Vessel FL7076CT struck vessel FL6443HV while in whale harbor channel. 
Operator2 who was on the above vessel said that he and his passenger were leaving the sand bar to head back to tavernier creek when the other vessel struck them on the rear port side. I photographed the damage I could see on Operator2s vessel. The polling platform was broken where it connects to the boat and was leaning to the starboard side. There was a very small section of rub rail on the stern of the boat that was pushed out and a line of blue bottom paint that ran along the top side of the port side gunwale. 
I then asked the individuals on board the striking vessel who was driving. Operator1 said that it was his vessel (FL 7076 CT) and he was driving. I asked him what happened and he stated that he and his friends were leaving the sandbar and had just pulled their anchor. He said that there were several people standing in the bow area of his boat and he could not see. He then said he tried to throttle up and that is when he hit the back of Operator2s vessel. There were a total of 9 people on board vessel. I photographed the damage to operator1 vessel which was only a scratch in the gel coat on the starboard side. 
I estimated the damage to be around $3000. The operators both exchanged information and operator1 insisted that he would get Operator2s boat fixed. I obtained sworn written statements from operator1 and the only one that saw it as it happened. Photos were taken and operator1 was issued a citation for careless operation. No further action.
ISLAMORADA