On Febuary 18th, 2023, at approximately 1609 hours, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).  I was on patrol, in uniform, In Key Largo, Monroe County Florida. 
While on duty, I received a call from our dispatch center regarding a vessel accident in Grouper Creek. Reporting person stated their vessel was in the mangroves inside Grouper Creek. V1 was attempting to slow down their vessel due to a lot of vessels in the area, when they hit a wake causing the operator of the vessel to lose steering and continuing into the mangroves.
OP1 explained to me that, he was travelling north into Grouper Creek when one jet ski was overtaking his vessel at the first turn. OP1 continued to explain that another vessel was coming around the corner at the same time and he hit a wake causing him to be thrown from his helm and that he did not have control of his vessel and he ended up in the mangroves.
PAX 1 provided Officer with a sworn written statement. PAX 1 explained there were two boats along the side of their boat, OP1 tried moving away and of the boats gave a huge wave. PAX 1 explained that OP1 fell trying to move his boat and she fell as well trying to help. PAX 1 explained they ended up unable to gain control of the boat and they went straight into the mangroves.

GULF
KEY LARGO                     