On September, 2012 at approximately 1407 hours I, Officer of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, was notified of a boating accident in Charlotte Harbor in the Grassy Point area.  Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit was on scene with a capsized sailboat (FL 6853JH) and 3 people in the water.

The Sheriff's Deputy was able to get all 3 people out of the water with no injuries.  The Deputy advised he didn't need a FWC water response but for me to meet them at Lashley Park to take over the Boating Accident Investigation.  

I arrived at Lashley Park at 1456 hours to meet with the victims and Deputy.  Shortly after my arrival, the Deputy contacted me and advised Sea Tow wouldn't be able to secure the capsized and drifting vessel for approximately 30 minutes.  The Deputy stayed on scene with the vessel awaiting Sea Tow.  

Sea Tow arrived on scene at 1558 hours.  The Deputy and the 3 victims arrived to Lashley Park at 1606 hours.  

-	Sailing south towards Ponce Park
-	A wind change blew the jib to one side, allowing the vessel to list to the port side taking on some water
-	They tried to right the boat and it listed back to the starboard side capsizing and forcing all 3 people into the water
-	Everyone was wearing a life jacket prior to the capsizing
-	Operator has over 10 years experience sailing

Operator advised that the rudder had broken off and the bow eye had damage to the fiberglass.  Operator gave a total damage estimate of $2,000 dollars.

My investigation concludes the accident was due to the poor weather conditions, such as the 2 foot chop and 15 plus MPH winds.  The vessel had all the proper safety gear required.

No further action was taken.

END OF REPORT
PUNTA GORDA                   