What: Vessel crashing into fixed dock
When: Thursday, January 12, 2023, between 1400 and 1500 hours
	On Thursday, January 12, 2023, Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO) responded to a call of a vessel striking a dock. BSO arrived on scene at approximately 2045 hours. The owner of the dock, reported to BSO that a vessel had struck her dock and fled the scene while she was away. The call was transferred to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) dispatch. PROPERTY OWNER emailed pictures of the vessel and occupants and a video of the vessel striking her dock for reference. A neighbor witnessed the vessel crash and documented the photographs, but refused to speak with FWC during my investigation.
	On Friday, January 13, 2023, FWC responded to the call to investigate the hit and run boating incident. I arrived at approximately 1030 hours. I spoked with PROPERTY OWNER regarding the information collected from her neighbors. Her neighbor stated that a blue vessel with two occupants crashed into PROPERTY OWNER’s dock at a slow speed, causing the dock to collapse into the water. This information matched the pictures and video of the blue vessel and occupants provided to law enforcement. The neighbor stated that the occupants then stopped at his apartment near PROPERTY OWNER’s dock to leave behind their contact information for the homeowner. PROPERTY OWNER provided the contact information for the two occupants. I documented the damage to PROPERTY OWNER’s dock. I was unable to get an answer from them with the phone number provided. 
	The vessel in the pictures, displaying the registration number, was registered to both, matching the information provided by PROPERTY OWNER’s neighbor. 
	On Friday, January 13, 2023 at approximately 1120 hours, I headed to verify that the vessel was at this location. Once I confirmed the vessel was located at this address, I initiated contact with the vessel owners at approximately 1145 hours. They were both at this residence. They both stated that they struck the dock located behind PROPERTY OWNER’s residence. OP1 stated that he was operating the vessel, matching the pictures and video. OP1 stated that while they were underway, PAX 1 was towards the stern of the vessel making a drink. OP1 stated that he turned away from the helm, knelt on the seat facing backwards, and began to scoop ice for PAX 1. While his face was down and back turned away from the helm, the vessel crashed into the dock. I collected written statements from OP1 and PAX 1 at approximately 1220 hours. I documented the damage to their vessel with pictures, and I collected their insurance information. Body worn camera was also used during the interaction with OP1 and PAX 1. I issued a citation to OP1 for violation of U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rule 5 (Improper Lookout) under F.S. 327.33(3)(b).
F.S. 327.33(3)(b)
(3) Each person operating a vessel upon the waters of this state shall comply with the navigation rules. 
(b) A person who violates the navigation rules and the violation does not constitute reckless operation of a vessel commits a noncriminal violation as defined in s. 775.08, punishable as provided in s. 327.73.
33 CFR § 83.05 - Look-out (Rule 5)
Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.

ICW
POMPANO BEACH                 