On July 4, 2009 at or around 1308 hours, I received a report of a Boat Accident on KY Lake near Piney Campground and arrived on scene at 1335 hrs.  Based on statements of those involved and observations made at the scene, a synposis of the events follows:P1 was operating a vessel and picked up P2, P3 and P4 at the Blackoak boat ramp at LBL Piney Campground on KY Lake.  The vessel then proceeded upstream near the right decending bank on KY Lake.  The operator states as they got 'on plane', he hit a 'high roller' and then heard some commotion behind him and found P3 sitting on the floor complaining of severe back pain.  He states he idled to the Sweetgum Boat Ramp at Piney Campground on LBL where Stewart County EMS was called and transported P3 to Henry County Medical Center in Paris, TN. P3 was reported to be sitting in the middle of the rear bench seat.   She states that when the vessel hit the wake that she "came out of her seat and landed in the floor". She indicates that she does not believe that the operator was operating unsafe.

The overall wave conditions were calm, however there was considerable wakes being created by large pleasure boats in the channel.  The river channel is approximately 3/4 miles from where this vessel encountered the wake.  It has been my experience that it can be difficult to predict when you will encounter wakes from these type vessels running in the channel.  

Excessive speed is listed as a contribiting cause of the accident due to the fact that if P1 was going slower when he hit the wake, P3 would not have bounced out of her seat.  P3 was admitted to the hospital and diagnosised with a T-12 fracture.  She was discharged home on 7/11/09.
DOVER                         