On Sunday, May 12, 2013, at approximately 2000 hours (hrs) Boating Accident #FWSB-13-OFF-004750 occurred in Robbie's Wheel Ditch, south of Lignumvitae Key, Monroe County Florida. This accident occurred at approximate GPS location, Latitude N24'52.909, Longitude W80'42.123.

Vessel one (V1) with one operator on board was traveling northeast from Port Antigua Beach towards La Siesta Resort. V1 made a turn towards port while traveling thru Robbie's Wheel Ditch causing the stern end to slide and impact with mangroves on the starboard rear. V1 operator was ejected and unmanned V1 continued to travel at an angle down the creek where it lodged into the mangroves at approximate GPS location, Latitude N24'52.925, Longitude W80'42.107. A multi-agency search and rescue (SAR) mission ensued for the missing V1 operator who was recovered near the accident site by United States Coast Guard.

The operator of V1 was ejected off V1 and suffered a brain concussion as a result of blunt force wounds to his head. He was missing and later recovered by USCG. He was not wearing a personal flotation device and the engine cut off safety lanyard was not attached at the time of the accident.

Based on statements, evidence and information gathered to date, a contributing factor in this accident was the use of alcohol. The operator of V1 had a blood alcohol level of 0.26 g/dL according to District 16 Medical Examiner Autopsy toxicology report. ; operator suffered a blunt force wound to the head. On the right temporal/parietal scalp there is a 2 inch laceration and a slightly depressed skull fracture. He has prop scars to the left buttocks and hip. Left upper arm and left wrist is contused. Cause of death is saltwater drowning.
ISLAMORADA