On Sunday, 6/2/13, at approximately 1945 hours, Operator was operating his 15' center console vessel in Dollar Bay in Collier County, Florida.  Operator had two passengers, his wife and father-in-law, on board and was northbound in a marked navigational channel (30mph speed limit).   As the vessel traveled northbound, it struck channel marker "Green 71" nearly head-on.  All three occupants were ejected from the vessel.  Occupant1 struck the channel marker pole and died as a result of his injuries.  The other two occupants were transported to NCH Downtown with non-life-threatening injuries.  The accident occurred during the day in good weather conditions.  

The investigation found that all occupants had been consuming alcoholic beverages for several hours prior to the accident.  Operator was determined to have been impaired by alcohol at the time of the accident.  In addition to impairment, Operator violated USCG Navigation Rules #2 (Responsibility), #5 (Proper Lookout), #6 (Safe Speed), and #8 (Action to Avoid Collision).  Charges are pending.
Occupant2 was a passenger seated behind the console of V-1.  When V-1 struck the channel marker, she was thrown into the console, causing it to rip loose from the deck.  She sustained a laceration to her lip and contusions of her chest.  After impacting the console, she was ejected from the vessel.; OCCUPANT1:Occupant1 was seated in front of the console of V-1 and upon impact, was thrown into the channel marker pole.  Occupant1 suffered fractures of his spine in 2 places, multiple contusions, and multiple lacerations, including to his head.  Cause of death was found to be drowning and blunt force trauma.; Operator was ejected when V-1 impacted the channel marker.  V-1 continued idling in circles in gear and while Operator attempted to reboard vessel, he sustained multiple lacerations to his hands and feet.
NAPLES