Vessel 1, identified by Florida registration, was traveling South towards the Vilano Beach Causeway East of the main channel. While in proximity of approximately 25 feet from the docks just Northeast of the Vilano Beach Causeway at approximately 1330 hours, Vessel 1 collided with a submerged object. The operator fell into his boat hitting the middle seat causing injury. The operator drove Vessel 1 a short distance to its boat slip at The Villages, cleaned Vessel 1, and drove himself to Flagler Hospital. FWC was notified of the boating accident at 1619 hours. 

On June 27, 2023, at approximately 1619 hours, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was dispatched to a boating accident. I was advised that the operator was located at Flagler Hospital and the vessel involved was located at a residential marina located off Villages Dr.  

     I responded to Flagler Hospital and met with the operator, identified as OP1.  Vessel 1 was identified by Florida registration. I asked OP1 to give me a synopsis of the boating accident. He stated he just bought Vessel 1 yesterday and was sea trialing it. He stated he was operating Vessel 1 traveling South towards the Vilano Beach Causeway East of the main channel. At approximately 1330 hours, while in proximity of approximately 25 feet from the docks just Northeast of the Vilano Beach Causeway, Vessel 1 collided with a submerged object. He stated he was unsure what Vessel 1 collided with and did not see anything visible below the surface of the water. He stated he was traveling approximately 10 mph at the time of collision. 

    OP1 stated he drove Vessel 1 back a short distance to the residential marina. After securing Vessel 1 and cleaning it, he drove himself to Flagler Hospital. Law enforcement on duty at Flagler Hospital notified St Johns County Sheriff's Office (SJCSO) dispatch and they subsequently contacted FWC.  

     OP1 had deep lacerations on both his left and right leg directly above his ankle. He did not have any lacerations on his head but had a bruise above his right eye and a bruise on his outside right cheek. 

     FWC responded to the residential marina to document the damage sustained to Vessel 1. The damage sustained to Vessel 1 was documented with pictures. Vessel 1 had a crushing blow to its bow with a complete break in the fiberglass. ; :SUBJECT SUSTAINED DEEP LACERATIONS ON FRONT LEFT AND RIGHT LEFT LEG ABOVE ANKLE. SUBJECT SUSTAINED BRUISES TO RIGHT SIDE OF HIS HEAD.
ICW
VILLANO BEACH                 