On 8/11/13, I Officer of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), was on water patrol in Martin County. At approximately 1820 hours, I was dispatched to a boating accident in the north ICW, just north of marker 44. Upon arrival at approximately 1920, I spoke with the vessel operators of both parties involved. Operator1, was the vessel operator of Florida vessel 1, FL3963MM, a 2004 20 foot Godfrey. Operator2, was the vessel operator of Florida vessel 2, FL0150HH, a 1989 17 foot Bass Tracker. I asked Operator1 what occurred to cause the boating accident. Operator1 advised me that he was idling vessel 1 in the N ICW, almost stationary, when he looked back and saw vessel 2 about to collide with his vessel. I then asked Operator2 what occurred to cause the boating accident. Operator2 advised me that he was towing a skier. He looked back to check on his skier. When he looked forward again, he was about to collide with Vessel 1. 

The bow of Vessel 2 initially made contact with the starboard side of Vessel 1's engine. Vessel 2 was then pushed up onto the starboard corner of Vessel 1, colliding with the speed pole of Vessel 1. The starboard side of Vessel 2 then made contact with the starboard side of Vessel 1. The bow of Vessel 2 met the windshield of Vessel 1. Vessel 2 stopped on top of the windshield bar of Vessel 1. There were no injuries involved. Vessel 1 had an estimated damage of $3,500. The following damage is included in this estimate: engine covering, fiberglass damage to the starboard side of the vessel, speed pole, bimini, windshield, and windshield rail. Operator1 advised that he has insurance to cover the damage. Vessel 2 had minor scratches all along the bottom of the vessel. Operator2 advised that he did not intend to fix any damages to his vessel. Operator2 was issued one infraction for violation of a navigation rule resulting in an accident, specifically failure to maintain a proper lookout. Operator2 was also issued a warning for towing a skier without an observer and a warning for no boater identification card.
HOBE SOUND