On Monday September 5, 2011, I and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission were on water patrol in Estero Bay. At approximately 14:06 hours, we were dispatched to the Fish Tale Marina to investigate the report of a boating accident that had occurred beneath the San Carlos Pass. We were further advised that a LCSO Marine Unit was standing by with the vessel which was currently tied at the Marina. Investigator responded as well.

When we arrived, Investigator was already on scene and speaking with the operator of the boat. Operator was visibly upset over the incident and continued to utter that there was something wrong with the steering. It was learned that there were two other women on board one of which was transported to the hospital by EMS for a possible fractured ankle.   

I spoke with a witness who is employed by Sea-Tow, who was identified. He stated that he was on-duty and directly behind the vessel when it was attempting to pass under the bridge.  He reported that as the vessel attempted to pass through it went out of control and began heading towards the fendering system. The operator attempted to turn the wheel but was unsuccessful due to the heavy outgoing current. The vessel then made contact with the port side and the operator was able to turn the boat to starboard, at which time he saw the passenger run up to the bow. She sat down, placed both legs out and attempted to cushion the impact at which time he shouted over to her to keep her feet in the vessel. Within a second or two after the boat struck the fendering system with the bow, and trapped the victims legs. He heard screaming and yelling and boarded the boat to render assistance. Witness later provided this officer with a hand written statement. For additional information refer to the attached hand written sworn statement.

We then conducted an interview of Operator. Prior to the interview she was advised of her Miranda warnings by Investigator. Operator stated that she understood her warnings and voluntarily agreed to waive them. She then stated that her friend (the victim) rented a boat from Snook Bight Marina, and she along with another woman, were in the boat. The first boat was not running right and they exchanged it for another boat. The victim proceeded to operate the boat from the Marina towards the San Carlos pass (bridge). Prior to reaching the bridge, she stated she relieved the victim from the helm and proceeded towards the bridge. As she approached it she saw another vessel coming in from the Gulf. She stood by and waited for this vessel to pass through. Once it passed she then proceeded to navigate beneath the bridge at which time she lost control due to the steering wheel not working properly. She stated it was a combination of the wind, current and steering that caused her to lose control of the vessel's steerage. She stated that wind carried the boat and took it sideways towards the right side of the fendering system as they were heading out. The victim then ran up to the bow and attempted to use her feet to kick off the fendering system and injured her left ankle She stated that someone from Sea-Tow was near by when the  incident occurred and assisted them. Operator insisted that there was something wrong with the steering system. A formal taped statement was taken from Operator at the scene by Investigator. I was present when the statement was taken. 

Myself and Investigator inspected the vessel and found all required safety equipment on board. We then inspected the helm. We did not notice any fluid leaking from the helm or the steering rods .When we removed the screw cap there was no fluid visible. With the cap still off and while turning the helm, no f

FORT MYERS BEACH              