On, 2/20/2023 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), was on land patrol in a marked patrol vehicle wearing my state issued duty uniform when I was dispatched to a boating accident at approximately 1850 hours. The accident occurred at approximately 1630 hours in Tarpon Creek, between Cudjoe Key and Sugarloaf Key, Monroe County, State of Florida. 
	The operator of the Jet-Ski (OP1) reported the accident to Monroe County Sheriff’s Office after loading the Jet-Ski back on its trailer. The operator of the pontoon boat (OP2) was not on scene as both operators had exchanged information. I met with OP2 two days after the accident to assess the damage of the pontoon boat. 
	The Jet-Ski sustained damage to the port side stern. The rub rail was broken with fiberglass damage underneath. The pontoon boat sustained damage to the port side of the hull. The aluminum tube was distorted and bent. The Bow Eye was also bent, and the weld was cracked. 
	Based off evidence and Sworn Written Statements, I have concluded that OP1 came around the blind turn at approximately 20-30 miles per hour going with the current before letting off the throttle. As he came around the corner, he was met with OP2 vessel that was traveling at approximately 5 miles per hour. In an attempt to avoid collision, OP1 turned starboard, but struck the left tube of the pontoon boat. OP1 and PAX 1 were ejected off the Jet-Ski, but were uninjured. I estimate that OP1 collided with the Pontoon boat at approximately 15 miles per hour. There were no injuries sustained during the accident. 
	OP1 was issued Uniform Boating Citation in violation of Florida Statute 327.33(3)(b) - VIOLATION OF NAVIGATION RULES AND THE VIOLATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE RECKLESS OPERATION OF A VESSEL- UNSAFE SPEED.

Atlantic
UNINCORPORATED                