On the morning of October 8, 2011, Operator1 was fishing alone on the East Bank of the Big Sandy River south of the powerlines in his Triton boat.   He decided to cruise to another fishing spot near Sulphur Wells Island using his outboard motor.   

Operator2 was sitting in the front pedestal seat of his Basstracker using a trolling motor to fish for crappie near Sulphur Wells Island.  He looked over his left shoulder and saw a vessel approaching at a distance.  When he looked up again, the vessel was approximately 20 yards away heading in his direction.   He started waving his arms and shouting and the Triton struck the rear of the Basstracker.   Operator2 was struck by the Triton and both he and his dog were thrown into the water.  The Basstracker''s trolling motor was still operational and the vessel continued going away from Operator2.   Operator2 was able to swim to his vessel.   Operator1 turned around and helped Operator2 re-board the Basstracker.   Operator1 then went a short distance to get assistance from friends of Operator2.   Friends towed the Basstracker to the Mansard Island Marina to meet the ambulance.  Operator1 went to Mansard Island in his Triton using the outboard motor.

The Triton operator stated he was looking off and did not see the Basstracker.  The Triton had a front pedistal seat that was mounted forward of the operator''s console that may have obstructed the operator''s vision.

BUCHANAN                      