RedactedNarrative: At approximately 1550 hours, we arrived at the Ranger Station and Operator's care was turned over to Key Largo EMS Rescue 23. As EMS monitored Operator's vitals, I asked permission to ask Operator a few questions. Both EMS and Operator consented. I asked Operator if he had remembered what had happened. Operator stated he was traveling about 25 mph when he had to turn hard to prevent colliding with another vessel. He stated the steering stuck and he just went into the mangroves. I asked Operator if he remembered what happened to his head. Operator stated he struck it on the center console. I asked Operator if he knew what he was going to do with the vessel. I advised Operator that it was approximately 50 feet deep into the mangroves, and it would more than likely require a professional salvage. Operator stated he did not know what he was going to do. I advised him of Sea Tow and Tow Boat US as a starting point. I then asked Operator if there was anything on board that he absolutely needed or was in fear of losing. Operator then stated that his dog, "(dog’s name)" was still on board. Operator stated that his keys were also on board with his wallet. Operator asked if we could locate his dog, to grab his keys and wallet and put them in his camper at Coral Sands Campground. EMS transported Operator to Mariner's Hospital, in Tavernier. Officer and I returned to the scene of the crash. 
  
     At approximately 1630, Officer and I arrived back on scene of the crash. We nosed our patrol vessel up to the mangroves and I began to call out for "(dog’s name)". After a minute or two I removed my boots and duty belt and began to climb back through the mangroves to vessel. At this time, Everglades National Park Rangers arrived on scene as well. As I approached the vessel, I was able to see a dog carrier under the center console. A small dog poked his head up from the carrier. With the assistance of a Park Ranger, we were able to recover (dog’s name) and Operator's wallet and keys. I was able to better photograph the vessel, damage to the mangroves and document the pathway the vessel entered into the mangroves. Freshly snapped mangroves along with blue hull paint transfer were indicative of the crash.  I was also able to confirm the vessel as the same one from the morning prior, bearing FL 0495 GA. 
  
     At approximately 1745 hours, I arrived at Mariner's Hospital in Tavernier. With permission from the emergency room staff, (dog’s name) was turned over to Operator in the ER. Operator's wallet and keys were also returned to him. Operator had received stitches to the laceration above his right eyebrow.