RedactedNarrative: On June 28, 2014, at approximately 1935 hours CDT, along the northern shoreline of Choctawhatchee Bay in the vicinity of Villa Tasso in the county of Walton, a single vessel struck a single snorkeler/swimmer. The vessel was west bound along the north shoreline, and was occupied by two people. The vessel was a 20' Lake and Bay flats style fishing boat. The boat was powered by a single 250 horsepower Mercury outboard. The vessel struck the victim, and proceeded on its westward track. At no time immediately after the collision, did the operator or occupant of the vessel acknowledge any involvement in the collision. The victim is a twelve year old male, and was snorkeling in the shallows along the shoreline. The victim was accompanied in the water by his father, who at the time of incident was cast netting nearby. A divers down flag was not displayed. The victim suffered severe trauma due to impact with the vessel's propulsion system. The victim was flown to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, FL. The victim survived the collision and is recovering with tremendous medical attention. 
  Post collision investigation of the hit and run incident was delayed due to exhaustive search for the watercraft involved. Both land and water patrol units of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, USCG, along with Walton county Sheriff's Office worked throughout the night and subsequent days following, attempting to locate, identify, and interview witnesses. It was Monday June 30, 2014 before the boat was secured. Initial identification of subject and his wife were provided by Walton county Sheriff's deputy after witnessing the boat depart Nick's Seafood restaurant. Patrons of the restaurant provided the name of the owner/ operator of the boat. A search warrant was requested and executed for authorization to impound the vessel for evidence processing. The boat was transported to Panama City Beach Field Office, held for investigation purposes, processed for trace evidence, tested for operational characteristics, and returned to owner. No forensic transfer of evidence was discovered. 
   The injuries include three large lacerations to the back, beginning in the upper back, and working down the back to the pelvic region. The severity of the lacerations are extreme, and penetrate the diaphram, renal and abdominal regions. Multiple fractured ribs are exposed, the lower spine and pelvic bone are exposed with fractures and lacerations to each. The liver and spleen are lacerated as well. Additionally, a lower laceration has fractured the right femur bone. Tremendous loss of blood has led to shock and mental disassociation.