Operator #1 stated to the effect, "We were attempting to cross the finish line. The other boat was coming from the opposite direction and was in my blind spot. I didn't see her and the shells struck."

Operator #2 stated to the effect, "We were rowing in the direction of the docks when an 8 person shell was in our path and got too close to us. They continued rowing into our path so we attempted to get out of the way. They did not stop until we collided. When we struck each other, we raised our oars, so we would not hit the rowers on the other boat. The oars got raised so much that it caused us to flip and fall out of the shell."

Investigation at the scene revealed: Vessel #1 was traveling W/B on the Mercer County Lake, West Windsor Township, Mercer County, NJ during a rowing regatta race. 

Operator #1 drifted outside of her designated lane and subsequently struck Vessel #2 on the port side midship. Vessel #2 capsized as a result of the collision resulting in all occupants of Vessel #2 being ejected. Victim #1 (Rower #3 Vessel #2) sustained a wrist injury and was transported to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in Hamilton Township, Mercer County, NJ for further evaluations. There were no other reported injuries at the time of the incident.

The Executive Director of the Princeton National Rowing Association located in Princeton Junction, NJ. Subject failed to complete NSJP form SP827 (Application for Permission to Hold a Marine Event), which states 45 days prior notice for any race of regatta (13:82-4.6(b) Racing Events) and (13:82-1.20 Marine Events). Without this prior approval, no race or regatta shall be conducted unless a permit has been received and since no form was completed the regatta was not authorized. Subject is also in violation of 13:82-4.6(c) which states that requirements will be tended to insure the safety of those competing and the safety of other craft during the regatta or race. During the time of the regatta, no EMS nor first aid squads were on-scene and had to be dispatched to respond to the vessel accident. I was advised this event is not the first, but has been happening for many years prior to date of the incident. Subject will be required to appear in West Windsor Court to answer to these charges on a future date.

MERCER COUNTY LAKE
WEST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP         