A flat skiff was traveling bay side to ocean side at 35 mph. The operator report he lost steering and the vessel ran bow first into the bridge. Three persons and 2 dogs were on board, no serious injuries.

On Saturday October 6, 2012 at approximately 4:30 pm, a 19 ft. Hewes (FL 6207 JR) was involved in a single vessel crash at the 61 mile marker. 

Operator was traveling from the bay side of Tom's Harbor #4 to the ocean side at approximately 35 mph when he reports his steering went out in his vessel. Upon impact with the bridge, both dogs and Occupant1 were ejected from the vessel.

Operator, who was seated at the helm in the middle, injured his right shoulder, complained of abdominal pain and received wounds to the back of his head and to both feet. Operator was seen by EMS on scene and refused treatment.

Occupant2 was seated to Operator's right. She received a laceration to her chin and complained of pain to her sternum or rib area. She was evaluated on scene by EMS personnel and opted to have her father drive her to Mariner's Hospital to be further evaluated.

Occupant1 was uninjured during the incident. Both dogs were found and brought to the dock unharmed where they were reunited with their owners.

Lt. responded to the call and assisted in towing the damaged vessel to the dock. She reports the steering on the vessel appeared to be working properly after the accident, however the vessel was not operational.

I, Lt. with FWC responded to a boating accident near Duck Key.
The operator and both occupants all stated during their interviews that the boat's steering was unresponsive a few moments before impact.  Post accident the vessel was not operable, however when I turned the steering wheel right and left, the motor responded accordingly.  Based on this I would say that the operator had the engine trimmed too high coming into the bridge and as a result steering was lost and the vessel impacted the bridge.

Occupant1 received  lacerations to her chin and received stitches at Mariners hospital. She also suffered a contusion to her chest area and complained of pain in her ribs.
MARATHON                      