On Saturday July 22nd, 2023 at approximately 1514 hours I, Game Warden was patrolling the Colorado River in Laughlin, Nevada aboard a patrol vessel as a double unit with Game Warden when we were approached by operator1 in his vessel (Vessel 1).  Operator1 stated that he would like to report a vessel collision that he was involved in.

Operator1 stated that he was traveling southbound on the Colorado River near Davis Camp when he performed a port-side turn. While performing the turn, Vessel 1 was struck aft the port by a personal watercraft (Vessel 2). Warden and I observed damage to the fiberglass and get coating of Vessel 1 matching the description.

Warden1 explained to Operator1 that based off his recounting, both operators would be at fault if we took a report.  While performing the turn, he could document the collision himself.  Since Operator1 reported the collision, and I had already cited him earlier in the day, I decided no citation was needed. Warden1 and I cleared the scene at approximately 1520 hours.

At approximately 1615 hours, Warden1 and I were flagged down by Operator1 from the Arizona shoreline at Davis Camp in Mohave Couty.  Operator1 pointed out Vessel 2 at the nearby launch ramp and explained that the man with the vessel was the operator of Vessel 2 during the collision.

Warden1 and I contacted Operator2. Operator2 admitted that he struck Vessel 1 and had fled the scene. Operator2 stated that he did not know vessel collisions were to be reported.  Operator2 recounted the collision, stating that he was traveling southbound on the Colorado River near Davis Camp when Vessel 1 slowed and performed a port-side turn in front of him which led to the collision.  Operator2 additionally admitted to drinking two beers earlier in the day.  It did not appear Operator2 was impaired.

According to NRS 488.540 USCG inland navigation rules, the following violations contributed to the collision.

Vessel 1
-  Rule 5: Lookout: Vessel 1 failed to maintain a proper lookout as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.
- Rule 17- Action by Stand-On Vessel: Vessel 1 failed to keep course.

Vessel 2
- Rule 5: Lookout Vessel 2 failed to maintain a proper lookout as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.
-Rule 6 - Safe Speed: Vessel 2 failed to proceed at a safe speed so that she could take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped
  within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.
- Rule 8 - Action to avoid Collision: Vessel 2 failed to take action to avoid collision or take action to avoid collision in ample time and with due regard to the observance of good seamanship.

Operator2 was compliant and seemed to lack understanding of vessel collisions and navigation rules.  I issued Operator2 a citation for violating USCG inland navigation rules: Rule 6-Safe Speed and provided him a warning for the other USCG inland navigation rules, as well as NRS 488.550 Hit and Run.  Warden1 and I cleared the scene at approximately 1635 hours.

COLROADO RIVER
Bullhead                      