On Saturday August 14 2010 at approximately 21:45 I received a call from Tennessee Wildlife Dispatch advising a possible boat accident on South Holston Lake near Observation Knob Park in Sullivan County. Upon my arrival at Observation Knob Park, I spoke to operator who stated that he was fishing near the Tennessee/Virginia state line in his 1999 21' Stratos Bass Boat and decided to relocate. He stated that he attempted to bring the boat on plane and struck a floating object in the water. He estimated his speed to be approximately 25 miles per hour. Operator was able to drive the boat to Observation Knob boat ramp and load it on the trailer. Upon visual inspection, I observed a large hole in the lower unit gear casing and long scratches and small gouges on the starboard side of the keel that ran the full length of the boat. There were no injuries and no charges are pending.
BRISTOL                       