On 7/30/11, at approximately 10:30, I FWC OFC. was on duty when my dispatcher notified me of a vessel accident at Fisherman's Village and that Punta Gorda Marine Officer was on scene.  I contacted Officer’s phone and he notified me that there were two people on board that impacted a concrete channel marker #6 coming into the channel for Fishermans Village.  The two subjects were later identified.  The subjects had been taken to Charlotte Regional Hospital.  I went to the hospital to interview the two subjects and evaluate their injuries.  Operator had a large hematoma on his upper left arm and a complaint of a back injury closer to his ribs.  The hospital had not yet taken x-rays.  Operator stated that he was coming into the channel headed toward Fisherman's Village marina in order to pick up their wives to go cruising when Passenger, who was sitting in the port side passenger seat, told Operator that a rope was dragging overboard behind the boat.  Operator said he turned to his left to look behind the boat for the rope and then put his hand on the throttle to slow the boat.  When he turned back to look forward, the boat was already headed into the marker and he stated he had no time to react.  The boat impacted throwing them both into the windshield of the vessel.  Operator went forward and struck his left upper arm on the vertical bar that supports the window.  Passenger was thrown forward and hit his face and mouth on the bulkhead and vertical bar supporting the left windshield.  This impact caused a facial laceration and some dental damage.  I then went to question Passenger in another room.  He had bandages on his face but was alert and willing to talk.  He stated simply that they were coming in the channel to pick up their wives and told Operator about a rope being dragged and that Operator turned to look and that the next thing he remembers was waking up on the deck of the boat.  He stated that he did not remember the impact, only the blood and felt missing teeth.   I told them both I would contact them later and have them write a statement of what happened.
	Next, I went to the boat that was docked up at Fisherman's village.  There waiting for me was Punta Gorda marine patrol and the Tow Boat US captain.  The boat had impact damage to the starboard bow consistent with the impact described by both subjects.  Inside the vessel was blood splatter from Passenger's injuries as well as a tooth.  The passenger side bulkhead and windshield had marks, blood, and tissue from Passengers impact and is consistent their statements about what happened.  I could not determine where Operator's impact occurred but he stated he thought it was the upright support for the windshield.  Ofc. had told me that he thought the impact had occurred on marker 10 in the channel and that the operator, drove the boat to the dock himself after the impact.  I then photographed the boat, took down the information from the tow boat operator and Ofc..  Next, I drove to Punta Gorda Marina where the boat was being pulled out so I could take photographs under the hull.  At this time I left to begin writing my narrative.  At 3:30pm I spoke again with Ofc. and he stated that Operator was released with only minor injuries, but that passenger was transported to Tampa for additional testing.  

Occupant was transported to Tampa for continued treatment and surgery to left eye socket.  Ongoing.

PUNTA GORDA                   