RedactedNarrative: On 11/26/17 at approximately 5:30 p.m. USCG reported a vessel accident at the Pensacola pass to dispatch. I, Officer contacted the point of contact from Coast Guard and they stated that a white center console vessel had struck a channel marker and was taking on water. They reported no injuries and that the vessel was safely beached on the north side of fort mccray. They also stated that US Tow Boat was en route to remove the vessel. When US Tow Boat arrived it was decided that the vessel would be anchored and removed the next morning due to extreme damage to the bow. I also spoke with the Owner/Operator by phone and gathered all his contact information. I informed the owner I would contact him first thing in the morning and get a written statement with pictures of the vessel. 
  
      On 11/27/17 at 06:30 a.m. I arrived at the beached vessel and took pictures of the damage and the buoy that was impacted. I made contact with the owner and had him meet at the vessel for a written statement. He advised that he and his son were traveling north from the gulf into the pass and when he started to turn east towards shoreline park he impacted the buoy without seeing it. He stated he was traveling approximately 15-20 knots and did not see the buoy. After the impact some good Samaritan's stopped and assisted until Coast Guard arrived a few minutes later. No personal injuries were sustained just damage to the vessel. He has no other information. A statement is attached with this report.
  
      On 11/30/17 at 0800 I contacted operator via telephone and he stated that he was a little sore and that he still could not remember how he hit the channel marker. He advised that when he hit the Buoy he was ejected from the vessel and the ignition safety switch lanyard he had attached engaged and shut the vessel down. When he was in water he grabbed the anchor line that was attached to buoy and pulled himself to the buoy. He then had his son, who was on the vessel, start the vessel and position it so he could board. After boarding the vessel some bystanders assisted them and helped contact Coast Guard. Coast Guard arrived and beached the vessel for safety reasons. US Tow Boat arrived and secured the vessel so it could be removed in the morning. The Operator and Passenger were transported to the Coast Guard Station. 
  
  operator will be cited  F.S.S.327.33(3)(b) Violation of Navigation Rules not wreckless. In violation of Navigation rules #5 Lookout, #7 Risk of Collision and #8 Action to avoid collision.
  