PWC impacted waves threw operator and passenger from PWC.  Passenger received a laceration to right index finger. 

After taking photographs, I went back to the desk Subject1 was at and took a sworn audio statement from him.  Subject1 stated on my state issued body cam that he was leading three PWC’s through the area of Flemming Key and Demolition Key.  

Subject1 observed a flats boat operating in the opposite direction, they passed port side to port side.  Subject1 slowed down as the vessel passing was creating wake.  Subject1 turned around and observed the first two PWC’s pass the wake.  

Subject1 then observed the third PWC attempt to get over the wake and the two occupants on the PWC were thrown from it.  Subject1 turned around and went to check on them.  When Subject1 arrived, the operator signaled to him that she was ok through hand signals.  When Subject1 checked on the passenger she held up her hand and started to panic as she was bleeding.  

Subject1 rode over to Victim1 and picked her up.  Put Victim1 on the PWC and started to head back to the dock.  Once they arrived, Subject1 attempted basic first aid.  Subject1 asked if Victim1 needed any further medical treatment and it was agreed that Victim1 needed to go.  Subject1 contacted emergency medical services and requested an ambulance.  

	Paramedics arrived and transported Victim1 to the Lower Keys Medical Center.  Officer met them at the hospital.  She obtained sworn written statements from both Operator and Victim1.  

	Operator stated she was operating the PWC while Victim1 was behind her.  Operator turned the corner and she hit a wave, and both flew off.  Operator stated she injured her right thigh when she was thrown off the PWC.  Operator observed Victim1 bleeding from her right index finger.  Operator got back on her PWC and headed back to the dock alone. Operator completed a sworn written statement describing the incident. 

	Victim1 stated she was the passenger on the PWC Operator was operating.  She noticed the waves became rough and Operator attempted to make left turn to avoid the waves.  Next thing Victim1 knew her, and Operator were thrown from the PWC into the water.  Victim1 stated this was her second time on a PWC.  

	 	 Based on evidence and witness statements I offer this conclusion:

	Operator observed waves approaching her and tried to make corrective action to avoid them.  In doing so, Operator took the wrong angle and both her and Victim1 were thrown off the PWC.  Victim1 had her hands wrapped around Operator’s lifejacket when they were thrown off.  Victim1 was then picked up by Subject1 and transported her back to the dock.  Victim1 was treated for her injuries at Lower Keys Medical Center. 


GULF
KEY WEST                      