After reviewing the eye witness statements from RFC, the evidence that was located on vessel 1 and the tube, and speaking to the adult witnesses on vessel 2, it is my opinion that operator1 operated in a reckless and negligent manner while he was trying to “splash” the occupants on vessel 2 and the tube at the time of the collision. Operator1 approached vessel 2 from the starboard side when he struck the front of the tube. The tube was being towed forty-eight (48) feet behind vessel 2 at the time of the collision. Vessel 1 struck both of the juveniles who were riding on the tube causing serious head and upper body injuries to each of them. (See attached diagrams) On person later died from the injuries that he sustained in this incident and the other is recovering from the serious injuries that she sustained in this incident.
FLOWERY BRANCH                