Both vessels were on the lower Illinois river, north of gore landing.  Vessel-1 was under power north bound and vessel-2 was using trolling motor, trolling in a south, southeast direction.  

The operator of v-1 stated he saw v-2, slowed to approx. 10 mph and was approx. 60-75 ft. Away as he went by v-2.  

The operator of v-2 stated he saw v-1 approach at a high rate of speed and came approx. 6-10 ft. From his vessel as v-1 went by.  V-2 operator stated the wake from v-1 swamped the rear of the vessel, taking on water.  

Passengers were either swept over or jumped from the vessel as it took on water and capsized.  Two of the passengers received minor injuries from unknown objects during the incident.  V-1 continued north, unaware v-2 had swamped and capsized.  The operator of v-2 was able to retrieve v-2 and secure it to the east bank.  

An unknown amount of time had passed when v-1 returned to the scene, noticed v-2 capsized, and the passengers on the bank, asked if they needed assistance and were told no.  V-1 continued south on the lower illinois, leaving the area.  V-2 passenger relayed v-1 information to law enforcement and v-1 was contacted that evening.  V-1 operator and passengers stated they did not know v-2 had swamped and/or capsized until they later returned and did not know v-2 had blamed v-1 for the incident until they were notified by law enforcement.  

V-1 was rated for 3 persons and had 4 people total on board with only 2 pfd's.  V-1 believed v-2 to have 5-6 people on board.  V-2 stated there were 4 people on the boat and 2 persons on kayaks.  The width of the river is approx. 70-75 ft wide in the area.  The navigable waters in the area may only be 30-40 ft, depending on depth, water flow, and debris in the area.

LOWER ILLINOIS RIVER
GORE                          