RedactedNarrative: On December 24, 2016, a single vessel accident occurred in the Manatee River near the Fort Desoto Park.  The vessel involved was a 17’ Aquasport occupied by five adult males.  The vessel was traveling west in the Manatee River at approximately 25 to 40 mph with no navigation lights illuminated.  The vessel entered into a port side turn when a channel marker became present.  The operator slackened speed but the vessel struck the channel marker on the starboard side.  One of the passengers standing on the starboard side was ejected from the vessel striking the channel marker.  Passengers from the vessel retrieved the injured passenger from the water and transported him back to shore.   Manatee Fire/EMS met the vessel on shore and transported the injured individual to Blake Memorial Hospital.  The passenger was later declared deceased.  
  This is still an ongoing investigation.  The victim’s fatal injuries included internal trauma and head trauma.
  