On July 2, 2023 Operator was operating a 1994 Marada ski boat with 4 Passengers. Operator was heading to Barkley State Park Marina for food when he hit a large wave. After hitting the large wave, he stated he tried to pull the throttle back but could not do so. After hitting the wave and not being able to pull the throttle back he then struck a log causing the vessel to abruptly change direction which caused the occupants to shift from there seated positions. During this shifting 15-year-old Injured struck her head. EMS was called and they decided to Air lift Injured to Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville TN for further medical treatment.
According to the mother of Injured, Injured was released from Vanderbilt medical on 7/2/2023. 
Follow Up Phone Interviews and Investigation:
On July 3, 2023 I went to inspect the 1994 Marada ski boat for damage. While looking at the vessel I could only find minor scuffs and scratches and one small piece of the cavitation plate missing (See BA Photo). I took pictures of the vessel and the damage. I then inspected the throttle lever to see if I could recreate the stuck position as descried by Operator in his voluntary statement. I moved the throttle lever forward and back several times without any issue. I later had a phone interview with Operator and he stated that he has had throttle problems in the past because of a broken throttle cable. Operator stated that prior to this incident that he himself had replaced the cable with a brand new one and that he has been working on the boat since he purchased it. Operator also stated that at the time of the incident that he was only traveling 15 to 20 MPH.
	I Conducted follow up phone interviews with Injured, Passenger 3, and Passenger 2. During these interviews I found that all 3 passengers stated that the boat was going at least 40mph and that Passenger 3 visually saw Operator trying the bring the throttle lever from the most forward position and he was having difficulty in doing so.
Barkley Lake
cadiz                         