According to statements made by the operators of both vessels, Operator1 was operating vessel 1 alone near the mouth of tulls bay heading east towards the north landing river approximately 150-200 yards from shore.  The operator of vessel 1 stated that he had been having engine troubles and was making long, slow circles in tulls bay waiting for the boat ramp to clear.  The operator of vessel 1 estimated his speed at around 10 mph.  

Operator2 stated that he was operating vessel 2 with two passengers on board.  The operator of vessel 2 stated that he was traveling east at a speed he estimated at 30-35 mph approaching from the rear and slightly to the right of vessel 1 at a distance he estimated of 50-75 feet.  The operator of vessel 2 further stated that he observed the slower moving vessel 1 in front of him and attempted to pass on the starboard side of vessel 1.  The operator of vessel 1 stated that upon observing that the boat ramp was beginning to clear, he made a sharp turn to starboard towards the ramp.  The operator of vessel 2 stated that as he was passing vessel 1, he observed it begin to make a sharp turn to starboard just in front of him.  He stated that he immediately turned to starboard and applied his brakes (his pwc was a newer model that was equipped with a braking system activated by a hand lever on the handlebars) in an attempt to avoid a "t bone" type impact.  

According to both vessel operators, vessel 2 struck vessel 1's starboard aft side, and traveled up and along the starboard side, directly impacting the operator of vessel 1 and ejecting him from the vessel.  The damage to both vessels as well as the injuries sustained by the operator of vessel 1 confirm these statements.  The operator of vessel 1 stated that he was ejected from his vessel and into the water.  The operator of vessel 2 stated that he and his two passengers were also ejected into the water.  Immediately following the accident, the operator of vessel 1 stated that he reboarded his pwc and proceeded directly to the ramp.  The operator of vessel 2 stated that he and his two passengers walked their pwc to the ramp.  The operator of vessel 1 stated that when he arrived at the ramp, he was assessed and treated by an of duty emt paramedic and currituck county ems was notified.  The operator of vessel 1 stated that he was transported by currituck ems to a hospital in virginia where he underwent emergency surgery for a fractured right femur.  The operator of vessel 2 stated that neither he nor his passengers sustained any injuries.  By all accounts, the operators and passengers of both vessels were wearing pfds at the time of the accident.  It is unknown at this time whether drugs and/or alcohol were contributing factors to the accident.  The operator of vessel 2 has been charged with operating a pwc in a reckless and negligent manner due to the speed and distance from vessel 1 in which he was operating.

CURRITUCK                     