OPERATOR1, who stated he has been operating his vessel on Lake Powell for several years, stated he undocked from Antelope Point Marina at approximately 1545 hours on 01/14/2023. He stated the skies at that time were cloudy and darkening, but visibility was clear and the water was calm. 

He stated he maneuvered his vessel at drifting speed around the Antelope Point fuel docks on a southwestern bearing to head back to Wahweap Marina. He stated as he guided his vessel closer to the fuel dock side of the waterway between the fuel dock store and the rock wall, he heard and felt something strike and drag on the hull of his vessel. He stated he immediately realized the dock cables running straight out from the fuel station store toward the rock wall were visible at a level that appeared to him to be too shallow. 

OPERATOR1 stated he stopped, docked his vessel at the fuel docks, and called National Park Service to report the accident. He stated he was told to leave his boat at the dock and someone would help him in the morning. He stated he informed the ranger he was not able to leave his boat, as he was en route to Wahweap and would require assistance sooner than in the morning. He stated he was told that someone would assist him later and to wait for rangers to arrive. He stated he obtained a depth measurement of the docking cable while waiting for rangers and found that measurement to be approximately 29" from the surface of the water.

OPERATOR1 stated it began to get dark and he did not wish to operate his vessel after sunset, so he piloted his vessel back to Wahweap Marina, where he docked in his rented slip. After spending the night on his vessel, he again called National Park Service, who referred him to Coconino County Sheriff''s Office.

OPERATOR1 stated amongst the seven passengers including himself, there were no injuries reported and no discernible damage to property other than his vessel. While the extent of the damage to his vessel is as yet unknown, OPERATOR1 did obtain photographs and video documenting and detailing the location of the incident. He stated he can hear at least one of his propellers rattling and vibrating and observed his vessel veering and listing toward port during operation following the incident.

OPERATOR1 stated his vessel has two inboard diesel Volvo Penthadrive pod drives and suspects they were damaged. He stated he will provide updates accordingly following his vessel's removal from the water and inspection.

OPERATOR1 stated he estimates damage to his vessel, including but not limited to fiberglass hull damage, propeller damage, pod drive damage, and water extraction and repair fees to be approximately $50,000.

LAKE POWELL
Page, AZ                      