V1 and V2 were traveling northbound from the Sanibel Causeway (A-Span). V1 was traveling on the port side of V2 approximately 20 yards away. V1 turned into V2 striking the vessel in the port bow. After striking V2, V1 rolled over to the port side as V2 passed over the hull of V1. V2's port side lower unit skeg cut through the hull of V1 and sheered off propeller assembly of V2. V1 was inoperable and was towed to the boat ramp. V2 returned on its own power.

The operator of V1 was recovered by V2. His initial observed and reported injuries were laceration of the right shin, complaint of pain in the right elbow, and back. The driver of V1 was transported to Punta Rassa Boat Ramp where Lee County EMS was waiting for his arrival. The driver of V1 was transported to the hospital for his injuries.

During a follow-up to the investigation, deputies were notified the driver of V1 had a broken right elbow, surgery to the lower right leg, and fractured spine in three locations. The driver of V1 stated he was traveling north from Sanibel Causeway (A-Span). The water was rough and there was a high volume of boat traffic. The driver of V1 attempted to turn east out of the channel, but did not look behind him.While making the right turn, V1 struck V2 in the port bow at approximately 35 to 40 mph. The driver of V1 has no further memory of the crash after striking V2.
FT. MYERS