On May 21st, 2023, around 1700 I was dispatched to a vessel incident at Phil Foster Boat Ramp in Riviera Beach, FL. The call came in as one subject injured due to a propeller strike that occurred on the ICW north of Blue Heron Bridge.
Upon arrival to the scene I was met by two Palm Beach Sheriffs Office (PBSO) officers who were first on scene. They informed me that the owner/operator of the vessel, identified as OP1 was in command of the striking vessel (a 21-foot Dynasty International inc). The PBSO officers stated that there were four total subjects involved, one of which was taken to St. Marys Medical Center for treatment.
Two subjects were being towed behind the vessel on an inflatable raft, VICTIM (injured subject) and TUBER 2. PAX1 was on the vessel with OP1 at the time of the accident. 
I interviewed PAX1 first and he stated that VICTIM and TUBER 2 were on the raft behind the boat as it was under way when TUBER 2 fell off due to the raft hitting the wake of a passing vessel. VICTIM then voluntarily left the raft and swam towards the vessel. PAX1 wasn’t sure if the vessel was in gear or not when VICTIM attempted to climb back on board the vessel and got her legs struck by the propeller. 
I then interviewed OP1 due to TUBER 2 being on Peanut Island at the time. OP1 stated that he was towing TUBER 2 and VICTIM behind his vessel outside of the channel on the ICW. OP1 stated a large vessel passed their boat throwing a big wake, causing TUBER 2 to be thrown off the raft. OP1 does not recall if he was in gear backing up to pick up TUBER 2 as VICTIM voluntarily got off the raft to try and reboard the vessel. OP1 stated VICTIM didn’t even know she was injured at first. OP1 said they then went to Peanut Island before meeting EMS at Phil Foster Boat Ramp.
TUBER 2s interview backed up the previous interviews I had with PAX1 and OP1. 
FWC Officer went to St. Marys medical center to check on the status of VICTIM. VICTIM sustained a open wound to her lower right extremity and lower left ankle. VICTIM was stable when Officer left. 
No charges were filed against OP1 and I left the scene without further incident. ;,:Subject was injured while trying to climb back onto the boat with motor still on.

ICW
RIVIERA BEACH                 