RedactedNarrative: V1 was underway when operator looked away from his course. In response V1 struck navigation marker 36 causing damage to V1 and injuries to occupant. 
  
  Operator told me that he and Occupant had been out fishing in the Pine Island Sound area. Operator told me that he had grown up in the area and was somewhat familiar with it. He advised that they were leaving from Demere Key and heading southeast towards Captiva Island. Operator states that he was looking to get back in the Intracoastal Waterway. He advised he spotted green marker 35, did not see red marker 36, looked down from his course and at that point struck marker 36. V1 impacted the piling area of the marker on the vessel's starboard side. Occupant was on the starboard side of the vessel upon impact and was ejected from the boat, striking the wooden piling with his right side. Operator told me that occupant now in the water was holding on to the marker. Operator stated that prior to impact they were traveling at approximately 25 miles per hour. 
  Occupant suffered (9) broken ribs and a broken right arm.