On 10/29/23 at approximately 12:55 pm, i arrived at oriental marina to investigate a boating incident that occurred earlier in the day.  I first spoke with the owner of a docked vessel that was hit and damaged, a 38' endeavour sailboat.  For purposes of this report, this vessel will be referred to as vessel two.  Vessel two, which was docked at the time of collision in slip, was hit by a 31' ericson sailboat.  For purposes of this report, this vessel will be referred to as vessel one.  In addition to speaking with subject, i assessed and photographed the damage to his vessel, vessel two.  On the starboard (right) side around midway on vessel two, i observed a damaged and crushed metal rub-rail.  The wood underneath the metal rub-rail was also damaged and crushed.

I interviewed the operator of vessel one to determine what caused the incident.  He reported that he was docked.  He reported he then backed out of the slip and navigated a short ways away from the marina.  He then came back in and attempted to dock at a dock that is labeled on the accident diagram portion of this report.  He reported there was a guy on the dock that was motioning him in.  

Operator1 reported that at the last minute, the individual on the dock told him to go on the opposite side of the dock instead of the side he was headed towards.  Operator1 reported that he was already committed to the first side.  He reported he then attempted to turn around but did not turn quite tight enough.  The anchor of vessel one which was on the bow (front) collided with vessel two.  As to the cause of the incident, operator1 reported it was a poor judgement call and he was new at navigating vessel one.  He reported this was his first voyage on vessel one and he was still learning.

I charged operator1 with failing to maintain a proper lookout.  


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RACCOON CRK
ORIENTAL                      