On 8/7/11 at approximately 2:30 PM, I (CPO) was advised of a boat accident on the Kankakee River near an address of 8125 Blanchard Circle, Wilmington.  I arrived approximately 15 minutes later where I first talked to the driver of the struck boat.  
Operator2 advised he was traveling upstream on the Kankakee River approximately 200 yards north of the residence when a PWC (vessel #1) came out from behind another boat after jumping its wake and struck the left side of his boat (vessel #2).  He stated he was in the middle of the river, because of the congestion of boats on the river at that time and was traveling at approximately 15 to 20 mph.
I then interviewed the driver of vessel #1 (Operator1) and was given a similar statement.  He said (Operator1 is deaf, but he was communicating with me through his girlfriend) he was jumping the wake of the boat in front of him (that boat was being driven by his step-father and his mother, was watching Operator1) and as he crossed the wake he saw vessel #2 coming toward him.  Operator1 advised he then tried to wave Operator2 off.  As he struck the boat, Operator1 was thrown off the PWC.
I then interviewed parents who gave me similar statements.  stepfather stated he was trying to make a large wake for Operator1 to jump. The main difference between the two parties statements, was Operator2 stated he was traveling 15 to 20 mph, while parents stated Operator2 was doing 50 to 60 mph.  There were no other witnesses to gain a more accurate speed of Operator2''s boat.
The damage sustained by both boats support the statements given by both parties.  CPO took photo''s of both boats and the damage sustained.  Vessel #1 (PWC) sustained heavy damage to the port side, between the rub rail and keel, from the handle bars to the bow.  Vessel #2 sustained heavy damage mainly on the port side at the rub rail, near the bow.  Vessel #2 also sustained more minor damage on the port side of the boat aft of the heavy damage and continuing the length of the boat, making it visible where vessel #1 did not just hit vessel #2 and bounce off, but continued down its port side.
I gave Operator2 and Operator1 each a copy of the Boat Accident Report and explained it to them.  I then issued Operator1 citation 484943P for reckless operation a watercraft (ILCS 625, 45, 5-2). 
Witness statements and photos submitted to Chain of command.

Wilmington                    