Vessel 1 (FL7562NZ) traveling West through Miserable Mile exiting the slow speed manatee zone on June 14, 2013 at approximately 23:00 hrs.  The operator stated that he believed he had exited the slow speed manatee zone and had put his vessel on a plane to head toward Punta Rassa Boat ramp to pick up a friend. Operator said that he was only on plane for a couple minutes, when he looked down at his GPS unit to see if he still was in the channel. He stated that as soon as he looked back up, he saw a pole and attempted to steer left to try to avoid the collision. Operator's vessel struck a double pole manatee sign. The vessel hit the pole on the starboard side about two feet back from the bow. (See Attached Pictures) the pole crushed about 12" of the fiberglass and removed the rub rail before making a 12" diameter size hole. The vessel impacted the pole with enough force to break the pole beneath the water line. The vessel continued forward at which time the vessel struck the second pole with the back half causing minor fiberglass damage adjacent to the center console and impact markers on the pole.( See Attached Pictures) Operator stated that all he remembers from the crash was the sound of the fiberglass breaking.

Operator stated that after it happened he quickly checked on his passenger to make sure he was alright. Operator then checked on the vessel and noticed the hole at the bow. He then proceeded slowly back the dock where he keeps the vessel. Once back to the dock he contacted Lee County Sheriffs through #911, and then was transferred to FWC Dispatch in Tampa.
PUNTA RASA