On 9/9/2023, V1 traveled into the East River Cut-Off from the East River and was headed towards Saint Marks River, which is located in Franklin County, FL.  At approximately 1612 hours, V1 was traveling in a southerly direction on a portion of the East River Cut-Off when it started to pass another vessel traveling in the same direction.  

V1's course took it in close proximity to the southern shoreline where some overhanging trees and branches were extending out into and over the waterway.  Operator was identified by witnesses as the operator of the vessel at the time of the accident.  As a result of traveling into the overhanging trees and branches, Operator was struck in the head causing significant head and facial injuries.

In addition to Operator operating the vessel, there was one other occupant on board who was sitting in a passenger seat towards the rear of the vessel.  Occupant was also struck in the head by the overhanging trees and branches which caused severe injuries.  The witnesses who observed the accident knew the occupants of V1 and stopped to render aid.  Due the seriousness of the injuries and neither the operator or occupant were able to drive the boat.  The witnesses got on board the accident vessel and drove it to Bay City Lodge located just outside of Apalachicola, FL.  Once they arrived at Bay City Lodge, Occupant was pronounced deceased by Franklin County EMS Paramedic at approximately 1644 hours eastern time.  Operator was transported to Ascension Sacred Heart in Panama City, FL. and admitted into ICU for treatment of his injuries.  According to his attorney, Operator was subsequently transferred to Shands Hospital in Gainesville, FL. for further treatment of his injuries.

This boating accident report (BAR) was submitted without additional data which will be included in the investigation report upon it's completion (ISR # 051410.)  This report also does not include a final amount of investigative time and resource data as of the submission date.

EAST RIVER CUT-OFF
APALACHICOLA                  