Two male subjects on PWC in 5ft waves hit a wave and fall off left rear side. Subject in water hit by vessel thrown by wave. Broken wrist and hip.
I interviewed the operator of the vessel, He stated the following:
He and his brother, had rented the vessel (V1) at approximately 10:00am and drove it around to the gulf side of Marco Island. The waves grew to approximately 5ft tall, causing difficulties during the trip. Going over one of the waves they came back down onto a second wave causing them to be thrown off the rear left side of the PWC. The wave then threw the PWC on top of PAX 1. PAX 1 had difficulty getting back on and only complained of minor pain. OP1 tried driving them around the corner of Tigertail for protection from the waves but couldn’t make it, forcing them to beach the PWC. At that time, he called EMS for PAX 1 as the pain was intensifying and he was having difficulty walking. Someone took the vessel back to the dock to prevent it from sinking. He said the accident took place at approximately 1:15pm.
I interviewed the owner of the vessel and livery, and she stated they received a call that both OP1 and PAX 1 had been flipped and were beaching the boat. She stated the brothers reported a hurt wrist and leg but were unaware of the severity of the injuries. She also stated they brought the boat back to the dock to prevent the vessel from sinking in the waves.; PAX 1:SUBJECT FRACTURED RIGHT WRIST AND RIGHT HIP

GULF OF MEXICO
MARCO ISLAND                  