On 8-29-2013 at approximately 1645 hrs I Officer was dispatched to 9613 Indian Bluff Resort Ln. in reference to a boat accident. Upon arrival I spoke with Operator2 and his wife.  Operator2 stated he was operating his 19'6 Key West south bound on the creek from Econfina Creek with his wife and two children on board.  Operator2 stated he and his family had been fishing on the creek and were heading home.  While traveling south on deer point lake just south of the Econfina Creek junction he observed a smaller vessel traveling north bound.  The north bound vessel was headed head on at Operator2.  Both vessel were going approximately half throttle when Operator1 made a sharp turn to his port side.  At the same time Operator2 made a sharp turn to his starboard side were his vessel struck vessel1 on the starboard side approximately half way down the vessel..  Operator2 bow went approximately half way across Operator1's vessel before hitting the motor and falling off the starboard rear. 

At the time the two vessels struck the impact ejected Operator1 out of his vessel into the water.  Operator2 stated after the impact he observed Operator1 trying to swim and observed a lot of blood coming from Operator1's head.  At that time Operator2’s wife operated the Key West to Operator1's location and Operator2 held him from going under water.   Operator2 also held pressure with a towel on Operator1's bleeding head.  Operator2’s wife idled the vessel over to a nearby dock. Within a minute after the impact Operator2’s wife called 911 from her cell phone.  After arriving on the dock Operator2 leaned Operator1 against the dock and held pressure on his head waiting for EMS to arrive.  After EMS arrived Operator1 was transmitted to Gulf Coast hospital were Investigator talked with him briefly.  Lt. arrived on seen by vessel and I took photos of all the damage.  I also took written statements from Operator2.  I then met  Operator2 at Deer Point Dam boat ramp to pull the vessel from the water and check for other damage.  Lt. stayed with Operator1's vessel until Operator1 had friends remove the vessel from the water a couple hours later.  Operator1's vessel had extreme damage to the starboard side and to the 40 hp Yamaha motor.  Operator2's vessel had damage to the front keel and scratches down the port side. There were no injuries on Operator2 vessel.  

Operator1 injuries were a broken knee cap, broken ribs, and laceration to the head and face.  Both vessels were returned to the owners. On 9-18-2013 I spoke with Operator1 at his home and had him complete a written statement.  .  Operator1 reiterated Operator2 account of the event.  This happened in Bay County.
UNINCORPORATED