On Monday July 30 2012 at approximately 16:56, I received a call from Tennessee Wildlife Dispatch advising that there was a boat accident on Boone Lake in Washington County. Officers responded. After assessing the damage and interviewing all parties involved, I determined that Operator2, 11 years old, was operating a 1995 Kawasaki personal watercraft (V1) when he struck the port, bow of a 1989 Mastercraft run-about style boat (V2) operated by Operator1. Operator2 left his dock on a personal watercraft with one 13 year old passenger on the back and headed across the channel. Operator1 was traveling upstream approximately 1/4 mile upstream of Pickens Bridge when his vessel was struck by the personal watercraft. When Operator1 saw the personal watercraft coming toward him, he slowed down and put his boat into reverse to attempt to avoid collision. Operator2 lost control of the personal watercraft and was not able to recover before the collision. At the time of the collision, the personal watercraft was traveling approximately 20 miles per hour and the mastercraft was traveling about 10 miles per hour. The personal watercraft ramped up on the port gunwale of the Mastercraft, rotated counter clockwise and then slid backward off the port gunwale. Operator2 was ejected from the boat, but did not sustain any injuries. The passenger, was not ejected, but jumped in to help Operator2. Both Operator2 and v2 occupant were wearing lifejackets. Operator2 was not wearing the kill switch lanyard. No one in the Mastercraft was ejected or injured. Both parties drove to Operator2''s dock and waited for TWRA to arrive.  Mother of Operator2, gave permission for her 11 year old son to operate the personal watercraft. This case has been presented to a Washington County Assistant District Attorney and charges are pending.
JOHNSON CITY                  