On 22 June, 2013 at approximately 4:45 P.M., V1 a 16 foot Alumcraft bearing Florida registration FL 3196 KL was on the Choctawhatchee River headed back to the ramp on Holmes Creek in Washington County, FL to get out of the rainstorm.  When a Sturgeon leapt into their path and struck three occupants injuring one bad enough to be air lifted to Pensacola where he remains in Critical condition.

The vessel contained a family of five.  The vessel was operated by the father, one person was seated towards the port bow. Another person was seated even with helm but on the port side. The mother was seated on the back casting deck.  The Victim was seated in front of mom facing aft under a tarp. 

The fish entered the vessel at the port bow striking the trolling motor and the person on the port bow.  Trolling motor shows fresh damage. Port bow occupant only had a few small scratches near the right eye.  As the fish continued aft, it struck mom ejecting her from the vessel and impacted victim in the back of the upper torso and head. victim was pressed against hull of the boat upon impact with the fish.

After recovering wife and getting assistance to shore, EMS decided to airlift victim to Sacred Heart Pensacola where he was admitted into the Pediatric ICU.

Officer responded to scene and photographed the vessel and a piece of bone found on board believed to be from the sturgeon. ;victim:Two skull fractures to the base of the skull in back.  Some bruising on the brain.  Injuries sustained from impact with a large Sturgeon and pinning against the boat
VERNON