RedactedNarrative: On Thursday, October 7, 2021, at approximately 0545 hours, boating accident #FWCC21OFF015099 occurred approximately 2 miles west of Clearwater Pass, off Sand Key Park Beach, in Pinellas County.  Vessel One (V1) with one operator and one occupant had rendezvoused with Vessel Two (V2) with one operator and one occupant just west of the Clearwater Pass channel marker 1.  V1 had operational bow navigation lights turned on but had not installed the stern 360-degree white light.  V2 had operational bow navigational lights and the 360-degree white navigational light turned on.  V1 and V2 came on plane and were heading to a fishing location approximately 10 miles west, southwest of Clearwater Pass.  Approximately 3 minutes after coming on plane, V1’s occupant notified the operator of a crab trap buoy in the path of V1.  The operator of V1 came off throttle to avoid the crab trap.  Approximately 1 minute later, V2 came from behind V1, and the two vessels collided.  V2’s port bow collided with V1’s starboard transom and engine.  V1’s operator sustained serious injuries and was transported to Bay Front Medical Center.  V1’s occupant sustained minor injuries and refused treatment on scene.  V1 was disabled but later recovered by Sea Tow.  V2’s operator and occupant sustained minor injuries and refused treatment on scene.  V2 was taking on water but was later recovered by Tow Boat US.; 
  OP1 went into shock due to the boating accident and was airlifted to Bayfront Hospital.  He received a concussion and lacertions to the face and both arms.; 
  OP2 had a contusion on his left forearm.  He transported himself to the hospital after the accident was cleared.; 
  PAX 1 stated he had pulled muscles in his back and was sore.  Received no medical attention.
  PAX 2 received a laceration across the bridge of his nose.  He received no medical attention.; 
  
  