On the date of 06/15/13 on Lake Dora in the city of Tavares, a pontoon boat bearing Florida registration number FL0117PG (V1) struck a marina piling when entering the vessel docking area. V1 was heading north entering into the marina rental stalls during a heavy rainstorm. There were no injuries sustained.

On 06/24/13, the manager of Tavares Marina contacted our dispatch to report the above crash. The delay in reporting was said to be because another employee waited until manager came back from vacation to see how he wanted to handle the damage.

Employee said he was sitting on the porch of their building during a storm and he heard a scream and a bang. When he looked up he saw V1 against one of the marina pilings. Employee said he checked on V1 and its occupants and no one was injured. Employee said the operator told him he did not see the marina piling because of the rain.

I talked to Operator1 and he said he was trying to get docked because of a rainstorm. While entering the marina he said he was traveling about 5-7 mph, and did not see the marina piling. V1 was damaged on the front to the left of the center ( see attached photos). Operator1 said no one was hurt on his boat.

Operator1 insurance adjuster estimated his damage to his boat to be approximately $7,000.00. The Tavares Marina estimated the cost to reset the piling at $1,000.00 to $2,000.00.

Operator1 will be issued a warning for careless operation, citing USCG Navigation Rule 5, Fail to post a proper lookout.
TAVARES