On June 15, 2001 at approximately 8:30 pm, 72-year-old boat operator was boating on Lake Bridgeport enroute to a favorite fishing location. While underway, Operator was looking backward at whitetail deer coming to the lake to water. His vessel hit a submerged rock and went aground on a rock shelf,  parallel to the shore line with only the back thrid of the vessel still in the water. Operator was wearing his life jacket and was not injured or ejected when the boat grounded. The vessel suffered broken and crushed fiberglass on the front port bow and port sideboard. 

A man riding a jet ski came to Operator's assistance but Operator refused transportation from the location saying he did not want to leave his gear behind. Game Warden was dispached by Wise County to the scene. Warden arrived at Operator's location at approximatly 9:30 pm. Operator was not injured and was in fact standing on the rocks fishing when the Game Warden arrived. Warden inverviewed Operator who said he does not drink alcohol and only takes blood pressure medicine in the morning. Operator said he was looking back at the deer while cruising and ran aground. No evidence of drug or alcohol involvment was located.Operator was wearing his PFD while underway. 

Warden  took Operator and his personal gear by boat to the Wise County Park Boat Ramp where his rig was located. On June 17, 2001, Operator recoverd his vessel at a private boat ramp near the accident scene with the assistance of a private individual. Operator said the 1982 vessel was a total loss.
Bridgeport                    