RedactedNarrative: On August 11, 2017 at 2333 hours, I was contacted by Ranger First Class in reference to a boating incident with injuries on Jackson Lake.  RFC1 advised the incident occurred near Barry’s Boat Landing.  I proceeded to Barry’s Boat Landing and arrived at approximately 0005 hours on August 12, 2017.  
  
  Upon arrival I observed RFC1 speaking with a man, the operator of Vessel 1, a pontoon boat displaying Georgia registration GA 0124 VL.  RFC1 advised Operator1 was placed under arrest for operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol. (See RFC1’ report, 31917081101).  RFC1 said the operator of Vessel 2, was in route via ambulance to Newton Medical. Vessel 2 is a bass boat displaying Georgia registration GA 0347 CK.  
  
  Next, I began getting verbal statements and contact information from witnesses of the incident.  Two people said they saw the pontoon boat (Vessel 1) strike the bass boat (Vessel 2) and leave.  They said Vessel 1 circled back around and hit Vessel 2 a second time.  They said they picked up the occupants of Vessel 2 and took them to Barry’s boat landing.  
  
  Another witness said Vessel 1 was coming through the no wake zone under the bridge too fast and then increased speed after passing the no wake zone buoy on the south side of the bridge.  Witness2 said the boats collided immediately thereafter.  Witness2 said Vessel 1 “went up the lake, turned around, and hit the boat again”.  On August 12, 2017 I called Witness2 and he said he could not be certain if Vessel 1 had lights on during the incident.  Witness2 said after the collision no lights were visible on Vessel 1.  Witness2 said he assisted other witnesses with towing Vessel 1 to Barry’s boat landing.  
  
  Next, witness3 said he saw Vessel 1 as it was coming under the bridge and he had to move his vessel to avoid a collision.  Witness3 said immediately after moving his vessel, Vessel 1 and Vessel 2 collided.  Witness3 said he wasn’t certain if Vessel 1 had lights.  Witness4 was with Witness3 and estimated the speed of Vessel 2 at 20 miles per hour.  
  
  Next, I interviewed the passenger of Vessel 2. V2 occupant said they were about 50-60 yards from the buoys at Barry’s when Operator2 “whipped” (turned the boat suddenly) the vessel and Vessel 1 impacted his side (port side) of the vessel.  V2 occupant said the vessel “came from nowhere, I don’t think he had lights on”.  While V2 occupant was in the water he said Vessel 1 ran into Vessel 2 again.  V2 occupant said Operator2 was driving 45-50 miles per hour and Vesselwas driving 25-30 miles per hour. 
  
  Next, initial photographs were taken of Vessel 1 and Vessel 2. I observed Vessel 2 partially submerged with navigational lights on.  I observed Vessel 1 tied to a dock with no navigational lights on.  Contents of Vessel 2 were released.  Vessel 1 was secured at a boat slip at Barry’s boat landing due to no boat trailer for the vessel.  RFC1 attempted to drive Vessel 1 to the boat slip, however, the vessel’s steering was damaged during the incident. While Vessel 1 was under power and RFC1 switched the lights  to the on position, I observed the stern light not working but the bow lights were operational.  Next, Cpl. and RFC1 transported Vessel 2 to the Jasper County impound lot.  
  
  Next, I proceeded to Newton Medical to speak with Operator2.  Operator2 said he was headed toward Barry’s boat landing when suddenly he saw a pontoon (Vessel 1) 5 feet from him and he turned the steering wheel to the right. When I asked if Operator2 had seen any lights he shook his head no.  When I asked what caught his attention he replied, “the front end of a pontoon boat”.  Operator2 said he was not ejected upon the first impact but he jumped out of the vessel when he realized Vessel 2 was going to i…
  