RedactedNarrative: On August 11, 2018 around 3:00 am, Tow Boat US Captain was returning from Swansboro and headed east on the intracoastal waterway in Bogue Sound.  He was just passing Spooner's Creek when he saw a flashing light in the distance.  As he got closer, he could see that it was a vessel so he approached to ensure everything was ok.  As Captain approached he saw the vessel was a 21' Carolina Skiff (v2) with 4 people on board.  He and his friends had been cruising around Bogue Sound lost and were trying to find their way back to Waterway RV in Swansboro. 
  
  According to Captain, he pulled up to the vessel and asked if they needed help.  Operator2 told Captain he was lost and trying to find his way back to Swansboro.  Captain advised him that due to hazards in Bogue sound and Operator2's mental state, (he could tell that Operator2 had been drinking) he would take them to the nearest dock and the four of them could take an uber home.  According to Captain, Operator2 became irate and started to threaten him and yell obscenities and tried to board his vessel 3 times.  At that point, Operator1 backed away and called the US Coast Guard.  While he was on the phone with the Coast Guard, Captain said Operator2 placed his vessel on plane and rammed the bow of his boat into the Captain's bow.  At that point, Captain backed away and tried to get away from Operator2.  Operator2 followed him and so Captain managed to run him aground in Bogue Sound.  Captain notified the Coast Guard of what had happened and a vessel from the Emerald Isle Coast Guard Station was sent to locate them. 
  
  According to Operator2 and his passengers, his vessel was stuck on a sandbar during the whole interaction with Captain who stayed about 20 feet from his vessel.  After Operator2 asked Captain for directions, Captain left and Operator2’s friend pushed off and they continued west in Bogue Sound.  At no point did the vessels make contact.  They eventually wandered into Bogue Sound where they became lost again and contacted the Coast Guard for assistance.  The Coast Guard was able to locate their vessel and around 5:30 a.m. that morning, Operator2 was arrested for operating a vessel while impaired.
  
  After investigating, Captain's vessel had damage to the hull collar on the portside and front of the bow.  However, there was no damage to Operator2's vessel.  The damage to Captain's vessel was estimated to be $20,210.00.  Operator2 was arrested and charged with N.C.G.S 75a-10 (b1)(1): operating a vessel while impaired.  Civil claims against Operator2 are pending.
  
  
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