RedactedNarrative: On Monday, March 14, 2022, at approximately 1330 hours Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Officers responded to a double vessel accident that took place at the northeast point of Battista Island, located in Lee County. One subject was onboard a 2014, 24’ Godfrey Marine (V1) that was traveling northeast on plane. Four subjects were onboard a 2018, 29’ Regal Marine (V2) that was traveling south on plane. Both unknowingly approached the other from opposing directions while navigating a blind bend. V1’s bow collided with the starboard side hull of V2’s hull just forward of the windshield. The operator of V1 suffered severe injuries to the face and head and subsequently transported to the hospital for treatment. 
  
  
  According to witness statements, at approximately 1300 hours, V1 and V2 were being operated on plane toward the northeast point of Battista Island, in Estero Bay. V1 was headed northeast along the south shoreline and V2 was headed south from Broadway Channel. Due to the island being covered in dense vegetation, neither vessel could see the other approaching from opposing directions.   
  Both V1 and V2 arrived at the northeast point at the same time. V2 was engaged in a sharp turn to starboard while navigating a blind bend within proximity to the shoreline. V1 was in the process of beginning a sharp turn to port while approaching the blind bend and within proximity to the shoreline. Due to V1’s proximity to the shoreline, V2 was unable to make a port-to-port passage at a safe distance. Attempting to avoid a collision, V2 made an abrupt turn to port while V1 made an abrupt turn to starboard thus resulting in the collision. 
  
  At impact, V1’s bow struck V2’s starboard side hull ramped up and rolled to port causing the starboard side of V1’s bow to smash V2’s windshield on the starboard side. V1’s anchor was ejected into the water with its line attached to V1’s bow. Operator1 was thrown from the driver’s seat located on the starboard side of V1 causing his head to strike the console and windshield prior to him coming to rest on the deck near the starboard console.  
  
  After the collision, V1 preceded on plane due to Operator1 not having the boat engine emergency stop switch attached. Shortly after, V1’s anchor line became entangled around the propeller which caused V1’s engine to stall out and for V1 to come to a stop. No occupants involved in the collision were ejected. Operator2 immediately notified authorities and responded to V1 to render aid to Operator1. Operator1 received severe facial fractures and was subsequently transported to Lee Health Coconut Point where he was treated for his injuries. Operator1, owner / operator was seated at the helm located on the starboard side.  Operator1 received multiple facial fractures to include a broken nose and multiple broken teeth. He also received several lacerations and bruises to his face and head. The extent of injuries were serious in nature and required facial reconstructive surgery. The injuries were consistent with him getting thrown forward during the collision and striking V1’s console and windshield. He was treated for the injuries at Lee Health Coconut Point in Estero. The vessel’s boat engine emergency stop switch / lanyard was not attached to Operator1 at the time of the accident.
  