RedactedNarrative: On 7/3/22 at 19:10 hours, i officer with the ncwrc responded to a vessel incident involving two vessels that collided at or near ocean isle on the icw.  The incident occurred near brick landing boating access area.  I began my investigation with vessel 1.  Vessel 1 stated that he and his passengers were headed north to holden Beach from ocean isle.  
  
  Vessel 1 stated that he was on the right hand side of the channel, and on plane when he noticed two pontoon vessels traveling in his direction headed south to ocean isle.  vessel 1 stated that he had no room to get over to the right in order to avoid a collision.  Therefore, vessel 1 made the decision to pass between the two vessels traveling his direction.  At this time, the two pontoon vessels narrowed in on vessel 1.  Vessel 1 described it as if he was bottlenecked between the two pontoons.  At this time, vessel 1 made contact with vessel 2.  Vessel 1 had damage to the starboard side to the rear of the transom and stern.  Vessel 2 had damage to the starboard bow.  The damage coincided with damage found on vessel 1.
  
  Vessel 2 stated that he was traveling towards ocean isle when vessel 1 turned in front of vessel 2 across his bow giving vessel 2 no time to slow to a speed to avoid a collision.  It is in my opinion that both operators are at fault for not maintaining a safe speed to avoid a collision, as well as improper lookout to avoid a collision.  Vessel 1 had one passenger with minor injuries to her knee, while vessel 2 had a passenger transported to an emergency room due to abdomen pain.  Vessel 3 was traveling with vessel 2 and was not involved with the collision between vessels 1 and 2.
  
  
  