On 03/13/2012, I was notified of the aforementioned Boat Accident by my Supervisor. On 03/13/2012, I was provided contact information by the United States Coast Guard (Calumet Harbor) regarding the individual involved in this Boat Accident.

On 03/13/2012, I made contact with (operator of watercraft) to gather information regarding the boat accident which occured on 03/07/2012.

Operaotr informed me he launched his boat from the Hammond Marina Boat Launch at approximately 1000 hours on 03/07/2012. He desribed the weather as sunny but very windy causing waves in his estimation between five and eight feet in size. Operator was pleasure boating for approximately two hours before he lost engine power in his boat as a result in fuel shortage. 

After losing engine power, he called for help via his cellular phone. Operator informed he attempted to stay in open water using his boat''s electric trolling motor. The trolling motor was not useful against the high winds and waves. He wore a personal flotation device while underway.

Operator was drifting in a north direction into Illinois waters of Lake Michigan. He estimated contact was made with a breakwall located near the mouth of the Calumet River thirty minutes after he lost engine power. Once his boat made contact with the breakwall, Operator decided to abandoned his boat for his safety and stood on the breakwall to await rescue. According to Operator , his boat continued to be pounded against the breakwall because of the high winds and large waves. 

Operator was rescued from the breakwall by the United States Coast Guard. He informed me he was cold but refused medical treatment after he returned to port and had no injuries resulting from the events.

Operator hired Great Lakes Towing who removed his boat from the waters on 03/09/2012. 

Operator informed he was provided an estimate of $10,700.00 in total damages to his boat as a result of this event.

Nothing Further.
Chicago                       