On August 11, 2012 at 19:40 I, Officer, was notified by TWRA Dispatch of a two vessel boating accident on Watauga Lake in Carter County, Tennessee.  I arrived on scene at 20:00  in the location of Rat Branch Boat Ramp.  The collision was a between a 20ft Triton bass boat (TN 2592 ED) and a 8ft Kawasaki Personal Watercraft (TN 3214 EC).  Operator did not possess a valid boating education course certificate but was not required due to passenger possessing a valid boating education course and being in a position of immediate control of the vessel.  No one involved in the collision suffered any injuries.    
Based on Statements:

Vessel One operated by Operator1 was traveling upstream from QLakeshore Marina at approximately 19:30.  Operator1 stated that he was traveling 30mph.  The occupant of vessel 1 stated that the vessel was traveling approximately 40mph.   Both occupants stated that they viewed a PWC crossing from right to left ahead of them.  Operator stated that he observed the PWC in direct course for collision and steered the vessel hard left and gave it full throttle.  During this maneuver impact with the PWC occurred.  Operator then circled to the PWC to aid  the two female occupants of the PWC.  No injuries occurred to V1 subjects.

Vessel Two operated by Operator2.  Operator2 stated that she was turning left and operating at a speed of 21 mph when passenger said “watch out”.  Operator2 stated that she slowed down and then crashed.  Operator2 stated that she did not see the boat at all before impact.  operator was ejected off of the PWC but received no injuries.  passenger stated that the PWC was operating at approximately 20 mph and was in a left turn when she seen a boat at 20 ft.  passenger stated at the last moment she yanked the wheel to the right. Impact occurred and passenger was ejected but suffered no injuries.  

A witness was interviewed on scene.  A witness was operating a Pontoon boat on Watauga Lake and in close proximity to the collision.  witness stated that he observed two females on a PWC pass his boat at approximately 200-300 yards on the left side.  At the same time witness stated a bass boat with two males in it pass on the right side of his pontoon at 200-300 yards and at wide open throttle.  witness stated that he thought the PWC was going to cross my wake but the PWC continued pass my pontoon and turned towards the bass boat.  witness stated that he then observed the bass boat reduce throttle and the PWC stop fast.  witness stated that both the PWC occupants went into the water .   

Damage Assessment.
Vessel One Triton Bass Boat
Significant impact damage on starboard towards the stern of the Vessel.  The impact was a complete puncture through the fiberglass below the rub rail.

Vessel Two Kawasaki PWC
Impact damage to the bow area both above and below the rub rail.  Impact damage on port side  bow rub rail.

HAMPTON                       