On july 19, 2011, at approximately 12:45pm, operator of vessel 1, stated he was traveling approximately 25 mph north on the icw when he observed vessel 2 traveling in the same direction at a slower speed, but traveling fast enough to be on plane.  Operator1 altered his course to the left and reduced his speed as he was overtaking vessel 2 on his right, leaving approximately 80 ft between the two vessels.  Operator1 stated as his vessel pulled even alongside vessel 2's stern, vessel 2 made an aggressive left turn.  Upon observing vessel 2's turn, operator1 also attempted to turn left in an attempt to avoid a collision.  However, the right side of vessel 1 struck the left side of vessel 2.  Operator1 stated the operator of vessel 2 never looked back before making a turn to the left.

operator of vessel 2, stated he was traveling north under 10 mph on the icw.  Operator2 reduced his speed so he could make a left turn into shandy creek.  As he was making a left turn, he looked to his left and observed vessel 1 approximately 20 ft away traveling at a high rate of speed in his direction.  However, later operator2 stated he wasn't sure which direction vessel 1 was coming from.  Operator2 stated vessel 1 struck his vessel in the left rear side.  Operator2 was not sure if he looked to his left prior to making the left turn to be sure there were no boats approaching from the south.

Witness statement corroborated operator1's statement.  Witness stated vessel 1 did everything he could to avoid the accident and that the operator of vessel 2 never looked prior to making a left turn.

There were no injuries as a result of the accident
Operator2 was charged with reckless/negligent operation.
There was minor fiberglass damage on the hull of v1.  V1 sustained approximately $500.00 in damage.
There was major fiberglass damage along the left side of vessel 2.  Vessel 2 sustained approximately $9,000.00 in damage.

WILMINGTON                    