V1 was westnound on autopilot and the portside bow struck V2 at its midship starboard side, causing damage to the exterior of both vessels.  
	At approximately 0720 Hrs, OP1 was operating vessel (Vessel 1 or V1), a 1999 55' white Tiara cabin motorboat. Also on board was PAX 1. V1 was westbound approximately 2 miles offshore from St. Andrews State Park. 
	OP1 stated he was behind the wheel, but the vessel was on autopilot, and he and Mr. PAX 1 were attempting to fix a mechanical issue with the helm latch. Mr. OP1 stated that they were parallel with another vessel. In the process of attempting to fix the helm latch with V1 one autopilot, V1 came into contact with Vessel 2 (V2), a 35' Bertrum cabin motorboat, blue in color.
	The port side bow of V1 struck the midship starboard side of V2, causing visual damage to both vessels. Both vessels sustained damage to their rubrails and fiberglass damage to the hull integrity, on their respective points of impact.
	V2 was being operated by OP2. V2 is a charter vessel, and OP2 had customers on board. OP2 stated he was trolling in a straight line when he heard one of his customers yell "watch out". He turned to his right and saw V1 off his starboard side. OP2 "cranked the wheel" to port, as to avoid more damage.
	Also aboard V2 was PAX 2, 3 and 4. PAX 2 stated that V1 was approaching at a high rate of speed before the collision, and did not see anyone at the helm, and dove to the opposite side gunnel out of fear of V1 coming on top of him. PAX 3 also stated that he saw V1 incoming, and stood up and moved to the other side of the vessel from where the impact was going to occur. PAX 4 was inside the cabin of V2. PAX 4 saw V1 incoming from approx. 150-200 yards out. He told the captain about V1 but no loud enough for the captain to hear. PAX 4 observed V1 not turning and on a course to impact V2 and started "hollering", then the captain (OP2), took a hard port turn as to not get hit by V1 more broadside

GULF OF MEXICO
PANAMA CITY BEACH             