RedactedNarrative: Vessel 1 was heading north in the ICW when the anchor broke free from the bow. The anchor skipped off of the water and flew back into the vessel striking the operator in the back of the head causing an approximately 3 in laceration requiring stitches at the hospital.
  
  On December 29th, 2015 at approxamately 1345 hrs. (operator) was at anchor fishing in Lemon Bay in Charlotte County. operator pulled anchor and stowed it as usual on the bow pulpit, but did not securely tie the anchor line to the cleat. When the operator put the vessel on plane the anchor fell into the water. The operator noticed the line coming off the deck and immediately slowed the vessel, but the line became tight before he could do so and the anchor launched into the air and into the vessel striking the operator in the back of the head. The result was a 3-4in laceration to the back of the head with significant blood loss. A good samaritan follwed the operator back to Ainger Creek, where I noticed the blood on the operator and immediately called for an ambulance to come examine him. He was transported to Englewood hospital where he received stitches and was released.; 
   