On 6/5/11 at approximately 1150 hours, I along with Lt. were conducting routine patrol on Lake Conroe near the FM 1097 bridge. Montgomery county communications directed us to a boating incident that occurred in the main lake area, just north of the Lake conroe dam.  We arrived on location and observed two boats meeting the descriptions given by dispatch, tied together.  We approached and ascertained that all occupants of both boats had no injuries and did not require assistance from EMS. I brought them aboard my boat individually starting with Operator1, and briefly questioned them about the incident. Neither subject appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, nor was there any odor indicating such; also I observed no alcoholic beverage containers aboard either vessel. At this time I told both operators to follow me to Waterpoint Marian (where Vessel 1 had been rented) off of S Hwy 105 W, to better observe damage to the vessels and to obtain their written statements. 

Myself and Vessel 1 and 2 arrived at Waterpoint Marina, and at this time Lt. made contact with the passengers of both vessels in an attempt to gather personal information.  I gave both operators voluntary witness statements to fill out, and according to their statements, Vessel 1 was tubing and Vessel 2 wsa drifting and fishing. Vessel 1 was traveling toward vessel 2, Operator1 claimed he could not see Vessel 2 at this point, and Operator2 claimed he observed Vessel 1 and began to make gestures in an attempt to gain their attention.  Vessel 2 operator, observing that a bow to bow collision was about to happen made an attempt to reverse his vessel, "full reverse", to avoid it. Operator1 claimed he observed the Vessel 2, "too late". Operator2 observed Vessel 1 "turn sharply", however Vessel 1 made contact with Vessel 2, its starboard aft area striking Vessel 2's bow.

At approximately 1215 hours, Dep arrived at Waterpoint marina to assist in the investigation at my request by photographing the damage done to Vessels 1 and 2. Dep took several photographs of each.

I cited Operator1 for reckless and negligent operation, and received copies of the rental agreement and maintenance log for Vessel 1 from the staff at Waterpoint. At this time all occupants and vessels were released from the scene and this unit returned to service.

Montgomery                    