Operator of Vessel 1 was traveling upstream on the Kankakee River at a estimated speed of 25 mph.  As he approached the southwest corner of Grape Island, he began approaching waves believed to have been created by an unknown watercraft.  Shortly before hitting the waves, he attempted to reduce speed.  Operator inattention, the quick change in speed and the impact of the watercraft hitting the waves caused him to be thrown off the starboard side of the PWC. Another watercraft''s occupants passing by observed the operator in distress and stopped to assist.  The assisting watercraft occupants transported him to the DPCA boat launch while the PWC owner arrived on a second PWC and recovered the PWC.

On arrival to the boat launch, owner approached and informed me of the situation.  I requested an ambulance through dispatch and approached Operator, who was still sitting in the assisting watercraft.  Operator claimed the incident had injured his left shoulder.  Wilmington Fire Department arrived on scene and shortly after, transported Operator to St. Joseph''s Hospital in Joliet.  It was later determined Operator had both broken and dislocated his left shoulder as a result of the incident.

Wilmington                    