At the time of the accident, Operator1 was operating V1 and Operator2 was operating V2 with V2 occupant as a passenger. Both vessels were headed downstream (South) along the Colorado River near the Laughlin/Bullhead City Bridge. The waves were approximately 2 feet tall due to local winds and extensive vessel activity in the area. V2 was slowing and Operator1 attempted to “catch up” and operate V1 next to V2. V1 was to the right of V2 and behind it. Operator1 stated he pressed the accelerator on V1 and headed towards V2 going at a rate of approximately 10–20 mph. 


     Due to the waves in the area, V1 struck a wave and V1 left the surface of the water. V1 landed and Operator1 was unable to redirect V1 away from V2 following landing on the water surface. The bow (front) of V1 struck the starboard (right side facing the bow) of V2 near the seating area and where Operator2 leg likely was as operator. The underside of V1 struck the starboard gunwale of V2. V1 continued towards the bow of V2 striking V2 once more on the bow prior to the vessels separating. 

     Operator2 and V2 occupant were ejected from V2. Operator1 attempted to approach Operator2 and V2 occupant in the water to rescue them. Operator1 voluntarily departed V1 in an attempt to assist operator2 and V2 occupant onto V1. Operator1 reported Operator2 stated his leg was broken at this time and Operator1 witnessed blood coming from Operator2'' leg. Operator1 was able to assist Operator2 and V2 occupant to V1.

     Operator1 swam to V2 and boarded V2. At this point Operator1 was on V2 but still had the keys to V1 due to the emergency lanyard being attached to his personal floatation device (PFD). Likewise, Operator2 and V2 occupant were on V1, but had the keys to V2. Therefore neither party was able to turn on or operate their respective PWC. Due to this all parties involved waved for assistance. 

     BCFD saw this waving as a request for assistance and responded to assist.
Laughlin