Based on a statement given by subject, on Friday Nov. 18, 2011 he and two juvenile females were operating a vessel on Watauga Lake in Carter County.  One of the juvenile females was the operator of the vessel at the time of the incident. Subject stated he was sitting close by and supervising the young girl.  The vessel was traveling west down the reservoir close to the island commonly referred to as the big island, at approx. 16:20 the steering wheel jerked hard to the right and the engine shut off.  Subject stated that he suspected hitting something but upon looking around the area saw nothing that could have been struck.  There is a very sharp rock ridge in this area and it is believed this is what the lower unit of the motor struck.  This rock ridge is hidden just under the surface of the water at the current lake level.  All the damage was to the motor of the vessel.  The motor is a Yamaha 90 hp serial number 61PL11044085.
HAMPTON                       