On 2/8/13 at approximately 1000 hrs i received a call from dispatch of a boating accident just south of Sisters Creek in Marathon. By the time i made it on scene USCG Marathon was in contact with the striking vessel, MC 7131 NZ. I talked briefly to the operator of the struck vessel FL 2221 NA, and decided to have the two boats move closer to shore due to the rough sea conditions. Once closer to shore V1operator stated that he had been spear fishing when he heard a motor revving up, he surfaced as the sailing vessel was going past his vessel. He climbed back on his boat and noticed the damage to the T-top and the sailboat moving away and not stopping. He thought they might be leaving the scene so he yelled to them multiple times. The vessel in fact was not leaving it just had to lower its sails in order to maneuver. Officer arrived on scene and made contact with the striking vessel. According to the occupants of the sailboat, they left Sisters Creek heading out to sea, they hoisted the sails and put the motor in neutral. The owner of the boat, V2 occupant went below to cook breakfast leaving his wife, V2operator, at the helm. She was on her cell phone looking up briefly to stay on course, after a few minutes she looked up again and noticed a boat directly in their path, she slammed the engine in reverse but it was too late. Their anchor hit the other vessels T-Top, moved the boat slightly and they bounced to the side and went by. Once they were able to get their sails down they turned around, threw anchor and awaited our arrival. There was no damage to the sailing vessel and an estimated 2000 dollars to the anchored vessel.
Operator2 was issued a citation for failure to maintain a proper look out, and both parties were released.
MARATHON