RedactedNarrative: On 08/16/2014, at approximately 1200 hrs, I received an e-mail from my supervisor advising of a boat accident that occurred on 08/10/2014. The accident apparently involved two bass boats that were fishing in a bass tournament between Albany and Fulton, on pool 14 of the Mississippi River. I made contact with the operator of vessel # 2 on this day. OPERATOR2 had been trying to report the accident earlier that week; shortly after it occurred, but was unaware how to. Contact was not made with the operator of vessel #1 until the morning of 08/19/2014. 
  
  On the morning of 08/20/2014, I met with and interviewed both operators at their residences, and inspected their bass boats. The damage on the vessels, and the interviews with both operators, indicated how the collision occurred. Vessel # 2 was traveling upstream to the east of the navigational channel at the location. Vessel # 2 attempted to make a right turn to go into Swedes Lake after checking to his right. Vessel # 1 was traveling behind, and slightly to the right of Vessel # 2, and states he was 15 yards, or closer to Vessel #2. Both vessels were traveling in excess of 40 MPH. Vessel #1 was in an overtaking position, and/or was carelessly operating too close to vessel #2, when the turn by vessel #2 was attempted. Vessel # 1 struck Vessel #2 on his starboard / right side stern corner. Vessel #1 struck this area with his center port / left underside as he tried to make a hard right turn to avoid the collision. OPERATOR2 advised that after the impact, both operators turned their motors off and exchanged some unpleasantries. He advised that no one was injured, they went and fished the tournament, and that they talked again at the weigh in. Operator1 advised that OPERATOR2 did not stop, and that he just continued up into the backwater lake. 
  
  Based on the physical damage to the boats, and the statements obtained from both operators, it was determined that Operator1 would be issued a citation for improper overtaking, in that the lead / overtaken boat has the right of way. It was explained to Operator1, that the requirements for Careless Operation of a Watercraft had also been met, but that he was only being charged with the above Traffic Rule violation. He was given a Notice To Appear, for a no court appearance required court date of 09/22/2014, at the Whiteside County Court House.