On April 22nd 2023, I responded to a call of a boating incident on Lake Sinclair near Thomas Dr. By the time i arrived on scene both boats had made it to Twin Bridges Marina. No injuries were reported. I spoke with the operator of Vessel 1, and he stated that they were headed east on the lake and as they were entering the blind curve near Thomas Dr they were roughly 100 yards off the shore to the inside of the curve and noticed a boat headed straight towards them. He stated that he let off the throttle and maneuvered his boat to the right to avoid the collision and that the other operator maneuvered in the same direction. 

	I then talked to the operator of Vessel 2, and he stated he was heading west bound on the lake and was roughly 60 ft off the shore to the inside of the blind curve. He stated he saw the other boat heading straight for him and stated he did not feel he could safely maneuver his boat to the right to avoid the collision due to the docks and the shoreline so he maneuvered to the left towards the middle of the lake.

	After taking witness statements from both parties, looking at the damage to both vessels, and looking at the gps units on board, it was determined that Vessel 1 was heading east and approached the blind curve on the inside (left) of the waterway which is in violation of rules of the road. 

Vessel 2 was heading west and approached the blind curve on the inside (right) of the waterway roughly 100-150 feet off the shoreline. When the boats approached each other Vessel 1 maneuvered to the right, towards the middle of the waterway, and Vessel 2 maneuvered to the left, also to the middle of the waterway. 

With these circumstances, Vessel 2 was close to the shoreline but still had an obligation to do what was necessary to attempt to avoid a collision. Therefore, no violation of rules of the road was committed. 

	Vessel 1 sustained significant damage to the port side close to the bow of the boat and trolling motor. Vessel 2 sustained significant damage to the port side close to the bow of the boat. Images are included on this report. Damage assessment was determined based on operator's knowledge. No official quote for damage has been submitted by the time this report was completed.

Lake Sinclair
EATONTON                      