On Saturday August 11, 2012 at approximately 1505 I, CPO, arrived at a boat accident near Hanover Illinois along the Mississippi River.  I met with operator and investigated a collision he stated took place at approximately 1230 earlier that day.  I observed his 1984 Sylvan 24 foot pontoon boat partially submerged at the boat dock.  Operator stated he had 7 persons on board, all accounted for, and that 2 of them were seeking medical treatment at Midwest Medical Center in Galena.
Operator stated he was underway, traveling north near mile parker 167.5 on the Mississippi river, when he struck a submerged object.  Upon impact two of his occupants were ejected from the vessel and received minor injuries.  Operator stated the two persons ejected were standing on the front deck of the vessel looking into the water for navigation hazards and attempting to direct him around them.  The vessel was reported to be going less than 10 miles per hour.  Upon impact the two ejected entered the water and were able to return to the vessel.  Operator used his compressed air sounding device to signal a passing fishing boat for help (unknown vessel and operator).  The fishing boat transported 4 of the persons to the nearest dock and this allowed Operators'' vessel to lift up and become dislodged from the impacted rock.  Operators'' vessel was taking on water and the boat was sinking as the stern began to drop into the water.  Operator stated he was able to navigate a short distance to the boat dock were he secured his vessel and returned remaining persons to land.
Operators Daughter and Son in Law were transported by a good samaritan to Midwest medical facility where they were treated for minor injuries and released.  One person recieved a bruise of his left side and no other injuries.  The other had received a scape on her forehead which resulted in a black eye.  Joaviess county Deputy arrived at 1444 and began gathering information on occupants and injuries.  I arrived at 1505 and secured additional information and relieved Deputy Phillips.
The vessel was damaged in both pontoons which had taken on water.  The engine was partially submerged and the entire vessel was listing to the aft which resulted in the rear contents being submerged in the water.  The point of impact of the vessel was under the water line and resulted in physical damage to the fore starboard and port pontoons.  


Hanover                       