On June 14th, 2023, Florida Fish and Wildlife was on patrol in Collier County, Florida. I responded to a delayed boating accident that occurred on June 11th, 2023.  

I met with the Manager/ Compliant of the struck vessel, . He showed me the vessels involved. The striking vessel and stuck vessel. Compliant was able to let me review a video of the incident. V1 was attempting to dock, in a high current area when he lost power to an engine and his steering. V1 stuck unoccupied V2 approximately 3 times trying to dock. V1 operator got assistance from the docking crew standing on land. The impact of V1 striking V2 pushed V2’s swim platform under the dock and broke the dock side water pump. I spoke with all parties involved and their statements correlated with the video footage. Total Approximant Damage: V1: $2,000 V2: $ 10,676.70 Dockside Water Pump: $2,979.00.
(Compliant) said that the accident was reported to him on June 12th, 2023 (the day after the accident). He stated he saw a video of the accident. He described, V1 was attempting to dock and hit the vessel behind him, which is the vessel he manages V2. He said the impact from V1 to V2 made V2 hit the water pump attached to the dock. 

I then spoke with the Dockmaster of the Marina that both vessels are typically docked at. They explained that OP1 alerted him of the incident on June 12th, 2023. He stated his work staff had reported it to him sooner. I asked the Dockmaster if there was anyone available for the operator of V1 to report the incident to during the time it occurred. He said no he was already gone. 

Finally, I spoke with operator of V1. He stated his engines were acting up and he lost power to one. He said the current was very strong and he was attempting to dock the large vessel, but the swim plate form hit the front of V2. He said he had to get assistance from the dock hands standing nearby get the vessel docked. 

I observed the video, and it does appear all that was stated above is correct. The damage on V1 and V2 are comparable to the described accident as well. The damage on the dockside water pumped did occur due to V1’s stern striking V2’s bow.
GORDON RIVER
NAPLES                        