# ReleasableAccidentes

BARDID: UT-2020-0077
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WILLARD
NearestCityorTown: WILLARD
County: BOX ELDER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 5, 2020 at approximately 1500 hours I was approached by a boat just as I was going to get on the patrol boat at the ranger docks. A male identified as Operator drove his boat up to the dock and told me his daughter was having some headaches after hitting her head hard after being flung off the tube while tubing. I called medical to come check out Victim an 11 year old girl. After medical checked out Victim the family decided to self-transport to an emergency care place nearby. Victim was the only one on the boat that was hurt during tubing and was having headaches and some neck pain. NFD.


BARDID: UT-2020-0080
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: GARDEN CITY
County: RICH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
NOTIFICATION
Operator approached me on 8/3/2020 to ask if we had ever seen an injury like his before. He showed me a bandaged area on his lower right arm, told me that a cleat from his boat had punctured him there.

I told him I had not seen an injury quite like what he described. He said that as he was docking in the transient slip #2, he was holding the stationary dock with his right arm. He said that as his boat (vessel #1) continued into the slip, his mid-starboard cleat continued into the flesh of his right arm.

Operator said that he went to the hospital in Montpelier, Idaho and received at least eight stitches. I told him that this would qualify as a boat accident and require a report. 

VESSEL #1 was still in the slip so I walked to it with him and gathered some additional information. He and a female present said they would send me additional insurance information soon.

FOLLOW-UP
I followed up with Operator on 8/7/2020. I found he was doing well and had his stitches removed. I gathered more report information. I found they had sent me the additional information I requested but I apparently did not receive it. They must have copied my number down wrong.

At a later date, I received passenger information to include in the report.


BARDID: UT-2020-0081
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:01:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: JORDANELLE
NearestCityorTown: HEBER
County: WASATCH
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
ACCIDENT
On August 14, 2020 about 13:00 hours Vessel 1 was traveling Westbound on Jordanelle Reservoir about 15 miles per hour. Vessel 1 was towing an individual on a wakeboard. The individual was later identified as Victim. Operator was later identified as the operator. Victim fell while being towed. The wakeboard struck his head leaving about a 2-3 inch laceration.

MEDICAL
Medical personnel was contacted and they met Victim at the boat ramp. It was founded that he did not need to be transported by ambulance, but did need to seek treatment beyond first aid. It was found that stitches were not needed and that they glued the cut up.

INVESTIGATION
I gathered the information from Operator and gave them a case number associated with the accident.


BARDID: UT-2020-0082
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WILLARD
NearestCityorTown: WILLARD
County: BOX ELDER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
While on patrol as a uniformed Utah State Parks Ranger at the Willard Bay South Marina, Passenger 1 approached me and asked if I could take a look at her friends son. Passenger 1 state that Victim had tried to jump from the marina dock onto their boat and had slipped and cut his leg on the button used for the cover of the boat.

Passenger 1stated that they were just now loading the boat onto the trailer and she would meet me in the parking lot.

Officer 2 was at the South Marina helping with an unrelated incident and I asked him for his assistance. He is a certified EMT and he agreed to look at Victim’s injury. I also contacted Box Elder Dispatch and requested medical.

I made contact with Passenger 1 again. She showed me where Victim was, he was sitting in the front of the boat wearing a type 3 life jacket and holding his right shin. I could see that his shin was bleeding. Officer had his medical bag and began to talk with Victim and to bandage his wound. At this point Willard Fire Department arrived. 

While Officer 2 and the Willard Fire Department attended to Victim I collected information from all the passengers and operator. I asked them all to recall what had happened. All the passengers and the operator told me the same story. Victim had been on the boat dock. He then attempted to jump back onto the boat. He slipped and cut his shin on the button of the boat used for the boat cover. He did not enter the water at any point. The passengers and operator stated that he fell onto the boat.

I asked Officer 2 what was the extent of Victim injury. Officer 2 stated that Victim had a 2"-3" just below his right knee, and that the cut was 1/4" deep. Officer 2 stated that he would probably need a few stitches but that his vitals were stable and emergency transportation was not necessary.

I spoke with Passenger 2 who is Victim mother. She stated that she did not want him to be transported by medical personnel and that she would transport him herself to the hospital.

I opened a Utah boat accident report and filled out all the necessary information.


BARDID: UT-2020-0083
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WILLARD
NearestCityorTown: WILLARD
County: BOX ELDER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Carbon monoxide exposure
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
OFFICER ACTIONS
I responded to a call for CO poisoning. I responded from the North Marina to the South Marina of Willard Bay State Park. I made contact with the vessel. Medical arrived and an additional officer helped the victim and parents of the victim to medical staged at the boat ramp. I gathered information from all parties involved. I performed a vessel inspection with the involved vessel.

NARRATIVE
At 17:05 on 8/21/2020 while working as a uniformed Utah State Parks Ranger at Willard Bay State Park I responded to a call from dispatch of a CO poisoning at the South Marina. I responded from the North Marina. I initiated my emergency equipment (lights and sirens) and drove to the South Marina Boat Ramp. When I arrived at the boat ramp a Perry Officer was there and assessing the victim. The victim was Passenger 1. When I contacted the vessel and the Perry Officer, Passenger 1 was breathing, awake and disoriented.

A Willard Office (W2) arrived and had oxygen in his truck and brought it to Passenger 1 who was still on the vessel at the dock. Medical arrived and Passenger 1 was taken by his parents Passenger 2 and Passenger 3 and the Perry Officer to where medical was staged at the top of the boat ramp.

I began to get information from all parties involved. Owner/Operator identified himself as the owner and operator of the vessel at the time of the incident. I went through a vessel inspection with him and he passed.

I contacted medical and they informed me that Passenger 1 still had above normal levels of CO in his system and that medical was going to transport him to McKayDee Hospital.

Passenger 1 was transported to McKayDee Hospital by Brigham City Fire Department. Passenger 2 and Passenger 3 went with Passenger 1 as well.

DESCRIPTION OF EVENTS LEADING TO INCIDENT
The following information was communicated to me by Owner/Operator, Passenger 4 and Passenger 5, and Passenger 2 and Passenger 3.

All parties stated that their vessels' battery was having trouble retaining its charge. Owner/Operator told me that before they went out on the water he let his vessel run in the parking lot in an attempt to charge the battery.

While on the water Owner/Operator left his vessel idling while children (Passenger 1, Passenger 6 and Passenger 7, and Passenger 8) swam near the vessel. Owner/Operator stated that he let his vessel idle in order for the battery to retain its charge. Passenger 2 stated to me that he was aware of the risks of idling and increased CO near the vessel. He stated that they were requiring the children to jump off of and swim on the sides of the vessel. While the children were swimming, Passenger 1 attempted to climb onto the swim deck to get back onto the vessel. At this point he began to inhale excess CO. The parties stated that he began to look "sleepy" let out a muffled scream and went unconscious. Owner/Operator immediately began operating the vessel to the South Marina and Passenger 3 called 911.

The involved parties stated that at no point did Passenger 1 go under the water and that he was unconscious for about 5 minutes. Passenger 1 regained consciousness soon after the vessel arrived at the South Marina and the group was contacted by officers.


BARDID: UT-2020-0085
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:34:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WILLARD BAY
NearestCityorTown: WILLARD
County: BOX ELDER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Injured was trying to get up on water skis and her legs seperated. She felt a pop behind her knee and then pain. Injured was unable to get in the boat herself and needed assistance walking when they got to the ramp. She was cleared by medical and self transported for futher care.


BARDID: UT-2020-0086
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE POWELL
County: GARFIELD
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS
I responded to and investigated a houseboat fire. There were no injuries, and the fire was contained to the kitchen area of the houseboat.

INITIAL REPORT
At approx. 1300 on Monday, 8/3/2020 on Lake Powell, I (Ranger 1) was in my office when I heard National Park Service (NPS) Dispatch put out a call regarding a houseboat fire in Hansen Creek Canyon. There were no injuries, and everyone was reported being off the boat. NPS Dispatch stated the reporting party (RP) said it was smoking but no active flames. The vessel was described as the houseboat "SHORE THING", 63 ft. long white with green stripes. I advised NPS Dispatch that I would be enroute shortly to the scene.

INITIAL CONTACT
I responded to Hansen Creek Canyon with my seasonal employee. As we approached the mouth of Hansen Creek Canyon, we were waved over by two males on a PWC who told us where the houseboat was. We entered the canyon, and a little ways down, observed a blue super Air Nautique boat that pointed out the cove the houseboat was in.

As I approached the houseboat "SHORE THING" I didn't observe any active flames or smoke coming from the vessel. I asked a gentlemen on the back of the vessel if the boat was secure and if the batteries were off. He replied that the boat was secure, but didn't know if the batteries were on. He confirmed the fire was out and that there and that there were no active flames "SHORE THING" was beached and anchored in a cove. Shortly after I arrived NPS vessel 290 (fireboat), with NPS Rangers 2, 3, and 4 also arrived on scene. The location was approx. 1 mile up Hansen Creek Canyon on the port side.

NARRATIVE
I boarded the houseboat, and introduced myself to those on board. Ranger 3 also boarded and conducted an inspection of the houseboat to confirm the fire was contained/extinguished. Ranger 3 confirmed to me she didn't see any evidence of current fire activity. She also stated she used the Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) and saw a hotspot of 124 degrees. Ranger 2 also stated in his report " I then walked into the cabin of the houseboat and noticed the party had completely removed all the siding around 2 refrigerators and removed the paneling to check for active flames".
-
Adults on board stated they had used 8-9 fire extinguishers, and that active flames approx. 5-6" high were visible behind the fridge and were "burning the wood". I observed numerous used fire extinguishers on the counter. They stated the propane for the two fridges weren't working, so they switched the propane tanks, the fridges started beeping indicating they weren't working. The system is set up to automatically connect to the propane when there is no power. Adults on board further stated the new propane tanks were full, and there was a tight seal. They started the generator and stated that the fridges then should have been off the propane. The 3 families were eating lunch in the houseboat and could start to smell smoke, and then observed smoke behind the left fridge. They switched everything off, including the batteries, but stated the fridges stayed on. Pitchers of water were also used by those onboard to put out the fire, and additional fire extinguishers were given to them from a neighboring houseboat.

One witness and the RP, Passenger 1, stated in her witness statement "fridges were not working, we switched to propane tanks, the fridges should have worked. They were saying no LP so we switched to generator, but fridges didn't switch over to generator power. Then Passenger 2 started smelling fire burning. We shut off the generator and kids say smoke was coming out of the cupboards avoe the left fridge. Passenger 3 and Passenger 2 started pulling things out of the cupbaord. Sprayed fire extinguishers into the flame, tore cupboards and ceiling panel down, pulled fridge out as much as possible. Put all porpane tanks and 5 gallon gas cans on shore. Me and Passenger 4 (my son) drove the ski boat to the channel to call 911. They gave us to Glen Canyon Rescue. We drove the ski boat back to the houseboat and waited for fire rescue".

Another witness, identified as Passenger 2 stated "At approx. 12 pm I (Passenger 2) began to smell smoke and I assumed "something is burning" smell. However, from 10-15 mns we still couldn't see anything. Then, above the fridge, we could smoke billowing out, and quickly started to break down walls, lights, panels, so we could get to the source. As soon as we broke through the walls we immediately saw 6-8 inch flames, and began to fire extinguish the flames. It took approx. 30-45 mns. to completely get the flames/embers out.

SHORE THING was not underway at the time the fire occurred (no operator), it was beached and anchored. The damage observed included significant damage to the siding and the ceiling paneling in the kitchen area (directly above both fridges). The paneling was removed by individuals on board, so they could further assess/access where the fire was coming from. Burned wood was also visible above the fridges and also on the side paneling as well. The origin of the fire was behind/above the fridges. The coils on the back of the left fridge were also charred.

CONCLUSION
Based on my investigation, interviews with individuals onboard, witness statements and pictures - the cause of the vessel fire was likely electrical. There were issues with the fridges being switched from propane to generator power, and that was a possible factor in this incident. There was a delay in submitting this report, due to a delay in receiving insurance info for the report. Attached to this report are the pictures of the damage to "SHORE THING", registration and insurance information, witness statements, NPS CAD log, and the NPS General and Fire Reports as well. Report is complete.

End of Report


BARDID: UT-2020-0087
State: UT
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:43:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: EAST CANYON
NearestCityorTown: HENEFER
County: MORGAN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 29 2020 I was off duty and received a call about two PWC's that crashed on East Canyon Reservoir. I got on my LE gear and went to the dock where the caller was. V2 Passenger was there and had a head laceration and bruising on his neck from the PFD he was wearing. I contacted V1 Operator who was operating one of the PWC's. V1 Operator also had a laceration jst above his right eye. I notified V1 Operator to go over by V2 Passenger because an ambulance was coming and he needed to get checked out. I asked V1 Operator who else was involved. He stated V1 Passenger and V2 Operator were also involved.

V2 Operator was over on another shore with a disabled PWC and V1 Passenger was over on the shore where his family was. I got on the boat and drove to where V2 Operator was. I located her and found she was not injured but her PFD was ripped. I got her on my patrol boat and did a side tow of the PWC because it was disabled. I located her and found she was not injured but her PFD was ripped. I got her on my patrol boat and did a side tow of the PWC because it was disabled. When we got to the dock medical was there and had checked everyone out and did not transport anyone. At one point V1 Operator veered in front of V2 Operator photographed the damage. V2 Operator and V2 Passenger were on one PWC and V1 Operator and V1 Passenger were on another. At one point V1 Operator veered in front of V2 Operator and the vessels collided. The PWC V2 Operator was on had multiple large cracks in the hull and had taken on a significant amount of water. The PWC V1 Operator was operating had a few small cracks in the hull but was still drivable and didn't take on any water. V1 Operator was issued a citation for failure to obey speed and proximity.


BARDID: UT-2021-0046
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE POWELL
NearestCityorTown: HALLS CROSSING
County: SAN JUAN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 09, 2021, I, U.S. Park Ranger were dispatched to the Halls Crossing Marina for a boat accident report. I contacted the reporting party. OPERATOR2 stated to me that they were drifting in the main channel onboard their vessel - Vessel 2 near Buoy 81 and Slick Rock Canyon. They observed a PWC Vessel 1 driving in the water with other PWC's nearby. OPERATOR2 then stated she observed a female operating Vessel 1 approaching the bow of Vessel 2 at speed. OPERATOR2 stated the Vessel 1 operator panicked and let go of the throttle and lost control of Vessel 1. Vessel 1 struck the bow of Vessel 2 and caused a crack in the fiberglass (see attached photo log).

OPERATOR2 stated there were no injuries to themselves sor the operator of Vessel 1. OPERATOR2 obtained information from the operator of Vessel 1, OPERATOR2 did not know the damage that was sustained to Vessel 1.

OPERATOR1 did not report the accident to the National Park Service, information obtained regarding Vessel 1 was provided by OPERATOR2. OPERATOR2 provided witness statements (see attached) regarding the incident. Numerous attempts to contact the rental company, Action Toy Rental, to obtain registration and insurance information were unsuccessful.

The accident investigation showed that Vessel 1's operator inexperience and loss of control of her vessel caused Vessel 1 to strike and cause damage to the bow of Vessel 2.


BARDID: UT-2021-0049
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Powell
NearestCityorTown: Big Water
County: Kane
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Synopsis:
At approximately 13:15 on 08/05/2021 a dispatch call came out about a possible drowning in Warm creek. A male individual had dove in from an adrift boat to help his son whom was struggling to swim. After helping his son back to the boat, OPERATOR 1 had gone underwater and did not resurface for some time. OPERATOR 1 was located by some good Samaritans some time later. OPERATOR 1 was pulled from the water and CPR was started. Classic medical helicopter and NPS medics arrived on scene a short time later but were unable to resuscitate OPERATOR 1. Time of death was called at 14:08 Arizona time by Classic Air Medics on 08/05/2021.
NARRATIVE:
On 08/05/2021 at approximately 13:45, I received a phone call from dispatch stating there was a possible drowning in the mouth of Warm Creek and that CPR was in progress. I immediately left my meeting and made my way to my patrol vessel to respond to the incident. I listened to the radio traffic while I made my way up-lake and heard that time of death was called at 14:08. I continued to the scene and when I arrived, I spoke with NPS Ranger who let me know that other NPS rangers had transported the son of VICTIM to the hospital in Page, AZ to be treated for a near drowning. (Was later found to be okay) 
The body of OPERATOR 1 had been loaded onto their patrol vessel to be transported back to the Wahweap Marina to meet with the Kane County Medical Examiner.
I made a plan to tow the rental vessel back to Antelope Point so that NPS units could return to the marina with the body. 
I then attached the rental vessel to my patrol vessel using a side tow technique. I made the tow back to Antelope Point Marina without any issue. I then tied the vessel in the NPS slip and drove back to the Wahweap Marina where I docked my vessel. 
I met up with NPS and gathered information from the incident so that I could complete the BARD report. NPS explained to me the chain of events that had transpired. (See attached NPS report) 
I met with rental company gather other information pertaining to the case. (See attached rental agreement and watercraft registration)
An autopsy report was later obtained which affirmed the death of VICTIM was that of a drowning. (See attached OME report)
End of Report


BARDID: UT-2021-0050
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-10-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:56:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Powell
NearestCityorTown: Big Water
County: Kane
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS:
Vessel one was stuck on the beach attempting to de-anchor when 17 y/o female victim whom was assisting fell underneath the pontoon. The motion of the vessel due to the high winds caused the front port-side bow of the vessel to tear off all flesh and muscle from her leg as it fell with the wave action. 

NARRATIVE:

ON 10/18/2021 at approximately 14:30 hours, I was dispatched to a laceration call in Gunsight Bay. I immediately made my way to the NPS government dock to board my patrol vessel. I heard NPS units responding to the call as well as a Classic Air Medical  helicopter who was also dispatched as the laceration was serious. 

I made the 30 minute vessel trip up-lake picking up two NPS Rangers at Antelope Point Marina on the way. Ranger 1 and Ranger 2. 
A short time later we arrived to a houseboat blown port side against the beach and a medical helicopter grounded behind it in the sand. I let down the landing craft gate of my patrol vessel, approached the beach,  and Ranger 1 ran to asses the situation. The patient, Victim was already loaded in to the helicopter and they took off within a minute of us arriving. 

To help the family, Operator requested that I hook on to the starboard side bow of the houseboat to assist in straightening out the large vessel. We were able to attach a tow rope and assist in getting the vessel off the beach and underway. 
Once underway, we took some time and spoke with Victim's father. He told us that they were attempting to de-anchor when the high winds blew the houseboat against the beach. He hoped off the vessel and was attempting to push the port-side bow of the vessel in hopes to get it off the beach. Victim slipped underneath the pontoon and the action of the waves caused the front port-side bow of the pontoon to tear off all flesh and muscle from the backside of her leg (from the knee to the ankle) as it fell with the wave action. Then Victim stated they called 911.

There was no visible damage to the vessel.

END OF REPORT

*Awaiting witness statement from Victim, once/if received, it will be attached via a supplemental report.


BARDID: UT-2021-0051
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: STRAWBERRY RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: HEBER CITY
County: WASATCH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 9 August 2021 at approximately 1800, I was called to a boat accident at Strawberry Marina. As I was enroute, on boat, from the Soldier Creek side, the other boat involved fled the scene. An attempt to locate was put out, but the boat was not located. 

NARRATIVE
On the above date and time, I was called to a boat accident at Strawberry Marina. I was over near the Soldier Creek Dam assisting with another incident at the time. I responded and as I was enroute dispatch informed me that the other involved boat was trying to leave the scene, once it had been located. I informed dispatch that I did not have a vehicle to try to locate them with. Dispatch broadcasted and attempt to locate for the vehicle and boat involved. 

I made contact with V1 owner, the owner of the other involved boat. He told me they had been holding onto the dock, preparing to load their boat on the trailer, when a large white boat with a female driver, appeared to be struggling to maintain the boat in the wind. She accelerated quickly and ramped their boat on top of V1 owner's.

V1 OWNER and his passenger began to take on water and had to bail the boat out while attempting to get off the water. The passengers in the other boat assisted V1 OWNER until they got to shore, and then they put their boat on the trailer and pulled up the ramp. V1 OWNER thought they were going to wait for them in the parking lot, but they drove away.

Occupant sustained small lacerations to his forearm. I offered to call medical for Occupant but he denied.

VESSEL DAMAGE:

V1 OWNER's boat sustained a large amount of damage, including:
-bent metal
-holes to the side of the boat
-long scratches
-bent and broken motor
-large cracks

INVESTIGATION:

I contacted Strawberry Marina to inquire if they had cameras in the parking lot, and they told me they did not. As I did not have a vehicle to search for the vessel with, I returned to the incident at Soldier Creek. On the 10th of August 2021, I spent several hours in the Strawberry area, I looked in several camps but did not see the vessel that was involved.

CONCLUSION:

The other involved vessel was unable to be located. I gave V1 OWNER my information and gave him his case number. I informed him on how to get a copy of the report.


BARDID: UT-2021-1000
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-10 00:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Private Pond
NearestCityorTown: Holladay
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
According to a news media report, a person drowned on a private pond after their kayak capsized.  The victim was not wearing a life jacket and the pond was only about 8 feet deep.


BARDID: UT-2021-1001
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-10-24 00:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fish Lake
County: Servier
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
According to a news media report, a vessel carrying two people capsized between 5:14 and 5:21 am after fishing all night.  Neither was wearing a life jacket and the water temperature was approximately 53 degrees.  One person is believed to have let go of the boat due to hypothermia and sunk benearth the surface.  Another was rescued around 7:30 and was treated for hypothermia.


BARDID: UT-2022-0001
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Powell
NearestCityorTown: BULLFROG
County: Kane
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Synopsis:

I investigated and did a boat incident report for a houseboat that struck a rock. There were no injuries, only damage to the houseboat involved. Report was filed. 

Initial Call:
At approximately 09:00 am on Monday, May 30th in Bullfrog, I (Ranger, Boating Supervisor at Lake Powell) spoke with NPS Dispatch. Dispatch advised that a houseboat that hit a rock in the Escalante was at the North Ramp courtesy dock. I gathered more information from NPS Dispatch, the vessel had been towed. Services to Bullfrog on Sunday, May 29th. The initial incident occurred on May 28th, and was reported to NPS Dispatch by individuals on board. Initial call notes state "Vessel taking on water, pumping out water, 7 people on board, oldest 53 yom, and youngest 24". Assistance was provided Saturday evening.  I notified NPS Dispatch that I would respond and take the boat incident report/investigate. 

Initial Contact:

As I arrived at the top of the North Ramp, I observed the houseboat tied up at the North Ramp Courtesy Dock. An Off-Shore Resort semi-truck, and boat trailer arrived shortly after to pull the houseboat off the water. 

I spoke with individuals from the houseboat O1 identified himself to me, and stated he was the operator/one of the owners of the houseboat. He stated that he struck a hidden rock shelf with the houseboat, and that a gust of wind "pushed him" into it.He stated they were going to pull the vessel off the water, and that it would go to the Marina dry storage for repairs. I explained that I would gather some additional info from him, including a witness statement/detailed description of what occurred; after the vessel had been pulled. O1 was directly involved with the pulling of the vessel. I spoke with other individuals in the group, and gathered additional information. It was confirmed there were only 2 passengers on board at the time of the incident. 

I spoke with vessel representatives. stated he went down to the Escalante Arm on Saturday evening (05.28.2022) and brought a pump. The operator/owner had radioed emergency and called Captain plugged the hole on vessel (with a sponge/shammy), and stabilized the vessel. Boat was taking on approx. 110 gallons a minute of water, more than bilge pumps on board could handle, prior to. Services arrival. The vessel had struck a rock shelf, causing damage to the drive shaft, resulting in the hole and the vessel taking on water. Captain described the location of the incident as the second turn in on the left-hand side, on the Escalante Arm (GPS coordinates included in report). The location was about a quarter mile in from the main channel of Lake Powell. 

Captain went back Sunday morning 05.29.2022, and towed the houseboat involved to Bullfrog. Due to heavy wind conditions, he stated he put the boat at the Gas Dock in Bullfrog. 

Investigation:

The (only vessel involved - Vessel 1), was identified as White 2008 77 ft. Majestic Yachts Houseboat. The USCG documentation is current and active. A mechanic that works on the houseboat for the family was also involved in monitoring the houseboat while it was pulled. The mechanic was identified. The vessel was successfully pulled, and driven to the top of the Bullfrog North Ramp. While there, myself, owner and members of the family surveyed the damage. See the report for a more detailed list of the damage. The starboard engine drive shaft was broken/bent and had "popped" out.  The starboard rudder and prop were both bent as well. 

I provided Owner my business card (and he gave me his), I requeste


BARDID: UT-2022-0002
State: UT
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2022-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Powell
NearestCityorTown: BULLFROG
County: Kane
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause3: Weather
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Individuals on scene stated that waves started coming over the bow on Vessel 1 that was towing Vessel 2, and that it was traveling approximately 10 mph, and waves were 4-6 ft. high.  Vessel2 was not operational due to engine issues. They confirmed that everyone else was safe on the shore directly across from where we were.

Additional follow-up was conducted and information gathered. Based on my investigation, pictures, interviews, and witness statements - the main contributing factors in this incident were operator impairment, operator inattention and operator inexperience (towing in heavy weather).


BARDID: VA-2014-0039
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: ROCKYMOUNT
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
We noticed a 1980 galaxy boat run aground at parkway drive in franklin county at the causeway entrance to the franklin county community park. 

The operator of the galaxy advised he was traveling up stream at approximately 10-15 mph when he struck the causeway. operator stated he was following the channel markers and did not notice the causeway.  

The boat was towed across the channel to the smith mountain lake state park where operator had previously launched from.  

The boat sustained minor damages to the hull and skeg. The propeller had major damage to the blades.  

Shortly after leaving the incident scene, the va dgif dispatch advised subject had went to the bedford memorial hospital for evaluation. 

He had only minor bruising and soreness to his back.  He was given pain pills,muscle relaxers and sent home.


BARDID: VA-2014-0040
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:11:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River - Upper & Middle
NearestCityorTown: Surry
County: Surry County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
At 1811 hours on 7/19/14, Operator's vessel was found beached at Swans Point in Surry County. His wallet and cell phone were found on board. The vessel was in neutral and the ignition was in the off position with the keys still inserted. A missing persons report was filed by Surry County Sheriffs Department for Operator. At the same time, it was discovered that his passenger was had been admitted that morning to the hospital.  She stated that she and Operator were headed to the festival on Friday 7/18/2014.  She stood up to change her sweatshirt while the boat was in motion, lost her balance, and fell overboard.  When she resurfaced, she stated that she could not see the vessel or Operator.  This occurred between 2200 on Friday 7/18/14 and 0600 on Saturday 7/19/2014.  She was found and recovered by a good Samaritan at 730 hrs on 7/19/2014 as she was hanging on to an old piling at Cobham Warf.  Surry County Sherrif and EMS responded.  Surry County EMS Medic 12 transported her to Obici Hospital and she was held overnight for observation for the effects of hypothermia.   On 7/20/14, a body was discovered at 1903 hours near the Jamestown Ferry at  37.216151, -76.786660. It was later confirmed to be Operator by finger print identification. The body was recovered by Virginia Marine Police with the assistance of James City County Fire Department. James City County fire Captain, pronounced death at 2000 hours. The remains were taken to the Central District Medical Examiners office in Richmond, VA by Suburban transport. Next of kin notifications were made by 1st Sergeant. Dr. Subject conducted an autopsy and found no water in the nasal cavity, sinus cavities, lungs, or stomach. No signs of trauma to the body were found. Blood-work was taken and currently awaiting results of toxicology screen.  The preliminary cause of death is pending.


BARDID: VA-2014-0041
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Leesville Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Hurt
County: Pittsylvania County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07-04-2014, while on boat patrol on Leesville Lake I was performing a safety inspection on a vessel when I noticed that one of its occupants had a head injury. I inquired about his injury and he informed me that he had been involved in a boat accident. Victim stated that he had already been to the Urgent care and had been treated. I identified the owner and operator of the vessel involved in the accident. I collected personal contact information for all persons involved in the accident. I gave them witness statements and asked them to fill them out. The victim had taken photos of his injuries at the doctor’s office and agreed to text them to me. I contacted DGIF Richmond Dispatch and informed them that the accident had been reported to me. 
On 07-08-2014 I met with the owner of the vessel and collected the filled out witness statements. I took photos of the vessel as well as the wake board involved in the incident. 
Based on my investigation of the boat accident that occurred on 07-04-2014, the following has been determined to have occurred: 
On 07-04-2014, at approximately 1700hrs Owner was operating a 2001 Yamaha PWC on Leesville Lake. Owner was pulling victim who was skiing behind the vessel on a wake board. Victim struck a wake wrong and fell forward as his feet came up behind him. One of his feet came out of his wake board boot and the wake board struck him in the back of the head. When the wake board struck Victim it lacerated the rear of his head, on the top right side. Victim was then picked up by Owner on the PWC and transported by vehicle to Med-Express Urgent Care-Timberlake. Upon arrival at Urgent Care, Doctors inserted five staples to close Victim’s wound.


BARDID: VA-2014-0042
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:01:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Rocky Mount
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and Victim were docking at a friend’s house to tend to the property in the owners absence. When approaching the dock, Victim was at the side entrance and went to step onto the dock. When she stepped her footing slipped and she fell between the dock and the boat. She hit the dock and was knocked unconscious face down in the water. operator, who is a paraplegic, begin yelling for help and honking the boats horn. A neighbor, heard the commotion and ran to see what was happening. Subject observed a woman face down in the water and jumped in to help. Subject pulled Victim to shore and began CPR while operator called 911. Victim regained consciousness and was transported to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, VA. At the hospital, she was seen by Dr., who diagonsed her with a broken right arm. 

There are no charges in this case.


BARDID: VA-2014-0043
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lynnhaven River
NearestCityorTown: 889 S Spiegel Drive
County: Virginia Beach
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Fuel
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim tried starting her PWC just off her floating dock behind her residence.  Witness (victim's sister) was on the floating dock holding the PWC's bowline.  Witness2 (victim's aunt) was watching from the shore.  The PWC exploded which throwing the victim into the air.  She landed on the top portion of the vessel which caused a fractured vertebra (L1).  The victim then fell into shallow water.  Witness1 got in the water to pull victim onto the floating dock.  Witness1 then went to summon help and subject moved to the floating dock to assist victim  and fend the PWC from the floating dock.  The victim was transported, hospitalized, underwent surgery, suffered a stroke, rehospitalized and died.  The ME connected the death to the explosion.  There was a leak in the fuel line.


BARDID: VA-2014-0044
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Lynnhaven Municipal Boat Ramp
County: Virginia Beach
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The Carolina Skiff was out on the Chesapeake Bay for a fishing trip.  As those onboard were preparing rods, waves came over into the boat.  The operator moved forward to clear out the water at which time the chum bag line caught the propeller causing it to stop.  Waves swamped the boat and caused it to capsize. One occupant suffered a bruise. The victim was cut on an unknown object when boat capsized.


BARDID: VA-2014-0045
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-08-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River - Lower
NearestCityorTown: MANAKIN
County: Goochland County
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject stated that he had spent all summer building the engine for the boat and on 08-24-2014 at about 8:30 am he came out to brake the motor in. Subject stated the motor sounded a little off so he stopped and started working on it and a spark caught a rag on fire and at some point a gas can got knocked over and the boat caught on fire and he was unable to put the fire out.The fire caused total loss of vessel.


BARDID: VA-2014-0046
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-08-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Spotsylvania
County: Spotsylvania County
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
A 2005 Stingray 195LR was towing one passenger on a wake board. When the boat operator adjusted the speed of the vessel, the skier lost balance and pitched forward.  This caused the skier to hyperextend her back.


BARDID: VA-2016-0074
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-08-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Moneta
County: Bedford County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating his boat in the area of channel marker R33 and struck a dock that was adrift in the lake.  The impact caused extensive damage to the bottom of the vessel resulting in the boat taking on water.


BARDID: VA-2016-0075
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Mineral
County: Spotsylvania County
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
PWC operator observed a swimmer in the water and was trying to steer clear of the observed swimmer when he struck a second swimmer.


BARDID: VA-2016-0076
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-09-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:12:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Elizabeth River
NearestCityorTown: Portsmouth
County: Portsmouth City
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel was traveling inbound Western Branch of the Elizabeth River near the number "4-5" channel markers towards the West Norfolk Bridge.  Operator was attempting to locate the lighted number "5" buoy, which was not lit, by looking at his GPS screen.  When he looked back up, he was too close to the channel marker to maneuver away and struck the piling on his starboard bow, traveling all the way down to the starboard side.  The hull was compromised by a crack approximately five feet long, allowing the vessel to take on water. After realizing this, the captain proceeded approximately 300 yards up river, beaching it along a shoal to prevent sinking.


BARDID: VA-2016-0077
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-10-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:18:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River - Upper and Middle
NearestCityorTown: Glasgow
County: Amherst County
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Occupants stated that they began floating at the Glasgow Boat Ramp in Rockbridge County. Additionally, they stated that the water did not appear to be moving too swiftly or conditions dangerous. Approximately one to two miles down stream and in Amherst County the Coleman Canoe was struck by a large rapid causing it to overturn and become swamped.

 Both occupants held onto the vessel and attempted to recover it until they were swept from it. After being swept from the vessel both occupants abandoned it, swam to shore, and called 911. No injuries were sustained by either occupant and the canoe was not recovered.


BARDID: VA-2016-0078
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-09-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:53:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rappahannock River
NearestCityorTown: TAPPAHANNOCK
County: Essex County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating a personal watercraft on the rappahannock river. Operator was operating the pwc approximately 30-35 mph. He let off the throttle to go under the downing bridge. Operator let off the throttle approximately 20 meters from the bridge. He struck one of the concrete pilings and fell off the pwc into the water.

operator was wearing a type ii personal flotation device. He was wearing the engine cut-off safety lanyard on his left wrist. Operator was able to get back on the pwc. He started the pwc and operated the pwc at approximately 25-27 mph while going to find his cousin. Operator met his cousin out in the river. 

Subject got onto the pwc with operator and took him to june parker marina. Essex emergency medical services personnel responded to june parker marina. They transported operator to riverside tappahannock hospital. Lifeevac picked operator up at riverside and transported him to vcu medical center.

 Operator had a broken pelvis and a laceration to his left abdominal area. The pwc belonged to cousin. The pwc had compression damage and stress fractures to the port bow fiberglass. The port hull and rub rail also had scratches. The port chine had a gouge in the fiberglass. The starboard bow had a fracture in the fiberglass.


BARDID: VA-2016-0079
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Moneta
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Choppy
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 8/18/16 at 1600, A personal watercraft (VA 5846 BP) was pulling subject on a wakeboard at a speed of 20 MPH in the Betty's Creek portion on Smith Mountain Lake. Victim had been up for about twenty seconds when a big wake hit the board and caused Victim to fall to the water.  She began to complain of hip pain and was transported to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.  She was treated by Dr. for a bruised left hip.


BARDID: VA-2016-0080
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-10-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Hampton
County: Hampton City
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator advised he was underway in Back River when he lost steering and struck a red channel marker headed toward Wallaces Marina and Dandy Haven Marina. Operator advised after striking the channel marker the vessel sunk in shallow water. Operator and the two other occupants waited approximately 30 minutes when they flagged down another vessel for assistance. Operators wife who was on the vessel involved in the accident was transported by Ambulance to Hampton Sentara and received 4 stitches above her right eye and 2 stitches below her right eye. 

Operator received minor scrape to the top of his head and a third passenger received no injuries. 

Examination of the vessel on 10-4-16 by MPO revealed the bracket holding the cable that actuates the rudder on the vessel broke off therefore the steering would not turn the vessel causing the operator to strike the fixed object while trying to turn while navigating in the channel


BARDID: VA-2017-0072
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-10-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Blackwater River
NearestCityorTown: Franklin City and Dockside Boa
County: Southampton
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On October 14, 2017 at approximately 12:30 PM, Operator was operating a 16' Triton bass boat on the Blackwater River in Southhampton County.  Operator was heading south when the vessel struck submerged debris causing the vessel to veer left and strike a stump and a tree on the shoreline. 

 The vessel overturned ejecting Operator from the vessel.  Operator was on top of the overturned vessel with a PFD on.  Operator was alert and responsive.  The vessel sustained damage on the bottom and left side of the hull and gunwale.  The vessel was registered with registration VA 6940 BG.  Operator sustained injuries to left ear, broken ribs, and bleeding in chest area.


BARDID: VA-2017-0073
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Gaston
County: Brunswick
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 6, 2017 on Poplar Creek in Brunswick County, operator1 was operating his Yamaha pwc south bound along the bank. Operator1 claims that he was looking down to change some controls on his PWC when he noticed a red buoy straight ahead. He swerved right and ran into the right rear corner and motor of a 22 foot hurricane deck boat. 

A witness observed Operator1 being ejected from his PWC and climb back onto it to assess the damage when the witness yelled over to him. The owner of v2 heard the noise of the crash and walked down their dock to investigate. There they exchanged information with operator1.

 The damage to the v2 22 foot deck boat was a crack in the lower cowling, scrapes in the fiberglass, a dented marine battery, as well as a broken transducer wire. Insurance estimated the damage to be over $2000.00 to fix. Operator1 provided pictures of the damage done to his PWC which consisted of considerable damage to the fiberglass hull and bow of the PWC.  The estimated damage of the PWC was over $2500.00.


BARDID: VA-2017-0074
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Gills Creek Marina
County: Franklin
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/12/17 at 1000 hours, operator left his dock in a cove on the gills creek portion of smith mountain lake  on a 24ft four winns 240 horizon va 9582 bh with 9 people as passengers. Operator was heading toward gills creek marina located near g5 to pull people on a tube.  At 1100 hours operator was pulling two on a two person gladiator performance towable big brawler.  Operator stated they were travelling at 1500-2000 rpms downstream toward gills creek marina when he turned to the left to head back upstream. 

Subject stated that he saw the tube swing to the right out of the wake while they were making the left turn and as the vessel completed the turn, the tube travelled to the left and struck the wake. This caused the tube to flip over on top of the passengers. Subject  then observed victim floating on her back. She was picked up and taken back to their dock. Westlake ambulance m-15 arrived on scene and transported her to crilion roanoke memorial hospital. She was treated for muscle strain (whip-lash) by dr. and released at 1600 hours. The vessel is insured through state farm insurance


BARDID: VA-2017-0075
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Mitchell's Point Marina
County: Bedford
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Two PWC's collided on Smith Mountain Lake on the Hatcher Creek arm resulting in two males being injured.The two people that were injured on vessel 2 were struck by vessel 1


BARDID: VA-2017-0076
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:18:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Broad Bay
NearestCityorTown: Crestview Landing boat ramp
County: Virginia Beach
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
operator had just pulled his boat off the trailer.  He lost his balance and fell on the throttle, bringing the engine up to full power.  His wife was thrown from the vessel as it sped towards the bulkhead.  The vessel struck the bulkhead driving the bow upwards.  It then spun around on its stern and came to rest on the opposing builkhead along the ramp.


BARDID: VA-2017-0077
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-11-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:37:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Broad Bay
NearestCityorTown: Sea Shore State Park
County: Virginia Beach
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
A 23' boat with 3 passengers was cruising in Broad Bay towards the Narrows at Sea Shore State Park at night.  They crashed in to Broad Bay Channel Marker #18 at approximately 40-45 MPH.  A citizen heard the crash from his residence (back yard) and responded with his boat to investigate and called 911.  All 3 occupants were juveniles (15-16 years old).  Two occupants were ejected from their seats and landed on the bow of the boat.  All 3 occupants were transported to the hospital.


BARDID: VA-2017-0078
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-12-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Elizabeth River
NearestCityorTown: Locks Park
County: Chesapeake
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: bridge tender inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator states that he was operating his vessel south bound on the southern branch of Elizabeth River.  As he approached the Gilmerton Bridge, he contact the bridge tender and was informed that the bridge would remain open for her vessel to pass through.  As the vessel was passing through the bridge the tender started to lower the draw spans.  The vessel struck the bridge causing damage to a sail and a cable mast stay.  According to operator, the tender stated that she confused his vessel with another and thought they were clear.


BARDID: VA-2018-0044
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Town of Surry
County: Surry
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
THE BOAT WAS CRUISING FROM THE CHICKAHOMINY RIVER TO THE AREA OF THE PIPSICO SCOUT RESERVATION WHEN IT CROSSED THE OLD DILLARD WHARF PIER. THE BOAT WAS CRUISING AT 40-45MPH WHEN IT STRUCK A SUBMERGED PILING. THE IMPACT TORE A HOLE IN THE BOAT AND RIPPED OFF THE MOTOR'S OUT DRIVE. THE BOAT IMMEDIATELY STOPPED MOVING. AT THAT TIME, THE OPERATOR HAILED ANOTHER BOAT, WHICH TOWED THE DISABLED BOAT INTO SHALLOW WATER. THE DISABLED BOAT BEGAN TO TAKE ON WATER, SO OPERATORS GOT OUT OF THEIR BOATS AND PUSHED THE DISABLED BOAT ONTO THE BEACH AT THE PIPSICO SCOUT RESERVATION. NO TOW BOATS WERE AVAILABLE, SO THE BOAT WAS LEFT TIED TO A TREE ON SHORE. BOAT U.S. WILL BE ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE THE BOAT ON 7/16 OR 7/17.


BARDID: VA-2018-0045
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Wise Point Boat Ramp
County: Northampton County
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 15, 2018, operator was underway heading inbound in the North Channel of the Chesapeake Bay.  operator was underneath the north bound high rise of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.  operator 's vessel took on a sea causing his vessel to turn and collide with a pile on the north bound bridge.


BARDID: VA-2018-0046
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:08:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chisman Creek
County: York County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
2013 Sea Hunt was traveling west on Chisman Creek when it collided with the pier at 155 Elksnin Lane, Seaford, VA.  The collision caused the Sea Hunt to override the pier collapsing a ten foot section.  The Sea Hunt then overrode a 2005 Sea Fox that was in a lift.  This caused a second pier to collapse that was on the other side of the Sea Fox.  The second pier collapsing caused the lift to collapse that was supporting a 3rd boat a 2002 Grady White.  The operator of the Sea Hunt was arrested for boating while intoxicated.


BARDID: VA-2018-0047
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 04:28:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pamunkey River
County: New Kent
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR OF THE  BOAT WAS TRAVELING UP THE PAMUNKEY RIVER AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH. AT THIS TIME HE GAVE HIS DOG A PIECE OF ICE CAUSING HIM TO TAKE HIS ATTENTION AWAY FROM WHERE HE WAS TRAVELING. THIS IS WHEN THE BOW MOUNTED TROLLING MOTOR THAT WAS IN THE UP POSITION STRUCK A DUCK BLIND ALSO CAUSING THE OPERATOR'S HEAD TO MAKE CONTACT WITH DUCK BLIND AS WELL.  He suffered Broken jaw, shoulder and multiple fractures to skull


BARDID: VA-2018-0048
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: DGIF Penhook Boat Ramp
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/22/2018 Conservation Police Sgt. called me, Conservation Police Officer (CPO) at approximately 0906 hours and informed me that a paddle boarder on Smith Mountain Lake (SML) had nearly been run over by a vessel earlier in the morning. Sgt. said a white vessel with a red stripe and red canopy had driven over a paddle board at approximately 0730 hours and the individual on board had jumped off in time. 

The operator of the vessel did not stop and render aide, but instead drove towards SML Dam.  Subsequent to the investigation it was found that Operator1 and her sister, Subject, were paddle boarding several hundred yards south east of Christmas Tree Island on SML when they observed a vessel traveling south towards them. The vessel had a white bow and was playing loud music. Both paddle boarders waived their arms and shouted for the vessel to stop but it did not. The vessel quickly drove towards Operator1 and Subject, causing both of them to jump off of their paddle boards to get out of the way. Operator1 and Subject swam under water to avoid injury and resurfaced to see the operator looking back at them while driving away. The operator was described as a white male in his thirties with either light brown or blonde hair wearing a turquoise colored t-shirt. 

There did not appear to be anybody else on board and the vessel may have traveled North up the Roanoke River. The vessel was white in color with a red stripe and had a red canopy. Operator1's paddle board was cut multiple times by the propeller of the vessel making it a total loss. Operator1 said the paddle board was worth approximately $375.00.  The marinas on SML were contacted and given the description of the offender's vessel. SML was checked throughout the day and the vessel was unable to be located.


BARDID: VA-2018-0049
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Huntington Ramp
County: Newport News
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/14/2018, vessel #1 was drifting in the James River with 6 persons onboard when it was struck by a Tug Boat (Vessel #2) pushing 2 barges abreast.  This caused vessel #1 to be pushed under one of the barges.  All passengers of vessel #1 were thrown from the vessel.  Four occupants were rescued and transported to the hospital and 2 were recovered deceased on 7/16/2018


BARDID: VA-2018-0050
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Potomac River
County: Prince William
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Shortly after departing the dock, a fire started mid ship near the fuel tank. The fire got out of control before a fire extinguisher could be deployed, forcing the six occupants to bail into the water. Moments later the vessel was fully engulfed by fire. Two adult victims and the child were picked up by another boater and dropped off at the dock.  The other three victims swam back to the dock.  Vessel burned to almost the water line before the fire department put it out.


BARDID: VA-2019-0032
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Little Creek
NearestCityorTown: Little Creek Marina
County: Norfolk
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Shift
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
While attempting to maneuver into a slip, vessel #1 had a mechanical failure causing the engine to remain in gear.  It struck vessel #2 on the port bow causing it to be pushed into the dock on its starboard side.


BARDID: VA-2019-0033
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Willoughby Bay
County: Norfolk
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
While fishing near the West side of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel, a large wave swamped the vessel causing it to take on water. The vessel eventually capsized and sank. All three occupants were transported to Riverside Regional Hospital. Two people were treated for hypothermia and exhaustion. A third was treated for a fracture to his left elbow.


BARDID: VA-2019-0034
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:23:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Claytor Lake
NearestCityorTown: Claytor Lake SP Marina
County: Pulaski
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Twelve year old boy fell off tube into water.  Boat returned to pick him up.  He grabbed tow rope and was being pulled back into boat via tow rope.  Boat motor still running.   As he got close to boat his legs contacted the spinning propeller.  He received propeller cuts on his legs.


BARDID: VA-2019-0035
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Mattaponi
NearestCityorTown: Walkerton Boat Ramp
County: King William
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
King William County Sheriff’s office notified our dispatch of a Green Jon Boat bearing Virginia Registration VA1047SS that was abandon in the Mattaponi River.  Officer then called the phone number that was attached to the vessel registration in our go outdoors licensing system. 

He spoke with the wife of Victim; she stated that Victim left home at 0700 hours to go fishing by himself that morning.  When the officer got to the vessel, he noticed that it had two loose fishing rods inside, and one of the two was broken. He also noticed that the kill switch was attached to the motor and that the motor was in gear but not running. The gear shifter was broken as well.

The boat was examined and there was no obvious evidence of a collision.  Utilizing pictures taken and the location of the items in the boat, it appeared that the victim had fallen overboard on the port side of the vessel.  The medical examiner stated that the cause of death was accidental drowning.


BARDID: VA-2019-0036
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Highpoint Marina
County: Spotsylvania County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The owner of the vessel had made several mechanical repairs recently. The had operated the vessel the morning of this incident, and had stopped to work on it again. After taking a break the owner turned and said he could see smoke coming from the engine area. They put on their life jackets and jumped in the water.


BARDID: VA-2019-0037
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Anna
NearestCityorTown: Orange/ Woodberry Farm Rd
County: Spotsylvania
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
I interviewed the occupants of the rented pontoon boat. All individuals had consumed alcohol. None of the occupants appeared intoxicated. The pontoon boat had been rented from Dukes Creek Marina.  I interviewed Operator. He admitted to consuming alcohol and had somewhat bloodshot eyes. I administered the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus and did not observe any clues. I then administered the Finger to Nose, Palm Pat and Hand Coordination Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs). Observance of clues was minimal and insufficient to determine intoxication. Sgt offered the PBT to operator but he declined. 

Two people and victim were in the water swimming when the group decided to pull up anchor and return to the marina. Subject1 stated that she climbed on board but avoided the propeller area. Subject2 climbed onboard with no issue. The victim then climbed on and contacted the propeller. None of the participants would confirm whether the propeller was engaged or not. 

At approximately 1100 on Sunday, July 07, 2019, I interviewed the victim, in her room at Mary Washington Hospital. She stated that after swimming she climbed on the boat and made contact with the propeller. She did not think the engine was in gear when she hit the propeller. She initially said she hit her foot on the propeller and that it hurt however it wasn't until she was onboard that she and the others observed the extent of her injury. The victim stated that she had consumed a small amount of alcohol during the course of the day (1000-1730).


BARDID: VA-2019-0038
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 03:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Private Pond
NearestCityorTown: Dinwiddie, VA
County: Dinwiddie
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Overloading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Decedent was initially reported by family as missing on the night of 06/29/2019 to Chesterfield County Police Department and was located on 07/02/2019 at approximately 1145 hours. 

Investigation determined that the Decedents were on the aluminum john boat and engaged in the activity of recreational fishing. 

At an unknown time on 06/29/2019 the boat capsized (and sank due to the on take of water) resulting in the decedent drowning. Due to the lack of witnesses and no indications of damage to the boat, knowledge of events leading up to the incident are inconclusive; but there were no immediately evident indications of external trauma to either of the decedents.

Neither of the decedents had swimming abilities (according to family). No PFD's were evident on location and do not appear to have been present on the boat nor worn by the decedents.

Due to the all aluminum construction of the jon boat, with no additional items affixed to the vessel, there was no monetary damage incurred, to the boat, as a result of the incident

It was further determined that the size of the boat would have an average weight capacity of 275-300 pounds. Due to the combined weight of victim1 (198lbs) and victim2 (216lbs) the vessel was determined to have been overloaded; potentially contributing to the boat taking on excessive water; resulting in its sinking.


BARDID: VA-2020-0016
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-04-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Scottsville
County: Albemarle
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Improper anchoring
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Scottsville Fire/EMS informed DGIF that three individuals had been rescued from the James River that were involved in a boating accident. EMS informed me that the three individuals did not obtain any injuries. EMS also informed me that the boat was fully submerged and was unretrievable at that time. EMS also informed me that there appeared to be a tree limb through the boats hull. 

The boat owner/operator was out fishing with his daughters and had placed the anchor into the water when it grabbed a hold of some structure. The operator stated that the anchor was tied to the stern and when the anchor took hold of the object, the stern began to take water. The operator tried to untie the anchor but realized they were taking on water to fast. 

The operator then informed me that he and his two daughters abandoned ship and swam towards the back. They then started walking along a railroad track until they noticed a Fire/EMS boat traveling in their direction. The operator had just purchased the boat a few days before the accident occurred. On 5/8/2020 SA and I conducted a boat patrol to attempt to recover the boat once the James River became safe enough to launch. We were unable to locate the submerged vessel at the GPS coordinates given (N37 46'13", W78 29'45"). We searched the general area several times, searched along the bank from last known location to Scottsville boat landing, and searched several hundred yards south of the boat landing. We were unable to locate the submerged vessel.


BARDID: VA-2020-0017
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-04-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith River
NearestCityorTown: Ridgeway, VA
County: Henry
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Three Subjects launched their Kayaks at the Eggleston Falls / Marrowbone Creek Boat Access Area in Henry County, VA and overturned their kayaks approximately one hour into their float. All three subjects were recovered safely, without injury at the Mitchel Rd. Bridge Boat Access Area in Henry County, VA. Two out of three of the Kayaks were not recovered, resulting in a complete loss of two vessels (Kayaks). All three subjects were wearing coast guard approved life jackets. This incident was due to operator inexperience, and unsafe water conditions due to flooding.


BARDID: VA-2020-0018
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Buggs Island
NearestCityorTown: Longwood Boat Ramp
County: Mecklenburg
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 1 AND VESSEL 2 WERE TRAVELING ON PLANE AND SIDE BY SIDE OR NEARLY SO IN BEAVER POND CREEK ON BUGGS ISLAND LAKE. THE VESSELS APPROACHED A NARROW AREA OF THE CREEK WHERE A SHOAL WITH MULTIPLE SHOAL MARKER BUOYS ARE LOCATED. AT OR NEAR THE SHOAL BUOYS, THE VESSELS COLLIDED WITH THE PORT SIDE OF VESSEL 1 AND THE STARBOARD SIDE OF VESSEL 2 MAKING CONTACT. ALL THREE OCCUPANTS OF VESSEL 1 AND THE SINGLE OCCUPANT OF VESSEL 2 WERE COMPLETELY EJECTED.  No injury beyond first aid.


BARDID: VA-2020-0019
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:32:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Deep Bottom Landing
County: Chesterfield
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Other
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentEvent3: Collision with fixed object
OtherAccidentEvent: Person struck by activity equi
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
The brothers had been fishing in the area of Jones Neck Cutoff. The were en route back to Osborne Landing, the vessel was traveling upstream from Jones Neck Cutoff at approximately 15mph (as stated by Captain of the vessel and passenger). Passenger was putting rods away and clearing bait from fishing rigs while vessel was in motion. Passenger lost control of a weighted bottom rig and it began to swing back and forth. One of the hooks hit the Captain in the face. Captain reached over and grabbed the rod in an attempt to control the bottom rig. When he did he lost control of the vessel and it struck the shore. 

The vessel exited the river, deflected off of a large rock on the port chine, deflected off a tree along the port rub rail, deflected off a tree on the starboard rub rail, finally coming to rest bow against an embankment on the South bank (Chesterfield) of the river.


BARDID: VA-2020-0022
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Claytor Lake
NearestCityorTown: Covey's Campground
County: Pulaski
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator of a pwc collided with a fallen down tree in the lake. According to the victim, he was crossing another boat's wake which caused him to lose his stability and caused him to go toward the back left of the pwc. He stayed on the pwc but he does not recall the actual sequence of events that led up to the incident. According to witnesses, after he struck the tree, it knocked him off the pwc. He initially stood up in the water and then collapsed back down into the water face down. Bystanders were able to quickly get to him and get him out of the water and to shore. The victim was disoriented and breathing.


BARDID: VA-2020-0023
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:23:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: South Holston Lake
NearestCityorTown: Abingdon, VA
County: Washington
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The primary vessel (TN 1447 CJ) was docked at a fueling station when the secondary vessel (unidentified) approached the fuel docks in an attempt to moor up and purchase fuel. 

Witnesses stated that the secondary vessel lost directional control and drifted past the fuel docks. During a second approach to the fueling dock, the secondary vessel struck the outboard engine of the primary vessel, causing cosmetic damage to the primary vessel's cowling. Witnesses stated that the secondary vessel left the area, after colliding with the primary vessel, and did not return. Identifying information for the secondary vessel was not obtained.


BARDID: UT-2020-0089
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SAND HOLLOW
NearestCityorTown: HURRICANE
County: WASHINGTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS
Dispatched to a boating accident at Sand Hollow State Park.

NARRATIVE
Initial Information:
Saturday, April 25, 2020 at approximately 1730 hours, I was dispatached to a boating accident at Sand Hollow State Park. Dispatch informed me that there were unknown injuries but that a female was thrown over board and the boat ran over her. It was stated that EMS was en-route to the accident as well. While leaving Quail Creek State Park, I had my patrol vehicle's lights and sirens on but at about half way to Sand Hollow State Park, dispatch notified me that a county unit was on scene and was in contact with the boat that was in the accident. The county office stated that EMS was not needed. I down graded  and continued to Sand Hollow State Park.

Contact
I made contact with the county officer and that people involved in the accident at the main boat ramp at Sand Hollow State Park. A female identified as Passenger 4 informed me that she was the one thrown overboard but did not receive any injuries and did not want to be seen by medical personal. She stated that she was sitting in the front of the bow on the port side of the boat when she went overboard. She informed me that she was thrown out of the boat, she swam downwards to get out of the way of the boat. Once Passenger 4 was above water, she swam to a nearby buoy and waited for help. Another female, a registered owner of the boat, identified as Passenger 3 informed me that was sitting across from Passenger 4 on the starboard side but did not go overboard. Passenger 3 stated that her two younger daughters were also sitting in the bow area of the boat, but did not go overboard.

 I asked for the operator of the boat and Operator informed me what had happened. He stated that a rock underneath the water's surface was unmarked by a buoy and as he went onto plain, the boat's propeller hit the rock and the propeller stopped but the boat continued to move forward with momentum. When the boat hit the hidden rock, Passenger 4 was thrown overboard. Passenger 5, the other boat owner jumped into the water with a life jacket to assist Passenger 4 back to the boat. Operator stated that he was unable to see the under water rock from a distance and that he was clearly out of the no wake zone south of the island. They were towed back to the dock by a PWC that was also on the water.

Conclusion
I received the boat's registration and insurance from Passenger 5. I took photos of the boat and its damage. There was fiberglass damage to the hull and the propeller's fins had damage and it was completely seperated from the hull. A passenger on the boat informed me that he had taken a photo just before the incident occurred and then shortly there after to point out where the rock was located just underneath the water. He emailed me the photos and I attached them to his report. They all gave me a description of the location just on the south side of the island and just out of the no boating area. I gave Passenger 5 and Passenger 3 the case number of the incident and informed them that I would be reporting it to risk management and they would be in contact with them directly. They were both very thankful and I left the area. I went out onto the patrol boat and found the rock that was hit by the boat. I took photos of the location and what the environment looked shortly there after the incident.

EOR


BARDID: UT-2020-0090
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:16:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: WEBER RIVER
NearestCityorTown: HENEFER
County: SUMMIT
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
SUMMARY
On May 25 at approximately 1304 hours a call came into dispatch about 2 men had flipped their raft in the Weber River. I responded and assisted Summit County Deputies and with the rescue. There were  inflatable kayaks in the group and people on board, 3 on one and 2 on the other. The kayak with 2 people had flipped and one passenger was able to make it to shore, the operator's foot was stuck on an irrigation diversion dam and could not get out of the water. The operator was freed after being in the water 30-40 minutes and CPR was conducted once rescue crews brought him to shore. VICTIM was transported to University Hospital in serious condition but later died from his injuries.

INCIDENT
I responded from Rockport State Park. I activated my lights and sirens traveling and headed to the area. When I arrived rescue crews were trying to help the man free. He was still conscious, breathing and alert. I helped tie off lines and hold lines as rescue crews worked. After approximately 30 minutes in cold water VICTIM fell unconscious and crews were trying to keep his head above water. VICTIM's leg and kayak were stuck in an irrigation diversion dam and a large log. 

The irrigation diversion dam also created a rapid in the water which initially caused his boat to overturn. VICTIM was falling forward starting to lose consciousness, rescuers pulled back on VICTIM causing him and the kayak to come free from the irrigation dam and debris. The rescuer that was holding him up lost his footing and fell, the swift water moved him down stream. Rescuers tried to pull him up stream but couldn't and they started to let the rope out to try and bring him to shore below the rapid. VICTIM started to go down stream until a rope he was attached to caught some debris and he floated around at the rapid. The rope was promptly cut and he floated down stream and was taken to shore. VICTIM was barely breathing and foam was coming from his mouth. Rescue crews began to perform CPR, at this time a helicopter arrived.

VICTIM’S SON and victim had taken 2 inflatable kayaks down the Weber River with 3 of VICTIM's granddaughters. VICTIM’S SON had two passengers with him and VICTIM had one passenger. All passengers were wearing life jackets. At a rapid VICTIM's kayak overturned and his leg and kayak were trapped. the passenger on the kayak jumped and VICTIM’S SON retrieved her from the water and took her to the same shore where he had taken his kayak and passengers. VICTIM’S SON tried to free VICTIM but was unable to until help arrived.

Crews conducted CPR and VICTIM was transported to the University of Utah Hospital in serious condition. VICTIM was pronounced dead after arriving at the hospital.

Summit County Sheriff's Department case number is 20-L13683.


BARDID: UT-2020-0091
State: UT
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-04-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WILLARD BAY
NearestCityorTown: WILLARD
County: BOX ELDER
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 4/30/2020 Injured was operating vessel 1 on Willard Bay when the motor stopped running during moderate wind and rough water conditions. Vessel 1 was pushed onto the South end of the dike by waves. Injured was injured in the leg and torso area and became hypothermic while exiting the boat and gettig onto the dike. The waves from the rough water smashed the boat on the rocks of the dike and the boat was damaged beyond repair. Injured self transported to Ogden Regional Hospital where he was treated for hypothermia and minor leg and torso injuries. The boat was recovered by Owner the next day. NFD

End of report.


BARDID: UT-2020-0092
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAKETOWN
County: RICH
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
In the evening of Saturday, 27 June 2020, Ranger 2 and I were doing ground patrol along the east side of Bear Lake. At. approximately 2245 hours we were driving by the boat ramp at Rainbow Cove and were flagged down by two people who said there was a boat trying to dock.

Winds at the time were 30-40 mph and waves were consistently 2.5 to 4 ft. high. We parked the patrol truck at the top of the ramp and could see a boat moving north and south just off shore. There was one person on the boat, a man eventually identified as Operator. He was yelling but we could not hear what was being said.

Shortly after we arrived, a truck pulling a boat trailer arrived and began backing down the boat ramp. Several of Operator's acquaintances ran down the temporary dock on the ramp. I asked if there was any way to communicate with Operator because Ranger 2 and I felt the safest course of action was to stay off shore and try to wait for the weather to subside. A woman in the group tried to contact Operator by phone but could get no answer. At that point the primary goat of the rangers on scene was to try to prevent people from being injured. 

Once the trailer was backed into the water, Operator tried to put the boat on the trailer. The boat only came part way up the trailer and was pushed sideways. A woman tried to drive the truck pulling the trailer up the ramp but the truck was not in four-wheel drive so the rear wheels began spinning which caused the back of the truck to begin to shift sideways. There were people standing between the back of the truck and I had to continually yell to get people to move out of the area. Operator and two of his male acquaintances tried to lift the rear of the boat onto the trailer but were unable to do so. I continued to keep people out of dangerous areas. Waves kept crashing over the rear of the boat and it was completely filled with water. The left rear corner of the boat became wedged between the bottom of the temporary dock and the boat ramp. I was eventually able to convince Operator to let the boat beach by asking him if his already damaged boat was more important than the safety of his friends.

Operator and I discussed options for getting the boat out in the morning and the first task would be to repair the bunk. I told Operator to leave the truck and trailer attached to the boat overnight. Operator asked me in a joking tone if I thought it was too late to call and get insurance on the boat.

At 0730 the next day (Sunday, 28 June 2020), Ranger 2 and I drove back to Rainbow Cove. The water conditions had calmed significantly and the boat appeared to be in roughly the same position. The portable dock had pivoted roughly 30 degrees counterclockwise around the rear of the boat (the portion wedged between it and the ramp) from the wave action.

Shortly after we arrived, Operator and his friends arrived. Ranger 2 moved his truck parallel to the shoreline just north of the portable dock, attached a chain to the inland side of the dock, and was able to pull the dock to the north while Operator jacked up the south side of the dock. This managed to pull the dock off of the boat. When the group tried to load the boat on the trailer, the rear vertical support on the left bunk bent which made it impossible to load the boat. I told Operator to see if he could repair the bunk and then contact the park and we could come back on a boat to help get the boat on the trailer. Roughly 2 hours later, Operator called and Ranger 2 and I got on the 27' boat and returned to Rainbow Cove. Once we were there, out tow rope was attached to the rear of   Operator's boat and as Operator's group pushed on the front of the boat with a truck we towed the rear off shore which made it possible to get the boat on the trailer. Once that was done, Ranger 2 and I returned to the marina.

Note: As our tow rope was being attached to Operator's boat, the cowling on the port motor of our patrol boat was forced into the portable dock causing it (the cowling) to crack.


BARDID: UT-2020-0094
State: UT
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:44:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WILLARD BAY
NearestCityorTown: WILLARD
County: BOX ELDER
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/23/2020 Vessel 1 became disabled when a tow rope from the boat had been towing became stuck in the propeller. Around the same time that this happened a wind storm came through the area and caused waves up to five feet. The boat was pushed by waves into the North end of the dike where the boat was damaged by the rocks on the dike. The boat then began to sink due to the damage on the boat and was approximately 75 percent submerged. No one was injured in the boat. The boat was towed and removed from the reservoir and returned to the boat owner. See photo's for further detail of boat damage. NFD

End of report


BARDID: UT-2020-0095
State: UT
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:31:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEAR LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LAKETOWN
County: RICH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
ACCIDENT
On July 18, 2020, at approximately 1231 hours, Vessel 1 began to drift away from the rental buoy area. Vessel 1 turned on the ignition. When the ignition was turned, people on the vessel heard a loud boom and saw fire coming from the motor boat area. The fire quickly spread to the rest of the boat. All the occupants of the boat were able to get off the vessel.

Fire personal was called and the fire was put out.

MEDICAL
Injured was treated for minor burns to his legs. Injured had been sitting on the motor cover when the explosion happened. He was looked at by EMS personnel and released at the scene.

INVESTIGATION
Over the course of July 18 and 19, I looked over the wreckage. I was unable to find any evidence of equipment failure or malfunction. Most of the boat was charred past the point of recognition.

CONCLUSION
After going over the boat and statements, I concluded that improper ventilation of the fuel system was the cause of the fire. The boat was refueled and did not have adequate time/equipment ran to disperse the fumes, causing the fumes to ignite when the boat was started. It is highly likely the blower was not ran for four minutes after fueling, as recommended by the operators manual, causing gas fumes to ignite.


BARDID: UT-2020-0096
State: UT
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:39:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: STRAWBERRY RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: HEBER CITY
County: WASATCH
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday September 1, 2020 I responded to a report of a capsized vessel with people in the water at Strawberry Reservoir. It was reported that the occupants had made it to shore, although one occupant was having difficulty breathing. While I was enroute, it was reported that CPR had been started on the male occupant. I arrived at Strawberry Reservoir and loaded paramedics onto my patrol boat and responded to the area north of the entrance to the narrows.

We arrived on scene to find two of the marina workers continuing CPR on the male patient. CPR was taken over by paramedics at this time. I setup a landing zone for a helicopter and assisted the helicopter in landing. I met with the victim's family who reported that while underway towards the marina, 2-3 large waves came over the front of the bow of the boat causing the boat to capsize. 

Four of the occupants were able to don personal flotation devices, VICTIM grabbed a type IV PFD and all began swimming toward shore. After Life Flight and paramedics exhausted their efforts, VICTIM was pronounced deceased. VICTIM's family was taken back over to the marina to meet with the responding medical examiner. The medical examiner arrived and processed the scene. VICTIM was placed on a vessel and transported to the marina. 

I located the overturned vessel which was banging against the shoreline. Search and Rescue members assisted me with gathering the debris from the vessel. I was able to hook on to the vessel's bow eye and towed the vessel away from the shore. As I towed the vessel it began to overturn and righted itself. The vessel was towed to the marina and placed on its trailer with the help of a tow company. After the vessel was placed in the parking lot, I gathered information to complete this report. During my investigation, I noticed that the vessel was rated for 5 persons or 850 lbs. persons and gear. Between VICTIM which was 300+ lbs and the 4 other occupants who were grown adults, it appears the vessel was over capacity. This most likely was the reason the vessel became swamped and capsized so easily.


BARDID: UT-2020-0098
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE POWELL
County: SAN JUAN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS
I responded to a medical call at the Bullfrog Clinic involving a boat accident with injury involving a Lift efoil board (electric-powered surfboard). Investigation was conducted and a report was filed.

INITIAL CONTACT
At approx. 1500 on Friday, Sept. 11, 2020 in Bullfrog, UT, I (Ranger 1, Boating Area Supervisor at Lake Powell) heard traffic from NPS Dispatch regarding a male who suffered a "prop cut" and lacerations from an electric-powered surfboard. The bleeding was controlled. NPS Dispatch stated the patient was going to be transported to Main Ramp by a wakeboard boat (Red Malibu). NPS Ranger 2 and NPS Ranger 3 responded with the NPS ambulance (Medic 5). I advised NPS Dispatch of my response. After waiting for approx. 15 mns. at the Main Ramp, NPS Dispatch advised that the injured party was actually at the Bullfrog Clinic. I responded to the Bullfrog Clinic.

NARRATIVE
I arrived at the clinic and made contact with the patient's friend in the waiting room of the Bullfrog Clinic. The patient was receiving medical treatment from the clinical medical staff. His friend was identified as Bystander.

Bystander described what happened, and stated Operator/ Injured was learning how to use the Lift eFoil board and that he was trying to stand up on it. Bystander stated that the eFoil is dangerous, and that when you fall, you have to push away the board as the foil is sharp. Bystander stated Operator/ Injured fell off the board, and it flipped over, making contact with Operator/ Injured and caught his finger and chest. Bystander said that Operator/ Injured was on his knees on the board attempting to stand up, he started to fall and then jumped away from the board into the water. The board made contact with him, and the sharp edges on the sides of the bottom of the eFoil board caused the lacerations.

The patient, Bystander's friend was identified as Operator/ Injured. Operator/ Injured was the sole occupant/operator of the Lift eFoil board was wearing a life jacket. Operator/ Injured confirmed that his speed was about 15-20 mph when the accident occurred. Bystander stated the location where the incident occurred was about Buoy 102 on the right side (going down lake). He said he had mentioned how dangerous the board was to the group and also sent out a safety video of the board to the group. He said it was a generic video that described the board, its capabilities, etc. Bystander said the board only operates on a charge for an hour, and then it had to be charged again. He stated the board was an E-2 eFoil board, was black in color and approx. 6 ft. long.

Bystander stated in his witness statement, " Operator/ Injured (friend from college) was riding an E-Surf Board (Foil). Operator/ Injured was learning how to ride and fell off. The Foil clipped him and cut the tip of his finger off and also received lacerations to his chest and arm from the Foil".

DESCRIPTION OF HOW BOARD WORKS
The eFoil uses an advanced lithium-ion battery to power a silent electric motor that's mounted on an all carbon-fiber-hydrofoil. Controlled by a wireless Bluetooth hand remote. It allows you to ride for over an hour at 25 mph on a two hour charge. They are defined as "These boards are essentially a surfboard with a hydrofoil that extends below the board into the water. A hydrofoil is a long and hydro-dynamically designed fin with wings. The board rides above the surface of the water with the foil working in the water. "The prop" is contained, and has a cage/guard around it.

Bullfrog Clinic staff stitched  the end of Operator/ Injured's left pinky. It had been amputated below the knuckle and joint. There was exposed bone on the finger. They also stitched two deep lacerations on Operator/ Injured's left arm and left side of his upper chest near his shoulder (13 total stitches). Photos of the injuries are attached to this report. Attached to this report are pictures of Operator/ Injured's injury, a witness statement, and a copy of Operator/ Injured's DL.

CONCLUSION
Additional follow-up was conducted and information gathered. A boat accident report was filed due to the Lift eFoil board being considered as a vessel, as well as the accident requiring medical treatment beyond first aid. Based on my investigation, interivews, and witness statements, operator inexperience with the Lift eFoil board was a factor in the accident. The sharp edges of the E-Foil board caused the injuries to Operator/ Injured, as he tried to push away from the board while falling. Report is complete.

End of report.


BARDID: UT-2020-0099
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SAND HOLLOW
NearestCityorTown: HURRICANE
County: WASHINGTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and family were enjoying a family vacation. He was operating the boat with his family onboard.

Passenger 1 and Passenger 2 were onboard a tube being pulled behind the boat. As the boat was turning the tube hit a large wave and both passengers went flying into the air. 

Passenger 1 received extensive damage to his head/neck. Probably spinal damage. Passenger 2 complained of aches and pains but did not require ongoing medical attention.

Passenger 1 was transported from the water to the dock via the boat. They realized immediately that he had a possible traumatic head injury and held his head still throughout the process.

Dispatch contacted Ranger 1 and he met the boat at the dock. Ranger 1 directed medical to the scene.

Upon arrival we cut the life jacket off. We placed a C-collar on and placed him on a backboard. Upon evaluation it appears he had difficulty feeling and moving his extremities.

Transport to Dixie Regional Medical via ambulance.

In follow-up it appears Passenger 1 will make a full reovery. Dr. beleives he had a concussion and swelling but his movement came back later in the evening.


BARDID: UT-2020-0100
State: UT
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-05-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SAND HOLLOW
NearestCityorTown: HURRICANE
County: WASHINGTON
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
ACCIDENT
Operator and friends rented a boat from BASH at 14:22. This was for a two hour rental. They had nine individuals onboard the boat. The wind was high and the waves picked up once they got further onto the lake. Operator mentioned that they were performing normal boating activities like tubing and joy riding. While going a normal speed the boat took on water. The boat quit running and they took on more water. This caused the  boat to drift toward the shoreline with more water onboard. The wind carried the boat to the North East shoreline where it beached on rocks. All participants exited without injury. Once on shore they called for assistance.

STATE PARK RESPONSE:
Ranger 1 received a call 17:02 about individuals needing help after swamping their boat. She responded on the Sand Hollow boat with Bystander 1. Upon contact they found a boat beached on the shoreline. Ranger 1 confirmed that everyone was uninjured. They requested a ride back to their vehicle. Ranger 1 parked the boat and transported 9 individuals to their vehicles at the BASH parking lot. Once they arrived 17:47 they told her that the boat was a rental. She informed them to speak with the rental company about procedures.

Ranger 2 received a phone call about retrieving the boat 18:05. It was decided to get with BASH and decide if they wanted to retrieve it. Bystander 2 said he had a water pump that might help with the water in the boat.

Ranger 2 and Bystander 2 worked with BASH and were able to tow the vessel to the shore without incident ending the tow around 21:00 hours. 

DAMAGE
The vessel received substantial damage. Many objects inside washed away and the seats were scattered across the shoreline. The hull and keel of the vessel were scratched heavily including a complete loss of the keel in places. The lower unit of the motor and propeller were heavily damaged. All areas of the boat were impacted in this incident. Without substantial repair work the vessel is not seaworthy.


BARDID: UT-2020-0102
State: UT
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-07-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE POWELL
NearestCityorTown: BIG WATER
County: KANE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Late on the evening of 7/27/20 a group was spending the night on a houseboat in Warm Creek Bay. One member of the party became intoxicated and disorderly. SUBJECT attempted to break into his wife's bedroom on the houseboat and refused to go to bed. He eventually got into a powerboat that was tied to the houseboat and hotwired it. He drove the powerboat approx. 100 yards across the bay, striking the shore and flipping the boat. During the collision SUBJECT was ejected. He was found on 7/28/20 by the NPS Dive Team in the water next to the vessel. He had severe facial trauma.

Additions/Further Information:
The vessel damage description to the aft port of the vessel, from the keel up. The hull started to separate from the rub rail (top structure separated). The ski/wakeboard tower on the boat was damaged as well, in addition to the windshield. The V-drive was severely damaged, including the skeg. The vessel grounded and flipped over during the accident. Pictures from Kane County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) and Deputy on scene, show the bottom of the boat facing up (with the propeller facing up and visible - and damaged, with pieces of prop missing). The vessel was hotwired by SUBJECT (using a knife), and thus there was damage to the electrical wiring and electrical components of the vessel. Wires were ripped out, and the ignition system was bypassed. The vessel would be estimated as a total loss due to the body damage, engine damage (flooded), and electrical damage (flooded), and electrical system damage.

Body cam footage and photos from National Park Service (NPS) were received. Photos from the KCSO were received as well. The footage and pictures from both agencies are too large to attach to this report, and can be requested if needed. 

CONCLUSION
The office of the Medical Examiner in their report stated that Subject's manner of death was an accident and that the immediate cause of death was drowning. The report stated "This 46-year-old male died as a result of drowning. Other significant condition is blunt trauma of the head. According to reports, Subject witnessed to be ejected into the water from the aquatic vehicle crash. Witnesses attempted a rescue of Subject, but were reportedly unable to find him. A dive team recovered Subject from the water the following day. Autopsy examination revealed an adult male with significant head trauma including lacerations (skin tares of the face and back of the head. Additionally, there was a fracture of the maxilla (bone of anterior face). Postmortem toxicology for a panel of common drugs of potential abuse and ethanol (alcohol) showed an elevated ehtanol concentration approx. 3-4x the legal driving limit for the state of Utah. Postmortem analysis of the viterous fluid also demonstrated the presence of ethanol. Additionally, a non-toxic concentration of zolpidem was present in the blood".

The toxicology report stated Subject's alcohol concentration to be "Ethanol: 0.18 grams per 100 milliters". The Covid-19 test was negative. 

Based on the investigation conducted by Utah State Parks, the NPS, and the KCSO, and corroborated by the ME report, Subject died due to traumatic injuries caused by the vessel accident. Impairment due to alcohol was a significant factor in this incident.

Insurance information for the vessel involved (2019 Axis Wake Research) has not been received at the time this report was submitted, requests were made by Ranger, Kane County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) Case Number: S2007227. National Park Service (case number 20-3099). The office of the Medical Examiner Case Number is 2020-02423.

End of Report


BARDID: UT-2020-0103
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: YUBA
NearestCityorTown: MILLS
County: JUAB
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Synopsis
On june 13, 2020, multiple rangers responded to west beach area of yuba state park in juab county utah, for a drowning. At approximately 09:30 hours, a 22 year old male individual was thrown from a pwc (personal watercraft), while not wearing a pfd (personal flotation device). The individual, later identified as operator, went under water while struggling to return to the pwc, and never resurfaced. His body was later recovered at approx. 17:46 hours of the same day, with efforts from multiple agencies.
 
There was approx. A 5 mph wind that was creating small (approx. Six inch waves).
 
Contact
I began trying to get a picture of what happened. A caucasian male individual with a pulse oximeter and a first aid kit was speaking with one of the distraught male individuals in the party. I was advised that this individual was the passenger on a pwc with the individual/operator that did not resurface when the incident occurred. 

I was advised that operator was hispanic male 22 year old wearing a white shirt and res shorts. I relayed this to ranger slater over the radio. I tried to get a pinpoint on where operator went under water, and received multiple conflicting answers, all at once. Subject1 pulled me aside and stated he had a very good point of last observed from his trailer. Subject1 seemed much more collected and was wearing a sevier county search and rescue shirt. I requested that he take me to his trailer to identify this location. I was informed of this location and relayed it to ranger. The location was approx. In line with the "slow-no-wake" buoy line, and i was able to reference the point to a buoy near ranger, directly east of the camp. Another person from subject1's camp then contacted me. She stated that she observed the whole incident, and that her children were on kayaks nearby on the water when the incident took place.

Witness statements
Subject2 state that she observed the two fall off the pwc and confirmed the location that subject1 advised. She advised that she heard one individual shout "ouch! Ow! Ow! After he was thrown into the water and appeared to be struggling to stay afloat. She then stated that he went under and did not resurface. She stated the other pwc went and picked up the other individual (occupant), took him back to shore and then everyone started looking for operator. She estimated the individual was under water for approx. Five minutes before she called 911. She then estimated that he had been under water for approx. 25 minutes at that point in time, which i relayed to dispatch. Levan ambulance arrived to the west beach at this time (approx. 10:09 hours). Uhp trooper arrived on scene as well and informed me that he advised his supervisor to request the dps team. I advised him to just have the dive team on standby for the time being.

I returned to speak with occupant again and check on him. A third subject spoke with me while i contacted occupant. Subject3 advised me that he was the one to pick up occupant. Subject3 stated from the shore, he observed the two in the water, but did not observe them fall off the pwc. Subject3 stated he saw the two struggling and mistook them for fighting in the water. He observed the pwc circling near the two. Subject3 quickly got on another pwc and went to the two. Subject3 picked up occupant. While subject3 was helping occupant onto the pwc, operator went under water. Occupant stated that operator called for help before subject3 arrived, but he believed operator was joking. Occupant stated that operator appeared to be attempting to swim to the pwc but was struggling. Occupant stated several times that he just thought operator was joking. Occupant stated several times that he just thought operator was joking. Occupant was obviously very emotionally upset. He began vomiting. I requested the levan ambulance crew check on him.

At this time, multiple juab county deputies arrived on scene. I requested operator's identified. His girlfriend retrieved a passport of operator for me. She stated she did not know where his wallet and driver license was. I then began collecting statements. I also notified my lieutanant, ranger, of the incident. I continue to collect information about the incident. Occupant informed that he rented the pwcs and a boat the day prior. All the pfds provided were placed in the boat. The group caravanned down to yuba, arrived between 07:30 hours and 10:30 hours. The boat was one of the last to arrive. Occupant stated that many of the individuals were taking turns riding the pwcs while setting up camp for the day. I questioned occupant why neither of them was wearing the mandatory pfds. He stated that the majority of the pfds were in the boat that had not arrived. He stated they were just going out for short rides and returning. He stated that he asked opertor if he knew how to swim and if he, "knew how to drive a jet ski". Operator informed occupant that he could swim and had operated a pwc multiple times. 

Occupant stated due to the way operator was operating the pwc, he suspected operator had never operated one. He stated that operator turn left sharply facing a south eastern direction and near the buoy line. Operator and occupant both fell off the starboard (right) side of the pwc. Operator was not wearing the kill switch leash and the pwc stayed up right and in operation. 

It began circling nearing the two. Occupant again stated that operator attempted to swim to the pwc and called for help and shouted, which occupant mistook for joking. Operator then went under water as subject3 arrived. Occupant stated they did not wait and wear the pfds, becuase they were just going for quick trips. 

He stated that he did not hit his head or get injured in anyway, and he did not believe operator did either. He stated he did not hear any loud sounds of someone hitting the pwc. I was informed that the wind was not any greater earlier in the say than at that time. I was informed that the waves got as large as approx. Six inches. Multiple witnesses confirmed the location of the last observed location of the last observed location of operator. The location was narrowed down to a line of approx. 100 yds north from the buoy east of the camp, and along the "slow-no-wake" line.

The operator had been under the influence of alcohol.


BARDID: UT-2020-0104
State: UT
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE POWELL
NearestCityorTown: PAGE
County: COCNINO
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Overloading
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 29, 2020 at approx. 4:18 pm, while exercising my duties as a law enforcement office inside Glen Canyon NRA, I received notification from Park Dispatch of a capsized vessel in Wahweap Bay near the Castle Rock Cut. All parties were reported to be wearing PFD'; however, 2 individuals were unaccounted for.

Ranger 2, Ranger 3, and I, Ranger 1, responded in NPS patrol vessel V258 from Wahweap Government Dock at approx. 4:21 pm. Ranger 4 had visual confirmation of the location of the vessel in distress from the top of the Wahweap Boat Ramp and provided direction. While en route, we requested NPS Patrol plane, 2PS, launch and aid in search efforts.

The weather at the time was approx. 100 degrees, wind gusts between 25-35mph, and swells ranging from 2-4ft.

On Scene:
At approx. 4:25pm, we arrived on scene, and were flagged down by 2 jet skis. I observed one fully cpasized vessel with most of its black hull below the surface of the water. Later upon recovery, the vessel was identified as a 2017 Bayliner 195DB 19' ski boat. We contacted a pontoon boat with 8 passengers of the capsized vessel safely on board. They reported that they were missing one 40-year-old female who was last seen aboard the vessel wearing a yellow PFD, female later identified as Injured, by her driver's license.

We began visually scanning the surrounding are and advised nearby bystander vessels to begin searching for the missing female. Ranger 2 positioned V258 closer to the capsized vessel. Ranger 3 and Ranger 2 confirmed my observation, as we heard a female yelling "help me" from inside the sinking hull of the capsized vessel. At approx. 4:30pm, we advised park dispatch that we had located the missing party, and she was trapped underneath the vessel.

We called out several times for her to swim out from the vessel and that we would be closer to retrieve her. We heard no response and observed no attempts. I extended a boat hook beneath the water surface and called out for her to grab onto the hook so that we could pull her from underneath the vessel. Again, I heard no response and observed no attempts to grab the boat hook.

A brief discussion of rescue options ensued, to which Ranger 2 decided that he would enter the water to retrieve the trapped female. I agreed that this was our own viable rescue option at the time. A good samaritan from the neighboring pontoon boat provided diving goggles to Ranger 2. Ranger 2 removed his duty gear, donned the goggles and entered the water at approx. 4:31pm. Ranger 2 entered the from the bow of vessel 258 and approached the starboard side of the overturned vessel. He submerged himself for a short period of time and emerged and began shouting instructions for the patient. Ranger 2 submerged a second time, and emerged with the patient, swimming with her in his grasp away from the vessel. Ranger 2 and the patient swam for a short distance until they were able to stand, Ranger 3 and I assisted then onto vessel 258.

Aboard the vessel, the patient was observed to be shivering uncontrollably and presenting with difficulty breathing. Ranger 3 administered high flow supplementary oxygen via non-rebreather mask at a rate of 15 liters per minute. I wrapped the patient in a sleeping bag and sat next to her with my arm around her for provided warmth. I placed two external heat packs under her arm pits. The patient was alert to person, place, time, event and was able to independently maintain a patients airway. Her skin and extremities showed signs of adequate perfusion, and she did not complain of any trauma or injury.

At approximately 4:43pm, V258 arrived at Wahweap Main Ramp. The patient was placed in warm, dry clothes and seated in the cab of the Utah DNR Officer's patrol vehicle with the heater turned on. Ranger 3 continued to monitor the patient and reported that her condition remained stable. Page Fire Dept. Medic 10 arrived on scene and patient care was transferred to the paramedic staff.

Investigation:
At approx. 4:50pm, I contacted the vessel operator, identified as Operator, by his driver's license. Due to a language barrier (unable to write English, Spanish as a first language) I conducted a verbal interview with Operator, recorded on BWC. Operator stated the following:

Their party of 9 got on the water at approx. 10:00am, aboard a rental vessel. There was a case of beer aboard the vessel, but only 2 members of the party had consumed alcohol during the day. Operator stated that he does not drink and showed no indications of alcohol impairment. At around 4:00pm after entering Wahweap Bay through the Castle Rock Cut, their vessel began taking on water, due to high winds and 2-4 foot swells. There were 9 total people aboard the vessel, "at least 5" were seated in the bow. After several large swells crashed over the bow, Operator activated the bilge pump and instructed the vessel passengers to move to the back of the boat. Operator stated that these actions were made too late as the vessel began taking on large quantities of water. After a short time, the vessel began to capsize. The vessel occupants, all of which were wearing PFD's, jumped into the water. A good samaritan in a blue pontoon boat, arrived to assist. 8 members of the party boarded the pontoon boat; however, Injured was missing. They immediately contacted park dispatch.

A brief statement given by the unidentified operator of the blue pontoon boat, indicated that he witnessed an already capsized vessel and 8 people wearing life jackets in the water.

I spoke with an employee of rental company. I provided him with a description of the vessel's last seen location (approx. 100-200 yards south of the Castle Rock Cut and approx. 20-50 ft off the shoreline of Antelope Island, on the Arizona sice of the Utah-Arizona state line).

DISPOSITION
Due to on scene verbal statements, I determined that Operator had little to no vessel operating experience (0-10 total hours) and was unprepared to operate a vessel in such weather conditions. The overloading of the bow of the ski boat, combined with 2-4 ft swells, and a lack of operator experience; led to the capsizing of the vessel. Due to the language barrier and long-term water exposer by the party, I was only able to identify 5 of the 9 vessel occupants, as 4 members of the party departed the scene shortly after reaching Wahweap Main Ramp. 

I spoke to Vessel Owner via telephone. Vessel Owner provided me with vessel documentation. I informed Vessel Owner that it was his responsibility as the vessel owner to recover the vessel and provided him with contact information for Aramark Exec. Services. On 6/30/20 at 8:41am, Vessel Owner notified me that the vessel had been recovered. Due to the vessel having completely capsized, it was considered a total loss of property.

End of Report


BARDID: UT-2020-0105
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE POWELL
NearestCityorTown: BULLFROG
County: SAN JUAN
WaterConditions: Very rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/24/20, an Aramark employee took a Marine 16 radio call about a possible boat sinking near Buoy 106 at Lake Powell.

I; Ranger 1 responded to this call with Ranger 2. When we arrived on scene at Buoy 106 we observed an Aramark boat with a line in the water at GPS units: 37*33'277" N, 110*37'810 W. I made contact and was informed that a 21 ft. ski boat sunk 7/23/20 during a storm and they were working on removing it. I was able to see a white blur in the water approx. 15ft under the water. I was informed the registered owner was Operator, later identified by his UT driver's license.

I located Operator on a houseboat in Crustal Springs Canyon, but when asked for the vessel information Operator was unable to provide any. Operator informed me that he was heading to Bullfrog Marina to dock and I informed him that I would have a ranger meet him to retrieve this information.

Operator was contacted by Ranger 3 and was asked what had happened that day. Operator informed him that on 7/23/20 at approx. 4:30 PM while returning to Crystal Springs Canyon from a water-skiing trip with the family in Forgotten Canyon. Operator said a storm came in with high winds and rain approx. 1/2 mile out from the canyon mouth. Operator said before he knew it his vessel was being swamped by approx. 6-foot waves and began to sink. Within 30 seconds of the storm hitting them they had abandoned ship and swam to the nearest shore where they were picked up approx. 30 minutes later when the storm ceased and dropped off at their houseboat in Crystal Springs Canyon. Operator submitted a witness statement.

I called Operator on 7/28/20 at approx. 11:30 am and asked if he had any luck with removing the vessel. Operator informed me that the vessel was removed from the water on Saturday and is being delivered to him today. I informed Operator to call me when the vessel arrives.

I called Operator on 7/30/20 at approx. 9am and was able to collect the rest of the vessel information. I asked Operator to send me photos of the vessel. Operator sent the photos on 7/30/20 at approx. 2pm.

All parties can reached at phone number and address. All parties were wearing their lifejackets, and none were injured.

End of Report.


BARDID: UT-2020-0110
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE POWELL
NearestCityorTown: BULLFROG
County: SAN JUAN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 18, 2020 I, U.S. Park Ranger 1, along with Ranger 2 were dispatched to the Bullfrog Medical Clinic for a boat accident injury. We contacted the party involved at the clinic at approximately 2234 hours. The operator of the vessel, Operator, stated his father was wakeboarding behind their vessel in Good Hope Bay at approximately Buoy 124. The father attempted to jump a wake when the front of his board caught the water and he hit his head. The father stated his head was ringing but had no other complaints.

The father then asked the persons on board if something happened as if he forgot. The persons onboard the vessel showed him the video of the accident and approximately 30 seconds later, the father did not remember the video. The father kept asking the same questions which he could not remember.

The party then drove to the Bullfrog Clinic to evaluate the father for a possible head injury/concussion. No other injuries to other persons were reported on board the vessel. There was no damage to the vessel. Witness statements were collected from passengers on board the vessel who witnesses the accident.

End of Report


BARDID: UT-2020-0112
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE POWELL
NearestCityorTown: HALLS CROSSING
County: SAN JUAN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 11, 2020 I, U.S. Park Ranger 1, along with Ranger 2 were dispatched to Rin Con Bay near Buoy 77 for a report of a vessel accident with possible injuries. We contacted the vessel involved in the accident near Buoy 83. The operator of the vessel stated there were no injuries and they were being towed back to Bullfrog and did not require our assistance. I then informed Operator he would need to contact Rangers later to file a boat accident report.

At approximately 2052 hours the same day, I was dispatched to take the report of the vessel accident. I contacted Operator at the Defiance House Lodge. Operator stated to me that they were traveling back to Bullfrog from down lake. Between Buoy 75 and Buoy 77 (Rin Con Bay) they struck a rock on the southern shore of Lake Powell.

I observed damage to the lower unit of the vessel and the propeller. Operator stated that the lower unit, which is an inboard/outboard, pulled away from the hull causing water to fill inside the hull. The vessel bilge pumps were able to keep enough water out of the hull to prevent it from sinking. Operator estimated the damage between $10,000 to $15,000.

No injuries were reported. I took photos of the damage. Other passengers were unavailable to add to the report or were juveniles.

End of Report.


BARDID: UT-2020-0113
State: UT
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE POWELL
NearestCityorTown: BIG WATER
County: KANE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 6, 2020 at approximately 1800 hours in a bay in Last Chance Canyon, I responded to a call of a houseboat on fire with Ranger 2 and Ranger 3. When we arrived on scene the houseboat was still grounded on a beach and was not a drift. In addition, there was also a small wakeboarding boat fully involved in flames free floating approximately 20 feet away from the houseboat.

We then began clearing other vessels away with our vessel and creating a safe space until we got additional resources on scene. On some of the vessels that we cleared from the scene were the passengers from the houseboat. After we comfirmed that all passengers from the boats were safe, we followed them back to a nearby houseboat and handed out witness statement forms to some of the adults who were pertinent in this incident.

At this time, I noticed that the houseboat had detached from the beach and was drifting towards the houseboat we were currently onboard. Around this time Ranger 4 and Ranger 5 arrived on scene to assist with the fire. They were instructed to drag the wakeboarding boat to the shore and then the houseboat if it was going to maintain its course towards other vessels. Ranger 4 and Ranger 5 began towing the still inflamed vessel to the other side of the bay and secured it. After they secured the vessel to the bank, they towed the still inflamed houseboat back to near the initial spot where the houseboat was anchored. Ranger 4 and Ranger 5 ran the boat aground on a small sand bar approximately 25 feet from the shore.

CONCLUSION FROM EVIDENCE
Based on the evidence provided by voluntary statements provided by V1 Operator and from interviews that took place inside "Big Dog" houseboat. The cause of the fire was caused by a small air pump that was being used to pump gasoline from the toy tank on the houseboat to the wakeboarding boats fuel tank. The pump was leaking gasoline into a bucket that was on the swim platform. There were several gallons of fuel in the bucket when it ignited. A fire extinguisher was used on the bucket which caused the flames to come out of the bucket and onto the houseboat and onto the Tige Powerboat. Within minutes the fire had spread to both vessels and all passengers abandoned the vessel. This can be read in the voluntary statements provided by V1 Operator's witness statement.


BARDID: UT-2020-0114
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE POWELL
NearestCityorTown: BIG WATER
County: KANE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 05/26/2020, I was dispatched to the scene of a vessel accident at approximately 1445 hours. The vessel was located near buoy 22 and Padre Butte on Lake Powell. I arrived on scene at approximately 1500 hours. The vessel had been beached just south of Padre Butte. Six passengers were present. There were no injuries.

Operator stated she had been operating the vessel. She was attempting to cross a "shortcut" south of Padre Butte, well away from the lake's buoy line. As she did so, the vessel struck a submerged rock and began taking on water. She was able to get the boat to a nearby beach.


BARDID: UT-2020-0117
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE POWELL
NearestCityorTown: HALLS CROSSING
County: SAN JUAN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 1800 hours I, Ranger 1 heard over the radio that there was a party located outside of the Bullfrog Health Clinic that were in a minor jet ski accident. When I arrived, I found a 15-year-old female with a laceration to her lip on the left side and a few of her teeth chipped. I spoke with her stepfather who I identified as Operator by his name and DOB while she was with the clinic staff.

He stated that the two of them were on the jet ski when they hit a wake, inside a cove near Buoy 99, that came out of nowhere and that is when she smacked her face on the handlebars of the jet ski. Operator stated this happened around 1730 hours. Operator said that the two of them were wearing life jackets and that they were cruising at a reasonable speed. I had Operator fill out a voluntary statement form. Operator's stepdaughter received medical care from the clinical staff. I cleared the scene at 1900 hours.


BARDID: UT-2020-0118
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE POWELL
NearestCityorTown: BULLFROG
County: KANE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 07, 2020 I, U.S. Park Ranger, was dispatched to the E dock at Bullfrog covered slips for a boat accident. I contacted the party at E20 and identified the operator of vessel #1 as V1 Operator. V1 Operator stated to me that he was coming into the Bullfrog covered slips Marina when his starboard side engine failed. With the right-quartering tailwind and full reverse of the port engine, V1 Operator was unable to keep his vessel from striking the stern slide of Vessel #2 which was docked and no person on board at N07.

On Vessel #2, the stern slide was completely ripped off from the mounting brackets on the vessel. No persons were on board Vessel #2 and no information was able to be obtained.

Photos were taken of the damage on Vessel #1 which comprised of scrapes and a rip in the screen on the starboard side of the vessel. V1 Operator estimated the damage at $1,500 USD.

Photos were taken of the damage on Vessel #2 which only comprised of the damaged slide and brackets.

Witness statements were obtained from persons on the dock who observed the accident and form V1 Operator.

End of Report


BARDID: UT-2020-0121
State: UT
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE POWELL
NearestCityorTown: BULLFROG
County: KANE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 1, 2020 at approximately 1833hrs myself, Officer 2, Officer 3, M. Officer 4 and Officer 5 responded to a call from Park Dispatch of a vessel on fire near Buoy 74. Myself, Officer 2 and Officer 3 responded on Fireboat 290. Officers 4 and 5 responded on vessel 2511. Vessel 2511 was first on scene. They were informed by Bullfrog Executive Services via radio that the occupants of the vessel fire were on board their chaseboat.

On our way down to Buoy 74, we connected with Bullfrog Executive Services near Buoy 82 and took Operator and his wife Passenger on board with us. We then continued to proceed towards their vessel and V2511. I noticed the odor of an alcoholic beverage from Operator as he boarded the vessel. Because we still had a fire to respond to, we met up with V2511 and transferred Operator and his wife off the Frieboat to do further investigation. Officer 4 joined me on V2511 and Officer 5 joined Officer 2 and Officer 3 on the Fireboat.

I asked Operator if he was the one operating the boat. He said yes. I told Operator that I could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from him. Operator asked if I was smelling it from his wife. I told him no, I was smelling it specifically from him. I asked Operator if he had any alcohol to drink today, and he answered yes and said he had champagne at around 0900-0930hrs. When asked how much champagne, Operator said that they just had a mimosa.

I asked Operator if he would be willing to submit to the Seated Battery Standardized Field Sobriety Test and he said yes.

While I was helping Operator put on a Type I PFD, I asked if he could tell me what happened regarding their vessel catching fire. Operator stated that they, " were just coming back from Rainbow Bridge and the boat just died out. My wife said she saw smoke, so I went in the back and I opened it up...the hatch, and it was smoking, so we used two fire-but it sounded like it was crankin like it was tyring to start- I turned the batteries off, that stopped the cranking. We went through two fire extinguishers, it was blowing little flames down towards the bottom of the motor- so I went through two fire extinguishers, it seemed like it was out and then it came back".

Operator was not able to successfully blow into the PBT. Operator's performance on the Seated Battery Standardized Field Sobriety Test indicated impariment. After the tests were completed, we found out from the Fireboat crew that Operator'd vessel was completely submerged. At that point we offered to transport Operator and his wife back to their houseboat in Bullfrog.

I issued Operator Federal Violation Number X under 36 CFR 3.10 (a)(1) for operating or being in actual physical control of a vessel while under the influence of alcohol, a drug or drugs, or any combination thereof, to a degree that renders the operator incapable of safe operation.

He is mandated to appear in court on October 30, 2020 at 115 Aaron, Big Water Town Hall, Big Water, Utah.

End of Report.


BARDID: UT-2020-0122
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:49:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE POWELL
NearestCityorTown: PAGE
County: COCNINO
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 1:49 pm, Glen Canyon Dispatch advised of a vessel inbound to Antelope Point Marina requesting assistance. Ranger 1 and myself responded on NPS Medic 1. We contacted one injured person presenting with bilateral lacerations on his feet and ankles. The patient stated he exited the vessel  toward the stern, not knowing the engine was still running. The operator of the vessel and another person assisted him back into the vessel, and applied direct pressure to his extremities. In the process, the two attachment points for the canopy on the port side were damaged. Deputy 1 with Coconino County Sherriff's Office observed the damage to the vessel, and provided contact information for all people on board the vessel at the time of the accident. The patient was transported to Page ER by medic 1.

End of Report


BARDID: UT-2020-0124
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE POWELL
NearestCityorTown: HITE
County: KANE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
NARRATIVE:
On 08/16/2020 at approximately 1956 hours I responded to the Bullfrog Clinic for the report of a wakeboarding accident that occurred near Good Hope Bay. I  talked to all passengers who saw the incident. All stated that Victim was riding a wakeboard near Good Hope Bay and "caught an edge" and then "face planted" into the water. Victim did not lose consciousness and got back into the boat by herself. Victim was evaluated by the clinic and was diagnosed with a type 2 concussion and was released on her own reconnaissance. There was no property damage in this boat accident, injury only.

Through my investigation, I determined the cause of this accident to be wakeboarder inattention and lack of experience, there are no criminal charges associated with this boat accident.

End of Report.


BARDID: UT-2020-0125
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:23:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE POWELL
NearestCityorTown: BULLFROG
County: KANE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 13, 2020 at approximately 1023hrs Utah Standard time, I received a call from Park Disptach of a 61-year-old male with an approximately 2-inch gash in his upper left thigh. They were currently exiting the Escalante Arm in their houseboat rental with a ski boat rental in tow. Their approximate time of arrival at the Bullfrog area was estimated to be about 1800hrs that afternoon.

At approximately 1653 hours, myself and officer 2 met the patient at Bullfrog Boat Rentals and transported him to the Bullfrog Urgent Care Facility via ambulance, where he received stitches.

According to Injured, he was trying to board the ski-boat rental that was being towed by their houseboat rental when his foot slipped and he fell into the water. During his fall the front port line caught his leg and swimsuit and the front port cleat punctured his left upper thigh. Injured said he tapped his head while entering the water and went under the ski-boat. He emerged on the stern side of the ski-boat and used the swim ladder to get back up. Injured stated that he did not lose consciousness during his event. The houseboat rental was operated by Operator. Both houseboat and ski-boat were just drifting when the incident occurred.

End of Report.


BARDID: UT-2020-0126
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: RED FLEET
NearestCityorTown: VERNAL
County: UINTAH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS
On Wednesday July 15, 2020 at approximately 1400 hours at Red Fleet State Park a group of 12 people were boating. An adult male and young female child went overboard. Neither was wearing a life jacket. The child was able to make it back to the boat safely with the help from passengers of the boat. The adult went under the water and drowned. With the assistance of Division of Wildlife REsources, Uintah County Sheriff's Office, Uintah County Search and Rescue, State Parks ROV Team, and Department of Public Safety Dive Team, the body of the drowning victim was located at approximately 22:20 hours.

NARRATIVE
I Ranger was in my patrol truck pulling a trailer driving south on Vernal Avenue when I got the call from Vernal Dispatch at 14:13 hours that there was a possible drowning near the docks at Red Fleet State Park. I activated my emergency lights and sirens and advised dispatch I was en route. I turned my patrol vehicle around and headed north back to Red Fleet. While en route I contacted my supervisor and Park Manager of the possible drowning. I was pulling a trailer and traveled at a slower speed which slowed my response time. When I got to the boat ramp at Red Fleet I was met by the UIntah County Sheriff's Office deputies. We ran to the courtesy dock to get on the patrol boat. I notified dispatch that I was on the patrol boat and on scene at 14:33 hours.

I initiated my emergency lights and siren on the patrol boat and headed up the reservoir in the wake less area. We went up the reservoir about 300 yards and saw the light blue wakeboard boat that was described by dispatch. I asked the occupants of the boat where the last place the victim was seen in the water. They pointed to his last known location and we started looking for him. I had one Uintah officer looking for the victim in the water and another looking for him on the sonar. After doing a search of the area of his last known location. I called SUPERVISOR to bring up the patrol boat from Steinaker State Park. I also notified officers on the ground to start shutting down the park. I told the occupants of the wakeboard boat to go to the dock and wait for officers there. I searched the water until Ranger SUPERVISOR showed up with the other patrol boat. When SUPERVISOR arrived we met with Uintah County Search and Rescue and made a plan to put divers in the water. We also requested Department of Public Safety Dive Team and State Parks Remote Operated Vehicle.

I performed a vessel inspection of the wakeboard boat at the courtesy dock. This inspection was recorded by Officer with Uintah County Sheriff's. During the inspection I found that the Type IV PFD that is designed to be thrown to a person in the water, grasped and held by the user until rescue was not serviceable. It had the anchor chain wrapped around it. I also discovered that they had been using an unapproved swim vest as a PFD. I found sufficient PFD's on board for the amount of people. After I performed a vessel inspection I went back to my patrol vehicle and dropped the trailer that I had attached. I went back out on the patrol boat after dropping my trailer. I marked several areas of the reservoir with buoys that we identified by radar to be potential search areas. The Search and Rescue divers were able to dive and search those areas but unsuccessfull in locating VICTIM. The water turned very black and visibility was minimal after descending more than 10 feet. Search and Rescue commander made the decision to postpone the search with divers until DS dive team and State Parks ROV team arrived. We all returned to the boat ramp to eat and rest the divers. While on shore I interviewed two people; both interviews were recorded and are included in the report. 

According to SUBJECT1 everyone had been drinking on the boat and they were heading to the wakeless zone. She was sitting in the front of the boat and her daughter SUBJECT2 was in the back of the boat. She did not see what happened; however, believes that VICTIM pushed SUBJECT2 overboard. She also believes that VICTIM jumped in after her. Once the boat got closer to the two, OPERATOR jumped in the water to rescue SUBJECT2. He got her safely back to the boat. SUBJECT1 remembers seeing VICTIM struggling to keep his head above water. After getting her daughter in the boat she does not remember seeing VICTIM. VICTIM and SUBJECT2 were not wearing life jackets.

According to SUBJECT3 she remembers seeing VICTIM and SUBJECT2 going in the water after hearing a splash. She did not remember or know how they ended up in the water. When the boat got closer to VICTIM she dove in the water but could not find VICTIM after he had gone under water. Around 2100 hours both DPS dive team and State Parks ROV team had arrived. Shortly after arriving they were able to locate VICTIM. Approximately 2220 hours Uintah County Search and REscue divers were able to retrieve VICTIM from the water. Search and Rescue transported VICTIM to the boat ramp where he was placed into a Gold Cross Ambulance and he was transported to Ashley Valley Funeral Home. 

CONCLUSION
VICTIM drowned at Red Fleet State Park Reservoir. He was not wearing a life jacket. The Type IV Throwable PFD was not serviceable and had the anchor rope wrapped around it. The boat operator SUBJECT2 was consuming alcohol and did not immediately take action to rescue VICTIM. 

All the interviews I collected on scene are included in the report.

Both SUBJECT2 and D. SUBJECT1 were interviewed at the Children's Justice Center and their interviews are also included in this report.


BARDID: UT-2020-0127
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-10-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:25:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: SAND HOLLOW
NearestCityorTown: HURRICANE
County: WASHINGTON
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: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
INITIAL CALL
On October 5, 2020 at approx. 1400 hrs, I was called to a PWC accident on the south shore of Sand Hollow Reservoir. The reporting person told dispatch that two PWC's had collided and the operator and passengers were unconscious in the water. I met Ranger 1 at the boat ramp and proceeded to the accident scene by boat. Ranger 2 also responded to the accident. The original call was for a possible drowning, but as more information was received by St. George dispatch, it evolved into PWC vs PWC accident.

SOUTH SHORE
We found an abandoned PWC floating upright approx 100 yards off the shore near the South Boat Ramp. Dispatch informed us that the injured people were taken to the South Beach Ramp by another boater. Arriving at the boat ramp, an employee with The Beach at Sand Hollow (BASH) informed us that a young boy was not breathing and CPR was in progress on the porch of BASH. Ranger 1 and I ran from the boat ramp up to BASH.

When I got to the porch of BASH, I found Bystander 1 performing CPR on V2 Passenger 2/Deceased. I immediately relieved Bystander 1 and started chest compressions on V2 Passenger 2/Deceased. V2 Passenger 2/Deceased was unresponsive and appeared to have a head injury due to the amount of blood that was in his mouth and face. Ranger's 1 and 2 hooked up an oxygen mask to V2 Passenger 2/Deceased as I continued chest compressions. Hurricane Valley Fire and REscue arrived and I continued to do chest compressions until V2 Passenger 2/Deceased was put onto a back board. He was transported by ambulance to Dixie Regional Medical Center. V2 Passenger 2/Deceased never regained consciousness.

Ranger 1 was with V2 Operator who appeared to also have a head injury and possible broken wrist. V2 Operator was wide eyed, confused, and had blood on the left side of his head. He did not appear to know what was going on around him. V2 Operator's left wrist was possibly broken. V2 Passenger 1 was with the RP Rescuer on the South Boat Ramp. V2 Passenger 1 was complaining of back pain. V2 Operator and V2 Passenger 1 were both transported to Dixie Regional Medical Center by ambulance.

INVESTIGATION
Vessel 1 was being operated by V1 Operator, V1 Passenger 1 behind him, and V1 Passenger 2 on back of vessel 1. Vessel 2 was being operated by V2 Operator. His two passengers were his sons. V2 Passenger 1 (middle seat), and V2 Passenger 2/Deceased (rear seat). 

According to the witness statement V1 Operator (V1) was traveling at a safe distance (at least 150 ft) behind V2 Operator (V2), when V2 Operator suddenly stopped in front of him. V1 overtook V2 approx 20-25 MPH hitting V2's wake and launching V1 upward, impacting V2 Passenger 2/Deceased's head and neck. V2 Passenger 2/Deceased took the full force of the impact, protecting his younger brother V2 Passenger 1 who was seated in the middle. V1 impacted the left side of V2 Operator's head and crushed his left wrist onto the handle bar of V2. V1 rolled to the left side of V2, pushing both vessels away from each other.

All six passengers were wearing their personal floatation devices when they were ejected from their vessels. V2 Passenger 2/Deceased, V2 Passenger 1, and V2 Operator were floating face down unconscious in the water. 

V2 Passenger 1 and V2 Operator regained consciousness about one minute later. V2 Passenger 2/Deceased never regained consciousness. V1 Operator, V1 Passenger 1, and V1 Passenger 2 swam over to them and held their heads out of the water and started screaming for help. Rescuer, who heard their cries for help from shore, went out to see how she could help. When she arrived on scene, she could see that it was a very serious situation. She loaded V2 Operator and V2 Passenger 2/Deceased into her boat and took them back to the South Boat Ramp.  Rescuer said in her witness statement that V2 Passenger 2/Deceased was non-responsive and his eyes were rolled back in his head and he had blood coming out of his mouth. V1 Operator, V1 Passenger 1, V1 Passenger 2, and V2 Passenger 1 came back to the dock on V1. V2 was left adrift on the reservoir.

Arriving at the South Boat Ramp, Bystander 2 heard Rescuer yelling for help and came over to help. He immediately called 911 as soon as he saw V2 Passenger 2/Deceased. He got V2 Passenger 2/Deceased out of the boat and ran him up to BASH to get further help. Bystander 1 also heard the cries and rushed over to help V2 Passenger 2/Deceased. Bystander 1 checked for a pulse on V2 Passenger 2/Deceased and then started CPR. She said she had to drain V2 Passenger 2/Deceased's mouth of blood every few minutes. She continued to perform CPR until I arrived and relieved her. V2 Passenger 2/Deceased never regained consciousness and was transported to Dixie Regional Medical Center. V2 Operator and V2 Passenger 1 were also transported.

V2 was brought to the South Boat Ramp by the employees of BASH while we were attending to the injured parties. I immediately had both vessels removed from the water and seized as evidence. The vessels were locked in the maintenance building at Sand Hollow State Park pending an investigation.

CONCLUSION
After speaking to V1 Operator and V2 Operator, I found V1 overtook V2 at approx. 20-25 MPH, impacting the portside. V1 Operator stated that he was traveling at a safe distance when he impacted V2. He said that V2 had stopped in front of him and he hit the wake, launching V1 into V2. 

I believe V2 had slowed down and was plowing through the water when V1 impacted it. When a vessel is plowing through the water, it is creating a larger wake behind the vessel than it would at greater speeds. V1 Operator may not have known the different patterns as he approached V2. The experience of both operators was under 10 hours. 

I asked V2 Operator and V1 Operator if either of their vessels had experienced any mechanical or electrical malfunctions, they both said no, but that they are inexperienced and would not know. Both jet ski's appeared to be operating normally. The vessel plate on V2 is rated for 2 passengers only. At the time of the accident, V2 was over capacity with 3 passengers.

V2 Passenger 2/Deceased's injuries were fatal. He was internally decapitated and had a fracture at C1. He also had a subdural hematoma, fractured jaw, and a laceration on his liver. V2 Passenger 2/Deceased was transported to the hospital with a faint heartbeat. On the following day 10/06/2020 at 2135 hours, V2 Passenger 2/Deceased was declared dead. On 10/07/2020, he was removed from life support.

End of Report


BARDID: UT-2020-0128
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Powell
NearestCityorTown: HALLS CROSSING
County: San Juan
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Synopsis:

I responded to a report of a boat sinking by the Halls Crossing Ferry Ramp. There were no injuries, and everyone on board was able to get safely off the vessel. Investigation was conducted and a report was filed. 

Initial Contact:

At approximately 15:45 on Saturday, September 26, 2020 in Bullfrog, UT, I (Ranger 1) I was in my office when I heard emergency traffic from National Park Service (NPS) Dispatch regarding a boat sinking near the Halls Crossing Ferry Ramp. NPS Dispatch stated they had gotten a 911 call, from someone who came into the marina to call 911 at the request of the party in distress. NPS dispatch stated there were children on board as well. I activated my emergency equipment (lights and sirens) in my patrol vehicle and responded to the Bullfrog Government Docks. I advised NPS Dispatch of my response. Prior to my arrival Halls Crossing District Ranger 2 was on scene at the Halls Ferry Ramp and advised he was out with the party, and the vessel was low in the water. He confirmed the vessel was still floating and not sunk. 

Narrative and Investigation:

I arrived on scene at the Halls Crossing Ferry Ramp with my seasonal employee. NPS Ranger 3, Ranger 4 and Ranger 5 were already on scene in two different NPS patrol vessels. Ranger 4 and Ranger 5 were already on boat patrol, and responded from the mouth of Moqui Canyon. I observed the vessel sitting low in the water, with the engine compartment cover open, and the bilge running. I arrived at the Ferry Ramp and made contact with several individuals in the party. The vessel involved was identified as a 2017 SEA RAY BOATS SURF 230-W - Vessel 1. 

I spoke with Passenger 1 who explained what had occurred. She identified her husband as the operator of Vessel 1, as Operator. She explained that the truck and trailer was parked in Bullfrog, and that he had gotten a ride over there and was now en route to Halls Crossing from Bullfrog with the truck and trailer so they could remove the vessel from the water. Aramark staff had already transported most of the family members back over to the Halls Crossing Marina, while several of the adults waited at the Ferry Ramp. Passenger 1 confirmed there were no injuries. 

She stated there were 10 individuals on board the vessel.  Passenger 1 said they were tubing in the Main Channel, approximately by Buoy 95, they were pulling two tubes with 4 individuals at approximately 12-15 mph. She said they were pulling 2 kids and 2 adults, and confirmed all four were in lifejackets.  Passenger 1 stated they heard a water alarm in the boat going off. She stated they checked that the plug was still in, and it was. The bilge was running on auto, they opened the engine compartment and observed it full of water. Passenger 1 stated Operator emptied the ballast tanks. The group was able to make their way over to the ferry ramp and safely unload everyone. Passenger 1 stated they had observed the water flooding over the back of the boat. She said they later looked, and noticed the prop shaft was completely gone, and there was a hole/gap where it used to be in the fiberglass hull. Passenger 1 stated they had blown an engine gasket. Due to the engine compartment being flooded and submerged, there was significant damage to the engine, with the engine likely needing to be replaced. Passenger 1's father later spoke with me as well, and agreed with the engine damage concerns, and engine replacement. 

Employee with Aramark Exec Services at Halls Crossing also arrived at the scene, and assessed the damage to the vessel. He stated he would get a pump to pump out the water in the engine compartment while the family waited on the truck and trailer to arrive. He was worried about the vessel batteries going dead, and thus the bilge pump would stop working.


BARDID: UT-2021-0001
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:40:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Utah Lake
County: Utah
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Synopsis: I was called from my residence to an overdue party on Utah Lake. I went out the boat and was the rapid response for the Public Safety helicopter.

Narrative: 
Initial Call: On Sunday May 16, 2021 at approximately 01:40 hours, I received a wake up call from Central Valley Dispatch. The dispatcher told me there two males on a personal watercraft who has not made it back or checked in with their family.  The dispatcher told me the male launched from the Knolls on the west side of Utah Lake.  I told the dispatcher I would be en route. I got dressed and got in my patrol vehicle. Search and Rescue Sergeant called me on the phone and told me he was going to have DPS helicopter come with their flir.

On Scene: I made it to the park and went out on the boat. The helicopter came and scanned the west side of the lake and did not find anything on their flir.  I was patrolling around  the west side and waited for the call to go to area to check. I contacted Lieutenant  and park manager to let them know the situation. While on the boat I looked at the water temperature and it was reading 60. 2 degrees. 

MANAGER stated he was coming in to fuel to boat so we can have plenty of fuel for the search activities. The helicopter made a loop around the lake and did not find the watercraft or any person out on the water. Did find fisherman a long the banks. I made it to the Provo Marina and Manager and I fueled the boat and then I put oil in and cleared for home. The search was going to resume at 07:00 hours. Manager took the 07:00 hours shift.

PWC: The airplane spotted what looked like the watercraft and MANAGER confirmed the personal watercraft nose up at coordinates 40.18208, -111.85264. The SAR people found the kill switch a little ways away and then both male individuals bodies were found. First with a blue life jacket was found at this coordinates 40.184483, -111.880400. The second with the red life jacket was found at 40.181167, -111.881617.

 Both Park Ranger noticed the life jackets did not really fit the individuals. MANAGER told me the water temp was up around 65 to 69 degrees. I had MANAGER and Ranger1  bring the personal watercraft back to the state park so we could go over the watercraft. We went over the watercraft and found the battery was good and that as a whole the vessel had little damage and nothing looked to be broken. The positive line to the battery was disconnected. There was a current fire extinguisher and current insurance. The registration was in another person name and no hard copy of registration was on board. 

There was a whistle in the center compartment. It looks like the on and off key was lost. we could not find it anywhere. The battery was reading 115 to 116 volts the positive cable is broken away from the battery. It looked like the personal watercraft was capsized and filled with water to the point it sank to an iceberg position with the nose in the air and most of the personal watercraft under water. 

Both victims were wearing life jackets. What I was told was they went out at 16;20 on May 15, 2021 and I received the call at 01:40 on May 16, 2021.  On May 15, 2021 at approximately 20;40 hours  the wind was blowing from the North west and it was making the water rough with 2 to 4 foot swells. When I went out approximately 02:10 hours the water had calm to choppy 1 to 2 foot swells. 

Conclusion; It was both victims first time out on Utah Lake and first or second time operating the personal watercraft.  Inexperience was a contributing factor ro this incident with water temperatures, winds and waves were also a factor in the incident.


BARDID: UT-2021-0002
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Starvation Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: DUCHESNE
County: Duchesne
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL ASSIST/RESCUE
On May 27, 2021, I received a phone call from another officer regarding a boat accident on Starvation Reservoir near the lakeside RV park on the West side of the HWY 40 Freedom bridge. Myself and officer 1 got on the patrol boat and made-way to the lakeside RV ramp. We made contact with 1 adult Woman. She stated that she was able to communicate on the phone with OP1 by phone. 

OP1 stated that their vessel capsized, and that he and PASSENGER 1 went overboard. He also stated that PASSENGER 1 didn't know how to swim but was able to grab the sinking vessel. 

He stated that they could see us and they were about 400 yards to the west. I carefully made-way with the patrol boat. We then spotted them just before it got completely dark outside. We could see their heads and nothing else. I carefully placed my vessel starboard side to OP1's vessel. I than turned off the patrol boat's motors. I than began securing the capsized vessel to the side of the patrol boat using mooring lines. Officer 1 was able to grab PASSENGER 1 and pull him onto the patrol vessel over the stern. Both myself and Officer 1 could smell the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage from PASSENGER 1. We than pulled OP1 onto the patrol vessel and did not smell the odor of alcohol. I also was unable to detect impairment. 

OP1 claimed that they were fishing and both of them leaned over to one side of the vessel causing it to be displaced and capsize. 

We then transported both OP1 and PASSENGER 1 to the Lake Side RV ramp were a Duchesne County Sheriff's deputy and EMS were waiting. Both individuals received treatment for hypothermic symptoms. I was able to pull OP1's boat onto shore where he said he could pick it up later. OP1 than refused to get transported to the hospital. PASSENGER 1 was transported to UBMC for further treatment. I and officer 1 collected identification documents and took pictures of the vessel. We then cleared the call and went back to the State Park marina. I notified my supervisor of the incident at approximately 2228 hours.
No further details


BARDID: UT-2021-0004
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deer Creek Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: WALLSBURG
County: Wasatch
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS:
On 4 June 2021 I was dispatched to a vessel accident at the main launch ramp. One male had suffered foot injuries and all involved parties were at the launch ramp.

NARRATIVE:

On 4 June 2021 I was dispatched to a vessel accident at the main launch ramp at Deer Creek State Park.  The reporting party indicated that all individuals involved were still at the main launch ramp.

CONTACT:

I arrived and contacted one party who's pontoon was at the dock.  I obtained vessel and operator information and then went to the other vessel which was on its trailer just up the ramp.  I contacted the victim and confirmed that he was not seriously injured.  I requested medical to come take a look at his left foot just to make sure he was okay to be self transported. 

I obtained vessel information and insurance for all vessels involved.  I obtained witness statements from both parties and a third un involved party.  

INVESTIGATION:

I observed the swim deck of vessel 2 to have been pushed down approximately two feet from level where it was supposed to be.  I observed two longer and fresh scratch lines on the wood which matched up with the spacing of the pontoons on the pontoon boat.  The metal brackets which support the wood swim deck were also bent out of place.  The metal appeared to be a heavier gauge steel.

Vessel one did not appear to have any damage to the pontoons.  I conducted a vessel inspection and found all equipment in order.

Based upon witness statements I determined that the operator of the pontoon boat, OP 1, failed to alter his course and was cited for the violation.

The injured party was self transported.  End of Report.


BARDID: UT-2021-0005
State: UT
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Flaming Gorge
NearestCityorTown: Dutch John
County: Daggett
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator/owner of the watercraft, he was going upstream on Flaming Gorge Reservoir  when suddenly the steering wheel went full starboard causing the vessel to run aground, up on a large rock that threw the vessel back in the water upside down.  The operator and passenger were unable to flag anyone down until around 0800 the following day (Saturday).  Daggett County Sheriff's Department received the call and responded.  Reporting Ranger was not notified, however I heard central dispatch advise that the ambulance from Vernal was en route to Cedar Springs Marina.  I then responded to the Marina.  Upon arrival I was briefed by Daggett County.  He stated the original dispatch was that a boat that had swamped.  When he arrived at the scene of the accident, he found the operator and passenger who advised him of what happened.   Operator and passenger were transported to Ashley Valley Medical Center by Gold Cross ambulance where they were treated and released.  The passenger had  broken ribs and the operator had a bruised sternum.    The vessel was located in 45+ feet of water on a shelf.  The operator/owner advised that the insurance adjuster had been contacted on 1 June 2021 and would contact the salvage company about removing the vessel.  
     
06-11-2021 -  As of this date the vessel has fallen off the shelf and is about 85-100 feet of water bow down  The salvage company is working to find qualified divers for that depth.  I asked them to advise me when they are going to recover the vessel so I can finish this investigation.  Upon completion of this investigation, a supplemental report will be filed.


BARDID: UT-2021-0007
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:42:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deer Creek Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Wallsburg
County: Wasatch
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS:

On 20 June 2021 at approximately 1141, Ranger and I were notified of two people floating unconscious near Rainbow Bay. We responded and transported the involved parties to the Island Dock, while performing CPR.

NARRATIVE:

On the above date and time, Ranger and I responded to a call of two people floating unconscious near Rainbow Bay. We were informed that CPR was in progress. 

When we arrived to the West Side of Deer Creek Reservoir, directly across from Rainbow Bay, I saw orange left jackets floating in the water, and blue wakeboard boat with the two people laying on the back swim deck.

Witnesses helped load VICTIM1, and VICTIM2 into the law enforcement boat. I asked anyone if they were willing to continue CPR on the way to the dock and two people got into the boat to assist. 

We arrived at the Island and the ambulance crews took over CPR and resuscitation efforts. VICTIM1 was transported to Heber Valley Hospital and VICTIM2 was transported to Utah Valley Hospital.

We were informed that the daughters of VICTIM1, and VICTIM2, who were on a yellow pontoon boat, were being towed in by another boat and would meet us at the dock.

FAMILY INTERVIEW:

I talked with Subject1, who told me that they had been boating on their rented pontoon boat when she had wanted to go swimming. SUBJECT1 been swimming with a float toy and had asked her dad to swim with her. The boat was not moving. Her dad, VICTIM1 agreed and they swam around for a while. SUBJECT1 and VICTIM1 began struggling so SUBJECT1 swam back to the boat. VICTIM2 jumped in to try and rescue VICTIM1 but was unable to do so. SUBJECT1 stated that VICTIM1 had gone under the boat at some point. The other daughter who was onboard at the time said that they tried to toss orange life jackets to their parents but they had started to float.

WITNESS INTERVIEW:

Witnesses drove their boat over when they saw the life jackets and stated that they saw two bodies face down in the water. They pulled both VICTIM1, and VICTIM2 onto the swim deck of their boat and began compressions.

CONCLUSION:

VICTIM1 was pronounced at Heber Valley Hospital at 12:38 by Dr..

VICTIM2 was pronounced at Utah Valley Hospital at 1312 by Dr..


BARDID: UT-2021-0008
State: UT
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rockport Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Peoa
County: Summit
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hull failure
AccidentCause3: Overloading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 19th at approximately 1350 hours I was called out to a boat that had capsized. I arrived on scene and spoke with a kayak and another boat. The kayak informed me everyone got off the boat and another boat transported them to the concession dock. The other boat was just staying near the wreck so other boats wouldn't collide with it because is was almost fully submerged. I towed the boat to the beach near the ramp so a tow crane could recover the boat. I then interviewed the owner/operator. 
The owner/operator, later identified as OP1, informed me this was his first boat and the first time out with this boat. He had no experience boating. OP1 told me at the time of the swamping they were traveling at 30 miles per hour and when they approached another boat they throttled down to 15 miles per hour. When they throttled down the people sitting at the stern of the boat ran towards the bow because water was coming over the stern. Then the passengers all bailed out of the boat as the boat began to sink and then roll over. A nearby boat picked them up and took them to shore. I asked OP1 if they had taken on water when throttling down before, he mentioned not to his knowledge. OP1 had no idea why the boat sank. I asked OP1 if he had a working bilge pump he stated they did have a working bilge pump he tested after purchasing the boat. I informed OP1 once he gets the boat back on the trailer I would have to inspect the integrity of the boat and hull to try and determine the cause of the swamping. OP1 said it was fine the boat is totaled and I could take as much time as I wanted. The boat plug was still inside the boat. 
Approximately at 1600 hours OP1 called me to let me know a tow crane was headed to Rockport to pick up the boat. OP1 also informed me he had a working bilge but neglected to turn it on, it was an auto bilge but the switch was turned off. Boating all day and passengers entering and exiting the boat added water and additional weight to the boat. I called Rangers and informed her the crane was headed to Rockport. I asked Ranger 1 to take some pictures and inspect the boat further for damage once the boat was over turned. Ranger 1 reported to me she found no damage to the boat other than the plywood at the stern of the boat was rotten due being subjected to water over a long period of time. This would weaken the integrity of the inside of the boat, the hull and integrity of the fiberglass appeared to be sound. All the other damage to the fiberglass and stern most likely occurred when the crane rolled the boat over and placed it on the trailer. 
The boat took on water throughout the day.  The bilge pump was not turned on allowing water to accumulate inside the hull of the boat adding extra weight to the boat. With passengers sitting in the stern and all the additional weight from the water when the boat slowed down the stern portion of the boat (the heaviest part of the boat) dipped below the water line causing the boat to sink and eventually capsize. Lack of boating experience is a factor in the accident.


BARDID: UT-2021-0009
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deer Creek Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: WALLSBURG
County: Wasatch
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS:
On 25 June I was dispatched to a finger injury at the main dock.  A 68 year old female was transported by ambulance.
NARRATIVE:
On 25 June 2021 at approximately 15:45 I was dispatched to finger injury at the main dock.  Dispatch informed me that the person was loosing a lot of blood.  I arrived at the dock and was flagged down by a young lady who directed me to a vessel which was attempting to load onto a trailer.  She informed that her grandma's hand had been slammed between the boat and the dock.
I retrieved two rolls of gauze from my medical bag and walked down to where the boat was being loaded.  
CONTACT:
I observed some blood on the side of the vessel and a female holding a towel.  I boarded the vessel and observed that a section of skin approximately three inches by two inches had been de-gloved from the female's right hand near the thumb joint.  I observed white tendons, bone and muscle.  I wrapped the wound with gauze.  I then used the towel to create a sling for supporting the arm.
When Rangers arrived I requested his pulse oximeter as the female, identified as VICTIM, appeared to be going into shock.  VICTIM was pale and her skin was cool to the touch. I confirmed 92 percent oxygen saturation and a pulse which varied from 75-85.
At approximately 16:10 medical personal arrived.  We were able to assist VICTIM off of the vessel and onto the stretcher.  VICTIM was placed in the ambulance and was transported to Utah Valley Hospital.
While obtaining information I observed another female who had ice wrapped around her right hand.  She also had injury to her right hand.  I observed bruising and swelling on her right thumb and index finger. This victim chose to self transport to urgent care.
INVESTIGATION:
Based upon statements of patients and passengers, the winds were very strong, waves were heavy when they were trying to get onto the dock so VICTIM 2 could retrieve the truck and trailer.  Victim 2 placed her right hand out to catch the vessel, a wave came causing the vessel to drop as it hit the dock and her hand was between the vessel and dock.  The stern of the vessel then started to move toward the dock.  VICTIM who was at the stern of the vessel reached out to catch the boat as well. The vessel and dock again moved pinching VICTIM's right hand between the dock and vessel causing extensive damage to her hand.
This appears to be an unfortunate accident. Based upon investigation no citation will be issued.


BARDID: UT-2021-0010
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-03-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:39:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Quail Creek Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Hurricane
County: Washington
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Overloading
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
SYN#OPSIS
Dispatched to a welfare check of a male who had gone fishing at Quail Creek State Park.  The male and his fishing boat were located within the reservoir and the male was found deceased on scene.   The Utah State Medical Examiner was called to the scene to take over the investigation. 

NARRATIVE

DISPATCH
Monday, March 8, 2021, while working at Quail Creek State Park, I was dispatched to a welfare check of a male who had gone fishing at Quail Creek Reservoir.  Dispatch stated the reporting person was the male's wife and VICTIM had left home around 9:00 am that morning with his green fishing boat, Utah bow registration.  It was also stated that the boat had battery issues in previous fishing situations and he had health issues with blood pressure and being weak. 

SEARCH
I searched in the DWR Quagga program for the Utah bow number and found the boat had been entered into the system at 9:54 a.m.  I went to the boat ramp and found VICTIM's vehicle parked near the north boat ramp.  I informed dispatch that I had located VICTIM's vehicle and would be launching the patrol boat.  Once on the water, I began searching the north end of the reservoir.  The wind had blown most of the day with sudden bursts of strong north winds.   I was not seeing any red, green, or white navigation lights and informed dispatch that I needed back up to look for VICTIM because how dark it was.  Multiple Hurricane City Officers came and began searching from the highway and on the water's edge.  Search and Rescue was also dispatched to the scene.   I called Ranger with Sand Hollow State Park to bring his patrol boat to assist with the search. 

RECOVERY
Once Search and Rescue was on scene, I was informed that Life Light would be coming to help with the incident.  Shortly after Search and Rescue launched their boat, Life Light arrived on scene and was instructed to start their search in the northern part of the reservoir due to the northern winds all day.  Approximately, five minutes after beginning their search, they located a green fishing boat in a north eastern cove, in a group of trees.  Search and Rescue members and I boarded a boat and headed towards Life flight's directions.  We located the VICTIM's boat and began walking the shoreline.  About 50 feet west of VICTIM's boat we located a straw hat.  We continued to walk west and approximately 50 feet; we located what appeared to be a male's body in a prayer position with his face down towards the ground in the water.  The male's body was VICTIM and his temperature was measured with an infrared thermometer at 32 degrees.  He was located at approximately 2123 hours.  Search and Rescue began their investigation and taking photos.  They loaded the body into an orange water bag and loaded the body onto their boat.  We drove the boat back to the north dock and unloaded VICTIM onto the cement. 

INVESTIGATION
I began taking photos and video of Search and Rescue's investigation.  Attached to the boat, there were two fish on his stringer and one was still alive.  All his fishing gear was in the boat, including a life vest.  I located a fast food bag with wrappers inside and water bottles.  The trolling motor was in the up position and there was a battery not being used in the bow of the boat.  I looked in VICTIM's vehicle and found his cell phone and debit card sitting in plain view.   VICTIM's vehicle keys were located on his person, in his back pocket, and we used them to unlock the vehicle where we located VICTIM's wallet which held his driver's license.


BARDID: UT-2021-0011
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Utah Lake
NearestCityorTown: Provo
County: Utah
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
In talking with the owner/operator, OP 1, I found that he had struck bird island.  OP 1 told me that he could see some color change in the water ahead of him and that he tried to quickly turn to avoid the obstacle, but that the vessel ended up striking the island.  OP 1 said the boat was still operable, and they tried to continue going.  That is when they noticed a lot of water coming into the vessel and they began to start bailing it out.  They called 911, and rangers responded.  Upon arrival it was noticed that the vessel was sitting low in the water and the aft starboard side was particularly low.  All occupants were wearing a PFD.  The Rangers took the adult female and two children onto the rescue vessel, and attached a tow line to the bow eye of the damaged vessel.  OP 1 stayed on board the disabled vessel to bail water while we began our way back to the Provo Marina.  Upon arriving in the Provo Marina, the adult female and children were quickly checked by EMS personnel and released.  OP 1 was assisted in loading his vessel onto the trailer and it was pulled from the water where it drained.  The damage was as noted in the damage section of this report.  OP 1 told the Rangers that he was unfamiliar with where bird island was, and did not know until it was too late.  
Update 7/6/2021
I received an estimated quote to fix damages from a local repair shop in the amount of $14,400.00.  I filled in that field on the report and submitted the report.


BARDID: UT-2021-0012
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:18:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deer Creek Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Charleston
County: Wasatch
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS:

On 3 July 2021 I responded to a drowning near the Island area of the park.  I performed CPR. Once the victim was in advanced life support care I obtained information for a report.

NARRATIVE:

On 3 July 2021 while on vessel patrol on Deer Creek Reservoir at approximately 12:15 I observed what appeared to be a small boat overturned.  I could not see anyone in the water though I could also see an upright kayak or canoe with no one on board.  I turned the patrol vessel in that direction to investigate.  As I was approaching I observed a pontoon boat make an aggressive 180 degree  turn towards the area.  I then observed a few people in the water. At this point I brought the vessel up on plane to expedite my response.  I observed someone dive off of the pontoon boat.

ON SCENE: 

At approximately 12:16 as I was pulling up dispatch called Ranger to an unconscious male near the island.  I immediately informed dispatch that I was on scene.  I observed a male performing CPR on someone who was halfway out of the water on the rocky shore.  I grabbed my pulse oximeter and then I jumped off of the patrol vessel and secured one rope to some rocks.

I ran over and observed two females with life jackets on, a young female juvenile on the shore also wearing a life jacket.  I observed a male victim with his chest and head out of the water and not wearing a life jacket.  I observed a black life jacket open on the rocks and could read XXL in white lettering.

CPR:

I placed the pulse oximeter on VICTIM left index finger, informed dispatch of our exact location and that CPR was in progress.   I took over compressions.  I observed no pulse or oxygen reading on the meter.  The males face was ash white and began turning more purple as compressions continued.  

A passerby arrived who knew CPR and we switched every other set.  While doing compressions I observed a small amount of clear fluid exiting VICTIM's open mouth.  I performed mouth to mouth two different cycles.  We struggled to keep our footing on the rocks while in waist deep water.  Approximately every other compression set we had to lift VICTIM back up on the rocks.  Due to the individual's size and the steep slope we were unable to bring VICTIM more than waist high above the water.

At approximately 12:20 Wasatch County Deputies and Ranger arrived by foot with an AED, Backboard and oxygen.  Compressions were suspended momentarily while VICTIM was loaded on the backboard.  The pontoon boat was flagged over.  At approximately 12:26, VICTIM was lifted on the backboard onto the pontoon boat.  The boat also picked up medical personal who were on the shore close by and then rushed to the dock.

Ranger retrieved our patrol vessel to pick me up, the victims wife and daughter.   daughter, the young girl on shore, was transported on the pontoon boat to the main dock.

DOCK INVESTIGATION:

Once on the dock I was assured the others were not hurt or injured.  I obtained name and date of birth of the victim, wife, daughter and granddaughter.  

VICTIM was loaded into the ambulance where medical personal continued to work on him.

I spoke with subject1.  SUBJECT1, who was in other canoe with her daughter Subject2, stated that they were rowing around the shore when some really big waves came up.  The waves were hard to ride but she was able to ride them out.  However, VICTIM and subject3 were not able to ride the waves and there canoe capsized.  VICTIM was not wearing his life jacket.  Both VICTIM and Subject3 swam towards shore when VICTIM stopped swimming and became limp approximately 15 feet from shore.  Both SUBJECTs began yelling and screaming for help at which point the pontoon boat changed its course and rushed to assist.

INVESTIGATION CONT.
At approximately 12:49, under advisement from a doctor, medical personal advised VICTIM's time of death. County deputies requested a medical examiner at approximately 13:01.

The canoes were rented from Deer Creek Island Resort at the Island entrance of the park. Coast guard approved life jackets were issued to all four members of the group. 

Upon the detective arriving I relayed all information I had to him. I then finished collecting statements and cleared the scene.


BARDID: UT-2021-0013
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:08:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Powell
NearestCityorTown: Page / Kanab
County: Kane
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
While on vessel patrol on 06/19/2021 at approximately 14:30 hours,  I heard dispatch call for any available Wahweap units to assist in a broken collar bone in Gunsight Bay. I was in the mouth of Gunsight Bay when the call came out so I let dispatch know I would respond.

 I arrived to the houseboat of the injured female approximately three minutes after the call  came out. The female approximately 10 years old was laying on the couch of the houseboat with an ice pack on her collar-bone. She had been crying, but not in excruciating pain. I asked the father what had happened.

 He said that her and her brother were tubing when they hit a wave on the tube and he landed on her shoulder.  She began crying and they got her in to the boat to see what had happened. 
The operator, could immediately see that the collar-bone was deformed. He transported her back to the house boat to where her father was. This is when they had called for help. 

I assisted the father in helping put her arm in a sling to relieve the pressure off of her collar bone for the boat ride. I then assisted her and him on to my patrol vessel. 
We made the trek down-lake to Antelope Point marina where I met up with the NPS medical team. From here they transported her to the Page, AZ hospital. 
Victim had to have surgery on her collar-bone and a plate was placed to aid in future growth.


BARDID: UT-2021-0014
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:23:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bear Lake
NearestCityorTown: Laketown
County: Rich
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
While making a sharp turn, all occupants of vessel 1 were thrown off. Victim hit the handlebars when she was thrown off. Victim was sitting in the middle and occupant was sitting on the back. Neither of the two passengers were injured or treated. Victim was treated for rib injuries and taken to Logan Regional to be further evaluated.


BARDID: UT-2021-0016
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:36:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Utah Lake
NearestCityorTown: Provo
County: Utah
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Fuel
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Narrative of events and witness statement summary:

On July 7, 2021 at 1636 hours I received a call from Utah Lake State Park.  An employee at the entrance booth told me there was a man there wanting to talk to me.  I told him to go ahead and hand him the phone.  The man asked who he was speaking with and then introduced himself as operator a superintendent with California State Parks.  He said he was at the state park and that he had rented a PWC from the concession  He said he tried multiple times to start it and then it exploded, causing the front to blow off and lifting the seat that he and his son were sitting on. He said it lifted them some inches and then they came back down on the seat.  He asked who would take the report and I told him I would.  I let him know that I'd be about 15-20 mins away and asked if he would like medical to respond.  He said he had some back pain but did not want any medical response.  He told me who was the Rentals employee that was working so I called and asked her to not touch or move the PWC until I got there.

I arrived at Rentals and found operator near his rental car.  I let him know that I was recording audio with my dash cam.  I started by asking if he still denied medical and he told me he now wanted medical to respond due to the back pain.  I requested them through dispatch at 1705 hours.  I then asked him for his driver license.  He told me he wouldn't give me his personal address but his work address instead.  Later he would explain that was because he didn't want anyone coming to his house.  I asked for his phone number but he said it had been water damaged when it went into the lake, he gave me his daughter's number as a contact.

We walked out to the wave runner that was tied up to the dock used for the rentals.  I took photos and video of the machine.  He pointed out the machine that he had been on and the parts of the machine that had been thrown into the water.  employee, walked out on the dock and at that time I asked her to fill out a witness statement.  I also put one on a clipboard and took it to operator.  He refused to fill out the statement citing it was my job to write a report, not his.  He told me he wasn't going to take 45 mins to do my job and based on my training I should be able to create a report.  I told him if he insisted, he could make a verbal report into my microphone but he would either need to pause when a plane came in to land or make a written report, he opted for the verbal report.

I asked him to start at the time he got onto the machine.  He told me that he and his son, got onto their PWC with his son sitting behind him.  They started to motor away from the dock and so did his wife and daughter on a different PWC.  They were both under power when his wife's PWC stalled.  Then his PWC stalled about 20' from leaving the dock.  He and his wife were able to start them again only to have them stall again.  At that time he told witness that he smelled gasoline.  He asked if they  had just fueled it but didn't get a response from witness.  That's when he tried to start it again and there was an explosion.  (At this point in the interview Provo FD arrived and began a medical assessment on him).  Operator said the explosion lifted he and his son up off the seat which they came back down on.  Witness turned and asked what happened.  Operator suspected a fuel leak.  He had son get into the lake and gather the contents of the PWC so he might not be charged for them.

Operator asked witness to first get his wife since they were still adrift and bring them back to the dock.  Operator got in the lake to grab some of the items and swam them back to the dock and also pushed the PWC to the dock.

There had begun to be a number of people walking out on the dock so I broke from the interview to go take pictures and ask the responders to not touch the PWC.  I also grabbed the bin from the front of the PWC and secured it in my truck. I continued to interview with operator. He mentioned that witness was on the phone with the manager of rental, telling him the situation when operator said he'd like to talk to owner and that he'd call owner from his daughter's phone. Operator tried twice to call owner with no luck but left a voicemail with two different numbers to contact him at. I then gave Operator my business card with a case number. I had called for a tow truck to seize the PWC as evidence which showed up at (1734 hours).

I then handed out witness statements to the rest of the operator's family. Next I used a side tow method with the Ranger boat to get the PWC to the south ramp where the tow truck was and loaded it onto the trailer. Of note is that the depth in the area of the accident showed 5.6'. I then had the tow truck meet me inside the fenced maintenance yard and placed the PWC into the building on the east side which is fully locked down and again within a fenced area that is locked after hours. 

I went back to th family and collected witness statements. I asked him some more questions about the nature of the explosion and asked if he would mind showing me his lower legs to see if hair was burned. Neither he or his son had any burned leg hair.

Following up with witness, she said she had just fueled the PWC before he went out. She said that was the preferred way to run the rentals, if time allowed, they fuel vessels as soon as they came in.

Inspection of PWC
I photographed and took a video of the PWC while it was at the dock. I continued taking photos starting at the bow and began inspecting the PWC. The front hood was still in the open position from the blast. There had been a bin under the hood which he had recovered and put as many items back into it that had been thrown into the water. The photo of the bin and its contents (oil bottle, registration, & insurance papers, an an expired fire extinguisher) is DSCF0872. The photo showing where the bin is originally housed is DSCF0869.

With the bin fully out, my attention was immediately drawn to the filler neck nose where it is attached to the fuel tank. The Tridon clamp was intact, but I noticed it was not fully over the rib on the fuel tank nipple. I put my flashlight against the fuel tank to illuminate the fuel level. The fuel level was flush with the bottom of the fuel neck which caused me to be suspicious if that was a point that was leaking. I noticed that right below the possible leak point, the fiberglass was a different color, like a solvent had been dripping on it. The diagrams are attachment "fuel system" with part "30" being the filler neck hose. Also included in this photo "DSCF0878 Highlighted" which shows the discoloration of the hull under the fuel leak.

I had another Ranger bring our fuel trailer over and slowly start pumping fuel in the tank. At first I saw only one drop. Then I saw some fumes and then there began to be a constant stream leaking from the end of the hose. The attached photo is titled "steady fuel leak". There was no firewall in the hull and any fumes could make their way through the entire hull.

I next went back to the area under the seat where the engine is. Damage there is detailed in that attachment "Air Intake" where the air intake silencer had seperated from the performed hose (phote DSCF0903).

Aft of that area and on the rear of the vessel had been two small vent grills that had been blown into the water. It had appeareed that each of them had plastic rivets holding them to the PWC, which broke off. The recovered vents are shown in photo next to where they had been attached. No other obvious damage was found.

EOR


BARDID: UT-2021-0017
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:31:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Willard Bay
NearestCityorTown: WILLARD
County: Box Elder
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
I was called from an employee regarding a female that was involved in a boat accident that was at the boat ramp.  I responded and when I was talking to the female she said that her head hurt.  She said that she was stopped when another PWC came doing circles around her and almost hit her.  The wake knocked her off and she hit her head.  She said that she lost consciousness.  I called for medical to check her out and also requested units assist with looking for the other PWC that had left the area.  Medical checked her out and she signed a release waiver wanting to be self transported.  I searched the area with other units for approximately an hour not being able to find the other PWC.


BARDID: UT-2021-0018
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deer Creek Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Wallsburg
County: Wasatch
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS:

On 12 July 2021 at approximately 1500, I was called to a medical at Sailboat Beach, where a woman had hit her head on her jetski.

NARRATIVE:

On the above date and time, I responded to a medical where a woman had fallen off her jetski and hit her head. Medical requested a boat to transport the patient. Sergeant and I responded by boat. Medical had Operator in a chair and was evaluating her. I jumped off the boat and onto shore to assist. Medical decided that we were going to carry her in her chair to the boat. I assisted medical in carrying Operator and loading her on to the boat. Sergeant drove Operator and medical to the Main Boat Ramp, while I remained with the family to gather information.

Witnesses stated that she was out on a jetski, when she had fallen and hit her head. They stated that she went unconscious. Those who witnessed Operator in the water, swam to assist her. They were unable to get her back onto the jetski, and stated she began to "freak out". They brought her back to shore and assisted her until medical arrived. None of the witnesses saw her hit her head, but Operator claimed that she had. Operator was wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident.

The machine that Operator was operating was a rental from Action Toy Rentals.

TRANSPORT:

Victim was transported by ambulance to Utah Valley Hospital.

VESSEL:

There was no visible damage to the vessel.


BARDID: UT-2021-0019
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:57:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deer Creek Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Wallsburg
County: Wasatch
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS:

On 17 July 2021 at approximately 1857, Ranger and I responded to a propeller cut injury at the Island. Victim was transported by ambulance to Utah Valley Hospital.

NARRATIVE:

On the above date and time, Ranger and I responded to a propeller cut injury at the Island. When we arrived, we had visual of the boat coming into the dock. We cleared the dock so they could come right up to it. Ranger and I made contact with the family, while medical jumped on board the boat to start assessing victim. Ranger assisted medical while I talked with the family. 

Operator stated that he had been driving the boat and victim had been wake surfing. Victim had fallen and Operator was trying to retrieve him when a large wake raised the bow of the boat and he lost site of victim. When the bow lowered again, the passengers on board felt a thump and saw victim was bleeding. They loaded him on board and transported him to the Island with a laceration to his right foot.

Victim stated the same as Operator but also stated that he had tried to push away from the boat with his foot when the accident occurred.

TRANSPORT:

Medical transported to Utah Valley Hospital by ambulance.


BARDID: UT-2021-0020
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:47:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Flaming Gorge
NearestCityorTown: Dutch John
County: Daggett
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Synopsis:    This involves a vessel being docked and the owner of the boat was injured.  

Narrative:    Reporting Ranger responded to the Mustang Ridge Boat ramp on a report of an injury.  Upon arrival I met Victim who had his right hand injured.  Victim pulled back the bandage which exposed the palm of his right hand.  According to him, he had launched his vessel with his wife as the operator.  He parked the truck with the boat trailer in the parking area of Mustang Ridge boat ramp.  He then walked to the courtesy dock.  His wife was going to pick him up, but she had the vessel traveling too fast toward the dock.  Victim reached out to stop the vessel from hitting the dock.  Somehow he got his hand between the bow of the vessel and a wire line that was the anchor line for the courtesy dock anchor.  The force of the vessel resulted in the wire lacerating and partially degloving his hand in the palm region.  Victim had his family placed the vessel back on the trailer and parked it in the upper parking lot at the ramp, where I met him.  He advised he would not need an ambulance as he had family there that could drive him to Vernal.  After looking at the hand, I noticed that the bleeding was under control and I felt comfortable in him being taken POV to the hospital.  No first aid was administered by this Ranger.

Victim arrived safely at Ashley Valley Medical Center about 1435 hours.


BARDID: UT-2021-0022
State: UT
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bear Lake
NearestCityorTown: Garden City
County: Rich
WaterConditions: Very Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 22, 2021, at around 1810 hours, a vessel operated by operator, began taking on water. A storm had rolled in and there were waves up to six feet. He said the motor seized up and they were unable to navigate the waves. Operator was able to call his family on shore, who called 911. As the boat began to capsize, Operator was able to get himself and 13 individuals onto an inflatable tube attached to the vessel. A passing-by  wave-runner picked up one individual and took them back to the Marina.

I arrived at his location and was able to get all 13 remaining individuals onto my vessel. The capsized vessel was left in the lake. I returned to the Marina with the individuals. Victim was treated at the Marina for a panic attack. Victim was released on seen by the EMTs. 

On July 23, 2021, Operator and his family were able to recover the vessel. I met with them at the Marina and took pictures of the vessel. After talking to Operator and other involved parties, I finished my investigation.


BARDID: UT-2021-0023
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bear Lake
NearestCityorTown: Garden City
County: Rich
WaterConditions: Very Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 22, 2021, at around 1730 hours, a wind storm hit Bear Lake. Operator was operating a 2017 Centurion boat near the Ideal Beach area. He saw other vessels starting to head for the Marina around 1800 hours, so he started to head that way. He had 11 other people on board with him. 

As he started to head to the Marina, about a 4 mile journey, the waves became too big for his boat too handle. Operator took continued waves over the bow of the boat. He had all of the individuals on the vessel get on an inflatable tube. The tube was attached to the vessel. The vessel took on enough water that it capsized.

He and his party were rescued by a Good Samaritan and taken back to Ideal Beach. No injuries were reported. I talked to him at his cabin around 2015 hours. He recounted the events to me and we talked about what he would need to do to recover his vessel.

On July 23, 2021, at around 1120 hours, I went to Blue Water Beach Resort, which was the last known location of his vessel. I found him there with local wrecker company. They were able to retrieve the vessel. After talking more to him and taking pictures, I cleared and finished my investigation.


BARDID: UT-2021-0024
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Powell
NearestCityorTown: Big Water
County: Kane
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS: 

Houseboat vessel by the name of XXX was being piloted back to Antelope Point Marina when it struck a submerged rock during the de-anchoring process. "XXX" took on substantial amounts of water causing it to sink and submerging the lower portion of the vessel before it came to rest on the lake bed below. 

CONTACT: 

On 07/14/2021 while in a law enforcement training in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, I received a call from Glenn Canyon Dispatch center at around 10:30 AM. They stated there had been a houseboat sink at the mouth of  West Canyon and asked if I could respond. I told them I was in South Dakota and unable to respond. I let them know that if there was anything I could do, to reach out. 
A few hours later, dispatch called again and asked if I could do the BARD for the accident. I said I could, but they would need to compile all the reports from the responding rangers. 


INVESTIGATION:

When I returned to work on 07/23/21 I began my investigation. 

I called the owner of the vessel and spoke to him regarding the incident. He said he would send me his recollection on the accident.(See attached) Operator gave me permission via word of mouth to visit the vessel which had since been pulled from the lake and placed in the dry storage at Antelope Point Marina. He also told me that the neighboring houseboat and ski boats were possibly to blame for the incident. Operator believes the waves from a neighboring ski-boat sized vessel pushed his vessel further on to the beach. Videos were provided of the incident via email, but the videos being taken at night caused them to be dark and hard to see. From what I was able to see, I did not observe substantial wave action hitting the stern of his boat in the video supporting his theory. 

I traveled to the current location of the vessel "XXX" and documented the damage to the hull which lead to the sinking of the vessel. I also boarded the vessel and took pictures of the water damage sustained from the vessel being submerged. (See attached photos)

After I had visited the vessel, I made contact with APEX Pilot services out of the Antelope Point Marina. Here I met with the manager and the pilot of  "XXX" at the time of the incident. They gave me a verbal synopsis of what had happened, provided me with a written statement, and provided a couple of photos. (See Attached)

I reached back out to Owner for the registration and insurance information on the vessel. Insurance for the vessel was obtained (attached), but there was no current registration. Owner states that the vessel was in the process of becoming coast guard registered. 

Glenn Canyon Dispatch had emailed me the reports from National Park Service Ranger, the responding officer. I reviewed his report as well as a couple of other emails that he had provided me. (See Attached). 

I checked the B.O.R. (Bureau Of Reclamation)  web site for lake elevations pertaining to the days of Owner's trip. July 7th - which was departure day, the lake elevation was 3558.88. On July 13th - the day of return, the lake elevation was 3557.50. 
The lake had dropped 16.56 inches during the six days "XXX" was beached. 


 CONCLUSION:

During de-anchoring process, "XXX" was stuck on the shore where it had previously been anchored on the 7th of July. When the pilot was finally able to free the vessel, it slid down the rocks causing the heavy bow to quickly depress far enough into the water to hit a submerged rock which in return,  punctured a hole in the hull. The bow quickly returned to floating position and the vessel was able to free itself and make way. Once underway, the pilot recognized that the vessel was taking on water and he then found a safe spot to land the vessel which in return helped it from sinking completely.
 
There is no evidence that a ski-sized vessel creating waves would make this 100' vessel walk up shore as Owner claims in his narrative of recollection. In the provided clips from Owner, there is not enough evidence or wave action to prove his theory.

The scrape marks in the sandstone from the vessel de-anchoring process match the B. O. R. lake elevation data for the given dates of his trip. This indicates that anchor lines were likely not loosened to compensate for the receding lake levels. 

"XXX" sustained hundreds of thousands of dollars in water damage on the lower level of the vessel, mechanical rooms, bedroom's, and the saloon area to appear to be a total loss.

HIN number is listed in the report -
It was in the process of undergoing Coastguard registration so no current paperwork for reg.


BARDID: UT-2021-0025
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Flaming Gorge
NearestCityorTown: Dutch John
County: Daggett
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS:
On Sunday July 4, 2021 approximately 1430 hours, while in Carter Creek Canyon two boats were trying to turn around. The wind picked up and the two boats ended up colliding into each other. The damage was to vessel #2 is mostly under the water line. I was unable to get pictures due to both boats being in the water.

NARRATIVE:

On Sunday July 4, 2021 approximately 1430 hours, two boats were up Cater Creek Canyon when the wind began to blow causing the two boats to get close to each other. Vessel #1 claims that his vessel could have been in reverse instead of neutral. Vessel number #2 claims his vessel was in neutral. The vessel's collided. Vessel #1 backed into Vessel#2 on the starboard stern. The damage to vessel #1 was unclear and I was unable to see the damage. The damage to Vessel #2 was under the water line and the owner was supposed to send me pictures and never did. 

END OF REPORT


BARDID: UT-2021-0026
State: UT
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-08-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:06:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Powell
NearestCityorTown: BULLFROG
County: Kane
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: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Synopsis:

I responded to a report of a houseboat fire. Investigation was conducted, and a boat accident report was completed. The vessel was a total loss and there were no injuries. Report was filed. 

Initial Contact:

At approximately 1100 on Monday, August 2, 2021 in Bullfrog, UT, I (Ranger, Boating Area Supervisor at Lake Powell) was in my office when I heard emergency traffic from NPS Dispatch advising of a houseboat fully engulfed at the North Ramp. NPS Dispatch reported no injuries and people on the dock. After un-hitching the patrol vessel that we were cleaning, my seasonal employee and I responded to the scene. I activated my emergency equipment (lights and siren) on my patrol vehicle and responded to the scene. As I was responding I observed black smoke in the direction of the North Ramp. 

NPS AIS staff and Backcountry Ranger responded. Upon my arrival on scene, the NPS Fire Boat was on scene and working on putting out the fire. Ranger had the NPS Fire Engine (Engine 51) on scene, and a water tender from NPS Maintenance had also been requested. The North Ramp had been closed only to emergency vehicles during this time. Ranger assumed the role of Incident Commander (IC) for this incident, and I coordinated directly with him when I arrived on scene. It was confirmed there were no injuries and that everyone was safe. 

Initial Boat Observations:

The houseboat on fire (later identified) was directly next to the North Ramp Dock. I walked as close to the boat as it was safe, and took some initial pictures. I observed black smoke and orange flames coming off the houseboat. The cabin had already burned down. I observed some personal belongings near the boat and at the end of the dock, including some coolers. Off to the side of the North Ramp, on a beach, there was a houseboat (later identified, a 56 ft. houseboat). No individuals were on-board and that vessel was not on fire. I spoke with Ranger and confirmed that unless they needed me for assistance with the fire or emergency operations, I would be transitioning to investigations. I advised NPS units on scene that I would be conducting the investigation and completing the boat accident report. I also requested NPS Dispatch advise the State of Utah Fire Marshal's Office as well. NPS Dispatch stated they would, through the Kane County Sheriff's Office. 

Initial Contact - Witnesses:

I arrived at the top of the ramp and spoke with Ranger would had been making contact with witnesses and getting witness statements. She stated that individuals up at the top of the ramp were the family from the houseboat. Ranger stated the family who were getting their vehicle and pulling their ski boat, and would be coming back to the scene. The family that was on witness vessel,  which was beached at the time, stated it was smoking, black smoke. The family advised it appeared the smoke was coming from the cabin, down low, and underneath the windows. They observed the individuals on board unloading/loading gear and saw them attempt to remove gas cans and propane tanks off the vessel when the fire started. 

The family indicated the fire started very quick, and within 30 seconds, the flames were 4 - 6 ft. They started to take fire extinguishers to the boat, but backed off due to the size of the flames. The smoke and flames started on the right (starboard side) - (engines front) - but when looking at the boat with the engines in the back - it is the actual left side (port side). The family also stated they observed a wave runner (jet ski) attempt to spray the fire, but was unsuccessful. I was able to coordinate with NPS dispatch/Aramark Exec. Services and get the family a courtesy slip for their houseboat at the Bullfrog Marina for the evening.

Narrative:
I responded to the firehall to make several phone calls related to the fire investigation and when I arrived back to the North ramp, the family who was onboard  was back on scene. They were in contact with Ranger. She had advised dispatch, stating, reporting party (RP) reporting full tank of gas 25 on one side and 10 on the other. 14 gallon tank putting into the boat, he used a shaker and it caught on fire. He has a 14 gallon tank and a shaker with a ball. He thinks statice electricity or something like that . The amount of gasoline on board was relayed to NPS Fire Crew. Ranger had also gotten witness statements from all 4 individuals involved with the houseboat. 3 of those individuals were onboard, and 1 individual was at their truck un-loading gear. 

I contacted the individual who had been doing the fueling at the time, and the part-owner of the houseboat. He was identified. I introduced myself and asked him to explain what happened. I observed his eyebrows and eyelashes to be burned and singed. He confirmed the houseboat was docked at the time of the fire, and was not underway. There was no operator, and that was indicated on the BARD report as "No Operator".

Operator stated he was about to start the fueling process of the houseboat with the 14 gallon gas wheeled caddy, and he was using a shaker hose (like a syphon hose, with a ball that you shake to get it started). He shook the hose twice, and basically it combusted/was like a fireball, like an explosion. He stated the fire started very quick, with 4-6 ft. flames.

Owner stated he was distracted and did not turn off the propane on the boat prior to fueling. The fridge & water heater on the boat both run off propane and thus had pilot lights (possible ignition source with vapors/fumes). He also later provided me with a diagram of the houseboat and confirmed the refigerator and water heater were on the same side of the houseboat he was fueling (port side).

On Aug. 5, 2021, owner confirmed 3 fire extinguishers were used to attempt to put the fire out. He also stated the refrigerator vent was approx. 5-6 ft. behind him, from where he was fueling, and the boat was not equipped with a blower since the fuel tanks are in the pontoon and the engines are in the rear. NPS case # 21-3609.

Conclusion
The vessel was determined to be a total loss. Based on my investigation, interviews with individuals involved, witness statements, pictures and other evidence - the fueling of the vessel was the main significant factor in the cause and start of this fire. 
There were several possible ignition sources for the houseboat fire, including static electricity and the pilot light (which was on, from the propane fridge), among other sources. The ignition of the fuel fumes/vapor by the pilot light (open flame) appears to be the most likely cause in this case, but a 100% determination would not be able to be made. There was an error made in leaving the propane tanks switched on during the fuel process.

End of report


BARDID: UT-2021-0028
State: UT
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-06-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:18:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Jordanelle Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Heber
County: Wasatch
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS:

A boat fire occurred on Jordanelle Reservoir. I responded from boat and the fire was put out by the time I arrived on scene. I towed the boat back into the marina and assisted with loading the boat. The damage was to the engine and compartment. It was estimated as a total loss. 

INITIAL CALL:

While on boat patrol about 15:18 hours a call came through dispatch that a boat was on fire on the beach of Jordanelle Reservoir, Wasatch County, UT. The area of the beach was cabana 16. 

RESPONSE:

I responded from the East Arm. Upon arrival the fire was already extinguished by the boat owner/operator. He was later identified as Operator. Fire personnel arrived on scene and confirmed the fire was extinguished.

INVESTIGATION:

The fire was in the engine compartment and to the engine. The estimated damage was estimated as a total loss. Operator said he had started the boat on the beach. He said he heard a boom and could smell fire. He said about 2 feet from the engine he saw flames. He said the fire extinguisher was attached near the engine. The fire was extinguished with that and water from the reservoir. (see witness statement). 

VESSEL INSPECTION: 

The boat was inspected. Violations found were: fail to display proper bow numbers, and fail to have a type 4 pfd. 

TOW:

The boat was towed to the marina where it was loaded on the boat trailer. 

CONCLUSION:

Operator was given a case number for the case and how to obtain the report at a later date. Warnings were given for the equipment violations.


BARDID: UT-2021-0030
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:18:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Strawberry Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Fruitland
County: Wasatch
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating Vessel 1 when he attempted to splash some family members with his wake. He ran aground and was thrown from Vessel 1 and sustained injuries to his right hip and lower extremities. He was transported to Heber Valley Hospital for medical care by ambulance.


BARDID: UT-2021-0031
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:01:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Strawberry Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Heber City
County: Wasatch
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Drug
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday August 9, 2021 I received notice of an overdue party located in the Solider Creek area of Strawberry Reservoir. The vessel was still at anchor in the location with no one on board. The last cell phone ping was from the area and the phone was no longer on at the time of notification. Search and Rescue responded as well. They assisted in the locating of the individual within 50 yards of the anchored vessel. On the vessel a mug of half full coffee, a container of green leafy substance, and a pipe with green leafy substance were all on the counter of the vessel. The individual was known to only drink coffee in the morning and to use marijuana. No signs of struggle were seen on the vessel. When the individual was recovered there were no visible signs of trauma. The medical examiner took custody of individual. Rangers took custody of the green leafy substance and paraphernalia.


BARDID: UT-2021-0033
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deer Creek Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Charleston
County: Wasatch
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
DISPATCHED TO ACCIDENT AND INITIAL CONTACT

While patrolling the Island Day Use Area I was dispatched to a broken upper leg that was coming into the dock on a green PWC.  I responded to the dock with lights and found a green PWC already waiting at the dock.  I collected my 1st Aid gear and made contact with a single female sitting on the PWC.  I asked how she was doing and she stated that her left leg hurt.  She stated her name was Operator and she is 15 years old.  Her mother was nearby.  I asked her if she thought she could move off the PWC to the dock, she stated she could, so with my assistance and her mothers we were able to get her off the PWC and laid out on the dock with a PFD as a pillow.

INITIAL ASSESSMENT

I asked Operator if she could feel me touching her toes.  She said she could.  I asked if she could wiggle her tows and ankle and she performed both.  I placed a O2 monitor on her and relayed the readings to the dispatched ambulance.  I stayed with he till EMS arrived and asked her to keep talking to me and to relate to me what happened.  She was able to do both.

ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

Both PWC's were rented for the day as multiple families were getting together.  Operator 1 and 2's and family had come into Utah from Texas for the visit.

Operator 1 stated that her and her cousin 2 were each on a PWC by themselves and were racing along when 1 came to a stop and slowly drifted to the left and 2 came up and was slowing down but was unable to avoid colliding with 1 and struck her going around 8 MPH with the bow of her PWC directly impacting her left knee (see attached photo).  There appeared to be zero damage to either machine.  2 related the exact same story a short time later when I interviewed her with her dad present.  

I spoke to 2 and the father of 2, I and informed them of the Utah Law of Under Age PWC operation and to correct this issue if they decide to come back out and that I would not be issuing any citations since the accident had been serious enough to transport.  

The two PWC's that were involved had no bow numbers visible and we were unable to locate proof of insurance and registration as I was performing safety inspections.  I've been able to locate the owner of the machines and via a phone call informed him that both items need to be easily locatable, bow numbers need to placed on the machine, and he needed to register as a Livery.  I informed him that the conversation would be documented and warning citation has been created.

END REPORT


BARDID: UT-2021-0034
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:53:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Willard Bay
NearestCityorTown: Willard
County: Box Elder
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 5, 2021, I was patrolling Willard Bay State Park North Marina when I made contact with a green wakeboard boat. This boat had a passenger in a un-designated seat. Upon making contact they alerted me that they have an injured passenger. I called the ambulance to meet at the Ranger Dock. I towed the vessel over to the ranger dock to wait for the EMT. The injured person is victim who was water skiing and got the rope wrapped around his leg. He was in a lot of pain and unable to walk on his leg. There was no indicators of improper use, he was wearing his life jacket at the time. The EMTs arrived, evaluated him and took him via ambulance to a hospital in Ogden.


BARDID: UT-2021-0036
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Huntington North Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Huntington
County: Emery
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS
On July 5, 2021, I took a boat accident report that occurred on July 3, 2021. A vessel driven by operator struck an old steel dock cable. The cable was tangled within the propeller causing damage to the propeller and the paint.  

NARRATIVE
On July 5, 2021, I was patrolling Huntington State Park in the campground when I was flagged down by a male individual in campsite #8. He asked what the state can do to fix his boat. I replied that I did not know what he was talking about and asked him to explain. He mentioned that his boat ran over our old steel cable while he was docking. He asked that the state pay for the damages, due to a manmade hazard in the water that was not marked. I explained that I would conduct a boat accident report and document the damages, but it would be up to our state insurance, Risk Management to determine if the state is at fault.

INVESTIGATION: 
I identified the driver and owner of the vessel as Operator from Utah. He filled out a witness statement to what happened the night of the accident. In reading over the witness statement. He explained that he and his family were out on the water watching the fireworks around 10:00pm on July 3rd when the fireworks ended he returned back to the docks. As he approached the docks from the north, he was pulling into the furthest slip away from shore to drop off a passenger. After dropping off the passenger he put the vessel into reverse. It was then that he heard a noise from the boat and realized he hit something in the water. Upon looking in the water he realized it was the old steel cable for our docks.

Operator made contact with Officer with Utah State Parks and Recreation. He then assisted Operator in freeing his vessel from the cable using bolt cutters. Officer then cut the cable from the water and prop. Officer has done a supplement report on what took place the night of July 3rd. Officer also sent photos to me of what the cable looked like prior to removal. These photos are uploaded to this report. 

Once I received the witness statement from Officer, I also gathered everyone's information who was on the vessel at the time of the accident. Only two (2) individuals were wearing lifejackets at the time of the accident. 

Looking over the vessel I found the majority of the damage is on the prop. I found several chips in the prop and the tips were bent. I asked Operator if the vessel had any vibrations after the accident. He said yes. There were also several scratches in the fiberglass around the prop area. This is from the cable as it struck the underside of the vessel. I took photos of the damage area. I noted that there was no other damage to the vessel. 

Once I gathered all of his information I cleared the scene. 

I traveled to the docks where Operator said the accident occurred. Since the water is low I was unable to use my patrol vessel to get the depth of the water in the area of the accident. Using a water clarity disk I took measurements of the water depth. Off the first finger on the north side of the dock I measured the depth of the water to be 1ft 7in. I then took a measurement of the water level off the second finger on the north side of the dock. It measured 2ft 4in. The bottom of the reservoir is mud. I took photos of the area and the measurements. The current water level was 51% from full. The photos are attached to this report. 

CONCLUSION
I believe that Operator's inexperience and knowledge of the reservoir is a factor in this vessel accident. Also the time of the accident it was dark and unable to judge the depth of the water, due to low light. Operator traveled into shallow water to dock. While the bottom of the reservoir is muddy he would not have noticed that the vessel was on the bottom of the reservoir. Operator's vessel drafts at least 3ft in the water and would be on the bottom of the reservoir prior to reaching the dock. As he traveled over the submerged dock cable the propeller caught the cable and became entangled. The cable is steel and was not floating in the water at the time of the accident. It would have been in the mud at the time of the accident.

End of Report


BARDID: UT-2021-0037
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:37:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rockport Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Wanship
County: Summit
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/05/2021 at approx. 12:37, dispatch called out that there was a boat fire on Rockport Reservior roughly 300 yards from the Dam on the East side. Officer and I said we would be in route. As we were getting on the boat, dispatch said there was one individual with burns to the face but everyone was off of the boat. When we arrived at 12:46, the fire was out and everyone was on shore with the boat anchored. Operator, the boat owner, had minor burns to his face and his wife, had very minor burns to the arm from when the second gas tank exploded. 

Both patients were transported on our boat to the boat ramp where fire and medical met us at 12:54. Neither of the patients needed to be transported for the burns. Operator and his wife were on board during the first and second fire. Their 3 kids were on shore away from the boat when both of the fires happened.  According to Operator, they were coming into shore and he was bringing the motor up so they could anchor. When he brought the motor up, it pinched the gas line and created a spark starting a fire in the first gas tank. The first gas tank was taken off the boat and put out on shore with the fire extinguisher. A second fire spread to the second gas tank where efforts were being made to put it out with bail buckets when it exploded. The fuel fire made contact with the patients face and his wife's arm. Everyone bailed off of the boat and made it to shore and then tried to use the bail buckets to put out the remainder of the fire.

Two individuals from North Summit Fire Crew went back to the boat to investigate with us and their case number is : XXX. A safety inspection for safety equipment was completed and everything needed was there.

The boat was towed back to the boat ramp where the owner met us with the truck and trailer. The boat was loaded on the trailer and examined further out of the water. The owner took the boat on his truck and trailer.


BARDID: UT-2021-0038
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:22:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Millsite Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Ferron
County: Emery
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS
On August 27, 2021, I responded to a drowning at Millsite Reservoir involving a standup paddle board. Operator 1 was paddling on a standup paddle board when he fell off into the water. Operator 1 was unable to get back on the paddle board and drowned. He was not wearing a life jacket and no life jackets were on board at the time of the incident. 
NARRATIVE
On August 27, 2021, I received a phone call from Emery County Deputies. He explained that there was a drowning at Millsite Reservoir and requested my assistance. He asked to bring our patrol vessel to the reservoir. After receiving the phone call, Dispatch reached me on the radio to inform me of the same indicent. 
At the time I was at Huntington State Park, along with our patrol vessel. I would respond using my emergency equipment (Lights & Siren). During my response to Millsite Reservoir, traffic was light and vehicles yielded to my emergency equipment. 
I arrived to Millsite State Park without incident (14:50). I met up with Emery County Deputies. He explained that a male individual was on a stand up paddle board and fell into the water. Deputy pointed to the last known location, approximately 100 yards off shore from the bottom of the launch ramp (South Eastern area of the reservoir). At the time there were several individuals on kayaks searching the area. 
It was discussed to locate an area suitable to launch our patrol boat. Due to low water and muddy shore line the launch ramp was unusable. I attempted to launch on the western side of the reservoir, but was unable to do so. We then attempted to use an area over by the dam (South Eastern side). During this time the body was located by an Emery County Search and Rescue member. I identified the male individual as Operator 1. 
INVESTIGATION
In working with Emery County Deputies, he explained that the incident was recorded on a cell phone by Operator 1’s wife. He explained that OPERATOR 1 and his wife were staying at a hotel, and rented two standup paddle boards from the company. At the time of the incident OPERATOR 1’s wife was on shore, while OPERATOR 1 was on a standup paddle board.  OPERATOR 1 was not wearing a lifejacket at the time of the incident and floatation device was on shore. Deputy explained that OPERATOR 1 fell off the paddle board. OPERATOR 1 made several panic motions with his arms before disappearing below the water surface. At this time 911 was called. 
During the incident the winds were light (>10mph) and the water temperature was approximately 65 degrees. OPERATOR 1’s body was found face down below the water surface in 7 to 8 feet of water. Emery County took possession of the body and are conducting their own investigation (Case #21-05104). Once the body was transferred over to the State Medical Office, I cleared Millsite State Park, and traveled to hotel to follow up with their rental agreement. 

At Big Mountain Lodge I spoke with one of the owners of the hotel. He provided me with the rental agreement OPERATOR 1’s wife signed. During my conversation with owner he explained that they were given life jackets. Owner explained that OPERATOR 1’s wife was resistant to taking life jackets, but left Big Mountain Lodge with all required equipment. A copy of the rental agreement is attached to this report. 
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, I believe OPERATOR 1 did fall off the standup paddle board as a result of inexperience. At the time he was not wearing a life jacket. I feel as OPERATOR 1 entered the water panic set in and he ingested water, causing him to drown. Life jackets were provided, but were not used during the incident. 
-	End of Report.


BARDID: UT-2021-0039
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deer Creek Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Heber
County: Wasatch
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 2 was operating out near the island at cruising speed.  Vessel 2 according to Operator 1 made a sudden right turn and he could not avoid hitting them.  He was traveling at a speed he estimated of 25-30 mph.  He was obviously closer than the 150 foot distance required from a vessel.  He was cited for speed and proximity.  Both Operator 1 and 2 and were transported by EMS to the Wasatch County hospital with right leg injuries. Operator 2 had the worst of the injuries.


BARDID: UT-2021-0040
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:28:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bear Lake
NearestCityorTown: Laketown
County: Rich
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 24, 2021, at around 1515 hours, Vessel 1, being operated by Operator, was pulling a tube with four individuals on it. During the course of operation, victim was thrown off the tube. victim hit the water head first, causing her a head injury. Victim did not lose consciousness, but was complaining of neck pain. 

Victim was brought to the First Point launch ramp, where she was looked at by Rich County EMS. She was transported to Logan Regional due to her head injury, which was suspected to be a concussion. I finished my investigation at 1621 hours. 

The other individuals left before I arrived on scene. There was no way to get their information, as the medical was the first priority. By the time I started gathering information, no one knew who the other individuals were (report missing other four passengers information).


BARDID: UT-2021-0041
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:21:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Strawberry Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Heber City
County: Wasatch
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Synopsis:
On  August 14, 2021, I and Ranger responded to a boat running a ground at Marina on Strawberry Reservoir. One patient was airlifted to a hospital with injuries, all other involved parties had no injuries.

Initial Call:
On the above date at 22:21 a call was received from dispatch that a boat had ran aground at Renegade Marina with injuries. I responded that I would be enrout from Rock Cliff. As responding information about the patients came that all but one was alpha condition. There was one patient who was struggling to breath and concerned that he had a punctured lung. Airmed was notified and a county unit assigned to be landing zone contact.

Response:
Upon arrival at Renegade Marina I was able to make contact with the ambulance crews first. I was informed that all other patients were ok with minor bumps only. The patient of concern was currently being treated. I was able to contact the other patients who were involved. 

Investigation:
Individual 1 was able to tell me about her husband injuries. He was going to be transported by helicopter due to the possibly collapsed lung and severe  chest pain. 
I was able to then ask all three what happened. All three told me the following.

They were returning to marina from fishing near the main marina. It was dark and they were trying to follow the shoreline while checking the fish finder periodically. They saw some lights of other boats to the left, so Operator swung wide to the right. The boat was going about 20 mph when they felt the boat hit ground, bounce twice and stop. Operator and other were both bounced into padded seats. While individual 1 was bounced into the back of Operator and the dash of the boat. Operator was thrown forward on the steering wheel as well as had his wife bounce into him.
Individual asked if everyone was alright, all replied yes but Operator who said no he couldn't breath well. When Operator asked what to do to help, Operator said pat his back, which she did. He was able to breath a bit better then and help gather personal belongings. 
At this point another boat came to offer help. They were able to get all onboard their boat and call 911 for help. They were then able to transport everyone to marina. The witnesses were identified as 

I was able at this time ask if life jackets were worn. Individual 1 said no, but they were available. I asked if any alcohol had been consumed or was on the boat. Operator both informed me they didn't have any on the boat or had any that day. I asked how experienced an operator was Operator. Individual 1 let me know he has been operating boats his whole life and most of it was on Strawberry Reservoir.

Vessel Damage:
Lower unit damaged. Out drive shaft most likely cracked, was in down right position and now in upright.  Scratched gel coating along bottom hull of boat, possible fiber glass damage as well. Skagg is chipped, scraped and needs replacing. The prop needs replacement. 

Follow up:
I contacted wife on Aug 21, 2021 to check on Operator condition. The injuries he had were a number of broken and displaced ribs and bumped head. He was recovering at home. The family had some friends recover the vessel.

Conclusion:
Operator was operating the vessel at high speeds for conditions when the vessel ran aground. The results of running aground were him breaking multiple ribs and displacing others. The vessel was recovered by friends.


BARDID: UT-2021-0042
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deer Creek Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Daniel
County: Wasatch
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
NARRATIVE:

On 15 July while near Cascade Springs, the Island entrance staff called my cell phone to report a boating accident.  I did not have good reception and requested them to hang up and have the reporting party call 911.  I informed dispatch of the possible accident and requested medical to respond to the Island area of the park.

A few minutes later dispatch informed me that there was a personal watercraft (jetski) versus a boat incident at the Island.  All individuals on the jetski were okay.  The involved boat checked to make sure they were okay and left to play on the lake some more.

Ranger went to the Island area to get information from the reporting party and inspect their damaged jetski.  I continued to the main entrance to obtain the patrol vessel and track down the boat involved in the incident.

CONTACT:

Ranger was able to obtain bow numbers from the suspected vessel.  I inquired the vessel information and obtained a registered owners phone number.  At approximately 14:21 I called the male registered owner and left him a message.  At approximately 14:44 OPERATOR2 called me back and informed me he was at the main marina.  I instructed OPERATOR2 to retrieve his vessel from the water and wait for me in the main parking lot.

Ranger and I made contact with OPERATOR2.  I obtained a written statement from OPERATOR2 regarding the incident.  I observed damage to the right side of his vessel.  I conducted a vessel inspection and observed no safety violations in the inspection.  

INVESTIGATION:

Based upon statements from all involved parties it appears that Vessel 1 (jetski) and vessel 2 (boat) were both near the Island area of the lake past the slow no wake buoys.  Vessel 1 was drifting and vessel 2 was under power.  Vessel 2 did not observe vessel 1 until it was next to it.  Vessel 2 turned left causing the right side of the boat to lift up just before impact.  The vessel 1 left handle bar gouged through the gel coat of vessel 2 as vessel 2 went over the front end of vessel 1.

DAMAGES:

Vessel 1 had broken plastic pieces, paint transfer and a large crack in the console framing on the left side.
Vessel 2 had an approximately 5 foot gouge in the hull below the water line which ran from front to back consistent with vessel 2 going over the top of vessel 1 while vessel 1 was at idle.

CITATION:

A citation was issued to OPERATOR2, the owner and operator of vessel 2.


BARDID: UT-2021-0043
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Flaming Gorge
NearestCityorTown: Dutch John
County: Daggett
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Synopsis:
 
This case involves one vessel (identified  in this report as vessel #1 owned by Operator1 ) was struck by another vessel (identified in this  report as vessel  #2 , owned by Operator2 )  near Gold Point on Flaming Gorge Reservoir in Daggett County, Utah.  There were no injuries reported to this reporting officer.

Narrative:

Reporting Ranger was advised by Central Dispatch Center of a boating accident  without injuries with one of the parties at Cedar Springs Marina waiting for me to respond and take a report.    Upon my arrival at the marina, I was contacted by Operator1.  He advised that he and his wife were fishing near Gold Point, when a vessel (later identified as vessel #2 in this report) was observed, heading toward their vessel.  

Operator1 advised that the vessel (#2) was on plane as it approached.  He thought the vessel would turn before it struck his vessel, but it did not turn.  Before Operator1 could take evasive action, (he was using his small  trolling  motor) the operator2 observed vessel1 and attempted  to take corrective action to prevent the collision.  However Operator2 was not able to completely miss the vessel striking the vessel on the port side aft  area resulting in visible damage to the vessel2.  

As the V1 was in the water, the only damage observed by this Ranger was on the Port side about the rear 1/2 way to the vessel bow. I did advise Operator1 to notify me if any further damage was found .


After a closer look at his vessel when it was on the trailer, Operator1 observed some damage to the port side of his vessel as well as the back.  I was provided with the appropriate documentation on the V1 and was  advised that names of the owners/operators had exchanged information which resulted in finding the other vessel  was being operated by Operator2. 
 
I was able to speak to Operator2 by telephone and obtained needed information to proceed with the report.   I did contact each insurance company to verify their  insurance was in effect. on both vessels.

I have not been able obtain the information on the Operator2 vessels damage.
 
I have attached photos of the damage to the V1.  

Nothing further.


BARDID: UT-2021-0044
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:26:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deer Creek Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Wallsburg
County: Wasatch
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5 August 2021 I was dispatched to a medical at the main boat dock.  I arrived to a 52 year old female complaining of chest pain and pain in her left wrist. She was not having trouble breathing but her chest hurt very bad.  Her oxygen levels and pulse were normal.  She was not light headed or complaining of any other issues.

Medical arrived and determined that she was okay to self transport to the medical facility of her choosing.

INVESTIGATION:

The female was riding on a tube behind a boat.  The tube went over a large wake causing the female to bounce into the air. The female landed flat against the water hitting her chest and left wrist.  She was able to get onto the boat and laid at the back of the boat as the boat driver came to the main dock.  

The female was wearing a US coast guard approved life jacket in serviceable condition.


BARDID: UT-2021-0045
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-08-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Jordanelle Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Park City
County: Wasatch
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 8-28-21 while on boat patrol at Jordanelle State park. I heard Wasatch County dispatch call out an overturned boat with people in the water.  I was in the no wake zone near the main ramp when I heard this.  I off loaded the 4 teenagers I had on my boat to the US Coast Guard Auxiliary boat  and then responded.

When I arrived on scene I saw a capsized boat with two other boats nearby.  I confirmed that all persons from the capsized vessel had been picked up by the two bystander boats and that there were no injuries or hypothermia.   I had 3 of the persons from the capsized boat come aboard my vessel so that the bystander boat that had picked them up originally was not so overloaded.  I then hooked on to the bow eye of the capsized vessel with my tow rope and towed it to the dock closest to the main boat ramp.

When I arrived I spoke with the operator to find out what had cause the boat to capsize.  He said they had been towing one person on a tube and when he slowed the boat down and turned to retrieve the person a wave went over the bow of the boat and swamped it which then caused it to capsize.  OPERATOR1 stated the boat bilge pump was working at the time.  Also that all of the mechanical and electrical systems of the boat were working when they started their day on the lake.


OPERATOR1 called for a tow truck to get the boat righted.  Heber Tow came a couple of hours later with a tow truck.  A diver, who is also a volunteer with Jordanelle State Park assisted the tow company by attaching ropes and straps to the capsized boat to right it.  The US Coast Guard Aux also used their boat to assist in righting the boat.  

When the boat was righted I performed a boat safety inspection on the boat.  Enough Personal Flotation devices were found on the vessel and the two people that needed to wear them were found wearing them when I had first arrived on scene.

Heber Tow was eventually able to right the boat and get it on the trailer.  Water was pumped out of the vessel and the vessel was released to OPERATOR1 the owner of the vessel.


BARDID: UT-2022-0003
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-08-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Jordanelle Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Heber City
County: Wasatch
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Shift
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS:

On 7 August 2022 at approximately 1420, I was notified of a two vessel collision in the Main Marina. I responded and determined no one to be injured.

NARRATIVE:

On the above date and time, I was notified of a two vessel collision in the Main Marina.

According to O1, owner and driver of vessel number 1, and O2, the operator of vessel 2, O1 was trailering her vessel when, O1 who was untrailering and going to the dock in his vessel, struck vessel 2 on the port side toward the stern. Vessel 1 was crossing the path of Vessel 2, which was operating straight ahead. Based on navigation laws, Vessel 2 had the right of way.

O1 and his passengers stated that he was attempting to put his vessel into reverse when it became stuck in forward gear, and the vessel continued forward, striking Vessel 2. 


VESSEL DAMAGE:

Vessel  2 sustained a large scratch toward the stern and possible hull damage. There are also scuff marks on the surf gate on the port side.

When I asked O1 about damage to his vessel, he stated that his boat was scuffed up and he couldn't tell what was new and to document it as no damage.

CONCLUSION:

O1, who was operating vessel 1 had an equipment malfunction which resulted in a collision with O2, who was operating vessel 2.

ADDITIONAL:

See attached witness statements from involved parties and outside witness.


BARDID: UT-2022-0004
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-05-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:43:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Quail Creek Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Hurricane
County: Washington
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS:
Accident Involving one watercraft and Quail Creek State Parks North Boat launch, south dock.

NARRATIVE:
On June 6th, 2022 while on patrol at Quail Creek State Park in Washington County at approximately 1300 hours a Quail Creek Campground host made me aware of a watercraft Incident that happened on 05/31/22. I contacted OPERATOR1 and asked what happened. OPERATOR1 told me a rod was sticking out of the boat dock and it caused damage to his Port side of this new boat. OPERATOR1 told me he did not notice the pole until he had already tied off to the dock to go retrieve his truck and trailer. I asked if OPERATOR1 could bring his boat to Quail so I could document the damage. OPERATOR1 stated he would be back to Quail on 6/13/22 to go fishing and we could meet then. 

INVESTIGATION OF RAMP:
On 06/06/2022, I went down to check for the rod that was sticking out of the dock. I did find one on the south boat dock. (SEE ATTACHED PHOTO) and repaired the dock after photographing. 

INVESTIGATION OF WATERCRAFT:
On 06/13/2022, I met with OPERATOR1 at 0900 hours to take photos of the damage of his boat. I noticed multiple 1 inch dents and deep scratches on his Port side. I asked again what had happened the day of the incident. OPERATOR1 told the same story. I asked OPERATOR1 why he did not instantly report the damage and OPERATOR1 claimed he did not notice how bad the damage was until a couple days later. I took photos of the damage (SEE ATTACHED) and took down OPERATOR1 DL number and insurance policy. 

EOR


BARDID: UT-2022-0005
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:49:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deer Creek Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Charlestone
County: Wasatch
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS:
On Saturday, June 11, 2022, a group of youth were attending a birthday party SYNOPSIS:

On 19 June 2022, Ranger called to inform me of a drowning at Sail Boat Beach.  I assisted with logistics and took initial report. One male was observed going under the water and not surfacing.  His body was later recovered.

NARRATIVE:

On 19 June 2022 at approximately 16:59, Ranger called me at my residence to inform me of a drowning at the Sailboat beach area of Deer Creek State Park.  I suited up and called Lieutenant to apprise him of the situation.

Ranger was on the park patrol vessel on the water.  I arrived at the main boat ramp to assist. I was informed from the call notes that the individual had been on a blue and black vessel.  I located the vessel at the main boat ramp.  There was a language barrier as all individuals with the boat spoke only Spanish.  

INVESTIGATION:

Upon getting an individual to translate, myself and a Sheriff Deputy were able to determine that a male (Non-U.S. Citizen) was missing.  Victim had jumped into the water to assist his twin brother (Non-U.S. Citizen) who was struggling to swim in the water.  Victim jumped from the vessel to assist while the boat was at idle.  Neither person was wearing a life jacket.  The individuals onboard the vessel attempted to retrieve the two males.  At this point the winds were heavy and the waves were heavy.  Someone onboard tried to throw life jackets and the type four throwable to the men in the water.

Two individuals on jet skis saw the incident happening and tried to help.  They were able to pull Brother from the water, but Victim went under water and never came back up.

We were able to get a good point of reference for the last time Victim was seen.  I spoke with Wasatch County Search and Rescue command and informed them that I could call our ROV team to come assist with recovery.  SAR command gave the request for the ROV team.  I called Lieutenant and requested him to contact the ROV team.

Surface water temperature was recorded as 64 degrees via the park patrol vessel.  

Ranger, who was on scene with me, indicated that odor of alcohol was present on the individual who was identified as the vessel operator.  I requested Ranger to conduct seated field sobriety testing upon the operator.  Ranger conducted seated field sobriety testing through an interpreter.  She then conducted a portable breath test.  Her testing did not suggest that operator was over the legal limit of alcohol.  They confirm the presence of alcohol.
  
Wasatch County Sheriffs office, through an interpreter, spoke with the family about the process of looking for the missing person.  They also offered victims advocate services.

VESSEL INSPECTION:

I conducted a vessel inspection with the registered owner and operator of the vessel.  OPERATOR informed me that the type four throwable was thrown into the water in an attempt to assist the individuals in the water.  The only violations were two expired fire extinguishers.  No other safety issues.

RECOVERY:

The victim, Victim, was located in approximately 106 feet of water to the north east of Sailboat beach.  The Wasatch County SAR dive team along with the medical examiner took possession of the deceased once it was brought to the surface.  Once the dive boat reached the dock, Ranger and I assisted in transferring the deceased to the medical gurney.  Alcohol may have been a contributing factor yet to be determined by the medical examiner.


BARDID: UT-2022-0007
State: UT
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2022-02-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Flaming Gorge
NearestCityorTown: manila
County: Daggett
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 02/02/2022 at 0730 I saw a call on the CAD for a search and rescue out of Sheep Creek Bay. I contacted D2 for more information. D2 informed me two individual operating a boat on flamming
gorge had punctured their hull with ice near Sheep Creek Bay the previous night. 2 individuals on board later identified were able to position the boat on shore and had overnight supplies (heater, food water, shelter). They contacted 911. The decision was made by D2 to wait until morning to retrieve them. UINTAH County Search and Rescue was contacted and en route with a hovercraft from vernal. 

ACTIONS:

I operated my patrol vehicle from Dutch John to Sheep Creek Bay.  I boarded a small fishing boat with D2 and D4. We attempted to clear ice to the location. We were able to clear ice up to 1 mile from the individuals. We staged near shore to hike to the individuals while we waited for assistance from UINTAH S&R. Uintah S&R was able to operate their vessel over the ice and retrieve them. We traveled back to the sheep creek boat ramp. Both appeared to be in good health and refused medical treatment.  I got both individuals contact info and photos of where the vessel had been observed.


BARDID: UT-2022-0009
State: UT
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2022-04-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:17:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Utah Lake
NearestCityorTown: Provo
County: Utah
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was a Green flat bottomed Old Town canoe being operated by 2 individuals.  Vessel 1 capsized and sank approximately 100 yards from shore.  Both were wearing Type 3 PFD.  Victim had hold of a dry box containing their phones and keys, but in the struggle to swim to shore, he lost contact with it.  They swam to shore and were assisted out of the water by fisherman on shore.  They were moved into a Provo City FIre and Rescue ambulance where their wet clothes were removed, and they were wrapped in mylar blankets, and heating pads and warm saline bags were placed in on their bodies to help bring their temperatures up.  Both were shivering uncontrollably.  Temperatures were taken, and one was at 88 degrees and the other at 92 degrees.  They were put into Tyvek suits to help trap further warmth.  More Hand and body warmers were used to bring their temperatures up.  After a while they both stopped shivering and their body temperatures returned to being close to normal.  Cognitive thinking, and coherency improved greatly.  I gave my phone to them to see if she could use it to locate her phone as it was still in the dry box with their other belongings on the lake.  She was able to track it on my phone, and I went out on the water to look for it in the Park Rescue boat.  The dry box was not, and still has not been located as of April 21, 2022.  

The ambulance crew transported them home by ambulance as they had no keys to drive their vehicle, and did not have any phone numbers memorized of anyone that could come pick them up.  There was no other medical aid beyond warming them up.


BARDID: UT-2022-0011
State: UT
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2022-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Powell
NearestCityorTown: Big Water
County: Kane
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS:
On May 28, 2022, at approximately 1600 hours, Chief and I were readying a patrol vessel to launch in the Wahweap Bay area of Lake Powell.  At this time, we heard radio traffic from Dispatch to a drowning at the Lone Rock Beach in Kane County, UT.  We responded in my patrol truck, and arrived on scene after several NPS Rangers.  Bystanders had begun CPR on the individual.  The individual was recovered to shore and transported by ambulance to a hospital in Page, AZ.  At the time of transport, the individual was conscioud.

INVESTIGATION:
INCIDENT and RESPONSE to SCENE:
A party of five individuals set out across the bay from Lone Rock Beach in Kane County, UT, on inflatable paddle craft.  SUBJECT1 was alone on a small, single person inflatable paddle raft. SUBJECT2 and SUBJECT3 were on a stand up paddle board.  SUBJECT4 and SUBJECT5 were on an inflatable kayak.  At approximately 15:45 hours, a strong wind picked up from the southwest.  At this time, the party had only been in the water for 5-10 minutes.  The party was within the wakeless area still, only approximately 50 yards from shore.  As the wind picked up, all members of the party struggled to get back to shore.  SUBJECT1 was blown off of her raft.  SUBJECT1 was not wearing a PFD, and she did not have one onboard.  It is unknown whether this was due to wind only, or waves caused by the wind.  

As SUBJECT1's vessel capsized, SUBJECT4 and SUBJECT5 were blown from the area.  They were unable to paddle back to the rest of the party.  They were later recovered by an uninvolved vessel, and returned to shore.  

SUBJECT2 and SUBJECT3 had two PFDs onboard, but only SUBJECT2 was wearing his.  It became clear that SUBJECT1 was struggling in the water, so SUBJECT3 jumped off the paddle board to assist SUBJECT1.  SUBJECT1 continued to struggle, causing SUBJECT3 to fear she may be overpowered and drowned.  She struggled to free herself from SUBJECT1, and began screaming for help.  Nearby people on the beach heard and came to assist.  Together, they were able to get SUBJECT1 to an inflated pad approximately 25 yards from shore, but SUBJECT1 had gone unconscious, presumably having drowned.  It is unknown if SUBJECT1 completely stopped breathing or lost a pulse, but she was unresponsive.  The bystanders from the shore began CPR on SUBJECT1, on the inflated mat.

NPS Rangers were the first to arrive on scene, and Ranger swam out and retrieved the mat back to the shore.  CPR continued and SUBJECT1 regained some level of consciousness.  Chief and I arrived at this time.  We assisted in carrying SUBJECT1 to the ambulance.  NPS Rangers were assisting SUBJECT1 to walk, and Chief instructed us to pick her up, and not make her walk.  As I picked up SUBJECT1's left leg, I observed her mumbling and moaning.  I could detect the odor of an alcoholic beverage.  This was also observed by another person, who commented on it afterward.  The other person also stated SUBJECT1 vomited on him.  

SUBJECT1 was then loaded into an NPS ambulance that had arrived on scene.  She was placed on and secured to a gurney.  I retrieved a blanket and placed it over her.  I then exited the ambulance and closed the doors, as large amounts of sand were being blown in.  SUBJECT1 was then transported to a hospital in Page, AZ.

SPEAKING WITH PARTY:
Chief and I then began speaking with SUBJECT2 and SUBJECT3.  They relayed the story of what happened and notified us of SUBJECT4 and SUBJECT5.  We advised dispatch of an additional kayak in the water that was unaccounted for.  A recovery boat was dispatched out, but located the party shortly after they were recovered by the private vessel.  SUBJECT4 and SUBJECT5 confirmed most of what was stated by SUBJECT2 and SUBJECT3, but they did not witness much after they were blown away.  SUBJECT2 confirmed that SUBJECT1 had consumed alcohol, stated that she had drank maybe two seltzers. The indivi


BARDID: UT-2022-0012
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-05-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Utah Lake
NearestCityorTown: Provor
County: Utah
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was being operated just outside of the Utah Lake State Park Marina, when it's engine died.  There were wind gusts and 6 foot waves coming from the North that pushed the vessel into the rocks on the lakeside of the North Jetty of Utah Lake State Park.  All individuals on the vessel were able to safely get of the vessel and onto the shore.  When I arrived all occupants that had been on the vessel were wearing PFD.  Occupants were all Spanish speakers, and there was a language barrier.  I tried to relay to them that I would not be able to try and tow their vessel in as it may cause damage to the rescue boat, and that if there was no life in jeopardy, the rescue boat would not be put at risk.  As I was trying to explain this, a fishing boat came close, and was able to hook onto the bow of Vessel 1 and tow it into the docks. I assisted in loading the vessel onto it's trailer and in gathering information for this report and for a vessel inspection.

Because of the language barrier, I was only able to gather information from the owner/operator of the vessel, Operator.  I asked Operator if he had insurance and he indicated that he did not know he needed insurance.  I pointed out the damage I was seeing to Operator and took pictures of it which are attached to this report.  I also pointed out a very low tire on the trailer and advised Operator to drive very carefully.  He indicated that he lived only a short distance away.


BARDID: UT-2022-0013
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:09:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Powell
NearestCityorTown: Page
County: Kane
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS
On July 31, 2022, I took a boat incident report that took place in Gun Sight Bay on Lake Powell. The injured party fell while wakeboarding. She would suffer a broken left upper arm. 

NARRATIVE
On July 31, 2022, I  was patrolling Warm Creek Bay when I was notified of a boating incident by Glen Canyon National Park Dispatch. They advised me of a female who had a broken arm near Gun Sight Bay. Dispatch informed me the individual was on a personal boat and would be traveling to Antelope Point Marina with the injured party. At the time I was in Warm Creek Bay and would respond. 

The National Park Service Rangers (NPS) were also notified and would respond to Antelope Point Marina with the ambulance. 

During the travel to the accident scene I failed to meet the reporting party in the main channel and was advised by the National Park Service the party was at buoy 16 traveling south. I was able to catch up to the party at buoy #12a. A quick assessment of the individual was performed. She was concessions, breathing, and alert. There was no bleeding and it was decided to keep the individual on the personal boat. 
I took lead back to Antelope Marina in order to brake the waves from the main channel. 

We arrived back to Antelope Marina, where we met NPS staff. NPS stabilized the individual's arms and transported her to Page hospital. Once the scene was cleared, I began my investigation of what took place. 

INVESTIGATION
I spoke with the owner of the vessel from Arizona. He informed me that he was not on the vessel at the time accident. Individual was identified as the operator of the vessel during the time of the accident. A witness statement was filled out by her and is attached to this report. 

O1 stated that she was driving the vessel back to the houseboat in Gun Sight Bay while towing (Injured Party) approximately 10 to 15mph. Injured was on a wakeboard at the time of the incident. On the way back she crossed back over waves in the bay. During this time she fell forward into the tow rope. Upon entering the water her arm was caught in tow handle, unknown to her. O1 was notified of her fallen into the water and turned around to pick her up. While approaching, the people on the vessel where notified by her of the injuries. 

I asked the group of people who were on the people, who was the spotter or person responsible for raising the flag. Individual stepped forward and explained he was the spotter during the incident. I asked him where he was sitting during the incident. Individual said he was sitting up front facing forward towards the front of the boat. When he heard people in the vessel say "down" he turned to face the back of the boat and saw injured in the water. He assisted her into the vessel. His witness statement is attached to this report. 
   

Injured was not present during my investigation, but the NPS was able to obtain a witness statement from her while at the hospital. Subject road with injured in the ambulance to Page Hospital. She explained that waves from other boats in the area caused her to fall. During the fall she stated that there was slack in the line and that her arm went through the triangle grab bar of the tow rope. 
 

I gathered the vessels information from owner. He did not have proof of insurance on the vessel during my investigation. Injured was wearing a lifejacket during the time of the accident, as it was cut/removed by NPS


BARDID: UT-2022-0014
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:53:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Powell
NearestCityorTown: Page
County: Kane
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS
On June 7, 2022, National Park Service Rangers and I responded to an accident involving Subject1 and Subject2. Both individuals were pulled from the vessel by a tow rope when a large tube was blown out of the vessel they were riding in. SUBJECT1 suffered a large laceration and broken bones in his right lower leg, while SUBJECT2 suffered a broken right foot. 

NARRATIVE
On June 7, 2022, I was finishing up another call involving a vessel fire with National Park Service (NPS) Ranger and NPS Ranger, when NPS Dispatch notified us of an accident that occurred near Gun Sight. NPS Dispatch notified us that an individual had a severed lower leg and a tourniquet had been applied. NPS Dispatch explained the individual was being transported by a private vessel to Antelope Marina. 

At the time we were near Government Docks in Waheap Bay. Another Park Ranger came over the radio that she will need to be picked up at the Government Docks. We picked her up and responded to Gun Sight Bay. Lights and Siren were activated on the patrol vessel. Vessels we encountered responded to our emergency equipment. 

During our way to the accident scene we requested a helicopter. NPS Dispatch informed us that Classic was in Flagstaff and would need to stop for fuel before responding. We continued our emergency response to the scene of the accident, until we met up with the individuals. 

We met up with the individuals near buoy marker 14. OFFICER1 took control of the scene and immediately began medical treatment. We found a young boy who was lying on his back with a large cut on his right lower leg. Bone and fatty tissue was visible. The young male was alert, awake, and breathing on his own. OFFICER1 placed another tourniquet on the leg and began medical treatment. Once stable the male individual was transferred to the patrol boat. 

On the patrol vessel we continued medical treatment and I began to ask the young male, later identified as Subject1, what took place. SUBJECT1 explained that he was sitting near the back of the vessel when he was pulled from the boat by a rope attached to a tube. He said that his foot got caught on the tow rope and was pulled from the boat and thrown into the water. He explained that his brother was also pulled into the water by the same rope. We continued to Antelope Point Marina as a slow speed while we monitored SUBJECT1's conditions. SUBJECT2 stayed on the private boat and followed us to the marina. 

We arrived at the marina and patient care was transferred to Classic. SUBJECT1 would be transferred to a fixed wing plane and transported to Phoenix Children's Primary Hospital, while SUBJECT2 would be transported to Page Regional Hospital. SUBJECT2 had an broken right foot, but did not receive medical care from NPS due to SUBJECT1 taking the majority of the medical care.  

Once the patients were transferred I began my investigation. I spoke to the driver of the vessel. I asked OPERATOR what took place. OPERATOR explained that the boat just left the houseboat to go tubing in the bay of Gun Sight. OPERATOR increase the speed of the boat when all of sudden the tube that was in the rear of the boat blew out of the boat. The tube was attached to the tow line. During this time the tow line became entangled in the feet of SUBJECT1 and SUBJECT2 causing them to be drugged out of the boat. OPERATOR said he stopped the boat and once he noticed what happened. He then was alerted of the injuries. He grabbed everyone and placed them in the boat and headed to the houseboat to radio for help on Marine Channel 16. OPERATOR said once he reached someone on the radio he left to transport the injured people to Antelope Marina. 

I asked who else was on the vessel during the accident. OPERATOR said his wife and a cousin. I asked if everyone had a lifejacket on. He said only cousin and SUBJECT1 had lifejackets on dur


BARDID: UT-2022-0015
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:17:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Powell
NearestCityorTown: Page
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS
On June 5, 2022, I responded to a medical in Padre Creek Canyon. During my conversation with the driver of a Jetsk, he explained his, broke her arm after falling while wakeboarding. Injured was life-flighted to St. George hospital.   

NARRATIVE
On June 5, 2022, I was patrolling near the mouth of Kane Creek Canyon in Padre Bay when I noticed a helicopter fly into Padre Wash Canyon. I recognized the helicopter as Classic and radio National Park Service (NPS) Dispatch to see if there is an incident I could assist with. NPS Dispatch informed me of a female individual with a broken arm. I asked if the person was on a small vessel or a houseboat. NPS Dispatch explain that the individual was on a houseboat.  

I informed NPS Dispatch that I would be enroute to Padre Creek Canyon without the use of lights or siren. There was very little boat traffic. 

As I began to enter the canyon I could see the helicopter on the north side of the canyon by a houseboat that was beached/anchored. I came down off plan and approached the back of the houseboat. 
At the back of the houseboat I could see Classic Flight Crew tending to a female patient. Due to another vessel tied up to the back of the houseboat, I was unable to get close or tie up to the houseboat. I stayed away from the houseboat approximately 50ft to slow down any boats that drove past. The female patient was loaded into the helicopter and taken to St. George. 

After the helicopter left people from the houseboat thanked me and asked if I would be traveling to Marina. I said yes. They asked if I would take back a male individual to Marina, who I would later identify from Colorado. I agreed and O1 would gather his belongings. O1 would board my vessel and dawn a lifejacket. 

During our trip to Marina, O1, explained to me what took place. He explained that he was towing his girlfriend on a Jetski in the canyon when she fell. When she fell the tow rope was wrapped around her arm. As tension was applied to the rope from the Jetski it cause injuries to her upper arm. In hearing this I explained to O1 that this was considered a boat accident and needed to be reported. I explained that it was a simple report to do and I could take care of it. I dropped him off at Marina and would follow up with the rest of the group the following day. 

INVESTIGATION
June 6, 2020
I boated back to the houseboat from the previous day and spoke with the reporting party. I explained that I need to conduct an investigation of what took place the previous day. The reporting party explained that O1 was in the Padre Creek Canyon towing his girlfriend, on a Jetski. She was on a wakeboard and there was no observer, while he was driving. From the reporting party he slowed down causing her to lose her balance and fall forward. During the fall the tow rope became entangled with her right upper arm. It was then that her suffered her injuries. In talking to the group the arm was obviously broken and she was brought back to the houseboat on the Jetski. I asked if everyone was wearing lifejackets, they said yes. 

This information was similar to what subject has told me on the trip to Wahweap Marina. I then obtained information from the group and took down the bow numbers from the Jetski that was involved with the accident. Subject  is the owner of the vessel. I was unable to obtain any insurance information from the vessel or registration information as this was no onboard the vessel. 

CONCLUSION 
In conclusion with the support from the driver and the reporting party information, I feel that subject, was driving the Jetski, slowed down quickly by releasing the throttle. As he slowed down victim fell forward into the tow rope. Due to the fact that victim momentum stopped as she hit the water caused the rope


BARDID: UT-2022-0016
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:04:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Powell
NearestCityorTown: Page
County: Kane
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS
On June 17, 2022, a houseboat, V1, attempted to dock at the state line launch ramp. During the docking wind blew the house boat into a docked vessel (V2), causing fiberglass damage to the rear port side of the vessel. There were no injuries. 

NARRATIVE
On June 17, 2022, I was notified of a vessel accident that took place at the State Line launch ramp on Lake Powell. National Park Service (NPS) Park Ranger 2 called me to report a house boat struck another vessel that was docked at the launch ramp. Park Ranger 2 explained the other vessel involved was owned by another NPS Ranger. Due to a conflict of interest he asked that I handle the accident. At the time I was out of state and would contact everyone involved upon my return. 

During my time away Park Ranger 2 gathered everyone's information, including witness statements. The information gathered is attached to this report. 

INVESTIGATION
On June 21, 2022, I began my investigation to what took place several days earlier. I spoke with V2 Operator the operator of the Everglade fishing boat that was tied off to the dock. She explained that her boat was docked on the eastern side of the courteous dock near the end of the dock. Fenders were out on both sides of the vessel and it was secured to the dock. Two (2) other people were on board the vessel, V2 Passengers 1 & 2. 
No lifejackets were worn due to being tied off to the dock. 

V2 Operator explained that the house was coming in to dock from the buoy field, which is North West of the location. Several people from the house boat were on the courteous dock and were preparing to load the vessel. V2 Operator said the house boat turned in, in order to dock in front of her vessel (Everglades). As the house boat attempted to make the turn wind blowing from the east to west blew the house boat into the V2 Operator's vessel (Everglades). She said several attempts were made to get the operators attention by yelling. Several people on the dock also yelled at the operator of the houseboat to stop. V2 Operator made an attempt to stop the house boat from hitting her vessel, by using her legs. 

The houseboat stuck the rear port side of the vessel, Everglades, causing fiberglass damage to the corner. Damage is approximately 6 inches to 12 inches in length. Photos were taken the day of the accident by Park Ranger 2 and I followed up with my own photos taken on June 21st.  

In reading over a witness statement from Witness, who was docked on the opposite side of the courteous dock, he confirmed this story. 
The operator of the houseboat is V1 Operator. He is a part owner of the houseboat. There was one other person on board the houseboat, V1 Passenger. She was wearing her lifejacket at the time of the incident. No other people were on the houseboat. A phone call was made to V1 Operator on June 21st, with no answer. A message was left to gather his side of the story. He did fill out a witness statement and is attached to this report. 

On June 21, 2022, I traveled to Bulldog Boat Repairs in Page to document the damage to V2 Operator's vessel. I found no other damage to the vessel besides the 6 to 12 inch fiberglass damage. 

CONCLUSION
In conclusion V1 Operator miss judged the wind on June 17th, as he approach the dock. V1 Operator traveling from northwest to southeast from the buoy field turned too sharp and placed his vessel sideways to the wind. This caused his vessel to catch the wind and blew him at an angle into the Everglade vessel. V1 Operator would exchange information with V2 Operator and be responsible for the damages. 

-	End of Report


BARDID: UT-2022-0018
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sand Hollow Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: HURRICANE
County: Washington
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
I received a report by a boater that two jet skis collided in the middle of the lake and people were thrown about the water.  I rushed onto the boat and made my way to the two jet skis and the individuals that were in the water.  

All of the children seemed to be okay but I quickly helped them into my patrol boat.  Two of the boys were scraped up and bleeding from their legs and were given first aid treatment.  

One of the jet skis had a large hole in it and was starting to sink so I tied up to it and followed the second jet ski back to the parents.  I called the parents on the way and informed them of the accident and that we were making our way to them. 

We made contact with the parents and dropped off the two jet skis and all of the kids.  The father was livid and yelling at the kids.  

The father informed me that the jet skis were rentals from someone in Nevada.  I was never able to make contact with the owner.  

The kids explained to me that they were driving straight towards the south beach and were doing large looping turns and the second jet ski that was following was doing the same and following too closely.  The lead jet ski eventually did not turn but the second jet ski did and collided with the lead jet ski. 

None of the children were of age to be driving the jet skis and none of the children had a PWC certificate along with no adults on board or nearby for supervision.  They were driving too quickly while being too close to each other for speed and proximity.


BARDID: UT-2022-0019
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: East Canyon Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Morgan
County: Morgan
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Preliminary:  A renter had a passenger that fell off of the personal watercraft and hit her head on the pwc.   Passenger was taken via POV to the hospital for stiches to her eyebrow.


On Scene:  I received information of an PWC accident that happened earlier in the day.   I then contacted East Canyon State Park's concession manager.  Concession manager said that someone was hurt on the PWC and was not sure how that happened.  Concession manager said that the renter Operator came into the office and said that he had to cut his rental short due to someone getting hurt.  Operator then left to take victim to the hospital to get stitches.   Concession manager didnt have any more information.  

I gathered the rental agreement and gathered the vessel information.  On 6/23/2022 Concession manager called me and told me that Operator was back to rent another PWC.  I then proceeded to the concession building to gather a statement from Operator and more info on Passenger.  


Subject Statement:  Operator said that he was operating and Passenger was on the back of the PWC.   He turned hard and Passenger fell off and hit her head on the PWC.  Passenger cut her eyebrow.  Operator and Passenger then returned to the dock.  Went to the concessions to tell them about the early return of the PWC and left to the hospital for further evaluation.  Operator said she got three stitches in her eyebrow.   There was no damage to the PWC.

Operator did not have any other information about Passenger other than her first name and her phone number.  I left my information on her voice mail but have not heard back.  If I receive more information I will add a supplemental to this report.  


End of Report.


BARDID: UT-2022-0020
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:11:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deer Creek Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Heber
County: Wasatch
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 30 July 2022 Injured was the single person on a tube which was being pulled behind vessel 1.  At some point he was bounced off of the tube.  He got back to the vessel and started not feel well. He was complaining of his ears hurting.  He then threw up a few times.  The vessel came to the dock were park rangers happened to be.  I called for medical to come to the main boat ramp to check out him. 

I observed lack of equal tracking. his digits were visibly trembling as if cold. I did not smell or detect an indicators leading me to suspect drug or alcohol use. 
He was transported to Heber Valley for imaging.


BARDID: UT-2022-0021
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:38:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Powell
NearestCityorTown: BULLFROG
County: Kane
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Synopsis:

I investigated and did a boat incident report for a houseboat that struck another houseboat in the Bullfrog Buoy Field, and caused damage to a ski boat as well. There were no injuries, and there was damage to all 3 vessels involved. No operators for any of the vessels. Report was filed. 

Initial Report:

At approximately 09:00 am on Saturday, June 30th, 2022 in Bullfrog, I (Ranger 1) spoke with an individual at the North Ramp Courtesy Dock in Bullfrog. I was there for an unrelated boat contact. V2 Passenger 2 mentioned to me an incident involving their houseboat in the buoy field, on 06.26.2022. V2 Passenger 2 stated the Houseboat V1 and its Buoy (350 at the time) broke free and caused damage to the her Houseboat, V2. V2 Passenger 2 stated she had reported the incident to NPS Dispatch. I stated that from the damage/her descriptions, it would likely be a boat incident report and that I would be able to complete it. I offered to meet them the next morning (07/01/2022) at their houseboat and gather additional information regarding the incident. I had also requested that V2 Passenger 2 let the individuals on the V1 know, and that I would speak with them too. V2 Passenger 2 agreed to do so. 

Initial Call: 

I contacted NPS Dispatch and they confirmed that the reporting party (V2 Passenger 2) had contacted their office the night of 06.26.2022 (at approximately 20:38). NPS Dispatch provided me the CAD Notes of the incident. CAD Notes stated "Rp in BH "V2", attached to buoy, another houseboat has broken free and is hitting rps hb. Other HB is possible V1, rps hb is on top of the other HBs buoy". CAD Notes stated Aramark manager was texted. I notified NPS Dispatch that I would take this boat incident report/investigate. 

Contact/Interviews (V2):

I arrived at the new buoy that the V2 was moved to, at approximately 11:05 am, Sunday, 07/01/2022. V2 Passenger 2 and V2 Passenger 1 are part owners of the V2 (8 owners).

V2 Passenger 2 stated the V1 was loose in the buoy field the evening of 06.26.2022 and struck the V2. The V1 was still attached to its buoy when it struck the V2 and the V2 Passenger 2'S ski boat (Vessel 3). The V1 struck both vessels at the same time. V2 Passengers 1 & 2 tried to keep the vessels apart, but damage was caused to both vessels (Vessel 2 and Vessel 3). V2 Passenger 1 was able to secure the V1 (and it's buoy) to the V2 on the rear port cleat, to prevent further damage. It stayed that way through the night.  V2 Passenger 2 had contacted NPS Dispatch and Aramark Exec. Services.  Aramark Exec. Services responded the next morning, Monday 06.27 and moved the V1 off of the V2. V2 Passenger 2 said Captain responded, and took pictures, etc. It appeared to be an issue with the buoy grid/buoy cables. In V2 Passenger 2's notes she stated Captain would file an Aramark Incident Report. V2 Passenger 2's notes also indicate other houseboats were striking each other and Aramark Exec. Services had moved one those vessels (Lake Pals). Captain moved the V1 off of the V2 and to another buoy. The V2 was also moved to a new "temporary" buoy. 

All damage to vessels is detailed in the boat incident report. V2 Passengers 1 & 2 both filled out witness statements (attached to this report) and provided additional information. V2 Passengers 1 & 2 were the only individuals on the V2 at the time of the incident. The V2 was not being operated and it was attached to its buoy. There was no one board Vessel 1 or Vessel 3 (ski boat) either. No heavy weather conditions at the time (confirmed by V2 Passenger 2). V2 Passenger 2 stated in her notes provided to me:

"Sunday 06.26 - V1 hou


BARDID: UT-2022-0023
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:10:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Utah Lake
NearestCityorTown: Provo
County: Utah
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
At 1054 hours on July 4, 2022 I was notified by dispatch of a vessel that was stranded and that the motor had died.  The RP stated that the Husband and Dad tried to swim back to shore for help.  There were still 4 individuals on the vessel.  At 10:55 hours The RP said that they could see the West Mountain tree farm on the north side.  At 1056 Hours the RP alerted that they could still see the males, and alerted that they did not have life jackets on.  1056 hours I asked for GPS and the coordinates were relayed as 40.22049, 111.779687  1055 dispatch time (1057 USCGA watch Time) I placed a call to a Coast Guard Auxiliary member staying in our campground, and advised I need his assistance for people in the water.  

He informed he would meet me at the Rescue boat.  I arrived at the Rescue vessel, started it, and was able to plot in the GPS coordinates that dispatch had given to me.  At 1059 hours the RP stated that they lost visual of the two individuals in the water  SUBJECT1 boarded the Rescue vessel at 11:00 Dispatch time (1102 USCGA watch time).  

We then proceed out of the marina with Lights and Siren.  The marina was congested with holiday traffic, and we left the marina as quickly as we could while not endangering other users.  Once we cleared all vessels, swimmers, fisherman and other traffic, we quickly took the boat up to plane, and then slowed to safe speeds for the conditions as we had 2-3 foot rolling waves.  

Utah  County Search and Rescue contacted me to see if they could be of assistance.  I advised that at that time no SAR resources were needed.  At 11:13 I could see the vessel, but could not see the two individuals in the water. At that time I called for additional help from SAR.  Since we could not see the individuals in the water we slowed our speed on approach to the broken down vessel as to not inadvertently hit the people we were trying to find.   

When we were within shouting distance of the vessel I called out to find the last known location of the people in the water.  The RP pointed South East of their location.  I informed the RP since they were safe and secure in the vessel, that we would look for the others.  A short distance away, we could see a head bobbing in the water, and then an arm wave at us.  

We made contact with the first swimmer and pulled them onto the Rescue vessel at  1115 hours dispatch time and 1117 USCGA watch time.  We asked the individual the last point they had seen the other swimmer.   He pointed just east of us and told us the other individual was his son.  We looked that direction, and could see the first swimmers shoes floating, and then near the shoes I saw the second swimmer floating face down.  SUBJECT1 piloted the rescue boat into position and I was able to grab the shirt of the swimmer.  We were then able to pull the individual onto our vessel.  The position was marked at 40. 22114, 111.77871.  I informed dispatch at 1118 to have medical meet us at the Marina ASAP.  I then informed dispatch at 1120 hours that I had initiated CPR. 

I had SUBJECT1 pilot the Rescue Boat back to Provo Marina while I continued CPR at a rate of 30 compressions to 2 breaths using a non re-breathing mask. At 1132 hours the Rescue Boat was back in the Provo Marina and CPR was transferred to Provo Fire as I was physically exhausted.  I advised Provo Fire of the other patient on board and to please check him out as well.  SUBJECT1 stayed on board the Rescue Vessel with subject2, and spoke with him. The Provo Fire Battalion chief also knew the family and spoke with subject2 at length. Provo Fire prepared the victim for transport and took him to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center.  


BARDID: UT-2022-0024
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-01-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Powell
NearestCityorTown: Bullfrog
County: Kane
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Synopsis:

I gathered information regarding a Hit and Run Boat Incident that was reported (delayed), involving property damage to a houseboat. Investigation was conducted and a report was filed. 

Initial Contact:

At approximately 1800 on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 in Bullfrog, UT, I (Ranger, Boating Area Supervisor at Lake Powell) received an email the administrator for the Houseboat WINDSTAR II on the Bullfrog Buoy Field.  The email is listed below: 

"… Last Tuesday, the manager for Aramark at Bullfrog Marina called to let us know that our houseboat had been damaged (hit and run) by another boat in the marina. The other boat did some significant damage, and we're left with the expenses to have it fixed. Is there any way that you can do an investigation to possibly determine which boat hit it? Since power boats aren't coming on and off the lake that often, it seems like there might be a way to find the culprit. I've attached photos of the damage, let me know if there is anything you can do, or if there is someone else I should report it to. Thanks!”

I replied back and requested she officially report the incident to NPS Dispatch. I also requested some more details regarding the incident and said I would speak with her directly. I also contacted Bullfrog NPS Rangers and NPS Dispatch, and they all stated that they were unaware of the incident. 

Narrative and Investigation:

I looked at the pictures provided by Owner, and observed damage to the stern of the vessel, and starboard side. The waterslide and supports were damaged and bent (blue paint transfer was visible on the white waterslide). There was additional damage to railings, and also a cleat was broken off. 

I spoke by phone with Owner on 02/02/2022. She provided me more details on the incident and answered my questions. I explained that I would look into/investigate the incident. Owner stated that they are waiting on an estimate from the boat shop (Aramark), but said it would likely be between $2,000 - $3,000 of repairs to the WINDSTAR II. The repair work will be completed on the water by Aramark. She stated that the WINDSTAR II ownership group had decided not to make an insurance claim, since their deductible is $6,200. 

I spoke with Bullfrog Exec. Services Captain on 02/02/2022. Captain 1 stated the damage was observed the morning of 01/25/2022, during a buoy field inspection/check. Captain 1 stated that the damage was already there and observed, prior to the boat being moved. The WINDSTAR II was moved to a different buoy (Buoy 554) about 10:45 am on 01/25/2022. The WINDSTAR II was moved due to the damage that happened, and for more space for the vessel due to the low water levels (75 ft. houseboat). Captain 1 also showed me the pictures he took and explained them (the same pictures provided to the owners, and sent to me by Owner). He observed the damage, took the pictures, and reported it.

I confirmed there were no surveillance cameras on the WINDSTAR II at the time of the accident. Captain 1 confirmed the Aramark Marina and Boat Rental cameras wouldn't have caught the incident (too far, wrong angle, and rock obstructions). Captain 1 stated he believed the WINDSTAR II was struck by another vessel while travelling through the buoy field. Likely it would have been a cabin cruiser/houseboat, a larger/taller vessel due to the paint transfer and damage on the waterslide (located on the top deck of the houseboat). 


BARDID: UT-2022-0025
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-04-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sand Hollow Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Hurricane
County: Washington
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 04/30/2022 at approximately 1200 hours, I was flagged down by a citizen in the boat ramp parking lot. They explained to me that a woman had just been hit by a pontoon boat at the boat ramp and that her leg was hurt. I radioed dispatch and myself and Ranger responded to the boat ramp. 

The woman  whom had been struck by a pontoon boat was already in the SUV resting her leg when we arrived. I spoke with her who said she was in a lot of pain and requested that I call the ambulance. 
I asked her what had happened and she said she was loading her PWC when the pontoon that was undocking hit the PWC crushing her leg between the two vessels.  
Medical arrived and transported her to Dixie Regional Medical Center.  There was no visual damage to her leg. 

I spoke with the operator of the pontoon boat. He stated that he was attempting to undock the pontoon and when he was about to hit the dock when he quickly put the vessel in to the forward gear. The vessel then continued forward striking vessel 2 at approximately a 45 degree angle while the female driver was attempting to load the PWC on their trailer. This caused her leg to get smashed between the vessels. 

He stated that it was his fault and that he did not have much boating experience. Vessel 1 was a rental that he had rented to take out some friends. I did not suspect him to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs and contribute the incident to operator inexperience.


BARDID: UT-2022-0026
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-08-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bear Lake
NearestCityorTown: Garden City
County: Rich
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 21, 2022, vessel 1 was attempting to dock. While attempting to dock, the operator of vessel 1 left the control area. As he was leaving, he hit the throttle, causing the vessel to crash into the back of vessel 2, which was on the trailer, as it was being retrieved. Both parties stated vessel 1 went about six feet into vessel 2 before the operator was able to regain control of the vessel.


BARDID: UT-2022-0028
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Hyrum Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Hyrum
County: Cache
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
AccidentCause2: Overloading
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
While underway the engine quit working and the vessel began taking on water. The bilge pump had quit working at an unknown point during the day. The vessel was overloaded with at least 6 occupants. The vessel capacity was 4 occupants. It is uncertain how much weight was onboard, as much of the equipment was lost in the sinking.

All the occupants were wearing PFDs and nearby boaters were able to assist them onto their vessels as the vessel sank. The tip of the bow remained above the water level. 

Side Note
*The vessel had been modified from originally a jet boat. The boat now had a 40 HP Johnson motor put on the back of the boat and was operating as an outboard.


BARDID: UT-2022-0029
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bear Lake
NearestCityorTown: Garden City
County: Rich
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with governmental vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Ranger 1 was on patrol on Bear Lake  when he observed a PWC not observing Speed and Proximity.  He attempted pull the PWC over and while trying to get along side the PWC it struck the starboard engine on the patrol boat.  It damaged the motor.  I was called in to take a report as an outside Agency.  I went to Bear Lake and pulled the boat out of the water to photograph and report on the damage to the vessel.  While there I talked to Ranger 1 about the incident.  He stated he was patrolling and observed a few PWC's.  One PWC was doing donuts around another and also came to close to multiple other vessels in the water.  He tried to get the PWC to come along his vessel so he could talk to them.  The PWC operator was struggling to get along side his vessel and struck the engine as it was approaching.  They were eventually able to get the PWC to the side of the boat  and Ranger 1 performed a vessel safety inspection.  He found it was a rental from a nearby company.  Ranger 1 got the operators information and issued a warning to the operator. 

I was able to contact V2 Operator who was the operator of the PWC and talk to her.  I had V2 Operator fill out a witness statement form of her observation of the event and what happened.  V2 Operator stated she was confused by the officer because there were multiple vessels around and she didn't see any lights on the patrol boat and didn't hear any sirens.  V2 Operator stated she was not sure if the ranger was motioning her or someone else.  V2 Operator did state that she did hit the patrol boat with her PWC and took blame for the collision between the two vessels.  She stated she would pay for damages to the vessel.

I contacted Bear Lake Watersports the owners of the PWC and talked to Employee.  Employee stated that there was no damage to the PWC when they brought it back. He stated that V2 Operator did not get the insurance on the rental when they rented it so they assumed all responsibility for damage occurred during operation.

From all of my investigations it is obvious that V2 Operator was at fault for the incident and admitted that to me and stated she would take responsibility for the incident.

The Salt Lake Shop for the Division of Recreation was able to get me a quote for the damage to the motor covers and it is attached to this report.


BARDID: UT-2022-0030
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Newcastle Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: New Castle
County: Iron
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS:
On Saturday, June 11, 2022, a group of youth were attending a birthday party Newcastle reservoir.  The group had been playing in the water on kayaks, paddle boards and swimming.  At some point during the party, a group of the kids traveled across the lake.  An incident occurred where brothers fell overboard their kayaks.  VICTIM1, unable to swim, drowned.  Recovery efforts were conducted, and VICTIM1's body was recovered deceased early the next morning.

CALL TO 911:
On June 11, 2022, at approximately 1540 hours, subject1 called 911.  SUBJECT1 stated he was at Newcastle Reservoir in Iron County, and a 13 year old boy was drowning.  He stated the boy had been underwater for approximately 10 minutes.  SUBJECT1 had been boating at the reservoir and was unrelated to the party with the drowning victim.  I, Sergeant, overheard the radio call dispatching for the drowning incident.  I offered assistance by way of a patrol vessel with SONAR.  I was requested by responding Deputies, and responded from the Shurtz Canyon area.  I requested Ranger respond from Gunlock State Park with a  patrol vessel.  He met me at Newcastle Reservoir, were we launched the boat and began searching the lake bed along with several other agencies.

NARRATIVE:
On June 11, 2022, a birthday party was being held at Newcastle Reservoir in Iron County, by a family.  The victim and brother were told by their parents to not get in the water, because they did not know how to swim.  It should be noted that officers were informed that BROTHER was autistic and was somewhat limited due to the disability.

DROWNING INCIDENT:
At some point before the 911 call, BROTHER and VICTIM1 got on two of the kayaks.  Several other children were on other kayaks, stand up paddle boards, and other water toys.  They were playing in the water near the boat ramp.  Several of the adults stated that they told the boys to put PFDs on multiple times, however they never wore a PFD or had one with them.  

The party of youth began getting farther and farther from the boat ramp, until they were nearly to the other side of the lake.  The group continued to play and paddle in the water.  At some point, the adults were alerted to an incident by the screaming of the children.  One person rushed toward the group on another paddle craft.  He observed BROTHER clinging to an upside down kayak, and was informed that VICTIM1 had gone under water.  Subject3 flagged down SUBJECT1, who was in his motorboat nearby.  SUBJECT1 then made the phone call to 911. 

ARRIVAL of OFFICERS:
Two initial officers arrived on scene (Iron County Sheriff's Office and BLM) and were taken by boat to the area VICTIM1 was last seen.  They dove in the water without SCUBA equipmnt and attempted locate VICTIM1, but were unsuccessful.  They stated the water was too murky and deep to find anyone.  Several other officers arrived on scene and spoke with witnesses.  Conflicting stories were conveyed, but most witnesses stated they did not observe the group when VICTIM1 actually fell overboard the kayak.  The general consensus stated that neither VICTIM1 or BROTHER had been wearing a PFD at any point during the day. One party stated the group appeared to be "rough housing" back and forth on the kayaks and two boys fell in the water.  Another party stated they believed the  boys were on the same kayak, while the party stated they were on separate kayaks.


BARDID: UT-2022-0031
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Willard Bay
NearestCityorTown: Willard
County: Box Elder
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The Operator, reported his vessel had took on water over the bow in choppy waters while underway. Operator stated they had launched from the North marina about 30 minutes prior to them noticing they were taking on water.

Operator stated after launching from the marina they cruised to the north west corner of the reservoir and were just operating in circles. The operator explained they had recently purchased the boat and were out for a "test drive." 

He stated he had no boating experience and this was their first boat. He stated there were a total of 6 persons aboard and all persons were wearing appropriate PFD's.

Once they noticed they were taking on water, they proceeded towards the north west shore and within a few minutes the engine stalled. The operator stated they inflated a life raft and was able to get himself, his wife, and 4 children to shore safely. His wife, also sounded an air horn. Which gained the attention of a nearby vessel operated by the witness, they assisted he and his family into his vessel and brought them to the North Marina.

The winds caused his Vessel to drift and beach on the northwest shore.

A few days later, On July 5th they returned to their beached vessel and were able to bail out the water, re-floating the vessel, and were able to walk it around the north shore back to the North Marina.

End of Report.


BARDID: UT-2022-0032
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Willard Bay
NearestCityorTown: Willard
County: Box Elder
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
GROVES BOAT ACCIDENT REPORT 07/05/2022

SYNOPSIS 

On 07/08/2022 Ranger received an email from Operator requesting a risk management claim and a boat accident report for an incident involving her vessel on 07/05/2022 at WILLARD BAY RESERVOIR. Operator asked that I take the report. 

Operator submitted a U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Accident Report. According to the report, She was in an accident with her 2001Crownline Vessel.
Her description of the accident states she was "slowly approaching into beach area by buoys. Water level dropped suddenly. Went over a bed of rocks in 1 foot of water."
Her description of the damage to the vessel was "extensive prop damage, skag broke off, fiberglass damage."

According to the report she states this incident happened at 12:00 on 07/05/2022 in the entrance to Pelican Beach, with 4 people on board, all wearing life jackets. No other vessels were involved. The weather was clear. It was day. Visibility was good. Wind was over 0, up to 12mph (light). Water conditions were calm. Report states she was involved in recreational activities and the vessel was cruising. She states hazardous waters may have contributed to the accident. She states that the event that occurred during the accident was "ran over bed of rocks not marked in shallow water". No injuries occurred. Operator was wearing a life jacket and an engine cut-off switch. Operator was the operator and has over 500 hours of operating experience. 

SUMMARY

This is a compilation of the the Coast Guard report filled out. I Ranger have no other observations from this accident as it was reported a few days after the incident occurred and can only provide details based on the information given by Operator.


BARDID: UT-2022-0033
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deer Creek Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Wallsburg
County: Wasatch
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
SUMMARY 

On July 16, 2022 a female rider was thrown off the tube being pulled by a boat at the Deer Creek Reservoir. Female was evaluated by EMS and released on scene. 

NARRATIVE

1. On July 16, 2022 at approximately 1210 hours Wasatch Dispatch advised of a young female that was thrown from a tube being towed by a boat at Deer Creek Reservoir. Wasatch EMS was dispatched for the female. I responded from the main entrance to the Island dock. Dispatch advised that the female had lost consciousness and was bleeding from the face. I arrived on scene at the Deer Creek Island dock to render aid. Wasatch Fire and EMS arrived on scene to evaluated the female. The female was identified as Injured. 

2. I spoke to Operator who was operating the vessel at the time of incident. He stated that he made a sharp turn when towing a tube that caused the three riders on the tube to be ejected into the water. Injured hit her head on one of the male riders leg that was on the tube. Injured then became unconscious and was rescued from others that were on the boat. Operator operated the boat back to the Island dock and called 911. 

3. Injured was released on scene and was transported by friend and family on scene. I preformed a vessel inspection on the vessel and observed no issues. This ends my encounter of this incident. 

End of Report


BARDID: UT-2022-0036
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:26:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rockport Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Peoa
County: Summit
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Dog behavior
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS: On 7/21/2022, I received a call on my personal phone around 18:30 from Officer1 stating that there was a possible drowning at Rockport State Park and that she was still gathering details. I was coming from Oakley in my personal vehicle but responded about 15 minutes later. Officer1 and two Summit County Sheriff units were on the Rockport boat around the last seen location of Victim. I responded to the west side to meet with Search and Rescue LT, who was out with SUBJECT1, VICTIM's girlfriend, and SUBJECT2, VICTIM's friend. 

When I arrived, SUBJECT1 was giving details about VICTIM's last known location and stated that there was a boat that went by and excited the dog which knocked off both VICTIM and the dog. The dog was a 40 pound poodle wire-haired mix and was wearing a life jacket. 

VICTIM was not wearing a life jacket and did not have one on board at the time of the incident. Once the Summit County Search and Rescue boat was on the water and Officer1 had started a search pattern based on last known location, she picked me up from shore so I could captain the Rockport boat. Summit County Search and Rescue, Wasatch County Search and Rescue, Summit County Sheriff, and Division of Recreation all responded to assist in the body recovery. 

INCIDENT: VICTIM and his dog were on the Body Glove Performance 11 paddle board when a wakeboard boat went passed in the distance. SUBJECT1 stated that she believes that the waves from the boat and the dog getting excited from seeing the boat is what knocked both VICTIM and the dog off the board. 

At the time of the incident, VICTIM was not wearing a life jacket or the ankle strap that was secured to the board. The dog was wearing a life jacket and was able to swim back to shore. There was not a life jacket on board at the time of the incident which is in violation of Utah State Law. Pictures attach show the strap, that is normally worn around the ankle, was velcroed around the handle of the paddle board indicating it was not worn. Search and Rescue members that recovered the board, which floated to shore, stated that the ankle strap was connected to the handle of the paddle board.

RESPONSE/SEARCH: Officer1 and two Summit County Sheriff units arrived to the Rockport boat and were the first ones on the water. The SONAR on the boat was not working properly so Officer1 started a pattern search based on the last seen location of VICTIM. Summit County Search and Rescue responded to the west side of the park near the Rockport Estates pull-off with ground personal to help with shoreline search. When I arrived, I first went to the boat docks to be picked up by Officer1 but she stated she was going to continue as search until another boat arrived. I then went to the west side of the park, on Highway 32, to meet with SUBJECT1 and SUBJECT2 to get more information. Once the Summit County Search and Rescue (SAR) boat was on the water, Officer1 picked me up from shore so I could take her spot in captaining the Rockport boat. We met up the Summit SAR boat to give coordinates of last seen, which was marked with buoys, and coordinates of possible location of VICTIM based on something seen in the water. Summit SAR took over the search with SONAR due to the SONAR on Rockport's boat not working properly. I started a perimeter patrol to keep other boats out of the area. Wasatch County SAR boat arrived to help with the search as well. Division of Recreation had four individuals in route to respond with their ROV boat to assist as well. Around 21:00, Officer arrived to assist on the Rockport boat and to relieve the county units and Officer1. Officer and I continued the perimeter patrol to keep boaters out of the area until VICTIM was recovered. 


RECOVERY: VICTIM was recovered at the location coordinates  40.77240, -111.40397 by Summit County Search and Rescue just before 22:00. VICTIM was at about 77 feet depth and in


BARDID: UT-2022-0037
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Quail Creek Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Hurricane
County: Washington
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS:
Boating accident involving one boat and Quail Creek North Dock

NARRATIVE:
On July 18th, 2022 while on patrol at Quail Creek State Park in Washington County at approximately 1600 hours one male came up to me while I was parked at the Entrance booth. The male claimed to be in a boating accident because of a kayak being inside of the marina. 

INVESTIGATION:
The man later identified as Operator explained to me that a man with a dog on a kayak was on his way while he was trying to dock his vessel. Operator had to make an abrupt maneuver to avoid hitting the kayaker and hit the dock instead. When Operators vessel hit the dock, it punched a hole into the fiberglass of the port side of his vessel. (SEE ATTACHED PHOTOS). I asked for Operator'S Drivers License, registration and proof of insurance. Operator could only provide me with his registration. I advised Operator that he must carry Proof of Insurance to operate a vessel and vehicle in the state of Utah. Operator claimed his Insurance was at home as well as his DL. Operator asked if he could go home to get these items for me and I agreed. Operator stated he would be right back. Operator did not come back the day of the 18th.

CONTACT CONTINUED:
On July 20th, Operator came back with his DL and Insurance. Operator claimed the insurance was good at the time of the accident. The paper he gave me stated Policy Information as of July 19th, 2022. 

CONCLUSION:
Based on the damage of the vessel, it appeared to me that Operator hit the port side of his vessel on either the south side of the Southern Boat Dock or the south side of the North Boat Dock while attempting to dock his vessel. His vessel had to be facing east when the collision occurred resulting in the crescent shaped punch in the Port side of the vessel.


BARDID: UT-2022-0038
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:27:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Starvation Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: DUCHESNE
County: Duchesne
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 29, 2022, I Officer 1 received a phone call regarding a PWC that was sinking just past the Starvation marina at 1028 hours. I drove down to the boat ramp and saw about 7 inches of the vessel bow (yellow in color) visible above the water surface in a vertical position. There was two people in the water tying lines on the machine. there was also a recreation boat and a second yellow PWC in the area. I notified dispatch of the incident. The sinking vessel was operated by Operator. The nearby recreation boat was able to tow the PWC to a jetty on the west end of the boat ramp. I was able to get a hold of the tow line and walk the PWC to the wedge dock, while Operator and another male individual were able to wade along side. 

The PWC was placed onto the trailer and pulled out of the reservoir. An excessive amount of water flowed from all of the through hull fittings in the stern section of the PWC. I was able to verify that the PWC had a bilge plug in place. I also examined the entire hull of the PWC for any cracks, punctures, or flaws on the hull. I didn't find anything wrong or deformed with the hull/body of the PWC. I asked the operator for an account of what happened. He stated that he launched the PWC and just as he got to the no-wake zone boundary he noticed that the PWC had taken on a lot of water quickly. While examining the PWC I believe that it possibly may have been an issue with the neoprene seal on the propulsion system. The engine and other internal compartments recieved damage from water exposure. 

I performed a vessel inspection and then documented information for report. there were no injuries or additional damaged property. 

No further details


BARDID: UT-2022-0039
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deer Creek Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Wallsburg
County: Wasatch
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
This incident occurred on July 30, 2022 at approximately 1530 hours at Deer Creek State Park main dock. Vessel #2 was tied off in a slip at the dock. Vessel #1 was launching off the trailer when the starboard side made contact with the stern of Vessel #2, Vessel #2 had minimal damage done to the swim deck. Vessel #1 had minimal damage on the mid starboard side.


BARDID: UT-2022-0040
State: UT
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2022-07-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deer Creek Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Charleston
County: Wasatch
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS

Vessel with four people on board sank.  Individuals were rescued by third party after spending less then five minutes in the water.  Cause of sinking with was a combination of overloading the rear of the vessel and rough water created by nearby boaters.

RESPONSE

I was notified by dispatch while performing a boater assist that a vessel had sunk and there were four people in the water and one of them without a life jacket.  I disengaged from my boater assist and informed them of the incident and flagged a second boat down to assist them and responded to the sunken vessel with lights and sirens.  After about a ten minute search I located the location the sinking and the four individuals who had all been pulled out of the water by near by boaters.  Their vessel was no where to be scene.

INVESTIGATION

I transferred all four people and their recovered property onto my vessel and brought them all to the main boat ramp after we had taken estimations where the vessel went down.  When on shore I collected statements and personal information.  

END REPORT


BARDID: UT-2022-0041
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Yuba Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Levan
County: Juab
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/30/22 at approximately 1345 hours vessel 1 was under way and towing Injured. While Injured was wakeboarding he began to feel severe pain in his abdomen. Injured was in so much pain he was unable to move and was pulled onto the back of vessel 1. The other occupants on the boat called 911 and Injured remained on the back of vessel 1 until medical helped him off the boat onto a stretcher. Injured notified medical that he had a small hernia and believed that the hernia may have become worse and the source of the pain. Injured was checked by medical and refused transport or further care. Injured was left with family to self transport as needed. NFD 

End of report


BARDID: UT-2022-0042
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:28:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sand Hollow Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: HURRICANE
County: Washington
WaterConditions: Very rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS:

A boating accident/sinking due to high winds and large waves at the main boat ramp at Sand Hollow State Park on 7/30/2022.

NARRATIVE:

CONTACT:

Dispatch initially informed of a drowning at the main ramp.  I ran code to the boat ramp to see a boat sunk at boat ramp and only the bow was sticking up out of the water.  As I arrived, dispatch informed that all occupants were able to get out of the boat and onto land.  

I made contact with a Witness who was the reporting party and he also informed me that everyone got out of the boat and made it to land.  After making sure everyone was okay and did not need medical attention, I and some bystanders were able to come up with a plan and get were able to drag the boat to shore using a winch on a jeep.  

There were parts of the vessel floating all over the area of the sinking and Operator was trying to retrieve all of it while looking for his truck keys. 

Once the vessel was on shore, Operator (the owner/operator of the vessel) jumped into the lake and into the boat to look for his truck keys.  I informed search and rescue about the boat sinking and possibly needing some float bags to get the vessel out of the water. 

Search and Rescue arrived and we came up with a plan on how to get the vessel out of the water.  Operator had already removed all batteries and the gas tank from the vessel.  We were able to slowly winch the vessel onto the trailer and drain water as we went.

We were eventually able to get the vessel up and out of the water on the trailer and drain the water and got the vessel out of the lake.  The vessel was completely submerged; all electric is most likely fried and unsalvageable.  The motor was completely submerged and most likely dead/seized up.  The hull of the boat was bouncing and dragged across the concrete boat ramp; no major holes were seen in the hull but did have severe damage. 

INVESTIGATION:

Heavy winds and large waves picked up at Sand Hollow State Park and were blowing in from East to West and as Operator docked his boat to go get his truck and trailer; a large wave came up and over the back of the boat.  The boat started to take on water quickly and started to sink rapidly.  Everyone was able to get out of the boat and onto shore.  

EOR


BARDID: UT-2022-0043
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-08-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deer Creek Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Wallsburg
County: Wasatch
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
This incident occurred on August 10, 2022 at approximately 2010 hours at Deer Creek Reservoir. Vessel #1 was towing three females on a tube when the tub hit a wave ejecting all three off the tube. One female on the tube sustained a head injury. The female was treated at the Deer Creek Main Dock by Wasatch County EMS. Wasatch County EMS then transported the female to Utah Valley Hospital.


BARDID: UT-2022-0045
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Powell
NearestCityorTown: Halls Crossing
County: San Juan
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Synopsis:

I investigated and did a boat incident report for a ski boat that struck a rock. There were no injuries, only damage to the vessel involved. Report was filed. 

Initial Call:

At approximately 09:15 am on Saturday, September 3rd, in Bullfrog, I (Ranger, Boating Supervisor at Lake Powell) spoke with NPS Dispatch. Dispatch advised that a ski boat hit a rock near the entrance to Smith Fork Canyon. NPS Dispatch emailed me the following details:

"23' Regal RX, black/white, 6ob, struck rock at entrance of canyon, taking on water, Exec Services enroute"
NPS Dispatch confirmed that Bullfrog Executive Services was en-route. I requested an ETA and went on local area boat patrol (holiday weekend), while waiting for the vessel to arrive. 

Initial Contact:

NPS Ranger was on boat patrol and advised me the vessel was north of Bullfrog Bay (being towed by Aramark Executive Services). He confirmed that they would meet me at the Bullfrog North Ramp for the report. 

As I arrived at the top of the North Ramp, I observed the ski boat being side towed by Aramark Executive Services. The operator had gone to retrieve the truck and trailer, after I explained that once he's retrieved the boat, we'll get everything figured out. He asked "what is there to figure out"? I further explained boat incident/requirements. 

I spoke with individuals on the ski boat. One female (later identified as the vessel owner asked "do you guys not mark hazards"? I explained the NPS policy for marking hazards on Lake Powell. She stated that the vessel basically wouldn't go into gear after they struck rocks. 

Investigation/Interview: 

The only vessel involved - Vessel 1, was identified as Black 2019 23 ft. REGAL BOATS 23RXSURF. The ski boat was pulled and I met the party at the side of the Bullfrog North Ramp to gather further information. The operator was identified. Operator and the group were visibly frustrated and slightly abrasive. I explained that I was trying to help, and the importance and requirements of a boat incident report. Owner understood, and per my request stated she would gather a list of the passengers on board. 6 people were on board at the time of the incident, and they confirmed that were using "spotters" at the time of the incident.

The group had struck a "rock mountain" near the entrance to the mouth of Smith Fork Canyon (in the canyon), while looking for a campsite, the night prior (09.02.2022). Operator stated the rock they struck was approximately 3 ft. down and provided me the general location description/GPS coordinates. Operator stated that damage to the boat included damage to the outdrive, broken seal and damaged/bent prop. The vessel had been taking on water, but no other damage as Operator stated. No hull damage was observed/reported. No individuals on board were wearing PFD's, and there were no children on board. Operator provided me a copy of the vessel registration. Owner provided me an insurance card that had a vehicle listed, but not the vessel. She stated it was on the same policy, I requested she sent me a copy of the insurance card for the vessel that had it listed. Owner agreed to do so and was cooperative throughout my investigation. 

Below is the statement Operator provided to me:

"We were travelling out of the canyon and struck a ledge underwater while traveling towards the main channel. We were travelling approx. 15 mph. Damage was sustained to outdrive only." 

Owner returned with the list of passengers, with the beginning of one name scratched out. She stated that one of the group members did not want to identify themselves and provide name, DOB, etc. I explained to Owner and Operator that I was required to list/identify all passengers in the boat incident report. Operator continued to be frustrated a


BARDID: UT-2022-0048
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-09-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:29:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rockport Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Peoa
County: Summit
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS: On September 20th, 2022 at approximately 2329 hours an individual fell out of his kayak and called dispatch. Ranger and myself were called out and responded. Ranger arrived to the boat first and picked up the victim and transported him to medical units that were stationed at the ramp. When I arrived Ranger and I went out on the boat looking for the kayak. Unable to find the kayak I told Ranger I would resume the search in the morning. In the morning I located the kayak and the owner/victim picked it up later that day. 

CALLOUT: On September 20th, 2022 at approximately 2329 hours dispatch called me and notified me that a vehicle had drove off of SR 32 and into the water at Rockport Reservoir, 1 person was reported in the water. Just as I was getting into my truck Ranger texted me asking what was going on at the park because she could see the lights on the other side of the lake. I texted her that I was in route to a vehicle that went into the water. Ranger called me and asked if she could help, I asked if she could get on the boat and get the 1 person out of the water. 

INCIDENT: I ran code until I heard Ranger was out on the boat then I downgraded and arrived at location where the reported vehicle ran off of SR 32. State Troopers, Summit County Deputies, and myself searched the area looking for where the vehicle went off the road and looked in the water for the vehicle. 

There was no vehicle in the water and no tracks or other evidence that a vehicle had ran off the road and into the water. After searching I traveled to the boat ramp where Ranger had transported the victim. We spoke with Summit County Search and Rescue and debriefed the incident. The victim of the kayak called dispatch to report a vehicle that ran off the road and into the water. 

The victim reported there were two people in the car at the time. The victim told dispatch they were in the water holding onto a kayak paddle. With no vehicle in the water we suspected the victim fell off of his kayak and had a possible PTSD or medical episode and thought there was a car that ran off of the road and into the water. The victim is a regular at Rockport and kayaks at night multiple times a week. He used to be on search and rescue in California. The victim was hypothermic and transported to Park City Hospital and was later released. He was wearing his life jacket. 

NEXT DAY: At the start of my shift the next day I looked for the kayak starting at the dam and working my way around the lake. When I reached the boat ramp the kayak was on the dock. I took the kayak and inspected it for any damage. There was not damage to the kayak. OPERATOR came to the park and I asked him what happened. OPERATOR stated her saw a car go into the lake and he was trapped in a drain that he could not escape. 

OPERATOR fell off of his kayak then called dispatch, his phone was not damaged by the water. After listening to his side of the incident I informed OPERATOR we could not find any evidence of a vehicle in the water and there is no drain where he was. OPERATOR was flabbergasted by this information and thought for sure there was a drain and a car went into the lake. I returned the kayak back to OPERATOR and thanked him for wearing a life jacket because it saved his life.


BARDID: UT-2022-0049
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-10-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Powell
NearestCityorTown: Page
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS
On October 6, 2022, I responded to a boating incident that occurred on the shoreline in Padre Bay near the floating restrooms involving victim. VICTIM was skim boarding behind a jetski, and turned out of the wake of the jetski toward shore. VICTIM struck the shoreline while on the skim board and was launched into the beach causing him to suffer a broke femur.  

NARRATIVE
On October 6, 2022, I was patrolling Padre Bay near Padre Wash canyon when the National Park Service (NPS) Dispatch notified me of a male individual who had a broken femur. Dispatch informed me the injured male individual was on the beach in Padre Bay at the house boat "Legacy". Dispatch gave me the coordinates of the houseboat. I requested a helicopter be launched due to the nature of the injury. 
I placed the provided coordinates into my patrol vessels navigation system and responded with my lights activated. I arrived on scene without incident. 

I arrived on scene and noted a male individual lying on an inflatable Standup Paddle Board with multiple people standing around him. The male individual would be later identified. Individuals on the beach explained that VICTIM had a broken left femur. I asked if there were any signs of bleeding. They said no and explained that most of the people on shore were doctors or nurses. They were rendering aid to VICTIM. A makeshift traction splint was applied by individuals on shore. I obtained a medical history from VICTIM and relayed this information to NPS dispatch. 

INVESTIGATION
VICTIM was alert during my interactions with him. I asked him if he remembered what happen that lead up to his accident. VICTIM explained that he was skim boarding behind a jetski and left the wake of the jetski to come closer to shore. During this time VICTIM came in too close to shore at a high rate of speed. VICTIM continue to say he struck the sandy shoreline with his skim board and came to an abrupt stop, which caused him to be launched onto the beach. It was then that VICTIM knew he broke his femur during the fall. Bystanders on shore then came to the aid of VICTIM and began medical treatment. A 911 call was made. 

During my conversation with VICTIM he said he broke his femur before while skiing, when he crashed into a tree. He said that it was the same leg that he broke before. 

During this time Classic Helicopter arrived on scene and medical treatment was transferred to them. I asked several people on shore who was operating the jetski when the accident occurred. They explained Operator was driving the jetski. I asked him what happened. OPERATOR explained that he was driving the jetski around in the small cove near the houseboat with VICTIM in tow. OPERATOR said that he made a turn towards the left (away from shore) when VICTIM let go and traveled towards shore. I asked was there anyone else on the jetski when the accident occurred. He said no. I asked how fast you think you were going when the accident occurred. OPERATOR said he did not know, but they did this before without an issue. I asked OPERATOR how much experience he had operating a PWC. He wasn't sure, but he has been operating for the last three (3) years. I asked about life jackets and OPERATOR said that both of them were wearing lifejackets. 

I obtained the vessel's information by running the bow numbers. Looking over the vessel I saw no visible damage. I spoke to the group and asked who owned the machine. They said they rented it from a company in Salt Lake City. They could not provide a rental agreement, but had it in their truck at the marina. The individual who rented it said he used his own insurance for coverage and provided me with a copy of his boat insurance. 

VICTIM was then moved from the Standup Paddle Board to a backboard and loaded into the helicopter. In talking to the fl


BARDID: UT-2022-0050
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-10-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Strawberry Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Fruitland
County: Wasatch
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Other
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel operator reported upon launching the vessel he realized he forgot to put the plug in. By the time the driver of the launch vehicle was notified of the situation and returned with the launch vehicle, the vessel had filled with water and rolled toward the starboard side, capsizing. The vessel operator and the witness were able to drag the vessel back to the dock and tied up to the dock and called for help. A tow company was called to assist with retrieving the vessel from the water. The vessel sustained extensive damage during the retrieval.


BARDID: UT-2022-0051
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:59:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deer Creek Reservoir
NearestCityorTown: Heber
County: Wasatch
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS

Vessel briefly caught on fire and smoked within the engine compartment.  A fire extinguisher was applied to the engine compartment and the small fire and smoke stopped.  A nearby boat provided a vessel tow to the Island Day Use dock and the vessel removed off the water.

DISPATCHED to BOAT FIRE

I was dispatched from home to a reported vessel on fire.  Ranger were dispatched from their parks.  While in route it was reported that the boat fire was out and a third party was towing in the vessel to the Island Day Use Dock and EMS and Fire discontinued.  When I arrived on scene Ranger was taking down information.  I took over the scene and collected additional information.

FIRE and SMOKE

The operator and owner were out pulling wake boarders in the north end of Deer Creek.  While transitioning from one skier to another the vessel became stuck on a sand bar.  While attempting to get off the sand bar under power the engine compartment began to smoke and a small fire broke out momentarily. A fire extinguisher was used and the fire and smoke went out.  A nearby vessel took them under tow and brought them into the Island's dock without further incident.

INVESTIGATION

I collected operator and owner information and took photos of the engine compartment and fire extinguisher and gathered the narrative of what happened and returned to duty.

END REPORT


BARDID: UT-2022-0052
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:16:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Powell
NearestCityorTown: Ticaboo
County: Kane
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 14th, 2022, at approximately 1019 hours, I was notified by dispatch of a houseboat sinking that was tired to the curtsey dock at North Ramp. Dispatch informed me that owner requested Offshore Marina to retrieve the houseboat however, Offshore Marina is unable to retrieve the houseboat. 
Dispatch informed me that the owner of the houseboat refused to have Executive Services assist with the sinking houseboat. Dispatch informed me the owner of the houseboat had left the park. Dispatch informed me that sinking houseboat was reported by Aramark to National Park Service (NPS) Concessions Management. 
At approximately 1025 hours, I arrived a North Ramp and saw a houseboat listing to the port side tied to the curtesy dock. The houseboat was a 55-foot Bluewater Marine Kayot bearing Utah bow numbers. I asked visitors on the ramp if they were associated with or knew who was with boat. No one had identified the owner. I notified dispatch that the owners had abandoned the boat and requested Executive Services assistance. 
At approximately 1036 hours, boat tipped suddenly more towards the port side. Fearing the houseboat was about sink and take the curtsey dock with, I untied boat from the dock. 
Despite my attempts to hold boat to the curtsey dock. Boat drifted such that is started to obstruct boat traffic accessing North Ramp. 
At approximately 1042 hours, Ticaboo On Lake Services assisted in pushing boat back to the curtsey dock. The boat owner of Tica boo On Lake Services stated boat "looks like it's about to go." 
At approximately 1052 hours, Executive Services arrived with a floating crane. Executive Services attached the crane to the port aft of boat. A general manager (GM) of Aramark who oversees Executive Services, arrived. I requested from GM that boat be impounded. GM stated he needed to contact a legal advisor before impounding. GM stated he has no authorization nor verbal request the owner to assist with boat. Executive Services then disconnected their crane from boat. 
Executive Services stated they saw boat listing at approximately 0630 hours. Executive Services stated at that time, the aft port corner was not under water. 
At approximately 1113 hours, Executive Services moved boat further back on the curtsey dock to give more room for boat lunching and retrieve activities at North Ramp. GM arrived and stated that someone in Aramark was able to get a hold of the owner of boat. GM stated the owner was acutely aware that boat was taking on water approximately 3 days prior. GM stated needed a written approval from NPS to remove boat.
At approximately 1127 hours, I called Deputy Chief Ranger 2. I informed Ranger 2 that a houseboat had been abandoned, is actively sinking, tied to our curtsey dock, and Executive Services wants a written approval from NPS to remove the houseboat. 
At approximately 1227 hours, I drove to Offshore Marina. I asked Offshore Marina if they had contact information for the owner of boat. Offshore Marina gave me a phone number for the owner who was later identified as Owner by Colorado driver's license. Offshore stated they had a launch and retrieval agreement with Owner for boat however, they did not have the equipment to retrieve it in its actively sinking state. 
At approximately 1246 hours, I called Owner and identified myself as a U.S. Park Ranger. I asked Owner what his plan for boat was. Owner stated he wanted "Executive Services to pump it out but, no one is getting back to him." I told Owner that I was informed that he told Executive Services to not 
touch his boat. Owner stated he "never said that," "that's not true at all," and "I want them to take care of it." I confirmed with Owner that he wants Executive Services to pull his boat. Owner replied "absolutely." I asked Owner if his boat has insurance. Owner stated it did not have insurance. Owner stated he bought the boat a week earlier. Owner stated he noticed boat taking on water 2 days prior. Owner stated he would send me a bill of sale or registration documentation. 
I contacted GM and told him I spoke with Owner and that he is willing to have Executive Services pull his boat. GM stated their communication with the boat owner had greatly improved after I had called Owner. At approximately 1333 hours, I was advised by Aramark that Executive Services has the authorization to pull boat. I called Ranger 2 and asked if he wanted me to perform an inventory on boat. Ranger 2 requested that I perform an inventory. I was then informed by Aramark that Executive Services will assist with floating boat and Offshore Marian will tow it. 
At approximately 1440, I started an inventory or boat. The console reported 769.9 hours on the port engine and 1492.7 hours on the starboard engine. I found the following items during the inventory: 
•	Keys in the ignition labeled 
•	Pioneer Stereo with removable face
•	5 sets of keys and a fuel cap key hanging above the driver's console
•	microwave
•	Chicago 5-gallon shop vac
•	Sharpe black portable air conditioner
•	Arctic Air fan
•	Papala tool
•	Hydroslide Pro wake board
•	Empty Starlink box
•	White Standard Marine radio
•	Lowrance M68
•	Charbroil C3rill
•	Water slide detached on the roof
This inventory does not include all items aboard boat. Many other items existed aboard including food, toiletries, bedding, chairs, paint cans, oils and lubricants, extension cords, mattresses, and alcohol. There was an open bottle of Apothic red wine, approximately 2/3's full in a pink cooler a couple of feet away from the driver's console. It was apparent from the state of unsecured items in, on top of and in the back of the houseboat that boat was not prepared for retrieval from the water. At approximately 1503 hours, I completed the inventory. 
During my inventory, GM stated the ramp will need to be shut down during the retrieval operation of boat. At approximately 1441 hours, North Ramp was closed. At approximately 1553 hours, boat was pulled from the water and North Ramp was reopened to all visitors. For approximately 1 hour and 12 minutes, visitors to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area were unable to launch nor retrieve boats anywhere in the up-lake area of Lake Powell. 
Although boat was out of the water, it was unable to leave the bottom of North Ramp until water was removed from the pontoon. So much water weight existed in the pontoon that the trailer was sagging enough to touch the ground. Holes were drilled into the pontoon to release water. 
At approximately 1650 hours, enough water was removed from the pontoon and Offshore Marina started to transport boat to Offshore Marina. I followed in my patrol vehicle. I observed trash fly out of boat during the transport. At approximately 1711 hours, Offshore Marina stopped on HWY 276 just north of airport road. Offshore Marina personnel attempted to secure items on boat. At approximately 1713 hours, Offshore Marian continued its transport. At approximately 1724 hours, boat arrived at Offshore. 
I watched as boat was placed on blocks at its resting place at Offshore Marina. At approximately 1810 hours, boat was placed set on blocks. I gave Offshore Marina copies of a vehicle impound report. I left the scene and returned to patrol. 
During the incident Owner never returned to his sinking houseboat. Owner never informed NPS of his sinking houseboat, nor asked for assistance, nor asked for permission to leave it tied to the curtsey dock. On July 1sth, 2022, at approximately 1216 hours, I asked Owner via text message to send me his registration and/or bill of sale. M


BARDID: UT-2022-0053
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:59:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Powell
NearestCityorTown: Page
County: Kane
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
I state that on June 16th, 2022 at approximately 1359 hours, Ranger's 2, 3, and I were aboard NPS vessel conducting our duties as Law enforcement officers when we received a call for service regarding a sinking vessel near Gunsight canyon and Padre bay in Glen Canyon National 
Recreation area. We began responding to the call and received further information from dispatch that informed us of zero injuries and that the vessel was maneuvered into a cove a mile north of gunsight canyon. 
NPS Vessel arrived on scene at 1424 hours north of buoy 13, and Ranger 3 and I disembarked NPS vessel onto land due to water and wind conditions. We observed the vessel beached in a cove north of Gunsight canyon. Ranger 3 and I approached the vessel and 
observed the one individual on land later identified as Operator and another individual on the vessel later identified as Passenger. 
Operator told us that he was operating the boat on plane in the main channel, heading up lake, when he struck a rock in the middle of the channel. Operator stated that the rock was barely visible from the surface, and by the time he visually identified the rock it was too late for evasive maneuvers. The impact was felt by both occupants at the middle of the hull and the stern of the vessel. Operator
began directing the vessel towards shore when the engine alarm began ringing. Operator then 
beached the vessel inside of the cove and called 911 from his personal cell phone. Operator stated 
that one of his propellers was broken and he was unsure if the other was broken as well. Due to the 
inboard engine system of the vessel, we were unable to visually inspect the propellers and engine 
compartment. Water had breached the hull, and Ranger 3 and I visually observed the stern of the vessel sitting low in the water. 
No injuries were reported by either parties on scene, and Ranger 3 directed Operator to call Antelope Point executive services to arrange a tow of the vessel back to Stateline ramp. Ranger 3 provided Operator with his government cellphone number, and the number GLCA dispatch to reach out to if there were any other issues regarding this incident. 
NPS Vessel was clear of the scene at approximately 1507 hours.


BARDID: UT-2022-0054
State: UT
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2022-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Powell
NearestCityorTown: Bullfrog
County: Kane
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Driver state they where headed down lake leaving Halls and turned around buoy 91 and hit a rock under the water.

No other passengers provided in narrative.


BARDID: VA-2014-0002
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-02-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake
NearestCityorTown: Sea Breeze Restaurant
County: Mathews County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On February 2, 2014, at approximately 1400 hours, operator was traveling from Broad Creek headed to Little Creek.  While traveling into the Chesapeake Bay, Operator1 smelled smoke and flames came pouring out of the engine room compartment.  Operator1 put on his survival suit and sent out a May Day over the VHF radio.  He used both fire extinguishers he had on board in an attempt to put out the fire.  The flames and smoke became too intense and Operator1 made the choice to abandon his vessel.  Operator1 was in the water and on his portable VHF communicating with the Coast Guard.  A Good Samaritan vessel with the name Look Back responded to the May Day and pulled Operator1 out of the water.  Once Operator1 was in their boat, Subject communicated with the Coast Guard to let them know that they had the person in distress and was headed to USCG Milford Haven.  Subject and his crew transported Operator1 to the Coast Guard vessel at the Hole in the Wall.  Once  the Coast Guard arrived at the station. Operator1 was treated by Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad.  Operator1 had burns to his right arm and a cut on his left leg.  He was also treated for shock.  Operator1 was transported to Water Reed Hospital located in Gloucester, where he was treated and released with partial thickness burns to his right arm, and a vertical laceration to his left leg.  While Operator1 was being treated, York County Fire Department arrived at the scene of the fire and began to extinguish the vessel.  At 1628 hours, the vessel sank and is located at 37 25.908N and 76 09.918 W


BARDID: VA-2014-0003
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-02-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 04:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pagan River
NearestCityorTown: Isle of Wight
County: Isle of Wight County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
A fire began near the battery located in the stern of the boat.  The fire destroyed the battery, the Yamaha 115 horsepower motor, and burnt approximately four feet of the floor in the stern of the boat.  The Smithfield Fire Department was called and extinguished the flames.  The cause of the fire is believed to have been electrical.  The boat had been used earlier that day.


BARDID: VA-2014-0004
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-02-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 03:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Manassas
NearestCityorTown: Gainesville
County: Prince William County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim attempted to rescue his two dogs out on the ice by pushing a canoe on the ice while laying in the canoe.  The ice broke and the canoe flipped over.  He was able to get back into the canoe while the canoe was partially submerged.  His wife called 911.  He was rescued by US Park Police helicopter and was hospitalized overnight for hypothermia.


BARDID: VA-2014-0005
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-02-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River
NearestCityorTown: Buchanan
County: Botetourt County
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
This incident occurred on the James River in Botetourt County, Virginia, approximately 1.5 miles downstream from the DGIF boat ramp located in Buchanan, VA.  Three waterfowl hunters were sharing a 16 foot canoe while floating downstream when they approached the area known as "Quarry Rapids".  The river on this particular day was running strong due to recent high water and the boat owner later admitted they should not have been out there that day.  The group entered the rapids when the canoe abruptly turned to the left and was forced between two rapids.  The force of the water caused the canoe to flip and all three passengers fell into the water.  The canoe was upside down as it continued to float downstream with only the tip of it sticking out of the water.  The occupants were able to swim to the riverbank and exit the river without any injuries.  The canoe and a significant amount of equipment were lost.


BARDID: VA-2014-0006
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-04-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Wirtz
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On april 14 at approximately 1200 hours, richmond dispatch notified me of a boat incident that occurred on smith mountain lake. A pwc struck a channel marker, b49, and a passenger had been injured with a possible broken leg. 

The pwc was partially submerged at the stern. Officer and i spoke with a neighbor who had initially called 911. She explained that the pwc owner, victim, and operator had already left for carillion roanoke memorial hospital. Neighbor confirmed that the pwc was tied to the dock. Officer and i pulled the partially submerged pwc completely onto the pwc dock. There was a substantial breach of the hull just below the rubrail on the front starboard side of the pwc. This appeared to be the initial point of impact. Just behind the breach of the hull was another impact area; spider-webbing of the fiberglass and gouges in the rubrail. The hull had significant water inside. I told the neighbor to fill out a statement while we recorded information and took photos of the pwc involved. 

The channel marker was impacted on the lake-side of the pillar, and the pillar had broken off near where it entered the lake bed. According to all the statements from the parties involved, the pwc had been travelling downstream at a speed between 20-40mph when it impacted marker b49. Apparently the operator had become distracted momentarily and realized that the pwc was too close to the shore and about to impact b49 too late to react. A near head-on collision caused the channel marker to shear off near the base and tossed both the operator and passenger into the water. The passenger sustained a compound fracture of the right fibula/tibia (lower leg) and bruising, most likely from collision with the channel marker. Later that evening, i spoke further with operator and issued a summons for failing to keep proper lookout.


BARDID: VA-2014-0008
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-04-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BERRY HILL RESORT POND
NearestCityorTown: SOUTH BOSTON
County: Halifax County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday April 19, 2014 at approximately 1227 hrs, CPO received a call from the Halifax County Sheriff's Office Dispatch in reference to a possible boating accident at Berry Hill Resort front pond.

Sgt., CPO and I arrived on scene at approximately 1235 hrs. I located the operator of the boat. The operator (white male, 27 yrs of age) stated that the victim (black male 42 yrs of age), and others had come to Berry Hill Resort to go fishing in the pond  at approximately  1100 hrs.

Operator stated that he and Victim saw a canoe flipped over on the ground at the pond. They decided to take the canoe out onto the pond fishing. Operator stated that they got into the canoe about 1130 hrs and it overturned around 1200 hrs. Operator stated that two stayed on the edge of the pond fishing. Operator stated that they paddled across the pond to fish. Operator stated that Victim was in the front of the canoe. Operator stated that Victim had caught a fish and was reeling it in. Operator stated that Victim stood up in the canoe and he started yelling at him to sit down, sit down before you flip us over. Operator stated that right after that the canoe flipped over to their left side. Operator stated that they both fell into the water. Operator stated that the canoe flipped all the way over. Operator stated that he grabbed Victim by his shirt; however, he could not keep a hold of Victim. 

Operator stated that Victim went under the water and did not come back up. I asked Operator; if Victim could swim.  Operator stated that he believed Victim could not swim. Operator stated that he started swimming to the closest shore line he saw. Operator stated that he got out of the water and went over to the other side to get help.

I asked subject1 what he saw while fishing from shore. subject1 stated that he saw his uncle standing up in the front of the canoe. He stated that it flipped over to the left side and both had fallen into the water. He stated that Operator swam over to the shoreline; however, Victim was struggling and then went under water. He stated that Victim never came back up once he went under.

I asked subject2 what he saw while fishing from shore. He stated that he didn't see anything; however, he heard some yelling and looked up. He stated that he saw the canoe flipped over and Operators swimming to the shoreline, but did not see his brother anywhere. He stated that he called 911.


BARDID: VA-2014-0009
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-04-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sherando Lake
NearestCityorTown: Sherando
County: Augusta County
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
operator was drifting on his kayak on Lower Sherando Lake in Augusta County VA. Operator was reaching for his fishing pole that was located in the rod holder when he capsized the kayak that he was in and fell overboard. Operator was wearing the required life jacket and was able to hold onto the kayak and call for help. subject was in a canoe with his son and able to respond to Operator's call for help. Subject towed Operator and the Kayak to shore. Operator advised he was very cold so we provided sweaters and jackets to try and keep him warm. Once the ambulance arrived Operator was given blankets and his clothes were removed to dry in a nearby national forest service building. Capt. of Wintergreen Rescue advised Operator that he may have water in his lungs and that he should go to the hospital(Augusta Health) to have it checked out.  Operator was transported to Augusta Health in the Wintergreen ambulance for medical treatment.


BARDID: VA-2014-0012
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-05-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Rocky Mount
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
One bass boat with two people onboard was traveling upstream up the Roanoke River toward channel marker R11.  A second bass boat with three people on board was traveling from the yellow house near Bernard's Landing toward the shoal markers near channel marker R11.  The bass boat traveling upstream struck the second bass boat on the starboard side just behind the operator's seat and ramped over the boat towards the stern.  This threw an occupant who was seated on the live well behind the operator into the water.  The occupant thrown into the water was located the following morning in 92 feet of water.  Also, the occupants of the striking boat were both thrown into the water.  The third occupant of the struck boat used the trolling motor to maneuver the boat to pick up the two people out of the water.


BARDID: VA-2014-0013
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-05-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River - Upper & Middle
NearestCityorTown: Chesterfield
County: Chesterfield County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel one was traveling west on the  James River 200 yards from the ramp, next to vessel two when it lost control and crashed into vessel two on the starboard side just behind the operator.


BARDID: VA-2014-0014
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Moneta, Va
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator was approaching the end of Betty's creek on Smith Mountain Lake and began to turn the boat around.  subject was water skiing behind the boat and as the boat turned, subject's right ski caught a wake causing him to fall.  During the fall the victim tore his anterior cruciate ligament and the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.


BARDID: VA-2014-0015
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-05-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atlantic Ocean
NearestCityorTown: Chincoteague
County: Accomack County
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was riding a friends Jet Ski near Chincoteague VA, and was jumping waves when he came down off of a wave and hit his face on the handle bar of the jet ski causing damage to his left eye. He was treated at Peninsula Regional Medical in Salisbury MD.


BARDID: VA-2014-0016
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-06-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 03:32:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Back Bay
NearestCityorTown: Hell Point Creek
County: Virginia Beach
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim hit submerged stump and was injured while tubing behind vessel.  The victim sustained broken ribs from incident when her tube hit the stump.


BARDID: VA-2014-0017
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-06-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:02:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River - Lower
NearestCityorTown: Newport News
County: Newport News City
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6-21-2014 at 1920 hrs, Officers were dispatched to Huntington Park in the City of Newport News in reference to a boat sinking in the area of the James River Bridge. We arrived at 1944 hrs and were advised by Newport New Police on scene that a vessel had sunk near the bridge and that the 3 occupants had been picked up by the Newport News Fire boat and transported to Huntington Park. We interviewed the owner operator and were told the vessel, while anchored from the stern had taken on water over the stern and swamped. The vessel's location was marked with a fire department buoy. operator advised that he would begin the process of recovering the vessel on 6-22-2014.


BARDID: VA-2014-0018
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-06-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Gaston
NearestCityorTown: Bracey
County: Mecklenburg County
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator of the vessel was traveling south out of the Great Creek area of Lake Gaston in Mecklenburg County pulling two tubes, with one individual on each tube. The operator turned the vessel, just prior to the Route 903 culvert, to return in the direction he had just traveled.  The boat and tubes crossed the wake of their boat, causing the one of the tubes to launch out of the water throwing the occupant into the water. Upon impact with the water the victim's right knee came into contact with the right side of his forehead causing a substantial cut to the forehead.


BARDID: VA-2014-0019
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Aquia Creek
NearestCityorTown: Fredericksburg
County: Stafford County
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat 1 was traveling west from the Potomac River into Aquia Creek and struck the day channel marker #5.  Upon impact, the operator's head struck the channel marker killing him on impact.  The boat continued west into Aquia Creek for about 100 yards until the vessel came to rest.


BARDID: VA-2014-0020
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-06-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River - Upper & Middle
NearestCityorTown: Lynchburg
County: Campbell County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06-14-2014, I received a call from Richmond dispatch in reference to a boat accident that had occurred on the James River involving a batteau. I proceeded to a location on the James river just off Galts Mill Rd. where Amherst 911 dispatch had instructed me to meet the vessel. Upon arrival I met with Amherst EMS and waited for the vessel to arrive. When the vessel arrived I assisted EMS in stabilizing the victim and carrying her to the ambulance. I took photos of the scene collected witness information. I then traveled to University of Virginia Medical Center and took the victims statement and photos of her wounds. 

In reference to the boat incident that occurred on 6-14-2014, the following has been determined to have occurred: 
On 06-14-2014, at approximately 1615hrs, Victim along with ten other occupants were traveling down the James River just behind the Babcock and Wilcox Nuclear facility. The vessel (a batteau style wooden boat) bottomed out on the rocks. All eleven of the vessels occupants exited the vessel with the intent of freeing it from the rock by lifting and pushing. Once the occupant’s weight was out of the vessel it began to float and shift in the current. Victim was located outside the front left corner of the vessel standing on the rocks. When the vessel shifted, the bow of the vessel ran up on victim’s feet causing her to suffer multiple injuries to each foot.


BARDID: VA-2014-0021
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Rocky Mount
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator operated the PWC and was traveling toward a shoal located near the opening of the cove and Gill's Creek. While traveling toward the shoal a large wave struck the side of the PWC causing it to overturn. At this time she felt her leg "pop." Operator then screamed and her boyfriend, who was in the yard, called for rescue. She then began to swim towards shore. Her boyfriend met her and assisted her onto the shore. When rescue arrived Operator was transported to Roanoke Memorial Hospital. After examination, it was determined that her right leg and left wrist was broken.


BARDID: VA-2014-0022
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-06-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay
NearestCityorTown: Townsend
County: Northampton County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
As they tried to retrieve the anchor they started taking on water from waves over the stern.  The boat got swamped and they donned their life jackets and entered the water.  Two people swam to shore, one was rescued by Coast Guard helo from the beach and taken to Norfolk Sentara.  The third person was retrieved from the water about one half mile west of buoy 16 and taken to Norfolk Sentara.  The first person that made it to the beach refused treatment.  The two subjects that were taken to Norfolk Sentara were treated for mild hypothermia.   Both of the subjects were released from the hosptial.  All three subjects are fine.


BARDID: VA-2014-0023
State: VA
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2014-06-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: James River - Lower
NearestCityorTown: Newport News
County: Newport News City
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/8/14 Operator left Peterson's Yacht Basin with the 4 passengers listed. As they left the dock they began to have engine problems but continued into Hampton Roads to go fishing. After a short time they realized that the water was to rough for the small vessel and attempted to return to the boat ramp. The engine on the vessel quit running and it began to drift and take on water, due to the rough sea conditions. As the vessel drifted towards the Wave Screen Pier it swamped and all occupants were cast into the water. Witnesses on the pier called for emergency assistance and assisted with the rescue of subject at the pier. The remaining occupants were rescued or recovered by a citizen in another vessel and Newport News Fire Department personal. Operator and his cousin drowned at the scene before they could be rescued.


BARDID: VA-2014-0024
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE MONTICELLO
NearestCityorTown: PALMYRA
County: Fluvanna County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: person struck by activity equi
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat 1 (va2653bh) was not under power and in the process of letting a downed skier back into the vessel. Per lake monticello regulation, passenger on vessel was waving an orange flag indicating there was a downed skier in the water. Skier was on his was to get back into the vessel and his towline was in a horseshoe shape behind him in the water. Boat two (va8719nn) was under power traveling at approximately 15-20 mph. Operator of boat two, upon approach of boat one, noticed the skier in the water and made an evasive maneuver away from the skier missing him by approximately  6-12 feet. Towline from boat one became tangled in the propeller of boat two causing the line to become shortened, wrapping around the skier in the water. The line wrapped around the midsection of skier causing  abrasions to skier's abdomen. While line tightened around skier, he made an effort to untangle himself causing additional lacerations and abrasions to right hand middle and ring fingers. Skier was transported to martha jefferson emergency department by lake monticello rescue squad where he was seen by dr.. No damage to boat one. Minor damage to antiventilation plate of boat two caused by towrope (small chip).


BARDID: VA-2014-0025
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: Hardy, VA
County: Franklin County
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
VA 3292 AW was being operated by with his wife, and daughter also on board. The boat was towing his son, on a tube. The boat went into that part of Indian Creek behind Indian Point Marina. The boat then made a right hand turn and was making a left hand turn when the tube struck a dock on the right side of the channel. They instructed their son to remain on the dock and returned to the dock. Tuber sustained a scalp laceration, chipped upper incisor, and numerous contusions and abrasions.  

Updated 9/8/2014 - Officer Smith was contacted by owner of dock that was struck by operator1 that he tried to start his boat over Labor Day weekend, but it wouldn't start.V2 owner had not attempted to start his boat since the accident.  His mechanic identified previously unidentified damage to the boat's outdrive.  Officer investigated and determined that the outdrive was damaged by the impact of the vessel1.  This report has been modified to reflect the additional damage.


BARDID: VA-2014-0026
State: VA
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2014-07-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Smith Mountain Lake
NearestCityorTown: WESTLAKE
County: Bedford County
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/11/2014 at 1430 hours, i officer responded to the area of r-22 on smith mountain lake in bedford county in reference to a boat accident with injuries. 

Upon arrival at the dock in bedford county, i spoke to the operator of the rented boat (va 5104 rb) and his son. Both were on the boat with victim during the accident. 

Subjects stated they were in the main channel of the roanoke river turning east into the cove where they were renting a house. The operator noticed a very large wake, slowed down and told victim and occupant2 to hold on. Operator said while the boat crossed the wake, victim which was legally sitting in the bench seat at the bow of the boat, slightly lift off of the seat and then fall back onto the seat. Operator stated the boat hit the wake hard and victim immediately stated her back was hurting. They went back to the dock and assisted victim out of the boat. Victim was able to walk on the dock with assistance. 

After reaching the dock, victim continued complaining of back pain. Operator decided to call ems to check victim out. Bedford county fire/ems responded and placed victim on a back board and transported her to roanoke memorial hospital to be evaluated. 

Victim is being treated by dr. at roanoke memorial hospital for a broken l-1 vertebrae.


