# ReleasableAccidentes

BARDID: FL-2016-0140
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-03-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:37:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FLORAL CITY POOL
NearestCityorTown: FLORAL CITY
County: CITRUS
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 3/27/16, Vessel 1 and Vessel 2 were on Floral City Lake. Vessel 1 was towing a skier on a tube. Vessel 1 and the skier were operating in the area where Vessel 2 had come to a stop. Vessel 1 made a turn causing the skier to impact the port side pontoon on vessel 2.

The operators of V1 and V2 made several passes allowing Victim to jump the wake of V2. V1 kept circling V2 so the tuber could jump V2 wake.  On the final run prior to the accident, V1 went behind V2 and jumped the wake then passed on the starboard side of V2 and set up for another run to jump the wake  The operator of V2 decided to stop and take pictures of Victim on the tube.  V1 continued towards V2 and when he was approximately 40 feet from the vessel he made a right turn away from V2 causing the tube to sling shot Victim into the right side pontoon of V2. Victim sustained the following injuries, fractured jaw, possibly fractured or broken lower back, severe laceration to right thigh and cuts, abrasions to her face back and torso.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0141
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: JACKSONVILLE BEACH
County: DUVAL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 4/30/2016 I, Officer of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Division of Law Enforcement; was dispatched to the Mayport Boat Ramp in reference to a boating accident.

I arrived at the Mayport Boat Ramp and met with Officer of the United States Coast Guard (USCG).  Officer advised me of the names of the passengers on the boat that were not present and introduced me to the remaining occupants of the vessels that were involved in a boating accident that occurred approximately 3 miles east of the entrance to the Saint Johns River at Mayport.

Operator1 stated that he was the operator of Vessel 1 when it collided with Vessel 2.  Operator1 stated he was heading out from Mayport to do some recreational fishing with his friends to catch some dolphin.   Operator1 stated that he was cruising when he saw the navigational  lights of Vessel 2 and attempted to steer past the vessel without success.  Operator1 advised he turned to starboard to avoid collision but struck Vessel 2  on its port bow causing damage to both Vessel 1 and Vessel 2.  Operator1 stated he was not injured.

Operator1 described the conditions as dark and foggy with calm seas.  Operator1 stated he thought he was going 27 knots/hour when the collision occurred.  Operator1 stated the time of the collision was approximately 0500 hours.  

I conducted a Naval Observatory check which revealed that beginning morning nautical twilight (BMNT) was 0548 hours for Jacksonville, Florida.  I also checked the local NOAA weather report which revealed 2-3 foot seas and a water temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

I also met with the owner of Vessel 1.  V1 owner stated he was on the vessel when the boating accident occurred.  V1 owner account of the incident was consistent with Operator1's account of the incident.  V1 owner stated he was not injured.  V1 owner further stated that he did not have vessel insurance.

I also met with co-owners of Vessel 2.  Operator2 stated that he was operating the vessel heading back to Mayport at a 270 degree bearing at about 4-6 knots/hour when the incident occurred.  Operator2 advised he was using the 8 horsepower motor attached to the vessel.  Operator2 stated that he was not injured.

V2 occupant's account of the incident was consistent with Operator2's account.  

Both Operator2 and V2 occupant stated they were college students, on a visa visiting this country, and were returning to their country in the fall to attend school.

I observed the damage to Vessel 2 was consistent with the description of all the occupants of vessel 2  present at the scene.

I photographed the damage to both vessels and those photographs are attached to this report.

I observed the damage to Vessel 1 was limited to the starboard section of the hull at the water line.

I observed the damage to Vessel 2 was on the port side of the vessel which consisted of damage to the hull and the bow railing.  Operator2 and V2 occupant also advised that the impact of Vessel 1 forced loose the bracket of the outboard motor attached to the transom of their vessel causing some separation.   However, both stated that they did not think the motor would fall off Vessel 2.

I issued all the subjects a case card in reference to this incident with my contact information.

I mailed a copy of FWC warning to Operator1 for violation of navigation rules.

I attached a copy of the USCG r


BARDID: FL-2016-0142
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-03-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:34:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BISCAYNE BAY
NearestCityorTown: MIAMI BEACH
County: MIAMI-DADE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On March 18, 2016, at approximately 1836 hours, I, Ofc., received a call for a boating accident involving 1 PWC and 3 people on board, south of Monument Island. When I arrived at approximately 1847 hours, the injured female by the name of Victim and her friend, were taken by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to Ryder Trauma Center to receive medical care. The only person on site of the accident was the operator/guide Guide and two PWCs. The company that Guide works for is Doctor Jet Ski. 

A witness named Witness is a friend of one of the victims. She was observing her friends ride the PWC. According to Witness, before the accident, Guide was operating a PWC and the 2 girls were operating another PWC. Witness stated that when Friend1 was operating the PWC with Victim on board, they were very cautious and not going at a high rate of speed. Witness stated that Guide came to them and hopped on board as the operator. Now, the PWC had Guide as the operator and Friend1 and Victim as passengers. Victim was at the back of the PWC. Witness stated that when Guide was operating the PWC, he was operating at a high speed and doing tricks. Witness stated that she looked away for while, but once she looked again Victim was already in the water. 

Guide was operating carelessly and at a high rate of speed. When he was doing tricks and turning the PWC at these speeds, it caused Victim to be ejected from the PWC. When Victim was ejected, Guide did not notice and accelerated the throttle which sent a high pressure jet of water into Victim's vagina. This extreme water pressure is what caused Victim's injury. 

When I was face to face with Guide, I noticed he had a slurred speech, blood shot eyes, and an unknown alcoholic beverage smell emitting from his breath. I conducted standardized field sobriety tasks on Guide which he did not perform to standards. He was arrested and charged for boating under the influence.


The victim suffered 2 inch gash on her vagina.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0143
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:41:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BLUE JAY CANAL
NearestCityorTown: CAPE CORAL
County: LEE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 19th 2016, at approximately 1640 hours, vessel 1 was traveling southbound on the Blue Jay Canal in Cape Coral, Lee County Florida. According to the owner and operator of vessel 1, he looked down for a minute causing his boat to veer off course and strike the boat canopy covering vessel 2 which was on a boat lift. 

The Canopy struck the bridge's windshield breaking it. It road down the starboard side of the boat striking the bimini tops support posts causing it to break free and strike Operator knocking him down. 

Operator refused medical treatment. The canopy continued down the side getting caught over the radar arch loosening the seam between the flybridge and arch. The momentum and angle of the arch caused the canopy to dislodge and loosen the dock The canopy frame was secured to the boat lift and the pilings which support the boat lift. 

The impact of vessel 1 hitting the canopy's frame, tore it from the boat lift and support braces, causing one of the canopy's main beams to bend. The anchoring bolts tore out pilings on the northern main beam of the boat lift. 

The boat lift beam landed in the water along with northern bunk that support the boat. Vessel 2 slid forward down the bunk and under the dock. The canopy frame landed on the T-Top of vessel 2 causing a tear in the canvas and scuffed the T-Tops frame. It also cracked the mounting bracket for the anchor light mounted on the T-Top. When the canopy fell onto the dock it hit the docks power supply pedestal cracking it near the bottom, Vessel 1 was at fault of careless operation.


BARDID: FL-2016-0145
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: INTERCOASTAL WATERWAY
NearestCityorTown: MICCO
County: BREVARD
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 13 at approximately 1558 hours I, Officer of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was contacted marina owner of Sebastian River Marina in Micco. He notified me that a vessel accident took place in his marina on Saturday April 9th 2016 and everyone involved is there and they want to report it.

I made contact with him and he filled me in on what the damage was and introduced me to all parties and vessels  involved.

I identified the one vessel by its vessel name and federal documentation number that read: DO633079 Which is a 1980 37 foot Endeavour sailing vessel white in color with a vessel named displayed as "LUANA" (V1) which was moored in the marina slip at the time of the accident

I identified the other vessel by its Florida registrations numbers that showed: FL6075PT which is a 2006 27 foot Sea ray Blue in color with a vessel name displayed as "Fish Reaper" (V2).

I spoke to the owner of V1 who I identified by his Florida drivers license that read:

-  When he arrived at the marina a few days later he was informed that a boat named "fish reaper" had gotten tangled with his vessel rigging.
- When he inspected his vessel for damage he noticed the Mizzen Boom and stern ladder were bent, and the sternlight was broken. 
- He called the owner of V2 and arranged a meeting at the marina to discuss the damages.
- He told me he was not on the vessel at the time of the accident.

Next I spoke to the parties of V2 and I identified the operator and passengers as follows:

They agreed to fill out sworn written statements that all contained the following information:

- On Saturday April 9th Operator was driving the vessel and was pulling out his vessel slip that faced east bound they had to stop and wait for another vessel to come in.
- During this time of stopping and reversing boat drifted into and struck V1.
- A fishing rod on their (V2) vessel caught on V1s ladder and began to pull it which in result broke the bimini top on their vessel (V2).
- Subject cut the fishing line and they continued out of the marina. 
- The only damage noticed was the fishing rod and the bimini on their (V2) boat.

CONCLUSION:

Based on all evidence collected, witness statements, and photos  gathered to date I have concluded that the operator of V2 failed to maintain proper lookout. When the operator of V2 throttled up the motors it caused the accident by striking V1 and causing damaged.

I issued the operator of V2 a written warning for failure to maintain proper lookout and a verbal warning for failure to report accident or contact owner of unoccupied vessel


BARDID: FL-2016-0146
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: SAINT PETERSBURG
County: PINELLAS
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
The owner/operator who stated that she was towing a tube with at a speed of 17 mph when the tube went airborn causing victim to elevate above the other two people on the tube and fall down on Subject.  When she circled around to pick him up he was complaining of extreme left leg pain so she took him back to the boat ramp where EMS was waiting.  She stated that she was not slingshotting them and that she was trying to get the tube inside the wake just prior to the accident.

A passenger was sitting in the passenger seat while watching the tubers.  He stated that the tube hit the vessel wake causing victim to lift up and fall down on to subject causing a possible left leg fracture.

I met with Victim at Bayfront Medical Center.  He stated that the tube hit a wake and he flew up and landed on Subject.  He stated he thinks his left femur was broken.  Victim also stated the boat was not towing them in excess speed or making unsafe turns.  Prior to leaving Bayfront Medical Center I was advised that Victim did not sustain a Femur fracture.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0147
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:17:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: KEY LARGO
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On the above date and time a Mayday call was placed over channel 16 on the VHF radio by the Trans Action vessel Captain and owner. United States Cost Guard received the call with coordinates, and they relayed the information on the VHF radio and to local agencies.  The motor yacht Trans Action was cruising northeast near Marker 32A on Hawks Channel near Rattlesnake Key in Key Largo.  


BARDID: FL-2016-0148
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: PORT CANVERAL LOCKS
NearestCityorTown: CAPE CANAVERAL
County: BREVARD
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Shift
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 10th, 2016 there was a boating accident in Cape Marina in Brevard County. Three vessels were involved with no injuries. 

the operator of V1 struck the two other vessels and concrete pylon. 

Operator1 stated that he was taking his vessel for a test run out of Cape Marina into the port and back. Operator1 stated that as he returned he was going to back up into his slip which was located on the East side. Operator1 pulled his vessel forward in front of his slip to back up. As Operator1 tried to put V1 into reverse, V1 did not transition into reverse and continued forward. 

With V1 still continuing forward it struck a concrete pylon and then hit V2 which were located on the West side. As V1 and V2 two struck each other, the concrete pylon broke in half and struck V3. V2 and V3 both suffered scratches to the hull of the vessel and the concrete pylon belonging to Cape Marina sunk into the water. 

In conclusion Officer and I determined the accident was caused due to mechanical issues.


BARDID: FL-2016-0149
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:11:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: CAPE CANAVERAL
County: BREVARD
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was traveling south east towards Port Canaveral when in struck V2 that was trolling in a westward direction. V2 capsized and put three swimmers in the water. 

On the above date I, Officer of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), responded to a call regarding a boating accident which occurred 13 miles offshore of Port Canaveral. I arrived at Scorpion Marina at 3.00 pm. USCG Boarding Officer was on scene and advised me that the accident involved two (2) vessels colliding approximately 13 miles offshore.  
 
Vessel 1 FL-1775-LK were escorted by USCG to Scorpion Marina. USCG escorted Vessel 1 as it sustained a foot long hole in the port side hull and was taking on water. Upon arriving at Scorpion Marina, Vessel 1 was lifted from water and placed on the rack at Scorpion.
 
At 3:00 pm, 4-30-16 I was notified by USCG that the operator and two (2) passengers of Vessel 2 FL-2560-HL were at Jetty Park. When I arrived at 3:15 pm, the operator of Vessel 2 was being transported by Brevard County EMS to Cape Canaveral Hospital.   Victim was treated and released that night for contusions, sprain strain to back.
 
Passenger #3 of Vessel 2 stated they were traveling westbound toward Port Canaveral about 5-10 mph trolling for fish. V2 occupant3 stated they noticed Vessel 1 heading in the direction of their back starboard side. V2 occupant3 stated he tried to turn his vessel away from Vessel #1 but it was too late. He stated Vessel 1 collided with them ejecting all from the vessel. Vessel 2 then capsized.  A Good Samaritan picked up all passengers of Vessel 2 and transported them to Jetty Park.  
 
The FWC Seahawk at about 4:25 pm, arrived on scene approximately 13 miles offshore of Port Canaveral, site of the collision. Lt of FWC verified the location (see noted map) of capsized Vessel 2. Lt and Officer were advised by USCG to leave the vessel offshore and USCG will mark the capsized vessel.
 
USCG of Port Canaveral investigated the accident and the operator of Vessel #1 was cited by USCG for negligent/gross negligent operation. See boarding report from USCG.
 
Note all statements and reports were provided by USCG, Port Canaveral.
 
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0150
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:08:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DUNNS CREEK
NearestCityorTown: PALATKA
County: PUTNAM
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 with Operator and eight occupants were boating in Dunns Creek near the St. Johns River and towing a skier. V1 hit the corner of a piling at the State Road 17 Bridge on the port side, sending V1 to the right into the wood line where V1 stopped, cradled in the trees. One person sustained minor injuries and transported by family to the hospital. Three people were ejected, one person jumped overboard, and the skier let go of the rope during the incident.

*operator was of a 20' open vessel with a single 350 HP inboard motor. There were initially eight occupants on board and the vessel was towing one skier. 
*Operator informed me, he slowed down to 10 MPH to let two of the occupants jump out of the vessel and swim to shore, just before reaching the bridge. 
*The skier stated that once he saw the vessel heading for the bridge piling, he let go of the tow rope to avoid injury.
*Operator informed me that he was not looking straight ahead when the vessel struck the piling, he was looking back at the skier and making sure the other two occupants that had jumped out, made it to shore safely.
*Once the vessel entered under the bridge, the port side of the vessel struck the last bridge piling
*The impact caused Operator's hand to push the throttle all the way down, sending the boat to the right into the wood line on the south shore, where it stopped, cradled in the trees. 
* Operator informed me the impact ejected his daughter and then his wife jumped in after her.
*The impact also ejected two more occupants, leaving only two people in the vessel when it came to a stop in the trees.
*Those ejected swam to shore uninjured and Operator and subject made it back to their group moments later.
*Operator was assessed by EMTs and refused their transport to the hospital. He allowed his wife to take him to a hospital In Gainesville. 
Operator suffered a dislocated jaw and 13 stitches.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0151
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: PALM BEACH
County: PALM BEACH
WaterConditions: Calm
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was tied off at a dock located at Sailfish Club. V2 was traveling southbound on plane, estimated at 25-30 mph.  The wake created by V2 created disturbance to the docked vessels within the marina. This wake created the V1 to contact with a piling causing damage to the port side.

On April 2, 2016, documented vessel, "Anita L",  was tied off at the Sailfish Club. The vessel was in the process of being tied off at the northern most dock at approximately 3:30 pm, bow facing north.  At this time, a vessel was southbound in vessel FL3142PR. According to one independent witness, this vessel was inside the channel. Witness estimated that Operator2's vessel was roughly 25-50 feet west of another vessel large vessel tied off at the docks. This estimate would place Operator2's vessel within the channel which is an area vessels are permitted to be on plane. Operator2 slowed his vessel down and tied off at the Sailfish Club's southern docks. 

It is the opinion of subjects, that this wake caused the "Anita L" vessel to hit a dock piling and produce damage to the port side rear as seen in this report's pictures.  

At that time, a Dock Master employed at the Sailfish Club, walked over to Operator2 and notified him of the vessel damage and that his vessel's wake caused the damage.

On April 21, 2016, I, Officer responded to the request from Owner1 to make a report of the boating accident. I received a statement from Owner1 on this same date. 

On April 29th, I received a voluntary verbal and written statement from Operator2 indicating his version of the event.

On May 3, 2016, I received a voluntary verbal and written statement from Witness indicating his version of the events. He is considered by me to be an independent witness to these events.  He is an employed as  Dock Master at this private club and is on friendly terms with both parties involved. 

When reviewing the statements of Operator2, and the witness, we see some inconsistencies regarding the actual location of Operator2's vessel.  The witness does place Operator2's vessel within the channel, which is an area where his vessel may be legally operated at 20-25 mph. Another consideration I need to make is evaluating if Operator2 violated Florida Statute 327.33, "Reckless or Careless Operation of a Vessel". This statute describes that it is unlawful to operate a vessel in a reckless or careless manner and cannot endanger life, limb or damage to another's property. 

From the statements provided, it does not appear that Operator2 operated his vessel in a careless or reckless manner. If Operator2 navigated his vessel outside the channel, within a slow speed zone, I could reasonably fine fault with his actions. However, an independent witness places his vessel within the channel and none of the parties describe a vessel operation that is careless or reckless.  The action of operating a vessel on plane and subsequently slowing the vessel down creating a wake, in a designated channel, does not constitute reckless or careless behavior. 

Based upon the statements and evidence, I can find no fault for Operator2.


BARDID: FL-2016-0152
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-24 00:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ST JOHN'S RIVER
NearestCityorTown: PIERSON
County: VOLUSIA
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 4/24/16 I responded to South Moon Fish Camp @ 1977 Camp South Moon Road in Astor in reference to a vessel fire. Upon arrival I contacted personnel from Volusia County Fire Services and Volusia County Sheriff's Office. The vessel involved was reported to be a personal watercraft, (PWC) and was currently drifting north on the St John's river fully engulfed in flames. 

I made contact with the owner / operator who was safely on shore at the fish camp. He advised that he had just returned from Lake George where he had been riding the PWC with his children all day. He stopped at the South Moon Fish Camp to fuel the PWC before returning to the boat ramp where he had launched earlier in the day. After he finished fueling he stated he had some trouble cranking the PWC. When he got it to crank, he began traveling south bound in the idle zone. As he neared the end of the idle zone he began to accelerate and as he did the PWC exploded and he was thrown in to the air by the blast. He landed in the water approximately thirty feet away where he was picked up by a passing boater. 

The PWC continued to burn as it drifted northward with the current. Volusia County Marine Deputy arrived on scene in his patrol vessel. He was able to get a line to the burning PWC and tow it back south where it was extinguished by Volusia County Fire Service from the shore. Operator1 stated he was uninjured and showed no visible signs of any injuries. Once the PWC was extinguished fully, Operator1 was able to recover it and put it on his trailer. Operator1 advised the PWC was valued at approximately $5,000.

I later spoke with the witness via telephone. He stated he observed Operator1 pull away from the fuel dock at South Moon Fish Camp and travel approximately 300 feet south on the river. He was then directly behind Operator1 and observed the PWC explode. He confirmed that Operator1 was thrown approximately 30 feet and landed in the water. He then pulled Operator1 from the water and returned him to shore.


BARDID: FL-2016-0153
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SUWANNEE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: UNINCORPORATED
County: LAFAYETTE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 14, 2016, I, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Officer along with FWC Lieutenant were conducting water patrol at the confluence of the Suwannee and Santa Fe rivers. At approximately 6:00 PM we observed a black and red bass boat proceed through the slow speed zone at a high rate of speed. As the bass boat passed us one of the passengers frantically yelled something and pointed at a person laying down in the bass boat. I activated the blue lights on my patrol vessel and followed the bass boat east on the Santa Fe River. We made contact with the bass boat as it was being beached at Sandy Point boat ramp and identified it by Florida registration numbers (FL9494FF).

At approximately 6:10PM I made contact with the operator of the vessel. Subject stated that his friend had cut his feet on the propeller. I asked Operator if he wanted an ambulance and he stated no. Operator insisted that his friends were driving him to the hospital in Lake City. Operator was transported to the hospital. I instructed Subject and one of the occupants to remain at Sandy Point so I could interview them.

I first spoke with subject and asked him what happened. Subject stated they were on the Suwannee River near Devil’s Elbow and had beached the vessel on the Lafayette County side of the river. He stated that the vessel began to drift off of the beach. At this time Operator was standing in the starboard side operator’s seat and attempted to drive the vessel back on the beach. When Operator hit the throttle he lost his balance which caused him and Subject2 to fall backwards out the stern of the vessel. Subject stated that when Operator fell into the water his feet were cut by the propeller. They wrapped Operator’s feet with t-shirts and Subject drove the vessel to Sandy Point. Subject stated that he drove through the slow speed zones at high speed because he didn’t know what to do and wanted to get Operator to the hospital as soon as possible.

I then spoke with subject3 and asked him what happened. Subject3 stated that they had beached the vessel on the Suwannee River near Devil’s Elbow. Operator was standing in the starboard side operator’s seat and attempted to beach the vessel on the shore. When Operator hit the throttle he lost his balance and fell out the stern of the vessel. Subject3 stated that both of Operator’s feet hit the propeller and were cut by it.

FWC Lieutenant made contact with Operator and Subject4 at the Lake City Medical Center. Lt. interviewed Operator and Subject4 about the accident and had them provide sworn written statements about the events. In the written statement Operator provided, he states that he was pulling the vessel up after it had washed off the bank. As he was driving the vessel he fell off the stern of the vessel and was struck by the propeller.

Lt. and I proceeded to the area of the accident and were able to identify where a vessel had been driven on the shore at a high rate of speed. I photographed the area and collected GPS points.

Based on the information that was provided to us about the accident I believe the following is the order of events for the vessel accident. Based on the information that was given it appears that the vessel was beached on the Lafayette County side of the Suwannee River near Devil’s Elbow. The vessel was washed off the bank by passing boats. At this time Operator was standing on the starboard side operator’s seat and attempted to drive the vessel back onto the beach. When Operator accelerated the throttle he lost his balance and fell backwards off the stern of the vessel. When Operator fell the vessel was still accelerating and his feet were struck by the vessel propeller which caused lacerations to both feet. 
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0154
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: HALIFAX RIVER
NearestCityorTown: DAYTONA BEACH
County: VOLUSIA
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 04/23/16 at approximately 1:30 pm a single vessel accident occurred on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), within Volusia County, Florida. V-1, a 18 foot Bayliner Boat, was occupied by two adults. V-1 was traveling south on the ICW north of the Seabreeze Bridge. V-1 encountered a large wake from an unknown vessel. V-1 reduced speed to approximately 10-15 mph and entered the wake. V-1's passenger was in the bow of the vessel and was thrown into the interior causing her to break her right arm. V-1's operator was thrown into the interior causing minor injuries to his back. The operator of V-1 was able to continue to the Seabreeze Boat Ramp and telephone for help. Both occupants were transported to Florida Memorial Hospital in Daytona Beach for treatment.
 
Operator:Minor injury to lower back; Occupant: Broke right Radius & Ulna
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0155
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:16:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE MAITLAND
NearestCityorTown: MAITLAND
County: ORANGE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 04/05/2016 a single vessel crash occurred on Lake Maitland, in The City of Maitland in Orange County Florida.  The vessel is a 20 foot twin engine jet drive that was occupied by eight people.  
 
The group boarded the vessel at a lake front residence and proceeded across the water at approximately midnight.  A few minutes later, the vessel approached the southern shore where a residence is located.  One occupant shouted a warning that they were going to hit a wall.  The vessel collided with a dock and seawall possibly ejecting two occupants.  The vessel came to rest completely out of the water on top of the dock and seawall.  
 
Three occupants were transported to the hospital for injuries sustained in the crash, two were seriously injured and one was treated and released.  The operator was arrested and charged with Boating Under the Influence of alcohol by the Maitland Police.  The operator refused to submit to a blood draw, a search warrant was obtained and the blood sample was taken by Maitland Police. injuries included, contusions and abrasions, skull fracture and broken leg.
 
Occupant2 suffered a black eye, abrasion to the forehead and multiple contusions.  He was treated and released on the same day.; Occupant3 suffered from a skull fracture.  He was admitted in critical condition.  A few days later he had been upgraded to serious but stable condition.; Occupant1 suffered a broken femur.  She was admitted and under went surgery for her injury.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0156
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SWANNEE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: BELL
County: LEVY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, April 2nd, 2016 at approximately Officers were dispatched at 0819 hours in reference to a boating accident. At approximately 0945 we arrived and made contact with (Operator), and (Passenger). We immediately noticed that their vessel (FL3912PN) was severely damaged on the port side. We also noticed that there was damage to two trees that coincided with the damage to the vessel. When asked about the accident, Operator1 advised the following: 
•	He was fishing in the Breast Cancer Tournament out from Ellie Ray’s Resort.
•	He was going south down the Suwannee river going around 65 miles per hour. 
•	He continued to state that the vessel “Hooked” to the left while going around a bend causing the vessel to impact into the trees causing the accident.
•	 He also stated that he attempted to correct the vessel from going left and that he had no response from the steering wheel going onto state that “It felt like there was no propeller in the water”.
•	 He attempted to correct for the speed by trimming the motor down and that he still could not gain control of the vessel. 
•	Operator1 advised that neither were ejected and both remained in their seats.

Upon investigation of the vessel, I noticed that two trees were impacted. It appeared that the vessel came into contact with a tree that was hanging over the water, causing it to come into contact with a tree on the river bank. 

The occupant Advised the following:
•	He stated that he felt the boat turning to the left going south down the river, but had his head down to avoid the rain.
•	 He stated that neither were ejected and both stayed in their seats. 


Officer and I towed the vessel to Log Landing boat ramp for further investigation. Upon further inspection, I noticed that the top of the boat above the waterline sustained the majority of the damage. There was also damaged sustained to both the powerpole and the trolling motor mounted to the vessel. I photographed damage to the tree, as well as damage to the vessel.

Based on damage to the vessel and the trees, and the statements from both the passenger and the operator, it is reasonable to believe that the following happened:
•	That Operator1 was traveling at a high rate of speed traveling at approximately 65 miles per hour with his propeller trimmed up heading southbound on the Suwannee river
•	As he was going around the bend, Due to the speed and velocity of his turn the propeller lifted completely out of the water causing the vessel to be completely uncontrollable by the operator.
•	The vessel hooked to the left towards the bank and Operator1 was unable to control the vessel to steer out of harm’s way.
•	The vessel struck two trees along the bank of the Suwannee river, causing damage to the port side fiberglass of the vessel, the trolling motor and the powerpole
•	Neither were injured in any way from this accident.


BARDID: FL-2016-0158
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SANTA FE RIVER
County: SUWANNEE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/7/2016, at approximately 18:30 hours, vessel 1 was traveling south on the Santa Fe River. Subject was operating vessel 1, a 1980 model, 18' Glastron boat. Operator estimated his speed at 40 mph as he approached a curve .57 miles south of Sandy Point Motel and Campground. As he entered this curve, he and another vessel were in the center of the river. Operator turned his vessel to the right, but was unable to maintain control due to the wake from the other vessel. At this point, Operator struck several trees on the Suwannee County side of the Santa Fe River. Once his vessel came to rest, he banked the vessel on the Suwannee County side.  Operator was then picked up by another boater, and transported to Sandy Point Motel and Campground. From there, he was taken to Shands Lake Shore Regional Medical Center by his wife. Operator was treated for lacerations to his elbows and a broken rib. During an interview with Operator, he admitted to me that his excessive speed, in conjunction with the wake of the other vessel, was the cause for the accident.  Operator removed his vessel from the Santa Fe River on Monday, May 9th, 2016. 
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0159
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ST JOHNS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: COCOA
County: BREVARD
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 05/01/16 at approximately 1908HR I Officer of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was dispatched by FWC dispatch to Wuesthoff Hospital in Rockledge Florida.  An Emergency Room Nurse according to FWC dispatch reported that subject had been involved in a boating accident and had sustained serious injury. 

I arrived at the Hospital at approximately 1937HR and found Operator still in the Emergency Room with a nurse attending to him.  I identified myself as an Officer and waited until the nurse was done.  I then asked if Operator was able to speak with me.  He stated that he was. I read Operator his Miranda Rights from my agency issue card and asked if he was willing to talk to me and he said he was.  I asked Operator to tell me what had happened.  
 
He stated that at approximately 1000HR he had run aground in his boat on the “South River” south of Lake Winder on the St Johns River.  He said he fell forward into his casting platform on his Carolina Skiff (FL9773JY) and cracked his ribs and he had a partially collapsed lung.  I asked how he had gotten to the hospital and he stated that his wife had gotten home around 1400HR and had taken him to three walk in clinics, two were closed on Merritt Island and one in Rockledge sent him to Wuesthoff because of the “seriousness” of his injuries.    
 
I asked Operator how he had gotten home.  He stated that when he ran aground the vessel continued to drive in circles while he attempted to regain his composure.  He said when he could catch his breath he started to drive back to the ramp at Lake Poinsette where he had put in at, stopping several times along the way to “rest” and “think”.  He stated that he got home around 1230HR.  I asked what he thought caused the accident he said that he couldn't see the bottom because of the waves and he was probably going to fast since “He hadn't been there in a while”.
 
I asked Operator if he had had anything to drink he said he had one “Heineken” and part of on that “spilled” when he ran aground. Operator stated that the vessel was parked in his front yard and stated that it was “fine if I wanted to go look at it and that there was “no damage”.    I asked Operator why he had not gone to the hospital right away and why he had not reported the accident to Law enforcement as required and he stated that he was just trying to be “tough”  and he thought because he hadn't hit anybody else that he did not need to report it.  I asked Operator if he would consent to release his blood test results and he stated that he would “rather not”. Operator also provided a written statement. 

At approximately 2039HR I went to Operator's residence and found his vessel in his yard as he indicated.  I took photographs for evidence purposes.  I found beer and ice in his cooler, and an empty one on the deck.  I also observed an empty beer in the console of the truck the vessel was attached to.  I observed no damage to the vessel that I could attribute to the accident.

I issued a Uniform Boating Citation to Operator for failure to report a boating accident with more than $2000 damage or serious injury.  No further action was taken.

 


BARDID: FL-2016-0160
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: HALIFAX RIVER
NearestCityorTown: DAYTONA BEACH
County: VOLUSIA
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/11/2016, at approximately 1415 hours a single vessel incident occurred on the Intercostal waterway in the city of Daytona Beach within the boundaries of Volusia County. V1, a 19ft inboard/outboard cutty cabin style, occupied by two adults. V1, while being operated away from dock, caught fire (without an explosion) for unknown reason.

 The occupants chose to abandon V1. V1 drifted to shore and burned to the water line. The occupants were not injured, no life jackets were used. V1 had recently been worked on mechanically. Due to extensive damage, no cause of the fire can be ascertained.


BARDID: FL-2016-0161
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:07:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FRESH WATER LAKE
NearestCityorTown: LEESBURG
County: LAKE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of vessel #1 struck a wooden dock, striking a wooden post and ramping across the top of it. The vessel collided into two chairs and landing at the other end damaging the other side of the dock as well. 

It is believed that the vessel slid back into the water off the dock, causing a loud splash heard by the witness. It was not factually determined if anyone was ejected or injured, however according to a witness who heard the crashing sound and looked out onto the lake, there were at least two men on board. The vessel operator fled from the scene traveling in an easterly direction.


BARDID: FL-2016-0163
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:48:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: MIAMI CANAL
NearestCityorTown: WESTON
County: BROWARD
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
I, Officer, of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was assigned a boating accident on 4-25-2016 at approximately 0900hrs. The accident occurred the day prior on 4-24-2016 at approximately 1248hrs. Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) Deputy responded to the call and spoke to both parties and gathered contact information for everyone involved. I met with Deputy to get the information he collected. He stated that nobody required medical attention.

I then contacted and met with the operators of both vessels involved to get sworn written statements and take photographs of the damages to each vessel. After getting information from both parties and assessing the damage to both vessels I was able to determine that vessel 2 (Boston Whaler) was on plane (approximately 20mph) traveling North bound on the Miami Canal, with vessel 1 (Yamaha PWC) also on plane (approximately 30mph) traveling North bound on the Miami Canal. 

Vessel 2 then slowed down (approximately 10mph) as an oncoming vessel approached from the South. Vessel 1 was traveling too close behind vessel 2 which did not give the operator of vessel 1 enough time to slow down to avoid hitting and ramping over the back of vessel 2. 

Vessel 1 impacted the rear of vessel 2 at the motor causing vessel 1 to come out of the water and continue forward on top of vessel 2 striking the operator and the center console. Vessel 1 continued forward where it exited vessel 2 on the front port side. The operator of vessel 1 was issued a citation for carless operation.


BARDID: FL-2016-0164
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:57:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: EASTPOINT
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 27, 2016, I, Officer, of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, received a call from our dispatch regarding a boating accident involving a jetski on St. George Island right behind the Blue Parrot Restaurant on the Gulf of Mexico side.  One young woman was taken to the Weem's Memorial Hospital in Apalachicola with a nose injury and a possible neck injury.

In the waiting room was the jet ski operator.  I proceeded to ask Operator what happened and she said that she was driving head on into the waves and that it got rough so she tried to hit the waves at an angle.  Then a wave threw both of them off the jet ski.  She said they swam back to the jet ski and that's when her passenger, Victim, said she was injured and came back to shore.

I asked Operator if she would be willing to do a sworn written statement and she agreed.  Operator filled out the statement as I waited for the injured occupant to get done with x-rays.  Once Victim came back to her hospital room, I had a chance to talk to her. 

I asked Victim what happened and she told me that they rented a jet ski and that Operator was driving.  It was pretty rough on the water and that they hit a wave and it threw both of them off and into the water.  Victim told me she hit her face on something but she didn't know what.  They both swam back to the jet ski and then returned to shore. 

I asked Victim if she would do a sworn written statement and she agreed.  After gathering Victim statement I took pictures of her injured nose.  While getting the pictures, the doctor came in and confirmed that Victim's nose was broken.  I gave Victim and Operator a business card and told them that if they remember anything else from the accident to give me a call.

I left Weems Memorial Hospital at 1527 hours and went back to SGI Rental to speak to get some information and pictures.  I took pictures of the jet ski involved, FL numbers, registration sticker, and also received a copy of the SGI Rental Certificate of Liability Insurance (see attachments).

Based on my investigation, I believe the accident happened due to operator inexperience and rough sea conditions.  No warnings or citations were issued to the operator.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0165
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-03-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: BAL HARBOR
County: MIAMI-DADE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: person struck by object
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
ACCIDENT SCENE DESCRIPTION
Incident occurred approximately four miles offshore haulover inlet within the Atlantic ocean. The seas where calm with winds coming from the north at 10 miles per hour the recorded water temperature at the time was 75 degrees with an approximate water depth of 100 feet. 

VESSEL DESCRIPTION / DAMAGE ASSESSMENT / ACCIDENT RECONSTRUCTION
V1 FL7576MN was a white 2004 31’ foot Larson cabin boat powered by a single inboard motor producing 300 horsepower. Vessel had slight damage to the keel of the vessel and the transducer was also damaged. The witnessed damaged appeared to have been caused from an object striking it.
  
ACCIDENT ANALYSIS
PRE-ACCIDENT
V1 was traveling westbound towards haulover inlet at approximately 20-35 MPH after finishing an earlier fishing trip about 4 miles offshore in the atlantic ocean. The seas were reported calm with winds from the north at no more than 10 MPH the sky was clear. Operator was behind the wheel of the vessel, Occupant1 was sitting just besides Operator near the helm with Occupant2 sitting on a bench seat which rest along the port side of the vessel.
 
ACCIDENT
Both Occupant1 and Occupant2 heard a loud boom on the hull alongside the vessel. Occupant2 hears a second boom along the port side of the vessel and goes to observe the noise. Subsequently the object is impaled in Occupant2s face which came from outside the vessel along the port side. 

POST-ACCIDENT
Occupant2 removes the metal object from his face and begins to call out to the other occupants to get him to a hospital. Occupant1 observes large amounts of blood coming out of Occupant2s wound and applies a sponge with pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding. Operator begins heading back to Haulover fuel docks to get Occupant2 to Miami Dade Fire Rescue personnel. Once the vessel arrived at the haulover fuel docks Occupant2 was given assistance by an unidentified good Samaritan until first responders arrived. Occupant2 was transported to Aventura hospital by MDFR Rescue 10 with serious injuries to his eye and face . 

CONCLUSION
Based on evidence and information gathered to date from all parties involved. I have determined that no person can be identified at fault for the incident. During the course of my investigation I was unable to identify the origin of the object. This was an unforeseen incident which caused unnecessary harm to an occupant of a vessel while underway.  
 
It is assumed the vessel struck something submerged in the water and the victm was then struck by an unidentified object.


VICTIM WAS STRUCK BY AN UNKNOWN OBJECT TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF HIS FACE. VICTIM HAS POSSBILE EYE SIGHT LOSS BROKEN UPPER JAW AND BROKEN ORBITAL BONE AND A BROKEN NOSE. VICTIM WAS RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL 4/1/16. VICTIM HAS FOLLOW UP SURGERIES FOR LATER DATES.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0166
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: SANIBEL
County: LEE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V2 was a charter boat heading back into shore after a day of fishing. V1 was a recreational vessel at anchor and actively fishing when V2 struck V1 in the front port  side of the vessel.  Both occupants of V1 went to the hospital with minor injuries- Contusions and Bruising, and V1 was heavily damaged beyond repair.

a commercial fishing boat for hire called the "Bobby B' (V2) was returning back to Ft. Myers beach after a day of fishing.  A second boat (V1) was at anchor approximately two miles offshore of Knapps Point west of Sanibel Island, where the two occupants were fishing.  According to the two men on board V1, (statements attached) they stated that V2 was approaching them at a high rate of speed and was not changing course or slowing it's speed.  The occupants on V1 began to wave their arms in the air and blow their horn at the approaching vessel.  V2 then struck V1 without slowing down or changing course.  There was significant damage to V1 on the front port side of the vessel (photos attached).  Both occupants were injured in the crash (photos attached).

I arrived at the residence of V1, and spoke with both of the occupants.  I took statements from both of the individuals on board and took photos of their vessel. Both occupants did not want to go to the hospital initially, but subject pleaded with them to go get checked out. Both men went to Health Park hospital where the doctor stated that there was no major trauma or broken bones, but some minor injuries sustained during the accident.

I then drove to Getaway Marina where V2 is docked.  I arrived on scene, and U.S.Coast Guard (USCG) was also on scene, getting statements from the Captain and the first mate of V2.  The Captain stated that he ran over the anchor line and then  V1 swung into his boat causing damage to V1.  I told Operator2 that he in fact struck V1, and Operator2 didn't seem to understand what truly happened.  He stated that he must have been "looking at his GPS screen" when his vessel struck V1.  USCG got a statement from the first mate who was sitting next to Operator2 on the helm.  The first mate stated that he was asleep during the time of the accident.  I took photos of V2 (attached) and attempted to contact the passengers on board V2.  Operator2 stated that he did not know how to get in contact with the passengers.  After some investigating, I was able to make contact with one of the passengers on board V2.  I later met up with the six paying passengers, and they were all asleep in the cabin of V2 during the accident.  I did get a statement from one of the passengers, and he stated, "we were all asleep, and not really sure what happened. We heard a collision, and then we all woke up".

Based on the evidence of statements and damage to both vessels, I issued Operator2 a citation for careless operation(V381278).  USCG is also handling their part of the investigation due to the fact that Operator2 has an OUPV (charter captain) license.

Operator1 stated that he was still in pain, and that it is difficult for him to move around.  He also stated that his insurance company has looked at the vessel, and has deemed it totaled.  The vessel cannot be fixed due to the extensive damage to the hull.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0167
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LEMON BAY
NearestCityorTown: ENGLEWOOD
County: CHARLOTTE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator entered Stump Pass Marina Yacht Basin to dock. Operator1 initially wanted to dock at the slip perpendicular to the boat ramp but at the last minute decided to dock at the handicap dock. The handicap dock is also attached to the boat ramp dock. See attached diagram. While attempting to maneuver around the boat ramp dock Operator1 made a hard port-side turn. At the apex of the turn, Operator1 stated that a gust of wind greatly acted upon the vessel causing the vessel to travel more to the starboard than intended. 

Operator1 vessel made first contact with the boat ramp and the vessel that was moored there on his vessels starboard bow. The vessel then continued its forward momentum causing minor scuffs and scratches to the length of the starboard-side. The unoccupied rental vessel moored at the dock, was contacted at the engine and sustained crushing damage to the cowling cover and minor engine damage. The corner of the dock also sustained minor damage from Operator1 vessel. No injuries were sustained and overall damage was minor.

End of Report


BARDID: FL-2016-0168
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GRAND LAGOON
NearestCityorTown: PANAMA CITY
County: BAY
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
two vessels just launched and while underway out of the marina vessel 01 was struck by vessel 02 on the starboard side.

On 17 April at approximately 3:00 PM, I received a call from Dispatch of two Jet Ski's involved in a collision at the St. Andrews State Park boat ramp with possible injury.  I arrived at the boat ramp at approximately 3:20 PM, and observed a Sea Doo jet ski on a trailer in the middle of the boat ramp with an injured person lying across the back of the jet ski.  EMS was on scene treating the injured person with possible back injury.
 
I got statements from the operators of one of the vessel and witnesses on scene and then went to Bay Medical center to get a statement from the other operator.  When I got to the hospital I had to get the operators wife to transcribe a statement due to his medical status (neck and back brace).  There was also a language barrier and the statement was written in spanish which was translated by officer.
 
Both vessels left the St. Andrews State Park Marina heading out into North Lagoon.  Vessel number 1 was in the lead and cut power and drifted to the starboard while vessel number 2 maintained speed.  When vessel number 2 saw that vessel number 1 had cut power he attempted a turn to starboard while applying power.  vessel number one was struck on the starboard side causing the operator to fall from the vessel.  The operator climbed onto the back of vessel number 2 and was returned to the marina. Subject sustained sprained back muscles.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0169
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:11:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BISCAYNE BAY
NearestCityorTown: CORAL GABLES
County: MIAMI-DADE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 10th,, 2016 at approximately 5:11 PM, while entering Matheson Hammock Park by water in a marked FWC patrol vessel, two males were observed in distress.  The two males were rescued from their capsized vessel and brought to shore to Matheson Hammock Park Marina. 

The owner and operator of V01, Operator1 stated that he and occupant had just lunched at Matheson Hammock Marina. Operator1 states that while cruising through the Matheson Channel he realized that his bilge pump failed to remove water faster than it entered. As a result, the vessel’s inflatable vinyl separated from the fiberglass hull causing V01 to capsize.

Upon removing both Operator1 and occupant from the water the hull of V01 became fully submerged. As a result a proper boating safety inspection was not performed. Operator1 was advised to have V01 recovered as soon as possible. 

Upon following up with Operator1 he advised the vessel was recovered the following day which I confirmed by revisiting the scene.


BARDID: FL-2016-0171
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-03-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:28:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: BLUE LAGOON - 5135 NW 7TH ST.M
NearestCityorTown: MIAMI
County: MIAMI-DADE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday March 12th, 2016 at approx. 1928 hrs the victim was noticed by his friends as missing from the jet Skiers he was operating.  The group was at Antonio Marcio Park/Blue Lagoon Lake , 5135 NW 7th Street, Miami, FL. 33018

The Victim left the dock on V1 described in this report.  The victim was not wearing a personal flotation device, a life jacket.  

The group of friends stated that the victim left the dock headed east, a short time later when the victim did not return, the group asked some other jet ski riders if they saw the victim. The other riders advised that they saw the V1 Jet Ski floating straight out from the boat launch about 30 feet from the lakes south shore center peninsula.  The Jet Ski was retrieved but the victim was not on the jet ski and was missing.

The Jet Ski did have some plant debris on it as the victim may have struck the foliage that hung off shore in that area.  There are no witnesses to the actual event.  The victim did also suffer from cardiac problems that may or may not have contributed to the accident.

The victims friends called 911 and had Miami-Dade Police and Fire show up at the lake.  FWC also responded to the Signal 8, missing person call.

After two days of searching with personnel on vessels, helicopter fly-over's, the victim was located by Miami-Dade Marine Unit using an underwater sonar unit very close to the location where the Jet Ski was found.  Miami-Dade Divers retrieved the victim from approximately 25' deep water.  The victim was deceased.  The victim did have the red wrist lanyard still attached to his left wrist when recovered

Nothing further to report..
Unsure at this point if cause of death was due to heart attack, then drowning, or fell in water and drowned.  Victim was missing and underwater for two days before being found by police divers.


BARDID: FL-2016-0172
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE AURORA
NearestCityorTown: LAKE WALES
County: POLK
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/15/16 at approximately 1330 hours, vessel 1 (V1) a Yamaha PWC, was operated on Lake Aurora with passenger sitting behind him.  The operator of V1 initiated a large gradual turn to port at an estimated speed of 40 to 50 mph.  Approximately halfway through the turn, both men were thrown from the PWC.  Both men attempted to swim back to the PWC but it drifted too far away from them.  The operator, was not wearing a PFD.  Operator began to panic and tried to climb on the passenger who was wearing a PFD.  Both men were rescued by a Good Samaritan.  Operator was transported to a local hospital and treated for water aspiration.


BARDID: FL-2016-0173
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:56:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: JUPITER
County: PALM BEACH
WaterConditions: Very rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Weather
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
PRE-ACCIDENT:  On May 5, 2016 owner and operator and occupant were approximately four miles offshore of Jupiter Inlet, Palm Beach County, Florida.  V1 was a 15' center console boat operating in hazardous sea conditions with a small craft advisory issued by the National Weather Service.  

V1 deployed an anchor, which enabled the waves to overcome the transom and ultimately capsized the vessel.  The two occupants were rescued by responding agencies and evaluated  by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.  occupant was transported to Jupiter Medical Center to be evaluated for near drowning. 

Through investigation and interviews, subjects were operating a 15’ small craft vessel approximately four miles offshore of Jupiter FL, during a small craft advisory warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). The weather forecast reported 14-25 mph NNW winds with 30 mph gusts.  The offshore waters had a strong running north current.  

When V1 set anchor, it stopped drifting with the current and rapidly rotated V1’s bow from north to south which enabled the rough seas from the north to overcome the transom, filling V1 with water and eventually capsizing.  After it was confirmed that V1’s occupants were secured on PBSO’s vessel, FWC units were ordered to return to inland waters due to hazardous marine conditions.  V1 was not salvaged by Sea Tow or Boat US.


BARDID: FL-2016-0174
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GRAND LAGOON
NearestCityorTown: PANAMA CITY BEACH
County: BAY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessels were in a PWC tour heading back to Adventures At Sea livery.  They were heading west in Grand Lagoon. At approx 100 yards from the idle speed zone the tour guide motioned for the 6 skis to slow down.  V1 then collided with V2 from behind causing the persons from V2 to fall off the PWC.  Aid was rendered by the guide and EMS was notified and they were taken to Adventures At Sea.  Operator V2 suffered fractured nose and wrist. Occupant had contusions, bruising to foot

Statement was written by V1 occupant stating she told the operator of V1 to slow down and he refused.
 
Occupant:Big toe injury on left big toe.
Operator :VICTIM SUFFERED FRACTURED NOSE AND BRUISES TO LEFT HAND
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0175
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:03:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: INLET/ICW
NearestCityorTown: PALM BEACH
County: PALM BEACH
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 11th, 2016 at approximately 2100 Hours, I, FWC Officer responded to a boating accident relayed to FWC dispatch from the United States Coast Guard. The boating accident was located at the dock. I and FWC Officer arrived and was informed by USCG personnel on scene, there were no injuries and the vessel had been removed from the location by friends of the operator due to taking on water and sand. 

The striking vessel was identified as an 18 foot Flare open motorboat with a single engine outboard powered by 115 HP Suzuki and bearing Florida registration FL 5505 FR. The operator was still on scene and identified. 

According to Operator1's statement, he was anchored west of the dock near green channel marker 9 when a large cargo ship from the port of Palm Beach passed by heading out the Lake Worth inlet. Operator1 stated his 18 foot vessel began drifting towards the passing cargo ship from strong current. He stated the anchor was pulled up and he attempted to start the motor and redirect his vessel away from the channel when the back part of the cargo ship's wake pushed him and his vessel into the dock along the shallows.


BARDID: FL-2016-0176
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:22:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE WORTH INLET
NearestCityorTown: PALM BEACH SHORES
County: PALM BEACH
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 29th, 2016 at approximately 2323 Hours, I, FWC Officer was notified by my FWC communications center of a boating accident. The accident involved one vessel striking rocks along the south side of the Lake Worth Inlet. Vessel 1 (FL4289MW) a 35' Wellcraft Scarab was traveling in a westward direction attempting to enter the Lake Worth Inlet when it collided with the rocks along the jetty's south side. Vessel 1 ramped from the water upon collision and came to rest on the rocks. No injuries were sustained by the occupants on vessel 1. The vessel was removed from the rocks by the owner the following day.

Conclusion:
I determined that the vessels operator was operating the vessel in violation of:
United States Coast Guard Rule #5 Lookout which states every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper lookout and take whatever action is necessary to avoid a collision.

I issued a Uniform Boating Citation for careless operation of a vessel F.S. 327.33(2)


BARDID: FL-2016-0177
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: NORTH MIAMI
County: MIAMI-DADE
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 04/03/2016 I responded to a call from FWC dispatch of a Boating Accident , location approximately two (2) miles offshore of Haulover Inlet, North Miami Beach, Florida 33154. 

Myself and Officer departed by vessel from the Miami FWC office heading east from Haulover Cut.  Approximately one (1) mile offshore we encountered Sea-Tow Company with the vessel in tow headed for 79th Street boat Ramp.

There were no persons of board the vessel.  There was heavy damage to the port side of the vessel approximately four (4) feet back from the tip of the bow.

There were no signs of injury or trauma.   There was fishing gear and bait out on the deck.

Operator1 advised that while drift fishing outside of Government Cut, Miami Beach, at the last minute, they saw a vessel coming straight at them.  The vessel struck them knocking them to the deck. Operator1 advised that it was still dark out and did not know if he had a mooring light in use on the vessel.  Operator1 was unclear how he got aboard the striking vessel, but him and his brother were taken aboard and were given a ride back to 79th Street Boat Ramps.  Operator1 advised he then took his car with boat trailer and brought the vessel trailer to where he parks it at his friend house, and then went home.  Operator1 stated they did not go to the doctors or hospital as he had no injury, and his brother only had minor scratches and abrasions, and a small bump on his head.

Operator1 did not have the means to pay his tow bill with Sea-Tow, and due to there being no signs or admissions of serious injury or death, the vessel was reassessed to Sea-Tow.  Sea-Tow was instructed to "hold" the vessel until I released it to them to work with the owner reference payment or seizure for payment.

Myself and Off. proceeded to Operator1's residence to question and photograph his brother.  On arrival we met with the brother who advised the same story/information reference the crash as his brother.  brother had some surface scratches and a small bump injury on his head.  Brother advised he felt fine, just a bit banged up from the collision.

Neither could advise any bit of information about the striking vessel.  Operator1 told me he thinks they were in shock and were just happy to get back to land at 79th Street Boat Launch.  They could not advise vessel color, how many persons were on board, size, length, type of vessel of Florida Registration Numbers.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0178
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CALOOSAHATCHEE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: FORT MYERS
County: LEE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was docked at Ft Myers Yacht Basin. V1 caught fire at approximately 0600. Fire was extinguished, V1 burned to about 1 foot above water line.

The fire started at approximately 0600 hours inside the Ft Myers Yacht Basin in the Caloosahatchee River. The owner/occupant of the vessel (FL 8158PK) was sleeping on the vessel with the other occupant. The fire started on the deck near the rear on the starboard side. At the site of the fire, was a plugged in battery charger and three batteries. Both men woke up and attempted to extinguish the fire with a nearby garden hose on the dock. One person sustained burns to both of his hands in the process. The other was uninjured.

An occupant of a nearby docked vessel told me, right around six o’clock AM he heard an alarm of some sort sounding close by. He stepped out onto the deck of his vessel and saw flames above the top of the burning vessel. He also assisted in trying to extinguish the fire with a nearby garden style hose on the dock.

At approximately 0750 hours, FWC Officer arrived at Lee Memorial Hospital to interview Victim. Victim was transported to the hospital by ambulance to have his burns treated. Victim told Officer that he had docked at the yacht basin on 5/21/16, and that he would be heading to Moorehaven the following morning. Victim stated that occupant woke him up saying that they had a fire on the boat. Victim stated that he then attempted to extinguish the fire and burned his hands doing so. Victim stated that the fire looked to have started near where the batteries and battery charger are located. 

The vessel fire was extinguished by Ft Myers Fire department. The vessel was secured at the dock at the yacht basin and is awaiting retrieval from Sea Tow. The State Fire Marshal, Detective is investigating the cause of the fire. At this time cause of the fire is undetermined.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0179
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-03-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BISCAYNE BAY
NearestCityorTown: MIAMI
County: MIAMI-DADE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On March 12, 2016 at approximately 06:04 PM, Officers heard a call from dispatch on the radio stating that there had been an accident on the north side of the Rickenbaker Causeway and that rescue was already present. We headed to the location from Nixon Sandbar and arrived on the scene. Upon arrival we noticed vessel bearing FL 3901 PU docked at a pier and rescue assessing what seemed to be an injured person on board. We approached the vessel and made contact with the rescue personnel and the persons on board to ensure safety. 
 
The injured subject had pain on his hip and could not walk on his own. We took sworn written statements from the operator and some of the passengers on the vessel involved. I inquired about Insurance information but was told it was unavailable at the time. The passengers as well as the operator stated that victim was wake boarding, tried doing a flip and landed on his side. According to the statements from the persons on board that witnessed the incident, Victim was able to get himself out of the water and into the vessel but felt a lot of pain on his hip. Since Victim had pain on his hip and was unable to walk by himself, rescue was called to the scene. Rescue assessed Victim's condition and then transported him to a nearby hospital. As I prepared the boating accident report I made numerous attempts to acquire insurance policy information from the contact provided but was unable to do so.  Skier suffered a dislocated hip.


BARDID: FL-2016-0180
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DESTIN HARBOR
NearestCityorTown: DESTIN
County: OKALOOSA
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Alabama vessel struck by documented vessel ELLIE B. Damage to Alabama vessel is pictured. Accident damaged T-Top, rod holder, and glass of Alabama vessel

the owner of the vessel asked him who was operating the vessel at the time of the accident and he stated he hired a Captain to operate his vessel for the day and did not remember his name.  I asked Subject if he had any way to make contact with the operator and he stated he would call him. 

Subject called the Captain he hired several times and was unable to make contact with him.  Subject then looked through his phone and showed me text messages between him and the Captain he hired.  I asked Subject if he knew where 

Operator2 went and why he left and he stated no.  Subject then stated that Operator2 had left three fishing rods and a small blue bag on the vessel and had not paid Operator2 yet. Subject also looked through the blue bag and found a set of keys to a Chevrolet truck and stated he can’t go far without these.  Subject later stated he hired Operator2 because he wanted his friends and himself to be able to drink and not have to be responsible for driving.  I asked Subject if he could identify Operator2 if shown a picture of him and he stated yes.  

At approximately 7:35PM I searched the name DAVID, Driver and Vehicle Information Database, and found one return.  I showed a picture of Operator2 to both and they stated that was the Captain and operator of the ELLIE B at the time of the accident.

On April 28, 2016 at approximately 8:55PM Officer and I arrived and met Operator2.  I asked Operator2 if he knew why we were here and he stated no. I then asked Operator2 if he was the Captain of the ELLIE B on Saturday, April 23, and he stated yes.  I then asked again if he knew why we were at his residence and he stated yes, because of the boating accident. 

I asked Operator2 if he attempted to give any aid or speak with the subjects aboard the other vessel involved and he stated no. I then asked if he notified any law enforcement of the accident and he stated no.  I asked Operator2 why he left the accident quickly when people told him to stay there and he stated he thought he didn’t need to stay there, and nobody tried to keep him there.  

I then asked Operator2 how he got home and he stated he drove. I asked Operator2 how he drove when the keys to his vehicle were in his blue bag which he left on the boat.  Operator2 then stated he walked.  I asked Operator2 why he would walk home and leave behind his belongings and he stated he did not know.  I asked Operator2 to be honest with me because his story was not making sense and he stated he had been drinking that day and did not want to get a possible BUI so he left his belongings and walked home.  Operator2 then stated he retrieved his belongings and vehicle the next morning.


BARDID: FL-2016-0181
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OKEECHOBEE
NearestCityorTown: BELLE GLADE
County: PALM BEACH
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was traveling east in the rim canal on Lake Okeechobee. Vessel 1 had 1 occupant and 1 operator. Vessel 1 struck channel marker 92A and threw the operator and occupant down into the vessel. The operator sustained broken ribs and the occupant sustained a large laceration on her leg. 
 
Vessel 2 transported the victims of Vessel 1 back to Roland Martin Marina. through investigation it was noted that the operator had been drinking, the operator refused to provide any sample for testing.


BARDID: FL-2016-0182
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BOCA CIEGA BAY ICW
NearestCityorTown: ST. PETERSBURG
County: PINELLAS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/8/16 at approximately 1545 hours a boating accident occurred when a PWC with two people on board struck a 15' vessel with three people on board. The accident occurred in Boca Ciega Bay between Treasure Island and Jungle Prada Boat Ramp. The accident resulted in minor injuries to the PWC operator, and approximately $3000 in damage to the vessels.

The vessel operator Operator2 stated that he was traveling southbound at about 20mph in the channel with his passengers when out of nowhere their vessel was struck broadside by a PWC. The impact was violent enough that it ejected V2 occupant2 from the vessel and also knocked both occupants off the PWC. 
 
V2 occupant2 stated that he then swam over to V1 occupant and helped her aboard Operator2's vessel. At the same time a good samaritan vessel stopped and helped Operator1 who had been knocked unconscious during the collision onto their vessel.
 
Operator1 had no recollection of the accident or the events leading up to it. V1 occupant stated that as a passenger on the PWC she hadn't seen Operator2's vessel before they struck it.
V1 occupant was evaluated at the hospital and found to be uninjured from the accident. Operator1 was found to have suffered a small pneumothorax to the left side of his chest and was released a short time later.
 
The damage and marks on the PWC and Operator2's vessel indicate that (V1) Operator1 struck (V2) Operator2's vessel on the port side at just forward of midship. The (V1) PWC then went under (V2) Operator2's vessel which ramped slightly as it passed over the (V1) PWC. Marks on the underside of (V2) Operator2's hull, and damage to the outboard lower unit and propeller support this. 
 
For his role in the accident Operator1 was issued a warning for improper lookout.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0183
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY
NearestCityorTown: WEST PALM BEACH
County: PALM BEACH
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with commercial vessel
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 (V1) struck the bow of Vessel 2 (V2) while changing direction in the intracoastal waterway in front of the Riviera Beach Marina. V1 was making a left hand turn while crossing in front of V2 at above slow speed. V1 saw V2 too late to be able to correct his course in time and struck the bow of V2. 

All persons involved were uninjured. The operator of V1 was in violation of careless operation of his vessel and was the primary cause of the accident.


BARDID: FL-2016-0184
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: INNER COASTAL WATERWAY
NearestCityorTown: ENGLEWOOD
County: CHARLOTTE
WaterConditions: Calm
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 operated was traveling south in the Intercostal Waterway, approximately 20 mph. When it reached Stump Pass in Charlotte County near marker 17A a large unknown vessel was heading north creating a large wake. When V1 hit the wake on the Port side of the unknown vessel, occupant #1 who was sitting on the Starboard side of V1 was thrown from her seat and landed on the deck. Complaining of back pain she was taken to the hospital and treated.

None of the four occupants were able to get the registration numbers or any other identifiers of the vessel making the large wake. V1 operator received a warning for not reporting the boating accident within the required time limit.
 
Congested waters was the cause.


BARDID: FL-2016-0185
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY
NearestCityorTown: PALM BEACH
County: PALM BEACH
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 (V1) struck the stern of Vessel 3 (V3) and the starboard side hull of Vessel 2 (V2) while traveling north past the Sailfish Marina in Palm Beach.  The operator of V1 was bending down to retrieve bait for fishing with his engine still in gear. Wind caused the bow of V1 to then turn to the right causing V1 to strike V3 then V2 as it turned.

All persons involved were uninjured. The operator of V1 was in violation of careless operation of his vessel for not maintaining a proper look out and was the primary cause of the accident.


BARDID: FL-2016-0186
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TAMPA BAY
NearestCityorTown: ST. PETERSBURG
County: PINELLAS
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V-1 departed the 4th st dirt boat ramp and travelled in a southwesterly direction.  The operator noticed the engine beginning to miss/sputter and decided to turn around.  But to keep v-1 from stalling he had to keep the rpm's up, which kept v-1's speed up.  As the operator turned v-1 to port the engine stalled and the operator was unable to steer (off throttle steering) v-1.  V-1 drifted with its forward momentum to a mangrove shoreline located to the southwest of where he had launched.

The operator was struck on the right side by several mangrove limbs, one which caused a laceration under his right eye and numerous abrasions on his face and right shoulder.  V-1 sustained no damage.

The operator with blood in his eyes was able to pull v-1 back toward the boat ramp and was then assisted by several friends who he came with but did not witness the accident.  911 was called and the operator was transported by ambulance the local hospital for treatment.

 


BARDID: FL-2016-0187
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:37:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TREASURE ISLAND ICW
NearestCityorTown: ST. PETERSBURG
County: PINELLAS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/8/2106 at approximately 1740 hours, I, Officer, with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), was on water patrol near Johns Pass (Pinellas County) when dispatched advised me of a vessel that may have been involved in a boating accident near the Treasure Island Causeway (Pinellas County). I arrived onscene at approximately 1743 hours and found a vessel that was anchored with three occupants onboard and three individuals in the water. 

I pulled a young three year old girl out of the water along with Operator1, The third individual that was in the water was brought to shore by Pinellas Fire Rescue. After being checked by the Emergency Medical Technicians that were onscene all individuals were found to be in good health and uninjured. After talking to Operator1, the passengers and witnesses, along with collecting sworn written statements I was able to conclude that Operator1 caught a chine and it subsequently ejected all but two passengers and tore the center console from the hull of the vessel.

Operator1 advised me that he had just accelerated and got his vessel up on plane when another larger vessel passed him on his starboard side. As the vessel passed Operator1's vessel, Operator1 attempted to cross the wake and at that time his vessel caught a chine, ejecting four passengers and tearing the console from the hull. There were 2 remaining passengers that werent ejected. 

Operator1 advised me that he was traveling at approximately 35 to 40 MPH at the time of the accident. I conducted a boating safety inspection and found that Operator1 only had 2 PFD's onboard his vessel and the 3 year old girl did not have a PFD on at the time of the accident nor did they have a PFD for her to wear onboard. I wrote Operator1 one citation for insufficient number of PFD's and another citation for a child under 6 years of age on  a vessel less than 26 feet not wearing a PFD.

No further law enforcement action taken at this time. End of report.


BARDID: FL-2016-0189
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: ISLAMORADA
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel occupants were anchoring at the sandbar in Whale Harbor, at idle speed, when one occupant jumped from the vessel in order to prevent collision with another vessel, due to current pushing the vessels together. Occupant sustained several lacerations to both legs from contact with the propeller.

Subject1 stated that her and Subject2 were going to anchor at The Sandbar at Whale Harbor when the incident occurred. Subject1 stated that as they went to anchor, the current started to push their vessel. Subject1 recalled hearing individuals on a nearby boat start to shout at them saying that the vessel was going to hit theirs. 
 
Subject1 stated that on impulse Subject2 jumped into the water near the stern and tried to push the vessel against the current, away from the other boat. It was at that time the propeller of the vessel struck Subject2 in both his legs. The propeller made contact with Subject2's legs from the knees to the shin. There were a total of (4) lacerations (two on each leg) that required medical treatment. Subject2 received sutures at Mariner's Hospital.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0190
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 04:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: MARATHON
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The operators of V1, a 60' sailing vessel, were unable to set anchor west of Boot Key, Monroe County, Florida. V1 drifted into the 7 Mile Bridge resulting in a broken mizzenmast.

According to Operator1's statement, he and occupant arrived outside of Boot Key at approximately 0230 hours and attempted to set anchor. They put the sails down and waited for the anchors to set, but they never took hold. When they realized they were going to drift into the bridge, Operator1 went into the engine room to try and prime the motor. Not able to get the motor to start, they radioed for assistance. Operator1 advised the current was fast at the time and they quickly drifted into the bridge stern first. The rear mast got wedged into a joint on the bridge which kept them from going under the bridge. They then deployed the life raft and waited for help. Coast Guard towed the boat from the bow and pulled them out.


BARDID: FL-2016-0191
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: ISLAMORADA
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
PWC collided with offshore lighthouse in rough seas as operator and passenger tried climb onto lighthouse.

At approximately 1240 hours a PWC (FL 7234 NU) with owner/operator was operating in the vicinity of Alligator Reef Lighthouse. The operator and passenger then attempted to climb onto the lighthouse access platform. As they approached the ladder to the platform, the large swells (3-4 ft) forced the PWC into the ladder. As the PWC lowered into the trough of the wave it moved under the ladder. When the next swell caused the PWC to rise, the ladder of the lighthouse access platform punched multiple holes into the fiberglass of the PWC. Subjects were able to climb to safety on the access platfom, but the PWC began to take on water. As the rough seas continued it swept the PWC away from the lighthouse. At that time, operator was able to signal to a nearby boat. The good samaritan boat contacted the US Coast Guard.


BARDID: FL-2016-0192
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: POMPANO BEACH
County: BROWARD
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, 04/24/16 at approximately 10:00 PM, Boating Accident #FWSA-16-OFF-3842 occurred on the Intracoastal Waterway and Lake Santa Barbra in Pompano Beach in Broward County. The accident occurred at Channel Marker 74, Latitude N26 13.3853, W80 5.7655. The operator of the vessel was traveling at a careless speed and struck channel marker 74 in Lake Santa Barbra. The accident resulted in contusions and scratches, one occupant suffered a broken leg.

Interview (operator)

• He stated that they were having dinner at Kaluz restaurant.
• He stated they everyone was drinking heavily. 
• He stated that he had only one beer that was iced down.
• He said that Subject1 was not feeling good and she walked home from the restaurant.
• He stated that everyone else got on the vessel and headed north on the intracoastal.
• He stated the two people were sitting in the front of the boat.
• He also stated that he was operating the boat and another was standing next to him.
• He stated that he was operating the boat at slow speed and that the woman next to him kept bumping into the throttles.
• He stated that she had too much to drink and could not hold herself up and that is why she was bumping into the throttles.
• He stated that he came across a Sea Tow towing another vessel and that he started to yell at them because they did not have their navigational lights on.
• He stated that he missed his turn and turned around.
• He stated that when he turned around is when the woman next to him bumped into the throttles again making the vessel pick up speed and that is when the vessel collided with the channel marker.
 
One person in the front suffered a fractured tibia; The woman next to the operator had bruising to her right inner thigh.; The operator sustained a head injury. Bled from the ear and complained of headaches.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0193
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 04:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: INDIAN CREEK VILLAGE
County: MIAMI-DADE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 30, 2016 I received a delayed report of a boating accident with injuries that occurred in the early morning hours in the area of the Meloy Channel/N of 79 St. Causeway. It was involving a single vessel and an unknown fixed object that occurred at approximately 0400hrs. Indian Creek Police responded and gathered information on the people on board. They identified the operator. Currently, all of the pob's and Operator were located at the vessel owners address. At approximately 0925 hrs I arrived at this address and made contact with the owner of vessel FL8037LM. Owner stated that he was not on the vessel at the time of the accident but that all pob's were inside sleeping. When I asked if I could speak with them, Owner's family members stated that it was not a good time and requested that I return at a later time. I reminded Owner that the operator is required to provide me with details of the accident in a timely manner.
 
Upon an inspection of the reported accident scene, the vessel was found anchored between the ICW and Meloy Channel at location N 25 52.075  W 80 .08 951. There was tear damage along the port side of the vessel. The point of impact was on the port side bow with frayed fiberglass and brown paint transfer. An inspection of nearby bridges and channel markers could not indicate a positive accident location.
Later on in the day I received a phone call from subject who stated he was the attorney representing his client. On 5/1/2016 Attorney provided me with a boating accident report filled out by Operator via email (see attached). Operator stated they were traveling North bound when they hit a submerged object. The damage done to the vessel indicates that it struck an object that had to have been protruding out of the water, due to the point of impact being on the bow/rubrail of the vessel. Operator was treated by ems on scene for bruising to the trunk of his body.
 
Based upon the damage done to the vessel and location where the vessel was recovered I have concluded that Operator was traveling northbound through the Meloy Channel. It is unclear what object Operator struck but it had to have been a hard object raised out of the water with brown paint, similar to the multiple channel markers in the area.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0194
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BISCAYNE BAY
NearestCityorTown: KEY BISCAYNE
County: MIAMI-DADE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel drifting anchor boating accident.

On 4/22/16 at approximately 1535 hours I was dispatched to a boating accident just North of Nixon beach. Once I arrived on scene I came along side the struck vessel (V2), a 43' sailboat (DO1177316). The owner was on board. 

V2 owner provided a sworn written statement and explained how the accident happened. According to V2 owner the striking vessel (V1) was dragging anchor and drifting towards V2 owner's sailboat. V2 owner immediately began whistling and his wife began sounding an air horn. 

When V1 noticed and they began to go forward to try and avoid collision, V1 did very minor damage to V2. V2 was the only vessel that sustained any damages and it was on the bow railing, it was bent slightly to the port side. V2 had a total of 2 people on board and was in compliance with all the required safety equipment.

V1 captain also provided a sworn written statement and explained what happened. According to Operator1 the vessel he was operating (V1 81' Beneteau, FL4100PM) began to drift anchor and was drifting in a Southwest direction towards V2. Operator1 claims to have regained control of the vessel prior to making contact to V2 and does not believe damage could have been done. He also held a valid Merchant Mariner credential for operating vessels less than 100 gross tons. V1 had a total of 10 people on board and was in compliance with all the required safety equipment.


BARDID: FL-2016-0196
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BISCAYNE BAY
NearestCityorTown: CORAL GABLES
County: MIAMI-DADE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
The operator of the vessel states that the vessel ran out of fuel. As the vessel drifted, it began to take on waves through the transom causing the vessel to swamp and capsize. There were no life vests on board and all passengers swam until they were recovered from the water by passing vessel "dreams come true". Fire boat 1 responded, however there were no injuries, uscg vessel 45638 was on scene. Fast response towing salvaged the vessel and towed it back to black point marina.


BARDID: FL-2016-0197
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-01-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NORTH FORK SLR
NearestCityorTown: PALM CITY
County: MARTIN
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject1 left his vessel tied to a dock at 1689 coxswain place while out of town for a period of approximately two weeks. Upon his return on january 27th, 2016. He observed damage to his vessels fore starboard area. Inspection of the damage apears to starboard area. Inspection of the damage appears to be consistent with having been struck by another vessel, however no paint transfer or other physical evidence was present, and no damaged vessels were observed or reported in the area upon canvas, this report was delayed due to communication difficulties and the subject1's subsequent return to canada. No further information to report at this time.


BARDID: FL-2016-0198
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:01:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KINGS BAY
NearestCityorTown: CRYSTAL RIVER
County: CITRUS
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 05, 2016 at approximately 1735 hours, a call came into the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Dispatch Center in Jacksonville Florida concerning a sailboat that had broken free from its mooring in Kings Bay in Crystal River.  

FWC Officer was dispatched to assess the situation.  Upon arrival in Kings Bay he noticed a 30 foot sailboat was being held away from a commercial fishing vessel by two people at the Crab Plant. 

 Officer made contact with his supervisor FWC Lieutenant who advised him to tow the vessel to Pete's Pier Marina and secure it.  Officer tethered the sail boat to his vessel and began towing it to Pete's Pier.  As he got close to Pete's Pier Marina, Officer stated that he kept a close watch to ensure he didn't hit anything, but did not see the power lines going from Petes Pier to Christmas Island.  

Officer said that by the time he noticed the power lines it was too late and the sail boat drifted into the lines hitting them with the mast of the sailboat.  Officer said there was a large bang followed by sparks, and then the sail boat drifted off the power lines.  Once he realized the power lines did not break and cause a hazard for any other boater or business, he contacted Lt. and informed him of what had happened.  Lt. told him to take the boat and moor it at the City of Crystal River pier north of Pete's Pier. Officer was assisted by FWC Officers in mooring the vessel at the private pier.


BARDID: FL-2016-0199
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: NOKOMIS
County: SARASOTA
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 traveling West in the Gulf of Mexico.  Struck wave with hull of vessel.  Operator of V1 injured back from impact.

He told me that he was traveling West, away from the beach when his vessel went over the crest of a wave and had a jolting impact with the bottom of the swell.  He immediately felt a sharp pain in his back.  He was able to flag down another vessel nearby who then called for help over the VHF radio.  
He fractured his L3 vertebrae and will have surgery to repair the damage.  No permanent disfigurement.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0200
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: JUPITER ISLAND AND ICW
NearestCityorTown: JUPITER ISLAND
County: MARTIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
V1, a PWC was heading north in the ICW with two small children on board. Operator was operating at a very slow speed less than 5ph, in a slow speed zone, barely maintaining steerage of the PWC. Operator stated a wake from a passing boater caused the PWC to turn to port causing all on board the PWC to lean to the port, which then caused the PWC to turn over ejecting all occupants. Operator stated he was unable to turn the jet ski back in the upright position which caused it to partially sink. Another PWC in the area picked up the swimmers and no injuries where reported.


BARDID: FL-2016-0201
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ESTERO BAY
NearestCityorTown: FORT MYERS BEACH
County: LEE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was a PWC on an Eco-tour in Estero Bay, when the operator let off of the throttle of the Pwc, and lost steering.  V1 then ended up crashing into the mangroves causing injury to the operator. He was treated at a medical facility, and was diagnosed with a broken nose and some scratches.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0202
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WITHLACOOCHEE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: UNINCORPORATED
County: SUMTER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: Person struck by engine
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 05/23/16 at approximately 8:30pm operator was operating an unregistered 11' boat traveling North on the Withlacoochee river approximately quarter mile south of Wysong boat ramp. Subject stated he was traveling at approximately 20mph and made a turn and struck a patch of weeds and the motor pitched up in the air striking him in the left arm, the motor did not have a cover on it which caused the flywheel of the motor to be exposed. The flywheel from the motor struck Victim in the left arm causing a laceration and dislocation of the left shoulder. Victim said that after the accident he paddled the vessel to a private property on CR 315 and made contact with a good Samarian who called EMS and Victim was taken to Citrus memorial hospital. Victim had a laceration which needed 37 staples on his left arm and a possible dislocated left shoulder. The vessel was not secured to the shoreline and floated down river where it sunk in approximately four feet of water. The two other occupants were not injured.


BARDID: FL-2016-0204
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ST. JOHNS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: FRUIT COVE
County: SAINT JOHNS
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 30, 2016 at approximately 3:15 PM, subject, along with three friends, were being towed behind the above vessel by the owner/operator when the tube flipped and all occupants entered the water.  The spotter on the boat noticed that something was wrong with Victim.  They assisted Victim into the boat and realized he was confused and had a contusion on the left side of his head behind his ear.  Emergency services were called when they reached the dock and Victim was flown to Shands Victimsonville. I interviewed each occupant to determine what might have happened and while all the occupants bounced off of each other, it was concluded that Victim's head most likely hit tuber2's knee.  Investigator with FWC met the parents at the hospital where Victim was undergoing a CT scan.   It was determined that he suffered a concussion, vertebrae C1 and C2 were misaligned, and the associated ligament was stretched.  Victim was placed in a Halo Brace for a minimum of eight weeks.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0205
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:27:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: HOWARD CREEK
NearestCityorTown: WEWAHITCHKA
County: GULF
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Other
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
OtherAccidentEvent: person struck by engine
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was operating his boat on Howard's Creek on Saturday the 14th.  At approximately 1930hrs Operator struck a submerged object while turning his boat in the creek.  The impact kicked the motor up striking Operator in his left side causing multiple rib fractures and a punctured lung.  The impact knocked Operator into the bottom of his boat.  
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0206
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-03-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE EUSTIS
NearestCityorTown: EUSTIS
County: LAKE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
CASE SUMMARY
     FATAL BOATING ACCIDENT
              FWNE16OFF2619

    SYNOPSIS

On March 10, 2016, at approximately 1700 hrs, a single vessel accident occurred on Lake Eustis, in Lake County, Florida.  A 16' Melges Sailboat with one person on board departed from the Lake Eustis Sailing Club boat ramp and participated in sailboat races throughout the afternoon.  For an unknown reason, the vessel made an abrupt maneuver, overturned, and stayed floating on its starboard (right) side.  The operator was ejected into the water while wearing a personal floatation device (PFD). The operator was transported to the Florida Waterman Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 1715 hrs by Dr..

Vessel Description
Vessel 1 (V-1) is unregistered with the hull identification number (HIN) RUVAB0020383.  V-1 is a 2001, 16' Melges sailing vessel.  The vessel has a white fiberglass hull with an 11' 4" mast, and white main sail.  V-1 is powered by sail only.

OPERATOR-INJURIES/FATALITIES
V-1 Operator was fatally injured during the accident.  He was ejected from the vessel and suffered from drowning. The drowning was combined with pre-existing heart conditions that ultimately led to his death.  The Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy of the victim and the preliminary findings are as follows:
Cause of death:
• Drowning
Contributory Factors:
• Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Upon arrival to the capsized sailboat, the operator was unresponsive with his head under the water face down.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0207
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SAINT ANDREWS BAY
NearestCityorTown: PANAMA CITY BEACH
County: BAY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/10/16 at approximately 1100 hours V1 and V2 were heading East in Saint Andrews Bay.  They were on a jetski tour.  While they were on the tour V1 stopped in front of V2. V2 struck V1 on the back portside.  While striking the vessel V2 boat eye struck the female passenger on V1. The passenger suffered a fracture to her left leg Fibula.  She was taken to Sea Wind Medical center and was treated and release.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0208
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY
NearestCityorTown: FT. LAUDERDALE
County: BROWARD
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Bridge tender fault
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 1218 hours on 5/7/16, Vessel 1 entered the bridge span of Las Olas Blvd. Bridge going approximately idle speed southbound on the Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Broward County, Florida. As the vessel entered the bridge span, the bridge spans began to close. The southern end (near the walkway for pedestrian traffic) of the bridge made contact with the mast of Vessel 1 causing it to bend and eventually break approximately 2 feet above the cabin falling on the port side of the vessel. After the contact, the bridge spans were then raised again. The vessel continued southbound under power until it anchored on the east side of the channel approximately 200 yards south of the bridge.  The bridge tender was at fault for closing before the vessel had cleared.


BARDID: FL-2016-0209
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: HUTCHINSON ISLAND SOUTH
County: SAINT LUCIE
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday, June 1, 2016, at approximately 6:20 pm, a vessel ran aground on South Hutchinson Island, approximately a half mile south of Frederick Douglas Park. The vessel had five occupants on board at the time of the grounding. 

Operator1 and the other four occupants departed Fishermans Wharf Boat Ramp sometime between 2 to 2:30 pm that afternoon. They headed offshore and planned to fish the offshore buoys near the St. Lucie Power Plant. 

According to Operator1, the boat had been running properly for the past few times that he had used it. He had taken it out during memorial day weekend and did not have any issues. Operator1 said that they had made it to one of the offshore bouys at the power plant with no issues. While headed back towards the Fort Pierce Inlet, the motor began to stall out. Operator1 tried to restart the motor multiple times but was unable to keep the motor running. 

At the time the motor went out, they were approximately a half mile off of the shore line. operator had the engine hatch opened and began trouble shooting the motor. While Operator1 was troubleshooting the motor, the boat drifted into shore. At that point, the occupants decided to abandon the boat and were going to attempt to push the boat off the shore. They were unable to manually push the boat off the bottom and the waves pushed the boat further on shore. 

At 6:20 pm, the St. Lucie County Sheriffs Office received a phone call from one of the occupants of the vessel. Occupant explained that the boat was beached on the shoreline and everyone was ok. The Sheriff's office contacted Coast Guard Station Fort Pierce at 6:27 pm and informed them of the situation. Coast Guard sent a land unit to the location and called FWC. FWC received a phone call from Coast Guard at approximately 6:48 pm. Coast Guard also contacted Sea Tow to see if they could send someone to retrieve the boat.  I, Officers and members of Coast Guard Station Fort Pierce, arrived at Frederick Douglas park at approximately 7:15 pm and found the boat and all five occupants on the shoreline. A member of Sea Tow arrived 15 minutes later and began coordinating a recovery attempt. 

Sea Tow sent a boat and a land crew to attempt to recover the vessel by water. At approximately 12:00 am, Sea Tow called off the recovery due to equipment failure on the tow boat and the grounded vessel was too heavy to get back into the water. Sea Tow returned that same morning and recovered the vessel by land. They moved the vessel up to Frederick Douglas Park where they lifted it on to a trailer and transported the vessel to their office in Stuart, Florida. 

On Friday, June 3, I spoke with one of the owners of the vessel. Owner1 said that he had been trying to sell the boat but was unable to sell it due to mechanical issues with the motor. He gave permission to his friend to get the vessel fixed and operational. Friend then sent the boat to Operator1, who agreed to get the boat working. 

Operator1 did not appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. He said that he took a boating course many years ago but has not taken any courses in the State of Florida. He said that everything happened so fast and he did not know what else to do in that situation. Operator1 and the other occupants left the accident site immediately after he signed the form to allow Sea Tow to retrieve the vessel.


BARDID: FL-2016-0210
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FORT PIERCE INLET
NearestCityorTown: FORT PIERCE
County: SAINT LUCIE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was pulling anchor. As the anchor was pulled and the vessel started to drift backwards, a person put the vessel in gear while a swimmer was trying to get on the vessel from the back. The swimmer was struck with the prop on the heel of his foot. He was taken to the hospital for stitches. 

the owner and captain of the vessel, what had happened and he stated that they were getting ready to leave the cove and go to another spot. The swimmer, and injured person, got the anchor and handed it to the captain at the front of the vessel. Due to the current, the vessel was drifting backwards towards other boats. As the swimmer went around the side of the vessel to get into the rear of the boat, a person near the throttle, put the vessel in gear without checking where the swimmer was. The vessel was quickly taken out of gear. The bottom of the swimmers heel had been hit with the prop causing a small cut near the swimmers toes, and a large, approximately 4 inch cut, on the heel of his left foot.

The swimmer was quickly loaded on to the vessel and taken into the Coast Guard Station Fort Pierce.

I checked on the swimmer that evening and he stated that he had got stitches in the bottom of his foot, he stayed the night in the hospital.  
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0211
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ORTEGA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: JACKSONVILLE
County: DUVAL
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was headed back to his house around midnight, after being at a party at the North Florida Yacht Club. Operator was headed down the Ortega River when he look down to change a song on his radio he did not have a proper look out and struck a dock. Operator' vessel ended up jumping the dock and landing on the dock near the boat lift. Operator then left the boat there and called Uber to take him and his passenger home. Operator went to St. Vincents ER that morning to get check out. Operator never called law enforcement or notified the dock owner of his incident.  

Statement from operator "It was around 1:00am on Sunday June 5th. We were on our way home. I was changing the music and veered left and hit the dock.  The boat ended up on the dock and realized it was a shared dock.  We were going approx. 25,ph. walked toward the houses and talked about whether we should wake them up or not and because it was so late, decided the boat wasn't going anywhere, so we would wait until the morning to go back over.  We took an Uber home and went to bed.  Got up at 7:30zm and answered the phone.  JSO officer called and asked if I had been in a boating accident.  Said yes and asked whose house it was.  I was just getting up and wanted to find out who i needed to contact.  JSO wanted to know if everyone was ok and if everyone was accounted for.  I told him yes.  Asked who was on the boat and I told him my neighbor.  I gave him my contact info and asked him to give it to the home/dock owner.  Then decided to go to the emergency rooom because i was in a lot of pain. I was driving the boat."

Operator stated that he had a glass of wine and 3 mixed drinks that night over a course of about 4 hours.  He suffered 4 cracked ribs and a small puncture to his lung.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0212
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:43:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE PRAIRIE
NearestCityorTown: CASSELBERRY
County: SEMINOLE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 6, 2016 at approximately 9:43 PM, subject was involved in a boating accident on Prairie Lake in Fern Park, Seminole County. Subject is the suspected operator of Florida registered vessel FL 9730 PX (V-1) that collided with two boat docks, causing extensive property damage and resulting in one occupant being ejected from the vessel. Subject was suspected to have been impaired while he was operating the vessel.  This is based on multiple witness statements, his injuries, evidence documented at the scene, and spontaneous utterances made at Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC), as well as, my observations of Subject at ORMC (See information below). Subject was transported by Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) to ORMC in Orlando at approximately 10:03 PM due to injuries sustained during the collision.  Operator received Right Thumb Injury -Ear Laceration –Concussion.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0214
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE MAITLAND
NearestCityorTown: MAITLAND
County: ORANGE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Based on the evidence collected and interviews conducted the following was determined:
On May 14, 2016 Operator1 was operating vessel (FL3820PV) on Lake Maitland .  At approximately 1800 hours, Operator1 was heading East just South of "Dog Island". Operator1 stated he was standing while operating the vessel and Occupant was seated on the top deck towards the bow of V1.   Operator1 explained to me that the tiller extension had come loose from the tiller handle while he was operating the vessel on plane. When the tiller handle extension came loose the vessel made a turn to starboard causing both Operator1 and Occupant (occupant) to be ejected off the port side of the vessel.  

Operator1 was not wearing a lanyard and did not have a lanyard attached to the kill switch which would have caused the engine to shut off after ejection.   Both Operator1 and Occupant were approximately 40 yards from Dog Island when they were ejected off the vessel.  Because the vessel had turned to starboard, the vessel continued in a path (North) towards Dog Island where it collided with V2 (FL9697JC) that was beached on the South side of Dog Island. 

V2 was beached on the island with the bow of the vessel facing the East and the port side of the vessel was facing the lake side (South). All occupants and owner were aboard V2 during the time of the collision, although the vessel was not being operated at the time. 

Two were seated towards the bow of V2, while another two were seated towards the stern of V2 at the time of the collision.  Operator1 and Occupant swam approximately 40 yards to Dog Island where they retrieved their vessel (V1). 

On May 14, 2016, I Officer of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) responded to a boating accident on Lake Maitland. Upon arrival, Maitland Police Department (PD) was already on scene.  Maitland PD informed me that there were two vessels involved in the accident, and that the operator of one vessel was suspected to have been drinking alcohol.  Maitland PD had Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Ofc. conducted Standardized Field Sobriety Tasks (SFST) on the operator of V1. Ofc. stated to me that he while he suspected Operator1 had been consuming alcohol, he did not observe him to be impaired over the legal limit.  The two vessels involved in the accident are as follows:

V1 collided into V2 when the operator and occupant of V1 became ejected from the vessel and the vessel continued in a path which collided with V2. V2 was stationary on "Dog Island" and not in operation at the time of the collision.

There were no injuries other than one of the passengers on V2 stating she was sore. There was damage to both vessels. Damage was documented through photographs.

See detailed narrative for further information.

End of report.


BARDID: FL-2016-0215
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE PONTE VEDRA
NearestCityorTown: PONTE VEDRA
County: SAINT JOHNS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Sudden medical condition
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 21, 2016, V1, an unregistered 12 foot kayak, was being operated on Lake Ponte Vedra in Guana River Wildlife Management Area.  The operator was paddling northbound when he suffered a medical emergency (believed to be a seizure) and fell overboard.  The operator was wearing a PFD.  Another kayaker was able to make it to the operator of V1 and hold him above water until Fire Rescue responded.  The operator was transported to the hospital.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0216
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: JUPITER
County: PALM BEACH
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was attempting to dock at a public dock. Vessel 1 struck a docked vessel 2 bow to bow. Vessel 1 then reversed and struck a docked vessel 3 stern to stern. The impact vessel 1 had with vessel 3 caused vessel 3 to move forward and strike the dock with its bow.


BARDID: FL-2016-0217
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TOLOMATO-MATANZAS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: CRESCENT BEACH
County: SAINT JOHNS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Approximately four hours before the accident, subject beached his vessel by Fort Matanzas, and with the outgoing tide, became grounded.  After approximately four hours, Operator1 was able to get his vessel (V1) off of the sand bar and headed South, towards Bing's Landing. Operator1 said that he never operates his vessel at night.

Operator2 was operating his vessel (V2), heading North to go fishing from Bing's Landing.  Operator2 said operates his vessel at night very often. 

V1 did not have proper navigation lights, only white running lights on either side of the console, below the gunwale. V2 had all of the proper navigation lights on.

V1 was heading South on the East side of the channel. V2 was heading North on the East side of the channel. V1 began to make the slight left turn, coming out of Matanzas Inlet.  V2 began to make the slight right turn to go into Matanzas Inlet.  Operator1 said he was operating V1 at approximately 10-20mph. Operator2 said he was operating V2 at approximately 10-20mph.  V1 saw V2 and made a sharp left evasive maneuver.  V2 saw V1's wake and made a sharp left evasive maneuver.  V1 struck V2's bow and glanced off to V1's port side. V2's occupant was ejected from the vessel and sustained a small laceration to his abdominal area, and left shin area. V2's operator, Operator2, recovered V2 occupant from the water. Operator2 called 911 and reported a hit-and-run. V1's engine shut off from the crash and couldn't get it started right away; and started drifting South.  The engine finally cranked, but did not have forward operation capabilities, so Operator1 went back to the scene using reverse. 

I, Officer, with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and Officer arrived on scene at approximately 2225 hours.  I separated the people involved, interviewed them for the boating accident investigation and then read Operator1 and Operator2 Miranda Rights.  

Operator1 spontaneously uttered that the accident was his fault, because he did not see V2 until "it was too late." - This was the first thing he said after I introduced myself. Operator1 said that he was close to the green buoy, on the East side of the channel when the accident occurred. Operator1 also said that he does not operate his vessel at night because he does not have the proper navigation lights, and he knew this before he launched his vessel.  Operator1 said he only had the white running lights on the console on at the time of the accident. Operator1 also stated that the vessel that he struck had the red and green navigation lights on.  I had dispatch run Operator1's vessel for previous violations and found that earlier that day, Officer, with FWC, issued 2 safety equipment warnings to Operator1. 

Operator2 said that his navigation lights were on, and that he never saw V1.  Operator2 said he only saw the "white wash of the wake" coming off the bow of V1; that is when he took his evasive maneuver. Operator2 said he was on the side of the channel closest to the green buoy when the vessels collided. 
 
V2 occupant sustained small lacerations to the left side of his abdomen and his left shin.  The injuries were caused by the collision of the vessels and he was ejected from V2.  V2 occupant received medical treatment from EMS at the scene and was released.  He refused transportation to the hospital.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0218
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:41:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: INTRACOASTAL WATER WAY
NearestCityorTown: HYPOLUXO
County: PALM BEACH
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Single vessel accident involving a PWC impacting a fixed object. The single PWC bearing FL9964KB had it’s steering control break apart causing operator to fall off. The PWC slowed then went back up on plane swerving back and forth until it finally made impact with the sea wall just east of channel marker 41. No Injuries were sustained. See detailed narrative for more information.


BARDID: FL-2016-0219
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FACTORY BAY
NearestCityorTown: MARCO ISLAND
County: COLLIER
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
This accident occurred on or about April 28, 2016 at approximately 1630 hours. This deputy was notified of the accident on May 2, 2016. As I was not on scene immediately after the accident, I can only report both statements of the operator and rental boat owner. I did speak to both parties and also investigated the boat which was damaged. The rental company, who witnessed the accident, stated that the operator was attempting to dock the vessel at their rental facility when she came in at the wrong angle and had to correct the vessel. 

In doing so she had to back away from the dock and when she put the vessel in forward, she over throttled the boat slightly while making a turn to return towards the dock and struck a piling. The boat hit the piling on the rear starboard side according to the rental company which caused the transom on that side to crack allowing water to fill the vessel. 

The operator indicated the above was correct however, she stated that she hit closer to midpoint on the vessel and not to the rear. She also indicated that once she left the vessel, no one came to her indicating she had damaged it so she left.

The owner stated they did not notice the damage until the boat started sinking approximately 30 minutes after the rental was returned. They further stated the vessel was immediately put on a lift and has not been rented since then. I investigated the vessel and took pictures (attached). In my opinion, I did not see any indication of a midpoint strike as indicated by the operator. There was fresh damage to the starboard rear transom area that backed up the eye witness statement given by the rental company's owner. The gel coat had what appeared to be a new scratch through it in this area and stress cracks which I could not verify were new or from previous incidents. The operator was not cited at this time due to circumstances, however, she would be at fault for careless operation.


BARDID: FL-2016-0223
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:07:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BOCA
NearestCityorTown: BOCA RATON
County: PALM BEACH
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
V2 was inbound from the Atlantic Ocean through the Boca Inlet Bridge. V1 was outbound from the ICW through the Boca Inlet Bridge. V2 operator stated he was more than half way through the bridge fender system when V1 entered the north side of the fender system with an outbound tidal current. The port sides of the vessels made contact causing minor surface scratches on the port side amid ship of V2. The impact caused V2's port rear swim platform to make contact with the bridge fender system causing damage. No damage was located on V1. No party was injured.


BARDID: FL-2016-0224
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:43:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: MADEIRA BEACH
County: PINELLAS
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
I arrived at John's Pass Boardwalk and met with the operator of vessel #1. Operator1 explained that he was operating the rental jet ski in the Gulf of Mexico just north of John's Pass and there were other people in the area on personal watercrafts as well. Operator1 said he was heading towards the beach and at one point, a pwc directly in front of him made a turn away from the beach and back towards his direction. Operator1 was unable to avoid collision with the other pwc and struck on its port side and striking the passenger on the other pwc. I looked at the pwc Operator1 was operating and found no damage. 
 
I spoke with the operator of pwc #2. Operator2 also advised he was operating his rental pwc in the Gulf of Mexico just north of John's Pass near other people operating pwc's. Operator2 said he was near the beach and when he turned away from the beach he was unable to avoid contact with the pwc behind him and both pwc's struck each other on their left sides. Hooked at the pwc that operator2 was operating and observed no damage. 
 
Victim was a passenger on pwc # 2. At the point of impact, Victim was struck on her left side by pwc #1 which caused injury to her rib cage area and arm. Victim was transported for treatment of abrasions and bruises. Not life threatening. 
 
Both Operator1 and Operator2 commented that there were quite a few pwc's operating in close proximity to each other, including themselves and because of this, they were unable to avoid contact and collision. 
 
I issued both pwc operators a $93.00 citation for careless operation due to the nature of the crash and the injuries sustained by the passenger. 
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0225
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: UPPER TAMPA BAY
NearestCityorTown: TAMPA
County: HILLSBOROUGH
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1 is a rental PWC that was being operated by subject Operator1 with no passengers on board. Operator1 related that he was completing a counter clockwise turn in the lagoon area at approx. 20MPH and failed to observe vessel #2 until the last moment when he came off the power and tried to steer the opposite way to avoid impact but was unable. He further related that he has no prior experience on a jet ski, but successfully passed the exam to operate the ski today. Operator1 sustained no injuries and was wearing his PFD at the time of this crash. 
 
Vessel #2 is a rental PWC that was being operated by subject Operator2 and had passenger riding on the back. Operator2 related that he had just taken over the controls of the ski from his brother (passenger) and was beginning to operate it for the first time. He had just begun to accelerate from switching operators and was proceeding back toward the hotel at approx. 5MPH when he heard his brother yell and they were then struck. He was thrown into the water but was able to climb back out. He sustained pain to his left leg and back area. 
 
V2 occupant related that he had been operating the PWC and he and his brother hit a wake and had both fallen off, When they climbed back on the ski his brother, Operator2 climbed onto the ski first and took the controls. He climbed onto the back of the ski and they began to leave the area. This was the first time that his brother had operated the ski and they were proceeding slowly, approx. 5MPH., in a straight westerly direction when he heard the other ski and saw that impact was imminent, he let out a yell. He was then thrown from the ski, He was retrieved from the water by a passerby but knew that he had broke his leg due to it being deformed. He related he was wearing his PFD at the time of the crash. 
 
Investigation; I responded to the Westin Hotel in which Caribbean Concessions Inc. operates a vessel and PWC livery operation. Upon arrival I observed the area of the crash to be the Dana Shores lagoon area which is an open speed zone with no designated restrictions or swim zones in the area. The weather was clear and there was a light wind which kept the waters calm. 
 
I then met with and interviewed Operator1 taking his interview. I then examined the both PWCs and observed that V#1 had no significant damage other than some scrapes on the bottom of the hull where it had ridden on top of V#2. 
 
V#2 had damage along the port side to include significant cracking of the outer hull and forward to the main seat and body of the PWC tearing the seat and plastic covering/shielding. 
 
Based on the damage observed it was obvious that V#1 was proceeding at speed when impact occurred and that it had approached from the rear of V#2 at an angle. 
 
I then met with the owner of the Caribbean Concessions Inc. and checked the temporary boating testing forms for the operators; Operator1 took the exam on 5/14/16 and was issued permit. V#2 Operator2 was issued the permit and Passenger was issued permit on 5/14/2016. 
 
Owner related that each operator and the passenger were briefed on the operation of the ski and the safety equipment including PFD's and engine cut off devices. They further performed a safety test run and confirmed that they felt comfortable with the ski operation prior to being released from the beach area. He related he did not witness the crash. I then responded to Tampa General Hospital, as the injured parties were transported by TransCare #24 prior to my arrival. I met with and interviewed both the operator and passenger of V#2. The interviews were consistent with the damage observed on scene. No further contributing factors were noted by either subject; no weather or sea conditions, no mechanical malfunctions were noted. The operator of Vessel #1 was found to be operating the vessel in a Careless Manner in violation of
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0227
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: PORT RICHEY
County: PASCO
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 23rd 2016, I Officer with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Division of Law Enforcement received information of a vessel aground outside of the Pithlachascotee River. The Coast Guard, Pasco County Marine Deputies and Officer were already on scene when I arrived.

On scene I observed a 48 foot vessel aground listing to the starboard side. Officer and I, boarded the vessel in an attempt to locate anyone in need of medical attention. No one was located aboard the vessel. The vessel did not display any Florida registration numbers. Officer located a folder floating in the water containing a recent bill of sale for the vessel. The bill of sale identified the two owners and the vessel documentation numbers as 541329. Information from the folder is attached.

I attempted numerous times to contact using the phone number provided on the bill of sale. There was no answer and I did not receive a call back. The sister of OWNER1 called Coast Guard to advise both individuals were okay and headed back to Alabama. OWNER1 later called Coast Guard to confirm that he and his son were okay.

On May 27th 2016, I met with Corporal who was calling OWNER1 to question him about the vessel. Once Corporal made contact with OWNER1 he placed the call on speaker and advised OWNER1 I would be listening to the conversation. OWNER1 stated after buying the vessel they began their trip home to Alabama. 

While enroute the vessel began to take on water. The vessel lost steering and he was only able to steer by using the port and starboard engine. When the starboard engine died the vessel began going in circles before running aground. Once aground both OWNER1 and his son abandoned ship and swam to shore. They hitch hiked back to Alabama. OWNER1 stated he tried to notify Coast Guard of the vessel grounding but his VHF would not transmit and once they were ashore his phone no longer worked. 

Corporal advised OWNER1 to make arrangements to have the vessel removed. Corporal will be working this vessel as a derelict. At this time, I have no further involvement or information in this case


BARDID: FL-2016-0228
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: KEY WEST
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 052516 at approximately 1415 hours V1 was underway on a guided tour with two other Pwc's around Key West.  V1 was second in line of the group following the guide. The group was making a stop in Key West Harbor approximately 100 yards west of the Westin Resort.  V1 rode over the top of a wave accelerated and turned to port causing the passenger to be ejected from V1. 
 
V2 overtaking V1 turned to port to avoid a collision and ejected the operator and passenger.   At some point upon entering the water the V1 passenger received blunt force trauma to the head  knocking her unconscious. V1 passenger was pulled from the water and admitted to the hospital
 
Occupant was thrown off pwc striking head possibly on another pwc on the tour.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0229
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: MIAMI BEACH MARINA
NearestCityorTown: MIAMI BEACH
County: MIAMI-DADE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 11, 2016, I was dispatched to a boating accident that occurred on May 9th at Miami Beach Marina. The parties did not report the accident till May 11th. Vessel #1 the Going Galt DO# DO957096 was struck twice by vessel #2 Carbon DO# DO742378. 

Vessel #2 was attempting to turn his vessel around; vessel #2 used vessel #1's port stern as a pivot point.  Vessel #1 was anchored during the accident. Vessel #2 did not execute the turn on the first attempt. At this point the occupant of vessel #1 felt the impact and rushed to the swim platform. The occupant of vessel #1 had to put fenders out to prevent further damage.  On the second attempt, vessel #2 struck vessel #1 again, after which it after completed its turn. 

Damages- Vessel #2 caused damage on vessel #1 port stern. The damages to vessel #1 were deep scrapes that went through the gelcoat. Vessel #2 had scrapes on its starboard side caused by making contact twice with vessel #1's port stern.


BARDID: FL-2016-0230
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CARD SOUND
NearestCityorTown: KEY LARGO
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
A Hobie Cat sailboat was traveling through Card Sound when a wind gust caught the vessel's sail causing the sailboat to capsize.

According to statement, he was traveling south on the Intercoastal Waterway (ICW) with foul weather to the west of him. When Operator noticed the winds starting to pick up, he states he dropped his sails the best he could. However, the wind gusts were strong and got a hold of his sails causing the vessel to be picked up. Operator states at that time he was thrown from the vessel and therefore having no control over it. Operator states that the vessel "cartwheeled" about 200 yards before coming to a rest as it was when we discovered the vessel upon arrival 

   Operator stated that he was wearing his foul weather jacket and had his VHF radio with him, enabling him to activate the distress signal. Operator stated to me that he did not sustain any injuries and did not need any medical treatment in regards to the accident. The vessel was salvaged by Tow Boat US at approximately 2130 hours and was taken to Tiki Water Sports Inc. in Key Largo. There, I was able to take more photographs of the vessel in the day time. Tiki Water Sports estimated the damages to be approximately $5,300.00.


BARDID: FL-2016-0231
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:22:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: ST. PETERSBURG BEACH
County: PINELLAS
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 28, 2016 a 40 foot Carver sunk 7 miles west of Egmont Key. A good Samaritan helped assist in rescuing the ten occupants from the Gulf Of Mexico. No injuries due to this incident.  vessel had recently undergone engine repairs, inspection revealed faulty seals in through hull fittings.


BARDID: FL-2016-0232
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: INDIAN RIVER
NearestCityorTown: FORT PIERCE
County: SAINT LUCIE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator mistook being out of gas for a mechanical problem and stood on the transom of vessel to check engine.  It was too much weight for that size of vessel and caused it to capsize.  Subject put on life jacket and was picked up by passing boater.


BARDID: FL-2016-0233
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-02-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: UNNAMED LAKE
NearestCityorTown: PLANT CITY
County: HILLSBOROUGH
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel one (V1) with two occupants was operating on the lake for a few hours in the evening hours of February 27, 2016. The two men were fishing with a cast net that was being thrown from the small vessel. At approximately 1900 hrs while attempting to throw the cast net, the vessel capsized. Both occupants were thrown into the water and one occupant swam the short distance to shore. The other occupant was not seen after the vessel capsized. 
 
Calls were made to 911, and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Dive Team responded.  A few hours later, the dive team located the second subject deceased at the bottom of the lake entangled in the cast net.
 
The final cause of death was determined to be drowning with no contributory cause of death of intoxication by alcohol or drugs. 
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0234
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 05:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: CLEARWATER
County: PINELLAS
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
V-1 was attempting to enter Clearwater Pass from the south side of the rock jetty heading north.  There was a vessel anchored on the south side of the jetty close to the most western point.  The operator of V-1 thought the vessel was anchored inside the pass and tried to go around the starboard side of the vessel.  This caused V-1 to hit the south side of the jetty close to the most eastern point and become grounded.  

On 5/30/16 at approximately 05:10 hours V-1 was coming in from off shore fishing and heading into Clearwater Pass.  V-1 was traveling north just south of the rock jetty.  Owner/Operator observed a vessel anchored near the pass and assumed that it was anchored inside of the pass. However, the vessel was anchored on the south side of the jetty close to the most western point. Operator went to pass the anchored vessel on the starboard side to get into the pass.  V-1 was traveling approximately 25 MPH when it struck the south side of the jetty close to the most eastern point and was grounded.  
 
The vessel sustained damage on the lower part of the bow on the port side of the vessel (see photos).  Occupant sustained minor lacerations to his right arm and minor contusions to the right side of his body after landing on the cabin door upon impact.  The operator also sustained minor lacerations to his left leg due to hitting the steering wheel upon impact.  Both subjects refused treatment. Operator had the vessel removed from the scene that day. Clearwater Police Department was first on scene and their report number is, CW16-77517.   No further action was taken.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0235
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: MARATHON
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V1, a PWC with a single occupant, was towing a raft with 4 juveniles onboard at approximately 5 to 10 mph. V1 turned to the right into a channel with channel markers. As V1 turned, the tow rope snapped causing the raft with the four juveniles to collide with one of the channel markers. The furthest left juvenile on the raft struck the channel marker sustaining broken bones to his left eye orbit and cheek area. A total of 3 bones in the eye orbit area were broken and the cheek bone was broken. Juvenile is planned to undergo surgery on 1 June and is scheduled to be released from Jackson Memorial Children's Hospital on 3 June 2016.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0236
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:51:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TEQUESTA SAND BAR
NearestCityorTown: JUPITER
County: PALM BEACH
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Victim was sitting on the bow of the vessel and fell backwards into the shallow water. Subject also advised the vessel was anchored at the bow and stern at the incident location. She also mentioned alcohol was consumed by victim prior to the fall off of the vessel. Cpl.  noted that the water depth near the victim was about 10 inches deep. Per Palm Beach dispatch (FWC), PBSO marine unit advised he was hailed over VHF radio that a man was injured at the Tequesta Sandbar. PBSO marine unit responded, left a C- collar at the scene for the injured man for cervical support and left to pick up MCFR at Jupiter Point Marina. Officer arrived shortly before PBSO and MCFR arrival with victim. Subject was flown to St. Mary's Trauma Center and treated for neck injuries.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0237
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BLACKWATER SOUND
NearestCityorTown: KEY LARGO
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Stern quarter collision of two PWCs

There were 3 persons on board the 2 vessels.  

Halfway through the rental the operators decided to switch. The vessels approached port to port. Once they were in close proximity the PWCs were turned off and the passenger of V1 and operator of V2 jumped in the water and switched locations. 

After boarding the PWCs, Operator1 began to motor away. As she did she turned to starboard and the port stern quarters of the PWCs collided. The collision punched a hole in the port quarter of V1 and damaged the plastic ski on the port side of V2. 

Upon conclusion of the rental period the PWCs returned to the rental location. The livery operators noticed the damage. The livery operators then contacted FWC dispatch to report the accident.

Upon conclusion of the investigation Operator1 was issued a citation for not having a valid Boater ID and operating V1.


BARDID: FL-2016-0238
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: HAULOVER INLET
NearestCityorTown: BAL HARBOR
County: MIAMI-DADE
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Eighteen-foot vessel capsized while trying to negotiate rough waters at Haulover Inlet

Upon conducting the investigation, it was determined that subject was operating the 18 Ft. Mako and attempting to come back into Haulover Inlet, traveling west bound from off-shore. Sea conditions at the time of the accident and at the time of my arrival on-scene were rough, with 3-5 ft. seas near the inlet. Additionally, at the time of the accident, the tide was ebbing at the same time there was a 10-15 knot wind blowing in from the Northeast, making navigation of the inlet more difficult. 

Subject reported to me that a large wave came up over the bow of the vessel and swamped the boat, coming in with such force that a small, non structural panel, separating the deck from rear storage compartments was knocked inward. Subject reported that he then started to get life jackets out and put them on when another wave came in that capsized his vessel
. 
	It is determined that the weather conditions at the time of the accident combined with the decision to attempt to navigate the 18ft. Mako LTS through the inlet caused the capsizing.


BARDID: FL-2016-0239
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:17:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: APOLLO BEACH
County: HILLSBOROUGH
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday May 28, 2016 at approximately 1600 hours, boating accident FWSW-16-OFF-8024 occurred in the Gulf of Mexico approximately 500 yards west of Eggmont Key in Hillsborough County, Florida.  Vessel one (V1) a Seadoo RXT personal watercraft (PWC) with one operator and no occupants traveled west in the Gulf of Mexico from Eggmont Key.  

V1 traveled west at approximately 30 to 35 mph towards Vessel two (V2) a 38 foot cabin cruiser anchored off of Eggmont Key.  

The operator of V1 attempted to dock the PWC at the stern of V2.  When the operator of V1 tried to slow down by using the PWC's reverse mechanism, V1 did not slow down in time and collided with the stern of V2 on the port side.  There were no reported injuries associated with this accident.  Aggregate damage to both vessels was estimated at over $2000.00.


BARDID: FL-2016-0240
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TAMPA BAY
NearestCityorTown: PALMETTO
County: HILLSBOROUGH
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
While V1 was recreational cruising in Tampa Bay in a Northwest direction. V1 occupant noticed water in V1, so V1 operator slowed down. V1 engine stalled out and was unable to restart engine, which in turn V1 became swapped by waves and capsized. Both operator and occupant abandoned V1.

Occupant suffered chemical burns to the lower torso from gasoline leaking from the vessel.  unknown as to cause of vessel flooding
First and second degree burns around lower torso


BARDID: FL-2016-0241
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC STATE WATERS
NearestCityorTown: MARATHON
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Auxiliary
OtherEquipmentFailure: thru fitting
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 told me that his vessel sank abruptly and without warning after putting the vessel in reverse near Molasses Key. Operator1 told me that he had left his residence approximately two hours prior where he keeps his vessel in the water and tied to his dock at his residence. From there, he exited Sisters Creek channel and headed south towards the reef line to look for dolphin fish but was unsuccessful. He then proceeded back into shore near Molasses Key where he would anchor his vessel and scrub the algea growth on his vessel. Upon finding a place to set anchor, Operator1 put his vessel in reverse where it immediately began to sink. Operator1 explains he had only minutes to exit his vessel. A good Samaritan vessel came moments later and picked him up where he then called FWC for assistance. There were no other persons on the vessel to corroborate Operator1's vessel and the good Samaritan vessel passengers could not provide valid witness statements.   

Capt. and I assisted Operator1 with contacting  a commercial assistance/salvage company and involving his insurance company via phone. Capt. made contact with the operator of Tow Boat U.S. and coordinated for them to begin the salvage process. At the time, there was a sheen of red diesel fuel coming from the sunk vessel. At that time the sunk vessel was laying on its starboard side with its stern laying on the sea floor and the bow raised approximately 30 degrees leaving parts of the tower console and out-riggers above water.  We took Operator1 back to his residence via water so that he could contact direct with the Tow Boat operator. No further action was taken that day.

	I was contacted on Saturday May 21st, 2016 by the tow boat operator explaining that he was unable to raise the vessel Friday night and he was unsuccessful on Saturday morning as well. The tow boat operator contacted me Sunday afternoon, May 22nd, 2016 and advised me that the vessel had been raised and was being pulled out of the water at Keys Boat Works in Marathon, Fl. On Monday, May 23, I arrived at Keys Boat works and documented the sunk vessel with pictures.  

I met with Operator1 and the marine surveyor contracted to assess the damage. Surveyor advised me that the probable cause of the sunk vessel was a equipment malfunction at the water line.

 Upon inspection of the after through hull amidships, you could see that something ran alongside the vessel freeboard at the water line and damaged the outside edge of the aft through hull allowing the hose and through hull inoperable. This hole allowed water to enter into the vessels machinery spaces while Operator1 was underway. 

Operator1 did not have any high-water alarms installed on his vessel and so was not aware that his vessel had been taking on water while he was underway. Upon his change of direction astern, the vessel already swamped began to immediately sink at that position. 

With the vessel out of the water, I also saw a large hole at the keel which also allowed water to enter into the forward berthing area. Upon further inspection, no striation marks were seen around the area which would conclude that the vessel incurred the damage post accident as a result of resting on the bottom and being subject to hard bottom and wave action.


BARDID: FL-2016-0242
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: UNINCORPORATED
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
I arrived on scene and spoke with the victim. He said that while he was upstairs in his residence he heard a loud noise in the canal and observed a vessel's outriggers swaying back and forth behind his boat on a lift. He walked to the patio and as the vessel came into view he asked if the occupants of the vessel were okay which they responded yes and continued down the canal. Subject then pointed to the vessel and said that his neighbor witnessed the whole thing. He then pointed in the direction of a white center console down the canal (V01: SEA-VEE BOATS / 2005 / 29 F / WHITE / FL3823MY ). Subject's lift had bent cross beams and there was black transfer paint on the point of impact (documented with photos attached). 

I then went to the alleged striking vessel. Both were on the vessel working on the starboard engine with the cowling off. I asked them if they were aware of why we were there. (owner of the striking vessel) claimed that they were leaving to go fishing and he was teaching Subject2 how to operate the vessel. They attempted to make a u-turn in the canal to head out and the starboard engine stopped working. They then impacted the victim's boat lift with their starboard engine. The starboard engine cowling had a piece missing approximately 4" x 1" (documented with photo attached). Subjects said they had no intentions of fleeing the scene (their residence is across the canal and two houses down). He said he had insurance and would cover all costs of damage.


BARDID: FL-2016-0243
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE KISSIMMEE
NearestCityorTown: KISSIMMEE
County: OSCEOLA
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 28, 2016 at approximately 6:45 PM, I was dispatched to a boating accident that had already taken place on Lake Kissimmee. The accident occurred around 6:25 PM. 

Investigator and I arrived at Lake Wales hospital at approximately 7:50 pm where the victim was being treated. Investigator and I spoke with both Victim and Operator. Operator said that Victim was holding their daughter, and sitting on the front left corner of the airboat. Operator came to a complete stop to point out deer they saw on the island. Operator proceeded forward and was slightly turning to the left when the airboat struck a grass clump.

Once the vessel hit the grass clump they came to a abrupt stop. Operator and Victim both said the boat was going under five miles an hour. Victim lost her balance and fell towards the front left corner. Victim was holding on to Daughter and spun so the baby did not hit the boat. At that time Victim’s head hit one of the stringers which caused a 2 inch laceration.  She also impacted her back against the bottom of the boat causing multiple contusions.  She received medical treatment to include XRays and CT Scan.

Operator and Victim were interviewed separately and both stories were the same. The recorded statements conducted by Investigator are attached to the Boating Accident Report.  Victim was treated with staples, for her laceration, and an MRI to ensure more damage was not done.  
There is no violation for this accident. 

 


BARDID: FL-2016-0244
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OKEECHOBEE
NearestCityorTown: MOORE HAVEN
County: GLADES
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 4, 2016 at approximately 3:51 pm Officers responded to a vessel accident which included a 47 foot vessel colliding with the rocky levee. The owner estimated the damage to be approximately 40,000 to repair. On June 5, 2016, Sea Tow removed the vessel off the rocks and towed it back to the arranged marina for repair. 

“My husband asked me to take the hull which I did, I was running the boat and looked down at the chart plotter to adjust the view (scratched out word) setting (zoom in). I heard my husband yell “Look out” and as I looked up I realized the boat had drifted off course to the right and was headed to the rocks located on the starboard side of the canal. I pulled the wheel to port but not soon enough and clipped the rocks. Boat came to the halt. It was traveling @ 15-18 mph.”


BARDID: FL-2016-0245
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:18:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: INDIAN KEY FILL
NearestCityorTown: ISLAMORADA
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1, a PWC, with passenger was heading east when Vessel 2, a PWC, with passenger collided. All occupants of both skies ended up in the water.  Vessels were criss crossing each other’s wakes and turned into one another.  Occupant of V1 fell overboard at impact and complained of back pain.  no internal injuries, just contusions, sprain-strain.


BARDID: FL-2016-0247
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: SPRING HILL
County: HERNANDO
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 (V1) was drifting eastward. The occupants of V1 were engaged in recreational fishing activities. While drifting, V1 filled with water. The occupants of V1 attempted to start the vessel, but were unsuccessful. 

The operator believed the vessel had exhausted all the fuel from the vessel. Due to the water in the vessel, V1 became swamped. The occupant deployed an anchor from the vessel. The occupants donned Personal Flotation Devices (PFD). The occupants of V1 were recovered by United States Coast Guard members. No injuries were reported by the occupants.


BARDID: FL-2016-0248
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: ISLAMORADA
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 28, 2016 at approximately 11:00 AM, in the area of Indian Key Channel, operator was operating a PWC (FL 4566 PU) with subject riding behind him. Operator was operating the PWC on plane and turned which caused subject to be ejected from the jet ski. Subject felt pain in her left rib and shoulder area and asked her family to call an ambulance.

She was taken by EMS to the emergency room but stated she suffered no serious injuries. 

 
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0249
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:14:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: POMPANO BEACH
County: BROWARD
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 17, 2016 at approximately 1614 hrs 1 responded to channel marker 76 and the ICW in reference to a vessel accident. Upon arrival l observed a waverunner upright, with its starboard side resting against the seawall on the East side of the ICW. 
 
The victim was sitting on the seat of the waverunner holding his left hand against the top of his head. Closer observation revealed Victim had a large laceration on the top of his head and was bleeding. Pompano Beach Fire Rescue was requested to respond to our location. Deputies assisted Victim into my BSO patrol vessel, and gave Victim a towel to place on his head to hold pressure on the injury until PBFR arrived. Victim was conscious and alert, but appeared to be dazed. 
 
Victim stated that he had rented the waverunner and was riding south on the 1CW. Victim further stated that he fell behind several of his friends that were also riding rental waverunners and was attempting to catch up. Due to the ICW becoming rough, Victim stated that he lost control and hit navigation channel marker 76. The impact of the waverunner hitting the marker caused the battery, which is mounted on the top of channel marker 76 and is the energy source for the navigational light, fell off the platform and struck Victim on the top of his head causing him to fall off the waverunner. Victim advised he was able to climb back on the waverunner as he drifted towards the seawall where we located him. 
 
I observed a large laceration on the top of Victim's head, and extensive fiberglass damage to the bow and stern of the waverunner. PBFR transported Victim to Broward Health North Hospital for further evaluation and treatment I spoke to witness via landline. He stated that he observed several waverunners on full plane heading southbound on the ICW. He heard a loud crash and the sound of fiberglass breaking. He further stated that as he looked in the direction of channel marker 76, he observed the battery falling from the top of channel marker 76, and strike Victim on the top of his head. I located a white plastic container and lid, which is used to hold a large battery floating in the 1CW in close proximity to channel marker 76. The container was recovered and placed into evidence. Atlantic boat & Jet Ski representatives responded and took possession of the damaged waverunner. 
 
OPERATOR SUSTAINED LARGE LACERATION TO TOP OF HEA AND SORENESS ON THE LEFT SIDE OF FACE AND JAW
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0250
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: HOMOSASSA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: HOMOSASSA
County: CITRUS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was traveling East in the Homosassa River when it struck Channel Marker 63A. The vessel was on a full plane and made contact at the port side bow. The operator was able to adjust course at the last moment causing a glancing impact instead of a head on impact. There were no injuries. The vessel contains all required safety equipment.


BARDID: FL-2016-0251
State: FL
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:47:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BLACKWATER SOUND
NearestCityorTown: KEY LARGO
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 3, 2016 at approximately 11:26 AM I responded to a vessel fire that took place. The vessel fire took place on a sailboat tied to his dock. 

Upon arrival I made contact with the Monroe County Fire Marshal, and he stated that the fire most likely started midship on the port side due to an unknown electrical issue. 

The fire caused damage to dock, destroyed vessel, and destroyed the permanent resident’s personal belongings that she kept on the vessel.


BARDID: FL-2016-0252
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC
NearestCityorTown: KEY LARGO
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject, along with friends and family, rented a vessel and were heading to Key Largo Dry Rocks to snorkel. Once out of south sound creek, Subject and his wife realized the vessel was taking on water.  Subject turned on the bilge pumps but stated they did not work. Subject had everyone put on a personal flotation device (PFD) and told them to jump off the boat. The boat capsized and all persons on board were taken by USCG to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.  One person received treatment at Mariners Hospital; he had muscle sprain to his right shoulder from trying to hold on to the vessel while it was sinking.   


BARDID: FL-2016-0253
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO, HERNANDO FLATS
NearestCityorTown: SPRING HILL
County: HERNANDO
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, May, 29th, 2016, in the nearshore waters of Hernando County a subject was operating a personal watercraft in an area just west of Centipede Bay when he struck a rock that was just inches below the surface of the water. The subject was ejected at the time of the collision.  When the subject entered the water he was injured when his head struck a rock.  The subject was treated initially by E.M.S. and then was admitted to a local hospital.  
 
In addition to the operator being injured, the vessel also sustained damage to the hull when it collided with the rock.  Operator sustained a laceration to top of scalp, requiring staples to close, also had a CT scan to check for head injury.


BARDID: FL-2016-0254
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CRANDON PARK BOAT RAMP / HARBO
NearestCityorTown: KEY BISCAYNE
County: MIAMI-DADE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 05/14/2016 at approximately 2005, I was on routine patrol when dispatch advised of a burning vessel in at Crandon Park boat ramp. 

I responded in my patrol vehicle from Blackpoint Marina and arrived at Crandon Park boat ramp at approximately 2100. The vessel fire had already been put out by a salvage company and Miami Dade Fire Department and the first responders were leaving the area. I made contact with the owner of the vessel who advised me that when he tried to start the vessel, he heard a loud explosion from the engine and the area around the engine caught fire. 

He then advised me that several bystanders tried to help him put the fire out using small fire extinguishers but were unable to. The vessel continued to burn until it was put out by both a salvage vessel and a vessel from Miami Dade Fire Department. I then interviewed the wife of the owner who provided a statement that was consistent with owners. He also advised me that he had no insurance on the vessel. The vessel was placed on the owner’s trailer and the owner then drove away with the burned vessel in his possession. 

This concludes the boating accident report for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission accident investigation.


BARDID: FL-2016-0255
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKEMINNEOLA
NearestCityorTown: CLERMONT
County: LAKE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On the date of 5/15/16 I was dispatched to a boating accident that occurred on Lake Minneola. I arrived on scene and met with the victim.

 Operator1 said in a sworn written statement that he was jet skiing and he saw two other jet skis racing. Operator1 said he saw one of the operators looking back and not paying attention and the jet ski ( blue and white Yamaha) struck his jet ski while he was stationary. The unknown operator told Operator1 he would give him his information but then left the scene.

Operator1 told me that he was not injured.

The damage to Operator1's Yamaha was bent handlebars, a cracked front storage compartment and several gashes to the port side of the Yamaha. Pictures of damage are included in this report. 

I will continue to investigate until all leads are exhausted.


BARDID: FL-2016-0256
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TAMPA BAY
NearestCityorTown: ST. PETERSBURG
County: PINELLAS
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/17/16 at approximately 1130 hours a single vessel accident occurred in Tampa Bay when a rental boat filled up with water and capsized. The vessel involved was rented from Lotto Boat Club by a vacationing couple who also had hired a licensed charter captain to guide them. Nobody was injured in the accident and the vessel sustained approximately $6,000 in damage.

	On 5/26/16 I Officer of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission received a message from my dispatch to contact a subject that had been involved in a boating accident on 5/17/16.

I contacted the subject who explained that on 5/17/16 she and her husband had been vacationing in St. Petersburg Florida, had rented a 19' vessel (FL5533PN) from Lotto Boat Club, and had also hired a USCG licensed captain to guide them around on the rental for the day. The vessel later capsized and Operator was calling to request an accident report. I asked Operator to email me all of her and husbands info and write a statement about the accident. 

	On the afternoon of 5/26/16 I visited Lotto Boat Club and inspected the vessel that had been involved in the accident. The vessel had $6000 in damages according to the owner of Lotto. The vessel had been placed on a rack at Lotto Boat Club. I observed that the vessel had a low bow, was missing it's front hatch cover and that the opening led directly into the hull of the vessel. I also observed that the vessel had a bilge pump inside of the hull near the transom. The bilge pump didn't work at the time that I inspected the vessel, and no other electronic equipment worked at that time due to having been swamped and capsized.

	On 6/2/16 I received an email from Operator containing some of the information that I had requested and a statement written by occupant. According to the statement it was rough and choppy that day on Tampa Bay. The vessel had taken some water splash over the bow and water had started to build up on the floor of the vessel. About 2 hours into the trip the rented vessel filled up with water and capsized. All three occupants were rescued by a good samaritan vessel that was passing by. USCG arrived on scene after the subjects had been picked up by the good samaritan vessel.

	On 6/8/16 I met with guide who provided me with a written statement that concurred with Operator's, with the exception that guide believes that it is possible the vessel didn't have its' drain plug in when they departed.

	In conclusion, the vessel took water- either from the bow or at another location, without any of the subjects on board noticing until the vessel was fully swamped.


BARDID: FL-2016-0257
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TAYLOR CREEK
NearestCityorTown: OKEECHOBEE
County: OKEECHOBEE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Inadequate onboard navigation lights
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 3, 2016 at approximately 8:55 PM, V1 (1983 14 ft, fiberglass boat) was traveling westbound in a canal towards Taylor Creek. V1 was not equipped with operational navigational lights.  V2 (2007 20 ft pontoon boat) was traveling Northbound up Taylor Creek, approaching the same canal.

	 As V1 entered Taylor Creek it came into the path of V2, who was unable to see V1 due to the lack of navigation lights. The bow of V1 struck the front of the starboard pontoon of V2, throwing the operator of V1's dog into the creek. At that time, V1 circled around V2's starboard side and proceeded to make circles in Taylor Creek. V2 went to ensure the dog got out of the water safely and then returned to the general area of the accident. At that time V1 headed towards V2 and ended up striking V2 again on the port side pontoon around the mid ship area.
	
While the occupants of V2 were ensuring no one was badly injured, the operator of V1 proceeded under his own power to the bank on the west side of the creek, where he anchored and exited the vessel.  Witness statement reports operator of V1 was drinking earlier.


BARDID: FL-2016-0258
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: PANAMA CITY
County: BAY
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: person strikes propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was traveling east trolling in the surf close to the beach with 2 occupants.  A large wave capsized the vessel and it washed up on the beach in the same area.  The occupant hung onto the vessel prior to it beaching and was cut by the propeller when banged around by waves, engine not running.  One occupant had a laceration to pinky finger and two more on his right arm.  Occupant: Laceration to middle of right forearm 2-3 inches, a cut on the same forearm 2-3 inches and a small cut on the side of his right hand by pinky finger.  He had 6 stitches in the cut on his forearm and 2 stitches on the cut by his pinky finger on his hand.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0259
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: MARATHON
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 (Fl#'s) and Vessel 2 (VA#'s) were both on plane going in opposite directions inside "Robbie's wheel ditch" in Islamorada; approximately mm78 bay side.  The water way is narrow and has obstructed views in some sections.  The waterway is marked "Narrow Channel" at both entrances; both operators have been through the wheel ditch multiple times.  The two vessels could not safely pass each other at higher than safe speeds and struck each others port side causing damage to each vessel. no injuries.


BARDID: FL-2016-0260
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ST. JOHNS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: JACKSONVILLE
County: DUVAL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/15/2016, I, FWC Officer responded to a boating accident involving a jet ski (FL0746PN) out of Doctors Lake Marina.  An employee for boat rentals out of Doctors Lake Marina reported the accident after a subject returned a damaged Jet Ski he had rented earlier in the day.    Mr. Harvey informed me Operator sustained injuries to his chest as a result of the accident and was transported to Orange Park Medical Center by several friends whom had also rented Jet Ski's.  I met with operator at the Medical Center and obtained a statement regarding the details of the accident.  
 
Operator stated he had completed a boater's safety education course but was inexperienced with Jet Skis.  He and his friends traveled to the Julington Creek area before turning around and heading west.  Operator stated he was about a quarter mile west of the State Road 13 Bridge and traveling at an unknown rate of speed when he struck a wooden post located somewhere in that area.  The collision occurred on the starboard bow side of the Jet Ski and ejected Operator into the water.  Upon ejecting, Operator struck the right side of his chest on the pole causing several broken ribs before falling into the water.  
 
Operator was wearing a life jacket at the time of impact and received aid by fellow Jet Skier operators.  Operator's Jet Ski was left inoperable with a broken steering column, bent handlebars, broken instrument cluster, broken side mirrors and fiberglass damage to the bow portion of the vessel.  One of Operator's friends gave him a ride back to Doctor's Lake Marina with the damaged Jet Ski in tow.  Operator was issued one warning for careless operation of a vessel. 
 
 The operator was diagnosed with several broken ribs on the right side of his body.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0261
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:52:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SAINT LUCIE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: STUART
County: MARTIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 19, 2016 at 1352 hours I was dispatched to a vessel crash at 615 SW Anchorage Way, Stuart; the Sunset Bay Marina. It was relayed via Sheriff’s Office Dispatch that a sailing vessel bearing the name "Blew by you too" had struck two other vessels while attempting to leave his docking area, and left the scene proceeding South towards the Palm City Bridge. 

Upon my arrival I confirmed this information with docking attendants present, and obtained a more detailed description of the suspect vessel. I then proceeded to investigate the South Fork of the Saint Lucie River in search of the vessel, which I intercepted approximately two hundred yards south of the Indian Street Bridge, Palm City. I conducted a traffic stop on the vessel, bearing the name "Blew by you too", utilizing a prominently marked Martin County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Vessel equipped with flashing blue lights. 

The vessel operator states that he had been informed via VHF radio that there was damage to property resulting from his incident, and that he was returning to Sunset Bay to meet with all parties. As Operator1's vessel was traveling in a return direction when I encountered him, I escorted his vessel back to the Marina and began my investigation into this incident. 

Operator1 stated that he recently purchased his vessel in Fort Pierce, and had been staying at Sunset Bay Marina in the interim. On this date he was preparing to leave his assigned dock area (A29), when his throttle began to rapidly accelerate causing him to lose control of his vessel, striking V2 occupying docking slip A30 and V3 occupying docking slip A31. Operator1 stated that he left the scene as he did not believe that he had caused any damage when striking either vessel. Operator1 further stated that he could not be sure if the throttle was faulty, or if it was his own unfamiliarity with his newly purchased vessel. 

I spoke with Subject1, who was aboard her vessel (V2) at time of this incident. Van Subject1 stated that she observed Operator1's vessel travelling too fast while attempting to exit his slip, striking her vessel prior to exiting the marina, Spoke with an independent witness to the incident who was noted to have a clear and unobstructed view of Operator1's actions from her docked vessel directly across from the incident. Her version of events were noted to be consistent with Subject1's account. 

I observed damages to Subject1's vessel consisting of a bent rail section and cracked decking. I observed damages to V3's vessel consisting of several damaged solar panels, a broken green Bimini top, a shorted solar panel control system and various electrical wiring. The observed damages were consistent with all parties version of events, and were documented by photographs taken on scene by Operator1 as well as the victims in this incident. 

I issued Operator1 Florida Uniform Boating Citation number V390142 for a violation of Florida State Statute 327.33(2), Careless Driving. I advised Operator1 that I would not pursue criminal charges relating to a violation of Florida State Statute 327.30(5), leaving the scene of an accident, and the specified requirements therein; as once apprised of the damages via VHF radio Operator1 did appear to attempt to return to the scene as evidenced by his vessels direction of travel once intercepted. 

All parties were provided with case numbers and contact information for documentation and insurance purposes. I ensured Operator1 was able to properly and safely control his vessel prior to departing the scene. No injuries to any party were sustained or observed, and no evidence of alcohol or other intoxicating substance were noted to be present or contributory in this incident. No further information to report at this time.


BARDID: FL-2016-0262
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:23:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BISCAYNE BAY
NearestCityorTown: MIAMI
County: MIAMI-DADE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator advised that he was headed Northbound in the ICW while looking for the channel marker using his smartphone GPS when his vessel struck a marker. He also told Ofc. he was traveling at approximately 15 mph at the time of the collision. He sustained contusions to his face requiring stitching and the force of impact caused him to lose teeth.

occupant advised she fell asleep after passing 79th st causeway when she was suddenly awakened by the impact of the collision. She was sitting on the portside seat across from the captain on the starboard side at the helm. She was thrust from the seat onto the deck of the boat. She endured spinal injury, some contusions and lacerations.

 


BARDID: FL-2016-0263
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SUWANNEE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: CROSS CITY
County: DIXIE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: person struck by fish
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: natural phenomena
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 7, 2016, I received a call from dispatch in reference to a boating accident.  Dispatch stated the accident involved a sturgeon strike.  I was advised the victim was taken back to the Joe Anderson boat ramp in Dixie County and then transported to Shands in Gainesville.  Dispatch also stated that a Dixie County Deputy had been on scene and gathered information.  I arrived at the boat ramp and took photos of signs warning people of jumping sturgeons.

I was contacted by Investigator who stated that he would go to the hospital and interview the persons involved.  Investigator later contacted me and stated that the victim appeared to have a one inch cut on his upper lip. Inv. also stated that the hospital staff were doing more test to check for internal damage.  Investigator advised that he obtained a statement from both subjects involved.  I later received the statements.  I also talked to passenger who made the following statements:

* We put the boat in the water at Joe Anderson boat ramp at 5:40 am, left at 6:20 am.
* We headed north for approx. 20 minutes.
* We were wearing our life jackets( mandatory in the fishing tournament).
* We fished until around noon and then headed south back towards the boat ramp.
* We continued past the Joe Anderson ramp for about 30 minutes and fished for approximately 45 minutes.
* After fishing for approximately 45 minutes, we headed back toward the dock.
* At about 15 minutes into the ride, a sturgeon jumped and hit the left front bow of the boat.
* Then hit the front seat, the live well, the front wind shield and then the driver.
* The fish then went back in the water.
* The driver was knocked unconscious for approx. 15 seconds. 
* The passenger pulled the kill switch to shut the engine off.
* We were traveling approx. 25 to 30 mph and were seated in the boat.
* After the driver came to, subject then drove the injured person back to the boat ramp.
* This happened just up river from Manatee Springs.


Photos were taken by Inv. and are included.  The damage to the boat was a cut in the front seat of the boat. The victim received a cut on his upper left lip and had a slight concussion.  The victim was released from the hospital the same day.  I later received a copy of Dixie County Deputy report.  Victim sustained a minor concussion, a one inch laceration to his upper lip and pain in his shoulder as a result from getting struck by a sturgeon.
 
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0265
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CANAL
NearestCityorTown: MARATHON
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator was docking his vessel at the Kingsail resort when he noticed that one of his fishing rods was going to hit a pylon. He put the vessel in reverse then back to forward. When he put the vessel back into forward he accelerated to quickly causing the vessel to run into the dock causing damage to the vessel and dock. 

I asked Operator1 what had happened and he informed me that he hit he had hit to dock with his vessel (FL 1580 ME) on 06-14-16. He told me that when he was returning to the dock from fishing he noticed that one of his fishing rods was sticking out from a rod holder and was going to hit a pylon. He put the vessel in reverse to remove the fishing rod then accidently put the vessel in forward. Once in forward he accidently gave the throttle enough gas so that his vessel hit the dock and partially ramped up onto the dock but slid back into the water. He told me that he then immediately informed the Resort staff of the accident. 

The vessel suffered gouges to the starboard hull where it contacted the dock. On the dock, one of the pylons was cracked in half but still standing. There were two support beams underneath the dock that were cracked and approximate 16 planks were broken on top of the dock. 

I received written statements from Operator1 along with the Manager of the Sailfish Resort, and photographed the damage to the dock and vessel. Operator1 was given a warning for failure to notifying law enforcement of a boating accident.


BARDID: FL-2016-0266
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: NAPLES
County: COLLIER
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: limb tangled in vsl equipment
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 9th, 2016 at approximately 1400 hours, boating accident FWSB16OFF5481 occurred just south of Gordon Pass in Naples, Collier County, FL (N26°5.1890/W81°48.1540). V-1, a 19’ Starcraft was at anchor south of Gordon Pass when passenger tried retrieving the vessels anchor.  While retrieving the anchor, Victim got her right index finger entangled in the anchor line. Due to rough sea conditions, the anchor line was pulled taught when a wave rolled through and in doing so pulled the tip of Victim's index finger off. Victim was transported to the Donahue residence in Port Royal by Collier County Sheriff's Office where she was then treated by EMS and taken to Naples Community Hospital. Victim sustained a complete amputation of her right index finger. No major complications should arise from the injury.
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0267
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BUTTONWOOD SOUND
NearestCityorTown: KEY LARGO
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/13/16 at approximately 2300 hours, boating accident FWSB-16-OFF-005709 occurred bayside of MM 97. A 30 foot Century boat collided with unlit red marker number 58A. The starboard side of their vessel was damaged leaving a gaping hole near the bow. There were two persons on the vessel, one male one female. Both suffered minor injuries and refused medical treatment. They were not wearing their personal floatation devices at the time of the incident. Tow Boat US salvaged the vessel and brought it to shore.

V1 was travelling back from the Oceanside of Snake Creek towards their hotel which is Bayside MM 98. V1 operator was in the Intercostal Waterway (ICW) reportedly using his GPS when the starboard bow collided with unlit red channel marker #58A. The force of the collision caused both persons to crash into the center console of the vessel. They both suffered minor injuries. Operator received lacerations on his right shoulder, under the right side of his chin and bruising to right side of his body. Passenger received a small laceration to her left knee and bruising to both shoulders, right hip and her back. 

They were unable to call for help right away since both cell phones were dead and the VHF was not working. Operator pulled apart the wiring in his vessel and rewired the VHF directly to the battery. They were then able to call the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for assistance and afterwards used a flare. 

When USCG arrived, both persons refused medical treatment and were transported to shore. They were not wearing their personal floatation devices at the time of the incident. Tow Boat US salvaged the vessel and brought it to shore.

Based on statements, evidence and information gathered to date, contributing factors in this accident was reduced visibility, unfamiliarity with the waterways and no proper look-out. A citation was issued to Operator for violation of navigational rule #5, Proper look-out. 
 
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0268
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BISCAYNE BAY
NearestCityorTown: FLORIDA CITY
County: MIAMI-DADE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 20, 2016 at approximately 1:00 am, boating accident FWSB-16-OFF-005989 occurred in Miami-Dade County outside of Biscayne Bay. This is a single vessel incident involving three persons. 

They report the vessel capsized when trying to unanchor after a night of fishing. Three men were in a 27 foot cabin vessel with one anchor secured at the bow and starboard stern. They advised the anchor was stuck and they could not free it so they put the vessel in gear to try and pull it out. They advised when they took the vessel out of gear, the anchor line pulled the vessel and caused it to capsized. All three men were ejected and were not wearing life jackets. They all swam back to the vessel and held on. One man had a waterproof phone and called 911 for help. USCG arrived and brought all three men to shore. No one was injured.


BARDID: FL-2016-0277
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:08:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DESTIN PASS
NearestCityorTown: DESTIN
County: OKALOOSA
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Weather
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 southbound through destin pass. Outboard motor stopped, unable to restart. Sea conditions were confused, 3-4' waves and occasional 5' rollers with a south wind 15-20 kts. Eight pob. Waves swamped v1, foundered and capsized. All pobs donned pfds. Good samaritan vessel reported using vhf ch 16 and then rescued eight. Sea to contractor removed capsize v1 the following day.

Operator provided that they had been on vacation, had been operating the vessel for a couple of hours prior to going offshore to fish. The outboard motor had been operating without problems, but stopped working when the 24' deckboat bayliner entered the confused hazardous waters of the destin pass. The motor stopped when the vessel was over one wave but took the subsequent wave across the bow (torpedo effect).the deck was now awash with "shin deep" seawater. Operator then rearranged the seven occupants, restored loose fishing coolers, manually started to dewater and checked the fuel system. The motor would not restart.

 the 'respite' arrived and attempted to tow the vessel into the pass, but the dock line parted. The bayliner then foundered in the sea state (diw). As the crew was removed from the vessel, it capsized after operator debarked.


BARDID: FL-2016-0278
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:59:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: PORT RICHEY
County: PASCO
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1 and Vessel #2 (both PWC's) were being operated in the Gulf of Mexico, just east of the Pithlachascotee River in the city of Port Richey. Vessels were operating within close proximity to each other and changing speed and direction irregularly. 
 
At one point, Vessel #1 came in close to Vessel #2's proximity and struck Vessel #2's starboard side, near the starboard quarter. After the vessel impact, the operator of Vessel #1 was ejected from the PWC and landed in the water face down. Operator of Vessel #1 was retrieved from the water and transported to shore where Fire /Rescue personnel were staged. No injuries were reported by the operator of Vessel #2. Vessel #2 sustained minor fiberglass damage to the starboard quarter, near the stern. Vessel #1 sustained damage to the port side, breaking the rear-view mirror and some minor damage to the underside hull. Operator of Vessel #1 was transported to Bayonet Point hospital in Hudson where he was treated for his injuries. Both vessels remained serviceable, yet damaged, after the collision. 
 
V1 OPERATOR SUSTAINED A SMALL LACERATION ABOVE SHIN/ANKLE, A LACERATION ABOVE LEFT EYE AND CRACKED SEVERAL TEETH ON LEFT SIDE OF HIS MOUTH (UPPER). SHORTLY AFTER CRASH AND PRIOR TO TRANSPORT TO HOSPITAL, V-1 OPERATOR WAS COMPLAINING OF NECK PAIN
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0279
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NAPLES BAY
NearestCityorTown: NAPLES
County: COLLIER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 11, 2016 at around 1330 hours, I responded to a vessel accident in the area of the Marker #16 in Naples Bay. Upon arrival I met with the operator and passenger of V2. They stated that a 42ft Fountain powerboat, V1, had passed within feet of their vessel at a high rate of speed. 
 
The wake/waves generated by this by V1 caused the operator of V2 to momentarily lose control of the vessel. While out of control due to the wake/waves, V2 was thrown into Marker #16. Marker #16 is a wooden piling. 
 
A third vessel who was a witness to the event stated that his vessel and V2 were on a parallel course inbound from Gordon Pass. They were less than fifty feet apart when V1, who was approaching from behind accelerated and passed between them at a high rate of speed. Per the witness, the wake/waves from V1 was large enough to send V2 out of control momentarily. 
 
As a result of the impact, at least one person on board V2 was thrown forward onto the deck of the vessel and subsequently sustained injury TO BACK, CONTUSIONS,SPRAIN/STRAINS. 
 
 


BARDID: FL-2016-0280
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:09:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ARLINGTON RIVER
NearestCityorTown: JACKSONVILLE
County: DUVAL
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel cruising on Arlington River struck bridge piling.

Subject said she was at the wheel operating V1 at the time of the accident.  She said they were cruising upriver at approximately 15 miles per hour when they struck the bridge piling (see attached photos) on Arlington River at University Boulevard. She said that she saw the piling she did not have enough time to prevent the boat from hitting the piling.


BARDID: FL-2016-0281
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:56:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SANTA ROSA SOUND
NearestCityorTown: FT. WALTON BEACH
County: OKALOOSA
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 HAD JUST FUELED UP AT ADVENTURE MARINA IN FORT WALTON BEACH.  THE OPERATOR TURNED THE KEY TO THE STARBOARD ENGINE, AND AN EXPLOSION OCCURRED.  SEVERAL OCCUPANTS WERE EJECTED AND THE REMAINING VOLUNTARILY ENTERED THE WATER.  THE VESSEL BURNED FOR SEVERAL HOURS CAUSING CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE TO THE VESSEL.

On 05/28/16, just before noon, V1 (Alabama Vessel AL-1531-RB) pulled up to the fuel dock at Adventure Marina in Fort Walton Beach for fuel.  V1 was facing east.  After fueling V1, the operator attempted to start the starboard engine.  Within seconds, an explosion occurred, causing multiple occupants to be ejected and others to abandon V1 and swim to shore.  The explosion caused minor damage and minor injuries to a nearby vessel and occupants (FL-5530-RB). 

Shortly after the explosion, a local boat captain partially untied V1 and pushed it away from the fuel dock.  V1 ultimately rotated 180 degrees and was re-secured to the dock.  V1 was now facing west.  Fire Rescue attempted to put the fire out.  Eventually, V1 was moved away from the fuel dock and beached on the shoreline to the west of the dock where Fire Rescue continued to fight the fire.  

The operator stated multiple times that he always kept the exhaust blowers on while he is on the boat.  After speaking to the State Fire Marshall Detective, it appears there is no immediately apparent reason for the explosion.  One possibility is that the exhaust blowers were not turned on, or that the switches or wiring was faulty leading the operator to believe they were on when in fact they were not.  

The scene around V1's explosion revealed scattered glass on the dock as well as on the nearby shoreline extending approximately 55' from V1.  Also a window latch was located on the south side of the Adventure Marina building approximately 63' from V1.  After reviewing statements from the operator, occupants, witnesses, and physical evidence, I conclude that there are no violations and the cause of the accident is unknown.

 Occupant1: Head and neck trauma, began hurting after the accident.; Occupant3:2 cm laceration on right leg, 5" below the knee; Occupant2:1st degree burns on right leg (9%) and hematoma on head; Occupant4:Abrasion to left shin and burns on both thighs


BARDID: FL-2016-0282
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:37:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: NEW SMYRNA BEACH I
County: VOLUSIA
WaterConditions: Rough
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 20, 2016 at approximately 1345 hours a two vessel incident occurred at Ponce Deleon Inlet on the Atlantic Ocean, within the boundaries of Volusia County Florida.  V1(FL 0801 MR; multicolored personal watercraft) and V2 (FL 9257 MN; multicolored personal watercraft) were occupied by adult male operators with no passengers aboard. 

V1 and V2 were being used to jump waves at the inlets mouth near the rock jetties. V1 was being operated near the inlet when a wave capsized V1 throwing it’s operator into the water. 

V1 started to sink and V2’s operator tried to assist V1 by towing with a line when V2 was capsized by a wave which threw it’s operator into the water. Both V1, V2 and their operators were washed onto the rock jetties damaging both V1 and V2. The two operators were rescued by Volusia Beach Patrol and Lifeguards.  Life jackets were used and no injuries


BARDID: FL-2016-0283
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ST JOHN'S RIVER
NearestCityorTown: SANFORD
County: SEMINOLE
WaterConditions: Calm
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 4, 2016, at approximately 5:30pm, I, Officer of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was called to service to investigate the report of a vessel crash on the St. John's River near Lemon Bluff Boat Ramp in Osteen, FL. The report was called to 911 services about a single personal water craft (PWC) crash causing a leg injury. Seminole County  Fire and Rescue was reported to be en route to the victim who had been taken to a private boat ramp. While on the way to the scene, I stopped at the emergency room at Central Florida Regional Hospital in Sanford, FL, and found out the victim was en route. I waited until the ambulance arrived and made contact with the victim.  He was alert, coherent, and agreed to speak with me about the crash. His left lower ankle was in a splint. While he spoke I did not detect any odor of alcoholic beverages on his breath. 

     Operator told me he was "jet skiing" with his friend, on Sunday afternooon. Subject was a witness to the crash. They were riding separate PWC's owned by another individual, following one another. Operator noticed a vessel (V2) pulling a skier approaching him head-on. As he was nearing the ski vessel V2, the water skier crossed the wake and was then directly in the path of Operator operating V1. 

Operator stated that to avoid a collision with the water skier, he made a hard turn, and was hit by V2's wake. He stated he tried to hold onto the handle bars but was flipped off the PWC and landed in the water. Subject's eyewitness statement was that when Operator hit the wake causing him to ramp the PWC onto land ejecting him into the woods causing an injury to his leg. The leg injury is consistent with Subject's statement. Operator tried calling 911, but was disconnected when he dropped his phone. He realized he was injured. Subject was able to flag down a passing vessel who assisted by towing Operator's vessel back to a private nearby ramp. Emergency medical technicians were able to locate, treat, and transport him to the hospital. 


BARDID: FL-2016-0284
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY
NearestCityorTown: PALM BEACH GARDENS
County: PALM BEACH
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Shift
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 (V1) damaged the northernmost dock at The Sailfish Marina in Palm Beach Gardens Florida while undocking. An issue with the starboard engine throttle system allowed tidal current from the north to turn the stern of the vessel toward the dock. There was a time delay in engine response to throttle position. The operator of V1 placed the engines in forward to avoid striking the dock and, as a result, an attached spring line pulled against the dock causing damage.

All persons involved were uninjured. The malfunction in the wiring system placed the operator in a situation where he was required to pull away from the dock to avoid collision and was the primary cause of the accident.


BARDID: FL-2016-0285
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: DUNEDIN
County: PINELLAS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 with operator collided with Vessel 2 with operator and occupant.  As a result, both the operator and occupant of vessel 2 sustained injuries operator contusions, occupant head trauma. 

summarized information obtained from Operator1:
He stated there were (2) personal watercrafts (PWC’s). He stated he was operating the PWC with the black in color bottom and the orange and white in color top.  He stated he was the only one on that PWC. 

He stated Operator2 and subject were on the green and black in color PWC. He stated he and Operator2 were riding around the spoil island in a counterclockwise pattern. He stated Operator2 and V2 occupant were ahead of him. He stated he was traveling approximately 100 yards behind them. He stated he realized Operator2 and V2 occupant were off of the PWC.

He stated when he passed them, he saw Operator2 on the PWC but didn’t see V2 occupant. He stated he just thought that V2 occupant wasn’t on the PWC yet. He stated he made a tight turn to go back towards Operator2 and V2 occupant. He stated he wasn’t traveling too fast.
He stated he went a little fast when he went around them. He stated he was not sure how fast he was going but it wasn’t at top speed. He stated he wanted to spray them both with water, but decided at the last minute to change his mind. He stated after he passed them, he looked back and knew something had happened because they were not coming. He stated he went back towards Operator2 and V2 occupant. He stated that’s when he realized what had happened; at that very moment. He stated V2 occupant was face down in the water on the port side, not far from their PWC. He stated he jumped off his PWC, Grabbed V2 occupant, and held his head above water. He stated him and Operator2 attempted to get V2 occupant onto the PWC in order to take him to shore. He stated they were unable to get V2 occupant on the PWC.
He stated other people on PWC’s came over to assist. He stated (2) guys said that they would take V2 occupant to the spoil island shore. He stated he advised the (2) guys that he was going to notify the family (who were located on the causeway). He stated when he got to the causeway, he notified the family. He stated he went to his girlfriend’s niece (a baby) to calm her down.  
He stated the niece was located on the north side of the causeway, where V2 occupant’s vehicle was parked. He stated he played with his niece until we (FWC Officers) had requested to speak to him. 

He stated he didn’t feel like he had hit anything when he had passed them. He stated he didn’t intend to hit them, he just wanted to spray them. He stated he couldn’t remember if his PWC remained in the water or if it was airborne when he had passed Operator2 and V2 occupant.
He stated when it happened, he really didn’t know what he had done. He stated he doesn’t recall coming into contact with the PWC. He stated he doesn’t recall how close he was to Operator2 and V2 occupant when he passed them. He stated he approached Operator2 and V2 occupant from the stern of their PWC. He stated he may have passed Operator2 and V2 occupant on the starboard side of their PWC. He stated they were the only (2) PWC’s out there at that time.
He stated he was the only other PWC around at the time of the accident. He stated it had to be him who hit Operator2 and V2 occupant.

; V2 OCCUPANT: Multiple Facial Fractures Multiple Rear Skull Fractures Multiple Brain Bleeds Water in his Lungs (Possibly the result of drowning for a short period of time), according to trauma staff at Tampa General Hospital

OPERATOR2: a contusion and laceration on his right shoulder.


BARDID: FL-2016-0286
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:49:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: INDIAN RIVER
NearestCityorTown: GRANT-VALKARIA
County: BREVARD
WaterConditions: Calm
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 14th, 2016 I, Officer of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissions (FWC) was on land patrol with FWC Officer on Cox road in Brevard County. At approximately 1154 hours we received a call from FWC dispatch in reference to a boat that crashed into one of Treasure Coast Marina’s dock and then proceeded to leave.  

Treasure Coast Marina’s dock master received a call from the operator of the vessel stating he hit the dock and would return within the hour. Dock master notified Officer1 that the vessel’s name that crashed into his dock was OPT-OUT. At that time Officer1 called local marinas to see if the vessel was kept in a slip. Upon investigating, it was discovered that the vessel was kept in a slip at Melbourne Harbor Marina in Melbourne. At that time, Officer1 and I went to see if the operator was at Melbourne Harbor. 

We arrived at Melbourne Harbor at approximately 1235 hours. Upon arrival Officer1 and I met with FWC Officer. Officer informed us that the vessel had not returned to the marina. At that time Officer1 made contact with the operator of vessel. He informed Officer1 that he was an inexperienced and was approximately 30 minutes away from the marina. 

At approximately 1319 hours, the vessel arrived at the marina. OPT-OUT was positively identified by document number 956822. The operator was instructed to dock the vessel at one of the marina’s T-docks. 

As Operator1 pulled in, he struck another vessel, which was positively identified by vessel name After You. Upon arrival it was determined that Operator1 had two occupants on board. 

Officer1 began talking with Operator1 and the owners of Treasure Coast Marina. At that time I interviewed occupants. I had both individuals fill out a sworn written statement. See case report for attachments. After taking the sworn written statements, I photographed the damage to OPT-OUT. At that time Officer1 and I went to see the damage at Treasure Coast Marina. I arrived at approximately 1430 hours. Upon arrival I photographed the damage to the dock. See case report for attachments. 

It was also discovered that a vessel at Treasure Coast Marina had some minor damage from the accident. The vessel was positively identified by Florida registration number FL5671PX. I photographed the damage to the vessel. See case report for attachments.

On June 15, 2016 at approximately 1100 hours I took my patrol vessel to photograph the remaining damage to the vessel named After You.


BARDID: FL-2016-0287
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: FT GEORGE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: JACKSONVILLE
County: DUVAL
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Improper anchoring
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel one was at anchor in the Ft George River at the confluence of Simpson Creek. The anchor began to drag causing the vessel to drift towards the North West shoreline. The operator engaged the motor in reverse while unaware that one of the occupants was on the port side, stern swim ladder. The prop struck the occupant's right leg in the calf and upper thigh causing serious injury.  Subject received numerous lacerations and contusions to her right leg in the thigh, calf, and back of leg.


BARDID: FL-2016-0289
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW IN A MARINA
NearestCityorTown: RIVIERA BEACH
County: PALM BEACH
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/23/2016 at approx. 10:00 am I responded to a boating accident at the Riviera Beach Marina. The accident involved two vessels and there were no injuries.

V1 was docked at slip s24 at the Riviera Beach marina and was attempting to pull out of his slip to head west. The incoming current was very strong and pushed the vessel parallel to the dock (bow facing west, starboard side to the dock). V1’s bow rail got hooked up on V2’s anchor that hangs off the vessel’s pulpit in slip s25. V1 was still in forward motion when it got hung up on V2’s anchor, causing V2’s anchor to pull through and break off a section of V1’s starboard side bow rail.

V1 sustained damage to the starboard side bow rail valued at approximately $3,500. V2’s anchor bracket was bent and the damage is valued at approximately $1,000.


BARDID: FL-2016-0290
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:10:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: INDIAN RIVER
NearestCityorTown: SEBASTIAN
County: INDIAN RIVER
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Overloading
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 3, 2016, husband and wife launched their vessel, a 16’ Landau pontoon boat displaying New Jersey registration NJ 5185 GK, here in referred to as Vessel 1 (V-1), from the Little Hollywood boat ramp in Micco, Brevard County, with a total of four people on board. The vessel with the four occupants headed east on the St. Sebastian River at slow speed (regulated manatee slow speed zone) from the ramp towards the Indian River. V-1 proceeded out to the ICW and headed south. V-1 turned east to enter the channel towards Sebastian Inlet. Shortly after entering the Inlet channel, the vessel capsized ejecting all the subjects into the water. The operator of the vessel was trapped underneath and drowned. The Indian River Fire/Medical boat Marine 21 arrived on scene to render aid. The fire medic divers located the operator underneath V-1. They recovered him from under V-1 and turned him over to the District 19 Medical Examiner’s office. The other three subjects were transported to Outriggers Marina by the assisting vessel. One subject was transported to the hospital by Brevard County Fire Rescue. The other two subjects refused medical treatment on scene.

An autopsy was performed by Dr. at the District 19 Medical Examiner’s office in Ft. Pierce to determine the cause of death. According to Dr. the cause of death was accidental drowning. The toxicology report indicated that Victim had Tramadol in his system at the time of death. The medical examiner indicated that the concentration level found in the sample potentially could cause impairment but it was dependent on patient history for taking the drug and dosage. Based on those factors, results to determine impairment are inconclusive.



Charges

The vessel was overloaded but no charges will be filed in this case due to the operator being deceased. Florida Statue 327.52(3) states that no person shall operate any vessel described in subsection (1) when said vessel exceeds the maximum weight capacity, maximum persons capacity, or maximum horsepower capacity.

Subject1 was checked by Brevard County EMS at the time of the incident. She refused transport to the hospital. She has followed up with her primary care doctor for treatment for her back pain.; 

Deceased victim: According to the District 19 Medical Examiner’s report (ME16-19-280), reported the cause of death was accidental drowning (Pulmonary edema and congestion).   

Wife of victim had contusions on her right knee from striking it on an unknown object during the accident. She was also in shock from the accident and the loss of her husband. She was treated for her injuries and released from the hospital.

Overloading was listed as the cause of the accident.


BARDID: FL-2016-0291
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: HOWARD CREEK
NearestCityorTown: WEWAHITCHKA
County: GULF
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
I, Officer, responded to a sig 4 boating accident on 6-25-16. I was advised by FWC Dispatch that the victim/operator was getting treatment at Sacred Heart Hospital in Port Saint Joe. The location of the accident was in the Howard Creek Lower Landing area. The vessel involved was a 17 ft Aluminum bearing registration FL 9307 JR. Victim's vessel was reportedly at his house on Juniper Avenue. I went to the hospital to meet with Victim, and Officer went to Victim's residence to assess the damage on his vessel.

I met Victim at Sacred Heart. He was alert but injured. His lower right leg was badly bruised along with a bruise on his left forearm. He said that his groin was pulled also. Victim filled out a witness statement for me. In his statement, Victim said that he pulled up beside a friend of his in a slew. When he pulled away and gave the boat throttle, he was unable to steer. He realized the boat was headed towards a tree and didn't have time to react. When he impacted with the tree, it threw him to the front of the boat and into the water. Victim jumped back into the boat and turned the motor off. He then laid in the boat and several people came to help.

Officer arrived at Sacred Heart with photographs of Victim's vessel. The entire bow section was caved in, which indicated a collision with a hard object. No other parts of the vessel appeared damaged. The damage assessment was approximately 2,000 dollars and concurred with Victim's statement.

I asked Victim why he didn't throttle back when he realized he was unable to steer and headed towards a tree. Victim agreed that he should have. Overall, Victim failed to take Action to Avoid a Collision (Navigation Rule 8). I will issue him a warning for the violation when I see him again.


BARDID: FL-2016-0292
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: KEY WEST
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1 ran aground on a coral reef patch causing extensive damage to the vessel and the environment.


BARDID: FL-2016-0293
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BLACKWATER RIVER
NearestCityorTown: MILTON
County: SANTA ROSA
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel one (V-1) was traveling south on Blackwater River near Russell Harber Boat Ramp, at approximately 25 to 30 mph.   V-1 was pulling two tubes, one occupied by victim and the other was occupied by two subjects.  Victim while kneeling on his tube, crossed the wake of V-1 and became airborne.  When he came down his left leg was off the tube and entered the water.  He suffered a broken left femur in the fall off the tube.  ;


BARDID: FL-2016-0294
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: ISLAMORADA
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1 was anchored when the owner /operator attempted to start the motor. According to the owner there was an overflow of fuel and the rear engine compartment exploded lighting the area on fire.


BARDID: FL-2016-0295
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CLEARWATER HARBOR
NearestCityorTown: CLEARWATER
County: PINELLAS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V-1's line was attached to the starboard side of the vessel on the console. The operator had to unexpectedly tie up to the floating Dock on the port side of the vessel because another vessel took his docking space.  V-1"S  line pushed his throttle into gear and the vessel did two rotations to the starboard side causing a collision with two vessels tied to the starboard floating dock.

On 6/25/16, at approximately 15:55 hours, V-1's operator was attempting to dock his vessel on the starboard side at Seminole Boat Ramp.  The line was tied to the railing on the center console on the starboard side.  Another vessel took the floating dock that he was trying to dock at so he had to suddenly dock his vessel on the port side instead.  He jumped out of the vessel on the port side and this caused the line to move his throttle into gear. 

 He sustained a rope burn on his right hand because he was holding onto the line.   V-1 made two starboard 360 degree turns and hit V-2 and V-3 on the port side.  

Operator1 was able to jump back into the V-1 and put the throttle into neutral.  Occupant was standing on the port side bow of V-2 and complained of back and rib pain. She did not know specifically what caused the pain.   She was taken to Northside Hospital. The doctor was unable to diagnose anything specific but said she may have possible contusions on the lower back and ribs.  The other five occupants and the jet ski operator were not injured.  

V-1 sustained minor gel coat damage on the starboard side bow and port side stern.  V-2 sustained gel coat and fiberglass damage all along the port side.  V-3 sustained damage to the steering casing and fiberglass damage to the starboard side.  No further action was taken.


BARDID: FL-2016-0296
State: FL
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: ST. MARKS
County: WAKULLA
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
AccidentCause3: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday afternoon, 5/30/2016 a 19 foot "Polar" with 3 POB was coming into the St Marks Lighthouse Channel and struck a submerged object causing the boat to sink.

On Monday, May 30, 2016 (Memorial Day Weekend) operator launched his 19 foot Polar flats boat at the Lighthouse Boat Ramp in St Marks for a day on the water.  Along for the ride with Operator1 was his friend and 1 year old.  After several hours on the area locally known as "East Flats" Operator1 decided to head back into the Lighthouse Boat Ramp as he saw a thunderstorm and rain in the area.  

Operator1 is very familiar with the local waters and has fished and run the local waters for many years.  As Operator1 was inbound in the ICW, headed to the channel leading into the Lighthouse Boat Ramp, he cut inside red Nun Buoy #20 as a "shortcut" into the channel.  In this area is a well known, but unmarked, wreck.  The wreck is an old steel hull vessel that has been there for over 40 years.  During low tide portions of the vessel are exposed and visible. Operator1 stated he was aware of the location of the sunken vessel and has known of its existence for many years.  Due to a high tide and limited visibility because of the rain, Operator1 did not recognize the area he was traversing. 

Operator1 stated he was running just above idle and he ran up on the sunken vessel with the bow of his boat.  The sunken vessel tore a hole in the bottom of his vessel causing water to flood his vessel.  Operator1 stated the water filled his boat up until it sat on the sunken vessel, keeping his boat from sinking totally.  The impact threw the occupants and belongings to the front of the vessel, but caused no injuries.

The following day, May 31, 2016, Operator1 attempted to remove his vessel which was still stuck on the top of the sunken steel hull vessel.  While attempting to remove his boat, it flipped over and sunk.  Operator1 then drug his boat to the shore where a wrecker was used to remove the boat from the water.  Operator1 estimated the boat was a total loss.


BARDID: FL-2016-0297
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:18:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ST. JOHNS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: SANFORD
County: SEMINOLE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, June 12, 2016, Operator1 was operating a vessel at the Boat Tree Marina in Sanford, Fl. At approximately 3:18 pm, Operator1 struck an unoccupied, docked vessel in the stern with his vessels bow. Operator1’s wife was the only passenger. No injuries to persons were sustained. There was one witness, a resident of the marina. Damage was sustained by both vessels.


BARDID: FL-2016-0298
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHOCTAWHATCHEE BAY
NearestCityorTown: DESTIN
County: OKALOOSA
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was traveling North in the Choctawhatchee Bay at idle speed with one operator and one occupant onboard. The operator of V1 was talking to a family member that was idling next to him on another vessel. After the conservation was over V-1 took off and when he looked forward he saw another vessel right in front of his bow.  The operator of V1 did not have enough time to react and collided with V2 (one operator onboard) striking it on the port side. The occupant on V1 was sitting in front of the operator and suffered a broken nose from the collision. 

I asked Operator1 about the accident he stated that they were in the Choctawhatchee Bay near Crab Island when the accident occurred. He said he was talking to his cousin who was beside him on another jet ski and when they finished the conservation his cousin and he both took off. When he took off he looked forward and saw his daughter in front of him and collided with her. When the two vessel’s collided, his other daughter who was positioned in front of him hit her face on the steering column of the jet-ski causing her injuries. Operator1 stated as soon as the accident occurred he returned to shore and took both of his daughters to the Urgent Care Center to be checked out. Before departing the Urgent Care Center I asked the nurse if they had any updates on subject and she said they had just got the results back and the CT scan confirmed she had a broken nose. 


BARDID: FL-2016-0299
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TAMPA BAY
NearestCityorTown: TAMPA
County: HILLSBOROUGH
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/18/2016 the above defendant struck a fixed object with the tower of his vessel ejecting him into the water.

	Operator1 stated he launched from Courtney Campbell Boat Ramp and headed out to the Skyway Bridge to fish.
-	Operator1 stated that he used his GPS to navigate due to the fact that he is from Pennsylvania and is unfamiliar with the waters of Tampa Bay.
-	Operator1 stated that as he was heading to the Skyway he tried to cross under the Gandy Bridge on the west side and realized that he would not enough clearance for his vessels tower to clear under the bridge.
-	Operator1 stated that he used his GPS track line to navigate on his return trip back to port.
	Operator1 stated that he thought he had enough clearance but he heard a loud collision and then was ejected from the port side of the vessel.
-	Operator1 stated that he was in the water as his unmanned vessel was still underway doing a tight circle.
•	Operator1 attempted multiple times to grab the swim platform on his unmanned underway vessel in an attempt to climb back into his vessel.
•	Operator1 stated that he eventually was able to grab the swim ladder and climb back into his vessel.
•	Operator1 stated that he was able to shift the vessel into neutral but was unable to steer do to the fact that his tower was completely ripped off the deck and lying flat with the controls on the engine.
•	Operator1 stated that he drifted south until we found his at his current location.


BARDID: FL-2016-0300
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TAMPA BAY
NearestCityorTown: APOLLO BEACH
County: HILLSBOROUGH
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was traveling SE at approximately 20-25 mph, and V1's bow struck the starboard side of V2. V1 travelled partially over the gunnel and onto the deck of V2, and then back into the water. V1 then circled the area trying to recover a cooler that fell overboard upon impact. After recovering the cooler, V1 then left the scene. 

	On May 28th, 2016, I Officer of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was on patrol in Hillsborough County. At approximately 2116 hours I was dispatched to a hit and run boating accident at Circles Restaurant in Apollo Beach. While en route to that location, I was advised that the individuals suspected of operating the vessel involved in the accident had gone back to their residence. When I arrived at approximately 2153 hours, Hillsbourough County Sheriff's Deputies were already on scene. 

	During a post Miranda interview with the vessel operator, I noticed that his speech was heavily slurred. He stated that he was the operator of the vessel and that he and his friend went to Circles for about an hour, and had a few drinks. He stated that when they were leaving Circles in the vessel, they "bumped" another boat, but did not think it was significant. They then circled the area trying to recover a cooler that had fallen overboard during the collision. After recovering the cooler, they returned to residence, which is on the water, and put the boat on the lift. Subject stated that he did not have anything to drink after arriving at his home, and the last time he consumed alcohol was at Circles Restaurant. 

	After interviewing the operator, I looked at the vessel on the lift. It was a 1994 20' Sea Ray (FL3662HY) with a 225 horsepower outboard engine. I observed damage to the bow in several different places, as well as the anchor which is mounted on the bow, and the metal railng around the bow.

	I then interviewed the passenger. During the post Miranda interview, he stated that they had both had a "few shots of tequila" at the restaurant. He also stated that they had "made mistakes." When asked what he meant by that statement, he said that he figured the police would be coming to talk to them because of the collision. He stated that while leaving the restaurant in the vessel, they collided with a vessel that was moored at a dock. He stated that they then circled the area attempting to recover a cooler that had fallen overboard during the collision. After recovering the cooler, they then returned home. 

	At approximately 2314 hours, Officer and I went Circles Restaurant to look at the vessel that was struck, a 1977 30' Pacemaker Yacht sailboat (FL8744EX). We observed damage to the starboard side of the sailboat. There was fiberglass damage as well as the damage to the rail on the starboard side. The rail was completely broken in multiple places. 

	I then interviewed a bartender at  Circles Restaurant, who said that the individuals were visibly intoxicated when they were walking towards their boat. When leaving the dock, they accelerated quickly, striking the sailboat going approximately 25 mph. They then circled, trying to recover a cooler, and while they were doing so, several patrons at the restaurant told them not to leave because of the collision and that the police were being called. Pictures were also taken of them while they were recovering the cooler. They then left the scene and returned to home. End of Narrative.


BARDID: FL-2016-0301
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WITHLACOOCHEE
NearestCityorTown: UNINCORPORATED
County: CITRUS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Other
OtherAccidentEvent: person struck by vsl equipment
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, June 25, 2016, a single vessel accident occurred, due to mechanical failure, on the Withlacoochee River, Citrus County, Florida. Vessel-1 operated by 16 year old and passenger were parked on the Withlacoochee River at an area known as "Blue Spring" (marker 29) around 1500 hours. 

Upon leaving, Operator1 cranked the airboat and idled for a short distance before throttling up to go on plane. At this time an external engine part (alternator) came loose from its mount on the engine and made contact with the vessels propeller. The vessels propeller shattered sending fragments through the protective cage and causing injuries to passenger. Victim was transported by Citrus EMS to Ocala Regional Medical Center in Ocala, Florida. Victim suffered a cut to the right ear, a cut behind the right ear, a skull fracture and bleeding on the brain. Victim was later transported to Shands Emergency Care, Gainesville Florida, for specialized treatment.; 


BARDID: FL-2016-0302
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TAVERNIER CREEK
NearestCityorTown: TAVERNIER
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
I Officer of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was on state water patrol in Monroe County, Florida on July 3, 2016 when Lieutenant also with FWC informed me of a vessel fire that occurred in the early morning hours of July 3, 2016 at approximately 12:30 AM. 

The Monroe County Fire Department and the Monroe County Sheriffs Office responded but FWC was not informed of the fire that night and was told after the fact. Myself and Officer also with FWC responded to the location of the vessel. 

When we arrived on scene the owners son was standing on the dock next to the vessel. We identified ourselves as FWC Law Enforcement and were here to do a follow up on the vessel fire. Owner’s son stated that the vessel was docked behind his vacation home and plugged into the shore power that was located on the dock when the boat named Rudy's Fishing Team II (USCG Documentation number 1075966) caught fire all of the sudden. 

Owner’s son stated that the vessel was his fathers, and that he passed away on February 21, 2016 and that it was still in his fathers name. Owner’s son and the rest of his family were doing some repairs to the vessel and working on the interior prior to the vessel catching fire. The family decided to not renew the insurance on the vessel since they were not planning on using it until the repairs were done. 

At the time of the fire there was no one on board and none of the nearby houses were damaged and no one was injured. Owner’s son stated to me that he could not think of anything he or his family did repair wise that would have caused the fire. 

On scene the shore power box was heavily damaged and was burnt as well. Owner’s son is working with US Tow to get the boat removed from the dock. No further action is taken at this time.


BARDID: FL-2016-0303
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 03:45:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: HUDSON
County: PASCO
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, June 05, 2016, at approximately 03:45 hours (hrs), Boating Accident #FWSW-16-OFF-008545 occurred offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, just west of Pasco County, Florida. This accident occurred at approximate GPS location, Latitude N28°20.746, Longitude W083°01.024. This location is approximately 18.67 miles southwest of Hudson, Florida 34667. The air temperature for this location was 75°F. The recorded wind direction was from the east southeast and the wind speed was 4.6 mph, with a wind gust of 0 mph.  The recorded water temperature was 85°F. The recorded high tide for this location was at 02:24 hrs. measuring +3.3 feet. The low tide was at 07:41 hrs. measuring -1.3 feet. Sunset was at 20:25 hrs, with moonset at 09:04 hrs. (06/05/16). The air conditions were considered clear, clear visibility and the water conditions were considered to be calm (Source: www.wunderground.com, Bay News 9 Mobile App, http://tides.mobilegeograpics.com)


On the above date and time, V-1 was traveling from Yankeetown en route to Palmetto.  According to Passenger1, Operator1 became separated from V-1 and is still missing at this time. A factual determination of who was operating V-1 cannot be made at this time.  USCG made next of kin notification and the FBI is conducting a missing person’s investigation.  This investigation is ongoing.


BARDID: FL-2016-0304
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: KEY WEST
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 062516 at approximately 1500 hours v1 was underway in the designated area of operation south of the reach resort.  V1 struck a wave that ejected the operator and occupant.  The occupant struck some portion of the v1 as she entered the water.  The occupant was taken to lower keys medical center for a broken ankle .


BARDID: FL-2016-0305
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: CLEARWATER
County: PINELLAS
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator of V1, FL 1405 PY, manipulated vessel wake while offshore Clearwater Pass traveling Northbound causing the operator to land on V1, get ejected and injure his left hip.  V1 did not sustain any damage as a result of the impact and the operator was transported to Morton Plant Hospital where he received treatment for his injuries.  dislocated hip; 


BARDID: FL-2016-0306
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: MANATEE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: PALMETTO
County: MANATEE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 struck V2 while trying to back out of a slip at Regatta Point Marina 

Operator1 stated that he was operating his vessel while his wife was on the bow and two passengers were in the cockpit. Operator1 backed his vessel out of the slip to the West then turned his vessel toward the East to continue out of the canal. Upon doing so he put his vessel in gear however he noticed that he was not going to make the turn and was headed toward vessel2. Operator1 informed me that he tried to put his vessel into reverse however it would not reverse causing his vessels Port bow to hit V2 port side. Operator1 was able to then back out and continue out of the marina. He stated that he did not notice any damage and thought that the Marina would take care of the situation. 

V2 subject was asleep when his vessel was struck. The impact caused him to hit his head on the inside of his vessel.


BARDID: FL-2016-0307
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: CLEARWATER
County: PINELLAS
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/17/16 at approximately 6:40 PM V-1 was heading south approximately quarter mile off of Clearwater Beach just north of Clearwater Pass.  The operator stated  that he was heading towards the pass going approximately 10 MPH when the engine shut off.  He dropped his anchor in the water and was able to get the engine to start again.  He headed towards the pass again and after approximately seven minutes the engine shut off again.  This time when he tried to set his anchor it did not hold.  The vessel drifted and dragged anchor towards the jetty at Sans Pearl Hotel.  Due to the turbulent weather conditions that day when the vessel was approximately 10 feet from the Sands Pearl Jetty the vessel capsized. The operator and all three passengers were ejected from the vessel.  One passenger was wearing a PFD because she could not swim.  All four swimmers made it safely to shore by climbing over the jetty.   The vessel was secured to the jetty with a line and Operator agreed to have the vessel removed in a timely manner.  No further action was taken.  Victim2:Minor laceration on right foot and inside of left knee; victim1:small laceration on outside of left calf


BARDID: FL-2016-0308
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: KEY WEST
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 OPERATOR LOSES CONTROL WHILE TRAVELLING EAST AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED

Subject told me that she was travelling in the area of Key West Harbor at a high rate of speed when she lost control of her personal water craft. Subject was ejected from her PWC and hit the front handle bars causing injury to her left side.  Subject and her husband (who was present at the time) both admitted that Subject was the last in the line of tourists and there was no one that witnessed the accident and that they were only able to go off of Subject’s statements of what happened. Subject was diagnosed with a contusion on her left knee and a minor laceration to her spleen.


BARDID: FL-2016-0309
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:58:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: KEY LARGO
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was eastbound on a voyage from Marathon, FL to the Bahamas. Operator had GPS unit zoomed out too far, was not aware of shallow reef. V1 grounded hard upon coral, losing both pod drives.  V1 was salvaged on the risiing tide. I cited operator for injury to coral.


BARDID: FL-2016-0310
State: FL
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2016-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: HAULOVER BEACH
NearestCityorTown: MIAMI BEACH
County: MIAMI-DADE
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 3, 2016 at approximately 08:00 PM in Miami Dade County, three people went fishing one mile east of Haulover Beach on a 14' vessel. While underway waves struck the vessel and caused it to capsize. Everyone on board was able to get a life jacket and swim to the shoreline in good condition. The 14' vessel sunk and was not recovered or found.


BARDID: FL-2016-0311
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: KINGSLEY LAKE
NearestCityorTown: STARKE
County: CLAY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/3/2016 a vessel was towing tubers on Kingsley Lake in Clay County. The vessel created a wake which it then crossed. The tubers struck the wake. One of the occupants was ejected from the tube and violently struck the water surface with his head. EMS responded and the tuber was transported to Orange Park Hospital with (according to Doctor) minor head and upper back injuries.  Subject was diagnosed with a concussion and upper back pain.   


BARDID: FL-2016-0312
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SALT RUN
NearestCityorTown: ST. AUGUSTINE
County: SAINT JOHNS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 8, 2016, at approximately 1400 hours I, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Officer, while on patrol, was dispatched to a vessel accident in Salt Run Lagoon.  I was able to get on a vessel and be at the complaint location at approximately 1515 hours.  Upon arriving on scene I was able to see the number four navigation marker in Salt Run Lagoon almost under water listing to the north.  There was a considerable amount of damage to the navigational marker (photos in report).  

I then was flagged down by the complainant, (operator).  Operator’s vessel was pulled near the shore on Anastasia State Park due east of the navigational marker.  After talking to Operator and confirming that everyone was okay I then looked at his vessel.  There was damage to the port side bow where the rub rail is (photos in report).  Operator’s vessel was fully operational other than the bow damage.  He stated that he was not taking on water and all of the occupants were fine.  He stated he had launched from St. Augustine South (Douglas Crane Boat Ramp) near the Flagler Hospital.  

	Operator stated that he was traveling north in Salt Run going towards the inlet when the incident happened.  He stated that while traveling in that direction he was on the opposite side of the channel in an attempt to not disturb the other vessels anchored near the state park shore.  He said that he was going at a slow speed and then decided to come up.  At that time one of the female occupants on the vessel stated that her hat was almost about to blow off.  Operator stated that he thought she had said that her hat had flown off.  At that time Operator then stated he looked behind him in an attempt to see where the hat went.  He said the next thing he knew he turned back around to the front and saw the marker but it was too late to take any action and he hit the navigational marker.  Operator then stated that he called our dispatch to report the accident.

                I wrote Operator a warning having to do with the violation of navigation rule #6 stating: Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and condition: (a) By all vessels: (iii) The maneuverability of the vessel with special reference to stopping distance and turning ability in the prevailing conditions.  I also contacted Saint Augustine Police Department in reference to the damage of navigation marker #4 in the Salt Run channel.  They stated that Sgt. with the marine unit is aware of the marker and has contacted the proper authority in relation to fixing the damage.


BARDID: FL-2016-0313
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: TARPON SPRINGS
County: PINELLAS
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 (V1) was attempting to anchor near the beach area of Anclote Key Preserve State Park; specifically, near the southern tip. V1 was occupied by OPERATOR and two occupants. OCCUPANT left the vessel, from the stern, and entered the water. This was in an attempt to walk an anchor (which was secured to the stern) towards the shoreline. The engine from V1 was on and in reverse. Tidal current and wind assisted the stern of the vessel towards victim. The propeller from V1 struck OCCUPANT, causing injury. 

OCCUPANT was transported from Anclote Key Preserve State Park to Anclote River Park Boat Ramp by V1. He was met by emergency medical staff at the boat ramp and was subsequently transported to Bayonet Point Hospital by emergency medical staff. Subject had four large lacerations/contusions on his right forearm ; 

The lacerations ranged from approximately three inches in length to approximately six inches in length. There was muscle tissue and fat visible. Based on method of injury assessment, it did appear indicative of a propeller strike.  I spoke with Doctor, ER Physician (Bayonet Point Hospital), in regards to the planned treatment of injuries. Doctor advised stitches and antibiotics will be administered.   


BARDID: FL-2016-0314
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-02 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:12:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: DUNEDIN
County: PINELLAS
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 2nd 2016 at approximately 1800 hours I was notified of a person that fell in a boat and was complaining of injuries. The vessel was drifting just outside Caladesi Island in Dunedin. The victim was using the ladder on the back of the boat to enter the water. The ladder is a telescopic design and was not fully extended at the time Victim was using it. Upon stepping down the ladder fully extended causing Victim to drop down and hit her right side on the bracket of the ladder. Victim complained of severe pain on right side rib area and difficulty breathing. EMS monitored vitals while en route back to Honeymoon Island State park where her nephew was waiting to take her to Dunedin Hospital. Victim refused transport by EMS. On July 5th 2016 I called Victim to check on her injuries. She advised me that she sustained a broken rib and contusions. 


BARDID: FL-2016-0315
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ST. JOHN'S RIVER
NearestCityorTown: DE LAND
County: VOLUSIA
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06-25-2016 at approximately 11:40am, I responded to Ed Stone Park located at 2990 State Road 44 in Deland, Florida 32724 in reference to a vessel fire.

     Upon arrival I made contact with (Operator), who was standing by a black and red 2010 Bombardier Personal Water Craft (V1) which was strapped down on a trailer.  V1 appeared to have a large amount of damage all around the outside of the hull and several hatches were missing.  I also observed several cracks/breaks in the fiberglass body and a large amount of what appeared to be fire extinguisher dust all over the exterior and interior of V1.

     According to Operator1, he had just fueled V1 prior to arriving at Ed Stone Park to launch it on the river for the day.  Operator1 advised that when he arrived on scene, he backed the trailer into the water and began taking steps to launch V1.  Operator1 said that after unstrapping V1, he was sitting on the operator's seat and attempted to start the engine.  Operator1 stated that he pressed the ignition button and the engine began to turn over but V1 would not start.  Operator1 said that he gave it a few seconds and pressed the ignition button a second time in an attempt to get V1 started. 

     Operator1 advised that he heard a very loud noise and was violently launched approximately 15 feet into the air above V1.  According to Operator1, as he began to fall back down he landed on top of V1 and then bounced off and into the water at the boat ramp.  Operator1 advised that although he was startled, he did not receive any major injuries and was wearing his life jacket at the time of the incident.   Operator1 stated that after he was ejected from the operator's seat, V1 caught fire.  However, Operator1 said that several of his friends who were on scene immediately extinguished the flames with a fire extinguisher, preventing any fire damage to the vessel.

     At this time, Operator1 went over the damage to V1 with me.  I took several photographs (see attached) of V1 and all subsequent damages.  It appeared to have a large amount of damage all along the outside of the hull.  The top portion of V1 separated from the bottom of the hull and all of the hatches attached to the hull were missing or destroyed.  I also observed two large stress fractures to the fiberglass body on the port and starboard side of the stern.

     It was determined that after fueling, vapors began to build inside the interior of the closed/sealed hull.  Due to the fact that V1 did not have any venting features, the fuel vapors were able to build to dangerous levels.  When Operator1 pressed the ignition button on his second attempt to start V1, the fuel vapors ignited in the confined and sealed space inside the hull causing a large outward explosion.  This explosion was powerful enough to eject Operator1 from the operator's seat and blow all of the hatches off of the body of V1.  The explosion also caused the vessel to break apart or crack in several areas as the pressure rapidly escaped through the path of least resistance.

    Although V1 caught fire, I did not observe any fire related damages.  It was determined that no fire damages occurred to V1 due to the quick actions of Operator1 friends who extinguished the flames.  No injuries beyond first aid occurred as a result of this incident and the damages of V1 are estimated at $10,000.  No further action was taken at this time.


BARDID: FL-2016-0316
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GOVERNMENT CUT
NearestCityorTown: MIAMI BEACH
County: MIAMI-DADE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 14, 2016 at approximately 10:15 AM I was informed about a vessel accident at Miami Beach Marina in Miami Dade County. I arrived at the location of the incident (Pier B) and made contact with owner of the Going Galt (Vessel 2). He informed me that on May 13, 2016 at approximately 11:30 PM, Vessel 1 (Carbon) was heading north on the main channel in the Miami Beach Marina to prepare for docking. 

While vessel 1 was attempting to turn to starboard in the main channel, vessel 1 collided with vessel 2 (Going Galt) by impacting it with its bow on the port side stern. Vessel 1 also collided with vessel 3 (Trilogy) striking vessel 3 on the starboard stern with its port side stern while continuing to turn in the same manner. They had a previous accident on May 11, 2016 (Report # FWSB16OFF5593) and they made arrangements to get repair done. I made contact with the operators of the vessels involved and took statements.


BARDID: FL-2016-0317
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:31:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BAY PINES
NearestCityorTown: ST. PETERSBURG
County: PINELLAS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7-3-16 at approximately 3:35 p.m, I Officer of The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was dispatched to a boating accident at The War Vets Park Boat ramp.

Vessel 1 came out of the War Vets Boat ramp on plane and made a turn to the right to go south in the channel. Vessel 2 was heading south and had just come off plane in the channel. Operator1 failing to see that the vessel in front of him had slowed was unable to reduce speed quick enough to avoid a collision. Vessel 1 struck the stern of vessel 2 causing severe damage to both vessels. a passenger on Vessel 2 had minor injuries from the accident and refused medical care. ; She had a cut above eye from impact of power pole.


BARDID: FL-2016-0318
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: VACA CUT CHANNEL
NearestCityorTown: MARATHON
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Single boating accident with injuries in vaca cut, 4 pob. Causal factors appear to be improper lookout, operator inattention, and excessive and unsafe speed due to night and restricted visibility.  

Operator was watching his gps while navigating at night, missed a turn in the channel and ran the vessel into a mangrove island. 

One occupant received compound fracture to right arm, other two occupants received bruises and abrasions.

Victim3:report from officers on scene and subject's statement indicate bruising and pain to right ankle and right shoulder, nothing beyond first aid. 
Victim2:subject was transported to fisherman's hospital in marathon, he was later transported and admitted to ryder hosptial/kendal regional in miami where he received orthopedic surgery on his right arm due to a compound fracture and dislocated right elbow.  (statement provided by subject's wife)
victim1:report from responding officers indicate subject stated she had a "bump" on the back of her heel, no mention in her statement. Nothing beyond first aid.


BARDID: FL-2016-0319
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: KEY WEST
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
While on a PWC tour v2 stopped as directed by the tour guide, v1 was unable to see the hand signals of v2 due to water splashing on his sunglasses, his pwc struck the stern of v2 and occupant.  occupant received contusions and abrasions to shoulder area.


BARDID: FL-2016-0320
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GASPARILLA SOUND
NearestCityorTown: ENGLEWOOD
County: CHARLOTTE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 is owned and operated by subject who has over 20 years of vessel operational experience and has a Boater Safety Card from Florida since 2009. However, Operator1 purchased V1 the morning of the accident and stated that he did not have any experience operating a vessel of that size (32’ inboard/outboard) or with twin engines. V2 was unoccupied and moored to dock. 

Operator1 was attempting to moor V1 backwards into the slip next to V2. Operator1 stated that while in reverse, he became confused about which engine was engaged. Operator1 realized he was going to collide with V2 and attempted to throttle forward but may have throttled the wrong engine. V1’s starboard-stern (swim platform on the back of the vessel) collided with the port-side hull (one foot above the waterline, about half the length of the vessel) of V2. 

Inspection of V1 revealed all required safety gear was onboard. No injuries reported. My investigation concludes the accident was caused by Operator1s’ inexperience operating V1 and was issued warning for Violation of USCG Navigation Rules.  End of Report.


BARDID: FL-2016-0321
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:50:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ANCLOTE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: TARPON SPRINGS
County: PINELLAS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Sudden medical condition
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 while cruising east on the Anclote River struck the northwest piling of dock. The collision caused the pole to break and the boat cradle to collapse and fall in the water. V1 sustained damage to the bow area of his vessel and left the scene without immediately reporting the accident to anyone.

Operator1 stated that he had a coughing attack while cruising up the river around 1000 RPM. He said he had a medical condition which caused him to start coughing and that he vomited and looked away from the helm. Operator1 stated that when he looked up he hit the piling in between the two bow pulpits on this vessel. He said he put the vessel in reverse right away but it was too late to stop the momentum of the vessel from hitting the dock. The impact of his vessel hitting the piling caused the piling to break off below the water line which resulted in the boat cradle crumpling into the water.

Operator1 told me he thought the damage to the dock could be fixed for $800-$1500 and he seemed to be under the impression that he was not required to notify law enforcement right away. He said he did not see anyone around and continued up river where he put his boat back on the trailer. He informed me that he returned in a few hours by way of his personal boat but did not contact the owner at that time. He also said he could not find the location of the property by land.

Operator1 was issued a citation for a violation of navigation rule 8 resulting in an accident that caused property damage. It was determined through our investigation that while Operator1 did not immediately contact law enforcement following the incident, he did eventually contact dispatch to report the accident and his intention was to contact the dock owner and make full restitution.


BARDID: FL-2016-0322
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:31:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: FT. LAUDERDALE
County: BROWARD
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/11/16 at approximately 1330 hrs, a 39' Yellowfin was traveling South at approximately 40 knots on autopilot.  At the same time a 39' Hatteras was trolling at approximately 5 knots.  The operator of the Yellowfin was not paying attention to traffic on the water and crashed into the starboard stern of the trolling vessel.  

Three POB the Hatteras vessel jumped overboard  prior to impact, however, the Captain of the Hatteras was ejected from the vessel upon impact.  The Yellowfin turned around after the impact and was able to pick POB the Hatteras out of the water. The Coast Guard was then called after everybody was safely aboard the Yellowfin vessel.   Afterward, FLPD, Fire/Rescue, Towboat US, and the Coast Guard all arrived on scene.  While the 39' Hatteras was being towed back to the 15th St boat ramp, it began to take on water and sunk approximately four miles offshore.  Only minor lacerations and bruising were sustained by the Captain of V2.


BARDID: FL-2016-0323
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TAMPA BAY
NearestCityorTown: TAMPA
County: HILLSBOROUGH
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V-1 was heading East along the Courtney Campbell Causeway just ahead of V-2's port side bow. V-2 was also heading East on the starboard side of V-1. V-1 made a starboard turn and ran into the portside bow of V-2. The operator of V-1 was ejected and V-1 slid down the port side of V-2 and hit the lower unit.  

On 6/19/16, at approximately 16:45 hours, V-1 was heading East along the Courtney Campbell Causeway just ahead of V-2 on the port side.  V-2 was also heading East along Courtney Campbell Causeway.  Both vessels were cruising at about 35 MPH.  

V-1's operator made a sharp turn starboard.  V-2's operator steered starboard to try and avoid collision however, V-1 collided with V-2's port side bow. Operator1 was ejected from his vessel and he landed in the water.  Operator1 believes that the lid from the dry compartment on his vessel may have hit him under the chin and broke his jaw but he was not certain.  V-1 was missing the lid to the dry storage compartment and had a large hole on the starboard stern of the vessel.  Operator1 was taken to St. Joseph Hospital by EMS and he was treated for a fractured hip, laceration under his chin, and a broken jaw (broken in four places). 

V-2 had damage to the port side of the vessel which indicated that V-1 had slid down the port side all the way down to the lower unit. V-2's Operator and three passengers did not sustain any injuries.  Several witnesses (see attachments) corroborated that Operator1 turned starboard into V-2.  Both Operators did not have the required Boater Safety Id Card.  Both were given a written warning for no Boater Safety ID card and improper Look Out.  


BARDID: FL-2016-0324
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC STATE WATERS
NearestCityorTown: KEY BISCAYNE
County: MIAMI-DADE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday June 25, 2016 at approximately 1140hrs, while on water patrol, FWC Lieutenant and I spotted a plume of black smoke offshore from Key Biscayne. Dispatch was alerted, and we headed in the direction of the smoke in emergency mode. The color, location and density of the smoke was conducive with a possible boat fire. We arrived on scene at approximately 1154hrs to find the subject boat (later to be identified by registration number FL4083DE) engulfed in flames, and emitting thick black smoke.

 We approached a vessel in the vicinity. Subject advised that he had recovered the 2 occupants  of the burning vessel, which were then transported by Miami Beach Police Marine Unit (case number:16-56149) to No Name Harbor, Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, Florida for EMS (Rescue 15) medical treatment and transport to Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Subject provided his name and contact information for further interview at a later time.

 Subject stated he heard an explosion and saw thick smoke coming from the subject vessel. As he approached to render aid, he saw the two victims in the water, swimming away from the burning vessel. The two victims were not wearing PFD's at the time. The two victims told Subject that their boat had exploded beneath them, that they had been burned badly, and they jumped into the water. Once the victims were recovered from the water, Subject called 911, and provided fresh water for the victims to drink while the first responding unit (Miami Beach Police Department) made arrival.

FWC Officer responded to Ryder Trauma Center to make contact with the victims. Ofc. reported the extent of the injuries to be non-life threatening 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree burns to the lower extremities of both victims. Ofc. photographed both victim's injuries and interviewed the owner/operator. Operator stated that he and Occupant had been fishing at anchor. As they were preparing to leave, Occupant was recovering the anchor and as Operator was starting the boat's motor, an explosion occurred. Operator stated that the vessel was powered by an inboard gasoline engine. Occupant was not able to give a statement at the time.

Once the vessel fire was out, the vessel was photographed, marked with an orange PFD at the bow and the stern of the vessel, and USCG Sector Miami was notified of the condition and position of the vessel before I cleared the scene.

On 06/27/16, Operator provided a statement in which he described that he used the ventilation system and started the motor like normal. He let the boat motor idle in neutral for a moment, and when he shifted into forward gear, the explosion occurred beneath him, and the boat caught fire. He and Occupant both jumped into the ocean to escape the fire. A short time after, Subject's vessel approached them for rescue.

On 06/27/16, Occupant gave a statement in which he recalled the motor being on a short time before the explosion. Occupant also recalled climbing back onto the burning boat to recover his shorts and cell phone, at which time he attempted to fight the fire with a fire extinguisher. Occupant then jumped back into the water and swam to Subject's vessel.

Based on the evidence and information provided, I believe the explosion and resulting fire was caused by failure to sufficiently ventilate gasoline vapors from the machinery compartment prior to charging the ignition/starting system of the engine.

This concludes Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission boating accident report. ; Occupant:1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree burns to lower extremities. Received artificial skin grafts.; OPERATOR:Victim suffered 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree burns to lower extremities. Received artificial skin grafts.


BARDID: FL-2016-0325
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:51:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: PEACE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: ARCADIA
County: DESOTO
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 2016 I responded to a boating accident in Desoto county on the Peace River involving a PWC striking a bridge occupied two times. Operator states she was attempting to catch up to another PWC when she encountered a wake, her PWC jumped the wake and she lost control, her PWC impacting a bridge piling.  Operator and occupant were thrown overboard. occupant struck her head on an object, no major injuries found.

After EMS arrived they observed Operator go in and out of consciousness. She was advised to go to the hospital. Operator was admitted to Desoto Memorial Hospital for injuries. She was given a cat scan for her Head, Neck, and Pelvis. She was released later that evening with no injuries. ; Occupant was evaluated by EMS personnel. She was released and EMS said she was fine. Occupant sustained an injury to her head after striking the bridge. The following day I suggested to her parents that Occupant be taken to a Hospital. Occupant said her head hurt more the following day.


BARDID: FL-2016-0326
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:57:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: NEIGHBORHOOD CANAL / BUTTONWOO
NearestCityorTown: KEY LARGO
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat sinking while launching.  On 9 July, 2016 at approximately 1555 hours, I, Officer of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) observed a vessel sinking/sunken shortly after it was launched from a small neighborhood boat ramp. The vessel that sank was Florida registered FL 5237 GE. 

The vessel was purchased five days prior to the event. Owner was in his truck backing the trailer into the water. The operator of the vessel was Operator. As the vessel was lowered into the water, Operator placed the shifter in reverse and "gunned it."  The prop wash from the propeller forced water over the transom of the vessel. The bilge pump of the vessel could not keep up with the volume of water that was entering the vessel. The vessel then slowly sank to the bottom. Operator ended up in the water standing on top of the vessel sitting on the bottom. Owner and a few good samaritans near by entered the water, attached the trailer rachet strap to the bow and was able to pull the boat off the bottom and retrailer the boat.


BARDID: FL-2016-0327
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY
NearestCityorTown: JUPITER
County: PALM BEACH
WaterConditions: Calm
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
V1, a white 23' Nautic Global Group open cabin motorboat, was headed northbound along the Intracoastal Waterway. Two unknown jet-ski operators, who had been riding the wake of V1, overtook V1 and turned their jet-ski's south bound, appearing to be traveling head-on toward V1. 

In an attempt to avoid collision with one of the unknown jet-skisthe, V1 operator turned towards the starboard and struck a fixed channel marker near the forward starboard quarter. V1 sustained approximately $2,500.00 in damage. The unknown jet-ski operators did not report any damage during the incident. No injuries were reported.


BARDID: FL-2016-0328
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC
NearestCityorTown: KEY LARGO
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel engine caught fire while underway; no injuries and damage appears to be in engine compartment only.  

On July 4, 2016 at approximately 11:45 am, operator was heading northeast, in Blackwater Sound, in the intracoastal waterway.  He observed that the engine compartment was on fire and called for help.  Officer and myself responded from South Sound Creek.  Upon arrival, the engine fire had been distinguished from the onboard fire suppression system.  Operator1 and Occupant had been picked up by a good samaritan vessel and were waiting for assistance.  

Officer went on board the vessel to confirm that the fire was completely out and that the power had been turned off.  Operator1 and Occupant then returned to their vessel.  USCG arrived on scene and assisted Operator1 in anchoring vessel.  Occupant contacted Sea Tow for towing service.  

At the time of the incident, it appeared that the fire had started in the engine compartment and the damage was contained in this area.  

Operator1 recently purchased vessel and is in the process of transferring title and registration.  A report was taken and no further action.


BARDID: FL-2016-0329
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF ATLANTIC
NearestCityorTown: KEY WEST
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject was on a tour booked through Hydro Adventures with her family. After taking the course and getting  familiar with the PWC her family and guide went out of the Hyatt in Key west headed out on their Jet Ski tour and while coming around the corner of FT. Zachary at the point she encountered  wake and current from the inlet . She informed us that she came down from the wave and hit her ankle wrong while coming down. She informed me that she thinks it was just her lack of experience and her lack of ability to brace herself that she just hit wrong. There was no damage to vessel or any others around . She was taken to ER in Key West to get xrays . I met with her and her family at the ER where she informed me that it was a possible broken ankle/foot and some toes on her left foot. 


BARDID: FL-2016-0330
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY
NearestCityorTown: BOCA RATON
County: PALM BEACH
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
V2 was northbound in the Intracoastal Waterway passing under the Camino Real bridge. V1 was southbound in the Intracoastal Waterway passing under the Camino Real Bridge. There was an outbound tidal current at the time of the crash. 


BARDID: FL-2016-0331
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SIMPSON CRK/FT GEORGE
NearestCityorTown: JACKSONVILLE
County: DUVAL
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
V-1 and V-2 were traveling NNW towards the mouth of Simpson Creek when V-1 started to approach a sand bar. V-1 made an exaggerated turn to port striking V-2 amidships on the starboard side.

Inv., who observed the accident, he stated that both PWCs were running at a high rate of speed, paralleling each other. PWC FL8595LX turned sharply to port striking PWC FL2049RD on the starboard side amidship, slightly penetrating and puncturing the hull of the PWC. 

     The operators and passengers were not injured and deemed the damage not significant enough to terminate their day on the water and continued their recreation.


BARDID: FL-2016-0332
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHOCTAWHATCHEE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: FREEPORT
County: WALTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V-1 was traveling east in the Mitchell River when another vessel over taking V-1 caused the operator to suddenly turn to starboard. V-1 then struck the river bank causing damage to the hull of the vessel and the operator suffered a broken finger from the collision.
I spoke with and Operator1 and asked her what happened to cause the accident. She advised she was driving the boat and her boyfriend was sitting in the back of the boat when another come from the Choctawhatchee River and cut her off causing her to crash into the bank. According to what she was telling me it sounded like another vessel was overtaking her vessel and either the wake or probability of a collision caused her to turn to starboard and strike a stump in the water. After striking the stump the vessel then went through some brush and crashed into the bank at which point the vessel leaned to its starboard side and began to take on water. After Operator1 gave me a brief description of what had happened to cause the accident I had her complete a sworn statement. She advised she did not have her glasses and asked if I would write the statement for her. I completed the statement for her written verbatim as to what she stated. At the conclusion of the statement I asked Operator1 if she had consumed any alcohol today and she stated she had only been drinking Pepsi. As I was finishing up the interview Officer#2 (FWC) arrived to assist with the investigation.

Operator1 advised she needed a ride to her vehicle that was located on Capt T Lane in Freeport that was just down the street. Officer#3 agreed to give her a ride to her house to get her vehicle and vessel trailer so she could pull her boat out of the water. A few minutes after Officer#3 left with Operator1 he called Officer#2 and advised he could smell a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from her person. Officer#2 advised me that he was going over to Operator1’s address to conduct a boating under the influence investigation. After Officer#2 arrived at her address he called me and stated Operator1 had stated she had drank six beers. I advised Officer#2 that the occupant of the vessel and Operator1 both stated she was operating the vessel and her injuries where consistent to the blood stains I found on the inside of the vessel’s gunnel toward the bow where the helm was located. Due to the fact I could positively Identify Operator1 as the operator of the vessel that he was going to continue a boating under the influence investigation.  Operator1:The operator of V-1 suffered a broken middle finger on her left hand. The injury was called by impact with the vessel after it impacted the river bank.


BARDID: FL-2016-0333
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: CEDAR KEY
County: LEVY
WaterConditions: Very rough
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS:  

Vessel -1 left from Cedar Key (Outside) Basin Boat Ramp on the morning of Friday, May 20, 2016, at approximately 0830 hours, for a day of fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.  Approximately 1100 hours, the weather conditions changed very quickly and the vessel (23’ 2001, Sea Pro) started taking on water and overturned, roughly 8 nautical miles off of Seahorse Key, Gulf of Mexico. Rough seas (4-6’, intermittent 7-9’ waves).  On May 20, 2016 at approximately 2216 hours, Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) was alerted by the complainant that vessel -1 was overdue.  

The following morning (May 21, 2016) approximately 0730 hours, USCG air unit located Vessel -1 roughly 8 nautical miles off of Seahorse Key, Gulf of Mexico with 2 male subjects clinging to their vessel.  Recovered (recovered by USCG helicopter swimmer) individuals were transported to N FL Hospital in Gainesville by the Levy County Fire Rescue.  They were treated for dehydration, and hypothermia. The occupant was later treated for rhabdomyolysis.

One person was not with the overturned vessel and is still missing.  Search ongoing for missing subject.  FWC has 4 vessels and 8 Officers, LCSO has vessel with 2 Officers, USCG has vessel with crew aiding in search.  Vessel - 1 was recovered by Sea-Tow and towed to Cedar Key Boat Ramp.


BARDID: FL-2016-0334
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LOUGHMAN LAKE
NearestCityorTown: TITUSVILLE
County: BREVARD
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Synopsis

On June 5th, 2016 at approximately 1230 hours, a recreational vessel (airboat) with two persons on board was involved in a collision with a recreational vessel (airboat) with three person on board. The collision occurred on a narrow airboat trail on the south west side of Loughman Lake, Titusville in Brevard County. The collision did not result in injuries to any of the occupants. Both vessels were damaged in the collision with a total estimated damage of $6,000. 

Below are the events broken down by seconds of video. 
1.	Video begins, shows the vessel operating on a plane towards the bird tower. 
2.	Nothing to account
3.	V-2 approaches the bird tower
4.	V-2 crossed underneath the tower
5.	V-2 operating in channel, channel observed coming up on the port side, begins a port side turn into channel
6.	V-2 makes port side turn into channel, V-1 appears as it makes a starboard side turn into same channel with a heading towards V-2
7.	V-2 moves to starboard side of channel, V-1 moves to port side of channel 
8.	Both vessels slow down, both vessels are in a head on situation 
9.	Video is covered by hand, vessels are approximately 30 feet apart from a head on situation 
10.	V-2 throttles up, collision is heard 
11.	Nothing to account
12.	Nothing to account 
13.	V-2 throttles up
14.	Video ends


BARDID: FL-2016-0336
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-03-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY
NearestCityorTown: HYPOLUXO
County: PALM BEACH
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentEvent3: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was heading southbound on ICW south of the Lantana Bridge with 4 people on board.  V1 went over the wake of a north bound vessel, which applied stress/torque to the steering system.  A hydraulic hose on the back of the helm came loose causing a loss of steering.  V1 made multiple bow to stern rotations, which ejected the operator from the vessel.  During the rotations, V1 struck the operator with the propeller causing serious injury to face and head.  Other occupants were thrown around inside vessel. one occupant treated for lacerations and abrasions on his head and upper extremeties.; 

Occupant:Contusion/laceration to forehead; 

Operator:Cranium fracture, Lacerations and fractures to face, partial tongue amputation, right thumb fracture


BARDID: FL-2016-0338
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:12:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY
NearestCityorTown: BOCA RATON
County: PALM BEACH
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/15/16 at approximately 9:11 pm. I, Officer#1 of the Florida fish and wildlife conservation commission was dispatched from the Broward sub to a report of a vessel crashing into the Camino Real bridge, causing damage and not stopping. I drove up to Hillsboro blvd where the vessel was last spotted on the ICW and headed south down the Hillsboro mile. Once I reached Atlantic Blvd I drove over the bridge and observed a vessel towing another vessel. I waited and observed Tow boat U.S towing a vessel that matched the description of the vessel that crashed into the Camino Real bridge. Lt.#1 and Officer#2 also of the Florida fish and wildlife conservation commission was on a vessel and made contact with the vessel being towed. They confirmed that it was the vessel that hit the Camino Real bridge and they followed them to where the vessel was being towed to. I responded via land to the address of 100 S. Victoria park road in Fort Lauderdale.
 
	Once the vessel was docked and secured we began speaking with the three occupants of the vessel. The registered owner of the vessel Owner1, DOB: xx/xx/xx provided a written statement stating he was down below using the restroom when the collision occurred. He also stated while speaking with him that a man by the name of Operator1 was behind the wheel at the time of the accident. No one thought to stop and call about the accident, but they stopped and called Tow boat us.

	Before leaving the address where the vessel was docked. I collected information on 4 of the approximately 11 passengers on board at the time of the accident. We also collected the vessel's insurance information and asked if there were any injuries. Owner1 advised us there were no injuries.
	
 According to Owner1 estimated damages of the vessel are in excess of $36,000. According to a representative from the bridge and maintenance department of Palm Beach County the damages to the Camino Real Bridge were estimated at $0 because the maintenance crew was able to fix damage the same night of the accident.

	On 5/18/16 at approximately 6:48 pm Witness1, DOB: xx/xx/xx provided me with a sworn written statement about what he observed during the accident. Witness1 was the Camino Real bridge operator at the time of the accident. On 5/19/2016 at approximately 3:35 pm Witness2, DOB: xx/xx/xx provided me with a sworn written statement about what he observed during the accident. Witness2 is the owner/operator of a vessel that was South of the Camino Real bridge during the accident. On 5/19/16 at approximately 4:30 pm I met with Passenger1, DOB: xx/xx/xx and she provided me with a sworn written statement about what she observed the night of the accident. Passenger1 was an occupant of the vessel during the accident. On 5/19/16 at approximately 5:00pm I met with Passenger2 and she provided me with a sworn written statement about what she observed during the accident. Passenger2 was an occupant of the vessel during the accident. On 5/19/16 I spoke with Passenger3 via telephone and she provided me with her account of what happened during the accident. Passenger3 did not want to provide a sworn written statement. Passenger3 was an occupant of the vessel during the accident. On 5/23/16 at approximately 1:20 pm I met with Passenger4, DOB: xx/xx/xx. Passenger4 provided me with a sworn written statement of what she observed during the accident. Passenger4 was an occupant of the vessel the night of the accident.

	On 6/11/2016 I issued Owner1, DOB: xx/xx/xx a citation for FS 327.30(5) Leaving the scene of accident without notifying the person affected and law enforcement. Owner1 signed his citation and left the scene without further incident. On 6/14/2016 I issued Subject1, DOB: xx/xx/xx a citation for FS 327.33(3)(b) violation of navigation rules and not reckless, Rule 7 risk of collision.Owner was noted as the operator.  He gave a false statement that he wasn't.


BARDID: FL-2016-0339
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CALOOSAHATCHEE
NearestCityorTown: FORT MYERS
County: LEE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was travelling west on the Caloosahatchee. V2 was docked behind owner's residence. Wake from V1 caused V2 to collide with dock causing damage to V2


BARDID: FL-2016-0340
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: MISSOURI OHIO CHANNEL
NearestCityorTown: BIG PINE KEY
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Three PWCs were operating at approximately 30 mph side by side traveling straight towards the Missouri Ohio Channel Bridge. On approach of the bridge, V2 which was traveling in the middle of the trio of PWCs made a right turn. V1 was no longer parallel at this time and had lagged behind. V1 went off throttle and continued to travel straight. Being off throttle, the operator of V1 was unable to turn and made contact with V2's midship. 

Operator1 stated he was riding side by side with other jetskis but was a bit behind. When they approached the bridge, Operator1 advised he let go of the throttle. At that time, Operator1 stated Operator2 cut him off. Operator1 advised he tried to turn but could not do anything and went over the jetski. Operator1 stated Operator2 threw himself back and tried to turn. Operator1 advised he was going about 20 mph. Operator1 provided a diagram of the accident on the back of his written statement. In a verbal interview, Operator1 advised he did not have a boater identification card and had only been out on the PWC two times.  Officer#1 identified the operator of V2 as Operator2. Officer#1 advised the subject had sustained broken ribs and a broken nasal cavity, but a full recovery was expected.
; Operator2 was air lifted out of Monroe County. He was admitted to Jackson South in Miami Dade County. Operator2 suffered broken ribs and a broken nasal cavity. Operator2 is expected to make a full recovery.


BARDID: FL-2016-0341
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY AND RIVI
NearestCityorTown: RIVIERA BEACH
County: PALM BEACH
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
The vessel operator advised that he and his wife were the only people on board during the collision. He  told me he was attempting to place his vessel in assigned slip S22 and was caught by the strong current that pushed his vessel into docked vessel Brizo (V2 )( documentation #  1116063 ) located at S28. After making contact with V2, V1 then made contact with docked vessel Mind Therapy ( V3 ) ( documentation # 835606 ) located in S27. After making a third contact off of a piling east of S27, V1 was bounced into the middle of the marina channel and assisted to S16 for a final resting place.


BARDID: FL-2016-0342
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:01:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CANAVERAL BARGE CANAL
NearestCityorTown: MERRITT ISLAND
County: BREVARD
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Carbon monoxide exposure
AccidentCause1: Carbon monoxide exposure
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was cruising on the Banana River for approximately 2 hours when the occupants became ill with nausea, headache, and dizziness.

On 07/12/2016 at approximately 1000 hours, Vessel 1 departed from the dock on the Banana River at State Road 520.  Vessel 1 was cruising on the Banana River at slow speed.  Approximately 2 to 3 hours into the voyage, Occupants became ill with symptoms of nausea, headache, and dizziness.  At the onset of the symptoms, two people were moving back and forth from the cabin area to the deck.  Another was on the deck at the stern of the vessel.  Two more were in the berthing area inside the cabin.  When the occupants’ symptoms became worse the vessel Operator called 911, shut down the engines, and anchored the vessel in the Barge Canal.  All 6 occupants were transported from the vessel to the Sea Ray Sykes Creek Plant.  5 of the occupants were treated by Brevard County Fire/Rescue for symptoms possibly related to carbon monoxide poisoning.  4 of the occupants were transported to Cape Canaveral Hospital via ambulance.  They were treated and later released from the hospital.

Vessel 1 was inspected for possible ventilation system failure.  The ventilation system was already turned on prior to the inspection and appeared to be working properly.  No electrical or mechanical system failures were found during the inspection.  An auxiliary carbon monoxide detector located in the cabin of the vessel was inspected and found not working.  Unable to determine what caused the occupants to become ill/sick.;


BARDID: FL-2016-0343
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:28:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE MANATEE
NearestCityorTown: BRADENTON
County: MANATEE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
A 16 foot Mad River Canoe capsized near the center of Lake Manatee, located in Manatee County.  All three occupants fell into the water.  Two people eventually sank and never resurfaced.  Survivor was rescued a short time later by a good Samaritan vessel.  Manatee County Sheriff's Office dive team recovered the two bodies, from the bottom of the lake, a short distance from the incident location.          

  A 16 foot Mad River Canoe with three people onboard was paddled near the center of the lake.  Victim1 was seated and paddling at the bow.  Victim2 was seated behind Victim1 at the center of the canoe.  Survivor was seated and paddling at the stern.  Upon reaching the center of the lake, a wave breached the starboard beam.  The canoe capsized sending all three occupants into the water without life jackets.  

Two others were fishing from a Kayak approximately 1/4th mile north of the capsized canoe.  They both heard screams for help and proceeded to render assistance.  Subject1 observed all three subjects bobbing up and down in the waves while attempting to stay afloat.  Subject1 stated that when he was approximately half way to the capsized canoe, he observed Victim1 sink and never resurface.  He also stated that before he could reach the canoe, he observed Victim2 sink and never resurface.  Subject1 threw his life jacket to Survivor and stayed with him until a good samaritan vessel stopped and rescued Survivor.

Both victims drowned.


BARDID: FL-2016-0344
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:26:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ST. JOHNS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: MELBOURNE
County: BREVARD
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Pre-Accident 
V1 operator heading south down a narrow trail just after exiting the sweet water canal. V2 Was heading down the same trail in the opposite direction (north) towards sweet water canal. V2 saw V1 heading toward him and exited the canal and tried to get out of the way of V1.

Accident

V2 saw V1 about 100 yards away coming straight at him. Due to the trail being narrow he slowed turned left to try to avoid collision with V1.  The operator of V1’s high rate of speed he was unable to control the vessel his vessel cage struck V2 grass rake. V2 occupant Passengerv2 was ejected into V1 airboat cage.

Post-Accident

V2 starboard bow grass rake collided with V1 starboard rear side and cage. Severely damaging the cage and breaking the carbon fiber propeller. 

Conclusion
Based on all evidence collected, collision damage, occupants and operator’s accounts and testimony, and information gathered to date, I have concluded that the operator of V1 failed to operate his vessel at a safe speed and in a careless manner. Operator1 was operating his vessel under the influence of alcohol to the point that his normal faculties were impaired. Operator1’s breath test showed a breath alcohol level of .162 and .168 and was taken approximately 2 hours after the collision. This level of intoxication impaired Operator1’s ability to safely navigate his airboat and placed V2 and all other vessels in the area in imminent danger. Operator1 admitted to drinking a 6 pack in the last few hours.



; Passengerv2: SPRAINED HER RIGHT KNEE CAP WHEN SHE WAS EJECTED AND HER KNEE HIT VESSEL 2 PROP CAGE


BARDID: FL-2016-0345
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: FORT MYERS BEACH
County: LEE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was a rental PWC underway off of Ft.Myers Beach, when it struck V2, another rental PWC.  V1 caused damage to the rear port side of V2,  no injuries occurred.

on 7/5/16, a rental PWC (V1) was being operated off of Ft. Myers Beach, when he struck another rental PWC (V2). There was damage to the rear port side of V2, (photos attached), and minimal damage to the front of V1 (photos attached).

I, Ofc. arrived on scene and spoke with both operators of the rental PWCs.  I took written statements from both operators (statements attached) and photos of the rental PWCs (attached). 

I spoke with the operator of V2, Operator2, and he stated that he was underway off of Ft. Myers beach, when V1 suddenly appeared in front of him, and he changed course to avoid collision, turning to his starboard side. He then stated that V1 struck his PWC on his rear port side. The operator did not sustain any injuries during the collision, but there was significant damage to the PWC.

I then spoke with the operator of V1 and he stated that he was underway off of Ft.Myers beach when V2 appeared in front of him, and he turned to avoid collision, but ending up hitting V2 on the rear port side.

Based on the statements and physical damage to both PWCs, I issued Operator1 a written warning for careless operation (attached).  The owner of the PWC rental company placed the total damage amount to V2 at $2,500.


BARDID: FL-2016-0346
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:33:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: PALM BEACH GARDENS
County: PALM BEACH
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was travelling north in a boating safety zone of the ICW approaching the Jack Nicklaus Dr. Bridge. in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla 33418. Captain of vessel 1 stated that he was following two additional vessels, and was exceeding a safe operational speed for the area and travelling at a rate of speed between 15-20 miles per hour. Vessel 1 attempted to drive under the listed bridge at which point the port bow forward quarter struck a cement bridge pilings at which point the vessel deflected and struck the bridge structure. No injuries, no damage to bridge, only paint transfer.


BARDID: FL-2016-0347
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: RIVIERA BEACH
County: PALM BEACH
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was Anchored in shallow water offshore, south of the rock jetty of Lake worth inlet. They were engaged in fishing, not noticing the vessel was slowly taking on water and the bilge pump not working. 

The stern of the vessel had filled with enough water to noticeable lower the stern underwater, allowing small wave swells to fill the vessel at an uncontrollable rate, The vessel eventually capsized with the anchor line still anchored. All occupants were pulled from the water and brought to dry land. No injuries were reported.


BARDID: FL-2016-0348
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: RUBICON CANAL
NearestCityorTown: CAPE CORAL
County: LEE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 WAS SOUTHBOUND IN THE RUBICON CANAL ATTEMPTING TO DOCK THE VESSEL. V1 HIT A DOCK LOCATED AT 820 SE 43RD ST CAUSING MINOR DAMAGE TO THE DOCK. V1 WAS DAMAGED ON THE BOW AND RUB RAIL, THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES.


BARDID: FL-2016-0349
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:12:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BISCAYNE BAY
NearestCityorTown: KEY BISCAYNE
County: MIAMI-DADE
WaterConditions: Very rough
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel#2 was travelling east bound into hurricane harbor. Vessel#2 was hip towing vessel#3 on the starboard side,vessel#1 was travelling east bound into hurricane harbor. 

The port side keel of vessel #1 collided with the center transom platform of vessel #2 and the starboard side platform of vessel#3. Vessel#3 was unoccupied while being hip towed. The severe weather appeared to be a contributing factor to the accident. There were no injuries to report.


BARDID: FL-2016-0350
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CAXAMBAS PASS
NearestCityorTown: MARCO ISLAND
County: COLLIER
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 07/17/2016 at 1641 hours I was dispatched to 909 Collier court, Marco Island Florida (Caxambas Marina) in reference to a boating accident involving an injury, Upon my arrival I observed Officer#1 assisting EMS and Fire Rescue on a vessel tied up to the fuel dock. 
I was advised by Officer#1 that the subject that was hurt was Injured1 and I observed him lying on his back behind the lean post of the vessel. Because of all of the weight in the back of the boat there was minimal blood because it was being washed out with the free flowing saltwater thru the scuppers (drain pipes). I also observed Injured1’s right hand/ wrist was wrapped with his t-shirt keeping his hand attached to his arm. I also saw EMS was working on controlling the blood flow of his right leg which was also lacerated/ damaged deeply in the upper outside right thigh. I had a tourniquet that I gave to rescue to stop the bleeding of his leg and Officer#1 gave her tourniquet to rescue for the right hand. Both had to be used to control the blood flow. Officer#1 also identified the driver as Operator1, and I asked the other passenger her information and she identified herself as Passenger2, 
While we were assisting with Fire and EMS I made some visual observations of the vessel including position of Injured1 and Passenger2 who was sitting by Injured1’s right side between the lean post and the starboard gunwale (right side of the boat). The driver was identified as Operator1 and I asked him some questions during the confusion as to what happened and was he driving, he told me that the boat ran over Injured1 but at the time didn't admit to operating the boat. He stated that he was concerned for his friend. I did not detect any loss of faculties from drinking and only observed a few beer cans lying around the boat; this was confirmed later in the investigation. I also took down the registration number which was FL-xxxx-xx. 
Having obtained Operator1's identity and the vessel information, he departed the fuel dock at the marina to return the vessel to its dock and per our conversation check on the well being of Injured1. 
I next spoke with Passenger2 (one of the passengers) and she advised the following, she stated that this occurred offshore around some rocks maybe a mile away and Operator1 was driving fast, around 40 mph and made a hard left turn and Injured1 (who was standing to the right of Operator1 behind the console) was thrown from the boat and that Operator1 ran him over. Much after that was incoherent as Passenger2 was extremely upset and crying. Officer#1 then took Passenger2 home after Fire Rescue checked her out. 
The next day 07/18/2016 Detective#1 contacted the owner of the vessel and he asked him if Operator1 had permission to use his boat and he stated "No". Refer to Detective#1's follow up report for further information in reference to a stolen vessel investigation. Officer#2 followed up on this investigation as it was my assigned days off and he obtained a sworn statement from Passenger2. After almost a day Passenger2 had a chance to calm down and she responded to Officer#2's questions with a clear mind. She stated that Operator1 was driving and was inside of caxambas pass near marker 7 by Shipps Landing travelling around 40 mph (she estimated) when Operator1 started a hard turn to the left and that's when Injured1 fell out of the boat under the force of the turn. At this point the prop ran over Injured1 as Operator1 was attempting to stop the boat. 
Officer#2  met with Operator1 on 07/19/2016 and had him fill out a sworn statement as to what happened during the vessel accident. Operator1 stated he was coming into Caxambas Pass and started to turn towards Dickmans point, which is a slight turn to starboard (right) then Injured1 said "no, turn around" so Operator1 turned hard to the left and that is when Injured1 fell out of the boat. The boat then traveled a


BARDID: FL-2016-0351
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: PALM BEACH GARDENS
County: PALM BEACH
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
VESSEL 2 WAS PROPERLY DOCKED AT THE WATER WAY CAFE. THE VESSEL WAS NOT OCCUPIED AND THE BOW WAS FACING NORTH. VESSEL 1 WAS DOCKING BEHIND VESSEL 2. 

VESSEL 1 FAILED TO STOP AND ITS BOW WENT BETWEEN BOTH ENGINES OF VESSEL 2. THERE IS A LARGE MARK ON THE BOW OF VESSEL 1 BELOW THE BOW PULPIT. THERE IS DAMAGE TO BOTH ENGINE COVERS ON VESSEL 2 AND THE PORT ENGINE WILL NOT TRIM UP.


BARDID: FL-2016-0352
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:42:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CHOCTAWHATCHEE BAY
NearestCityorTown: DESTIN
County: OKALOOSA
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was traveling south, at slow speed, turning to the east. V2 was anchored, facing west. While turning, V1 struck V2 with the starboard side, near the stern. The point of impact on V2 was the front of the starboard aluminum pontoon. V1 sustained about a 2x2 inch through hole damage to the fiberglass. V2 sustained multiple dents and a bent pontoon. There were not any injuries reported and the combined estimated damage for both vessel is $2000. 

On 07/04/2016, at about 1540 hrs, Officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) were on water patrol at Crab Island (Okaloosa County). We subject1 at Crab Island in East Pass, from the strong tidal current and brought him aboard our patrol vessel. His wife made contact with us while she was operating a personal watercraft ( KA221XB ). She agreed to lead us to the vessel Subject1 came from. She stated the vessel was anchored on Crab Island. Our intent was to follow her to the vessel so we could safely deliver Subject1, who was highly intoxicated, aboard his vessel. After following Operator1 for about 10 mins, it was obvious she was unable to locate the vessel. At that point, Operator1 agreed to search for the vessel, by driving around, and come back to tell us where it was located.

While Operator1 was turning east, from the south, at slow speed, the starboard side near the stern of her personal watercraft struck an anchored occupied rental pontoon vessel (FL5125PM ), which was facing west. 

The pontoon boat was rented from Sea Chase, located at 721 Legion Dr. Destin, FL 32541. The two occupants aboard the anchored vessel were identified.  

The point of contact on the pontoon boat was the front tip of the starboard pontoon. The personal watercraft sustained a through hole about 2 x 2 inches damage to the fiberglass (See pictures).The pontoon boat sustained damage to the front of the aluminum pontoon. Where were several dents on both sides of the pontoon and the front tip was bent to the right (See pictures). There were not any injuries reported and I observed the accident occur. The accident occurred about 400 yards north of the Destin Bridge and about 1/4 mile northwest of East Pass Marina, located at 7 Calhoun Avenue Destin, FL 32541. At the time of the accident, there was heavy vessel traffic, strong winds and strong tidal current. The seas were about 12 inches and a thunderstorm was quickly approaching. 

When asked, Operator1 stated she did not see the vessel prior to impact.


BARDID: FL-2016-0353
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: LAYTON
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 10th 2016, I, Officer received a report from FWC dispatch regarding a vessel which had hit a channel marker in Islamorada and had been able to return to shore, being put on a trailer at Fiesta Key campground at mile marker 70, Monroe County Florida.

	At approximately 0100 hrs I responded from the 52 mile marker and arrived at Fiesta Ky campground to find  a vessel identified by its Florida Registration as FL9600HJ on a trailer.  I observed the port bow of the vessel to be severely damaged, as well as some areas along the port side.  I located the owner/operator to confirm that he and all the occupants were accounted for and not hurt.  

	I asked Operator1 what happened and he told me, also documenting it on a statement form.  Operator1 informed me he had left the dock at Fiesta Key campground approximately 2300hrs, passed under the Channel 5 bridge heading towards Tennessee Reef to go fishing.  He was using his GPS to aim for Marker 44, which put his heading line right through another channel marker.  Operator1 informed me he saw the green marker approximately 10ft away but was unable to slow down in time.  He was operating at approximately 3300 RPM, around 27-28 knots.  The marker had no working lights.

	After hitting the marker, Operator1 informed me he stopped, checked his occupants and boat, saw major damage and returned to the dock.  While making his way back to the dock, Operator1 realized he was taking on water and arranged with people on shore to have his vessel trailer ready.  Once back to the dock, he put the vessel on the trailer without further incident.

	I documented the incident with pictures and taking Operator1 statement.  Operator1 informed me that he did not have insurance.


BARDID: FL-2016-0354
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:49:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: HOMOSASSA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: HOMOSASSA
County: CITRUS
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator1 stated that he was following V-2 in the Homosassa River, as they passed channel marker # 70 V-2 began to suddenly slow down. Operator1 advised that he slowed his boat and “jammed it into reverse” and “turned his wheel” but, was unable to avoid striking the rear of vessel V-2. 

I observed minor damage to bow of Operator1’s vessel that was consistent with his statement. I then spoke with the four passengers that were on vessel and they all gave the same account of what happened. 

While I was at the Marina another vessel (V-3) approached me and advised that V-2 was accelerating and deaccelerating while it was traveling in the in the river. The operator of V-3,  stated that he passed V-2 on one side and another vessel passed on another side to avoid a collision with V-2.

I then met with the operator of V-2. She stated that she was in bound in the Homosassa River traveling at a slow speed, as she passed channel marker # 70 V-1 struck the rear of her vessel. I observed damage to the fiberglass cowling and the control linkage that connects the hydraulic steering cylinder to the motor was missing. The motor also appeared to be slightly off center.


BARDID: FL-2016-0355
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE FLORENCE
NearestCityorTown: MONTVERDE
County: LAKE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/4/16 at approximately 3:30 PM, I was dispatched to a boating accident which occurred on Lake Florence which is located in the city of Montverede in Lake County. I arrived on scene at 5:30 PM and met with the owner of vessel 2 (V2). V2 owner stated that his vessel was docked when it was struck by a vessel underway. V2 owner showed me where his vessel and lift were damaged from the accident. V2 owner did not witness the accident but he was called by a witness to the accident when it occurred.


BARDID: FL-2016-0356
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: ST JOHNS RIVER
NearestCityorTown: ORANGE CITY
County: VOLUSIA
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 1500 hours on 07/14/16, a 24 YOA Hispanic male was ejected from an overturned canoe and drowned on the St Johns River in Volusia County.  The subjects were at Blue Springs State Park for a family reunion.  The canoe was rented from the vendor at Blue Springs State Park, and they were issued the proper safety gear.  Subject1 was in the rear of the canoe while Subject2 was at the bow.  They reportedly were having trouble controlling the canoe.  The canoe overturned and both subjects were ejected into the water.  Subject2 threw a personal floation device (PFD) towards Subject1, but he pushed it away.  Subject1 panicked and began to struggle.  Subject2 tried to assist, but was unable to gain control of Subject1.  When Subject2 turned back in Subject1's direction, Subject1 was gone from sight.  Subject1's body was recovered by the Volusia County Dive Team at 1845 hours.  Subject1: Cause of death appears to be accidental drowning.


BARDID: FL-2016-0357
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LITTLE LAKE HARRIS
NearestCityorTown: ASTATULA
County: LAKE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
CASE SUMMARY
    					    BOAT FIRE
				           

					     SYNOPSIS

On Saturday, May 7, 2016, at approximately 1300 hrs, a vessel fire occurred at the boat ramp on little Lake Harris in the town of Astatula, Lake County Florida.  Involved was a 2000 year model, 17’ United Marine Corp Sea Sport center console vessel with three persons on board.  The vessel was launched at the Astatula boat ramp and secured to the floating dock. A short time later the operator attempted to start the vessel. The operator turned the ignition key to the “on” position and said that he heard a noise that sounded like sparking. Moments later an explosion erupted from the center console blowing the door off and throwing flames toward the occupants of the vessel. The three occupants on board received first and second degree burns as a result of the fire. The occupants were transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center and Arnold Palmer Hospital for children. The explosion was a result of fuel vapor buildup within the center console.


					INVESTIGATION

INVESTIGATION CHRONOLOGY
Saturday, May 7, 2016
•	1311 hours-Call comes into the FWC Communications Center as a boat fire at the Astatula boat ramp with injuries.
•	1311 hours-Lake County Fire Department squad XX and XXX is on scene at Astatula boat ramp. F.D. Case #XXXXXX
•	1321 hours-FWC Officer1 and Officer2 are on scene at Astatula boat ramp securing scene and taking witness 	statements.
•	1337 hours-Two victims are airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center and one victim airlifted to Arnold Palmer 	Children’s Hospital.
•	1409 hours-FWC Investigator1 arrives at Astatula boat ramp.
•	1506 hours-FWC Investigator2 arrives at Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital, Orlando and conducts interview with Relative1.
•	1538 hours-FWC Lieutenant1 arrives at Orlando Regional Medical Center, Orlando and conducts interviews with 	Operator of the vessel, Operator1 and Passenger1.
•	1605 hours-FWC Investigator2 conducts interview with the mother of the child who was victim to the vessel fire 	at Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital.
•	1605 hours-FWC Investigator1 speaks with hospital staff and is notified that the three victim’s received first 	and second degree burns and would be released that same day from medical care.
•	1649 hours- FWC Investigator3 is on scene at Astatula boat ramp.
•	1655 hours-FWC Investigator2 concludes interviews at hospital and is en route to Astatula boat ramp.
•	1739 hours-FWC Investigator2 is on scene at Astatula boat ramp.
•	Next hours spent gathering statements, identifying witnesses, examining and photographing vessel.
•	2207 hours-Vessel is transported by FWC Officer2 to the Eustis Fish Lab for temporary storage.
• 	5/8/2016 at 1239 hours-Investigator2 releases vessel to registered owner Operator1.

Vessel Description/Damage
Vessel 1 (V-1) is a 2000 year model 17’ United Marine Corp Sea Sport, Center console displaying Florida registration #FLXXXXXX with a Hull Identification #UMAXXXXXXXXX. The hull material and center console of the vessel is fiberglass. The vessel is powered by a Honda 115 bearing serial #BZBD-XXXXXXX. The operator was identified as Operator1. 
The vessel caught fire causing extensive fiberglass hull damage. During the boat fire the vessel sank.

OPERATOR-INJURIES/PASSENGER INJURIES
V-1 Operator1, received first and second degree burns on his right arm and right leg. Passenger2 and Passenger1 received first and second degree burns. Both Operator1 and his daughter Passenger2 were treated and released from Orlando Regional Medical Center the same day, May 7, 2016. Passenger1 remained at Orlando Regional Medical Center.


BARDID: FL-2016-0358
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: MARCO RIVER
NearestCityorTown: MARCO ISLAND
County: COLLIER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 PWC operator ran over a wake on plane at around 40 mph and became airborne. Operator collided with the steering column upon impact with the water and sustained head injuires and ejected from PWC. Operator was brought to shore by a citizen and transported to hospital by EMS. The subject was transported to NCH Downtown where doctors advised he suffered forehead and cheek lacerations, a minor depressed skull fracture and bilateral orbital bone fractures:The subject was transported to NCH Downtown where doctors advised he suffered forehead and cheek lacerations, a minor depressed skull fracture and bilateral orbital bone fractures


BARDID: FL-2016-0359
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SUWANNEE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: BRANFORD
County: SUWANNEE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/25/16 at approximately 1745 hours, V1 operated by Operator1 and passengers Passenger1 (wife) and Passenger2 were traveling north on the Suwannee River, within the boundaries of Suwannee County.  Tuber1 (Victim) and his son, Tuber2 were on an inner-tube which was being pulled by V1.  The boat apparently made a turn (180 degree turn) and caused the tube to veer hard to the starboard (right) side of the vessel, heading in the direction of a low lying (partially submerged / fallen) tree near the riverbank.   Tuber2 bailed off the tube, prior to being tossed in the direction of the tree.  Tuber1 (victim) was slung off the tube and made contact with the low lying tree near the riverbank.  After the accident, Tuber1 was taken to SW Ivey Memorial Park Dr, Branford, FL, where an emergency crew loaded him into an ambulance and transported (air lifted) him to UF Health Shands Emergency Room / Trauma Center in Gainesville, Florida for treatment.   Tuber1 suffered several broken ribs, lacerated liver and a collapsed / punctured lung (left).  He remained hospitalized at UF Health Shands Hospital.   PFD's were worn at the time of the accident.
; Tuber1 suffered several broken ribs, lacerated liver and a collapsed / punctured lung (left).  He remained hospitalized at UF Health Shands Hospital.   PFD's were worn at the time of the accident.


BARDID: FL-2016-0360
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:16:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: APALACHICOLA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: APALACHICOLA
County: FRANKLIN
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 22, 2016, I, Officer of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, responded to a boating accident with injuries at the 10 ft. hole boat ramp in Apalachicola, FL.  When we arrived on-scene, I observed what appeared to be a 20 ft. recreational fishing vessel that had crashed into the port side of a 45 ft. house boat.  

The stern of the vessel was underwater and the bow of the vessel was stuck into the port side of the house boat.  Two of the occupants that were on the fishing vessel were at the scene of the accident when we arrived.  The operator of the vessel as well as another occupant were transported to Weems Memorial Hospital in Apalachicola, FL.  

We conducted our investigation at the scene, took photographs, as well as gathered statements from the two occupants.  We then proceeded to Weems Memorial Hospital to gather witness statements from the operator and other occupant.  After gathering their statements, we proceeded back to the scene of the accident to observe Sea Tow recover the vessel.  After the vessel was placed back on the trailer, we took more pictures of the damaged fishing vessel as well as the damaged house boat.

We asked SUBJECT what happened and he said "they we was traveling south down the Apalachicola River.  I was driving, occupant1 was next to me, and our sons were sitting at the bow of the boat in bean bag chairs facing me.  I was messing with my GPS and when I looked up I saw the piling to the dock.  We hit the piling and then T-boned a house boat.  I made sure everyone was okay.  We then go off the vessel and that’s when I called 911".  I asked Operator what injuries he sustained during the accident and he stated that he had a laceration to his left foot and had to receive 13 staples.

After speaking with Operator, occupant1 was released.  We interviewed one son and he stated that "I was sitting on a bean bag chair with my eyes closed and I felt the boat lift up.  When I opened my eyes there was glass everywhere and we were in a house boat. I was checking to see if everyone was alright and I saw blood.  Everybody then got off the boat and operator called 911".  

I asked the son what kind of injuries he sustained during the accident and he stated he had a laceration to his right forearm that required 10 stitches. 


BARDID: FL-2016-0361
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: WIGGINS PASS
NearestCityorTown: NAPLES
County: COLLIER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel caught fire as sea tow was attempting to re fuel a water pump. I learned that they spent most of the day attempting to lift the Sea Ray from the sandbar so that they could tow it in to land. They had 3 pumps on the swim platform of the partially submerged vessel, one on the port side, one in the center, and one on the starboard side. The center pump was a 3 inch pump, while the two on the outside were 2 inch pumps. There was a sea tow vessel tied of to the Sea Ray’s port side, as well as a Sea Tow Vessel on the Sea Ray’s starboard side. 

I learned that three people were all on board the partially submerged vessel, while Subject1 was on board the Sea Tow vessel that was on the starboard side of the Sea Ray. While the Sea Tow employees were working, they noticed that the starboard pump had run out of gas, and was not currently pumping water. Subject2 was attempting to refill the pump, while it was still hot, and the gas ignited into flames. The fire caused burns to Subject2’s chest and abdomen area. Subject2 jumped into the water for his safety, and was helped onto the Sea Tow boat by Subject1. Everyone else went onto the Sea Tow vessels, and got away from the fire as fast as possible. The Sea Tow workers then called 911 for help and to report the incident. 
The fire spread throughout the vessel, and caused major damage to the vessel. Fire rescue crews were able to put out the fire in a relatively short amount of time.

Victim: Burns and blisters on abdomen and chest.


BARDID: FL-2016-0362
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: ST. AUGUSTINE
County: SAINT JOHNS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday morning, July 10, 2016, at approximately 00:50  hours, FWC dispatch received  a call from St. Augustine Police Department regarding a vessel that had struck a channel marker in the ICW, north of the Bridge of Lions, in St. Augustine.  The vessel, later identified as FL9496NA, had 7 occupants including the operator.   


BARDID: FL-2016-0363
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE BEHIND AIRPORT HILTON HOT
NearestCityorTown: WEST PALM BEACH
County: PALM BEACH
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 8, 2016, at approximately 2000, Operator1 was operating a jet ski behind the Airport Hilton Hotel. Due to his inexperience, Operator1 squeezed the throttle, thinking it was a brake. The jet ski increased its speed and collided with a tree on an embankment. 

On July 8, 2016, at approximately 2000 hrs, Operator1 (DOB xxxxx), was operating a jet ski on the lake behind the Airport Hilton, West Palm Beach, FL. Operator1 was an inexperienced vessel operator, having operated a jet ski "a few times". Due to his inexperience, he squeezed the throttle, thinking it was a brake. The jet ski sped up and collided with a tree on an embankment. Operator1 was the only occupant of the jet ski, and was taken to safety by an unknown good Samaritan vessel.  He was admitted to St. Mary's Hospital in West Palm Beach with head lacerations, a broken forearm and body contusions. The injuries were not life threatening.
; Operator1:  The broken bone was the subjects right forearm. The head lacerations were treated with stitches. The head injury consisted of contusions (bumps) and lacerations.


BARDID: FL-2016-0364
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SANTA ROSA SOUND
NearestCityorTown: FT. WALTON BEACH
County: OKALOOSA
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 and V2 were recreationally cruising when the wake from an unknown vessel caused V1 to roll and yaw to the right causing the starboard bow of V1 to strike the port bow of V2. 

Operator1 stated that he and Operator2 were operating their PWC's approximately 15' apart and going approximately 15-20 mph. Operator1 stated that the wake for another vessel caused his PWC to turn towards PWC2 causing the vessels to collide. Operator1 stated that at the time of the accident he was the only person on board V1. Operator1 stated that after the collision Operator2 held up his left hand and all he could see was blood but was not able to determine what part or parts of the vessel caused the injury to Operator2. 

When asked, Operator1 stated that he had not taken a boaters safety course. Operator1 stated that when the vessel was rented, another female was with him who had taken the boaters safety exam; however, she had fallen off prior to the collision and Operator1 had brought her to shore. After dropping the female off on shore, Operator1 took the vessel out onto the water by himself. Later the collision occurred.

Photographs of V1 and V2 were obtained (see attached) and Operator1 was issued a Uniform Boating Citation for not complying with the boaters education law and a warning for violation of navigational rules #5 (no proper lookout) and rule #5 (safe speed). I then cleared the scene.

Later, Inv. advised that Operator2 provided her with a similar account of the boating accident and documented Operator2 injuries. Inv. stated that Operator2 had a laceration to his left hand ring finger with partial de-gloving. Inv. also stated that Operator2's passenger received very minor lacerations to her left forearm and lower left leg but refused treatment.


BARDID: FL-2016-0365
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: PENSACOLA
County: ESCAMBIA
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Two PWCs collided in the Quietwater Beach area.  Vessel one and two were rented jet skis cruising and V2 was overtaken by V1 ejecting all three occupants into the water.  There were no injuries.


BARDID: FL-2016-0366
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE IDA
NearestCityorTown: DELRAY BEACH
County: PALM BEACH
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 17 July, 2016 vessel 2, a PWC, was being operated and idling by Subject1, Vessel 1 (unidentified vessel) struck vessel 2 on the port side causing damage to the PWC and injuries to the fingers and arm of victim.

Subject1 advised me he arrived at Lake Ida park at 1330 hours, that the vessel collision occurred at approximately 1530 hours, and it occurred near the public beaches on the south western side of the lake.  Subject1 advised that three PWC’s were racing from the southern end of the lake heading north, and that as he was watching the race the PWC that was closest to him veered towards him and collided with Subject1’s PWC as he dove into the water. Subject1 described the striking vessel as a newer blue and black Yamaha PWC with white stripes and a black hull operated by a black male between the ages of 35 and 45.  Subject1 advised that he did not personally know the operator of the striking PWC and that he was unable to identify any FL numbers on the striking vessel. Subject1 had lacerations to his fingers which required stitches and a swollen arm that was placed in a sling at Delray Medical Center.


BARDID: FL-2016-0367
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:38:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC
NearestCityorTown: MICCO
County: BREVARD
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 16th, 2016 I, Officer#1 of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissions (FWC) was off duty when at approximately 1237 hours I received a call from dispatch in reference to capsized vessel at Sebastian Inlet. FWC dispatch advised there was no units available and requested if I could respond. At that time I began heading to Sebastian Inlet. Dispatch informed me that there were three occupants on the vessel and went into the water with life jackets. They also informed that two of the occupants were picked up by another vessel and taken to Christiansen’s Landing Boat Ramp. The captain remained with the boat until Sea Tow arrived to help escort the vessel. At that time I began heading to Christiansen’s Landing Boat Ramp to meet up with the two occupants.
At approximately 1348 hours FWC Officer#2 and I arrived at Christiansen’s Landing Boat Ramp. Upon arrival we met with the two occupants of the vessel. One of occupants, who was positively identified as Passenger1 by Driver License’s number xxxx, was dry heaving and began vomiting blood. He informed us that he had swallowed a large amount of saltwater. At that time I requested EMS to come check on Passenger1. At approximately 1403 hours EMS arrived on scene. The other occupant, which was positively identified as Passenger2 by Florida Diver License’s number xxxx, was alright and explained that the vessel took on water from some waves in the Sebastian Inlet and capsized. At that time we were informed that the vessel was getting towed into Main Street Boat Ramp in Sebastian by Sea Tow. Passenger1 was transported by EMS to Palm Bay Hospital. 
We arrived at Main Street Boat Ramp at approximately 1518 hours. While waiting for the vessel to be towed in I had Passenger2 fill out an agency issued sworn written statement. See attached statement. At approximately 1535 hours the vessel arrived at the boat ramp. At that time the vessel was positively identified by Georgia registration numbers GAxxxxxx. At that time I began to photograph the vessel. See attached photographs. The operator and owner the vessel, which was positively identified as Operator1 by his name and date of birth, was alright with no injuries. I then had Operator1 fill out an agency issued sworn witness statement. See attached statement.
On July 17th, 2016 I went to Passenger1’s home address to meet with him. Passenger1 stated he was feeling a lot better after being released from the hospital. At that time I had Passenger1 fill out an agency issued sworn written statement. See attached statement. 
No citations or infractions were issued to Operator1 due to the cause of the accident was due to weather conditions. ; Passenger1:  The above listed individual was dry heaving and vomiting. Subject stated he swallowed a good amount of saltwater. Individual was transported by EMS to Palm Bay Hospital.


BARDID: FL-2016-0368
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-04-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:00:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: TARPON BASIN
NearestCityorTown: KEY LARGO
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was traveling southbound in Dusenberry Creek. As V1 entered Tarpon Basin, V1 struck red channel marker 44 on it's port side and caused the vessel to overturn. The operator was trapped underneath the vessel. He was recovered by the MCSO dive team.  Subject was found deceased under capsized vessel.


BARDID: FL-2016-0369
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF STATE WATERS
NearestCityorTown: KEY WEST
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 7, 2016 at approximately 1330, Officer#2 and I, Officer#1 responded to a boating accident that occurred at Key West Harbor. I met with the injured family at Lower Keys Medical center. I spoke with the husband of Operator1 (Operator of the PWC). He told me that his wife while operating the PWC in the area of Key West Harbor, jumped a wave and when she landed, Operator1 commence to feel back pain and tingling in fingers and arms. At that moment they returned to the dock and the ambulance was called and transported to the Lower Keys Medical Center.  At approximately 1500 hours I spoke with Fury Management Inc.  personnel and the two of the tour guides. They gave witness statements and all pertaining documents for this accident. On the following day July 08, 2016, I spoke with Operator1 and she  gave a sworn statement of what occurred on the day of the accident. 

Operator1 was diagnosed with strained back muscles.; Operator1 after she jumped a wave in Key West harbor, commence complaining to have back pain and tingling arms and fingers.


BARDID: FL-2016-0370
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 02:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ST. AUGUSTINE INLET
NearestCityorTown: ST. AUGUSTINE
County: SAINT JOHNS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 (11ft jet ski) was heading South on the ICW, struck a sandbar, and the operator was ejected onto the sandbar.  The operator was transported to Flagler Hospital for possible head injuries.

According to eye witnesses, at the time of impact:
V1 was heading South on the ICW at speeds of approximately 30-35mph when V1 struck the sandbar,  skid on the top of the sandbar for approximately 20-35 yards and the operator was ejected.  The operator lay on the ground motionless, appearing to be unconscious for around 1-2 minutes, before the operator began to move.  Shortly after, Officer#1 and Officer#2 appeared on scene.

Officer#2 spoke to Operator1, asked for her name and who she was there with.  Operator1 had trouble remembering where she was and said her parents were at Aunt Kate's (restaurant).  She also had trouble remembering her cell phone number.  Officer#2 continuously tried to have Operator1 sit down and let him check to see if she was okay, but kept refusing treatment.  Officer#2 did not notice any signs of impairment. Officer#2 made contact with Operator1's parents and found out they were at Julia's Island (aka Bird Island).  Officer#1 went to Julia's Island and brought Operator1's dad, and the owner of the jet ski, to the scene. 

The Sheriff's Office marine unit brought EMS to the scene.  Operator1 accepted treatment from EMS and was transported to Flagler Hospital.  

Myself and Officer#3 arrived at the hospital at 1613 hours.  I spoke to Operator1 to get the information for the boating accident report.  

I read Operator1 FWC's recorded statement outline, which included Miranda Rights and Operator1 provided a recorded statement.  Operator1 stated the following:
- She was operating the jet ski
- She was not familiar with the area
- She has never taken a boating safety course
- She has experience operating jet ski's
- She has experience operating the jet ski she was on; Operator1 was ejected from the PWC and sustained scrapes on her both of her knees and chin.  Per witnesses, she was also unconscious for approximately two minutes.


BARDID: FL-2016-0371
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: BISCAYNE BAY
NearestCityorTown: KEY BISCAYNE
County: MIAMI-DADE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 10, 2016 at approximately 1325 hours, while on state water patrol in the area of Nixon Beach/Mashta Point Sandbar, I was approached by a yellow Personal Water Craft (PWC), identified by Florida vessel registration number FL1090PT (V1). 

The operator of V1 and the occupant of V1 reported that they were involved in a boating accident with another PWC, which had fled the scene. Neither occupant of V1 reported to have any injuries.

The hit and run PWC (V2) was described as green, white, and black in color, and operated by a white male wearing a white long-sleeve shirt, with a white female with black hair riding as a passenger.

I followed V1 to vessel, which was anchored closer to the sandbar, to more safely take the report. At this time, I did not make visual contact with any PWC matching the description of V2.

The owner of V was on the anchored vessel, and provided me with the vessel insurance information. 

V1 Operator provided a Sworn Written Statement describing the incident. Operator1 stated that he and Occupant were riding the PWC (V1) together when they fell off of the PWC into the water. As they were swimming back to V1, a distance of approximately 30 feet, V2 collided with V1's starboard side. Operator1 advised the operator of V2 to stay, at which point V2 fled the scene. Operator1 also stated that he believed the operator to be wearing a white sweater, and both the male operator and the female occupant appeared to be approximately 40-45 years old.

V1 occupant provided a Sworn Written Statement describing the incident. Occupant stated that he and Operator1 were riding V1 together, when they both fell into the water. As they were swimming toward V1, V2 struck V1. Occupant described V2 as a Kawasaki green and white PWC, operated by an older man wearing a long-sleeve white shirt, and an older woman. Occupant also stated that he believed the Florida vessel registration numbers for V2 to be FL5730RB, based on a PWC he had seen matching the V2 description.

Key Biscayne Police Department Marine Patrol (KBPD) was on scene assisting by patrolling the area looking for PWCs matching the V2 description. I provided KBPD with the updated description and possible Florida registration numbers. KBPD did not make contact with any vessels matching the V2 description. 

Based on the physical damage evidence of V1's starboard gunwale, and the statements provided by Operator1 and Occupant, I can conclude that V1 was impacted on the starboard side gunwale above the rub rail, resulting in cracked gel coat and a gouge exposing fiberglass fabric.

 V1 was adrift, with its bow pointing North. V2 likely approached from a near perpendicular angle heading westbound, and collided with V1 at a slow rate of speed. V2 was said to have been settled in the water while making way. V2's bow likely caused the damage to V1's starboard gunwale. 

V2 was never identified, and therefore could not be contacted, nor specified throughout this investigation. I find no violations attributable to V1. I find V2, at minimum, to be in violation of Careless Operation in congested waters, No Proper Lookout, and Operator Inattention/ Inexperience.

Photographs were taken of V1 starboard gunwale damages. All events occured in Miami Dade County.


BARDID: FL-2016-0372
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: HOLIDAY
County: PASCO
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/10/2016 at approximately 3:40 PM, I was dispatched to a boating accident that occurred on North Bar, just North of Anclote Key Island.  OFFICER#1 (FWC) and OFFICER#2 (FWC) were also dispatched and responded to the island in separate vessels.  I was notified through FWC Dispatch, that the injured individual (later identified as Injured1) was injured by the propeller of a vessel (V1) (later identified bearing FLxxxxxx).  Dispatch notified me that Injured1 was going to be transported from North Bar to Anclote River Park boat ramp.  I arrived at Anclote River Park boat ramp at approximately 4:10 PM.  Pasco County Sheriff's Office Deputies were on scene and EMS arrived at approximately 4:15 PM.

At the hospital I met with the other two occupants on board the vessel at the time of the incident.  They advised that while trying to leave the sand bar, the stern anchor was up and the bow anchor was down.  The current was pushing the stern of the vessel towards an adjacent anchored vessel.  Injured1 was in the water to prevent the vessels from contacting one another.  Operator1 started the motor and put it in reverse in an attempt to prevent vessel contact, not knowing that Injured1 had moved to the rear of the motor at that same time.  Injured1 was pulled into the propeller by his shorts and spun around violently.  Passenger1 yelled, Operator1 turned off the motor and jumped in the water.  He was forced to cut the clothing material to free Injured1.  Operator1 along with multiple bystanders moved Injured1 to shore where they applied a tourniquet to slow the bleeding.  OFFICER#1 arrived to transport shortly thereafter. 

On 7/14/2016 at approximately 4:30 PM, I met with Injured1 to obtain a written statement.  Due to his injuries, he was unable to write.  He dictated, while I transcribed the events of the incident.  Injured1 was able to read over the completed statement and sign.  Injured1 advised he was in the water to pull the stern anchor.  After pulling the anchor, he had one hand on the ladder and one on the top of the motor in an effort to pull himself on board.  The engine started and he tried to get everyone's attention.  When the motor was put into reverse, it tangled his shorts, pulled him in, and drug him under water.  The engine was shut off, where witnesses took him to shore until help arrived.    

On 7/14/2016 at approximately 5:00 PM, I spoke with RN#1, reference Injured1's injuries.  She advised he sustained complex lacerations to the bilateral buttocks and right medial thigh.  Lacerations exposed, but did not sever the femoral artery.  He currently has 3 drains inserted into his wounds.  Injured1 also sustained a laceration to his right hand.  There was no nerve or artery damage.

    ; Injured1:On 7/14/2016 at approximately 5:00 PM, I spoke with RN#1, reference Injured1's injuries.  She advised he sustained complex lacerations to the bilateral buttocks and right medial thigh.  Lacerations exposed, but did not sever the femoral artery.  He currently has 3 drains inserted into his wounds.  Injured1 also sustained a laceration to his right hand.  There was no nerve or artery damage.


BARDID: FL-2016-0373
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: TAMPA BAY
NearestCityorTown: RIVERVIEW
County: HILLSBOROUGH
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/17/16 at approximately 1105 hours a single vessel accident with no injuries occurred in Tampa Bay at the mouth of the Alafia River. The vessel, a 15' 1977 Sportcraft, had 5 persons on board when it struck an underwater object causing the transom to break, which then caused the vessel to sink. The subjects were picked up by a good samaritan and returned to shore.

The accident had occurred as Operator was operating his vessel on plane in Tampa Bay at the mouth of the Alafia River, returning to Williams Park Boat Ramp. As Operator was about to pass channel marker #14 he struck something in the water with his outboard, which caused the vessel's transom to break apart from the vessel. Operator stated that water then quickly filled the vessel leaving only enough time to retrieve life jackets for the occupants before sinking.
A good samaritan vessel that was passing by stopped and picked up Operator and his passengers and transported them back to the boat ramp. Operator stated that he had previously replaced the floor in the vessel and that it had no built in flotation which he believes caused it to sink quickly.


BARDID: FL-2016-0374
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:07:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: SANTA FE RIVER
NearestCityorTown: LAKE BUTLER
County: UNION
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS:

On Friday, May 27, 2016, Union County Sheriff’s Office advised of a boating accident that occurred on New River west of County Road 231. At approximately 1304 hours the body of a white male, identified as victim1 was recovered. There was fishing and safety equipment in the vessel and appeared the individual was frog gigging at the time of the incident. No sign of any trauma to the victim or damage to the vessel was observed. It is unknown if the subject had any health issues at the time of this incident. The body was removed from the water by Officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife, Bradford County Sheriff Department, Union County Sheriff Department and Investigator1 from the District 8 Medical Examiner's Office.  The body was transported to the District 8 Medical Examiner’s Office to determine a cause of death.

a good samaritain in a canoe found the deceased floating in the river approximately 100 yards from his vessel.  :PRELIMINARY AUTOPSY FINDINGS: o	Hyper expanded Lungs  o	Clear fluid in sphenoid / ethmoid sinuses o	Obesity   Provisional cause of death: Pending completion of laboratory studies, estimated to be completed 8/31/16.


BARDID: FL-2016-0375
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: JOHNS LITTLE ACRE
NearestCityorTown: EBRO
County: WASHINGTON
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
A single vessel collision occured on John's Little Acre off Choctawhatchee River in Washington County, FL.  V1 was traveling southwest along the west shore.  The Occupant noticed they were headed towards the trees and shouted to the Operator who was looking down.  V1 struck a tree causing the trolling motor to be broke free from its bow mounted position.  The Skeg of the trolling motor broke off.  The starboard bow also sustained a dent to it.

	The Operator of V1 hit the trees with his head and was partially ejected.  The Occupant drove them back to shore and up to a local establishment to call 911.  The Operator refused medical treatment from EMS.  Later the operator told FWC officers he would have his friend drive him to the hospital to be checked out.  Subject recieved stitches to the side of his head.; Operator:  Subject initaly refused treatment by EMS. Later agreed to go to hospital by  POV


BARDID: FL-2016-0376
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: PENSACOLA BAY
NearestCityorTown: GULF BREEZE
County: SANTA ROSA
WaterConditions: Choppy
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was traveling south when Vessel 2 and Vessel 3 went through the channel causing a wake. Vessel 1 capsized because of the wake.

The Captain of the capsized vessel stated he was driving back toward the channel to go under the Bob Sikes Bridge and head east when two larger vessels passed in front of him creating a big wake that he did not see coming.  He went over one wake and the next wake came over the front of his vessel taking it down extremely fast.  He stated everyone was already holding on to life jackets and that’s when the Good Samaritan vessels came and picked everyone up out of the water.


BARDID: FL-2016-0377
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: GULFPORT
County: PINELLAS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/3/16 at approximately 1900 hours a single vessel accident occurred in Pasadena when a 32' sailboat under auxiliary power lost steering and struck a residential dock. Nobody was injured in the accident.


BARDID: FL-2016-0378
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE SENINOLE
NearestCityorTown: SNEADS
County: JACKSON
WaterConditions: Calm
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Restricted vision
AccidentCause2: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/3/2016 on Lake Seminole a vessel collision had occurred. The operator of vessel #1 was found to be named Operator1 and the operator of vessel #2 was found to be named Operator2. Throughout the investigation the damage to both vessels showed that vessel #1 made initial contact with vessel #2, and also that vessel #1 was the give way vessel and that vessel #2 was the stand on vessel. Before the collision it was found that the vessel #2 operator attempted to signal vessel #1 and also tried to steer out of vessel #1's path before the collision took place. This left vessel #1 as the at fault vessel. Operator1 was injured after the collision. Operator1 was issued a non-criminal infraction for violation of the Coast Guard navigation rule number 8 (action to avoid collision) and a warning for violation of navigation rule number 5 for no proper look out.

I spoke with Operator2 and he had informed me that he had noticed Vessel #1 coming in his direction from a distance. He stated that as vessel #1 got closer it had seemingly turned more into his direction. As vessel #1 turned into him he said that he had started slowing his vessel down, blew his air horn a few times, and attempted to turn right in order to avoid a collision with vessel #1. 
	Vessel #1's bow then collided with vessel #2's front port side and Operator1 was ejected. Operator2 stated that when Operator1 was ejected he had landed on the passenger side console of his bass boat and then fell into the water. Operator2 then found Operator1 and advised him to hang onto the side of his bass boat until help arrived. Another vessel approached and they secured Operator1 onto their vessel and brought Operator1 to the boat landing for medical treatment. Operator1 had a right hip fracture, right rib fractures, a sternal fracture, right side and right lip laceration's, a left hand abrasion, and also bruising to his right hip. He also found that the operator of vessel #1 (Operator1) possibly had Macular Degeneration after speaking with the medical staff, which is a disease that causes vision loss. ; Operator1: RIGHT HIP FRACTURE RIGHT RIBS FRACTURE STERNAL FRACTURE RIGHT SIDE AND RIGHT LIP LACERATIONS  LEFT HAND ABRASION BRUISING TO RIGHT HIP


BARDID: FL-2016-0379
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:09:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ICW
NearestCityorTown: CLEARWATER
County: PINELLAS
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
SYNOPSIS OF EVENTS: On Saturday, June 4, 2016 at approximately 2159 hrs. two vessels crashed in the Intracoastal waterway approximately 200 yards north of the Memorial Bridge. There were no injuries in this crash, INVESTIGATIVE ACTION: On the above date, time and location dispatch reported that there were two vessels in the water that had possibly crashed. It was also reported that there was possibly a subject In the water with unknown injuries. Upon arrival it was found that no one was ejected or In the water. There were no Injuries in this crash. The two vessels were still operable. 

DAMAGES: Vessel 1 had scratch marks on the port side bow, consistent with rear ending the starboard side of vessel 2, The vessel damage was estimated at approximately $1000 damages to the fiberglass. Vessel 2 had damage on the starboard side of his Yamaha motor and slight damages on the fiberglass of the port starboard side of the vessel. Vessel was estimated to have approximately $2000 damage to motor and fiberglass. 

SAFETY EQUIPMENT CHECK: Both vessels passed safety equipment checks. During the safety check I observed that the vessel 1 did not have on its mast light and it was screwed tight in the lowered position. It should be noted that the light did operate when it was turned on. 

STATEMENT FROM OPERATOR OF VESSEL 1: I spoke with the driver of the vessel 1. Operator1 told me the following: Operator1 stated that he was traveling northbound In the ICW and had just passed under the Memorial Bridge, He was approximately 200 yards north of the Memorial Bridge. He stated that he knew he was in a minimum wake zone however he was traveling approximately 15 mph with his bow pointed up in the air, He did not see vessel 2 and accidentally rear-ended vessel 2. There was one passenger on this vessel and she was not injured. Op had been drinking but was not over OUI 

STATEMENT FROM OPERATOR OF VESSEL 2: I then spoke with the operator of vessel 2. Operator2 stated that he was also traveling northbound in the ICW north of the Memorial Bridge. He turned around and observed vessel 1 traveling at approximately 15 to 20 mph and that it rear-ended his vessel damaging his Yamaha motor. 

DISPOSITION: I issued Operator1, operator of vessel 1 two citations: Citation #1-V 462871- Careless Operation FSS 327.33(2) Citation #2-V 462872- No Mast Light at night FSS 327,33(3) No further Information.


BARDID: FL-2016-0380
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:17:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: NAPLES
County: COLLIER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Unseen water hazard
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
The vessel was entering Wiggins Pass from the Gulf of Mexico passing day markers two and three. As the Operator passed the above markers, the depth went from 6 feet to 1.9 feet in depth causing the vessel to hit bottom. 

Immediately the vessel was put in reverse to back out from the potential grounding situation. In doing so, the out drives struck an object under the water causing a failure in the out drive. The starboard drive was knocked loose from the hull thus allowing water to enter the engine compartment. 

Subsequently with the water intrusion, both engines eventually lost power along with all electrical systems. The bilge pumps ceased working and eventually the vessel's hull filled with water causing it to sink Since the boat is still partially submerged, I have not had an opportunity to personally inspect the drives but was informed by a sea-tow diver that this is what he observed below the water, Should there be any discrepancies once the vessel is raised, I will submit a supplemental report indicating my findings. 

The pass has filled in drastically in the last 6 months and has become a hazard to navigation for many vessels entering and leaving the pass. Due to lack of this knowledge and area familiarization, the operator was not aware of the pass filling in with sediment causing shallow depths.


BARDID: FL-2016-0383
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-11 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: CAXAMBAS PASS
NearestCityorTown: MARCO ISLAND
County: COLLIER
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/11/2016 at approximately 4:00 PM I was dispatched to the area of 1100 S. Collier Blvd. on the water in reference to a reckless boat. It was reported that a vessel had struck the Green #7 Channel Marker in Caxambas Pass close to the Ships Landing Condominiums. The caller only heard a loud gunshot type noise and looked outside his balcony and saw a white Catamaran Style Vessel with 2 motors on it floating next to the downed pylon. The vessel had 2 words on its side, one being the word Swamp and the Second was unidentified. 

Upon arrival at the Caxambas Boat Ramp, I witnessed a vessel towing in the channel marker that had been hit. The captain of this vessel stated that a White Catamaran Style vessel with the name, "Swamp Anger on the side hit the Marker and knocked it over. It was also stated that the vessel had visible damage to the Port Bow. Both parties that were in the area stated that the vessel continued idling towards Landmark Bay after the pylon was broken. I was unable to locate the vessel, Swamp Angel on this day. 

On 6/15/2016, I was able to locate the Swamp Angel vessel. Upon further investigation, Operator stated that he did in fact strike the Green #7 Channel Marker in Caxambas pass on 6/11/2016. Operator stated that he was simply not paying attention to his surroundings and was distracted by another ship mate on his vessel. Operator stated that he was underway headed towards the Channel Marker at approximately 20mph and when he looked up and tried to turn right in order now to hit the marker it was too late. 

Operator's vessel, a 33ft World Cat with Twin Suzuki 300hp motors, struck the Channel Marker directly with the vessel's Port Bow Sponson, causing the Channel Marker to snap of at its base. Operator stated that he did not know who to call about this issue and asked a friend who is also a licensed Coast Guard Captain to ask and he did not know either. Operator then continued into his home without reporting this Vessel Crash with Property Damage. Operator stated that he was in fear for the safety of his passengers so he immediately took his boat back to his house. 

By leaving the scene of an Accident with Property Damage operator has violated State Statute 327.30(5) - It is unlawful for a person operating a vessel involved in an accident or injury to leave the scene of the accident or injury without giving all possible aid to all persons involved and making a reasonable effort to locate the owner or persons affected and subsequently complying with and notifying the appropriate law enforcement official as required under this section. Any person who violates this subsection with respect to an accident resulting in personal injury commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. Any person who violates this subsection with respect to an accident resulting in property damage only commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. 

Operator filed out a sworn statement and was given a Notice to Appear set for 7/15/2016 and 8:30PM.


BARDID: FL-2016-0384
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SAN CARLOS BAY
NearestCityorTown: FORT MYERS BEACH
County: LEE
WaterConditions: Rough
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 and V2 were traveling 30 mph northbound a long Ft. Myers Beach approximately 20 feet apart in high winds and rough seas. V1 hit a wave which turned his PWC to the left in front of V2. V2 struck V1 on the port side causing fiberglass damage to the vessels (approximately ($3000.00). Both subjects fell off the PWCs. No one was injured due to the crash.


BARDID: FL-2016-0385
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-05-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:09:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: DANIA CUT OFF CANAL
NearestCityorTown: DANIA BEACH
County: BROWARD
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 was docked at Harbour Towne Marina in slip A-3. A worker from Atlantic Yacht Management Service was on board cleaning deck plates when he smelled electrical burning. He exited vessel 1 and informed Atlantic Yacht Management Service manager of the situation. 

Subject called the fire department and responded over to the vessel where white smoke was now emanating from the yacht. The fire suppression system was able to extinguish the fire prior to Broward County Fire Rescue arriving on scene. The fire department boarded the vessel and confirmed the fire was out and had started as a non-suspicious electrical fire at the power inverter and no further arson investigation was needed. 

The owner of vessel was notified of the damage to his vessel. Owner was out of state but was reached landline. Subject estimated the damage to the vessel at $75,000.00 as the water maker, pressure washing system, power transformer, and miscellaneous hoses and belts were melted by the fire. The vessel had no visible exterior damage and was going to remain docked at the marina. Subject was issued a case card as he was in contact with the vessel owner and provided all the boat information. No additional at this time.


BARDID: FL-2016-0386
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-16 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:11:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: HUDSON
County: PASCO
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel #1 was operation westbound in the Hudson Entrance Channel. At one point, the vessel's starboard bow came in contact with the piling of dayboard marker #12R2 he vessel sustained damage to the starboard bow deck. Due to the impact of the boat striking the marker, the driver's console came loose from it's foundation, sending the operator and one passenger to the deck. Although damaged, the vessel was operational and the operator piloted the vessel to shore. One passenger sustained injury as a result of her body being thrown to the deck and was transported on the vessel to shore. Once vessel was moored, Fire / Rescue personnel transported her to the hospital for treatment. ;STRAINED BACK AND BRUISING TO BUTTOCKS


BARDID: FL-2016-0387
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: SAINT ANDREWS BAY
NearestCityorTown: PANAMA CITY INC
County: BAY
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Synopsis          Created 07/24/2016           Created by Ofc.#1



On 07/23/16, I, Ofc.#1 with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission received a call of a single vessel(wave runner) accident located near the Hathaway Bridge, in which one occupant of the vessel(wave runner) had been injured. I then immediately went to my patrol vessel which was located at FWC's Panama City Beach Office, Once on my boat I proceeded to locate the vessel in which the injured party and the wave runner were located. 

Once on scene I put the injured party, identified as Operator1, onto my patrol vessel and immediately transported him to EMS, whom were waiting dockside at Sun Harbor Marina. After turning Operator1 over to the Bay County EMS for transport to Bay Medical Center, I returned to the vessel for information on the incident.

After a short conversation with the occupants of the vessel it was discovered that Operator1 was the owner and operator of the vessel and wave runner and that all three occupants of the vessel were friends of Operator1.

At this point a gentlemen Identified as Passenger1 of Alpharetta, GA stated, "Operator1 and I got on the jetski and rode for approximately 30 minutes through the wetlands, we were returning to the boat and hit a wave that threw both of us off the jetski."

I had Passenger1 write a sworn statement, The stated sworn statement will be attached to this report under attachments section.

Seatow was called to transport the vessel and wave runner back the the marina closest to Operator1’s residence. After the vessel was safely stowed at the marina I returned to my patrol truck at the Beach Office and proceeded to the hospital to check in on Operator1 and receive a sworn written statement from him as well. 

Upon arrival to the hospital I met with Operator1 in Room number 5 located in the "Emergency Room" wing of the hospital. Operator1 was having an extreme amount of pain in his groin area and believed he had tore his groin muscles, Operator1 had not been seen by a doctor at that time. 

Operator1 did write a short statement reading as follows, "75 mph and we fell off the jetski two minutes away(from the boat)." Operator1's sworn written statement will be attached to this report as well.

I called Operator1 the following day (07/24/2016) at which time he stated it was confirmed that he had torn his groin muscles and was waiting to meet with the surgeon.

No action is to be taken in the form of a citation(s) because it is my belief that Operator1 did not see the wave as he approached it.; Operator1 was admitted to Bay Medical with complaint's of groin pain. Bay Medical staff diagnosed Operator1 with a possible torn groin. Operator1 is still at Bay Medical Center awaiting a surgical consult. (07/24/16)   I spoke with Operator1 today (07/28/16) and he stated that no surgery was needed and that the damage done was only bruising. He also stated he had been placed in a hyperbolic chamber for the swelling and bruising and his condition had greatly improved and that he could walk again with allot less pain.  (07/28/16)


BARDID: FL-2016-0388
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: TAVERNIER
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Operator reached down to pull out a line that was sucked in the PWC's engine causing her hand to become entangled, pulling her into the jetski, and striking it. 

According to Witness1, her and Injured1 were out riding personal water crafts (PWC) near the sandbar off of Key Largo. She stated that Injured1 was in idle when she noticed a line that was hanging off of the PWC became sucked into the motor. Without shutting the PWC off, Injured1 attempted to pull the line of out of the engine. The intake from the PWC caused the line to become entangled around Injured1's wrist which then caused Injured1 to be pulled into the PWC causing injury to her face. Witness1 stated she was able to flag down Good Samaritan#1 who assisted Injured1. 

Good Samaritan#1 stated he caught Witness1 flagging him down. When he saw Injured1 her arm was still caught underneath the PWC. Good Samaritan#1 stated that Witness1 and Injured1 told him Injured1 was entangled in rope that was being sucked into the motor. He was then able to get into the water and free Injured1's hand. 
 
Injured1 had sustained multiple injuries due to the incident. Injured1 had three lacerations below the right side of her lip that required stitches. She also had small scrapes as well as bruising to her right hand and wrist. The pinky on her right hand was broken and Witness1 stated Injured1 had complaints of her right shoulder feeling strained. ; Injured1: (3) lacerations to bottom right side of lip/jaw Bruising and light abrasions to right wrist Broken pinky on right hand Complaints of straining to right shoulder


BARDID: FL-2016-0389
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: LAKE OLA
NearestCityorTown: MOUNT DORA
County: ORANGE
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
THIRD PASSENGER ON PWC JUMPED OFF AT BETWEEN 20MPH/30MPH AND SUFFERED SERIOUS BODILY INJURIES IN THE FORM OF RUPTURED BOWELS TO REQUIRE A COLOSTOMY TO REQUIRE CORRECTIVE SURGERY.

ON SATURDAY, JUNE 25TH, 2016 BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 2:00 AND 3:00PM A SINGLE VESSEL

ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON LAKE OLA, NEAR THE TOWN OF TANGERINE IN ORANGE COUNTY FLORIDA.

A PERSONAL WATERCRAFT WAS CRUISING THE LAKE WITH THREE PEOPLE WHEREUPON ONE INDIVIDUAL WILLINGLY JUMPED OVERBOARD AT SPEED AND SUFFERED SERIOUS BODILY INJURY.

WITNESS STATEMENTS FOUND THAT THE VESSEL WAS TRAVELING BETWEEN TWENTY AND THIRTY MILES PER HOUR WHEN THE PASSENGER JUMPED OVER BOARD.

THE OPERATOR OF THE VESSEL INDICATED IN HIS WITNESS STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING:  

AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF RIDING AROUND I TOLD THEM (OTHER V-1 OCCUPANTS) ABOUT HOW MY YOUNGER BROTHER AND I WOULD TAKE TURNS JUMPING OFF THE JET SKI AND I ASKED EITHER OF THEM (IF THEY) WOULD LIKE TO TRY?" HE ADVISED THAT "I GOT THE VESSEL UP TO 20 OR 30 MPH AND I SAID, "OK, GO!".

VICTIM INDICATED SHE WOULD LIKE TO "TRY" AND DID.

VICTIM SUFFERED HYDRAULIC INJECTION INJURIES TO HER BOWEL RESULTING IN MULTIPLE SURGERIES.
 
VICTIM DECLINED AN INTERVIEW THROUGH AN INTERMEDIARY, HER MOTHER.

THE INJURED PARTY AND THE OPERATOR FAILED TO UNDERSTAND OR ACCESS THE RISK OF HIGH SPEED WATER ENTRY RELATIVE TO GARMENT AND BODY POSITION.
; VICTIM: IT IS PURPORTED THAT VICTIM SUSTAINED INTERNAL NJURIES CONSISTANT WITH HAVING JUMPED FROM A MOVING VESSEL AT SPEED (20-30MPH) CAUSING HYDRAULIC RELATED DAMAGE.  IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO KNOW FOR CERTAIN AS VICTIM, THROUGH HER MOTHER REFUSES TO BE INTERVIEWED.


BARDID: FL-2016-0390
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-06-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 23:27:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: HOMOSASSA RIVER
NearestCityorTown: HOMOSASSA
County: CITRUS
WaterConditions: Calm
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Congested waters
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/27/2016 i was dispatched to the homosassa river in reference to a sunk airboat. While enroute i was advised by dispatch that all three persons on board the vessel made it to shore safely and there were no injuries. I made contact with the reporting person and passenger by phone, and requested his assistance in locating the air boat. I advised subject we needed to ensure the boat did not pose a navigational hazard, and that it wasn't leaking fuel into the river. I picked subject up at his residence and met officer at macrae's boat ramp, where he was waiting with a patrol vessel.    

With the assistance of subject we were able to locate the vessel just north of the marked channel near marker 6, (28*47.43373n  / 82*36.60485w), in about 8' of water. Sea tow arrived on scene and marked the vessel with a buoy equipped with a strobe light. 

Subject advised the operator was headed east, (up river), at approximately 20-25 mph when a larger boat passed them on their left headed in the opposite direction. Subject stated when the hit the other boat's wake somehow the air boat began taking on water and he wasn’t sure exactly what happened. Subject and the other two occupants swam to the north shore of the river.

On 6/28/2016 i made contact with the registered owner and operator at the scene as he was recovering the vessel from the water. Owner corroborated subject's account of the incident and advised when he encountered the wake from the larger boat, water came over the port side of his vessel and caused his vessel to sink.

Neither Subject, nor Owner could advise the name or any contact info of the 3rd passenger. They could only advise he was a white male in his 40's.

owner estimated damage to his vessel engine to be approximately $3000-$3500.  I did not observe any visible damage to the vessel hull, cage, or engine.


BARDID: FL-2016-0391
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: MARATHON
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 28th 2016, Lieutenant and I, Officer, were on water patrol in Marathon, Monroe County Florida.

At approximately 1340 hrs, we received a radio call regarding a vessel taking on water near the sombrero light house.  We responded in our patrol vessel, arriving on scene at approximately 1355 hrs.  Upon arrival I observed a large off shore fishing vessel under way, with people bailing water out the back using buckets.  An FWC helicopter arrived onscene, as well as 2 USCG vessels and one Towboat US vessel.

The vessel, later identified by the Delaware Registration as a 46ft Daytona named 'Marlin Mujer', was underway using its own power.  One USCG vessel came alongside and took the young children and their parents onto their vessel for safety, while the remaining occupants of 'Marlin Mujer' put PFD's on.

While following along behind the vessel, we observed the occupants and one USCG personnel continue to bail using buckets, while Towboat came alongside, transferring a water pump and more personnel on board.  The USCG and Towboat personnel continued to bail and pump as we all made our way into Marathon Marine, where they had a crane and slings waiting to hoist the damaged vessel out of the water.

Once safely back to the dock, the Marina crew removed the vessel, I documented the damage and all people on board with pictures and paperwork and left my contact information.

Subject reported to me that the repairs would be approximately $4000.

Vessel fouled a propeller, the line wrapped around and caused the propeller to seize. the torque of the engine twisted the shaft mount creating a fissure in the hull.


BARDID: FL-2016-0392
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY
NearestCityorTown: JUPITER
County: PALM BEACH
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel 1 (V1) overturned while turning left to retrieve two swimmers being towed by an inner tube. The inner tube was tied to V1's starboard stern causing the submerged inner tube to overturn V1 while it negotiated its turn. All occupants of V1 fell overboard when the vessel overturned.

All persons involved were uninjured. The inner tube being tied to the starboard stern of V1 caused V1's starboard side to be pulled over its port side and was the primary cause of the accident.


BARDID: FL-2016-0393
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:28:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: GULF OF MEXICO
NearestCityorTown: FORT MYERS BEACH
County: LEE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
V1 was engaged in recreational cruising during a PWC dolphin tour off shore of Fort Myers Beach, north of Big Carlos Pass Bridge. While underway, the passenger of V1 (Passenger1) fell off the back of V1 causing injury to her left leg.

Passenger1 was recovered from the water by the tour guide and transported to shore. EMS and FWC were notified of the accident by the owner of All Island Watersports Inc. Passenger1 was treated and transported by Fort Myers Beach Fire & Rescue to Lee Memorial Hospital for further evaluation and treatment of her injuries. 

Passenger1 was admitted to Lee Memorial Hospital and diagnosed with a fractured left femur. Passenger1 underwent surgery and is currently recovering from her injury.


; Passenger1 suffered injury to left leg from fall off of PWC. Passenger1 was admitted to Lee Memorial Hospital and diagnosed with a broken left femur just above knee. Passenger1 underwent surgery and is in stable condition.


BARDID: FL-2016-0394
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ANTLANTIC
NearestCityorTown: KEY BISCAYNE
County: MIAMI-DADE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday July 4, 2016 at approximately 7:16 PM, FWC dispatch advised of a vessel accident with injuries involving two Personal Water Craft (PWC) on the vicinity of Crandon Park, Ocean side.

Operator of V2 verbally stated she didn’t remember what happen (see attach supplemental report).
I gather a written statement from operator of V2 on 07/29/16, she stated she was operating the PWC side by side to the right of other two PWCs. She accelerated and passed the other PWCs by a good distance and then stopped on the water. Operator of V2 stated that the operator of V1 kept going with her husband on a separate PWC by her side, then she made a slight U-turn to her right heading straight to operator of V2 PWC. The operator of V1 was looking back at her husband doing tricks on the water. Operator of V2 try to accelerate to move out of the way but it was too late and V1 impacted her  Operator of V2 received treatment for neck injury (whiplash); Operator of V2: sprain to neck (whiplash)


BARDID: FL-2016-0395
State: FL
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2016-07-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:45:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: ATLANTIC OCEAN
NearestCityorTown: ISLAMORADA
County: MONROE
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
Subject had rented boat for the afternoon to take his family out. The boat had stopped and the children were jumping off the boat and into the water. They did this a few times and when climbing back into the boat the engine got engaged and bumped into gear. It struck one of the females in the upper left thigh, the other female was struck in the webbing of her toes. Fire Rescue was called to the scene and transported the 13 year old girl to Mariners hospital.

Victim1:Large gash on left thigh just missing the femoral artery.

Victim2:Female subject suffered lacerations to her left toes. Bandages were applied at the scene.


