RedactedNarrative: I made contact with Operator and asked him what happened. Due to a language barrier, Operator’s son translated for me. Operator’s son advised Operator was operating his vessel in the rim canal on the levee side, when the vessel made a loud noise and came to a stop. Operator’s son advised Operator believed he hit a rock and that the vessel began taking on water from the rock puncture. Operator’s son advised this was Operator’s first time on Lake Okeechobee and first time operating the vessel. 
               
  
  Conclusion:
  
  	I advised Operator’s son to inform Operator that Lake Okeechobee is a very shallow lake and contains a large amount of underwater obstructions to strike. I advised Operator’s son to inform Operator that when navigating on new water ways, to drive as safely as possible do to unknown unwater obstacles. 
  
  Operator loaded the vessel onto the trailer, and I observed the propeller to have damage, as well as the bottom of the hull. I took several pictures of the vessel and the damage it sustained. Due to Operator not being able to see the underwater obstruction, no citations will be issued. I provided Operator with my business card, along with the case number for this incident.
  