RedactedNarrative: Vessel hit Channel 5 bridge causing significant damage to bow; no injuries to person(s) on board.  Witness fishing from bridge reported accident; vessel left scene and was found approximately 9 miles north.  
  
  On August 4, 2016 at approximately 4:30 pm, FWC dispatch received a call reference a vessel with 2 occupants had hit channel 5 bridge and left the area.  The complainant advised there were no injuries but significant damage to the vessel.  Myself and Investigator attempted to locate vessel.  Investigator was able to obtain a witness statement from the complainant. 
  
  I observed the vessel, with only one occupant, approximately 9 miles north of the incident at Indian Key Fill boat ramp; investigator assisted with questions due to the language barrier.  The operator said that wake from another vessel caused him to hit bridge, which caused the damage. 
  
  Occupant's statement differs, he stated the operator of the vessel, while attempting to free his (Occupant) fishing line from the engines, got caught in the current and hit the bridge.  After freeing the line and pushing off the bridge, the operator then accelerated, made a hard right turn, hit the bridge piling with the starboard side of the vessel, and then hit the old bridge head on.  The damage to vessel is consistent with statement however, it appears that the initial contact was on the port side of the vessel.