On Wednesday June 29 2011, I responded to a boat collision on Boone Lake in Washington County. The vessel was a 1990 model17'' Starcraft with a 120 horsepower Evinrude engine. The vessel was occupied by four people and one person was being towed on a tube with approximately 20'' rope.  After obtaining statements from all available witnesses, I determined that Operator was operating the vessel upstream of Rockingham Marina near point 19. 

Operator was steering the vessel sharply left, then sharply right in a serpentine pattern while heading upstream. Operator was in a right turn when the boat continued to turn until it collided with the tube and Victim. The boat struck Victim on his left side with the starboard bow. After striking Victim, the boat continued to turn until the propeller tangled in the tow rope and the engine stopped. All occupants on the boat pulled Victim onboard while 911 was called. They were instructed by the 911 dispatcher to take Victim to Winged Deer Park. I arrived at Winged Deer and was told that Victim was at Devault Bridge TWRA access area. Upon my arrival at the access area, I observed Victim with scratches on his left forearm and a blue towel wrapped around his midsection. He removed the towel and I observed a puncture wound on his left side near his waistline. The wound was bleeding and I feared that there could be internal injuries. I radioed Washington County Com Center and requested EMS to respond. Emergency personnel transported Victim to Johnson City Medical Center. I determined that both Operator and Victim had been consuming alcohol. I transported Operator to the Medical Center and he voluntarily submitted a blood sample. Victim was treated and released from the hospital later the same day.  
     On July 5 2011, the vessel''s steering was inspected by Watsons Marine in Blountville, TN. The marine mechanics determined that the steering was free of defects and was functioning properly.

JOHNSON CITY                  