On 08 May 23 at approximately 11:00am Vessel 1 was heading south on Lake Mitchell, near Wear Island. There were 3 Occupants on V1. Operator, Passenger 2 and Passenger 1/Victim. Victim and Passenger 2 were sitting in the open bow in front of the vessel. Victim stood up to walk to the rear of the vessel, this caused his hat to fly off and out of the vessel. Operator turned the vessel around and they went to search for the hat. They located the hat in the water and Victim entered the water to retrieve the hat. Operator shifted the vessel from forward (idle speed), to neutral, then to reverse (idle speed), and back to neutral. The reverse momentum of the vessel casued it to float backward and strike Victim. The lower unit and the propeller of the vessel caused an abrasion to the ribs, lacerations on the hip, and fracture to the Anterior Superior lliac spine of Victim. Operator immediately shut off the vessel and assisted Victim out of the water and onto the vessel. He called 911 and drove to Higgins Ferry. Passenger 2 kept pressure on the wounds of Victim. Statements from the Operator and the Witnesses corroborate the on-scene investigation. 


East Chilton Volunteer Fire Department had a recue truck respond to Higgins Ferry Park. Victim was transported From Higgins Ferry to UAB Medical by Regional Paramedic Service.
Lake Mitchell
Jemison                       