At approximately 1948 on 8/12/23, I Game Warden was contacted by Game Warden Lt. to respond to a vessel incident involving multiple fatalities in the area of Callville Bay at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. At approximately 2100 we arrived at the location on shore of the impacted vessel, approximately 36.123347, -114.702176, just outside Callville Bay. 

We did a preliminary evaluation of the damage observing impact marks on the port side of the vessel. I identified this vessel as V2, as it was the vessel that was impacted. We were updated by National Parks Service (NPS) Rangers on scene that both victims had deceased and the operator of the impacting vessel (V1) had been escorted back to Callville Bay to dock his vessel. 

We cleared the area en route to Callville Bay to conduct an interview of the impacting vessel''s operator arriving at approximately 2140. 

After arriving on scene, I explained to operator of V1, that I was there to investigate how the incident occurred and OPERATOR1 stated that he was comfortable explaining what happened. OPERATOR1 stated that at approximately 1936, he and his passenger were traveling at approximately 25 mph toward Callville Bay. 

OPERATOR1 observed another vessel exiting Callville Bay but V2, operated by OPERATOR2, came out of the blue and “cut across” him, not seeing V2 until just before the impact. OPERATOR1 stated that V2 stopped where it was observed on shore. 

OPERATOR1 stated that it was not dark at the time of impact and their intent was to be off the water before dusk. The vessel that OPERATOR1 observed exiting Callville Bay is presumed to be operated by a witness of the incident who corroborated details of the incident. 

Witness stated that the impact happened approximately 150- 200ft from the shore at the point of the sand bar. I observed gouging and scuffing on both bows and keels of V1 consistent with the damage seen on V2.

During my interview with OPERATOR1, I observed him to have blood shot eyes and displaying aphasia (slurring) in his speech, cues indicating alcohol consumption. OPERATOR1 refused to cooperate with Field Sobriety Tests and a warrant was applied for and approved to collect a blood sample from him.


Further investigation of the damage provided evidence linkage that indicated V1, impacted the port side of V2 at a approximately a 30-45-degree angle and continued over the deck of V2 causing the injuries to both victims. Propeller chop marks can be seen over the deck of V2.

Utilizing NDOW provided Vessel Damage Monetary Estimates Sheet and observed damage, I made the following assessment of repair costs.
Damage to V1:
Gouging and Scraping to Hull: Approximately 5 sqft: $200/ sqft gelcoat damage, total $1000
Starboard Skeg Destroyed: Cost to repair outboard lower unit: $2000
Damage to V2:
Vessel Totaled: Value $6600
Total Damage incurred: $9600
Investigation is still pending and this is not a complete report.

Lake Mead
Boulder City                  