Officer investigated a boat accident that occurred around 12:30am, october 31, 2010.  The accident involved two vessels, one heading east and the other heading west in a narrow canal.  operator of vessel 1 was heading west and approaching a sharp turn in the canal.  The operator of vessel 2 was heading east and approaching the same turn.  Vessel 2 was 16 feet long.  Vessel 1 did not have any navigation lights and stated that he could not see vessel 2's navigation lights.  The operator of vessel 2 and passengers stated the lights were working when he left the dock but didn't know if they were on when the accident occurred.  The officer took several photos of the damaged vessel and found that the stern light on vessel 2 was covered with a piece of paper or cardboard to keep the light from shining into the vessel.  The obstruction would have made it hard to see the stern light when another vessel is approaching head on.  The operator of vessel 2 stated he knew his navigation lights had some king of a short which caused them to turn on and off when the vessel hit a wake.  The operator of vessel 2 stated he noticed vessel 1 and let off the throttle and made a sharp turn to the right but was struck.  Vessel 1 struck vessel 2 on the left side and went over the stern.  The impact caused the operator to hit the steering wheel and threw the passengers into the floor of vessel 2.  Also during impact there was a 12" hole in the side of the hull of vessel 2 which caused the vessel to take on water and sink.  The operator of vessel 1 stated he tried to make a sharp turn to avoid the accident, but it was too late.  The operator and passengers of vessel 2 climbed on board vessel 1 and were transported to the public access on knotts island where two people went to the hospital in their own vehicles.  No one was injured on vessel 1.  

The operator of vessel 1 was charged for not using proper navigation lights.
The operator of vessel 2 was charged for having obstructed navigation lights.
The canal is not a no-wake zone and no charges were filed due to speed.
Both operators were at fault due to the fact they had no proper lookout and improper use of navigation lights.  
Both operators were told by the officer to use caution and reduce speed in any narrow channel, canal or any waters of the state when visibility is restricted.
COROLLA                       