Operator and Occupant left Palms Fish Camp at about 2000 to go fishing around Blount Island. They fished for several hours near the Back River at Blount Island. Operator and Occupant headed east on the St. Johns River to find another fishing hole near White Shells off Heckscher Drive. Occupant was seated in front of the center console preparing his rod and reel for the next fishing spot. Occupant looked up and saw the channel marker in front of the boat. Occupant jumped off the starboard side of the boat into the river. Occupant told me that he had to avoid being thrown into the channel marker. Upon the impact of the vessel, Operator was thrown from the boat into the river. They were able to locate a cooler from the boat which was used as a floatation device. Operator and Occupant swam back to the boat and climbed in after the outboard engine had stalled out. They had used the boat paddle to reached the closest dock, which was Marina Point Yacht Club.; Operator had received minor bruises to his right hand and forearm. He did not go to the hospital after the accident because he told me that his injuries to his right arm were minor.
JACKSONVILLE                  