On 12/26/11 at approximately 6:11PM, I was dispatched to a boating accident involving two personal watercrafts in Key West Harbor. The PWC's were rentals from the Westin Resort. I was also informed a female occupant sustained injuries from the accident and was being transported with her husband to Lower Keys Medical Center on Stock Island, Fl. I proceeded to the Westin Resort in Key west and Ofc. went to LKMC to meet with the injured party.
       Once at the rental facility at the Westin I identified the vessels involved to be: Vessel 1 (Give Way) and Vessel 2 (Stand On). I could clearly see damage to the bow of Vessel 1 and damage to port stern of Vessel 2 (See Pictures Attachments Section). I then met with and identified the operator of Vessel 1. He stated that he was the third person behind the guide traveling in a single file line. He stated that the PWC slowed down in front of him and he got too close and tried to maneuver to avoid the collision. He stated the maneuver caused him to fall off the PWC and when his head came back above the water he saw it continued to move forward and strike the PWC in front of him. 
      At this time, Ofc. informed me the injured female would be in need of surgery and was to be admitted to the hospital. He stated she had a compound break to her left leg. He stated her husband was uninjured. The injured female’s husband was the operator of Vessel 2. Ofc. informed me that V2’s recollection of events was similar to that of operator1 except that Operator1 did not fall off his ski until after the collision (See Witness Statements in attachments Section).
   Operator1 was issued one infraction for careless operation. He also violated navigation rules that resulted in an accident and was given a verbal warning. The Navigation Rules he violated were: Rule 5 Proper Lookout, Rule 6 Safe Speed, Rule 8 Action to Avoid Collision, Rule 13 Overtaking, and Rule 16 Action by Give Way Vessel.
      As of 12/27/11 1100hrs, occupant was undergoing surgery to correct the damage to her left leg. All parties were issued the offense number for the incident.
KEY WEST                      