RedactedNarrative: On Friday, 03/25/16 at approximately 1915 hours, Boating Accident #FWSW-16-OFF-4358 occurred just southwest of redfish point in the Caloosahatchee River/Lee County, Florida.  The accident occurred south of the entrance to Dolphin Canal, Cape Coral Florida.  V1 (26' Crownline rental boat) and V2 (24' deckboat rental boat) were returning to rental homes located on Dolphin Canal.  V1 and V2 were travelling at approximately 30 mph on parallel courses in close proximity. V1 had 5 people onboard.  V2 had 3 people onboard. 
   
  The operator of V1 attempted to turn away from V2 to create more space between the vessels but lost control causing the vessel to proceed on a collision course.  The operator of V2 did not see V1 turn and lose control and did not take any evasive action.  
   
  The port bow of V1 collided with the starboard bow of V2.  Three individuals sitting in the bow of V1 were ejected into the water.  Three occupants of V1 sustained non-life-threatening injuries.  V2 picked up the ejected individuals.  
   
  The operator of V2 issued a distress call over VHF16.  Lee County SO arrived on scene approximately 15 minutes after the accident occurred and escorted both vessels to Cape Coral Yacht Club.  The three injured parties were transported by EMS to local hospitals.  
   
  The owners of V1 and V2 were contacted and took possession of the vessels at the Cape Coral Yacht Club.  The operator of V1 and the operator of V2 were issued citations for failure to obey navigation rules (navigation rule #8) resulting in an accident.  Damage to each vessel was estimated at approximately $10,000.00. 
  
  V1 occupant1:Laceration to right foot requiring stitches
  Operator1:Broken nose, broken left eye socket, laceration requiring stitches
  V1 occupant2:Broken ribs on both side of chest
   
  