On 7-29-2011 at approximately 16:30 pm, a watercraft crash was report on Schoodic Lake, Lake View PLT, Piscataquis County. I responded to FRD #4 south of Knights Landing at the Bishop Camp Lot #33. he stated someone had struck his boat which was moored in the lift, and left the area. Approximately 15 minutes later, I met subject at his camp. Subject stated Operator1 of Conneticut, had returned to his camp to give Subject his personel information and returned to his camp at lot #58. Subject showed me damage to his Maine Registration 10 JGV, a 2003 Manitou 24' Pontoon Boat. Subject boat lift was also not operating properly, and the dock had been moved from the impact of the vessel. Subject was not present at the time of the collison.

I spoke to the owner of Lot #32. Owner was not at his camp at the time of the crash but his sons were present. Owner was speaking to his son on a cell phone at the time of the crash. I spoke to subject2 who he stated that Operator1 vessel did not change speed, he heard the Operator1 vessel, and the engine sound never changed till the crash. Subject3 was talking to his Father (Owner) and saw the Operator1 vessel traveling parallel with the shore and after rounding the swimming float cut sharply towards shore at approximately 20 mph. He stated to his father  on the phone "vessel coming in hot, !" and then the crash happened. Both brothers asked Operator1 if he was alright. Operator1 stated he was having trouble with his steering console which had broken during the collision.

I went to the Lot #58, and spoke to Operator1  DOB 2/5/29 of Torrington Connetticut. Operator1 was visibly shaken from the crash. Operator1 stated He wasn't drinking at the time of the crash but he was now. He stated he had just got the boat back from the shop, and put in at Knights Landing to come back to his camp. Operator1 explained he was at half throttle, he couldn't remember if he had traveled on the inside or the outside of the swim float. He stated,"I don't remember." I asked him if he had any mechanical problems. Operator1 stated, No problems, just a head gasket (recent repairs). He stated I broke the console, it must be rotted. Operator1 and I went out to his moored watercraft. I noticed his arm was bleeding, I asked him if he thought he should go to the hospital. Operator1 assured me he was alright. Operator1 gave me his registration, to Maine registration 0807 H, a 24' 1986 Suntracker Pontoon Boat. The steering console was unattached from the deck. I showed Operator1 the steering console had been anchored to the deck with only sheet rock screws. I examined the vessel for additional damage, and found only superficial scratches to the port pontoon. We went back inside the camp, I explained to Operator1, he would be summonsed for operating a watercraft to endanger. I explained the charge was for endangering any body including yourself or property while operating a watercraft. He commented about being on Schoodic for 33 years. I told him he was also in violation of exceeding headway speed when operating a vessel within 200 feet of shore. I told him that there was no reason to be operating anywhere in the vicinity of the swim float, which was less than 100 feet from shore, and that swim float is usually covered with kids.

Brownville                    