On August 1, 2009 I, Indiana Conservation Officer  responded to a boat accident on Manitou lake in Fulton county at ~1545. Fulton county dispatch acknowledged that a boat was struck and 5 individuals were in the water. I also contacted Officer 2 and he began en route as well. 

I spoke with the initial caller and witness Witness 1 and he said that a white American Skier boat was loading or unloading water skiers into the water when he watched a white Malibu boat pulling individuals on a tube run into the port (left) side of the American Skier. He said he saw passengers from the American Skier boat were seen jumping into or thrown into the water. He said the boats then begin heading east towards the direction of the public access on Manitou.

Officer 2 had arrived at the public access and was able to obtain information from both operators/owners of both boats. 

I arrived at the access and obtained additional information and took photos of the American Skier and Malibu. According to Operator 1, the owner and operator of the Malibu, he was pulling two children on a tube while his Malibu was set on cruise at 20mph. He passed the American Skier and when he turned around he did not realize the American Skier was there and came into contact. 

According to Operator 2, the operator and owner of the American Skier, his boat had come to a stop or slow idle to let skiers into the water when passengers on his boat began to shout about a boat approaching there boat and as it got closer they jumped out of the boat. 
The American Skier was severely damaged on the port side. The hull had a crack in the side and the gunwhale was gashed and broke from the impact of the Malibu. The glass window of the American Skier was shattered and glass littered the inside of the boat. The center engine cover/seat was separated from the floor and moved to the starboard side. The passenger seat was also separated from the floor and a hole was present in the floor from the fiberglass being torn away. The American Skier's ski pole was also torn away and laying on the starboard gunwhale. There was water present in the hull of the boat. Estimated damage is over $1,000. (see photos)

Each boat had adequate USCG approved PFD's and no one was (miraculously) injured.

END OF REPORT
Rochester                     