw, so I had Game Warden serve Victim with a search warrant for her blood signed by State Court Judge.  After the blood-kit was completed all Game Wardens went 10-8.   

	On 06/08/2020 the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab sent me the results of the blood draw.  She had a BAC of .061 grams per 100 liters nearly 6 hours after the incident.


BARDID: GA-2020-1000
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-01-04 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Newport River
NearestCityorTown: Savanah
County: McIntosh
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Recieved a report of an overdue Kayaker that left house to half moon marina.  Multiple assets conducted searches overnight with negative results. Subject was located by a family member outside the search area on the South Newport River near I-95 and transported via boat and ambulance to Savannah.  He was hypothermic and was found onshore.  He had dragged his kayak up onto land and had made a makeshift tent.


BARDID: GA-2020-1001
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-03-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: North Atlantic Ocean
NearestCityorTown: Savanah
County: Chatham
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Received a report of a vessel with 04 people onboard that has ran aground due to a steering failure and taking on water.   The four people were recovered hypothermic and the vessel suffered damage.


BARDID: GA-2020-1002
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-03-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ogeechee
NearestCityorTown: Midville
County: Burke
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
According to a news media report, one person died after a small vessel struck an object in the water and took on water.  The two people onboard left the boat to attempt to swim to shore.  One was recovered deceased.


BARDID: GA-2020-1003
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-01-08 00:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Hartwell
NearestCityorTown: Reed Creek
County: Hart
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
According to a news media report, a 69-year old man was recovered deceased from Lake Hartwell near the SC border.  The victim had rented a pontoon boat and had not returned it.  The vessel was found anchored with no one onboard.  The victim is presumed to have fallen overboard.


BARDID: GA-2020-1006
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-13 00:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Flint River
NearestCityorTown: Bainbridge
County: Decatur
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday September 13th, 2020 at approximately 9:00pm I received a call from Sgt. regarding an overdue fisherman on Lake Seminole in Decatur County. Sgt. and I responded to Stone's Landing where Victim had put his boat in around 4:30 p.m. that afternoon. We began a vessel search operation of the area at approximately 9:40pm and with the help of Victim’s last pinged phone location, we were able to locate the vessel drifting at approximately 10:22pm without Victim aboard and the trolling motor down in the water. The vessel was not damaged and was driven back to Ten Mile Still Landing.  

	The following day, September 14, 2020, we continued the search for Victim beginning at 7:30am. We searched the area of the lake surrounding where Victim’s vessel was found and were not able to locate Victim. 

	Tuesday, September 15th, 2020, at approximately 7:30am we continued the search for Victim. At approximately 8:20am, subject1 who was assisting in the search advised that he had located Victim’s body floating in the water. Decatur County Coroner pronounced him dead at the scene.

	On Thursday September 24th, I received the coroners report which stated that Victim’s cause of death was drowning with complications of severe coronary artery disease.


BARDID: GA-2020-1007
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-11-08 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: St. Mary's Inlet
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
According to a news media report and information from the Coast Guard, a vessel carrying eight people struck a jetty due to engine failure.  Two were injured and the vessel sustained $49k in damages.


BARDID: GA-2021-0001
State: GA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-03-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ossabaw Sound
NearestCityorTown: SAVANNAH
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated at the time of the incident he unintentionally grounded the vessel in north/west Ossabaw Sound.  He stated he could not back the vessel off of the sand bar and decided to wait until the tide came back in.  According to Operator when the tide came back in he still could not unground the vessel and the waves started pounded against the hull of the catamaran.  

Operator stated the hull was breached on one side of the vessel.  A short time later the other hull was breached and the vessel started taking on water in both hulls.  He stated he called USCG and a USCG helicopter airlifted all 4 adults from the vessel.  USCG Sector Charleston confirmed their air asset  arrived on scene at 1928 hours.  Operator stated there were no injuries and the vessel was considered a total loss.  The vessel did not have registration and Operator had started the process of documenting the vessel with USCG.  However, he had not received the documentation number from USCG at the time of this incident.  

The location where the vessel ran aground was well north of the established channel.  It is undetermined why the vessel was outside of the channel.  Operator advised he had only operated this type vessel for approximately 100 hours.  All the hours were in this catamaran.  

The vessel was recovered by Sea Tow.  Sea Tow advised there were large breaches in the hull so it is likely contents within the vessel were lost or destroyed.  The mast and a dinghy with a 40 horsepower engine were not recovered. Sea Tow advised USCG Marine Safety Office is aware the mast was not recovered and believe it sank to the bottom.  On March 12, 2021 at 0910 hours, I confirmed this with USCG Sector Charleston.


BARDID: GA-2021-0004
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-01-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Jekyll Creek
NearestCityorTown: BRUNSWICK
County: GLYNN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 1230 hours, I, Game Warden received a call from Cpl. that a 45 foot cruising vessel struck the Jekyll Creek Jetties in Glynn County. Cpl advised that the vessel was taking on water. I arrived on scene at approximately 1255 hours. After arriving on scene, Coast Guard Sector Charleston had already made contact with the capsizing vessel and advised that the bilge was keeping up with the water coming into the vessel. 

CGSC advised that they are going to try and escort the vessel back to Brunswick Landing to be pulled and assessed with no injuries reported at that time. I assisted CGSC with the escort back to Brunswick Landing. After interviewing the two occupants one advised that he was operating the vessel at the time of the collision. 

Operator advised that he and his wife had just purchased the vessel from North Carolina and were making their way back to Florida on the Intracoastal Waterway. Operator advised they had missed their turn and headed west into the Brunswick River. After turning back east to the ICW, at the mouth of Jekyll Creek, Operator's vessel ran over the west Jekyll Jetties causing damage in two places to the hull of their vessel along with prop damage. As he noticed that the vessel was taking on water, Operator put out a mayday call to CGSC. Operator assessed the situation and believed that the bilge would keep up with the incoming water and wanted to pull the vessel at Brunswick Landing. No injuries were reported. No violation were cited. Individuals involved in incident made it safely to Brunswick Landing where their vessel was pulled for assessment. 

End of Report.


BARDID: GA-2021-0006
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-04-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Sinclair
NearestCityorTown: MILLEDGEVILLE
County: BALDWIN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 26th, 2021 I, Game Warden, received information of a boating on Lake Sinclair. I was instructed to go there the next day by Sergeant and that there were no injuries. 

	On April 27th  I went to the scene and met with the owner of the boat dock that was hit by a pontoon boat the previous day. Dock owner showed me the damages to the dock as well as the vessel that was hanging up on the boat lift. Dock owner also showed me the security footage that he had from the security cameras on his boat dock and I was able to see where a white male operator ran into the side of the boat dock taking out approximately 7-8 feet of docking and damaging the boat on the lift. In the video there appeared to be four people and a dog, with no injuries to anyone. I observed significant damage to both the dock and the boat on the lift. The unoccupied damaged boat is a 2001 POLARKRAFT, 16 foot in length and is registered to Dock owner with registration of GA 6349 VA.

	Dock owner informed me that he was inside his home when his neighbors across the cove called him and informed him that his dock had been struck by the pontoon boat. Dock owner states that he went down to the dock and made contact with operator and passengers on the vessel and everyone confirmed that they were ok. Dock owner made several attempts to contact the Baldwin County Sheriffs Office and they instructed him to exchange information. Dock owner also made contact with Sgt. of DNR who later instructed me to meet with Dock owner the next day.

	After speaking with Dock owner I made contact with neighbors and had them tell me what they had witnessed the previous day. Subject1 informed me that she did not see the boat wreck but heard the loud crash into the dock and looked up to see them trying to reverse out from under the dock and asked if everyone was, in which they replied "yes". She said they then slowly moved around to the other side and met with the owner of the dock, Dock owner. Subject2 confirmed what Subject1 had stated. After speaking with Dock owner and the witnesses I contacted the owner of the vessel to see if we could set up a time to speak in person about the events that took place.

	On May 3rd, 2021 I met with Operator1 and we went over the details of what happened that day. He informed me that he was just out for a late evening ride and that he was heading home when they decided to pull into the cove. Operator1 stated that he had turned around and was cruising back out of the cove when his son who has Cerebral Palsy, made a jerking reaction which made him temporarily take his eyes off of the pontoon's course. When Operator1 looked back forward it was too late and they struck the dock. Vessel 1 struck the dock as well as the boat on the lift before coming to rest under the lifted boat. Operator1 estimated their speed at between 20-30 MPH. He also informed me that nobody was injured and there was only a small tear in the leather seat of his boat. I charged Operator1 with operating a vessel at above idle speed within 100' of a object/shore and informed him to make contact with the property owner to work out the details of the damage repair for the dock.

	After speaking with Dock owner, he informed me that he had a quote for both the boat and the dock. The boat quote is estimated at $6,700.00. The dock repair quote is estimated to be close to $20,000.00. For a combined total of $26,700.00 dollars in estimated property damage. During our meeting Operator1 informed me that he did not have insurance on the boat and that he would be paying out of pocket for said damage.


BARDID: GA-2021-0008
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: Person strikes propeller
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday 05/16/2021 at approximately 1700 hrs we were on a vessel patrol in Lake Allatoona. We received a call from GSP in regards to a swimmer that had struck a boats propeller. We arrived on scene at approximately 1720 hrs. The swimmer had already been transported by family to Cartersville Regional Medical center to receive treatment. I interviewed the remaining family on scene. They informed me that the operator had the boat in neutral to pull in a tube so they could go to shore right off of the point by the Allatoona Landing boat ramp. Victim went down the slide one last time, and when she went down the slide she impacted the boats non- spinning propeller and received lacerations on both her lower legs. Victim was wearing a PFD when the injuries occurred. The operator was not impaired, and the wounds coincided with what the injuries the hospital described The hospital stated she only required minor stitches.


BARDID: GA-2021-0009
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-03-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 03/21/2021 at approximately 16:42 hours Game Wardens were notified of a boating accident on Allatoona lake near Park Marina. Three individuals in a red bass boat were traveling about 50 mph and hit a wake from another vessel and were ejected into the water. The three victims were picked up by a passing vessel and transported to Park Marina. Bartow Fire and EMS responded to the scene. The three victims were treated for minor injuries and released. The vessel was recovered by Towboat US.


BARDID: GA-2021-0010
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Blackshear
NearestCityorTown: CORDELE
County: CRISP
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, May 30th, 2021, at approximately 1830 hours, Game Warden was contacted by Sheriff about a boating incident on Lake Blackshear, just out from the mouth of Boy Scout Slough, in Crisp County.  Sheriff said 2 vessels were involved in an incident and all the occupants of both vessels were located at the Lake Blackshear Marina.  Game Wardens and I went to the marina and made contact with the operator of both vessels.  

 	GW asked Operator2 what happened.  Operator2 said he and his family were traveling north on Lake Blackshear, just outside of Boy Scout Slough.  He said he only saw the PWC for just a second before it collided into the side of his vessel.  He said the PWC was traveling east and turned sharply to the left just before making impact with the port side of his vessel.  Operator2 said he and the PWC were traveling at approximately 30 miles per hour just before impact.  Operator2 said they put the 2 occupants of the PWC into their vessel and transported them to the Lake Blackshear Marina.

I spoke with V2 subject1 and asked her what happened.  V2 subject1 said they were traveling north up the lake just outside the mouth of Boy Scout Slough when their vessel was struck on the port side by a PWC.  V2 subject1 said the PWC appeared to be going at a high rate of speed.  I asked V2 subject1 who was operating the PWC.  She said she did not see who was operating the PWC, but Operator1 had the kill switch to the PWC attached to her personal flotation device.  It was determined, Operator1 was operating the PWC at the time of the incident. 

The PWC sustained extensive damage to the starboard side.  The area along the foot well on the PWC was broken and cracked in several spots down the starboard side of the PWC.  There was blue paint transfer from the Sea Ray on the hood of the PWC on the starboard side. The mirrors were broken off both sides of the PWC and there was a crack across the front of the PWC that went from the starboard side to the port side of the PWC.  On the front port side of the Sea Ray was a black smudge mark that appeared to be from the starboard side hand grip of the PWC.  Just in front of the black smudge mark were three dime size chips in the fiberglass on the port side of the bow of the Sea Ray.  The chips in the fiberglass on the bow of the Sea Ray came from the bare studs that were exposed when the mirror was broken off the starboard side of the PWC.  

The occupants of the Sea Ray vessel were uninjured.  V1 occupant and Operator1 were transported, by Crisp County Emergency Medical Services, to Crisp Regional Hospital for treatment of their injuries.  On Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at approximately 1145 hours, I went to Crisp Regional Hospital and picked up the medical history for Operator1 and V1 occupant.  Operator1’s medical history revealed she had lacerations to the right eyebrow and right cheek.  Operator1 also had an abrasion on her right shin.  V1 occupant’s medical history revealed she had neck pain and a headache.  Both subjects were released from the hospital the next day.


BARDID: GA-2021-0011
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-03-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Coosawattee River
NearestCityorTown: RANGER
County: GORDON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On March 26, 2021 at approximately 1950 hrs I, Game Warden with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, was notified by CPL of a boating incident in Gordon County near Salacoa Creek. Upon my arrival, Game Warden notified me that the War Eagle Gladiator 750 had entered the flooded field and stuck a guide wire on an irrigation pivot arm, damaging the upper area motor, as well as injuring two of the three occupants in the vessel. 

	Operator informed me they had been operating in their vessels in the Salacoa Creek area when they went into a different creek. They exited the second creek and into a flooded field owned by NG Turf. At this time, one occupant told him to go under the irrigation arm (pivot). Operator estimated they were traveling approximately 20 miles per hour when they went under the pivot. As they were going under the pivot, two people were struck by a guide wire attached to the pivot. The motor on Operator’ War Eagle Gladiator was also struck by the guide wire, causing the motor to turn off and become unable to start. Operator’ boat had to be towed ashore by another boat. 

One person was transported by EMS with face/ mouth injuries and was released later that evening. Another occupant in the vessel, refused EMS treatment or transport. 

	Operator admitted to both SGT (Gordon County Sheriff’s Office) and I that he and his occupants had been partaking in alcoholic beverages and had been sinking the cans throughout their trip. Operator was tested for impairment utilizing the Seated battery Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and was found not to be impaired. Operator also did not have the required boater’s education class (anyone born after January 1, 1998). Operator was charged with operating a vessel without meeting the boater’s education requirements, littering, and for violating the one-hundred foot rule. Two people were charged with littering. All individuals related to the incident are being warned for Criminal Trespass on behalf of the NG Turf Farm Manager. 

	Pictures of motor damage available on request. 


					END OF REPORT


BARDID: GA-2021-0012
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-03-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Oconee
NearestCityorTown: GREENSBORO
County: GREENE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 03/17/21 at approximately 1725 hours, I was dispatched to 1431 Lighthouse Circle in reference to a boating incident that occurred on Lake Oconee located in Greene County, Georgia. While en route, I spoke to the owner of H2O Adventures Inc.. Subject1 stated that she rented two personal watercrafts to subject2. Subject1 stated that Subject2 advised her that while he was operating one of the PWC's, he struck some timber in the lake causing fiberglass damage to the port side rear of the vessel. No personal injuries were reported from her nor Subject2 at that time. 

	Upon my arrival at the above address, I proceeded to the dock and made contact with Subject2. Subject2 stated that earlier that date while he was operating one of the PWC's (GA 7450 SM), he struck some timber/wood in the lake causing damage to the fiberglass. As I began to inspect the damaged area to the fiberglass, I noticed blue paint transfer against the white fiberglass of the damaged vessel. 

	Upon further inspection, I did NOT observe any wood fragments impaled into the fractured area of the vessel. As I confronted Subject2 of my findings and physical evidence observed, Subject2 did not change his statement. It was after I explained to Subject2 the severity of making false statements that he then confirmed my suspicion that the damaged vessel was struck by the other rented vessel.  

      	At this time, Subject2 requested his son, a juvenile (driver to vessel 1 PWC GA 7450SM, the damaged vessel port side rear) and a juvenile (driver to vessel 2 PWC GA 8822 BJ, the damaged vessel front) to meet us at the dock. As I spoke to both juveniles (with parent/guardian present), they advised they were operating the vessels towards the Ritz Carlton with standing timber on the right. Both operators confirmed the severely damaged vessel did not strike any wooden object in the water but instead the two were operating too close to one another when Operator2's vessel collided with Subject2's vessel. 

	Neither of the two operators had any complaints of personal injuries. Upon further investigation, neither Operator2 nor Subject2 possessed a boating safety course card recognized by the state of Georgia. 

	My investigation revealed through my training and experience in working boating incidents, that Operator2 was within 100' of Subject2's vessel above idle speed, operating his vessel in a reckless manner and struck Subject2's vessel port side rear. 	

Furthermore, neither Operator2 nor Subject2 should have been allowed to operate the above vessels without having satisfied the educational requirements for persons born after 01/01/1998. It was also determined through my investigation, that Subject2 rented the PWC's from Subject1 with H2O Adventures and was responsible for both vessels listed above. 

	Both PWC's were picked up by representatives of H2O Adventures with direction of Subject1. Robert Subject2 was issued a citation for allowing persons 12-15 years of age to unlawfully operate a PWC.


BARDID: GA-2021-0013
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-02-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Oconee
NearestCityorTown: WHITE PLAINS
County: GREENE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
I Game Warden with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division received a call from dispatch saying a vessel was stuck on submerged timber on Lake Oconee at approximately 1100 hours on February 7, 2021. I requested assistance from Game Warden First Class to help with the search of the stranded boaters. I arrived on scene at approximately 1300 hours. 

The owner and operator of the vessel. Owner stated upon arrival on scene they were attempting to go across the cove when his vessel (GA6248RT) struck a tree that was submerged just under the water line. Owner and Passenger attempted to free the boat but were unsuccessful. I attempted to free the boat from the tree upon the approval of Owner but were also unsuccessful. I contacted Sea Tow for their assistance at this time. Sea Tow responded to the area as quickly as possible and freed the boat from the tree. When the vessel was returned to Long Shoals boat ramp I assessed the damage that was done to the bottom of the boat. There was a hole in the hull of the boat on the starboard side that was approximately eight inches wide. Both the operator and occupant of the vessel were uninjured during the incident. All necessary safety equipment were on board the vessel and no citations were issued to the operator.


BARDID: GA-2021-0015
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-02-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Tidal Cree (VI)
NearestCityorTown: ST SIMONS ISLAND
County: GLYNN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Sudden medical condition
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
	On 02/21/2021 I, Cpl., received a call in reference to a boating accident in Glynn County.  While in route to the Brunswick Office, I spoke with the driver, and owner of the vessel.  Operator said his knee was injured but he did not think he needed an ambulance.  He also gave me accurate directions to their whereabouts and told me he thought we would have enough tide to bring a larger boat.  Cpl. and I were in route to Hampton River by vessel when we received information that a good Samaritan was getting the occupants of the wrecked vessel.  We returned to the Brunswick Office and responded to Village Creek boat ramp by truck.  
	Once on scene at Village Creek we found an ambulance waiting in the parking area of the Village Creek Landing, which is where the good Samaritan was in route to.  We stood on the dock and awaited the arrival of one of the Sea Island Charter Fishing boat to bring the vessel’s occupants to us.  

Operator was sitting on the coffin box in the bow of the boat in apparent pain.  Operator complained that his knee was hurting and was in extreme pain.  Occupant1 was also in the Sea Island boat and stated he was the passenger of the vessel.  I spoke with the good Samaritan about the accident scene.  He showed me on his GPS exactly where he found Subject and Operator.  I took a picture of the GPS coordinates.  I also received a picture of the boat in the marsh.  The good Samaritan said he did not see any beer cans or signs of alcohol consumption while he was on scene.

	Once Operator was in the ambulance, I found Subject, who was giving a written statement to Cpl..  Subject said the two were in Operator’s 17-foot aqua sport in Bungalow Creek.  Despite being windy, the weather was clear.  He said he was in the front of the boat and Operator was driving.  Subject said Operator veered towards the bank and was fixing to hit it when Operator corrected it.  He brought the boat away from the bank before running up into the marsh some 40 feet later.  Subject said it seemed as if Operator “blacked out”.  Subject told me the two were not drinking while they were out on the water.  He also told me that the two of them were not wearing PFD’s.  Subject said once the boat went up in the marsh, he was thrown some 20 feet in the air.  He said he looked down and the boat was moving along underneath him.  He thought the boat was going to end up on top of him, but it came crashing down in the marsh instead.  Subject believes the boat picked up speed before entering the marsh.  

	After getting the statement from Subject, I went to Southeast Georgia Health System to meet with Operator at the ER.  Operator was in one of the trauma rooms when I arrived.  He said he did not recall much about the accident but did say that Subject told him it seemed as though he blacked out.  I asked Operator if he had been drinking and he was adamant that he had not been.  Operator did say that he had taken one hydrocodone that morning and another at lunch.  He said he is prescribed the hydrocodone and has been taking them over 20 years now for back pain.  I did not feel as though Operator was impaired in any way.  Operator said he had over 20 years of experience operating a vessel in Georgia Waters.  

	As a result of the accident Operator suffered a dislocated knee and two broken bones in his lower leg.  He was transported from Southeast Georgia Health System to another hospital in Savannah to have the injury to his leg addressed.  

There was no damage.


BARDID: GA-2021-0016
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-04-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Saint Catherine's Sound
NearestCityorTown: MIDWAY
County: LIBERTY
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 04/08/2021 at approximately 1630 hours I, Game Warden, received a call from DNR Sgt informing me of a boating incident. We did not know at the time where the incident occurred, but the vessel was at Thunderbolt Marine in Savannah. Sgt said she would meet me at the Marina. When I arrived at the Marina I spoke to the owner of the vessel Chaquita. Operator stated that his wife had been taken to the hospital. 

Operator stated that around 1330 hours he was traveling north on the ICW in Saint Catherine's Sound when his vessel ran aground. He stated that his wife was sitting next to him on a bench seat behind the steering wheel area of the vessel. When the vessel ran aground Wife fell off the seat and fell down the stairs to the cabin area of the vessel. Operator stated they were going about 20 miles per hour when they ran aground. Operator stated that Tow Boat US arrived around 1430 and pulled his vessel off the sandbar and they continued north on the ICW. Operator stated that his wife said she was ok, but as they approached Savannah his wife said she needed medical attention. Operator stated that wife's injuries consisted of a broken finger, and possible hip and ankles injuries. 

I went to Memorial hospital in Savannah but was unable to speak with Wife or a doctor. 

On 04/09/21 I called and spoke with Operator. He stated he and his wife were in Beaufort with his brother. He stated that his wife had a broken leg and ankle. She was doing good and had a splint on her leg to keep the bone in place.


BARDID: GA-2021-0017
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Altamaha River
NearestCityorTown: SURRENCY
County: APPLING
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator stated that around 1600 hours, while traveling upriver on the Altamaha River, close to the JE Stanfield Landing, struck a log under the surface of the water in his 15 foot Cimmarron vessel. The transom took the most damage and the vessel began taking on water. The occupants were able to make it to the landing after they made it as close as they could in the vessel. The vessel then sunk and floated downriver about 200 yards from the landing and came to rest along side a sunken tree on the Tattnall side of the river. All occupants were not injured and were transported back to Carters Bight Landing by another vessel. 

Cpl and Sgt arrived later that evening around 2030 to take the report and speak with the operator. No violations were found.


BARDID: GA-2021-0018
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ogeechee River
NearestCityorTown: BROOKLET
County: BULLOCH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 26, 2021 two subjects launched their 12, Alumacraft at the Steel Bridge Landing. Operator and Occupant fished their way down the Ogeechee River then began to head back to the boat ramp. Traveling back upriver a limb became hung on the top of the boat motor.

While trying to free the limb from the boat motor, the boat took on water and began to sink then capsized. The area where Operator and Occupant became hung on a tree limb was swift and full of debris from a tree that had fallen into the river. During conversation Occupant stated that he had been through that area of the river many times but as the water has dropped the river had changed. 

	Both were able to make their way back to the bank without injuries. The boat was recovered by Rahn's Wrecker service and appeared to be in good condition.


BARDID: GA-2021-0019
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Hartwell
NearestCityorTown: TOCCOA
County: STEPHENS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 05/28/2021 at around 2000 hrs, Sgt. was notified of a boating incident which occurred off around the area of Jenkins Ferry on Lake Hartwell. The victim was in his tiller steer boat when his tackle box fell into the water. 

Operator tried to retrieve his tackle box when he accidentally turned the boats motor and engaged the throttle. This action caused Operator to be ejected out of the boat into the water. The boat circled around and Operator was struck in the head and shoulder with the propeller. It was shortly after a boat containing  witness arrived on-scene after seeing Operator's boat going in circles. 

Subject saw Operator floating in the water and threw him a life jacket. Subject and his passenger pulled operator into the boat. They took him to Jenkins Ferry boat ramp and made contact with Stephens County EMS. Operator was check out by EMTs. His injuries of a laceration behind his ear down his neck and bruising on his shoulder and arm where significant enough for Operator to be taken to NE GA Medical Center in Gainesville to receive treatment. Operator's boat was towed back to the boat ramp where is it was secured. Nothing further to report.


BARDID: GA-2021-0020
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Walter F. George
NearestCityorTown: FORT GAINES
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 1800 hours, on June18th, Game Wardens received a call about a boating incident that occurred on Lake Walter F. George near the Cotton Hill Beach Area. We arrived on scene by boat at approximately 1810 hours. The owner of the vessel was operating the vessel when the tow rope became entangled in the prop. 

Subject1 then got in the water to untangle the tow rope and told one of the passengers, Operator, to make sure the vessel was in neutral. Operator thought the vessel was in neutral, but it was in reverse. When Subject1 began working on the motor, his shirt became entangled and pulled him into the prop. Operator then turned the motor off.  Subject1 sustained lacerations to the chest from the prop strike and was transported by EMS to Southeast Medical Center in Dothan, Alabama.


BARDID: GA-2021-0021
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Flint River
NearestCityorTown: LEESBURG
County: LEE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 31, 2021, at approximately 19:45 hours, Corporal and I were conducting a vessel patrol on Lake Worth and observed a vessel towing another vessel with its bilge pump activated. We contacted the owner of the towing vessel who stated the vessel being towed had struck an unknown object after travelling into a hazardous area, above the north sandbar on the Flint River. We escorted the vessels to Cleve Cox Landing to assess damage and injuries.

Upon arrival, we assisted Subject and the other vessel occupants with trailering both vessels. I asked who was driving the towed vessel and a subject stated he was driving the vessel when it was rendered inoperable. Subject stated he and his vessel occupants were uninjured in the incident and did not require medical attention. 

When inspecting the towed vessel, I identified the vessel as a 2006 white and black 17-1/2 ft. Sea-Ray 185 Sport (HIN: SERV1217F506 & GA Reg# GA0118HM). I observed the lower unit of the stern-driven motor was severely damaged with a cracked metal housing and broken PTO seal. I photographed the damaged parts and documented contact information for all occupants of the damaged vessel for witness statements.

After receiving the witness statements, it was determined Subject navigated the vessel north on the Flint River into a (unknown to him) hazardous area and attempted to change course to head back south, in attempts to exit the hazardous area. While attempting to do so, the vessel struck an unknown underwater object, damaging the propulsion system of the vessel. Subject stated that his approximate speed at the time of the incident (18:30 hours) was 20 to 25 miles per hour. Subject and the occupants of his vessel verified Subject and his passenger’s statements, due to them witnessing the event when it happened and coming to their aid.


BARDID: GA-2021-0022
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Harding
NearestCityorTown: HAMILTON
County: HARRIS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 5th, 2021 I, Game Warden received a call regarding a boating accident on Lake Harding. The caller stated that the accident occurred when an operator of a personal watercraft (PWC) attempted to splash his friend on another PWC. I arrived at the caller’s lake house where I met with the operator of Vessel 1. Operator1 stated that at approximately 11:00 AM on 06/05/2021 he and his friends were operating their PWC’s on Lake Harding at a nearby island known as “Chimney Island.” Operator1 stated that his friend was at a stop on his PWC (Vessel 2) when Operator1 approached PWC (V2) and took a sharp turn in an attempt to splash him. 

The port side of Operator1’s vessel (V1) struck the starboard bow of PWC causing a crack in the hull approximately one and a half feet long. Operator2 and Operator1 returned to their residences’ on the lake. Operator2 and I met at the lake house Operator1 returned to where he confirmed that Operator1’s story of the accident was accurate. Operator2 and I drove to his lake house where I examined and photographed the damage on his PWC. 

Operator1 was issued a warning for Failure to Meet Boating Education Requirements.

Audio/Video captured via BWC. No further.


BARDID: GA-2021-0023
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chattahoochee River
NearestCityorTown: JOHNS CREEK
County: FULTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Overloading
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
I, Game Warden with The Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division, was notified of a missing person on the Chattahoochee River at McGinnis Ferry on 5/25/21 at approximately 0930 hours. Sgt. advised Corporal and I that Forsyth County Sheriff's Office had reports of a missing person on the evening of 5/24/21 at the McGinnis Ferry boat ramp and was searching for the person until 0400 hours of 5/25/21. Sgt. advised us that he had just gotten notified of the incident and that he was going to do an initial investigation with the agencies on scene and then contact us if our support was needed.

Sgt. advised us that the missing person was identified. Victim's wife called Forsyth County Sheriff's Office at approximately 2330 hours and reported Victim as missing. Victim’s wife stated to responding officers that Victim had gotten off work and went to the boat ramp to go fishing at approximately 1800 hours. She had last spoken with him at approximately 1643 hours. She had not heard from him since that time. She tracked his location via cell phone and it last pinged a few hundred yards south of the boat ramp at 1900 hours. At this time the phone had 50% battery life and was going straight to voicemail when attempting to call. She explained to officers that Victim had bought a used kayak this month but had not used it yet. The kayak was new to him. She also stated that Victim had just mounted a battery, solar panel and trolling motor to the kayak and was going to test it out. Water generation reports from Buford Dam state that the dam was generating water down river during the time that Victim was recreating. This information is provided in FCSO report number 2021-051291 which is attached to this report in "other attachments".

Responding agencies advised Cpl. and I that there was currently an overturned kayak in the middle of the river a few hundred yards south of the boat ramp. The kayak was currently being held in place by an anchor attached to the kayak. Upon arriving at the incident location by vessel, it was clear to see the kayak had struck a fixed object beneath the surface. 

The kayak had a large dent and scrape on the bottom side of the vessel that was now facing the surface of the water. The dent was approximately 1 to 1.5 square feet. The water in the river was very clear which made visual sweeps of the river very productive. Cpl. and I conducted visual sweeps and identified deep pockets of the river to be searched with sector scan sonar equipment. While scanning the incident location, Cpl. identified a possible target beneath the surface approximately 10 yards from the overturned kayak. LE investigators on shore with Sgt. used drone camera devices to also confirm the evidence of a promising target. 

John's Creek dive team was called to the scene. The dive team had a lengthy response time. During this time, Game Wardens conducted sweeps of the river and made contact with all boat traffic that was


BARDID: GA-2021-0024
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-03-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Carters Lake
NearestCityorTown: CHATSWORTH
County: MURRAY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: Bilge
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday March 21st, 2021, GWFCs responded to a sinking boat on Carters Lake close to the Woodring Boat Ramp primitive camping area. We made contact with Operator1 who was standing on the bank of the lake. Operator1 had been picked up by another vessel and was able to tow his vessel close to shore before it sank completely. I observed Operator1' boat about 10 feet from the shoreline almost completely under water. Operator1 advised that he did remember putting the plug in the boat but feared that it had fallen out. Shortly after launching the boat it began taking on water. He then tried to activate the bilge pump, but it was inoperable. Operator1 then tried to get the boat on plane to empty it out, but his gas line broke off the motor and he was unable to reattach it. Operator1 had all his safety equipment at the time of the incident. No one was injured, and the boat was successfully removed from the lake by Operator1 the following day. End of report.


BARDID: GA-2021-0025
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:29:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Oconee
NearestCityorTown: BUCKHEAD
County: MORGAN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/30/2021 at approximately 1530 hours, we responded to a boating incident with injuries near Blue Springs Marina on Lake Oconee.  We arrived by vessel and made contact with the Owner/Operator of the vessel involved.  EMS was already on scene and had the injured victim inside the ambulance treating his injury.  Operator stated that he was pulling his son and two friends on the tube when suddenly they were thrown into the air and all landed on one another in the water.  Operator advised that when he circled back his son said that he could not feel his leg.  They immediately called 911 and got Victim out of the water and to the dock.  Operator stated that his son Victim appeared to have a broken right leg femur bone.   


BARDID: GA-2021-0026
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:36:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 15th, 2021 I GWFC along with Sgt and Cpl. were on vessel patrol on Lake Lanier. At 19:36 hours we were dispatched to a boating Incident at Mary Alice Park in Forsyth County involving a pontoon boat and a jet-ski. When we arrived, we came up to a black pontoon boat that had front end damage where both the tips of the aluminum pontoons had collision damage consistent with being struck from the port side. I was placed on shore nearby in-order to speak with witnesses and the operator of the striking vessel. 

When I got to shore a young man was being attended to by paramedics, so I spoke to his mother. She told me that she had allowed her son to drive the jets-ski and that she knew he did not have boater education. After the young man who was being checked out buy the paramedics was finished, he refused any further treatment and spoke to me about what happened. 

The operator of the jet-ski a juvenile told me that he was heading back towards the shore going pretty fast and with the sun in his eyes, when suddenly he saw the pontoon boat. He kept the throttle engaged and tried to change directions, but it was too late, and the jet-ski collided with the front of the pontoon boat throwing him into the water. Another jet-ski picked him up and brought him to shore. 

In conclusion a mother illegally allowed her son to operate a personal water craft.  He then in violation of the rules of the road and operating in an unsafe manner due to the weather conditions collided with a pontoon boat causing extensive damage to both the front end of the pontoon boat and punctured a hole in the jet-ski probably resulting in a total loss.


BARDID: GA-2021-0027
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Clarks Hill Lake
NearestCityorTown: APPLING
County: COLUMBIA
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 25 2021, Game Warden received a call regarding a boating incident that had occurred on Clark's Hill Lake. Upon arrival Warden got on Columbia County S/O's vessel and responded to the scene of the accident. 

Two bass boats, one operated by Operator1 a juvenile, and one operated by Operator2 had collided just North of the mouth of Trade Winds Marina. After an initial assessment of the scene it was apparent there were no injuries, however Operator2' vessel had been rendered inoperable.  It was towed to shore by Columbia County's boat. Warden instructed Operator1 to idle along side the Columbia County vessel until everyone reached the dock at the back of Trade Winds Marina. 

	Warden noticed that Operator1's father was standing on the dock when everyone arrived and asked if Warden could speak with Operator1 and his son. Operator1 said that was okay. Warden asked Operator1 what happened.  Operator1 explained that he was headed SE across the lake to fish a different location when at the last second he noticed a boat coming across in front of his vessel.  He turned sharply to try and avoid a collision but was unsuccessful and he struck the vessel on the port side with the starboard side of his vessel. Operator1 stated that he never saw the vessel coming. Warden asked if Operator1's lights had been operational. Operator1 admitted that they had been intermittently working however his passenger had been using his cell phone flashlight as a stern light. V1 Occupant confirmed Operator1's story and said that he never saw the boat until right before they collided. 

	Warden then spoke with Operator2 and asked him what happened. Operator2 stated that he was traveling SW into the Marina to fish when all of a sudden his vessel was struck by Operator1's vessel. Operator2 said that he never saw them coming because the vessel did not have its front navigation lights or its white stern light on at that time. Operator2 did state that after the collision Operator1 was able to get his navigation lights to come on by messing with the wiring. 

	Warden then spoke to the passenger on the vessel with Operator2 and he stated that he never saw any lights on Operator1's vessel and all he saw was a dark shadow of a vessel right before they were struck. 

	
	Warden spoke with another team in the tournament.  Both stated that they heard a vessel running across the lake in the same direction that Operator1 was traveling and could not see any navigation lights, but could tell that the rear stern light was on and shortly after they heard the collision of the two vessels.  As they headed out to where they thought the collision occurred they noticed that it was two vessels because they saw two stern lights. When they got to the site of the incident they noticed that Operator2' navigation lights were on however Operator1's navigation lights and stern light were not operating properly.  After some time of messing with the navigation lights Operator1 was able to get them to come back on, but was not able to get the rear stern light to come back on. 

	Based on Warden's investigation it seems apparent that the incident occurred due to the navigation lights on Operator1's boat not being lit at the time of the collision. Operator2' vessel was the stand on vessel and Operator1's vessel was the give way vessel. 

	Operator1 was charged with O.C.G.A. 52-7-11  Operating Vessel with improper lights.


BARDID: GA-2021-0028
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:13:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Oconee
NearestCityorTown: EATONTON
County: PUTNAM
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 23, 2021 at 06:33 am, I received a call regarding a two vessel collision with no injuries located on Lake Oconee near the Sugar Creek bridge / Parks Mill Rd. I arrived on scene at approximately 07:25 am at the Sugar Creek Marina. When I arrived, one vessel was on it's trailer and the other still in the water. 

I first talked to Operator1, he was driving the Stratos boat. He said that he was in a fishing tournament that morning, the tournament blasted off from the Sugar Creek Marina at 06:11 am. He stated that he went under the bridge and was heading down the lake toward the main body of water. He then saw a vessel at the last moment and veered left striking the front of the other vessel. This was estimated to be around 6:13 am. He stated that the other vessel had no navigational lights operating. He also stated that there was fog on the water that lifted several feet off the water. 

  I then talked to Operator2, he was operating the Alweld boat. He stated that he was fishing, trolling slowly using the aid of his outboard motor. He agreed with Operator1 on what happened. He also stated that he had turned his lights off because he could see and that it was daylight. He also stated that he could see good enough to see the bridge. 

  After hearing both statements and looking up the time for sunrise for that morning and area, I concluded that Operator2 was at fault. Sunrise was at 6:28 am that morning and the incident happened around 6:13 am. Operator2 was legally required to have his navigational lights on until Sunrise (6:28 am). Operator2 was issued a citation/warning for operating a vessel without lights during hours of darkness. 


  I took pictures of both vessels and received a written statement from Operator1. Operator2 however did not want to give a written statement. Both subjects statements were recorded with my body cam. Both subjects exchanged contact information.


BARDID: GA-2021-0029
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Tobesofkee
NearestCityorTown: MACON
County: BIBB
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: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 27, 2021 I Game Warden received a phone call around 18:50 hours in reference to a boating accident on Lake Tobesofkee involving a PWC (Jet ski) and a Bass Boat. Upon arrival, I met with Bibb County Rangers that located the PWC that was involved as well as the operator of the Bass Boat. 

I was told that at approximately 18:30 hours the operator of the bass boat, Operator2, was slowing down approaching the no wake zone going under the Lower Thomaston Rd. bridge when he heard two men on the bank yelling to get his attention. As Operator2 looked back a PWC struck the Stern/Port (Back/left) portion of the vessel. The PWC then entered the vessel striking Operator2 in the left shoulder and pinned him against the side of his boat briefly before exiting the vessel and going back into the water. 

The Operator of the PWC, later Identified by witnesses as Operator1, was ejected off the PWC into the water. No substantial injuries were sustained. According to Operator2, Operator1 then got back on the PWC and remained on scene briefly to ask if he was okay and ask about damage on the bass boat. Operator1 then stated that he was going to run out of gas and proceeded to leave the scene. Before the PWC left the scene, Operator2 took a picture of the registration on the PWC that struck his vessel.
	
	Bibb County Rangers towed Operator2’s vessel back to Arrowhead Park, where they eventually located the PWC involved in the accident. Upon my arrival, I was told the operator of the PWC was 15 years of age, so I then talked with his mother over the phone and she stated I could talk with her son as soon as his older brother showed up. While waiting for older brother, I talked with the owner of the PWC, they stated that Operator1 was not supposed to be on the PWC at the time, they gave permission to another person at their campsite. The owner also stated that Operator1 was the last person to return on the PWC. After taking pictures of the damage and talking with Operator2, Operator1’s brother arrived on scene. 

	Operator2 was able to give a description of the male that was operating the PWC, with black shorts and red checkered patterned underwear sticking out of the top and bottom of his shorts, he also gave me an estimate on how tall but was not certain, with dark medium length hair. Operator2 was then able to Identify Operator1 within a group of people at the campsite. I began to talk with Operator1’s brother and his little brother Operator1, Operator1 stated that he was the last one to ride the PWC and rode it around the area of the campsite only, he then returned it to the campsite and went to the restroom, stating he did not know anything about a boating accident. Due to witnesses putting Mr. Operator1 on the PWC at the time of the accident he will be held at fault. 

	Two more witnesses were fishing from the bank near the accident, they yelled at Operator2 before the accident happened and one of the witnesses stated it was a white male with medium length dark hair. Four witness statements are scanned and attached to the report along with pictures and a diagram of the incident. 

				***

	On 7/02/2021 I spoke with Operator2 in reference to estimated damages on the vessel. At the time he did not have an estimate but did state the father of Operator1 called him and stated that his son admitted to hitting the vessel. 

				***

	On 7/06/2021 I spoke with Operator2, the estimated damage given to him would be over $10,000 dollars. Operator2's vessel received extensive damage to the stern area, cowling, carpet, hinges and windshield.
The state indicates there were no injuries.


BARDID: GA-2021-0030
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:11:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: West Point Lake
NearestCityorTown: LAGRANGE
County: TROUP
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 5, 2021, at approximately 1500 hours, Game Warden First Class, Game Warden and I were patrolling north on West Point Lake when we noticed an overturned vessel on the shoreline. As we approached the vessel, we noticed 2 kids, 2 adults, and a dog in the water near the vessel. The two small children were wearing PFD's while in the water. One of the occupants informed us that there were no injuries and all persons on the vessel were accounted for. Upon further investigation, Subject1 told us that someone gave the driver of their vessel a ride to Highland Marina to get help. 

G.W. and I began to gather all necessary personal information from the occupants of the overturned vessel. While gathering this information, Operator arrived back from Highland Marina. Operator told us that his vessel began to take on water while driving on West Point Lake and he decided to drive towards the bank in an effort to save the vessel and his family. The vessel appeared to have taken on water from the rear and was within 100 foot of the shoreline when we arrived on scene. While we continued our investigation, a good samaritan offered to take the family back to Highland Marina while Operator dealt with their vessel.

I called A Lagrange Towing to have a recovery boat in route to our location. Within an hour, A Lagrange Towing arrived and began recovery efforts for the overturned vessel. After pumping out the water and pulling the overturned vessel back over, A Lagrange Towing recovered the vessel and towed it back to Highland Marina.  There was no plug in the vessel.


BARDID: GA-2021-0031
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:42:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Clarks Hill Lake
NearestCityorTown: APPLING
County: COLUMBIA
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On the listed date and time, Game Wardens received a call from Dispatch in reference to a subject in the water near a boat that was adrift. The caller stated that the subject in the water was in distress. Game Wardens responded to the listed incident location along with Columbia County Sheriffs Office and Columbia County Fire/Dive Teams. Upon arrival, Game Wardens found the listed vessel occupant who was in distress was onshore. The listed vessel was being driven to shore by Columbia County Fire personnel. 

Game Wardens noticed an alcoholic beverage in the driver side cup holder of the vessel and an open bottle of Crown Royal behind the divers seat rear passenger compartment.  Game Wardens attempted to interview the occupant but were unsuccessful. The occupant was distraught and refused to give information at that time. Game Wardens noticed a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from her person. 

Game Wardens spoke with the listed witnesses at the scene. Witness #1 stated that he was in the parking area of the listed location and heard a person yelling for help. He stated that he saw the vessel occupant in the water with no one else around. The witness then took an inner tube and swam to the vessel occupant and brought her to shore. Other listed witnesses on scene had similar accounts.  

Game Wardens along with Columbia County Sheriffs Office and Columbia County Fire/Dive Teams searched the area for the operator/owner of the listed vessel. Surface, shoreline, divers and sonar searches were used. 

During the searches, a Columbia County Deputy overheard a phone conversation between the vessel occupant and an unknown person. The occupant stated that she and the operator were at the listed location when the prop of the listed vessel got tangled in a rope stalling the motor. She jumped in the water and untangled the prop. 

She further stated that the operator/owner of the vessel entered the water for reason(s) unknown and never resurfaced. The occupant became more distraught and belligerent. She was taken from the scene by ambulance to Doctors Hospital for a mental/physical evaluation. Game Wardens found that a buoy line marking the boats keep out area was cut and entangled. This line usually stretches across the cove. The buoy line appeared to have been cut by a prop. 

Game Wardens and other rescue personnel continued to search the area. On 052221 at approximately 0939 hrs the body of the listed operator/owner was recovered unresponsive by Columbia County Divers in approximately 34' foot of water approximately 200 yards from shore. The Columbia County Coroner was requested. Coroner responded to the scene and pronounced the owner/operator deceased at 1056 hrs. He was positively identified at the scene.  The body was turned over to the Coroner for processing (see Coroner Case # 21-009430).  

Game Warden investigation found that the listed vessel was traveling in a boats keep out area when his prop became entangled in the buoy line causing the vessel to stall. The operator entered the water for reason(s) unknown and never resurfaced. A contributing factor to the incident was that the operator failed to obey a regulatory marker (boats keep out).


BARDID: GA-2021-0032
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Oconee
NearestCityorTown: GREENSBORO
County: GREENE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/18/2021 at approximately 1900 hours, I was contacted by Young Harris boat rental, in reference to one of their wave runner's involvement in a boating incident. The damaged vessel is a 2017 Yamaha Wave runner displaying Georgia Registration number GA 0552 UC. 

     	Upon my arrival to Lake Club Marina, I met with the person who reserved and paid for the rental of the above wave runner. As I spoke to Subject, he advised he was not operating the wave runner when it was damaged. Subject informed me that a relative of his was operating the above vessel. Subject stated he was operating a different wave runner and "thinks" Operator struck something in the mouth of Beaver Dam Creek. Subject was very vague about how the vessel was damaged. 

	As Operator arrived at the marina, she confirmed she was operating the above vessel earlier this date. Operator too was very vague about how the vessel was damaged. During my interview with Operator, she stated that she did not even realize she struck something while operating the vessel. At this point in the interview, I told Operator there was no way she did not know what she hit due to the extensive damage to the hull and fresh dirt transfer on the side of the vessel (which was above the waterline). 

	Due to my training and experience of over twenty-seven years in investigating vessel and automobile crashes, she was not being honest on how the vessel was damaged. Operator could not provide any location to the whereabouts to where the vessel was damaged in Lake Oconee. 

	While inspecting the wave runner's damage to the hull, I observed non-processed wood stuck in the stressed cracks of the hull. I also observed an approximate 12" by 12" square portion of the fiberglass hull missing due to the striking of the wood object (see photos). 

	It is my professional opinion that the above damaged vessel driven by Operator was driven into standing timber, and the wood that was removed from the damaged wave runner was consistent with the striking of standing timber. 

	No diagram of the incident could be drawn due to the lack of cooperation given by Operator in order to complete my investigation.


BARDID: GA-2021-0033
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:57:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Chatuge
NearestCityorTown: HIAWASSEE
County: TOWNS
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: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 23, 2021 at approximately 1000 hours, Towns County Dispatch received a call that there was a "Jet Ski Accident" on Lake Chatuge. I (Cpl. with the Dept. of Natural Resources - Law Enforcement Division) was notified of the incident and arrived on scene at Young Harris Watersports at approximately 1100 hours. 

	I received preliminary information from Towns County Deputy about the incident. I talked with V1 Operator, who admitted to operating the striking vessel, and Witness, who operated a Tritoon boat to go rescue the victims after the incident. I talked with them at the Young Harris Watersports office and they wrote out witness statements about the incident. I later went to the Chatuge Regional Hospital in Hiawassee to interview V1 Passenger and V2 Operator. 
 
	After speaking with those who were involved in the incident, it was clear that they all had similar recounts of the incident. It appears that V1 was the striking vessel and it was operated by Operator1, and V1 occupant was the passenger. V2 was the vessel that was struck on it's port side and it was operated by Operator2, with V2 occupant as the passenger. The two PWCs were rental boats from Young Harris Watersports. Records show that V1 occupant, Operator2, and V2 occupant were on the list to operate these rental PWCs and that they had the required temporary boating education requirements for boat renters. Operator1 did not have any type of boating education. All four occupants know each other. Operator2 and V2 occupant are sisters and Operator1 is their nephew. V1 occupant and Operator2 are currently engaged to be married. 

	According to the occupants of the PWCs, V2 was ahead and to the port side of V1 as they were traveling North towards North Carolina, away from Young Harris Watersports rentals. They were near Chatuge Woods Campground when V2 made a turn to the port side, which would have been turning away from V1. V1 also made a turn to the port side in such a way that it put them on the port side of V2. As the boats continued, Operator2 said that she looked over her right shoulder to make sure that V1 was still following her and she did not see them. Operator1 said that he was looking at V2 to make sure that he wouldn't hit them and ended up driving to where he was looking. Operator1 said that it happens so fast that he didn't have time to slow down. All parties involved said that they were operating over 40 mph. V1 made contact at it's bow with V2's port side. During the collision, all four occupants were ejected into the water. 

	Operator1 was not hurt so he got back on the PWC and went back to get help. A Good Sam helped get everyone out of the water to be transported back to Young Harris Watersports. All vessels were still operational and were driven back to Young Harris Watersports. Towns County 911 was called and EMS and deputies responded to the scene. 

	I looked at the damage on the vessels and the striking vessel, V1, had a deep gash in the fiberglass at the center of the bow, below the rub rail. A piece of plastic was also dislodged from it's place and hanging loose on the port side of the bow. V2 suffered damage to the console on the port side and there was plastic missing or damaged on top of the console. There were impact marks on the port side of V2 in the area of where the operator's knee would have been located and various other damaged areas on the port side, just above the rub rail as it goes back towards the stern. There was a rip in the fabric at the back of the seat, towards the stern. The damage appeared as if V1 made contact with V2 on the V2's port side, around the console a


BARDID: GA-2021-0034
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 1500 hrs on 07/11/2021 I, Game Warden, was dispatched to a boating incident that occurred on 07/10/2021 at approximately 1500 hours. The incident occurred near Allatoona Dam on Lake Allatoona. Subject was being pulled behind a vessel. Victim attempted to reenter the vessel. The vessel's engine was still running and Victim's foot came into contact with the propeller. He received 3 lacerations to his left foot and ankle. After the incident occurred subject immediately contacted 911. Victim was transported to the Block House boat ramp where Bartow County EMS was on scene. No additional information is available for this call.


BARDID: GA-2021-0036
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:46:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 4, 2021 at approximately 22:41 hours, Sgt. with the Gwinnett County Police Department and I, Corporal with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources - Law Enforcement Division (GA DNR LED), were conducting a vessel stop in Shoal Creek on Lake Lanier when we heard a crash.  We immediately concluded the vessel stop and proceeded to move towards several boats stopped in the channel.  I located Vessel 1 (V1), a blue Cobalt er, with twelve (12) passengers onboard.  Vessel 2 (V2), a red and white Century, had four (4) passengers onboard.

	V1 had been struck on the starboard side midship by the bow of V2.  V1 had significant damage to its starboard hull, gunwale, starboard console, and windshield.  The hull of V1 was ripped open from several inches above the waterline up through the top of the gunwale.  The starboard windshield of V1 was shattered and the windshield frame was partially detached from the console.  There was a large crack in the fiberglass under the starboard console and the metal shade canopy frame on V1 was detached from the vessel on the starboard side.  

V2 had damage to its hull at the bow and the navigation lights on the bow were sheared off.  V2 had fiberglass damage and scratches to the bow hull.  (See attached photographs.)  V2 was taking on water and was towed to its trailer at Lanier Harbor by GA DNR LED Sgt..  V1 was towed to its slip at Habersham Marina by Tow Boat service.

	Two occupants of V1 and one occupant of V2 were injured.  owner/occupant of V1, was bleeding from the face and mouth when he was transported to an area hospital by Hall County Fire/EMS.  The operator of V1, had a laceration to her knee that was bandaged onsite.  

Rhe owner/operator of V2, had a laceration over his eyebrow that was bandaged onsite.

	GWFC screened Operator2 and determined that Operator2 was under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.  Operator2 was arrested for violating O.C.G.A. 52-7-12, Operation of watercraft while under influence of alcohol, toxic vapors, or drugs, (see Case #16921070402).

	Written witness statements were collected from all occupants of V1 and V2 that would provide them. (See attached statements).  Witnesses from both vessels said that the other vessel was not operating any running lights at the time the collision occurred.  While on scene, Sgt. observed that the stern light was operational on V2 and the running light switch was turned on.  The bow lights of V2 had been sheered off during the collision.  I observed both the stern light and bow lights operational on V1 in the collision.

	At the scene, Operator2 told GWFC with the GA DNR LED that he was operating V2 just above idle speed, on plane, when V1 passed in front of him from the left.  Operator2 said he turned right just before impact with V1.  On July 15, 2021, I spoke with Operator2 by phone.  Operator2 said he was leaving the fireworks show at Lake Lanier Islands heading towards Lanier Harbor where their boat trailer was parked.  Operator2 estimated he was going 10-20 mph and said that V1 crossed in front of him and failed to give way.

	On July 14, 2021, I spoke with V1 subject1 and Operator1 by phone.  V1 subject1 and Operator1 said that they were leaving the Independence Day fireworks show at Lake Lanier Islands.  V1 subject1 and Operator1 said they turned right from Landshark Cove into Shoal Creek in the direction of Bald Ridge Creek when they saw a vessel approaching from their starboard side.  V1 subject1 and Operator1 said they were going just above idle speed and V1 subject1 told Operator1 to put the vessel in neutral before the impact.


BARDID: GA-2021-0037
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ogeechee River
NearestCityorTown: RICHMOND HILL
County: BRYAN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Unknown
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 8/3/21 at around 1400 operator was on his 2019 Bombadier Jet Ski in the Ogeechee River near Fort McAllister boat ramp. He was accompanied by subject1 who was on a Yamaha Jet Ski. The two were riding around jumping wakes when Operator noticed that his Jet Ski turned off. He cut it back on and it shut back off and repeated this multiple times until the Jet Ski cut off one final time and when Operator attempted to start it back up he observed smoke. He opened the hood of the Jet Ski and that's when the Jet Ski caught fire. Operator Jumped in the water and hopped on the Jet Ski with West. They alerted Bryan County Sheriff's office and rode back to the boat ramp. When I arrived on scene Bryan County Emergency services and the Sheriff's office was already on scene. Nobody was injured and the Jet Ski burned up.


BARDID: GA-2021-0038
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:55:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/29/21 at approximately 2118 hours, I was notified by dispatch that there was a missing swimmer.  I arrived on scene shortly afterwards and heard several cries for help coming from the south.  The incident location is Lake Lanier, located in Hall County, in the area of Shoal Creek Campground near site 49 (waters of the state of Georgia).
	I brought my vessel to the sound of the voices and saw a small raft sitting in the water near a boathouse located just south of the campground.  When I arrived at the raft, I observed two adult females and a juvenile male and a juvenile female on board.  There were no life jackets on board.  The male juvenile said that their friend, later determined to be the victim, had jumped off the boat near the campground to get a paddle that fell off the raft.  The wind blew them towards the boathouse to the south and their friend was last seen trying to swim towards their raft with the paddle. This had occurred approximately 20 minutes before my arrival.  
	Concerned for the safety of everyone on board, I had them put on life jackets and board my vessel.  I transported them and their raft to site 60 at Shoal Creek Campground.  During this time, they led me to where they last saw their friend, near site 49, and the fire department located a floating paddle there.  I dropped their raft off at site 60 with the consent of one of the adults on board and picked up some fire fighters there.  I ferried the fire fighters to their rescue boat and dropped off the occupants of the raft on the bank near site 49.
	As I tried to gather information about the incident, the two adult females said that they could not write very well and did not leave written statements.  A passenger said that their friend got out of the raft to retrieve a paddle.  He was last seen swimming towards their raft as the wind blew them away from him.  The juvenile male said that he could write a statement and it is attached to this report.  Another witness, who did not wish to leave his name, wrote another statement which is also attached to this report.  I have attached a diagram of the incident as well.  Photographs of the raft are located on the Departments Visual Labs system.


BARDID: GA-2021-0039
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/11/21 at approximately 1645 hours, while on vessel patrol on Lake Lanier in the area of Harbor Point, I was contacted by SGT that a boating incident had taken place near Van Pugh North Park involving a PWC.  He said that there was one person sent to the North East Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville due to injuries sustained during the incident.  SGT said that he was going to investigate the incident by vessel at Van Pugh and I was to interview the victim at the hospital.

I called Hall County dispatch to confirm and left for the hospital by patrol vehicle with CPL..  I arrived at the North East Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville at approximately 1719 hours.  Once there CPL. and I made contact with victim who was laying in a hospital bed.  She appeared to have injuries around her nose and mouth.  Victim appeared to be unconscious, but I introduced myself and asked if she could tell me what happened.  She whispered that she could not remember.

At that time three people entered the hospital room.  They said that they were at Van Pugh Park when the incident occurred.  Subject1 had the most detailed statement in which he said that he saw the PWC leave, saying that: "Victim was in the back, the other girl was in the middle, Operator was driving."  Subject2 stated that Victim "was also the only one drinking."  I had each fill out a witness statement which are attached to this report.

I called Operator shortly afterwards and interviewed her by phone.  She told me that she was driving the PWC.  She said that they were only 10 minutes into their ride, when she hit a big wave and all three fell off.  She said that Victim' face was bleeding and that she appeared to be unconscious.  She said that she drove the three of them back to shore at Van Pugh North Park.  She said that the incident occurred between the no wake buoys and the island sitting off shore seen from the beach.

I called the middle passenger next and interviewed her by phone.  She said that Operator was driving and that she was sitting in the middle with Victim sitting in the back.  She said that they were only about 5 minutes into their ride when they hit a big wave and the three fell off.  She said that Victim had a bloody face and was unconscious.

I have attached a diagram to this report that illustrates the area in which this incident occurred.


BARDID: GA-2021-0040
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: WOODSTOCK
County: CHEROKEE
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
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, July 24, 2021 at approximately 1924, while patrolling in Bartow County, CPL received a call from Georgia State Patrol dispatch stating that a boat accident had occurred near Victoria Marina in Cherokee County.  They informed us that it involved 4 juveniles who were possibly in the water. 

	I arrived on scene at Victoria Marina at approximately 2008.   After we arrived there, we spoke with a Cherokee County Deputy who had collected witness information for us.  He informed us that the driver of one of the PWCs had been transported to WellStar hospital.  

	 I went to interview the driver of PWC 1.  He stated that they had been riding around, jumping wake and that he did not see Operator2.  He said he looked to the right then felt the collision.  I asked him if they were wearing PFDs and he said they all were.  I then asked him how much experience he had operating PWCs, and he said a little, about 5 hours.  I asked him if he had taken a boater education course and he said no.  

	I then interviewed the passenger on PWC 1 who stated that they had gone out riding.  He said Operator1 had a history of going crazy, so he was trying to get him to calm down, but Operator1 sped off.  I asked him to clarify what he meant by Operator1 had a history of going crazy, and he said getting wound up and going crazy.  I asked if he meant reckless and going fast and he said yes.  He said Operator2 had jumped a wake and Operator1 went to jump the same wake.  He said that their PWC hit the other one after jumping the wake.  He said everyone was thrown in the water.  V1 occupant said V2 occupant immediately started screaming and holding his arm.  He pulled V2 occupant on the PWC and then Operator2 started to scream too.  He got both Operator2 and V2 occupant to the dock.  I asked V1 occupant if they were all wearing PFDs and he said yes.  

	I photographed the damage to both PWCs.  Halfway down the starboard gunwale there was a significant gouge in the fiberglass on PWC 2.  The center compartment was crushed from the starboard side and the seat was torn and bent towards the port side.  The underside of PWC 1 had scuffs and scratches running down the keel at the bow.  

I asked if either of the operators had taken a boater ed course.  He said Operator2 was in the process of taking one.  I told him that they both needed it complete before they operated.  
	 


BARDID: GA-2021-0041
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Allatoona Lake
NearestCityorTown: CARTERSVILLE
County: BARTOW
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, August 15, 2021 at approximately 1548, while patrolling in Bartow County, GW and I received a radio call from Georgia State Patrol dispatch stating that a boat accident had occurred near 6A in Bartow County.  They informed us that one boat was capsized and that multiple people were in the water.  They then called back and told us that everyone had been pulled out of the water and that an infant had been unresponsive initially but was breathing now.  

	We arrived on scene south of Bethany Bridge at approximately 1552.  I asked everyone if they were okay and if there were any injuries.  They said that everyone was fine.  I asked if there was an infant on board that went underwater.  They said that there was an infant on board but she did not go underwater or become unresponsive.  I told them EMS was enroute and if they would like to have the infant checked out, we would get them to EMS.  They refused, stating they were fine.   

I spoke with the owner/operator of the 28 ft tracker pontoon boat.  He stated that they were headed South when they hit the wake of a cabin cruiser and started taking on water on the bow. He said everyone moved to the back of the boat to try and lift the front but they capsized and everyone went in the water.   He then stated that the cabin cruiser picked them all up out of the water.  At this point, Bartow EMS arrived at Bethany Bridge boat ramp and I informed the parents of the infant that they were there already if they wanted to get her checked out.  They agreed and GW transported them over there in our vessel.  

I then interviewed owner/operator of the 39 ft Cruisers Yachts, Georgia Registration.  He told me that they were headed North and saw the pontoon pass them.  They then heard an engine rev up and thought a jet ski was jumping their wake.  They looked back and saw the pontoon upside down.  They turned around and started pulling everyone out of the water. 

 At this point Tow Boat US arrived on scene to assist me.  I told them what had happened, and they said they would speak with the owner about the options.  Blue Cord was already on scene, pulling personal effects out of the cabin on the pontoon.  Tow Boat said that they would transport all the occupants to their vehicles.  The parents and infant arrived back at the boat and said EMS had cleared the infant of all injuries.  

We released the occupants and the vessel to Tow Boat who transported them back to Blockhouse boat ramp.


BARDID: GA-2021-0042
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-02 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Chatuge
NearestCityorTown: HIAWASSEE
County: TOWNS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On the afternoon of July 2, 2021 I, Game Warden First Class ( GWFC) was dispatched to a boating incident on Lake Chatuge involving 2 PWCs. I responded to the Incident along with officers. We were notified that two juveniles had been flown to Children's Hospital of Atlanta for treatment prior to our arrival. 

Operator1 told us that he was operating the red PWC and he was traveling behind and slightly to the left of the blue PWC. Operator1 said that they were both traveling down the lake and he got distracted and looked over his left shoulder at something for a few seconds. He said that when he looked back forward the blue PWC had stopped and he struck the port side of the blue PWC. At the time of the collision, all occupants were thrown into the water. 

A nearby homeowner heard the collision and rendered aid to them. He took them to the Fairgrounds boat ramp in his boat.  Both PWCs were pulled from the water and photographed with my body camera. It was determined that neither PWC operator had completed a boater education course.  

On July 8,  I issued citation to v2 owner and operator1. V2 owner was charged with allowing others to operate without Boater Education. Operator1 was charged with violating rules of the road. 


BARDID: GA-2021-0043
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: GAINESVILLE
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 1, 2021, I, Corporal, with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources - Law Enforcement Division (DNR LED), received notification of a boating incident that occurred on Lake Lanier at Port Royale Marina at approximately 1900 hours.  Corporal, with DNR LED, spoke with Port Royale staff member by phone.  Subject said renters of a vessel were returning a 40' rental pontoon when the vessel collided with the wave brake walls at the entrance to the marina.  The impact caused damage to both the vessel, the sea wall and equipment attached to the sea wall.  Subject said that all parties had left the scene already.  Corporal told Subject we would return the following date to take a report as we were enroute to an in-progess call on the lake and witnesses had already departed the scene.

	On May 2, 2021, Corporal and I returned to Port Royale Marina.  We interviewed marina staff who witnesses the incident.   They provided written statements of the incident.   I photographed damaged areas of the vessel and wave brake wall, collected vessel information, and verified safety equipment.  Subject provided the rental agreement and related documents, including vessel registration, before and after photographs of the vessel, photographs of the damaged wave brake walls and equipment, captains agreement, and safety and equipment checklists.  The rental agreement showed a total of 18 passengers on board the vessel.

	Subjects 2 & 3 were on the docks when the incident occurred; Subject was inside the marina store at a window facing the northern marina entrance.  Subjects 2 & 3 said that the vessel was returning to Port Royale Marina from the northern entrance when it struck the inner wave brake wall with the starboard side of the vessel, then struck the outer wave brake wall with the port side of the vessel.  Subjects said the vessel continued moving and struck the inner wave brake wall with the starboard side again, then recovered and docked.  Subject3 said the vessel was operated by a black male wearing a black Lakers jersey.  Operator was photographed by marina staff in a black Lakers jersey before departing the marina as part of the rental paperwork and captain agreement.

	Subjects said that there were no injuries reported from any of the 18 people on board the vessel during the incident.  Subject said the estimated value of the damage to the vessel, wave brake wall, and anchor wench and dock light on the wave brake wall was expected to exceed $2000.00. 

	On May 3, 2021, I spoke with Operator and Subject4 by phone.  Operator said that he was coming into port a little too fast and put the vessel into reverse, then struck the inner wake brake wall with the starboard side of the vessel.  Operator said that no one on the vessel was hurt by the impact.  Operator said would provide a list on vessel occupants with contact information by email.  Subject4 said Operator operated the vessel during the entire rental period.  Subject4 said Operator was pulling into the marina when the vessel struck the outside wave brake wall, then struck the inside wave brake wall, getting the vessel hooked on the metal piece (anchor wench) extending up from the wall.  


BARDID: GA-2021-0044
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 8, 2021, we were notified of a sinking vessel with two ejected occupants on Lake Lanier in the Chattahoochee River near River Forks Park.  GWFC and I responded to the area and were flagged down by the occupants of a bass boat.  Subject pointed to a male and female on his vessel, later identified as Operator and Occupant, and said that he pulled them from the water near the sinking vessel.  There were no other vessels in sight and only a single piece of debris was floating on the water.  Neither Operator nor Occupant were wearing PFDs.  GWFC asked Operator and Occupant if they needed medical attention; Operator and Occupant declined.  

	Operator said he was operating his 33' Wellcraft Scarab, no registration, around 45-50mph when the bow of the vessel spun and flipped, landing with the bow up in the air.  Operator held his hand up in the air with his arm bent at the elbow as he described the bow up and stern down as the vessel was sinking.  Operator said he did not remember any more of what happened.  

	Operator's speech was heavily slurred and his eyes were glassy. I smelled a strong odor of alcohol on Operator as he described the incident.  When GWFC asked Operator how much he had to drink, Operator scoffed and said dismissively that he had some beers earlier.  Operator repeatedly said he was upset that he lost his $60,000 or $80,000 boat (Operator said different values), but seemed unconcerned about being ejected into the water or the possible fatal outcome for himself or Occupant in the boat incident.  Operator repeatedly said, "Fuck" or "Fuck, I just lost my boat."  Operator consented to participate in Field Sobriety exercises.  GWFC placed Operator under arrest for Boating Under the Influence, Resource Citation.

	Subject transported Occupant to a dock nearby where EMS was waiting.  While Occupant initially declined medical attention, Occupant did accept treatment and was transported by EMS for evaluation.  Operator repeatedly declined medical treatment and cursed about the EMS personnel.

	On May 9, 2021, I spoke with Subject by telephone.  Subject said he was traveling up the Chattachoochee River from the Highway 53 bridge when his minor son saw a wall of water further upstream.  Subject went to the area and saw approximately 6 to 7 feet of the bow of a vessel sticking out of the water.  Subject said he saw Operator and Occupant in the water clinging to floating debris.  Subject said Operator was calm and unphased by the incident but that Occupant was exhausted to the point where Subject had to pull the boat over to Occupant because he was afraid she would not make it.  Subject said he could smell the odor of alcohol on Operator as he got closer to him.  Subject said that when Operator was on the boat he was confused about where he was.  Operator to take Subject to take him back to his slip at Port Royale but pointed north, which was the opposite direction of Port Royale.  Subject said that Operator said he had to pee and proceeded to urinate off the stern of the vessel without concern for the other vessel occupants.

	On May 10, 2021, spoke with Operator by telephone to gather additional information about the vessel and Operator's boating experience.  Operator said that while he had previously owned a similar vessel, that he thought the different shape of the stern in the current vessel was the likely cause of the capsizing.


BARDID: GA-2021-0045
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at approximately 1745 hours I, Game Warden First Class was made aware of a pontoon boat running onto a dock in Aqualand Marina located in Hall County. Once on scene, I observed a black and red pontoon boat that had run onto the courtesy dock at Lot 6. The bow of the pontoon was suspended in the air by a portion of the dock; with the stern of the boat remaining in the water. 

The operator was standing at the back of a police car and had minor lacerations to his face and leg from the collision with the dock. I then asked Operator what happened. Operator advised me that he had fallen asleep behind the wheel. I then went and looked at the pontoon boat and noticed an open container of an alcoholic beverage in the cup holder of the operator’s seat. I then went back up to my patrol vehicle and had Operator have a seat on my tailgate. I then proceeded to ask Operator where he was coming from and if EMS had checked him out. Operator stated that he was coming from The Twisted Oar and was making his way back to Port Royale. Operator also said that EMS asked him if he wanted them to check him out. Operator told them no. I then asked Operator how he was feeling, and he responded that he was feeling fine. 

I then asked Operator how much he had drink today. Operator stated, “I have had a few drinks.” I then asked him how long it had been since he drank something. Operator stated, “1 to 2 hours ago.”

	After asking the pre – test questions on the screening form to clear Operator, I asked him if he would perform a series of test to assist me in determining if it was safe for him to operate a vessel. Operator responded, “sure.” Operator had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his person, his eyes were glassy, and his speech was slurred. I then administered the seated battery of sfst.

	Due to my training, knowledge, and experience, I believe that Operator was impaired to the point that he was less safe to operate his vessel on the waters of the state and that was the cause for the incident.


BARDID: GA-2021-0046
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Carters Lake
NearestCityorTown: ELLIJAY
County: GILMER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
AccidentCause2: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday 8/18/21 at approximately 2130 hours, I(GWFC with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division) responded to a boat that had sank at the Doll Mountain boat ramp on Carters Lake. Once on scene I observed a boat, displaying registration number GA3491AV, tied to the dock. About half of the boat was under the surface of the water with the front half sticking up out of the water. 

Owner said that he had launched boat and tied it to the dock. He then went to parked his vehicle. When he returned to his boat it was already underwater. Owner said that he had not had the boat very long and that this was only his second time launching it, but that he has had boats his whole life. 

I asked if he forgot to put the plug in, and he advised that he did put the plug in prior to launching. He advised that he though the boat might be leaking around the tie down points on the back of the boat. 

Owner also advised that his pumps were not working properly to pump the water from the bilge. Owner advised that he had help on the way to help salvage the boat. I advised Owner to contact the Corps of Engineers and Carters Lake Marina if he was unable to salvage it to see about getting them to help him. 

I also advised Owner that it was his responsibility to remove the vessel from the water and that he would be charged if he abandoned it. He said that he understood and was willing to do whatever it takes to get the boat out. I gained all the information necessary to complete my report and then I let Owner get to work on salvaging the vessel. Owner information was turned over to the Corps of Engineers for follow up. End of report.


BARDID: GA-2021-0047
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Hartwell
NearestCityorTown: HARTWELL
County: HART
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject was jumping wake of houseboat more than 100 foot behind the vessel. Subject jumped a wake and hit the handle bars with right eye due to the force of the impact with the water. He was taken to St. Marys Hospital in Lavonia by his father. He received 18 stitches just above his right eye. He was released from the Hospital after CT scan showed no issues of further trauma.


BARDID: GA-2021-0049
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:46:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Hartwell
NearestCityorTown: HARTWELL
County: HART
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject was towing three subjects on a tube and hit a hard wake causing the subjects to hit each other on the tube. The impact with each other cause a 18 year old female to have a broken right clavicle. She was admitted to St. Mary's Hospital and treated for her injury.


BARDID: GA-2021-0050
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Hartwell
NearestCityorTown: LAVONIA
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject was being towed by pwc and went into a turn and fell off the tube. The impact with the water caused the neck sprain. Subject was transported to Anmed Hospital out of an abundance of caution. A warning was issued to father who was the operator for towing skier with pwc without having observer on board.


BARDID: GA-2021-0051
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:36:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 8, 2021, GWFC with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources - Law Enforcement Division (GA DNR LED) was notified by Hall County dispatch of a missing person in the water on Lake Lanier in the area of Flat Creek near Balus Creek.  GA DNR LED Officers, responded to the incident location and located a rental pontoon with ten occupants.  Several Hall County EMS personnel were also onboard the rental pontoon.
	GWFC spoke with the occupants of the vessel and secured written statements of the incident from each person.  They said they were a group of coworkers out to enjoy the day together.  Witnesses said that another coworker went down the slide from the top deck of the vessel into the water and did not resurface.  Three passengers went into the water to help coworker, but were unable to locate him.  
	Notification was made to victim’s family by the Hall County Sheriff's Office on May 8, 2021.
	GA DNR LED searched the area described by the witnesses on May 8 and 9, 2021.  Victim was recovered by GA DNR LED and Hall County Sheriff's Office personnel on May 9, 2021.


BARDID: GA-2021-0052
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 30, 2021, Sgt. and I, Cpl., both with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division, were notified by dispatch of a boating incident that occurred at the Margaritaville public docks in Landshark Cove off Shoal Creek on Lake Lanier.  Sgt. and I responded to the incident location by vessel and observed a red and white Mastercraft, Vessel 1(V1), tied to the outside of Dock B.

	The owners of V1 and their daughter were on the dock.  I spoke with and secured a written statement from each.  They said that while attempting to secure their vessel to the dock, Subject1 fell on the throttle, accidentally pushing it forward and sending the vessel halfway on to the central walkway of the dock.  Subject2 turned the vessel off and pushed it back off the dock into the water.  No one was injured.

	Subject2 reported damage to the starboard side of V1 and to the bow on the hull.  Sgt. and I observed a long mark along the starboard side of V1, a series of cracks on the starboard gunwale, and damage to the hull on the bow.  Subject2 estimated the repair cost at greater than $2000.00.

	A rental vessel, Vessel 2 (V2), docked two slips over was damaged when the dock collided with V2's motor as the dock shifted with V1's impact.  operator of V2, said that V2 was docked, stern in, when the impact occurred.  Sgt. observed damage to the motor case of V2.

	Wood and plastic on the dock where V1 impacted were damaged.  Margaritaville employee confirmed the new damage to the dock when he was taking his own report.

	Witness statements of the incident were consistent.  No citations were issued.


BARDID: GA-2021-0053
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: GAINESVILLE
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 3, 2020 at approximately 17:40 hours, I, Corporal with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources - Law Enforcement Division (DNR LED), was notified by Sgt., also with DNR LED, of a boating incident that occurred at Gainesville Marina on Lake Lanier.  

	I responded to the boat ramp at Gainesville Marina where I was met by vessel operators, and several witnesses.  Operator2 said that he launched V2 at the boat ramp and was attempting to dock in the second space from the end of the courtesy docks at Gainesville Marina.  At the same time, Operator1 said he was attempting to dock V1 on the outside of the last space on the same dock.  Operator1 said that as he was docking, he realized he needed to move his stored wake boards in order to dock and accidentally bumped the throttle in reverse.  The starboard side of the swim platform of V1 struck the portside of the stern of V2.  Operator2 said he retrailered V2 because it was taking on water.  

V1 did not have any visible damage and Operator1 said there was no damage to V1.  V2 had visible damage to the fiberglass on the starboard stern.  Operator2 estimated damage at $2000.00.

Operator1, Operator2, and three witnesses provided statements confirming the recount of the incident.  Statements are attached.

No charges filed.


BARDID: GA-2021-0054
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: BUFORD
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Fuel
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, May 09, 2021 Sergeant received a call in regards to a boat fire at Lake Lanier Islands. Sgt. then went to the incident location by truck and I, Game Warden went by vessel. Due to Sgt. being the first on scene, he began talking with the operator of the vessel. Operator stated that his wife daughter, and sons were all aboard the vessel at the time of the incident.
 
	Operator then stated, that the vessel always starts on the first turn of the key. Operator and his family dock at The Port of Indecision. Operator said that they got on the vessel at their slip and the engine fired right up. They then drove over to the fuel dock to put gas in the vessel. After filling up with gas, Operator stated that he had the blower motor on and then went to start the motor. Operator said that it would not start so he turned the key again and it still wouldn't start. Operator then went to take a look at the motor and did not see nothing out of the ordinary. Operator then switched the fuel tank that would be supplying the motor with gas. Operator then turned the key to attempt to start the vessel. It was at this time that the boat exploded and caught fire. 

	This caused the vessel to burn to the water line and a PWC that belonged to Operator (was behind vessel) to catch fire. A portion of the gas dock also sustained damage in some places due to the fire and heat. 

	Two kids were taken by air to Grady for treatment to 2nd and 3rd degree burns throughout their body. Operator’s wife was transported by ambulance to Grady for treatment to burns and lacerations. Operator and one child remained on scene until a family friend was able to pick them up and take them to the hospital. Once at the hospital, Operator was admitted for treatment of burns that he had gotten. 

	According to one son, he was seated on the bow of the vessel, wife was seated towards the rear of the vessel on the port side, two kids were seated at the rear of the vessel on the starboard side, and operator was at the helm. 

	Due to the vessel being burnt to the waterline and being unable to locate vessel information on go outdoors, I was unable to obtain any registration and HIN information. Unable to get in touch with individual to obtain insurance policy number.


BARDID: GA-2021-0055
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: FLOWERY BRANCH
County: HALL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 11, 2021, I Game Warden was contacted by a man who inform me that on Saturday, May 29, 2021, at Holiday Marina in Hall County while he was away from his boat a friend/witness noticed that another boat that was backing out of an adjacent slip at Y dock collided with his boat. The driver didn't stop to look at any damage, he just loaded up a passenger and left Holiday Marina. 

The witness did snap a picture of the boat that had left the scene and informed V2 owner about what it happened. V2 owner told me that he went and checked on his boat and that he found that the collision had caused damage to the cowling however he stated that there was some additional damage to the motor based on the sound coming from the motor. I told V2 owner to get an estimate and he told me he would. 

On July 5th, 2021, V2 owner provided me an estimate from Singleton Marine for $3393.01. I told V2 owner I would use the picture provided by him of the vessel to try and track down who was driving the vessel that collided with his boat.

On July 16th, 2021, I was able to track down the boat and where it was stored to Margaritaville Marina. I Spoke to Operator1 about the incident from May 29th. Operator1 at first was sure that he didn't hit any boat on that day but did admit that he had driven his boat to Holiday Marina to attend a boat party. I took Operator1 and showed him the picture taken by the witness. He told me he would call his buddy who was on the boat that day to speak to him about what happened. I later got a call back from Operator1. he stated that he spoke to his buddy and that he did indeed hit the boat his buddy had seen it but didn't tell him because he didn't think it had caused any damage. 

On Aug 6th, 2021, I again met with Operator1 at Margaritaville, and he filled out a witness statement in it he stated on May 29th he was driving his boat when he accidently hit V2 owner's boat causing damage. I put Operator1 in contact with V2 owner by phone. Operator1 agreed to go to Singleton Marine and pay for the damages to the pontoon boat.  

In conclusion on May 29th, 2021, operator1 was driving his 40ft Carver cabin cruiser and while trying to leave Holiday Marina Y dock he did hit a Harris 250 pontoon boat also parked at Y dock causing damage to the engine’s cowling along with internal engine damage. Operator1 didn’t realize he had hit another boat and left the scene.


BARDID: GA-2021-0056
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-09-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Etowah River
NearestCityorTown: DAWSONVILLE
County: DAWSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 6th, 2021, at approximately 1730 hours I, Game Warden, received a call from GSP dispatch in reference to an injured kayaker on the Etowah River near the Dawson and Limpkin County line. I called Dawson County Dispatch to get more information about the incident.  I was informed that Dawson County Fire and emergency services was requesting our assistance for an ATV. Dawson County dispatch informed me that Dawson County Fire Cpt. was on scene and made contact with the injured kayaker but couldn't get them out on that side of the river.

           I called Game Warden to get her ATV and meet me at Beck Lane and Highway 136 in Dawson County. I gathered the last known coordinates for the injured kayaker and proceeded to figure out a good place to get the injured person out safely. GW made it to the location where we used the ATV to navigates the woods. We ended up driving down Clear Creek Road with Dawson County Fire to get the injured kayaker, and family back to safety. 

     Victim sustained a dislocated shoulder but was able to pop it back into place before arriving. GW, myself and Dawson County Fire escorted the injured kayaker and family back to the main road. The mother refused medical treatment for her daughter and stated she was going to be taking her to the hospital herself. Victim stated that she was kayaking through the old mining tunnel located on the Etowah River when she lost control and flipped her kayak while in the tunnel hitting her arm and dislocating it. Dawson County Fire gave them rides back to their vehicles.


BARDID: GA-2021-0057
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-04-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:58:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Lanier
NearestCityorTown: CUMMING
County: FORSYTH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday April 27, 2021 at approximately 2122 hours I, Game Warden (GW), received a phone call from the Georgia State Patrol radio room about a boat fire at Port Royale Marina in Forsyth county. I arrived on scene at about 2220 hours. Forsyth County Fire and Forsyth County Fire Investigation Unit were on scene as well as an Army Corps of Engineers Park Ranger. 

There was a total of four passengers on the boat. The operator had filled up the boat with fuel at the dock and proceeded to push the boat away from the dock. Once the boat was away from the dock, Operator turned the ignition on the boat and that is when the fuel vapors ignited. The victim was sitting in the back of the boat on the port side when the vapors ignited, the other two passengers were sitting at the bow of the boat. Victim’s clothing and hair caught on fire. Victim jumped into the water to extinguish the fire on her person. By the time I arrived on scene she was already being transported to Grady Hospital Burn Unit to treat the burns resulting from the flash fire. No other passengers were injured during the incident. Forsyth County Fire Investigation Unit determined that the fire was a result of the blower not being on for the required amount of time to diminish the fuel vapors after fueling a boat. Victim was discharged from the hospital in less than twenty-four hours. Nothing further. 

Forsyth County Fire Investigation case number: 2021-04-0005


BARDID: GA-2021-0058
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chattahoochee River
NearestCityorTown: SANDY SPRINGS
County: FULTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday August 8th, Game Warden and the National Park Service were on a vessel patrol in the Roswell/Sandy Springs area. GW and NPS were notified of a near drowning incident from a passing by boater. The incident location was the Chattahoochee River at Overlook Park. GW and NPS were approximately a half mile upriver when the incident occurred. The incident occurred at roughly 1530 hours and both agencies arrived on scene at 1600 hours in a NPS vessel. 

A 15-year-old male lost balance while paddle boarding, causing the male to fall into the Chattahoochee River. The subject went under water around several family members and other recreators. The witnesses described Victim to be a good swimmer, but he went through a panicked episode as he hit the water. Victim was submerged for 1.5 to 2 minutes before he was retrieved by other recreators. Victim was in an unconscious state when he was recovered. It was reported that CPR was successfully performed on by an off-duty nurse. Victim was brought to the floating dock at Morgan Falls Overlook Park. Victim received further treatment by Sandy Springs Fire Department and was transported to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for monitoring.

Victim and 8 other family members had all rented paddle boards from High Country Outfitters, which operates above Morgan Falls Dam. All family members, including Victim, signed a waiver of liability form before putting on the water. High Country provides all its customers with PFDs. 

GW and NPS interviewed the High Country employees and communicated with Victim’s sister. She reported that her brother was in good health around 1730 hours. She said her brother received a chest x-ray to identify any fluid trapped in Victim’s lungs. 

Victim was discharged from the hospital later that evening on August 8, 2021.


BARDID: GA-2021-0059
State: GA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chattahoochee River
NearestCityorTown: BLAKELY
County: EARLY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, May 23rd, 2021 at approximately 9:20 p.m. Sergeant notified me of a boating incident that occurred on the Chattahoochee River. He advised that officials were all en route to the location with patrol vessels.  GSP Dispatch notified me that Houston County EMS were already on scene with the subject. They advised me the subject was penned between the boat and a tree and were unable remove him from his vessel.  When I arrived on the landing, dispatch advised me the subject was alert and speaking to first responders.  Shortly after arriving at the landing, we launched a patrol vessel and arrived on scene.
	Once on scene, I noticed a Bayliner Ski boat partially on the shore with a tree through the bow of the vessel. The vessel struck a tree on shore splitting the boat down the middle, all the way to the driver’s console. EMS had the operator sitting up, conscious and alert. I made my way over to Operator to ask him questions regarding the incident, at approximately 10:14 p.m.  I then asked Operator how he managed to crash his boat. Operator stated that he was following two boats heading south when the waves got rough and lost control of his vessel. Operator stated that he had his running lights on. I asked him if he was using any spotlights to see and he stated that it wasn’t that dark. While talking with Operator I noticed that he had thick slurred speech and I could smell a very strong odor of alcoholic beverage from his person and the vessel. I asked Operator how many drinks he had, and he stated around seven. I then asked him if he would submit to any tests to see if he was sober and he stated, “six or seven beers, I probably ain’t sober.” 
	While speaking with Operator the Life Flight pilot noticed that a small bruise on Operator’s abdomen had grown substantially and she made the determination that he possibly had internal bleeding. Operator was quickly fastened to a back board to stabilize him for transport and was transported to an Alabama boat ramp where he was then life flighted to Southeast Health Medical Center.
	On May 24th at approximately 08:00 a.m. EST. GW and I went back to the crash site to conduct our investigation in the daytime. Once we arrived on scene, I could see sand all over the leaves in the trees several feet above the height of my vessel. I checked the throttle position and it was pushed all the way forward. The steering cables were still intact, and I was able to turn the motor position by turning the steering wheel. Later that day, we traveled to Southeast Health Medical Center and asked to see Operator.   We were informed by Operator’s mother, he was transferred to Flowers Hospital in Dothan and in critical condition.  She stated he had severe internal damage and several broken bones.   I asked her if she knew what the extent of his injuries were.  She provided us Operator’s phone number and I informed her I would call back in a few days to check on him.
	On May 27th at approximately 4:47 p.m. EST. I called Operator’s mother to check on Operator. Operator’s mother stated that he was still not doing well and was still in ICU. I asked if he was able to talk and she stated that he was not. I told Operator’s mother I would check back in.
	On June 1st at approximately 12:20 p.m. EST. I called Operator’s mother to check on Operator. She stated that he was doing much better and she provided me his phone number. I contacted Operator at approximately 1:42 p.m. to discuss what happened and to get his medical records released to me for the report. He stated that he couldn’t meet because he had follow-up appointments with surgeons all day, but he would give me a statement about what happened. He stated that while driving back to the boat ramp, he was following two other boats. He stated that he must have either hit one of their wakes or a submerged object and lost control of hi


