Vessel one was travelling southwest across the Lower Laguna Madre. The operator and passengers stated that they could see several personal watercraft operating in the distance. As they travelled south west across the bay it appeared that they were in a colliding path with one of the PWC's. The operator changed his course of travel so as to avoid the collision. 

The operator of vessel 2, the PWC, crossed the boat's path and performed a circular spin and then reversed its direction of travel. 

The operator of vessel 1 stated that they were again on an intersection path and he again changed his course of travel. 

The operator of vessel 2 then performed a second circular maneuver and accelerated out of the circle in a straight line. Vessel 2 impacted vessel one on the port side of vessel 1 and the starboard side of vessel 2. Vessel 1 ramped over the top of vessel 2. The operator of vessel 2 was able to jump clear of the collision. The passenger of vessel 2 was forced under vessel 1. The propeller from vessel 1 cut across the stern of vessel 2 and through the passenger's head. 

The passenger of vessel 2 suffered severe head trauma from the propeller strike and died almost instantly. 

Witnesses from a nearby vessel livery heard the collision and responded immediately to get the victims out of the water. 

Vessel 1 was operating within the Parks and Wildlife Code with all applicable water safety equipment. Not At Fault 

Vessel 2 was a PWC operated by an individual born after 10/1/1993 who should have completed a basic boater education course PWC 31.109 
Vessel 2 was the give way vessel in the collision PWC 31.093 
Vessel 2 was a PWC operating greater than headway speed within 50' of another vessel PWC 31.106(4) 

Vessel 2 was rented from a vessel livery who failed to give proper instruction as to the applicable personal watercraft laws for safe operation PWC 31.111(b)(1)m

South Padre Island            