Upon arrival at the location I observed two vessels that were involved in the accident on scene. There was also a tow company vessel which was assisting (pumping out water from inside the vessel) V1 (later identified as FL0376FU operated by Operator1) with a total of 6 (six) POB's. The second vessel (V-2) (later identified as FL9085PD) was standing by at the accident scene and did not need any assistance. V-2 had a total of 9 POB's. Due to the risk of sinking, I asked the occupants of V-1 to get on board of the FWC Law Enforcement Vessels that were on scene. Myself and Ofc. transported the occupants of V-1 to the Haulover Boat Ramp for further investigation. V-1 was towed by the towing company to the boat ramp, while V-2 followed them. 

According to Operator1, while traveling north-bound on the ICW, he was trying to pass V-2, which was also traveling north-bound, on his starboard side when he could not maintain control over his vessel and hit the marker (Marker 18 ICW) with his port side, causing significant damage to V-1's port side. He stated that after the initial impact with the marker, V-1 bounced off the marker, spun almost 180 degrees (facing south-bound) and hit V-2's port side, causing damage. Severe damage on V-1's port side caused the vessel to start taking on water. Due to the quick arrival and fast response of the towing company, V-1 was not fully submerged and none of the occupants ended up in the water.

Operator1 was cited for careless operation and insufficient number of PFD's.
MIAMI