On March 16, 2012 at 7:00am I, Officer, received a call that a vessel had run aground opposite of Point 19 on Boone Lake in Washington County.  Upon arrival on scene, a 22ft Carolina Skiff was found aground across from Point 19 on an exposed flat.   Operator was the only occupant and said the grounding occurred at 5:30 am while he was on his way to a near cove to catch bait for fishing.  The vessel struck the exposed flat and traveled approximately 40 to 50 ft before coming to a stop.  Operator suffered no injuries during this event.  The vessel suffered visible damages to the hull, gel coat, and propeller.  Boone Lake was approximately 1370ft in elevation at the time of the accident.  Boone Lake is at or near full pool at 1382 ft in elevation.
Based on Operator Statements:
Operator launched his vessel around 5:15 am at Boone Dam Access Area and traveled up the Watauga Arm of Boone Lake.  Operator stated that he was traveling at one half to three quarter throttle, approximately 25 to 30mph.  Operator stated he was utilizing his GPS and graph to follow old tracks that he had traveled on the lake.  Operator then stated he looked away for a few seconds and when he looked back up, he seen the flat.   Once Operator saw the flat, he was unable to maneuver before grounding.  Operator grounded the vessel and waited for assistance to arrive.

JOHNSON CITY                  