On May 14th 2023 a vessel accident occurred in the Gulf of Mexico and within Bay County Florida. Two subjects were recreational cruising on a pleasure boat. One subject unexpectedly exited the vessel to swim. The operator failed to keep a proper lookout and struck the swimmer/victim with the port side outboard motor. This resulted in serious bodily injury to the victim. 
On May 14th 2023 at approximately 2PM a vessel accident occurred in the Gulf of Mexico within Bay County, Florida. The accident occurred approximately two miles due west of the Panama City Pass and approximately 100 yards south of the shoreline. Two subjects were recreational cruising on a pleasure boat. The vessel was operated by OP1. The second and only passenger on the vessel was VICTIM. The Vessel was traveling East at less than 10 knots when VICTIM's hat blew off. OP1 slowed the vessel and approached the hat. VICTIM unexpectedly jumped from the vessel into the water. OP1 continued in reverse striking VICTIM with the port outboard motor. 
OP1 then put the vessel in neutral and began to retrieve VICTIM from the water. He then began first aid as VICTIM had multiple lacerations from the outboard prop. OP1 then notified Bay County 911 of the accident and injuries. He then drove the vessel to St Andrews State Park Boat Ramp. 
I met the vessel as it approached the ramp, EMS was also on scene and began treating VICTIM. She was later transported to Bay Medical Center via EMS. 
I then began investigating the accident by first photographing the vessel. Once complete interviewed VICTIM to which he provided a recorded statement similar to the above account. I then advised VICTIM that I had completed with the preliminary boating accident investigation and would be conducting a criminal investigation into a possible BUI with serious bodily. This was done as I could smell alcohol coming from OP1 person, he admitted to drinking and there was open alcohol cans in plain view. I conducted FST's on OP1 and did not find enough clues to indicate impairment. The criminal investigation into a possible BUI was ceased at this time. 
OP1 and the vessel were released from the scene.
Investigator arrived at Bay Medical center sometime later in the afternoon and attempted contact with VICTIM however she was in surgery at the time. Investigator was able to get OP1 to provide a sworn written statement of the accident. 
On May 15th 2023 I received a Sworn Written Statement from VICTIM after she was released from the hospital. Her account was similar to OP1.
OP1 was issued a Written Warning for Failure to have a proper lookout resulting in an vessel accident.; VICTIM,:The victim had multiple deep lacerations on both legs.

GULF OF MEXICO
PANAMA CITY BEACH             