RedactedNarrative: On Sunday, November 13th, 2022, at approximately 1300 hours, vessel accident occurred within Florida’s state waters of Pine Island Sound, within Lee County. The incident involved a vessel (V1) striking another vessel (V2) from behind. The accident was caused by the operator of V1 violating navigation rule 7, following too closely, and operator inexperience. The operator was cited accordingly. The incident caused gel coat damage to V1 along with significant engine damage to V2. The operator and one occupant of V1 admitted themselves into the ER to be evaluated. All injuries were minor. 
  V1 was traveling south in Pine Island Sound around 1300hrs, near red marker 48, just offshore from Mango’s Restaurant in North Captiva. RP explained that it had just finished storming and was slightly drizzling at the time of the incident. The owner of the vessel was driving when she asked one of the occupants if he could take control of the vessel so that she could find a towel to wipe the windshield down. The windshield was covered in rain and difficult to see through. RP continued to explain that at the time of the operator exchange, there were no vessels in the immediate area. V2 was far enough ahead of them, traveling in the same direction. In a short amount of time, OP1 caught up to V2 and was following V2 extremely closely. OP1 was traveling approximately 20-30mph at the time and was following closely for approximately one-half mile. OP1 attempted to overtake V2 and subsequently got caught in the starboard wake of V2, causing him to lose control of the vessel. The port side bow of V1 collided with the starboard engine/transom of V2. RP stated she is aware of the dangers of being caught in the wake of another vessel and stated, “Usually it is a more experienced driver that knows how to back off and get out of the wake. I think he just panicked.” OP1 has little to no experience in driving vessels and is not required to possess a valid boating safety identification card due to his age.; 
  OP1 transported himself to the emergency room at Shore Point Health in Cape Coral. OP1 suffered abrasions and contusions to his back and right wrist (see pictures). He also had swelling to his left eyebrow. OP1 was immediately released from the ER upon being evaluated.
  INJURED 2 was transported to ShorePoint Health in Cape Coral by her mother. INJURED 2 has a history of seizures and wanted to be evaluated after hitting her head in the accident. INJURED 2 suffered a contusion to the right side of her face (see pictures) and was released from the ER immediately after being evaluated. ; 
  