Single vessel boating accident occurred on 02-18-2023 with vessel striking St. Lucie River Channel Marker - Green 23A, east of the Roosevelt bridge area within Martin County during night time hours. 
	
The vessel operated from the Stuart City Docks northward and attempted to make the sharp turn to the southwest on the outside (left) of the Green 23A Channel Marker to avoid nearby shoal and other vessels by travelling outside of the marked channel to approach Roosevelt bridge area. 

Due to operator failure to maintain safe speed and manage risk to collision during night-time, strong winds, and choppy water conditions the Channel Marker 23A was struck causing the three occupants aboard to sustain non-life threatening injuries.

USCG notified and temporary channel marker was placed to maintain ongoing vessel navigation for the waterway. ;

Operator sustained minor laceration upon chin from contact with helm during collision. Laceration stopped bleeding without bandage and subject stated treatment unnecessary, refusing further treatment from emergency services on-scene.

Occupant2 sustained injury to right forearm bracing during impact. Subject's right forearm suffered both bones broken. Subject was transported to the martin south hospital. Subject was provided medication for pain and swelling. Subject was admitted overnight for surgery scheduled for following morning. 

Occupant3 :sustained injury to head causing a laceration on the forehead over the right eye. Subject was transported to the martin north hospital for evaluation. Subject did not lose consciousness during collision. Subject had cat-scan performed to evaluate any further injury potential in neck or head, but was released as no further treatment was found to be necessary.

ST LUCIE RIVER
STUART                        