On March 26th, 2023, at approximately 12:30 PM, there was an collision between two airboats west of Observation Shoal. V1 was traveling east in an airboat trail as V2 was traveling west. The vessels came around an S curve at the same time and collided. There were no injuries but there was damage to each vessel. 
Accident Details
Pre-Collision
At approximately 12:00PM, V1 was heading east on an airboat trail. V1 was on its way to Observation Shoal on Lake Okeechobee. The trail had high cattails on each side and reduced visibility of oncoming traffic. V2 was heading west on the same trail as V1.
Collision
OP1 stated that V1 was going less than 10 miles an hour around an S curve on the airboat trail. OP2 stated V2 was going less than 10 miles an hour around a turn on the trail. Both vessels came out of a turn at the same time with minimal time to see the other vessel. OP1 stated that he turned to the right to get out of the way of V2. OP2 said he had three seconds to maneuver out of the way once he saw V1. V2’s grass rake contacted the port side stern and cage of V1. 
Post-Collision
There were no injuries to any occupants of either vessel. OP1 and OP2 exchanged their phone numbers and OP2 left the scene. 
Conclusion
Both vessels were travelling less than 10 miles per hour at the time of the accident. With the size and surrounding cattails, both vessels were in violation of Navigation rule 6 which states “Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions

lake okeechobee
MOORE HAVEN                   