On 5/29/2023 at approximately 1030, Vessel 2 (14’ aluminum open motorboat) was struck by Vessel 1 (16’ center console aluminum boat) causing damage and injury.

Vessel 2 was heading north traveling at approximately 1.5 MPH. Vessel 1 was heading south at an unknown speed. The operator of vessel 2 observed and the operator of vessel 1 confirmed that vessel 1 was on plane at the time of the collision. Vessel 2 was in the act of fishing at the time of the collision and state law requires that vessels operate at no wake speed when operating within 75 feet of a person engaged in fishing. It was the responsibility of vessel 1 to maneuver around vessel 2 due to this factor. 

Vessel 1 was going from one location to another on a direct course. Vessel 1 had two passengers both of which were sitting in factory located seats in front of the operator’s seat obstructing the operators view. At no point did the operator see vessel 2 until the impact. 

At the last moment the operator of vessel 2 made a hard turn to port to try and avoid the collision. Vessel 1 struck vessel 2 on the starboard bow causing the boat to capsize and both occupants of vessel 2 to fall into the water. Vessel 1 immediately rendered aid and pulled the occupants out of the water with the help of other boaters who were nearby. The capsized boat was able to be turned back over and towed to shore. The impact from vessel 1 into vessel 2 cause the starboard side near the bow to be bent in towards center approximately 6 inches and the frame support bolts to be ripped out of the wooden support beams. The port side support towards the stern of vessel 2 was bent out away from center approximately 4 inches and the engine cover for the outboard motor was popped off its rails.  

Both vessel 1 and vessel 2 had the required number of personal flotation devices, however, none were used during this incident. The operator and occupant of vessel 2 sustained significant bruising to the arms, legs, and core of their body as they were thrown from the boat and were treated at the emergency room immediately following the incident. The operator and occupant of vessel 2 could not clearly explain the details on how they sustained the injuries due to the rapidly evolving nature of the collision. The only reported injury from the occupants of vessel 1 was a small scratch  on  one of the passengers and none of them received any medical attention.

The primary cause of the incident was operator inattention/obstructed view and passengers who were distracted eating lunch on vessel 1. The weather may have contributed to the incident in the fact that there were light waves on a grey overcast day and vessel 2 was silver in color with no bright markings. There were no drugs or alcohol involved in this incident and both the operator of vessel 1 and vessel 2 had significant experience boating. 

Citations are pending at the time of this report.

Ashley Lake
KALISPELL                     