RedactedNarrative: On July 2, 2017 an outbound vessel (21' skiff) struck a channel marker in the Hernando Beach Channel (green #35).  The vessel was occupied by a man and young child there were no injuries.  The marker was snapped and recovered.  The vessel received damage to the starboard bow and deck.	
  
  OPERATOR1 advised me that while he was headed out of the channel he looked down to scold his grandson and when he looked up he saw he was going to hit the channel marker.  OPERATOR1 stated that he was able to pull the throttle back to neutral before striking the marker.  OPERATOR1 estimated his speed to be around 18 mph when he was running.  OPERATOR1 said when his vessel struck the marker the marker kart wheeled back through his vessel and out the starboard side.  OPERATOR1 said the broken end of the marker ended up next to his vessel when he came to rest.  OPERATOR1 secured the broken marker in his vessel and returned toward Hernando Beach to try and make contact with FWC.
  