RedactedNarrative: Synopsis 
  
  On July 4, 2015 at approximately 1600 hrs a two vessel accident occurred on the St. Johns River, one mile south of Pico Boat ramp, Putnam County, FL. V2, is a 17ft Carolina Skiff open motor boat, powered by single 90 hp engine. V2 was being operated by an adult male with two adult female and a child.V1, a 21ft Regal open motor boat powered by a single 325 hp engine. V1 was being operated by one adult male with one adult female passenger. 
  
  While traveling at approximately 35-40 mph, V1’s engine struck bottom sending V1 in a starboard turn and into a sudden slow speed. V2 was following closely behind V1’s starboard side, in an overtaking position and attempted to avoid collision by taking a sharp port turn. In V2’s attempt it clipped the back port side of V1. There were no ejections and no injuries. 
  
  Investigation 
  
  On July 5, 2015 at approximately 1100 hrs, FWC Officer and I continued an investigation of a boating accident that occurred on July 4, 2015. The following information was gathered during my investigation: 
  
  I interviewed the owner/operators, I read them their Miranda Rights before questioning them about the accident and they stated they understood their rights and would answer my questions without an attorney present. They gave a written statement and in their statements I gathered the following information: 
  
  Operator2 (V2) 
  
  1.Operator2 was the operator of V2 at the time of the accident 
  2.V2 was traveling closely behind V1’s starboard side in an overtaking position at approximately 40 mph 
  3.V1 suddenly pulled starboard and in front of V2 and almost came to a complete stop 
  4.Operator2 threw V2 in neutral and then into reverse due to his high rate of speed, and made a turn to port to avoid collision 
  5.Operator2’s actions were unable to prevent V2 from colliding with V1’s stern. 
  6.No injuries were sustained in V2 
  
  This concluded my interview with Operator2. 
  
  Operator1 (V1) 
  
  1.Operator1 was the operator of V1 at the time of the accident 
  2.V1 was traveling at approximately 30-35 mph when V1 struck bottom 
  3.V1 took a starboard turn and came to an abrupt slow speed 
  4.Operator1 stated V2 was traveling behind and swerved port to avoid hitting V1 
  5.V2 was unable to avoid collision with V1 and ramped up the port stern and the port side of the power tower, before sliding back down into the water 
  6.No injuries were sustained in V1 
  
  This concluded my interview with Operator1. 
  
  Vessel Damages 
  
  V2’s damage as follows: 
  •Swim platform 
  •Power tower 
  •Port side gunnel at the power tower attachment point, causing a large tear down through the gunnel and into the free board of the hull 
  •And possible unseen interior damage 
  
  V1’s damage as follows: 
  •Port bow rub rail area 
  •Port side of hull scuffing 
  •Gouges down port side bow hull 
  •Internal cracking of fiberglass in the front storage compartment 
  •And possible unseen interior damage 
  
  Conclusion 
  
  After review of all statements and evidence to date I conclude the following: 
  
  It appears V2 was following closely behind V1 at approximately 30-40 mph. V1 suddenly veered to the starboard directly in front of V2, coming to almost a complete stop. V2’s operator placed V2 into neutral and then into reverse, at an attempt to slacken speed and avoid collision. V2’s operator at the last minute made a hard port turn, striking V1’s stern to the port of center. This action caused V2 to ramp up onto the port side of the power tower. As V2 lost momentum and V1 slid forward, V2 disengaged by sliding back down into the water, striking the swim platform. No injuries were sustained on either vessel during the collision. 
  
  The accident could have been avoided by having more distance between the two vessels, traveling at the speed they were traveling at. V2 was following too close behind and didn’t have enough space