On 07-16-2010 at approximately 7: 20 p.m., I CPO was notified via radio by IL. State Police communications a watercraft in the Cove 5 area of Lake Shelbyville was capsized.  No more information was available.  I began to respond as well as CPO1.  CPOs launched a patrol boat and headed to the capsized boat location.  CPO1 operated the patrol boat and upon arrival, I observed the bow of a white watercraft,a Donzi sticking out of the water.  The rest of the watercraft was already submurged.  We approached another watercraft, a Sea Ray positioned next to the capsized watercraft.  (IL 5128 HE)

The subject claiming to be the operator boarded our patrol boat.  he said he was making a turn when the passenger told him to turn because he thought he seen something in the water.  When the boat turned it hit a wave throwing the operator and passenger overboard.  The boat then turned on its side and capsized.

Other boaters rescued the operator and passenger.  No injuries were reported at this time.

During the investigation at the scene, information was gained that the subject who said he was the operator was not the operator.  

The actual operator of the Donzi claimed to have injuries from the boat accident.  This boat accident is pending investigation.   

On 07-22-2010 the Donzi was removed from Lake Shelbyville by a salvage crew and taken to Findlay Marina.  The Donzi sustained severe damage causing the hull to separate from the top of the boat.

Charges against four people are pending.
Findlay                       