On July 10, 2011 at 16:05 hours I, Kansas Conservation Officer, was notified about a boat accident on Hillsdale Lake involving a person arrested for Driving under the Influence of Alcohol.  Operator2 was currently being transported to the Miami County Jail.  There were no injuries or fatalities in the accident.

Around 15:40 hours Vessel 1 was drifting on the main body of Hillsdale Lake near Windsurfer Beach.  Two occupants from the vessels were swimming behind the boat, and in the process of getting onto a tube to be towed.  Vessels 1''s skier-down flag was up and flying at the time its occupants were in the water.  Vessel 2 operator also stated seeing the flag, and interpreted it as vessel in need of assistance. 

Vessel 2 headed towards Vessel 1 at a speed of at least 15 mph.  The Vessel 2 Operator maintained both hands on the handle bars, and never attempted to pull the gear to put the pwc in reverse.  Vessel 1 struck Vessel 2 on the starboard side a few inches in front of the stern.  Vessel 2 bounced back then struck Vessel 1 a second time.  

A verbal argument between both vessels occurred over the damage.  The damage consisted of a three inch gash in the fiberglass of Vessel 1 in the area struck by Vessel 2.  The gash became a compressed puncture in the fiberglass for the last two inches.  Plastic shards from the bumper of Vessel 2 were embedded in the broken fiber of Vessel 1.  Fractured cracks in the gel coat radiated from the gash area.  Vessel 2''s damage consisted of removal of rubber covering a circular bumper bolt in the middle of the front bumper on the port side.  The measurement of the bolt head matched the circular puncture in the fiberglass of Vessel 1.  

After the incident the Vessel 2 operator made several large circular maneuvers and headed back to the pwc boat ramp.

Park Ranger was notified and responded to the pwc ramp, where he saw the Vessel 2 operator loading the vessel from the boat ramp.  Ranger tested the Vessel 2 operator to determine their level of impairment.  The Vessel 2 operator was later charged with DUI.
Spring Hill                   