On Sunday, May 27, 2012 at approximately 1822 hours while on water patrol at the "Sand Bar" in Whale Harbor Channel Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission were dispatched to a call reference a hit and run accident without injuries.

Arriving on the scene at approximately 1828 hours I observed two vessels FL0717NM (V2) and FL5922JU (V1) adrift near the mouth of the channel.  A sheriff's deputy had intercepted V1 and held them at the scene.  I interviewed the occupants of V2 who reported that they had just pulled anchor to leave the area when V1 approached from seaward, gunned his engines and collided with V2 near the port side stern gunwhale of V2's vessel.

I then interviewed the captain of V1 who seemed to be impaired.  He first reported that he couldn't remember hitting the vessel then reported he did.

The damage to V1 at the very bow is consistent with a broadside strike of V2.

Photos were taken and witness statements taken.  The operator of V1 was subsequently arrested for operating a vessel while impaired, leaving the scene of an accident without exchanging ID, and violation of navigation rule resulting in an accident (Rule #5 - failure to maintain adequate lookout.)
ISLAMORADA                    