On 08/05/2023 at 11:31am, Rockport Police Department Dispatch advised me of a boat accident at Cove Harbor North Marina. I arrived on Scene at 11:03am as an Ambulance was transporting O1 to the Rockport emergency room. I spoke with four individuals, 3 of which were on scene when the accident occurred, and a Rockport PD officer who obtained information concerning the vessel and vessel operator. I spoke with the deckhand who works at the dry storage facility at the marina, and two individuals on scene shortly after the accident occurred. After obtaining pictures of the vessel damage, I met with the owner/operator at the vessel at the Rockport emergency room at approximately 12:50pm to obtain a statement regarding the accident. 

O1 recently had the boat serviced and a Minn Kota Terrova installed at Rockport Marine and was taking the boat out to Aransas Bay to see how it was running. HE left port (Cove Harbor North Marina) around 10:00am and drove out to Aransas Bay approximately 1/4 mile. He said he wasn't feeling well at this point, feeling very tired and weak, so he turned the boat around and returned back to port within approximately 15 minutes of leaving. 

As he was at idle speed returning to the dock near the Cove Harbor North dry dock, and as he approached the first dock near the fuel pumps in the marina, he went unconscious at the helm and travelled approximately 150 feet before striking the concrete bulkhead in the marina. He awoke in the seated position on the leaning post after the boat collided into the concrete bulkhead bow first then pinning against the dock on the vessels starboard side. OPERATOR became conscious shortly after the collision, noticed the vessel was still clutch ahead and against the dock, so he turned the engine off and tied the boat to a cleat on the dock. He then exited the vessel and laid down on the dock where two individuals, noticed him at approximately10:39am, then provided aid. 

Emergency medical services were advised, and O1 was transported to the Rockport emergency room. After speaking with him and health care individuals in the emergency room, it appears that O1 may have some underlying cardiac issues and was dehydrated. No alcohol or drugs appear to be involved and were not found on the vessel. Underlying medical conditions and moderate to severe dehydration appear to be the reason HE lost consciousness and struck the concrete bulkhead while operating his vessel. No apparent injuries sustained to the owner/operator due to the accident.   

End of Report
5020 ARANSAS BAY
Rockport                      