RedactedNarrative: On 5/4/14 at approximately 1645 hours I, Officer, was on water patrol in the area of Boca Ciega bay when dispatch advised me of a boating accident in the vicinity of Gulfport, FL. I arrived on scene at 1656 hours and noticed four people on a blue pontoon vessel (later identified as FL 3695 MZ) that was tied off to a completely submerged sailing vessel (later identified as FL 4020 DP). All four occupants aboard the pontoon vessel stated that they were ok and did not require any medical treatment. At that time I separated the occupants and grouped them by vessel; occupants of the submerged vessel in the front of the pontoon vessel and occupants of the pontoon vessel in the stern. I asked Subject1, the operator of the pontoon vessel, how the accident occurred and he stated that he was travelling south parrallel to Pasadena Yacht Club when he heard a cell phone ringing. At that time Subject1 left the helm to retrieve the cell phone and when he returned to the helm he collided with the sailing vessel travelling the opposite direction on its port side bow. Subject1 then stated that his occupant was ejected into the water but was uninjured. Subject1 stated his speed at the time of the collision was approximately 12-15 mph. The sailing vessel then began to take on water and ultimately sank within two minutes. Both the occupants of the sailing vessel were able to safely board the pontoon boat until help arrived. 
  
  I interviewed the operator of the sailing vessel, Operator2, and his account of the story mirrored that of Subject1's. Operator2 added that he attempted to yell to the operator of the pontoon vessel before the collision occurred. He also stated that he was travelling at approximately 4 mph under motor power and that he was restricted in his maneuverability due to the channel being very narrow. 
  
  TowBoat arrived on scene and advised that it was too late in the evening to right the sailing vessel and that salvage efforts would need to occur the following day. Salvage occurred days later and the sailing vessel was taken to Gulfport Marina where it was stored until it could be pulled out of the water. 
  
  The sailing vessel sustain damage in excess of 15,000.00$ and the pontoon vessel sustained minimal structural damage and was taken to a marine repair facility in Clearwater, FL. 
  
  Subject1 was issued a citation for careless operation.