RedactedNarrative: On 11/07/2014 at 5:00 PM I received a call from FWC dispatch of a two vessel accident with no injuries.  Information relayed to me disclosed both vessels were not on scene at accident site. I was told to meet Operator of V-2 a 2014 Ranger Bass boat at the Putnam County S O around 6:00 PM.   My interview with Operator2 revealed he was the operator and in control of V-2 a 2014 21’ Ranger Bass Boat powered by a single 250 HP Outboard.  I asked Operator2 to explain the incident to me and the following information was gathered:  
  1.	Operator2 was operating his vessel at about 30 MPH in Crescent Lake on the SE section before entering a narrow waterway that connects to Dead Lake.  
  2.	Operator2 was traveling eastbound and on the left side of the waterway he observed a vessel (V-1) directly in front of and heading right at him. 
  3.	Operator2 stated he thought V-1 was going to head into Haw Creek located on the south side of the Narrows and he maintained his speed and course.  
  4.	It appeared that there might be a collision Operator2 turned hard left to avoid the oncoming V -1. 
  5.	 At the same time Operator2 turned left, V-1 had turned hard right to avoid a collision as well. Both vessels came into contact. The starboard stern of Operator2’s vessel struck V-1 at about mid-ship near the water line.  
  6.	Damage to Operator2’s vessel warranted a Vessel Accident Investigation exceeding $2,000.00 in damage to the fiberglass and Gel-Coat, Rub-Rail and trim tab.  
  7.	Operator2 relayed to me V-1 and operator information. 
  8.	Photos were taken  by FWC OFFICER.
  On 11/09/2014 at 12:30 PM I responded to Dead Lake at the County Marina known as Bull Creek to locate V-1.   I located V-1 on the trailer at the Campground and was met by the brother of V-1’s operator, a witness to this accident and was the operator  of a third vessel not involved with the incident. Subject was operating a vessel right behind V-1 when the accident occurred and is listed as a witness. (see statement). Subject’s observations were consistent with Operator2’s version of the incident.  
  I interviewed operator of V-1 a 17’ Carolina Skiff with a single 40 HP outboard motor.  Operator1’s statement was consistent with V-2’s operator except that operator1 had no intention to head towards Haw Creek but to proceed into Crescent Lake. operator1 stated he turned to avoid collision hard right and V-2 turned at the same time. No injuries were reported and there was minor Gel-Coat damage to the Port side near the water line of V-1.
  Conclusion;
  Based on Operator and witness interviews and looking at the damage to both vessel: V-1 traveling from Dead Lake toward Crescent Lake Westbound with operator on board observed V-2 eastbound from Crescent Lake toward Dead Lake.  V-2 entered a narrow waterway connecting Crescent Lake and Dead Lake left of center line and headed directly toward V-1. V-1 took evasive action and turn vessel hard to the right to avoid a collision with V-2. At the same time V-2 turned left and both vessels made contact. No injuries.   It is clear that V-2 was the Give –Way vessel and violated two Navigation Rules of the Road. 
  Rule # 14.  When two vessels are meeting on reciprocal courses each shall alter course to the starboard.
  Operator2 turned the wrong direction on a Head –On situation turning toward the left when he should have turned toward the right. And he should never assume the course of another vessel.
  Rule # 9.  Narrow Channels. A vessel proceeding along a narrow channel shall keep as near to the outer limit fairway which lies to her Starboard side.
  Operator2 entered a Narrows Waterway on the wrong side and his visibility was obscured by a wooded area and close shore-line.
  Operator2 is issued two written warnings for these Nav Rule violations. No further action.