Vessel 1, with 10 persons on board, was heading west returning to the Chagrin River travelling at approximately 35 miles per hour when the Operator bent down below the windshield to fix the radio on the vessel.  Immediately after he bent down he heard something strike Vessel 1, shattering the driver side windshield, and striking an Occupant aboard Vessel 1 resulting in the Victim being knocked to the floor.  The Operator reported that he did not see anything prior to the impact or before bending down.  Other Occupants aboard Vessel 1 also reported not seeing or hearing anything prior to the impact of the object.  Vessel 1 continued on to dock where the Victim was transported and treated for a laceration and a broken nose from the impact.  

Investigation of the incident revealed a plastic streak on the windshield of Vessel 1 indicating that something struck and shattered the windshield of Vessel 1, skipping off after the impact.  the windshield had remained together due to the window tint laminate.  Investigation in the location of the reported collision revealed a racing buoy that was broken off approximately 3-4 foot above the waterline.  The racing buoy did not have lighting.  The Investigator in this incident surmised that Vessel 1 had struck the unlighted buoy with the bow of Vessel 1 causing the buoy to break off and shatter the windshield.  It was most likely a piece of the buoy that struck the Occupant in the face causing her injuries.

Mentor                        