RedactedNarrative: On 12/21/17, at approximately 5:30 PM, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Officers received information of a vessel accident on Harney Pond Canal in Glades County, Florida. Information gathered supports a recreational vessel (v-1) was traveling northbound on Harney Pond Canal when a second recreational vessel, entered the canal from the west proceeding east. V-1 struck the starboard side of V-2. Operator2 and his passenger were transported  by EMS for evaluation and treatment.
  The inertia carried by V-1 caused the lighter, flat bottomed V-2 to yaw away from V-1. V-1 was also forcibly turning away from V-2, causing secondary impacts to the hull and motor of both vessels during separation. The depth of the propeller marks on V-2 are deeper at its stern and lighten as they progress toward its bow. Also, V-2’s factory welds at its gunwale are torn near its stern. The damage of propeller marks and torn welds are due to V-1 and V-2’s bow’s separating while their sterns collided. As the two vessels began to separate, the damage became lighter. 
  Immediately following the collision, Operator1 (V-1) returned to V-2, however engine damage delayed his response and forced him to use his trolling motor for primary propulsion. During the return to V-2, another vessel arrived to assist. On the assisting vessel was an off-duty paramedic. Subject boarded V-2 and found V2 occupant (V-2 passenger) was face down on the deck of the vessel, unconscious. Operator2 (V-2 operator) had also been unconscious, but “came to” sooner than his passenger. Subject focused on rendering aid to V2 occupant as V-2 was pulled to the Harney Pond Canal boat ramp. V-1 followed V-2 as it was being towed. First responders were waiting on-scene at the boat ramp and began assessment of injuries upon the vessels arrival. Ultimately, V2 occupant was airlifted to Lawnwood Medical Center in Ft. Pierce and Operator2 was transported by ambulance to Raulerson Hospital in Okeechobee. After a brief stay at Raulerson Hospital, Operator2 was transported to Lawnood Medical Center. 
  
  Based on evidence and information gathered to date, both operators are at fault in this accident. The collision was a result of both operators’ inattention while navigating a congested area with low light visibility. Both operators stated they did not see the other vessel leading up to the time of impact. If either vessel maintained a proper lookout a collision would have been averted. Speed also played a factor. The propeller marks on V-2’s starboard side are an indication V-1 reacted by turning to its starboard side, however, the high rate of speed diminished a safe “window of opportunity” to avoid collision. Lastly, evidence indicates a crossing situation at time of impact. Coast Guard navigation rules state V-2 should have given way to V-1. ; Operator2:During the interview he stated he had broken ribs and a bruised lung.; V2 occupant:During the interview he stated he had a spinal fusion
  