On july 6, 2013 at approximately 7:20pm, operator1 was operating a red 1986 model glassmaster 18ft fiberglass motorboat, vessel 1, on the icw directly underneath the atlantic beach, nc high rise bridge.  Operator1’s parents were also on board vessel 1.  Operator1 was cruising underneath the bridge heading west at a speed of approximately 30 mph when a larger twin engine regulator boat passed them on her starboard side.  According to operator1, the regulator boat’s wake almost caused vessel 1 to impact the bridge pylons.  According to Regulator boat operator, there was plenty of room between his boat and vessel 1 when he passed them underneath the bridge.  Operator1 continued cruising west in vessel 1 down the icw following the regulator boat that had passed her.  Operator1 observed the regulator boat that had passed her turn north into peletier creek, which is a no wake zone.  Operator1 then turned into peletier creek and pulled up to the rear port side of the regulator boat.  According to Regulator boat operator and eye witness, vessel 1 came into peletier creek on plane and idled down right behind the regulator boat.  Operator1 then began yelling at Regulator boat operator confronting him about passing her underneath the bridge.  According to operator1, the regulator boat’s stern turned towards vessel 1’s bow.  However, Regulator boat operator claimed that he was idling up the creek and never turned his boat.  According to operator1, she then pulled back on the throttle to avoid colliding with the regulator boat.  Once her boat was clear, operator1 accelerated around the regulator boat’s starboard side at an estimated speed of between 10 and 20 mph in an attempt to pass the regulator boat.  Vessel 1’s bow then struck a large wooden pylon.  Operator1 claimed that she attempted to pull back on the throttle and turn, but was unable to do so.  The impact from vessel 1’s bow colliding with the pylon pushed the pylon over, almost completely submerging it underwater.  Upon impacting the pylon, v1 operator’s mother, who was sitting in a seat located in front of vessel 1’s windshield, was thrown forward towards the bow.  After the initial collision with the pylon, vessel 1 continued on in a north easterly direction striking the yamaha 250 outboard engine of anoter boat, 26 ft seaswirl boat named the “snaggletooth” vessel 2.  Vessel 2 was elevated out of the water on a boat lift located on the south side of his dock.  After colliding with vessel 2, vessel 1 continued moving forward and struck the starboard stern of yet another boat, a 31 foot fountain boat, vessel 3.  Vessel 3 was also out of the water on a boat lift located on the north side of dock.  The operator of the regulator boat then called 911 and reported the accident.  According to Regulator boat operator, everyone appeared to be ok so he continued idling up peletier creek.  Operator1 then idled up peletier creek in vessel 1 and docked in front of harbor national marina.

No serious injuries were reported by any of the passengers in vessel 1.  Vessel 1 sustained significant structural damage to the fiberglass bow on the starboard and port side, a broken windshield, and damage to the bow rub rail.  Vessel 2 sustained significant damage to the outboard engine cowling and lower unit.  Vessel 3 sustained scratched to the starboard stern hull, starboard trim tab, and starboard outboard engine lower unit.

After completing the investigation and interviewing witnesses, operator1 was charged with operating a motor boat on the waters of this state in a reckless and negligent manner so as to endanger life, limb, or property of any person. N.c.g.s. 75a-10(a).
MOREHEAD CITY