RedactedNarrative: Vessel struck marker and ejected operator. Vessel stayed in gear and continued traveling into open water. 
  
  Officers (both FWC) responded to the Hurricane Hole marina where the good samaritan (Captain) had brought Operator back to shore but was unable to locate him at the time because he asked a charter captain (Captain) to take him back out and try to locate the vessel that was still under way. Subject agreed to help Operator locate the vessel and searched 20 miles offshore but was unable to locate and brought Operator back to where Officers made contact. 
  
  Operator had some minor scratches from climbing on the broken rusted marker to hail for help. He said he borrowed the vessel from the owner through a mutual friend after doing some electrical work. Operator finished the work and left Key West Harbor Yacht Club where the vessel is stored to take it to the Galleon where they were staying.
  
   He came out of the marina and was heading south approximately 25 knots through the channel when he struck the marker. Operator stated he did not see the marker and his vision was partially obstructed by something on the helm. He said the vessel almost tipped which knocked him out and then continued heading south into open water. That's when he climbed on top of the marker waving and whistling for help until Captain picked him up. 
  
  I was able to identify the vessel as V01: GLACIER BAY BOATS / 2000 / 26 F / WHITE / FL4246LJ . 
  
  Operator stated his cell phone was still on the vessel and was ringing when attempting to call. At approximately 5:00PM I contacted dispatch to ping the cell phone and the last known location came back at GPS location 24N 26.008, 81W 56.942 which is southwest of the Western Dry Rocks at 1:53PM (accident time approx. 1:00PM). Due to the location of the ping and last known direction of travel I believed the vessel might have done a large loop and ran aground west of Key West. I then went with Officer (FWC) to check the area alongshore of Lakes Passage out to Boca Chica but was unable to locate.
  