On november 16, 2023, at approximately 4:30 pm, a boat incident occurred on the yadkin river. The incident involved a 16'' aluminum reaper boat. The vessel was being operated by the owner’s son.  He was operating just south of the yadkin river and south yadkin river confluence on the rowan county side of the river when he hit a submerged dredge pipe. 

Operator was the only occupant on the boat when the incident occurred. Operator stated that he was traveling at about 30 mph heading north towards the south yadkin river when the incident occurred. Operator said he did not see the dredge pipe submerged. When operator went back to inspect the area, he said that the dredge pipe was only about 5-7 inches below the surface of the water.

The dredge company is carolina sand incorporated. I spoke with an employee at carolina sand incorporated on november 27th at 11:38 am.  He stated that it was possible for the dredge line to be near the surface at that location.  After learning of the incident, he went onto the river and was able to touch the dredge pipe with a boat paddle.

Upon inspection of the vessel, i observed a cracked lower unit.  Owner got an estimate to repair the lower unit of the vessel. The estimate for repairs is $2,067.72.  The damage was consistent with the vessel striking the submerged dredge pipe.  No charges have been filed as a result of this incident.  Drugs and alcohol were not a factor in this incident.



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YADKIN RIVER
SPENCER                       