Vessel 2 returned to Watersports with damage to the port side.  The operator would not disclose what caused the damage and purchased the vessel from the livery.  The total estimated damage was $10,500.00.  There were no reported injuries. 
I went to Watersports on April 2, 2023 to speak with the complainant, who was also the manager.  Manager was not available, however, I spoke to a dockhand who was working when the jet skis returned.  He stated that the group rented five jet skis.  He claimed that four of the jet skis arrived back on time but the fifth returned approximately 30 minutes later which was operated by OP2.  
He stated that the jet ski came back with damage to the port side and was decommissioned for the remainder of the day.  He explained that OP2 claimed one of the jet skis in her group bumped into another but no one in the group identified who the other operator was.  He also indicated that there was no conclusive damage to any of the other jet skis to support the claim.  He provided a sworn written statement.  Manager also provided a written statement via text message.
I observed a blue Yamaha jet ski bearing (Vessel 2) with damage to the port side of the hull.  The port side mirror was also cracked.  The latches to the front compartment and back seat were broken and not operational.  I also observed blue transfer paint on the port side.  He explained that there was preexisting damage to the aft port side of the hull.  It had been sealed with tape and did not interfere with the operation of the vessel.
He provided an estimate from Fiberglass Boat Repairs which totaled approximately $10,500.00 in damages.
I contacted OP2’s husband on April 3, 2023.  He stated that he did not want to speak about the incident without an attorney.  I acknowledged that was his right and we agreed to meet on April 7, 2023.  On the agreed date, I was unable to reach OP2’s husband via telephone.  
FWC Officer and I arrived at the address on file on April 8, 2023 to gather witness statements.  OP2’s husband was not home.  I asked OP2 what happened, and she stated that she did not know.  She stated that the group anchored the jet skis at crab island to get food from one of the vendors and when they got back, Vessel 2 was damaged.  She also explained that she bought the jet ski from Watersports on April 7, 2023 for $12,229.66.
Based on my investigation, it appears that vessel 2 was most likely involved in a collision with another vessel.  I was not able to determine the contributing factor of the crash due to the operator of vessel 2 not providing the necessary information.

Choctawhatchee Bay
DESTIN                        