RedactedNarrative: On Monday, May 31, 2021, at approximately 1320 (1:20PM) Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was on uniformed water patrol in Manatee County with four other officers when we were dispatched to a reported vessel accident that had occurred near the ANNA MARIA CITY PIER. It was reported by dispatch that the vessel had capsized, and the occupants were in the water.  
  Upon arrival I observed an overturned floating vessel (later identified by Florida Registration number FL2227RX a 15ft 2003 Carolina Skiff Open Motorboat) being secured by a SEATOW recovery vessel with the three occupants aboard and seated at the stern of the SEATOW vessel. 
  Our patrol vessel maneuvered along side the SEATOW vessel and I boarded the vessel by myself to conduct an interview with the occupants of the vessel that had capsized. I spoke with the owner and operator of the vessel OP1 and asked her to tell me what occurred. OP1 explained that the vessel was heading EAST from BEAN POINT towards the mouth of the MANATEE RIVER to return to the dock that they had launched from. As the vessel approached the ANNA MARIA CITY PIER OP1 said that the choppy sea state caused a cooler aboard the vessel to shift its position at the stern of her vessel causing the vessel to list towards the shore. As the vessel was listing a larger unidentified vessel operating on plane heading NORTH WEST passed on OP1’s PORT (Left) side. This unidentified vessel generated a large wake which caused the listing vessel to capsize ejecting all occupants into the water. 
  After being ejected from the vessel the occupants remained with the vessel and were assisted out of the water by SEATOW and the MANATEE COUNTY SHERRIFF’s OFFICE MARINE UNITs prior to my arrival. Upon completing my interview with OP1, I could see no evidence to contradict the account that was given by OP1 and reinforced by the agreement of the two other passengers to OP1’s account of what occurred. The vessel was photographed, and the statement given by OP1 was recorded on my agency issued BODY WORN CAMERA. I provided OP1 with my contact information and explained the process that would take place regarding the investigation of the boating accident. I then returned to FWC marked patrol vessel and departed from the area. 
  END OF REPORT NO FURTHER ACTION TAKEN.
  