On July 14, 2013 at around 1425 Montana State Game Wardens received notification from Lewis and Clark County Dispatch that there was an injury boat wreck near Kim''s Marina on Canyon Ferry Reservoir. Dispatch explained that a personal watercraft (PWC) had impacted a vessel and that the operator of the PWC was injured. Warden responded immediately while Warden retrieved a patrol boat. While en route dispatch broadcasted that the motorboat involved in the wreck had given his business card to an employee at the marina and left the scene. 
At approximately 1445 Warden arrived at Kim''s Marina. Upon arrival the warden found the operator of the PWC under the care of medical personnel. Three groups of witnesses met the warden at the dock. Two of the groups were boating in the area when the wreck occurred. The third group was on shore and heard the collision, saw the recovery, and administered first aid upon the injured operator''s arrival to shore. Both of the families stated that the PWC operator was jumping the wake of their vessels, well within 100 yards, for several miles. The operator of MT2990BA stated that he had yelled at the PWC operator to stop jumping his wake so closely. 
According to the operators and the occupants of both MT2990BA and MT2400AP, the PWC operator was jumping the wake of MT2990BA when MT5343AW was cruising past MT2990BA going the opposite direction. The witnesses stated that it appeared that the PWC operator did not see MT5343AW until it was too late to prevent collision. The witnesses continued that just before impact the PWC operator turned the PWC to avoid collision and impacted the port side of the hull towards the bow of the vessel. The point of impact on the PWC was the stern. Upon impact both the operator and the occupant were ejected from the PWC hitting an unknown fixed object. The operator was rendered unconscious and was found floating face down in the water by MT2990BA and MT2400AP. The occupant remained conscious and responsive. Both were wearing Type III PFDs.
The occupants and operators of MT 2990BA and MT2400AP pulled the PWC operator and the occupant onto their vessels. When the PWC operator was on board he began to regain consciousness and cough up blood. He was reported as being unable to answer simple questions. Both recovery vessels took the PWC operator, occupant, and PWC to Kim''s Marina. the operator of MT2990BA, called 911 to report the accident while he was driving to the marina.MT5343AW followed the vessels to the marina.
Upon reaching the docks, (EMT) and subjec stated that they began assessing the injured parties and administering first aid until medical arrived. Witnesses stated that Operator2, the operator of MT5343AW, left his business card with an employee of Kim''s Marina, and departed the scene. The witnesses also stated that Operator2 made the comment that he wasn''t going to wait around and that he wanted to get back to enjoying his afternoon with his children.
Once Wardens collected all witness statements, including the statements of the PWC operator1, they left the scene to search for MT5343AW. Both Operator1 and v1 occupant admitted that they did not know about the distance requirement for wake jumping and that they were well within 100 yards of another vessel. Prior to their departure the wardens again recommended that v1 subjects seek medical attention as both had declined transport from TriLakes EMS to St. Peter''s Hospital.
Helena