On October 20, 2013 at approximately 1:30 pm, Operator1 was heading inshore from Cheeca Rocks.  He  struck an anchored vessel on its port side causing it to sink.  Occupants aboard both vessels were not injured. 

On October 20, 2013 at approximately 1:30pm Operator1 was heading inshore on his vessel, V1, from Cheeca Rocks.  He struck an anchored vessel, V2, and caused it to sink.  The occupants onboard V2 jumped into the water to avoid being hit by V1.  Operator1 took the occupants from V2 onto his boat.  He then called to report the boating accident.

Upon my arrival I observed V2 submerged with only the bow sticking out of the water.  V2 had damage to midship on port and starboard side along with the center console being knocked over.  V1 only sustained minor scratches to gel coat.  

Operator1, V1, stated that he could not see over his bow because it was riding high.  He said he felt this was due to the way he had his trim tabs and engines adjusted.   He said by the time he heard someone screaming he realized he had hit another boat.  He immediately went to rescue the passengers of V2.

The occupants of V2 stated that they saw the boat coming towards them and attempted to make themselves seen by V1 by waiving their life preservers in the air.  When they realized that V1 was going to make impact with their vessel they jumped into the water. 

Operator1 was cited for careless operation and Tow Boat salvaged V2.
ISLAMORADA