RedactedNarrative: Operator1 stated that he was following V-2 in the Homosassa River, as they passed channel marker # 70 V-2 began to suddenly slow down. Operator1 advised that he slowed his boat and “jammed it into reverse” and “turned his wheel” but, was unable to avoid striking the rear of vessel V-2. 
  
  I observed minor damage to bow of Operator1’s vessel that was consistent with his statement. I then spoke with the four passengers that were on vessel and they all gave the same account of what happened. 
  
  While I was at the Marina another vessel (V-3) approached me and advised that V-2 was accelerating and deaccelerating while it was traveling in the in the river. The operator of V-3,  stated that he passed V-2 on one side and another vessel passed on another side to avoid a collision with V-2.
  
  I then met with the operator of V-2. She stated that she was in bound in the Homosassa River traveling at a slow speed, as she passed channel marker # 70 V-1 struck the rear of her vessel. I observed damage to the fiberglass cowling and the control linkage that connects the hydraulic steering cylinder to the motor was missing. The motor also appeared to be slightly off center.