On Thursday, November 15, 2012 at approximately 1400 hours, boating accident FWSW12OFF011567 occurred in Little Sarasota Bay, Sarasota County, Florida. The accident occurred near channel marker 59 in the inner coastal waterway, just south of the Stickney Point Bridge on Siesta Key.  Operator was operating his 22' Pathfinder from the upper controls on the tower of the vessel.  The vessel was on a full plane at approximately 30 MPH when Mr. Operator attempted to overtake a large vessel.  As he hit the other vessels wake his vessel slowed down causing the upper portion of the tower to fold forward; ejecting Operator from the tower seat and throwing him to the deck of the vessel.  Operator fractured his back, neck and several ribs.  The vessel he was overtaking called for assistance on the VHF radio, an off duty fire fighter and an off duty Deputy responded, administered aid and transported him to the marina where they were met by EMS.  Operator was flown to Blake Medical Center with serious bodily injuries.; Operator receive fractured ribs, two fractured cervical vertebrae, three fractured thoracic vertebrae, two fractured lumbar vertebrae contusions and a head injury.
SIESTA KEY                    