RedactedNarrative: On January 1, 2021, at approximately 1715 hours, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responded to a call near Rookery Bay regarding a vessel running into a mangrove tree with injuries. The vessel had eight occupants and was making a sharp turn to port at approximately 30 mph and collided with a mangrove tree on its starboard side.  The operator of the vessel stated that he was following a personal watercraft through a narrow creek out into the main channel, due to his lack of knowledge of the area. While following the personal watercraft, the operator stated that he took a sharp turn to go around a bend of mangroves and had another sharp turn immediately after the previous turn. He stated that he knew he was unable to make the next turn, so he slowed down and braced for impact.
  The starboard side of the vessel collided with a mangrove tree, which made him hit his head on a mangrove branch causing a head injury. Nobody was thrown from the vessel or injured besides the operator of the vessel
  Two FWC units transported the injured party to Bayview Boat ramp and was treated by EMS. The individual refused medical treatment at the hospital and was released. There were no other injured parties on the vessel.  
  OPERATOR 1 stated that while he was operating the vessel he hit his head on a mangrove tree, which caused a lump on the right side of his face. He was seen by EMS but refused to go to the hospital. EMS treated his injuries and released him.    They took his vitals and gave him an icepack for his head.   Nothing further at this time.
  