Vessel 1, a 2007 Yamaha Wave Runner bearing FL Registration #FL8224NU with operator on board was N bound in the ICW channel just south of Woolbright Road bridge in Boynton Beach FL. Vessel 2 was also north bound in the ICW just behind Vessel 1. Both wave runners were rented from M&CJ of the Palm Beaches. Operator1, the driver of vessel 1, advised he was driving north in the ICW and his girlfriend "Operator2" following him on another wave runner. Operator1 was going faster than Operator2 and realized that he was way in front of her, so he slowed down to wait for her by the bridge. While waiting for Operator2 he started to do clockwise turns in the center of the ICW to create spray from the Wave Runner. Because of the spray and the wake the wave runner was creating he could not see oncoming vessel traffic and was struck on the port side of his vessel, causing him to be ejected from the Wave Runner. I then spoke to Operator2 abd she advised while heading north just before Woolbright Rd Bridge her boyfriend Operator1 pulled in front of her causing her to strike him on the left side. Operator2 said she could not see Operator1 due to the rough conditions from all the boat traffic and the spray that was created by the Wave Runner. Operator1 sustained a fractured pelvis, fractured ankle, and a spinal cord injury. Vessel 1 had approximately $1500 in damage at the point of impact, and vesel 2 had approximately $1000 in damage on the bow of the vessel. No other injuries reported and the Wave Runners were taken back to the rental company by the owner. Operator1 was transported to Bethesda Hospital by Boynton Fire Rescue.
Boynton Beach