V1 was northbound on the ICW approaching the opened Commercial Blvd. bridge. Vessel 1 accelerated in order to make the bridge before it closed. The acceleration caused a very large wake from vessel 1 which continued through the idle speed zone. Vessel 2 and vessel 3 were docked at the Klutz restaurant. As the wake created from vessel 1 passed the docked vessels, it caused both vessels to rock violently, causing substantial damage to both docked vessels.

On 11/23/13, at approximately 1700 hours, I was patrolling the area of the ICW and north of Commercial Blvd. I observed a vessel heading northbound creating a very large wake in a idle speed no wake zone. I watched as the vessel continued heading north, passing a restaurant and still creating a large wake. From my location, I observed the vessels that were docked at the Klutz restaurant rock violently. I stopped the vessel that was creating the wake and identified the operator. I asked the operator why he was going so fast and creating a large wake and Operator1 stated that he did not want to miss the bridge opening. At this time, I heard over the VHF radio, people from the restaurant asking for law enforcement because of this vessel causing damage. I took down Operator1's information and went to the Klutz restaurant to investigate the damaged caused by his vessel.

I arrived at the Klutz restaurant and met with two vessel owners claiming damage. Vessel 2 owner showed me damage to his vessel which consisted of crushed fiberglass and a ripped off rub rail to the starboard side of his vessel. Vessel 3 owner, showed me damage to his vessel which consisted of chunks of fiberglass chipped out and rub rail damage to the starboard side of his vessel.

Operator1 was issued two citations for violation of idle speed zone and careless operation.
FT. LAUDERDALE