The vitctim was on an unidentfied PWC and struck something in the water and was ejected. The operator sustained a broken pelvis. 
On January 29th, 2023, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was dispatched to a boating accident that occurred on the Caloosahatchee River. The victim, later identified as OP1 was ejected from a PWC he was operating and was injured. Myself and other officers met with Fort Myers Fire Department at Oasis Boat Ramp. FMFD transported the victim, and his brother to Oasis Boat Ramp. The victim and his brother were transported to the hospital by Lee County EMS. OFFICER 2 went to the hospital and interviewed the victim and his brother, who witnessed the incident. 
OFFICER 1 and I went to the given location of the incident, Midway Island, to locate the PWC the victim was operating and speak with other potential witnesses. At Midway Island we found a group of approximately 10 Hispanic males, all standing by with PWCs. One of the men, said he witnessed the incident. He stated he saw OP1 operating a black PWC on plane, in and out of the Intercoastal Waterway around the island. He said OP1 attempted to jump another vessel’s wake and was ejected from his PWC. He went to help OP1 and brought him back to the island. He did not know who the owner of the PWC OP1 was operating was, and advised me that it was no longer on scene and had left with another PWC traveling east on the river. 
OFFICER 1 and I searched the area for any objects in the water around the area of the incident then continued east on the river until the Franklin Locks. We did not locate any PWCs or persons matching the description provided. At the Franklin Locks Boat Ramp, we found a red PWC abandoned. The PWC was registered to the victim’s father, who resides at the same address as the victim. OFFICER 2 showed OP1 a picture of the PWC to identify it and he said he did not recognize it. 
OFFICER 2 advised that OP1 sustained a broken pelvis from the incident. That was his only injury. OFFICER 2 provided me with bullet points from her interviews at the hospital (See attached). There were several inconsistencies in the witness statement and the victim’s statements. The only consistency was that OP1 was operating the PWC on plane, not complying with the posted slow speed zone.  
OP1 was issued a citation for violating the slow speed zone, and for not possessing the required boating safety card. OP1:Unknown what OP1 hit that caused his injuries. Inconsistent statement from witnesses and the victim.

Caloosahatchee River
FORT MYERS                    