On September 10 2023 at approximately 0245 I was phoned by Marine Assist, a tow/salvage company on Lake Cumberland, and told of a grounding event that had occurred a few minutes prior.  The incident had occurred near Ramsey Point on Lake Cumberland located in Wayne County.  I responded from my home, utilizing a patrol boat moored nearby at Camp Earl Wallace.  Upon my arrival I found a 21 foot Larson open bow motorboat sitting completely out of the water on the shoreline.  I observed where the vessel had left the water, continued in a straight line up the bank and came to rest on the muddy bank.  I also observed footprints located all around the vessel as well as several round logs that were placed under the vessel.  
Two males were sitting in the vessel.  One identified himself as the owner/operator of the vessel (Operator) and the other was a passenger.  Neither were injured and Operator had phoned Marine Assist to have his vessel placed back on the water.  The vessel had suffered some damage to the hull which appeared to consist of several scratches and gouges through the gelcoat and also suffered some scratching to the lower unit of the vessel.  
Operator stated he had been travelling from State Dock Marina back to Lee's Ford Marina when he had encountered what he believed to be another vessel in the area.  He stated he had maneuvered to his starboard to avoid the other vessel.  He stated that he had been travelling around twenty-five miles per hour, just on plane when this occurred.  Just after maneuvering starboard he recalled seeing the shoreline and as he attempted to maneuver back to port he ran aground.  Once on the shoreline, Operator and passenger has gathered driftwood and placed under the vessel turning it around from it's resting position.  They were attempting to roll the vessel back into the water but have given up prior to phoning Marine Assist for assistance.  
I observed the odor of alcoholic beverages in and around the vessel.  While speaking with the occupants, they both admitted to consuming alcoholic beverages the evening prior.  Operator stated his last drink had been around 2100 hours the previous evening.  He consented to SFSTs.  I administered HGN and a PBT to Operator.  Neither showed signs of impairment.  Passenger as did not appear to be under the influence at the time I encountered him.  The odor I noticed had came from the spilled contents of the vessel due to the grounding and shifting of trash/coolers/etc.  
Operator had purchased the vessel only a few weeks prior and had not as of yet switched the registration numbers on the vessel.  It is currently registered in his name.  The HIN number included in this report does match the number assigned to the same make/model and is located on his current registration for the vessel.   
Damage Assessment
Vessel 1 suffered scratching and gouging to the hull for approximately 14 square feet--$2100.00
Vessel 1 suffered scratches to the drive from impacting the shoreline--$500.00
Summation of Findings

Related Rules and Regulations 
Code of Federal Regulations
33CFR 83.05 Rule 5, Look-out
Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.

33CFR 83.06 Rule 6, Safe Speed
Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.

Kentucky Revised Statues
235.240 Prohibition of operation of boat negligently or while intoxicated or drugged -- Consent to test for alcohol or drugs -- Elements of operation under influence of alcohol or other substance. 
(1) A person shall not operate any motorboat or vessel, or manipulate any water skis, surfboard, or similar device, in a reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the life or property of any person.
Summation of Findings

The operator of Vessel 1 failed to designate a lookout or serve as lookout.  He stated he had very little experience operating after sunset.  Hazard buoys are present in the area Vessel 1 struck the shoreline and 
may have been mistaken as being the vessel maneuvered around.  Regardless, speed was not slackened nor course changed in a large enough increment to avoid the event as required with limited visibility while operating on plane in an unfamiliar area.
LAKE CUMBERLAND