On 7-3-11 at approx 1525 hrs, We noticed one of the hydroplanes cutting through the infield of the race course. As it did, the hydroplane struck one of the rescue boats positioned in the NW section of the course. I observed the driver of the hydroplane kneeling on the front of the hydroplane's port sponson. One victim,  was floating with a diver/emt among the wreckage. A second victim was hanging on the stern of the hydroplane. The third victim was hanging onto the remains of the wrecked rescue barge. 

the rear rudder turned showing no malfunction of the steering system.

At the hospital I interviewed Operator2. Operator2 had a long laceration to the front and left side of his head. He had numerous scrapes and bruises. Operator2 gave me a statement as to what he believed happen on the river. Because of IV's in his arm, Operator2 told me what to right down in his statement. (see attached) Operator2 stated the boat race had just started when the green boat spun or hooked in the curve. The driver got his boat underway but missed a marker buoy. Operator2 said at first it looked like the hydroplane was going to make a wide turn, but then the driver kept turning his boat tighter towards his boat and going faster and faster. Operator2 stated he didn't think the hydroplane was going to hit them until the last minute. He said he gave his boat some gas when the hydroplane first turned towards them. Operator2 said he did not remember the impact or how everyone got into the water. He remembers being underwater, holding onto his impact vest, and coming to the surface. When he got to the surface, he pulled himself up onto the wreckage of the rescue boat and looked around for others. He then remembered someone coming up behind him and checking his vitals. 


Madison                       