RedactedNarrative: On july 16, 2017 at approximately 1700 pm, Operator1 was operating his 17ft. Henry o while towing two tubes on the icw near the yellow banks at oak island.  Victim was one of the individuals being towed on the tube behind Operator1's vessel.  He was on a single person triangular shaped airhead tube.  
  
  According to witnesses, Operator1 had been pulling the tube for several passes before the incident occurred.  Operator1 was heading east on the waterway toward southport and made a left hand turn to head back west to continue pulling the tubers.  When he made the left hand turn, he was too close to the shoreline and the vessels that were anchored/moored there.  
  
  Subject had anchored his vessel, a 19 ft. Sea hunt just off the beach on the waterway.  When Operator1 made the turn, the tubes swung out wide toward subject’s anchored vessel.  Because he was too close when the turn was made, the tubes were swung at the anchored vessel.  Victim tuber impacted the anchored vessel and as a result was knocked momentarily unconscious and received injuries to his back and pelvic area.  The impact was hard enough to crack the fiberglass gunwale on the port side of the anchored vessel.  Emergency personnel were called and Victim tuber was taken to new hanover regional medical center for treatment.
  
  Based upon the physical evidence, vessel damage and statements made from those involved, it appeared that Operator1 was operating too fast and too close to shore, and as a result was unable to adequately slow to avoid the impacting collision that resulted in Victim tuber's injuries.  It does appear that alcohol was involved, however not to an impairment level and did not appear to contribute to this particular incident.  Due to the operation in close proximity of vessels and swimmers, the obvious rate of speed and inability to correct in time to avoid the collision, Operator1 was charged with reckless and negligent operation of a motorboat.  The case is pending. Both vessels were equipped with the necessary safety equipment.
  
  ****************this report will be updated when final results of this case are received.************************************