V1 was underway northbound and came off throttle, operator looked starboard, and drifted starboard into V2's path.  V2 made contact with V1's starboard rear and the operator of V1.  Operator of V1 was ejected.

On 081512 I Officer was on water patrol and received a call from dispatch regarding a vessel accident that occurred between two personal watercrafts (PWC's) in the Indian River Lagoon near Capt. Hiram's restaurant in Sebastian, FL.  I responded and arrived on scene at approximately 13:47 hours.  Upon arriving, I spoke with a Sebastian Police Dept. officer who advised two rental PWC's were involved in a collision and that one of the two operators were taken to Sebastian Medical Center due to injuries sustained in the accident.  

The injured operator was later identified.  I was directed to the uninjured operator of the second PWC.  I asked Operator2 if he had any injuries and he advised no.  I then asked him to explain how the accident happened.  Operator2 stated he and Operator1 each rented a PWC at Capt. Hiram's  and that they were headed northbound just east of the ICW off Capt. Hiram's.  He stated they were both going approximately 40-45 mph with (V1) slightly ahead and off to his left side.  Operator2 (V2) stated that Operator1 made a hard turn to the right, came off throttle and drifted into his path.  Operator2 stated he made impact with V1 and Operator1 fell into the water.  He then assisted Operator1 onto his PWC and transported him back to Capt. Hiram's for medical attention.  After interviewing Operator2 I went to Sebastian Medical Center.  I arrived and attempted to speak with Operator1 but he was heavily medicated and unable to talk about what happened.  I confirmed Operator1's information and told him I would contact him in the upcoming days when he was better able to discuss the incident.  I met Operator1 at his house on 8-25-12 to discuss the incident.  He was still in pain but was able to walk and move around with limited motion.  I asked Operator1 to explain what happened.  Operator1 stated he and Operator2 were underway northbound in the Indian River Lagoon.  Operator1 stated he slowed down and looked to his right to locate Operator2.  Operator1 stated next thing he knew V2 made contact with his PWC and he was ejected into the water.  Operator1 stated V2 made contact with him as well.  At that point, Operator2 helped Operator1 on to his PWC and transported him to Capt. Hirams.  Written statements from Operator2 and Operator1 were obtained and included in this report.

Operator1:Two broken ribs (right side) 4th/5th vertebrae broken

SEBASTIAN                     