Two vessels were fishing a bass tournament. I was told there were two vessels involved and no injuries occurred. The crash occurred at approximately 7:00 AM but they did not report it until they were back at the weigh in. I approached the first vessel, which was determined to be the striking vessel and will be referred to as Vessel 1 (V1). I identified the operator as OP1. I pulled him aside and had him give a verbal explanation of what happened. He explained he was on plane running and did not see the other boat. His occupant saw the boat and yelled to him. He turned left to try to avoid collision, but they still struck each other. He was tossed out of the vessel into the water. He was wearing the kill switch, so the vessel turned off. He advised of no injuries. The vessel had damage that could be seen above the waterline, but I wanted to make sure there was not damage below the waterline. I had him put the vessel on the trailer so we could check and photograph the vessel. I asked OP1 fill out a sworn written statement to which he complied. In the written statement, he wrote the approximate speed to be 40-45 mph. 
V1’s occupant explained the crash occurred the same way as OP1. They advised of no injuries.
I walked over to the struck vessel and it will be referred to as Vessel 2 (V2). I spoke with the operator identified as OP2. He explained where they were and how the crash occurred. He explained that he was running the inside of the grassy islands and had the hard reeds to his starboard. He said he did not see it coming but V1 appeared out of his portside and it was too late. He (V2) turned starboard, and the vessels collided. His portside was damaged extensively and V1’s front/starboard is what made the contact. Post collision, V1 was turned around facing the way they came from. OP2 was uninjured and his occupant advised of minor rib pain. He refused EMS or any treatment. I had OP2 pull the vessel from the water to observe the damage and take photographs. I asked OP2 to fill out a sworn written statement to which he complied. ; Victim:Advised his ribs were a little sore after the crash.

Lake Okeechobee
BUCKHEAD RIDGE                