On august 24, 2023 at approximately 8:22pm.  There were two vessels operating in the main channel of dutch second creek near tamarac marina.  This occurred after sunset.  It was dark and the weather was stormy with heavy thunderstorms.  

Vessel one, a 19 ft 6 inch aluminum war eagle was operated with passenger seated to his left in the passenger seat.  Vessel two, a pontoon boat was operated with operator and 6 passengers.  Vessel one was cruising from the direction of cow island to tamarac marina and vessel two was cruising from tamarac marina towards cow island when the two vessels collided at a slight head on angle.

Vessel one was being operated at a cruising speed of approximately 39 mph headed towards the direction of tamarac marina. Vessel two was being operated at a cruising speed of approximately 15 mph leaving tamarac marina headed towards the direction of cow island.  While both vessels were headed to their next destination, they struck at a 15 degree angle with the starboard (right side) bow for vessel one impacting the starboard (right side) bow of vessel two.  Prior to the impact, vessel one was stand on and vessel two was the giveaway vessel.
 
Both vessels suffered major damages from the impact and there were multiple injuries from the incident.  

The passenger of vessel one was seriously injured and transported to wake forest baptist hospital where he later was diagnosed with two fractured vertebrae in his back, a cracked rib, bruised lung and a bruised hip. 

The operator was not injured.  

There were four injured on vessel two that received medical treatment.  The operator suffered life threatening injuries and was transported to wake forest baptist hospital em where he later died from the injuries. 

One person suffered bruising and lacerations on right leg and her knee after being ejected from the vessel.  She had been standing behind the operator with her hands on his shoulders. One person suffered a bloody nose, and the last suffered a laceration to his nose and face and a bruised right arm to the extent where he was treated with a sling. He had been kneeling on the floor to the left of the operator’s seat. These 3 individuals were transported to novant medical center and were later released.  One person also suffered a bruised lip and did not receive medical treatment. Vessel two passengers were not injured during the incident.
 
During the impact, passenger of vessel one was seated in the passenger seat next to the operator.  At the point of impact, he was forced to the floor of vessel one.  

Vessel two occupants were seated as follows:  The impact from the collision caused multiple injuries.  It also caused operator2 to hang off the starboard side of the boat with his head and shoulders in the water, while his legs were pinned between the seat and console.  The other remaining occupants of vessel 2 remained on board.

Both vessels suffered major damages from the impact.  Vessel 1's hull suffered major impact damage causing significant dents along with trolling motor mount damage.  The lower unit of the outboard engine suffered scratches and cracks along with a bent prop shaft.  Vessel 2 suffered major damages to the starboard aluminum side paneling, which was completely torn off.  The starboard side seating and the operator's console were dismounted from the floor of vessel 2.  The bimini top was dismounted from the brackets.  There was also a cut on the back port side passenger seat.  Also, there was a prop strike to the starboard pontoon as well as structural floor damage on the starboard side of the vessel.

At this time, we know that both vessels had navigation lights on.  This incident is still under investigation and further report details will be provided at a later date/time.


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HIGH ROCK LAKE
SALISBURY                     