On January 1, 2011, at approximately 6:02PM, I was dispatched to a boating accident with injuries located at "Island Water Sports" located behind the "Westin Hotel" on Front Street. While en-route, I learned the injured party had been transported to Lower Keys Medical Center on Stock Island with a Facial Laceration. Ofc. responded to LKMC to meet with the injured party while I responded to Island Water Sports.
            Once at Island Water Sports, I learned the injured party was the operator of one of the Personal Water Crafts involved in the accident.        
            I learned from the parties involved in the accident that Vessel 1 was traveling behind the guide of the tour heading west towards the turn of the point. Vessel 2 was located to South East of Vessel 1. Vessel 1 turned to enter Key West Harbor Channel cutting off Vessel 2. This accident was located off the Southern Point of Ft. Zackory Taylor, the entrance into Key West Harbor. 
            The sea state in this area is often hazardous due to conflicting tide and wind direction.
            Neither operator was cited. Both were in violation of:             
                              Navigation Rule 6=Failure to maintain safe speed
                              Navigation Rule 7=Risk of Collision
                              Navigation Rule 8=Action to Avoid Collision
          The operator of vessel 1, was also in violation of Navigation Rule 5=Failure to Maintain a Proper Look-Out. In statement, he did not know what had caused him to be thrown from his P.W.C. He did not know the location of the Vessel 2 before he made the turn.
            Vessel 1 sustained most of the damage. Damage could be located on the front, and starboard side of the P.W.C. Vessel 2 sustained damage to the forward hull cap and the forward Hull.
           operator1 was treated and released from LKMC. Subject has laceration to the face.


***Note=Vessel where identified by H.I.N. due to them being purchased on 11/20/10. Vessel's are awaiting title from D.O.T. and have not been issued certificate of numbers. 

KEY WEST                      