On April 8, 2023, at approximately 1645 hours, a single vessel incident occurred in Grouper Creek, Key Largo. The vessel involved was a 19-foot center-console Sea Fox, equipped with a single 115 horsepower outboard engine. Operator’s fiancé was on board and seated towards the bow when the crash occurred.
 
	Vessel 01 was traveling north, on plane at approximately 25 mph. While approaching the southern corner of the creek, Operator observed a personal watercraft (PWC) on the right side of the creek traveling south, directly towards the bow of Vessel 01. The PWC was approximately 50 feet away from Vessel 01. Operator took immediate action to avoid a collision, adjusted his course to the starboard side, away from the oncoming PWC.
 
	While steering to avoid the collision, Operator slipped and fell off his seat causing the helm to be jerked to the starboard side, which overcorrected his intended maneuver. Operator reached up and placed the throttle into neutral just before impacting the mangroves. Vessel 01 came to final rest approximately 10 feet inside the line of vegetation.  

	Upon impact with the mangroves, Occupant was thrown from the bow seating area, onto to the deck of the vessel. Operator remained on the deck of the vessel, next to the center console. Once the authorities were notified, Operator transported her to Fisherman’s Community Hospital in Marathon. She and Operator were treated for minor abrasions and contusions and were later released. 

Operator received scratches and contusions to his right arm as a result of the vessel impacting the mangroves. Operator explained that his right elbow is sore.   

Occupant received minor contusions and abrasions from the crash. She was transported to Fisherman's Community Hospital where she was treated and released.

GROUPER CREEK
KEY LARGO                     