RedactedNarrative: Operator rented the personal watercraft from Riverwalk Watersports LLC and was following his family and an employee from Riverwalk Watersports on a guided trip when they went up Smith Creek.  When they were traveling up Smith Creek behind Wilmington Airport (designation ILM), Operator struck a submerged object with the personal watercraft.  At the time of the incident, Operator was ejected from the vessel and landed in the water.  Operator was wearing an approved type III personal flotation device.  Operator and the employee from Riverwalk Watersports then righted the personal watercraft and began to tow the sinking vessel back to the dock.  Once at the dock, Riverwalk Watersports contacted Officer with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Officer responded to the dock and began the investigation.
  
  The personal watercraft sustained a rectangle shaped hole in the starboard stern side of the hull.  The hole is approximately 6 inches wide and 24 inches long.
  
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