On 9/2/12, at approximately 2150 hrs, Operator1 was operating PWC (V1) at night on the ICW heading southbound near Sea Isle Marina in Miami, FL when he collided head-on into another vessel (V2) which was heading northbound. V2 was operating at an idle speed through the channel when the collision occurred. The impact caused Operator1 to be ejected forward and hit the anchor bracket on V2, causing a severe chest injury. Operator1 died on scene as a result of his injuries. V2's navigational lights (red and green) were not mounted in a manner that comply with regulations listed in the US Coast Guard Navigational Rules. According to the definitions listed in Rule 21, the "sidelights" (red & green) must be mounted in a manner which allows them to display an "unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 112 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from straight ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on its respective side." The type of navigational lights mounted on the bow of V-2 were intended to be mounted on a vertical surface. In this case, they were incorrectly mounted on a horizontal surface. V-1 was traveling head-on toward V-2, which still permitted him to see V-2's incorrectly mounted navigational lights. No action will be taken on V-2 for the accident as the incorrectly mounted lights were not a factor in this case. The cause of the accident was that the V-1 operator was intoxicated over the legal limit and was operating a PWC at an excessive speed at night time.  Operation of a PWC after dark is illegal.; Operator1 He was going approximately 30 MPH When he struck V2. He was ejected and collided with the anchor bracket of V2 causing a deep puncture wound to his chest area. He died due to injuries caused by the impact.
MIAMI                         