RedactedNarrative: On February 26th, 2020, At approximately 1425hrs, a PWC (V1) struck the Green Channel Marker Nine (9). The Channel Marker is located in Boca Chica Channel, in the surrounding waters of Key West, Monroe County, State of Florida.  Operator advised that the PWC tour companies name was Sunset Watersports. Operator advised the tour started at 1400hrs. Operator advised that as he approached the channel marker he attempted to steer away from it but was dragged / pushed into it. Operator advised that at the time of the accident he was travelling at approximately 15-20mph. 
  
  Operator advised that there were 4-5 PWC’s in front of him. Operator advised that this was his 8th or so time renting PWC’s in Key West and that he has experience on PWC’s. Operator advised that he observed the channel marker and attempted to turn away from the marker. Operator advised that he gave the PWC throttle, but the PWC continued on its course and into the channel marker. Operator advised that his reaction time to collision was approximately 100 feet. Operator advised that the PWC’s steering didn’t feel right and felt as if it had play or lag. Operator advised that the front of the PWC hit the channel marker and Occupant and he were knocked off.  
  
  I arrived at Sunset Watersports of Parrot Key, Key West and conducted a damage/mechanical assessment of V1. The damage to V1 can be described as penetrating. The I-beam of Channel Marker Nine (9) penetrated into the port side bow of the PWC at approximately the 11 o-clock position from the bow. My mechanical assessment of V1 primarily focused on the steering due to Operator’s statements made at the hospital. I noted that the handlebar mounts were broken and the handlebars (Steering control) were no longer attached to the PWC. The attachment point of the steering control to the steering cable was broken and missing. This break was fresh and had no signs of corrosion, indicating that this damage was a result of the collision with Channel Marker Nine (9). 
  
  The steering cable was still inside the PWC. It was tested for smoothness of action, checking for any snags, play, or looseness. The steering cable operated smoothly and in correlation to the steering jet (Nozzle). I also noted that V1’s kill switch was not attached and was missing, during a later conversation with Operator, he stated that he was wearing the kill switch when the accident occurred, it was attached to his life jacket on the lowest clip and to the PWC via the kill switch attachment mounted on the handlebars.
  
  Occupant was admitted to the hospital and treated for right leg pain. Occupant was later released. Operator received injury to his right hand and lacerations to his left ear.
  