Vessel One (V-1) operated by the registered owner, along with occupant were on a fishing trip in the Brothers river area of the Apalachicola river system. They had departed the head waters of Bearman Slough, proceeding in a southerly direction back toward Brothers river. The vessel was on plane and proceeding at an estimated speed of 25 mph. Shortly after coming onto plane, the bait basket slid off of an elevated platform spilling the bait onto the deck. Both men were attempting to recover some of the live bait, and the operator lost control of the vessel. The vessel made a sharp left turn and proceeded directly into heavily wooded shoreline. At the rate of speed and momentum, the impact caused severe personal injury to both passengers, as well as structural damage to the vessel. 

The occupant was ejected after initial impact with a dead fall stump, and sustained injuries to lower extremities. The operator remained inside the vessel, and upon impact with shoreline and trees suffered severe head and upper torso trauma resulting in fatality.;

Occupant of Vessel one (V-1) suffered abrasions, lacerations and bruising due to collision.  His position in the vessel caused him to be ejected. He struck several objects within the boat prior to being ejected. Operator of Vessel One (V-1)  suffered blunt force trauma to his head, face and upper torso, as a result of the collision. The vessel struck several limbs, branches, and deadfalls. operator also was thrown from his seat into the forward casting deck of the vessel. He impacted the trolling motor bracket as well. He had several fractured ribs, as well as lacerations to his head and torso. Due to the remoteness of the fishing excursion, medical assistance was several hours away.
PORT ST. JOE