RedactedNarrative: This report documents a two vessel boat collision occurring on Rend Lake.  It was dark outside and a fireworks display was ongoing.  The immediate area of the accident was congested with large numbers of anchored boats watching the fireworks.  The water was choppy with chop greater than 6" and less than 2'' due to boat traffic.  
  
  Vessel 2 was anchored with an active stern light and navigation lights in a position facing southeast.  Vessel 2 was occupied by the operator plus 5 passengers.  Vessel 1 was underway traveling approximately 10-15 mph eastbound and had 3 persons on board.  Vessel 1 struck Vessel 2 on the starboard side immediately in front of the helm.  Vessel 1 came to a stop as its bow crossed over the port side of Vessel 2.  The impact caused Vessel 2 to tilt to the starboard side and take on a large amount of water causing it to submerge.  Five of the six passengers on Vessel 2 ended up in the water either by being ejected or voluntarily jumping overboard to avoid the impact from Vessel 1.  As Vessel 1 came to a stop on top of Vessel 2, one passenger stepped onto Vessel 1 to avoid going into the water.  Vessel 1 used reverse power to back off of Vessel 2.
  
  All 5 occupants of Vessel 2 which were in the water were placed onboard a nearby pontoon boat.  A 7 year old girl was involved and wearing her personal floatation device at the time of the collision.
  
  Vessel 1''s bow was high due to it not being on plane causing reduced visibility for the operator.  Due to the large number of boats anchored in the area for the fireworks display, Vessel 1 displayed careless operation by operating too fast to reduce speed and avoid the collision.  The operator of Vessel 1 failed to provide a proper lookout resulting in the collision with Vessel 
  
  Vessel 2 was submerged with water after the accident.  The lights were still burning even under water.    The top of the motor and the bow were still above water.  CPO attached a work boat to the vessel and towed it to Rend Lake Marina where it was placed on a boat lift.  
  
  The operator of Vessel 1 showed signs of alcohol impairment, failed standardized field sobriety testing, and was arrested for operating a watercraft while under the influence of alcohol.  His Blood Alcohol Concentration tested to be .160%.  This arrest was handled by CPO, and documented on report number 2018-5-480-014U.
  
  Passenger of Vessel 2 did not complain of any injuries the night of the accident.  When asked everyone stated they did not have any injuries.  When I spoke to her the next day she complained of back and neck pain from the accident.  She was checked out for back injuries and released on Monday 7/2/2018.
  
  Each vessel had all of the required safety equipment.  No additional injuries were noted.
  