RedactedNarrative: On 04/04/17 at approximately 6:30 pm a vessel was entering Matheson Hammock boat ramp on a plane. 
  
  I met the vessel at the boat ramp and observed extensive fresh damage on the port side. I approached the operator. The operator was not injured and stated that he struck a channel marker south of Rickenbacker causeway on the ICW. The operator stated he moved out of the way of a larger vessel when he collided with the channel marker. He turned his vessel back towards the marina where I met him. 
  
  The vessel was displaying FL 7660 PL, which was not registered to any vessel type just "Dealer". I did see this vessel leave the marina just a few minutes earlier with no damage and only one occupant. 
  
  USCG was contacted regarding anyone reporting a vessel accident in the area, which they responded with "No".
  
  The operator was cited for careless operation resulting in an accident violating Rule #8(c) & (d) Action to avoid collision.
  (c) If there is sufficient sea room, alteration of course alone may be the most effective action to avoid a close-quarters situation provided that it is made in good time, is substantial and does not result in another close-quarters situation.
  
  (d) Action taken to avoid collision with another vessel shall be such as to result in passing at a safe distance. The effectiveness of the action shall be carefully checked until the other vessel is finally past and clear.
  There are no witnesses to this accident.
  This concludes Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission investigation.
  