According to Operator2, the personal watercraft (PWC) struck the portside of his boat causing substantial damage.  The force of the collision knocked Operator2 off his vessel, into the water.  V2 occupant was sitting in the helm-station, passenger-side seat when the collision occurred.  She was thrown into the helm station causing injury to her right leg.  Clinton EMS transported V2 occupant from the scene, to St. Josephs Hospital - Bloomington, IL, for further evaluation.

After speaking with Operator2, deputies interviewed the PWC operator.  Operator1 said he was operating the PWC to meet with Operator2''s boating party when he lost steering control of the PWC.  Operator1 was unable to steer clear of Operator2''s boat and ultimately collided with the vessel.  

V2 occupant was the only person injured in this incident.  She was treated and released from St. Josephs Hospital on Monday, August 06, 2012.  No other passengers noted or claimed injuries. Alcohol was not a factor.

The resulting investigation determined Operator1 has extensive experience operating boats.  However, he had recently purchased 2 PWCs [June 22, 2012] and had very little experience operating them.  Operator1''s lack of experience operating PWCs directly contributed to the crash.  No indication was present to suggest an equipment malfunction occurred causing the crash.  Operator1  was cited for CARELESS OPERATION OF A WATERCRAFT [IDNR Citation- ATTACHED].

A complete narrative of the resulting investigation is attached to this report.
Clinton                       