RedactedNarrative: The Wellcraft was Westbound on the 14th Street Canal approaching the dock on the West side of the East boat ramp to tie up. The Contender was tied off, bow and stern, to the dock on the East side of the East boat ramp. The Contender had it's engine off. The two occupants were waiting on a mechanic to arrive and assist them with their vessel. As the Wellcraft approached the dock, the operator shifted it into reverse to slow the approach. The engine got stuck in reverse gear. 
  
  Accident 
  The Wellcraft, stuck in reverse gear, struck the starboard side bow of the Contender and the dock piling nearly simultaneously. The force of the Wellcraft striking the starboard side bow slammed the Contender's port side rub rail into the wood dock piling. 
  
  Post-Accident 
  The operator of the Wellcraft was unable to shift out of reverse gear so he turned his engine off. The rebound of the Contender tied to the dock pushed the Wellcraft back forward several feet. An occupant of the Wellcraft jumped into the water and secured a line to the dock directly across the East boat ramp from the Contender. As I approached the Wellcraft, I could see that the throttle lever was still in reverse. I stepped onto the vessel and attempted to manipulate the throttle lever. The lever was stuck in reverse gear. I walked up to the Contender and got the registration and information on the occupants. I then collected the registration and information for the operator and two occupants of the Wellcraft. Neither vessel had insurance. I photographed the damage to each vessel. There was no visible damage to the dock piling or dock structure. 
  
  Conclusion 
  Based on evidence and information gathered to date, I offer the following conclusion. The Contender was tied to the dock and not underway. The accident was caused by mechanical failure on the Wellcraft (shift linkage came apart). The congested nature of the area surrounding the boat ramp also contributed to the accident.