On April 8, 2023, at approximately 9:10pm, boat owner/operator identified, was operating his Skeeter Strada FS-80 boat (sitting in the starboard-side steering wheel seat) on Lake Alan Henry. His friend/passenger, was sitting in the port-side passenger seat looking down at his phone (by his own admission/report). They had been fishing throughout the day. O1 reported he was cruising back toward the main public boat ramp in a southwesterly direction at approximately 15 -20 MPH. He stated he was looking up into a cove and did not realize he was so close to the shoreline. He stated his turn was a little too wide. O1 struck ground on the point of a small peninsula, approximately 400 yards northeast of the Lake Alan Henry, Main Public Boat Ramp. O1 ran aground on smooth flat rock and assorted smaller rocks, landing up in some small, dead trees. Neither O1 nor witness were wearing PFD's at the time of the accident, but PFD's were on board the vessel. The vessel was up on shore enough that it was unable to be moved back into the water without some type of tow. O1 called 911 shortly after realizing they were stuck and the boat was stranded on shore. Game Wardens responded to the dispatch call for assistance and response to the boat accident. Wardens arrived on the scene by boat at approximately 10:33pm. O1 was assessed for injuries and interviewed regarding the circumstances of the accident. Neither individuals showed signs of impairment nor intoxication. No alcohol was in the vessel and both individuals denied consuming any alcohol at all throughout the day. Wardens took photos of the vessel and accident scene and transported O1 and witness to the main boat ramp where they could reach their vehicle. Neither individual reported any injuries nor pain. The boat's hull and motor damage were consistent with the operator's report of speed and direction of travel.
0006 ALAN HENRY
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