BASED ON INFORMATION TO DATE: P1 was operating his vessel downstream on the Hiwassee Portion of Chickamauga Lake in the vicinity of the Highway 58 TWRA Access Area where he had launched his vessel earlier in the day.  The were returning to the ramp at approximately 1:00 am on Sunday May 31 when he failed to negotiate the turn from the main river channel into the embayment containing the ramp resulting in his vessel colliding with the rip rap bank of the Highway 58 Bridge area.  The vessel struck the bank with such force that it caused a large hole in the starboard side of the bottom of the vessel which later caused it to fill with water and sink.  P1 and P2 attempted to secure the vessel to the back with ropes to prevent it from sinking further.  P1 admitted that he had been drinking and that alcohol was a contributing factor to the incident.  

There were no other vessels involved in the incident P1 was accompanied by one passenger, P2.  Both parties received injuries from the incident and neither of them sought out medical attention.  Based upon my observation of their injuries and the damage caused to the vessel by their bodies' impact with the vessel upon its impact with the bank, I feel that each of them should have sought immediate medical attention.  The damage to the vessel is extensive on the interior of the vessel as well as on the exterior and structure of the vessel.
DECATUR                       