RedactedNarrative: On July 29, 2016 at approximately 1900, a pontoon boat operated by Operator struck a dock on Lake James. The incident occurred when Operator was trying to make his way back to his dock located at the Arbor due to a severe thunderstorm that had quickly come upon him and his family.  As Operator was making his way back to his dock from a cove located near Black Forest, it began to rain very hard along with strong wind and thunder.  At this time Operator could barely see in front of him due to the storm.  In addition, his two year-old son who was scared, began to scream which caused Operator to take his attention away from navigating the boat to see what was wrong with his son. 
  
  Unfortunately, as all this was taking place, Operator' vessel struck the back side of a dock at the bridge walkway.  Fortunately, no one was injured.  However, the collision resulted in the splitting of a piling in half and the buckling of the steps leading to the dock. The damage is estimated at over $2000.  
  
  Furthermore, the damage to Operator' vessel was minor with only a punctured seat and a bent rail on the port side of the vessel near the bow.  The damage is estimated at approximately $500.  Moreover, Operator immediately contacted the NCWRC to report the accident and later that evening exchanged information with the dock owner.