SYNOPSIS
	This was a single vessel accident involving five occupants which occurred on January 21st, 2023. Vessel One (V1), is identified as a 25’ Contender, center console, powered by a 350hp Mercury engine. The registered owner of the V1 was identified, and was not the operator. V1 was traveling East along the shoreline, at the 92-mile marker, bayside of Tavernier, Florida. V1 struck Intercoastal Waterway (ICW) channel marker #69. Operator was ejected from the port side of the vessel. He was found deceased near the impacted channel marker.

Pre-Accident
	V1 was traveling eastbound on the bayside of Tavernier Key, near the 92 mile-marker at nighttime. The vessel was heading 71.5° True, at a speed of 34 knots; on course to strike ICW Green Marker #69, head on.

Accident
	V1 allided with Green Marker #69 on the port bow. The vessel glanced to the right of the marker and decreased in speed to approximately 8 knots. Operator was standing adjacent to the center console on the port side, operating with his right hand on the helm. During impact with the marker, Operator was ejected from V1.

Post-Accident
The remaining 4 occupants were thrown inside of the vessel upon impact. Once they gathered themselves, they realized that Operator was not on board. Occupant 1 took the helm and operated back to the channel marker. They found Operator face down in the water. They pulled Operator from the water; he was unresponsive and did not have a pulse. Occupant 2 and Owner performed CPR on Operator. Occupant 1 operated V1 back to the Coconut Inn Resort. Once they arrived at shore, Monroe County EMS took possession of Operator and transported him to Mariners Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Victim4: Face bruising, chipped tooth Injury Assessment: These injuries are consistent with statements that Occupant 2 rushed to the helm from the starboard side and attempted to turn the vessel to starboard. He was reaching in front of Occupant upon impact. Victim2: Bumped head Injury Assessment: These injuries do not conflict that Occupant 2 was located behind the center console. Victim3: Bruised Ribs Injury Assessment: 	These injuries are consistent with statements that Occupant 1 was located behind the center console.

Gulf of Mexico
TAVERNIER                     