On March 12, 2023, Vessel 1 was southbound along the Lake Okeechobee Rim Canal by South Florida Water Management District Structure S4. The vessel turned to the south and struck the dike around the outside of the lake. The vessel continued approximately 30 feet up the dike before coming to a rest. The operator and owner of Vessel 1 received minor injuries. 
While speaking with OP1, he said that the last he remembered was headed southeast along the canal then looking up and seeing rocks.  He said that he did not know how his vessel turned south and struck the dike.
I then observed a single vessel on the rocks alongside the canal approximately 30ft from the water, facing south. 
The vessel involved will be referred to as “V1” or “vessel 1” for the remainder of this report.
V1’s make is “Nitro”, Model “Z19”. V1 is powered by a single Honda 200hp outboard motor.
OP1 was the sole occupant and the operator during the crash. There were no other witnesses.
Based on my investigation, I concluded that OP1 was headed southeast along the canal when he became distracted for an unknown reason. This caused him to not notice his vessel turning to the south into the side of the canal until it was too late to avoid a collision. I also concluded OP1 did not have a proper lookout at the time of the crash and this contributed to his striking the side of the canal.
Other than the minor injuries OP1 sustained, there were no other injuries. There was significant damage to V1, but there was no damage to the canal or any other property. ; OP1 had a small laceration on his head. He insisted that he was fine and that he did not need to be seen by EMS.

Lake Ockeechobee
MOORE HAVEN                   