Vessel 1 ,with two persons on board, was travelling from South Bass Island/Kelley's Island back to West Harbor when Vessel 1 began experiencing mechanical/electrical problems.  When the Operator removed the engine cover he observed sparks coming from the ignitiion coil.  The Operator then anchored Vessel 1 from the stern and attempted to work on the engine.  The anchor came loose in a storm that whipped up and Vessel 1 then drifted into the west side of the west breakwall of the new entrance to West Harbor.  Vessel 1 was slammed against the breakwall, creating a large hole on the starboard forward portion of the hull, also damaging the stern drive.  The two Occupants aboard Vessel 1 then exited the vessel and secured Vessel 1 away from the breakwall after the storm had passed.  After trying unsuccessfully to get to shore by traversing the breakwall (there was a break in the breakwall that they could not cross), the Operator contacted a family member who in turn contacted the Coast Guard.  The Coast Guard responded to the scene and transported both Occupants to shore.  The Division of Watercraft responded to the scene shortly thereafter and was told by the Operator of Vessel 1 that there were no injuries as a result of the accident and that he had not been consuming alcohol prior to the incident.  The Watercraft officer performed a horizontal gaze stygmus test which the Operator passed.  Vessel 1 was later towed in and examined, at which time a large hole was observed on the starboard forward part of the hull; the entire stern drive was also missing.  Large scratch marks were also found all over Vessel 1's exerior.  Further examination revelaed that the ignition coil had melted.
Catawba Island                