RedactedNarrative: On August 22nd, 2022 at approximately 1400 hours, a 17 foot motorboat (vessel 1) with two people aboard (operator 1 and passenger 1) was travelling downstream in Thompson Falls Reservoir towards the city of Thompson Falls when it struck a 19 foot motorboat (vessel 2), which was stationary in the water just upstream from Thompson Falls.  Vessel 2 was occupied by three male occupants (operator 2, operator 3, and passenger 2).
  
  According to interviews with operators of both boats, it was determined that operator 1 was travelling at a speed to keep vessel 1 on plane, and vessel 2 was stationary in the water with all three occupants jigging for bass when the collision occurred.  Operator 1 stated his view was obstructed by the forward mounted seat, but also stated he was looking down at an injury to his finger caused by a fish hook earlier in the day.  Operator 1 stated he didn't see vessel 2 until the very last second, didn't have time to slow down, and swerved to avoid a direct, head-on impact with vessel 2.  Operator 2, who was sitting on the bow of vessel 2 near the bow mounted electric trolling motor, stated he tried to get the attention of the operator of vessel 1 by waiving his arms.  Operator 2 stated it looked like vessel 1 was travelling at "full throttle" and wasn't slowing down.  To avoid a head-on strike from vessel 1, operator 2 used the trolling motor to move vessel 2 off-line at an angle.  Vessel 1 struck the bow of vessel 2 causing visible damage to the hull of both vessels, and signifincantly damaging the bow-mounted trolling motor of vessel 2, rendering it inoperable.  Operator 2 said he could see operator 1 coming from quite a ways away (>100 yards), which also would have given operator 1 sufficient time to see vessel 2.  
  
  Operator 1 stated after the impact, he slowed vessel 1 down and turned around to see if the occupants of vessel 2 were okay.  When it was determined they were okay, he provided his name, address, and phone number.  Operator 1 told me he and passenger 1 were okay and didn't sustain any injuries.  Operator 2 confirmed that operator 1 came back and provided his information.  Operator 2 told me he and the other two occupants of his boat were okay and didn't sustain any injuries. 
  
  Vessel 1 and Vessel 2 had the required number of personal flotation devices for the occupants on board as well as fire extinguishers.  Vessel 1 did not have a type 4 throwable PFD.  Personal flotation devices were on board both vessels but not being worn at the time of the incident.  During the interview with operator 1, he told me he had 13 years of experience operating vessel 1.  It was determined the likely cause of the incident was operator inattention as he was looking down at his finger up until just before the collision occurred.  
  
  Operator 1 was issued a Notice to Appear for violation of Montana Code Annotated (MCA) 23-2-523(1), Operate Reckless/Negligent Manner to Endanger Life/Limb/Property and warnings for MCA 23-2-527(2), Fail to Report Accident Over 100 Dollars Damage and MCA 23-2-521(8)[2], Type of PFD's/Boat Length.