Responded to call of vessel accident at North end of Soldiers Creek.  Arrived to find a vessel in the woods.  The operator had driven his vessel into the woods across from where he entered the waterway.  He had fallen out of the vessel, been struck in the lower right leg by the propeller, and fallen into the water.  Good samaritan and his wife were fishing upstream when they heard the noise of the propeller running out of the water.  They described it as the sound of a generator.  As they went to investigate, they found the Operator flailing about in the water.  Good samaritan had to fight Operator to get him to the shore as good samaritan2 called 911 for help.

Operator was barely coherent upon arrival and rapidly succumbing to shock.  His breath had a fruity smell which I attributed to possible diabetic issues.  He was treated by local rescue personnel, transferred to our vessel, and transferred to the mouth of Soldiers Creek for helicopter transport to Baptist Hospital trauma center.

Good samaritan and his wife brought operator to a family members residence.

Investigation of the vessel showed the throttle still fully open, large amounts of blood and flesh at the propeller, a cold alcoholic beverage in a topped insulated cup, and cracks in the vessel hull.  Photos were taken, and the vessel transported to a family members dock.  

A subpoena was made to Baptist Hospital for Operator's medical records.

The medical records revealed the presence of alcohol and cannabinoids.

Lillian                       