Vessel 1 secured to mooring in mooring field near shore, occupants were sleeping at the time of occurrence. Vessel 2 transiting from inner Belfast Harbor to mooring located near Bay Side in North Port. Vessel 2 struck vessel 1 bow to bow causing damage to bow sections of both vessels. Vessel 2 rudder caught on Vessel 1 mooring, causing them to be stuck side by side until morning when they freed the vessels. Operator of Vessel 2 had been operating at night, in the fog, no radar, no lookout, using smart phone for navigation. Operator of Vessel 2 admitted to drinking 3-4 drinks earlier in the evening, but did not drink alcohol since 2345 hours. Vessel 2 Operator stated that he left the dock to head back at approximately 0130 hours. Vessel 2 operator stated that he was not intoxicated at the time of operation. No BAC available from time of crash because of late report. Vessel 1 owner/operator reported that he believed the operator of Vessel 2 had been drinking, however, in his opinion he did not seem intoxicated.
Belfast