On March 14,2012 I was advised by Ranger that there was a boat incident at Horseshoe Bend landing on the Flint River. I arrived by boat at Horseshoe Bend and spoke with Operator2 who was the operator of a 2007 21ft Ranger bass boat. Operator2 stated that he was traveling north on the Flint River on the right side of the channel and was traveling approximately 38mph. He observed a green Lowe boat traveling south on the left side of the channel. As the Lowe boat got closer to him the operator then turned left into his path. Operator2 stated that he turned hard right and cut the gas back to try to avoid a collision. Operator2 was unable to avoid a collision and struck the starboard side of the Lowe boat with the port side of his Ranger boat. Operator2's boat received damage to the underside of the port side of his boat, starting in the bow area and continuing down the length of his boat. The operator of the Lowe boat was identified. Operator1 was being treated by the Decatur county E.M.S when I arrived on scene and he was transported to Archbold Hospital in Thomasville for treatment. Cpl. was contacted and asked to meet the ambulance at the hospital and get statements. I told Cpl. that I would meet him there later that night at the hospital. When I arrived at the hospital I spoke with Operator1. I asked Operator1 what had happened on the river. He stated that he was traveling south on the Flint River. He observed Operator2's boat coming towards him at a high rate of speed. He said that he thought Operator2 was going to run into him so he turned to the left to try to avoid getting hit by Operator2. When operator1 turned left Operator2 turned right and the two vessels hit. Operator1 was struck on the starboard of his vessel near the stern. The impact caused severe damage to the starboard side and stern of his vessel. The impact knocked Operator1 into the floor of the boat and his boat was out of control. Operator2 and his passenger was able to get Operator1's boat stopped and towed him to Horseshoe Bend Landing to meet the ambulance. Operator1 received 12 stitches and had 3 broke ribs. He was treated and released from the hospital. Operator2 and his occupant were not injured. The incident could have been avoided if Operator1 would have followed the rules of the road and turned his vessel right instead of left into the path of Operator2s vessel.
BAINBRIDGE                    