On August 7, 2023, at approximately 1558 hrs. I, Officer 1 was notified by Sgt. 2 of a boat incident on Herrington Lake in Mercer County. Upon arrival at Pandora Marina, I made contact with the marina owner. Marina Owner stated one of the marina's rental pontoons was involved in an incident earlier in the day. 

Operator, Passenger 2 and Passenger 1 rented a pontoon (vessel 1) from Pandora Marina and put on the water at approximately 1030 hrs.

Operator advised that at approximately 1330 hrs. she was operating the vessel with the throttle at the full forward position traveling south on the right side of the lake toward Sunset Marina. Operator said a boat to their left was traveling north. All three occupants of vessel 1 looked over at it and then Operator heard Passenger 2 say her name to get her attention. When she turned back, she observed the dock and attempted to steer away from it. Operator was unable to avoid the dock and ramped the right side of the vessel over the corner of the dock. As she attempted to avoid the dock, the back end of the vessel, including the motor also ramped over the corner of the dock.

After impact, Operator was shaken and wasn't completely sure if they hit the dock or a log in the lake. She turned the vessel around to observe for any damage to the boat or dock and noticed a work boat nearby. She realized it was a dock she hit and stated she probably should have taken photos but didn't think of it. Operator also stated she would have gone up to let the dock owner know, but it didn't appear as though anyone was home. 

Witness 1 and Witness 2 were traveling north on a work boat in the area at the time of the incident. They both advised they did not witness vessel 1 hit the dock but heard a loud noise. When they looked around, they saw vessel 1 driving away from the bank and toward them. Both Witnesses 1 and 2 stated the occupants on vessel 1 asked them if they saw anything, and both Witnesses 1 and 2 said they didn't see anything but heard a loud noise. Witnesses 1 and 2 then continued up the lake. On their way back to Pandora Marina later that day, Witnesses 1 and 2 observed for any damage in that area and noticed damage to a dock. 

Operator advised after hitting the dock they then continued south on the lake past Pandora Marina to swim in a cove before returning the pontoon to the marina at approximately 1600 hrs. Once back at the marina, Marina Owner showed them photos of the dock they hit that were taken by Witnesses 1 and 2 on the work boat. 

When asked if she had consumed any alcoholic beverages that day, Operator stated she had not and that she does not drink. Passengers 2 and 1 both stated they had consumed some alcohol that day but did not see Operator drink any alcoholic beverages. Passengers 2 and 1 stated they did not drive the boat that day. 

All three individuals on the vessel were uninjured and did not require any medical attention. 

The dock, at Harrodsburg, KY 40330, is owned by Dock Owner. Ofc. 1 made contact with Dock Owner and advised him of the incident. Dock Owner planned to be at Herrington Lake the following weekend to observe for further damage.  

Ofc. 1 followed up with Marina Owner and Dock Owner to obtain estimates to repair the damage to the pontoon and dock. Those estimates totaled $13,694.97 ($9456.72 for the pontoon and $4238.25 for the dock).
Applicable Laws and Regulations
Code of Federal Regulations

83.05 Look-out (Rule 5).
Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.
The vessel failed to comply with this rule as neither the operator nor the two passengers saw the dock until it was too late. 
83.06 Safe speed (Rule 6)
Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.
Vessel 1 failed to comply with this rule to be able to slow down and avoid collision.
LAKE HERRINGTON
BURGIN                        