V2 was underway headed in a Northeast direction with V1 following.  V2 reduced speed and port bow of V1 made contact with starboard side of V2 and operator.  V2 operator fell into the water.   

On July 23, 2012 I Officer was dispatched to a vessel accident that occurred two days prior, on July 21, 2012, between two vessels in the Indian River Lagoon.  I made phone contact with the person reporting the accident, on July 23, 2012 and arranged a meeting the following day.  On July 24, 2012 I met with Operator2 to get information regarding the accident.  Operator2 stated he made acquaintance with a group of people at a spoil island on the Indian River Lagoon near the restaurant Captain Hirams in Sebastian.  Operator2 offered to lead the group of people from the spoil island to what is known as "The Sandbar" near the Sebastian Inlet.  Operator2 operated his PWC V2 (FL8639JY) and the other vessel V1 (FL5477DA),  followed.  Operator2 also stated there were three other occupants on Operator1's vessel.  Operator2 stated while underway his PWC experienced mechanical failure (lack of propulsion) causing him to reduce speed and settle in the water.  Operator2 fell into the water and Operator1's port side bow of vessel made contact with him and his PWC.  Operator2 stated he had a sore right hip and sore/stiff neck.  I observed minimal damage to Operator2's PWC.  Damage consisted of scrapes to the handlebar grips and rub rail.  Operator2 stated he thought there might be damage to the electrical system but was not certain.  

On July 25, 2012 I met with Operator1 to get his statement regarding the incident.  Operator1 (V1) confirmed he met Operator2 (V2) on the spoil island and that he was following Operator2 to the sandbar.  Operator1 stated that while underway, V2 pulled back behind V1 and jumped V1's wake several times.  Operator1 then stated V2 accelerated, came along side and passed him.  At that point Operator1 stated V2, operated by Operator2, crossed in front of his path, reduced speed, and settled in the water quickly.  Upon observing this, Operator1 stated he came off throttle and put the drive into reverse in attempts to avoid contact.   The forward momentum carried his vessel into V2.  At the time of the accident, Operator1 had three other occupants.  Operator1 stated Operator2's PWC could not restart after the incident so they towed him into the local boat ramp in Sebastian. 

On August 6, 2012 I spoke with v1 occupant by phone. She stated she was sitting on the seat located in front of the center console at the time of the accident.  She stated that she saw Operator2 come alongside V1, make a pass, and the next thing she knew they were about to make contact with V2.             

On August 8, 2012 I spoke with anotherV1 occupant by phone.  He stated they were following V2.  He was sitting at the bow of V1 and facing forward while underway.  He states he observed V2 underway and changing directions of travel numerous times.  He then observed V2 stall in front of V1 and they made contact.  

Due to variations in statements made by the operators of V1, V2, and witnesses it is difficult to determine if there was a violation of state statute or navigation rule.  No citations were issued.
SEBASTIAN                     