On 7/21/2012 at about 5:43pm, MACC dispatch received a complaint owner of vessel #1, a 18' open motorboat.  He had been advised by multiple subjects that one of his rental boats, vessel #1, had been operating recklessly.  Vessel #1 had been seen running into rocks in the diving area north off Northrup Point.  Witnesses suspected that the operator was under the influence.  The vessel owner indicated that vessel #1 had been rented at the Coulee City park.   

Vessel #1 owner had received a phone call from the subject who rented the vessel (apparent operator) claiming that someone on a PWC had run into him earlier in the day while he was in the park.  He indicated he would be bringing vessel #1 to the launch/dock.  The apparent operator, operating vessel #1 at the time, arrived at the dock.  witness #1, was a passenger.  A male subject who was very intoxicated was a second passenger - he refused to identify himself. 

The operator and witness #1 stated that they had vessel #1 anchored while everyone was on the shore sunning.  They claimed that a red PWC came into the area and ran into the left side of vessel #1.  They indicated that the subject fled and they did not know who it was.  They claimed that they did not have cell coverage so were not able to report the incident until returning to Coulee City.  They had not obtained a registration number from the suspect vessel.   

An investigator inspected the damage and noted it was not consistent with the incident as reported by the operator.  The damages were inspected and noted that there was rough scrapping damage along the port bow that completely broke away the gel coat and did some fiberglass damage  It was also noted that there was damage on the port side midship.  This damage did not show rough scrape marks.  Black transfer marks in this area that would be consistent with a vessel rub rail was also observed but is unknown when this may have occurred.  The midship port side damage was the result of a force applied directly into the side of the boat forcing the fiberglass side of the boat to flex inward.  This damage was centered on the damaged boat's rub rail.  There was not any transfer other than the black previously mentioned.  Near the stern or transom on the port side of the boat a vertical crack about 4-5 inches long was visible in the gel coat.  The lower unit had impacted debris and had apparent fresh scrapes  The aluminum prop had rolled edges and fresh damage.  Damage to the prop was consistent with running prop in sand that had small rocks in it.  The owner indicated that all of the noted damage was new.  After further investigation and interviewing of witnesses #2 and 3, it was determined that the operator had not been truthful regarding the events that took place.   

The investigator concluded that the operator's account of the incident was false.  Perjury charges were requested from the Prosecutor.
 
There were no injuries reported.  Damages to vessel #1 were reported at $3000.00.  There was evidence of alcohol found on board of vessel #1.  Operator impairment is noted as "unknown".  He was not cited or arrested for BUI.
Electric City                 