On May 27th, 2012 at approximately 1435 hours, Nez Perce County deputies responded to the Hog Island boat launch on the Clearwater River for a report of a boat collision involving two vessels. Deputies were advised that there were no injuries involved and a moderate amount of damage to one of the vessels involved. When I arrived on scene I made contact with the operator of vessel #1, a 2003 Thunder Jet boat bearing Washington registration WN2000RM, and the owner of vessel #1. Operator1 advised me that at he had dropped off Owner1 at the boat ramp so he could get the vehicle to get the boat off of the water. Operator1 advised me that while waiting for Owner1 he was approximately 100 yards from the shoreline drifting when he observed vessel #2, a 2005 Hews boat bearing Idaho registration ID4279AF also drifting getting very close to vessel #1. Operator1 advised me that he attempted to accelerate away from vessel #2 and while doing so he hit the port side bow of vessel #2 with the port side stern of vessel #1. 

After speaking with Operator1 and Owner1 I made contact with the operator/owner of vessel #2. Operator2 was also listed as the complainant in the call. When I made contact with Operator2 he advised me that he and some clients were salmon fishing approximately 100 yards from the shoreline and their vessel was currently back trolling with the bow of his vessel pointing in an eastward direction. Operator2 advised me that he observed vessel #1 with it's bow facing in a northern direction getting close to his vessel, and during this observation his clients on board began yelling at the operator of vessel #1 that he was getting very close. Operator2 advised me that he observed the operator of vessel #1 appear to panic and he observed the operator suddenly accelerated at a rapid speed. Operator2 advised me that when the operator of vessel #1 accelerated, vessel #1 spun around in a quick manner and struck his vessel on the port side bow with vessel #1's port side stern. Operator2 advised me that after the collision occurred he contacted the Sheriff's Office. Operator2 estimated that there was approximately 2,000 dollars worth of damage to his vessel.

Lewiston, ID                  