Video: Boats collide in Seattle's Elliott Bay

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SEATTLE – The Coast Guard is trying to figure out what caused a motorboat and sailboat to collide in Seattle's Elliott Bay Monday, sending three people to the hospital.

The tour boat “Neptune’s Car” was heading back to the Seattle waterfront from Blake Island when the southbound motorboat hit the sailboat off Alki Point, leaving a gaping hole in the portside bow.

"Sick to my stomach. I almost wanted to throw up when I went on board and looked at it. I just spent $70,000 making that boat look pretty,” said Paul LeMarche, the owner of “Neptune’s Car” and the touring company “Let’s Go Sailing.”

He says witnesses on board the sailboat say the motorboat came at them full boar and that it didn’t appear the driver of the motorboat let up on the throttle.

Two people on “Neptune’s Car” were injured. The 55-year-old pilot of the motorboat suffered face lacerations from hitting the steering wheel in the collision. He was also taken ashore to the hospital.

The Coast Guard is investigating whether anyone responsible for operating either boat was drinking. They’re also talking to the tour crew, the passengers and the driver of the motorboat.

"Under the rules of the road, sailboat usually has the right of way, but we have to look more in-depth at where it was, the totality of the situation, said Chief Warrant Office John Prendiville.

LeMarche says the loss goes beyond the damage to “Neptune’s Car” With one of his two boats heading into drydock until at least next season, he’s already losing business.

"Tonight, I lost $1,500 because I only have one boat and I’m supposed to have two. I had to turn people away and cancel charters. Same thing for the rest of the week at least,” said LeMarche, who adds that this will be his first insurance claim in 24 years of business.