RedactedNarrative: Vessel 1, an 18ft pontoon vessel bearing FL9105KP, was being operated in the Withlacoochee River by OP1. OP1 was traveling westbound in the Withlacoochee River, near channel marker 151. According to a statement given by OP1, he observed two vessels traveling eastbound in the marked channel. OP1 turned his vessel slightly to starboard (right) in order to give more distance for the vessels to pass. At that time, the right pontoon of his vessel struck a submerged object and began taking on water on the starboard quarter. A passerby picked up OP1 and his passenger, and took him back to land. 
  	Sea Tow responded to the area on 10/13 to recover the vessel. According to Sea Tow, the rear cap on the starboard pontoon had been ripped off in the collision and had caused the pontoon to fill up with water. 
  	On 10/14, I met with OP1 at his residence and was able to photograph the damage to the vessel. I observed the starboard quarter pontoon to be dented where the cap would meet the pontoon and the cap to be missing. No other visible damage was noted, however there was a water line mark on the outboard motor where the motor had been under water. 
  	After taking statements, documenting and photographing the damage to the vessel, it is determined that the cause of the accident was due to OP1 striking a submerged object. It is most probable that OP1 struck a submerged tree stump which are highly prevalent in the area. OP1 informed me that he was not very familiar with this area. This particular area's hazards of underwater obstructions, coupled with the way the channel markers curve with no clear lines of demarcation are possible contributing factors in this accident as well.
  