On August 9th, 2023 Conservation Officer 2 looked at an email sent by CO 1 on August 6th.  CO 2 was made aware of a vessel incident that occurred around 5:00 p.m. on August 6th south of McGregor on the Mississippi River. The information stated in the email stated that a vessel made contact with a wing dam near the mouth of the Wisconsin River near mile marker 631.  A blue and white 1995 Sea Ray Sundancer was being operated by Operator.  Operator who also owns the vessel was recreational boating with a single passenger. The vessel was outside the main channel and struck a wing dam causing damage to motor outboard motor area and transom. The vessel began to take on water due to damage and breach of hull near transom.  McGregor Fire Department was able to locate the vessel and it’s two uninjured passengers and bring them to shore in McGregor.  CO 1 states when he made contact with Operator and passenger at the McGregor docks ,he did not smell an odor of an alcoholic beverage on either individuals.  On August 9th CO 2 reached out to Operator on phone to set up a time to get a operator’s report completed.  On August 12th  around 10:30 a.m. ,CO 2 travelled to meet Operator at his residence.  The operator’s report was completed and Operator stated to CO 2 that the vessel involved was parked at the Big Buoy Marina in McGregor as they had recovered the partially submerged vessel had parked it at their lot near docks. Operator stated to CO 2 that if pictures were need to that it would be at marina parking lot.  On the afternoon of  August 12th CO 2 took pictures of the vessel and it’s damaged areas. Operator stated to CO 2 while operating the vessel he was not aware of that he was outside on main channel in shallow water just before it struck the wing dam.  At the time of the incident the water levels on the Mississippi River were very low outside of the main channel especially for the 29 foot Sea Ray.  The damage amount is unknown but Operator stated to CO 2 that it would likely be a total loss due to structural damage and interior vessel damage due to being partially submerged.
Mississippi River
McGregor                      