RedactedNarrative: Synopsis 
  On June 20, 2015 at approximately 1130 hrs a single vessel accident occurred on Barge Canal, Putnam County, FL. V1, a 20ft Procraft open motor boat powered by a single 225 hp engine. V1 was being operated by one adult male with one adult male passenger. V1’s operator stated while traveling at approximately 66 mph, V1’s engine struck something under the surface of the water sending V1in a sharp starboard turn direction, on to the bank and into the bushes. There were no ejections and no injuries, both occupants were wearing lifejackets. 
  
  Investigation 
  On June 26, 2015 at approximately 1530 hrs, FWC Officer and I started an investigation of a boating accident that occurred on June 20, 2015. The following information was gathered during my investigation: 
  I interviewed the owner/operator.
  1.Operator1 explained that while he was coming out of Buckman Locks, heading west towards Rodman Reservoir (traveling approx. 66 mph) , he heard a loud thump noise and his boat shot to the right onto the bank and into the bushes. 
  2.Operator1 explained the following damages occurred to his vessel: 
  
  • One of the prop blades snapped off 
  • Gears shot out of the lower unit housing 
  • Navigation light snapped completely off 
  • GPS/fish finder was ripped off its mount and thrown into the water 
  • Trolling motor was snapped in half 
  • 4 rod & reel combos were lost and broken 
  
  This concluded my interview with Operator1. 
  
  I observed the damage and took pictures of the vessel. I also investigated the area to see if I could locate the crash scene. I found the crash site. I could see broken branches and where the tall grass has been matted down from where the vessel came to rest. 
  
  Conclusion 
  
  After review of all statements and evidence to date I conclude the following: 
  
  1. Operator1 was operating V1 at the time of the accident 
  2. Operator1 was familiar with that canal and knew of the possibilities of there being submerged hazards 
  3. V1 did strike an unknown object under the surface 
  4. Operator1 lost control of V1, sending it onto the shore 
  
  It appears Operator1 has experience operating V1 at those speeds and in that particular area. The weather conditions were favorable and there was no other vessel traffic. V1's lower unit after striking the submerged object broke off one of the propellers blades and part of the gears in the housing punched a hole in the bullet. This action caused V1 to make a hard starboard turn into the shore. Due to these above listed facts, it appears Operator1 was operating within his abilities and no navigational rule was violated. 
  
  Violation 
  
  FS 327.30(2) 
  
  Operator1 failed to notify in a timely manner about the accident. 327.30(2) states: the operator shall without delay by the quickest means available give notice of the accident to one of the following agencies: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; the sheriff of the county within which the accident occurred; or the police chief of the municipally within which the accident occurred, if applicable. 
  
  One citation was issued.