Based on investigation and statements gathered at the scene. On 05/24/2023 at approximately 4:05pm Operator launched his 2017 Sea Doo at the Cherokee Park boat ramp. Operator operated the Personal Watercraft (PWC) for a short period of time when he realized that it was not running correctly and took the PWC to Hamblen Boat Dock to see what was wrong with it. 

Operator stepped off the PWC onto the dock to tie it up while the PWC was still running. While Operator was tying the PWC to the dock for unknown reasons the engine went from idle to full throttle and took off from the dock breaking the rope Operator was using to tie up the PWC. 

Operator had the engine cut off switch attached to his personal floatation device (PFD), but the clip came unattached from his PFD when the PWC took off not pulling the engine cut off switch. The PWC ramped off a portion of the dock landing back in the water where it continued across the cove. 

The PWC impacted the shore near Boat Launch Rd ramping approximately 30 yards up into the woods. The engine continued to run at full throttle until Operator was able to get to it and shut it off.  

*** Based on investigation and statements gathered at the scene. On 05/24/2023 at approximately 4:05pm Operator launched his 2017 Sea Doo at the Cherokee Park boat ramp. Operator operated the Personal Watercraft (PWC) for a short period of time when he realized that it was not running correctly and took the PWC to Hamblen Boat Dock to see what was wrong with it. Operator stepped off the PWC onto the dock to tie it up while the PWC was still running. While Operator was tying the PWC to the dock for unknown reasons the engine went from idle to full throttle and took off from the dock breaking the rope Operator was using to tie up the PWC. Operator had the engine cut off switch attached to his personal floatation device (PFD), but the clip came unattached from his PFD when the PWC took off not pulling the engine cut off switch. The PWC ramped off a portion of the dock landing back in the water where it continued across the cove. The PWC impacted the shore near Boat Launch Rd ramping approximately 30 yards up into the woods. The PWC’s engine continued to run at full throttle until Operator was able to get to it and shut it off. The insurance company totaled out Operator’s Sea Doo for $11,000 and did not ask him to take it anywhere to find the cause of the PWC going from idle to full throttle.

CHEROKEE RESERVOIR
MORRISTOWN                    