RedactedNarrative: Operator #1 Stated:  " We were heading towards the inlet and all of the sudden, we hit the guys boat.  He just came out of nowhere.  I never saw him in front of us.  After we hit, he attempted to start his engine.  He then dropped his anchor where he is now."  Note: Witness statements from four others all concurred with the statement provided by Operator #1.
  
  Additional Witness / Owner Vessel #2 Stated:" We were just sitting there drifting with the engine off, when this guy came bearing down on us.  I put my hands up for him to stop but it was like he did not see us.  When he struck my boat, I actually touched his boat as he came over my engine."
  
  Investigation Revealed:  Vessel #1 was heading East within the Intra Coastal Waterway near Markers #6 and #7 when for unknown reasons, vessel #1 struck vessel #2.  The forward hull of vessel #1 struck the port stern of vessel #2 subsequently overriding vessel #2 and damaging the entire outboard engine.  Vessel #1 sustained moderate damage (scratches and paint transfer) to the forward hull and port side bow.  Vessel #2 sustained extensive damage (crushed fiberglass, engine / bonnet) to the port stern and engine.
  
           Due to the statement's provided by Operator #1 and his passengers, and the physical damage I observed from the vessel's, it was determined that Operator #1 was at fault for causing this vessel accident.  Operator #1 is found to be in violation of the following Rules of the Road 13:82-1.8
  
  RULE 5 - Every vessel shall maintain a LOOKOUT by sight and hearing at all times.
  RULE 6 - Proceed at SAFE SPEED at all times to be able to take action to avoid collision.
  RULE 8 - ACTION TO AVOID COLLISION shall be positive, ample time, observing good seamanship.
  
  Vessel #1 was removed from the scene by operator #1.  Vessel #2 was disabled and towed from the scene by Tow Boat U.S.
  
  No Summonses issued reference this vessel accident.
  No injuries reported reference this vessel accident.
  Boarding Reports 08-102B and 103B were filed reference this  vessel accident.
  