RedactedNarrative: Vessel 1 struck a fixed Channel Marker on Pithlachascotee River, causing damage to the port-side bow and channel marker 14.  
  
  Vessel 1 was inbound from the Gulf of Mexico on the Pithlachascotee River.  The operator left the helm and walked to the stern and was facing the motor.  He was away for approximately thirty seconds, while the vessel was underway, in gear and plowing at approximately ten to fifteen miles per hour.  The operator returned to the helm just prior to hitting the marker. He turned the wheel to the right and collided with the outside of Marker 14.  The port side of vessel 1 struck the south side of Marker 14, causing the marker to lean drastically to the north. The operator of vessel 1 was uninjured.
  
  Vessel 1 returned to Nicks Park boat ramp and was recovered to its trailer. A friend of the operator towed the vessel and its operator to the operator's residence. The operator of vessel 1 never reported the accident. Port Richey Police Department reported the accident to FWC nine days later.  According to PRPD reporting officer, the operator appeared to be intoxicated, however contact was made at the boat ramp and he was not observed operating the vessel. Due to delayed reporting, defendant's charges will be direct-filed with the State Attorney's Office.
  