# ReleasableAccidentes

BARDID: NC-2016-0153
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-11-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: OCEAN ISLE BEACH
County: BRUNSWICK
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was traveling west on the Intracoastal Waterway at approximately the area of navigational marker 93. 

The operator of vessel 1 engaged the auto pilot.  As the auto pilot engaged, the vessel took a hard starboard turn to the mainland.  The operator began to correct the unpredicted sudden turn by putting the vessel in reverse and was unable to correct the turn before it struck the dock.  After the vessel struck the dock, it then came to a stop pointing east from the direction it came.   Damage was done to the dock and boat lift.

Mechanical failure is believed to be the contributing factors for the incident. Alcohol nor drugs were not believed to be a contributing factor.  Vessel 1 was equipped with all required safety equipment.

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END OF REPORT


BARDID: NC-2016-0154
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:20:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: White Lake
NearestCityorTown: White Lake
County: Bladen
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/30/2016 at approximately 3:00 pm, we received a report that someone falling off a tube and drowning at White Lake in Bladen County, NC.  We contacted Operator#1 (operator of boat and tube) and talked with him to determine what happened.  Operator#1 was coming back to the pier when he noticed one male and two females floating on his tube.  The Male (Tuber#1) and the two females (Tuber#2) and (Tuber#3) asked Operator#1 if he would let them rent the boat for an hour.  Operator#1 said that he could not do that, so Tuber#1 then asked if Operator#1 if he would take them on a ride on the tube around White Lake.  Operator#1 said he would take them around the Lake one time.  Operator#1's girlfriend asked them to put their life jackets on.  The family said that they did not need one because they could swim.  Operator#1 pulled them at idle speed past the no wake zone and took a left.  He then straightened up and increased his speed.  Operator#1 continued to pull them for a couple of minutes and made a left turn to come back to the pier.  Operator#1 saw that they were getting tired so he slowed down.  When he slowed down, the tube began to submerge and they all came off of the tube.  The girls held onto the tube, but Tuber#1 let go.  Operator#1 stopped the boat and tried to throw Tuber#1 a life jacket but the wind blew the life jacket back towards Operator#1.  Operator#1 then jumped in the water to try and save Tuber#1 but Tuber#1 was pulling Operator#1 under water with him.  Operator#1 noticed the boat was getting further and further away so he swam back to boat and told Tuber#1 to relax and try floating on his back.  Operator#1 helped the two women onto the boat.  Operator#1 turned the boat around to get Tuber#1 and he could no longer find him.

*******************************
Operator#1 DROWNED DUE TO LACK OF SWIMMING ABILITY AND NOT USING A PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE.
END OF REPORT


BARDID: NC-2016-0155
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-11-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Neuse River
NearestCityorTown: Arapahoe
County: Pamlico
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: disabled vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On the afternoon of November 19th, 2016, two people were traveling back home after having dinner in Oriental NC.  As they started their trip home they encountered engine trouble and contacted Sea Tow for assistance. They added fuel to the vessel and it seemed to correct the issue but were delayed in their travels by an hour.  

They left Oriental headed to their residence in Bridgeton and began to encounter diminishing weather conditions including high winds and rough water conditions.  As they arrived in the Goose Creek area of the Neuse River, the two began to notice engine trouble for a second time. The couple began to notice the engine was still running but they were not making headway.  The two began to attempt to solve the issue before operator started to become ill.  

By this time, the sun had set and the two were now stranded in the Neuse River in rough windy conditions. Operator's condition continued to worsen with violent vomiting and nausea.  Occupant then made the decision to anchor the vessel and call 911.  New Bern and Cherry Point Rescue units were notified and began their search for the stranded vessel.  The New Bern fire department vessel located the stranded vessel at approximately 9:10.  By this point Operator was in such poor condition that he had to be physically moved to the rescue vessel.  

On the route back, the rescue vessel was now headed into the wind with two to three foot waves.  Due to the rescue vessel being a flat bottom,  the vessel was unable to make and headway and began to take on large amounts of water.  The vessel then made contact with Craven Dispatch and informed that they were taking on water and would need additional assistance.  The Pamlico County Emergency Manager heard the transmission and was able to get a visual of their vessel from the shore of the Kennels Beach area. During the transport, all of the passengers on the vessel became wet and both subjects began showing signs of hypothermia.  Once the vessel arrived at shore, they were met by members of the Pamlico County Sherriff's Department, Emergency Management Personnel, EMS First Responders, and myself (NCWRC) who began to administer first aid and transport to EMS.  Both were transported to Carolina East Medical Center where they were treated and later released the following day.  The following week the vessel was inspected and it was found that the vessel's lower unit had failed causing all events to unfold.

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NOTHING FURTHER - END OF REPORT


BARDID: NC-2016-0156
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-11-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atlantic Ocean
NearestCityorTown: Carolina Beach
County: New Hanover
WaterConditions: Very rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On the morning of November 12th, Operator and four other occupants left out of Carolina Beach Inlet to go off shore fishing.   Operator went out the inlet and was unaware of the current sea state which was 6 foot seas every 6 seconds and sustained winds at 22 knots gusting at 29 knots. Operator's vessel was headed North off shore approximately 2 NM when a wave came over the Starboard side of the vessel and began sinking Operator's vessel.  

Operator managed to get out a distress message to USCG Sector North Carolina before the vessel went underwater.  The USCG Sector North Carolina dispatched a helicopter from Elizabeth City to perform the search and rescue.  Sector North Carolina also dispatched Wrightsville Beach to perform a search of the area by vessel.  Station Wrightsville Beach was underway at 0740 and at 1048 the helicopter from Elizabeth City located the overturned vessel.  

At 1109, the helicopter retrieved three people from the overturned vessel and transported them to New Hanover Regional to be treated for hypothermia.  Station Wrightsville Beach located the other two people in the water at 1145 and transported them back to Station Wrightsville Beach to be evaluated by EMS.  These individuals refused transport to New Hanover Regional.

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END OF REPORT


BARDID: NC-2016-0157
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-12-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: New River Inlet
NearestCityorTown: Sneads Ferry
County: Onslow
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and three other passengers were onboard his 27ft Sportcraft on Sunday December 4th 2016. They had gone out of the New River Inlet to the ocean to fish, on a course that Operator had programmed in his GPS that he had used on a trip two weeks prior. They fished for a while and then started to head back to the marina at approximately 3:45 p.m. Upon entering the breakers in the New River Inlet, Operator's vessel ran around and became stuck. He called sea tow to assist.  Sea tow stated that they had a Captain out and when he finished up with his job he would come and assist them. After some time, the waves started to break over the stern of the vessel and the cabin started taking on water. 


BARDID: NC-2016-0158
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-12-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: PAMLICO SOUND
NearestCityorTown: OCRACOKE
County: HYDE
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Weather
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator, they contacted the coast guard about entry to ports.  The coast guard discouraged entry into hatteras inlet, but suggested using ocracoke inlet instead because it was clearly marked and their cutter used it daily.  Upon entry to the marked channel, the vessel ran aground and started taking on water.  The operator then contacted the coast guard with their location.  The operator and passengers then put on orange survival suits and waited for rescue.

********************************
Nothing further; end of report.


BARDID: NC-2016-1000
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: New River Inlet
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
According to articles in the news media, an 18-year old on a rental PWC was airlifted to the hospital after he suffered a head injury.  It is alleged he hit his head on the craft.


BARDID: NC-2017-0001
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-01-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pamlico Sound
NearestCityorTown: Swan Quarter
County: Hyde
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator, he and his hunting campanions were headed out to Great Island in Hyde County to waterfowl hunt.  

At approximately 06:00 AM on 01/07/2017 Operator advised that a large wave came over the bow of his boat (vessel #1), thus flooding it with water.  He said that initially the water was almost up to the gunwales inside of the boat.  Upon being swamped with water, Operator's engine shut off.  He and his passengers immediately put on PFDs.  He started the engine back up and began operating the vessel again.  The vessel is self bailing and stayed afloat until they made it to Great Island.  

During this time of operation, he was only able to operate the vessel at minimal speed due to it being full of water.  He advised that a 14 ft canoe and other gear floated out of the boat while heading towards the Island.   Upon making it to shore, he contacted 911 and advised them of his situation.  

Officer with NC Marine Patrol contacted me at 06:24 am about the incident.  I met him at Swan Quarter WRC access and we used his 23 ft. Regulator to make it out to Great Island.  Upon our arrival, we observed 3 individuals and a dog standing on Great Island. They were using a light to attract our attention.  

Operator's skiff was washed up on the bank with waves breaking over it.  At 7:04 AM, weather flow had a wind gust of 57 mph in this vicinity.  I made sure all subjects were okay.  I had them pull their gear further back on the Island in order to minimize the loss of  personal property.  At that time, I had each one of them put on a PFD and began preparing for Officer to pick us up.  We transported them and their dog back in.  Operator made arrangements with an individual to remove his boat and remaining gear from the Island on the following day.  The vessel and gear have been removed.  The vessel sustained scratches to the hull, damaged batteries, and it needs to be rewired due to being submerged in saltwater.  In addition, the group lost a 14 ft canoe, vhf radio, and approximately two dozen decoys. The use of alcohol and drugs did not contribute to this accident.  No violations were detected.

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END OF REPORT


BARDID: NC-2017-0002
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-02-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BANKS CHANNEL
NearestCityorTown: Wrightsville Beach
County: New Hanover
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 Monday February 13th subject had just filled up both of his 20lb propane tanks and placed them on his vessel in the propane locker located at the stern of his sailboat. Also that day, he had been checking and repairing several of the fittings in the line going from the propane tanks to the stove, and noticed that the line coming from the tanks was a copper line, then a rubber hose, and then back to a copper line. 

He checked the copper fittings for leaks after he installed the tanks. Later that evening, he turned on the gas to begin cooking dinner and was on the phone with his son for around an hour.  About 1900 he got off the phone and noticed a strong smell of propane coming from the cabinet under the stove area.  He opened the doors to the cabinet and said he became instantly dizzy from the propane fumes.  He reached up and opened the companion doors to the outside and when he did, the propane vapors flashed as they ignited from the oil lantern that was burning nearby.  After the explosion he ran outside the cabin and yelled for help, and then returned into the cabin to extinguish the fire that had broken out due to the explosion.  Neighbors came and took him to shore where he was transported to New Hanover Regional Hospital for treatment.  The Wrightsville Beach Fire Department went on board vessel and extinguished the remaining hotspots. 

He was treated and discharged from the New Hanover Regional Hospital with partial thickness burns to his hands, feet, face and arms. He also received several contusions from the blast, to his torso area.  His vessel suffered substantial damage to the cabin area, along with separation of the hull from the roof of the cabin.


BARDID: NC-2017-0003
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-01-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:07:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bradley Creek
NearestCityorTown: Wilmington
County: New Hanvoer
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: extension cord
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Wildlife officers investigated a boat fire that took place on January 7, 2017 at Bradley Creek Marina at approximately 10 pm.  Upon investigation, it was determined that the witness who was sleeping on his boat smelled smoke in the air.  He then went to find the source of the smoke and found vessel one ablaze.  He then proceeded to call 911 at 10:07pm.
 
Wilmington Fire Department responded and arrived at 10:10 pm.  They cut power to the dock and proceeded to extinguish the fire.  Upon arrival, they witnessed two additional vessels up in flames.   There was extensive fire damage to both vessels two and three and vessel one was also destroyed.  All three vessels were attached to the dock and no one was aboard any of the vessels.  The fire started on vessel 1, which was the middle vessel in the diagram and then spread to vessel 2 and vessel 3 which were on both sides of vessel 1. 

Wilmington Fire investigators determined that the fire was caused by an extension cord aboard vessel 1, which ran down into the engine compartment.  The extension cord was attached to a small space heater that was being used to warm the compartment so that it would not freeze overnight.  When the hatch was closed to the engine compartment, it pinched the extension cord causing the cord to heat up and catch the fiberglass hull, or carpet on fire initiating the fire on the floor of vessel 1 which then spread to the other two vessels.   The owner of vessel 1 stated that, he plugged an extension cord into an onboard GFI outlet that ran to a heater he placed into the lower engine compartment so that it would not freeze overnight. 

No injuries were reported.  
No charges filed.
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NOTHING FURTHER - END OF REPORT


BARDID: NC-2017-0004
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-03-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: SURF CITY
County: PENDER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, March 18, 2017 at approximately 1837hrs, Operator was operating his 376 Canyon, Grady White fiberglass motorboat (Vessel 1) on the ICW approximately .5 miles north of the Hwy 50 Surf City Bridge near Channel Marker 69.  

Operator was accompanied by one person.  Operator stated that just before the incident took place, he was standing at the helm behind the steering wheel talking to Occupant, who was standing to his left at the port side of the helm.  Operator stated that he had just turned the vessel around, put it on autopilot, and was cruising south on the ICW at approximately full throttle.  

Operator stated that he was headed for a green channel marker and he steered the vessel hard to the left to avoid it.  Operator said that he and Occupant then fell over to the right in the floor of the boat.  Operator then got up, grabbed the wheel, and began to throttle down just as Vessel 1 hit the beach of a spoil island located on the southeast side of the ICW.  Vessel 1 then ran aground up on the island in a south easterly direction and came to rest approximately 22 yards from the shoreline in a clump of small trees and brush.  No one was injured in the crash.  

After viewing and photographing Vessel 1 out of the water in dry dock, it appeared to me that most of the damage to Vessel 1 was to the fiberglass hull.  The damage consisted mostly of minor scuffs and scratches to the sides of the hull, scratches to the gel coat and bottom paint that ran the entire length of the vessel, a couple of chips in the paint that went down to the fiberglass, and one gouge down to the fiberglass located on the starboard aft side of the hull at the chine.  

On Saturday, March 18, 2017 at approximately 1859hrs I, NC Wildlife Enforcement Officer received a call from the NCWRC dispatch informing me that Pender Co dispatch reported that a lady saw a large motorboat run up on a island or marsh just south of the Surf City Bridge.  I then called Pender Co. dispatch and they put me in contact with Surf City Fire Dept.  

Capt. informed me that marine 23 rescue boat from Surf City Fire Dept. located Vessel 1 at approximately 1923hrs.  There was a Surf City police officer onboard marine 23 and he told Capt. that he saw no signs of impairment to the operator.  Operator and Occupant were then transported away from the scene by a Sea Tow vessel.  

NC Wildlife Sgt. and arrived on scene by boat on Sunday, March 19 ,2017 at approximately 0800hrs to investigate the scene.  Sgt. and I were unable to locate a green channel marker near the incident.  There was a pylon with a bridge ahead sign located approximately 150 yards to the northwest of the incident scene on the west side of the channel.  

Vessel 1 remained beached on the island until approximately 1600hrs on March 20, 2017.  After floating Vessel 1, a representative of Atlantic Marine in Wilmington, NC drove Vessel 1 down to Atlantic Marine in Wrightsville Beach and then to Bellhart Marine in Carolina Beach where it was dry docked.   I photographed Vessel 1 in dry dock at Bellhart Marine.  I was unable to find any conclusive evidence illustrating that Vessel 1 impacted a Channel Marker.  

I photographed a broken off pylon found by a commercial fisherman that had ICW day marker 69 signs attached on the either side of it on March 23, 2017. The marker was found on the west side of a small spoil island in Waters Bay approximately .5 mile northwest of the incident scene.  The witness and caller that reported the incident, stated that from her middle deck after she observed Vessel 1 make a sharp turn towards the east and run aground, she noticed what appeared to be a green day marker floating in the ICW near the scene of the incident. 

On March 23, 2017, I received and watched a copy of video footage showing the incident that was captured by a security camera located at topsail island yacht club.  the yacht club manager, showed me the video on a large screen tv.  The video showed what appeared to be Vessel 1 headed south on the ICW and then making a hard turn to the east, disappearing into the trees on the spoil island.  I was unable to see a channel marker in the video.  Upon researching the latitude/longitude listed on the USCG Light list 1/17 for ICW day marker 69 (34-26=12.12.284N, 077-32-35.562).  It appears that the green day marker referred to by the operator would have been located on the east side of the ICW channel approximately 100 yards northeast of where Vessel 1 ran aground.


BARDID: NC-2017-0005
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-04-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Hampton
NearestCityorTown: Yadkinville
County: Yadkin
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 4/14/2017, at approximately 10:13 AM, I received a call from Yadkin County Sheriff's Office Dispatch to inform me that they had received a report of a person drowning in Lake Hampton at Yadkin Memorial Park in Yadkin County.  I responded to Lake Hampton where emergency personnel were beginning to stage near the boat ramp.  

It was reported to me that a fisherman had overheard someone calling for help and trolled to the area and found a small boat with the trolling motor still on going in circles near the south bank of the dam.  I located the witness and identified him.  

Witness stated he had heard someone calling for help across the lake but by the time he got to the location, he could not find anyone but found a boat with the trolling motor still on, going in circles.  Witness wrote a statement which is included in this report.  Yadkin County Sheriff's Deputy towed the boat back to the dock and secured it at that location.  The boat was found to have no visible damage.  

The boat was registered and current.  I met with Yadkin County Park Director and he decided to close the park to help with the investigation.  Once the public was out of the park and all other boaters accounted for, a white Ford F150 truck was located in the parking lot and found to be registered.  

Preliminary investigation reports indicated that Subject was missing and possibly the person who was calling for help out on the lake.  Lewisville Fire Department responded with a sonar and dive team personnel to assist with the search.  A search was conducted on the water in the location in which the boat was found.  At approximately 06:00 PM, the dive team found a bait casting fishing rod that appeared to have been dropped in the water very recently. The search team had located in the area which the sonar was showing an image of what appeared to be a body in the search area.  The search was suspended at or around 08:30 PM.  The search was restarted at approximately 07:00 AM on 4/15/2017.  Subject's body was recovered at approximately 11:00 AM in the same general area that the boat was recovered.  The recovery was made approximately 15 yards from the lake edge in approximately 16 feet of water.  Subject was wearing a Bass Pro T Shirt, Jean Shorts and tennis shoes.  The body had no visible injuries.

My investigation and findings of this incident indicates Subject, who was known to fish Lake Hampton had arrived sometime Friday morning on 4/14/17 to go fishing.  At approximately 09:30 AM on 4/14/17, Subject fell overboard while his trolling motor was running.  He was not wearing his PFD which was found in his boat, and by all indications was unable to re-board his boat or swim and drowned due to his circumstances.

***********************************
THERE IS NO KNOWN CAUSE AS TO WHY SUBJECT FELL OVERBOARD
IT IS ALSO UNKNOWN AS TO THE ENGINE HP FOR THE TROLLING MOTOR.


BARDID: NC-2017-0006
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-04-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Roanoke River
NearestCityorTown: Jamesville
County: Bertie
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator had just launched his vessel from the Astoria Access Area. Operator was traveling up river from the ramp, and was almost on plane when he lost steering and took a sharp turn to the left.  The steering cable was broken and caused subject to lose control of the vessel.  Operator was not able to take the vessel out of gear before he struck a tree.  Operator had a cut on his right hand that required more than first aid.  Operator used a PFD to swim to shore.   He did not have any alcohol or drugs that would have contributed to the incident.


BARDID: NC-2017-0008
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-03-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Beaufort
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On March 24, 2017 at approximately 8:40 am, vessel number 2 named the CAPT. was waiting in the ICW to come into dry dock.  Vessel number 2 was hailed on the VHF by the operators at Jarrett Bay.  Vessel number 2 did not respond to the hails.  Vessel number 2 then proceeded into the dry dock.  As vessel number 2 entered the marina drydock, a vessel number 1 the Phat Cat was tied up to the dock in front of the dry dock.  Vessel number 2 forced its way into dry dock hitting the drydock post and striking vessel number 1.  Vessel number 1 had several people onboard at the time the incident occurred.  After vessel number 2 reached the drydock the owner of vessel 1 approached the operator of vessel number 2.  Officials were called to the scene to do an accident report and an investigation. 

Upon investigation, it was determined that the operator of vessel number 2 did not respond to the hails for Jarret Bay Marina and had a total disregard to the vessel number 1 and the people onboard vessel number 1.  Vessel number 2 maneuvered into a tight space which if the operator of vessel number 2 would have been patient, the whole incident would have been avoided.  The operator of vessel 2 was criminally charged with operating in a reckless and negligent manner.  It is a violation of North Carolina law G.S. 75A-10(a).  I took pictures of the incident and the damages to the vessels.  Vessel number 2 operator claimed that vessel number 1 was sucked into vessel 2 because vessel number 1 had loose lines.  Vessel number 2 operator said he had a 9 am appointment and had to get vessel number 2 out of the water.  Vessel number 2 operator initially told the owner of vessel number 1 that he was leaving.  I spoke with vessel number 2 operator and told him not to leave initially, but when I arrived vessel number 2 operator calmed down and was cooperative.

******************end of report*************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0009
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-04-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Norman
NearestCityorTown: Mooresville
County: Iredell
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On april 15, 2017 at approximately 2:30am, a boating incident occurred at the mouth of stumpy creek on lake norman near mooresville, nc.  Operator1 was operating a 1996 ranger bass boat (v1) with one passenger traveling southwest on the main channel of lake norman coming from the skipper's cove area.  Operator2 was operating a 1992 stratos bass boat with one passenger traveling west northwest at the mouth of stumpy creek.  (v1) struck (v2) on the port side ejecting both persons out of (v1).  (v2) was able to rescue (v1) occupants out of the water and return all persons and vessels to the dock safely.

Both operators were in a night bass fishing tournament on lake norman.  They both were in the process of changing fishing locations when the incident occurred.  V1 was traveling in a southwest direction from the skipper's cove area heading to a fishing spot in stumpy creek.  V1 was traveling at an estimated speed of 20-30 mph.  According to v2 occupants, v1's navigation lights were on at the time of impact.  

V2 was traveling in a west northwest direction coming from the red #18 marker which is located on the southern point of the mouth of stumpy creek on the main channel.  V2 was traveling at an estimated speed of 40-50 mph.  According to v1's occupants, no lights were observed from v2.  V2 occupants claim that their running lights were on and in working order.  V2 occupants didn't notice v1 approaching from their left until moments before impact.  The passenger of v2 told the operator to "move" which caused the operator to pull the wheel to the starboard side.  This caused the port side of v2 to rise which kept v1 from cutting across v2.  

V1 made impact on v2's port side right in front of the passenger seat which is near the midway point of v2.  V1 occupants were both ejected, traveled over v2, and landed in the water.  Neither occupant were wearing a pfd or a kill switch lanyard.  V1 then traveled down along the port side towards the stern.  V1's motor came out of the water and struck the stern on the port side of v2.  V1's motor was still in gear and had enough throttle to stay on plane.  It continued to make large circles around the persons in the water.  V2 occupants were able to stay in their vessel upon impact.  However, v2's operator was wearing the kill switch lanyard which disabled the motor after impact. While attempting to restart the motor on v2, both occupants heard screams for help.  They also noticed that their vessel was taking on water due to the damage it sustained from the impact.

V2 operator was able to restart the motor and headed towards the distress calls for help.  They were able to locate the female occupant of v1 first.  When they reached the female occupant of v1, they had to reach under the water and pull the operator of v1 up above the water.  They managed to get both persons on board fairly quickly.  V2 then made an attempt to stop v1 which was still traveling on plane and in a circle around the area of the rescue.  V2's first attempt was unsuccessful due to the speed in which v1 was traveling.  V1 struck v2 in the bow on the port side damaging v2's trolling motor.  The next attempt was successful in securing v1.  The passenger of v2 jumped onto v1 while pulled alongside of it and was able to get v1 under control.  Both v1 and v2 went to pinnacle access area.

After reaching pinnacle access area, they checked for injuries.  All parties involved appeared to be ok at this time.  V2 had taken on a substantial amount of water at this time.  They tied v2 to the dock to try and secure it.   v1 operator, agreed to take v2 operator to mccrary creek access area to retrieve their truck and trailer.  V1's truck and trailer were located at mccrary creek access area as well.

The analysis of the damage on the vessels indicated that v1 had struck v2 on the port side right in front of the passenger seat.  The bow of v1 was fractured approximately 18" down across both gunnels, the bow light pole was bent backwards and broken off as well.  V1 also sustained damage down the port side of the vessel.  The hull of v2 separated along the bumper strip from the port side at the passenger area around the transom and about halfway to the operator's seat on the starboard side.  The prop of v1 struck v2 on the rear port side causing sever fiberglass damage as well.
Based upon the statements of the parties involved, there were some areas that were conflicting and unclear in my opinion.  Both v1 occupants stated that they never saw any navigation lights coming from v2.  Both v2 occupants state that their navigation lights were displayed.  After investigating the bulbs used in v2's navigation lights, and based on my training, it is in my opinion that v2's lights were not on at the time of the incident.  I came to this conclusion due to the condition of the filament in the bulbs on v2.  The filament in the stern light was in normal condition indicating that the filament was not heated due to it being on which would result in hot shock at the time of impact.  Hot shock means filament is ductile and will stretch out, uncoil or tangle and it may or may not break.  However i cannot say 100% that v2's lights were not on.  

If v2's light were on there is a possibility that the navigation lights could be obstructed by the trolling motor and the passenger.  I came to this conclusion due to the alignment of the poi, the passenger of v2, and the stern light.  This was observed while the boat was on the trailer in the parking lot and being at eye level with v2 passenger seated in the vessel.  I still could not say 100% that this was the cause of this incident due to the unknown angle the boats were sitting in the water.  If v2's lights were on and not obstructed, then v1 would be the give-way vessel.  In this situation v2 should maintain its course of travel and v1 should either slow down, change course, or come to a stop to avoid collision.  The morning of the incident v1 occupants didn't seek medical treatment.  They later decided to go to the hospital to be checked out.  The operator sustained a sprained left shoulder and the passenger had heavy contusions to her face and the left side of her body.

The known contributing factors of this incident were excessive speed and improper lookout.  Based upon the statements from the parties involved and the findings of my investigation, no charges were filed in this matter.  V2 operator had successfully completed a boating safety course which given his date of birth was required by law.  V1 operator had not completed a boating safety course which his date of birth would exempt him of such.  Alcohol and drugs were not a contributing factor in this incident.


BARDID: NC-2017-0010
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-04-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: LITTLE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: ELIZABETH CITY
County: PERQUIMANS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 9, 2017 at approximately 12:00pm, Vessel 1 was traveling North on the Little River towards Halls Creek.  Vessel 2 was heading south on Little River leaving Halls Creek.  They were both on the Red Banks (East) side of the River.  Vessel 1 came around the left hand curve just south of Halls Creek and saw Vessel 2 coming head on.  Vessel 1 ignored the rules of the road and turned to the left.  Vessel 2 saw that Vessel 1 was turning left and vessel 2 turned to the right, turning in the same direction. 

Vessel 2 turned more to the right and Vessel 1 tried to avoid collision and turned more to the left.  Contact between the boats was made and Vessel 1 went over the port side of vessel 2, and over the motor.  The bow of vessel 1 hit the passenger of vessel 2 in the face and upper chest area and pinched his arm between the vessels.  V2 subject died from blunt force trauma to the head.  Both Vessels drove back to Halls Creek Access Area.

*****************end of report*************************
PLEASE NOTE:  THIS REPORT DOES NOT INDICATE WHETHER OR NOT A PFD WAS WORN BY THE DECEASED.  THIS INFORMATION IS UNKNOWN.  THE DECEASED AS STATED ABOVE IN NARRATIVE DIED FROM BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA TO THE HEAD AND LACERATIONS TO THE LEFT ARM FROM BEING CRUSHED BY VESSEL 1.

THE INJURED PERSON REFUSED TREATMENT AT THE SCENE AND LATER WENT TO THE HOSPITAL TO BE CHECKED OUT DUE TO SORENESS AND TIGHTNESS IN THE NECK AND BACK.


BARDID: NC-2017-0012
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-04-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE TILLERY
NearestCityorTown: TROY
County: MONTGOMERY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 4/1/2017 at approximately 1:25 pm, a boating incident occurred on lake tillery in the swift island cove.  Vessel 1 was a 1998 javelin 20 foot bassboat with a 200 evinrude outboard motor.  The vessel is owned by the operator.  Vessel 2 is a 19 foot tracker pontoon boat with a 60 mercury motor.  Vessel 2 struck vessel 1 on the left side of the vessel.

Vessel 1 had just finished fishing in a bass tournament on lake tillery and was at anchor putting his fishing rods away in swift island cove on lake tillery.   Vessel 2 had just launched his vessel at the swift island access area and was headed toward the main channel of lake tillery.   

As vessel 2 headed towards the main channel of the lake, the operator stated he put his vessel in neutral and was putting the top up on his pontoon in swift island cove.   At this point, vessel 2 drifted across the channel and struck vessel 1 on the port side.  Vessel operator 1 yelled at vessel operator 2 and was able to get his attention and vessel operator 2 was able to put his vessel in reverse to avoid any further damage.   In doing so, vessel operator 1 was bracing for the impact and put his hand out to attempt to stop vessel 2 from hitting his vessel, but the force was too much for him to hold off and the force knocked vessel operator 1 into the water. 

No one was injured as a result of this incident.   It appeared as though vessel 2 was not in neutral when he was putting the top up on his pontoon and that attributed to vessel 2 striking vessel 1. 

No one is being charged as a result of this incident.

***************end of report********************


BARDID: NC-2017-0013
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-04-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: RANDLEMAN REGIONAL RESERVIOR
NearestCityorTown: RANDLEMAN
County: RANDOLPH
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 22 April 2017 at approximately 1145hrs, I Master Officer, received a report of a possible boating accident at the Randleman Regional Reservoir from District Captain.  I called the marina and spoke with Lake Warden who indicated that two vessels had collided resulting in damage to both.  Warden stated there were not any injuries to either operators or their passengers.  I arrived there at approximately 1230hrs and met the individuals involved in the incident.

I interviewed the operator of the vessel, who indicated that he was travelling along the shore with two passengers whenever he noticed another vessel travelling towards him. He indicated that when he turned one direction the other vessel turned in that same direction.  He stated that whenever he noticed that they were going to collide he turned the wheel as hard as he could but they still collided. 

I interviewed the operator of the other vessel (no NC registration due to recent purchase), who indicated that he was travelling south from the vicinity of Cedar Square Rd bridge with two passengers when he noticed another vessel travelling in his direction. He also indicated that when he turned one direction the other vessel also turned in that direction, resulting in a collision. 

I examined vessel1, a grey in color Crestliner and observed damage to the port side that included dents/paint damage to the bow and a hole towards the stern. The vessel2, a red Tracker had damage to the starboard side that included a large dent and paint damage towards the bow and a dent/paint damage towards the stern. Photographs of the damage are attached for reference. 

Based on the interviews with both operators and examination of the vessels, I believe that the damage was caused by both operators failing to reduce their speed as well as operator inattention.  Even though both operators indicated over 100 hours of boating experience, the incident could have been avoided if they would have came to a stop and waited to see the actions of the other operator. There was no indication of drug or alcohol use and there are no pending charges as a result of the incident.


BARDID: NC-2017-0014
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-04-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: RICES CREEK
NearestCityorTown: Winnabow
County: Brunswick County
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 3:00 pm on 4/24/2017, on Rice's Creek, Operator1 was operating his 16 ft. Triton aluminum boat (NC  8357 DP) with one passenger on board, a V1 occupant.  According to the passenger, he had been fishing at the Rice's Creek access area off Governors Rd. in Brunswick County, when Operator1 pulled up and was launching his boat to go fishing. Operator1 asked V1 occupant if he wanted to go fishing in the boat with him and V1 occupant agreed.  The two individuals had never met each other before today.  

According to V1 occupant, they began heading up Rice's Creek toward Town Creek.  He noticed that Operator1 was drinking and operating the boat at a high rate of speed.  He did not want to offend Operator1 so he didn't say anything at first, but after a bit he brought up the fact that Operator1 shouldn't be drinking and operating because it was dangerous.  Operator1 just laughed it off and kept offering alcohol to V1 occupant, who refused.  

The rain began to get bad so they decided to head back, but because Operator1 had never been on that creek before he did not know how to get back and admitted to being lost.  V1 occupant suggested calling 911, but Operator1 did not want to potentially involve law enforcement because he had been drinking.  

Operator1 called a friend to get directions and after which began heading back to the boat ramp.  V1 occupant said Operator1 was operating at a high rate of speed and he wanted him to slow down.  They came to a left turn in the creek and Operator1 was way too far to the right. When Operator1 started to make the turn, it was too late and the vessel impacted a tree located on the right hand side of the creek.  The vessel made impact with the tree on the starboard side just behind the bow where the registration numbers are located.  The impact caused V1 occupant to be thrown clear of the vessel.  V1 occupant had been wearing a PFD the entire time and was able to quickly come out of the water.  

According to him, he saw that Operator1 was still in the boat, but his upper body was hanging over the gunwale and his head was in the water.  V1 occupant quickly swam to the boat and got Operator1's head up out of the water and turned him over on his back in the boat.  He stated he could see that there was an injury to the right side of Operator1's head.  He tried to get Operator1 to respond, but there was no response.  Operator1's cell phone began ringing so V1 occupant answered and told the caller what had happened and the caller called 911.  Fire and rescue responded and towed the vessel back to the ramp.  

It appears Operator1 was impaired and as a result of the speed and reduced reaction time caused by alcohol, he impacted the tree causing the blunt force trauma which appears to have caused Operator1's death.  

It appears that alcohol was a contributing factor in the incident based on statements made by the passenger and physical evidence located in the vessel (Burnett's Vodka 750 ML almost empty), passenger stated the operator had been mixing the vodka with a carbonated beverage and consuming while they were fishing.  A PFD was worn by the passenger.  The vessel was equipped with the proper safety equipment (PFDs, fire extinquisher, sound device, etc.).  Information derived from the medical examiners office listed the cause of death as drowning secondary to blunt force trauma related to the boating incident.  There was not an autopsy performed and Toxicology labs have been sent out to test for presence of alcohol.  Results pending.

**********************************
THIS REPORT WILL BE UPDATED IN BARD WHEN THE TOXICOLOGY RESULTS ARE RECEIVED.


BARDID: NC-2017-0017
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: JOHN H KERR RESERVOIR
NearestCityorTown: HENDERSON
County: VANCE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On june 3,2017, at approximately 19:45 hours, vessel 2 was drifting in the mouth of a cove south of steel creek marina in little nutbush creek.  Passengers of vessel 2 was preparing equipment for bow fishing.  

Vessel 1 was cruising in little nutbush creek heading west into the mouth of the cove vessel 2 was in.  Vessel 1 struck vessel 2 bow to bow at approximately 25 mph.  Two passengers jumped off the starboard side of vessel 2 into the water just as vessel 1 struck vessel 2.  The third passenger was thrown off vessel 2 into the water as the collision took place to the starboard side.  

The operator of vessel 1 tried to avoid the collision with vessel 2 at the last second and turned sharply to the right going down the port side of vessel 2.  Vessel 1 had extensive damage to the fiberglass below the water line and to the rub rail on the port side.  The hull of vessel 2 was twisted with the port side raised out of the water, the fishing platform crushed, and contents damaged inside.  Both vessel 1 and vessel 2 appeared to be total losses.

*************end of report********************


BARDID: NC-2017-0019
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-05-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: PANTEGO CREEK
NearestCityorTown: BELHAVEN
County: BEAUFORT
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel owner and his wife anchored their vessel "Cheryl Ann" in Pantego Creek.  After anchoring the vessel, both occupants left the boat on a small life boat to go to shore to eat dinner at a local restaurant.  While at the restaurant, a subject came into the restaurant stating that a boat was on fire in the water.  

Owner went to the water front to see that it was their vessel "Cheryl Ann".  Owner returned to the vessel in the life boat to attempt to rescue their dog that was still on the boat.  By the time that Owner arrived, the fire was too large and forced him overboard and back into the life boat. The vessel burned to the water line.  No cause of the fire was found.  The fire caused a total loss of the vessel that was valued by the owner at an estimated $1,000,000.00.  An arson investigation by the NC SBI was conducted with no cause of the fire found.

*****************END OF REPORT******************


BARDID: NC-2017-0020
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-04-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TAYLORS CREEK
NearestCityorTown: BEAUFORT
County: CARTERET
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 4/30/17 at approximately 6:25 pm, i was notified over the radio by raleigh dispatch that a boating incident had occurred near the boathouse off of lennoxville road in beaufort, nc.   

Subject reported that another vessel had collided with his docked vessel in taylor's creek.   He confirmed the location that i needed to go to.   I arrived at the boathouse parking lot at approximately 6:40 pm.  

Upon arrival, i briefly spoke with subject1 who met me at my truck and escorted me to the location of the vessels involved.   Subject1 told me that he did not see, but heard the crash of another vessel colliding with his docked vessel.  He reported after the collision, he went to get the attention of the operator of the vessel that collided with his.   Subject1 pointed out which vessel was his and which vessel collided with his.   I observed both vessels tied up to opposite sides of a dock perpendicular to taylor's creek.  I first observed a vessel with registration numbers.  This was the vessel that subject1 reported had collided with his vessel.   It was tied up to the west side of the dock.  For purposes of this report, this vessel will be referred to as vessel one.   I also observed subject1's vessel.  It was a uscg documented vessel with documentation number 1262104.  It was tied up to the east side of the dock.  For purposes of this report, this vessel will be referred to as vessel two.  

There were two beaufort police officers on scene who i also spoke with briefly about what had occurred.  The two officers advised they had not detected the presence of alcohol on the breath of the operator of vessel one.  The two officers ended up being dispatched to a call and left shortly after i arrived.  I spoke with the operator of vessel one.   I identified him.  He admitted to being the operator of vessel one when the collision occurred.   I asked him to tell me what happened.  

He reported that before the collision occurred, one of his friends was operating a vessel that ran aground on a sandbar.  Operator1 reported he was unsure of the location of his friend's vessel so his friend gave him his location in the form of gps coordinates.  Operator1 reported this individual was telling him the coordinates over the phone and he, operator1, was attempting to input those coordinates into his gps.  Operator1 reported as he was doing this, he looked up and realized his vessel was about to collide with vessel two, which was tied up to a dock.  Operator1 reported he was going less than ten miles per hour.  Operator1 reported he put the throttle in reverse but it was too late.  He reported the bow of his vessel collided with vessel two.  He reported that subject1 came down on the dock and spoke with him after the collision occurred.  Operator1 agreed to walk over to my patrol vehicle with me.  He then agreed to go through several field sobriety tests with me.  As a result, i determined he was not impaired at that moment.  I issued him a citation at this time for reckless or negligent vessel operation.  I then walked back down to the involved vessels with operator1.  I took a closer look at the damage to the vessels.  I observed vessel one had a large crack in the fiberglass extending from the tip of the bow to the starboard side metal railing.  I also observed the metal railing was bent and the bow light was damaged.  I observed vessel two had an area that was scuffed and damaged on the port side of the bow.  Nothing further.

***************end of report**********************


BARDID: NC-2017-0021
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Canal off ICW
NearestCityorTown: Ocean Isle Beach
County: BRUNSWICK
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 2, 2017 at approximately 4:00 p.m., Operator and his passenger docked their vessel at the fueling dock at Ocean Isle Fishing Center in Ocean Isle Beach. They began fueling the vessel.   

Unfortunately, the fuel was not being dispensed into the fuel reservoir but instead had been flowing into a rod holder located about 8 inches away from the fueling reservoir.  As a result of this mistake, approximately 28 gallons of fuel had been pumped into the bilge of the vessel.  The vessel's bilge pump came on and began pumping raw gas out into the water around the dock area.  

A local commercial fisherman made them aware of the problem and told them they needed to contact Sea Tow and have them come and haul the boat away so they could have someone take the vessel out of the water and pump out the remaining fuel.  

Sea Tow was called and when the Sea Tow employee arrived, he docked his vessel on the fueling dock immediately to the stern of Operator's vessel.  He was made aware of the situation and advised the owner that in order for him to tow the vessel safely, the batteries needed to be disconnected to prevent any sparks or potential fuel being pumped by the bilge pump into the waterway while being towed.  

The owner of the vessel and the passenger then proceeded to try to disconnect the battery cables from the battery terminals with a wrench.  While doing this, a spark was created and caused the vapors and/or fumes to ignite and an explosion to occur.  

Employee was standing on the floating dock and was knocked down by the explosion.  Operator and Occupant were blown back towards the bow of the vessel.  Personnel working at the fishing center immediately shut off the fuel to the pumps on the dock and witnesses began calling 911 and rendering aid to the three victims of the explosion.  

Operator and Occupant were air lifted to Chapel Hill and Employee was taken to Grand Strand Medical in Myrtle Beach.  Employee received burns mainly to his upper body.  Operator and Occupant suffered more severe burns and injuries but were conscious and able to speak after the incident.  

It does not appear that alcohol or drugs played any role in this particular incident.

***************end of report*****************


BARDID: NC-2017-0022
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH
County: NEW HANOVER
WaterConditions: Very rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and friend left from Wrightsville Beach around 7pm (1900 hours) on Sunday 05/14/2017.  They were driving a 27' Cobia that is owned by Cape Fear Marine Sales and Service.  They left out of Masonboro Inlet and headed North in the Atlantic Ocean to do some fishing.  They trolled all the way to Mason's Inlet on the North side of Wrightsville Beach, and were going to enter that Inlet, but the Inlet was too rough and they could not find a safe path through the Inlet.  They turned around and headed back to Masonboro Inlet.  On the way back, they were traveling on plane towards Masonboro Inlet. 

When they reached the Inlet, Operator was driving the vessel, and struck the north facing jetty near the Ocean Side Tip.  When they made contact with the jetty, the vessel was still traveling on plane and that impact tore a hole in the bow of the vessel, cracked the starboard engine lower unit housing, bent the stainless-steel propeller and caused other fiberglass damage.  Operator suffered severe contusions to the pelvic and lower abdomen region and approximately one inch laceration to his chin.  

Occupant made contact with the center console and knocked out several teeth, including one that was lodged in the nasal cavity.  After the initial impact, Occupant drove the vessel around the North jetty and ended up on the outside of the South Jetty where the vessel started taking on water.  At that time, Occupant called for help via his cell phone.  Coast Guard Wrightsville Beach responded to the scene of the incident and picked up Occupant and transported him back to the station where he was transported to New Hanover Regional Medical Center.  Officer (NC Wildlife) responded to the Coast Guard Station at Wrightsville Beach at 10:45pm and met Operator as he was being brought back to the station via the Coast Guard.   Officer interviewed Operator and released him to his parents.  Officer then traveled to the New Hanover Regional Medical Center where he met with Occupant. 

The weather that evening was 3-4 foot seas at the jetty at the time of the incident, with winds between 15-20 knots.  There were no visible stars in the sky and very little moon light.  Operator's vessel had the required number of PFDs on board and navigational lights where operational.  They were not carrying any other light producing device to illuminate the passage through the inlet/ocean.  The vessel also did not have any electronics to include a RADAR or GPS system.


BARDID: NC-2017-0023
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FALLS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: WAKE FOREST
County: WAKE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On may 27, 2017, at approximately 5:00 pm, a boating accident occurred on falls lake.  The accident transpired approximately 100 yards off of the island located in front of blue jay point county park in raleigh, north carolina.  Vessel one was a 20 foot nautic global sweetwater pontoon boat owned by motor-boatin llc rental company but was being operated by 47-year-old.  Vessel two was an 18 foot godfrey hurricane deck boat.  The vessel was owned and was operated by 47-year-old. 
     
Vessel one was traveling east on falls lake toward falls dam at cruising speed.  Vessel two was anchored adjacent to blue jay point.  Their bow pointing east, and was preparing to fix some sweet tea when they heard a vessel approaching.  They looked up to see vessel one approaching the stern directly on with their bow.  Vessel two passengers started yelling and waving their hands to try to get the attention of vessel one.  Vessel one's operator stated he looked ahead when he heard yelling.  Operator1 stated he then saw vessel two and abruptly steered to the left to try and avoid hitting vessel two.  Vessel one's starboard side float log struck vessel two's port side stern causing fiberglass damage.
 
We were patrolling on falls lake when we rounded the bend to find the two vessels flagging us down.  We were able to provide assistance directly after the collision, helping to get everyone back safely, and assuring no one was injured. 
    
Upon investigation, Operator1 was charged with g.s. 75a-10(a) “operating a vessel in a reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger life, limb, or property of any person” resulting in this accident.  No one was injured and no drugs or alcohol was involved.  It is my opinion that operator inexperience and inattention was the result of the accident.

**************end of report****************


BARDID: NC-2017-0024
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GALLANTS CHANNEL
NearestCityorTown: BEAUFORT
County: CARTERET
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/27/17 at approximately 4:40 pm, raleigh dispatch called me over the radio to advise me that a boating incident had occurred.  At the time, i was patrolling for boating activity with sgt. near taylor's creek.  

Sgt. drove our patrol boat back to piver's island where our patrol vehicles were located.  I tried to call the phone number advised to me by raleigh dispatch but did not get an answer.  Sgt. and i arrived at the address given to us at approximately 5:00 pm.  Upon arrival, i spoke with the owner of the damaged vessel.  

For purposes of this report, vessel will be referred to as vessel two.  V2 subject reported that his vessel was anchored about 100 feet off of carrot island facing the duke marine lab on piver's island.  

He reported another vessel collided with the port (left) side of his vessel.  For purposes of this report, Operator1's vessel will be referred to as vessel one.  

V2 subject reported just before the collision, one of the occupants of his vessel was swimming in the water near vessel two.  V2 subject reported he and other occupants on his vessel, saw vessel one coming towards them.  He reported they tried to get the attention of vessel one's operator.  

V2 subject reported they pulled swimmer out of the water so she would not get struck by vessel one.  V2 subject reported it appeared that the reason the collision occurred was because Operator1 was not paying attention to where his moving vessel was headed.  V2 subject reported that he saw Operator1 put vessel one in forward gear.  He reported Operator1 then went to the back of vessel one and appeared to be messing with something.  V2 subject reported a girl in the vessel one shouted, “daddy” just before the collision.  

I also spoke with subject1 who reported he took several photos of vessel one after the collision occurred.  Subject1 emailed me three photographs of vessel one and its occupants.  V2 subject reported Operator1 did stop and exchange contact information after the collision occurred.  I did photograph the damaged area of vessel two.  I observed a damaged area in the blue paint and fiberglass that was approximately four inches long on the port side of vessel two.   

After speaking with V2 subject, Sgt. and i then patrolled to Operator1's residence to speak with him about the incident.  We arrived at his residence at approximately 6:00 pm.  Upon arrival, i spoke with Operator1.  It is worth noting that Operator1 was consuming an alcoholic beverage while i was speaking with him.  Operator1 reported that prior to the collision occurring, he pulled the anchor of his vessel up out of the water and put the “clutch ahead”.  He reported other occupants of his vessel were attempting to pull up the tube that was being towed by vessel one.  He reported he was looking back towards the tube when the girls on the vessel started yelling, “daddy, we are getting close to this boat.”  He reported his vessel then barely hit the other vessel on the port side.  Operator1 gave me permission to take a look at his vessel which was parked in his back yard.  I did observe a very small amount of blue paint on the very tip of the bow of vessel one.  There was no damage to vessel one that i could tell.  

I charged Operator1 with operating a vessel on the waters of the state in a negligent manner so as to endanger life, limb, or property.  Nothing further at this time.

**************end of report*****************


BARDID: NC-2017-0025
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NEW RIVER
NearestCityorTown: SNEADS FERRY
County: ONSLOW
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 and his son Operator1’s son were getting ready to fish underneath the Hwy 172 bridge.  They were trying to tie off their Jon Boat when a large vessel came through underneath the bridge heading west.  The vessel was cruising at a high rate of speed throwing a large wake.  

Operator1’s son was standing in the vessel and he lost his balance falling overboard.  On the way out of the vessel, he scraped his leg on a concrete support.  The scratch was minor but his mother insisted that Operator1 needed to take thier son to be checked out by a doctor.  He received a small bandage and some antibiotic ointment for the scratch.  Operator did not see what the other vessel looked like or which direction it went.

Vessel 2 is unknown.


BARDID: NC-2017-0026
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC BEACH
NearestCityorTown: TOPSAIL BEACH
County: PENDER
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper loading
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 2, 2017, at approximately 07:30pm, Operator stated they were traveling (under 10mph) south on the Atlantic Ocean near Topsail Inlet when a large wave struck the left side of the vessel causing it to roll over on its right side.  The capsizing occurred near shore in stomach deep water, so all the passengers were able to walk to shore.  After walking to shore, one of the passengers called Sea Tow and the vessel was towed to a nearby dock.   

Investigation revealed there were 4 total passengers on board.  One of the passengers was riding in the observation tower which may have contributed to the capsizing occurring.  The tower was approximately 8 feet high.  The center of gravity was likely thrown off due to the person standing on the tower allowing for the boat to tip more easily.

Vessel #1 sustained damages in excess of $2000.00

There were no injuries as a result of the crash.

********************NOTHING FURTHER, END OF REPORT*******************************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0027
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE WACCAMAW
NearestCityorTown: Lake Waccamaw
County: COLUMBUS
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 had engine problems while operating his boat on Lake Waccamaw.  He had an unknown registration, etc. boat to tow him in near the pier at the front of the Lake.   Winds and waves were rough.  The boat took two waves over the back right (starboard) side and was swamped and sank near the end of the pier.  No one was injured.  The boat was equipped with the proper safety equipment.  The engine and electronics were damaged due to the flooding of water in the vessel.

************************NOTHING FURTHER, END OF REPORT*************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0028
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Surf City
County: PENDER
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday June 10, 2017 at approximately 1530 hrs, subject was operating a personal watercraft on the Intracoastal Waterway in Pender County.  Subject2 was a passenger on the PWC.  They were heading north on the ICW going back toward Lanier's Campground in Surf City where they were spending the weekend.  When their PWC was in the vicinity of ICW mile marker 92, they came up on some wakes created by the considerable vessel traffic that day.  

Operator stated that he was traveling approximately 30 mph and saw the wakes at the last second and made a very slight turn to the right.  As the PWC struck the wakes, both he and Occupant were thrown from the PWC into the water.  Operator was thrown to the right and Occupant was thrown to the left.  Both subjects were wearing their PFDs and Operator was wearing his lanyard attached to the kill switch on the PWC.  Operator was uninjured.  However, Occupant thought that she had broken her left arm and possibly her left ankle.  Two people were in another vessel heading north and observed the two subjects being ejected from the PWC and came to their assistance until EMS arrived.  Occupant was transported to New Hanover Regional Medical Center ER.  After being evaluated, it was determined that she did not have any broken bones and only had sprains and bruises and was released shortly therafter.


BARDID: NC-2017-0029
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Taylors Creek
NearestCityorTown: Beaufort
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 5, 2017 at approximately 2100 hours, vessel 1 named the Crystal Coast Lady struck two vessels that were docked at the Beaufort Docks in Beaufort NC.  At the time of the incident the weather was not the best conditions. The wind was blowing over 25mph.  There was a small craft advisory at the time the incident took place.  

As vessel 1 was trying to dock, vessel 1 port stern struck the anchor of vessel 2 named the HQ.  Vessel 2's anchor caught the railing on vessel 1.  Vessel 1 shifted as vessel 2 anchor tore the railing off vessel 1.  Vessel 1 then slammed into vessel 3 named the Lady Catherine.  Vessel 1 broke free of vessel 2's anchor. Vessel 3 was struck on its starboard stern and pushed against the dock on its port side causing some damage.  Vessel 1 was finally able to get free and tied up to its dock.  The passengers departed vessel 1 and officials arrived to the scene.  No injuries were reported.

****************NOTHING FURTHER, END OF REPORT**************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0030
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Wilmington
County: NEW HANOVER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On the afternoon of Friday the 26th of May, vessel 1 operator and his wife were leaving from Bridge Tender Marina in Wilmington. They had finished lunch at the restaurant adjacent to Bridge Tender Marina and at approximately 3:15 pm, they untied their rented Carolina Skiff from the dock.  As they were exiting the marina basin into the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, they were caught by the wind and current and started to drift towards a parked vessel.  Operator1 then began to shift from forward to reverse several times.  Each time he went into forward and reverse gear, the throttle went further away from the neutral position. The last time he shifted into forward gear, the throttle was pushed all the way forward causing the vessel to launch forward and strike a fixed pylon. The vessel then rode up the pylon, as if it was riding up a ramp, the pylon snapped under the weight of the vessel causing the vessel to land on top of vessels 2 and 3.  Operator1 and Occupant fell into the vessel but were not injured during the incident.  Operator1's vessel landed his vessel on the transom and back deck plate of vessel 2 and the bow of Operator1's vessel came to rest on the port bow side of vessel 3.

Operator1 rented the vessel in Wrightsville Beach from Nauti-Times Boat Rentals earlier that day and was headed back to Sea Path Yacht Club to return the vessel.  Officer arrived at Bridge Tender Marina around 4:00pm the same day.  When Officer arrived, he noticed a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Operator1's person.  Officer asked Operator1 to perform the seated battery of Standardized Field Sobriety Test to determine if Operator1's mental and physical faculties were impaired.  Operator1 did not perform the SFSTs as directed by Officer.  At that time Officer asked Operator1 to submit to a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT).  The Preliminary Breath Test result was a positive for alcohol.  Operator1 was placed under arrest for Operating While Impaired and transported to the Wrightsville Beach Police Department for an Intox EC/IR II test.  At 5:29 pm, Operator1 submitted to an Intox EC/IR II test and the results were a .25.

Vessel 1 suffered minor fiberglass cracks to the underside of the bow.
Vessel 2 received bow cap and hull damage that compromised the integrity of each, as well as chips in hull fiberglass, and instability in the motor/ motor mount.
Vessel 3 received structural integrity damage along with chips and scratched in the fiberglass and gel coat

*********************END OF REPORT**********************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0031
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: HOLTS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: Four Oaks
County: Johnston
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Dam/lock
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday May 26, 2017 at approximately 15:00 hours, two people were fishing on Holt's Lake in Operator' boat near the dam behind the DMV office off of Highway 301.  Operator was operating his boat with his trolling motor close to the dam when he became lodged on the concrete after his trolling motor got stuck in the mud.  

He called for assistance from a nearby boat that was fishing with them.  Two others were fishing from the second boat that came to render assistance.  They attempted to dislodge the boat with no success.  Operator stepped out into the water that was approximately 2-3 feet deep hoping the reduced weight would help.  The current caused Operator to fall underwater temporarily and Good sam1 grabbed him by his feet and pulled him to the bank.  When they reached shore, Operator was not conscious and they began CPR.  Good sam2 called 911 for aid.   

EMS and fire personnel arrived and moved Operator to the bank behind the DMV office and continued CPR until he was pronounced deceased.   The fire department moved Operator' vessel off the dam and tied it to shore. Johnston County Sheriff's Office arrived on scene and secured the scene  took witness statements and notified me, Wildlife Officer, of the incident.  I was patrolling the Neuse River in Johnston County when I received the call at 15:59.   I returned to my patrol truck and responded to the scene.  I arrived at approximately 17:00.  Upon my arrival, Operator was being transported to the morgue and I began coordinating with the Sheriff's Office to gather the witness statements and took photographs of the dam and the vessel.  

The only damage to Operator' vessel was to the trolling motor shaft where the shaft had broken off and the electrical wires torn.  Wildlife Officers responded to the scene to assist.  After gathering all the evidence, the scene was released and Operator' vessel was taken back to his family's dock.  Johnston County Sheriff's Office notified Operator' family of his passing.


BARDID: NC-2017-0032
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE JAMES
NearestCityorTown: MARION
County: BURKE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 05/27/2017 at approximately 14:00, vessel 1 was traveling northeast between canal bridge and paddy's creek state park on lake james.  Operator was cruising while looking to accelerate into safe passage waters.  

He started to accelerate up to around 35mph and struck an oncoming wake that he did not expect.  Operator became air born from the vessel momentarily and falling back down onto his personal water craft.  

His injuries to his ankle and shoulder were caused from striking his own vessel upon impact.  Operator fell into the water after his initial impact with his personal water craft.   Operator was helped to shore (marion lake club community dock) by fellow boaters who were not witnesses to the incident.  Ems and ncwrc were notified of the incident and immediately responded to the scene.   Operator was treated and transported to mission hospital in asheville north carolina.

****************end of report***********************


BARDID: NC-2017-0033
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cape Fear River
NearestCityorTown: Wilmington
County: New Hanover
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday June 4,2017, operator1 rented a personal watercraft from Riverwalk Watersports in Wilmington.  Operator1 rented the personal watercraft for a two-hour block of time, from 6pm to 8pm.  Around 7pm he and his young nephew were riding near the Isabella Holmes Bridge and the Sawmill Point Apartments.  On his return to the rental dock located on Harnett Street, an unknown vessel pushed a wave toward Operator1 and caused him to let off the throttle and push him onto the galvanized dock cleat attached to the Sawmill Point Apartments dock. 

This incident caused a hole in the hull of the rented personal watercraft.  The hole was caused by the dock cleat extended from the starboard bow side and extended down to the stern.  Neither Operator1 nor his nephew were injured in the incident.  After the incident, they returned the vessel to Riverwalk Watersports and left the scene.  Officer arrived at approximately 8:30pm and had to call Operator1 back to the rental drop off location to conduct the boat incident investigation.

Sawmill Point Apartments did not suffer any damage to their docks or the dock hardware.

*******************END OF REPORT***************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0034
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: Topsail
County: PENDER
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 10, 2017 at approximately 05:00pm, Subject stated he anchored his vessel just east of the weather buoy located approximately one-half mile off Topsail Inlet.  After fishing for approximately 30 mins, Subject along with his passengers noticed a large amount of standing water in the deck of their vessel.  

Subject pulled the anchor and headed towards shore (Topsail Beach) and attempted to run the water out by getting the vessel on plane, but the vessel would not plane out.  As Subject was attempting to navigate the vessel to shore, he lost engine power.  Subject stated that the water in the vessel was causing the engine to become partially submerged under water which is suspected to be the cause of the power loss.   Shortly after losing engine power, a large wave struck the left side of the vessel causing it to turn over.  All seven passengers on board were thrown into the water.  After being thrown into the water, the passengers held onto the overturned vessel until the vessel drifted near shore where several bystanders on the beach were able to assist them to shore.  The passengers were in the water for approximately 20 mins before the bystanders on the beach were able to assist them.

A passenger on the boat, stated a large amount of water was coming over the stern of the vessel while it was anchored.  It is not known if this was the only cause of the water in the boat, but it is suspected to be a contributing factor.

The vessel sustained approximately $8500.00 in damages.

A passenger on the vessel, was transported to the hospital as a result of the accident. Subject was issued a citation for having a child on board under 13 years of age who wasn't wearing a personal floatation device.

*********************END OF REPORT**********************


BARDID: NC-2017-0035
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Bogue
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 19:00, on june 11, 2017, operator was operating a 23' 6” seminole sf236cc vessel and traveling west on the icw near the mouth of goose creek in carteret county.  Operator had 1 male passenger and 2 female passengers on board.  Conditions were calm and clear with a moderate breeze.  Vessel traffic was light.

Operator was traveling back to emerald isle boat ramp from shackleford banks when an oncoming 40' long sport fishing vessel passed him on his starboard side throwing a large wake in operator's direction. Operator slowed his vessel speed to about 15-20 mph and entered the wake at an approximate 45-degree angle.  Subject1 was seated on a larger cooler located immediately behind the leaning post of the vessel.  As operator's vessel entered the wake, she fell off the cooler and struck her head on the portside gunwale.  She reportedly had drank a large amount of alcohol that day and was either asleep or sitting with her eyes closed at the time operator's vessel entered the wake.  She does not remember what occurred at the time of the incident.

Operator continued to the emerald island boat ramp and on arrival had a bystander call emergency medical services as Subject1 was hurting and in a dazed/confused state and occasionally not responsive to or seemingly unaware of questions she was being asked. 
 
I was at the boat ramp when operator arrived and observed the activity around operator's vessel.  Upon approaching the vessel and assisting Subject1, i noticed all the vessel occupants including the operator had been drinking alcohol.  Upon further investigation, operator was arrested for bwi.  Subject1 was transported to the carteret health care emergency room and treated for concussion related symptoms.  She was released from treatment that night.

***********************end of report********************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0036
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TAYLORS CREEK
NearestCityorTown: Beaufort
County: CARTERET
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 14, 2017 at approximately 8:00 am, Vessel 1, the Next Dimension, was struck on the bow by vessel number 2.  Vessel number 2 was trying to get fuel when the wind caused the operator to go into the dock at a different angle.  Vessel  2 then struck vessel 1 as it was trying to get into position.  No one was injured during the incident.  Vessel number 2 is a commercial ferry passenger boat.  Vessel number 2 sustained about $100.00 worth of damage.

Vessel 1 sustained $4000.00 in damage - bent bow rail.


BARDID: NC-2017-0037
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CRANE CREEK
NearestCityorTown: Salisbury
County: Rowan
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/25/17 at approximately 6:00pm, a boating incident occurred on the crane creek portion of high rock lake ½ way between goat island and what is commonly known as the “s-turns.”   The vessel was a 2013, 22' malibu wake setter, wakeboarding type with a 410hp straight inboard engine and a starboard side console.  At the time of the incident was being operated by someone other than the owner.  Their friend, victim, was sitting at the stern of the vessel on the starboard-side at the time of the incident.  Victim became unconscious and fell overboard.

Operator was not consuming alcoholic beverages and was the designated driver.  Operator pulled wakeboarders and had taken a break for passengers to swim and socialize at goat island.   By 1800hrs, they had finished wakeboarding and swimming and were returning to the boat ramp at the southmont access area in davidson county to go home.  

Operator was idling away from the goat island area toward the “s-turns,” which are a series of two sharp turns ½ mile downstream from goat island.  Approximately ½ way between those two points, with the boat in neutral, a male passenger jumped off the stern of the vessel into the water to “relieve” himself.  The vessel drifted downstream.  As a result, operator pushed the throttle forward to idle and turned to port to pick up the swimmer.  As the vessel turned to port, victim, who throughout the day had consumed large quantities of alcoholic beverages, lost consciousness, fell overboard and rose to the surface in a face down position.  

 Operator returned the vessel to neutral, threw a pfd into the water and called 911.  Several passengers jumped in the water while others threw type iii and type iv pfds toward the victim's position.  Victim was in the water less than 1 minute before swimmers reached her body.   Swimmers then rolled the victim's body to an upright position placing pfds under her body as they swam her to the stern of the vessel and lifted her onto the swim platform.  There another passenger with medical training checked for signs of life and initiated cpr on victim.   All swimmers re-boarded the vessel and operator navigated toward the “s-turns”  where he met rowan county sheriff's deputies.   Operator followed the deputies to a dock where the victim was loaded into and ambulance and transported to novant health rowan medical center.

It appeared the victim lost consciousness and fell overboard due to significant consumption of alcoholic beverages.  Enough that upon testing at the hospital, registered a bac of .238.  The investigating wildlife officer requested a carbon monoxide test that returned within a normal range, noting that the victim had been on a respirator for over an hour and the effects, if any, of carbon monoxide had most likely dissipated.  The cause of this incident was alcohol and possibly carbon monoxide poisoning.  Victim was treated for her injuries and was released from the hospital.  There were no charges filed in this incident.  Type iii and type iv pfd''s were used to float the victim to the vessel.

**************end of report***************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0038
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE WACCAMAW
NearestCityorTown: Lake Waccamaw
County: Columbus
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 2, 2017 at about 4:25 PM, subject was operating a Carolina Skiff motorboat on Lake Waccamaw with three individuals and one person being towed on a tube.  Victim, who was the occupant on the tube was thrown off while in the act of tubing.  When Operator turned around to pick up Victim, Operator struck Victim with the vessel, pushing him towards the outboard motor were Victim's right leg was struck by the propeller multiple times.  Occupants pulled Victim from the water and attempted to cover the multiple deep lacerations that were sustained during the collision.

***************NOTHING FURTHER, END OF REPORT**********************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0039
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Norman
NearestCityorTown: Sherrills Ford
County: Catawba
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5-2-17 approximately 1545 hrs, vessel #1 was drifting northeast from the hwy 150 bridge on the main channel.   Vessel #1 drifted up to the dock.  Operator1 attempted to start the engine and back away from the dock.   Instead of backing away from the dock, the boat moved forward and struck the dock between the front of the dock and the boat lift where vessel #2 was located (unoccupied) at the time of the collision.  The boat lift was damaged and vessel #2 was damaged on the stern of the boat.

Vessel 1 operator was cited for reckless or negligent vessel operation
There were no injuries from this accident

Please note:  vessel 3 was added to this report as it was damaged in this incident along with the dock where it was on the boat lift.  There was no operator of this vessel at the time of this incident and this vessel did not contribute to the incident.

*********************end of report*****************


BARDID: NC-2017-0040
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pasquotank River
NearestCityorTown: Elizabeth City
County: Pasquotank
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 3, 2017, I received a phone call of a boating accident at 11:50am.  I responded to the boating scene with Sergeant at approximately 1:20 pm.  The vessel was fully submerged and was tied to a buoy by Elizabeth City Fire Department.  I tied the buoy to my patrol boat and waited for the owner to return.  The owner tied to the boat and dragged it to the shore where it was trailered.  

The boating accident occurred at approximately 11:45 am.  The vessel was traveling north bound on the Pasquotank River near the number 9 day marker.  The driver was 16 year old accompanied by his father.  

The boat is a two seater speed boat with the motor mounted as an inboard at the rear of the boat.  The boat was traveling at a speed above 45 mph when the son tried an evasive manuever that was suppose to result in a sharp turn that went wrong.  The boat grabbed the water and the driver released the wheel causing it to lock down to the left and cause the boat to begin to flip.  The vessel overturned several times where the occupants were ejected. The vessel came to rest on top of the passenger who was able to swim to safety.  The driver of the vessel was wearing a PFD and was ejected out of the path of the vessel.   Neither driver nor passenger were injured in the boating incident.  A neighboring vessel saw the incident and rescued the occupants from the water where EMS and Fire personnel were called.  Weather conditions were clear and sunny, 91 degrees.

******************END OF REPORT**********************


BARDID: NC-2017-0041
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-04-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Beaufort Waterfront
NearestCityorTown: Beaufort
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 29, 2017, Vessel 1 named the Viking was tied up to the Beaufort Docks in Beaufort, NC.   At the time of the incident no one was on board vessel number 1.  Vessel number 2 named the Tropic Bird was making its way into the Beaufort Docks when the wind caused vessel 2 to strike vessel number 1 along its side causing damage.  The Coast Guard responded to the scene and got information and made sure there was not impairment from the operator of vessel 2.  I contacted vessel 2 operator and had him send in the report to NC Wildlife.  Winds were strong.

**********************END OF REPORT*********************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0042
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-06-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atlantic Ocean
NearestCityorTown: Davis
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/16/17 at 11:12 am, sgt. sent me a text message telling me to call operator in reference to a vessel fire near ophelia (drum) inlet.  Later that day, at 3:47 pm, i called operator and he told me a quick summary of what had occurred.  I asked him if we could meet the following day in person to discuss the incident.  

Upon walking in operator's residence, i observed that many of his belonging were in boxes around the apartment.  He reported that he was in the process of moving out of state.  I asked operator to tell me what had happened regarding his vessel.  Operator reported that on 6/15/17, he launched his vessel, which he described as a 35' fountain, from the oyster creek boating access area near davis, nc.  He pointed out to me on google maps where he launched from.  He reported he then rode his vessel around in the sound for a short period of time before driving it out to the ocean.  

He reported he went through drum (ophelia) inlet and then went south.  He reported he eventually turned around and came back north towards the inlet.  He reported he was going approximately 70 or 80 miles per hour when the engine started acting funny and he noticed smoke coming from the starboard (right) side engine compartment.  He reported at this time he was approximately ½ or ¾ of mile from shore in the ocean.  He reported he was approximately four to six miles south of drum inlet.  He reported after seeing the smoke, he stopped his vessel and opened up the starboard side engine compartment door.  He reported he only saw smoke, no flames. 

He reported after about a minute, the vessel's automatic fire extinguisher was activated.  He reported he also activated his handheld fire extinguisher in an effort to extinguish the smoke.  He reported that despite his efforts to extinguish the smoke, the smoke continued.  He reported he then jumped off of his vessel into the water.  He reported he was wearing an inflatable pfd and it inflated when he went in the water.  He reported he then swam to the core banks.  He told me, “it took a long time.”  He reported while he was in the water, he looked back and did not see his vessel anymore.  

Operator reported by the time he made it to the core banks, it was almost dark.  Operator reported that he then walked across the banks and then swam and walked through the core sound back to the main land.  He reported he walked through marsh grass to get back to highway 70.  Operator reported that upon reaching highway 70, he walked north for about an hour until he arrived back at the access area where his vehicle was parked.  He reported he arrived back to his vehicle at about 3 or 4 am on 6/16/17. 

 Operator reported his cell phone did not get wet because he left it in his vehicle, along with his wallet.  I asked operator if he had washed his clothes since the incident.  He reported he had not.  I then asked to see the clothes he was wearing when the incident occurred.  He walked around his apartment for a couple of minutes looking for them and then reported to me that he must have washed them.  He reported he was wearing a khaki shorts and a t-shirt.  I asked operator where his pfd was. 

 He told me that he threw it away in the dumpster at his apartment complex.  Operator also reported that he was barefoot when the incident happened.  I found it unusual that he did not report his feet were cut up by oyster shells.  Operator was unable to tell me the registration numbers of his vessel.  

Operator reported that his boat trailer was in swansboro in a fenced in storage area.  After leaving operator's residence, sgt. and i patrolled to swansboro and were able to locate a boat trailer that was registered to operator.  I later contacted operator's insurance company, progressive, and they were able to provide me with operator's boat numbers.  Operator was not charged with any violations.  Nothing further at this time.

*********************end of report*************************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0043
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Neuse River
NearestCityorTown: Merrimon
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 23, 2017 at approximately 1:00 am, Vessel 1 took on water due to rough weather and waves.  The two men began to bail the water but soon knew that their efforts were futile.  Occupant put a Type 2 pfd on his dad Operator.  

As soon as Operator got his PFD on, vessel 1 went down from the stern.  Occupant and Operator managed to stand on the bow.  Occupant got a small cooler and held on to it as the vessel went to the bottom.  The two men became separated after swimming for a while. 

 Operator was last seen shinning a light and pointing his son towards the shore.  Occupant swam towards the shore and called for help.  A local resident that lived on the river heard the call for help as he was sitting on the porch drinking coffee.  The local resident went to the river bank and shinned a light. Occupant saw the lights and yelled louder.  The local resident called 911 and local, state, and the US Coast Guard responded.  Occupant was rescued by a Marine patrol officer at approximately 5:30 am.  

Occupant was transported to the hospital where he was treated for muscle fatigue.  A 7 hour search was conducted looking for Operator.  The vessel was located by the Coast Guard at approximately 11:30.  A few minutes later Operator was in the Neuse River wearing a PFD.  The Coast Guard recovered him from the water but Operator was deceased.

******************end of report*************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0044
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: SOUTHPORT
County: BRUNSWICK
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On or about june 26, 2017, the operator was heading north from the intracoastal waterway up the cape fear river and struck a partially submerged tree.  The 58' sunseaker sustained damage to the left rudder.


******************
Please note:  this report is only preliminary and once it is final, it will be updated to include owner information as well as any other missing information.


BARDID: NC-2017-0045
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BADIN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: NEW LONDON
County: MONTGOMERY
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/03/2017, at approximately 3:35 pm, a boating incident occurred on badin lake.  The vessel involved was a 7 foot, 2017 sea-doo spark 2u operated by someone other than the owner.  The passenger received serious injuries to her face and head.

As operator was operating the vessel in the main channel of badin lake near charlotte drive, he and victim were heading north on badin lake when operator saw a wake from another vessel coming towards him.   As he went over the wake, it caused victim to lose her balance and fall into the water.  

As victim fell, she hit the hard plastic on the back side of the vessel knocking her unconscious. Victim contained injuries to the front of her face and jaw.  The impact broke her jaw bone in nine different places and knocked out several of her teeth.  Victim was placed in a vessel that contained some of their friends they were out with and taken back to shore.  Montgomery county ems responded and transported victim to stanly regional hospital.  Victim was then transported to carolina medical center-unversity for more medical treatment.

The operator of the vessel during the incident was not at fault.  No one was charged in this incident.  Victim is at her home recovering from surgery at this time.

**************end of report**********************


BARDID: NC-2017-0047
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-04-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE HICKORY
NearestCityorTown: HICKORY
County: ALEXANDER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On monday 04-10-2017 at approximately 2130 hours, alexander sheriff communications notified officers of a boat accident involving one motorboat striking a floating dock on lake hickory. 

Officers responded to wittenberg access (175 wildlife access road) to investigate.  The night was clear with a full moon with mild temperatures.  The officers met with the operator and passenger of the pontoon boat.  Operator stated immediately prior to the accident, they were fishing on the pontoon near harbor town drive.  They had decided to leave the location and go to wittenberg access area to load the pontoon.  

They travelled around the bend in the lake and on to the main channel of the lake.  He advised he was travelling approximately 15 to 17 miles per hour and suddenly struck a floating dock with a pwc secured on top that was floating in the main channel.  Upon impact, the left pontoon and front of the pontoon collided with the dock and pwc.  

After striking the dock, they travelled to wittenberg access to meet officials.   Occupant stated she fell forward from her original seated position onto the pontoon deck.  Operator was thrown forward toward the console. He sustained a cut on his right eyebrow and bridge of his nose.   Subjects did not seek medical attention greater than first aid.  

Operator loaded the pontoon boat to the trailer and removed it from the water.  Officers inspected the pontoon and observed the left pontoon spray flare bent upward and small scratches on the pontoon.  No other damage on the pontoon was visible and reported by operator. 

Officer spoke with the owner of the pwc.  He was unable to advise the exact day and time the dock and pwc was observed secure.  The pwc and ezdock was attached to a wooden dock.  He advised the pwc was inoperable prior to the incident and would not work. The dock was a drive-on, plastic, ez dock brand.  The dock pins had been removed that secured it to the shoreline's wooden deck.  He advised the incident caused a hole in the top left in the plastic ez dock and damaged the top front of the pwc hood.  He also stated the damage was negligible due to the value and inoperability of the pwc.

It should be noted prior to the incident, lake hickory had received numerous spring rains resulting in high water levels.  This possibly contributed to the break away of the dock.  He also had advised that possibly the dock had been tampered with due to missing hinge pin bolts.

 on 04-10-2017, no report was taken due to the minimal damage and no injury greater than first aid reported.  On 06-27-2017 operator contacted officer requesting a report for insurance purposes.  He had further advised the left pontoon had a indention dents at the nose cone on the left and right sides just below the spray fins.  The pontoon would require replacement at a cost of $5000.00 per carolina coach and marine boat sales company.

***********************end of report****************************
A vessel record will not be recorded for the PWC because it was "inoperative" and atop the dock.


BARDID: NC-2017-0048
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Sequoia
NearestCityorTown: Seven Lakes
County: Moore
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/4/17 at approximately 21:45 hrs, a boating accident occurred on lake sequoia at the dam.  The vessel was operated by the owner.  At the time of the incident, there were six passengers on board.  Subject1 sitting in the front right, Subject2 sitting in the front left, Subject3 sitting directly to the left of operator, subject4 sitting in the left rear, subject5 sitting in the rear middle and subject6 sitting in the right rear of the vessel.  The bow of the vessel struck the spillway of the lake dam throwing everyone within the vessel forward towards the bow.

At approximately 18:30 hrs operator along with his friends and family had been on the lake on the island swimming and hanging out prior to the fireworks display.  They watched the fireworks from the island until it was over. At approximately 21:30 hrs, they began to make their way along the south side of the lake following the no wake buoys traveling east just inside of the main boating area and just outside the no wake area.  Just before the lake dam, they made a left turn heading northbound and throttled the engine down.  

Just as the vessel straightened, the front starboard side of the vessel came in contact with a fixed object throwing all passengers forward towards the bow of the vessel.  Operator estimated that the vessel was traveling under 10 mph at the time of the impact.  Operator stated that he had been drinking alcohol since 17:00 hrs and the reason that he hit the spillway was due to the lack of visibility.  

The vessel reflected off the spillway and continued to travel northbound.  Everyone on board checked to see if anyone was injured and then continued under power towards the boat dock located in the northeast corner of the lake.  Once in the vicinity of the dock, operator was unable to control the vessel due to the damage and collided with the dock causing minor damage.   At that time 911 was notified and they waited for first responders.  Moore co sheriff's deputy sgt  responded by land as well as the local fire department and ems.  At approximately 22:00 hrs, i was contacted by raleigh communications and was notified of the incident and i responded at that time.  

Two of the six passengers were taken to the moore regional hospital for treatment of their injuries.  Sgt responded to the hospital and took statements from the injures passengers as well as from Subject2.  Subject5 was released a few hours later on 7/5/17 with a broken nose and sore back.  Subject4 was also released a few hours later on 7/5/17 with a mild concussion and an abrasion on the right side of his face.  

My initial analysis of the vessel after the incident revealed major damage to the starboard pontoon and substructure that supports the pontoon.  The bow of the starboard pontoon was dented in 14" and had major damage to the aluminum trim just above the starboard pontoon from impacting the spillway.  The starboard pontoon was pushed back five inches which also bent the substructure that supports the pontoon towards the stern of the vessel.  The steering cables were in tact with no noticeable damage.

From my investigation, it appeared as though the vessel struck the lake spillway which dented the bow and left major damage to the aluminum trim just above the starboard pontoon along with pushing the pontoon back five inches and bending the substructure back towards the stern of the vessel.  The abrupt impact forced all occupants forward towards the bow resulting in contact with a table that was inserted into the floor, the operator console, the front seats, and the floor of the pontoon boat.  My investigation determined operator to be at fault due to being under the influence of an impairing substance and operating too closely to the spillway.  He was charged with g.s. 75a-10(b1)(1) operating a motorboat while underway on the waters of this state while under the influence of an impairing substance.

*********************end of report*********************


BARDID: NC-2017-0050
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:48:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Norman
NearestCityorTown: Denver
County: Lincoln
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On june 16, 2017 at approximately 11:48 pm, on lake norman near denver the weather was calm and cloudy with the air temperature approximately 78 degrees and water temperature approximately 85 degrees.

Operator was operating east southeast across lake norman nearly one mile south of beatty's ford access area towards a set of lights to fish near.  On board, operator had two passengers.  Both seated on the bench seat left of the operator's seat.  Operator was cruising at approximately 30 mph when he struck and glanced off a shoal marker pylon with his starboard bow.   The impact from the vessel caused the pylon to fall over damaging the light beacon on top of the pylon.   Operator continued on with the voyage. 

The impact caused $5,200.00 in damage to the vessel and approximately $2,000.00  in damages to the shoal marker pylon and light beacon. 

There were no injuries.

********************end of report*******************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0051
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:13:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Norman
NearestCityorTown: Mooresville
County: Iredell
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1, which was a 24-foot G3 Elite 322 SS  pontoon style vessel, proceeded to Apps and Taps Bar where the operator and three occupants docked his vessel in the northern most slip on the north-west side of the dock.  

Note:  Operator1 pulled the vessel bow first into the slip.  After finishing their meal around 12:13 a.m., Operator1 and the three passengers re-boarded the vessel.  Operator1 backed his vessel straight out of the slip.   Because Operator1 felt that he was going to collide with the rocks along the shore, he put the vessel in forward and increased the throttle causing the front port (left side) section of the vessel to collide with the back port (left side) section of another vessel, which was docked two boat slips to the West of where Operator1' vessel was originally docked.  

After the collision, Operator1 continued to exit the marina area and was stopped BY a bystander that informed him that he had collided with another vessel.   Operator1 then returned to the marina to wait for law enforcement to arrive. 

Vessel #1:  damage sustained was to the left portion of the bow (front) which was superficial and cosmetic only.

Vessel #2:  damage sustained was to rear port (left) side of the vessel which included the aluminum sidewall of the gunwale, which was severally dented and scratched around the impact area.

Once Officer was on scene, he observed signs of impairment from Operator1.  Officer administered Standardized Field Sobriety Test and determined that Operator1 was impaired.  Subsequent breath test revealed a BAC of .12.

******************NOTHING FURTHER, END OF REPORT********************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0052
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: JORDAN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: PITTSBORO
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 1715 on sunday, july 16, 2017, subject was engaged in a standup paddle boarding class.  The class was conducted at vista pointe on jordan lake. The weather was cloudy with light wind, approximately 0 to 6 mph, causing slight choppy water with waves, approximately 6'' to 2'.   

In combination with boat traffic, a storm with heavy rain was to the southeast moving in a northwesterly direction at the start of the class.   At approximately 1730, victim was in a knee sit position on his assigned standup paddle board and attempted to standup with a paddle in hand. While attempting to stand up on the board, victim lost his balance and fell into shallow water.  

When he fell, he hit his leg on the bottom in a way that caused his lower right leg to break his tibia and fibula. Ems arrived on scene at approximately 1750 and transported victim to unc hospitals.  Officer and myself arrived on scene at approximately 1805.  We obtained victim's information from state park ranger.  

Contributing factors to this incident were operator's lack of experience (less than 10 hours) and the slight choppy water with waves 6'' to 2'.   Due to wind and boating traffic on the lake, operation of vessel was also being conducted in shallow water so victim had the opportunity to make contact with the bottom of the lake when he fell.

***************end of report*******************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0053
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NEUSE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: ARAPAHOE
County: PAMLICO
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 0900, on july 16, 2017, operator1 was operating a carolina skiff dlx extra wide 2590 vessel (vessel 1) with 2 passengers on the neuse river.  He was attempting to assist a carolina skiff dlx 2480 vessel (vessel 2) which was being operated by operator2 with 19 passengers on the neuse river.   Both operators are counselors at camp don lee of the nc united methodist camp and retreat ministires, inc. Both vessels belong to that camp.  Operator1 was attempting to assist vessel 2 because the engine was overheating when operated over idle speed.  Conditions were clear and calm with little wind and no other vessel traffic in the immediate area.

Operator1 approached the stern of vessel 2 at approximately 7-10 mph while his passenger stood on the elevated portion of the vessel's bow.  Operator1' approach was too quick and as he came within about 30' of the vessel 2, he made an abrupt sharp turn to starboard.  This turn caused victim to fall overboard on the port side of vessel 1.  The back half of vessel 1 then traveled overtop of victim and she was struck by the boat and most likely also by the lower unit of the engine. 

Operator1 circled vessel 1 back to victim where he and his other passenger placed victim back in the vessel.   Operator1 then took vessel 1 back to the camp. 

Victim was transported to carolina east medical center and later transferred to vidant medical center where she underwent surgery for an open fracture of her jaw and received 2 stitches to a small laceration on her left shoulder.

Camp personnel suspected operator1 was under the influence of an impairing substance.   I was contacted later that day around 1700, went to camp and interviewed operator1.  I determined operator1 was operating while impaired at the time of the incident, and he was arrested for bwi and reckless/negligent operation of a vessel.   After the arrest, operator1 gave a breath sample of 0.09 grams of ethanol/210 liters of breath.

Later interviews with the victim, other vessel 1 and 2 occupants, and camp personnel revealed victim had been drinking alcohol with operator1 that morning prior to the incident.

**************nothing further, end of report*********************


BARDID: NC-2017-0054
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Morehead City
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/12/17 at approximately 1:45 pm, officer from uscg sector contacted me to report that a boating incident had occurred.  He reported that a woman was ejected from a pwc and was reported to be unconscious.  He reported that she was transported to the morehead city access area where ems was picking her up and possibly taking her to carteret health care.   At approximately 2:30 pm, i arrived at carteret health care and spoke with the victim's father.  He told me that his daughter was getting treated for her injuries.  

He gave me contact information for victim and told me that victim had rented a pwc from ab watersport adventures in atlantic beach.   On 7/16/17 at approximately 2:22 pm, i spoke with victim over the phone.  She reported that she used the pwc she was operating to jump a wake created by a large yacht.   She reported her pwc was approximately 50 to 60 feet behind the yacht when she jumped the wake.  She also reported the wake was about seven feet.  She reported that as a result of jumping the wake, she hit her face on the front of the pwc.   She reported that she was ejected from the pwc and landed in the water with her face down and unconscious.   She reported somebody on a boat rescued her but she didn't know who it was.   She reported she “came to” once in that boat, once in the ambulance, and then finally in the hospital.  No charges were filed in this matter.

*************************end of report************************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0055
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Masonboro Inlet
NearestCityorTown: Wrightsville Beach
County: New Hanover
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
EquipmentFailure: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday July 1, 2017, operator and his friend/relative Occupant, were fishing in Masonboro inlet at Wrightsville Beach.  Operator was operating the vessel and they went to the mouth of the inlet and turned around and proceeded back into the inlet along the inside north jetty wall to fish.  They stated that the water was rough and waves were splashing over the bow and the vessel began to take on water. 

 They stated that it happened very fast and the vessel began to sink and did not have time to retrieve any PFDs.   When the vessel capsized Operator climbed on top of the vessel and Occupant grabbed a cooler that they had on board.  People in another vessel noticed what was happening and quickly came to rescue the two men.   By the time the other vessel arrived, the vessel sank to the bottom.   The two men remained on the other vessel until the US Coast Guard arrived and took the men to the Wrightsville Beach Coast Guard Station.  Both men were uninjured.  However, they did lose all of their belongings in the vessel including cell phones, car keys, etc.

A definite cause of the incident is not known.  The men stated that the rough water conditions that day was the cause.   However, there was most likely some type of equipment failure or malfunction on the 44 year old vessel.

*****************NOTHING FURTHER, END OF REPORT************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0056
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Morehead City Waterfront
NearestCityorTown: Morehead City
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 28, 2017 at approximately 1700, Vessel 1 struck vessel 2 and was tied up at the docks.  The owner of vessel 3 saw the incident take place.  Vessel 1 then proceeded to leave the scene and head for the state port.  Vessel 3 went after vessel 1 and got vessel 1's registration numbers.  Once vessel 3 got vessel 1 information, vessel 3 tied up to the docks at Rudy Duck.  Vessel 1 came back to the dock at Rudy Duck and tied up in front of vessel 3.  Vessel 1 operator exchanged some words before law enforcement arrived.  Vessel 1 then proceeded to leave striking vessel 3 along its port side.  The operator of vessel 1 was located the next day in Pamlico County and was issued a citation for reckless boat operation.

*****************END OF REPORT******************


BARDID: NC-2017-0057
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Jordan Lake
NearestCityorTown: APEX
County: Chatham
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
I received a call from Raleigh Dispatch in reference to a boat incident that occurred near the Ebenezer Church Recreational Area on Jordan Lake around 15:15 on May 28, 2017.  I arrived to the scene at approximately 15:30.  Upon arrival, I found the two vessels that were involved in the incident banked on the Ebenezer Church Recreational Area.  The individuals involved showed no signs of needing medical attention.  I spoke to both parties separately and obtained their information and identification.  I charged the operator of the PWC, with a citation of operating a PWC without it first being registered.  Operator2 was also given two written warnings, operating a PWC within 50 feet of the side of another vessel while not at no-wake speed and for not completing the boater safety requirements prior to operating the PWC.

On May 28, 2017 at approximately 15:15, vessel #1 was traveling north and vessel #2 came from the starboard side of vessel #1.  The operator of vessel #2 noticed vessel #1 and released the throttle of the PWC then turned to the right.  

Vessel #1 noticed vessel #2 approaching, so he placed the boat in neutral.  The operator of vessel #2 not knowing that once you release the throttle on a PWC, you lose control of the steering, turned vessel #2 to the left to try to avoid colliding with vessel #1.  

Vessel #2 collided with vessel #1 striking the front starboard side.  Vessel #2 ramped up onto vessel #1 and continued to slide across the starboard side of vessel #1.  The collision resulted in a damaged starboard side hull with damage to the paint job and damage to the front windshield frame on vessel #1.  Vessel #1 also had the rear starboard side cleat torn off.  Vessel #2 had scratches along the bottom of the starboard side and a small notch/gap possibly where the vessel struck the cleat of vessel #1.

******************END OF REPORT***************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0058
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: SNEADS FERRY
County: ONSLOW
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
After completing my investigation of the vessel incident on 5-29-2017 at approximately 1800 in sneads ferry nc, it is my opinion based on my training and experience that three personal water crafts were traveling south on the icw, and the following occurred: the witness vessel was a life guard employed by makin waves rental company that rented the personal watercraft to operators 1 and 2.  

All three vessels were cruising south on the icw meeting a large vessel that created a 2-4 foot wake.  Vessel 1 was traveling at an excessive and negligent speed for the conditions and impacted the wake the large vessel created losing control of the pwc throttle causing the vessel to slow.   

As vessel 1 impacted the second wake, his vessel nosed into the water causing his vessel to rapidly decelerate.  The operator of vessel 1 was then ejected.  During the ejection, his left knee and ankle were injured.  Vessel 1 then lost power due to the safety ignition switch turning the vessel off.  

Vessel 2 was traveling at an unsafe distance and excessive speed for the conditions.  Due to his excessive negligent speed for the conditions, he was unable to steer clear of vessel 1 ultimately impacting vessel 1 on the starboard side just behind the handlebars causing severe damage to both vessels.  Vessel 2 operator sustained a head injury but did not require first aid.

In conclusion, both vessel operators contributed to this incident.  Vessel 1 contributed to this incident by operating his vessel in a careless and negligent manner for the water conditions, and operating at an excessive speed.  

Vessel 2 contributed to this incident by operating his vessel in a careless and negligent manner for the water conditions operating at an excessive speed and following too close to another vessel.  Both operators inexperience also contributed to this incident.

*************************************************
Please note:  

Even though there were two other vessels mentioned in this report, (the lifeguard vessel and the one that created the wake), only the two pwc vessels were involved in this incident.

Report complete


BARDID: NC-2017-0059
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atlantic Ocean
NearestCityorTown: Wrightsville Beach
County: New Hanover
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 28, 2017 at appx 19:15, the United States Coast Guard was notified from New Hanover County Sheriff's dispatch of a vessel taking on water at an artificial fishing reef number 370 which was appx. 2.5 miles east of Wrightsville Beach.  Wildlife Officers were notified on July 29th, about the incident and completed the following investigation.

Upon speaking to the vessel operator, he stated that himself, his son and three other males were onboard of his Fathers 25' Contender vessel located at the artificial fishing reef #370.  The vessel was at anchor and all the people onboard were fishing.  

Operator noticed the vessel was taking on water over the stern more than normal.  The model of the Contender has a low open transom which normally takes on some water but Operator saw that the bilge pump was running more than normal.  Operator started the boat and attempted to run some of the excess water out of the back of the boat by putting the vessel in gear, but the vessel was extremely heavy due to all the water in the bilge area.  When Operator was going forward, he was not able to steer around the anchor line, the line then tangled in the prop and stalled the engine.  

At this time, Operator told all the passengers to put on PFDs.  Operator grabbed a box with phones in it and the vessel flipped very fast to the port side tossing all the people into the ocean.  Operator used his phone to call his wife, but she was not able to hear him.  Operator then called his father for help and Operator said that he could hear his father repeat what he was saying so he knew that he was going to call for help.  

The US Coast Guard arrived in 45 minutes to rescue the 5 people in the water.  The vessel sank and Tow Boats US was hired to recover the vessel.

Upon investigation of the vessel, I found that the white drain hose from the live well did not have a clamp on it.  The live well was pumping into the bilge instead of the live well, which flooded the boat causing it to flip and sink.

No one was injured in this incident.

**************************END OF REPORT******************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0060
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Emerald Isle
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 15, 2017 at approximatley 1700 hrs, vessel 1 owned and operated by subject struck a concrete bridge pilling on vessel 1 port stern.  Vessel 1 was traveling between 10 to 20 mph at the time it struck the bridge.  No one was hurt when the incident took place. The vessel onwer contacted the Coast Gurard and filed a report of the incident. The report was completed on July 26,2017.  No crews were called to the scene.


BARDID: NC-2017-0061
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:23:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GASTON
NearestCityorTown: GASTON
County: NORTHAMPTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On june 25, 2017, at about 6:30 p.m. wildlife officers responded to a report of a boat accident on lake gaston that occurred at about 6:23 p.m., which involved two jet skies.  We arrived on the scene at about 7:00 p.m.  At the scene, we found two subjects that were involved in the accident.  There also was a victim who was being treated in an ambulance that was about to leave the scene to be air lifted to vidant medical center due to a broken leg.  

Operator2 was complaining of pain and discomfort in his right back around the rib cage area.  I asked Operator1 and Operator2 what had happened.  They said they were coming at each other in a head-on situation.  They came in close proximity to each other and both turned left to avoid a collision.  Both operators of the jet skies were unable to avoid a collision and hit each other.  The jet ski operated by Operator2 had V2 occupant on it as a passenger.  When the jet skies collided, V2 occupant suffered a compound fracture to her lower right leg. 

When talking to Operator1, i noticed a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath.  His eyes appeared bloodshot, watery, and glassy with droopy eyelids.  He was asked to perform some sobriety tests.   Operator1 stated that he had not eaten that day and had consumed two 16 ounce coors light beers before the accident.  He stated that he drank one of those beers just before the accident, and that he drank the whole beer at once.  I preformed the required standarized field sobriety test on Operator1.  During these tests i noticed some signs of inpairment. At 7:20 p.m., Operator1 submitted to a preliminary breath test.  The result of that test was a .09 bac.   After five minutes, another test was given.   The result of that test was a .09 bac.  He was placed under arrest at 7:25 p.m. for operating while impaired.  He was taken to the initializer room located at the roanoke rapids police department.  After the required paperwork and observation time was completed, Operator1 submitted to a chemical analysis of his breath.  This test was given, and the result was a .07 bac.  We filled out a retrograde extrapolation of alcohol concentrations sheet, which showed at the time of the accident that Operator1 had a bac of .11.  He was then transported to the northampton county magistrate's office where probable cause was found that Operator1 was operating while impaired and operating a jet ski in a reckless and negligent manner. 

All occupants involved were wearing their personal floatation devices.  I also determined through my investigation that Operator2 purchased the jet ski that he was operating in 2014.  Operator2 failed to register the jet ski in his name and it had an expired registration of may 2013.  Operator2 was charged with operating in a reckless and negligent manner and with having an expired registration.  Both operators of the jet skies were charged with reckless and negligent operation since both were traveling toward each other in a head-on situation.  Both jet skies were within close proximity to each other in violation of the one-hundred-foot rule, operating greater than wake speed on a personal water craft.  They also turned in the wrong direction in violation of the navigational rule when approaching in a head-on situation.

***********************end of report******************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0062
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cape Fear River
NearestCityorTown: Wilmington
County: New Hanover
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with commercial vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 12, 2017, Subject1 (Vessel 2) rented a pontoon boat from Riverwalk Watersports LLC in Wilmington.  Subject1 and party headed south down the Cape Fear River past the State Port.  Just past the Port, the rented vessel started having engine trouble and eventually stopped working.  Subject1's son Operator1 (Vessel 1 operator) was close by on a personally owned personal watercraft.  Operator1 then began to tow the disabled vessel back towards the Isabella Holmes bridge to where Riverwalk Watersports is located.  When Operator1 was transiting back North near the State Port, Operator3 was operating his tug “Cape Fear” along side berth 3.  Operator3 was under tow towing a metal sled under the water. Operator3 was towing from the bow of his vessel with the sled following behind the tug. 

Operator1 began to overtake Operator3 as both vessels were traveling North.  Operator3 then got to the end of his pass and turned to the starboard to make another pass down by berth 3.  While making the starboard turn, Operator3 noticed the PWC and began to motion to the PWC to turn to the port side of his vessel in order to set up a Starboard to Starboard side pass.  Operator3 also tried to hail the PWC and pontoon boat on VHF, but with no response as neither vessel was equipped with such a device.  Operator1 turned to the Starboard side like a normal head on encounter with another vessel.  Operator3 then tried to turn to the starboard side as well but when he did, the stern swung to the port side due to the weight of the sled, which caused the stern to impact the disabled pontoon boat on the port side pontoon and port side bow light. This impact jerked the PWC and ejected Operator1 into the water from his PWC.  The Pontoon boat rode up on the side of the tug and then landed back in the water.  Operator1 surfaced and swam back to this vessel as Operator3 continued South.  

After the collision, Operator1 continued to tow the pontoon till Riverwalk Watersports could assist in the tow.  Operator3 reported the incident to the US Coast Guard Sector North Carolina and Riverwalk Watersports notified Officer with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.  Officer arrived that evening and collected the statement left for him.  Officer spoke with the USCG Sector Prevention department and determined it was a recreational incident to be handled by NCWRC. 
 
The pontoon boat, (vessel 2) suffered damage to the port side bow and port side bow light as well as damage to the port side pontoon.  Neither vessel 1 nor vessel 3 sustained any damage during the incident.

********************END OF REPORT**************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0063
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SANTEETLAH
NearestCityorTown: ROBBINSVILLE, NC
County: GRAHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
This is a single vessel accident involving a personal watercraft on Lake Santeetlah with no property damage.  The accident occurred between Thunderbird Island and Cheoah Point. The 82 year old operator and his 14 year old passenger were cruising generally north toward Cheoah Point at a speed of 30 miles per hour. The vessel then came upon a wake from a boat that had passed.  The PWC hit the wake parallel causing it to rock side to side.  Before the operator could turn the PWC into the wake for a better approach angle, the startled passenger grabbed the back of the operator's type III PFD.  This caused the vessel operator to fall backwards.  As the operator and passenger fell from the PWC and into the water, the operator's left side made contact with the passenger's left knee.  The contact occurred under the operator's left arm where there was no padding by the flotation device.  The operator was in pain but was able to get back onto the vessel and recover his passenger.  The passenger was uninjured.  The operator took the vessel back to his residence on Lake Santeelah.  Graham County EMS was called to the scene.

The operator was taken by ambulance to Murphy Medical Center.  It was concluded by the doctor that the operator had sustained 3 broken ribs (8,9 and 10) on his left side from the accident.  He was transported to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, TN for further observation and then was released. 

Both the operator and passenger were wearing serviceable and properly fitted type III PFDs at the time of the accident.  There was no alcohol or drugs involved.  There are no charges in the accident and no further investigation is required.

**************************END OF REPORT****************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0064
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pamlico Sound
NearestCityorTown: Buxton
County: Dare
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Husband and wife were canoeing from their rented cottage in the Pamlico Sound.  Being out in the sound the wind picked up and the water became rough.  As they were attempting to paddle back to shore, the canoe capsized causing both occupants to be in the water.  Occupant stated they attempted to turn the canoe over but it was filled with water.  According to Occupant, they decided to leave the canoe and swim to shore.  

Hatteras Island Rescue Squad received a call of two persons in distress near the Sandbar and Grill Restaurant in the Pamlico Sound.  Hatteras Island Rescue Squad responded to find Occupant on shore and Operator still in the water.  Hatteras Island Rescue Squad launched PWC rescue boats and found the canoe overturned and a PFD to the East.  Seventy five yards upwind of the canoe Operator was located face up in the water with no pulse.  Operator was brought to the shore and transported to the Hatteras Island Rescue Squad. 
No violations of the law were detected at this time.

DROWNING IS CAUSE OF DEATH.

******************END OF REPORT************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0065
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-07-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Carolina Beach Inlet
NearestCityorTown: Carolina Beach
County: New Hanover
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 31, 2017 at appx 11:30, the New Hanover County Sheriff's dispatch of a vessel taking on water at Carolina Beach Inlet.  Wildlife Officers were notified on July 31ST about the incident and completed the following investigation.

Upon speaking to the vessel operator, he stated that the vessel was at anchor in the Carolina Beach Inlet.  It was an incoming tide while himself and the passenger, were fishing in appx 20 feet of water.  

A larger unknown vessel was heading North on the ICW and thru a wake towards the anchored vessel.  The wake from the passing vessel was appx 3-4' high and came over the transom of Operator1's anchored vessel filling it with water.  Operator1 attempted to run the boat onto the nearby beach, but the boat overturned.  Operator1's vessel then turned over onto the port side.  At this point the two occupants were thrown into the water.  The vessel then sank stern first in about 30-45 seconds.  Operator1 and the passenger  were picked up out of the water by another passing boat and taken back to the Carolina Beach Wildlife. Access Area.

The owner of the vessel was in contact with Tow Boat to salvage the vessel from the inlet.

No one was injured in this incident. 
*********************************************************End of report************************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0067
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:12:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Norman
NearestCityorTown: Cornelius
County: Mecklenburg
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 08/04/2017 at approximately 12:00pm, a boating incident occurred on lake norman.  The incident occurred near marker five in ramsey creek.  Ramsey creek is located in mecklenburg county.  There were two vessels involved in this incident.  The first vessel is an 11 foot 2015 sea doo personal water craft.  This vessel is equipped with a 300 hp engine.  The second vessel is unknown.  The incident resulted from Operator1' personal water craft striking vessel number two's wake.  Operator1 injured her right leg in this incident. 

Operator1 was operating a personal water craft in ramsey creek.  Operator1 was accompanied by another personal water craft whose father owned both vessels.  Operator1 decided to jump a wake.  Operator1 struck the wake with the bow of her vessel.  Operator1 hit the wake at an approximate speed of 25mph.  Operator1 stated that she struck the wake with too much speed.  While jumping the wake, she was thrown airborne from her vessel.  On her descent, Operator1' right leg struck the personal water craft.  The strike resulted in a laceration on the front of her right leg.  The laceration is located below the knee.  While in the water she yelled for help.  Two witnesses in a black ski boat stopped to render assistance.  They pulled Operator1 into their vessel and called 911.  Operator1 was transported by cornelius fireboat to kings port marina.  She was transported by ambulance to the main campus of carolinas medical center.  Operator1 was treated for the injury on her leg and released.   The vessel was not damaged.  Operator1 was wearing a type iii pfd.

In conclusion, it is apparent that operator inexperience is the primary cause of this incident.   Operator1 did not know how to properly operate the personal water craft over the wake.  Operator1 does not have boating safety education as required by law.  There were no other injuries, and no vessels were damaged as a result of this incident.

************************end of report*******************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0068
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-08-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cape Fear River
NearestCityorTown: Southport
County: Brunswick
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Weather
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 2, 2017, at approximately 12:00 p.m., Operator was operating his 23 ft. Parker on the Cape Fear River.  He had his friend on board and they were preparing to anchor the boat near a dock to fish.  

The dock was owned by Subject and contained approximately 10 boat lifts which are utilized by multiple owners.  The lift owned by Subject had a 27 ft. Sea Hunt.  According to Operator, he had fished that area many times before.  He placed his boat in neutral and was preparing to lower his automatic Talon stern anchor in order to fly fish near the dock.  As he was waiting for the anchor to go down, the vessel was carried by either current or wind toward the dock.  

Before Operator could stop the movement of the vessel, the starboard side of the T-top of his boat made contact with the lower unit/propeller area of the 27 ft. Sea Hunt on the boat lift.  The T-top got hung up on the motor of the vessel on the lift.  The current and wind continued to push Operator' s vessel under the lifted Sea Hunt.  This caused his vessel to list and pitch toward the port side.  When this happened, water began coming over the port stern and quickly filled Operator's vessel with water.  

This caused the vessel to roll to the port side and capsize.  When the roll occurred, he was still attached to the motors of the lifted vessel and as a result, when his boat rolled over and began sinking down.  It pulled on the lifted boat and boat lift. The Sea Hunt on the lift fell down onto Operator's vessel, and the lift was torn completely down.  

When Operator's vessel rolled over and capsized and he and Occupant jumped overboard, the Sea Hunt that had been on the lift remained floating on the water and began drifting down the river.   

Emergency personnel responded and assisted the two men overboard and secured both vessels.  It does not appear that alcohol or drugs played any role in this incident.   The vessel was equipped with the required safety equipment.  

It would appear that this incident occurred as a result of river current and wind causing the vessel to drift quickly towards the dock which resulted in the T-top of the vessel contacting the lower unit/propeller area of the lifted vessel and subsequently becoming hooked together.  The current continued pushing the vessel under the dock causing it to list to the port side allowing water to come over the gunwale and into the boat.  When it capsized and rolled to the port side, the weight and force was substantial enough to pull boat and lift down onto the Parker.  The operation of the vessel at the time of the incident did not constitute reckless or negligence and as a result, no charges were filed against Operator.


*************************END OF REPORT***************************************** Since the boat was in a boat lift, there will not be a vessel record for it.


BARDID: NC-2017-0069
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Catawba River (Lake Wylie)
NearestCityorTown: Mount Holly
County: Gaston
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On saturday june 17, 2017 at approximately 7:40 a.m., the weather was clear and 80 degrees with water temperatures around 70 degrees on lake wylie in mt. Holly, north carolina.

Operator1 was rowing on his 27' fluid design rowboat heading down river from tailrace marina nearing the i-85 bridge in mt. Holly when a small fishing boat approached from up river to pass operator1 on his starboard side.  When the fishing boat passed operator1, it passed within 5' of the rowboat's ore.  The fishing boat produced a wake that broke over top of operator1's rowboat causing the rowboat's carbon fiber material hull to lose strength, break in the middle and swamp.  Operator1 then disembarked from his rowboat with his pfd on and pulled the remains of his rowboat to the nearest shore.

The fishing boat continued down river.

There were no injuries.

There was roughly 2,000 dollars in damage and a complete loss to operator1's rowboat.

*************************end of report*************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0070
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Hickory
NearestCityorTown: Hickory
County: Caldwell
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Throttle
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The following incident took place at the boat dock adjacent to the boat ramp at lake hickory marina, located at 6706 limbaugh lane, hickory, nc 28601.  On july 08, 2017, at approximately 17:00 hours eastern time, operator of vessel 1 (1983 16' glassmaster, was attempting to load vessel 1 onto the trailer which was backed into the water on the boat ramp.  

Upon initial approach, operator1 decided rather than continue to load vessel 1 onto the trailer, she would prefer backing up, and reattempting her approach.  For better positioning on the trailer. Operator1 stated that she shifted into reverse and turned the steering wheel to the left, thus turning the bow of the boat to the right.  Upon shifting the gear into forward, operator1 stated that the throttle became stuck in the forward gear at which time, vessel 1 traveled forward at a slow speed and struck the stern of vessel 2 on the port side.  Vessel 2 was moored to the dock and unoccupied at the time of the incident. Vessel 2 was a 1997 24' suncruiser.  V2 owner was contacted by lake hickory marina and arrived on scene shortly thereafter.  Immediately after the collision, operator1 turned the engine off and took the throttle out of gear.  

As a result of the collision, vessel 1 sustained damage to the starboard side of the bow, where the rubber guard strip and the fiberglass hull impacted vessel 2. 

Vessel 2 sustained damage to the port side stern, where the aluminum siding and the pontoon were impacted by vessel 1.  

Upon further investigation, the linkage on the throttle of vessel 1 seemed to be somewhat stiff and difficult to shift into and out of gear.  The cause of the incident was determined to have most likely occurred as a result of the throttle of vessel 1 becoming stuck in the forward gear.  Video surveillance at lake hickory marina captured a recording of the incident on camera and everything appeared to have occurred as stated in the facts of the report.

******************end of report********************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0071
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Belews Lake
NearestCityorTown: Stokesdale
County: Rockingham
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On saturday, july 22 2017, at approximately 10:00 am, officer received a call from the owner of humphrey's ridge marina that one of his campers was out boating on belews lake and noticed a bass boat that was washed up along the shoreline with no one in or around the vessel.  The caller stated that the trolling motor on the vessel was in the water and there were fishing rods and a cooler on the boat. 
    
The caller was able to relay the vessel registration number which enabled us to identify the owner.  Officer1 attempted to call the phone number listed on the vessel registration and did not get an answer.  Officer2 went to operator's residence and found no one at home.  Officer2 was able to make contact with a neighbor who reported seeing operator on thursday, july 20, 2017 and seeing his boat trailer hooked up like he was preparing to go to the lake.

Contact was then established with the pastor of the church operator attended, who informed investigators that operator had no living relatives.     

Officer1 was the first to arrive on scene at approximately 11:30 am and reported finding the vessel with the trolling motor in the water, fishing poles lying on the deck of the vessel, and the key in the ignition in the off position.  Also on deck was a cooler which contained several ice packs that were no longer frozen.
     
At that time rockingham county first responders were notified in order to begin a search for operator as the incident began to gain public attention.  Investigators received numerous calls from individuals claiming to have seen the vessel in the same location on friday, july 21, 2017.  One individual reported having noticed the vessel on thursday, july 20, 2017 at approximately 7:00 pm with no one on board.  No one reported having witnessed an operator on the vessel or having actually witnessed operator entering the water.  Therefore, no one was available to fill out a 4.1 report form.
     
Several search and rescue groups began searching for operator with the aid of helicopters, k-9s, sonar, drag equipment and divers.  On july 28, 2017 at approximately 4:00 pm, the body of operator was recovered floating in the water nearby where the boat was originally found.

*******************nothing further, end of report*************************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0072
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Norman
NearestCityorTown: Troutman
County: Iredell
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Fuel
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday July 22, 2017, Officer and I received a call at around 11:00 p.m. reference to a vessel fire near Long Island access area.

Upon arrival at the scene, we spoke with the owner of the vessel.  Owner stated that he purchased the 21ft Chris Craft vessel from Craigslist and this was the first time the vessel had been on the water. Owner said two people were onboard the vessel when it was launched and when the fire started.  

I then spoke with Operator who stated that after the vessel was launched, he attempted to start the engine.  During this time, he heard a loud explosion and saw fire coming from the engine compartment.  Operator said that he then attempted to use the fire extinguisher on the vessel, which was unsuccessful.  Operator then flagged down another vessel that was passing by and jumped in the water to retrieve their fire extinguisher.  By the time Operator could swim back to his vessel, occupant had jumped off the vessel due to the vessel becoming fully engulfed by fire.  Operator and occupant then swam back to shore. 

Troutman Fire Department responded and were able to keep the burning vessel away from surrounding docks.  The fire destroyed the vessel, and it sank. Towboat US came to the scene and recovered the vessel.

On July 23rd, Officer and I examined the vessel at Towboat US.  It appeared the majority of the damage was centered around the engine compartment and fuel tank.  Based on this observation, it appears that the fire originated in the engine compartment due to ignited fuel.  We were unable to make any further determination because of the extent of the damage.

No injuries were reported.  Alcohol and drugs were not a factor in this case.

***********************END OF REPORT***********************


BARDID: NC-2017-0073
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Neuse River
NearestCityorTown: New Bern
County: Craven
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On july 29, 2017, at approximately 7:15 pm, officer picked me up from morehead city access area.  He informed me that we were going to go to new bern, nc to investigate a possible boating incident.  Officer  and i patrolled to union point park in new bern where we met with sgt.  From union point park, we were able to observe a sailboat drifting underneath the hwy 17 bridge.  The sailboat was accompanied by a tow boat us vessel.  It appeared from our position that the mast of the sailboat was no longer intact.  The mast and the sails appeared to be resting on the vessel.  I observed the tow boat us vessel tow the sailboat to bridgeton marina.  

Officer drove our patrol vehicle to bridgeton marina to make contact with the vessel occupants.  We arrived at bridgeton marina at approximately 9:15 pm.  Upon arrival, Sgt, Officer, and i spoke with the operator of the sailboat.  

Operator reported he and his son left out of bridgeton harbor marina sometime after 3:00 p.m. to go sailing on the neuse river.  Operator reported there was a decent wind and his vessel reached the neuse river bridge area without incident.  He reported he had not planned to be out long so he and his son turned the vessel around to head back toward bridgeton marina.  Operator reported that they were near marker 32 near the drawbridge and the us 17 bridge.  While heading across the river back toward bridgeton, the vessel ran aground.  

The wind had started to pick up with greater intensity, preventing operator from getting his vessel off the bottom.  Operator reported he and his son proceeded to take down the main sail and when they tried to roll in the roller furling they were unsuccessful.  Operator reported that apparently the roller furling line had gotten tangled in some way such that it would not draw the headsail back into position.  Eventually an individual in a grady white motor boat came by and agreed to pull them off the bottom.  Operator reported when his vessel got pulled off the bottom, it was somewhere north of the us 17 bridge close to the boatworks in bridgeton.   

Operator reported he was unable to take down or put the headsail up.   He reported the wind would catch the headsail and then spin the vessel around.  Operator reported he and his son fought the wind and the current for as long as they could.  The wind finally pushed the vessel broadside.  Operator reported he could not control the vessel to move upriver.  Operator reported the wind was so strong that it pushed the vessel toward the us 17 bridge where the mast collided with the bridge.  The wind was pushing the vessel sideways under the bridge but the mast was keeping the vessel from going under the bridge.  Operator reported that eventually the mast bent and broke free from the bridge.   Operator reported he threw out an anchor south of the bridge and called tow boat us.  Tow boat us helped operator get the mast out of the water and then towed operator's vessel back to bridgeton marina where i met with him.  

I was able to photograph and observe where the mast of the sailboat appeared to break.  The damaged area appeared to be at the base of the mast.   I took several other photographs of the vessel.  Operator agreed to email a completed form mb4.1.   Operator was not charged with any violations.   Nothing further at this time.


***************end of report**********************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0075
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: HOLDEN BEACH
County: BRUNSWICK
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
ON OR ABOUT 1730 JULY, 29 2017, I RECEIVED A REPORT OF A BOATING INCIDENT NEAR NAVIGATION MARKER 65 NEAR HOLDEN BEACH.   AFTER RESPONDING TO THE CALL, THE VESSEL HAD LEFT THE SCEENE AND AFTER SEARCHING THE AREA, I WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE VESSEL.  FROM WITNESS STATEMENTS, THE VESSEL, A CAROLINA SKIFF, WAS TRAVELING EAST ON THE INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY STRUCK A FLOATING DOCK ON THE ISLAND SIDE.   AS OF NOW NO REPORT WAS FILED BY THE VESSLE OPERATOR, BOAT INCIDENT IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION.

THIS IS A PRELIMINARY REPORT AND WILL BE UPDATED IF A REPORT IS FILED BY THE VESSEL OWNER/OPERATOR.

*******************END OF REPORT**********************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0076
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Banks Channel
NearestCityorTown: Wrightsville Beach
County: New Hanover
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at appx. 10:20, Raleigh dispatch notified Wildlife Officer to respond to boat incident at Carolina Yacht Club.  
Upon arrival, I spoke with a representative of the Carolina Yacht Club, who stated that an unknown boat had struck a dock owned by the club.  

Investigation revealed that an unknown boat struck the dock on August 9, 2017 between the hours of 1900 and 0700.  Based on the damage to the dock, it appears that vessel #1 was traveling south on Banks Channel when the collision occurred.  As a result of the crash, the pylons that anchored the dock were broken and the dock sustained minor damage.  There was also a docked vessel on the south side of the dock that was struck and also sustained damage.  Wildlife Officers searched the area for the unknown vessel that struck that dock, but were unable to locate.

****************END OF REPORT********************


BARDID: NC-2017-0078
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Chatuge
NearestCityorTown: Hayesville
County: Clay
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On or about 1750 on august 5, 2017, a boat being operated by operator2 hit another boat.   Both boats started out pulling skiers in the same direction.   

Operator1's skiers dropped into the water and operator1 then turned around to pick up the two skiers.  When operator1 got to his skiers, he stopped and turned off his boat's engine.  Operator1 then started to pull in ropes and get the two skiers aboard.  Operator2 was pulling a wake surfer.  Operator2 began looking back at the wake surfer and unknowingly turned the steering wheel which caused the boat to turn to the port.  Operator1 and his passengers observed the turning of the boat operated by operator2.   Operator1 and his passengers realized that operator2's boat was going to hit operator1's boat.   Operator1 started sounding the horn and all of his passengers started yelling and waving their arms to get the attention of operator2.   

Right before operator2's boat  hit operator1's boat several of operator1's passengers jumped from the boat.  Operator1 moved to the bow and tried to yell at operator2.   Operator2's boat  hit operator1's boat on the port side gunwale causing operator1 to be thrown from the boat.  Operator1's boat was pushed sideways for a few feet hitting two people that had jumped from operator1's boat.   After impact, operator2's boat began sliding down the port side of operator1's boat causing damage to the port gunwale, roll cage tower, bimini top and attachments.  Operator2's boat had damage to the underneath of the bow along the ridge above and below the bow eyelet.   Operator2's boat's speed at the time of impact is estimated to be less than 10 mph.  Both boats had all their safety equipment.  Operator2 had been drinking, but was not impaired.  Operator1 sustained a minor back injury and did not seek medical attention.  No other inuuries were reported in this incident.

********************end of report*************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0079
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Oak Island
County: Brunswick
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On july 16, 2017 at approximately 1700 pm, Operator1 was operating his 17ft. Henry o while towing two tubes on the icw near the yellow banks at oak island.  Victim was one of the individuals being towed on the tube behind Operator1's vessel.  He was on a single person triangular shaped airhead tube.  

According to witnesses, Operator1 had been pulling the tube for several passes before the incident occurred.  Operator1 was heading east on the waterway toward southport and made a left hand turn to head back west to continue pulling the tubers.  When he made the left hand turn, he was too close to the shoreline and the vessels that were anchored/moored there.  

Subject had anchored his vessel, a 19 ft. Sea hunt just off the beach on the waterway.  When Operator1 made the turn, the tubes swung out wide toward subject’s anchored vessel.  Because he was too close when the turn was made, the tubes were swung at the anchored vessel.  Victim tuber impacted the anchored vessel and as a result was knocked momentarily unconscious and received injuries to his back and pelvic area.  The impact was hard enough to crack the fiberglass gunwale on the port side of the anchored vessel.  Emergency personnel were called and Victim tuber was taken to new hanover regional medical center for treatment.

Based upon the physical evidence, vessel damage and statements made from those involved, it appeared that Operator1 was operating too fast and too close to shore, and as a result was unable to adequately slow to avoid the impacting collision that resulted in Victim tuber's injuries.  It does appear that alcohol was involved, however not to an impairment level and did not appear to contribute to this particular incident.  Due to the operation in close proximity of vessels and swimmers, the obvious rate of speed and inability to correct in time to avoid the collision, Operator1 was charged with reckless and negligent operation of a motorboat.  The case is pending. Both vessels were equipped with the necessary safety equipment.

****************this report will be updated when final results of this case are received.************************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0080
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GASTON
NearestCityorTown: LITTLETON
County: HALIFAX
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On july 3, 2017 at approximately 13:00hrs, two jet skis were being operated by two cousins.  The boys left their rental home in poe creek and traveled out of the creek northwest towards the main lake.  When they got to goat island, they split off and went around the island on opposite sides of each other.  

Operator1 went to the left and Operator2 went to the right.  The boys came back within sight on the northwest side of the island.  Once the boys came back into sight, neither boy noticed the position of the other and began travelling head on towards each other.  As they got closer, both boys realized they were going to collide.  

Operator1 attempted to turn his jet ski to the right and made about a 135 degree turn before being struck by Operator2’s jet ski.  Operator2 had attempted to cut off the jet ski prior to collision and turned his vessel away, but due to the fact that his jet ski had been turned off, his vessel was unable to turn without power.  The jet skis hit at about a 45 degree angle with Operator2's jet ski hitting Operator1's jet ski on the port side of his jet ski.

Operator1's left leg was hit by the bow of Operator2's jet ski causing the left femur to break, left hip to dislocate, a hole in his left lung, and a face laceration.  He was pulled to shore by local bystanders and his leg was put in a make-shift splint and placed on a pontoon boat and transported to washburn's marina to meet ems.  He was then airlifted to vident hospital in greenville nc and was treated for his injuries as well as a concussion. 

Operator2 hit his face on the jet skis upon impact and was launched off of his jet ski into the water.  He was conscious and was able to swim over to Operator1 who was unconscious and held his head out of the water until help arrived from the island.  He was also transported to washburn's marina where he was taken to halifax regional emergency room and was treated for a face laceration extending from his mouth to the right cheek.

****************end of report**********************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0081
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Stumpy Creek (Lake Norman)
NearestCityorTown: Mooresville
County: Iredell
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On august 5, 2017, Operator2 and subject went to a shop to work on the pwc that Operator2 would be operating later that day.  During this time at the shop, both Operator2 and subject consumed alcohol- operator2 had 2 shots of vodka while at subject’ shop.  

Around 2:30pm, Operator2 and subject launched 2 pwcs from stumpy creek boar ramp.  The pair along with other members of their group who were in a pontoon boat went to a beach area off an island to hang out within stumpy creek.  A short time after getting to the island, multiple members of the boating party, including Operator2, returned to the area around stumpy creek boat ramp to pick up additional people.  The group then returned to another beach on an island near the mouth of stumpy creek.  

Separate from Operator2 and subject, operator1 and his group launch at least 1 pwc from stompy creek boat ramp.  The 2 men knew each other through a mutual family member.  Over the course of the next hour or so, the 2 men operate the pwcs in somewhat of a pair around portions of the lake.  Sometime after meeting, Operator1 consumes 2 shots of fireball whisky from a cooler on a pontoon boat anchored at an island.  Around 6:00pm, officers observe the 2 pwcs operating in close proximity to one another near an island at the mouth of stumpy creek.  When later asked about his observations, sgt stated that they were not close enough where the 2 were committing a violation, but he felt that they were behaving recklessly.  

Around 7:00pm, both groups headed back to stumpy creek boat ramp to retrieve their vessels and depart from the lake.  As both Operator2 and Operator1 were entering the boat ramp area, they were operating near to one another, operating in tight circles in close proximity to one another, spraying one another while being very close to the boat ramp and shore line (as observed by 2 witnesses, one who stated “they were acting like fools, they were acting like morons”).  

Operator2 admitted to engaging in horseplay like behavior with Operator1 while being near the boat ramp area.  After operating in this manner for an unknown period, the two pwcs came to rest approximately 100 feet apart.  Operator1 was located at the mouth of the small cove that led to the boat ramp dock facing north, while Operator2 was located to Operator1’s 11:00 position facing southeast.  Operator1 yelled to Operator2 “want to hit it one more time”, prompting them to take off at half to full throttle.  Both pwcs continued in the same direction from their initial starting position.  As the 2 pwcs neared a head-on collision, Operator1 turned hard to the left at the last second.  

Operator1’s pwc ramped over Operator2’s pwc at approximately a 20 degree angle.  As a result, Operator2 was struck by the bow of Operator1’s pwc causing him to sustain multiple injuries to his shoulder, neck and head.  I believe that the collision occurred approximately 80 feet from the rock embanked point at the water line of the boat ramp area, and approximately 150 feet from the end of the boat ramp dock.  Operator2’s body was ejected from the pwc during the collision.  Bystanders immediately waded into waist deep water to retrieve Operator2.  Cpr was performed until iredell county ems arrived at 7:21pm.

Injuries sustained by Operator2 were concussion, broken right jaw, two fractured neck vertebraes on right side, slit on tongue on the right side, bruised right shoulder on the front side.

Damage to Operator1’s pwc included: fiberglass fracture webbing on the front right portion of the bow, approximately 3-5 inches below the black rub rail.  Blue striation marks running front to back approximately 8-12 inches to the right from the bottom centerline of the vessel.  These marks were 1-2 feet from the bow of the pwc.

Damage to Operator2’s pwc included:  an approximately 14-16 inch separation gap in the fiberglass running horizontal in the center of the pwc approximately 3-5 inches below the black rub rail on the left side portion.  I note that this damage appeared to have a bondo type material covering it indicating that this was a preexisting damage.  I noted that to the owner, and he stated that he remembered the bondo on the side of the pwc, but the crack was not present prior to the collision.  The pwc had a 14-16 inch crack in the fiberglass on the top portion of the bow that ran front to back approximately 8-10 inches from center to the right.  Behind the bow of the pwc was a blue plastic piece that separated the bow from the helm.  In the center of this blue piece is the gas cap.  Damage to this section included scuff marks that were approximately 8 inches right of center and a partially broken gas cap on the right bottom side.  The handle bars had been bent down towards the right side of the pwc as is evident by the separation gap where the handle bars meet the helm.  On the plastic portion on the right side of the handle bars, there was a blue transfer marks that ran front to back.

Assessment of damage
Based on the damage alone, it appears that Operator1’s pwc ramped over Operator2’s pwc.  It appears that Operator1’s pwc went over Operator2’s pwc from a head-on angle of 20 degrees on a 360 degree scale.  In other words, if Operator2’s pwc was operating in a straight line in the center of a clock facing the 12:00 position, Operator1’s pwc approached head on from the 1:00 position.

Alcohol impairment
Operator1:  i detected a mild odor of alcohol coming from his breath and he admitted to consuming 2 shots of fireball whisky.  I spent the better part of 10 minutes with him on the day of question and I did not observe any sign of appreciable impairment.

Operator2:  admitted to officer and he that he had consumed 2 shots of vodka earlier in the day.  Two witnesses who were rendering aid to him stated that Operator2 admitted that he had been consuming alcohol and had the odor of alcohol coming from his breath.  After a subpoena was signed by a judge to release Operator2’s medical records from cmc hospital, he was found to have a bac of .08.  On 8/25/17, i informed Operator2 that we had obtained his medical records from when he was admitted to cmc, which showed his bac.  I asked him what he thought his bac was at the hospital hours after the collision.  He stated “legally, probably .08”.

Directive from ada reference charges:
Operator1- Reckless/negligent operation of a motorboat
No boating safety certification

Operator2- Dwi – motorboat
Reckless/negligent operation of a motorboat
No boating safety certification


BARDID: NC-2017-0082
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KERR SCOTT LAKE
NearestCityorTown: Wilkesboro
County: Wilkes
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 29, 2017 at approximately 1400, subject was tubing behind a boat with two other people.  The tube was being towed by subject operating a 2000 Bayliner ski boat.  Operator was operating the boat approximately 15 miles per hour and began to make a turn to bring the tube around and jump a wake created by another vessel going down the lake.  When the tube hit the wake, it rapidly threw Victim off and into the water.  

As Operator came around to retrieve his tubers, Victim complained about her hip hurting and she felt that it was out of socket.  Occupants of the boat pulled Victim back onboard the boat and immediately contacted emergency personnel.  Operator drove the boat to Warrior Creek Access where EMT personnel soon picked up Victim and transported her to Wilkes Regional Hospital, from which she was airlifted to Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem to receive medical treatment.

***************END OF REPORT***********************


BARDID: NC-2017-0083
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Yadkin River
NearestCityorTown: Roaring River
County: Wilkes
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 3, 2017, five subjects entered the water at Roaring River Wildlife Boating Access in Roaring River at approximately 1730.  The five subjects were floating on kayaks.  Three people were all in their own single seat kayaks. 

Operator and Occupant1 were in a tandem Ocean Kayak equipped with a trolling motor and paddle.  The group floated down to the first island in the river from the boat launch, just up river from Big Bugaboo Creek.  The group stayed on the island for some time.  

They launched again and paddled downstream.  The larger tandem kayak that held Operator and Occupant1 launched downstream behind the group approximately 40 yards.  Operator was in the back and Occupant1 in the front.  Upon putting back in the water from the island, the current took the Ocean Kayak into an over-hanging tree to the North side of the island at approximately 1930.  According to Operator, the current around the tree caused the kayak to capsize throwing both occupants into the water.  Neither occupant was wearing a PFD.  According to Operator, Occupant1 went under the water.  Operator was able to get Occupant1 out from under the water and Occupant1 was able to hold onto the over-hanging tree.  

Two people stated that they returned to try and assist Occupant1.  Subject1 also stated that he returned with a PFD.  Operator stated that he then attempted to put the life jacket on Occupant1 but was unsuccessful.  Operator said both he and Occupant1 held onto the overhanging tree for approximately 10 minutes.  Operator was trying to convince Occupant1 to let go of the tree so they could swim to shore and get Occupant1 out of the water.  Operator said that Occupant1 complained of being cold.  Operator stated he reached a point of physical exhaustion and had to let go of both the tree and Occupant1.  Upon releasing his hold, Operator drifted downstream.  While swimming/floating downstream, Operator observed Occupant1 let go of the tree and disappear under the water, not to resurface.  Occupant1 was DOA when first responders and EMS arrived.  First responders recovered the victim from the river.

Operator stated that Occupant1 became very weak once going into the water after the kayak capsized.  He explained that Occupant1 had been undergoing chemotherapy.

**************END OF REPORT*******************


BARDID: NC-2017-0084
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Norman
NearestCityorTown: Troutman
County: Iredell
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 26, 2017 at approximately 11:00 am, a boating incident occurred in the Hicks Creek area on Lake Norman near Troutman.  (V1) was operating a Kawasaki Ultra 250 PWC heading west while leaving the Hicks Creek area and preparing to enter the main channel of Lake Norman.  His friend, (V2), was operating a Bombardier RXT 255 PWC and was traveling the same direction in tandem.  Both vessels were owned by their operators.  (V1) was the stand-on vessel and slowed down due to a wake from the main channel traveling west.  (V2) struck (V1) on the stern.
(V1) was traveling west preparing to enter the main channel of Lake Norman out of Hicks Creek.  (V1) had to slow down due to a large wake coming from boat traffic off the main channel.  (V2) was traveling in tandem behind (V1).  Both PWCS estimated their speed to be approximately 35 mph.  When (V1) slowed down, (V2) operator was not paying attention and collided with the stern of (V1).  The hull of (V2) struck the stern of (V1) causing it to flare off to the starboard side while also striking (V1) operator on the forehead.  (V1) operator was ejected from his PWC.  Other vessel operators in the area assisted him immediately.  A pontoon boat nearby gave assistance to all parties involved and assisted them back to Lake Norman State Park Access Area.  911 was contacted and emergency personnel responded to the scene along with a State Park Ranger.  (V1) operator was transported to Lake Norman Hospital and was treated for his injuries.  Due to the blunt force impact, he was checked for additional bodily trauma as well.  He was released later that evening after being treated for a laceration to the forehead, concussion, and bruises.  (V2's) operator did not get injured in the collision.
The analysis of the damage on both PWCS indicated that (V2) had struck (V1) on the stern causing it to flare off to the starboard side of (V1) and striking (V1) operator.  There was a minimal amount of damage to (V1) being only the rear handle bar.  (V2) had very little noticeable damage to the hull.  Both operators and passengers were wearing their PFD and kill switch lanyard.  Alcohol was not a contributing factor.

****************************END OF REPORT***************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0086
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE JAMES
NearestCityorTown: MARION
County: MCDOWELL
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On july 1, 2017 at 13:15, (vessel #1) was involved in a pwc incident near the spillway close to the mcdowell/burke county line on lake james.   Operator1 stated in his mb 4.1 that his pwc was struck by another vessel throwing him into the water and then being struck in his lower back by the vessel that made contact with his pwc.   

Operator1 stated that the operator of the other vessel then left the scene.  A nearby vessel assisted Operator1 getting him and his pwc to shore.  Wildlife enforcement and ems were then notified.  Operator1 was assisted by ems once back on shore.  He refused medical treatment.  

Operator1 was transported to mcdowell hospital by a friend who was also the owner of the pwc.  Myself and four other wildlife officers met Operator1 at 14:15 at mcdowell hospital where we then questioned him about the incident and inspected the pwc with the owner.  

V1 owner stated that there was no visible damage to the pwc.  After my investigation, i found no evidence to suggest Operator1 nor the pwc he was operating came in contact with another vessel.  The lack of transfer marks or damage to the pwc suggested it was not struck by another vessel.  Operator1's injuries did not support his claims of being struck in the back by another vessel.  

In my opinion Operator1 was operating the pwc alone and sustained his injuries from making contact with the water after throwing himself off the pwc.  After later inspection of the pwc, V1 owner stated the pwc motor was filled with water suggesting the pwc Operator1 was operating did in fact capsize.  Operator1 was wearing a pfd.  There was no damage to his pfd or any other equipment involved in the incident.

****************************end of report********************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0087
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ROANOKE SOUND
NearestCityorTown: NAGS HEAD
County: DARE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On Thursday August 17, 2017 at approximately 11:35am, three people went out on rented  2 PWCs from Causeway Watersports in Nags Head.  Operator1 was operating Vessel 1 and Operator2 was operating Vessel 2 with V2 passenger as a passenger.  

Both vessels were travelling in a counterclockwise direction with Operator1 making smaller circles inside while Operator2 was making larger circles outside around Operator1's vessel.  

Operator2 then altered his course and made a sharper turn to the port side and travelled directly into the path of Operator1's vessel.  

The starboard side of Operator1's vessel struck the port side of Operator2's vessel.  Both occupants of Operator2's vessel were ejected into the water.  All occupants were able to re-board their PWCs and return to the dock.  

Operator2 and V2 passenger travelled to urgent care and were treated and released for contusions.  All occupants were wearing PFDs at the time of the incident.

********************END OF REPORT************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0088
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Oak Island
County: Brunswick
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 19, 2017 at approximately 0900 hours, Operator1 was operating a sailboat inside the South Harbor Village Marina near Oak Island.  According to Operator1, he was taking the sailboat from its slip and was attempting to head to the fuel dock within the Marina for fuel.  He was operating the vessel using the small 9.9 hp outboard motor located at the stern.  The wind and current began to push him to the left toward the other vessels docked in the Marina slips.  

According to Operator1, the motor was not powerful enough to correct the forward movement of his vessel and as a result, the bow of his vessel impacted the starboard bow another vessel.  The incident occurred at a slow speed but the impact did minor damage to the guard rail and fiberglass of the hull of the vessel2. 

The vessel being operated by Operator1 is a rental vessel owned by Oak Island Campground, with whom he is also employed.  The vessel had not yet been registered by the new owners.  Because Operator1 was acting as an employee and the incident occurred within the Marina at a slow speed and within a very short distance of operation, the decision was made to simply verbally warn him regarding the registration violation and no citation was issued.  Alcohol and drugs did not contribute in any way to this incident, and both vessels were equipped with the necessary lifesaving equipment required by law.

******************END OF REPORT********************


BARDID: NC-2017-0089
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:13:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Beaufort waterfront
NearestCityorTown: Beaufort
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On the evening of August 26, 2017 at 2213 hours, I witnessed vessel 1 strike channel marker 6 in Gallants Channel in Beaufort.   I first saw vessel 1 enter Gallants channel breaking the no wake zone.  I did not see vessel 1 use a spotlight when entering the channel.  I then witnessed vessel 1 strike the channel marker and come to a complete stop.  I approached the vessel and saw a man was operating  vessel 1.  At that point, I saw a female passenger that had head injuries and cuts.  I took vessel 1 and the injured passenger to a nearby boat ramp where ems took over and transported her to Carteret hospital.

*****************END OF REPORT******************


BARDID: NC-2017-0090
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: New River
NearestCityorTown: Jacksonville
County: Onslow
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 8/17/17 at approx 8:35pm, operator1 was boating up the new river traveling towards the jacksonville boat ramp.  Operator1 stated that he was approaching the no wake zone near the kerr street marina when he hit an unmarked pole that was on the left side of the channel.  

Operator1 stated that he was not in the channel.  He also said that he was running lights on the front of his vessel to see (not navigation lights) and that because of the time of day, it was hard for him to see.  

He also stated that he hit the pole so hard that he would have fallen in the water had he not been holding on to the rail in the center console.  After the impact, operator1 noticed that the vessel was taking on water.  His bilge pump turned on and started pumping water out of the vessel.  Operator1 drove to the jacksonville boat ramp as fast as he could and loaded the boat onto his trailer.  After examining the points of impact on his vessel, he estimated the total damage to be worth $20,000.00.

Operator1 contacted officer at 9:39 am on 8/18/17.  He informed officer1 that he had been involved in a boating incident the previous evening.  Officer1 asked operator1 to see his vessel but he said he was on his way to take his vessel to be seen by the insurance company near raleigh.  Officer1 told operator1 that she needed to see the vessel and he said that he had to take it to the insurance company and he would try to bring it back if he could.  Operator1 offered to bring his boat to officer1's house for her to see the vessel but she was not on duty at the time and told him no.  Operator1 also asked officer1 who's responsibility it was to mark poles in the water.  Operator1 said that pole he struck did not have any sort of markings on it.  Later that day operator1 called officer1 and told her that he couldn't bring the vessel home but he said that he had taken photos of the damage.

Around 4pm that afternoon, officer1 and myself went to operator1's residence and he filled out his mb4.1 and upon interviewing him, his account of the boating incident was not clear.  He said that he hit a pole near the no wake zone but later on he said he wasn't sure what he hit.  Originally he told officer1 that he was running with a spotlight on but after officer1 informed him that the only lights allowed by nc law while a vessel is underway are red and green sidelights and an all around white light in the stern of the vessel.  Operator1 said that he was just turning the light off and on momentarily.  

Operator1 stated that he was participating in a bass tournament every thursday night for the past few weeks, so he was familiar with the new river.  Operator1 stated that he had gone back out that day to see what he hit and he could not find the pole that he hit.  Operator1 stated that it was dusk and it was not completely dark at the time he struck the pylon.

On 8/21/17, officer1 and myself investigated the area where operator1 stated the incident occurred.  After examining all the possible objects in the area that could have been struck, there were only two pylons with recent damage to them.  However, the damage to the pylons did not match the damage on the vessel from the photos that operator1 sent.  The damage on the pylons was on the right side of the pylons and the damage to the vessel was also on the right side.  If operator1 was traveling upstream towards the boat ramp, then he would have hit the left side of the pylon.

Officer1 called operator1 again on 8/21/17 to further investigate.  When officer1 asked where operator1's boat he said he had taken it to swansboro to sanderson boat repair.  Officer1 asked operator1 why he did not tell her that he was taking the boat to swansboro instead of benson and he said he did not think it mattered since he had taken pictures.

Officer1 told operator1 that if she knew that he was taking it to swansboro, she could have gone to see the vessel.  Officer1 told operator1 that we would go look at the vessel.  Officer1 told operator1 that she thought he was leaving something out of his story because it did not make sense.  Officer1 told operator1 what pylon she thought he had hit and he said that he may have hit it but he could not remember.

On 8/22/17 officer1 called operator1 and asked him if he would be willing to sign a written consent form that would allow us to download the gps information off the lowrance hds12 unit on his vessel.  He complied and we met with him at 1pm that same day at the jacksonville boat ramp so he could sign the consent form.  We also met with wildlife officer2 who was going to assist with downloading the gps information.  After operator1 signed the form, we followed operator1 to sanderson boat works in cedar point to see the boat.  When we arrived, officer2 worked on downloading the gps information while we took note of the vessel's damage.  The starboard side of the gunwale was cracked from the bow all the way down to the stern in six general areas.  The boat hull was scraped on the starboard side from the driver console all the way down to the stern.  The trimline was also coming off in various places of the starboard side of the vessel.

After looking at the gps data from the vessel, we determined that operator1 hit the 57 day marked in the new river because the cps coordinates of the marker are the same as the gps coordinates that his navigation system produced.  The gps system showed a dramatic decrease in speed and direction at this point on the map.  Operator1 was traveling 45.9 mph then his vessel made an abrupt 31.1 degree turn and slowed down to 6.6 mph.  This evidence leads us to believe that this is where the incident occurred.

After looking at the boat damage, analyzing the gps data and speaking with operator1, we concluded that he was boating upriver to the jacksonville boat ramp at dusk and at an excessive rate of speed and hit the 57 day marker.  We determined that speed, low light visibility and operator inattention were contributing factors to this boating incident.

***********************end of report******************************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0091
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Hampstead
County: New Hanover
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday August 21, 2017 at approximately  5:30 PM, Raleigh Dispatch reported a PWC accident on the waters located in front of Sloop Point Wildlife Boating Access Area in Hampstead, NC. 

Upon investigation, Vessel  1 was headed in a North direction on a PWC.  Vessel 1 had two other passengers on board. 

Vessel 2 was also heading North with his sister riding in the middle and brother riding on the rear. 

Vessel 1 was riding approx. 50 yards directly behind vessel 2 and moving in the same direction.  When both PWCs went over a large wave in the ICW, Vessel 2 suddenly stalled out.  As vessel 1 went over the wave, both passengers fell off.  This caused Operator1 to panic and quickly accelerate directly into the stalled out vessel 2.   Operator1 stated that just before impact, she tried to steer away from the other PWC and screamed.  Vessel 1 turned slightly to the left just before impact.  Vessel 1 went up and over vessel 2 ripping off the steering column of vessel 2.  The impact threw all 3 passengers of vessel 2 off the starboard side of the vessel and into the water.  

All passengers of each vessel re-boarded their PWC and vessel 1 towed vessel 2 back to Sloop Point Access Area where a NC Marine Fisheries Officer reported the incident to NC Wildlife.  All three passengers of vessel 2 were taken to New Hanover Regional Medical Center-North for treatment for lower leg injuries.

*****************END OF REPORT********************


BARDID: NC-2017-0093
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: High Rock Lake
NearestCityorTown: Denton
County: Davidson
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 9/4/17 at approximately 6:00pm, a boating incident occurred on flat swamp creek, high rock lake 1 mile southwest of the hwy 8 bridge in davidson county, nc.  The personal watercraft (vessel 1) was a green and white 8-foot, 1995 sea-doo sp with a 55 hp inboard motor.  The registration number is sc 1997 ar. The pwc was owned by subject1 and was being operated by operator.  Operator was operating the pwc alone at the time of the incident.   It appears that the cause of the incident was ignition of spilled fuel or vapors which led to the explosion.  During the explosion, operator was ejected 10 feet in the air and she landed behind the pwc in the water.

Earlier in the day, operator and a group of others launched their vessels at flat swamp boating access area on high rock lake.  Operator and others had been operating the pwc prior to the incident.  Operator was operating the pwc for the second time during the day when the incident occurred.  While operating the pwc, the engine spontaneously cut off near her group's pontoon boat (vessel 2). 

 While attempting to start the pwc, it tilted on the port side and she slid off.  Operator was wearing a type iii pfd and her ignition safety lanyard.  The pwc did not completely turn over, it returned upright.  Operator reboarded the pwc and continued attempting to start it.  Witnesses were both swimming near the pontoon boat when they observed operator having difficulties starting the pwc.  At this time, subject2 began swimming over to help operator.  Witness 3, jumped in the water from the pontoon boat to help operator start the pwc.  Operator continued to try to start the pwc as they swam towards her.

Once subject2 was approximately 5 feet from the pwc, it exploded.  When the  explosion occurred, operator was ejected approximately 10 feet straight up in the air before landing behind the pwc in the water.  During the explosion, subject2 turned her head and covered her face to avoid injury.  Subject2 was not injured due to the incident.  

Witness3 then swam over and helped operator back to the pontoon boat.  At this time, it did not appear that operator had any severe injuries.  A ski boat, vessel 3, that was also with the group stayed with the burning pwc while the pontoon boat went back to flat swamp boating access area so operator could receive medical attention.

Ems arrived on scene and took operator to lexington medical center in lexington, nc.  Once the pwc stopped burning, the ski boat towed it back to flat swamp boating access area.  Davidson county so deputy stayed with the group involved until mo arrived.  Mo arrived on scene at approximately 6:55pm and began speaking with witnesses and obtained witness statements.  After obtaining those statements, mo assessed and documented damages to the pwc.  The pwc was located on the concrete boat ramp at flat swamp boating access area.  Mo observed the pwc had severe fire damage and smelled the strong odor of gasoline.  The explosion had completely separated the fiberglass hull, destroyed the entire engine compartment, the steering components and seat.  Mo did not observe a fire extinguisher on board and was able to read the hul id number.  The pwc was a total loss with estimated damages of $2,000.00

After assessing damages to the pwc and obtaining witness statements, mo then went to lexington medical center to speak with operator, assess injuries, and obtain witness statements.  Mo spoke with the emergency room doctor who stated that operator sustained minor injuries as a result of this incident.  She had lacerations on her left ankle which required stitches, a small cut on the right side of her nose, and minor abdominal pain.  Operator was treated and released later that evening.

It appears that the cause of the incident was ignition of spilled fuel or vapor which led to the explosion.  The explosion caused operator to be ejected from the pwc and sustained minor injuries that required medical treatment.  Operator did not have a nasba approved boating safety certification.  Although operator admitted to consuming alcohol, it does not appear that alcohol and/or drugs were a contributing factor in this incident.  No one has been charged as a result of this incident.

*********************end of report*************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0095
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-07-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:43:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: High Rock Lake
NearestCityorTown: Salisbury
County: Rowan
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 30, 2017, around 4:30 pm, a boat incident occurred in Dutch Second Creek, High Rock Lake in Rowan County.  Operator was operating a pontoon boat alone.  The pontoon boat (vessel #1) is a 1991, 25 foot, Savannah made by Maurell with a 90 horsepower Johnson outboard.  The vessel is registered to the operator number and hull ID number.   Operator's wife said that Operator was operating the boat back to their dock in order to pick up friends.  Witnesses say they saw him in the water not wearing a life jacket behind the boat waving for help.  None of the witnesses present observed how Operator ended up in the water.  Witnesses say that the boat was not running when Operator was waving for help.  Once the witnesses were able to get to Operator's location in their boat, they were unable to find Operator.  The witnesses dropped an anchor approximately 200 yards from shore with a life jacket tied to the anchor's rope to show where Operator was last seen.  At approximately 10:00 pm, Operator's body was recovered from the area he was last seen.  Once Operator's body was identified, myself and Officer, along with Rowan County Sheriff's Office met with Operator's wife and family to notify them that Operator's body had been recovered.

On 7/30/17 at approximately 4:53 pm officer and myself were sitting at the mouth of dutch second creek and the main channel of high rock lake in our patrol boat when we received a call from raleigh dispatch regarding a potential drowning.  Rowan co dispatch advised us that the location was between bringle ferry rd and stokes ferry rd.  We arrived on scene at 5:08pm.  Officer was behind us in his patrol boat.  I saw emergency personnel along with rowan co so on shore.  Officer2 and i observed a red pontoon boat with multiple people waving their hands, a small jon boat with two people on board and a pontoon boat beached on shore.  Officer2 and i drove over to the small jon boat to gather information while Officer1 made contact with the pontoon boat beached on shore.  

Two people were the occupants of the small jon boat and were casting fishing lines in the water to attempt to locate operator.  They then told us that about 15 mins prior to our arrival they heard operator yelling for help and noticed him waving his arms in the water about 10 feet behind his pontoon boat.  They also told us that they had tied a yellow life jacket to an anchored rope at operator's last seen location in the water.  We asked them to operate their boat back to shore in order for us to gather information.  We then went to the yellow life jacket to retrieve gps coordinates, lat. 35.598890 lon -80.325646, and to observe the area.  Officer1 advised us on our way back to shore that he was with the victim's family which was at the pontoon boat on shore.

Once we arrived back on shore, they told us that the pontoon boat was retrieved by the operator's stepson, and brought it to shore.  I began asking Them questions about what happened while Officer2 went to check on wife and stepson.  Subject1 said that operator was approximately 100 yards from the shore when Subject1 jumped into his boat to go for help.  Subject1 stated that he was about 15-20 feet from operator when operator went under the water.  Subject1 then jumped into the water in order to find operator.  Subject2 was calling 911 during this time and then she swam out to assist her husband in attempting to locate operator.  Officer2 came back to my location at this time and gave witness statement forms to fill out.  

Operator's wife, and her son then came over to our location and i began asking questions.  Wife stated that operator had dropped her and her son off on shore to go back over to their dock to pick up friends from their church.  Wife and son were just floating on inflatable river tubes when they heard operator yelling for help.  Wife stated that the pontoon boat had had mechanical problems and she was not sure why her husband was in the water.  Wife and son said that he was complaining of shoulder problems and son also said that operator had high blood pressure.  Wife stated that operator had only drank one or two beers.  Wife said that her husband was wearing an orange bathing suit, had on a silver wedding band, and had tattoos on his arm and foot.  After speaking with son, he stated that he swam out to the drifting pontoon boat to retrieve it and the motor was not running.  Son then swam the pontoon boat back to shore.

After speaking with witnesses, rowan county rescue squad, millers ferry volunteer fire dept, and liberty volunteer fire dept rescue, vessel arrived on scene and immediately began searching for operator.  While i stayed with wife, Officer2 and son went over to the boat to document its condition.  The vessel's bow was grounded ashore at lat. 35.597852 lon. -80.326501.  The vessel had nc registration number, registered to operator.  

Upon first observation of the boat there were 4 type ii pfds, 3 type iii pfds, one type iv throwable flotation device and one uscg approved fire extinguisher.  All boating safety items were readily available and in good serviceable condition.  The vessel's throttle was in neutral with the key turned off still in the ignition and the motor in the down position.  An opened miller lite beer can in a koozie was in the operating area.  There was a blue cooler located on board with sodas and unopened miller lite cans.  The operator's chair was facing forward towards the steering wheel and had a light colored t shirt laying over the back of the operator's chair.  There were no dents, bent railings, blood, or scratches showing signs of a struggle or fall and nothing on board looked disheveled.  

After the boat condition was documented by Officer2, subject3 (son’s father) arrived on scene after the incident and then operated the boat over to wife to pick her and family members up in order to go back to the dock.  Wife and her family members went back to the dock in order for us to secure the scene and wait for further information.  While subject3 was operating the boat, Officer2 and i noticed that it took subject3 multiple attempts to get the engine started.  Once it was started, it continued to cut off multiple times.  The engine was not running smoothly and it took her approx 5 mins to get the boat to our location which was 50 yds from the boat.

Around 10pm, rescue crew divers recovered operator's body from the water.  The depth where he was located was approx 9 feet.  Operator's body was located within appx 50 yds northeast of the yellow life jacket gps coordinates lat. 35.598890 lon. -80.325646.  Officer2 and i examined the body once we arrived at the dock of fisherman's cove boating access area to determine identity.  We observed operator was wearing orange shorts, a silver wedding band, a black watch on his left writs.  We also observed a tattoo on his foot and shoulder.  He was not wearing a pfd, no observable lacerations or bruising was seen.  It appears the cause of death was drowning. After viewing the body, rescue crews then transported operator's body to the intended medical facility in salisbury nc.

It appeared that operator was in the process of operating his vessel back to the dock in order to pick up friends and bring them back to that location.  At some point while operating the boat alone, operator ended up in the water.  After speaking with witnesses, no one observed him fall into the water.  While operator was in the water, it appeared that he was struggling to stay afloat.  Due to his struggles in the water, operator drowned.  Operator was not wearing a personal flotation device at the time of the incident.  There were no signs of criminal activity and his death was ruled an accidental drowning by the rowan county medical examiner.  Alcohol and/or drugs were not a contributing factor in this incident.  No charges were filed as a result of this incident.


BARDID: NC-2017-0096
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-09-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Hiwassee Lake
NearestCityorTown: Murphy
County: CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 1 2017, Operator and his wife Subject1 received friends at their home.  Around 12:00 pm, they then decided to take the visiting friends on a sightseeing boat cruise toward the dam of Hiwassee Lake from Mountain View Marina (Bear Paw Marina).  Upon exiting the cove, which the marina is located, Operator took a left and motored toward the lower end of Hiwassee Lake in hopes of arriving at the lake's dam.  Half way between the marina and the dam, Operator made a left turn around a long and sharp point which was sticking out into the lake.  In speaking with all parties involved, there was an agreement that while making the turn around the point, objects began to blow around in the boat.  Also, the passengers began to walk around the boat in an attempt to collect these objects before they blew out and into the water.  All parties stated that Operator became distracted by the objects blowing around in the boat and was looking down and into the boat while making the turn.  Operator continued to make the left turn while looking at the objects in the boat, which guided the vessel straight into a large rocky outcropping on the shore of the lake. Just before the vessel grounded on the outcropping subject2 looked up and noticed the vessel was about to hit the shore. He then yelled to Operator to look out. Operator tried to turn the vessel away from the shore but the vessel was too close to avoid grounding.

The vessel made impact on the port side striking the shore 1/3 of the way back from its bow.  It was traveling at approximately 20-40 MPH.  The vessel traveled around 10-15 feet up and onto the rocky outcropping from the water level.  Along the way up the outcropping, large chunks of fiberglass were ripped from the port side and under the vessel.  These were left on the rocky shore line as evidence of the crash.  The boat then slid back into the water and was still afloat.  Operator was then able to navigate the vessel at a slow rate of speed back to the marina for help.

During the impact, Subject2 was thrown forward into the floor of the vessel and sustained a broken collar bone.  His wife, Subject3, sustained no visible injuries but complained of soreness in her ribs and shoulders.  

Subject1, who was standing at the time of impact, was thrown forward and sustained injuries of a broken collar bone and a cracked pelvis.  Operator was ejected from the driver seat of the vessel and made contact with the driver side windshield.  He sustained lacerations to his right wrist and leg.  

Subject2 and Subject1 were transported via ambulance to Union General Hospital in Blairsville Georgia.  Operator and Subject3 transported themselves by vehicle to the same facility.  All were admitted into the care of Union General Hospital in Blairsville Georgia.

No other vessels were involved in this boating incident.  The damage to the vessel could be beyond the value of the vessel itself ($25,000).  Also, all four parties on the vessel received medical treatment beyond that of first aid.

***********************END OF REPORT**************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0097
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-09-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Taylors Creek
NearestCityorTown: Beaufort
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was leaving Taylor's Creek when the vessel ran aground.   One female passenger fell inside the vessel and landed on her shoulder that she had recently had surgery on.   The female passenger had to be transported to Carteret General Hospital. Vessel 1 remained aground till the tide came in.  I then transported all the other passengers back to shore and completed an accident report.

**************************************
PLEASE NOTE,  AS NOTED IN THIS INCIDENT, THE WEATHER WAS THE CAUSE OF THE VESSEL RUNNING AGROUND.

*****************END OF REPORT*************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0098
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Hampstead
County: Pender
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Throttle
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 being operated by Operator1, was traveling up Green's Channel towards Rich Inlet with his family when he noticed a sandbar and began to throttle down to avoid striking the sandbar.  Vessel 2 was following Vessel 1 through Green's Channel on a test run of his vessel's throttle system as he had been repairing it.  

When vessel 1 slowed down, vessel 2 was attempting to throttle down as well but the throttle controls failed to slow down the vessel and he turned hard to starboard to avoid running over Vessel 1 and struck the stern starboard corner and placed a 9 inch scuff on the transom and a 5 inch by 4 inch by .5 inch hole in the fiberglass gunwale of vessel 1.  Vessel 2 suffered a small chip in the fiberglass just below the bow eye.  There were no injuries in this incident.

**************************END OF REPORT****************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0099
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Roanoke Sound
NearestCityorTown: Nags Head
County: Dare
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday August 22, 2017, approximately 1000, I Officer received a call from our Raleigh Dispatch in reference to a Boating Incident at Kitty Hawk Watersports in Nags Head NC.

I, Officer1 spoke with Officer of Nags Head Police Department who stated that the operator of Vessel 2 was being transported to Outer Banks Hospital due to injuries sustained during the incident. The operator of Vessel 1 was driving to Outer Banks Hospital as well.

I, Officer1 responded to Outer Banks Hospital where I spoke with the operator of Vessel 1.  Operator1 stated that himself and Operator2 had rented PWCS from Kitty Hawk Watersports around 09:30 am and had been operating the vessels for about thirty minutes.  Operator1 was traveling from East to West on the South end of Kitty Hawk Watersports' boundary markers.  Operator2 was traveling from North to South towards the Southern boundaries.  Operator1 made a turn to the left and collided with the left side of Operator2's PWC traveling up and over the seat.  Operator2 was ejected from the PWC and into the water.  Operator1 returned to the dock on his PWC and Operator2 was brought into the dock by the owner of Kitty Hawk Watersports. 

I, Officer1 was unable to speak with Operator2 in the hospital.  Operator2 was airlifted to Norfolk General. 

I, Officer1 spoke with an employee with Kitty Hawk Watersports, who witnessed the incident.  Witness1 stated that he was on patrol during the time of the incident.  Witness1 observed Operator1 traveling at a high rate of speed toward Operator2 striking Operator2's PWC causing her to come flying off the PWC.  Witness1 stated that when he made it over to Operator2, she was bleeding from the mouth and vomiting blood.  Witness1 radioed the shore and stayed with Operator2 until his boss made it on scene. 

I, Officer1 spoke with the owner of Kitty Hawk Watersports.  Subject2 stated he heard the call go over the VHF that there had been a collision.  After confirming that 911 had been called, Subject2 went to the area of the incident.  Subject2 stated he was second on scene.  When he arrived, Operator2 was conscious and sitting on the patrol's PWC bleeding from her mouth.  Operator2 was transferred to Subject2's vessel and brought to shore to paramedics. 

I, Officer1 was able to speak with Ms. Operator2, the operator of Vessel 2 on Sunday August 27, 2017 by phone.  Operator2 stated that her injuries included multiple facial fractures to the left side, a skull fracture on the left side, and a small fracture 4cm from her spine.  Operator2 stated that she was turning to the right when she looked to her left she saw Operator1 traveling towards her. 

Operator2 was released from the hospital with left side facial fractures, a left side skull fracture, and a small fracture 4cm from her spine. 

Operator1 was charged with Operating a PWC in a reckless manner (G.S. 75A-10(a)) and Operating a PWC at greater than no-wake speed within 50 feet to the side of another vessel this underway (G.S. 75A-13.3(E)(5).

All involved were wearing PFDs, and no drugs or alcohol were involved.


************************END OF REPORT***************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0100
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-09-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atlantic Ocean
NearestCityorTown: Nags Head
County: Dare
WaterConditions: Very rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 16, 2017 at approximately 5:00 pm, Operator was operating the documented vessel Synergy as it was returning from an off-shore fishing trip through Oregon Inlet.  Two people were on the flying deck with Operator, and Subject1 and Victim were inside the cabin at the time of the incident.  Operator was attempting to navigate the rough surf through the shoals outside Oregon Inlet when the vessel got caught on a large rising wave.  

Operator attempted to throttle off the wave when the wave began to break and pushed the vessel sideways.  The vessel rolled to the starboard side when it came off the first wave and was struck by another wave.  

Operator was ejected from the vessel but was able to re-board and place a mayday call to the Coast Guard.  Subject1 attempted to wake Victim, who was sleeping, prior to the impact with the wave, but did not have time.  When the vessel rolled, both Subject1 and Victim were trapped inside the cabin, but were able to be pulled out through a broken window.   All occupants then used their PFDS and voluntarily departed the possibly sinking vessel.  

USCG retrieved all occupants from the water and returned them to USCG Station Oregon Inlet.  Dare Med Flight then picked up Victim and transported her to Norfolk Hospital where she was admitted for multiple lacerations, embedded glass, and a possible concussion.  Three people all travelled to the hospital but were not injured.  T

he vessel then washed ashore where it was later recovered.  There were no mechanical failures and all occupants used their PFDS.

*******************END OF REPORT***************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0101
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Tillery
NearestCityorTown: Norwood
County: Stanly
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On sunday june 18, 2017 around 8:00 pm, a boating incident occurred on lake tillery near the address of 712 berry hill drive norwood, nc.  The vessel was a 10 foot 1996 yamaha  wave runner personal watercraft displaying the registration.  The tube being pulled by the personal watercraft collided with a nearby pier ejecting all three males on board.  

Operator was operating the personal watercraft while puling a tube.  Operator was pulling the young males on the tube in a circular pattern.  Operator operated the personal watercraft approximately twenty feet from a nearby pier.  The total length of the rope that was connected to the personal watercraft and the tube was a total of 52 feet and 5 inches in length. This action caused the tube to swing wide and to the right colliding with the pier.  

Tuber1 was sitting on the right side of the tube and took the blunt force of the impact with the pier.  Tuber1 was unresponsive.  The other two occupants on the tube were able to get tuber1 out of the water with the help of tuber1’s father whom witnessed the incident and hurried over operating another personal watercraft.  Tuber1 was pulled from the water and onto the pier.  Witnesses stated that tuber1 was not sure where he was or what day it was.  Stanly county ems arrived on scene.  Tuber1 was transported to northeast medical due to his mother's request.  According to the mother of tuber1, tuber1's injuries consisted of a broken leg and a contusion to his lung.  Tuber1 was released two days later from northeast medical hospital and is continuing physical therapy.

Tuber2 age 18 was a passenger riding in the middle of the tube.  He sustained a contusion to his upper right chest area.  On the day of the incident he initially denied medical attention.  The following day due to his injuries he called and requested an ambulance.  He was transported to the hospital where he stated he waited for three hours without being seen.  Tuber2 became frustrated and left before any medical treatment was administered.

Tuber3 age 14 was the third passenger riding on the left side of the tube.  He received no injuries during the boating incident.

 upon my arrival on the scene, i began speaking to and observing operator.  Based on his demeanor, field sobriety test, and his admittance to drinking alcohol prior to the incident, i made the determination to arrest him for operating a vessel while being under the influence of an impairing substance.     It is my findings that operator's impairment and careless and reckless and negligent operation of the personal watercraft caused the personal injury to two of the three individuals that were riding on the tube when it collided with the pier.
 
Damage was found on the pier  at the same location where the tube made contact.  After talking to the owner of the pier, he advised no additional damage was done to the pier due to the this incident.

The total length of the rope that was connected to the personal watercraft and the tube is a total of 52 feet and 5 inches in length.

I do not have the operators 4.1. He has requested i take the 4.1 form and drop it off at his attorney's office so he could review it.  

All safety equipment was accounted for.  No safety equipment violations were found.

********************end of report********************


BARDID: NC-2017-0102
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: High Rock Lake
NearestCityorTown: Salisbury
County: Rowan
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 1, 2017, around 12:00 pm, a boat incident occurred in Crane Creek above the Goodman Lake Road Bridge, High Rock Lake in Rowan County.  Operator1, 16, was operating a personal watercraft (vessel #1) alone.  Operator1's PWC (vessel #1) red and black in color, is a 2002, 10'4” long, Virage made by Polaris with a 135 horsepower inboard jet motor.  The PWC (vessel #1) is registered to subject1, registration numbers. 

The operator of the second PWC (Vessel #2) according to Operator1 was a white male in his 20's to early 30's that had no passengers on board nor was pulling anyone behind him at the time of the incident.  No other information is currently known regarding the other PWC (vessel #2). 

Operator1 was waiting on his friend (also on a PWC, vessel #3) to finish taking photos when a yellow PWC (vessel #2) collided with his PWC (vessel #1). The unknown PWC (vessel #2) left the scene of the incident immediately after re-boarding his PWC (vessel #2).

Operator1 says that he was floating on the PWC (vessel #1), talking to his girlfriend on his cell phone, waiting for his friend (onboard PWC vessel #3) to finish taking photographs of the woods and creek.  Operator1 said that he noticed a yellow PWC (vessel #2) in the distance heading toward him, but did not pay too much attention to it until it collided with his PWC (vessel #1) on the left side.  

Operator1 says that before the incident took place, he jumped off the PWC (vessel #1) causing his ignition safety lanyard to be pulled out and then the unknown PWC (vessel #2) struck his PWC (vessel #1).  Operator1 said that he then noticed that the operator of the unknown PWC (vessel #2) was also knocked into the water from the collision and he hurriedly re-boarded his PWC (vessel #2) and sped away.  

Operator1 stated he was not injured during the incident and potential injuries to the unknown PWC (vessel #2) operator are unknown.  Operator1 stated that the operator of the unknown PWC (vessel #2) was a white male wearing a backwards white cap.  Operator1 then said he yelled for his friend to come over to his location to help.  

There was significant damage to Operator1's PWC (vessel #1). The left side of the PWC (vessel #1) had cracked fiberglass at the point of impact, the plastic housing around the steering column was cracked, and the left side rearview mirror was broken off.  The estimated damages to Operator1's PWC (vessel #1) were $2,000.00.

The only witness to this incident was a friend who  heard the collision, but did not observe the incident.  After the impact, friendobserved Operator1 in the water and the unknown PWC (vessel #2) driving off.  At this time, the other PWC (vessel #2) and operator information is unknown and no other witnesses have been identified.

It appears that the cause of the incident was operator inattention and improper lookout of the unknown PWC (vessel #2).  Operator1 was wearing a personal flotation device at the time of the incident, and he had boating safety education certification from the state of Georgia, and at this time, it is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs were a contributing factor in this incident.  At this time, no one has been charged as a result of this incident.  The investigation is still open until the operator of the unknown PWC (vessel #2) is contacted.

******************************END OF REPORT********************


BARDID: NC-2017-0103
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-09-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Tillery
NearestCityorTown: Norwood
County: Stanly
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentEvent3: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On saturday september 23, 2017 around 7:00pm, a boating incident occurred on lake tillery near the address of 16358 indian mound rd, norwood nc.  The vessel is a 10 ft 2017 yamaha waverunner vrx 1800 pwc.  It was not displaying its registration but is registered.  The pwc is the property of the operator.  The throttle had been modified with the operator's daughter's hair bow for a home-made cruise control.  The operator panicked due to sudden acceleration.  The operator and passenger jumped from the watercraft approximately 40 yards from the shoreline.  The watercraft then collided with the rif raf shoreline and was propelled into the air.  It traveled approximately 50 feet before colliding with the top of a four foot high pool fence.

Operator and his passenger were traveling towards the back of a cove when he decided to turn left and head back out to the main body of water.  When operator started to turn left, he released the throttle to decelerate.  Operator said the pwc accelerated.  The watercraft accelerated due to operator putting his daughter's hair bow over the throttle.  He called it, "redneck cruise control".  Operator had been operating with his trigger finger on top and his other fingers under the throttle which prevented it from accelerating.  When operator began his turn to the left, he removed his fingers from underneath the throttle control.  This allowed the hair bow to compress which allowed the watercraft to speed up.  This surprised operator so he panicked and jumped off.  When operator jumped from the watercraft, the kill switch was connected to his life jacket.  The kill switch broke when he jumped from the pwc.  During this transition, the kill switch remained in the on position which allowed the pwc to accelerate and for the engine not to shut off.

The pwc, while not having an operator, continued on approximately another 40 yards where it came into contact with the shoreline.  The pwc became airborne and struck a fence before crashing onto the ground just feet from a swimming pool.

After observing the pwc, i found it to be a total loss.  I found extensive damage to the bottom of the hull which had multiple holes due to contact with the shoreline.  I found the steering column broken, the seat heavily damaged, and multiple scratches and fiberglass damage to the pwc.

All safety equipment was accounted for,  no one was injured during this event.  Alcohol and/or drugs was not a factor in this incident.  Operator was charged for failing to display the registration numbers, failing to display the validation decal, and careless and reckless operation of a pwc.  Due to operator manipulating the watercraft's throttle, this caused him to lose control which lead to the collision.  As a result of this incident, the property damage was in excess of $13,700.00.


BARDID: NC-2017-0104
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-09-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Newport River
NearestCityorTown: Morehead City
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, September 16, 2017 at approximately 3:00 pm, I, Officer interviewed Operator1 at Carolina East Medical Center in New Bern regarding his reported boating incident.  Operator1 reported that on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at approximately 10:45 am, he and his wife, were cruising on their PWCS down Core Creek and Adams Creek and eventually reached the mouth of Newport River.  Operator1 reported that he and wife were cruising just to explore new bodies of water.  Operator1 reported that he and his wife were not familiar with the Newport River.  

Operator1 reported that he and his wife had just reached the mouth of the Newport River when he ran his jet ski aground on what he described as a hidden sandbar, traveling at a speed of approximately 30 mph.  Operator1 reported that he had no idea that the sandbar was there because of the choppy water conditions which made the sandbar difficult to see. 

 Operator1 reported that he was ejected over the handlebars of the PWC, hitting his face on the front of the PWC and landing on his head and neck when he came to rest on the sandbar.  Operator1 reported that he was wearing a PFD.  Operator1 also reported that he was not under the influence of any alcohol or drugs.  Operator1 reported that his doctor informed him that he suffered from the following injuries:  A severe concussion, a laceration above his lip for which he received twelve stitches, a sprained neck, a sprained left wrist, a broken nose, and a severely bruised groin area.  Operator1 was able to operate his PWC back to the boat ramp after the incident.  No charges were filed in this matter.  Nothing further at this time.


*******************END OF REPORT***********************


BARDID: NC-2017-0105
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-10-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Core Sound
NearestCityorTown: Beaufort
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On the morning of October 14, 2017 at approximately 0800 hours, a boat incident occurred in the Core Sound behind Shackleford Banks, NC.  The weather that morning was calm with overcast skies.   

When vessel 1 was struck on its starboard side by vessel 2, vessel 1 had three people onboard.  Vessel 1's T top broke off injuring two men onboard with minor injuries.  

When according to vessel 2 operator, vessel 1 turned into the path of travel of vessel 2.  Vessel 2 was traveling approximately 40 mph when vessel 2 struck vessel 1 on its starboard side.  Vessel 2 had three men onboard but none of them sustained any injuries.  

Vessel 2 had fiberglass damage and both engines quite running.  Vessel 2 did not take on any water.  Vessel 2 operator claimed that he saw vessel 1 and proceeded to go to the right when vessel 1 made a left turn right into the path of vessel 2.  

Vessel 1 operator claimed that he saw vessel 2 coming his direction and proceeded to make a turn to the left before he was struck by vessel 2.

****************END OF REPORT******************


BARDID: NC-2017-0106
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-09-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Browns Inlet
NearestCityorTown: Swansboro
County: Onslow
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 16, 2017 around 1153, the Emerald Isle United States Coast Guard received and responded to a capsized vessel distress call near Browns Inlet.  At this time the USCG was made aware of one capsized vessel with two people in the water.  

USCG responding vessel 45696, arrived on scene  around 1216 and recovered  (operator) at 1221.  Upon further investigation, Operator1 advised that the passenger had been with the capsized vessel but because of the waves and current was carried to the shore.   I Officer, of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission Division of Law Enforcement was informed of the incident and began my investigation.  On September 17, 2017, I met with Operator1 and was informed of how the vessel had capsized.  

He explained that he and Occupant had gone out fishing between 0600 and the time of the incident.  Operator1 explained that when they began to come back into shore that he waited for the tide to change.  At this time, Operator1 entered an unmarked Browns Inlet and advised he was surfing the waves with little to no throttle.  The vessel was then on top of what Operator1 described as a rogue wave and crested sooner than he had thought and at the same time felt a thrust of what must have been another wave pushing the vessel over the crest of the wave.  

Operator1 explained that he felt the bow of the boat turn starboard and then the port of the bow went under the water and flipped.  Operator1 and Occupant were under the water and not wearing life jackets. 

 Operator1 then swam under the vessel and grabbed two life jackets and threw one to Occupant.  Operator1 stayed with the vessel holding on to the ladder of the vessel while Occupant was being knocked and swept away from the vessel by the waves and current.  Operator1 advised that Occupant began to float away along with several items of debris coming from the vessel toward the shore of the beach.  At this time, Operator1 began signaling for help.

****************END OF REPORT**************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0107
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-10-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: High Rock lake
NearestCityorTown: Lexington
County: Davidson
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Preliminary report for boat incident occurring on 10/15/2017.  
On or about 2:30 a.m. on 15 October 2017, boat operator was operating a 2011 Mastercraft X-Star on Abbotts Creek at High Rock Lake.  

The operator had one passenger.  The operator was leaving Top of the Rock, a bar on High Rock Lake off Shore Dr. in Lexington.  The operator was travelling north on Abbotts Creek which is upstream.  The operator was attempting to return to his residence.  The time was approximately 2:30 a.m. and the weather was cool and very foggy. 

The operator explained that he was travelling using the cruise control at approximately 25 mph when he thought it was appropriate to turn west, rounding the furthest northern point in that section of Abbotts Creek to go under the Holloway Church Rd bridge.  

The operator failed to realize his exact location and was approximately one-half mile from the area he thought he was in.  When the boat was travelling due west, Operator drove the boat aground at approximately 25 mph.  The boat travelled completely out of the water and into several shrubs, trees, and crushed a picnic table.  

During the crash, the operator suffered a laceration across the forehead above the right eye.  The passenger was uninjured due to the fact that she was facing rearward in the vessel sitting in an observation seat generally used to observe a skier.  Operator was transported to the hospital by Davidson County EMS, and Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer arrived at the hospital while EMS was taking Operator inside.  Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer spoke with Operator and formed the opinion that he was impaired.  Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer charged the operator with boating while impaired and consent was given for a blood draw by the operator.  Operator had not received care from the hospital at that point so Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer cited and released.  Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer went to the scene of the crash and took photos of the vessel.  The vessel was removed from the property the same day prior to noon by owner Operator.  Form 4.1 from the operator has not been received as of this date.

******************
REPORT WILL BE UPDATED ONCE THE MB4.1 IS RECEIVED AS WELL AS ANY OTHER INFORMATION.


BARDID: NC-2017-0108
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-10-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TAYLORS CREEK
NearestCityorTown: BEAUFORT
County: CARTERET
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On october 19, 2017, at approximately 10:45 pm, operator2 was attempting to dock his 47' sailing vessel (hereafter referred to as vessel 2) at the beaufort city docks in taylor's creek in beaufort, nc.  While under motor power. Environmental conditions were clear with calm waters, little to no wind, and no other vessel traffic.  Vessel 2 was traveling westerly and attempting to dock on the outside of a t-shaped dock.   Adjacent to the east of this dock, a 105' sailing yacht named “mini skirt” (hereafter referred to as vessel 1) was docked with its portside on the outside of another t-shaped dock. 

As vessel 2 slowly began to approach the dock, it passed near to vessel 1 on its starboard side when a strong current began pushing vessel 2's stern towards the docked vessel 1.  Vessel 2 attempted to maneuver to avoid collision but its stern's starboard corner barely struck vessel 1's stern's starboard corner resulting in minor paint and fairing damage to vessel 1 and some paint damage to vessel 2. 

This incident was caused by strong tidal currents and vessel 2 making its docking approach on a course which was too close to the docked vessel 1.   Damages to vessel 1 were estimated to be ~ $3000.00. Damages to vessel 2 were estimated to be ~ $500.00 at the time of the incident vessel 2 had 2 passengers onboard and vessel 1 had 3 occupants.

***********************end of report**********************


BARDID: NC-2017-0109
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-10-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bogue Inlet
NearestCityorTown: Emerald Isle
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On October 22, 2017 at approximately 1630 hours, vessel 1, a Mastercraft motor boat with three people onboard ran aground on a sandbar injuring a female passenger.  The female was thrown forward and struck her face against the windshield of vessel 1.  The male driver was not injured as well as the other male passenger.  The operator was traveling at approximately 20 mph when vessel 1 struck the ground.  Vessel 1 then proceeded to Coast Guard Station Emerald Isle where the injured female was taken to get medical attention. The operator stayed behind to speak with authorities.

********************END OF REPORT********************


BARDID: NC-2017-0110
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-10-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: SHEARRON HARRIS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: NEW HILL
County: WAKE
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On october 9, 2017, i received a call of a possible missing boater at shearon harris lake, new hill nc.  At approximately 01:30 pm, two witnesses said they were fishing and observed a man, fishing alone in a 19 foot pontoon boat that was tied off to a powerline pylon.  

The two men continued to their fishing location adjacent to victim to check the jugs they previously put out.  Sometime later, they said they heard what sounded like someone shout.  They looked around but did not see anyone and continued to fish.  Approximately 30 minutes later they moved from their fishing location and observed victim's vessel that had been tied up to the powerline pylon now adrift in the lake with no person visibly on board.  They pulled alongside the vessel and saw that no one was on board.  They stated that the outboard motor was running and the throttle was in neutral.  They dropped an anchor to hold the boat there and contacted authorities.  

Nc wildlife law enforcement officers along with holly springs and apex fire departments, wake sherriff deputies, chatham sheriff deputies, a sert team, and shp all responded to the scene.  We had two marked wildlife enforcement boats with officers searching the surface, the shoreline, and providing scene perimeter security.  Wake so and chatham so also provided one boat each.  The fire departments had search boats in the area and with the sert team used sonar to search under water.  I boarded victim's vessel and took photos and video of the inside of the vessel.  No identification was located.  

There were fishing rods, a bucket of fish (crappies), and a bucket of minnows present.  The boat, a 2005 godfrey hurricane deck boat.  A call was made to victim's residence and his wife confirmed that the vessel belonged to him and that he often fished harris lake.  She arrived at the boat ramp a short time later.  Officers met with her at the ramp and explained what was going on.  

They found out from a co-worker that he had called in to be off from work and had gone fishing instead.  The perimeter on the water was maintained and further sonar search continued and the search was called off at 22:00 with a plan to begin again the next morning at 08:00.  We resumed the search the following morning and divers recovered victim around 12:00 that day. 
 
There was no pfd found on victim.  There were seven pfds on the vessel.  At this point, we are unsure of how or why victim ended up in the water.  From the information gathered, it appears his vessel was tied up to a pylon and he was fishing alone.  A firefighter had removed part of a rope from the powerline pylon out on the water before i arrived to the scene.  We noted that that piece of rope matched the rope that was also tied to the bow and stern of the deck boat. The rope was severed.  

At some point, he went overboard and his vessel was found by witnesses drifting east about 600 yards from the pylon. Since his vessel was found running with it in neutral, it is possible that victim cranked his vessel to leave the spot and when he went to untie, the rope broke and he fell overboard.  With moderate wind and choppy water, it is possible that the vessel started drifting and victim tried to swim back to the vessel, which would explain why he was found approximately 21 feet away from the anchored location. 

Additionally his wife stated that her husband had recently been seen by a doctor for muscle cramping issues involving his upper body. Victim's body was located approximately 15 feet from the shoreline and 21 feet beyond the pylon where his vessel had been tied.  

No charges were filed and exact cause of death is still to be determined. No alcohol appears to be involved.  The required safety gear was onboard but unfortunately not being used..

*******************
Report will be updated at a later date once further information is received.


BARDID: NC-2017-0111
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-11-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TAYLORS CREEK
NearestCityorTown: BEAUFORT
County: CARTERET
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 08:00 a.m. on 11/05/2017, operator1 was attempting to undock at the beaufort city docks on taylors creek in beafurt, nc.  Conditions were clear and calm with little to no other vessel traffic. Visibilty was clear. 

Operator1 backed out of his slip and intended to turn his bow to port in order to move forward into taylors creek channel, but accidentally maneuvered his bow to starboard.  He then attempted to back out of the docks into the channel and, as he moved towards the channel a strong current pushed his starbord side rail into the starboard hull of a 105' sailing yacht named “miniskirt” which was docked on the outside of a t-dock with its bow facing east.
 
Operator1's vessel was traveling around 2 mph at the time of the impact.  Operator1's vessel sustained some slight damage to its gel coat.  The “miniskirt” sustained small but deep scratches to the starboard hull. No one was injured. The incident resulted from an inexperienced operator maneuvering his vessel in tight quarters in strong current.


***************************end of report***********************


BARDID: NC-2017-0112
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-11-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atlantic Ocean
NearestCityorTown: Carolina Beach
County: New Hanover
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday, November 7, 2017, Operator and Occupant left to go off shore fishing for King Mackerel off Carolina Beach.  Once off shore Operator began to look for bait fish and started moving parallel to Carolina Beach headed North near Spartanburg Ave.  Operator then struck a submerged structure later identified as a sunken boat, the CSS General Beauregard, (which sits East/ West). The sunken vessel is located approximately 100 yards off the shore in 12 to 15 feet of water and is visible during extreme low tides and full moon low tides.  Operator's vessel sustained damage to the lower unit and the underside of the hull.  Operator was traveling near the shore and did not have his GPS unit on.  Therefore he did not know if the sunken ship was plotted on any chart.  Neither of the occupants were injured during the incident.  Operator then returned to shore to assess the damage to his vessel.

The CSS General Beauregard can be seen on Google Earth (above) as a historical icon.

********************************END OF REPORT****************************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0113
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-10-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Cape Fear River
NearestCityorTown: Bald Head Island
County: Brunswick
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 10/19/2017 at approx 22:20 hrs, operator was operating his 38 ft catamaran off the cape fear river when he struck navigational marker #13 with the starboard bow.  Operator stated that due to the strong current and the vessel being placed on auto-pilot, the vessel struck the navigational marker.  When the vessel struck the marker, it left an 8 inch hold in the fiberglass hull of the vessel.  Operator stated that there was $7,000.00 in damages to the vessel.

**************************************end of report***************************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0114
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: OCEAN ISLE
County: Brunswick
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday August 11, 2017, I was dispatched to a boating incident at Ocean Isle Fishing Center, Ocean Isle.  Upon my arrival, I met with the operator of the PWC that was involved in the collision.  Operator stated that he and his rented vessel were the only ones involved in the collision.  Operator stated that he was on vacation with his family from Ohio.  

Operator had rented the Jet Ski from Ocean Isle Fishing Center and proceeded towards Sunset Beach Bridge on the Intracoastal Waterway.  Operator stated that he was around channel marker 99 on the ICW when he struck a wooden channel marker with the rented PWC.  I asked Operator what caused him to run in to the channel marker.  Operator said that he was doing figure eights and making sharp turns with the PWC before the collision occurred.  Operator stated that he turned his head to look behind the PWC.  When Operator looked behind him he stated that he lost his balance.  Operator then turned around and saw the channel marker in front of him.  

Operator told me that he turned the PWC sharply in attempt to avoid a collision with the marker.  This attempt was unsuccessful and Operator struck the wooden channel marker with the starboard side of the PWC.   Operator was thrown off of the PWC into the water.  The jet ski rental company was contacted and came to tow the disabled PWC back to the dock.  

Operator was uninjured and stated that he did not want any medical attention. The PWC was already on the trailer when I arrived.  The PWC hull was busted on the starboard side roughly measuring, one foot by six inches.  The PWC also had a large cut on the bottom side of the hull that roughly measured three foot in length.

********************END OF REPORT*********************


BARDID: NC-2017-0115
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-09-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Hiwassee Lake
NearestCityorTown: Murphy
County: Cherokee
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On september 30, 2017, at around 11:30am, i received a telephone call from mountain view marina on hiwassee lake.  The lady on the telephone stated that one of their boat renters had struck two other boats at the marina causing damage to all three boats.  She also stated that no one was injured. 

I arrived at the marina at around 12:45. There i found nine individuals waiting inside a 25' sylvan pontoon boat.  The boat had been re-docked at this time.  I also found that operator1 was the operator of the vessel.  Each individual gave a written witness statement as to what happened except for operator1.  She, however, did complete the 4.1 boating accident report form and gave a verbal statement.  I also was given a written statement from one of the employees of the marina who was helping operator1 push away from the dock at the time of the incident.  I was also able to get a statement from two fishermen who witnessed the incident.

In all, operator1 and her friends rented the pontoon from the marina that day to take a cruise on hiwassee lake.  An employee of the marina took the group to the vessel that was to be rented, placed the group inside the vessel, and gave some brief instructions on its operation.  The employee then began to assist operator1 with backing the pontoon out of the slip it was parked in.  In doing so they noticed two fishermen in a boat just across the open bay from them who they perceived to be too close for operator1 to safely turn the pontoon to exit the bay into the main lake.  The fishermen were asked to move out of the way by the employee.  They moved slightly away and closer to the boat slips on the other side of the bay as what operator1 was exiting but did not exit the bay. The fishermen felt the pontoon had plenty of room to turn and exit into the main lake. 

As operator1 exited the boat slip, the back of the vessel was turned to the left hand passenger side. The vessel had completely exited the slip and was somewhat pointed out of the bay toward the main lake.  Operator1 then placed the throttle into forward gear and began trying to turn the driver's wheel to the right.  However, the pontoon was still much too close and pointed at such an angle toward the boat slip she had just came out of that the left front of the pontoon struck the motor of another vessel that was parked in an adjoining slip.  This damaged the propeller, skeg, and scratched the housing of the motor on that vessel. Also, after the front left of the vessel collided with amotor, the rear of the pontoon operator1 was operating swung in and toward the boat slips. In doing this the rear left corner of the pontoon struck the motor of another rental boat owned by the marina. This punctured the housing of that motor but did not accumulate any internal damage to the motor. The pontoon that was being operated by operator1 then skipped off the two parked boats on and out toward open water.  She then motored the vessel around to the store area of the marina to discuss what had happened.

********************end of report***********************


BARDID: NC-2017-0117
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-11-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BAY RIVER
NearestCityorTown: VANDEMERE
County: PAMLICO
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 11/28/2017, at approximately 16:30, operator was fishing on the bay river from a 25'6" k2 blackjack 256 vessel which he had borrowed that day from his friend.   Weather conditions were calm with little to no wind and little to no waves.  There was little to no other vessel traffic.  Operator had one passenger onboard with him.

At about 16:30, operator was driving the vessel up the bay river in a westerly direction.  The sun was directly in front of him and low to the horizon.  The glare from the sun was making it difficult for operator to see the water in front of the vessel, and he then struck red navigational marker "10" on the starboard side of the vessel's bow.  This marker is located just upriver from chapel creek.  The vessel was on plane and traveling approximately 30 mph at the time of the collision. 

No one was injured from this incident.  The collision resulted in extensive fiberglass damage to the starboard bow and gunwhales and an estimated $20,000.00 worth of damage.


********************************** end of report**************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0118
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-11-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: The Straits
NearestCityorTown: Harkers Island
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 11/4/17 at approximately 16:15, operator and his two passengers were returning from tournament fishing and traveling west in the straits near harkers island towards the earl c david memorial bridge.  Operator was operating the vessel and the conditions were clear and calm with little vessel traffic in the area.

As they approached the earl c davis memorial bridge, operator slowed his vessel to approximately 20-25 mph and continued to travel in the channel while approaching the bridge.  His course of travel required slightly steering to the right in order to pass under the bridge in the channel and between the bridge's pylons which are protected by wood beams.  While thus approaching the bridge, operator's vessel's steering became locked.  Using two hands, he attempted to steer to the right but the steering remained locked and the vessel's portside at about midship struck the wood beams protecting the bridge pylon which was in the center of the waterway's channel.

The force of the impact ejected operator out of the vessel.  Passenger1 who was standing behind the vessel's leaning post was thrown inside the boat as was passenger 2, who was standing beside operator.  The vessel began to travel in a small circular pattern just west of the bridge until passenger1 turned the engines off by using the kill switch.  Passenger1 then located operator who was swimming in the water, turned the vessel on, and maneuvered it near to operator who then reboarded the vessel.  Passenger1 stated the engines would turn left but not right when he attempted this maneuver.  Towboat us was contacted, arrived on scene and towed the vessel back to the town creek boat ramp where operator had originally launched.

Operator received a minor abrasion to his chin and did not require medical attention.  His passengers were transported to carteret general hospital.  passenger1 had a broken vertebrae in his back.  Passenger2 had a broken shoulder, a laceration to his forehead, and a tooth knocked out.

Operator stated his vessel had lost power steering while fishing in the ocean a few weeks prior to this incident.  He brought the vessel for repair to mark's marine in greenville, nc, which is where he had purchased his engines.  The issue was traced to a damaged plastic bushing between the electric motor and hydraulic pump in the steering system.  This bushing was replaced with an aluminum bushing.  During operator's next few fishing trips, he did not have any continued steering issues.  On the day of the incident, the steering system worked fine until the moment of the incident.  Operator stated he was steering the vessel using one hand on the steering wheel knob when the steering locked.  

He stated he tried to use two hands but the steering remained locked.  Both passengers stated they remember seeing operator attempting to turn the engine using two hands prior to collision.  Both passengers stated the steering wheel appeared locked as it was not moving despite operator's attempts to steer.  When trying to reboard operator after the collision, passenger1 stated the steering was locked to right hand movement and the resistance to steering was greater than when they lost power steering in the ocean the first time.  He stated he could get the engines to turn slightly left, although only with great effort.

When i examined the vessel at the towboat us facility, i attempted to move the steering wheel.  I could barely make the engines turn left a few inches and could not make them turn right.
The vessel sustained enough damage as to appear to be totaled.
It seems this incident was caused by a failure in the steering system.

**********************end of report*****************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0119
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-05-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:10:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Norman
NearestCityorTown: Charlotte
County: Mecklenburg
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 05/15/2017 at approximately 11:03pm, a boating incident occurred on lake norman 400 yards southwest of marker r4 in ramsey creek.  Vessel #1 was a 21-foot yamaha sx210 pleasure boat with twin yamaha 110hp jet engines.  The boat had two consoles and a windshield on both sides.  His friend was sitting in the rear bench seat on the port side of the vessel   at the time of the incident.   

Vessel #2 was a 19-foot 2010 ranger bass boat with a 225hp evinrude outboard motor.  The boat had a starboard side console. His fishing partner was sitting in the passenger seat on the port side of the vessel   at the time of the incident vessel #2 struck vessel #1 at approximately 45mph at a 90-degree angle on the starboard side.  Vessel #2 on impact travelled through vessel #1 and exited on the port side.  The impact threw operator1 in the water and caused both passengers in the bass boat to thrust forward and collide with the bottom of the boat. 

The two men on vessel #2 were participating in a monday night bass fishing tournament.  They had been fishing along the shoreline near blythe landing.  At approximately 11:00 pm, the operator began to idle out towards the main channel. The man and woman aboard vessel #1 were adrift chatting and hanging out approximately 150 yards off the point of weatherly way in mecklenburg county.   

Vessel #2 continued to idle out 70 yards from the shoreline and began to get up on plane.  The operator stated to me that he took a while to get on plane so that he would not awake anybody in the houses on the adjacent shoreline.  They got up on plane and traveled 10-15 seconds traveling north to head back to queens landing.  The estimated speed was up to 45mph when the boat suddenly impacted vessel #1.   

Before impact, the passenger and operator on board vessel #1 heard a boat in the distance.  The operator of vessel #1 who was in the back of the boat stood up and walked to the area of the driver's console.  The other occupant was lying down and sat up when she heard the boat coming.  

The impact occurred at a direct 90-degree angle into the starboard side at the driver's console of the vessel #1.  The bass boat ramped up and travelled all the way through and exited the port side of the boat.  The operator of vessel #1 was struck by vessel #2 on the right side of his head and the force of the impact caused him to be ejected from the boat.  The passenger of vessel #1 was struck by an unknown piece of debris causing a bruise on the left side of her arm.  

The passenger of vessel #2 was thrown to the bottom of the boat upon impact and suffered injuries to both eyes and nose.  The driver of vessel #2 was thrusted forward on impact and sustained a cut to the back of his head coming from a piece of debris off of vessel #1.   Glass debris from the windshield of vessel #1 was scattered everywhere in both vessels resulting in small cuts to all persons.  

 Immediately after the impact, v1 occupant began to search for operator1.  The two men on vessel #2 stated they heard the passenger onboard the pleasure boat say “i reckon we didn't have our lights on.”   The operator of vessel #2 cranked his boat back up and began to go towards vessel #1.   

V1 occupant began calling out for operator1 and realized he must have been ejected into the water but stated she never heard him splash or yell for help.   V1 occupant began to yell for help and heard a voice from the shoreline say that 911 had been called.   Ten minutes later cornelius police department arrived and transported the two men from vessel #2 to a nearby dock at 16100 weatherly way.   

Cornelius fire boat arrived on scene shortly after and transported v1 occupant to the same dock.  All three were taken by ambulance to the hospital for treatment.   Vessel #2 had been anchored at the location where it was found.  Initial observation of the boat was that there was extensive damage to the center of the hull where the drivers and passenger console were located.  Both consoles including the steering wheel and dashboard were missing.  Fire boats were on scene scanning the bottom and area looking for the missing operator1.  The search was called off due to nighttime conditions and relevant time after the incident occurred.  I stayed with the pleasure boat to continue the investigation.  I noted the weather was clear, calm, dark night.  There was no moon visible at the time i arrived and it began to come up around 0100am.  I noted and photographed the evidence of vessel 1 and noted no navigation lights were on and the rear stern light was not in the hole and the cover was closed.  The wiring from the console of the boat were hanging out of the port side indicating the exit of vessel 2. 

Once the scene was secured, i went to the dock where vessel 2 was located.  The bow light was still on and the stern light was broken off but hanging by a rope into the water.  The light was bent indicating it had been in an upright position at the time of the incident.  The navigation light panel switch was also in the on position.  

Blood splatter on the passenger floorboard indicated where the passenger in the bass boat struck his head on the floor carpet.  Once the evidence was photographed, both vessels were taken by towboat us to their locked storage facility.  The following day, was spent assisting charlotte fire and other local agencies recovering the missing operator.  At around 7:10pm, operator1 was recovered at the bottom of lake norman approx 200 yds off the shoreline from weatherly way point and pronounced deceased.  It was noted by the charlotte dive team that there was significant boat debris on the lake bottom near the location where he was found.  The next week was spent gathering evidence and investigating both boats and injuries of all parties involved.  V1 occupant, the passenger in vessel 1 was released around 04:00am the same night from the hospital with several bruises and a sprained left knee.  the passenger in v2 had significant head injuries and injuries to his right eye.  He stayed in the hospital for several days and was released.  the operator of v2 had a laceration to the back of his head and bruises to the right side of his body, and was released the next day.

Upon investigating this incident, through multiple witness statements and interviews, it was determined the cause of the incident occurred from v1 adrift with no navigation lights on as evidence points to this as well as witness statements  noting that only the only vessel he saw was the bass boat traveling at a high rate of speed with the navigation lights on, which concurs with the physical evidence and both occupants in the bass boat who stated they never saw the boat until it was right in front of them and never saw navigation lights.  It was apparent that the light on v1 had been on early that evening around 8:15pm but was likely not on during the incident.  Vessel 1, operator1, was at fault in this incident and no charges were filed at this time due to the fact that the operator is the deceased.

********************end of report*************************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0120
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: CAROLINA BEACH
County: NEWH
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
vessel 1, was headed south down snows cut and turned to the starboard side when vessel 2, was headed south.  

Vessel 1 then turned to the starboard and impacted vessel 2 on the port side causing a 17" crack in the fiberglass.  Vessel 1 had a crack in the hull as well where the impact occurred.  Both the pwcs were rented from north end jet ski rental where they were instructed on how to operate a pwc safely to include staying away from each other and how to start and stop the pwc.  During the rental process both operators signed the instruction sheet to acknowledge that they understood.


BARDID: NC-2017-0121
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2017-04-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KERRLAKE
NearestCityorTown: Henderson
County: Vance
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Based upon statements that i received, the fire originated on v1's vessel while docked at satterwhite point marina on 4/13/17.  Due to the extreme heat from this vessel, it caused the surrounding vessels and dock to catch fire totaling and damaging the vessels listed in this report.  Subject said that v1 had been a past customer, so she did not gather all the usual information on the vessel where the fire started before this incident happened.  Through research we believe that v1 had not registered the vessel that caught fire.  Due to this, there was a lack of information available for v1's vessel.

*****************************************************
Please note:  none of the vessel owners were cooperative in providing an mb4.1 for their vessel.  All the information in this report is all that was available for this incident.  The lateness of this report being submitted is due to the lack of information available after extensive researching.

*********************end of report************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0122
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-12-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: WILMINGTON
County: PENDER
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 12/5/17 at approximately 10:30am, operator was traveling near rich's inlet.  Operator stated he became disoriented due to the heavy fog and mist and accidently entered rich's inlet.   While attempting to maneuver out of the inlet, operator stated a large wave struck his vessel overturning it and throwing him and his passenger out.  After getting thrown out of the vessel, both passengers were able to swim to the north end of figure 8 island which was approximately 200 yards away.  Once ashore, they walked to a nearby house and called for help.  After overturning, the vessel drifted out to sea. 

There were no injuries as a result of this incident.

*********************end of report***************************


BARDID: NC-2017-0123
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-10-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:49:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Jordan Lake
NearestCityorTown: Pittsboro
County: Chatham
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operator and had been consuming alcohol.  Operator had stepped away from the helm of the vessel.  The vessel then struck the beach.  

When the vessel struck the beach, the two people on the bow were ejected from the front of the vessel.   There were no injuries beyond first aid, with the exception of Operator.
***************END OF REPORT********************


BARDID: NC-2017-0124
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-12-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Holden Beach
County: Brunswick
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday December 5, 2017 at approximately 1330 hours Operator took his 11 foot Islander Kayak to the Lockwood Folly Inlet to go fishing.  Operator told me that he had launched his kayak from Brown''s Landing at "the point" on Oak Island.  Operator told me that it was a nice calm day for fishing and that he felt comfortable going out that day in his kayak.  Once Operator launched his kayak he told me that the tide began to go out.  However, he still said that the water was calm at this time and that he could only hear the surf from outside the inlet. 

 At this time Operator stated that he thought he could take his kayak out in to the inlet and deeper water.  Once Operator got in to deeper water he realized that the current and surf was to rough for his kayak.  Operator told me that a series of 3-4 foot waves caused him to capsize his vessel.  He told me that he was unable to turn around and retreat to shallow water so he tried to paddle over the waves before they crested.  Operator told me that he was successful in paddling over the first two waves and that the third and fourth wave crested over the bow of his vessel.  Operator also told me that the fourth wave threw him out of the kayak.  Operator stated that he was able to swim back to the kayak and climb aboard.  Operator told me that he does not remember much after getting back in to the kayak.  

According to police reports and Detectives at the Holden Beach Police Department Operator was recovered from the water by a nearby boater.  Operator was found unresponsive in the water laying on his back, wearing a personal flotation device.  Operator was airlifted to New Hannover Medical Center where he was treated for hypothermia and water in his lungs.  Operator was placed on the ventilator for a period of time due to his condition.  Medical staff stated that Operator had a body temperature of 86 degrees when he arrived.  Operator was released from the hospital later that week. 

Operator''s Kayak was found the next day on December 6, 2017 near Holden Beach and Lockwood Folly Inlet.  The kayak was buried in sand and only a small portion could be seen.  The kayak was recovered by Holden Beach Maintenance department.   

I spoke to Operator on Sunday December 10, 2017, he told me that he was doing much better and that he had almost fully recovered from the incident.  Operator explained everything that happened to him that day and said that he was glad he wore his life jacket.


BARDID: NC-2017-0125
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-12-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Core Sound
NearestCityorTown: Harkers Island
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On January 1, 2018 at approximately 11:23 am, the Carteret County Sheriff's Office received a call from subject who reported that she had not heard from her husband who went kayaking off Harkers Island.  Subject reported that her husband last spoke with her at 1:30 pm on December 31, 2017.  Once the call came in, Harkers Island Fire Department responded to the area along with the sheriff's office.  Sgt. with the Carteret Sherriff's Office contacted the Coast Guard and myself informing us of the situation.  

At approximately 12:30 pm, Sgt. had Carteret Emergency Communications pin Operator's cell phone.  The pin successfully gave a location.  Harkers Island Fire Department began to search the area looking for Operator.  Marine Patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard were requested for air assets to be launched.  At approximately 1:00 pm (Vessel 1) had been located on Shackleford Banks just to the west of Harkers Island.   All air assets and all other responding officers from Marine Patrol and Wildlife were canceled when Operator was located.

Harkers Island Fire Department recovered the body of Operator and transported him by boat to the park ranger station at Harkers Island.  Operator was taken to Carteret General Hospital.  Operator possessions were recovered from person.  Wildlife Officers went and notified the family at their residence.   On January 3, 2018 at noon an autopsy was conducted at Onslow Memorial Hospital.  The autopsy found that he died from drowning.

It is assumed he capsized due to heavy weather.


BARDID: NC-2017-0126
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2017-12-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:46:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: Tulls Creek
NearestCityorTown: Moyock
County: Currituck
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On December 23, 2017 at 1346, Currituck County Communications received a phone call that there was an unmanned, overturned canoe near Tulls Creek.  The Currituck County Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief heard the call and responded to the scene. The Fire Chief lives on Tulls Creek and had his pontoon boat on the water and was on scene within 5 minutes.  The caller knew the victim and knew that he was hunting out of his canoe on Tulls Creek earlier that morning.  

The caller retrieved the canoe and recovered items from the canoe.  The canoe contained a shotgun, rifle, dog tracking system, small dog box, Type III life jacket, and a throw cushion.  After Fire/EMS arrived on scene via the Fire Chief's pontoon boat, they began canvassing the shore for the victim.  A neighbor began yelling to the Fire Rescue Team that he saw that the victim was tangled in the bow rope that was attached to the canoe.  

Fire/EMS recovered the body where Currituck County Sheriff Department received the body and family.  The Victim was wearing camouflage bibs and knee boots.  The weather was clear and sunny with wind blowing 12 MPH out of the SW, with the air temperature at 58 degrees, and the water temperature at 51 degrees.

The victim capsized his vessel.


BARDID: NC-2018-0005
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-01-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: Beaufort
County: Carteret
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with commercial vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On January 11, 2018, around 7:15 am, Sea Tow received a call of a 63 foot yacht aground in Beaufort, between Pivers Island and  the Old Town Yacht Club.  Captain responded and arrived on scene at 7:30 a.m. and found the yacht to be stuck in the mud and the operator in a pair of soaking wet shorts.  

The operator, Operator2, stated he was checking his props.  Due to the size of the vessel, Captain called for assistance.  Operator1, went out and arrived on scene around 7:45 am.  Operator1 hooked up his vessel to the starboard stern of the yacht and Subject hooked his vessel up to the starboard side bow of the yacht.  While ungrounding the vessel, Subject said that Operator2 had very erratic behavior and that he had to ask Operator2 several times to go back in the cabin.  

Subject also stated that Operator2 had drank two beers while they were there ungrounding the vessel.  Once Sea Tow got Operator2's vessel ungrounded, Operator2 turned on his motors and started backing up into Operator1.  Operator1 told Operator2 to stop and had him unhook the lines that were still on Operator2's stern.  After that, Operator1 asked Operator2 to pull into the dock at the Old Town Yacht Club to fill out paperwork and inspect Operator2's vessel for damage.  Operator2 did not listen and took off south toward Bulkhead Channel so both Sea Tow vessels followed him and tried to get him to stop.  At this point, Subject contacted the USCG for a boarding team.  
While he was talking with the USCG, Operator1 was along side the yacht and as they were coming out of Bulkhead Channel, Operator2 turned the yacht hard starboard hitting Operator1's vessel port side stern and almost pushing Operator1 into the rock jetty.  As Operator2's vessel collided with Operator1's vessel, Operator1 stuck out his left hand to push against the yacht injuring his hand.  
Both Operator1 and Subject continued to follow Operator2 until the Coast Guard arrived to stop the vessel.  The vessel was stopped and boarded by the USCG in Gallants Channel about 100 yards from the Radio Island Boat Ramp.  I arrived on scene shortly after that and Operator2 was taken into custody for operating while impaired.  The Coast Guard towed the yacht to Town Creek Marina.  The Sea Tow vessel was then taken off the water and inspected the following day.  Operator1's hand was bruised and swollen.  X-rays confirmed that it was not broken. The next day when I met with Operator1 in person, the swelling and bruising was gone and he had some minor cuts around his left pointer finger and thumb.  After inspecting the Sea Tow vessel, the port side stern of the rubber hull was torn and deflated.  However, Operator1 stated he would be able to fix it so he wouldn't incur any damage costs.


BARDID: NC-2018-0006
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-03-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CORE CREEK
NearestCityorTown: BEAUFORT
County: CARTERET
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Weather
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On March 2, 2018 around 11:00 a.m., two people were on their 40ft. sailboat, Easy Breezy, taking down the canvas due to the high winds that day.  Easy Breezy was docked at True World Marine in Core Creek adjacent to the travel lift pier.  

At the same time, Operator2 and subject were on the 54ft. sportfishing boat, Twin Fin, in Core Creek.  Operator2 was operating the vessel and preparing to put it onto the travel lift pier.  Operator2 was coming from the North, traveling south towards the pier when his engine shut off.  He lost control of his vessel for about 4-5 seconds and the starboard side of Twin Fin rammed into the port stern side of Easy Breezy.  At that time, Operator2 was able to get the engine started and regained control of Twin Fin. He immediately put the vessel in reverse and separated from Easy Breezy.  Twin Fin headed back to the main channel and then came into the travel lift pier to get hauled out. 

Standing on the travel lift dock was Twin Fin boat owner, who witnessed what happened.  He was standing with True World Marine employee, who was also a witness.  Subjects exchanged insurance and contact information.

The cause of the incident is presumed to be mechanical failure.  No one was injured but the collision left a hole in the stern of Easy Breezy and damaged the canvas railing on the port stern side of the vessel.  V1 estimated the damage to his vessel to be $10,000.  Additionally, there were a few scrapes on the starboard side of Twin Fin's bow, which Operator2 estimated the damage to cost $100.  As a result of the incident, it was discovered that Operator2's vessel was not registered with the State of North Carolina so he received a citation, which were the only charges issued in this case.

PLEASE NOTE:  THERE WAS NO OPERATOR OF VESSEL 1 AT THE TIME OF THIS INCIDENT AS THAT VESSEL WAS DOCKED.

****************************************END OF REPORT*************************************************


BARDID: NC-2018-0007
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-03-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: CURRITUCK SOUND
NearestCityorTown: GRANDY
County: CURRITUCK
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On Thursday, March 08, 2018, at approximately 1730, I, Officer received a call from our Raleigh Dispatch about a boating incident near Walnut Island in Grandy, NC.   I arrived on scene at Barry's Walnut Island Restaurant at approximately 1800 hours.  I was advised that the operator of a peddle boat (Vessel 1), Operator and an occupant were being transported to Albemarle Hospital located in Elizabeth City, NC.   I was advised that Vessel 1 was unable to be brought to shore due to the amount of water inside the hull.   I and Officer responded to Albemarle Hospital at approximately 1900 hours.   We were advised that the occupant was deceased.   We spoke with the operator of Vessel 1, Operator.  

Operator stated that he and Occupant were staying at an Airbnb (rental house) located in Grandy, NC.  Operator stated that he and Occupant left the residence on Vessel 1 at approximately 1330.  They peddled towards the sound for approximately an hour to an hour and a half.  They turned Vessel 1 around and started peddling back towards the residence.  After about ten to fifteen minutes, they noticed the vessel tipping over.  They tried to level the vessel out but it capsized.   

Operator stated they tried to empty the water from the vessel for approximately an hour to an hour and a half.  Operator then noticed Occupant struggling.  Operator then carried Occupant onto the closest shoreline and started yelling for help.  Operator stated he was taken to an ambulance when help arrived.  
I spoke with the reporting party on Friday, March 09, 2018.  Reporting party stated that he had left Barry's Walnut Island Restaurant at approximately 1730 on Thursday, March 08, 2018 to go to his duck blind to retrieve his blind license and owl decoy.  When he arrived at his blind, he heard loud screaming coming from the direction of Long Point.  Reporting party then took his vessel in the direction of the screaming.  Reporting party saw a capsized peddle boat approximately 1,000 yards offshore.  
Reporting party then saw an individual standing on shore waving his arms for help.  Reporting party then took his vessel to the shore line.  Upon arrival, Reporting party saw the body of Occupant laying in the water face up and above water level.  Reporting party then jumped from his vessel and checked Occupant for a pulse.  No pulse was found.  Reporting party also observed that Occupant' s stomach was swollen and there were bubbles coming from the nose and mouth area.  Reporting party then loaded Operator into his boat and took him to shore.  Operator was turned over to EMS.  Reporting party and two Currituck County Sheriff's Department Detectives then returned to Long Point and retrieved the body of Occupant.  No PFDs were on board Vessel 1 or used by the operator or occupant.

Vessel 1 was tied off to a duck blind off Long Point and has been unable to be removed from the Currituck Sound due to wind and water conditions.

***************************
PLEASE NOTE:  OPERATOR HAD BEEN DRINKING.  HOWEVER, THAT WAS NOT THE CAUSE OF THIS ACCIDENT.  OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE AND WEATHER WERE THE CAUSE OF THIS INCIDENT.
THERE WAS ALSO NO PFDS ON BOARD OR USED BY THE OPERATOR OR FATAL VICTIM.

*****************************************END OF REPORT***************************


BARDID: NC-2018-0008
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-03-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE GASTON
NearestCityorTown: LITTLETON
County: WARREN
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On saturday march 3, 2018 at 07:58am, i received a call from the ncwrc raleigh dispatch indicating there was a possible boating incident on lake gaston near littleton nc.  After collecting the contact number, i called the individual involved in the incident to gather facts surrounding the report.  After speaking with subject, i learned that this was a single vessel incident in which the vessel had been swamped due to improper anchoring in inclement weather.  Both subject and his passenger indicated that they were not injured but were standing inside the sunken vessel in approximately 3 feet of water. 

After taking the report, i immediately discontinued my patrol in franklin county and returned to my residence to pick up my patrol boat.  While in route to my residence, i spoke with both warren county and halifax county dispatchers to see if there was a rescue unit that could respond quicker than myself to assist the stranded boaters.  Both dispatches indicated that no rescue units with a boat were available. After retrieving my patrol boat, i drove to salmons landing access area.  Around 8:45am, i received a call from a first responder who indicated that a fisherman had picked up the stranded boaters prior to my arrival. 

I arrived at salmons landing around 9:03am and found both subject and occupant sitting in their vehicles with the heat on warming their feet.   I inquired multiple times to see if the boaters needed medical attention, but they refused.   Officer arrived at about 9:10 am to assist with the incident investigation.  I gave subject an mb4.1 and asked both individuals to give me a description of the events that occurred. 

According to both individuals, the two gentlemen departed the boat dock around 6:30am and made their first stop in the mouth of stonehouse creek and just north of the “cut through island” (see diagram). This location is about 0.6miles east of mile marker 8 and just north of the intersection of forest hill drive and lakeview.  There was a sustained wind of approximately 15-20mph with gusts of 25-30mph out of the north/northwest.  The anglers used their power pole to anchor from the rear of the vessel.  They anchored with the bow of the vessel pointed in the same direction the wind was blowing as opposed to facing in to the wind and waves.   This soon proved to be problematic as water began entering the boat over the transom.  Subject said he turned on the bilge pump hoping it would pump the water out of the vessel. However, he quickly realized the pump could not extract the large volume of water entering the hull of the boat.   At this time, he tried to start the engine to move closer to land, but the engine would not start because it had taken on too much water.  The boat quickly became swamped and sunk to the floor of the lake.  Fortunately this occurred in an area where the water is only 3-4 feet deep, which allowed the boat to remain fully visible even though filled with water. 

After evaluating the incident, officer and i contacted tow boat usa to assist the owner with the retrieval of his vessel.  Tow boat usa arrived on scene around 11 am and began working on the vessel's recovery.   Subject' vessel was raised and towed back to salmons landing access area around 2:30pm where he placed it on his trailer and departed the lake.


******************************end of report*****************************


BARDID: NC-2018-0009
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-02-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NEUSE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: BROGDEN
County: WAYNE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On february 24, 2018, i received a call from dispatch at approximate 1400 informing me that there had been a boating accident on the neuse river near goldsboro in wayne county.  I called wayne county sheriff deputy in which he advised that there was a single vessel accident with one person being transported to the hospital with injuries to the right of the side of the body. 

Upon arrival, i met with n.c. wildlife officer at whiskey dick boat ramp in goldsboro.  The single vessel that was involved in the accident was a 2005 yamaha vs jetski belonging to operator.  Operator was riding with two other friends that day on the neuse river.  The three gentlemen had launched their vessels, all pwcs, from the whisky dick boat ramp and headed north on the river for a leisurely ride.  They had been riding for several hours that day and traveled to the power plant on the neuse river in goldsboro.  They were headed back down the neuse river with operator leading in front of the other two pwcs.  There was another vessel fishing in the bend of the river at the time.  Operator had rounded the bend, out of sight of the other two pwcs and reduced speed when passing the vessel.  The fisherman on that vessel stated that after he passed them, he increased his speed very quick.  

The operators of the other two pwcs, rounded the bend when they saw operator floating in the water on the right side of the river and the pwc adrift on the far left side of the river.  Subject1 grabbed operator by his pfd and took him to the river bank.  Some citizens riding their atvs stopped to assist and called 911.   Mar mac fire and rescue arrived on scene, launched their boat, and transported operator to the whiskey dick boat ramp to transport him to wayne memorial hospital.  

Officer and myself launched our patrol boat with subject1 onboard to the site where the accident occurred.  We were able to identify the tree(s) which operator collided.  It appears that operator came around the bend at a high rate of speed and steered to the far right side of the river to go around a large tree stretching across ¾ of the river.   Directly past that downed tree was another downed tree on the far right side, which operator was traveling on.  He was unable to steer back to the left in enough time to miss the tree resulting in colliding with the downed tree.  

The pwc then went airborne for approximately 5 yards, landed directly in front of another tree growing out over the river approximately 3 feet high, and this is the tree that operator physically made impact.  The contusions on the right side of the body indicate that he went over the tree with his right arm and right thigh taking the brunt of the impact.  His pwc continued to go under the tree with the handle bar being bent down from the impact, and veering off the left side of the river before coming to a stop.

In conclusion, it appears that due to excessive speed operator was unable to avoid colliding with the tree.  Operator was wearing his pfd at the time of accident.   No alcohol was involved and he was charged with reckless and negligent operation.


**********************************
Please note:  this was a "one-vessel" incident-no other vessels were involved.


********************************************************end of report*****************************


BARDID: NC-2018-0010
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-03-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: TRENT RIVER
NearestCityorTown: TRENTON
County: JONES
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent3: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Equipment failure
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
EquipmentFailure: Seat broke loose
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 3-18-2018, operator was operating his vessel on the trent river downstream towards pollocksville from oakgrove bridge in trenton nc.  The vessel was a narrow 12 foot aluminum jon boat.  The vessel was powered by a 40 pound thrust trolling motor.  The vessel had two benches with a clamp on seat located on each bench.  It is my opinion based on the evidence, that approximately 30 to 50 feet prior to the location where the vessel was found on the bank, operator made a sharp turn to his port or left side to go back upstream.   I came to this hypothesis because the vessel was swamped on the port side and the trolling motor was facing in the direction to make a turn to the port side with forward propulsion.  The vessel was found with the motor still on with forward propulsion but the battery had lost all power.  This is when i believe his vessel tilted to the port or left side and began to take on water and swamp.   

The current striking the port side added to the swamping of the vessel.   At this time the vessel also had an equipment failure when the seat located on the bench at the stern of the vessel gave way and tilted at approximately a 45 degree angle to the port side.  The vessel swamping and the seat giving way caused operator to fall out of the vessel on the port side.  

The vessel's motor was still on and the swamped vessel operated downstream approximately 30-50 feet where the vessel struck the land due to the forward propulsion of the trolling motor.  The vessel was perpendicular to the shore.  Operator was not wearing a personal floatation device.  This is a preliminary report and i will fill in the rest when i get results from the medical examiner.

********************end of report******************************


BARDID: NC-2018-0011
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-04-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:47:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CURRITUCK SOUND
NearestCityorTown: COROLLA
County: CURRITUCK
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday April 6, 2018, at approximately 11:45 am, Operator2 and her grandson, Operator1 were kayaking in the Currituck Sound near Whalehead.  Operator2 was in her personally owned sit-in kayak, and Operator1 was in a rented sit-in kayak.  Winds from the SSW picked up to approximately 15-25 mph causing Operator1's kayak to capsize and eject him into the water.  Operator2 then voluntarily left her kayak to assist Operator1 in the water.  Operator1's kayak drifted away and the two kayakers remained in the water with Operator2's kayak.  At approximately 1:05 pm, the kayakers were located in the water by USCG helicopter and were subsequently picked up by Ocean Rescue and transported to shore.  Currituck County EMS transported the two individuals to the Outer Banks Hospital where they were then airlifted to Norfolk for treatment for hypothermia.  Operator1 and Operator2 were in the water for approximately an hour and a half and both were wearing USCG approved PFDs at the time of the incident.

******************END OF REPORT************************


BARDID: NC-2018-0012
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-04-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TAYLORS CREEK
NearestCityorTown: BEAUFORT
County: CARTERET
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Drug
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 1, 2018 at approximately 12:45 pm, a call came into Carteret Emergency Communications of a man in the water screaming for help.  Beaufort Fire Department along with the Beaufort Police Department responded.  When Beaufort Fire responded to the scene, the operator of vessel 1 was found in the water needing assistance.  Beaufort Fire pulled the operator out of the water and transported the operator to Carteret General.  The operator had been in the water for approximately 30 minutes before any first responder arrived.  

(operator of vessel 1) was brought into the emergency room with a body core temperature of 82 degrees.  The hospital staff worked to help Operator get his body temperature back up.  Operator had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath.  Operator had defecated himself while in the emergency room.  Operator had his blood taken from the hospital which tested positive for alcohol and THC.  Operator was moved to the critical care unit of the hospital to raise his body temperature.  Operator answered questions later that day once he was sober.  

Operator stated that he left Finz restaurant after having a few beers and rowed out to his sailboat in vessel 1.  Operator stated that he was trying to get out of vessel 1 when he fell out and claimed to hit his head.  Operator stated that didn't remember much after that.  Operator was charged with OWI and a citation for insufficient number of pfds.

*****************END OF REPORT********************


BARDID: NC-2018-0013
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-03-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE JAMES
NearestCityorTown: MORGANTON
County: BURKE
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On march 30, 2018 at approximately 14:20, vessel 1, an orange ocean kayak "caper", was being operated by operator1 near linville access.  Operator1 was paddling vessel 1 traveling southwest in linville cove.  Vessel 1 was approximately 500 yards from linville access when the operator fell overboard due to rough water from the wind.  The wind was approximately 10-15mph out of the northwest.  Vessel 1 operator was unable to reboard the vessel after falling overboard due to the wind pushing vessel 1 southeast in linville cove.  Vessel 1 operator did not have a pfd on board.  

Vessel 2, an orange ocean kayak, was operated by operator2 and was approximately 50 yards from vessel 1 when the operator of vessel 1 went overboard.  Vessel 2 paddled to the operator of vessel 1 and told him to hang on to the back of his kayak. Vessel 2 started taking on water due to the rough water caused by the wind.  Vessel 2 did not have a pfd on board.  Vessel 2 was unable to paddle to the shore and called 911.  

 A citizen in a fishing boat picked up the operator of vessel 1 and brought him to linville access.   A burke county rescue boat picked up the operator of vessel 2 and brought him to linville access.  Vessel 1 and 2 operators were taken to grace hospital in morganton, nc to be treated for hypothermia.  Both operators were released from grace hospital at approximately 17:00 on march 30, 2018 with no serious injuries.

***********************end of report*******************************


BARDID: NC-2018-0014
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-03-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NEUSE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: NEW BERN
County: CRAVEN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 3/22/18 at approximately 1:45 pm, i arrived at carolina east medical center in new bern, nc to investigate a boating incident that had occurred earlier that day.  At the medical center i spoke with the four occupants of the vessel that was involved.  All four were being treated for hypothermia.  I first spoke with operator.  He reported that he and the three other occupants were sailing earlier that day in the neuse river.  He reported that a strong changing wind caused the vessel to capsize on the starboard (right) side.  

He reported the vessel quickly filled up with water.  He reported the vessel eventually sank and all four occupants ended up in the cold water.  He reported they attempted to swim to shore which was approximately half a mile to one mile away.  He reported they swam for approximately 30-40 minutes.  He reported all four occupants were wearing pfds.  

He reported that rescue crews eventually showed up on scene and pulled all four occupants out of the water.  He reported he had heard that somebody on land evidently had witnessed the incident and called 911.  After speaking with operator, i spoke with the other three occupants who corroborated what operator reported.  

Operator later reported that damage to the vessel included a cracked rudder, paint damage to the underside of the hull, and port damage.  Nothing further at this time.

************************end of report**************************


BARDID: NC-2018-0015
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-02-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:05:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE WACCAMAW
NearestCityorTown: LAKE WACCAMAW
County: Columbus
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
At around 11:30 on Thursday, February 15, 2018, I received a call from Wildlife Communications with a request to call a citizen who had been fishing on Lake Waccamaw and found a sunken vessel.  At 1143, I made contact with the concerned citizen about the sunken vessel.   I was advised that the vessel looked old, not sure how long it had been there and that there was a New York registration attached to the vessel which was expired.  

At 1146, I requested that a NC Park Ranger from Lake Waccamaw State Park try to locate the vessel while I transported my vessel to Lake Waccamaw for further investigation.   I arrived and started my search for the sunken vessel at about 1225.   After completing one pass across Lake Waccamaw, I picked a Waccamaw Park ranger up to help with my search.  At 1330 we located the sunken vessel where we realized the vessel had not been in the water for a long amount of time.  

After establishing ownership of the vessel, we requested a Brunswink County deputy go to the individuals residence and conduct a welfare check.  At 1425, the Brunswick County deputy was able to establish that operator had last been seen wearing green rain gear and preparing to depart for Lake Waccamaw at around 0730 Thursday morning.  We then proceeded to find Operator's vehicle at the NC Wildlife Resources Commission Access area with no occupants in the vicinity.  At around 1400, I placed a call to the Lake Waccamaw Chief of Police to request that we began a search and rescue for Operator.  Operator's vessel had several fishing poles still attached to the vessel when it was located, as well as a mino bucket with live minos in it.  Gas could also be smelled coming from the vessel.  At around 2030, we called off the search for Operator until the following morning at 0700.  On Friday, February 16th Operator's body was recovered at 1030.
There were no witnesses that came forward about Operator's incident.  Autopsy reports have not yet been completed.  All reports will be attached when they are received from their sources.

***************************END OF REPORT*********************************************


BARDID: NC-2018-0016
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-04-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: SINGLETARY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: KELLY
County: BLADEN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 04/09/2018, I responded to Singletary Lake State Park in reference to a missing person, who was last seen in a canoe on Singletary Lake State Park in Kelly, NC.  Upon my arrival, I spoke with Park Ranger.  Ranger informed me that operator was missing and was last seen Friday evening around dusk in a canoe on Singletary Lake.  Ranger also stated that Operator was reported missing by his church group on the morning of April 7, 2018 around 10:00 hours.  At this time Ranger stated that the church group had begun searching the park own their own and had located Operator's canoe on the other side of the lake from where he was last seen the night before.  At this time Bladen County Emergency Management had begun an organized search for Operator on both land and water.  After receiving this information, I began interviewing witnesses that saw Operator on the evening of April 6, 2018.  
The individual who discovered the abandoned canoe stated that he found the canoe right side up with Operator's cell phone, bluetooth head set, black jacket, and a red type IV throwable PFD.  Subject1 also stated that there was only a small puddle of water in the canoe.  Subject1 stated that Operator was nowhere to be found.  However, Subject1 did say that Operator was a very good swimmer and outdoorsman.  I asked if Operator would normally wear his PFD.  Subject1 stated that Operator did not ever wear a PFD because they were uncomfortable. 
Subject2 was in charge of the church function at Singletary Lake State Park on April 06, 2018.  Subject2 also stated that he saw Operator on the evening that he went missing.  Subject2 stated that he saw Operator in his canoe singing and slowly paddling out into the lake around 19:15 hours.  Subject2 stated that Operator would often go out on the canoe to worship alone.  The Pastor also stated that he had previously seen Operator standing up in the canoe and paddling it like a stand-up paddle board.  Subject2 told me that around 03:30 hours on April 7, 2018 that other campers notified him that Operator was missing. 
Two subjects stated that they had seen an “empty” canoe on the evening of April 6, 2018.  They stated that they were paddling back to the shore that night around 19:45 right at dusk.  Subject3 stated that she told her husband that “he must be having a good time, he is laying down in the canoe.”  Subject4 confirmed that he saw the vacant canoe as well.  They stated that they could only see the silhouette of a canoe and did not hear any noises.  They then paddled back to shore.  They stated that they did not have any suspicions of the canoe until Operator did not show back up at camp the following morning.  
On Saturday April 15, 2018 at 12:15 hours, I was informed that Operator's body had been recovered out of Singletary Lake.  Upon receiving this news, I proceeded to Singletary Lake State Park.  Upon my arrival Park Rangers had already loaded Operator's body into a body bag and sent him to the morgue at Bladen Regional Medical Center in Elizabethtown.  I then spoke with Ranger and she gave me the coordinates and the time in which they found Operator's body.  They are as follows: time: 12:15 hours, coordinates: 34.5903292, -78.4601065.  Ranger stated that Operator's body had a beanie hat on his head, cinched under his chin, khaki pants/belt, and black ankle socks.  Operator's body did not have a shirt or shoes when they recovered him.  Operator's body was found without a PFD.  I then assisted Ranger in the death notification to Operator's father, who was on scene. 

 I also spoke with Assistant Coroner for Bladen County and informed him that I needed a copy of the autopsy report when it becomes available.  Later that evening, I was contacted Chief Medical Examiner/Coroner for Bladen County.  He informed me that an autopsy would be performed on Operator first thing Tuesday, 4/17/18 morning in Raleigh.  He also told me that he would inform me when he receives the official autopsy report from Raleigh.  Nothing further at this time.


BARDID: NC-2018-0017
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-02-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: HOLDEN BEACH
County: BRUNSWICK
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 02/09/2018 at 1015, Operator1 was operating his 2014 sundance on the icw near holden beach when the vessel struck a navigation marker causing injuries and property damage. 

Operator1 was headed west on the icw heading toward sunset beach, nc.  He was cruising on the left side of the channel trying to stay in deeper water.  At the time it was low tide.  Operator1 stated he got distracted for a few seconds while he was talking to his passenger.  Occupant stood in front of Operator1 on his port side blocking his view.  

At the last second Operator1 saw the navigational marker 71 and attempted to steer the vessel to the starboard side to avoid the collision.  He was unable to avoid the collision and struck the marker with the port bow side of his vessel.  The impact caused both occupants to be ejected from the port side of the vessel into the water.  

The vessel still in the forward position continued its path unmanned in a starboard side turn for approximately two full circles before striking two different sets of docks on the mainland side and coming to rest.  

The operator and passenger were uninjured from the ejection and impact with the water but did sustain hypothermia from treading water for 20-30 minutes.  After 20-30 minutes in the water subject was operating his boat and saw the two men in the water and rendered aid and assisted the men to the mainland side.  Emergency services responded to the call, treated and transported the men to new hanover regional medical for further treatment.  The two men were treated and released for hypothermia.

Damages to the vessel were to the port bow side and underneath the vessel.  Damages to the two separate docks were broken pylons and to the platform.  Navigational marker 71 was broken and recovered by the uscg.

The vessel was equipped with all the required safety equipment.  Neither men were wearing personal floatation devices.  Neither alcohol nor drugs were detected.  Operator inattention and improper lookout are believed to be the contributing factors.

*************************end of report***************************************


BARDID: NC-2018-0018
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-04-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE CHATUGE
NearestCityorTown: Hayesville
County: Clay
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 20 2018, I received a call that there had been a boating incident on Lake Chatuge in Clay County NC.  I was given a telephone number to one of the individuals who had been involved in the incident.  I immediately contacted Operator1 to inquire of the incident.  Operator1 stated that he and one of his friends were fishing on Lake Chatuge and was struck by another boat.  He stated that no one was injured but his boat was rendered inoperable.  He also stated that the individual operating the boat that struck them was there and was rendering aid to them.  He stated that they were near Lake Chatuge Dam so I instructed them to move to a boating access area closest to their area.  I then advised I was on the way and I'd meet them at the access area.

Upon arriving at Lake Chatuge Dam, I could see the two boats tied to shore.  One boat was a 2003 Ranger Bass boat. The other was a 2006 Triton Bass boat.  Upon closer inspection, I could see that the back starboard side and motor of the Ranger boat had been struck.  Looking at the Triton boat, I could see damage to the front and starboard side of its bow. 

Talking with each individual involved, the same scenario played out.  Operator1 and V1 occupant had launched their boat from a boat access in the state of Georgia (approximately 3.1 miles away) a few hours earlier and was fishing on a long running point near Lake Chatuge Dam.  Operator2 had just launched his boat from the Jack Rabbit boat access in North Carolina (approximately 1.1 miles away) and was motoring around the long running point toward the state of Georgia.  Operator1's boat was approximately 25-30 yards off shore and facing outward into the lake and was only under power by the trolling motor.  

Operator2 was motoring along the left shoreline approximately 25-30 yards off shore towards the point and into the rising sun which created a bright glare on the surface of the water.  Operator1 and V1 occupant saw the boat heading towards them and began to wave their arms in the air to alert Operator2 that they were there.  Operator2's boat was on plane at this time.  Just before impact Operator2 saw one of the individuals waving their arms and immediately turned the boat to the left and towards the shore line.  Operator2's boat then struck Operator1's on the starboard rear corner.  This launched Operator2's boat up and over the other, Operator1's boat striking the motor along the way.  The impact came close to capsizing Operator2's boat to the port side in which he turned.  No one was injured from the impact and Operator2 was able to tow Operator1's boat to shore.

After removing the boats from the lake, I examined each one.  Looking at the Triton (Operator2's boat) I could see the damage started at the bow's nose of the boat and ran down the keel and along the starboard underside all the way to the starboard rear corner of the boat.  Also, the trolling motor which was mounted on the top front of the bow was bent into a slight U-shape.  Looking inside of Operator2's boat, there were large sections of plastic from the motor of Operator1's boat lying on the starboard side of the front deck.  The Ranger boat (v1) sustained damage to the starboard rear corner leading across the back deck and deflecting up onto the outboard motor angling away from the inside of the boat.  The impact gashed the starboard rear corner of the boat into the fiberglass knocking paint, plastic, and fiberglass debris throughout the interior of the boat.  The motor's housing was badly damaged at the top rear of the motor and some internal components of the motor had also been stuck which rendered the motor inoperable.  On a closer look at the boat's transom, I could see the impact was so great it had bent the bolts holding the boat's engine in place.  This pushed the motor approximately ¾ of an inch to the port side of the vessel's transom. No other damage forward from the mid rear deck area of v1 was noted.  This evidence leads me to believe the statements of each individual was consistent with what actually occurred.

All vessels were equipped with USCG approved flotation devices, fire extinguishers, and all other safety equipment needed.  No one was injured in any way and no request for medical assistance was made by any individual involved.

*************************END OF REPORT***************************


BARDID: NC-2018-0019
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-03-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:40:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEOAH RIVER
NearestCityorTown: Robbinsville
County: Graham
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator and her group were kayaking down the Cheoah River in Graham County on Saturday, March 3rd.  Operator' group completed their initial run down the river at around 1400.  Four members of the group, including Operator, decided to do a second run.  They started their run and the remaining members of the group went down to the pick up point to wait on them.  While waiting on them at the pick up point, a person from another kayaking group that started after them arrived and said that there was a kayak on the bank up the river near the Tapoco Lodge.  

Subject, who was in Operator' group went up the river and located the other 3 members of Operator' group.  They stated that they were in a rapid and when they looked back Operator was no longer with them.  They then began to search up and down the river for Operator.  Subject and the rest of the group located Operator a half mile up from the Tapoco Lodge.  Operator was unresponsive and CPR was started immediately.  Operator was wearing a PFD and a helmet.  Graham County EMS arrived on scene and transported her to Swain County Hospital.  Operator was pronounced deceased at Swain County Hospital.

Note: Unable to do diagram because no one directly witnessed the incident.  All information was gathered from people involved after Operator' body was recovered.  The scene was cleared by the time myself and Officer arrived on scene.

*********************************
AS MORE INFORMATION IS RECEIVED, THIS REPORT WILL BE UPDATED TO INCLUDE THAT INFORMATION.

***********************END OF REPORT****************************


BARDID: NC-2018-0020
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-04-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: OAK ISLAND
County: BRUNSWICK
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 4/15/2018, at approximately 1600, operator1 was operating a 10', 110 hp yamaha vx waverunner (vessel 1) in a southerly direction at approximately 15 mph in the atlantic ocean at the mouth of lockwoods folly inlet near oak island, nc.   He had no passengers and was riding the pwc in the chop near to the shore.  His friend was operating a similar pwc (vessel 2) and following behind operator1 at a safe distance.    Environmental conditions were cloudy, clear visibility, moderate wind (approx. 8 mph), mild temperatures (air 70 deg f, water 65 deg f), an approximate 2' chop, and no other vessel traffic.

Operator1 attempted to jump a small wave and landed hard in the trough between waves.  This caused him to strike his right arm and head/face on the handlebars of the pwc.  The impact caused him to fall off of the pwc.  Friend then picked up operator1 and placed him in his pwc.  Friend stated operator1 seem dazed and confused at the time friend picked him up out of the water as if he was unconscious but with his eyes open.  Operator1 was wearing a pfd at the time of incident.

Friend then transported operator1 to shore and ultimately to dosher memorial hospital where he was treated for a concussion, abrasions to his face, and an injured lower right arm.

Operator1 stated he drank 3 beers at about 1300 at a local restaurant before the incident.  When i interviewed operator1 at the hospital at about 1930, he did not seem impaired.  No chemical tests for impairment or sfsts were given.

****************end of report***********************


BARDID: NC-2018-0021
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-03-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: JORDAN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: APEX
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
At 1400 hours on 1 April 2018, a report of a submerged vessel near Seaforth Boating Access Area on B. Everett Jordan Reservoir was received.  The Vessel Owner/Operator was located at the site of the incident at 1430 hours on 1 April 2018.  According to Vessel 1 Operator, on 29 March 2018 at approximately 2150, Vessel 1 Operator and a single Passenger had just motored Vessel 1 from due South to Northeast of Seaforth Boating Access Area and West of the U.S. Highway 64 Bridge at B. Everett Jordan Reservoir in Chatham County North Carolina.  According to Vessel 1 Operator, as Vessel 1 was drifting and he was using minor corrections to navigate using a trolling motor, strong winds begin to push water into the stern of Vessel 1 as it neared the rocky shoreline adjacent to U.S. Highway 64.  

As Vessel 1 begin to take on water, Vessel 1 Operator stated he instructed his passenger to move toward the bow as he attempted to get the vessel on plane in order to push the water out the stern.  However, vessel 1 operator stated his passenger panicked and moved instead toward the stern causing vessel 1 to take on so much water that both occupants had to leave vessel 1.  Vessel 1 operator stated he did not remember using the bilge pump at the time of the incident. Vessel 1 operator, as well as his passenger, were able to safely make it to the rocky shoreline adjacent to U.S. Highway 64 where they were able to receive help from an unknown assistant.  Vessel 1 continued to take on water and was partially submerged beyond the point of self-recovery without special equipment. 

There appeared to be no sign of alcohol or drug activity on board vessel 1 and all safety equipment was onboard and serviceable.  Vessel 1 operator stated at the time of the incident both he and his passenger were wearing PFD.  No injuries were reported.

************************END OF REPORT*******************************


BARDID: NC-2018-0022
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-02-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: JORDAN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: PITTSBORO
County: CHATHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 02/27/2018 at approximately 14:30, operator1 launched his 10' creek boat at bells fishing access area.  He was joined by operator2 and his 10'5” perception kayak.  The two spent the afternoon crappie fishing around the bells church area of jordan lake.  

At approximately 19:15, operator1 and operator2 started to head back to bells fishing access area.  Operator1 stated that he pressed the foot peddle to turn the boat sharp to the left.  The boat turned but something didn't feel right.   Operator1 turned his head to look behind the boat and when he looked back in front of him he saw water coming in the boat over the port side.  At that time, he lost his balance and fell over the port side of the boat into the lake.  

Operator1 was wearing a pfd at the time of the incident.  Operator1 called out to operator2 for help.  Operator2 stated that he turned his kayak around to assist and saw operator1 was panicked.  He instructed operator1 to relax and to grab his kayak.  Operator2 called 911 while paddling his kayak and pulling operator1 to shore.  Operator2 gave operator1 his jacket and paddled back out to be visible for emergency services.  North chatham fire department arrived on scene by boat at approximately 19:30.  The fire department took operator1 to bells fishing access area where they met ems and transported him to chapel hill emergency room. 

I arrived on scene at approximately 20:15.  I met fire department personnel at bells fishing access area.  I met operator2 at the same location.  I received a statement from operator2, then proceeded to the unc er to meet operator1.  After receiving a statement from operator1, i launched a boat at crosswinds boat ramp and attempted to locate operator1' boat.  I was unable to find the boat that night.  

 at the emergency room, operator1 was warmed up and his heart rhythm was monitored. He was released shortly after he arrived.    

Operator1' boat was located and recovered by a friend a few days later.  There was no damage to the boat.  Operator1 lost 3 fishing poles and a tackle box.

*******************************end of report*******************************


BARDID: NC-2018-0023
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-04-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: OAK ISLAND
County: BRUN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 was operating a rented PWC on the ICW near Oak Island, headed towards Southport on Sunday, April 29, 2018.  At approximately 2:45 pm, he lost control of the PWC after meeting 2 other vessels travelling towards Lockwood Folly.  His PWC struck the boat lift and an open motorboat in it.  The PWC struck the boat lift with the port side hard enough to break a pole.  Operator1 had on his PFD and he had no boating experience.  
He received first aid at the incident site, but did not want to be transported to the hospital at that time.
The PWC was rented from Carolina Watersports.


BARDID: NC-2018-0024
State: NC
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2018-05-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORTH WEST RIVER
NearestCityorTown: MOYOCK
County: Currituck
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, May 5, 2018, at approximately 1515 I, Officer, received a call from our Raleigh Dispatch that a boating incident had occurred on the North West River in the area of West Gibbs Road.  I called the reporting party.  Subject stated that he had picked up two male individuals from the shoreline on the North West River who were involved in a boating incident.  Subject stated that he had transported the two male individuals to the Shingles Landing Boating Access in Moyock, NC. 

I, Officer arrived at Shingles Landing Boating Access approximately 1600 hours.  I spoke with Operator1; the owner of vessel 1.  Operator1 stated that they were fishing when a wakeboard type boat passed within twenty feet of Vessel 1 while pulling an individual on a wakeboard.  The wake from the passing vessel swamped Vessel 1 causing the vessel to sink.  Operator1 stated that himself and occupant were the only occupants of Vessel 1 and they swam to the nearest shoreline.  Operator1 stated that he used a type IV PFD and occupant used a type III PFD to get to shore.

Neither Operator1 or occupant were able to identify the passing vessel due to the speed of the events.

All involved used PFDs and there were no drugs or alcohol involved.

*****************************END OF REPORT**************************


BARDID: NC-2018-0025
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: FONTANA LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ROBBINSVILLE
County: GRAHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday, May 11, 2018 at approximately 3:10 PM two people were docking v1 vessel to another vessel which was moored to a houseboat on Fontana Lake.  

Victim and Subject2 stepped off the vessel to tie it to the other vessel. Subject2 then heard a splash and rushed over to find that Victim had fallen in the water.  Subject2 tried but was unable to retrieve the victim from the water. Victim then disappeared from sight underneath the water.  Subject2 and Subject3 then travelled to the main channel of Fontana Lake to call 911.

*************************END OF REPORT*************************************


BARDID: NC-2018-0083
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORMAN
NearestCityorTown: MOORESVILLE
County: IREDELL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 4, 2018 at approximately 8:30 pm, a boating incident occurred east of water marker 11 near Lake Mist Drive Point on Lake Norman near Mooresville, NC.  Operator1 operator of a red and black 2014 Bombardier PWC (V1) turned to its port side when Operator2, operator of a green and black 2016 Yamaha PW C(V2) struck (V1) in its port side. 

The collision caused the operators of (V1) and (V2) to be ejected into the water.  Operator2, the operator of (V2) was not injured in the incident, but operator of (V1) sustained a broken left femur and a concussion to his head.  During the collision Operator1 was knocked unconscious, but regained consciousness after a brief period of time.  Both operators were wearing appropriate PFDS and were rescued from the water.  Operator1 operator of (V1) was taken to the hospital by ambulance where he was treated for his injuries for 5 days.  

The evening of July 4,2018 at approximately 7:45 pm, a group of individuals left a residence on 4 individual PWCS. The group of 4 PWC riders were taking the PWCS to the boat ramp at "The point" to take the PWCS off the lake.  This group of PWC riders were riding in a line.  

At approximately 8:30 pm, Operator1 (V1) slowed his PWC and turned it to its port side towards docks at "The Point".  Operator2 (V2) came around the point colliding into the port side of (V1).  Upon impact operators of (V1) and (V2) were ejected into the water.  Subject1 who was the last in the group came around the point to see both operators in the water (V1) and (V2).  (V1) after the collision had burst into flames.  Subject1 pulled up to Operator1 (V1) pulled him out of the water and took Operator1 to shore to await the ambulance and first responders to arrive.  The operator of (V2) Operator2 was not injured in the Collision.

(V1) sustained extensive damage to the bow of the PWC. Vessel one's damage consisted of damage to the fiberglass bow of the PWC on both the port and starboard sides. Vessel one's plastic covering from the bow to the steering column sustained extensive damage.  Vessel 2 sustained damage to the fiberglass hull under the water line running from the bow of the PWC to the stern.

**********************END OF REPORT**********************


BARDID: NC-2018-0084
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BELEWS LAKE
NearestCityorTown: STOKESDALE
County: ROCKINGHAM
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On sunday, june 3, 2018 at approximately 1830, operator was in the driver seat learning to operate the boat in hopes to buy a boat of his own.  He had not taken a boater safety course.  Victim attempted to get up on the wake board two times with no success.  When she tried a third time, she got a little ways up on the board but felt a pain in her leg and fell in the water.  She yelled at the boat about her leg.  When the boat came back around to pick victim up, she was not able to get in the boat.  Subject1 jumped in the water to try to help her in the boat but decided it would be better to get her on the towable float they had onboard.  Subject1 got back in the boat and drove them to humphrey's ridge landing.  Subject3 called 911 enroute to the landing.  Ems was standing by when they arrived.  Ems transported victim to moses cone hospital where she was diagnosed with a broken right femur and had to have surgery.

***************end of report*********************


BARDID: NC-2018-0085
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LEES CUT
NearestCityorTown: WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH
County: NEW HANOVER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 (Vessel 1) was leaving the area known as Palm Tree Island around 2:30 pm on the 4th of July.  At the same time, he was backing off the sandbar, a swimmer (Victim) was in the water near Operator1' vessel and went under the surface.  Victim was swimming under the water and came up underneath Vessel 1.  Becoming disoriented, Victim swam out beneath the vessel and went towards the propeller.  While swimming out, he was struck by the propeller as Operator1 was backing off the sandbar. 

Victim admitted to consuming alcohol prior to the incident.  Victim was struck by the propeller and suffered three lacerations to the upper right thigh.  The deepest laceration was on the back right thigh and was approximately 4 inches deep.  Victim was placed on Vessel 1 and transported to the Wrightsville Beach Access Area where he was transported to the New Hanover Regional Medical Center for treatment.

****************END OF REPORT******************


BARDID: NC-2018-0086
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CORE SOUND
NearestCityorTown: BEAUFORT
County: CARTERET
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 4, 2018, around 5:30 p.m., Operator1 and his family were traveling from the Cape Lookout back to their residence in Harker's Island.  Operator1 was operating his 21' Bayrider and had 9 people on board.  He was traveling through the Old Barden Inlet Channel or, “The Drain”, a narrow “S” curved channel surrounded by large shoals on each side that lies halfway between Cape Lookout and Harker's Island.  Behind Operator1 was his Seadoo jetski being operated by his son.  As Operator1 was approaching the curve another vessel, Reel Paradise, was coming from behind him.  The vessel was a 25' Sea Fox being operated by Operator2 who had on board with him his wife. 

As the Sea Fox attempted to pass the Bayrider on the left side, the vessel turned into the Bayrider and impacted the Bayrider on the portside.  According to Operator2, from where he was operating, he did not see his boat touch the other vessel.  According to Operator1 and other witnesses on the Bayrider, the bow of the Sea Fox was inside the Bayrider.  Then the two vessels' sterns collided from the initial impact causing damage to the Bayrider's portside stern.  Since Operator2 did not see the vessels impact, he kept on proceeding in the direction he was going so the son, operating the Seadoo, followed them and hollered for them to stop.  Feeling threatened and wanting to avoid confrontation, operator2 did not stop.  According to Operator1 they reported it over the VHF radio and with the National Park Service, but for whatever reason NCWRC was never contacted.

Operator2 contacted me the next morning to clear his name and give his side of the story. He invited me to take a look at his vessel so I did later on that day.  There was a faint scratch on his starboard side hull where his sticker, “Reel Paradise” was, and there was also a small crack to the bow and a faint scratch underneath the bow on the portside of the keel.  Operator2 denied that any of that damage was from the incident and said all that damage was already there.  Later on that day, I made contact with Operator1 and most of the witnesses and documented the damage done to the Bayrider.  The portside gunnel was cracked and the rubber rail bent.  The portside stern was also cracked around and underneath the gunnel.  There were no injuries reported.  After investigating the incident, I charged Operator2 with N.C.G.S. 75A-11(a): Operate a vessel involved in an occurrence and fail to give operato''s name, address and identification of his vessel in writing to the owner of the property damage in the occurrence and N.C.G.S. 75A-10(a): Operate a motorboat or vessel on waters of this state in a reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger life, limb, or property of any person.

*****************END OF REPORT*********************


BARDID: NC-2018-0087
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WHITE OAK RIVER
NearestCityorTown: STELLA
County: ONSLOW
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 4, 2018,Subjects rented PWCS from Cedar Point Water Sports LLC in Carteret County.  Operator1 was riding alone on one PWC.  They were heading up the white oak river.  According to Operator1, they were riding along going fast trying to keep up with their guide, and they had been splashing each other with their jet skis and racing in the wide part of the river just having fun.  

The river had narrowed and there was not much room, but they continued trying to splash each other with their jet skis.  One subject swerved towards Operator1 trying to splash her, and Operator1 swerved hard to the left to avoid the splash.  She ended up in the tree line where she was ejected from the PWC and collided with a fixed object which they thought was a tree.  Operator1 was transported by EMS to Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune and treated for her injuries which were broken ribs 9,10, and 11.

*******************

PLEASE NOTE:  THERE WERE MORE THAN ONE VESSEL ALL ON THE BODY OF WATER AT THE SAME TIME.  HOWEVER, THERE WAS ONLY ONE VESSEL INVOLVED IN THIS INCIDENT.

***************END OF REPORT*******************


BARDID: NC-2018-0088
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: PUNGO RIVER
NearestCityorTown: BELHAVEN
County: BEAUFORT
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was docked at the Boating Access Area in Belhaven when vessel 2 was backed into the water.  When vessel two backed into the water and came off of the trailer, it hit the starboard side of vessel 1.  Vessel 1 obtained scratches on the starboard back side of the boat.

*********************END OF REPORT*************************


BARDID: NC-2018-0089
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TRENT RIVER
NearestCityorTown: NEW BERN
County: CRAVEN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: Vessel struck by piling
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/29/18 at 7:05 pm, raleigh dispatched called me to advise that a boating incident had occurred near dock c at craven street new bern, nc.  Raleigh advised there was two damaged vessels and a damaged piling.  

Officer1 and i were on boat patrol in slocum creek at the time.  I made Sgt. aware of the incident and he advised me that he would go to the scene to investigate.  Officer1 and i did as well.  I arrived on scene at approximately 8:00 pm.  Upon arrival, Sgt. passed on to me what he had found out about the incident.  He showed me two damaged vessels, both of which were tied up in boat slips.  Sgt. introduced me to the operator of one of the vessels which was a 1986 42' jefferson hershine cabin motorboat.  For purposes of this report, this vessel will be known as vessel one.  

Sgt. also advised me that the second vessel involved, a 2013 37' jeanneau sun odyssey sailboat, was tied up in its boat slip at the time of the incident and that there was nobody on board.  For purposes of this report, this vessel will be known as vessel two.  

I observed a piling that appeared to have been struck that was leaning over.  The piling had pierced a hole in the starboard (right) side of vessel two and was still resting inside of the hole.  I spoke with Operator1 about the incident.  He reported that he was attempting to dock his vessel and in the process, the port (left) side of his vessel collided with the piling.  He reported that the piling then impacted vessel two.  

Operator1 reported that the wind caused his vessel to collide with the piling.  The winds were light on this particular day.  Operator1 and i walked over to his vessel, vessel one, so i could inspect its damage.  I observed and photographed a damaged area of fiberglass on the port side of vessel one that Operator1 reported had collided with the piling.  Operator1 reported he had owned the boat for approximately one year.  I charged Operator1 with reckless or negligent operation of a vessel and operating a vessel without a current and valid certificate of number.  I spoke with the owner of vessel two, on 7/6/18 at 10:47 am.  He reported that in addition to the damage to the hull of his vessel, there was also interior wood damage from the collision.  

******************end of report************************


BARDID: NC-2018-0193
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-12-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: OREGON INLET
NearestCityorTown: NAGS HEAD
County: Dare
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On January 17, 2018  at approximately 9:00 am, Sgt. with NCWRC received a call about a boat incident involving one boat running aground the night before outside of Oregon Inlet.  Sgt. and I arrived at the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center at approximately 11:30 am and met Operator and his wife.  Operator explained that they were underway trying to come into Oregon inlet for the evening when they realized that the water got extremely shallow very suddenly.  Operator ran aground before he could change his course and the waves worked his boat farther onto the shoal.  He was able to eventually power off the shoal and call for help from the Coast Guard. He followed the Coast Guard into the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center and docked for the evening. There was damage to the boat but no injuries. We are still waiting for a final cost estimate for the repair from the repair facility.

When cost estimate is received, this report will be updated.

*********END OF REPORT******


BARDID: NC-2018-0194
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-12-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ALBEMARLE CITY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: ALBEMARLE
County: STANLY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On december 22, 2018 at approximately 4:30 pm, a boat incident occurred on albemarle city lake in albemarle nc. It happened about 364 yards north of the boating access and about 378 yards south of the highway 73 bridge.  The vessel that was involved was a 12 foot sea nymph jon boat. The vessel was an aluminum jon boat with a 80 lb thrust trolling motor attached.  Operator stated that the incident occurred due to the weight distribution on the small vessel when he and v1 occupant both stood up and lifted a basket of fish into the boat.  Operator1 and occupant fell overboard when the boat started rocking back and forth.  They swam to shore and had someone call 911 because they both became severely cold.  Stanly county ems arrived and transported both operator1 and v1 occupant to stanly regional hospital where they were both treated for hypothermia and released.

Operator1 and v1 occupant both stated that when they were getting ready to leave from where they were fishing, operator1 began pulling in the fish basket.   He asked v1 occupant for help.  When v1 occupant stood up in the boat, the boat became unsteady and v1 occupant fell into the water.  During this time operator1 fell in.  Once both subjects were in the water they held on to the boat and swam about a 100 yards to shore.  Pfds were on board but were not used.

All safety equipment required for the vessel was located on board.  Alcohol and/or drugs were not a contributing factor.  It appeared the incident occurred due to the weight shifting in a small vessel causing both subjects to become unstable and fall overboard.  Both subjects were treated for hypothermia then released from the hospital.  There were no charges as a result of this incident.


*******end of report******


BARDID: NC-2018-0195
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-10-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE NORMAN
NearestCityorTown: MOORESVILLE
County: IREDELL
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Around 10:00am, Operator1 launched his Jersey Speed Skiff at Hager Creek Access Area.  Operator1 was accompanied by his wife.  While waiting on other members of his party to launch, he headed down the lake then began to circle back towards the ramp.  He was traveling between 30-35 MPH.  As he cruised back in front of the boat ramp, about 200 yards from shore at 10:30am. Note: Operator1 was behind the controls on the left side of his boat, while his wife was seated in the passenger seat on the right side of the boat.  

While not paying close attention, he quickly increased the boat's throttle right before crossing a set of large wakes produced by a wake boarding boat pulling a boarder.  As his boat crossed the wake, it became airborne with the bow much higher than the stern.  When the stern of the boat contacted the water, it caused the bow to slam with great force back into the water.  As soon as the bow plunged into the water, the boat's speed rapidly decreased and made an immediate and abrupt left turn.  As a result, Operator1 was ejected from the boat with his body flying over the starboard side of the bow.  Occupant was slammed into the right-side gunwale breaking 7 ribs and bruising 1 lung and her adrenal gland.

PLEASE NOTE:  THE OTHER VESSEL IS UNKNOWN EXCEPT FOR INFORMATION LISTED ON VESSEL 2 PAGE.

*************END OF REPORT***********


BARDID: NC-2018-0196
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:56:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: BADIN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: NEW LONDON
County: STANLY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On august 24, 2018 at approximately 2356 hours, a boating incident occurred on badin lake in the main channel resulting in a fatality.  The collision happened between printers lane, a road within the uwharrie point community in montgomery county and king''s mountain point, a fishing access area within the uwharrie national forest in montgomery county.  Vessel 1, involved in the incident, is an 18'8” z518 ranger bass boat and is the property of deceased.   Vessel 2, involved in the incident, is a 23' cypress cay pontoon boat.  Operator1 received blunt force trauma to the left portion of his face from impacting the side railing of the bimini top located on the pontoon boat.  The impact also ejected him from his bass boat.

Operator1 and passenger were fishing in a bass tournament on badin lake this evening. The tournament's official weigh-in was at midnight 0000hrs on august 25, 2018. According to v1 occupant and data received from the gps on the bass boat vessel 1 was traveling south-southwest at approximately 50-52 mph in the main channel and was headed back to the cube-hydro access area in the town of badin, nc in stanly county.  The wind was calm, the skies were partly cloudy, and bright due to a nearly full moon. Other than the vessels involved in the fishing tournament, the traffic on the lake was light. 

According to v1 occupant, they were headed back to the weigh-in, when all of a sudden, he saw the silhouette of another boat appear in fOperator1t of them.  V1 occupant shouted to Operator1 “boat!”.  Operator1 simultaneously recognized the boat and swerved to his left just before colliding with the boat, now known to be vessel 2.  

According to v1 occupant, once the boats collided, the force and momentum threw him underneath the operator's console on the starboard side of vessel 1.  V1 occupant said the boat immediately turned off.  After he was able to get up and shake himself off, he realized that Operator1 was no longer in the boat.  He immediately began to search for him in the water.  While v1 occupant was calling out for his friends, he recalls the passengers from the other boat yelling obscenities at him.  He specifically recalled a female voice saying, “you stupid motherfucker, you hit us!”.  V1 occupant then located a figure in the water off in the distance he believed to be Operator1. 

V1 occupant then started up vessel 1 and attempted to use the boat to locate Operator1. He was unable to steer the vessel due to the damage done to the steering column/functions.  V1 occupant then utilized the trolling motor to navigate and was successful in locating Operator1's body.  During this time, v1 occupant said that the passengers of the other boat were still yelling obscenities towards him. V1 occupant stated that he shouted back at them “why are you sitting in the middle of the lake with no lights on?”. There was no response or answer from vessel 2's occupants. V1 occupant then notices while he was still trolling over to Operator1, that the lights came on. According to v1 occupant, someone turned on the lights.

Once the lights were turned on he only recalled seeing the stern light or rear all around light.  V1 occupant then reached for Operator1 and attempted to pull him out of the water and into vessel 1.  In the process he realized that Operator1 had received a massive head injury on the left side of his face.  He then started yelling for help because he couldn't physically lift him out of the water. V1 occupant then recalls haring someone from the bank called out, "we are on our way and have called 911." the people from the bank arrived to offer assistance by boat just minutes later.  Two male subjects got in vessel 1 and pulled Operator1 into the boat.  Subject1 stated that Operator1 did not have a pulse once they pulled him out of the water. According to v1 occupant, another 3rd party witness began performing cpr for at least 10 mins. The life saving attempt was unsuccessful.  Ems and law enforcement personnel began to arrive on scene a short time later.

Operator2 and 8 other passengers decided around 23:00-23:15 to go on a midnight cruise on badin lake. They departed from their community in pine haven in montgomery county, which is on the north side of badin lake. According to Operator2 and all other passengers on board, Operator2 was the operator of vessel 2. According to Operator2 and all other passengers on board, all available lights were turned on when they left including the interior lights within the pontoon boat.

V2 then traveled south towards the old north state club house following the bank on the right hand side of the lake at a cruising speed.  According to a passenger on board v2, they turned around and headed back to the house once they were able to see the old north state club house.  While cruising back towards the house and in the main channel, Operator2 had to use the restroom. V2 occupant stated, "when we were in the main channel, we stopped briefly for operator to use the bathroom".  According to several passengers of v2, Operator2 turned the boat off and walked back to the ladder at the stern of the vessel and climbed down the ladder and relieved herself from the ladder.  The collision would occur just minutes after the pontoon boat started back down the lake.

Operator2 then turned the vessel back on and continued their cruise back towards her dock. Several occupants of v2 stated that the collision occurred moments or within a minute(s) of Operator2 turning v2 back on after using the restroom. According to several passengers, as they were traveling down the lake, out of nowhere a boat appeared.  Several passengers recalled only being able to see a red navigation light coming right at them.  One of the passengers who was aboard the pontoon and sitting in one of the front port side seats, stated that she had seen both green and red lights coming at them.  Operator2 said that she remembered seeing a boat coming directly at them at a high rate of speed and thinking or even saying out loud "this boat is coming right at us and it's not turning." she then turned the steering wheel as hard and fast as she could to the left, according to her, to get out of the way of the speeding boat. Several other passengers stated that Operator2 turned v2 towards the left to avoid he collision.

Operator2 then heard and felt the impact of the other boat. The force of the impact knocked her onto the floorboard and across the pontoon boat. She was able to get up off the deck and back to the driver's seat which had been broken and knocked over. According to her and other passengers, the force of the impact threw all passengers on the starboard side of the pontoon boat over to the port side. According to several passengers on board v2, they said everything went out after the collision.   

Operator2 had been drinking.


BARDID: NC-2018-1000
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-09-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Private Pond
NearestCityorTown: Beaufort
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
One person is dead after a boating accident in Beaufort County Friday that is now under investigation by the sheriff's office. Two people were involved in the accident around 9:30 a.m. One person died; the other was transported to Vidant Beaufort Hospital in Washington. Deputies and EMS Personnel were dispatched to find a victim had been pulled from the water, but was unresponsive. Deputies learned that 2 people had been fishing on the pond in a small boat when the boat overturned. The victim  had to be pulled ashore by the  fishing partner and efforts by the partner and EMS were unsuccessful in saving. The accident is still under investigation. At this time there is no indication of foul play.


BARDID: NC-2018-1001
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-05-06 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Bogue sound
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Coast Guard, good Samaritans help boaters, dog after fire
Two boaters 52-foot boat caught fire off Camp Lejeune Sunday and the Coast Guard, local partners and good Samaritans stepped in to help the boaters to safety. The Coast Guard received a report from the boaters stating that there was black smoke coming out of their engine room. A 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boat crew was sent to the scene. A good Samaritan also arrived on scene and took the two mariners aboard his boat. The Coast Guard crew, Towboat US and Seatow investigated to determine the source of the smoke. Crew observed a fire in the engine room and discharged two fire extinguisher.  A dewatering pump was also used to combat the fire. The boaters were transferred to the Towboat  taken to Armstrong Marine in Swansboro.


BARDID: NC-2019-0001
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-01-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: PAMLICO SOUND
NearestCityorTown: SWAN QUARTER
County: HYDE
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
According to the operator, subject1 and operator were duck hunting in caffee bay saturday morning on january 5th.  At about 8:30 both subject and operator were out of the boat retrieving ducks that they had shot.  

When subject1 turned around, he noticed that the boat had come loose from where it was on the shore and was drifting away. Subject1 stated that he was able to catch back up to the boat along the shore, but water had already started to come in over the stern of the boat due to the high winds.  Subject1 started the engine and tried to put the boat in gear but there was burlap caught around the prop preventing it from working properly.  

Subject1 stated that the boat continued to take on water from the stern until the engine went under.  The boat became submerged with only the front part of the bow remaining above water.  Marine fisheries officers were able to pick up subject1 and operator and bring them back to swan quarter. Their boat remained where it had sunk.  Drugs and alcohol did not play a part in this boating incident.

*********end of report**********


BARDID: NC-2019-0002
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2019-01-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: PITTMAN CREEK
NearestCityorTown: WHORTONSVILLE
County: PAMLICO
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On tuesday, january 22, 2019 at 10:00 pm, operator was in v1 when she started to smell smoke in her boat.  She had a new space heater in v1 that was connected to her power box.  She looked for the smoke and noticed it was coming from the power connection.  She opened up the wall covering and a fire started.  She retrieved her fire extinguisher and tried to pull the pin, but the smoke was too thick to see.  She abandoned v1 uninjured and safe.

*******not specified whether or not this was a total loss*********

*******end of report********


BARDID: NC-2020-0001
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-01-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NEWPORT RIVER
NearestCityorTown: NEWPORT
County: CARTERET
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Two subjects launched their vessel from the newport wildlife boating access area at newport river park and set off to joy ride on a nice weather day.  Operator stated that when they were about 5 minutes out from the boat ramp, the water pump on the outboard mercury 15 hp motor was working improperly. 

Operator had removed the top of the motor to try and fix the situation but was unable to get the motor to pee water as it was supposed to properly.  Operator decided he wanted to head back to the ramp because he did not want to be stranded on the river.  While heading back to the newport river boat ramp, an oil drum (or that was what they thought it was) appeared to have floated to the surface of the water in the middle of the river right in front of them.  This was in a very narrow section of the newport river and when operator had made a sharp turn to avoid the oil drum, he had hit a few cypress stumps on the bank of the river which made him lose control.  When the boat went completely on the bank, they struck a tree going around 15-20 mph.  

They were both thrown to the bow of the vessel where occupant had said she landed on the bow of the boat hitting the middle part of her shoulder blades.  Operator had landed on one of the aluminium seat rows on the vessel striking his back and his neck and head.  They were able to make it back to the boat ramp where i, officer and emt and fire resuce were waiting, where they received medical attention.  Operator was in severe shock and was dramatically shaking. They were then loaded into an ambulance and taken to carteret general hospital. 

Further injuries showed that occupant had damaged her middle back, shoulder blades (left and right) and her right knee. Operator had neck injuries, head trauma and lower and upper back injuries.


************************end of report***************************


BARDID: NC-2020-0002
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-01-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LUMBER RIVER
NearestCityorTown: FAIR BLUFF
County: COLUMBUS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 1/24/2020, Operator borrowed a vessel.  Operator launched vessel#1 from residence at approximately 8:30 pm.  Vessel#1 is a 10' lowe aluminum boat powered by a minn kota 30-pound thrust electric trolling motor. 

Operator traveled downstream on the lumber river towards the north carolina/south carolina state line.  

Operator was reportedly going to go stay in a shack off the lumber river while setting bush hooks that night.  Operator was reported missing on 1/26/2020 at approximately 12:30 pm. 

Search teams were dispatched and at approximately 5:20pm.  We located vessel#1 overturned in a slough near the nc/sc line.   Two paddles, a car battery, a rope and a fishing pole were located near the overturned vessel.  Due to light and weather conditions, the search was called off and scheduled to reconvene the next day.   On 1/27/20 at approximately 10:00 am, operator's body was located approximately 20 yards from the overturned vessel in the water.


*******************nothing further - end of report********************


BARDID: NC-2020-0003
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-01-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LUMBER RIVER
NearestCityorTown: EVERGREEN
County: COLUMBUS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 01/17/2020 at approximately 1705 vessel#1 was traveling in a northern direction and up river on the lumber river.  At the same time, vessel#2 was operating his vessel and traveling in a southern direction down river on the lumber river.  

Both vessels were navigating the same curve at the same time.  Operator1 saw operator2's vessel and turned more east and headed towards the bank.  Operator2 saw operator1s' vessel and turned more west towards the other bank.  

Operator2's vessel struck operator1s' vessel on the port side (left) mid-way of the vessel.  Operator1s was struck by the bow of operator2's vessel and ejected him from his vessel into the river.  

Operator1 only sustained minor injuries that did not require medical attention beyond first aid. Operator1's vessel sustained a large dent while operator2's only sustained a scratch.


**************end of report********


BARDID: NC-2020-0004
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-02-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:56:00
CoordinatesConfidence: C
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE TILLERY
NearestCityorTown: ALBEMARLE
County: STANLY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Seat broke loose
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 02/12/20 at approximately 1356 hours, a fatal boating incident occurred in stanly county on lake tillery 600 yards north of stony mountain access area. Stony mountain access area is located at the end of lake tillery rd off of hwy 24/27. The only vessel involved in this incident, was a 17-foot, 2000 polar kraft aluminum boat with a 50 hp johnson outboard motor. The boat had two folding seats, one behind the console on a bench seat and the other at the bow of the vessel, and was owned by operator. There were no other occupants on the vessel at the time of the incident. Operator was fishing from the bow of his vessel while sitting in the seat. The seat back broke off of the seat which caused operator to fall overboard. Operator was unable to keep himself above the surface of the water and drowned near the location of the incident. Operator did not have a personal flotation device (pfd) on his person at the time of the incident.

Operator had been fishing on the west bank of lake tillery just north of stony mountain access area when he fell into the water. The chair on the bow of the vessel was broken and the trolling motor was still in the water when officers arrived on scene. Operator was fishing near a dock where the incident occurred. The owners of the dock noticed that a vessel was floating with no people onboard. When they walked outside to investigate, one witness noticed that a fishing pole was in the water directly on the other side of the vessel. The vessel drifted downsteam and the witness was able to see an individual floating in the water. The only part of the body that the witness observed was the subjects head from the mouth up. Another witness called 911. The witness attempted to throw a pfd to the individual in the water but he was unable to make an attempt to acquire the pfd once it was in the water. Shortly after attempting to throw the pfd to the individual floating in the water, the witness saw the man go under water and never saw him come back up. Water temperature was 56 degrees, with an air temperature of 61 degrees. 

East side fire department rescue squad responded to the scene at approximately 1404 hours. North carolina wildlife law enforcement officers were called to the scene on 02/12/20 at approximately 1404 hours and arrived on scene by boat at approximately 1450 hours. The vessel was found at the scene of the incident which was 600 yards north of stony mountain access area and was drifting near the location where the individual fell into the water.

The vessel was recovered by responding rescue squad members and towed to a nearby dock for further investigation by north carolina wildlife law enforcement officers. The vessel was left untouched by the first responders on scene. There were multiple pfds and a fire extinguisher onboard inside of a compartment at the bow of the vessel. All safety items were wrapped in plastic trash bags inside of the compartment.
It appears that this incident was a result of equipment failure. According to the stanly county medical examiner, the cause of death was drowning. The occupant was not wearing a pfd. Alcohol nor drugs were a factor and no one was charged as a result of this incident.

*********************end of report******************


BARDID: NC-2020-0005
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-03-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: NAGS HEAD
County: DARE
WaterConditions: Very rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On March 1 at approximately 0530, a vessel impacted a sand bar causing the vessel to become stranded.

Vessel 1 is a 72'' steel hull vessel that had just been purchased and was travelling from Newport News, VA to southern TX.  After encountering rough seas, the Operator and Owner navigated the vessel closer to shore.  They noticed buoys on the radar and then on the GPS that indicated there was an inlet.  The Operator then attempted to navigate through Oregon Inlet when they struck a sand bar on the front starboard side of the vessel.  The Owner then took the helm and attempted to straighten the vessel and back up when they became stuck with the bow pointing towards the shoreline approximately 1.5 miles from the Marc Basnight Bridge over Oregon Inlet.

After being notified by Sea Tow, USCG Oregon Inlet contacted the vessel.  At approximately 1140 USCG airlifted the occupants from the vessel as a safety precaution.  In the subsequent days, the Owner made several unsuccessful efforts to remove the vessel under its own power.  Quotes from companies to remove the vessel were very high, and the Owner and Operator decided to return to TX.  As of the time of this report, the vessel remains grounded off the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

There was no alcohol involved in this incident, life jackets were available but not used by the occupants, and the Owner was not operating when the vessel struck ground as reported by Owner.

The probable cause of this incident was inexperience of the Operator navigating the hazardous waters through Oregon Inlet.

******************END OF REPORT**********************


BARDID: NC-2020-0007
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-01-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CORE SOUND
NearestCityorTown: DAVIS
County: CARTERET
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday, January 21, 2020, Operator and his friends were duck hunting on the core sound.  It was around 4:00pm when they decided to head back to the boat ramp.  Operator was operating his 18ft aluminum starcraft vessel heading back to oyster creek boat ramp in davis.  The wind speed was around 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph that day throwing the men off course as they headed back to the boat ramp running them aground. 

 When they ran aground on a shoal, the boat motor cut off and would not start back up while they were on the shoal.  Trying to get the motor started, waves were crashing over the bow eventually pushing the boat off the shoal into deeper water.  They had the bilge pump going but it simply could not keep up with the amount of water flooding the boat.  At that point, subject1 called 911 for help (all other phones were dead at this point).  He gave communications their location and stated they needed help and were not going to make it back to the boat ramp.  He eventually lost his phone when it fell in the water.  Then Operator then made subject2 put on a life jacket and told him to stay in the boat and hold onto the motor.  Then Operator and subject1 jumped overboard and held onto the motor.

Meanwhile, it was around 5pm when a volunteer at the harkers island fire dept, heard the call come over the radio.  He knew his buddy was in core sound duck hunting with friends so he called him to make sure he was alright; he was alright.  Subject3 was okay but he remembered seeing a small white boat in core sound hunting near him, so he turned around to make sure they were alright.  He eventually saw them in the distance and made his way to them.  It was round 5:15pm when subject3 got to them.  

When he arrived the stern of the boat was sticking out of the water with subject2. Inside the boat hanging onto the motor and operator and subject1 in the water hanging onto the motor.  Subject3 and his friends quickly pulled the 3 men into their boat and took them to davis off south harbor rd where they arrived approximately 10 minutes later.  Ems was there waiting for them and the 3 were taken to carteret general hospital and were treated for hypothermia and released later that evening.

On jan 22nd, subject3 found the boat and pumped out the water and carried it to the great island cabin docks on core banks to get the vessel out of harms way.  On jan 24th, subject3 towed the boat back to davis off north harbor dr.  Operator then made contact with subject3 salter on jan 25th to make arrangements to pick up the vessel.  Eventually the vessel was picked up by Operator on jan 29th.

In total the estimated damage to the vessel and all its belongings was $1500.00.  This includes some electrical damage to the vessel and hunting gear (shotguns and decoys) that floated away during the incident.  


BARDID: NC-2020-0008
State: NC
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-04-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TAR RIVER
NearestCityorTown: GREENVILLE
County: PITT
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On thursday april 9, 2020 at approximately 1600 hours, operator, subject1, and subject2 launched a 21' 2006 key largo in the tar river to fish. The boat had been filled with gas on march 27, 2020 (64 gallon tank) by subject1. The individuals had fished the river for over an hour, when at approximately 1715 one of the anglers hung his lure in brush fishing directly behind operators residence. The individuals retrieved the bait using the trolling motor, (had been drifting previously) and then, when nearing the bank, operator started the vessel which resulted in an explosion.

Operator, standing behind the helm, was blown towards the stern.  Subject1 departed the vessel.  Subject2, whom was sitting in front of the center console, was blown into the air (like someone whom had sat on an airbag in his words) approximately 10 feet.  Subject2 landed on the gunwhale of the vessel on his left side resulting in bruising to his arm and leg, as well as a broken back. The actual center console was blown out of position (as seen in pictures). All 3 of the individuals then entered the water and swam to the back of operator's house.  Operator's wife advised me that she actually heard the explosion while reading at her residence. Once at operator's residence, they made contact with 911 concerning same (fd dispatched at 1723 hours).

I was made aware of same approximately 1830 hours. I proceeded to the location arriving before 1930 hours to find operator and subject1 on location and was advised subject2 was transported to vidant hospital.  Falkland fd brought the boat back to shore. I spoke with operator as well as subject1 who advised they did not need medical attention several times.  After the vessel was handled (same was towed as requested by falkland fd with the consent of operator) i proceeded to vidant pitt to speak with subject2.  While speaking with subject2 it was found that he had broken his back.

During the investigation, it was found that the bilge of the vessel was filled with gasoline as well as water.  It is my belief that when operator started the vessel with a battery located under the center console, an adequate amount of gas fumes had accumulated under the center console, and that the ignition resulted in a spark which led to the explosion.

I do not suspect any malice or carelessness involved with the incident at this time.  While there was alcohol on board the vessel, i had no indications of impairment on the operator.  Subject2 later advised me at vidant that the alcohol, miller lite, was his.


***************************end of report**********************


BARDID: NH-2015-0035
State: NH
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Sunapee
NearestCityorTown: Sunapee
County: Sullivan
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator of vessel one (Sea Ray) was trying to dock when the wind and choppy water kept pushing him closer to vessel two (sailboat). The operator stated he tried to steer the vessel in the opposite direction to avoid making contact with the sailboat but while he turned the bow away from the sailboat the backend of the starboard side made contact with the sailboat causing damage.


BARDID: NH-2015-0036
State: NH
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnipesaukee
NearestCityorTown: Laconia
County: Belknap
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: vessel destruction
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator stated while he was pulling tubers he heard a knocking sound coming from the engine. He put the vessel in neutral to check for any issues with the engine. He did not notice any damage. He slowly operated the vessel back to his dock and called the Marina. The vessel was towed to the mainland by the owner. The owner states the engine overheated because he believes the propeller was trimmed up and not fully in the water causing significant damage.


BARDID: NH-2015-0037
State: NH
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnipesaukee
NearestCityorTown: Tuftonboro
County: Carroll
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Starting in gear
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator of vessel one was towed to the gas dock after running out of gas. After his vessel was fueled he started the engine and it was running at a fast idle. When the operator went to untie the vessel from the dock the gear shift was somehow moved into forward gear. When the vessel lurched forward the operator pulled the shift lever into reverse causing the vessel to lurch back into the two dock posts that the vessel was tied to and snapped. The vessel continued backwards hitting vessel two that was tied to a dock near by. This was witnessed by the gas attendant.  Damages to V2 and dock are unknown.


BARDID: NH-2015-0039
State: NH
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnipesaukee
NearestCityorTown: Gilford
County: Belknap
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator stated that while traveling to the Weirs Beach area he struck rocks by Eagle Island because he went on the wrong side of a red top navigational marker. After grounding the vessel he anchored and called for a tow. No injuries were reported.


BARDID: NH-2015-0040
State: NH
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-08-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnipesaukee
NearestCityorTown: Moultonborough
County: Carroll
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
The accident was reported a day later by the marina. The operator of the vessel stated he went on the wrong side of the black buoy and hit rocks.


BARDID: NH-2015-0041
State: NH
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-09-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnipesaukee
NearestCityorTown: Meredith
County: Belknap
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator ran boat onto a rock by 2 Mile Island. He did not correctly use the navigational markers. A towing company dislodged the vessel from the rock and escorted it to a marina.


BARDID: NH-2015-0043
State: NH
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-09-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnipesaukee
NearestCityorTown: Alton
County: Belknap
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of vessel one was cruising around the bay staying closer to shore to see all the beautiful homes along the shore line. He stated he did not see the sailboat that was 150 feet from shore on an unlighted mooring ball. The mooring ball was moved farther out from the property than permitted by the owner of vessel two. The accident was called in the next day. Vessel one sustained the starboard side damage including: two forward planks on the wood hull needing to be replaced. The sailboat sustained minor damage.


BARDID: NH-2015-0044
State: NH
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2015-09-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Sunapee
NearestCityorTown: Sunapee
County: Sullivan
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator and passenger were cruising when they heard a loud thud from the boat engine. The operator was not aware of the lowered levels on the lake and hit a rock that was usually submerged. The vessel was then operated on a back up motor and brought to a nearby dock, then towed to a local Marina.


BARDID: NH-2018-0020
State: NH
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnipesaukee
NearestCityorTown: MEREDITH
County: BELKNAP
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
ON JULY 6, 2018 A VESSEL DRIVEN BY OPERATOR STRUCK ROCKS IN THE AREA OF BLACK CAT ISLAND IN MEREDITH, NH.  THEIR WERE NO INJURIES , A NEIGHBOR TOWED THE BOAT TO TREXLER MARINA, THE OPERATOR WAS NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE NAVIGATING THE AREA AT NIGHT AND DID NOT UTILIZE THE APPROPIATE NAVIGATION AIDES.


BARDID: NH-2018-0021
State: NH
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:18:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnipesaukee
NearestCityorTown: MEREDITH
County: BELKNAP
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel l1 while out tubing with family struck a large rock in the water, disabling the motor.  No injuries.


BARDID: NH-2018-0022
State: NH
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:02:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnipesaukee
NearestCityorTown: Alton
County: Belknap
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The vessel was docked when the victim untied the vessel and jumped in. The operator of the vessel put it in a forward motion instead of reverse causing the victim to fall overboard. The operator tried to correct his mistake by putting the vessel in a reverse direction at a high rate of speed, not knowing the victim fell overboard, and proceeded to run him over. A passenger screamed and jumped overboard after seeing blood in the water, at the same time the witness on the dock jumped in as well. Both rescuers grabbed the body and brought the victim to the surface, realizing the victim had been decapitated. Both rescuers held the body until 911 was called then brought the body to shore where he was laid on rocks covering him with towels. Another state agency was on scene to recover the victims remains. 

There are no state charges pending.


BARDID: NH-2018-0023
State: NH
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: Hampton
County: Rockingham
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
ACCORDING TO VESSEL 1, HEADING EAST OF HAMPTON RIVER, OPERATOR OF VESSEL 1 STATED HE HIT COMPLETELY SUBMERGED GREEN buoy CAN # 5 causing damage.


BARDID: NH-2018-0024
State: NH
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:56:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnipesaukee
NearestCityorTown: Gilford
County: BELKNAP
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
OPERATOR WAS OPERATING THE VESSEL WHEN THE STORM CAME ABOUT, HE WAS TRYING TO ESCAPE THE STORM, HE SAW ONE RED MARKER AND WENT SOUTH, BUT NEVER SAW THE OTHER RED MARKER, THEN HE SAID HE HEARD THE BOAT HIT THE ROCKS SO HE STOPPED.


BARDID: NH-2018-0025
State: NH
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-07-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pleasant Pond
NearestCityorTown: New London
County: Merrimack
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
THEIR WERE TWO GIRLS TUBING ON THE LAKE PASSENGER 3 AND PASSENGER 1, AND THEY HIT A WAKE AND WHICH MADE THEM FALL INTO THE WATER, PASSENGER 1 WAS OKAY, BUT PASSENGER 3 HIT THE WATER PRETTY HAD, IT WAS SAID PASSENGER 3 LOST CONSCIOUSNESS AND THEY GOT HER INTO THE BOAT WERE THEY CALLED 911, PASSENGER 3  SEEMED VERY CONFUSED  THEY WAITED FOR EMS TO ARRIVE ON THE DOCK.  PASSENGER 3 WAS DOING OKAY BUT THE PARENTS DECIDED TO BRING HER TO THE HOSPITAL WERE SHE HAD XRAYS AND CAT SCAN.  THEY RELEASED HER FROM THE HOSPITAL AND RESUMED HER REGULAR ACTIVITES.


BARDID: NH-2018-0026
State: NH
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2018-08-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:33:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lake Winnipesaukee
NearestCityorTown: Moultonborough
County: Carroll
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
While heading southerly, the operator stuck close to the Westerly shore opposite Black Point as he passed boats moving Northerly. He struck rocks adjacent to the area of a missing black top navigation marker.


BARDID: NH-2021-0001
State: NH
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-04-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:02:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Atlantin Ocean
NearestCityorTown: New Castle
County: Rockingham
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The original call was for a water rescue. When the Officer arrived on scene he could see a red kayak crashing against the shore and the operator of the kayak clinging to the rocks approximately 50 feet from shore. The operator was rescued off the rocks and brought to the Coast Guard Station to await the ambulance.  He was later transported to Portsmouth Hospital for cuts, scrapes and possible hypothermia. He had capsized.


