Vessel #1 (V1) 2011 12” Caribe, Rigid Hull Inflatable Open Motorboat, 30 hp engine      	
Operator/Owner – 

Vessel #2 (V2) – 1996, Gratitude, 55’ San Juan Symbol, 2 Cat Inboard diesel engines, hp unknown.
Operator/Owner – 
Passenger/Owner –	

On 05/16/2023, at about 04:05 p.m., V1, operated by O1 and V2, operated by O2 were boating on Guemes Channel, about 100 yards from the Guemes Ferry route, nearest the town of Anacortes, WA in Skagit County.

According to the Law Enforcement, operator of V2, was cruising their vessel, when they were struck by a 12’ rigid inflatable vessel. The operator of V1, was thrown into the water. Passenger threw a life ring and O1 was pulled from the water. He was transported to shore in Anacortes and medics from the Anacortes Fire Department transported him to Island Hospital. 

V1 – O1 was interviewed at the hospital by Anacortes Police. He admitted to having a beer while driving the boat and was jumping over the wakes of larger boats. He stated he didn’t recall striking another boat. Officers observed his eyes were glazed and his speech was slurred. Based on Officer training and experience, it is believed he was intoxicated to the point he was unable to safely operate the vessel. Officers attempted to contact O1 at his listed address after he was released from the hospital and was unable to, wife stated he was asleep in his room and couldn’t talk. He was charged with Reckless Boating RCW 79A.60.040.

V2 – Operator stated that a small craft was circling their boat and jumping off wakes. O2 stated that O1 was acting recklessly by driving too fast and too close to their boat and would drive by while standing with his back to the wheel. O1 struck the Gratitude (V2) multiple times causing damage to the hull and would yell obscenities and flip them off. O2 stated she put the boat in neutral to not cause any more wakes so O1 would move on but it enraged him. O2 stated that O1 then drove at a high rate of speed over the tow line attached to their dingy, causing him to be thrown in the water. V1 boat landed on the bow of the dingy causing both V1 and the dingy to take on the water. 

V1 – Damaged hull
V2 – Damaged hull and total loss of dingy

V1 - Injuries 1 / V2 – No injuries
V1 - Apparent Alcohol Involvement
V1 - Damage estimated at $4,000 / V2 - Damage Estimated at $ 15,000
V1 - Operator did not have a Boater Education Card / V2 - Operator Did not have a Boater Education Card
Guemes Channel
Anacortes                     