Operator1 and Operator2 were operating V1 and V2 respectively near the South Beach area of Big Bend State Park. Operator1 and Operator2 were both operating the PWCs in a manner that involved multiple turns and changes in speed. Operator1 reported he and Operator2 were using hand signals to let the other know their intentions on operating their PWC due to the close distance in which each was operating their respective PWC. 

     Operator1 reports he and Operator2 were each traveling about 15 miles per hour when the collision occurred. Both Operator1 and Operator2 were facing away from the Nevada Shore, East, when the collision occurred. Operator1 was turning and attempting to decrease speed at the time of collision. Operator1 reports he noticed the collision was going to occur and voluntarily jumped free of V1. Operator2 did not jump free and was ejected from V2 during the collision. 

     Operator1 received no injuries during the collision and re-boarded V1. At this time, Operator1 noticed Operator2 had gotten to V2 but was having difficulties re-boarding V2. Operator1 grabbed a toe-rope from V1 and jumped into the water to assist Operator2. An unknown person on an uninvolved PWC assisted pushing V1 into shore at Big Bend State Park. Operator1 had Operator2 hold on to V2 as Operator1 swam into shore towing V2 by hand.

     When Operator1 reached the shore, Operator2 was able to walk and was offered a chair under the shade structure by unknown persons. One of these unknown persons was reported to be a paramedic and began assessment and treatment of Operator2. This paramedic had left the scene prior to being able to be questioned.

     No other persons on scene claimed to be a witness to the incident.

     Damage noted to V1 was transfer marks and a cracked hull along the starboard side, as well as a puncture on the starboard hull near the stern. Damage noted to V2 was transfer marks near the bow, a broken plastic fairing on the bow near the steering controls, a broken steering handle on the port side, and a bent steering bar on the port side.

     Damage evidence shows that V1''s starboard side struck V2''s port side. Transfer marks show V1''s bow likely struck V2 near the bow. V1 then rotated counter clockwise causing the hull damage extending down the starboard side. The stern of V1 likely came out of the water as the puncture on the starboard side is consistent with having struck the handlebar on V2 and causing the bent handlebar, broken steering and handle, and broken plastic fairing.

Laughlin                      