On May 15, 2023 at approximately 1400 hrs OP1 was operating V1 a 2023 Scout boat 19' in manatee pocket near Twisted Tuna Restaurant.  OP1 was an inexperienced operator and was renting the vessel for the day. She was trying to practice slow speed operation when she lost control of the boat Striking another vessel. the water way is narrow at approximately 60 feet wide with vessels docked on both sides. The vessel she struck was V2 a 1994 Grady White 23'. V2 was tied to the dock on the south side of the channel. The vessel had damage to the bow pulpit. The fiberglass was broken and the metal was bent where the anchor would normally sit. V1 had fiberglass damage to the bow as well as damage to the navigational light and bow rail. Operator of V1 OP1 was fund to be at fault for the accident and received a warning for careless operation.
manatee pocket
STUART                        