On 08/03/13 at about 1600hrs in Crystal River, investigation revealed Vessel 1 operated by a USCG licensed boat captain with five passengers for hire onboard, was inbound doing approximately 20MPH. Vessel congestion become difficult, so Vessel 1 eased to the right of the marked river channel into the year round manatee slow zone, outside the channel. At that time Vessel 2  with four occupants, was also inbound and in front of Vessel 1 in the 25mph marked river channel. As it turned to the right to go into the"Encore Camp Ground" canal by river marker 20, Vessel 1 by not keeping a proper lookout and seeing it turn too late, tried to turn quickly to the right. Vessel 1 then struck it's port side bow into Vessel 2 starboard side. Vessel 1 had one passenger (Unable to contact)  ejected into the water from the impact, but sustained no injuries, and was quickly rescued by Vessel 1. Vessel 1 sustained only a minor dent to it's port side bow, a few inches long. Vessel 2 operator sustained large bruising to his right buttocks, and sought no medical attention. Vessel 2 sustained damage to it's soft boat top, and it's starboard side was crushed in substantially. Both vessel's called 911, but victim vessel 2, after calling 911 left the scene under it's own power and left no contact information. It was not until 08/10/13 operator of Vessel 2 contacted the FWC and met with me. He advised he had not been feeling well. This Officer was not able to verify if Vessel 2 operator had been under the influence of alcohol during the accident. Vessel 1 operator was cited for "Failure to Keep a Proper Lookout". Vessel 2 operator was issued a written warning for leaving the scene of a reportable boating accident. Operator2 had large bruising to right buttock. Picure of injury in picture section of this accident report. (Stated he has type 4 lung cancer)
CRYSTAL RIVER