On 07/26/2023 at approximately 13:50 a pontoon boat carrying 4 individuals and a ski boat carrying 3 individuals collided on South Holston Lake in Sullivan County. 

The vessels were traveling at each other in head on crossing situation, when the ski boat made a hard turn to the left. 

The pontoon boat made impact with the stern of the ski boat. The damage to the ski boat caused it to take on water resulting in it sinking. A total of three individuals were injured with two being minor and one being serious.

Rejection Update:
On 07/26/2023 at approximately 13:50, a pontoon boat carrying four individuals and a ski boat carrying three individuals collided on South Holston Lake in Sullivan County. The vessels traveled toward each other in a head-on crossing situation when the ski boat made a hard turn to the left. The pontoon boat made contact with the stern of the ski boat. The damage to the ski boat caused it to take on water, which resulted in it sinking and being a total loss. A total of three individuals suffered non-life-threatening injuries.     *** 	On 07/26/2023 at approximately 14:00, dispatch notified me of a serious injury accident involving two vessels that had just occurred on South Holston Lake. I was informed that Officers 1, 2, and 3 would travel to Friendship Marina to interview the involved parties and take photos of the damaged pontoon boat. Officer 4 and I boarded my vessel at Laurel Marina to travel to the crash site to locate the second vessel that had sunk. Upon arrival at the crash site, debris from the accident was observed and collected, along with written statements from individuals on land. We marked a potential location for the sunken vessel before returning to Laurel Marina. 

From written and verbal statements, it was determined that:
	
	At approximately 13:50, a pontoon boat operated by Op1 was traveling upstream, and a ski boat operated by Op2 was traveling downstream near Observation Knob on South Holston Lake. Op1 stated he observed the ski boat approaching him but believed the vessel would pass to his left. Op2 stated that as he approached Op1's pontoon, he thought the vessels would hit, so he made a hard turn to his left to avoid a collision. At this time, Op1 observed the ski boat turn into his path. Op1 attempted to avoid the collision by turning his vessel to the left but could not do so in time. The center and starboard pontoon struck the ski boat in the stern on the starboard side. 

	The impact caused extensive damage to the fiberglass surrounding the engine compartment on the ski boat, allowing water to begin filling the vessel.  Op2 and his passengers put on life jackets as their boat began to sink.  Op2's boat became submerged entirely, and a passing pontoon boat picked up all three passengers.  On Op1's vessel, V1 Passenger 1 was thrown to the floor, where she suffered lacerations to her shins and a broken toe. Op1 was able to transport his vessel back to Friendship Marina and take it off the water. 

From Investigation:

	After giving statements, both operators consented to and were taken for blood draws. The results of Op1's blood test showed that no alcohol or drugs were found to be in his system. The results of Op2's blood test showed that no alcohol was in his system but did show trace amounts of oxycodone and gabapentin; drug concentrations were below therapeutic levels.  *** Spoke with Sullivan County DA''s office on Tuesday November 28th, and was advised they do not wish to seek charges on any individual involved in the incident.
SOUTH HOLSTON RESERVOIR
BRISTOL                       