On June 16th, 2013 Operator1 captain of "Betty Boop Too" was exiting a slip in Key West Bight Marina.  While maneuvering his twin inboard catamaran vessel Operator1 noticed that when he shifted his vessel into reverse his starboard engine failed to switch to reverse causing his vessel to move forward at a faster rate of speed.  Operator1 stated that he had no time to avoid collision once he realized his engine was malfunctioning.  Operator1 struck Vessel2 on the forward aspect of his vessel damaging his bow pulpit and bow pulpit bracket.  After the collision two people untangled the two vessels.  After the vessels were separated Operator1 docked his vessel at the Marina to exchange information with Vessel2.  After the two spoke and exchanged information Operator1 and his three other occupants departed as planned to sail to Boca Grande, east of Key West.

I spoke with Vessel2 the following day at his residence.  He stated that his vessel was struck by the "Betty Boop Too" and that the operator stated that his "cable was broken."  Vessel2's understanding of that statement was that his steering cable was broken not his shifting cable.  After speaking with Vessel2 I  met with his mate at the dock where "Afternoon Delight" was moored.  Mate showed me the damage and explained how the collision happened.  Mate stated that the bow pulpit, bow pulpit bracket, port side rub rail, and ladder attached to sea wall were all damaged in the accident (see photos).  I also spoke with the dock master who stated that he has noticed damage to the sea wall ladder in the past.

On 6/20 I met with the operator of V1 in Key West Harbor as they were returning from their trip.  Operator1 was very helpful and explained the incident in detail.  Operator1 stated that they were exiting their slip and attempted to steer the vessel out of the harbor.  As Operator1 shifted his vessel into reverse his vessel accelerated forward.  Operator1 stated that he could not avoid the collision and struck "Afternoon Delight" on the Bow.  He stated that the vessels became snagged together by the deck lines and it took a few seconds to untangle them.  He then met with V2's owner at the dock to exchange information.  No citations were issued nor were there any injuries.
KEY WEST