The operator of v1 was just north of channel marker d4 drifting with engine turned off, several hundred yards off of an area known as the sand bar.  Operator1 observed two pwcs coming toward him from the sand bar at a high rate of speed.  He noticed one of the pwcs turning away from him while vessel 2 continued in a straight line toward him.  Vessel 2 was still traveling at a moderate speed as it approached Operator1.  He observed the operator of v2 attempting to turn the vessel from one side to the other, back and forth in an attempt to avoid causing a collision.  Operator1 noticed he was not using his throttle to control the maneuvering of the vessel, which would indicate lack of experience on a pwc.  Operator1 then leaned off of the left side of his vessel bracing for the impact.  This caused the underside of his pwc to be exposed on the right side.  As the two vessels collided, it caused Operator1 to be thrown into the water and it left his pwc inoperable.  Operator1 spoke to the operator of the vessel 2.  He said it was a young man who stated he was from florida.  The operator of another pwc that was riding with vessel 2 came over to make sure everyone was alright.  The two young men told Operator1 they would go get some help to tow him to his dock.  Twenty minutes went by and Operator1's son came by and towed him in.  The operator of v2 was not seen again and were unable to be located.  Operator1 took his vessel to a couple repair shops and they stated that there was approximately 2000.00 in damages to his pwc.
CORNELIUS                     