On 7/6/23, at approximately 2:30pm, a white winchester vessel hereinafter referred to as vessel 2, being operated by v2 operator with a v2 passenger was traveling west on the tar river and collided with a new white and black "bass cat" vessel, hereinafter referred to as vessel 1, being operated by a v1 operator with a v1 passenger as a passenger was traveling to washington.  The collision took place on a bend in the tar river.

Vessel 1 was struck on the port side towards the stern by vessel 2 with damage suggesting the collision was initially at the bow and as the bot spun the motor.  Upon the collision both passengers of vessel 2 were ejected due to v2 operator not wearing the kill switch.  As a result of the collision, vessel 2 began to circle in the water with the motor still running, and then eventually stalled out in the water after hitting a sandbar.

V2 operator and passenger were able to swim to shore and board vessel 2.  Both vessel 1 and 2 were abld to return to the port terminal wildlife ramp and were followed by greenville fire/rescue.  The only individual who had any injuries was v2 passenger who had to receive medical attention from ems with a laceration on her ankle and was later released by ems.

The incident was caused by operator inattention as well as failing to maintain a proper lookout on v2 operator's part as he was going around the bend; he was not paying attention and made a sharp left turn directly into vessel 1.  Damages to vessel 1 were estimated to be around $57,000.00.  Damages to vessel 2 have not yet been estimated.  After reviewing video footage from v1 passenger's cell phone, a failure to maintain a proper lookout charge is pending for v2 operator. G.s. 75a-6.1(a) 33cfr 83.
TAR RIVER
GREENVILLE                    