Single vessel accident involving a fall overboard resulting in a prop strike.
V-1 is a rental 2011 Bentley pontoon powered by a 50 HP Mercury Outboard.

Victim was Occupant 1 and fell off the bow after reaching for  an item in the water. The vessel continued over the victim striking her in the arm and leg.  Victim was recovered and taken to the dock where Okaloosa County EMS responded and victim was eventually transported to the hospital in Pensacola.

Operator was victims brother. Statements were gathered from operator and the closest occupant to the victim at the scene . Victim was interviewed the next day in the hospital and statements given to the rental company were also gathered.

All statements were consistent as to the cause of the injuries.  Copies are attached.

Contributing factors:
Vessel was moving at full throttle.
Victim leaned over bow.
Victim had been drinking.
	
Based on evidence and information gathered to date the accident occurred when the victim went in front of the front hatch with the vessel in motion and fell into the water. Operator tried to avoid victim but the pontoons kept her inline with the motor.  Victim stated she tried to dive down but still got hit by motor.
	
VIOLATIONS 
A warning was issued for Careless Operation

Careless Operation
F.S. 327.33(2) Any person operating a vessel upon the waters of this state shall operate the vessel in a reasonable and prudent manner, having regard for other waterborne traffic, posted speed and wake restrictions, and all other attendant circumstances so as not to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person. The failure to operate a vessel in a manner described in this subsection constitutes careless operation.

; victim had Lacerations and contusions to left arm near elbow. Deep lacerations of left heel and ankle. Contusions and broken bones in left foot/ankle.
FT. WALTON BEACH