On 061513, I, Corporal had just cleared the no wake zone at Old Salem Park on Lake Oconee.  RFC and I was stopped by a gentleman in a pontoon boat.  The operator stated he had damaged the starboard pontoon and was taking on water.  I advised Operator to immediately take the vessel to the boat ramp and load the vessel on the trailer.  I advised Operator that RFC and I would drive to the boat ramp by vehicle and inspect the vessel.

RFC looked under the pontoon and noted the starboard pontoon was damaged the entire length of the pontoon.  RFC also stated the starboard pontoon had a crack near a welded seam.  The remaining damage consisted of dents along the length of the toon.  I advised Operator that I would complete a boating incident form. RFC took pictures of the damage.

I spoke with Operator.  Operator stated he was boating near the jumping rock and was going to go through the gap between the jumping rock and the island.  Operator stated he thought he had cleared the timber, which would have been on his right side.  Operator stated he felt the pontoon vessel list as it hit an underwater stump.  Operator stated the underwater stump caused the damage to the vessel. Operator also stated that after he had hit the stump, he looked back and saw that he was on the timber side of the bouys that marked the timber.  Operator stated he thought the pontoon was not damaged until the return trip to Old Salem Park when noticed the vessel was not responding as it should.  Operator stated he jumped into the water and he could feel the crack and hear the bubbling of the water entering the pontoon.  Operator stated he returned to Old Salem where he saw our patrol vessel.

I completed a boating incident form concerning the incident.  At the time of the incident, there were seven people on the vessel.  There were no injuries as a result of hitting the underwater stump.  It was also determined that alcohol was not a contributing factor in the incident.  The vessel had all the proper safety equipment on board. I advised Operator that a report would be filed for insurance purposes.
GREENSBORO