RedactedNarrative: On sunday, september 02, 2018 at approximately 18:20, officer and i responded to a report of a possible boat incident from fireboat 38 of the charlotte fire department.  Two pwc' had collided with property damage only property on lake wylie. 
  
  Vessel #1 had no damage.  Vessel #2 had damage to the port/left side, a cracked lower hull, and a broken hatch located forward of the steering controls. 
  
  Vessel #1's operator stated that he left the shoreline behind the sandbar, on the north carolina side and traveled southwest out towards the channel and down the river.  When he saw vessel #2's port side, he let off the throttle and tried to turn to avoid a collision.  He stated  "i realized that by letting off the throttle, i lost my steering capability, but i just panicked”.
  
  Vessel #2's operator stated he was traveling south down the river behind the sandbar at idle speed when vessel #1 hit his port/left side. 
  
  The captain of fire boat 38, which was at the sandbar on patrol, said he jumped in the water to make sure that both operators where ok.  The captain stated both operators had on uscg approved pfds.  Two firemen on board said they saw the whole thing happen.  Both firemen stated that vessel #2 was stopped or barely moving when vessel #1 ran over vessel #2 just forward of the steering controls from the port/left side sending the pwc almost completely under water as vessel # 1 rode across the top of it.
  
  When we arrived on scene, we observed damage to vessel #2.  We collected statements from witnesses and each operator.  The operator of vessel #1 was charged with operating a motorboat or vessel on the waters of the state in a reckless manner so as to endanger life, limb, or property gs 75a-10(a).  He operated contrary to navigational rules as he was the give way vessel. 
  
  Both pwcs involved had their required safety equipment.  Since the operator of vessel # 1 stated he started drinking alcohol because of “nerves were tore up” immediately after the incident, it is inconclusive whether or not alcohol was a factor.
  
  
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