On August 26th, 2023 at approximately 5:03pm, a recreational PWC (12' Yamaha ) with two occupants, struck a recreational vessel (17' Bayliner) with 4 occupants on board and one wake board being pulled. The accident occurred on Lake Shipp, in Winter Haven Fl. The accident didn’t result in any injuries or fatalities.
At approximately 5:22pm we arrived on scene at Lake Shipp Boat Ramp. Upon arrival, I observed a Polk County Deputy as well as FWC Officer on scene. After collecting the vessel information from the Polk County Deputy and Officer, I spoke with the operator of the struck vessel.
OP2 said the following: 
•	She was traveling North across the middle of Lake Shipp.
•	She was pulling her husband on a wakeboard.
•	Her kids were sitting in the rear port side.
•	She heard a crash and felt the boat rock.
•	She looked behind and did not see her husband on the wakeboard.
As I continued my investigation, I spoke with the occupant of the wakeboard 
He stated the following:
•	They were traveling through the middle of the lake.
•	He observed a jet ski strike the port side stern of the vessel towing him.
•	The collision caused him to be thrown from the wakeboard.
I collected written statements from OP2 who drew a diagram on the back depicting what she witnessed. I also collected a sworn written statement from wakeboarder regarding the accident. I conducted a vessel safety inspection on vessel 2. They produced all the required safety equipment I photographed all the damage to the port side stern of OP2 vessel as well as overall pictures of the vessel to include the safety equipment.
I observed port side stern damage of vessel V2. The damage included heavy fiberglass damage, a crack in the fiberglass that ran upwards approximately 16 inches long and separation from the cap of the vessel.
I then spoke with the operator of the striking vessel. OP1 was advised of her Miranda Rights from a prepared text and agreed to speak with us. 
OP1 said the following:
•	She was traveling East on Lake Shipp towards the boat ramp.
•	She did not see the other vessel until the last second.
•	She tried to turn the handle bars of her jet ski in order to avoid the collision.
•	She hit the back left side of the vessel.
•	She said she was traveling maybe 20 MPH on the jetski.

Lake Shipp
WINTER HAVEN                  