BOAT ACCIDENT EAST CANYON RESERVOIR

SYNOPSIS:
A boat accident occurred at East Canyon when no ranger's were available to respond. I handled the investigation after the report of the accident had been made. I found that one vessel was responsible for causing the accident running into the other while it was tied off at the dock. Weather, age, and inexperience were the main contributing factors. Citations were not issued. 

NARRATIVE: 
While off duty on 8/17/2023 I, Ranger, received a call from dispatch stating there was a property damage only boat accident at East Canyon Reservoir. I stated that I was unable to respond but would call the complainant. I was able to get in contact with the complainant. They stated that his boat was docked at East Canyon when another boat ran into his vessel causing damage to his vessel. He requested a report be made. He explained that he had exchanged information with the other operator and left the scene. I stated I would complete an investigation into the incident.

Operator 1 identified the owner of the vessel that hit his. I was able to reach Operator 2 by phone and found that he was camping at
East Canyon Resort. On 08/20/2023 I went over to the Resort to meet with Operator 2 and gather more information on the incident. I found Operator 2 and his vessel in his campsite and investigated the damage on his boat. There was minimal damage on his vessel. The only visible damage was on the metal rod that connects his sunshade top together. This rod had some visible scratches were Operator 2 stated the rod rubbed against the other vessel. The plastic piece where the rod connects was also broken. Operator 2 explained that he and his wife, were trying to get off the water due to a storm that came upon the reservoir. Operator 2 stated that he usually lets his wife operate the vessel to the dock and he hops off the bow while she places the vessel in reverse and waits for him to get the truck and trailer. Operator 2 stated that as his wife approached the dock a gust of wind along with strong waves took their vessel into V1 causing cosmetic scratches and dings. Ms. V2 attempted to maneuver away from the other vessel which may have caused more scratches while she was under power trying to get away from the vessel. A vessel inspection was performed and V2 had all necessary equipment, registration, and insurance. According to the V2 cloudy weather, wind, and choppy water were the most contributing factors to this incident. Operator 1 stated to me on the phone he believed alcohol was the most contributing factor. I did not see any signs of alcohol use throughout the his campsite or vessel. I asked the group if alcohol was a factor in the incident and they stated they do not drink alcohol.

On 08/21/2023 I traveled to Perry City where Ranger and I investigated Operator 1 vessel at his home. There was noticeable scratches and dings on the hull of his aluminum vessel. A vessel inspection showed Operator 1 to have all necessary items and paperwork. Operator 1 stated he had his vessel tied off to the dock while he went to get his truck and he observed the vessel 2 run into his. Inside the vessel were V1's daughter and father in law. Operator 1 again claimed that the Operator 2 were "drunk". I asked him what led him to believe that and he stated they "smelled like alcohol". I asked if he saw any alcoholic beverages in there vessel and he stated they did not. 

Upon inspecting both vessels and gather witness statements from the involved parties it was my determination that the accident's contributing factors were choppy water, wind, and weather. Other contributing factors may be age, operator inexperience, and possibly alcohol based on the statements from Operator 1, however I did not see any indications that alcohol was involved. The Operator 2 stated the accident was there fault and that they did not operate
East Canyon Reservoir
Morgan                        