On 6/23/23 at approximately 1000, I was notified by TWRA R2 dispatch via phone call of a two vessel collision in Spencer Creek near Boxwell Scout Camp on Old Hickory Lake. R2 Dispatch reported that no injuries had been reported at this time by either party. I arrived onscene at approximately 1100 on the western shore of the camp where both vessels involved were located. 

Through statements from both occupants and electronic data obtained from V2, I determined that V2, operated by Operator2, was descending the channel in Spencer Creek and V1, operated by juvenile, was ascending the channel, both at approximately 40-50 mph. 

Both vessels initially travelled courses to pass on each vessel''s port side. Prior to passing, it was determined that V1 abruptly made a course alteration, turning their PWC to its port side causing V2 to alter its course by making an abrupt turn to its starboard side to avoid collision. 

V1 impacted the port side of V2''s stern, causing the operator of V1 to be ejected and significant damage to both vessels. 

After collision, V1, now unoccupied, continued underway until coming to a full stop shortly after. Neither parties involved were injured, nor have injuries been reported to TWRA at the time of this report. All parties involved were wearing PFD''s at the time of collision. 

Weather conditions were sunny and mild wind. Visibility was clear. Vessel traffic conditions were light. Both operators involved had valid Tennessee Boater''s Education. 

I observed significant damage to the starboard side of the bow of V1. I observed significant fiberglass compression fractures to the port side of the stern of V2, white fiberglass/paint transfer consistent with that of V1 on the port side of the motor cowling of V2, as well as significant impact damage. I also observed that a shallow water anchoring system, Talon, had been broken completely off the stern of V2, as well as the ladder and mounting hardware previously attached by metal brackets to the transom. In addition, two large bolts on the motor jack plate had been completely sheared off on the port side of V2 and the jack plate had been knocked off its mounting track. Through interview with all parties involved and V2''s Humminbird depth finder track record, I was able to determine that V1 was ascending the channel in Spencer Creek on a PWC with other PWC''s from Boxwell Scout Camp. 

The operator of V1 estimated their speed at approximately 45 mph. The operator stated they did not see V2 until moments before the collision. Immediately prior to collision, V1 operator stated they made an attempt to alter their course by making a turn to their port side prior to collision. V1 operator stated they were ejected from the PWC into the water, but did not report any injuries, nor were any visible at the time of interview. V1 operator had valid Tennessee Boater''s Education and was wearing a PFD at the time of collision. 

The operator of V2 estimated their speed at approximately 40-50 mph while descending the Spencer Creek channel. V2 operator stated they did see V1 prior to collision, but both vessels were maintaining course to pass safely on their port sides. Prior to collision, V2 operator and occupant both stated they observed V1 operator turn their head to look back at the other PWC''s, and then abruptly make a port side turn into the path of V2 causing V2 to make an evasive turn to their starboard side. V1 then struck V2 in the stern, ejecting the operator of V1. Both occupants aboard V2 did made efforts to render aid after collision. V2 did not report any injuries at t

OLD HICKORY RESERVOIR
LEBANON                       