V1 and V2 were operating alongside one another approximately 1 mile northeast of Crab Island. V1 was ahead and to the right of V2. V1 conducted a sharp left turn and collided with V2's starboard bow. No injuries. V1 operator jumped off as the collision occured. Total damage approximately $4,425.00.
 I contacted the individual who booked the vessels for rent. She stated that she rented jet skis for her son and his friends to go out on. RENTER stated that while they were out her son’s friends collided with one another. I asked if her son was involved in the accident, and she stated no that it was just his two friends. I identified the operators as (V1 operator) and (V2 operator). I spoke with OP1 and OP2 over the phone, and they stated that they were not injured in the accident. Both OP1 and OP2 stated that they were the only occupants aboard each vessel. I inquired as to what occurred and OP1 stated that him and OP2 were approximately 1 mile northeast of crab island. OP1 stated that he and OP2 were cruising alongside one another. OP1 was ahead and to the right of OP2. OP1 stated that he turned to the left and met OP2 in what they stated seemed like a “t-bone” collision. OP1 stated that he tried to turn away but could not (off throttle steering) so he jumped off the vessel and into the water. When I spoke to OP2, he had an identical recollection of the events. The only discrepancy in their recollection of the events were the directions they stated they were heading. OP1 stated that they were both headed East and that he turned South which would have been a right turn into OP2, leaving damage on the port side of V2. All the damage to V2 was on the starboard side bow. OP2 also stated that OP1 was to his right, which means he could not have turned South and hit OP2 if they were heading east. The only way a collision would have resulted would be if OP1 turned north and not south in such a scenario. Being that there were no injuries and all damage to the rental vessels were paid for, I do not suspect any intentional reason behind this discrepancy. The two subjects are not from the area, and it is possible they misinterpreted their directions. I did attempt to contact them about this discrepancy however did not receive a call back from them. 

          Based on the damage to both vessels, each subject's statements, and my investigation I conclude that V1 and V2 were traveling alongside one another. V1 was ahead and to the right of V2. V1 conducted a turn to the left colliding with V2 at the starboard bow. Based on the damage the vessels were above idle speed. Vessels were headed in unknown direction and were allegedly one mile northeast of Crab Island approximately. The damage to V1 was minor in relation to V2. V1 sustained bumper damage (bumper came off) and minor scratches on the bottom bow hull. V2 sustained all the damage to the starboard bow. The hull of the vessel was compromised by V1 leaving a large hole in the fiberglass and ripped off parts of the hood on the starboard side. The seam of V2 where the top portion of the vessel meets the bottom portion of the vessel’s hull was also compromised and separated from one another. V1 damage was estimated to be $200.00 dollars for the bumper damage. V2 damage was estimated to be $4,025.00 for 382.5 in2 plus a $200.00 bumper. All estimates were done by the rental company. Total accident damage being $4,425.00.

Choctawhatchee Bay
DESTIN                        