On july 3, 2012, about 4:57pm a boating accident was reported.  The accident occurred on the cashie river approximately 1 mile up river from sans souci access area.  Operator1 stated around 4:45pm the boat he was operating, vessel 1, was heading down river toward sans souci access area.  Operator1 also stated he was test driving the boat.  The vessel owner was sitting to the right of Operator1.  As Operator1's boat approached the left hand turn, he stated he was closer to the left river bank than the right river bank.  Around the same time vessel 2 was coming up river from the sans souci access area.  Vessel 2 had 6 passengers onboard, 3 adults and 3 kids ages 5, 7 and 8.  All the kids had pfds on.  At the curve, Operator2 had to make a right turn.  While in the turn he noticed vessel 1 coming toward them.  Operator2 stated he then turned hard right more to avoid vessel 1.  At this time, Operator1, vessel 1, turned hard left, which caused the two vessels to hit broadside to broadside.  Both vessels were pointed at the wood line.  Operator2 stated that his boat was still in the turn to the right and the left side of his boat was high out of the water.

Looking at the damage to both vessels, vessel 1 had major damage to its starboard side (right side) and vessel 2 had major damage to its port side (left side).

Operator1's boat, vessel 1, center console and seat was knocked off the floor.  Vessel 1 turned 180 degrees and went across the river to the opposite bank after the collision.  Operator1 and occupant were ejected from the vessels on impact.  Also two adults from vessel 2 were ejected into the river on impact.  They swam back to vessel 2, but the vessel was sinking.  Everyone ended up in the water; the kids were pulled to the nearest bank.  Another boat on the river came to everyone's aid.

Operator2's boat, vessel 2, went under in 30 plus feet of water due to the fiberglass damage and a hole below the waterline.

Operator1, the operator of vessel 1, has been charged with operating a vessel in a reckless and negligent manner.

WINDSOR                       