RedactedNarrative: On 11/4/15 I FWC Officer responded to the Owl Creek Marina in Alva, FL reference a boating accident that occurred. While en route I made contact with the complainant/operator who I advised that I was on my way and approximately an hour away from his location. 
  
  SUMMARY:
  Upon arrival I made contact with Operator at the Owl Creek Marina. I asked Operator what happened and he stated, "I was driving down the middle of what looked like a canal back by Moore Haven when I heard a loud bang and the boat shake. I asked Operator If he was on Lake Okeechobee and he stated, "I'm not sure, i just know i was by the city of Moore Haven." I asked Operator if he had a picture of the location of the accident and he stated, "Yes, Here take a look". I viewed the picture Operator showed me and recognized it to be the rim canal on Lake Okeechobee.
  
  I advised Operator that he was in the rim canal on Lake Okeechobee and that there is an underwater rock ledge that runs from Clewiston to Moore Haven. I advised Operator that the rock ledge extends to approximately half way into the rim canal and when the water level is low like it is now, that it is a hazard for large vessels. I advised Operator that it is a common occurrence for large vessels to strike the rock ledge when the water level is low.
  
  I asked Operator when the accident actually occurred and he stated, "It happen Sunday the 1st at around noon". I asked Operator why it took so long for  him to report the accident and he stated, "We docked over night in Moore haven and there in Labelle. I wanted to take my time getting up to the marina to prevent any further damage." I asked Operator if he knew he did any damage when struck the rock ledge and he stated, "No but I did notice the a little vibration when running." I asked Operator what damage occurred to the vessel and he stated, "I sheared all the blades off one prop and bent the blades of the other prop. The marina is sending the blades off to see off to see if they can fix them. I think the shafts are damaged as well."
  
  I asked Operator if he is the owner of the Vessel and he stated, "No, I'm driving it back to Louisiana for my friend. I can give  you his number if you need to talk to him." Operator provided me with the phone number as he advised. I asked subject if there were any other occupants on the vessel and he stated, "Yes my friend." I asked Operator where this friend was and he stated, "He already left, He flew back to Louisiana".
  
  I asked Operator how much it is going to cost to fix vessel and he stated I think around $30,000. I advised Operator that I would be completing a boating accident report at which time I provided him with a business card and this agencies case number. I also completed a Florida boating accident report form for my records and to take notes. I advised Operator that I would be making contact with him on a later date and time to get a status update on the vessel. I advised Operator that I will not be writing him any citations for the accident.