SYNOPSIS
On Saturday May 25th 2013, at approximately 1300 hours, boating accident FWSW13Off6088 occurred in a narrow passage near Smiths Gap in Placida, Charlotte County, Florida.  Vessel 1, a 17' skiff, was on plane heading south out of the mouth of the passageway. The mouth of the passageway is narrow and has limited visibility when entering or exiting the passage. Vessel 2, a 16' airboat, was on plane headed west northwest into the entrance of the passageway.  As the two vessels suddenly observed each other the following actions occurred. Vessel 1 hesitated then attempted to turn to starboard (right) and accelerated. Vessel 2 powered completely down and veered to port (left). The starboard bow of vessel 2 collided with the port aft of vessel 1 ejecting one occupant. The ejected occupant suffered a fractured pelvis in two places and a broken femur in two places. She also sustained substantial bruising on her left side.
The other occupants of Vessel 1 and the occupants of Vessel 2 were uninjuried.
ROTONDA