On September 16th, 2023, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Division of Law Enforcement (FWC) was on-duty, conducting law enforcement patrol in Collier County, State of Florida.

I was in my unmarked FWC State Law Enforcement patrol truck. I responded to a call in Chokoloskee in regards to a vessel accident involving injuries and an ejected person at the outdoor resort and marina. Upon arrival CCSO was on scene and had gathered identification for the individuals involved. The injured party was already transported via Ambulance Medic.
V1- Bay Craft green in color flats skiff was already on trailer. 
V2- Canyon Bay ,bay boat tied off to the marina dock.
At around 8:00 AM, V1 Operator was leaving the boat ramp of outdoor resort traveling appr. 20 mph on plane headed south. V2 Operator was headed east out of Snook alley canal on plane also going around an estimated 25mph. The day was calm seas, clear skis, light wind and no other boat traffic. The tide was a falling tide close to low. V1 operator stated he was avoiding a crab buoy when he happened to notice the vessel in front of him and it was too late to avoid collision. At that point he struck the port side of V2 and was ejected from his vessel and landed in the prop wash of V2. V2 Operator stated he was coming out of the canal on plane adjusting his jack plate when he noticed V1 coming from the north but stated the vessel was already too close to avoid collision. V2 Operator stated that upon impact he came off the throttle and went back to recover the operator in the water.
I confirmed with Everglades National Park that both vessels were operating in a Everglades National Park Manatee zone at the time of the accident. No vessel should be operating in the zone at the speeds reported from the accident. Coordinates (N25 48.887 W81 21.286)
After documenting the damage to the vessels it I believe both vessels have over 2,000 dollars in damages. 
V1- Operator ejected from vessel unharmed, Passenger seated to the left of operator thrown forward towards bow taking out the center console and sustained broken right arm and shoulder due to impact with the console.
V1- Damage to bow of the vessel and substantial damage to the starboard side along the gunnel and under the hull. Center console was completely removed and vessel was inoperable. Damage to exceed 2,000 dollars.
V2- Operator and passenger behind the helm uninjured as well as the two passengers in the tower. 
V2- Damage to the port side of vessel along the hull and gunnel from both initial impact and secondary impact towards the stern. Vessel was operable. Damage to exceed 2,000 dollars.
During the vessel accident victim was throw forward in the vessel making contact and taking out the center console. When making contact with the center console victim dislocated his right shoulder and broke his upper arm. Upon arrival on scene victim was already transported to Physicians Regional Hospital in Naples by Medic  When I arrived at the Emergency room to get statement victim was being prepped for surgery. Upon follow up a week later victim’s father stated surgery went well and he was recovering.
Bay
EVERGLADES                    