On May 27th 2012 at 19:07 we were notified of a boating accident on Watauga Lake in Carter County.  I responded from the Watauga Arm of Watauga Lake to the Lakeshore Area of Watauga Lake via patrol vessel.  Officer also responded to the scene by land.   I arrived on scene on May 27th 2012 at 19:30.  Two vessels had been involved in a collision and the occupants were on the dock being treated by Carter County Rescue Squad.    

Vessel one was TN 2032 DJ an Aqua patio 22ft'' and had damage to the starboard side of the vessel.  Vessel two was NC9589 DT an Islander 24ft'' and had damage to the bow starboard area of the vessel.  The aqua patio had 5 occupants with injuries, all injured refused treatment.  The Islander had 1 occupant with injuries, injured refused treatment.   The operator of the Aqua Patio showed signs of impairment and was asked to submit to a blood sample on scene due to the injuries that had occurred to the occupants in reference to the law 69-9-217(h).  Operator1 voluntarily submitted to the blood sample at 20:03.  Operator1 was then administered a field sobriety test and was not arrested based on his performance. 

Based on Statements from occupants of the Aqua Patio:
The Aqua Patio was traveling from the Big Island Area of Watauga Lake to Lakeshore Marina.  The occupants state the Islander was traveling out of lakeshore Marina pulling an individual on a knee board.  The operator of the Aqua Patio, Operator1, stated that the Islander was traveling towards them on the starboard side.  Occupants of the Aqua Patio stated that the operator of the Islander was maneuvering his vessel to increase the side to side motion of the knee boarder in tow.  The occupants stated that the Islander was traveling at full speed.  Operator1 stated that before impact, he tried to turn the vessel and put the throttle into reverse.  

Based on Statements from the the Islander:
The Islander was traveling from Lakeshore Marina out in to the lake to tow an individual while knee boarding.  The operator of the Islander stated he was towing and looking back at the knee boarder when he began to look forward the impact occurred.  Operator2 stated that his vessel was travelling on plane approximately 20 mph.  The Occupants stated that the Aqua Patio was traveling at a decent speed.  A subject was ejected upon impact into the water.    

Damage Assessment
TN 2032 DJ Aqua Patio 
Starboard Bow seat displacement, Starboard Bow railing and pontoon impact damage
NC 9589DT Islander
Bow railing impact damage, Starboard Bow pontoon impact damage

HAMPTON                       