RedactedNarrative: On 2/28/16, Operator was operating V1 in the Palm Island area of the ICW near marker 7. V1 heading southbound on plane and struck marker 7 with the starboard side sustaining moderate damage to the gunnel. There were three people on board and no injuries sustained.
  
  Subject was operating V1 from the Freedom Boat Club in Cape Haze.  There were two passengers on board.  After passing the Palm Island ferry, Operator put V1 on plane.  Contact was made with the vessels starboard bow area and ICW channel marker 7, located at 26DEG52'05.89"N 82DEG18'43.57"W.  It hit with enough force to completely break the marker off at the mud line.
  	I made contact with Operator at approximately 1215 Hours.  Operator gave me a written statement describing what happened. As V1 was coming on plane, Operator was distracted by a passenger. Operator took his attention away from operating the vessel and when he looked back up he saw he was heading straight for the number 7  ICW marker.  He tried to avoid it by turning hard to Port but did not have enough time and subsequently collided with the marker.   Upon examination of the marker I found paint transfer that matched the color of V1.  V1 sustained moderate damage on the starboard side (see attached photos).  We retrieved the marker and secured it to the dock at Palm Island Marina.  The USCG was notified of its location.
  	I spoke with the occupants.   Occuapnt said he was sitting on the back seat on the port side.  Occupant2 said she was sitting on the seat in front of the console.  There were no injuries and no damage to personal belongings.  Operator was written a warning for violation of a navigation rule.  Failure to maintain a proper lookout (W841454).