On 07162023 at approximately 1430 hours vessel 1 and vessel 2 collided on the San Jacinto River near grid coordinates N 29.889444 W -95.097195 which is within the boundaries of Harris County, Texas. Operator of vessel 1, Owner and passenger of vessel 1, Owner and passenger of vessel 2, and the Operator of vessel 2 attempted to report the incident to the Harris County Sherriff’s Office, however the report never made it Texas Parks and Wildlife. I (Texas Game Warden) was contacted on 07192023. 

I observed photographs of the damage to vessel 2 and of Operator 1 in the water next to vessel 1 after the accident sent from Operator 2 to my state cell phone. On 08032023 I traveled to residence of Operator 2. I took a statement from Operator 2. Operator 2 claimed that they were traveling north/northwest on the San Jacinto River. Operator 2 looked over her shoulder and observed Operator 1 on the port side of their boat. Operator 2 said she didn’t have any time to react as Operator 1 crashed into the portside of their boat near the portside entry gate and that Operator 1 was ejected. I analyzed the damage to vessel 2. It appeared to me that another vessel had approached vessel 2 from approximately 200 degrees +/- 10 and struck vessel 2 approximately midway. The other vessel likely would have ramped vessel 2 and then slid back down the portside railing of vessel two. I observed black transfer marks and gouge marks that had a downward trajectory. I observed a circular indention just aft of the portside entry gate that was likely the bow impact point. I observed a dented portside railing and alignment issues with the entry gate and canopy that was likely a result of the impact to the portside. Texas Game Warden contacted. Witness stated that Operator 1 was attempting to make a turn and collided with the pontoon boat. Operator 1 denied any involvement with the accident. Damage to vessel 1 was minor scratches to the hull. No injuries were reported.
 
Conclusion
Vessel 1 conducted a turn at a high rate of speed and noticed it was on a collision course with vessel 2 which was traveling north north/west on the San Jacinto River. Vessel 1 violated the 50-foot rule by coming within 50 feet of vessel 2 at greater than headway speed and was unable to avoid a collision with vessel 2. Vessel 1 struck vessel 2 at approximate impact angle of 200 degrees +/- 10 about midway on vessel 2. Vessel 1 ramped vessel 2 and pitched its starboard side up while sliding down the portside railing of vessel 2. The black transfer marks on vessel 2 match the black color of Vessel 1. The distance between the linear transfer marks on the portside railing of vessel 2 matches the spacing difference top to bottom of the black side rail on vessel 1.
1530 SAN JACINTO RIVER
Sheldon                       