At 9:30pm, vessel 2 being operated by operator2 was traveling south on lake wylie at estimated 14 mph with 1 passenger on board when he collided with vessel 1.  Vessel 1 was drifting and was facing north.  The two vessels collided bow to bow.  Operator2 was thrown into his steering column upon impact and suffered a laceration to his nose and arm as well as a concussion.  At the time vessel 2 collided with vessel 1, operator2 stated that there were no visible lights on vessel 1.  Given that the vessels collided in a bow to bow manner, the bow lights of vessel 1 should have been clearly visible before vessel 2 hit them.  A witness also confirmed the report of vessel 1 not having on any visible lights when the accident occurred.  No one was injured on vessel 1.  Extensive damage was caused both to the fiberglass hull of vessels 1 and 2.  Both the passengers on board vessel 2 as well as the charlotte mecklenburg police department officer that responded to the accident stated that it was clear that the operator and passenger on vessel 1 had been drinking.  However, there were no preliminary breath tests given or any blood drawn to determine the blood alcohol concentration.  Both subjects on vessel 2 stated that the passengers on vessel 1 made the comment "you guys better get rid of your beer too before the cops get here" and observed the passengers of vessel 1 sinking their beer cans.  Although vessel 1 was not under power, the consumption of alcohol may have contributed to the decision to not run navigation lights or being unaware that the navigation lights were not on.
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