RedactedNarrative: Around 06:30 PM, Operator 1 was navigating the vessel south on the ICW to drop the passengers off at Eden Rock Hotel. Operator 1 advised that due to other vessel traffic in the area, he was navigating close to the western edge of the channel. Operator 1 advised that he was on a collition course with ICW red marker 44. Operator 1 advised that approximatelly at 300' from the marker, he started making steering corrections to port. He also stated that the vessel was not responding to the steering input he was applying. Operator 1 explained that he started easing the trim tab on the port side to assist with turning the vessel but it did not alter the course of the vessel. Operator 1 stated that approximately 60' from the marker, he throttled all the way down, but the vessel struck the marker causing major damage and ultimately sunk. Operator 1 advised that just prior to the accident, he instructed the passengers to brace for impact. The initial contact was on the starboard bow of the vessel, which created a large whole. Consequently, the starboard side chine of the vessel made contact with the marker from bow to stern. The contact damaged the fiberglass at the waterline, compromising the watertight integrity of the vessel. After the impact, Operator 1 instructed the passengers to put on PFDs and advised them that the vessel was going to sink. A good Samaritan was navigating in the ICW as well and saw them in the water after the vessel had sank. Subject rescued all passengers and transferred them to a Miami Beach Police Department vessel that arrived on scene. The Miami Beach Officer noted the passenger's information before releasing the at Sea Isle Marina. 
  
  I was able to reach out to occupants. They both advised that at the time of the accident they were not looking ahead and that accident/impact took them by surprise. After the accident they heard instructions from the captain to put on life jackets and abandon ship. 
  
  Upon inspection of the vessel it was found that the steering was stuck hard to port due to the impact.  It was not possible to verify if steering was properly working during the accident.