On 8/5/23, I Game Warden 1 was on vessel patrolling the Colorado River in Laughlin, NV. At approximately 1325 I overheard radio traffic from Bullhead City Police Department of a vessel incident in front of Harrah's Casino (2900 S Casino Drive). At approximately 1331 I arrived at Harrah's Casino and observed Bullhead City Lifeguards adjacent to the water taxi dock attempting to tow a personal watercraft (PWC). The PWC that lifeguards were towing was the impacting vessel (V1) in the collision and had its stern submerged vertically and was bobbing in the water with its bow out of the water. The impacted vessel (V2) in this collision was the V2 vessel and had returned to its port. I identified the operator of V1 at the time of the collision as V1 Operator and his passenger as V1 Passenger. V1 Operator explained that the collision was approximately 40 feet from the shore in front of the dock. V1 Operator's description indicates that he attempted to steer the PWC off throttle resulting in a lack of redirection to avoid the collision. The starboard side of the PWC struck the port side bow of the V2. While attempting to get a preliminary idea of the damage, identified the lessee of PWC as Lessee. 
     Initial inspection of the PWC showed damage to the hull, starboard mirror, and gasoline leaking. I detected no presence of alcohol or drug impairment from V1 Operator but performed Horizontal Gaze of Nystagmus test to be thorough, no clues observed. V1 Operator admitted that he was not on the rental agreement and began the voyage as a passenger but switched places with V1 Passenger midway and took over as operator before the collision took place. I explained to V1 Operator and Lessee that this was a violation of NRS 488.730-Permit person to operate PWC not on lease agreement, and V1 Operator's inexperience with law and operation may have contributed to the incident. Secondary review for damage showed a crack in the fiberglass hull on the starboard side of the PWC beginning at the stern and going past the starboard sponson. Paint transfer from the USS Riverside is observable on the starboard side, bow, and steering rack. The starboard side mirror can be seen destroyed as well. Livery staff estimated a total of $4500 for repairs to the PWC. At approximately, 1436 I arrived at the Riverside Casino to speak with staff. The captain was identified as V2 Operator. V2 Operator stated that there was minimal damage to the V2 as it is a steel hull vessel with nominal scuffing on the port bow side. V2 Operator stated that the vessel was heading south at the time of impact and was positioned at the north end of the Harrah's flat wake zone. V2 Operator stated that he did not see the PWC beforehand and only heard the sound of the impact. V2 Operator explained that the PWC approached from the stern on the port side and only observed the PWC after impact with the passengers ejected. V2 Operator returned to the Riverside Casino and contacted law enforcement. Riverside Casino staff indicated that they incurred no damage, injury, or casualty as result of the collision. 
In reviewing the observed damage to V1 I assessed the damage using NDOW provided Vessel Damage Monetary Estimates for Collisions Sheet. Approximately 2-3sq/ft of fiberglass repair required on the starboard side ($3000-$4500). Starboard side mirror ($150) and stabilizer fin ($200) replacement. Approximately 1sq/ft of paint transfer ($100). Total of $3450-$4950 in cost for repairs.  In reviewing the observed damage to V2 I assessed the damage using NDOW provided Vessel Damage Monetary Estimates for Collisions Sheet. I observed approximately 1-5sq/ft of paint transfer in the area of impact ($100-$500). Total of $100-$500 in cost for repairs.
Colorado River
Laughlin                      