Vessel #1 had been fishing on the Lower Laguna Madre the morning of 06-02-11.  After the fishing trip the operator took the passenger on a tour of the South end of the Lower Laguna Madre. After leaving the area of the jetties they were returning back to the boat ramp located at Fishermans Pier on South Padre Island.  The weather was extremely nice that day with warm air and water conditions and a light East to Southeast breeze at approx. 12 knots, the water conditions were smooth with nearly zero chop on the bay.  While returning to the ramp they struck the #1 channel marker while cruising at approximately 25 mph.  The marker was struck just on the port side of the center of the bow.  The impact caused the passenger to be ejected from the boat without having time to get a lifejacket on. The operator was jammed up into the console and he was able to quickly regain control of the vessel.  The operator then went back and picked the passenger up out the water.  The vessel then traveled approximately 300 yards to the U.S. Coast Guard Station to report the accident.  The passenger stated that his knee was slightly injured but refused any medical treatment. The operator stated that he was just soar from the impact and he also refused any medical treatment.
South Padre Island            