V1 OPERATOR WAS LEAVING FINS FROM THE MANATEE POCKET, HEADED TO THE SANDBAR TO MEET ANOTHER VESSEL.  HE STATED HE WAS FOLLOWING ANOTHER VESSEL'S STERN LIGHT.  WHEN THEY REACHED THE CROSSROADS, THE OTHER VESSEL STAYED CLOSE TO SHORE AND THEN TURNED EAST WITH THE SHORELINE.  V1 OPERATOR HE WAS ONLY MAKING WAY WITH THE BOW UP.  V1 STRUCK THE SHORELINE AND ENDED UP ALMOST 20 FEET FROM THE WATER'S EDGE.  NO ONE WAS INJURED.  THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE MANGROVES ALONG THE SHORELINE.
STUART                        