NPS Ranger advised that two U.S.B.P. Agents were on patrol and had been struck by another vessel near RG Buoy #4 in the Rio Grande River at approximately 6:30p.m.  The vessel operated by U.S.B.P. Agents was identified as a closed cabin motorboat, gray in color, 24’10” SAFE boat with twin 225 horsepower Mercury engines (Vessel 2).  The other vessel (Vessel 1), identified as a red in color, 2010 Nitro Z-8 open motorboat bearing TX 5317 BB with a 225 horsepower Mercury engine. 
  
Ranger advised that vessel 2 was operated by U.S.B.P. Agent and was occupied with one additional passenger, identified as U.S.B.P. Agent.  Ranger advised that Vessel 2 was idling underway in the direction of upriver with the engines running when V2 OCCUPANT observed Vessel 1  approaching from Vessel 2’s port side.  V2 OCCUPANT yelled to OPERATOR2 that a vessel was approaching.  OPERATOR2 advised that he did not have time to do anything but apply the throttle in order to avoid a “T-bone” collision from the other vessel.  Ranger advised that vessel 1struck vessel 2 t the port corner aft of vessel 2.  Ranger advised that the operator for Vessel 1, OPERATOR1, was transported to Val Verde Regional Medical Center by EMS.  He advised that NPS Ranger accompanied OPERATOR1 in the ambulance ride to the hospital.  He advised that OPERATOR2 and V2 OCCUPANT were not injured in the collision and did not request medical attention.  Additionally, he advised that he had taken photographs documenting the damage to each vessel.   

Based on the facts, damage assessment of the vessels, statements, and the information presented to me, the following is a summary of the events that occurred: 
Vessel 2 was in neutral, facing west in the direction of upriver near RG Buoy #4 with the engines running.  Vessel 1 was traveling on plane, eastbound along the river channel following the lighted RG Buoy markers.  Vessel 2 did not have any navigation or running lights on as it was engaged in a covert law enforcement surveillance activity.  Vessel 1 approached Vessel 2.  The Operator of Vessel 2 activated the equipped navigation lights and running lights immediately prior to impact and provided substantial throttle to the vessel in an effort to conduct emergency evasive actions to avoid direct impact from Vessel 1.  Vessel 1 struck Vessel 2 at the port side stern with the port side bow of Vessel 1 ramping Vessel 1 into the air causing the starboard side of Vessel 1 to make contact with Vessel 2 as well.   

It is my assessment that the time of day, the light conditions and the lack of navigation lights by Vessel 2 are the major contributing factors that caused the accident.  No criminal charges of have been filed at this time.

Del Rio                       