Investigation revealed: That on Sunday, May 29, 2011 at approximately 1615 hrs. a collision took place between the above two vessels on Lake Hopatcong in the area of Sharp's Rock, Hopatcong Boro, Sussex County.  Damage sustained to vessel #1: Portside windshield and rubrail.  Damage sustained to vessel #2:  Starboard side bow scratches in gel coat.  It is unclear based on conflicting operator / witness statements as to which vessel collided into the other.  What is apparent, based on operator #1 statement is that he was in a passing / overtaking situation and that he never signaled to the other vessel as to his actions by sound device as required by U.S.C.G. Navigational Inland Rule #13 in an overtaking situation as to which side he was going to pass on.  Under this navigation rule the overtaking vessel or passing vessel is required to sound 1 short blast on his horn if he is going to pass on the port side and two short blasts on the horn if he is going to pass on the starboard side.  He must also stay clear of the overtaking vessel until he is well clear of it, for risk of collision.  The vessel being passed is required to stand on and maintain course and speed.  Operator of vessel #1's actions are a contributing factor to this accident.
Hopatcong Boro                