Operator and occupant of vessel 1 were fishing from their boat near the Area 4 boat ramp at Branched Oak SRA. They launched the boat at approximately 1800 hours and fished near the ramp until approximately 2130 hours. 

The operator was talking with occupants of a separate boat, before they separated, and both took off west across the lake.  One of the boaters the operator was talking to on the water stated he heard a crashing sound coming from the direction that Operator’s vessel was traveling. 

He said he could no longer see the lights of the operator’s vessel, so he turned and drove directly toward the sound of the crash. Upon arrival, he advised the operator had run into a formation of concrete structures and the boat was stuck upon them. 

The operator flew forward through the windshield of the vessel, busting out his front tooth and causing some bleeding. The occupant of the vessel received a small bump on her head but ultimately had no injuries. 

The two other boaters got on the operator’s boat, and he took them to the Area 4 boat ramp where they were evaluated by medical personnel. They both advised that neither the operator nor occupant were wearing personal flotation devices at any point. They also estimated that the operator was traveling around 20-25 mph before the crash.

Operator was arrested for BUI.
Branched Oak Lake
Raymond                       