On January 15th at around 1pm Operator was operating his Clackacraft on the South Fork of the Holston River while guiding two other trout fishermen. He came upon a rapid and chose to manauver his boat to the right side of the river through a narrow channel. He got too close to a rock on the right side which caused the boat to take on water at the stern and sink. All occupants exited the vessel and swam to shore unijured. *** On January 15th at around 1pm Operator was operating his Clackacraft on the South Fork of the Holston River while guiding two other trout fishermen. He came upon a rapid and chose to manauver his boat to the right side of the river through a narrow channel. He got too close to a rock on the right side which caused the boat to take on water at the stern and sink. All occupants exited the vessel and swam to shore unijured.

On January 16th while patrolling the South Holston Tailwaters officer and I were told that a paddlecraft had overturned yesturday and that TVA had shut the water down so it could be recovered. We did not have any knowledge of the incident or the location of the boat. The water was off during this day when it should have been on.Later this day we arrived at the Big Springs access area and noticed two paddlecraft coming down to the ramp. The first boat operator said that he had just recovered his boat with the help of his friend coming in behind him. He said that he had two clients on board and that the boat sank while trying to manauver through a rapid. He struck a rock which caused water to come over the stern which immediately sank the boat. All occupants exited the boat and swam to shore uninjured. While at the ramp we took photos of the boat damage the side and bottom of the hull. Statement were taken fromt he owner/operator and the person that helped recover the boat. The boat is still functional but has damge that needs repairs. Photos were taken at the scene by the owner. The informaiton from the occupants was obtained and statements will be obtained. Officer made contact with both of the occupants and learned that all guides and familiar with the water. Occupant was paddling until about 10 minutes before getting to the rapids and then Operator took over operation. Operator proceeded to go to the rights side to keep from getting in the fishtails  in the rapids on the left. He entered the shute between two large rocks and struck the one on the right which  turned him sideways in the current and water came over the side. The occupants tried to shift the weight but the boat sank and they swam to shore. The boat continued down stream underwater for approximatley 100 yards and lodged upright.  Occupant stated to officer that Operator should have back rowed instead of forward rowed. The boat had damage to the chines with gelcoat gashes and scratches. There is a 16 inch crack in the hull inside the boat on the right of the stern. The boat was reovered and floated from the resting location to the Big Springs access area. There are no charges to be placed.
SOUTH FORK HOLSTON RIVER
BRISTOL                       