On July 2, 2010 at approximately 1:05 p.m. I, Conservation Police Officer, contacted Dr. by phone concerning a boat accident involving his vessel June 18, 2010 in Burnham Harbor, "D" dock, slip #34, 1559 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL.  He indicated his boat had been involved in an accident while moored to his slip at "D" dock.  He and his wife were on board when their neighbor, occupying slip #33, attempted leaving. DR informed me his vessel had already been transported to Seneca, IL for repair.  He stated estimated costs of repairs were $30, 000.  I then by phone contacted Operator1, driver of the watercraft referred to hereafter as vessel #1, and arranged to meet at the slip in Burnham Harbor on Tuesday, July 20th, where Operator1 explained the circumstances regarding the collision.  On Thursday, June 10, 2010, at approximately 9:15 p.m. at Burnham Harbor Marina, Chicago, vessel #1, operated by Operator1, attempting to leave its slip at D #33, struck vessel #2 moored to slip at D #34.  

According to Operator1''s account of the incident I determined, due to high winds and low visibility, Operator1, operator of vessel #1, while attempting to navigate forward out of slip #33, and into the channel, lost control when the boat, overtaken by the elements, crossed the channel-space too rapidly, placing the boat in jeopardy of colliding with vessels on the other side; Operator1 attempted to avoid collision across the channel by quickly shifting to reverse engines, however, the continued force of the winds caused his boat to collided with vessel #2 upon his too rapid reverse of direction, and failure to appreciate the alternative jeopardy due to low visibility; and, unable to make critical correction in time, Operator1''s boat collided with vessel #2 resulting in damages to the diving platform and associate assembly at an estimated cost of $29, 076.58 to repair (attached).  No other damage was sustained by vessel #1, nor were there injuries to any occupants or passengers of either vessel.  Subsequent communication with owner2 by phone, and owner2's wife on July 21st at the slip (upon the boat''s return), both present aboard their boat the night of the incident, enabled me to confirm no other injury, suspicion of impairment on the part of Operator1, nor other circumstances were witnessed or suspected.

operator of vessel #1, due to careless or heedless disregard for hazzards to navigation from a combination of unfavorable conditions, was issued citation #475459N for violation of Chapter 625 ILCS 45 45/5-1: "No person shall operate any watercraft in a careless or heedless manner as to endanger any person or property, or at a rate of speed greater than will permit...the exercise of reasonable care to bring the watercraft to a stop......"

operator1 is to appear at Cook county Circuit Court, at 50 West Washington, Room 408, on Novemeber 8th, 2010, at 9 a.m.
Chicago, IL                   