On April 28, 2023, at approximately 1230 hours, the operators of vessel, later identified by their Driver’s License numbers as OP1a and OP1. They were traveling to Boca Grande through Northwest Channel in Key West when the vessel collided with the East Jetty. In OP1’s sworn written statement, the occupants on board notified both operators that there was water entering the starboard side of the vessel. The vessel sustained damage to both rudders, both keel guards and both keels.  

 	OP1 notified United States Coast Guard (USCG) with their position, description of the vessel, and number of persons on board. OP1 navigated the vessel to the nearest shallow area, where the vessel listed on its port side on the West Jetty. OP1 went into the cabin of the vessel and attempted to slow the amount of water entering the vessel by plugging the split of the starboard hull with pillows.  

 	USGC arrived and assisted 4 of the 6 occupants into boarding their vessel. OP1 boarded the dinghy of the vessel and OP1a remained on the vessel. FWC arrived at approximately 1323 hours. All the occupants were transported to shore.  The vessel continued to take on water and sunk on the West Jetty.
GULF OF MEXICO
KEY WEST                      