Vessel 1, with four persons on board, was heading outbound on the Ashtabula River toward Lake Erie to go on a fishing trip.  The Operator of Vessel 1 idled until he reached the mouth of the river, then accelerated onto plane at a cruising speed of approximately 18 mph.  Vessel 1 was equipped with a radar and a GPS unit, both of which were on and functioning at this time.  Shortly thereafter Vessel 1 struck the West breakwall, approximately 50 yards from the west entrance to Ashtabula Harbor, creating a breach in the hull of Vessel 1 and lodging Vessel 1 against the breakwall.  The force of the collision resulted in injuries to two of the parties aboard Vessel 1.  One Occupant was thrown from a seat into the cabin, possiby losing consciousness, and suffering bruising to the head, chest, and left knee.  A second Occupant suffered bruising on the  chest and a contusion above the right eye.  Coast Guard responded to the incident, and transported all parties to shore where emergency services responded.  Vessel 1 was later towed back upriver.
Ashtabula                     