Operator and several friends had launched at Morris at 10:30am. They had operated their Personal Watercraft(PWC) down near the Marseilles Lock were had taken a break. As the group departed the area to head back to Morris at approximately 11:35am, Operator was one of the last to leave. As he got up to speed his PWC loss power while he was going approximately 10-15 mph. 

Operator''s forward momentum, loss of power and firm grip on the handle bars caused Operator to dislocated both shoulders as his body decelerated and impacted into the vessel. Other watercraft operators in his group came to his aid. Operator was able to put his right shoulder back into place. Operator decided toW try and reach Illini State Park boat ramp before seeking medical attention. So they secured Operator''s PWC to other PWC and headed for the ramp. After about 45 minutes Operator decided he was in to much pain so the group brought him to shore and called 911.  

Marseilles EMS and I located Operator at River Meadows day use area in Illini State Park. He was taken by Marseilles EMS to OSF St. Elizabeth Hospital in Ottawa. The other watercraft operators towed Operator''s PWC to the Illini State Park boat ramp so I could inspect the PWC. When they tried to load the PWC on the trailer it would not move foward. After the PWC was loaded on the trailer I inspected the PWC and found the driveshaft turned freely. This  made me determine that the PWC had a mechanical failure (broken driveshaft) that resulting Operator''s injuries. 

CPO interviewed Operator at the hospital. Operator stated he had modified the PWC''s engine and driveshaft. 

Alcohol was not a factor, no other watercraft were involved, and no enforcement action was taken.

Other operators in the group did not see the accident since Operator was one of the last to leave the area. They returned to the area when they noticed he was not with them.
Marseilles                    