On 09/24/13 I, CPO was notified of a boat accident that had occurred on 09/05/13 at Burnham Harbor E dock in Chicago, IL. I received the initial report and contact information from Chicago Police Marine Unit Officer notified me, on 09/05/13 he responded to a boat accident involving three vessels. A Chicago Park District sailboat (vessel 1), had struck a Sea Ray motorboat(vessel 2) that had a Sea Doo jet ski(vessel 3) moored on the swim platform. Vessels 2 and 3 were not occupied at the time of the accident.

I spoke with the operator of vessel 1. Operator1 stated his vessel "went out of control" and struck the swim platform of vessel 2 and the side of vessel 3 causing minor damage to the swim platform of vessel 2 and significant damage to the side and hull of vessel 3. I spoke the owner of vessels 2 and 3 on 09/25/13. Owner stated he was not present on the day of the accident. Owner stated he was later told by another boater who had seen the accident happen, that his two vessels had been struck. Owner made contact with the owner/operator of the striking vessel. He then contacted IDNR law enforcement. Owner stated his vessel was in the shop at the time we spoke being repaired. 

I spoke to Manager of Sailing Programs for the Goldman Foundation, about the damage done to the striking vessel. manager stated there was no physcal damage done to the striking vessel, only a minor red and yellow paint scuff, from where the bow of the sailboat struck vessels 2 and 3. 

Operator1, who was operating vessel 1 at the time of the collision, provided me with the following statement via email:
"Officer 
I was in a sailing boat under propeller and I hit a docked jet ski dock to the back of a docked motor boat my heading was south trying to exit the Burnham Park Harbor. I was taking a group of cognitive impaired adults for a ride. upon exiting the Judd Goldman sailing programs area of operations. the group of individuals started to get stressed about the amount of water coming into the stern of the boat. when I told them they could move forward the motor swung to the left propelling the boat to the right and that is when contact was made. the motors collar was found to be faulty. I have 100+ hours on the freedom 20''s, and that is the vessel I was on during the accident. I have 100+ hours on Boston whalers and Inboard/Outboard motor boats ranging from 16-22 feet. I have taking the U.S. Sailing certification. As well as the mandatory Boat safety class in Michigan when I was Fourteen."

No injuries resulted from this collision. Upon further investigation, Operator1 was not cited for any vioilations. The collision was not a result of careless operation and no USCG navigational rules were violated. This collision appears to have been caused by a faulty peice of equipment in the steering/control system of vessel 1.

Nothing Further
Chicago