On Saturday, July 14, 2012 at approximately 5:45 PM, I (CPO) was contacted by Chicago Marine Patrol concerning a swimmer that had been struck by a prop of another boat.  I advised them to take a report an intitial report (Attached) and I would handle the investigation.  Chicago Marine Unit informed me the victim was at Northwestern Hospital in serious condition, but was expected to be released.

On Sunday, July 15, 2012 I spoke with Victim about the incident and asked him to explain what had happened.  Victim stated he had been diving down to the bottom of the play pen trying to find items that others had dropped.  Victim said as he rose to the surface, he ran into the prop of Vessel 1.  Victim sustained deep lacerations to the back of his right arm and the right portion of his back.  He recieved 150 stitches and was released at 2:00 AM.

After speaking with Victim, I attempted to contact the operator of Vessel 1, after a failed attempt, I was able to reach one of the occupants.  Occupant stated he, Operator1, and the other 2 occupants had been talking with some friends on another boat, and after they concluded the conversation, Operator1 put Vessel 1 in gear.  Shortly after Vessel 1 was put in gear, all occupants heard a "Thud," when everyone turned to look at what they had hit, Victim''s head popped to the surface and said something to the effect of he was hurt and to call the police.  Chicago Marine Patrol was on scene in a matter of minutes to render first aid and get emergency services en route.

Occupant explained they were mindfull of the swimmers in the area that day and stayed no less than 40 feet away from them.  Occupant also stated that Victim was approximately 75 feet away from the back of his boat (Vessel 2) when the incident occured.

On July 16, 2012 at approximately 3:20 PM I spoke with Operator1.  He stated the same facts as Occupant concerning the incident.  In addition to the facts, Operator1 also said he took extra care to avoid being near any swimmers.  Once Operator1 began leaving the area, he started out in a north east heading, then made a right turn to south.  Once he made the turn, is when the incident occured.

After Victim was taken to Northwestern, Operator1, his crew, and Vessel 1 were taken to the Joint Marine Facility for questioning.  All parties and Vessel 1 were released without recourse.

I will not be taking enforcement action to any parties involved.

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