CASE SUMMARY
	SYNOPSIS	

On 7 June, 2013  at Approximately 0930 a PWC was traveling north in Garnier Bayou  as part of a group in a tour.  As they went under the Garner Bayou Bridge in Shalimar, FL, a wake forced  PWC into a bridge pylon.  Operator was ejected into the bridge pylon and suffered injuries to his head and hands.   The Occupant of the PWC was uninjured.

OPERATOR/OCCUPANTS - INJURIES/FATALITIES - 
V1 Operator - injuries included laceration and contusions to forehead and lacerations to both hands.
V1 Occupant - no injuries beyond first aid.

ASSESSMENTS/INSPECTIONS - June 7, 2013, Initial assessment on scene of accident noted a broke steering column and crushing to the bow as well as imbedded fiberglass and rubber transfer on the pylon.  Hospital assessment of injuries were not life threatening. The operator was to be treated and released. June10, 2013 assessed the bridge pylon measured distance from normal water level to impact which measured 23 inches, and at an angle of about 40 degrees to port.
   
	ACCIDENT ANALYSIS

PRE-ACCIDENT (Collision) - Vessel one was part of a dolphin tour in Choctawhatchee Bay departing from Destin Harbor.  After viewing dolphins in the mouth of Garnier Bayou the guide went under the bridge and was leading them north to follow the leader. The operator of V-1 turned right and started to accelerate, while letting another PWC go by.

ACCIDENT (Collision) - as V1 was approaching the bridge the wake from the passing vessel pushed V1 to the right .Operator steered to right and gave throttle to no avail, striking the pylon just short of head on. Momentum caused the breaking of the steering column and the injuries when the operator collided with the pylon. 

POST ACCIDENT (Collision) -  Other members of party assisted  retrieving victim and tour leader contacted emergency services. PWC was photographed and turned over to the owner.  Victim was transported and interviewed at Ft Walton Beach  Medical. Witnessed were escorted back to USCG Destin and provided written statements.  


	CONCLUSIONS

Based on evidence and information gathered to date V1 was forced into the pylon by the wake of another vessel.  Operator of V-1 attempted to take corrective action to no avail. 

	
Victim had lacerations to both hands and forehead. Along with contusions to the head.
SHALIMAR