Swimmer leg struck by vessel propeller 
	V1, a 24-foot, blue pontoon boat bearing Florida registration numbers was at anchor in the Gulf of Mexico near Stilt House number three. The owner and operator of V1 was OP1. OP1 had taken some friends out scalloping and had several swimmers in the water, one of which was VICTIM. According to OP1, while at anchor some heavy weather began to settle in around them. The wind due to the storm caused he vessel to begin to drag anchor and drift. OP1 began to pull in his anchor to leave the area and get away from the weather as well as call all the swimmers to swim back to the vessel.  
	Swimmers made their way back to the vessel, including VICTIM. VICTIM was attempting to climb into the vessel utilizing the ladder off the port side stern of the vessel. OP1 was unaware of VICTIM’ location, and he started the vessel’s outboard motor and put it in gear. Upon doing so, VICTIM right leg was pulled into the propeller. VICTIM was able to push away from the motor to keep from being pulled into it any further.  OP1 heard yelling and immediately shut off the engine. OP1 was able to pull VICTIM onboard and directed his wife to call 911. OP1 used a belt as a tourniquet.; VICTIM suffered three (3) deep muscle lacerations to his right leg. Two (2) were to his right calf and one (1) to his outer thigh. VICTIM was transported to Bayonet Point Hospital for treatment. The lacerations were cleaned and stitched up. VICTIM did not suffer any broken bones or tear any tendons. He still has function of his right leg.

Gulf Of Mexico
PORT RICHEY                   