While on patrol on Laurel Lake in the area of Grove Marina and Whippoorwill Creek I observed a vessel beached on the lake shore with individuals standing on the lake bank. There was an another vessel in close proximity who began waving their arms at this officer in what appeared to be an attempt to gain my attention. 

Upon contact with the vessels I was informed by Operator that they had struck a shallow point while running approximately 30 mph. He reported that the collision had reported about ten minutes before my arrival. He advised he was the operator of the vessel at the time of the collision. He advised he felt the vessel strike the point and shortly after began taking on water. They drifted back into the lake shore where they secured the vessel to the bank. Passengers 1 and 2 were reported to be riding in the rear passenger seats behind the operator, and two juveniles, Passengers 4 and 3, were reported riding in the bow area of the vessel at the time of the Collison. No injuries were reported by any persons involved. The vessel involved had taken on a large amount of water and was unable to be towed at the time of the incident. The vessel was secured to the lake bank where pertinent personal property was removed. This officers body cam was activated and recording during the interviewing of the operator and passengers.

While speaking to Operator I observed him to be unsteady on his feet, have bloodshot eyes, and I smelled the odor of alcoholic beverages emitting from his persons. SFST tests were conducted on Operator where he showed clues of impairment leading this officer to believe that he was under the influence. He was placed under arrest and transported to Grove Marina where KSP Trooper 2 transported Operator to the Whitley County Detention Center. At the detention center, Operator submitted to a breath sample by intoxlyzer, with the results being: .094

On May 28, 2023, the Laurel County Rescued Squad attempted to remove the vessel but was unsuccessful.

On May 30, 2023 Marine Assist was able to remove the vessel and load it onto Operator vessel trailer. Also on this date, this officer utilized his department issued drone to gather videos and photographs of an ariel view of the incident location. This officer also took pictures of the vessel while on the trailer at Grove Marina.

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT:
The vessel, sustained damage to the rudder and propeller of the vessel. The rudder was broken off of the vessel resulting in a hole in the hull, allowing water to enter the engine compartment. The propeller sustained damage to the fins.

KRS/KAR:
If any of the following conditions occur as the result of a boating accident, collision, etc., a Boating Accident Report must be made:
death or disappearance of a person;
injury to a person which requires medical attention or incapacitates that person for 24 hours or more;
loss or damage to property (including the vessel) in an amount of $500 or more.
The operator of a vessel is required to complete the report. If the operator is not capable of filing the report and is not the owner of the vessel, then the owner shall be required to fill out a boating accident report.
Note 1: Even if a Law Enforcement Officer fills out a boating accident report, this does not exempt the operator from filing a report.
Note 2: The reports filed by operators of vessels are confidential and are not available as public record (KRS 235.250). However, reports made by officers are available for review.
Accidents involving death or serious injury must be submitted to the Division of Law Enforcement within 48 hours. All others must be submitted within five days.
Laurel River Lake
CORBIN                        