On 9/19/23 at approximately 1100 hours I was notified by dispatch of a vessel accident with injuries near Parson''s Point on Lake Powell. National Park Service (NPS) Rangers were already on scene.

INVESTIGATION:
 
I contacted NPS Ranger 2 and he informed me that they were transporting a 10 year old male patient, later identified as Injured, to the Wahweap main launch ramp for injuries to his right arm and suspected head injuries. Deputy 3 and I responded to take the investigation.

On scene I met with Operator, the operator of the vessel. The following is a summary of my interview with him.

Operator stated that they were travelling back to Wahweap marina when they witnessed a boat go through a large channel between the shore and a large rock in the water near Parson''s Point. Believing that the path was safe since the other vessel made it through with no issues, Operator followed the other vessel. When he was approximately halfway through the gap, Operator's vessel struck a submerged rock that was unmarked. This resulted in Injured being ejected from the bow of the vessel and possibly striking a rock in the water. Operator immediately attempted to stop the vessel, however due to the damage to the vessel''s propeller the boat coasted over Injured while he was in the water. Injured's dad immediately recovered Injured from the water and brought him on board. Operator stated that Injured never lost consciousness, however he was complaining of pain in his right arm.

Operator then called 911 and waited for NPS Rangers to respond and provide medical care to Injured, while NPS maintenance crews towed Operator's vessel back to the main launch ramp.

On 11/12/23 I contacted Operator on the phone and found that the damage to his vessel was reported at $25,000. This included damage to the propeller, propeller shaft and fiberglass. Operator mentioned that Injured had sustained a broken right arm and a mild concussion but was released from the hospital only a few hours after he was admitted on 9/19/23.
LAKE POWELL
Page, AZ                      