On July 7th, 2012 at approximately 16:00 hours, I conducted a telephonic interview with Operator1 in reference to a vessel accident that occurred on July 3rd, 2012.

OPERATOR1 (owner/operator) stated that on July 3rd, 2012 he, his wife, and his two sons were recreationally boating within the Boulder Basin of Lake Mead NRA. OPERATOR1 stated that they had traveled to the Swallow Bay area after navigating from the Narrows between the Boulder Basin and Virgin Basin. At approximately 16:30 hours, he observed the weather and water getting rougher and instructed everyone on his vessel to put on their life jackets, to which they immediately did. OPERATOR1 then stated that he decided to try to make it back to Hemenway Harbor from Swallow Cove. Upon exiting the no wake area in Swallow Cove, OPERATOR1 began to turn southwest towards the Hemenway Harbor while increasing his speed. OPERATOR1 stated that the water was rough and that he took a wave over the bow upon attempting to ride the swells back towards Hemenway Harbor. OPERATOR1 stated that at that time he realized that the vessel was swamped and most likely going to submerge. He stated that he instructed his family to abandon the vessel to which they safely did prior to it submerging. OPERATOR1 and his family were rescued and brought on board a nearby house boat. Operator1 then hailed Lake Mead dispatch to report the accident via marine band radio on the house boat. OPERATOR1 stated that his vessel went down approximately 60 yards out from the no wake zone of Swallow Cove. OPERATOR1 stated that according to the house boats depth finder the lost vessel is located in approximately 120 ft. depth of water. OPERATOR1 and his family were transported to Hemenway Harbor by a larger vessel associated with the house boat which rescued them. OPERATOR1 stated that he called the Lake Mead Dispatch the next day to advise that they had been brought into Hemenway Harbor rather than Callville Bay as previously planned to accomplish a report with a Ranger. OPERATOR1 stated that he only had the name of the house boat  (Martini Shaker), which had rescued them. OPERATOR1 confirmed that no one had suffered any injuries. OPERATOR1 further stated that his vessel was the only reportable item damaged and lost.

Las Vegas                     