On the listed date at approximately 1400 hrs., I received a call in reference to a boating incident at the listed location. Cpl. and I responded to the incident location. Upon arrival, I met with Chief, of the Midville Police Department. He stated that the listed vessel operator and occupant were transported to Doctors Hospital for treatment by Burke County EMA. 

Chief secured the vessel at the scene. I found that the listed vessel was secured at the boat ramp. The vessel had moderate damage (large dent) to the starboard bow. Tree bark and soil were found on the bow. Estimated cost of damage is unknown. No witness were found at time of incident. Game Warden responded to Doctors Hospital to speak with the operator and occupant. 

A written statement was taken from the operator at the Hospital. The operator stated that he was traveling West on the Ogeechee River when he encountered a bend. He attempted to down throttle when he actually throttled the vessel causing the vessel to run into an overhanging tree. The overhanging tree struck the operator and occupant causing the operator to lose control of the vessel. 

The vessel then struck the bank causing the occupant to be ejected and the operator to be thrown into the floorboard. The operator and occupant sustained lacerations to the head. The occupant also sustained injuries to her right leg (broken femur). The operator further stated that he retrieved the ejected occupant from the water and drove them to the boat ramp where he called 911. The occupant was admitted to Doctors Hospital for treatment. 

Game Wardens investigation found that the damage to the vessel is consistent to the operator’s statement.  The operator and occupant were wearing a type 3 non-inflatable PFD. Game Wardens found that the cause of the incident was due to operator inexperience with that type of vessel. The vessel and vehicle of the operator were taken to the operators’ residence by Chief on request.

Ogeechee River
MIDVILLE                      