RedactedNarrative: On May 23, 2021 at 06:33 am, I received a call regarding a two vessel collision with no injuries located on Lake Oconee near the Sugar Creek bridge / Parks Mill Rd. I arrived on scene at approximately 07:25 am at the Sugar Creek Marina. When I arrived, one vessel was on it's trailer and the other still in the water. 
  
  I first talked to Operator1, he was driving the Stratos boat. He said that he was in a fishing tournament that morning, the tournament blasted off from the Sugar Creek Marina at 06:11 am. He stated that he went under the bridge and was heading down the lake toward the main body of water. He then saw a vessel at the last moment and veered left striking the front of the other vessel. This was estimated to be around 6:13 am. He stated that the other vessel had no navigational lights operating. He also stated that there was fog on the water that lifted several feet off the water. 
  
    I then talked to Operator2, he was operating the Alweld boat. He stated that he was fishing, trolling slowly using the aid of his outboard motor. He agreed with Operator1 on what happened. He also stated that he had turned his lights off because he could see and that it was daylight. He also stated that he could see good enough to see the bridge. 
  
    After hearing both statements and looking up the time for sunrise for that morning and area, I concluded that Operator2 was at fault. Sunrise was at 6:28 am that morning and the incident happened around 6:13 am. Operator2 was legally required to have his navigational lights on until Sunrise (6:28 am). Operator2 was issued a citation/warning for operating a vessel without lights during hours of darkness. 
  
  
    I took pictures of both vessels and received a written statement from Operator1. Operator2 however did not want to give a written statement. Both subjects statements were recorded with my body cam. Both subjects exchanged contact information.
  