On 06-12-2012, I, CPO received information that a boat accident had occurred the previous day.  Contacting Rock Island Arsenal Assistant Fire Chief, I learned there were three occupants on board the watercraft (including the owner). Assistant Chief advised the watercraft involved in the accident sank. Assistant Chief told me all three subjects on board the watercraft were wearing PFDs.   I asked Assistant Chief if they recovered the watercraft.  He was unsure if the watercraft had been recovered. 
         On 06-13-2012, I called Operator.  Identifying myself to Operator, I confirmed his identity.  I asked Operator if he had been involved in a boat accident.  Operator confirmed he was involved in an accident.  I asked Operator what happened.  Operator advised he was fishing with his two sons.  Operator told me he moved the watercraft to a new location (farther down stream along Arsenal Island).  Operator advised he attempted to anchor the watercraft from the rear of the boat in the new location.  Operator advised the current was very strong and the anchor did not initially hold the watercraft.  Operator told me that when the Anchor finally hooked something, it pulled the rear of the watercraft down.  Operator advised water began to come over the transom of the watercraft.  Operator told me he went toward the rear of the watercraft to unhook the anchor.  Operator advised the extra weight of him and his son drove the transom of the watercraft deeper into the water.  Operator advised the watercraft sank.  I asked Operator if they were able to recover the watercraft. Operator told me he went out later that day and was able to locate the watercraft with sonar.  Operator advised he hired a recovery firm to attempt to locate and recover the watercraft.  Operator advised the firm was unable to locate the watercraft the following day.  Operator advised the commercial barge traffic was likely to blame for the missing watercraft (according to firm).  I advsied Operator I would like to meet with him and get a statement from him.  Operator agreed. 
          On 06-18-2012 at approximately 1:00 PM, I drove to Operator''s residence.  Parking in the driveway, I met with Operator.  Identifying myself to Operator, I confirmed his identity.  I asked Operator if he had recovered anything from the accident.  Operator showed me a small pile of equipment (including two fuel tanks and a tackle box) he had recovered.  I went inside with Operator and again asked him what happened.  Operator repeated the facts of the accident to me.  I confirmed with Operator that he and his sons were wearing PFDs.  Operator agreed.  I went through the boating accident report form with Operator and filled in all of the required information.  
          Completing the report, I asked Operator to write me a statement reference the boat accident.  Operator agreed (attached).  


Rock Island                   