On 7/23/2023, Wildlife Officers were notified by Region 3 Dispatch of a possible abandoned house boat in the back of Galton Hollow on Dale Hollow Lake. We arrived at approximately 1954. Once on scene, we observed a white male fishing on the back deck of a house houseboat. The house boat was in the last slough, on the western side of Galton Hollow. To the left of the houseboat, we observed a pontoon that was partially submerged in the water. 

There were ropes and tie downs, securing the vessel to the bank, keeping it from completely going under water. This area of the lake, the water depth was shallow, approximately 5 to 10 feet. 

Officer and I made contact with a white female and the white male that we observed fishing. We informed them that we had received a call about a possible abandoned vessel. Operator advised that both vessels, in the slough, belonged to him and they were not abandoned. I asked Operator about the pontoon that was partially submerged. He advised that there were 2 holes in the left toon of the vessel. I asked how the holes got there. He advised that 3-4 nights prior, he did not know the exact date, he had been involved in an accident. 

He advised that one of the nights after "the big rain", he was traveling southeast, out of Galton Hollow, toward the main channel of Dale Hollow Lake. He advised that it was at night, he did not have an approximate time, he just stated that it was after dark. He advised that there was a lot of debris and "trash" in the water, from the heavy rains. 

He advised that he was operating the vessel at a normal speed and he was the only occupant. He advised that just before "the Island" at the mouth of Galton Hollow, he hit a log in the water, that he did not see until just before impact. He advised that the log became wedged between the back of the toon and the propeller of his vessel. He advised that the wedged log, turned the prop to where it made the steering go directly to the left. 

He advised that he could not straighten the vessel, to avoid a collision with the rock wall. I used my state issued iPhone and opened the OnX app. I asked him to show me the approximate location of the log and the approximate location of the impact with the wall. He advised that he was able to get the log out and was able to drive the vessel to the location it was at when we arrived. 

He advised that shortly after getting it back and tying it down, the vessel began to take on water and started to sink. He advised that he had made arrangements with someone to help him get the boat floated up and towed off the water. There was no evidence available to prove or disprove the statements made by Operator. This report was initiated by the officers, after discoveries while investigated the abandoned houseboat, it was not reported. This report was written solely on the statements of Operator.

DALE HOLLOW RESERVOIR