According to witness statements on March 30, 2011 at approximately 8:08 AM Vessel #2 was crossing from the East Bank to the West Bank of Bear Creek.  At the same time vessel #1 had just begun setting a net out from the Mississippi side and were backing to the East at an idle toward Alabama.  V1occupant was at the bow feeding the net into the water while Operator1 was at the helm at mid-ship.  At that point Vessel #2 collided with the commercial fishing vessel #1.  Vessel #2 bow struck V1 motor and continued down the port side of the vessel.  The impact knocked V1 occupants down in their boat causing multiple injuries to both men.  Vessel #2 l had a point of impact damage from the bow down the starboard side for 32".  Vessel #2 also had 100" scrape down the starboard side,  a three inch hole in the bottom of the boat near the transom, and a piece broke off the lower unit.  Vessel #1 point of impact was the back of the motor.  Vessel #1 had damage to the following:  motor cover, motor, and scrapes and damage down the port side of the vessel.
Cherokee                      