# ReleasableAccidents

BARDID: TN-2023-0007
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-03-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:49:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NICKAJACK RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday March 5th, 2023, at approximately 5 PM TWRA officers responded to Ross’s Landing Marina on Nickajack lake in Chattanooga for the report of a two-vessel collision. Officers were told that the collision was involving a dark colored Bullet brand bass boat and a white colored personal watercraft. Once officers arrived on scene they had learned that the operator of the personal watercraft had already been taken to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga. 

Officers had then learned that the bass boat had headed north bound on the Tennessee River. I, Wildlife Officer had then requested that another responding officer start towards the Tennessee Riverpark, which was one of two boat ramps north of where the incident had taken place. Once the officer had arrived at the Tennessee Riverpark, he was able to locate a dark colored Bullet bass boat with noticeable damage to the front of the vessel. After speaking with the operator and passenger of the vessel they had stated that they observed a white PWC driving around the columns of the Market St Bridge. As they were going underneath the bridge, they had observed the PWC operator looking over his left shoulder while making a right-hand turn. After the PWC operator had turned his head to look over his right shoulder and see the bass boat it was too late and the two vessels collided. The operator of the PWC was ejected and landed in the water facedown. The operators of the bass boat had immediately rendered first aid to him by pulling him from the water. Once he was pulled from the water he had made statements to the passengers of the bass boat that were, “was there anyone else of the boat with me?”. The bass boat had taken the injured party to the shore where they were waiting for an ambulance. Once the ambulance arrived on scene, the injured PWC operator was taken to the hospital. Officers had interviewed the operator of the PWC at the hospital but was unable to recall the collision. He was however able to answer that he had departed from a near by island before the collision.


BARDID: TN-2023-0008
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-01-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:51:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NICKAJACK RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On January 9th 2023 TWRA was notified of a boat the was on fire outside of the Baylor School on the Nickajack Reservoir with the sole occupant of the vessel clinging to the side of the vessel. Once officers and fire fighters arrived on scene the occupant was safety taken out of the water and the fire was extinguished. The operator who was also the sole occupant on board the vessel stated that while he was traveling up stream on the river he had made an adjustment to the engine''s carburetor, after that a spark jumped from the engine to the vessels external fuel tank and that is when the fire started. The engine was a total loss due to the fire but there were no injuries as a result of this incident. The incident occurred in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2023-0009
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-02-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: DAYTON
County: RHEA
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On February 25th, 2023, TWRA officers received a call of an overturned vessel that Rhea County 911 dispatchers had pinged on the western, Rhea County side of the Tennessee River north of the Cottonport Boat ramp. The callers had stated to 911 that they had just flipped over their boat while on the lake and had swum to shore and that nobody was injured. 

The parties remained on shore until first responders could find them. Once the parties were located, Officers were able to find out that while the three were traveling down stream going towards one of their racoon hunting dogs that was alerting to have treed a racoon, they struck an unknown object in the water. This cause the vessel to capsize and the large aluminum dog box that was on the bow of the boat to fall off and sink to the bottom of the river. There was a hunting dog in the box at the time of the incident that was unable to be recovered. Once officers were able to look at the vessel out of water there were green paint transfer marks on the port side of the vessel. This would be consistent with the green navigational buoys that were on the river. The operator stated that he did not se a buoy but also wouldn’t have been able to due to the large dog box on the bow of the vessel. The placement of the dog box severely obstructed the visibility for the operator during the incident. There were no parties injured however during the incident.


BARDID: TN-2023-0010
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-02-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:34:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On February 28, 2023 I wildlife officer responded to the Booker T. Washington State Park area of Hamilton County for a call regarding a vessel accident on Chickamauga Lake. Once on scene, I interviewed the operator and the other three occupants of the vessel. They stated that while hauling lumber on their 15-foot vessel, the vessel began taking in water from the bow. Shortly after, the vessel began to sink, and the occupants were left in the water. All occupants were able to swim safely to shore without injuries.


BARDID: TN-2023-0011
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-02-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:56:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: MELTON HILL RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: OAK RIDGE
County: ANDERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
RedactedNarrative:
According to a statement provided by Operator around 18:50 on February 26th he was the operator of a vessel traveling across the channel on Melton Hill Reservoir, in Anderson County. While traveling across the river channel the lower unit of his boat snagged on one of steel cables holding the buoys marking the rowing lanes used by the Rowing Association. Operator  stated that he attempted to avoid the cables by traveling in the center of the marker buoys but the lower unit of his vessel snagged one of the cables.  He states that he was traveling at idle speed through the buoy line and when he throttled down to approach the ramp he noticed that his vessel was traveling backward as it was being pulled by the cable that had become entangled around the lower unit of his outboard motor. The bouy lines his vessel struck were permitted by TWRA to the Oak Ridge Rowing Association for the duration of their rowing season. Operator stated that the lower unit of his vessel was damaged and according to him, ruined.   *** On February 28th, 2023 at around 12:00pm Officers and Operator visited the scene to inspect the course layout. It was determined that shallowest portion of cable located was approximately 22 inches below the water line. Photos of course and warning signs are documented in the report.


BARDID: TN-2023-0012
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-03-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: BIG SANDY RIVER
NearestCityTown: PARIS
County: HENRY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
RedactedNarrative:
On March 10, 2023, at or around 17:30 a multiple vessel collision involving an aluminum boat and a fiberglass bass boat occurred in West Sandy Creek of the Big Sandy River in Henry County, Tennessee. 

The operator of the impacted vessel voluntarily departed the vessel prior to collision, the operator and occupant of the impacting vessel were ejected during the collision. No personal flotation devices were worn. This incident resulted in one fatality and one individual injured. This incident is currently under investigation and will be supplemented when finalized.  

*** On March 10, 2023, at or around 17:30 pm, Operator2 was fishing in a Triton aluminum boat in West Sandy Creek of the Big Sandy River in Henry County, Tennessee. Operator1 and occupant were heading towards the boat ramp by the Springville Pumphouse in West Sandy Creek in a Javelin fiberglass boat. 

Operator2 noticed a boat heading towards him and began yelling to get the operators attention, Operator2 jumped into the water when he saw the boat Operator1 was operating would collide with the back of Operator2’s boat. 

Operator1 and occupant were ejected from the vessel during the collision. V1 occupant was able to reboard Operator1’s boat, Operator1 swam to help Operator2 get to his boat and out of the water. 

Operator1 disappeared under the water after assisting Operator2.  Witnesses aided the V1 occupant and Operator2 and got them to the bank and called 911. At or around 23:50, Operator1’s body was recovered from West Sandy Creek. No personal flotation devices were worn. 

The probable cause of the collision between the Triton and the Javelin was Operator1 not maintaining a proper lookout.

Report of Investigation and Supplemental reports can be found in the case file.


BARDID: TN-2023-0013
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-03-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: SAVANNAH
County: HARDIN
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
RedactedNarrative:
Upon complete investigation, it was determined, on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at approximately 1745 hours, operator was operating an 18 foot Xpress aluminum boat, traveling upbound on the Tennessee River at mile marker 204 around the "Narrows" in Hardin County with one passenger.

Occupant stated a package of fishing equipment was blowing in the floor of the boat and the two occupants bent down to retrieve them.

The vessel made a hard right turn.  Both occupants were ejected out of the left side of the vessel.  Neither occupants were wearing personal floatation devices.  Operator was not wearing the engine cutoff switch lanyard.

Upon ejection of the occupants, the vessel began traveling in a circular pattern, often called the "circle of death", at a high rate of speed.

Occupant was able to swim to shore and was rescued by Hardin County Fire first responders.  He was treated by Hardin County EMS and released.  Occupant later checked himself into a hospital, where he was held overnight, and released the following morning.    

The vessel circled down the river for approximately an hour and fifteen minutes before it became lodged against the bank.  Good samaritans turned the vessel off and the vessel was towed to the Pickwick Dam boat ramp by Hardin County Fire.  The vessel was then taken to a secure TWRA facility.     

Operator’s body was recovered on April 1, 2023, by Sergeant and Hardin County Fire personnel.  His body was sent to West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center for autopsy.

Cause of death was determined to be drowning.


BARDID: TN-2023-0017
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-04-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:49:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: ROCKWOOD
County: ROANE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
On April 8th 2023 I Wildlife Officer received a call of a vessel crash that included only property damage that had occurred the evening of 4/7/2023 on Watts Bar Lake in Roane County. After speaking with the operator of the vessel he had stated that while him and his partner were driving downstream back to the boat ramp, they had driven up on some shallow water around the Morris Island area of the lake. After coming up on the shallow water the vessel had grounded causing the lower unit of the bass boat''s outboard engine to be removed. The two parties on board were able to get the vessel back to the ramp there after. During the incident there were no injures reported.


BARDID: TN-2023-0018
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-03-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
Two met at around 9:00 on March 27 2023 at Browns Ferry Marina.  The party was meeting to drive a 41 ft Viking boat, that Operator  had purchased, to a marina on Chickamauga Lake.  Operator checked oil levels and did other maintenance checks.  The two departed around 9:30 heading up river.  They arrived at Erwin Marina around 10:00 and got fuel.  They resumed their voyage and headed up river to go through the Chickamauga Dam lock.  As they were waiting for the lock to allow them in Operator began to notice a slight bit of smoke coming from the port engine.  Operator stated that as they entered the lock he lost throttle control of the boat.  And they made it into the lock on their momentum.  Operator stated that they notified the lockmaster that they were having issues.  Subject also stated that the automatic fire supression system came on and they thought the fire had gone out.  TVA sent a boat out to assit and tow the Viking vessel out of the lock.  Operator stated that as they were being towed the smoke began to get worse.  Operator stated that a significant amount of black smoke was begining to come from the engines as they approached the wing wall of the lock.  They attempted to put the fire out with fire extinguishers but that did not work.  Both occupants were forced to climb up a ladder on the wing wall to safety.

I arrived on scene around 12:00 with Officer .  Leuitenant was alread on scence and had begun talking with the operator/owner -.  I took a statement from operator1 while Leuitenant talked to the passenger.  As we were finishing up the statements the vessel began to sink near the opening of the lock.  The vessel sank quickly and was completely submerged.

While talking to Operator I learned that he had purchased the vessel from another.  He stated that he had aquired insurance for the boat.  He had not registered the vessel in his name.  He has stated he will provide proof of purchase documents to me in the coming days.  

Lt. contacted Towboat USA to assist with recovering the vessel.  Towboat was enroute to the scene at the time we left.

Shortly after speaking to Operator and watching the vessel sink, Officer, Lt., and I left the scene at approximately 13:00.  Officer was arriving on scene and departed when we did.

*Pictures of accident site and boat sinking area attached
*Incident reports from Officer and Lt. are attached as PDF''s
*No injuries reported


BARDID: TN-2023-0020
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-04-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 4/20/2023 TWRA was contacted regarding a personal watercraft collision between two personal watercrafts that had occurred on 4/18/2023. The caller, who was the operator of the listed vessel 2 advised TWRA dispatch that there were no parties hurt in the incident but was requesting a report of the incident. After speaking with this operator he had stated that on the 18th he and his friend were driving the two personal watercrafts, that were owned by the reporting parties parents, in the back end of Wolftever Creek. While they were riding the two vessels came in too close of proximity to each other and collided. The reporting party, who was the operator of the listed vessel 2 stated that the operator on vessel 1 had been making attempts to splash him with his respected vessel. Before the collision the vessel 1 operator made another attempt to splash the operator of vessel 2 but got too close and the two ended up colliding. The account of this collision is based on the statement of the vessel 2 operator. Attempts were made on 4/22/2023 to call the operator of vessel 2 but nobody answered the phone. The reporting party had stated that they had a gentleman’s agreement that the vessel 1 operator would buy the vessel off of the reporting party. There is damage of the collision on the right side of the bottom half of vessel 2’s hull. It was indicated by the operator that the bottom half of his hull had contacted the left rear corner of the striking vessel where there was limited damage remaining. The reporting party also stated that he has text messages stating the other party was sorry for the incident and further claimed that he also was the operator of the vessel. This reporting party stated also that he vessel 1 operator is no longer returning text messages and phone calls. This incident took place in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2023-0021
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-04-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NICKAJACK RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: WHITWELL
County: MARION
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person departed vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 4/24/2023 TWRA was notified of a boating incident that had taken place in Marion County on 4/21/2023 on Nickajack lake. The reporting party had stated that after a severe thunder storm while him and his fishing partner were fishing at Mullins Cove the waves began to get too high and were starting to come over the sides of the boat. The operator stated that he took the vessel to a private and covered dock nearby to wait out the storm. While they were waiting out the storm that water that was already in the boat began to be too much for the high winds and waves that were present during the storm. The bass boat sank in the boat slip but the two occupants were able to get out of the water without any injuries being caused.


BARDID: TN-2023-0022
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-04-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: CELINA
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
CoordinatesConfidence: C
RedactedNarrative:
District 31 officers responded Saturday, April 1, 2023, to a missing persons call on Dale Hollow in and around the Goat Islands area.  The call came into Clay County EMA around 21:30.  Clay County officer, responded to the Willow Grove Marina to start the investigation.  Off. notified command staff as the information was received.  I dispatched additional officers to help locate the party witnesses and to conduct interviews.  

These tasks took place from 21:30 until 02:45 the following morning, April 2, 2023.
Preliminary investigation indicated four individuals were camping on a small island, Graveyard Island, that was accessed by kayaks.  The alleged missing person was last seen in a kayak halfway between the island campsite and Willow Grove Marina.  Officers on the water conducted a perimeter search late into the night on April 1, 2023.
Today, April 2, 2023, a full TWRA team (10 officers, 5 patrol vessels) was on scene at 07:00 to begin a thorough investigation and search of the multiple surrounding islands and to begin side scan patterns of the adjacent water.  Officers interviewed witnesses to help establish relevant search areas and event that lead to the event.  
  
Joint agency response offered a great number of search vessels and ground search teams.  Using modern, real-time mapping applications (CalTopo), the searches where documented and captured.  The missing kayak was found at approximately 09:00 by officers.  Grid searches were performed until LTCol. 1 arrived with the ROV.  Utilizing the ROV, all possible marked targets were searched.  Broader searches were conducted after the possible marks were unsuccessful.  After all known targets were searched, scans were performed based on the captured wind data and geographic findings from the investigation.  During this last search, a potential image was discovered and the ROV was deployed with the successful finding of the missing individual.  He, was successfully located in 13.5 feet of water in the approximate location the kayak was recovered.  Operator was a 31 YO, white male native to Overton County.  The victim was located at 16:11 and was recovered at 16:53.  
   

PIO’s were kept informed throughout the investigation and are working on a final public release.  
Assisting agencies include Clay County Sheriff Department.


BARDID: TN-2023-0023
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-04-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEECH LAKE
NearestCityTown: LEXINGTON
County: HENDERSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday April 16, 2023 at approximately 1730hrs, I received a call from Lexington Police Department stating a jet ski accident had occurred at Beech Lake. I arrived on scene at approximately 1741hrs. It was determined Operator was operating a 2008 Yamaha Waverunner with Mississippi registration on Beech Lake in Lexington, TN. While operating the vessel at an unknown speed, the vessel decelerated abruptly causing him to be ejected from the vessel over the bow. It is likely his torso contacted the steering column while his chin contacted the front compartment lid. The cause of the abrupt deceleration is most likely due to running in shallow water.   Due to the ejection from the vessel, Operator sustain a deep laceration to his chin and transported to Jackson General Hospital where he received stitches.


BARDID: TN-2023-0024
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-03-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: MISSISSIPPI RIVER
NearestCityTown: HALLS
County: LAUDERDALE
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: Y
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On March 19, 2023 at approximately 1421 the Lauderdale Sheriffs Department received a call about a boat accident on the Mississippi River.  I received a call from the Sheriffs Departement after the had talked with Operator.  I was informed about the situation and given his contact infromation.  I called and talked to him to get an account of what had happened.  Operator stated that he was heading downstream when his vessel struck an object that broke the motor off of the vessel.  He stated that he was not able to hold onto the motor any longer and let it go.  He said that the motor was a 40hp tiller handle.  After losing the motor he stated that he floated downstream around a 1/4 mile and the wind was pushing him towards the bank.  The vessel got to around 40 yards from the bank and then it began moving away.  He infromed me that he jumped into the river and made his way to the bank.  Once out he walked to his truck.  He stated that he had contacted the insuracne company and that the vessel was insured by Insurance in Alamo, TN.

Per statement written by Operator:

Put my boat in at Ed Jones boat ramp to look for turkey.  Traveled roughly 3 miles up river, then came back down.  Passed the ramp and hit something that made my motor come off the boat.  I then exited the boat and went to shore.  I tried to pull the boat with me by the rope and hold my shotgun but was unable, let go of the boat and gun and went to shore.  Called the Crockett County Rescue Squad and they notified the surrounding departments.  Walked back to my truck, warmed up, and went home.  Happened on March 19 around 1pm.  No one else was in the boat with me.  I roughly went 500yds in the boat after I hit the object before I exited the boat.  Recovered on March 31st by riverboat captain in Osceola.  My son picked up April 6th and brought home. *** This is an Investigator Supplemental Report:

Added the following data to the report:
River mile based on the GPS coordinates
Weather based on WeatherUnderground for MKL
Linked operator/owner to vessel
Changed from owner/operator to operator for BARD upload.
Added 40hp to vessel based on operator statement
Added $4000 damage due to lost 40hp outboard (estimated $100/HP)

It is believed that operator stuck a submerged object however that accident type is not available.  Listed "Collision with Floating Object" for BARD.

Boating Investigator


BARDID: TN-2023-0025
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-04-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: REELFOOT
NearestCityTown: SAMBURG
County: OBION
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
MachineryFailure: Steering
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday April 23 at 1527   I received a call by phone from samburg tn rescue squad indicating ther had been a single boat accident on reelfoot lake. I arrived at pocket boat ramp at 1630. The vessel was driven under its own power to this location by the owner. He stated that he was traveling SW into Horse Island ditch when a mechanical failure occured with his hydrolic steering causing him to lose control of the vessel. The vessel turned drastically left running ashore striking several trees and running aground coming to rest on the bank wedged in trees  *** Boating 


BARDID: TN-2023-0027
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-04-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:20:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: SOUTH HOLSTON RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: BRISTOL
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 04/29/2023 at approximately 06:20 a vessel carrying one individual was traveling upstream on South Holston Lake in Sullivan County. The vessel was traveling approximately 65 mph when it struck a floating tree. The impact caused the operator to be ejected from the vessel and the motor to be sheared off. The operator was picked up by a passing vessel and was later flown to a local trauma center with serious injuries.  *** 	On 04/29/2023 at 06:33, I was contacted by Nashville dispatch about a severe injury boat accident on South Holston Lake. Cpt. and I responded by vehicles to the 421 boat ramp, securing the vessel involved and taking statements from witnesses. Officer traveled to the Johson City Medical Center to take a report from the operator.
 
From written and oral statements: On 04/29/2023 at 06:18, Operator departed 421 boat ramp and began traveling upstream on South Holston Lake in Sullivan County. He stated that upon rounding a bend in the lake, he spotted a branch sticking out of the water. He realized it was a partially submerged tree and turned right to avoid the obstacle. The vessel struck the tree at 64 mph. The collision caused him to impact the passenger seat as he was ejected from the vessel. The collision also sheared the engine from its mount, causing it to travel over the vessel and land in the water. 
	Operator stated that when he landed in the water, his inflatable PFD did not inflate, but he immediately began to swim. Witness observed the collision and began traveling to him. Upon arrival, Witness was joined by another vessel containing others. The three individuals got him out of the water and placed him on the'' vessel. Another called 911 while transporting him back to the 421 boat ramp. Operator was transported from 421 boat ramp to Johnson City Medical Center by helicopter. 

	Operator suffered three broken ribs, a small pneumothorax in his left lung, and several large contusions. He was kept overnight at the hospital for observation but was released the following day.  *** A blood draw was not completed on him on arrival at the hospital due to no evidence of alcohol being found at the scene and no signs of alcohol consumption.

An inventory of the vessel was conducted and no Type IV PFD was found to be onboard. 

Per discussion with Sullivan County ADA no charges will be filed.


BARDID: TN-2023-0028
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-04-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: PERCY PRIEST RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: NASHVILLE
County: DAVIDSON
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by vessel
CoordinatesConfidence: C
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday April 29th, 2023 we recieved a call of a two vessel collision with a missing kayaker on J Percy Priest Reservoir. The closest ramp was Hamilton Creek upper ramp. On scene we interviewed two witness'' and the operator and two occupants of the fishing vessel involved in the collision. Based on information we recieved from the parties involved we concluded that the fishing vessel did not see the kayaker, hit the kayaker, caused them to go in the water, and they did not resurface. The kayak was occupied one time. Because of the cooperation from the witness'' and the occupants of the fishing vessel, we had a good place to begin looking for the missing kayaker. We started side scanning the area and discovered a likely target. We deployed our ROV and found the deceased kayaker. Metro OEM recovered her body at that time.  There was trauma to the right side rear of her head. She was not wearing a life jacket. Next of kin has been notified.


BARDID: TN-2023-0031
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-04-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: BEECH LAKE
NearestCityTown: LEXINGTON
County: HENDERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On April 27, 2023 at or around 2138 hours, a RANGER bass boat and a STRATOS bass boat collided on Beech Lake resulting in 2 injuries. *** On Thursday April 27, 2023, at 21:38hrs, I received a call from subject1 stating a boating accident had occurred on Beech Lake in Lexington, Tn. I arrived on scene at 21:53hrs. A preliminary investigation determined a 2021 18ft Ranger struck a 1999 21ft Stratos on the portside aft of the passenger compartment. The Ranger completely overrode the Stratos causing lacerations to the heads of both the passenger and operator of the Stratos. Both occupants transported themselves to Henderson County Community Hospital where they each received three staples.   

The incident is under investigation and a final report will be completed at a later date.


BARDID: TN-2023-0032
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-05-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: SODDY-DAISY
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On May 18, 2023 at approximately 9 AM two vessels collided on Chickamauga Lake just south of the highway 60 bridge. Operator1 stated he was traveling upstream towards the bridge when he collided with Operator2, who is traveling across the river from east to west.  Operator2’s boat sustained damage to the power pole anchor system at the rear of the vessel. Operator1''s boat sustain damage to the prop of the trolling motor, located on the bow of the vessel. Operator1 further stated he had to enter a reverse evasive braking maneuver to avoid collision. Operator2 further stated he was looking at his graphs, and when he looked up, the boat was there, to which he throttled out and steered to the right in an attempt to miss the vessel.
Both parties claimed to attempt all measures possible to avoid collision, as can be shown by the location of damages.


BARDID: TN-2023-0033
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-05-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: SAVANNAH
County: HARDIN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Phoenix bass boat traveling on plane struck a large wake from an unknown vessel causing operator to impact the steering console resulting in injuries.      

*** On may 13 2023,  bass fishing tournament director spoke to decatur county wildlife officer and advised him that one of their participants in the tournament was involved in a boating incident earlier in the day. 

Officer1 was provided the name of the subject involved in the incident, victim. Officer1 spoke to victim via phone and found him to be at maury regional hospital getting seen. Victim told Officer that he was headed downstream towards clifton at approximately 58mph when he met a large vessel. Victim states he struck the waves of this vessel causing him to jump out of the water and when he came back down, he struck his console and several items were lost due to the impact with the water. 

Victim stated that he had bruising and a concussion from the incident.  Officer1 also spoke to a witness to the incident. Witness1 stated he waved to victim as he passed by and pointed to the waves. He states victim was "up and running hard" when he hit the wave. The name or owner of the larger vessel is unknown at this time. 

V1 showed a large amount of damage to the console, which is suspected to be the impact of victim against it and cracks and spider webbing to the fiberglass along the vessel. Victim provided an gps point of where the incident was stated to occur which is approximately river mile marker 177 in hardin co. Preliminary report only,information will be added as it is received *** Boating Investigator Supplement:  The following updates were made to report:  

Accident type was updated to "Vessel Wake Damage".   
Synposis added.   
Personal property monetary damage of $4912 added to vessel.


BARDID: TN-2023-0034
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-05-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:48:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: BIG SANDY RIVER
NearestCityTown: BIG SANDY
County: BENTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
CoordinatesConfidence: C
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was in a 12 foot jon boat on Big Sandy River when he stood up and fell overboard submerging below the surface.    

 *** On Saturday May 13, 2023 at approximately 19:37 I, Officer received a call from TWRA dispatch that a boating incident had occurred and an individual was missing at the spillway in Big Sandy (between hwy 69 and boat dock road). I contacted Benton County dispatch for more info and they advised that Benton county rescue squad was enroute. 

I called Sgt to advise of the incident and he stated he would be enroute.  Next I advised Sgt of the details as well. Officer called and asked if I needed assistance which I said yes and asked if he could grab a boat with side scan. I also contacted officer to do the same. 

Preliminary investigation determines subject was fishing from a 12 ft aluminum boat at the Big Sandy spillway.  Witnesses state Subject stood up in the vessel and fell into the water.  Subject struggled in the water and surfaced approximately three times before he was no longer able to stay above the water.  Subject was not wearing a personal flotation device.  

Accident type updated to "fall overboard and flooding"
Details added to fatal supplemental
Created Synopsis 

Notes:  This is a preliminary report and will be finalized when blood toxicology results are complete.   HIN and registration information is incomplete due to a missing HIN plate.   


BARDID: TN-2023-0044
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:11:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: HARRISON
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/5/2023 I Wildlife Officer had received a call from Hamilton County 911 that there was a single vessel that had the occupant of that vessel in the water and unable to get back in. The incident was advised by dispatch to be near the Skull Island campground on Chickamauga Lake. After arriving on scene, I had observed one white vessel, partially submerged being towed in to the Skull Island Boat Ramp. 

Dispatch had already advised me that all occupants were accounted for and there were no parties currently missing. Once all vessels arrived at the boat ramp I was able to speak with the operator of the vessel who had stated that he was the sole occupant on the vessel. 

He had stated to me that while testing the vessel out he had got the vessel to a speed close to 20 miles per hours heading towards the main river channel. 

He then had began to make a turn towards the right hand side when the transom had separated from the gunwales of the hull. Water had begun to rush into the vessel and the sole occupant of the vessel was forced to jump out of the vessel. The operator was the sole occupant in the vessel and was not injured during the incident.


BARDID: TN-2023-0046
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: CRUMP
County: HARDIN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, June 3, 2023, at approximately 1130 hours, I received a call of a vessel on fire on Kentucky Lake/Tennessee River at the Savannah Access Area.

Preliminary investigation determines the vessel was just launched.  Operator was attempting to start the vessel, when an explosion occurred, setting the vessel on fire.  There were 8 occupants aboard the vessel and 2 witnesses in the truck.  When the explosion occurred, one person received burns to his right arm and left leg.  he was transported via EMS to Hardin Medical Center, where he was treated and released.

Preliminary investigation also determines that the vessel was fueled at a local gas station the morning of the incident.  When fueling, witnesses state, "a couple of gallons" of fuel was accidentally pumped into the water tank.  The individuals flushed the water tank, and ran water in the hull of the vessel.  The operator states he used the onboard blower before launching and attempting to start the vessel.  

The vessel fire was extinguished by Hardin County Fire.  The vessel was placed onto a rollback by Warrens Towing, and transported to Warrens Towing in Crump, TN.


BARDID: TN-2023-0047
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: SODDY-DAISY
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/17/2023 Tennessee Wildlife Officers were notified of a boating collision involving two vessels near the mouth of Soddy Creek on Chickamaugua Lake. There had been no reported injuries that resulted from the initial incident. 

Officers were notified of the incident well after it had occurred and contact was made with both operators on 6/18/2023. After Speaking with the operator of vessel 2 he had indicated that while traveling downstream on Chickamauga Lake near the mouth of Soddy Creek he had short notice of observation of a ski vessel that was in tow of a skier.

 This operator had indicated that he could see that the operator of the ski vessel was looking towards the back of the boat at the skier. The operator of vessel 2 stated that he had whistled at the other boat and got the attention of the operator. 

The Vessel 1 operator was able to hear the whistle and took evasive maneuvers in an attempt to avoid the collision. The left side of vessel 1 however ended up making contact with the right side of vessel 2. After speaking with the operator of vessel 1 he had indicated that he did not see the large white vessel that was operated by the vessel 2 operator until it was too late to avoid the collision. There were no injuries as a result of the incident.


BARDID: TN-2023-0049
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2023-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:45:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CENTER HILL RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: SMITHVILLE
County: DEKALB
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
I received a phone call from officer at 08:26 regarding a boat running aground at Edgar Evins Marina.  I immediately got ready and went 10-8 from my Station-R.  On the way to Edgar Evins Ramp #2, I received a text from a witness to call him about a boat incident last night.  I called the witness, and he advised he heard a boat in distress on Buoy Point at Edgar Evins State Park last night around midnight and saw a bass boat get the occupants and take them to Edgar Evins Marina.  He later drove to the accident site and took a picture of the boat grounded on the rocks.  He advised me that it was 03:30 when he took the picture.  Officer and parker rangers were at Ramp #2 when I arrived.  Sgt.s advised they were in route.  Sgt. arrived via patrol vessel and Sgt. arrived in his patrol vehicle.  
	Edgar Evin''s Marina staff contacted Off.1 that the occupants of the vessel were heading to Rutherford County Saint Thomas Hospital around 09:00.  I contacted Lt. in District 21 for assistance with interviewing the operator.  Lt. advised Off.2 to interview the occupants, and Ofc2 contacted me prior to interviewing to get the facts of the case.  

Statements indicate that operator was operating the vessel with his girlfriend coming from Pates Ford Marina heading toward Edgar Evin''s Marina, but did not navigate around the long protruding rocky point far enough and struck the end of the point.  After impacting the rocky point, a fishing boat was able to get the occupants and take them to their house boat.  Operator refused to go to the hospital and his girlfriend sustained no injuries.  Around 05:00 this morning, Operator decided he needed to seek medical attention and called his mother to come get them and take them to Rutherford Co. Hospital.  Operator received several stitches to his lip and had some broken ribs.  

	Off.1 and I made our way to the incident location.  The vessel was still grounded, but was taking on water.  The bilge pump was running constantly.  The front navigational lights were still on, but the top light and top ski rack, was missing due to the impact with the trees and/or rocks.  

I documented the keys were removed from the vessel and that the gear shift was in the neutral position.  There was several empty alcohol containers in the vessel and there was what appeared to be blood in several areas of the boat.  Due to the damage on the vessel and the risk of contaminating the environment from gasoline and oil, I called Towboat US for assistance. Off.1 was in contact with Operator''s mother throughout the morning, and advised her of the status of vessel.  She gave Off.1 the information on how to retrieve the trailer to load the vessel onto.  They acknowledged a captain would be on scene as quick as he could bring his boat.  Towboat Captain and assistant utilized their tow equipment and boats to remove the vessel and place it on the owners trailer.  Sgt. and I conducted a property inventory of the vessel.  I released the property, boat, and trailer to TowBoat US.  The vessel was considered totalled and valued at $47,000.


BARDID: TN-2023-0051
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:50:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: NORRIS
County: ANDERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: Y
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Congested waters
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, June 24, 2023, at approximately 6:55 PM, while patrolling on Norris Lake, I was advised by TWRA Region 4 dispatch of a property damage boat incident that had occurred at Stardust Marina.  Once on scene at Stardust Marina, I contacted the individuals that were involved in the incident.  According to their statements, a Starcraft pontoon boat (V1) was tied up to a dock at the marina.  

While owner and others were sitting on the moored boat, a Monark (V2) boat   slowly approached from the rear of the V1.  V2 then made a left turn in an attempt to pull up to a dock.  During this attempt, the back portion of V2 made contact with the engine of V1.  This contact between the two boats caused a crack and indentation in the engine cowling of V1.


BARDID: TN-2023-0052
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:51:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: LEBANON
County: WILSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/23/23 at approximately 1000, I was notified by TWRA R2 dispatch via phone call of a two vessel collision in Spencer Creek near Boxwell Scout Camp on Old Hickory Lake. R2 Dispatch reported that no injuries had been reported at this time by either party. I arrived onscene at approximately 1100 on the western shore of the camp where both vessels involved were located. 

Through statements from both occupants and electronic data obtained from V2, I determined that V2, operated by Operator2, was descending the channel in Spencer Creek and V1, operated by juvenile, was ascending the channel, both at approximately 40-50 mph. 

Both vessels initially travelled courses to pass on each vessel''s port side. Prior to passing, it was determined that V1 abruptly made a course alteration, turning their PWC to its port side causing V2 to alter its course by making an abrupt turn to its starboard side to avoid collision. 

V1 impacted the port side of V2''s stern, causing the operator of V1 to be ejected and significant damage to both vessels. 

After collision, V1, now unoccupied, continued underway until coming to a full stop shortly after. Neither parties involved were injured, nor have injuries been reported to TWRA at the time of this report. All parties involved were wearing PFD''s at the time of collision. 

Weather conditions were sunny and mild wind. Visibility was clear. Vessel traffic conditions were light. Both operators involved had valid Tennessee Boater''s Education. 

I observed significant damage to the starboard side of the bow of V1. I observed significant fiberglass compression fractures to the port side of the stern of V2, white fiberglass/paint transfer consistent with that of V1 on the port side of the motor cowling of V2, as well as significant impact damage. I also observed that a shallow water anchoring system, Talon, had been broken completely off the stern of V2, as well as the ladder and mounting hardware previously attached by metal brackets to the transom. In addition, two large bolts on the motor jack plate had been completely sheared off on the port side of V2 and the jack plate had been knocked off its mounting track. Through interview with all parties involved and V2''s Humminbird depth finder track record, I was able to determine that V1 was ascending the channel in Spencer Creek on a PWC with other PWC''s from Boxwell Scout Camp. 

The operator of V1 estimated their speed at approximately 45 mph. The operator stated they did not see V2 until moments before the collision. Immediately prior to collision, V1 operator stated they made an attempt to alter their course by making a turn to their port side prior to collision. V1 operator stated they were ejected from the PWC into the water, but did not report any injuries, nor were any visible at the time of interview. V1 operator had valid Tennessee Boater''s Education and was wearing a PFD at the time of collision. 

The operator of V2 estimated their speed at approximately 40-50 mph while descending the Spencer Creek channel. V2 operator stated they did see V1 prior to collision, but both vessels were maintaining course to pass safely on their port sides. Prior to collision, V2 operator and occupant both stated they observed V1 operator turn their head to look back at the other PWC''s, and then abruptly make a port side turn into the path of V2 causing V2 to make an evasive turn to their starboard side. V1 then struck V2 in the stern, ejecting the operator of V1. Both occupants aboard V2 did made efforts to render aid after collision. V2 did not report any injuries at t


BARDID: TN-2023-0053
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-05-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: PERCY PRIEST RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: SMYRNA
County: RUTHERFORD
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/12/23 I, Officer, received a call from Capt. at 0205 about a boating incident at Poole''s Knob Boat Ramp on Percy Priest Lake. The report was a small vessel with six individuals on board capsized, and one 19 year old male was missing. 

I arrived on scene at approximately 0240. Once on scene I spoke with Rutherford County Rescue and confirmed five individuals were rescued with one person still missing. La Vergne PD was also on scene and assisted with locating the missing persons vehicle at Bryant''s Grove Boat Ramp to help ID him. Shortly after we were able to determine our missing individual was 19 year old who was also the owner of the vessel. 

We interviewed the other five individuals involved. We learned that around 0100 all six individuals had boarded a 14 foot john boat from an island on  Percy Priest Lake, that they had been fishing at, to return to the boat ramp at Bryant''s Grove. 

The operator of the vessel was seated at the back. Shortly after leaving the shore the vessel began to take on water from the front due to overloading. The vessel then swamped and capsized sending all individuals into the water. 

Five were able to make it back to the shore. The operator did not make it back to shore and was missing. 911 was called around 0150 to report the incident by one of the individuals involved.  Rutherford County Rescue was able to find a good target using sonar in the area of the incident. At approximately 0500 Capt. arrived on scene with the ROV. While Capt. and Capt. were investigating the target provided by Rutherford County Rescue, Officer and I went to the address of family to inform them of the situation. The ROV was able to locate the body in 9 feet of water at 0713. The body was recovered by divers at 0717. Once the body was confirmed, the death notification was given to the family around 0730. The ME''s office was contacted, and the body was transported to Davidson County.


BARDID: TN-2023-0054
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:06:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: PERCY PRIEST RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: NASHVILLE
County: DAVIDSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
RedactedNarrative:
District 21 officers responded Sunday afternoon at approximately 1606hrs, to a report of an individual who went into the water from a drifting vessel and did not resurface on J. Percy Priest Lake in Davidson County, TN.  

Preliminary investigation indicates that Operator and Subject1 were in a Bayliner vessel that had broken down and was drifting in the Cooks Recreation area of the lake.  Subject1 jumped into the lake and decided to attempt to use a rope, that was attached to the vessel, to pull the vessel to the shoreline that was approximately 60 feet away.  

Subject1 began to struggle to swim in the water, and Operator threw 2 boat bumpers to him in an attempt to help him stay afloat.  Subject1 was unable to successfully grab the 2 bumpers.  Seeing that Subject1 was still struggling to stay above the water, Operator jumped in and was able to push Subject1 above the waterline 2 times.  

Operator then also began to struggle to swim and had to abandon his attempts to help Subject1.  Subject1 was not able to make it to the shoreline and was reported missing.

TWRA officers arrived on scene quickly and found Operator sitting on the bank near the incident scene.  Operator was able to give us an approximate location of where Subject1 was last seen swimming and a marker buoy was thrown out to mark the location.   
OEM and Metro Fire responded to assist, and divers recovered Subject1 at approximately 1915hrs in close proximity to where the marker buoy was located.  Water depth was 7ft and water temperature was recorded as 80 degrees.
Next of kin notification was given by Lt. to the sister of Subject1.


BARDID: TN-2023-0056
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:39:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: RED RIVER
NearestCityTown: ADAMS
County: ROBERTSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Drug
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
There was a near drowning/injury on the Red River on 6/17/23 in Robertson Co. The victim and her party (approximately10 people) rented single seat kayaks from Run-a-Muck Outfitters and approximately one mile from their take out they were out on a gravel bar, when she fell and hit her head on her fiancés kayak causing her nose to bleed. 

After getting the bleeding under control, she got into her kayak and was pushed off the gravel bar and floated approximately 50 Ft before falling out of her kayak and into the river. She was under the water for approx. 20 seconds before being pulled to safety. She lost consciousness and stopped breathing during this time and CPR was administered by nearby bystanders. Montgomery Co. EMS arrived on scene at 14:59 and transported her to Tennova Hospital (15:35 Arrival Time) in Clarksville where she was ultimately placed on a ventilator by the medical staff. 

This officer arrived at Tennova Hospital at approximately 16:45 after being notified from Run-a-Muck Outfitters about a possible incident involving their customers.

The next day (6/18/23) she was transported to St. Thomas were she appears to be recovering (conscious and speaking) accordingly to her fiancé. 

She was not wearing a PFD during the incident and I have not found any Boaters Ed information.

Witnesses stated she consumed alcohol (5-6 Beers) and marijuana prior to the incident.

EOR


BARDID: TN-2023-0057
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:14:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: HENDERSONVILLE
County: SUMNER
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On June 18, 2023 at approximately 14:14 Injured Subject was being pulled on a four person tube, by Father / Operator. The tube had three other individuals including Victim. Operator turned his vessel in order to sling the tube out to the side of the boat. The tube hit an oncoming wake and made the side of the tube that Victim was on come out of the water. When the tube came back down onto the water it made Victim bounce off the tube, but her hand was stuck into one of the hand straps. She did not fall off into the water. Spotter yelled for her husband to stop, which he did. The other three individuals were still on the tube. Subject pulled the tube back into the boat in which she then got onto the tube and splinted Victim''s arm with a life jacket. 

Individuals from the shore heard the commotion from the water and came down to ask if everyone was okay. Operator informed them to call an ambulance, which they did. Victim Was taken to Hendersonville Hospital by ambulance where she was treated for a dislocated shoulder.


BARDID: TN-2023-0060
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:10:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: SPRING CITY
County: RHEA
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On the 1st of July 2023 while patrolling Watts Bar Lake myself and Officer were flagged down by individuals on sand island who looked to be in distress. We were informed that a female party was unconscious and needed help. We loaded the female party onto our vessel and advised dispatch to send EMS to the “wide spot” access area on Watts Bar Lake directly across from their location. Officer placed the patient in the recovery position and confirmed that she was breathing but unconscious and provided care for her while we transported her to the boat launch. Once at the boat launch first responders from Meigs County Fire arrived and started providing care. We identified the patient and asked witnesses what had happened. Witnesses stated that they believed she had hit her head and the PWC when she had struck a wave while pulling a tube.


BARDID: TN-2023-0061
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2023-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NICKAJACK RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
On June 25th, 2023, at approximately 20:00, a vessel fire occurred on Nickajack Lake, in the Baylor School area of Hamilton County, TN. The incident involved a 33 ft., white, Carver motor yatch. Immediately prior to the incident, the owner inserted roughly 10 gallons of fuel into the vessel. When attempting to crank the engine to start the motor, the carburetor was claimed to have caught fire, which immediately began to spread under the motor and to the rest of the vessel. 

Both fire extinguishers on board were used in attempt to extinguish the fire, but the flames continued to spread and eventually caused an explosion, which fully engulfed the vessel. This resulted in the total loss of the vessel. 

All 3 occupants aboard were able to safely make it away from the burning vessel. Immediately following the incident, the Chattanooga Fire Department appeared on scene to extinguish the fire, clean up the debris, and do safety checks on all three occupants of the vessel. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency was not made aware of the incident until the following morning, at which time an investigation of the incident began. There were no serious injuries as a result of this incident.

Operator stated that he could not remember venting prior to starting the engine and the vessel was still moored to the gas dock at the time of the fire.


BARDID: TN-2023-0063
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:31:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: DOVER
County: STEWART
WaterConditions: Unknown
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
CoordinatesConfidence: C
RedactedNarrative:
On July 1, 2023 around 1530 hours, a Yamaha PWC and a SeaDoo PWC were cruising in Panther Bay when they collided.  Both occupants of the Yamaha were seriously injured.  The SeaDoo PWC was being operated by a 11 year old with the 13 year old in the middle and the 24 year old on the back.  

This is a preliminary report and the incident continues to be investigated by TWRA.   Information in this report may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed.  A final report will be completed at a later date.  *** On July 9, 2023, victim died at Vanderbilt Medical Center.  Incident continues to be investigated by TWRA.


BARDID: TN-2023-0064
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: BOONE LAKE
NearestCityTown: JOHNSON CITY
County: WASHINGTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
RedactedNarrative:
On July 6, 2023, I was notified by Sgt. at approximately 0630 hours that a Sullivan County Sheriff''s Office Investigator contacted him directly about a single vessel accident that occurred on Boone Lake sometime during the night of July 5, 2023, between 2200 and 2300 hours. At the time, Sgt. advised that the operator of the vessel was missing. The Sullivan County Sheriff''s Office took the report of the missing persons from family at approximately 0200-0300 hours on July 6, 2023. I responded from my location to Rockingham Marina utilizing my emergency equipment, exercising due regard for public safety. I boarded my patrol vessel and proceeded upstream to locate the vessel in the area of Pickens bridge and  boat dock. I located the partially submerged vessel just downstream of boat dock at the point 20 marker. 

Upon my arrival, Kingsport lifesaving crew was already on scene of the accident. According to the missing person report filed with Sullivan County Sheriff''s Office, Victim was at a social gathering on her family’s dock. At approximately 2200 hours, Victim boarded her 1999 20'' Sting Ray and went for a cruise downstream and never returned. Family started to worry after several hours of no communication with Victim, leading to Victim''s husband activating a 911 response. 

The preliminary investigation revealed Victim traveled downstream for an unknown distance before returning upstream. At some point during the return, Victim struck a rock cliff on the starboard side of the vessel at a high rate of speed resulting in the vessel capsizing throwing Victim under the driver’s console, resulting in her death. 

Captain was able to locate the deceased body of Victim using a remote operated vehicle. At this time, Washington County/Johnson City EMS activated their dive team, that led to the recovery of the body. Washington County Dive team and TWRA personnel worked in a joint effort to recover the partially submerged vessel. The Investigation is ongoing at this time, pending completion of autopsy.


BARDID: TN-2023-0066
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:39:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: MAYNARDVILLE
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: Person tangled in activity
RedactedNarrative:
According to statements of those involved, on Monday, June 26, 2023, at approximately 3:39 PM two people were being pulled on a tube behind a rented pontoon boat.  The boat was being operated by subject1 and was occupied by three others and a dog.  

While the boat was pulling the tube it made some turns causing slack to occur in the tow rope.  Observing the slack in the rope and the distance that the boat was from them, Subject2 and Subject3 exited the tube.  

When they exited, the boat began to slow down, and Subject3’s left leg became entangled in the tow rope.  As the momentum of the boat continued, the slack was pulled out of the rope and it began to pull on Subject3’s leg.  This caused injuries to both her legs.  Subject3 was then assisted back to the boat as 911 was called.  

Once everyone had gotten back on the boat, the group then went to Blue Springs Marina where an individual then drove them to meet an ambulance.  Once Subject3 was in the ambulance, she was taken to meet a helicopter that flew her to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. 

According to statements from them and others involved, on Monday, June 26, 2023, the group was on the lake in a pontoon boat rented from Powell Valley Resort.  While out they explored the lake and also ate lunch.  The group also stopped at what they called the jumping rock where they jumped off of some rocks.  

After leaving the jumping rock, different people took turns riding on the tube while it was being pulled behind the rented pontoon boat.  At some point, Subject2 and Subject3 begin tubing together.  operator was driving the boat while Subject2 and Subject3 were being pulled.  While pulling Subject2 and Subject3, the boat made a left turn then a right turn, and then another left turn.  This caused there to be slack in the rope that was being used to tow the tube.  It also caused the boat to come closer to Subject2 and Subject3 than they felt that it should.  

Those involved gave varying estimations of the distance between the boat and the tube during this point.   Those estimations ranged from 10 yards to 12 yards, 15 yards to 20 yards, 25 yards, 25 yards, 50 feet, and 50 feet.  Subject2 and Subject3 also did not like that there was slack in the rope.  Subject2 stated that the distance of the boat from them is what made him aware of the slack in the rope and that he felt that they needed to get off the tube because it was going to hurt.  I asked Subject2 if he felt anything reckless had been done and he stated he felt that the situation was just a freak accident.  

Subject3 said that she may have also jumped from the tube because she did not like when the tube would jerk when the slack would be taken out of the rope.  However, both Subject2 and Subject3 exited the tube and Operator began decelerating the throttle of the boat.  When Subject3 exited the tube, her left leg became entangled in the tow rope and as the momentum of the boat continued, the slack was pulled from the rope.  

This caused the rope to pull Subject3 in the water for less than 10 seconds according to her estimation.  It also caused her to be pulled under the surface of the water for a short time.  As a result of the pulling of the rope, Subject3 received injuries to her legs.  She had a torn ACL in her right leg and a degloving injury and a broken fibula bone in her left leg.  Once Subject3 had stopped being pulled by the boat’s momentum, it became apparent that she was injured, Subject2 swam to her as did Operator and another subject both of whom had jumped off the boat to help her.  


BARDID: TN-2023-0067
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:07:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: LA FOLLETTE
County: CAMPBELL
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On July 1, 2023. at approx. 5:07 PM Eastern I received a call from dispatch about a boat incident with injury that had occurred on Norris Lake. Dispatch stated that the injured victim was being taken to Shang-Hai Marina. Upon my arrival at Shang-Hai Marina, I assisted EMS with loading a person into an ambulance. EMS stated that they were taking him to Lafollette Medical Center. A few minutes later I located the operator of the other vessel involved in this incident. 

Operator1 gave me a written statement. He stated that he was operating a vessel with several other passengers on board when a jet ski operated by Operator2 performed a 360’ in front of the vessel that he (Operator1) was operating and that about the same moment, a wake from other boats in the area pushed that jet ski into his boat. 

According to both Operator2 and Operator1, the jet ski collided with the vessel operated by Operator1 causing Operator2 to be ejected into the water.  

He was pulled from the water and taken to Shang-Hai Marina for transport by EMS at about the time I arrived on the scene. Operator2 was bleeding at his spleen and a cut finger. He may be transported to UT Medical Center. Several other TWRA Officer arrived on the scene to assist in gathering statements and interviewing witnesses. Both Operator2 and Operator1 refused to give blood samples that are required by TCA. Operator1 did agree to field sobriety testing and performed well.


BARDID: TN-2023-0069
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/1/2023 a serious injury boating incident took place on Douglas Lake. The incident occurred around 1700 hours around Henderson Island. A jet ski (V2) collided with another jet ski driven (V1) by a 17 year old male. Operator2 sustained serious head injuries and was transported to UT Medical Center for treatment and surgery. The 17 year old did not sustained any serious injuries. This boating incident occurred in Jefferson County, TN. *** This is a preliminary report. We are still waiting to interview operator2 again, once he is released from UT. We are also waiting to attempt to get engine operating data off V2.

*** The DA decided to not charge either individual. Operator2 had no recollection of the accident. Both boys are friends and the families know each other well.


BARDID: TN-2023-0070
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:15:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: TELLICO RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: LENOIR CITY
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: Y
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On July 1, 2023 a vessel began taking on water in the TVA Canal on Tellico Lake in Loudon County. The vessel completely sank and the occupants were able to board TWRA boats and were taken to shore. The vessel was secured to the bank.

Water entered through the hull where the drive shaft exits. It is unknown why there was a failure at this point.


BARDID: TN-2023-0071
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:47:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On June 10, 2023 while working boating enforcement on Douglas Lake in Jefferson County I was dispatched to a boat wreck involving two PWC at 1930. The wreck occured in Party Cove on Douglas Lake across from Lighthouse Marina in Jefferson County. 

*** On 06/10/2023 while working boating enforcement on Douglas Lake in Jefferson County I was dispatched to a boat wreck involving two jet skis, one white bowrider, and one black pontoon boat. I was dispatched at 1947 and arrived on scene by 2005. I drove through party cove but did not see any individuals in need of aid. 

Once I drove through I was called by witness who informed me that a blue jet ski collided with a yellow and white jet ski. The blue jet ski was left tied to a tree in party cove and the white and yellow jet ski left the scene with a black pontoon boat and headed toward the dam. 

The operator of the blue jet ski got onboard a white bowrider and headed towards Maguire Creek. While I searched Maguire Creek for the individuals involved, an officer went to the blue jet ski and got statements from three witnesses. 

The weather conditions were clear with a low temperature of 54 and a high of 84. Wind was a high of 7mph and was approximately 4mph at the time of the incident. Officers hip towed the blue jet ski into Lighthouse Point Marina. After searching the area we did not locate any operators or individuals involved. 

I found that Operator1 was operating the blue seadoo at the time of the incident and he suffered a bloody nose but no serious injury. The operator of the other jet ski involved and his group on the black pontoon boat were from out of state and fled immediately after the jet skis collided. 

The blue jet ski was no longer operable but the other jet ski involved was able to drive away. After the wreck Operator1 tied his sea doo to a tree and got onboard a white bowrider to leave. After leaving the scene of the wreck Operator1 went to the gas station on the corner of Muddy Creek Rd where he was in the company of a female for some time before his friend picked him up and drove him home at approximately midnight. 

Operator1 called TWRA in the afternoon on 06/11 but the other individual involved has not contacted TWRA.  *** Based on this investigation Operator1 was operating the blue jet ski at the time of the collision. Operator1 was traveling at an unsafe speed (Rule 6), had a risk of collision (Rule 7), did not take action to avoid collision (Rule 8), and had a head on collision with the other PWC (Rule 14). Due to the navigation rule violations and based on witness statements Operator1 was wrecklessly operating the PWC at the time of the incident (TCA 69-9-216). Operator1 also failed to immediately notify TWRA about the boating accident (TCA 69-9-210 (c)).


BARDID: TN-2023-0079
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 03:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHEROKEE RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: BEAN STATION
County: GRAINGER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/12/2023 at approximately 9:00 p.m., I was notified in reference to an abandoned kayak in the Twin Church area of Cherokee Lake in Grainger County. The kayak had been retrieved by a witness and taken to a residence. Upon my arrival on scene, I observed an unoccupied green Pelican kayak containing personal items. Upon further investigation, I documented a pair of shoes, a cell phone, miscellaneous items, and medication bottles. 

Victim's father was notified and arrived on scene. Father advised he had not had contact with his son since 3:00 a.m. on 07/12/2023. The kayak and contents were secured and submitted into evidence. Last point of operation was unknown and the kayak was approximately 3 miles from Victims residence. A search and rescue operation ensued with the use of drones, scanning equipment, and shoreline and island searches from point 16/17 to point 12. 

On 07/14/2023 at approximately 9:50 a.m., I was notified that victim had been recovered. Father had observed a floating object approximately 200 feet from a dock. Father and Bean Station Fire Department swam to the object and discovered it was victim.  He was brought to shore. The Grainger County Medical Examiner pronounced him dead on scene declaring the cause of death by drowning.


BARDID: TN-2023-0080
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:23:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ft. Loudoun
NearestCityTown: KNOXVILLE
County: KNOX
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: Y
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday July 4 , 2023 at around 7:30 pm the vessel was traveling down stream from sailboat cove towards Choto Marina on Ft. Loudoun Lake. The boat struck a large wake causing injury to occupant. Victim was sitting in the bow seating at the front of the boat and was holding her dog. Upon striking the wake , Victim became airborne and then landed awkwardly back on her seat causing a compressing effect on her spine. She experienced severe pain and laid in the bottom of the boat until it reached Choto Marina. Fire and EMS  personel used a back board to extract her from the boat. She was transported to U.T. Medical center for treatment.

   Victim was spoken to by phone on 6/6/23. She indicated that she had suffered fractures to her L1 , L2 , & T12 vertebra.


BARDID: TN-2023-0081
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:29:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: TELLICO RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: VONORE
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/24/2023 at 2246 Hrs. TWRA was notified of two vessel collision in Monroe County on Tellico Lake. The incident occurred close to Sequoya Landing Resort near the 411 bridge. As officers were responding they were notified that there were currently three parties being taken to University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville for treatment to their injures. Once officers arrived on scene it was learned that while vessel 1, a 20-foot Chriscraft, was coming towards the marina and after passing underneath the HWY 411 bridge it collided with vessel 2, a 22 foot Axis, that was leaving the marina. After the collision, vessel 1 overturned leaving all parties on board that vessel having been ejected into the water. A nearby person at the marina heard the collision and using his personal boat drove out to help rescue all the involved parties. Once all parties were taken to shore the injured parties were transported for further evaluation via ems and the remaining parties were treated on scene.   

*** Regarding the initial narrative included in the preliminary report, officers were working with partially uncooperative parties who denied giving statements, as well as parties unfamiliar with the area and some using local terminology in statements that was misinterpreted. 

Officers initially stated in the narrative that Vessel 1 was coming from underneath the Highway 411 bridge returning from Fort Loudon Lake after being advised by an occupant on board that they had traveled into the marina from Fort Loudon. The occupant who stated they were coming from Ft. Loudon, it was later determined, was referring to Ft. Loudon State Park, rather than Ft. Loudon Reservoir. 

The operator of vessel 2 was uncooperative with Officers and would not provide a statement to his recollection of the incident and the two occupants on board his vessel did not see the collision, nor did they have a bearing on exactly where they were on the water. 

However, with a review of statement forms it was brought to officers’ attention that vessel 1 made a trip around the “big island (Sequoyah Museum Island)”. Another revision point is when Fort Loudon is referenced in statement forms, locals refer Fort Loudon State Park as simply “Fort Loudon”. With this knowledge officers were able to adjust the placement of the incident and the direction of travel from Vessel 1.  

With this new information it was determined that Vessel 1 the Chriscraft cabin cruiser, was traveling down stream toward the 411 bridge and made a left turn to enter the harbor of Sequoyah marina.  Upon making the left turn into the harbor the vessel collided with vessel 2 a 24'' Axis wakeboard boat that was exiting the harbor on the right side of the channel and making a right hand turn to head downstream.   

*** On 6/23/2023 at 2229 Hrs. Monroe County 911 was called about a two-vessel collision on Tellico Lake near Sequoya Landing Resort. When the call came in to 911 dispatchers they had been advised of several people in the water with some of those people being hurt. A near by person on the dock at the marina had heard the collision occur and got into his pontoon boat and drove out to retrieve the parties. 

Once on shore and when emergency medical services arrived all three occupants of the Axis wakeboard boat were transported  to the hospital for treatment (V2). He and the other two occupants were taken by ambulance to University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. The occupants on the white Chirscraft vessel (Vessel 1) were all ejected as a result of the crash but all persons on board this vessel refused treatment by medical personnel. Once the first Tennessee Wildlife Officer arrived on scene it was determined that the operator of vessel one had been observed on scene by officers to have been walking off balance in what appeared to be  a staggering manner and had an alcoholic beverage in his hands. Once this officer


BARDID: TN-2023-0082
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:36:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: KINGSTON
County: ROANE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
On July 4th 2023 at approximately 1736 hrs. TWRA Wildlife Officers were notified of a boating incident on Watts Bar lake in Roane County. Roane County 911 advised TWRA that the incident had occurred at a lakeside dock. As the call had come into the 911 call center information was relayed to responding officers that a personal watercraft had struck a woman in the water. 

Once officers arrived on scene they found  that a single personal water craft had two parties on board the vessel when they had fallen off and the vessel had driven away from the operator and had struck a near by woman and the near by dock. 

Witnesses  rushed to the area where the woman was located and turned off the watercraft and began to render aid to her. The injured woman was taken by Lifestar Helicopter to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville Tennessee. The operator and the minor child passenger were not injured in the incident. 

The operator stated to officers that while he was driving both him and the younger occupant had fallen off to the left side of the PWC and once they had fallen off that’s when the PWC took off for what he had estimated 20 feet before making contact with the woman on near the dock. 

He did not know why the vessel had just drove away after he had fallen off. Operator was asked if he or the younger occupant had been wearing the required ignition safety kill switch and he had stated that he could remember clipping it to the younger occupant. 

Operator was found to have been newer to boating and not having any experience with this specific vessel prior to the day of the incident. After the collision had occurred, witnesses had stated to officers that they woman had been pinned between the personal watercraft and the dock. All these parties had together moved the vessel off of the victim and began to render aid to her. One of the witnesses stated in a later interview with officers that he believed that he had pulled the kill switch off of the vessel to turn it off while they were rendering aid to the victim. 

Another witness stated to officers in a later interview that after the collision had taken place and he was asked about how loud the engine was after the crash and if the engine speed was high he stated that the noise was low and it sounded like the engine was at an idle speed. This statement suggests that the throttle was not held in the wide open position.

 After being helped form the incident the victim was transported by Lifestar helicopter to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. Once at the hospital officers had interviewed he but all that she could remember is turning her head and seeing a boat coming for her. 

With the operator claiming that he had placed the kill switch on the younger occupant of the vessel and that the vessel was claimed to have driven away on its own accord the vessel was seized for further evaluation by TWRA Officers and taken to a secure facility. The next day officers were able to examine the vessel by firth verifying if the ignition safety kill switch was functional. Officers placed the kill switch in the vessel and began to attempt to start the vessel. The vessel’s engine began to turn over and while the engine was tur


BARDID: TN-2023-0084
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, July 1st at around 14:00, operator was operating a pontoon boat in the no wake zone at Tims Ford Marina, on Tims Ford Lake.  Operator had just bought the boat and was taking it from the previous owners slip at the marina, to the boat ramp on the other side of the dock, to take it off the water.  

As Operator operated the boat around the end of D dock, there were other boats that were passing nearby and Operator stopped to let them pass.  There were high winds, (around 30mph gusts), as a storm was blowing in.  The winds blew against Operator''s boat and started turning it, until the boat''s port side was taking the full force of the wind. 

 A strong gust hit the port side of the pontoon boat and it started to roll over to its starboard side.  Operator, his wife and grandson, who were on the boat with him, all ended up in the water and swam to the nearby dock, all occupants were uninjured.  Operator''s pontoon boat was flipped completely upside down in the water.  

The Franklin County Rescue Squad arrived as the storm ended and were able to get Operator''s boat flipped upright again.  The boat was upside down for approximately 3.5 hrs and had drifted out of the no wake zone.  All of the boat was submerged for that time, except the pontoons and lower unit of the outboard.  

The boat had a hard canopy and was partially enclosed on the back half of the boat, with an enclosed bathroom on the starboard side rear of the deck.  Investigating officers found that the front canopy was damaged and there was damage to the wall of the bathroom and the railing wall behind the operators console, plus any damage that occurred to boat/motor/electronics from being submerged for over 3 hrs.  

Investigating officers noticed that once the boat was initially turned upright, it was leaning to its starboard side.  Once the boat was in the slip and most of the water was drained, the boat appeared to be sitting mostly level.  Operator advised that he had not noticed the boat seeming unbalanced or leaning to the starboard side, prior to the accident.


BARDID: TN-2023-0085
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: GALLATIN
County: SUMNER
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday June 10, 2023 on Old Hickory Lake, following investigation, it was found that vessel was being towed upstream near River Mile 242 when wake from a passing vessel traveling downstream caused the vessel to capsize and become submerged. All parties were able to exit the vessel and swim to safety. Attached diagram displays the vessel''s resting place with a red "X"


BARDID: TN-2023-0086
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:02:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: NASHVILLE
County: DAVIDSON
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: Y
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/2/23 at approximately 1400, I received a call from Wilson County Sheriff''s Office dispatch advising of a USCG distress signal received near river mile marker 224 of a capsized PWC with occupants possibly overboard. 

I arrived onscene at approximately 1420 and observed a white Yamaha PWC tied to a private dock with its occupant standing nearby. Through interview, I determined the PWC had collided with a large wave/wake in the main channel of Old Hickory Lake, causing its only occupant to be ejected from the vessel and the PWC to subsequently capsize. 

This operator did not complain of any injuries at that time. At the time of interview, weather conditions were clear with a sustained wind of 10-20 mph. Water conditions were 2''-6'' waves due to aforementioned winds and heavy boat traffic. 

Operator stated he was traveling downstream towards Blue Turtle Bay Marina when his vessel struck a large wave, causing his vessel to take on water and ejecting him from the vessel prior to capsizing.


BARDID: TN-2023-0087
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:40:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
AccidentCause2: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: line
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On or about July 7th, 2023 at around 11:40pm, a vessel was traveling approximately 50mph from Big Hurricane Creek to Devil Step on Tims Ford Lake in Franklin County Tennessee. 

As he came around the point of Highland Ridge, he struck an unoccupied drifting vessel that did not have the navigation lights turned on. Subject stated that he did not see the other vessel until after the collision. No injuries were sustained during this collision. With further investigation, we found that the drifting vessel broke loose its cleat and drifted out to open water where the accident occurred. 


BARDID: TN-2023-0089
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Other
OtherEquipmentFailure: Fly bridge
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: Person struck by vessel equipm
RedactedNarrative:
At the above date and time, subject took his houseboat out on Tims Ford lake. A storm was fast approaching so he decided to anchor down and get things put away in preparation. The fly bridge, on the upper deck of the house boat, broke causing two people to be injured. There were strong winds at the time. The screws on the brackets (both sides) were ripped out due to the winds; it cause the metal bar to fall back and hit one person on the bridge of his nose and the other on the head.


BARDID: TN-2023-0090
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: WINCHESTER
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Around the above date and time, two people were operating jet skis in close proximity to one another. Operator1 was approaching Operator2 to pull up beside him (head to head). A wake from another vessel picked Operator1''s jet ski up and over, causing it to land on the front end of Operator2''s jet ski. The contact between the two jet skies caused Operator1 to accelerate and hit Operator2s knee giving him a minor injury. Both jet skies are owned by a family member of the operators.
Operator2 
	The damage to this PWC was more significant than the other. The handle bars were broke off, damage to the front-top plastic piece in front of the handlebars, damage to the plastic bump-guard, and hull damage. 
Operator1 
	There was not much damage on this jet ski, scuffs and scratches on the 	underside an front.


BARDID: TN-2023-0091
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:34:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: TAZEWELL
County: CLAIBORNE
WaterConditions: Unknown
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
RedactedNarrative:
Preliminary Narrative

On Saturday, July 22, 2023, at approximately 7:34 PM a Chaparral (V1) was traveling downstream and was in front of Norris Landing Marina on Norris Lake.  According to the operator the Chaparral, it was traveling at approximately 6 miles per hour, when a collision occurred with a Triton (V2) bass boat that was also traveling downstream.  

The Triton bass boat collided with the stern of the Chaparral open motorboat.  

The occupants of the Triton were ejected, and the boat continued traveling downstream until it collided with the shoreline.  

One juvenile occupant of the Chaparral died from injuries sustained in the collision. No other injuries were reported from occupants of the Chaparral.  Also, due to the collision the occupants of the Triton were injured and refused medical treatment on the scene.  Both vessels were seized as evidence. The above described incident is under further investigation.


BARDID: TN-2023-0093
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: SODDY-DAISY
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On July 22, 2023, at approximately 21:30, a single vessel accident occurred in the Dallas Bay area of Chickamauga Lake in Hamilton County, TN. The incident involved a 17ft, blue, Titan bass boat. While running through Dallas Bay, near Chester Frost, subject hit an unknown object, causing the vessel to quickly sink. 

Both occupants made it safely off of the vessel. Only the bow of the vessel remained above water in such a manner that the navigation lights remained visible. Immediately following the incident, nearby campers heard cries for help and rescued both occupants. 

At approximately 21:44, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency arrived on scene after hearing from a nearby fisherman of the events that were taking place. This resulted in an estimated $6,000 of major damage to the vessel. He was able to retrieve his boat from Dallas Bay within a few hours of the incident. There were no serious injuries as a result of this incident.


BARDID: TN-2023-0094
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CENTER HILL RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: SMITHVILLE
County: DEKALB
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 0845 on 07/23/23, I received a call regarding a boat accident on Center Hill Lake and responded to Edgar Evins State Park in DeKalb County, TN. I arrived on scene at a courtesy dock at approximately 0935, spotted the grounded Malibu wakeboat, and began speaking to the boat owner / father of the driver. 

Owner agreed to get his son and the known occupants to meet me at the boat ramp. After obtaining a statement, I was picked up by other officers via boat and took pictures of the accident and confirmed the grounded vessel to be Owner''s. Upon returning to the dock, myself and Sgt. interviewed the occupants and discovered that the vessel was returning from Hurricane Marina and headed towards their boat slip at Edgar Evins Marina around 2230 on 07/22/23 when it ran aground on a narrow shallow strip of rocks and trees. 

During this accident, a large tree-branch struck operator in the face after breaking the starboard-side windshield. He was the only occupant on board to suffer injuries.  He was taken to the Cookeville Regional Medical Center where he was treated and released with a hairline fracture below his nose along with various facial abrasions. There were 0 fatalities. The vessel had an expired registration subject owner was cited for Violation of Vessel Registration law and Failure to Maintain a Proper Lookout. TowBoat US was dispatched to pull the vessel off the rocks back to the boat ramp. 

***This is a preliminary report***


BARDID: TN-2023-0095
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:36:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: FORT LOUDOUN RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: KNOXVILLE
County: KNOX
WaterConditions: Unknown
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/20/23 I was notified of a boating incident involving a rental pontoon boat from Volunteer Landing Marina.  According to marina staff the incident occurred on 6/12/23 between the hours of 3:09pm and 5:36pm.  Subject1 rented the boat and returned it damaged.  The damage was not discovered some time after 6/12/23 but before 6/15/23.  The damage was located on the forward section of the port pontoon.  The pontoon was taking on water.  There was also damage to the propeller which required it to be replaced.  The damaged propeller was not available for inspection. I attempted multiple times to contact Subject1 both in person and by phone with no success.  Subject2 provided me with a list of occupants (photo attached).  Most of the names are illegible.  Three of the names were legible and I was able to find information for two.  I made contact with both of these potential witness but both refused to cooperate or provide a statement.  Due to lack of cooperation I was unable to determine the operator at the time of the incident, the location of the incident, the time of occurrence, other vessel involvement, and if there were any injuries.  There is no diagram included due to lack of information.


BARDID: TN-2023-0096
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: SOUTH HOLSTON RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: BRISTOL
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/26/2023 at approximately 13:50 a pontoon boat carrying 4 individuals and a ski boat carrying 3 individuals collided on South Holston Lake in Sullivan County. 

The vessels were traveling at each other in head on crossing situation, when the ski boat made a hard turn to the left. 

The pontoon boat made impact with the stern of the ski boat. The damage to the ski boat caused it to take on water resulting in it sinking. A total of three individuals were injured with two being minor and one being serious.

Rejection Update:
On 07/26/2023 at approximately 13:50, a pontoon boat carrying four individuals and a ski boat carrying three individuals collided on South Holston Lake in Sullivan County. The vessels traveled toward each other in a head-on crossing situation when the ski boat made a hard turn to the left. The pontoon boat made contact with the stern of the ski boat. The damage to the ski boat caused it to take on water, which resulted in it sinking and being a total loss. A total of three individuals suffered non-life-threatening injuries.     *** 	On 07/26/2023 at approximately 14:00, dispatch notified me of a serious injury accident involving two vessels that had just occurred on South Holston Lake. I was informed that Officers 1, 2, and 3 would travel to Friendship Marina to interview the involved parties and take photos of the damaged pontoon boat. Officer 4 and I boarded my vessel at Laurel Marina to travel to the crash site to locate the second vessel that had sunk. Upon arrival at the crash site, debris from the accident was observed and collected, along with written statements from individuals on land. We marked a potential location for the sunken vessel before returning to Laurel Marina. 

From written and verbal statements, it was determined that:
	
	At approximately 13:50, a pontoon boat operated by Op1 was traveling upstream, and a ski boat operated by Op2 was traveling downstream near Observation Knob on South Holston Lake. Op1 stated he observed the ski boat approaching him but believed the vessel would pass to his left. Op2 stated that as he approached Op1's pontoon, he thought the vessels would hit, so he made a hard turn to his left to avoid a collision. At this time, Op1 observed the ski boat turn into his path. Op1 attempted to avoid the collision by turning his vessel to the left but could not do so in time. The center and starboard pontoon struck the ski boat in the stern on the starboard side. 

	The impact caused extensive damage to the fiberglass surrounding the engine compartment on the ski boat, allowing water to begin filling the vessel.  Op2 and his passengers put on life jackets as their boat began to sink.  Op2's boat became submerged entirely, and a passing pontoon boat picked up all three passengers.  On Op1's vessel, V1 Passenger 1 was thrown to the floor, where she suffered lacerations to her shins and a broken toe. Op1 was able to transport his vessel back to Friendship Marina and take it off the water. 

From Investigation:

	After giving statements, both operators consented to and were taken for blood draws. The results of Op1's blood test showed that no alcohol or drugs were found to be in his system. The results of Op2's blood test showed that no alcohol was in his system but did show trace amounts of oxycodone and gabapentin; drug concentrations were below therapeutic levels.  *** Spoke with Sullivan County DA''s office on Tuesday November 28th, and was advised they do not wish to seek charges on any individual involved in the incident.


BARDID: TN-2023-0097
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW RESERVOIR
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Unknown
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/23/2023, Wildlife Officers were notified by Region 3 Dispatch of a possible abandoned house boat in the back of Galton Hollow on Dale Hollow Lake. We arrived at approximately 1954. Once on scene, we observed a white male fishing on the back deck of a house houseboat. The house boat was in the last slough, on the western side of Galton Hollow. To the left of the houseboat, we observed a pontoon that was partially submerged in the water. 

There were ropes and tie downs, securing the vessel to the bank, keeping it from completely going under water. This area of the lake, the water depth was shallow, approximately 5 to 10 feet. 

Officer and I made contact with a white female and the white male that we observed fishing. We informed them that we had received a call about a possible abandoned vessel. Operator advised that both vessels, in the slough, belonged to him and they were not abandoned. I asked Operator about the pontoon that was partially submerged. He advised that there were 2 holes in the left toon of the vessel. I asked how the holes got there. He advised that 3-4 nights prior, he did not know the exact date, he had been involved in an accident. 

He advised that one of the nights after "the big rain", he was traveling southeast, out of Galton Hollow, toward the main channel of Dale Hollow Lake. He advised that it was at night, he did not have an approximate time, he just stated that it was after dark. He advised that there was a lot of debris and "trash" in the water, from the heavy rains. 

He advised that he was operating the vessel at a normal speed and he was the only occupant. He advised that just before "the Island" at the mouth of Galton Hollow, he hit a log in the water, that he did not see until just before impact. He advised that the log became wedged between the back of the toon and the propeller of his vessel. He advised that the wedged log, turned the prop to where it made the steering go directly to the left. 

He advised that he could not straighten the vessel, to avoid a collision with the rock wall. I used my state issued iPhone and opened the OnX app. I asked him to show me the approximate location of the log and the approximate location of the impact with the wall. He advised that he was able to get the log out and was able to drive the vessel to the location it was at when we arrived. 

He advised that shortly after getting it back and tying it down, the vessel began to take on water and started to sink. He advised that he had made arrangements with someone to help him get the boat floated up and towed off the water. There was no evidence available to prove or disprove the statements made by Operator. This report was initiated by the officers, after discoveries while investigated the abandoned houseboat, it was not reported. This report was written solely on the statements of Operator.


BARDID: TN-2023-0098
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:45:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: BYRDSTOWN
County: PICKETT
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
V-1 & V-2 were cruising with V-2 ahead, V-2 encountered a wake from another vessel and slowed to cross and turned to left into the path of V-1, V-1 then struck V-2 on the port side causing damage to vessel and injuring the lower left leg of V2 operator.

No alcohol was observed and no signs of impairment were observed.

Victim was transported to Cookeville Hospital by Pickett County EMS.


BARDID: TN-2023-0100
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-08-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: BOONE LAKE
NearestCityTown: PINEY FLATS
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On August 5, 2023 at approximately 1530 hours I received information concerning a sinking vessel on Boone Lake in Sullivan County, Tennessee. At the time of dispatch, Officer \ was currently patrolling Boone lake by vessel. While Officer1 headed to the area by patrol vessel, Sergeant and I responded to Boone Lake Marina by patrol vehicle. Officer1 arrived on scene first at approximately 1545 hours. I arrived approximately ten minutes later. Officer1 was able to locate the sinking vessel, the operator, and other occupants that had already been picked up by assisting vessels. The partially submerged vessel was towed back to the dock area of Boone Lake Marina by marina personnel. Upon my arrival, I was given occupant information and pertinent incident details from Officer1. Marina personnel then assisted in removing the vessel from the water, draining it, and placing it back afloat on the water. At this time, the vessel owner was able to trailer the vessel. During the vessel recovery, Officer1 and I were able to obtain written statements from all parties involved. 

	Based upon all available statements, a synopsis of the event is listed below:

	At the time of the incident, three individuals, including the operator, were on the vessel. The vessel was actively towing an individual on a wakeboard who is also the vessel owner. 

Subject1 was seated on the port side of the vessel and adjacent to the operator position. Subject2 was seated in the bow of the vessel. Just prior to the incident, Wakeboarder advised the operator to turn back upstream as the vessel was approaching a bridge just downstream of Boone Lake Marina. 

As the vessel entered a left turn, another vessel was leaving the marina and placing the vessel and towed individual at risk of collision. Wakeboarder made the decision to intentionally fall from his surfing maneuvers so that he would not travel further in that direction. 

At this time, the operator made a left turn back towards Wakeboarder. While completing the turn, the bow of the vessel was submerged under the water via waves and wake action in the area. The vessel was unable to completely resurface and the vessel quickly took on water over the bow until it began to sink. A last minute attempt was made to turn the bilge pump on by Subject1; however, the effort proved futile as the amount of water in the vessel had already overcame its buoyancy.

 The vessel occupants intentionally entered the water and were able to be rescued by assisting vessels in the area. Wakeboarder was already wearing a PFD as required by his participation in towed water sports. All occupants were able to obtain flotation devices after exiting the vessel to assist in their rescue. 

Wakeboarder had personal belongings including clothing items, tools, a phone, and cooler that were lost during this incident. These belongings are estimated at $1,500 in value. While the vessel was able to be recovered, it experienced significant water damage to the entire vessel. The engine compartment, fuel tank, and electronics were all affected. In addition, damage was possibly done to the structure of the vessel during recovery efforts. At this time, I would estimate vessel damage to be over $2,000. Accurate cost estimation will require appraisal from professional repair service.


BARDID: TN-2023-0101
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-08-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:23:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: CELINA
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Other
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
On August 4, 2023 at approximately 3:23PM I was notified by Clay County Dispatch of a boating accident that occurred on Dale Hollow Lake in the Mitchell Creek area of Clay County.  I, Wildlife Officer (WO), responded to Mitchell Creek Marina by land.  WO responded by water to Mitchell Creek Marina.  Once I arrived on scene all subjects involved in the incident were off the water and standing in the parking lot with a Clay County Deputy Sheriff.  

The injured subject identified was in the Overton County ambulance receiving treatment to a lacerated left arm.  The laceration was caused by a propeller cut from the Axis wake boat.  I obtained Victim''s personal information and contact information before his departure from the scene to a landing zone for air med evac.  I then obtained all contact information from the boat occupants/witnesses and obtained written statements.  I interviewed the boat operator and obtained a written statement from him.  

No signs of impairment were observed from the operator and no indicators of alcohol and/or drug use were observed during my field interview.  From written and oral statements given from the operator and occupants of the boat, it was determined the cause of the accident was boat occupant actions, carelessness, and standing on the transom of the boat while underway.  

Operator was operating the Axis boat towing a wake surfer behind him.  Based on witness statements the surfer went into the water and Operator made a maneuver to retrieve his downed surfer.  While making the right turn at a speed less than 10mph an occupant (Victim) left his original seat in the vessel and grabbed the ski rope and walked to the rear of the boat standing on the swim platform.  

While standing on the swim platform Victim attempted to throw the ski rope back to the surfer and lost his balance causing him to fall into the water.  While in the water Victim was struck by the propeller of the boat on his left arm below the elbow.  

The occupants and operator then brought Victim back into the boat and administered first aid and notified 911.  The vessel with the victim on board  returned to the dock at Mitchell Creek where EMS were on scene and administered care to the patient.  Victim was flown out by air med to Skyline Medical located in Nashville where he underwent emergency surgery.  Victim, as of August 5, 2023 at 10:18AM, was in stable condition and was recovering from surgery at Skyline Medical.  Boating Officer obtained this information from an interview at the hospital with Victim''s Mother.  Officer will return at a later time to obtain a written statement from Victim.    Officer obtained a statement from Victim indicating his seating position on the boat.  This along with the evidence gathered from the scene gave grounds to issue a citation to the operator for Reckless/Negligent Operation with injury.


BARDID: TN-2023-0102
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:55:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: HIWASSEE RIVER
NearestCityTown: CHARLESTON
County: BRADLEY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On July 30th 2023 at approximately 1655 hours Tennessee Wildlife Officers responded to the Charleston Boat Ramp in Bradley County with the reports of an injured party from a personal watercraft having been hurt. 

Once officers were able to speak with witnesses on scene, it was learned that there were three personal watercrafts in a party when one of the three operators were injured. Speaking with the two uninjured operators they had stated that while driving their vessels up stream on the Hiwassee River they had passed a blue ski boat that was towing a person behind it. 

Directly after that ski vessel passed the three parties on personal watercrafts began to make and attempt to jump the wake created by that ski vessel that was towing somebody. 

After the three pwcs had jumped the wake, the injured operator of the pwc had fallen off and was facedown in the water. A near by pontoon vessel was able to drive over and help pull the injured party out of the water. 

Once medical personnel arrived on scene and noted the nature of the operators injuries, they had requested that he be flown by helicopter to Erlanger in Chattanooga. After the injured party was treated at the hospital, officers were able to speak with him. 

From what he could recollect from the incident he stated that he was attempting to hit the wake of the ski boat as fast as he could. He had estimated his speed anywhere from 50-60 miles per hour. After hitting the first wake and proceeding to strike a second wave from the vessel, the impact caused him to strike his head on the handlebar of his vessel. 

The two other parties that were riding with him were in front of him at the time of the incident from what he could remember. After speaking with all parties involved in the incident there were not indicators given to investigating officers that there were signs of impairment by any party involved. There were no other injures as that resulted from this incident.


BARDID: TN-2023-0104
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-08-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:15:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: TELLICO RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: VONORE
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
RedactedNarrative:
On or about 8/13/23 at approx. 0945, V1, a 21'' SeaRay with TN registration departed from Sequoyah Marina headed upstream to Chilhowee Dam.  Operator is an experienced boater and has operated boats since childhood.  One person was sitting next to the operator.  All other occupants were in the open bow section of the vessel.  
	Upon arriving at Chilhowee Dam, a small amount of smoke was noticed in the engine compartment.  Operator took a very brief swim in the cold water.  V1 departed at approx. 10:50 headed downstream when subject1’s hat blew off and V1 turned around to retrieve it. Upon stopping more smoke was noticed coming from the engine compartment.  Operator then took back off headed downstream for a brief distance and noticed the boat was losing power and RPMs.  Operator shut the boat and quite a bit of smoke was coming from the engine compartment at this point.  Operator then lifted the engine compartment cover and flames erupted from this area.  At this point all the adults put a PFD on and abandoned the vessel thinking it could possibly blow up.  A group of good samaritans in a pontoon boat saw the boat on fire and came to the aid of V1 occupants.  Samaritans transported occupants back to Sequoyah Marina just prior to my arrival and WO at approx 12:00.
	After the interviews, WO and I went to retrieve the burned down vessel.  MCSO was on scene with the vessel.  WO and I pulled the burning vessel across the lake to a private drive where the fire department could extinguish the fire.  Afterwards, WO and I towed the vessel to Toqua boat ramp to either attempt to load the vessel on the trailer or a rollback.  The vessel sank in Toqua ramp area and a rollback and divers were used to retrieve the vessel.


BARDID: TN-2023-0105
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-08-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:43:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: KINGSTON
County: ROANE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
On 8/12/2023 Tennessee Wildlife Officers were made aware of an incident that took place outside of Blue Springs Marina on Watts Bar lake in Roane County. The original caller stated to officers that while leaving Blue Springs Marina heading back out to the main channel, in the narrow portion on the river right before it turns into the channel, he had come across a ski vessel heading in towards where the marina is located. 

This operator stated to officers that the ski vessel was in tow of a party skiing and was producing a large wake, once this large wake impacted his pontoon vessel it had caused damage to the front of his vessel. 

Afterwards, he approached the parties on the vessel, stating that the operator was a young female, and advised them that their wake caused damage to his vessel. The parties then went to the dock where they keep the vessel and went inside of the home. 

Officers used the information gathered by this individual to reach out to the registered owner of the ski vessel. The owner stated to officers that the two vessels did not pass in the narrow portion of the channel, and they had instead passed within the main river channel. The registered owner stated to officers that it was just people on the lake looking for a fight and had advised officers that after the incident had occurred that the parties on the pontoon boat chased down his daughter and followed her to the house to do bodily harm to her. The vessel owner did however confirm  what the reporting party stated, stating that the vessel was in tow of a skier at the time of the incident. There were no injuries resulting from this incident.


BARDID: TN-2023-0108
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-08-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:33:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: LAKESITE
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On August 19th, 2023, at approximately 1130 hours Tennessee Wildlife officers were notified by Hamilton County 911 that there was an injury boating incident that had occurred at Chester frost Park in Hamilton County Tennessee. 

Once officers arrived on scene the injured party was being treated by emergency medical personnel and responding officers were advised that the party had a dislocated shoulder. 

After speaking with the operator of the vessel he stated to officers that while beginning to pull a tube with two people on it, he made a right hand turn at 10-20 miles per hour and looked back and one of the two parties was off the tube. 

After pulling back around to retrieve the swimmer he stated to the vessel operator that he thought that he had just dislocated is left shoulder again. It became aware to medical personnel that this individual has had previous dislocations of that shoulder in the past. He was then transported to Memorial Hospital in Hixson to be treated for his injuries. This incident occurred on Chickamauga Lake.


BARDID: TN-2023-0109
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-08-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:07:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: PARKSVILLE LAKE
NearestCityTown: BENTON
County: POLK
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On August 19th, 2023, at approximately 1407 Hours Tennessee Wildlife Officers responded to the East Parksville Boat on Parksville Lake in Polk County Tennessee with the reports of a single vessel crash with injuries. Once officer arrived on scene it was learned that the vessel only had one occupant and was currently receiving medical attention. 

Officers began to interview witnesses that may have observed the crash. Two witnesses were interviewed stating that they were on paddleboards around 20 feet away from the bank and approximately 15-20 feet apart from each other. 

They stated to officers that while sitting on their boards on the lake they began to hear an engine coming their way. They turned their heads and observed a john boat with one occupant sitting up straight holding on to the tiller handle.  

The witnesses stated that the individual operating the john boat preceded to operate his boat  between the two of them, nearly striking them. Right after he had passed the two paddleboarders they observed him strike the bank at what they thought was around 20 miles per hours and him impact within the vessel. 

They rushed over to him where they found him unresponsive. Once back on the other side of the lake at the East Parksville Boat Ramp they met with emergency personnel when he regained consciousness. One of the paramedics advised investigating officers that the patient advised her that he had consumed 7 beers out of a 12 pack of beer. 

The patient was then taken to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga by helicopter for treatment of his injuries. Officers began to then inventory the vessel where 7 more full beer cans were found. 

Once at the hospital officers began to interview the patient, shortly after the interview began, he advised officers that he did not want to speak without a lawyer. Officers then began work on obtaining a search warrant for the admittance blood received once the operator arrived at the hospital. The incident occurred in Polk County.


BARDID: TN-2023-0110
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-08-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: TIMS FORD RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: ESTILL SPRINGS
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
CoordinatesConfidence: C
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, 08/13/2023, at around 7:20 pm, a fisherman called in a report of an unoccupied SUV and a drifting PWC at Rock Creek Boat Ramp, on Tims Ford Lake, in Estill Springs.  The SUV had a trailer backed into the water and was running.  The fisherman had arrived at about 7:06 pm and noticed the SUV but thought that maybe the owner had taken his boat out for a quick run and was coming right back.  After about 15 minutes, the fisherman was getting more concerned and noticed a PWC drifting near the opposite bank, on the edge of the no wake zone.  The fisherman then called 911 to report the situation.  Estill Springs PD, Franklin County SO, Franklin County Rescue Squad, TN State Park Rangers and TWRA responded to the scene that night. The registration for the vehicle and vessel showed that they belonged to OP1 of Estill Springs.  Attempts were made to contact OP1 or family of OP1 at the address listed on the registrations and by making phone calls to possible contacts found by Franklin County Dispatch. Attempts were also made to locate the operator of the PWC by searching the banks and water around the ramp and divers checked the bottom of the lake around the ramp and the dock as well, all attempts at locating the operator of the PWC, or family of the operator, were unsuccessful on the night of the incident.  
Efforts to locate OP1 were continued the following morning and his body was located by TWRA using an ROV and was then recovered by divers from the Franklin County Rescue Squad.  OP1''s son arrived on scene around the time that the body was discovered and was able to identify OP1''s body once it was recovered.  A friend of OP1 was on scene when TWRA officers arrived the morning following the incident. RP1 told officers that he had been with OP1 on the day of the incident up until about 5:00 pm.  At that time, OP1 had left RP1’s dock on his PWC to head back to Rock Creek Boat Ramp to take the PWC off of the water.  There was a storm that was coming in and hit the area shortly after OP1 started towards the boat ramp.  When OP1''s PWC was recovered, there was a dock line attached and dangling in the water.  The PWC was not running and had the kill switch still in place.  It appears that OP1 had made it to the dock at the boat ramp and backed his trailer into the water, then went back to the dock to move the PWC to the trailer.  At some point in the process, OP1 ended up in the water and his PWC was drifting free of the dock.   When OP1''s body was discovered, he did not have a PFD on.  There was a PFD found in the back of OP1''s SUV.  There was evidence of possible alcohol use on the PWC and a blood sample was obtained from OP1''s body while it was at the hospital.  The blood sample was taken to TBI to be tested and determine OP1''s BAC at the time of the incident.

The results of the blood test are included in the case file.  The alcohol test showed that OP1''s BAC was 0.062 and the drug test found no evidence of any drugs that they check for.  Although we do not know exactly what happened in this incident, investigating officers feel that OP1 not wearing a (PFD), the weather at the time of the incident, and alcohol use were all likely contributing factors.  The fact that OP1 was not wearing a PFD at the time of the incident is considered the primary contributing factor in this incident. We don''t know exactly when the incident occurred, however, based on what we learned from OP1''s friend, it is likely that OP1 arrived at the boat ramp during the storm. The strong winds and rain from the storm also likely contributed to the incident.  Offic


BARDID: TN-2023-0111
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-08-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: BOONE LAKE
NearestCityTown: PINEY FLATS
County: SULLIVAN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On 08/06/2023 at approximately 21:30 a vessel carrying five individuals was traveling upstream on Boone Lake in Sullivan County. The vessel was traveling approximately 15 mph when it struck and traveled over a submerged rock formation. Due to the impact the engine was disabled and both pontoons were damaged. The vessel was towed to Boone Lake Marina by the Sullivan County Rescue Squad.  *** 	On 08/06/2023 at approximately 22:05, I was contacted by Officer about a property damage accident on Boone Lake. I responded by vehicle to Boone Lake Marina to meet with Sullivan County Rescue Squad, while Officer responded by vessel. When I arrived on the scene, I observed that Boone Lake Marina had secured the vessel to a dock, and all the passengers onboard had exited the vessel with no injuries. 

	From written and oral statements: On 08/06/2023 at approximately 21:30, a pontoon boat carrying four occupants was traveling on Boone Lake in Sullivan County. Operator stated that the vessel was traveling approximately 15 mph upstream when he realized they were about to run into an island. Operator made a hard right turn to avoid the island but struck and traveled over a submerged rock formation. 

	Due to the impact, the engine would not shift into gear. The occupants attempted to paddle the vessel to the marina but called 911 for assistance when they determined it would not be possible. The Sullivan County Rescue Squad was able to tow the vessel to Boone Lake Marina. While the vessel was tied to the dock, it was noted that water was entering the pontoons, and the vessel was immediately taken off the water. Once the vessel was removed from the water, damage to the port and starboard pontoons was observed in multiple locations.  *** A blood draw was not completed on Operator due to no evidence of alcohol being found at the scene and no signs of alcohol consumption.

Per discussion with Sullivan County ADA no charges will be filed.


BARDID: TN-2023-0114
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/29/2023 a single vessel incident occurred on Douglas Lake in Muddy Creek. Sisters rented a pontoon for H2O watersports. While in Muddy Creek, Operator pulled in the rope and tube to get ready to depart from Muddy Creek. Victim was standing beside of the seat at the helm on her phone. Operator took control of the vessel and put it in gear. She asked if "everyone was ready?" and accelerated. When she accelerated Victim fell backwards and hit the rear pontoon seat. this collision broke 4 ribs on her left side. Victim yelled stop and was gasping for air. She was transported to Jefferson Memorial Hospital via EMS. This incident occurred in Jefferson County, TN.


BARDID: TN-2023-0115
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2023-08-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: HOLSTON RIVER
NearestCityTown: NEW MARKET
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 8/20/23 at or around 1500 hours a vessel incident occurred on the Holston River in Jefferson County, TN. Owner and subject1 were fishing from a 16ft tracker. 

The boat was anchored from the stern and was facing down river. The generators at TVA dam were turned on which caused the water to rise. Subject was anchored about a mile down stream. They were not able to pull the anchor and the vessel started taking on water. Subject put two PFDs on subject2 because he couldn''t swim. Both occupants exited the vessel and got to shore before the boat completely sank. As of 8/25/23 subject has not been able to recover the vessel. This occurred in Jefferson County, TN.


BARDID: TN-2023-0116
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-08-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: SODDY-DAISY
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On August 8, 2023 TWRA was notified by Hamilton County Sheriff''s Office of a single vessel collision in the Sale Creek Area of Hamilton County, TN. The sole vessel involved struck a floating object and lost power. The vessel was then towed to Sale Creek Recreation Area by a good samaritan.  

*** At around 1400 on August 24, 2023, Hamilton County Sheriff''s Office notified TWRA of a single vessel collision that occurred in the Sale Creek Area of Chickamauga Reservoir in Hamilton County, TN. The sole vessel, a 26 foot Sea Ray, and its 7 occupants were said to be stranded as the vessel had struck an object in the water and lost propulsion. 

Wildlife Officers arrived on-scene at Sale Creek Recreation Area just before 1500 to investigate the incident. According to the operator''s statement, the vessel was put in at Skull Island boat ramp around 1300 and was cruising upstream at around 29mph at the time of the collision. The operator stated that he never saw anything but felt something hit the bottom of the vessel. Right after the impact, the operator noticed that the motor started "spinning quickly" and the bilge pump powered on. Occupants got in the water and placed a towel in a hole in the hull in an attempt to slow the infiltration of water. Shortly after the incident, a good samaritan was able to tow the vessel to the Sale Creek Recreation Area. There were no injuries.


BARDID: TN-2023-0117
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-08-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:33:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CENTER HILL RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: SMITHVILLE
County: DEKALB
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Other
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 1540 on August 21, 2023, I received a call regarding a boating-related incident on Center Hill Lake and responded to Cookeville Boat Dock in DeKalb County, TN. I arrived on scene to the Marina at 1614 and waited for the arrival of a vessel with an injured person on board reported to have a broken femur. 

Upon the vessel docking at 1620, I found that the vessel was a Chaparral open motorboat with 5 total occupants on board including an injured party laying on the back swimdeck with a rag around his left leg. 

I immediately began rendering aid and assisting paramedics with lifting and positioning subject as he was lifted onto a stretcher and into an ambulance which took him to Cookeville Hosptial. After speaking to Victim and the other occupants, I discovered that the group left Cookeville Boat Dock at approximately 1430 on a skiing trip headed towards Sligo Marina. 

Victim was being pulled by the vessel on skis around Davis Island when he suddenly lost a ski whilst crossing over the Chaparral''s wake and fell into the water resulting in a serious injury to his leg. I received written statements from each of the 5 occupants as well as a video of the incident which is attached to this report. In total, there was 1 injury and 0 fatalties. This was a single vessel incident and all injuries were sustained via skier mishap. This boat accident report is subject to change given any new evidence discovered.


BARDID: TN-2023-0118
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-08-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: PARIS
County: HENRY
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday the 18th day of August 2023 at approximately 8:19 pm, I, Sgt. received information from Officer about a boating accident that had occurred earlier that day.  Officer1 informed me that the Henry County Sheriffs’ Department had called him informing him of the accident.  I made some phone calls to the individuals that had been involved in the accident.  I decided to meet the individuals at 9:30 pm to get statements and assess the damage to the boats involved in the accident.  I met the two boat owners at their storage sheds where they had their boats stored.  I took pictures of the boats and got each operator of the two vessels to write out a statement.  After speaking with them they told me that the accident occurred sometime between 6:00 pm and 6:15 pm.  Neither of the parties contacted the TWRA to report this incident.  Operator2’ father reported this incident to the Henry Co. Sheriffs’ Department.  Both parties were members of the Bethel University fishing team and were out on Kentucky Lake recreational fishing on said date and time.  

After pictures and questioning of the two boat operators the following was determined.  

Operator2 was operating his 19’5” Ranger bass type boat equipped with a 200 Yamaha outboard motor with a passenger and operator1 was operating his 21’ Phoenix bass type boat equipped with a 250 Mercury outboard motor.  

They had been bass fishing in the TN river (Kentucky Lake) between Pace Point and Bennett’s Creek in Henry County, TN.  Operator1 left the fishing area and had slowed down to an idle speed and Operator2 left not far behind and was operating his boat approximately 55 mph and did not see that Operator1 had slowed to an idle speed.  

Neither party seemed to realize what was about to occur. Operator2’ vessel struck the Starboard side and bow of Operator1 Vessel creating a significant amount of damage to both vessels.  

Passenger1 was a passenger on Operator2’ vessel and he stated that he saw that they were getting too close to Operator1 vessel and tried to get Operator2 to slow down, but Operator2 did not slow down.  

The two boats collided and both boats were significantly damaged.  Neither party notified the TWRA that the accident had occurred. They got the boats back to Paris Landing Marina and loaded the vessels up and took them back to their storage sheds.  There were no injuries beyond first aid that were reported to Sgt..  Both Vessels had significant damage. The phoenix boat had a Garmin Force trolling motor and two Garmin gps units were damaged.  The Ranger boat had a humminbird gps unit that was thrown from stand/mount and damaged.  I gathered all information at the time and will be back in contact with all parties as the investigations continues.  

Operator2 was at high rate of speed and was operating too close to another vessel. Operator2 was not keeping a proper look-out and was inattentive to his surroundings while operating on the lake. Operator2 did not take early and substantial action to avoid the collision.


BARDID: TN-2023-0120
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NICKAJACK RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
On September 3, 2023, at around 1700 a single vessel collision occurred on Nickajack Lake in Hamilton County, TN. There were no injuries. *** On September 4, 2023, TWRA received a delayed notification of a single vessel boating incident that had occurred on Nickajack Reservoir in Hamilton County, TN the night before (09/03/2023). 

According to a statement from the renter and operator, the sole vessel involved, a 2022 Crownline 240 SS, was traveling in the downstream direction of Nickajack Lake past the Suck Creek Access area at a very low speed ("1-2 knots") when the vessel struck a hard object that he believed to be a rock outcropping. 

He estimated the time of collision to be around 1700. The vessel was occupied by himself and three others at the time of the incident- no one was injured. The vessel was incapacitated by the collision and later towed to the Suck Creek Access Area and tied to the dock for the night. The vessel was towed to its slip at Cameron Harbor the day after the incident and placed on a lift where it was revealed that it had sustained damage to its lower unit and hull.


BARDID: TN-2023-0121
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-08-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:26:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NICKAJACK RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: CHATTANOOGA
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On August 31st, 2023, at approximately 0930 hours Hamilton County 911 advised Tennessee Wildlife Officers of a traumatic injury that had occurred at the Luptin City Boat Ramp on Nickajack Lake in Chattanooga Tennessee. 

Dispatchers advised officers that the injured party was being transported to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga with a severe head injury. Once officers arrived at the hospital one of the involved parties was in the lobby and was interviewed. 

He had advised officers that while he was in the truck waiting on the boat to be loaded, while attempting to load the boat onto the trailer the boat operator fell out of the boat and struck his head and began to have seizures. 

The injured party had been intubated by medical personnel prior to officers arriving on scene. The incident occurred in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2023-0122
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-09-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:07:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: LAKESITE
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On September 4th, 2023, at approximately 2000 Hours. Tennessee Wildlife Officers were notified of a boat coming into Chester Frost Park on Chickamauga Lake in Hamilton County with a passenger complaining of severe back pain. 

Once officers arrived on scene medical personnel advised officers that she had injured her back and would be going to a local hospital. Officers interviewed the operator who stated that while coming into Dallas Bay from Harrison Bay he was going what he thought was around 30 miles per hours.

 As he was coming back from the main channel, he stated that he noticed a large wake from another vessel, but it was too late to slow down and he struck the wave. 

After striking the wake he observed his wife, who was sitting on the boat in front of the passenger helm, be launched into the air and come back down landing inside the boat on her back. The impact cause severe pain to her back and they began to travel to the Chester Frost Boat Ramp and wait for emergency Personnel. The injured party was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. The incident occurred in Hamilton County.


BARDID: TN-2023-0123
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:19:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: MAYNARDVILLE
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
On September 3, 2023 Vessel one (1) was traveling on Norris Lake in Union County. Vessel one (1) was cruising northwest from the mouth of Dark Hollow on Loyston Sea toward Waterside Marina.  Vessel one (1) attempted to go between a small island and the shoreline, when the vessel struck the bottom of the lake.  

Vessel one (1) came to rest a short distance later and then proceeded to the nearest shoreline to assess damage to the vessel.  According to operator statements, damage was to the propeller and motor area of the vessel.  The vessel occupants received no injuries during the incident.


BARDID: TN-2023-0125
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-09-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:45:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: BOONE LAKE
NearestCityTown: JOHNSON CITY
County: WASHINGTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 19:45 on September 10th, a vessel carrying four individuals was traveling upstream on Boone Lake in Washington County. While the vessel was still in motion, an occupant who was seated in the bow exited the vessel because of alcohol impairment. The propeller struck the occupant, causing a large laceration and broken bones in the right leg. EMS transported the occupant to the hospital, and a blood draw was taken on the operator.  Operator had a .16 BAC


BARDID: TN-2023-0126
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: Y
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday September 3, 2023 at around 2p.m. Operator pulled into his slip at Cowboys/Lakeside Marina to pick up his sister in law. After pulling into his slip and backing out, he stated that waves hit him and caused him to hit the dock as he was backing out. 

He also hit the front  left corner of his vessel on the right rear panel of the pontoon parked in the slip next to him. He was unaware of hitting the docked vessel at the time. 

On Tuesday September 5, 2023 subject1 called to see if she needed a report and to see if we could try to figure out what happened. We responded September 6 around 5pm. It was evident by the blue paint transfer on the front of vessel that he struck and dented the Pontoon. 

I called Operator1 to advise him of the incident that had occurred and asked if he knew anything about it. He had his days mixed up initially thinking he was out on Saturday and not Sunday, but realized the mistake and called me advising that it was Sunday that he was out. He and his wife realized what had happened after I had spoken to them. They didn''t realize at the time they had damaged the neighboring boat. 


BARDID: TN-2023-0127
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-09-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:45:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: FORT LOUDOUN RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: KNOXVILLE
County: KNOX
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On September 9,2023 I was notified of an accident with a sunken vessel. I called the complainant which was a bystander on shore who had just witnessed the accident and had no other information. I was able to get dispatch to contact Knox county fire who also responded and they had contact information for the owner/operator of the vessel. I called him twice and texted him with no luck. Monday September 12, 2023 I visited his address listed on the REAL system and was able to make contact with him. 

He stated he was traveling on Fort Loudon upstream with his Brother and another individual. Operator1 was the operator and he was traveling upstream past Looney Island on the left side of the island and another larger cruiser vessel was traveling up stream and went to the right side of the island. After they passed the island the cruiser passed Operator1 on the right side. Operator1 noticed the big wake coming off of the cruiser and turned around and tried to make it back to the island to avoid the big wake. He was unable to make it back without missing the wake and he said on the third wave his bow went under and ejected all three passengers. The cruiser continued on upstream and Operator1 and the other passengers exited the water uninjured. They could not provide a description of the cruiser well enough for me to identify.


BARDID: TN-2023-0128
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-09-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
RedactedNarrative:
On 8/2/2023 a boating incident occurred on Douglas Lake around 1300 hours. The incident occurred near point 10, across from Rimmer Creek and above Eagle Cove. The incident resulted in a boat fire and total loss of the vessel. Operator1 stopped his 2006 Tige 22VE boat to relax with his wife and two friends. After about 45 minutes had passed he turned the blower on and waited around a minute before starting his vessel. When he started the vessel a loud pop happened in the engine compartment. He opened the hatch to see smoke and fire. All four occupants then jumped overboard due to the fear of the fire causing the boat to explode. Another vessel witnessed this happened and picked them up. Officer with TWRA arrived on scene and deployed a fire extinguisher but it did not put out the flames. All efforts to extinguish the fire were unsuccessful. The vessel burned until it eventually sank to the bottom of the lake. This incident occurred in Jefferson County, TN.


BARDID: TN-2023-0130
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-09-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:44:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CLINCH RIVER
NearestCityTown: TAZEWELL
County: CLAIBORNE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday September 17 2023 at around 4:44 pm , the vessel struck a rock shoal on the Clinch River in Claiborne County Tennessee. The vessel was heading upstream near Riverside Rd. and the Highway 25 e bridge. There were 5 total occupants on board. One was ejected upon impact. He was retrieved from the water by his father qho was following on a PWC. Another person was thrown into the floor of the boat and suffered a broken tibia , fractured toe , and fractured thumb. A third sustained minor injuries.  
 The vessel sustained substantial damage to the keel , and lifting strakes on the bottom. The starboard / drivers console windshield was broken.


BARDID: TN-2023-0131
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-09-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:15:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CLINCH RIVER
NearestCityTown: KINGSTON
County: ROANE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On September 14th, 2023 at approximately 0715 on the Clinch River portion of Watts Bar Lake in Roane County Vessel 1 a 20'' Basscat bassboat, was struck by Vessel 2 a 20'' Falcon.

Both vessels where preparing for blast off for a bass tournament that was taking place at the docks at Kingston City Park. Vessel 1 had  just made it through inspection and was motoring away traveling at a plowing speed. As Vessel 1 was preparing to increase speed vessel 2 hit them in the stern causing damage to a power pole and stress cracks to the transom and gunwale. Vessel 2 had just made it through inspection and was following vessel 1. Vessel 2 was traveling at a plowing speed with the bow up in the air. This limited the visibility for the operator of vessel 2 to see that he was about to collide with vessel 1.


BARDID: TN-2023-0132
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-09-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:21:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: TELLICO RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: LENOIR CITY
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
On September 24, 2023 at approximately 1520 there was a single vessel boating incident on Tellico Lake in Loudon County. The vessel had an equipment malfunction in the amplifier leading to an electrical fire that was contained under the stern side compartment.  

*** On September 24, 2023 I was dispatched to a boat fire on Tellico Lake in Loudon County at approximately 1520. While enroute I was advised that there were no injuries and that the fire was put out. The vessel was towed to the owners dock. Upon my arrival I photographed the damage and talked to the owner/operator. 

Operator1 had bought the vessel the day prior in TX and it was his first trip on the boat. Operator1 stated that he has had several boats and is an experienced boater. A few minutes after taking the boat out he turned the sound system on and began smelling smoke. 

There was an electrical fire under the stern side compartment. Operator1 used his fire extinguisher and two others from passing boats but the fire would not go out. Soon after, he shut the power off to the boat and was able to stop the fire with a towel. 

The majority of the boat was undamaged but the amplifiers and wiring were scorched. Several speakers sustained damage while lifting seat cushions to make sure the fire was not spreading. 

Operator1 did not know how much the amps cost but stated that he believes they cost approximately $5,000. Weather conditions were good and Operator1 is an experienced boater. There were no injuries and the fire was contained under the compartment on the stern side of the vessel where the amplifiers are located.


BARDID: TN-2023-0133
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-09-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: STONES RIVER
NearestCityTown: SMYRNA
County: RUTHERFORD
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
RedactedNarrative:
On 9/13/23 I Officer received a call from Cpt. at approximately 0130  about a boat accident that occurred in the West Fork of the Stones River. Cpt. had received the call from RCSO about the accident. I arrived on scene around 0150 at West Fork Boat Ramp. Once on scene I learned that RCSO had received a call from MPD in regards to a missing person. MPD was pinging the phone and the location was showing about a mile upstream on the Stones River from West Fork Boat Ramp. 

RCSO launched a drone from the boat ramp and went to the location where the phone was pinging. They located a small white aluminum vessel floating in the water with no occupants. At that time Rutherford County Special Ops launched a boat and headed to the location. Once at the location they were able to determine the vessel belonged to the missing person from the report. 

It was at this time Cpt. was notified of the situation. The Special Ops boat began to side scan as well as looking on the surface and bank for Victim. A few minutes after searching they were able to locate a body of a male individual upright and floating just above the surface of the water about 100-150 yards downstream of the vessel. 

They recovered the body and confirmed it was Victim. At this time MPD was able to make contact with the daughter of Victim and deliver the death notification.  Victim was then transported back to the boat ramp. At 0230 I got onto the Special Operations boat and returned to the scene to recover the vessel and took it back to the boat ramp. Victim''s truck and trailer was located at the boat ramp. His truck was secured and the trailer was moved over to my vehicle to load up and transport boat from the scene. The vessel was later parked and inventoried at Percy Priest WMA in La Vergne, TN.


BARDID: TN-2023-0135
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-09-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CUMBERLAND RIVER
NearestCityTown: CHARLOTTE
County: DICKSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with commercial vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday September 9th at approximately 1930 hrs a barge with the Hines Furlong company was traveling on the Cumberland River upstream near river mile 151.5. The barge operator saw a PWC come into his field of view on the front starboard side and it crashed into his front tow. 

He sounded the general alarm, called 911 and started backing up. Two deck hands launched a skiff and drove to the front of the barge. 

They observed pieces of the PWC and an adult male floating in the water. He was deceased. They loaded the male onto their skiff and drove him to lock A campground boat ramp. 

Through witness and family members statements we learned that an 8 year old boy was on the PWC with the adult. A search began that evening and continued into the following evening. At 1838 on September 10th the child was recovered and was observed to be lodged underneath one of the barges that was in tow. He broke free once the barge started forward again.

Operator1 had been drinking.


BARDID: TN-2023-0136
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-08-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:41:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: MOUNT JULIET
County: WILSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 8/5/23 at approximately 1841, I received notification from TWRA Region 2 dispatch stating an individual had sustained a laceration to their head on Old Hickory Lake and was being transported to Shutes Branch Recreation Area by a private party to receive treatment from WEMA. 

I arrived at Shutes Branch Recreation Area at approximately 1928 and was notified the victim was now being transported via boat to Blue Turtle Bay Marina. Upon arrival at Blue Turtle Bay Marina, I observed Metro OEM administering care to a female individual.

During initial interview with Victim, I observed a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage, slurred speech, watery and glassy eyes, and Victim admitted to drinking while on the lake that day. Victim also stated that she takes daily prescription Zoloft. When asked what events occurred leading up to the incident causing her laceration, Victim stated she was wading/swimming in Two Foot Cove when she saw a male operating a PWC. 

She stated she flagged the male down because she wanted to ride the PWC with him. Victim stated she did not know the male individual at all prior to the vessel incident, nor did she know his name or appearance after the incident. When asked about the color or description of the PWC, Victim first stated red, then blue, then stated she did not know what color it actually was. Victim stated she sat behind the male individual as he operated the PWC for a brief time before changing seats, placing herself as the operator of the PWC. 

Victim stated she operated the PWC for a few minutes before hitting a wake from another vessel, but did not know what she had hit her head on to cause her injury. During this interview, Victim stated multiple times that she was the operator of the PWC at the time of the collision with the wake that resulted in her being injured. When asked where the PWC or the male individual was, Victim stated she did not know where he went after dropping her off back at Two Foot Cove. 

During the end of questioning, Victim became mildly combative and argument with EMS workers, attempting to pull out her IV line multiple times before finally being transported to Summit Medical Center. Upon arrival to Summit Medical Center, I was flagged down by one of the medical personnel aboard the ambulance Victim was transported in. 

The personnel stated that Victim had told her, prior to my arrival to Blue Turtle Bay Marina, that she had been the operator of the PWC at the time of collision with wake resulting in the laceration to her head. At Summit Medical Center, I again asked Victim what events occurred leading up to her injury, with resulting statements matching with those she gave while in OEM ambulance. I advised Victim of statutory requirements in TCA that required an operator of a vessel at the time of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury or fatality to submit to a chemical sample to determine their BAC, to which she consented. Once medical staff was notified and in Victim''s room, I again asked if she wished to consent to a blood draw, to which she again consented. Numerous attempts were made to determine the identity or description of the involved PWC, male individual, or precise location of accident without further success. Oral statements were taken from acquaintances whom helped transport Victim to Blue Turtle Bay Marina, but all stated they did not see the accident occur, nor did they know the male individual or a description of the PWC.


BARDID: TN-2023-0137
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: OLD HICKORY RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: MOUNT JULIET
County: WILSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentCause2: Failure to vent
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/4/2023 at approximately 1700, I received a call from TWRA Region 2 Dispatch of a boat fire near Two Foot Cove on Old Hickory Lake. Initial information received stated at least one occupant believed to be injured. I arrived on scene at approximately 1716 and observed the vessel was sitting on the Wilson County side of the main channel with any flames extinguished. 

I determined one occupant aboard the vessel, Victim, had sustained multiple burns and was currently being treated by Wilson County EMA on scene. Operator was determined to be the operator at the time of ignition and owner of the vessel. Through interview, multiple occupants and witnesses stated they had smelled an odor of gasoline while on the lake that day and stated the vessel was running "roughly" while exiting Two Foot Cove prior to ignition. They described the initial ignition as an "explosion". When questioned about possible issues with the motor, owner/operator Operator stated he had not experienced any issues with the motor prior to ignition. Victim was transported by Wilson EMA to Vanderbilt Hospital for treatment to multiple second degree burns and superficial burns on his body sustained during the fire. *** Operator Interview

Operator was the owner/operator of the vessel. Operator stated he had filled the vessel up with approximately twenty gallons of gas the morning of 7/4/2023 and had ran the blowers numerous times while on Old Hickory Lake that day. Prior to the accident, Operator stated they pulled anchor in Two Foot Cove and traveled a few hundred feet towards the main channel when he heard a "boom". Operator stated an occupant aboard then yelled fire, resulting in Operator grabbing the fire extinguisher and attempting to put out the fire with no success. Operator then stated he exited the vessel swam a safe distance away from the fire.

When asked if he had experienced any issues with the vessel motor that day, Operator stated he had not. When further asked, Operator stated there had been no issues with the motor running "rough" nor had he smelled gas fumes prior to the explosion/fire.

On 7/9/2023, Operator gave TWRA verbal permission to access his vessel in storage to take further investigative photos. Operator stated that he did not have to be present during the process and gave the gate combination of his own freewill. *** Victim (Injured Occupant)

Victim was one of six occupants aboard the vessel at the time of explosion/fire. victim sustained second degree burns to his left foot, inside right thigh, and left ribs as well as superficial burns to the inside of his right calf, outside left calf, and his left hand continuing up to his left shoulder. When asked about the vessel he had been on, Victim stated the vessel owner had recently replaced the vessel’s motor and believed that motor to only have a small number of hours of operational use. Victim stated he had smelled an odor of gasoline while anchored in Two Foot Cove on Old Hickory Lake. He stated he had mentioned the smell to the owner/operator who stated it was "probably something near the gas tank at the rear of the boat". Victim stated he was unsure whether the ventilation blowers were operated while on the lake, but stated he did not remember seeing them ran prior exiting Two Foot Cove. Victim stated that he was seated behind the operator and to the right of the motor prior to explosion/fire. 

Interview
On 7/4/2023, WO interviewed Person1 onscene after the accident. Person1 stated she was an occupant aboard the vessel at the time of explosion/fire, seated at the bow of the vessel. Person1 stated she heard a loud "boom" and turned around and saw flames towards the stern of the vessel, then jumped overboard and swam to safety.
 
On 7/17/2023, I interviewed Person1 via phone. Person1 stated she noticed an odor of gas coming from the vessel while on the water on 7/4/2023. Person1 stated that prior to leaving Two Foot, the vessel and its operator had difficulty getting the vessel started and keeping it running. Person1 stated she observed several occupants aboard that appeared to be working on the vessel motor. Shortly after that observation was when the boat ignited.
 
Interview
I interviewed Person2 on 7/4/2023 onscene. Person2 stated she was seated near the bow of the vessel prior to ignition. Person2 stated she smelled an odor of gasoline coming from the vessel while on the water that day. Person2 stated that the vessel ignited while idling outside of Two Foot Cove.


BARDID: TN-2023-0138
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-08-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: SHOAL CREEK
County: LAWRENCE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On August 26, 2023, at approximately 13:45, operator was kayaking down Shoal Creek near Iron City, TN when she had medical emergency. She began feeling unwell and went unconscious while sitting upright in her kayak.  Soon after, she began seizing.  Witnesses were able to get Victim back to Upa Creek Canoe and Kayak Rentals located at 5585 Wayland Springs Rd Iron City, TN 38463 where she was tended to by first responders. Victim did regain consciousness and was transported by EMS to Southern Tennessee Regional Hospital in Lawrenceburg, TN. Victim was released from the hospital later that same day after being treated for heat stroke.


BARDID: TN-2023-0140
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-09-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: WATTS BAR RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: LENOIR CITY
County: LOUDON
WaterConditions: Very rough
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: Y
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Dam/lock
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
RedactedNarrative:
On 9/26/23 on or about 0900 a vessel was capsized by the spill gates of Ft. Loudoun Dam while fishing. There were two individuals on the vessel, one is injured and one is deceased.  

*** On September 26, 2023 around 0900 a 17 foot Bass Tracker was being operated below Ft. Loudoun Dam on Watts Bar in Loudon County. There were 7 spill gates open discharging water where Operator and Occupant were fishing. 

According to statements from Operator, both individuals were wearing life jackets. Occupant did not have his life jacket zipped. Operator and Occupant were fishing near the generators. The current pulled the boat towards the spillgates where the water swamped the boat and both subjects went into the water. 

Operator resurfaced and was pulled out of the water by a nearby fishing guide. Operator and Guide searched for victim but were unable to locate him. Guide then towed the flipped vessel with his boat back to the Tellico Dam Boat Ramp. Operator was transported to Ft. Loudon Medical Center for an assessment of his injuries.  Operator consented to a blood draw. Operator''s boat was loaded onto the trailer and transported to a TWRA lot.

Occupant did not survive the accident. His body was recovered around 830 yards away from the accident site, just downstream from the 321 bridge. His body was taken to Regional Forensics Center in Knoxville for an autopsy.


BARDID: TN-2023-0142
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-10-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:07:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORRIS RESERVOIR
County: ANDERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday October 02, 2023 at approximately 1607 there was a boating incident that involved one vessel on Norris Lake in Anderson County Tennessee. The vessel involved was a white 24 foot 2000 Chris Craft. The vessel was traveling southwest at approximately 20 miles per hour when it ran aground in approximately 1.5 feet of water. There were no injuries or fatalities associated with this incident. However, there was damage to the lower unit and the hull. Officers were notified on October 03, 2023 of the incident.


BARDID: TN-2023-0144
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-09-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: MISSISSIPPI RIVER
NearestCityTown: BURLISON
County: TIPTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
On September 12, 2023 subject stated that he struck a buoy on September 8, 2023.  He received a $7000.00 quote.  Coast Guard rescued him after the accident and sent the report to TWRA.


BARDID: TN-2023-0145
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-10-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DOUGLAS RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: DANDRIDGE
County: JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
On October 6th, 2023 at approximately 0630 Operator1 was operating a 18 foot triton 189 trx on Douglas Lake in Jefferson County. He was preparing to fish a tournament when he launched his vessel from Douglas Dam boat ramp. It was dark and Operator1 was watching his depth finder while underway when he ran aground on a mudflat. Damage was done to the hull of the vessel possibly greater than $2,000. *** On October 6th, 2023 I was contacted by Morristown Dispatch at approximately 0800 about a single vessel property damage incident. I met Sgt. at The Pointe Marina in Dandridge where we boarded a patrol boat and responded to the scene. Sgt. and I assisted the operator and two other individuals free the boat and get it back in the water. We then followed Operator1 to the Douglas Dam boat ramp where he loaded his vessel and we continued the investigation.

Through written and verbal statements we determined. At approximately 0630 Operator1 was operating a 18 foot triton 189 trx on Douglas Lake in Jefferson County. He was preparing to fish a tournament when he launched his vessel from Douglas Dam boat ramp. The water conditions were calm and cloudy. It was dark and Operator1 was watching his depth finder while underway when he ran aground on a mudflat. He had just gotten on plane and he estimated he was running approximately 20 mph. The vessel travelled approximately 30 feet onto the mudflat. There were two gouges through the fiberglass of the vessel that were approximately eight inches in length and a half inch across. From the proximity of the damage it is possible more damage was under the bunks of the trailer hidden from view. Damage was done to the hull of the vessel was estimated at approximately $15,000. 

During our inspection all required safety equipment was aboard and working. The vessel had valid registration. At the time of the incident his lights were on and he was wearing an inflatable life jacket which did not deploy. No alcohol was found aboard the vessel and the operator showed no visible signs of impairment. The operator had no visible injuries but was shaken up from the incident. No charges are to be filed.


BARDID: TN-2023-0146
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-11-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:45:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: KENTUCKY LAKE
NearestCityTown: DOVER
County: STEWART
WaterConditions: Choppy
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
CoordinatesConfidence: C
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday November 6, 2023, at approximately 1445, in Ginger Bay, on Kentucky Lake, in Stewart County, there was a single vessel incident. 

The vessel, a 14-foot Jon boat was operated by Operator and was occupied by Subject1, Subject2 (deceased), Subject3 and a dog. There was one life jacket and one throw cushion on board the vessel. 

The vessel began taking on water and as a result capsized. All four occupants went overboard and began swimming to shore. Operator, Subject1 and Subject3 made it safely to the shore, but Subject2 did not.  Subsequently, resulting in his death. 

The body was recovered on November 7, 2023, at 1037 by TWRA and Stewart County Rescue Team divers. Operator refused a blood draw, and a search warrant was signed to retrieve his blood sample. Stewart County EMS drew Operator’s blood on November 6, 2023, at 1832.  This incident is still under investigation.


BARDID: TN-2023-0147
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-10-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CUMBERLAND RIVER
NearestCityTown: CELINA
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On October 29, 2023 at approximately 1900hrs, I was notified by a third party individual of a boating accident that occurred on the Cumberland River in Clay County.  The caller indicated that two fishermen were on the Cumberland river in a 16 Hyde Drift Boat and were sinking.  

I called Clay County Dispatch to seek further information.  Dispatch advised that there was a boating accident occurring but could not provide a location, description of the vessel, or the names of the people in distress.  I then notified TWRA Region 3 Dispatch of the accident and proceeded en route to Donaldson Park boat ramp in Celina.  

Upon arriving on scene, Clay County Rescue Squad had made contact with the two individuals on the Cumberland River near Henry Boyd Rd.  The two individuals were floating on the plastic gas tank that was left from the boat after it had taken on water and sank.  

Rescue Squad members then transported both back to Donaldson Park boat ramp to be treated by EMS.  Both patients were hypothermic and transported to Livingston Regional Hospital for treatment.  I then cleared the scene and went to the hospital and obtained written statements from both Operator and Occupant.  

Both indicated that they missed their take out after fishing in the Obey River near Dale Hollow Dam.  They proceeded down stream and went into the Cumberland River realizing that they had missed their takeout. Occupant pulled up GPS on her mobile phone to find their way back to the Donaldson Park boat ramp.  When she stood up and sat down near the stern of the vessel with Operator, the boat started to take on water due to improper loading.  Water then rushed in, and the boat was swamped and sank near Henry Boyd rd in the Cumberland River.  No alcohol or drug use was suspected in the accident and life jackets were aboard the vessel but not worn by the operator or occupant.  Both subjects were treated for hypothermia and kept overnight at Livingston Regional Hospital.


BARDID: TN-2023-0148
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-10-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CANEY FORK RIVER
County: DEKALB
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, October 28, 2023 at approximately 11:16 AM, I was advised by DeKalb County 911 Dispatch of a drowning on the Caney Fork River near the end of Love Valley Road.

I arrived at Happy Hollow Access Area at approximately 12:07 PM and began speaking to a witness who had kayaked downstream to Happy Hollow after helping at the accident location. Officer arrived at the property shortly after 12:00 PM and began speaking to witnesses and relaying information to other responding officers. 

Smith County Rescue Squad and DeKalb County Rescue Squad were on scene upon my arrival to Happy Hollow and launched a total of 3 vessels upstream towards the accident location. I was later advised that the missing individual had collided with a tree protruding out of the Caney Fork River. 

The victim was kayaking downstream. After travelling to the Corps of Engineers Resource Manager''s Office and gathering TWRA river vessels, myself and Officers launched the vessels at approximately 1412 and began looking for Victim by boat. 

Tennessee Highway Patrol was contacted and Officer maintained radio communication with the pilots near the accident location. Shortly after arriving, the helicopter was able to locate a suspected body submerged in approximately 8 feet of water and guided TWRA personnel to the location. 

Officers maintained visual on the subject until Rescue Squad arrived and recovered the body. 

Upon further investigation, I learned that the victim and his wife were kayaking along the river. The victim was floating downstream in a red kayak and his wife in a pink kayak. The deceased kayaker was not wearing a life jacket but had one on board. 

*** Upon further investigation, it was discovered that an autopsy was not ordered by the DeKalb County Medical Examiner''s Office nor by the family. Eyewitness testimonies and written statements were conclusive in determining the cause of death to be a drowning.


BARDID: TN-2023-0149
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-11-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:34:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHICKAMAUGA RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: HARRISON
County: HAMILTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
RedactedNarrative:
On November 14th, 2023, at approximately 0230 hours I, Wildlife Officer was contacted by Hamilton County 911 with the report of a missing boater on Chickamauga Lake. Dispatchers advised officers that a nearby fisherman in the Harrison Bay area heard people screaming for help coming from Patton Island outside of Harrison Bay State Park. 

The fisherman was unable to reach the island due to mechanical failures so contacted 911 instead. First responding fireman were able to locate two individuals on Patton Island that were near by a fire. They had stated to the fireman that they were on a canoe that had flipped over and that one of the other people on the boat was unable to make it to shore. 

The two men were taken to Harrison Bay State Park where an ambulance was waiting to treat them. Once the two rescued parties were inside the ambulance and were able to warm up Wildlife Officers were able to interview them on the incident. 

They had both advised officers that they had put in a canoe at the Park’s boat ramp and were going to paddle to Patton Island to camp for the night. As they began to approach the island, they stated that for an unknown reason the canoe capsized towards the left, ejecting all three passengers on board into the lake. 

There were no lifejackets on board the vessel so all three began to make the attempt to swim. While swimming, one of the three parties did not have the ability to swim so the other two were trying to help him stay up but were unable. 

That is when they stated to officers that one of them watched the third passenger submerge under the water and did not see him resurface. After making it to the island, they were able to make a fire and yell for help. After officers arrived on scene and began searching the underwater area utilizing a remote operated vessel the third party was located nearby where the capsized canoe remained. The deceased individuals body was recovered by law enforcement divers and transported to the Hamilton County Medical Examiners Officer for further evaluation.


BARDID: TN-2023-0150
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-10-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:46:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DUCK RIVER
NearestCityTown: COLUMBIA
County: MAURY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On October 7, 2023, operator was operating his 2023 16'' Havoc jet-driven open-motorboat on the Duck River in Maury County, TN when he struck a low hanging tree over the water.  The collision caused significant property damage to the vessel as well as the ejection of Operator.  Operator was not wearing a life-jacket at the time of the collision.  Operator was unconscious and floating in the river when his friend, who witnessed the event from his vessel immediately down stream from Operator, came and rendered aid.  Friend was able to call 911 at approximately 4:47 PM.  Friend then transported the injured and conscious Operator to the nearest boat access at Leftwich ramp off of Sowell Mill Pike in Columbia, TN.  Operator was transported by EMS to Maury Regional Medical Center then later to Vanderbilt Medical Center with the following injuries: broken jaw, missing/broken teeth, lacerations to head and face, and a brain bleed.


BARDID: TN-2023-0155
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:45:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: DALE HOLLOW RESERVOIR
NearestCityTown: CELINA
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday July 12, 2023 I received a call from Operator1 about a property damage only, 2 vessel collision that had occurred the previous Saturday morning, July 9th at approximately 12:45 am. On Friday, July 14, I interviewed Operator1 and assessed the damage to his vessel and determined based on the damage that there had been a collision with another vessel. He had text messages sent and received from the operator of the other vessel, Operator2. 

According to Operator1 he was driving his Pheonix bass boat upstream from the dam toward the mouth of Mitchell Creek. He stated that he was traveling in the middle/right side of the main channel of the lake when he seen the lights of another boat headed straight toward him. That vessel was headed downstream towards the dam. Operator1 stated he seen all navigational lights on and proceeded to stay his course toward the mouth of Mitchell Creek. Noticing the other vessel was still headed straight toward him, he said he flashed his spotlight on his boat just in case the other vessel did not see him. Both boats continued to stay the same direction of travel. Operator1 stated that at the last possible second he completely came out of the throttle and steered to the right in an attempt to avoid collision. The other vessel struck his vessel and both came to a stop in the lake. Operator1 stated after a brief pause and having not have received nor contacted the other vessel, the other vessel drove away towards the dam. The damage to vessel 1 supports the claims Operator1 made of coming out of the throttle and steering to the right at the last second to avoid collision. 

The same afternoon of July 12, I also interviewed Operator2. Operator2 advised the same information as Operator1, with the only difference being that Operator2 stated that Vessel 1 was not in the middle of the channel, but riding close to the left side (headed upstream) of the channel. He stated that he seen all navigation lights of vessel 1 and that the spotlight shined at his boat temporarily reduced his vision. He stated that he stood his direction of travel, thinking the other boat would give way. He stated at the last second he turned to the right, while still in the throttle, in an attempt to avoid collision. The damage to vessel 2 supports Operator2''s statement. 

Due to the late reporting, slightly conflicting statements from each individual, and lack of supporting evidence, I cannot make a determination as to which operator was correct in their statements of the exact location of the accident and where each vessel was located in their directions of travel in the main channel. However, based off of both statements, this was a preventable boat accident. Both operators failed to make early and substantial action to avoid collision. When each operator noticed that they were on a course to have a collision and not knowing the intentions of the other vessel, both should have given way and reduced speed sooner to make a better determination as to how to avoid collision.


BARDID: TN-2023-0156
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-08-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: CANEY FORK RIVER
NearestCityTown: GORDONSVILLE
County: SMITH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
RedactedNarrative:
On August 26, 2023, Sgt. and I were working a district wide detail. I received a call from Lt. and Officer about a fatality that had occurred on the Caney Fork River in Smith County. The body was already recovered by rescue squad and Smith County EMS and were already en route to Riverview Hospital in Carthage. I met the crews there, along with the family members that witnessed the incident. I interviewed the son of victim, as he was a witness to the whole event. 

They had started kayaking at approximately at 1200 and had stopped at the gravel bar behind the I40 rest stop on the Smith/Putnam county line for a lunch break. On departure, Victim left the gravel bar first while his son and daughter-in-law packed the rest of their belongings. Victim went down the river approximately 40 yards when his son heard him yell his name. When Son turned around he saw Victim was already out of his kayak and in the water. 

When Son got to Victim, he was floating face down on top of the water, his face was blue and he was unresponsive. Son pulled him to the bank and started CPR. He did CPR for a few minutes then ran up to the rest stop to find some one to call 911. Once the call was made, he went back down and started CPR again until Rescue Squad arrived. 

Once Rescue Squad arrived, they placed Victim into their boat and transported him down river to Happy Hollow Boat Ramp, placed him in an ambulance and was transported to Riverview Hospital.


BARDID: TN-2023-0157
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Telico Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Loudon
County: Loundon
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 14:15 on 7/13/2023 TWRA dispatch was made aware of a boating incident with injury involving two vessels on Tellico Lake in Loudon County. Information from dispatch indicated that 4 individuals on a tube had been struck by a vessel and were injured as a result of the collision. 

Upon arriving on scene officers found 4 individuals being treated by EMS with three ultimately being transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for treatment. Three of the four individuals on the tube were admitted to the hospital for serious injuries with one occupant suffering critical injuries requiring long term hospitalization. 

In addition to the occupants of the tube one passenger on board the Bayliner vessel complained of injuries on scene and was checked and cleared initially by EMS but was later transported to and treated at the hospital. 

Investigation indicates that four children were being pulled behind a pontoon boat just outside Wind River Marina when the tube struck or was struck by a Bayliner, runabout type vessel. The operator of the pontoon boat was pulling the tube in such a way as to sling the tube to the right and left making sharp S turns and 180 degree turns. 

While the tube was being pulled by the 2024 25’ Premier Marine Pontoon boat operated by Operator2, a 2004 20’ Bayliner Runabout, operated by Operator1, approached the area. Based on video of the collision, gps download data and damage assessments from the Bayliner vessel, the Pontoon boat had just came out of a right hand turn resulting in the tube being outside the wake of the towing vessel, on the port side, when the Bayliner passed the pontoon very closely port to port, passing between the tube and stern of the pontoon boat, resulting in the tube and its passengers contacting the starboard side bow of the Bayliner. 

The Bayliner vessel was taken as evidence in order to evaluate the damage to the vessel, also taken as evidence was a SIMRAD gps device in order to download any location data stored therein. As per 69-9-217(h) blood samples were taken from the operators of both vessels in order to determine if there was any drug or alcohol impairment present at the time of the incident. In order to obtain the required blood sample, the Alcohol and/or Drug Level Request form (WR-0776) was read and explained to and signed by each operator, giving their consent for the blood draw. Copies of these forms are included in the case file. Each operator was then transported to Fort Loudon Medical Center where the sample was obtained. This blood was submitted to the TBI lab in Knoxville for analysis. BAC testing performed by the TBI lab in Knoxville indicated that Operator1’s BAC level was .18. Operator2’s sample was negative for alcohol. 

Follow up interviews were conducted with the operators of both vessels. Operator1 was interviewed at his residence on 7/22/2023. During this interview Operator1 stated that he was operating his vessel in the area of Wind River Marina at the time of the incident. Operator1 stated that he had operated his vessel to a spot upstream from the incident site, the silos on Tellico, and was returning from that area heading downstream toward Mizell Bluff when the collision occurred. 

Operator1 stated that he first saw the pontoon boat it was approximately 400-500 yards away heading in his general direction doing S-turns and zig zags. Operator1 stated that he was unaware that the boat was pulling a tube, only that it was operating in circles and S turns. Operator1 stated that he was operating his vessel on a steady course toward the bluffs as the Pontoon boat continued in his direction. Operator1 stated that he sounded three blasts on his horn to attempt to get the attention of the operator of the pontoon boat as the two boats drew near to one another. Operator1 stated that as the pontoon boat continued to approach his vessel, he began to steer to the right to avoid a collision, at which time the pontoon boat also steered to the right causing the tube to swing out wide and strike the starboard side of his vessel.

Upon reinterviewing Operator2, the operator of the pontoon boat pulling the tube, he stated that he had been pulling the children on the tube for about two hours prior to the collision and at the time of the collision Operator2 stated he was pulling the tube just out from Wind River marina and had just came out of a turn causing the tube to swing out to the side of the vessel and had then straightened his vessel and was heading on a straight course at the time of the collision. Operator2 stated again that he did not notice or see the Bayliner at all until immediately prior to the collision. Based on video of the collision taken, and GPS download data, the pontoon boat had just completed a right hand turn at the time of the collision resulting in the tube being well outside the wake of the towing vessel. 

Based on witness statements and the video provided, the Bayliner passed between the tube and the stern of the pontoon vessel. The tow rope being used to pull the tube was measured at approximately 65’. With the length of the tow line and the angle at which the line was in relation to the pontoon boat at the time of the collision as well as taking into account the beam of the two vessels, the two vessels were passing well within 65’, that distance is estimated to be, based on the video, approximately 48’…


BARDID: TN-2023-0158
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-08-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:05:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Dake Hollow Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Byrdstown
County: Pickett
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Weather
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fire/explosion (fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
On Thursday August 10, 2023, at approximately 17:05, a Sunset Marina rental houseboat (Vessel 1) was approaching the marina to refuel the vessel. Operator1 was operating the vessel during docking. The vessel had recently been having issues with engine cutting off during the shift into reverse. As Operator1 approached the dock, the marina staff was giving instructions to complete the docking. 

As Operator1 shifted into reverse, the vessel died and the wind began to push the boat around and the front of the vessel closer to the dock. The front of the boat deck was higher than the dock, and the wind pushed the deck over the dock, causing the bow of the houseboat to strike the gas pump. 

The pump was knocked over, and fuel began to leak from a damaged fuel line. Dock staff were able to shut the fuel off and maneuver the houseboat away from the fuel pumps. As the marina staff were inspecting the damage, they noticed some exposed wiring, and soon after the spilled fuel caught on fire. 

The fire quickly spread and caught the marina store on fire. As the fire grew, dock hands worked on getting the rental pontoons away from the fire. Three rentals(Vessel 2, Vessel 3, Vessel 4) were damaged from the heat of the fire. Vessel 2's carpet and seats caught on fire - burning most of the interior. Vessel 3 & 4's seats were melted from the heat of the fire. 

One dock hand sustained burns to his arm trying to assist with controlling the fire. Clay County EMA worked on putting the fire out utilizing fire trucks. They were able to contain the fire before spreading to other areas of the marina. A copy of the fire department report is attached to for reference.

A witness received burns to his hands from fighting the fire.


BARDID: TN-2023-0159
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2023-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: TN
NameOfBodyOfWater: Center Hill Reservoir
NearestCityTown: Smithville
County: Dekalb
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday June 30, 2023 at approximately 2130 officers were called out to Johnson's Chapel recreational area to a sunken boat.  Someone called in to Dekalb dispatch that they had almost hit a boat that was just under the water level.  Upon arrival officers determined that the boat had been there for some time  and that there was no indication that someone was missing or injured.  On July 1, 2023 we found a tackle box with operator’s fishing license in it.  I contacted Operator1 and he stated that he and his son had taken the boat out on Thursday evening June 29, 2023 around 1600.  The boat started taking on water and they made it back to Johnsons Chapel, where they had put in.  This is where the boat finally sunk and they had to swim to shore.  They were uninjured but the boat was a total loss.  The Corps of engineers pulled the boat to the shore and tied it off.  Operator1 is in the process of getting it out of the water.


BARDID: TX-2023-0001
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-01-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0164 CHOKE CANYON
NearestCityTown: Calliham
County: 162 MCMULLEN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
RedactedNarrative:
While operating a vessel on Choke Canyon Reservoir, Operator., struck a stump causing his vessel to capsize.


BARDID: TX-2023-0002
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-02-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:12:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0186 COLETO CREEK LAKE
NearestCityTown: Goliad
County: 088 GOLIAD
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
RedactedNarrative:
On 02/05/2023 at approximately 1:12 pm, I received a call about a possible drowning victim at the GBRA boat ramp on Coleto Creek Reservoir. Upon arriving, the victim and boat owner, was being placed onto a backboard and loaded into an ambulance. After speaking with his boat partner and two other witnesses, I learned that Operator was waiting to load the boat onto the trailer. He killed the engine and stood on the front deck to relieve himself over the side. He lost his balance and fell off the front of the boat face first into the water. After several minutes of trying to tread water he was unable to maintain his struggle. Another boat that was already loaded onto a trailer, relaunched his boat and proceeded to rescue him. The assisting boat operator stated to me that when he loaded him onto his boat that he was not breathing. The assisting boat operator provided CPR and four breaths to him. After a minute or so Injured started to gargle and cough up water. He was driven to the bank where EMS, Goliad SO, and I were. He was loaded into the ambulance and transported to DeTar Hospital in Victoria. I called back to the hospital to follow up on his condition. He was doing well and only had a few broken/cracked ribs from CPR and hypothermia. He is expected to make a full recovery. 

End of Report.


BARDID: TX-2023-0003
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-02-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 6130 CORPUS CHRISTI BAY
NearestCityTown: Corpus Christi
County: 178 NUECES
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: Y
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
On 02/07/23 at approximately 10:00am, Operator was alone and operating a 14ft flat bottom boat near Shamrock Island in Corpus Christi Bay. He was traveling between 20-25mph when the port bow of his vessel struck a large wave for the size of his vessel. This caused him to be ejected from the boat. He was not wearing a PFD at the time. It is also believed that Operator was not wearing an emergency engine cut off switch at the time he was ejected from his vessel. After Operator was thrown overboard, the vessel kept traveling and eventually became beached in gear and under power. Two people later discovered the vessel and advised the United States Coast Guard. Operator swam to the shoreline and attempted to wave down any passing vessels. Operator was eventually picked up by a passing boater and brought to Wilson's Cut where he had launched from. Personnel from Coast Guard and Corpus Christi EMS made location to assist. 

Operator was transported to Bay Area Medical Center for further medical care. Operator sustained a cut to his right hand as well as a sore elbow. It was also discovered that Operator had fluid on his lungs and was moved to the ICU for further monitoring. Operator was interviewed at the hospital while being treated. His vessel was also inspected for damages and for water safety equipment. The vessel was in compliance with water safety requirements. No visible damage was observed on his vessel.


BARDID: TX-2023-0004
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-01-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0201 CORPUS CHRISTI
NearestCityTown: Mathis
County: 205 SAN PATRICIO
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
Boat Operator/Owner  had purchased the boat several months prior to use. Operator had recently got the boat back from a mechanic and Operator observed the water conditions and winds. Operator considers himself an experienced boat operator. He had himself, and others on the boat after launch. The boat motor stopped working. The boat drifted onto the bank and began to take on water, all 3 individuals onboard were safe and wearing proper PFD. No drugs or alcohol use was observed or noted.


BARDID: TX-2023-0005
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-02-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:00:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 1592 TRINITY RIVER
NearestCityTown: Wallisville
County: 036 CHAMBERS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On February 25, 2023 at approximately 1:00am, a 19’ aluminum airboat was traveling north at ~20-30mph in Crazy Cut Bayou of the Trinity River marsh system. the vessel was above the transitional planing speed for this vessel. The vessel was nearing the area where it connects to Long Island Bayou. The airboat was operated and occupied by three additional adult, male passengers. According to occupant statements, they had left one of the river camp houses on Crazy Cut just before 1:00am to return to the boat ramp. 

After leaving the river camp house, they travel ~1.3 miles north, until they impacted the tree on the shoreline. This section of Crazy Cut had an ~ 90° right hand turn before entering the confluence of Old River Cutoff and Long Island Bayou. All of the occupants on the vessel were consuming alcohol the night of crash. 

The airboat impacted the tree on the shoreline at ~165° +/-5° of the shoreline. Upon impact the aluminum grass rack bent inward ~ 24” and the bow pitched upward as it engaged up the tree trunk/branches until the forward momentum temporarily ceased. This airboat was not equipped with an engine cutoff switch so post-incident, the unmanned airboat circled to the right and pushed up against the bank approximately 50 feet to the west of the impact site. During the impact, all of the occupants were rapidly thrown forward due to inertia. The two occupants seated up top and the passenger seated on the bottom right were all ejected out of the vessel. The occupant, was seated in the bottom left seat and was thrown forward into the front bow of the vessel and likely struck the tree as well. He sustained serious bodily injury to his spine from the impact. 

After the incident, they recovered the vessel and climbed back into it. One called 911 and Operator drove them to Fort Anahuac Park so his father could receive medical attention. Injured 1 was transported by ambulance to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Beaumont, TX where he underwent spinal surgery on 2/25/23.  Before surgery he was partially paralyzed in his lower extremities. Post-surgery, he was able to feel and move both legs. At the completion of this investigation, he was continuing rehabilitation at home. 

Based on all the physical evidence and witness statements, this collision was a result of multiple state law and navigation rule violations by the operator. Operator was highly intoxicated at the time of the crash and was operating at an excessive speed for the conditions and circumstances that night and without a proper lookout. He was operating in a way that put his vessel and other vessels at substantial risk of damage and injury to passengers. The vessel was traveling above planing speed at the time of the collision and the speed of the vessel increased the severity of damage to the vessel and the severe injuries sustained. 

No PFDs were worn or used during this incident.


BARDID: TX-2023-0006
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-02-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:50:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0368 HOUSTON
NearestCityTown: Houston
County: 101 HARRIS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
MachineryFailure: Steering
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
As per Houston PD Marine unit they were flagged down by a vessel that stated there had been another vessel in an accident. both officers made scene. The operator was traveling on plane when a hydraulic steering cable is believed to have broken causing the vessel to turn abruptly starboard. all three occupants were ejected from the vessel, Operator was wearing his engine cutoff lanyard and the vessel came to a stop. Passenger received a laceration to the left leg and was found to be bleeding. Officer applied a tourniquet to the leg and they transported her to the Lake Houston Marina. Passenger received superficial bruising, operator did not receive any injuries.

no citations were issued as the hydraulic hose was found to be broken and operation of the vessel was indeed loss.


BARDID: TX-2023-0007
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-03-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0192 CONROE
NearestCityTown: Conroe
County: 170 MONTGOMERY
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Collision with commercial vessel
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 5:00 PM, March 11th, 2023, I Texas Game Warden received a phone call from Constable Sgt. informing me that Officer patrol vessel had been struck by a Personal Watercraft. Due to the incident being involved within agency Sgt requested us to perform the Boat Accident Report/Investigation. Sgt. informed me that he had already compiled witness statements and information regarding the incident and would relay the information to myself. The following information is statements from witnesses and the officers involved in the accident.


On March 11th, 2023, at approximately 04:20 PM, Montgomery County Precinct 1 Constable was patrolling on Lake Conroe for Water Safety violations. Onboard with Officer was Texas State Guard Sergeant. While in the area of Atkins Creek and Main lake  Officer initiated a Water Safety Inspection on two Personal Watercrafts'. Officer was standing on his vessel on the port side speaking with the first PWC occupant identified  operating . Both Officers vessels were in neutral. Officer then heard a cracking sound come from the aft of his vessel. As he looked towards the aft of his vessel, he observed a male on a blue PWC (later identified) strike the motor of his patrol vessel. The blue PWC displaying was against the starboard side of the starboard engine. As the vessels drifted apart according to Officer, Operator 1 stated, "I'm sorry". 

Witness statement from State Guard SGT stated prior to the impact he observed Operator 1 approach the patrol vessel and state that he was the Stepfather. According to individual, after a brief exchange of words Operator 1 stated, "I can't hear very well". Sgt stated that the blue PWC came around the back of the patrol vessel towards the engines and nosed into the engine causing the damage.

A Witness statement was also given by Operator 1 that stated, "While Stopped W/my stepson and his friend the jetski I was on drifted and struck the side of the outboard motor on the Constable's boat and it left a crack on the side of the housing of that motor."

Officer completed his water safety inspection on the three PWC's and issued the two PWC citations for no Boaters education. Once the citations were issued Officer contacted Constable Sgt.. Once Sgt. arrived they decided to move the incident to the Precinct 1 Lake Office to conduct a further investigation and damage assessment to both vehicles.

Every party involved in the incident were wearing PFD's at the time of the incident. There were no injuries reported.


Documentation/paperwork and witness statements acquired during this investigation are held on one drive by Warden.


BARDID: TX-2023-0008
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2023-03-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:40:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 1994 G OF MEX OFF ARAN-CC-UL <
NearestCityTown: Port Aransas
County: 178 NUECES
WaterConditions: Very rough
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: Y
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 03/09/23 I, State Game Warden, responded to a vessel accident at the end of the Port Aransas south jetties in Nueces County.  I was informed that two individuals were fishing at the end of the jetties when their vessel became unanchored and struck the jetties, causing both occupants to be ejected.  USCG and other emergency responders were already on scene.  After interviewing witnesses, they informed me that the vessel had two occupants who were fishing at the end of the jetties.  Both occupants were wearing PFD's.  The witnesses stated that the occupant's vessel started to drift into the jetties.  The occupants attempted to reposition their vessel.  The vessel was at anchor.  While they attempted to reposition their vessel the anchor line became entangled in the propeller, resulting in the engine not providing propulsion.   The resulting loss of propulsion accompanied by the anchor giving way, caused the vessel to drift into the jetties.  The seas where the vessel was anchored were approximately 2-3 feet causing the vessel to violently make contact with the jetties.  Both occupants were ejected from the vessel and retrieved by bystanders.  Both occupants sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were released on scene by EMS.  I interviewed both occupants.  The occupants account of the events matched the witnesses accounts.  The vessel was still in the water, as a result of the violent seas crashing against the jetties the vessel sustained catastrophic damages.


BARDID: TX-2023-0009
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2023-03-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:10:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 1062 BRAZOS RIVER
NearestCityTown: Brazos Point
County: 018 BOSQUE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday March 13, 2023 at approximately 9:16PM I, State Game Warden, was contacted by State Game Warden in reference to a boat accident on the Brazos River near Spring Creek. I responded in my patrol vehicle with emergency lights and siren activated. Bosque County Sheriff's Office, Brazos Point Volunteer Fire Department, and North Bosque EMS were already on scene when I arrived. 

I found a way to the Brazos River and found other units out with the victims of this accident near the waters edge. I observed a boat flipped upside down on the large rocks on the bank of the river. When I walked down the embankment, I saw two individuals in a separate boat who were camping across the river and called 911 for help when the accident occurred. I then began to help the other first responders with a young man who was lying face down in the rocks that was unconscious. I later identified this individual. Deceased was found to be the passenger on this vessel during the accident. 

I assisted the other first responders with loading Deceased into a rescue basket and carried him up the hill to the awaiting ambulance. I observed another individual that medical staff was assisting up the hill who was also involved in the accident. I helped them get to the ambulance as well. I later identified this individual as operator. While waiting for medical staff to begin treatment on Deceased, I briefly spoke with Operator. He told me that he was operating the vessel that night and couldn’t remember what happened to cause the wreck. Operator was then loaded into the ambulance and transported near highway 56 where other first responders had set up a landing zone for a CareFlite helicopter. 

Operator was then unloaded from the ambulance as the medical staff was preparing Deceased to fly him to the hospital. I retrieved some basic information from Operator and asked him if he had consumed and alcohol that night and stated he did not. Operator stated that he had put his boat on the water at approximately 1:00PM at Plowman Park. He stated that Deceased later met him at the park at approximately 4:00PM. I used my phone so Operator could call his father and let him know of the accident. 

State Game Warden arrived on scene and went with me back to the Brazos River to speak with the witnesses and begin the accident investigation. The two individuals that were camping across the river were identified. The witnesses stated that they saw Operator and Deceased pass by their camp at approximately 7:30pm that evening going up river. They stated that Operator and Deceased beached the boat and walked upriver (assuming they went to fish the shallow water). The witnesses stated that later that evening around 9:00 they heard the boat start up and they could hear them get on plane and sounded like they were moving quickly downriver. The witnesses both stated that they could hear one of the individuals on the boat yell out “left, left left” and then they heard the crash. Witness1 called 911 at approximately 9:07pm and they began to render aid to the injured parties. Witnesses stated that neither of the individuals were wearing their personal flotation devices when they arrived on scene. 

The next day Warden and I returned to the scene of the accident to document the damages done to the boat and assess the events that unfolded. We picked up all the personal items scattered around, as well as items from the compartments and inventoried these. Later we released the items. 

It appeared that the vessel was travelling down river and struck a small rock that was nearly submerged under the water which created a ramp effect on the boat. The vessel then struck a larger rock behind that, which “ramped” the boat higher into the air and caused the boat to flip over onto its side. As a result of this, both passengers were ejected from the vessel. 

On Saturday March 18, 2023 I was informed that the passenger succumbed to his injuries from the accident.  

State Game Warden later interviewed the driver on March 29, 2023. Operator stated that he was following a trail on his Garmin GPS device that was previously marked on the map. Operator stated he knew the large rocks were coming up soon and idled the vessel down. It was at this time the boat impacted the rocks. Operator stated that he believes that it was an old track from when the water level was higher and was following the wrong track to return to the boat ramp. 

Medical records were requested by the Bosque County District Attorneys office for Operator. After reviewing the medical records provided by Baylor Scott & White for Operator, there were no intoxicants found in the blood analysis taken when he was admitted to the hospital.


BARDID: TX-2023-0010
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2023-03-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:37:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0006 ALAN HENRY
NearestCityTown: Justiceburg
County: 085 GARZA
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Wednesday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
MachineryFailure: Throttle
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 3/15/2023 at around 1537 hours Lubbock District Game Wardens were contacted by Garza County Sheriff Office regarding a boat wreck at Lake Alan Henry. Dispatch stated an individual had driven his boat into the lake’s embankment and had injured his head. 

Upon a Warden arriving at the lake the boat owner/operator had already been transported to Covenant Hospital in Lubbock via EMS (emergency medical services) for stitches and to be evaluated. his wrecked boat was still at the main boat ramp dock on Lake Alan Henry. The boat, a 20’ Crownline, had damage from the bow (front) of the boat all the way down the starboard (right) side to where the driver sits. The most extensive damage was on the starboard (right) side of the bow at the very front of the boat. Here the fiberglass was mangled/broken. Scrapes and scratches were all down the starboard side of the boat, and another hole in the fiberglass was just in front of where the driver sits. 

When interviewing him a few days later he stated he has been having trouble with the boat’s throttle getting stuck. He said he had tried to fix the throttle multiple times, but it kept getting stuck. The day of the wreck he was out fishing on the lake when the throttle got stuck. He tried to get it unstuck but couldn’t. Next thing he knew he had crashed full speed into the lake’s rocky embankment. 

A witness stated he saw him drive his boat seemingly full throttle into the embankment of the lake. He said operator didn’t get ejected from the boat but did have a large gash on his forehead. He was able to slowly drive his boat back to the main boat ramp with him following behind. An ambulance was called, and Injured was transported to Covenant Hospital in Lubbock where he received eleven stitches for an open gash on his forehead.

The boat was released to his friend. When a Warden spoke to him, he also stated the boat had been having trouble with the throttle sticking.  

End of Report.
7.


BARDID: TX-2023-0011
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-03-23 00:00:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0192 CONROE
NearestCityTown: Montgomery
County: 170 MONTGOMERY
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
ON MARCH 22, 2023, AT APPROXIMATELY 2:20 PM A WATER RESCUE WAS INITIATED BY MONTGOMERY COUNTY DISPATCH. I, TEXAS GAME WARDEN AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY PRECINCT 1 CONSTABLE LIEUTENANT RESPONDED TO THE INCIDENT. 

AFTER TALKING TO  (SPOUSE OF INJURED) SHE INFORMED ME THAT THE OPERATOR PERFORMED A SHARP LEFT TURN NEAR A NO WAKE BUOY AND BOTH OCCUPANTS OF THE PERSONAL WATERCRAFT (PWC) WENT OVERBOARD. Wife INFORMED ME THAT Operator's LIFE JACKET WAS NOT PROPERLY SECURED DUE TO HIS SIZE AND IT NOT BEING ABLE TO BUCKLE, BUT HE DID HAVE IT PARTIALLY ZIPPED UP. 

AS THE INDIVIDUALS WENT OVERBOARD THE CUT OFF SWITCH WAS ACTIVATED AND THE JETSKI BEGAN TO DRIFT AWAY. O1 ATTEMPTED TO SWIM TOWARDS THE PWC BUT HIS LIFE JACKET WAS COMING UP CREATING A DIFFICULTY FOR HIM TO SWIM. O1 BEGAN TO BLOW HIS WHISTLE ON HIS CUT OFF SWITCH AND WITNESS BEGAN TO SWIM TO his AID. Witness STATED THAT HE OBSERVED O1 HAVING DIFFICULTY TREADING WATER SO HE SWAM OUT TO HIM AND PULLED HIM TO SHORE.Witness STATED THAT HE OBSERVED O1 LIFE JACKET UNBUCKLED AND ONLY HALFWAY ZIPPED UP, AND WHEN HE GOT TO HIM HIS HEAD WAS UNDER WATER. WHEN O1 WAS BROUGHT TO SHORE; HE WAS STOOD UP BY witness TO KEEP HIS AIR WAY OPEN UNTIL HELPED ARRIVED AND O1 WAS OBSERVED VOMITING BY witness.

Wife ADMITTED THAT O1 HAD A SINGLE MIXED DRINK BEFORE OPERATING THE PWC. SHE INFORMED ME THAT THEY HAD EATEN AT STEAKHOUSE FOR LUNCH AS WELL. NO TESTS WERE ABLE TO BE PERFORMED DUE TO his STATE. 

AS EMS ARRIVED THEY PLACED O1 ON A STRETCHER AND I OBSERVED HIM GOING IN AND OUT OF CONSCIOUSNESS. HE WAS TRANSPORTED VIA EMS TO CONROE REGIONAL. 


AS OF 3/23/23 11:30 am, O1 IS STILL IN CRITICAL CONDITION AND IN THE ICU.
Update 4/14/23: O1 is home out of the hospital and is in good condition. Continues to have heart issues according to his wife.


BARDID: TX-2023-0012
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-03-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0368 HOUSTON
NearestCityTown: Huffman
County: 101 HARRIS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On March 18, 2023, at approximately 1605 hrs. Officers riding Unit received a CFS from N.E. Dispatch regarding a boat accident.  Officers immediately responded to the scene via Patrol Vessel (25' safe boat).  Officer loaded a Tracker Vessel (trailer) and proceeded to the scene via patrol vehicle.  Officer located the listed complainants at a marina.  Officer requested for HFD to make the scene, due to injuries declared by the complainants.  arrived on scene treated and released the complainants.  

Officers were advised that the vessel was at  (closest residence to accident location).  Officers began their investigation for this one vessel accident. 

On March 18, 2023, at approximately 1600 Hrs. Unit #1 was traveling at approximately 25 knots in the NE direction on Lake Houston (Yellow Zone, body of water located between Huffman-Cleveland Rd. and FM 2100).  Unit #1 made a sharp turn to the starboard side (east direction).  Unit 1 was unable to control the speed and direction of the vessel, striking a tree (POI#1 near shoreline) on the Port bow area of the vessel.  Unit #1 then struck another tree (POI #2 on shoreline) on the starboard bow of the vessel.  The vessel was then run onto shore, ejecting both driver and passenger.  The vessel was lodged between three trees.  The vessel was turn onto the port side at an approximately 45 degree angle.  Approximately 90 percent of the vessel was on the shore.

Operation (Pre-collision) dynamics seem to suggest that a "heel" effect occurred when the driver of the vessel made a sharp highspeed starboard direction turn.  Officer believes that torque steer and drivers age (physical fitness) may have been a contributing factor in the collision.  Officer checked the steering of the vessel and appeared to be working properly.  Officer observed that the throttle was fully engaged (unknown if throttle engagement occurred prior or post accident). 

POI #1 29 inch cut on the port bow. POI #2 30 inch cut starboard bow.  Trolling motor broken off from bow of vessel. 

On March 19, 2023, at approximately 1600 hrs.  Officer contacted (follow up contact) and was advised that he (ward) went to the hospital concerning his injuries.  Officer was advised that he (ward) had two broken ribs (back left side) caused from the accident.  Officer was also advised that he (ward) made arrangements (concerning vessel) and that the vessel was currently being removed from the accident location at the time of this call.  

No citations issued, no charges filed.


See HPD Marine Unit Report number.


BARDID: TX-2023-0013
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2023-03-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0451 LIVINGSTON
NearestCityTown: Trinity
County: 228 TRINITY
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: Y
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
CoordinatesConfidence: C
RedactedNarrative:
On 03/21/23, Trinity County Game Warden received a call at approximately 07:30pm from Trinity County Sheriff’s office. Trinity County dispatch reported that fisherman had launched a boat from his home at approximately 1:00 pm and still had not return home. Subject was fishing on Lake Livingston (0451). Family and Wife state that he was running his trot lines north of the US Highway 190 bridge and provided search team with specific areas he generally fished. Wife did state that he did have heart problems and that a doctor said he could have a heart attack or stroke at any time.

Warden immediately grabbed a patrol vessel and launched the vessel at the Hawg Heaven boat ramp. Trinity County Sheriff’s office Sgt. assisted Warden. Trinity Fire Department arrived with search and rescue boat. Onalaska fire also responded and launched their search and rescue vessel closer to the US HWY 190 bridge. Sherriff requested air assistance from TX DPS aviation unit. Multiple agencies and police departments also assisted.

Warden with the assistance of Trinity County Sheriffs Office, Trinity Fire Department, Onalaska Fire Department, and TX DPS Aviation unit searched North of US Highway 190 bridge searching for Subject's vessel. Water conditions were very rough and wind at some times was almost 20 MPH. The search team worked for several hours and at approximately 11:30pm the search was called off. Water conditions were unsafe for most search team vessels. TX DPS aviation had no success as well.

On 03/22/23 at approximately 08:00am, the search team continued the search and water conditions were much more favorable. TX DPS aviation searched for several hours with no success. The search team consisted of about 4-5 vessels, some of which were neighbors and friends. 

Game Wardens and Sheriff interviewed multiple friends and family members in attempt to narrow his fishing locations. Family and Friends added that he usually never wears a life jacket and keeps them in the front bay compartment. Wife added that he kept at TYPE IV throwable close by. Wardens and deputies checked most trot lines in the area with no success locating.

At approximately 10:30am, Trinity County Sheriffs Office utilizing the Trinity Fire Department vessel located Subject floating north of some fishing trot lines, north of the US Highway 190 Bridge. Subject had Identification on himself and was wearing a TYPE III personal floatation device. 

Subject vessel was not located and possibly capsized and sunk. 

Subject was taken to Hawg Heaven boat ramp where Trinity County JP  was on site. 

Wardens and search team suspect that due to the windy weather conditions that his vessel may have taken on water and capsized. It is unknown if he was wearing a PFD because the lake was so rough, or if he began to capsize and put it on. Investigators also do not know if death resulted in heart attack. An autopsy report has been requested due to his heart condition.

Subject also had a Certificate of Number in his Wallet. Based on the investigation this was the vessel that was utilized. Subject was transported to Pace Funeral Home in Livingston.


BARDID: TX-2023-0014
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-03-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:09:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0466 LYNDON B. JOHNSON
NearestCityTown: Granite Shoals
County: 027 BURNET
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
CoordinatesConfidence: C
RedactedNarrative:
I Texas Game Warden was contacted by the Burnet County Sheriff's Office on 3-16-2023 at approximately, 2:24P.M. about a possible drowning on Lake LBJ located in Granite Shoals Texas. I arrived on scene at approximately 2:50 P.M. and immediately observed EMS conducting CPR and administering oxygen to the victim. A Granite Shoals Police officer approached me and began to tell me what had happened. He informed me that when he arrived on scene the victim's friends had already removed the victim from the water and were performing CPR on him. 

Granite Shoals PD officer then took over CPR until EMS arrived. Witness informed the officer that she and the victim were on separate Kayak's just floating and paddling around approximately 20 yards from shore. She noticed the victim began to shake appearing to have, what she thought, was a seizure. The victim then fell off of his Kayak and immediately sank. She began to call for help and several of the young men at the residence jumped in the water to attempt to locate the victim. It took about 5 minutes for them to locate the victim and get him out of the water onto a dock where they began CPR until Granite Shoals PD arrived. After about an hour of CPR and oxygen the victim was pronounced at the scene. Game Wardens and I remained on scene until the Justice of the Peace and funeral home removed the body. We then entered the residence and began interviewing the witnesses and collecting not under arrest voluntary statements.


BARDID: TX-2023-0015
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-04-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:00:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0734 TOLEDO BEND
NearestCityTown: Milam
County: 202 SABINE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, April 1st, 2023, I Texas Game warden was contacted by the Sabine County sheriff's office in regards to a boating accident on Toledo Bend reservoir in Palo Gaucho Creek near Alpine marina.  Upon investigation, it was determined that O2 was traveling west bound in the boating lanes while O1 was traveling east.  O1 indicated that he noticed the other boat heading towards him so he began drifting out of the boating land to the south.  O2 indicated that he noticed the other boat with only two seconds to react.  His first reaction was to turn left, turning his boat further into the path of O1 at which point they collided.  Both statements match up with this conclusion as does the damage.


BARDID: TX-2023-0016
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2023-04-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0149 CASA BLANCA
NearestCityTown: LAREDO
County: 240 WEBB
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On April 4,2023, at approximately 7:45pm, I, Game Warden received a phone call from Laredo Police Department dispatch about a possible drowning at Lake Casa Blanca. I responded to Lake Casa Blanca, and by the time I had arrived Fire department and Laredo Police were already on scene. When I was on scene, I was updated by Lake Casa Blanca Superintendent that two personal watercrafts (PWC), had collided and both individuals from the PWC were ejected from their watercraft. Both subjects were seen wearing the proper USCG approved life jackets and had already made land fall at the shoreline of the lake. The individuals were being attended to by Laredo Police and Fire department by the time I arrived. One of the PWC was towed to the boat dock by a fisherman that was on the lake. The other PWC was on the shoreline of the lake by one of the picnic areas where the two subjects were being seen. There were no witnesses to the wreck of the PWC, but witness did mention they noticed the two PWC driving at high rates of speed and driving wreck less on the water. 

One of the subjects sustained a laceration to the foot. He was treated on scene by Laredo EMS with a bandage but denied any further medical treatment. The female driver did not have any visual injuries and denied being taken to the hospital. A criminal history checks on both individuals came back with Warrants out of Webb County. Laredo Police department placed both subjects under arrest for the warrants. 
I could not conduct my interview with both operators on scene due to Laredo Police department transporting both subjects to Webb County Jail. However, before Laredo Police could take both subjects to the Jail, they had to get them medically cleared at Doctors Hospital. I went to Doctor’s Hospital to conduct my investigation with both parties. 

I concluded that the accident happened to due to inexperience with the watercraft, driving at high rates of speed, maneuvering at high rates of speed, and not keeping a minimum safe distance away from other watercrafts. 

Citations were issued to both subjects.
 
End of Report.


BARDID: TX-2023-0017
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-04-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:15:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0451 LIVINGSTON
NearestCityTown: Onalaska
County: 187 POLK
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
RedactedNarrative:
On 04/09/2023 at approximately 1316 hours, I, Texas Game Warden, received a call from the brother of O1, owner of the Bullet bass boat identified and vessel registration. His brother stated that O1, was on his boat on Lake Livingston possibly near Kickapoo Creek, and his boat was on fire. I then notified the Onalaska VFD who already had knowledge of the incident and were responding to the scene with their fire vessel. While in route to the scene I was notified by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office that the vessel fire had been extinguished by the vessel’s owner, no one was injured, and the vessel was being towed back to Kickapoo boat ramp by another vessel that was in the area.
When O1 arrived back to the boat ramp in his vessel that was being towed, I inspected the vessel and questioned O1 regarding the incident. O1 stated that he, his wife, and his son,, were drifting over a flat near the shore fishing when they saw smoke coming from the three rear compartments of their bass boat. While drifting, He was not using the outboard motor or his trolling motor. A small fire was observed by O1 in the rear Port storage compartment that contained a Lithium Powerpack brand 36 Volt battery and an oil reservoir. O1 was able to extinguish the fire using his two fire extinguishers and some water from the lake. O1 was also able to cut and disconnect the wires from his batteries to prevent further fire risk. Damage to the Lithium Powerpack battery indicated that the negative terminal was melted and charred. Other damage to the vessel included melting and charring of wires and a fuel inlet hose located in the rear port storage compartment of the vessel. No other damage to the vessel was observed.
The vessel contained an adequate number of PFD’s on board. Neither of the occupants were wearing PFD’s at the time of the incident.


BARDID: TX-2023-0018
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-03-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:55:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0006 ALAN HENRY
NearestCityTown: Post
County: 085 GARZA
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 5:55 pm, O1 was driving a 2018 16-foot 8-inch Bass Tracker with Texas registration from the main boat ramp toward the dam on Lake Alan Henry, Garza County, Texas.  O1 was on plane, going approximately 30 to 35 miles per hour, completing a slow turn toward the starboard side when he became distracted trying to locate a pair of gloves between the seats.  While looking for the gloves, O1 unknowingly turned the steering wheel further toward the starboard, causing the vessel to turn sharper and collide with the rock cliffs on the south side of the channel, running the vessel aground, and wedging the front starboard edge under a sandstone rock.  On the vessel with O1 were his daughter, and one other.  All three were wearing United States Coast Guard approved personal floatation devices.

Injured 1 was seated on the passenger seat to the left of Operator and facing forward.  Injured 2 was seated between Operator and 1 and facing toward the rear of the vessel with her back against the front deck.  At the time of the collision, there was a dead tree limb hanging over the water; 2 impacted the limb just prior to the vessel colliding with the same limb and pushing it to the port side and under the vessel.  The impact with the limb caused a gash on the right side of her head from her cheek bone to above her ear, severing a facial artery, and nicking a facial nerve.  She was ejected to the port side of the vessel and landed on the rocks.  O1 remained in his seat and the right side of his jaw impacted the steering console. 

On Thursday, March 16, 2023, O1 emailed Investigator a voluntary written statement regarding events leading up to the collision, during the collision, and after the collision.  In the statement he stated:

“As we passed the buoys, indicating we had exited the “No Wake Zone”, I turned to look all around us and ensure I could safely increase the speed of the boat and there were no other vessels near us.  As I observed we were clear from any other vessels, I asked the girls if they were ready.  Both of them laughed and said yes.  I slowly increased the speed of the boat to full throttle, reaching an approximate speed of 30 to 35 mph.  I am uncertain of a more accurate speed, due to the boat not having a speedometer.  This would have been around 1745 to 1750, approximately.  I ensured there was sufficient clearance from either shoreline, as the lake level was low.  1 was laughing loudly, due to being excited.  2 was laughing as well, but not as loudly.  My fingers started to get cold, due to the lower air temperature and moving through the open air.  At this time, I remembered my gloves, and looked to the left, between the cooler bags where I remembered placing them.  I made a comment about not seeing my gloves, and 1 asked me where I put them.  I looked back up and we were still a sufficient distance from the shoreline.  I replied to her, telling her I put them between the cooler bags.  I turned to look again, and did not see the gloves.  At this point, I do not know what happened.  

“The next thing I remember, I looked up to see 1 sitting on the bow with blood on the right side of her head and face.  I observed 2 climbing back into the bow of the boat, and heard her yelling something, but I did not know what she was yelling at the time.”

Further down in the voluntary statement, O1 states, “After thinking about what could have happened to cause the crash, I came to the conclusion with the only logical explanation being I inadvertently turned the wheel to the right when I looked to the left the second time.  I cannot think of any other logical explanation for the events.”

1 started yelling for help while O2 tended to 2 wound and called 9-1-1.  A good Samaritan was flagged over who then transported them to shore.  All three were transported by ambulance to Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas.

The vessel was bowed in on the starboard front side and all the gear inside the vessel was shifted forward.  The bow eye was slightly canted toward the port side.  There was blood splatter on the tree limb that caused the laceration to her head.  The vessel was wedged under a large sandstone rock and the front starboard edge was crushed inward. The motor was turn slightly to the starboard side, indicating a shallow turn.  The striations on the bottom of the vessel we in line with the keel, indicating the vessel was not in a sharp turn.  RPM gauge was pinned at 5200 RPMs, indicating the vessel was going at a high rate of speed at the time of the collision.  The Lowrance electronic device was broken off its mount.

Injuries
-Operator: bruising to the right jaw and right side of the neck
-1: bruising to back and hip
-2: gash on right temple between cheek bone and ear, severed facial artery, nicked facial nerve

Based on weather history obtained from the nearest reporting station in Lubbock International Airport, Lubbock, Texas (approximately 60 air miles to the northwest), the prevailing winds were out of the southeast at 20 miles per hour.  The temperature was 52 degrees Fahrenheit, the water temperature was between 55- and 60-degrees Fahrenheit.  Weather conditions were mostly cloudy.  Sunset was at 7:51 pm.  Boat traffic was light, waves were moderate, between 6- and 12-inches high.

The lake level is 10.8 feet below the conservation pool level as of March 19, 2023, and the lake is at 72.4 percent capacity.  Approximate width for the channel at the narrowest point is 647 feet.

Cause

Primary: Operation inattention
Secondary: No proper lookout
Secondary: Careless/Negligent operation

Boating experience for Operator

MSEO certified through TPWD 2013
Patrolled Lake Alan Henry 2013-2021 with Lubbock Police Department in a Triton
Zodiac training with USMC
This vessel, 10 outings

Coast Guard Rules of the Road

Rule 5 - Lookout 
Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision

Rule 6 - Safe Speed 
Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions. In determining a safe speed the following factors shall be among those taken into account:
(a) By all vessels:
    (i)   The state of visibility;
    (ii)  The traffic density including concentrations of fishing vessels or any other vessels;
    (iii) The maneuverability of the vessel with special reference to stopping distance and turning ability in the prevailing conditions;
    (iv) At night, the presence of background light such as from shore lights or from back scatter from her own lights;
    (v) The state of wind, sea and current, and the proximity of navigational hazards;
    (vi) The draft in relation to the available depth of water.

Texas Parks and Wildlife, Chapter 31: Water Safety

Sec. 31.094. RECKLESS OR NEGLIGENT OPERATION. No person may operate any motorboat or vessel or manipulate any water skis, aquaplane, or similar device in a wilfully or wantonly reckless or negligent manner that endangers the life, limb, or property of any person.


BARDID: TX-2023-0019
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-04-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0505 MILLERS CREEK
NearestCityTown: SEYMOUR
County: 012 BAYLOR
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On April 8, 2023 at approximately 0900 hours I, Texas Game Warden received a call about a boat accident on Millers Creek Reservoir.  I patrolled out to Millers Creek and located a O1 who was operating the vessel that struck the other vessel. I interviewed O1 and he stated that his son  and grandson were in the vessel.  He stated that they had just left the bank west of the boat ramp and were moving in the direction of the boat ramp.  He stated that he did not see the other vessel prior to striking it.  He also stated that upon striking the other vessel he jumped into that vessel and drove it and the operator of that vessel to the bank.  This operator was later identified as O2.  Damage to V1 boat was minimal.  There was a scratch starting at the bow eye bolt and exiting the vessel at the stern under the drain plug. O1 stated that the mounting of the trolling motor and the front fishing seat hindered his ability to see well.  He acknowledged this was a contributing factor in the accident.

By the time I got to the lake O2 was already enroute to the Knox City Hospital. I located his’ vessel.  This vessel was pulled up on the bank just east of the boat ramp.  The damage to this vessel was much more severe than V1.  The damage appeared to corroborate the story that O1 told me.  It appeared that O1 vessel struck the starboard stern corner then proceeded to go on top of vessel 2 and cause damage to the port side of the vessel along the midline of the port gunwale.  The cowling was also damaged, and the steering wheel was bent.  The rear pedestal fishing seat had been struck and was bent over.  I interviewed witness, who was in the vehicle with the trailer that belonged to O2.  His story corroborated the stories I had received from the other people.  He also told me that O2 was being transported to Hendricks hospital in Abilene for further examination.

I talked with O2 on April 13, 2023, and he stated that he had been discharged from the hospital and was back home. However, he was going to have to miss several weeks of work.


BARDID: TX-2023-0020
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2023-03-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0615 RICHLAND-CHAMBERS
NearestCityTown: Corsicana
County: 175 NAVARRO
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: Y
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was fishing a tournament with his son.  Operator was on plane with strong winds and struck a large stump with the motor which caused the motor to become detached from the boat.  The motor sank and the boat filed with water but did not sink.  No injuries as reported by both parties.


BARDID: TX-2023-0021
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-04-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:10:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0006 ALAN HENRY
NearestCityTown: Post
County: 085 GARZA
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
On April 8, 2023, at approximately 9:10pm, boat owner/operator identified, was operating his Skeeter Strada FS-80 boat (sitting in the starboard-side steering wheel seat) on Lake Alan Henry. His friend/passenger, was sitting in the port-side passenger seat looking down at his phone (by his own admission/report). They had been fishing throughout the day. O1 reported he was cruising back toward the main public boat ramp in a southwesterly direction at approximately 15 -20 MPH. He stated he was looking up into a cove and did not realize he was so close to the shoreline. He stated his turn was a little too wide. O1 struck ground on the point of a small peninsula, approximately 400 yards northeast of the Lake Alan Henry, Main Public Boat Ramp. O1 ran aground on smooth flat rock and assorted smaller rocks, landing up in some small, dead trees. Neither O1 nor witness were wearing PFD's at the time of the accident, but PFD's were on board the vessel. The vessel was up on shore enough that it was unable to be moved back into the water without some type of tow. O1 called 911 shortly after realizing they were stuck and the boat was stranded on shore. Game Wardens responded to the dispatch call for assistance and response to the boat accident. Wardens arrived on the scene by boat at approximately 10:33pm. O1 was assessed for injuries and interviewed regarding the circumstances of the accident. Neither individuals showed signs of impairment nor intoxication. No alcohol was in the vessel and both individuals denied consuming any alcohol at all throughout the day. Wardens took photos of the vessel and accident scene and transported O1 and witness to the main boat ramp where they could reach their vehicle. Neither individual reported any injuries nor pain. The boat's hull and motor damage were consistent with the operator's report of speed and direction of travel.


BARDID: TX-2023-0022
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2023-04-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:53:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0743 TRAVIS
NearestCityTown: Point Venture
County: 227 TRAVIS
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
RedactedNarrative:
On April 16, 2023, myself (Game Warden 1), and Game Warden 2 were on patrol on Lake Travis. We were conducting a recreational fishing check in Mossy Hollow when we heard a report of a boat on fire near Point Venture. We responded to the area and located the burning vessel. When we arrived on scene, we could only see the top part of the engine block which was engulfed in flames. The fire department arrived on scene at the same time and attempted to extinguish the fire, but the vessel soon sank in 70+ feet of water. LCRA was informed of the location of the sunken vessel.  

After receiving information from Travis County that all parties were accounted for, we traveled to Briarcliff Marina to interview the operator and one other passenger. operator stated that they had fueled up initially at Briarcliff Marina where the vessel was stored and traveled down the lake to Rough Hollow Marina where they refueled again. operator stated that after filling up at Rough Hollow, they could smell gas. operator stated that the vessel caught fire on two separate occasions. operator said that they were able to put the fire out the first time with the on-board fire-extinguisher. After the vessel caught fire the second time (between Siesta Shores Marina and Point Venture), they were unable to extinguish it. operator stated that they, along with their dog, abandoned the vessel and swam to shore near the boat ramp on Whispering Hollow Drive in Point Venture. Both parties stated that there were life jackets on board, but they did not grab them prior to abandoning the vessel. operator stated that he called a friend and had him pick them up and take them back to Briarcliff Marina where we interviewed them. 

operator stated that he believes the cause of the fire was a fuel leak which ignited.  

***Note*** The vessel is currently registered to owner. I contacted owner and he informed me that he sold the boat to operator approximately 6-8 months ago for $4500.


BARDID: TX-2023-0023
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-04-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:10:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0033 AUSTIN
NearestCityTown: AUSTIN
County: 227 TRAVIS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 4-1-23 at about 16:10, I Officer was patrolling Lake Austin when we received a call regarding a boat crash. The caller stated an adult female smashed her hand between two boats at a dock. We arrived at the area with medics to render aid and gather information about the incident. The driver of Vessel #1 said they were coming into the dock to park the boat after being out a few hours but was having problems getting his boat in the slip. After he missed his dock space, he attempted to dock again but his boat got too close to another parked unoccupied boat (Vessel #2). 

When the right rear of his boat was about to impact the center rear of the parked boat his adult daughter put her hand out to stop the boats from crashing. The female's right arm got caught in between the two boats and was crushed by the impact.

 It was later determined her injuries were not life threatening and she had a possible broken right wrist with lacerations. EMS ambulance arrived a short time later and transported the female victim to Dell Seton Hospital. She was later identified. We then spoke to the boat driver involved in the crash. He was Injured's father. 

After the boat crash O1 said his family and other people on the shore assisted her off the boat and took her on land to wait for emergency teams. Injured's boat was a new Black and Gray Super Air Nautique with temp paper tag It did not have a permanent registration issued yet. It showed to have minor scratches and rub marks on the right side of the boat. The parked boat (Vessel #2} was on a boat lift above the water line. It showed to be a Gray and Yellow Super Air Nautique with Texas boat registration. It had minor scratches and rub marks on the rear of the boat. The owner of this parked boat was not present.


BARDID: TX-2023-0024
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-04-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0743 TRAVIS
NearestCityTown: Jonestown
County: 227 TRAVIS
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
During a "Raft Up" (boats tying to each other) vessel 2 was at anchor and vessel 1 was making an approach to tie up. From witnesses and both operator accounts, a bad approach was made along with extra throttle and a change in direction. This is believed to be the reason for the collision. No signs of impairment for either operator.


BARDID: TX-2023-0025
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2023-04-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0640 SAM RAYBURN
NearestCityTown: Brookland
County: 203 SAN AUGUSTINE
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
RedactedNarrative:
On April 29, 2023, at approximately 11:00 AM Game Wardens responded to a call regarding a capsized vessel near Needmore Point on Lake . The call state that a boat was swamp, and the occupants were on shore. At around 11:45 Wardens arrived on scene and observe a capsized bass boat and three individuals on shore. The individuals were identified. The individuals stated that they were fishing a High School tournament. Passenger were the participants of the tournament and Operator was the operator of the vessel. All three individuals were interviewed, and they stated that they observed water at the bottom of the vessel. They then began to bail the water and utilize the onboard bilge pumps. However, they were unsuccessful at getting rid of the water faster than the rate it was coming in. Eventually the boat filled up with water and began to take large waves over the side. Eventually all three occupants entered the water wearing their lifejacket and swam to shore where they called for help. All occupants of the vessel were ok and transported to Powell Park via TPWD patrol boat. The owner of the vessel met the occupants and Game Wardens at Powell Park where he took custody of the occupants. A Tow boat service recovered the vessel the following day and it was determined that delamination of the hull occurred resulting in the vessel taking on water. The vessel was determined to be a total loss and was valued at around $10,000.


BARDID: TX-2023-0027
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-04-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 1402 NECHES RIVER
NearestCityTown: silsbee
County: 100 HARDIN
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: Y
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 4/30/2023 at approximately 4:00pm, vessel was operating on plane on the Neches River heading downriver (South). The owner and operator, was wearing the engine cutoff switch lanyard but not a personal floatation device. Passenger 1 who also was not wearing a personal floatation device. The vessel struck a large steel pipe that was not visible under the surface of the water, causing Passenger 1 to be ejected from the vessel. The operator/owner was thrown forward in the vessel and sustained severe injuries to the face when he struck the steering console. The underwater obstruction was a metal pipe that had been used as an oil well drill head. It was stationary and was approximately 18 inches in diameter. Operator/owner did admit to consuming 3-4 alcoholic beverages prior to the wreck. A breath sample was not obtained due to the facial injuries to the operator/owner. His speech was not slurred, nor did I smell any odor of an alcoholic beverage. The ambulance personnel stated that they did not smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage either. When I returned to the scene of the crash, I determined that the metal pipe was extremely difficult to see when operating downriver due to the level of the water. The vessel sustained a gash completely breaching the hull on the rear starboard side of the bottom of the vessel. The gash was approximately 3-4 feet long and 5-6 inches wide. When I inspected the pipe in the river, it had a piece of aluminum stuck to it that was crumpled up and the same color as the vessel. The operator/owner was flown to UTMB Hospital in Galveston due to his severe facial injuries. Passenger 1 sustained no injuries.


BARDID: TX-2023-0028
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-04-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0131 CALAVERAS
NearestCityTown: Elmendorf
County: 015 BEXAR
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: Y
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Around mid-morning on Sunday April 16, 2023, Game Wardens and I received a call from the Calaveras Lake Park office regarding a boat that had sunk on Calaveras Lake.  We responded and made contact with the two men who were involved.  It was revealed to us by them that while out on the lake, they began experiencing mechanical problems with their vessel.  

They were able to flag down another boater for assistance.  While being towed in, their boat began taking in water, suddenly capsized and then sank.  Another vessel approached and that boater was able to remove both men from the water.  They were then taken to boat ramp #1 and notified the front office.  Listed below is the information for the involved persons. 
 

Registered boat owner.  Mr. borrowed the boat from his friend that morning.  He was home when the vessel sunk after capsizing.    

Boat operator who picked them from the lake and brought them to the boat ramp.

We were unable to secure the information from the boater who initially started towing because they had left the park before we arrived.   

After the interviews, we launched our patrol boat to see if we could locate the sunk vessel using our side scan sonar.  We were giving a decent area to search.  We came across what may or may not be the boat and its tow line floating and an underwater anomaly at these coordinates: 

We were able to mark the location with an orange floating device that can be seen by the public.  

On Wednesday April, 19, Progressive Insurance secured the services of a boat recovery company and removed the vessel from Calaveras Lake.


BARDID: TX-2023-0029
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2023-04-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:40:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0725 J. B. THOMAS
NearestCityTown: Snyder
County: 208 SCURRY
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: Y
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 4/30/2023 I, State Game Warden was dispatched to Lake JB Thomas for a capsized boat. At around 7:30 PM four individuals were cruising the lake in Operator's new 16ft Nitro when a windstorm blew in. 

Operator began heading toward the main boat ramp. Their direction of travel put them driving head on into the wind and waves. The small boat began taking on water to the point where the nose of the boat went under water and didn't come back up. 

The boat then capsized sending all of its occupants into the water. All of the occupants were wearing life jackets and safely made it to shore. One person was in the water the longest. He was transported to Mitchell County Hospital where he was cleared and released.


BARDID: TX-2023-0030
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-04-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0734 TOLEDO BEND
NearestCityTown: Burkeville
County: 176 NEWTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
From the accounts given by both operators of the vessels, it appears that just a short time prior to 1900 hours, on April 30, 2023, the Operators of both vessels were operating their PWC's on Toledo Bend Lake just north of the Hickory Hill subdivision. Operator 2 advised she stopped her PWC facing south or slightly southeast towards the docks of the residential area and was shortly thereafter struck by V1 on the port side of her vessel. The Operator of V1 advised a similar account of the situation and advised he had made a turn, and he didn't realize V2 had stopped resulting in him striking the port side of her vessel with the bow of his. Both operators advised they were wearing the PFD's and after inspecting both vessels it was determined both vessels had all of the required safety equipment. 

It appears the incident was the result of Violation of USCG Navigation rule #5: Improper lookout and Violation of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code 31.106 (Operate PWC within 50 ft in excess of headway speed). Operator inexperience may have also contributed to the incident. The Operator of V1 had no injuries during the incident. The Operator of V2 was transported to the hospital and had surgery to repair her broken left thigh. It appears no known drugs or alcohol were used by the operators of these vessels.


BARDID: TX-2023-0031
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-05-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:49:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0301 LEWISVILLE
NearestCityTown: Lewisville
County: 061 DENTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday, May 9th at approximately 11:45 pm, Vessel 1 was traveling northwest on Lake Lewisville from the dam towards I-35E. Vessel 2 was anchored in open water between Lake Park and Queen's Boat at approximately, with the occupants in the cabin below deck. Vessel 1 impacted Vessel 2 on the port side, near the bow. No injuries were reported by any parties.

Damage to vessels: 

Vessel 1: Significant fiberglass damage on the bow of the vessel. 

Vessel 2: Fiberglass damage on the port side from the 11:00 position to approximately the middle of the vessel's port side. Extensive damage to the guard rail and windshield. 

Contributing factors:

- The lights from Eagle Point Marina and I-35E likely camouflaged the navigation lights from Vessel 2, which blended into the background lights.
- Vessel 1 was running with their bow-fishing lights on, which likely effected their night vision and ability to pick out lights. 
- The location that Vessel 2 was anchored was in open water in an area of the lake that typically experiences a large amount of boat traffic. 

Insurance:

Vessel 1: No insurance

Vessel 2: Atlantic Specialty Insurance, 150 Royal St, Canton, MA 02021
Policy Number

Warnings Issued:

Vessel 1: Received warnings for Improper Navigation Lights and Improper Lookout
Vessel 2: Received a warning for Improper Navigation Lights


BARDID: TX-2023-0033
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-04-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0156 CHAMPION CREEK
NearestCityTown: Colorado City
County: 168 MITCHELL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
RedactedNarrative:
On 04/29/2023 I, Texas Game Warden, responded to Lake Champion in Mitchell County to a potential drowning. When I arrived the victim was unresponsive on the Lake Champion dock while several bystanders were attempting CPR on him. EMS then arrived and were unsuccessful in reviving Victim. 

Other responding officers and I then started to interview witnesses to get a better understanding of how this drowning occurred. 

Subject1 stated that he and the victim were on their kayaks fishing when the winds picked up and they decided to come back to the boat ramp. Subject1 stated that he arrived at the boat ramp first and started to load his kayak onto the trailer. He looked back to the water and saw Victim was still paddling in and wasn’t far from shore. Once he finished loading his kayak, he looked back at the water and saw the victim’s kayak flipped upside down and the victim struggling to swim.  

Subject1 then began yelling for help from other bystanders at the lake. An individual heard the calls for help and ran to Subject1. Subject2 then jumped into the water and swam approximately 40 yards from the dock grabbing the victim who was just under the surface of the water. Subject2 then swam the victim back to the dock where other bystanders were able lift the victim out of the water and onto the dock where CPR was started. Witnesses stated that the victim was underwater anywhere from 8-12 minutes. 

I then examined the kayak Victim had been on. I found that he had a red in color 12’8” Diablo Amigo kayak. I noticed the seat in the kayak sat approximately 14 inches off the base of the cockpit of the kayak. After talking to Subject1, I found out that the victim had built his own seating mount that sat him higher than the original manufacturers seat that comes standard in the kayak. I later found out the recommended working weight for this model of kayak is approximately 400 LBS. At the time of death Victim weighed approximately 322 LBS.  

When examining the body of Victim, I found that he had an inflatable mustang life jacket on, but the lifejackets charge indicator was red. When opening the life jacket, I then found no CO2 canister present in the jacket. 

The weather on 04/29/2023 was approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit and NW winds at approximately 15-25 mph. 
 
It was later found that Victim had a small round puncture wound on the left side of his head that was a few inches above his left ear. This wound is believed to have occurred when lifting the victim out of the water and onto the dock. I later found a nail sticking out of the dock that matched the approximate size and shape of the puncture found. The Dallas County Medical Examiner stated that the wound occurred after death.


BARDID: TX-2023-0034
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-04-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0033 AUSTIN
NearestCityTown: Austin
County: 227 TRAVIS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: Y
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
On May 8, 2023, I, Texas Game Warden, was notified by Texas parks and Wildlife dispatch of a possible boat collision with a fixed object at the Steiner Ranch Pier. The collision was reported to take place on April 30, 2023, approximately 8 days prior. The reporting party, Steiner Ranch manager, had a pier damaged by a vessel but had not been contacted by the vessel owner/operator and no insurance information had been exchanged.

On May 9, 2023, I contacted owner, who informed me that on May 2, 2023, a resident  emailed them and stated that on 4/30/23, he was on Lake Austin and observed a boat collide with the Steiner Ranch pier and then drive away to an nearby slip and docked. He included multiple photos of the boat and the damage in his email that were taken the day of the collision (4/30/23). Individual passed along the photos that were provided to him and gave me the email address that sent them. I contacted party via email and interviewed him over the phone. All photos, emails and interview notes from him are available upon request. The photos provided contained the registration numbers for the vessel. The owner information came back to Freedom Boat Club, who operated out of the slip next to the Steiner Ranch Pie; the same slip witness stated the boat docked after hitting the pier. 

On May 11, 2023, property owner provide a quote for damage repairs to the dock that was around eleven thousand- specific quote is on file and exact amount listed in the report.  I contacted the Freedom Boat Club and talked to the owner, who stated the boat was rented out during that time and turned in around 7 pm. He provided me with the name and contact information of the renter. I drove to the Freedom Boat Club dock and met with the on-site Freedom Boat Club Manager, who assisted me in identifying the boat in question. We looked around the boat and identified damage to the boat- two different paint transfer marks and minor trim damage where the boat hit and rode over the pier and a light post. Based on the damage, matching paint transfer and matching pictures/description, I was confident the boat was the same one that hit the pier. Pictures were taken of the paint transfer, damaged dock, and vessel. 

I was not able to reach the Operator by phone and drove to their residence and met with wife. She confirmed they were the ones who rented the vessel that day and collided with the dock after she was dropped off to use the Steiner Ranch Pier restrooms. She said her husband,  was the operator. She stated she was not aware the damage was not reported but they would take care of it immediately. I provided her with contact information and said they needed to get ahold of him and the Freedom Boat Club owner to work out all the details. I gave her my card and told her I needed to speak with her husband. 

On or about May 12, 2023, Operator called me and provided a brief description of the events which were similar to that provided by others. I attempted to schedule multiple in-person meetings with him but extensive work travel kept him out of the state for weeks at a time. Operator and I exchanged phone calls and texts throughout the end of May and June but were unsuccessful in finding a mutually available time to meet up. 

On or about May 17, 2023, I reached out to owner who informed me the operator, and Freedom Boat Club were handling all the expenses for the repairs, and he did not see any reason to pursue the matter further and did not want charges to be pressed. He said his only concern was with getting the damaged repaired and the cost recuperated.

I conceded to a phone interview with operator and called him on or about June 26, 2023, to discuss the collision and obtain additional details about the event. operator stated the pontoon boat was occupied by 8 passengers, 6 adults and 2 kids, and was docked at the end of the Steiner Ranch Pier facing southwest. The two kids were wearing PFDs, the other adults were not. All PFDs were accessible. operator stated he was familiar with the boat and had driven it approximately 7 times in the past for approximately 30 hours of operating time. He also stated he has been operating boats since he was 16 years old and took an in house boating safety course from the boat club. operator stated that on the day of the accident, the group had returned from renting the boat for the day and pulled up to the Steiner Ranch Pier to let off a passenger to use the restroom.  operator reported he had half of a mixed drink about 90 minutes prior to the accident and denied any additional alcohol or drugs. The passenger reboarded the vessel.

He stated he went to leave from the dock and his spotter pushed the front of the boat away from the dock. As the front of the boat moved away from the dock, a wave hit the boat from the southeast pushing it North/Northwest into the dock at the same time he accelerated. The boat was pushed up onto the dock and then he accelerated over the end of the dock knocking down a standing light pylon. No one was thrown or injured in the incident and the boat remained operational with minimal damage. The boat was then docked about 40 yards past the Steiner Ranch Pier at the Freedom Boat Club slip. operator stated he informed someone at the dock about the incident. The Freedom Boat Club owner and on-site manager, both stated they were not aware of the incident. I asked operator for the passenger names and ages that were on the boat at the time of the collision. He declined to provide them. 

All emails, photos, notes and BWC footage from interviews and on-site investigation are stored and available upon request.


BARDID: TX-2023-0035
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-04-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:37:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0481 MCCARTY
NearestCityTown: Albany
County: 209 SHACKELFORD
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
CoordinatesConfidence: C
RedactedNarrative:
On the evening of TuesdayApril 25th, 2023 Texas Game Warden Captain and Texas Game Warden responded to Lake McCarty in Shackelford County. Shackelford County Sheriffs office advised that they received a report of a mising person, later identified as Deceased. 

Dispatch advised that a fisherman called in to dispatch on Tuesday at approximately 1737 hours to report that he had found a overturned Kayak floating on the north west side of the lake. He described to dispatch that there was something odd occuring. He advised that there was a white ford pickup in the parking lot, but had not seen anyone out there. He also advised that there is several beer cans on the bank near the flipped over kayak, as well as a ball cap floating in the water. 

Upon deputies arrival to the scene, the victims ex-wife, later identified  arrived as well. She advised that the pickup truck, kayak, and ball cap all were associated with her ex husband, the victim. She advised that she had last seen him on Monday evening. 
Upon the Game Wardens arrival, they began photographing evidence, as well as searching the lake for any signs of the victim. Upon nightfall, wardens suspended their search until the next morning. 

On Wednesday, April 26th, Game Warden Captain, Game Wardens 1,2, 3, deployed three boats that were equipped with Side Scan sonar imaging to aid in locating the victim.  Wardens searched the lake for approximately 12 hours. During this time, Game Warden K9 along with local and state police searched the land surrounding the lake. The victim and/or any further evidence was found.
 
On Thursday, April 27th, Wardens continued to search the lake, without success.
 
On Friday, April 28th Game Warden and I, Game Warden 2 were searching the lake for the victim. At approximately 08:31 hours, we were travelling the north bank of the lake in our patrol boat when we both observed the top of a head floating above the water surface (N. 32.65926 W. -99.36639). As we approached, we took photographs and activated our Body Worn Cameras. Warden called the Sheriff's office to advise that we located the victim and to get permission from Justice of the Peace to move the body from the water to the shore line. Upon getting permission, we decided we would transport the victim to the south side of the lake to a private boat ramp, in order to minimize the victims families exposure.
I noted that I did not see any noticable signs of injury or death in my initial observations of the victim.  Once we arrived at the private boat ramp with the victim, deputies and Justice of the Peace arrived shortly after. Justice of the Peace pronounced the victim deceased. We placed the Victim into a body bag and transported him to the private ranch road where we waited on Abilene Professional Services to arrive and to take possession of the body. Shortly after, Professional Servies took possession of the body. Justice of the Peace ordered an Autopsy be performed on the victim.
 
Game Warden Captain and Shackelford County Sheriff notified the victims family that he had been located and that he was deceased.

Upon locating the victim and completing the initial investigation, I did not observe any visible signs of injury that could have caused the death of the Victim. Based on the totality of the evidence present, I believe the victim accidentally drowned. The final investigation will not be completed until the Autopsy results are completed.


BARDID: TX-2023-0036
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-05-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 4272 PRINGLE LAKE (SA BAY)
NearestCityTown: Port OConnor
County: 029 CALHOUN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 12:30 PM Operator was the operator of the 25' JHP Outlaw 250X through Pringle Lake to Contee Lake of Port OConnor, Texas. She had on board multiple ppl at the incident. She was operating the JHP Outlaw 250X with the jack plate of the vessel raised approximately 2-3" to transit through the shallow waters. She took a hard turn to port and while taking the turn, She stated that he felt a "jerk" of the boat and injured was then ejected from the passenger seat to the right of her and overboard the starboard side. Injured was then struck by the propeller of the vessel. The estimated position of the accident was 28 18'21" N 096 32'11" W.  Operator immediately stopped the vessel and was able to pull Injured from Pringle Lake and put her back in the vessel. Operator made the initial call to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) once she was recovered back into the vessel. She then took over communications with CCSO. All local emergency agencies were notified. 

Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens were able to locate the vessel and after applying immediate first aid, Warden was able to drive the 25' JHP Outlaw 250X to the Sanctuary in Port OConnor, with Warden escorting alongside. Injured was then life flighted from the Sanctuary in Port OConnor, Texas to Herman Memorial Hospital in Houston, Texas. Game Warden interviewed Operator of the incident and inspected the vessel for any other pertinent information regarding the accident. Operator had stated that he had consumed two alcoholic beverages before the accident and did not show any signs of intoxication. The boat was released.


BARDID: TX-2023-0037
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-05-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:40:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0192 CONROE
NearestCityTown: WILLIS
County: 170 MONTGOMERY
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: Y
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
ON 5/23/23 I TEXAS GAME WARDEN RESPONDED TO THE REPORT OF A WATER RESCUE WITH TWO POEPLE INJURED, ONE WITH A POSSIBLE HEAD INJURTY. WHEN I ARRIVED ON LOCATION I OBSERVED A RED TRITON FISHING BOAT PARTIALLY  SUBMERGED AND TIED TO A PIER. THE BOW WAS FACING TOWARDS THE LAKE AND THE STERN FACING TOWARDS LAND. 

THE MOTOR WAS TRIMMED UP WITH THE PROP PARTIALLY OUT OF THE WATER. I OBSEREVED ONE BUDLIGHT BEER CAN FLOATING IN THE BOAT, AND THE KILL SWITCH IN THE RUN POSITION WITH NO LANYARD ATTACHED. THE TROLLING MOTER HAD MINOR DAMAGE TO POSSIBLY HITTING THE PIER AND POSSIBLY VESSEL 2. I THEN OBSERVED TWO MEN IN CHAIRS BEING CHECKED OUT BY EMS. ONCE EMS FINISHED THEIR EVALUATION OF BOTH MEN LISTED ON THIS REPORT, THEY SIGNED A PATIENT REFUSAL OF CARE DOCUMENT. AFTER EMS LEFT THE SCENE, THE OPERATOR INFORMED ME THAT THEY WERE FISHING ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE LAKE AND WHEN A STORM STARTED TO ROLL IN THEY HEADED BACK TO THE FM 830 BOAT RAMP. WHEN THEN WERE WITHIN 300-400 YARDS OF THE BOAT RAMP, THE OPERATOR STATED SOMETHING LIKE A WATER SPOUT HIT THEM. 

HE COULDN'T SEE INFORNT OF THE BOAT AND A GUST OF WIND PUSHED THEM SOUTH AND UP AGAINST A PIER AT THE ADDRESS STATED ABOVE. THE BOAT FILLED WITH WATER FROM LARGE WAVES AND PARTIALLY SUBMERGED THE BOAT. THE OWNER, HELD ON TO THE BOAT FROM THE PIER, SINCE THE PASSENGER WAS STILL IN THE BOAT AND WAS UNABLE TO EXIT THE BOAT WITHOUT FALLILNG IN TO THE WATER AND BEING INJURED. THE OWNER OF THE BOAT STATED THAT HIS KNEES WERE RAW FROM KNEELING ON THE PIER AND HIS RIGHT SHOULDER FROM HANGING ONTO THE BOAT. THE PASSENGER STATED HE WAS UNIJURED AND I OBSERVED HIM WEARING A PFD WHICH WASNT TAKEN OFF TILL AFTER EMS LEFT. 

THE OWNER STATED, DURING THE STORM EVENT, VESSEL 1 MADE CONTACT WITH VESSEL 2 WHICH APPEARD TO CAUSE DENTS OR SCRATCHES TO THE FRONT OF THE HULL. THE OWNER ALSO STATED THAT THE WAVES WERE BIG ENOUGH THAT VESSEL 2 WAS WASHED UP ON THE PIER AND THEN ROLLED BACK INTO THE WATER WHICH CAUSED THE STARBOARD MIRROR TO BREAK. ALSO IT APPEARD THAT THERE WAS MINOR DAMAGE TO THE PIER IT'S SELF DO TO VESSEL 1 AND 2 REPEATEDLY BUMPING AGAINST IT FROM THE STORM. 

WHEN SPEAKING WITH THE OWNER OF VESSEL 1, I DID NOT OBSERVE ANY SIGNS OF INTOXICATION AND THE PASSENGER STATED THAT HE WAS THE ONE DRINKING THE BEER, AS HE HAD ONE IN HIS HAND. I ALSO INFORMED THE OWNER OF THE KILL SWITCH LAW AND GAVE HIM A WARNING. AFTER COLLECTING ALL INFORMATION AND TOW BOAT US HAD THE BOAT IN THEIR POSSESSION, I RETURNED TO SERVICE.

WATER SAFETY INSPECTION WAS CONDUCTED. ALL ITEMS WERE ON BOARD MINUS THE TYPE IV PFD WHICH HE STATED WAS UNDER THE MIDDLE SEAT BUT WAS MISSING TO POSSIBLY FLOATING AWAY DURING THE INCIDENT. A TOTAL OF 4 LIFE JACKETS WERE OBSERVED INCLUDING THE ONE THE PASSENGER WAS WEARING.


BARDID: TX-2023-0038
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-05-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 1991 G OF MEX OFF GALV-FRPT >
NearestCityTown: FREEPORT
County: 020 BRAZORIA
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
THE CAPTAIN OF THE VESSEL DECIDED HE WANTED TO JUMP IN THE WATER TO COOL OFF. THE VESSEL WAS DRIFTING AT THE TIME. HE JUMPED IN THE WATER WITHOUT WEARING A LIFEJACKET AND THE CURRENT STARTED MOVING HIM AWAY FROM THE VESSEL. THE OTHER OCCUPPANTS OF THE VESSEL STATED HE STARTED TO PANIC AND THEY TRIED TO THROW HIM A LIFEJACKET, BUT DIDNT GET IT TO HIM. HE YELLED AT THEM TO START THE BOAT AND BACK UP TO HIM. THEY BACKED THE BOAT UP TO HIM AND WHEN HE GRABBED ONTO THE LADDER HIS LEG GOT CAUGHT BY THE PROPELLER AND WAS NEARLY CUT OFF. THEY MANAGED TO PULL HIM INTO THE VESSEL AND APPLIED A MAKESHIFT TOURNIQUET AND PACKED HIS LEG WITH ICE. THEY MADE THEIR WAY BACK TO THE BOAT RAMP ON THE BRAZOS RIVER. HE WAS TREATED BY EMS ON SCENE AND AIRLIFTED TO THE HOSPITAL.


BARDID: TX-2023-0039
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0164 CHOKE CANYON
NearestCityTown: TILDEN
County: 162 MCMULLEN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: Y
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
RedactedNarrative:
On May 27, 2023, at approximately 1000 hours, 1 passenger female (VICTIM/DECEASED) was struck by a propeller motor on Choke Canyon Reservoir in McMullen County, TX. Vessel 1 was being operated by OWNER/HUSBAND OF DECEASED at the time of the incident. 

OPERATOR advised they were attempting to tie off to a tree/limb on the port side of the boat out in the water to begin fishing for catfish when the accident occurred. OPERATOR stated when he made the approach to the tree/limb to tie off, he missed grabbing the tree/limb himself in the driver seat due to the wind and waves pushing his vessel in the opposite direction. 

OPERATOR said that VICTIM was on the back deck of the boat (STERN) attempting to grab the tree/limb that OPERATOR had missed himself. VICTIM was able to successfully grab the tree/limb. However, the wind and waves continued to push vessel 1 away from said tree/limb. 

OPERATOR stated he put the boat in reverse while the wind and waves continued to push his vessel away from the tree/limb. VICTIM continued to hold on to the tree/limb while the boat continued to be pushed away and was eventually stretched out across the stern on the boat to the point where she finally could not hold on and fell into the water directly on top of/next to the outboard motor and propeller. 

OPERATOR did not see VICTIM fall in the water but said he heard the splash in the water and looked back to see VICTIM near the motor/propeller. OPERATOR put the boat in neutral and ran to the back of the boat to begin the process of pulling VICTIM out of the water. OPERATOR was successful in pulling VICTIM onto the vessel and noticed she had been badly lacerated in multiple areas of her face, neck, and body so he called 9-1-1 to report the emergency. OPERATOR attempted to provide first aid but realized the injuries were more severe than what he could handle. OPERATOR decided to return back to the boat ramp at Choke Canyon State Park-Calliham Unit as fast as he could in a safe manner. 

Once back at the boat ramp myself and other first responding personnel attempted to control the bleeding and reduce the trauma until EMS (emergency medical services) arrived on scene. VICTIM was placed on a back board and then loaded into the ambulance from the vessel, and then transported to a designated landing area within the State Park where we waited for the Life Flight Helicopter to land. Once on the ground, Life Flight medics provided medical care for VICTIM in the back of the ambulance and eventually loaded her onto the helicopter and transported her to SPOHN Hospital in Corpus Christi, TX.

Operator agreed to give a breath sample through a PBT (PORTABLE BREATH TEST) device where it was shown he had no traces of alcohol in his system (o.oo bac). Operator showed no signs on intoxication in conversation, however the PBT was used to rule out the possibility of alcohol being a factor causing the accident. OPERATOR also gave a written statement of the accident while waiting for a family member to come and take him to the hospital in Corpus Christi, TX.

Vessel 1 was initially seized for evidentiary purposes and inventoried at the maintenance yard at Choke Canyon State Park. Vessel 1 was then transported to a more secure location at the Law Enforcement training facility at the Daughtry WMA. Vessel 1 was released the next day to a family member (Brother) at the direction from TPWD STORM team personnel advising there was no need to continue keeping the vessel due to no criminal charges being filed and no civil litigations being presented.

VICTIM was eventually pronounced deceased at the hospital in Corpus Christi, TX after multiple hours in the OR room and suffering a stroke as a result from the trauma. 

Nothing further at this time.


BARDID: TX-2023-0040
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-05-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:00:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0094 BONHAM CITY
NearestCityTown: Bonham
County: 074 FANNIN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
RedactedNarrative:
ON 5-14-2023, I STATE GAME WARDEN RECIEVED A CALL FROM FANNIN CO DISPATCH ABOUT A MISSING PERSON A BONHAM CITY LAKE.  UPON ARIVAL AND TALKING TO WITNESSES VICTIM WAS FISHING IN A KAYAK AT NIGHT.  HIS BOAT WAS FOUND FLIPPED OVER AND SHOES HAD WASHED UP ON THE BANK.  A SIDE SCSN SONAR WAS USED TO LOCATE AN IMAGE OF THE BODY AND DRAGGING BEGAN WHICH LED US TO THE RECOVERY OF THE VICTIM.   RECOVERY TIME WAS 8;15AM. VICTIM WAS NOT WEARING A LIFE JACKET.  WITNESSES SAID VICTIM HAD TWO BEERS.

VICTIM WAS NOT WEARING A LIFE JACKET.  WITNESSES SAID VICTIM HAD TWO BEERS.


BARDID: TX-2023-0041
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:15:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0223 CYPRESS SPRINGS
NearestCityTown: Mount Vernon
County: 080 FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday May 29, 2023 w/f, was operating a 2016 Malibu Wakesetter ski style boat on Lake Cypress Springs in Franklin County, Texas. O1 had minimal experience operating this boat and while at what she described as idle speed attempted to go under the middle section of the HWY 115 bridge headed in a westward direction. O1 stated as the front of the boat went under the bridge the boat arch (roll bar) made contact with the side of the bridge and began to push the boat arch backwards into the windshield. O1 stated the boat eventually was forced to turn to the left turning her around facing the direction in which she started from and she drove out from under the bridge. However, the boat arch was completely dislodged from the boat falling backwards towards the engine compartment and eventually over the back of the boat and into the lake. There were no injuries.


BARDID: TX-2023-0042
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:20:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0201 CORPUS CHRISTI
NearestCityTown: Mathis
County: 205 SAN PATRICIO
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
REPORT TAKEN FROM STATE POLICE OFFICER 

On Saturday, May 27, 2023, at approximately 1:26 PM, I, State Park Police Officer was at Lake Corpus Christi State Park Headquarters notifying state park staff of a missing child when I received a call to my state issued cellular phone from San Patricio County Sheriff’s Deputy. Deputy, who was working boat patrol detail at Lake Corpus Christi State Park reported a boating accident located at Cave Swallow Cove day use swimming area. I immediately contacted local Game Wardens to advise of the situation.

At approximately 1:35 PM, I arrived on scene and observed two PWCs beached along the shoreline of Cave Swallow Cove. When questioning the involving party, I spoke with a male subject who identified. He stated he rear-ended his parents  who happened to be occupying the PWC in the lead while he was following behind them in a no wake zone at headway speed approximately 20-30 yards from the shoreline. O1 stated his parents were at headway speed and came to an abrupt stop when a hat was dropped into the water causing O1 to collide into the rear-end of the PWC, grazing his mother in the right-side portion of her back with the nose of the PWC O1 was operating. The operator of the lead PWC was O1 and his wife as the occupant. The following PWC was operated by O2 and his wife as the occupant.

At approximately 1:50 PM, Mathis EMS arrived on scene and transported Injured to Christus Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi Shoreline in Corpus Christi, TX for further evaluation due to complaints of backpain. No further injuries were reported by the involving party. There were minor scuff marks on the cleat of the PWC operated and occupant  from the collision. There were no signs of intoxication with the involving party.

At approximately 2:19 PM, I departed the scene without further incident.

The information collected was passed along to San Patricio County Game Warden for boat accident reporting purposes on 5/29/2023.

PHONE CALLS MADE TO MULTIPLE PARTIES OVER THE COURSE OF THIS REPORT TO FINALIZE SAID REPORT.


BARDID: TX-2023-0043
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:03:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 1402 NECHES RIVER
NearestCityTown: Beaumont
County: 123 JEFFERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Alcohol
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
CoordinatesConfidence: C
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/29/2023, Vessel 1 was travelling on the Neches River near union canal above headway speed. GPS Coordinates:  Latitude -30.039787, Longitude -94.041050. 

The vessel was headed inside the canal and made a hard left turn to head out of the canal. 

At approximately 3:03pm, operator tried to stop a leak by instructing subject to operate the vessel while he pulled the plug to let the water drain while underway. While transitioning the throttle handle to Subject, the motor jerked, and both were ejected from the vessel. Subject fell backwards off the stern of the vessel causing him to hit the water headfirst into the propeller. 

Operator was ejected on the starboard side of the vessel. The kill switch was activated by Operator, so the motor died shortly after both were ejected. Neither Operator nor Subject were wearing a personal flotation device. Operator resurfaced and swam towards the vessel. After boarding the vessel, he saw Subject face down in the water and Subject quickly sank approximately 30-40 yards from the bank. Operator attempted to drive towards Subjects last known location but was unsuccessful in finding him. Operator then started calling for help. Operator reported no injuries beyond first aid in result to the accident. 

Operator admitted to consuming a few alcoholic beverages (two Miller Light beers) prior to the accident and had a low level of alcohol in his system. Operator was issued a citation for boating under the influence (minor). On 5/30/2023, at approximately 6:00pm Subject was recovered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Dive Team. After examining Subject’s body, Subject had two prop strikes to the head; on the right side of his forehead and behind his right ear. Subject was turned over to Justice of the Peace and Proctors Mortuary. 

End of Report


BARDID: TX-2023-0044
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:09:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0291 FORT PARKER STATE PARK
NearestCityTown: Groesbeck
County: 147 LIMESTONE
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Improper loading
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
CoordinatesConfidence: C
RedactedNarrative:
Three adult males utilizing an aluminum jon boat powered by an electric trolling motor (bow mounted) on fort parker state park lake fishing on sunday 06/04/2023. Occupants of vessel became unstable while fishing and moving around the boat ultimately causing the vessel to overturn. 

The vessel was drifting and not under power at the time of the accident. The vessel was not equipped with adequate number or type of coast guard approved pfds. All occupants fell out of vessel and were in water. 

One occupant went under water and was submerged for approximately 15 minutes or more before being rescued/ recovered and brought to shore. Once on shore first responders performed cpr and attempted lifesaving measures. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene by justice of the peace. The two other occupants of the vessel were self rescued/recovered and made it to shore. Other occupants stated they aspirated water during the capsizing incident and supplemental oxygen was administered to them by first responders before they were released from the scene.


BARDID: TX-2023-0045
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0128 CADDO
NearestCityTown: Karnack
County: 102 HARRISON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
State Game Warden, on patrol in Harrison County Texas, received a call from the Harrison County Sheriff's office 5/28/23 
approximately 9AM regarding a boat that was beached and damaged on Caddo Lake. The vessel had damage on the starboard rear side of the boat. The damage on the boat was severe and was the result of hitting or striking an object. Sheriff responded to Caddo Lake and observed the vehicle. He ran the boat through TPWD for ownership. He tracked down the owner of the boat and asked him what happened. The owner and operator of the boat, told him what happened and how the boat was beached in that location. He arrived at Caddo Lake approximately 9pm and began riding on the lake. He came a round a corner in Government Ditch and hit a cypress knee or a submerged log. The collision opened the starboard side of the boat and water began filling the boat. He drove the boat to the best location he could before the boat sank. He, friends ,and family members got the boat to a public boat ramp and off Caddo Lake.


BARDID: TX-2023-0046
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:38:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 1530 SAN JACINTO RIVER
NearestCityTown: Crosby
County: 101 HARRIS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: Y
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 05/28/2023 I Game Warden and assistant were patrolling the San Jacinto River and had another vessel notify me at about 7:25Pm that a pwc had crashed into the bank at extreme by the boat ramp.  We responded to the scene and found that EMS had already made scene and were tending to the injured.  Ems was dispatched at 7:38 PM and advised me that the female passenger had broken her lower left arm.  The operator was identified, and he had some minor injuries and a possible broken hand.  

Due to a language barrier, we had an individual that works at the park translate and the operator said that he had thought that he saw someone in the water and swerved to avoid hitting them and ran into the bank.  As we were talking to the operator Game Warden detected alcohol on the operator’s breath and conducted SFSTs and had enough clues to arrest the operator.  The operator was then transported by ambulance to LBJ Hospital, and a Consent blood specimen was taken along with a warrant for the blood per Harris County policy.  The blood was drawn at over 4 hours from the accident so  we also obtained a warrant for the Hospital’s residual blood but were advised that they did not take any blood from the operator.  The Vessel was a PWC and had already been trailered so I looked it over and documented the visible damage that it had.  The owner of the vessel was not onsite, but another said that it was her husbands PWC and that she and her daughter had it out for the day. They let her 16yr old daughter make a statement due to a language barrier.  The daughter stated that the operator was begging them to use the PWC. They told him no until he gave the $100 for an hour to use it.  She stated that he drove off with his wife and was speeding; he just drove straight and crashed into the rocks and the wife flew off.  We could not find any other witnesses that would talk to us due to the time that had passed and the language barrier in the area.  Any alcohol related charges are pending the results of the blood draw.


BARDID: TX-2023-0047
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:50:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 4170 ESPIRITU SANTO BAY
NearestCityTown: PORT OCONNOR
County: 029 CALHOUN
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On June 04, 2023 at approximately 1215 PM I, Texas Game Warden, was contacted about a boat accident involving two vessels at 28.41685°N, 096.41386°W. I was notified that there were no medical concerns or injuries and both vessels were able to make way to their respective boat slips located on the Intercoastal Waterway. At approximately 1:45 PM, I met with Vessel 1, operated and owned by  Operator 1. He stated that he was hugging the green aids coming around the bend of the cut where the accident occurred. He stated that he had noticed Vessel 2 coming around the bend on a nearly reciprocal course but was expecting Vessel 2 to alter his course to avoid collision. With a constant bearing and decreasing range of Vessel 1 and Vessel 2, action was taken by both parties too late to avoid collision. Vessel 1 attempted to make a hard turn to starboard and Vessel 2 attempted to make a hard turn to starboard. With insufficient time to avoid collision, Vessel 2 struck Vessel 1 with its port bow across Vessel 1's port side and port quarter damaging the gunwale and power pole of Vessel 1. At approximately 2:15 PM, I met with Vessel 2, operated and owned by O2. statement of events matched those of O1. O2 stated that his reason for hugging the green aids coming through the cut of where the collision occured was to stay out of the way for an additional fishing vessel that was on the opposite bank of where the collision took place. Vessel 2 received damage to the port bow and the port hull.


BARDID: TX-2023-0048
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2023-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 1132 CLEAR CREEK (GALVESTON)
NearestCityTown: league city
County: 084 GALVESTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On June 3rd, 2023, I, Texas Game Warden, received a call at approximately 1530 that there was a boat accident located near Forest Creek Drive. When I arrived on scene at approximately 1630 Friendswood Police officer stated the injured party had already been transferred to the hospital for a laceration to the lower abdominal area and he pointed out the other involved parties.

I identified the operator of vessel. Operator1 stated that they were at a house graduation party when they all decided to go for a boat ride. He and his 3 friends were in his vessel while his other friend Operator2 took his jet ski. After about 20 minutes of swimming around in the creek they decided to head back to the house. 

Operator1 stated while on plane back to the house party that Operator2 was driving up to his vessel and splashing him with his wash a few times and they took off in front of him. Operator1 admitted to me that he was distracted with the people on his vessel and had no idea that Operator2 came to a complete stop in front of him until it was too late. 

Operator1 tried to avoid Operator2 but ran into the back of Operator2’s jetski. When the collision happened the steering section of Operator2’s jetski broke which caused a laceration to his abdominal area. At some point Operator2 left the jetski and Operator1 and another person pulled Operator2 into their boat and administered first aid. No medical attention was needed on any passengers of Operator1 vessel. Another vessel in the area did not see the accident but assisted in retrieving Operator2’s jetski and bringing it to the house.

Operator1 admitted to not wearing his lanyard and not having boater education. I wrote two citations to Operator1 for those violations. On June 9th I asked Operator1 to come to the Texas Parks and Wildlife office to give a written statement. He didn’t show, and when I texted him, Operator1 refused to give a written statement.

Multiple attempts has been made to get a statement from Operator2. Phone calls have been made to not only Operator2’s cell phone but to his mother as well, right after the accident. Operator2 has refused to meet with me or communicate with me in any way.


BARDID: TX-2023-0049
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:15:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0522 NASWORTHY
County: 226 TOM GREEN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
I, while on patrol and in the 2100 blk of Mary Lee Rd "Mary Lee Park" was flagged by complainant identified who informed me that he is the owner of a jet ski  that was being operated on Lake Nasworthy by another male later identified. Witness stated after O1 made it to the boat dock located at "Mary Lee Park" he informed him that another unknown jet ski had came into contact with his jet ski, causing damage. 

I told witness that I would drive to the dock and further speak with him about the incident. I arrived and witness pointed out the male subject O1 who was standing on the dock and another male identified, who was found to be the passenger on the jet ski that O1 was operating. Witness trailered the jet ski and it was taken out of the water for further inspection. I observed damage to the rear port side of the jet ski between the rear platform and top deck area. There was white fiberglass showing from the damaged area. I learned there no injuries. The other jet ski involved was not located and no other identifying information was known other then it being red in color being operated by a white male. 

I spoke to O1 who informed me another jet ski was jumping the wake that his was putting out and came into contact with him. I spoke to witness who advised that he and the operator to the other jet ski were jumping each others wake and were coming within 50ft of one another. I told him what witness had informed me and he stated that it was true and he was also jumping the wake to the other jet ski and they both collided with one another. Concluding my investigation on scene and speaking with involved subjects it seemed O1 was possibly in violation of several violations along with the unknown operator of the other jet ski that contributed to the accident. I learned O1 had not taken his Boaters Education course as required through Texas Parks and Wildlife, due to his age and he was issued a citation for the violation that was later turned into JP#2 and was released from the scene. I later completed a boating crash report through "Texas Parks and Wildlife".


BARDID: TX-2023-0050
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0640 SAM RAYBURN
NearestCityTown: HUNTINGTON
County: 003 ANGELINA
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
SUBJECT WAS THROWN FROM TUBE WHEN THE TUBE CROSSED A WAKE. OPERATOR REPORTED THAT THE VESSEL WAS CROSSING ITS OWN WAKE IN A TURN AND THE TUBES SLINGSHOTTED GAINING SPEED DURING THE TURN.  THE INJURED SUBJECT'S NECK/SPINE WAS INJURED (SPINAL CONCUSION) BUT HE HAS RECOVERED.


BARDID: TX-2023-0052
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-05-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:42:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0743 TRAVIS
County: 227 TRAVIS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
RedactedNarrative:
A personal watercraft with two occupants was driving well above idle speed in a no wake zone in Devil's Cove on Lake Travis. Vessel #1 could not stop and turned at the last second to try to avoid a boat dock. Vessel #1 collided with the boat dock. There was a large hole on the bottom of vessel #1. Vessel #1 capsized after taking on water. There were no injuries reported at the time of the accident.


BARDID: TX-2023-0053
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-05-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:06:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0033 AUSTIN
NearestCityTown: AUSTIN
County: 227 TRAVIS
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: People on gunwale, bow, or transom
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
O1 was driving the above boat with his juveni1e son, also named O1. The juvenile was riding at the bow of the boat with his chin rested on the top of the seat looking forward. Senior did not realize this, and when he hit the wake of a passing boat it caused juvenile to slam the bottom of his chin on the top of the seat causing a laceration


BARDID: TX-2023-0054
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-04-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0582 JOE POOL
NearestCityTown: GRAND PRAIRIE
County: 220 TARRANT
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 04/22/23 at approximately 2: 1 Opm, Officers responded to a boat accident at Lynn Creek Marina, on Joe Pool Lake, Grand Prairie, Tarrant County, Texas. Vessel #1, a 2020 Tracker, and vessel #2 a 1994 Cajun, were both attempting to trailer their boats. There are three lanes for trailers at this ramp. Vessel #1 was trailering in the far left lane and vessel #2 was trailering in the middle lane. Vessel #1 began to have a problem with getting on the trailer and the operator gave the vessel too much throttle and over-steered. Vessel #1 came off the trailer and collided with vessel #2. Vessel #1 partially overrode vessel #2 on the port side, causing damage to the port side gunwale and port side windshield. No damage was noted on vessel #1. Neither operator was injured.


BARDID: TX-2023-0055
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-05-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:45:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0451 LIVINGSTON
County: 187 POLK
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
5/20/23 at about 1245 a boat incident occurred at Lake Livingston near the boat ramp at the shelter area in Lake Livingston State Park. The park headquarters called me, Officer at 1251 and reported a capsized vessel with 3 occupants struggling to get to shore with possible injuries. I asked headquarters to call 911. I arrived on scene at 1252. 
Upon arriving on scene, one of the parties from the boat, who had sustained injuries from the incident was being pulled up the boat ramp while he was laying on an inflatable kayak and appeared unconscious. At the groups final placement of the kayak, was next to him and stated that injured had recently lost consciousness and was not breathing. I approached and verified that he was unresponsive and began doing chest compressions. After 12 compressions had been performed his  eyes opened wide, he regained consciousness, and began gasping for breath. Witness and I rolled him to the side and began to administer oxygen. Oxygen was administered until EMS arrived on scene at 1310. Injured was in and out of consciousness on 3 separate occasions but remained breathing until the EMT' s arrived on scene. He was not conscious while EMT' s placed a neck brace on him and worked to get him from the kayak onto a backboard and then onto the stretcher. It was reported by EMS personnel that his' s oxygen saturations were excellent when he was loaded onto the ambulance. He regained consciousness while they were administering oxygen in the ambulance and began verbally responding to the EMT' s. An airlift unit had been requested by EMT' s before their arrival to the park and it was coordinated so that the ambulance would meet the helicopter at the Livingston Municipal airport which was only 5 miles from the state park. EMT' s left the park at 1323 in route to the airport. Before Injured was loaded to the 
helicopter, EMT' s were concerned with the head injury he sustained due to his eyes being dilated and not responding to light. For this reason, he was intubated before his departure in Airlife 11. At 1331 Airlife 11 departed the airport in route to HCA Houston Healthcare in Conroe, Texas. On 5/21/23 at 1320 Injured was contacted and reported that breathing tube had been removed that morning and he was visiting with family and friends and doing much better. 
Injured was at Lake Livingston State Park on a day trip that started at about 0930 with his cousin, and his friend. Injured had several factors that contributed to his critical condition when exiting the park with EMS. Injured had a prior history of high blood pressure and was on medication for his heart rate. In addition to this he was on a 24 hour fast for the day. During the capsizing incident he hit his head on an unknown object. he complained regarding the strike to the head immediately after the incident but continued to assist the other two occupants with turning the boat back to the upright position, He then got in the flatbottom boat and started removing water with a bucket as his two partners pushed the boat back towards the boat ramp. While doing this he began to get lightheaded and requested medical attention from surrounding boaters.  witnesses that responded to his call for assistance came soon after. They was able to get his kayak over to the Alumacraft that Injured was in, and they were able to transfer him to kayak with Injured laying on his back. Witness paddled him to the boat ramp on his kayak and then he was lifted and moved further up the ramp by several bystanders where he lost consciousness during the trip to the boat ramp. 
The incident began when the Alumacraft occupied by 3 adult males began making their way back to the boat ramp from a fishing spot located in the southern most area of an inlet that was located between the screened shelters in the state park and the Lake Livingston Estate Subdivision #1 about 200 feet from the southern embankment of land in the inlet. The operator and owner of the boat, weighing 140 pounds was sitting at the rear of the boat operating the tiller drive 9.9 hp Mercury 4 stroke motor. Occupant weighing 195 pounds was sitting in the middle starboard side of the boat, and the injured party, weighing 260 pounds was standing facing the operator of the boat at the bow of the boat as they were underway. The boat was rated at 3 people or 380 maximum pounds in the boat including gear. Without gear the occupants exceeded that occupancy by 215 pounds at 595 pounds of total occupant weight. Lake Livingston is a large 83,600 acre and shallow lake averaging 25ft deep which causes it to become rough with large waves quickly. The wind was 6 mph out of the NNW at 1245 which meant that water was being blown into the inlet and waves were approximately 1-2 feet. The direction of travel the vessel took towards the boat ramp was generally North. A small freeboard allowed the waves to overtake the bow on 
the port side several times which led to the vessel taking on more water weight. Additionally, Injured' s placement on the bow of the boat and standing caused the center of gravity to be higher than normal when in motion contributed to the capsizing of the vessel. operator stated that before the capsizing he tried to turn the bow of the boat towards the oncoming waves from the west and when he did the boat capsized throwing the occupants to the starboard side. The witnesses saw the vessel roll over onto all three occupants about 200 feet from the boat ramp. No damage was done to the boat and all required safety equipment was located on the boat and available for use. Also, the motor being only 9.9 hp meant the operator was not required to take a mandatory boater education class. There were no citable violations in the incident. The incident would have been avoided had the proper amount of weight not been compromised by the overloading of occupants in the boat, the 1- 2-foot waves that were coming into the inlet, and a standing occupant in an unstable vessel. Nothing further to report at this time.


BARDID: TX-2023-0056
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2023-06-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:02:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0582 JOE POOL
NearestCityTown: GRAND PRAIRIE
County: 057 DALLAS
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/10/23 at approximately 4:02pm, Officers, responded to a call for service for a watercraft accident on Joe Pool Lake at Lake Ridge Parkway Grand Prairie, Dallas County, Texas. An unknown third party caller stated that two jet skis had collided with one another. Officers located the two jet skis; vessel #1 a 2023 Sea Dao RXP-X and vessel #2 a 2021 Sea Dao GTX 300, just east of bridge one. Vessel #1 was operated and Vessel #2 was operated. O2 stated that he and O1 had both been cruising around on plane and O2 began to slow down. 
O1 did not have his boater's education and was inexperienced with a PWC. O1 was traveling behind O2 and did not notice that he had slowed down considerably. O1's jet ski struck O2's jet ski on the port side stern and continued to override the port side, striking his left leg, and further damaging the port side of the jet ski. O2 complained of left leg pain and could not lift it. 
O2 was transported to Medical City Arlington by GPFD Medic. O1 was later contacted and advised that nothing was broken and that he had a deep bruise. O1 was issued two citations  for no boater's education and reckless operation. Vessel #1 had appeared to have minor fiberglass damage/paint transfer on the hull. Vessel #2 had damage to the port side bow, seat, steering column, and port side speaker. The two jet skis were released to brother.


BARDID: TX-2023-0058
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:22:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0192 CONROE
NearestCityTown: MONTGOMERY
County: 170 MONTGOMERY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, May 27, 2023, at approximately 2122 hours, this unit , Deputy (Montgomery County Pct. 1 Constable's Office) was dispatched to a boat crash near Marina View Drive in Walden, Montgomery, Texas, 77356. On my arrival I observed a 2020 Sun Tracker on top of the break wall to the entrance of Walden Marina. The vessel had two persons on board, who claimed to be uninjured in the accident. The driver, stated he was coming down off the throttle and believed he was beyond the break wall entering the marina. It was stated several times by O1, and witnesses that arrived to check on the occupants welfare, that there were lights on the break wall, but were not working at the time of the accident. The passenger stated she was not looking and did not know they crashed until she heard a crash and the boat stopped. Both occupants claimed to be uninjured and were evaluated by Medic. TPWD unit made the scene and advised me to complete this report.


BARDID: TX-2023-0059
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:55:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 1104 CHOCOLATE BAYOU
NearestCityTown: liverpool
County: 020 BRAZORIA
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
On June 11, 2023, around 4:45 PM, on Chocolate Bayou, (Operator) was operating a boat that belonged to (Passenger).  Neither  was wearing a lifejacket while the vessel was underway, but there were a sufficient number of personal floatation devices (PFDs) on the boat.  Being pulled behind the boat on a tube was (Injured) who was wearing a lifejacket during the accident.  Operator stated that he was not used to the boat and was not aware of how quickly the boat turned.  As Operator was turning left into one of the bends on the Bayou, the boat swung into a stump/ tree that was partially submerged in the water near the bank. Operator turned the boat around, put Injured into the boat, and headed back to the boat ramp as they contacted 911.  Once at the boat ramp, Operator, who is also an Alvin Police Officer and prior military, retrieved a tourniquet and placed it on Injured above the wound to try to help control the bleeding.  Operator County Sheriff's Office arrived on scene along with EMS.  Eventually, Injured was life-flighted to Houston Methodist Hospital with a large laceration to his glute and down the back of his leg.  I, Texas Game Warden, arrived on scene shortly after Injured was life-flighted.  I received statements from all witnesses involved in the accident, took down vessel information, and took pictures of the vessel and of the tube that was used.


BARDID: TX-2023-0060
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:40:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0372 HUBBARD CREEK
NearestCityTown: Breckenridge
County: 215 STEPHENS
WaterConditions: Very rough
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: Y
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
CoordinatesConfidence: C
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/11/23 at approximately 7:50 p.m. I Texas State Game Warden received a call from the Stephens County Dispatch stating there were 2 Kayakers that were in distress due to the storm on Hubbard Creek Reservoir in the Village Inn cove. 

Approximately 7 Minutes later Stephens County Dispatch called back stating one of the kayakers had fallen out of their kayak. While in route I received notice that one of the kayakers made it safely to a dock in the Village Inn Cove. 

I launched my boat at Paul Praters boat ramp at the Dam at Approximately 8:19 p.m. and traveled to the Villiage Inn Cove to attempt to locate the other kayak and occupant. While searching the area for the Kayak and occupant and not finding either, I contacted Stephens County Deputy who was with Survivor to get a more precise location to the last place Survivor had seen her husband. 

I continued to search the area and the lake banks around where he fell out of his kayak and the area in which the wind would have blown him during the storm. The Stephens County Sherriff Office searched the banks of the lake for the Kayak and the Victim in possible areas the wind could have blown him as well. I located Survivor's Red Kayak on the East side of Tanglewood island but was unable to locate Victim's green Sundolphin kayak. 

We had Texas Ranger assist with a thermal drone in the search and could not locate Victim or his Kayak. At approximately 10:30 p.m. we suspended the search for the night. I traveled to Survivor's house to get a statement of events from her to be better prepared to continue the search the following morning. Survivor stated they were Kayaking back toward their house when the storm started. 

She said the waves blew them out toward the middle of the Village Inn cove and due to the high winds and the size of the waves Victim fell out of his Kayak. Neither Survivor nor Victim was wearing a life jacket or had one in their kayak. 

Victim was unable to catch his kayak after falling out due to the wind blowing it away. Survivor attempted to paddle to him, but in the process, she was knocked out of her kayak as well. She stated that once she was in the water, she could no longer see Victim, but yelled at him to swim toward a white dock that was on the East bank of the Village Inn cove. At this point she was blown north to a dock approximately 600 yards away. She stated that she was unsure if Victim heard her yell about swimming towards the white dock or not, and that was the last time she saw him. 

At 7:30 a.m. on 6/12/23 State Game Warden and the Stephens County Sheriff's office continued the search for Victim. We began the search began with 2 side scan sonar equipped Parks and Wildlife boats and the Stephens County Sheriff's office boat. Victim's Kayak was found on the East side of goat island just around the corner from Survivor's Kayak, the island was searched but Victim was not located.

 At noon subject1 went to retrieve another Parks and wildlife boat with side scan sonar equipped and returned a little after 2 p.m. We searched the area that Survivor stated Victim fell out of his kayak at and the majority of the cove between where Survivor last saw Victim and she was found. We were unable to locate him on the side scan sonar. At approximately 9:00 p.m. we suspended our search for the day.

At 7:30 a.m. on 6/13/23 State Game Warden and the Stephens County Sheriff's Office continued the search for Victim. At approximately 7:40 Game Warden and Stephens County Sheriff Deputy recovered Victim floating in the water at approximate location in which he was last seen. GPS coordinates (Latitude- 32.79449 N, Longitude -098.96148 W) His body was taken to the Village Inn Marina boat dock and Stephens County Judge came to pronounce the victim deceased. The victim's body was transported to the Dallas County Examiner for an autopsy by Melton-Kitchen's funeral home in Breckenridge Texas. Stephens County Sheriff and I traveled to the Survivor's residence to give the death notification.


BARDID: TX-2023-0061
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 1402 NECHES RIVER
NearestCityTown: silsbee
County: 100 HARDIN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/10/2023 I responded to a call about a boating accident with bodily injuries at the John’s Lake Boat ramp area of the Neches River in Hardin County, Texas. When I arrived, the operator, who I later identified, had already left the scene for the hospital due to his injuries. The only passenger who I identified, was still on scene. I interviewed him and he said he didn’t know who was driving and didn’t remember getting in a boating accident. He stated that he remembered O1 was driving the boat earlier that day. Later that evening, injured was taken to the hospital by family members and was treated and released. I interviewed O1 at the hospital and he admitted to operating the vessel during the accident. He stated he was heading West toward the John’s Lake boat ramp from the main river when he hit a submerged object in the river which he didn’t see, and that caused his boat to change direction and strike a tree in the water head on. 

He said he was ejected due to the impact. He was able to get in the boat and operate it to the boat ramp area and was taken to the hospital by friends. He was treated and released the same day. He admitted to dinking alcohol and I had probable cause to believe he was intoxicated and obtained a consensual blood sample.  The blood sample was sent to the DPS crime lab and is pending analysis to determine if charges for BWI will be presented.  The next day, I escorted him out to the crash area and had him show me exactly where it occurred. I could clearly see recent damage to a tree in the water where his boat had made contact. There was nothing in the water I could see that him could have hit causing him to lose control. The water level had dropped approximately 2 feet since the day prior, so anything that was under the water the day before would have been exposed.


BARDID: TX-2023-0062
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:15:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 3620 PASS CAVALLO
NearestCityTown: PORT OCONNOR
County: 029 CALHOUN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 5:25 PM, I, Texas Game Warden was out on patrol with Texas Game Warden. We observed two personal watercrafts coming through Pass Cavallo at a high rate of speed and attempted to stop the vessels to conduct a safety inspection. As we displayed our patrol vessel's blue lights and approached Vessel 2, the operator and owner stated that he could not come off power for the personal watercraft as he had just been struck and his vessel would sink without any propulsion due to the damage. I waved him to keep underway and do what is necessary to avoid sinking and we would catch up to him at the boat ramp. We then waved Vessel 1, operated and owned, over to us and asked who had hit Vessel 2. He stated that he was the one that struck Vessel 2. Game Warden and I followed both vessels to Froggy's boat ramp located on the intercoastal waterway. Upon investigation it was determined that they had been operating around Sunday Beach of Port OConnor conducting "tricks" around each other and other vessels. O2 on Vessel 2 had stopped to talk to a couple of friends that had fallen off of a third personal watercraft that was in the area. O1 stated that all he saw was a white splash and could not see Vessel 2, so when he went to come up to he collided with Vessel 2. The collision resulted in a cracked fiberglass of Vessel 2 and the frame to be bent of Vessel 2. No visible damages appeared on Vessel 1.


BARDID: TX-2023-0063
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:25:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 1592 TRINITY RIVER
NearestCityTown: Riverside
County: 204 SAN JACINTO
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday June 11, 2023 at approximately 2:25pm Operator was operating her jet ski when the tube she was pulling behind her hit a boat dock and caused her son to be injured.  

Operator left her subdivisions private boat ramp and went upriver approximately 20 yards and turned into a cut that goes to the cove where her home is located.  Operator was driving, individual 1 was riding on the jet ski in the middle and 2 was riding at the rear of the jet ski facing the tube.  Her son was riding the tube.  She turned into the cut but didn't make the turn wide enough to allow the tube she was pulling to go through the middle of the cut.  Instead, the tube went at an angle into the cut and hit the boat dock where the river and cut meet (not her boat dock).  Her son hit the dock and suffered a possible head injury.  He was life flighted to Texas Children's Hospital in the Woodlands, TX.  He never lost consciousness. 
As of June 16, 2023 he has been released from the hospital.  He had suffered facial trauma which he will be receiving reconstructive surgery for in the coming weeks.


BARDID: TX-2023-0064
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:13:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 1522 SAN BERNARD RIVER
NearestCityTown: Brazoria
County: 020 BRAZORIA
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
At 1813 Hours on 6/17/2023, TPWD dispatch advised that Brazoria County Sheriff’s office was seeking assistance with a boat accident with unknown injuries. Game Wardens, and TPWD intern responded to the boat ramp on the San Bernard River at FM 521 to conduct interviews and collect statements.

According to statements from everyone at the scene, and the investigation, the Sea-Doo PWC  was traveling down river behind the Gulf Coast boat. The Sea-Doo PWC then overtook the Gulf Coast boat on the port side then cut back in front of the boat. The Sea-Doo then slowed and turned a little to the port side and the two vessels collided. The impact was at the bow of the boat and the back of the port side of the PWC.

Both kids on the PWC were shaken and confused but not badly injured. According to their father, both should be fine. The operator (13) received 12 stitches for an injured nose area. The passenger (10) appeared to be bruised but not badly injured.
There were no injuries to anyone in the boat.
There was damage to the rub rail, side molding, and handlebars of the PWC.
There was no damage to the boat.

All of this information came from verbal statements; no written statements have been received as of 06/29/23, only one written statement as of 07/06/23.


BARDID: TX-2023-0065
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2023-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:55:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0709 SWEETWATER
NearestCityTown: Sweetwater
County: 177 NOLAN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
RedactedNarrative:
On June 19, 2023, I, State Game Warden  found out through social media that there was a boat capsized on June 18, 2023, at approximately 4:55 pm, at Lake Sweetwater in Nolan County. I contacted Nolan County Sheriffs dispatch about the incident. 

The information I received from dispatch and the deputy on scene was that there were six individuals in a vessel, that took on water and capsized. There were no injuries associated with the incident.

I called the owner of the vessel and identified him. I went to his house. Once at his house, he met me outside and took me over to observe the boat. The boat was heavily damaged from the capsize and from being dragged on to the shoreline. I asked him to explain what happen on the 18th. HE stated, there were six of them on the vessel. There were three juveniles and three adults. The three juveniles and one adult female were wearing personal flotation devices. He stated, he was operating the vessel and they left the boat ramp to take a cruise. At some point he was having trouble with the trim not working properly. He noticed that there was water coming from under his feet. The boat quit on him. He stated that more and more water was coming in the vessel. All sudden the vessel started to capsize towards the Starboard side. Everyone ended up in the water. He stated his wife was trapped briefly under the capsized vessel. He was able to pull her from underneath the vessel. There were no injuries associated with the incident. He said he did not know what caused the incident and when he observed the vessel, he could not see any visual signs of damage from underneath vessel that would have caused the water to come into vessel. He said that the plug was in place.
 
I received the information from the three adults but the juveniles I was not able to retrieve. The father of the children did not want to release their information.


BARDID: TX-2023-0066
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-04-15 00:00:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 1402 NECHES RIVER
NearestCityTown: Alto
County: 037 CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 7:20am on Sunday April 16, 2023, the Anderson County Sheriff's Office contacted first responders in reference to a capsized boat on the Neches River approximately 2 miles upriver from the SH294 bridge, on the Anderson/Cherokee County line. 

One of the two occupants, Operator 1, a 59 year old white male, was able to exit the Neches River and walk to SH294 to flag down a passerby to call 911. He stated that the 10 foot aluminum paddle boat he and his sister, 57 year old white female, were fishing from, had capsized just after dark the night before. 

The pair laid on a partially submerged log through the night with cool temperatures in the lower 50's, and at sunrise Operator 1 walked out for help. Texas Parks & Wildlife Game Warden, and a Slocum VFD swift water technician, were soon able to locate Injured by boat. 

Injured was laying on a large log in the river and the capsized boat, and some of it's contents, were lodged in a log jam some 20 yards down river from location. First responders were able to get a PFD on Injured before rolling her into their rescue boat. Injured was then transported in the rescue boat back to the launch point where EMS was waiting. Injured was then transported to Palestine Regional Hospital, Palestine, TX, and released later that day. The capsized boat was likely manufactured prior to HIN numbers being required and no brand could be determined.


BARDID: TX-2023-0068
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0143 CANYON
NearestCityTown: canyon lake
County: 046 COMAL
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Operators rented PWCs for recreation on Canyon Lake. Vessels were cruising at mid to high speed, parallel about 25ft apart. Vessel 1 pulled ahead a very short distance and turned to starboard. Vessel two was unable to avoid collision and struck the starboard footwell and operator 1 in the lower leg. Operator 1 suffered severe lacerations and a compound tibial and fibula fracture to the right leg, contracted pnemonia after discharge and had to be readmitted for treatment. Operator 2 had no known injuries. Vessel 1 had fiberglass damage to the starboard footwell. Vessel 2 had very little damage to the bow.


BARDID: TX-2023-0069
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2023-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:25:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0751 TWIN BUTTES
NearestCityTown: San Angelo
County: 226 TOM GREEN
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: Y
HazardousWaters: Y
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Weather
MachineryFailure: Engine
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Despite an incoming storm, O1 and friend, left shore at approximately 8:50pm  to go fishing. O1 had just bought the boat about two weeks prior and this was the first trip with the boat. Vessel left shore at approximately 8:50pm and headed east towards dam. Once reaching dam area, vessel turned south to travel along dam. Due to large incoming storm, wind increased to 35-50 mph. Water got very choppy with waves 2'-5'. According to O1, approximatley 20-30 minutes into trip motor stalled and wouldn't start. Boat took a large wave over bow and immediately began sinking. Both subject attempted to gain access to PFDs stored in front compartment, but were only able to grab one before boat was under water. O1 was able to hold on to a cooler and occupant put on the only PFD retrieved from boat. Boat sank. Both individuals floated in a northwestern line from where boat sunk. Because of intense lightening, they were able to spot a line of trees in the water and maneuvered to them. O1 let go of cooler in order to hang onto tree. After storm passed, O1 stated water calmed with little to no waves. They began yelling and whistling trying to gain attention of a vehicle they spotted onshore. They were able to get attention of bystanders, who were both on the shoreline. One of the bystanders contacted 911 at 11:39pm to report the incident. San Angelo Fire Dispatch notified  County Sheriff's Office who then notified Texas Game Warden. Warden retrieved his patrol boat from boat barn and responded to Twin Buttes. In the meantime, O1 obtained the PFD and swam to shore to try to get help. Warden arrived on scene with boat and was able to locate him holding onto a small group of trees in the water. He was brought on board Warden's patrol vessel and returned to the shore at approximately 12:30am . Both had minor scrapes and bruises but neither wanted medical attention.


BARDID: TX-2023-0070
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0301 LEWISVILLE
NearestCityTown: Lake Dallas
County: 061 DENTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Alcohol
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
When: Monday, May 29th at approximately 4:30 pm.

Where: South Cut of Party Cove on Lake Lewisville

Vessel 1 was cruising south from Party Cove towards the South Cut. Vessel 2 was travelling towards Party Cove from the Lake Lewisville Toll Bridge at approximately 50 mph when Vessel 1 come from the starboard side. Vessel 2 made a sharp left turn at full throttle to avoid a collision. Vessel 2 reported that they came within approximately 1 foot of each other, but did not make contact. 


Damages:

- Vessel 1: the end cap on the stern of the port pontoon was missing, there were scuffs in side of the pontoon near the water line, and the panel on the port side gate had been buckled. Occupants reported getting tossed during the incident. When officers boarded the vessel, there was a trail of water from the side gate that ran through the boat and out the stern. 

- Vessel 2: No damage that could specifically be attributed to the collision was visible on the vessel.

 Injuries: 

- Vessel 1: Two passengers complained of stiffness and soreness. One person was examined by her primary care physician and was diagnosed by contusions on her ribs. 

- Vessel 2: None

Insurance:

- Vessel 1: Refused to provide their insurance information
- Vessel 2: Safeco Insurance Company of America.

Contributing factors:

- Vessel 1 failed to provide an adequate lookout to avoid a collision.
- Vessel 2 failed to operate at a safe and prudent speed for the lake conditions.
- Vessel 2 failed to give-way in accordance to USCG navigational requirements.  
- The wake generated by Vessel 2 making a hard turn caused the side gate to buckle on Vessel 1 and the vessel to list hard to starboard.

Operator2 had been drinking.


BARDID: TX-2023-0071
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0466 LYNDON B. JOHNSON
NearestCityTown: Kingsland
County: 027 BURNET
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: Y
CongestedWaters: Y
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Congested waters
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
RedactedNarrative:
On 06-26-2023 at approximately 2:30 pm, I, Game Warden received a call regarding a sinking boat on Lake LBJ, in Burnet County. I responded to the location and saw a 20-foot ski boat completely full of water. The operator, told me that he, three other adults and four children were in his vessel on the Colorado River arm of Lake LBJ. This part of the lake is narrow and is usually very congested and rough, mostly due to boat wake. He said they stopped their vessel in order to pull in a tube that they were pulling. While they were stopped waves were splashing into their boat, due to the congested water way. He said a large wake board style boat came by them and a large wave suddenly came over the bow of their vessel and his boat immediately was full of water. The four children already had life jackets on. The remaining four adults quickly put life jackets on. They all began treading water, until a boat picked all eight of them up.


BARDID: TX-2023-0072
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0114 BROWNWOOD
NearestCityTown: BROWNWOOD
County: 025 BROWN
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
THE victim was tubing with two other females. They were pulled into a curve, hit a wave and they all flew off the tube. The victim landed on the other girls, heard pops and her neck, and left arm were hurting. She was stabilized in the water, placed flat on the back of the boat and waited for medics to arrive. As officers were assessing her on scene she complained of her feet going numb and it starting to hurt in her back to breath. Victim was transported via ambulance.


BARDID: TX-2023-0074
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:05:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0192 CONROE
NearestCityTown: WILLIS
County: 170 MONTGOMERY
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/18/2023 at approximately 4:30PM, Vessel #1 drifted into a rock pier located at Kingston Cove Willis, Texas. The boat operator was not able to drive his boat away from the rocks. While sitting there waiting on Tow Boats US to tow his vessel away from the rocks and to the boat ramp, the vessel rubbed against the rocks causing scrapes in the fiberglass on the edges of the boat hull. This did not cause a puncture into the hull.


BARDID: TX-2023-0075
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:25:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0033 AUSTIN
NearestCityTown: AUSTIN
County: 227 TRAVIS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was traveling North in the 1000 zone of Lake Austin. Vessel 2 was traveling in the same direction in front of Vessel 1 and made an abrupt left tun in front of Vessel 1. Vessel 1 's front area collided with Vessel 2's left front area. 

The driver of vessel 2 was knocked into the water from the impact and was briefly unconscious.


BARDID: TX-2023-0076
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:40:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0803 WORTH
NearestCityTown: FT WORTH
County: 220 TARRANT
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
Deputy was attempting to dock Sea Fox center console boat at lake patrol office dock. Upon approaching the dock a gust of wind caused the Sea Fox to be pushed toward unprotected metal support pole to dock. Deputy put Sea Fox in reverse and had steering wheel turned to the left. This caused the Sea Fox to strike the port side into the dock support pole then slide across the pole.


BARDID: TX-2023-0077
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 04:00:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0152 CEDAR CREEK (LAKE)
NearestCityTown: Tool
County: 107 HENDERSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On June 24th at approximately 4:00 AM I was contacted by Henderson County communications concerning a boat wreck on Cedar Creek Lake.  I along with Wardens responded to the call.  Tool PD along with EMS were dispatched to the scene and provided immediate treatment to the individuals involved. (operator), (passenger 1), and (passenger 2) were all transported by EMS to the Tool VFD prior to my arrival.  

Once on scene I identified all parties involved and was able to get a detailed story about the accident from both parties.  Injured 2 was unable to recall what happened leading up to the wreck.  All admitted to consuming alcohol while on the boat.  I administered Standardized Field Sobriety Testing to Operator, and it was determined that he was not impaired at the time of the wreck.  Injured 2 sustained head trauma during the collision and was airlifted to UT Health in Tyler.  O1 and Injured 1 were treated for minor injuries and refused further treatment.

I went to the scene of the accident and upon investigation determined that the individuals were returning from a late-night fishing trip and were en route to Lonestar Marina to load their boat on the trailer and head home.  The operator, was unable to see the retaining wall while accelerating the boat thus causing the bow of the boat to rise, blocking his sight of the retaining wall in the lake.  The boat displayed Texas registration returning to a 2020 Nitro Z18 belonging to Injured 2.

Major bow damage was noted throughout the entire boat but the most extensive was on the bow of the boat when it collided with the retaining wall.  The boat in my opinion was a total loss due to the amount of damage. 

The boat was recovered by JLJ wrecker out of Eustace, TX and stored at their location.


BARDID: TX-2023-0078
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 7370 UPPER LAGUNA MADRE
NearestCityTown: Corpus Christi
County: 178 NUECES
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On June 23, 2023 I, Texas Game Warden received a call from CCPD about a single PWC accident that occurred in the Ski Canal in Corpus Christi, TX. I arrived at the Hospital and spoke with the owner of the PWC and son of the operator. I asked what happened and he stated that his mother was operating the PWC in the ski canal alone and was bringing the PWC back to the bank when she ran the PWC into the bank. He stated she was going around 20-30 MPH. The PWC traveled onto the bank and resulted in colliding with the PWC handle bars injuring her collar bone. He stated that she did not have much experience driving a PWC. I asked if his mother had any alcohol that day and he stated that his mother does not drink. I also asked to ask his mother if she had any alcohol and she also stated that she doesn't drink. There was no damage to the PWC.


BARDID: TX-2023-0079
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:45:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0723 TEXOMA
NearestCityTown: Pottsboro
County: 091 GRAYSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On July 3, 2023, at approximately 11:45 AM, O1 was operating Vessel 1 in Highport Marina. Vessel 1 was rented by O1 from Lakeside Jet Ski Rental. O1 stated that he turned to the left and accidently hit the accelerator. He then collided with Vessel 2, which was docked in the H Boathouse at Highport Marina. Vessel 1 received minor damage on the bow. Vessel 2 received minor damage on the stern swim deck. O1 was transported to Texoma Medical Center by ambulance and received treatment for a minor concussion.


BARDID: TX-2023-0080
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 1530 SAN JACINTO RIVER
NearestCityTown: crosby
County: 101 HARRIS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: Y
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
On the evening of June 25, 2023 at approximately 4:30pm I was patrolling the San Jacinto River by boat in Harris Co. While entering the swim area for Xtreme off road park and beach I was flagged down by a group of people at the boat ramp. When I made contact with them at the boat ramp I noticed an adult male had just been pulled from the water and had a 4”-6” laceration to his left knee. From the people all around they stated that a vessel was loading onto the trailer when he turned to reposition. In doing so the motor of the vessel made contact with another who was swimming in the water near the boat ramp with several other people. The vessel was being operated by Operator, he who was attempting to load his boat onto his trailer. I was able to administer first aid to Injured until the emergency personnel arrived and transported him to Memorial Hermann Hospital.


BARDID: TX-2023-0081
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0743 TRAVIS
NearestCityTown: Lakeway
County: 227 TRAVIS
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: Y
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Monday
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
No outside witness accounts. Near by jet ski operator saw operator of vessel 1 in the water next to vessel 1. Paradise marina sent a boat out to help retrieve operator of vessel 1. Fire department was able to extract operator from water and take him to emerald point marina to be treated for injuries by EMS. Vessel one was taken to Paradise marina for temporary storage, no visual damage. I made contact with operator of vessel 1 in the ambulance. Operator stated that he hit a wave wrong while cruising.


BARDID: TX-2023-0082
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2023-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:56:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0200 COOPER RESERVOIR (NEW)
NearestCityTown: Cooper
County: 060 DELTA
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Overloading
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
A vessel become inoperable( deck boat) and a vessel was attempting to tow the inoperable vessel to the Klondike boat ramp. Operator observed boat began to nosedive during tow and noticed difficulty towing the vessel. Immediate boat took in water, submarined and flipped over.  Operator 

removed boat rope and went to vessel sinking loading up individuals on vessel. Off duty PD who was on the towing vessel dived in the waters and was able locate child and free child that was tangled under the vessel.  All partied advised child was under water for 4-5 

minutes. CPR chest compressions was administered immediately since child was unresponsive and blue in color. Child coughed up water and began to breathe. Operators called 911 and took child to Klondike boat ramp. Passerby advised there was a hole in the bottom of the boat that appeared to hit a stump while being towed.


BARDID: TX-2023-0083
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2023-06-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:06:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 7370 UPPER LAGUNA MADRE
NearestCityTown: CORPUS CHRISTI
County: 178 NUECES
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday, 30 June 2023, at approximately 1430 CST, I was notified of a two-vessel accident that had occurred in the Intercoastal Waterway of the Upper Laguna Madre on North Padre Island in Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas. Other game wardens were already enroute at the time I was notified of the incident. The involved parties and vessels were transported to Marker 37 Marina. I arrived at that location at approximately 1510 CST, which was roughly one hour after the accident had occurred. Although I was the last game warden to arrive, I took lead on the investigation. Once on scene, I made contact with employees of Nauticool Adventures, which is the rental company that owned the personal watercraft (PWC aka jetski) that was found to be at fault in causing the accident. 

The individual operating that PWC (later identified) had been transported to Bay Area hospital due to injuries he had sustained. Also onboard that PWC was an eleven (11) year old male minor child who had been transported to Driscoll Children's Hospital with significant injuries to his left arm. The PWC bearing the registration number, was properly registered with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

The other vessel involved was properly registered with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Onboard that vessel were the following individuals: O2 who owns the vessel; passengers 1, 2, 3. Prior to the accident occurring, this vessel had run out of gas. The owner  was at the helm, while 1 was sitting on the bow and operating the vessel via its trolling motor. Approximately nine (9) hours after the accident occurred, O1 had soreness in his left arm and sought out medical care resulting in the diagnosis of a broken left wrist as well as a concussion.

There were two witnesses to the accident. Based on information they provided on the day of the accident, the PWC operator P2 was operating recklessly in the vicinity of the vessel that was struck. Both stated there was another (third) vessel in the area, whose wake may have been factor in turning the PWC toward the struck vessel. However, that vessel nor its occupants could be identified. The owner of Nauticool Adventures was able to pull tracking data from the PWC which indicated a speed of approximately 32 knots/36 miles per hour at the time of impact. This would indicate that the PWC operator was not aware of his proximity to the struck vessel and in violation of the ’50 Foot Rule’. Per Texas Parks & Wildlife Code Chapter 31, Section 106, it is unlawful for any person to “operate PWC within 50 feet of another PWC, motorboat, vessel, platform, person, object, or shore except at headway speed without creating a swell or wake.” Headway speed is defined as “a slow, idle speed, or speed only fast enough to maintain steerage.” The GPS data pulled from the PWC shows that the speed at time of impact was well above headway speed.

During the course of my investigation, I spoke with the owners and operators of both vessels involved in the accident. The information provided to me by those parties would indicate that O2 was the ‘at fault’ party. As such, he will be charged with two (2) Class C Misdemeanors and cited for the following offenses: ‘PWC jumping a wake recklessly or too close to another vessel’ and ‘PWC operated within 50 feet in excess of headway speed’, which are both violations of Texas Parks & Wildlife Code Chapter 31, Section 106. It was also found that the operator of the other vessel, O1, has not completed a Boater Education Course, which is a requirement for anyone operating a vessel and was born on or after 01 September 1993. As such, he will be charged with one (1) Class C Misdemeanor and cited for the following offense: ‘Violate Boater Education requirements’, a violation of Texas Parks & Wildlife Code Chapter 31, Section 109.

On the day of the accident, 30 June 2023, at approximately 1620 CST, O1 gave consent for and provided a sample of his blood. It will be sent to the Texas DPS Crime Lab for toxicology testing. Results are pending at this time.


BARDID: TX-2023-0084
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:30:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0874 TYLER EAST
NearestCityTown: TYLER
County: 212 SMITH
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/7/2023, I, State Game Warden, was notified about a possible boat crash on Lake Tyler East that occurred the previous day.  I arrived and met with the landowner who showed me his boat house.  The boat house had substantial damage to the side as a result of a direct impact from a vessel.  A portion of the north facing side of the house was missing.  There were pieces of the piers and siding that had been brought to the shore.  The second bay of the boat house also had damage where the boat pushed through.  I was able to see structural damage to the support piers of the boat house as well.  I spoke with a witness who lives next door.  He stated that he heard the crash and went outside to see a pontoon boat with an adult male, adult female, and 2 juvenile children pushing away from the boat house.  He did not see any injuries and began attempting to contact the boat house owner.  The operator of the boat, arrived back on scene to help pick up debris.  I interviewed him about the crash and he stated that his grandson was skiing and his adult daughter was acting as his observer.  Operator stated that they were traveling south, along the bank, a safe distance from the shore.  As some point, he stated that he looked back to see how his grandson was doing and inadvertently drifted to the right.  Operator stated that before he knew what happened, the boat then struck the boat house.  Operator suffered a minor scratch to his nose during the collision, but there were no other injuries.  They then took the children home a short distance away and returned to the boat house to help secure debris.  Operator stated that he thinks that when he looked over his right shoulder, it caused his boat to drift, causing the collision. Operator's pontoon boat suffered damage to all three (3) pontoons, rips in the upholstery, a gouge in the floor, and loss of the canvas top.  

End of Report.


BARDID: TX-2023-0085
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:52:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 2180 GALVESTON BAY
NearestCityTown: Texas City
County: 084 GALVESTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On July 2, 2023, I Texas Game Warden  responded to a two-vessel boat crash that had taken place at approximately 10:52am, in Galveston County, Texas City, TX, Galveston Bay, near the Texas City Dike. Vessel 1 (V1) was at anchor while the two occupants on board were fishing. 

Vessel 2 (V2) had recently launched from a nearby boat ramp and were heading to the “gas wells” to fish. While underway from the boat ramp, V2 was plowing through the water, getting up on plane as the operator of V2 was turning the vessels Garmin GPS unit on, then adjusting the motor trim. One of the occupants on V2 yelled to notify the operator of V1 being directly in front of them but it was too late. 

Simultaneously, one occupant on V1 noticed V2 coming directly toward his stern and decided to jump overboard his starboard gunwale to avoid potential harm. The collision occurred with V2’s port side bow hull area contacting and damaging V1’s starboard side of the outboard motor. The resulting collision caused V2 to ramp V1, crushing V1’s Bimini top and starboard side windshield before returning to the water. V2 noticed an occupant on V1 jump overboard and immediately upon impact, deaccelerated and made a loop to its starboard side to check on V1. V2 noticed a single person in the water attempting to get back to his vessel and climb back up on board unsuccessfully, so V2 picked him out of the water and placed him onto their boat. Once on board, V2 occupants provided first aid and took the injured individual straight to the dock to receive medical attention.


BARDID: TX-2023-0086
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0316 GRANBURY
NearestCityTown: Granbury
County: 111 HOOD
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On July 6, 2023 at about 1:30pm a Brazos River Authority (BRA) center console fiberglass Triton boat operated by O1 along with BRA employes O2 and occupant was underway in the area of buoy 53 on Lake Granbury located in Hood County Texas.  While traveling between buoys on the lake two recreational boats crossed the BRA boats path.  The BRA boat hit the wake created by the passing vessels at about 20-30 mph, causing the BRA boats bow to pitch up and down.  BRA employee was laying on the bow of the boat preparing to catch the next buoy and was lifted up and dropped down with the bow movement from hitting the wake.  The resulting impact caused his injury/sprain to his back and head.  Upon returning to the BRA facility Injured was taken to a hospital and released.


BARDID: TX-2023-0087
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0615 RICHLAND-CHAMBERS
NearestCityTown: Eureka
County: 175 NAVARRO
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
RedactedNarrative:
The two personal watercrafts (PWC) were in a cove doing circles around one another to create waves large enough to jump over. Both operators turned towards each other to jump large wake and realized they were headed at each other as they approached the wake. Vessel 2 ended up going over the top of vessel 1, striking the operator of vessel 1. The impact of the vessel 2 into the operator of vessel 1 caused a(displaced) fractured the right femur and throwing him from the PWC.
Operator of vessel 2 entered the water and pulled O1 to one of the PWC. His brother was swimming nearby and swam over to assist. Due to the location of the accident, 911 service was unavailable (T-Mobile). O2's brother took vessel 2 back to their residence on Richland Chambers Reservoir, where his mother was and contacted 911. 
O2 was able to get vessel 1 to shore along with O1 and waited for medical assistance to arrive. After approximately one-hour EMTs arrived and move O1 out of the water to the ambulance and straightened the displaced fracture of the femur and air evacuation was called. O1 was airlifted to Parkland Memorial Hospital for care.


BARDID: TX-2023-0088
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:50:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0118 BUCHANAN
NearestCityTown: BUCHANAN DAM
County: 150 LLANO
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
ON 06/18/2023, AT AROUND 3:53 PM, I, TEXAS GAME WARDEN RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE LLANO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE DISPATCH REGARDING AN INCIDENT INVOLVING A PWC ON LAKE BUCHANAN BETWEEN LLANO COUNTY PARK AND BLACK ROCK PARK.  ONCE I ARRIVED ON SCENE AT THE BEACH AREA BETWEEN THE TWO PARKS I SAW A MALE WHO WAS LATER IDENTIFIED, SITTING ON A YAMAHA WAVERUNNER THAT WAS PULLED UP NEAR THE WATERS EDGE.  He COULD NOT GET OFF THE PWC AND WALK DUE TO INJURIES THAT HE HAD SUSTAINED TO HIS RIGHT LEG, ANKLE, AND FOOT AFTER BEING EJECTED FROM THE PWC AFTER HE HAD COLLIDED WITH A WAVE.  HE WAS CARRIED TO THE SHORE AND SEATED IN A CHAIR BY FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAT WERE LOCATED ON SCENE.  HE STATED THAT HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO RETURN TO THE BEACH LOCATION WITH HIS TWO PASSENGERS WHEN HE HIT A LARGE WAVE THAT CAUSED ALL OF THE PASSENGERS ON THE PWC TO BE EJECTED FROM THE VESSEL INTO THE WATER.  HE WAS TREATED BY BUCHANAN DAM VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT AND EMS BEFORE BEING TRANSPORTED TO BAYLOR SCOTT AND WHITE HOSPITAL IN MARBLE FALLS, TX.  STATEMENTS WERE TAKEN FROM THE MALE AND FEMALE PASSENGERS.  A FOLLOW UP WAS CONDUCTED AT A LATER DATE WITH HIM, AND HE STATED THAT HE WAS SCHEDULED FOR SURGERY TO REPAIR BROKEN BONES IN HIS ANKLE.  HE WAS FOUND TO BE IN VIOLATION OF BOATER EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS AND A CITATION WAS MAILED TO HIS RESIDENCE.


BARDID: TX-2023-0089
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:10:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 1530 SAN JACINTO RIVER
NearestCityTown: crosby
County: 101 HARRIS
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On the afternoon of July 8, 2023 at approximately 4:00 pm on the San Jacinto river a Kawasaki PWC (operated by O1) was travelling downriver (south) on plane passing a trail bridge and across from xtreme offroad park and beach swim area when a sea doo operated by a O2 who was traveling west on plane. She stated and was confirmed by O1 that she made a sharp turn to port (left) and began crossing his path, in doing so O1 and O2 were unable to make avoidance maneuvers to avoid the collision. Her PWC- sea doo received damage to the bow of the vessel with broken fiberglass.   Her PWC - Kawasaki received damage to the front bow starboard section of the vessel with broken fiberglass present. O2 rented the PWC from an employee at xtreme park and had no operator experience nor did she receive any training in operating the vessel. A main cause for the incident was operator inexperience by O2. Neither operators were injured in the incident.


BARDID: TX-2023-0090
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-06-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 7370 UPPER LAGUNA MADRE
NearestCityTown: Corpus Christi
County: 178 NUECES
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
RedactedNarrative:
On June 24, 2023, I, Texas Game, received a call from a Corpus Christi Police Officer about a single PWC accident that occurred in the Ski Canals on the island in Corpus Christi, Texas. I then contacted Texas Game Warden to meet the CCPD officer at the boat ramp because he was in the area. I traveled to Bay Area Hospital to check on the victim. When I arrived, I learned that the lone operator was deceased. 

I asked Victim's wife what happened. She stated that Subject and she were riding separate pwc's in the ski canal. She then took her jet ski to the bank for a break. After some time passed, she went looking for him because he had not returned. She did not find him and returned to shore. She went and looked for him a second time and noticed that a different man was riding her husband's jet ski. 

When she approached the man she was told her husband had been in an accident. She followed the man to the Cartagena St boat ramp where her husband was being worked on by EMS. The Good Samaritan's transported Victim to shore stated that an additional group of people pulled Victim out of the water, but these individuals names and contact information is unknown. The call logs from dispatch and the witness accounts both state that Victim was conscious when he was pulled from the water but lost consciousness at the bank. CPR was performed between the ski canal and the boat ramp. No witness accounts state what happened at the time or just before the accident. There was no damage to the Jet Ski and after speaking with the doctor at the hospital he stated that there were no obvious signs of trauma. An autopsy was performed by the Nueces County Medical Examiner and the results are pending.


BARDID: TX-2023-0091
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2023-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0192 CONROE
NearestCityTown: Montgomery
County: 170 MONTGOMERY
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On July 8th, 2023, at approximately 6:00 PM, O1 finished filling his vessel with Gas from the Shell Gas Station. Injured began to untie the vessel from the aft. As she untied the vessel O1 Started the vessel. At this time (Injured) began to board the interior of the vessel by walking between the built in walk way between the gunwale and the seating area that serves as a seat as well as the cover to the engine compartment. As she entered the vessel the boat exploded, the engine compartment caught fire and she was exposed to a Flash burn. 

She immediate jumped into the water, the passenger and sister to Injured was at the bow of the boat also jumped into the water. O1 remained on the vessel in an attempt to extinguish the fire. A vessel nearby gave O1 their fire extinguisher but was unsuccessful in extinguishing the flames.

A bystander picked up O1 and ferried him to the dock where the fire department assisted others from the water. Once they helped the two individuals out of the water and victim was treated for her burns.

Injured's burns were beyond first aid and she was transported to Memorial Hermann off Fannin st in Houston TX to the burn center for further treatment.

After observing the boat accident, I, Texas Game Warden, observed the blower fan in the off position. The extinguisher that was built into the engine compartment, according to the fire department was activated but failed to extinguish the flames. Warden informed me they had got out at approximately 4:45PM and came to get fuel before their evening. As he turned the motor on Injured removed the rope from the dock and began to get back into the main seating area of the vessel. After approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute the vessel exploded. O1 had 3 beers on board but all were unopened and he had not yet consumed any alcohol.  



7-10-23 update: Injured received 2nd degree burns on over 40% of her body. 2-3 Week recovery time according to Doctor.

8-26-23 : Reached out to victim and no response.


BARDID: TX-2023-0092
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:24:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0301 LEWISVILLE
NearestCityTown: Lake Dallas
County: 061 DENTON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Sunday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, July 9th, 2023, at approximately 4:24 pm, O1 was operating a Sea Doo RXT-X, on Lake Lewisville. O1 was travelling south from the South Cut in the Lake Dallas dam when he struck a large wave/wake. He lost control of his vessel and was ejected into the water. During the impact, he broke his left arm. He was transported by responding Game Wardens to Westlake Park and was treated by the Lake Cities Fire Department. No damage was visible on the vessel and it was released to a friend.


BARDID: TX-2023-0093
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 1096 CANEY BRANCH
NearestCityTown: Sargent
County: 158 MATAGORDA
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: Y
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/4/23, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Operator was operating a Kawasaki personal watercraft bearing registration number, when he was unexpectedly passed by another personal watercraft and was thrown off due to the other watercraft’s wake. Operator was wearing a PFD and ended up in the water while his watercraft continued its course for approximately 30 to 40 feet before impacting the front corner of a pier belonging to Operator located in Texas. There were no injuries sustained, only damage to the personal watercraft and the pier. Operator exchanged contact information and Operator has agreed to repair the damage sustained on the pier.


BARDID: TX-2023-0094
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:25:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0389 JACKSONVILLE
NearestCityTown: Jacksonville
County: 037 CHEROKEE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Tuesday
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
RedactedNarrative:
After interviewing both operators it was determined that vessel 1 operator was to the left of vessel 2 operator. Both operators admitted they were cruising across the lake with operator 1 looking to the left and operator 2 looking to the right. Unknown to each operator, they were actually approaching each other at an angle perpendicular to one another. 

Upon collision, vessel 1 hit near the rear of vessel 2, causing the operator of vessel 2 to be ejected into the air before falling back into the lake. Both operators were wearing coastguard approved pfds and kill lanyards at the time of the accident. Operator 2 received a minor cut the leg but there were no other injuries. The vessels were towed by a witness boat to the ramp near the lake dam. After interviewing both operators and assessing damage, citations for 50' rule violation and for failure to complete a boater education class, were issued to both operators.


BARDID: TX-2023-0095
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:16:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0046 BASTROP
NearestCityTown: Angleton
County: 020 BRAZORIA
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 3:00 pm on 07/08/23, Vessel 1 was heading north on Bastrop Bayou pulling two subjects on a tube. The operator of the vessel decided to make a turn to the port side due to the fact that the FM 523 bridge was approximately 150 yds. ahead. When making the turn the tube with the two subjects were slung at a high rate of speed into a tree along the bank of the bayou.

 The operator estimated he was going about 25 mph. One subject struck a limb and was slung back about 30 feet into the bayou. The other subject struck close to the base of the tree and was knocked unconscious and face down in the water. (Both were wearing life jackets) Two people were putting a boat in the water and witnessed the accident. They made there way over and helped remove the two injured subjects from the water. Injured 1 required CPR to get her back to breathing. EMS arrived on scene and stabilized both injured subjects. They were then air lifted to Memorial Herman Hospital.


BARDID: TX-2023-0096
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0466 LYNDON B. JOHNSON
NearestCityTown: Kingsland
County: 150 LLANO
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
On July 1st, 2023, Game Warden received a call of a boat accident on Lake LBJ near Splash boat rental.  Upon arrival all occupants who were on the rented vessel were gone and one victim was air flighted to Senton in Round Rock Texas. During an interview with the operator, he stated two of his buddies were tubing and they wanted to get back in the boat.  He thought he had put the vessel in neutral, but it was at idle speed.  His two buddies got off the tube and swam to the latter on the tritoon boat while his wife jumped off the port side of the vessel to get on the tube. His wife decided she didn't want to get on the tube, so she swam around the motor trying to get back to the ladder.  During this time, she stated it felt like the motor sucked her in when the prop struck her on the top of her shin bone.  She got back on the vessel and He administered a tourniquet and called emergency services.  Operator returned to Rental where star flight picked up victim and flew to Round Rock with non life threating injuries.


BARDID: TX-2023-0097
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:25:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0723 TEXOMA
NearestCityTown: Gordonville
County: 091 GRAYSON
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Friday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
RedactedNarrative:
On July 14, 2023 at approximately 6:25 PM, O1 was operating Vessel 1 and O2 was operating Vessel 2. Vessels were driving towards each other, head on. When the vessels were close to each other, both operators steered their vessel in the same direction (Vessel 1 operator steered to his starboard side and Vessel 2 operator steered to his port side). The vessels collided. Vessel 1 took damage to the bow and steering column. Vessel 2 took damage to starboard side toward the bow. O1 suffered damage to his left leg. A third person, who was on a separate PWC said that he did not witness the accident, but when he turned around a saw O1 and O2 in the water. O2 went to assist, and transported them to Cedar Mills Marina. Tow Boat US was contacted and transported Vessels 1 & 2 to Cedar Mills Marina. mother transported him to ER at Sherman located at 4226 N Hwy 75, Sherman, TX. O1 was treated for injuries to his left leg including: Laceration between toes requiring 3 stitches, fractured patella, severed calf muscle which will require to be reattached, and possible knee cap damage. Both were both wearing PFDs and had kill switch attached.


BARDID: TX-2023-0098
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:43:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0320 GRAPEVINE
NearestCityTown: Grapevine
County: 220 TARRANT
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Thursday
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/13/2023, at 4:43 PM, a 911 call was received by Grapevine Police Department regarding a man disappearing below the surface of the water stemming from an incident while boating on Grapevine Lake. According to another occupant of the vessel (named Vessel 1 in this report), Subject1 and the third occupant of Vessel 1 were swimming in the water next to Vessel 1, near the water discharge tower of the Grapevine Lake dam. 

Subject1 and Subject2 were wearing PFDs. As wind currents pushed Vessel 1 away from Subject1 and Subject2, Victim attempted to operate the vessel back to their location so that they could board it. While Subject2 was able to board the vessel, Subject1 was unable to board due to vessel instability. 

Another failed attempt to approach Subject1 was made by Victim, at which point Victim entered the water without a PFD to secure Subject1. At this time, Victim noticed Vessel 1 being pushed away from their location by the wind and left Subject1 to swim after the drifting vessel. 

While attempting to swim after the drifting vessel, Subject1 stated that Victim screamed in pain and kicked his leg out of the water. Victim then disappeared below the surface of the water.  

At this time, a witness to the events taking place operated his vessel over to the scene and recovered Subject1 from the water. Subject2, who was located within the seating area of Vessel 1, was also placed on Vessel, and the 911 call was placed. 

Subject1, Subject2, and Vessel 1 were all transported back to Dock, where Vessel 1 was rented from. Responders from Grapevine Police Department, Grapevine Fire Department, US Army Corp of Engineers, and Texas Parks and Wildlife arrived at the scene shortly thereafter, with Grapevine FD and TPWD boats beginning a search of the area using side-scan sonar units. 

Searches of the lake bottom using side-scan sonar continued through 7/15/2023, when TPWD dive team identified what appeared to be a human form in 48 feet of water inside the search area, using a towable sonar device. Grapevine Fire Department Dive team was notified, and their divers made recovery of Victim's body at approximately 11:35 AM on 7/15/2023. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office was notified after recovery was made, and responded to Silverlake Marina, where Victim's body was transported to by boat after recovery. Upon arriving at 1:05 PM, Tarrant County Medical Examiner, pronounced Victim Deceased and arranged transport to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office.


BARDID: TX-2023-0099
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2023-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:44:00
State: TX
NameOfBodyOfWater: 0192 CONROE
NearestCityTown: MONTGOMERY
County: 170 MONTGOMERY
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: N
HazardousWaters: N
CongestedWaters: N
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
DayofWeek: Saturday
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
RedactedNarrative:
The scene will be on the Lake Conroe Reservoir in the South East portion of the Reservoir. The scene took place just west of the Kingston Cove Lighthouse. O1 was operating the vessel in the main portion of the lake when Injured fell off of the tube. 
The Lake Conroe Reservoir Conditions were as follows: 
Lake Level: 
200.76 ft. 
Ambient Air Temperature: 
90 degrees Fahrenheit. 
The wind was blowing at a light wind 0-15 mph. 
The area was well lit with sunlight and no clouds at the time of the accident. 
The waster surface was calm with waves ranging from 0-2 ft. 
Narrative: 
On 07/01/2023 I Deputy was notified that a boat accident happened on the Lake Conroe Reservoir at approximately 1244 hours. The area was just west of Kingston Cove Lighthouse, in the main portion of the Reservoir. I was on a vessel on the Reservoir at the time of the call and arrived on location at around 1315 hours. Upon arriving on scene I make contact with Fire Boat of MCESDl who had already made contact with the vessel. Upon making contact with Fire Boat I was advised Injured was in the water when her husband engaged the vessel motors which caused the propeller to hit her in the left buttock area causing multiple lacerations. Due to us having a paramedic on our vessel Paramedic got off my vessel and boarded their vessel which was bearing TX Registration numbers. Paramedic, along with Fire Boat then transported her and the vessel to Lakeside Marina where we were able to meet with Medics on Medic Ambulance of ESD 1. While Medic personal was taking care of her, I spoke with the boat captain who I was able to identified. He stated he rented the vessel from Rentals to take his family out and enjoy the weekend. He stated he was out towing his wife and daughter , on a tube. She stated he observed Injured to fall off the tube, so he stopped the vessel, She stated Injured was near the back of the boat but was a little ways away from the tube. He stated he engaged the vessel motor to pull ahead and get her closer to the tube. He stated when he engaged the motor, he heard her start yelling. He stated he instantly put the motor in neutral and ran to the back of the boat to help get her out of the water. He stated that is when his daughter jumped into the water to assist his other daughter with getting her out of the water. He stated they got her out of the water and observed her to be bleeding profusely, and to have a very large laceration to her left leg area. He stated that is when he got everyone else out of the water, and started to head towards rentals to get with EMS. He stated while he was driving he asked for someone to call 911 to get an ambulance. He stated while he was driving back towards land he observed Fire Boat 94 pull up to him so he came to a stop to allow them to evaluate her.  ( Daughter) stated they were out on the vessel's tubing and having a good time, when she fell off the tube. She stated her dad  engaged the motor, and she heard mom start screaming. She stated that is when she jumped in the water to see what was going on and help get her out of the water. She stated once mom was out of the water she assisted her to a seated position, and they left to go to land. 
While on scene of the marina I was able to check the safety equipment on board the vessel, which he had all Texas required safety equipment on board. I then asked him if he had consumed any alcoholic beverages to which him stated no he had not. I then administered a Preliminary Breath Test with him, which the results were 0.000. 
I photographed the vessel along with collected witness statements from all the adults who were on board the vessel. 
Medic transported victim to HCA Conroe Hospital where she was in stable condition. 
Once was at HCA Conroe Hospital Deputy responded and photographed the injuries sustained O1 was provided with a Case Number.


