On 8/11/2012, at about 6:55pm, vessel #1, a 1982, 17' Boston Whaler open motorboat driven by Operator was traveling approximately 20-30 mph.  Operator drove over a submerged log in the 800 block of the Snohomish River.  The victim was sitting on the bow of the boat.  After the outboard engine struck the log Occupant was ejected from the boat on the starboard side.  It took Operator approximately 20-30 yards to turn around and pick up Occupant.  Operator thought Occupant may have struck the boat but was not sure. 

Occupant was struck by the boat and propeller.  He received a large cut to the leg, possible fractured skull, and other internal injuries.  He was transported to Providence Hospital Colby Campus. Occupant required surgery and had two separate life threatening injuries - a ruptured stomach and a skull fracture.  Hospital staff were concerned about swelling of the brain.  Occupant's leg injury was not considered life threatening. 

Operator agreed to perform some voluntary field sobriety tests - Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), One Leg Stance, and Walk & Turn.  Once Operator had completed these tests it was determined by law enforcement that he was intoxicated.  Operator refused a breathalyzer.  He was arrested for Operation of a Vessel Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor and/or Drugs and Assault by Watercraft. 

There were 6 people on board of the vessel.  No PFDs were worn.  No other injuries were reported.  Engine damage estimated at $1,000.00.

Alcohol use by the victim is unknown.

Everett                       