RedactedNarrative: This accident report pertains to a single vessel casualty involving the ejection of the vessel's operator into the water as a result of improper action taken to avoid collision with another vessel.  
  
  Vessel #1 (V-1) was underway making way, heading northbound within the channel of Matlacha Pass, near marker "45."  
  
  V-1 operator advised post accident that he observed another vessel southbound within the same channel on a perceived collision course with V-1.  V-1 operator attempted to take the improper action to avoid collision by steering V-1 to port, while the approaching vessel took the proper action of steering to starboard.  The actions of both vessels continued to place them on a collision course.  V-1 operator then increased speed along with the degree of directional change to port in an attempt to avoid collision.  The sudden change in course and speed caused the operator of V-1 to be ejected from the vessel over the starboard side gunnel.  
  
  V-1 immediately reverted to a circular pattern to port at full or near full speed ahead.  Upon self-inflation of his personal flotation device, V-1 operator surfaced, but was unable to avoid contact with V-1, now on a collision course with the operator.  V-1 operator was struck by V-1 at the vessel’s bow and sustained injuries to his head, right ankle and right hand (see supplemental).  
  
  A "Good Sam" vessel was able to render assistance and retrieved V-1 operator from the water.  V-1 operator was then transported to the Matlacha Park Public Boat Ramp for medical attention.  Emergency medical service personnel arrived and transported V-1 operator to Cape Coral Hospital, where he was treated and later released.    
  
  Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Officer arrived first on scene, took control of V-1 and subsequently towed it to the boat ramp. 
  
  V-1 sustained minor damage to the GPS mount on the console.  There was no known damage to any other property.  V-1 operator was wearing a type V hybrid-inflatable personal flotation device, which self-inflated upon entry into water and effectively kept V-1 operator safely above the water surface
  ; 
  
  OPERATOR SUSTAINED A 4-5" LACERATION TO THE FOREHEAD, AN ABRASION TO THE RT. ANKLE AND A FISH HOOK LODGED INTO THE RT. HAND.  SUBJECT WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO CAPE CORAL HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM WHERE HE WAS TREATED AND RELEASED THAT SAME DAY.