"On August 2nd 2012, I received a call of a possible vessel incident from the Region 3 office in Thomson.  I was informed to contact Operator in reference to a vessel incident that had occurred the night before.  I contacted Operator who informed me that he had struck a tree in the Little River on Clarks Hill Lake the night before.  I responded to interview Operator of the incident while Rfc. responded to the accident location by vessel.  After a brief interview with Operator, he stated that he was out on the Lake heading upstream around the Winfield Hills Area.  He stated that he was out that night just cruising the Lake with a friend and his dogs. Operator stated that he was traveling about 18-20 mph.  As he was heading upstream towards the Amity Area of the Lake, he noticed a large tree just at the waterline. Operator turned at a 9 O'clock position to avoid the tree but struck the tree on the starboard side of the vessel about six feet from the bow. The collision with the tree caused a 31/2 foot crack/hole on the starboard underside of the vessel's hull just starboard of the keel.  Operator and his passenger were ejected from the vessel.  Operator and Passenger reported no major injuries just minor soreness and bruising.  The vessel did capsize and start to float from the incident site.  Rfc. discovered the vessel near Winfield Hills and also found the tree that Operator struck with his vessel.  The tree had several small shards of white fiberglass imbedded in its interior.  Operator contacted Sea Tow to have the vessel removed.  The area that Operator was boating in has very low water levels and multiple trees and stumps at the waterline or just above the waterline.  Written statements were taken from witnesses.  No further action was taken. ,"
LINCOLNTON                    