V1, Dinghy, was traveling west in Matanzas Pass from the anchorage zone en-route to the Shell gas dock located west of the Matanzas Pass Bridge.  V2, Pursuit, was traveling east in Matanzas Pass from the Gulf of Mexico to the Matanzas Inn Restaurant located just east of the Matanzas Pass Bridge.  Both vessels were traveling at idle speed in the channel, in a meeting situation, during daylight hours on a clear day.  The operator of the Pursuit advised he first observed the Dinghy from a distance of approximately 100 feet away at 350 degrees relative to his vessel.  The operator of the Pursuit turned slightly to starboard and then honked the vessels horn twice while placing his vessel into neutral. He stated that it appeared the operator of the Dinghy was asleep, with his head leaning backward. The Dinghy did not alter course or speed.  The operator of the Pursuit placed his vessel into reverse, while honking the vessel horn twice, just prior to the two vessels colliding bow to bow.  The operator of the Dinghy by his own admission did not observe the 33' Pursuit until just prior to impact.  The operator of the Dinghy received a minor neck injury and was treated at a local hospital and released the same day. subject was admitted to Health Park Hospital and treated for a minor whiplash injury and released.  The attending doctor advised that he did not detect any signs of impairment, but noted that subject had taken a strong prescription pain killer, Tramedol, prior to the accident.
FORT MYERS BEACH              