V1 and V2 collided (head on) on a blind corner of the Estero River
On April 25th, 2023 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, was dispatched to a boating accident that occurred on the Estero River (Lee County). I spoke with the complainant, who was one of the parties involved and confirmed there were no injuries and there was some damage to both vessels involved. Both parties involved remained onscene and met me at a nearby community boat ramp (West Bay Club). 
V1 was a 15’ Boston Whaler operated by OP1. OP1 was the only person onboard the vessel.
V2 was a 18’ Bayliner operated by OP2. There was one passenger on V2.
According to all parties’ statements, both vessels were traveling at approximately 20 mph. V1 was returning to the ramp and V2 was heading out to the bay. The vessels entered a blind curve. Neither vessel signaled the prescribed sound signal for a blind curve. Neither vessel reduced speed as they approached the blind curve. Once the vessels saw each other, neither vessel made the appropriate positive movement to avoid collision. V2 turned to port, the opposite of the prescribed movement to avoid collision. V1 failed to make the prescribed positive movement to starboard. V1’s center bow struck V2’s starboard bow, leaving scuff marks to the hull and cracking the fiberglass in numerous places, including the hull, chines, and interior of the vessel. V1 had minor damage to the rubber rub rail on the bow.

Estero River
ESTERO                        