At approximately 1740hrs on June 25, 2023 Corporal was notified of a boating incident that occurred on the Suwannee River in Fargo, Georgia. The incident was described to be a two vessel collision; however, injuries and damage were unknown. 

Enforcement arrived at the scene at approximately 1820hrs. One of the vessel operators was still at the scene, this was 17 year old. Victim refused EMS and had minor cuts and bruises across his back and right shoulder. 

Victim explained the collision as him traveling downriver in his tiller steer vessel at approximately 15mph. Victim said he approached a right hand turn in the river hugging the right side of the river going around a blind curve. When he began around the curve he stated that a boat with a young female driver was approaching him quickly. In an act to attempt to avoid a collision Victim made a sharp left hand turn. Upon doing so the females boat went on top of his boat and ejected him. 

Victim said the male passenger in the females boat took over driving after the collision. They stayed in the area, but did not assist him in anyway of getting back to or back into his boat. 

The male and female belonging to the other vessel had already left the scene when Game Wardens arrived. Clinch County Deputy conducted a traffic stop shortly after the call came out on this subject. Deputy received all of the information and relayed that to Game Wardens. 

Sgt. and GW went to the residence to interview the male and female involved in the incident. Subject1 stated that 12 year old Operator1 was the driver of the stick steer vessel at the time of the collision, but she was only driving about 7mph. Subject1 stated that the other boat was traveling at a high rate of speed around the blind curve striking them almost head on with little to no reaction time for either vessel. He stated that Victim, the other operator was ejected and that they stayed with him for around 15 minutes talking to make sure he was fine. 

Operator1 was also interviewed and stated that the other vessel was traveling very fast and they did not see each other in time to react. She states that she believes the front of her boat went over the top of the other boat. 

Minor injuries and minor damage was sustained to either vessel during this incident. Photos of both vessels, photos of injuries, and statements were obtained at the scene.

Suwanee River
FARGO                         