On 7-13-12 at approximately 8:45pm I, Texas Game Warden, was dispatched to vessel 1 that ran aground in the Intra-Coastal Canal, near Alligator Point. Upon arriving at vessel 1, I observer the vessel with only its keel and engine propellers touching the water, but did not observe any visible damage to the vessel. Operator, the operator of vessel 1, stated that he and his girlfriend, Occupant, were cruising the Intra-Coastal Canal back to Kemah, when they observed several barges in the channel in their path of navigation. Operator stated that he radioed to the captain of one barges in front of them, asking which side the captain would like them to navigate on to pass the barges. Operator stated that he never received a reply from the barge captain. Operator passed the barge on its port side, which made vessel 1 exit the channel markers lining the Intra-Coastal Canal. Immediately upon exiting the channel markers, vessel 1 ran aground, according to Operator. Upon running aground, Occupant was launched forward hitting her head on the dash area, falling through the companionway, and landing on the floor of the cabin in vessel 1. Occupant was knock unconscious and was lifted by USCG helicopter to UTMB in Galveston, Texas. Occupant suffered a concussion, bruises, and a sprained arm. Occupant was the only person injured beyond first aid on vessel 1. The vessel was equipped with proper water safety equipment.
Hitchcock                     