On May 27, 2013, at approximately 1130 hours, a vessel identified as a 16 foot Rhyan aluminum hull bearing Florida registration FL 2742 CW, sunk in the Stuart Intercostal Waterway, Stuart Florida. 
N 27* 11.856 / W 80* 11.249

     The Rhyan vessel was occupied by the owner/operator identified by Florida driver's license.  A second occupant of the vessel complained of back pain, which he was transported by Martin County Fire to Martin Medical North.

     Operator advised in a sworn written statement, he was traveling at approximately twenty to twenty-five miles per hour, in a southwest direction, in the river towards an island.  At that time, a larger vessel approximately thirty-two feet in length, was traveling in a northern direction against Operator's vessel.  vessel took the impact of the wake water dispersed by the larger vessel.  The impact caused victim, who was facing the stern of the vessel, seated in front and left of operator, to lose his balance and fall backwards towards the bow of the vessel. Operator advised water was coming through the bottom section of the hull and the vessel immediately sank.

     Sea Tow Captain, was first on scene.  In a sworn written statement, Captain advised upon his arrival, he observed both had been rescued and placed on two different vessels.  Sea Tow transported the father and son to the Stuart Causeway Boat Ramps, at which time Martin County Fire took possession of son.  Captain returned to the sunken vessel and recovered it, taking final possession of the vessel at the Stuart Causeway Boat Ramps.

     Inspection of the vessel revealed the hull had previous repair work described as a Bondo patch, which extended from the port side to starboard side of the hull.  The impact of the wake water caused the point of repair to separate allowing water to enter the vessel.  Pictures of the vessel have been obtained and attached to this report.

     A follow up with victim was attempted at Martin Medical North.  Upon my arrival, I met with RN, who advised she was Operator's nurse.  Nurse advised, she had taken x-rays of Operator, which revealed no injury's to his back.  victim was discharged from the hospital and released to his mother.

Case cleared by report.
STUART