RedactedNarrative: On August 25, 2018 at approximately 2:10 pm, Operator1 was operating a Yamaha SX210 (Vessel 1) at an estimated speed of 20-25mph, on the ICW.  He was operating his vessel southward on the ICW angling towards the starboard side (inland side) of the channel towing two passengers on a tube with a 53-foot tow rope.  While approaching a bend in the ICW, there were several other vessels operating in the same direction.  Due to the congestion, Operator1 reduced speed to an estimated 5-10mph and steered his vessel to the starboard side closer to the edge of the channel. 
  
  Operator2 was operating a Tidewater 2000 (Vessel 2) Northbound on the ICW at the same time.  After exiting the bend, Operator2 continued operating Northbound at an estimated speed of 25mph.  When entering the congested area, he reduced his speed to an estimated 10 mph.  He was operating near the center of the channel and steered his vessel to pass Vessel 1 on his port side.  When he was parallel with Vessel 1, he observed the tube come out from behind the vessel and he immediately reduced his throttle to neutral.  
  
  At that time, Operator2 observed he was going to collide with the tube and passengers.   Operator2 stated to me that he then pulled out the key to shut off his engine.  Immediately after that, the bow of vessel 2 struck the tube and both passengers resulting in contusions to tuber1’s left leg and lacerations to tuber2’s head and shins.  
  
  After the impact, Operator2 immediately rendered aid.  His passenger jumped into the water to assist.  Operator1 also jumped in and one of his passengers.  The tubers were transported by ambulance to Onslow Memorial Hospital and released.  Tuber2 received stitches in the forehead and bandages to the shins.
  
  
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