On Saturday, July 15, 2023, at approximately 1942 hours Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Officers responded to a double vessel incident that occurred in Manatee River near Mill Creek Road, located in Manatee County. The area is posted as a Slow Speed / Minimal Wake zone. One subject was onboard a 2020, 11’ Bombardier personal watercraft (V1) that was traveling west on plane while navigating a bend. 

Two subjects were onboard a 1989, 11’ Feather Craft boat (V2) that was traveling east at slow speed. Both unknowingly approached the other from opposing directions. V1’s bow struck V2's bow head on. 

V1 ramped over V2 striking both occupants. The operator of V2 suffered severe injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment. The passenger of V2 suffered severe injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Deceased received multiple lacerations and abrasions to his head and chest. The District 12 Medical Examiner’s Office concluded that he died from a blunt force head injury (Basial Skull Fracture) . The injuries were consistent with him being seated in the front passenger seat of V2. He was struck by V1's bow and keel. He was treated for the injuries at the scene and pronounced deceased by Manatee County Fire Rescue at the scene. He was not wearing a personal flotation device at the time of the accident and knew how to swim. 

Operator2 received a moderate head injury with a concussion. He also received numerous contusions to the right side of his body. His injuries were noted during Tampa General Hospital examination and were consistent with him sitting on the starboard side of the stern while facing toward the port side of V2. He was struck by V1 at the time of the collision. He was ejected into the Manatee River and was found floating face down in the water shortly after the collision. He was administered CPR at the scene and later transported to Tampa General Hospital where he was admitted. He was not wearing a personal flotation device at the time of the accident and knew how to swim.
Upper Manatee River
BRADENTON                     