On the afternoon of May 15, 2023, I, CPO 1, received information about a boat accident that occurred on Lake Michigan at Montrose Harbor on May 11, 2023 at approximately 12:00 PM.  A powerboat owned by Freedom Boat Club and operated by V1 Operator struck the unoccupied vessel belonging to V2 Owner.  While attempting to dock the powerboat at Montrose Harbor Dock, V1 Operator struck the rudder of the sailboat that was docked at Dock.  V1 Operator reported the accident to Freedom Boat Club and an internal report was made.

On May 18, 2023 at approximately 12:09 PM, in a written statement, V2 Owner stated that on May 11, 2023, he received a call from Freedom Boat Club sayinig that one of their customers (V1 Operator) had hit his boat.  Upon nivestigation, he found damage to the rudder and transom.  V2 Owner pointed out the damage on the boat.  I noticed a small dent in the rudder and some hairline cracks in the fiberglass surounding the mounts.

On May 18, 2023 at approximately 2:06 PM, in a written statement, Witness 1 stated that on May 11, 2023 at approximately 12:05 PM, he witnessed a power boat belonging to Freedom Boat Club strike the rear of the unoccupied sailboat belonging to V2 Owner.

On May 18, 2023 at approximately 2:31 PM, in a written statement, Witness 2 (Freedom Boat Club employee) stated that V1 Operator came in too close to dock.  Witness 2 instructed V1 Operator to turn and reverse, but V1 Operator went forward and struck the sailboat.

On May 30, 2023 at 10:59 AM, I received an emailed statement from V1 Operator.  He stated that on May 11, 2023, he was attempting to dock the vessel at Montrose Harbor and the aft portion of his boat touched the other vessel.

V1 Operator will be issued a written warning for careless operation of a watercraft.
Lake Michigan
Chicago                       