On 8/19/2012 at about 1910 hrs operator was operating a vessel (UT  2332 SC), accompanied by his wife, and pulling a tube with three kids on it on at Starvation Reservoir, Duchesne County, Utah.  As he approached an area just North of the dam, he said he saw buoys but thought they were slow no wake buoys and so disregarded them.  He also told me that the sun was in his eyes and made it very difficult to see.  He hit into the island that has 4 danger buoys on it at less than 10 mph and caused damage to the vessel.   I observed large scratches and small cracks down most of the underside of the vessel, the out-drive, including the prop was severely damaged.  The cavitation plate was broken most of the way off.  Operator also told me the steering was affected and that the vessel took on large amounts of water on their way back to the boat docks.  There is likely additional damage to the underside of the boat that I could not see unless it was in the water.  No body was injured and life vests were being worn by those who, by law, had to wear them.  He stopped by the park office on the way home and advised me of the accident.  Although difficult for me to tell, from past experience I would estimate damage at around $5,000 or more.
Duchesne                      