On 4/23/11 at approx. 1205hrs, operator1 was attempting to help subject move his boat from being grounded near the north shoreline across from bagley flats. Subject had arrived on friday with 3 occupants and camped all night. The stern of subjects vessel was facing the shoreline and because the lake level had lowered and the boat was grounded. He had attempted to push the vessel into the water but was unsuccessful. Subject asked operator1 to help him get his boat freed, operator1 had been stuck also, but had a smaller lighter vessel and was able to get free. 

Operator1 connected a tow rope onto a cleat located on the starboard aft section of his boat. The other end was attached to the trailer eye bolt of subjects boat. Located in the boat with operator1 were 2 children. Both children had pfds on and were seated on the port side. Operator1 was seated in the drivers seat which is on the starboard side of the boat. Operator1 began trying to pull the grounded vessel off the lake bottom by putting his boat in forward position and giving it power. While doing this subject and 2 others were in the water assisting by pushing on the stern. Due to the extreme strain placed on the tow rope, it separated near the trailer eyebolt, sprang back and struck operator1 in the face. 

He was struck in the face because he was looking back over his shoulder watching what he was doing. He immediately began bleeding from his nose and experienced swelling around both eyes. Deputy arrived on scene (a certified paramedic). He began assessing operator1s condition, operator1 was secured to a backboard and transported to the aid station and then transported by air to scottsdale osborne hospital. I spoke to operator1 on april 30 and he told me that he was released from the hospital. He had lost his vision in his left eye and has a 50/50 chance of getting it back. It should be noted that subject had asked me to help get his boat off, but i refused due to possible damage to his boat. I told him the water would come up and his boat would then be free. I removed the tow rope and placed it into evidence.

MESA                          