Vessel was traveling through North sound creek when it lost steering and impacted the Mangrove trees. 
On 10/28/2023, vessel a 26-foot Key West departed Florida Bay club. The vessel left the dock at approximately 0730. The vessel then traveled through Marvin D Adams waterway headed east towards the ocean. The vessel was occupied by four individuals including the operator. According to written and verbal statements the vessel was traveling North through North sound Creek. The vessel was traveling approximately 30 miles per hour when the vessel lost steering. The vessel then took a hard starboard turn and exited the channel. Once the vessel was outside the channel the vessel began to ramp over mangrove trees for approximately 70 feet. The vessel came to rest I on top of the mangrove trees and roots. 
I responded to the call and located the vessel still in the mangroves shortly after the accident was reported. The vessel and the occupants declined medical attention when asked. The occupants walked to the tow boat where I gathered information and collected statements. Photos of the vessel were taken. I continued investigating the incident while back at Florida Bay club’s dock. I collected the additional information needed to complete the report. I returned to the vessel and took additional photographs of the vessel and damage. During this time, I saw minor damage to the vessel. The damage was consistent with impacting the mangrove trees. Scrapes and minor gouges were located on the bow and sides of the vessel. The vessel anchor was bent, and pulpit or anchor guard was slightly off center. The vessel was removed from the mangroves by commercial salvage.

Largo Sound
KEY LARGO                     