RedactedNarrative: On June 8, 2016, at approximately 1400 hours I, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Officer, while on patrol, was dispatched to a vessel accident in Salt Run Lagoon.  I was able to get on a vessel and be at the complaint location at approximately 1515 hours.  Upon arriving on scene I was able to see the number four navigation marker in Salt Run Lagoon almost under water listing to the north.  There was a considerable amount of damage to the navigational marker (photos in report).  
  
  I then was flagged down by the complainant, (operator).  Operator’s vessel was pulled near the shore on Anastasia State Park due east of the navigational marker.  After talking to Operator and confirming that everyone was okay I then looked at his vessel.  There was damage to the port side bow where the rub rail is (photos in report).  Operator’s vessel was fully operational other than the bow damage.  He stated that he was not taking on water and all of the occupants were fine.  He stated he had launched from St. Augustine South (Douglas Crane Boat Ramp) near the Flagler Hospital.  
  
  	Operator stated that he was traveling north in Salt Run going towards the inlet when the incident happened.  He stated that while traveling in that direction he was on the opposite side of the channel in an attempt to not disturb the other vessels anchored near the state park shore.  He said that he was going at a slow speed and then decided to come up.  At that time one of the female occupants on the vessel stated that her hat was almost about to blow off.  Operator stated that he thought she had said that her hat had flown off.  At that time Operator then stated he looked behind him in an attempt to see where the hat went.  He said the next thing he knew he turned back around to the front and saw the marker but it was too late to take any action and he hit the navigational marker.  Operator then stated that he called our dispatch to report the accident.
  
                  I wrote Operator a warning having to do with the violation of navigation rule #6 stating: Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and condition: (a) By all vessels: (iii) The maneuverability of the vessel with special reference to stopping distance and turning ability in the prevailing conditions.  I also contacted Saint Augustine Police Department in reference to the damage of navigation marker #4 in the Salt Run channel.  They stated that Sgt. with the marine unit is aware of the marker and has contacted the proper authority in relation to fixing the damage.