RedactedNarrative: A boating accident involving a F/V and a sailboat occurred in Narragansett bay off of galilee on Aug. 29.  According to statements, owner/operator of the F/V (Gillian), stated that he was cruising and on his way to his next trawl at about 8kts.  He was sitting in his captain’s chair and looking out the front windshield and at the radar when all of a sudden a sailboat was in front of him coming from the right and then suddenly turned to starboard.  
  
  The bow of the Gillian struck the stern of the sailboat.  Off. reported that the F/V has a split wheelhouse.  In front of the outside wheelhouse is a weather-worn plexi-glass window that obstructs any ability to see through it.   
  
  Sitting in the captain’s chair, Operator1’s view would be hindered.  Also Operator1 recently had exhaust work done to the vessel but was never completed.  The exhaust was “straight-piped” creating a louder sounding exhaust that comes below deck in the engine compartment and goes through the wheelhouse.  If Operator1 had his marine radio on, it was entirely possible that he never heard Operator2 trying to call him.   
  
  According to the operator of the 32’ sailboat, Operator2, he stated that he was sailing in a westerly direction using the auxiliary engine.  The f/v was approximately 300-400 yards away when he began hailing Operator1 on ch. 16vhf marine radio.  He said he got no response.  It was unclear why Operator2 did not alter his course to avoid collision.  Instead Operator2 turned suddenly when he was in front of the fishing vessel.  The f/v struck the stern of the sailboat slightly left of center putting a large hole in the fiberglass.  The sail boat started taking on water.  Based on both statements, off. reported that both parties were responsible for the collision.  Operator1 did not maintain a proper lookout and Operator2 waited until the last second to alter his course and did not take appropriate action to avoid collision.  Both were cited for navigational rule violations.