RedactedNarrative: WHAT: BOATING ACCIDENT WITH INJURIES
  
  WHEN: Thursday May 3, 2018 at approximately 10:00AM
  
  WHERE: UNCLE JOE’S CUT TO LAKE OKEECHOBEE
  
  On Thursday May 3, Self-dispatched to a call for service involving a single boat accident resulting in one injured person. I met up with FWC Lieutenant at “Uncle Joe’s Fish Camp” to launch my patrol vessel. After arriving at “Uncle Joe’s” boat ramp I made contact with a black male who explained to me that he was the operator of the vessel at the time of the crash. Operator 1 continued to explain that he and his friend were the only two people aboard the vessel. 
  
  The operator explained to myself and the Lieutenant that with the occupant sitting on the bow of the vessel they were traveling westbound on “Uncle Joe’s Cut” when the cricket bucket started to fly away. Operator 1 reached for it and in doing so accidently turned the wheel and caused the vessel to become off course veering right. Operator 1 stated that he then tried to quickly correct his actions by counter steering but the vessel did not turn. Operator 1 went on to explain once the vessel made contact with land that the occupant was ejected from the vessel and striking a tree, a bush, and a rock. The occupant claimed of pain to his head, shoulder, collarbone, and chest area and was transported by EMS to Hendry Regional Medical Center for treatment. The Lieutenant made contact with FWC Officer and asked him to gather a statement from The occupant at Hendry Reginal Medical Center regarding the incident. The Lieutenant and I had Operator 1 put on a life jacket per agency policy and board our vessel to take us to the grounded vessel. Once at the location of the grounded vessel I took photos and checked all coolers and compartments to make sure no alcohol or drugs were involved and for any fishing violation. Operator 1 and the occupant had waters, sodas, monster energy drinks, and Gatorade in the coolers aboard the vessel. Lake Tow Recovery arrived on scene and ungrounded Operator 1’s vessel, I then followed Operator 1 back to Clewiston boat ramp where he launched from, to insure his safe return. Once Operator 1 put his vessel on his trailer I observed scratches and gouges on the bottom side of the hull.
  