On Sunday, February 5, 2023, at approximately 0930 hours, a vessel occupied by two persons was involved in a single vessel allision on the C-35 Canal, entering Cypress Lake located in Poinciana, Osceola County, Florida.  During the allision, the vessel impacted the right side shoreline causing the vessel to alter course approximately 90 degrees to port side.  

As a result of the allision, the operator was ejected from the vessel and struck by the engine’s propeller/skeg, sustaining fatal injuries.  The second occupant of the vessel sustained non-life threatening injuries and remained in the passenger compartment.  Both subjects were brought to a nearby boat ramp by a Good Samaritan vessel and transported to HCA Florida Osceola Hospital by Osceola County Fire Rescue.

PRE-INCIDENT

	V1 was traveling south at approximately sixty miles per hour on the C-35 Canal from the S-61 Lock towards Cypress Lake.  As V1 approached a left curve, Operator steered V1 to the left in an attempt to maneuver the vessel and navigate the curve.  V1 failed to respond to the left turning command and began sliding from the center of the canal towards the right side shoreline.


INCIDENT

	V1 allided with the right side shoreline constructed of concrete cinder block pieces.  During the allision, V1 yawed left approximately 90 degrees.  During the allision, Operator was ejected into the water from the starboard side of V1.  The propeller/skeg of V1 struck Operator on the left side of his body causing life threatening injuries.  Occupant’s body was thrown against V1’s helm causing temporary unconsciousness and non-life threatening injuries.  


POST-INCIDENT

	V1 was drifting south lead by the starboard side of the vessel.  Occupant regained consciousness and was able to reach and gain control of Operator.  A nearby vessel/witnesses responded to the scene and assisted Operator with keeping his head above the water.  

witness activated 911, which OCSO, OCFR and FWC responded.  V1 and subjects were relocated to the left side shoreline of the C-35 Canal.  Operator and Occupant were taken to Lake Cypress Road Boat Ramp by vessel and transported to HCA Florida Osceola Hospital by OCFR.  At 1224 hours, approximately three hours and twenty-four minutes post allision, Operator had succumbed to his injuries under the care of HCA Florida Osceola Hospital.  

V1 was taken to South Port Boat Ramp by FWC law enforcement, later transported to and secured at the FWC Titusville Evidence Compound.

Operator was ejected from V1 and struck by the skeg and/or propeller, receiving fatal injuries.  Injuries included lacerations to Operator’s right lower leg, left lower leg, left upper chest, left shoulder, left bicep, and a puncture on the left side of his face, specifically a broken collar bone, broken ribs, facial fracture and a severed proximal subclavian.  

Cause of Death: Blunt impact injuries to head and torso.  Manner of Death: Accident.  Refer to District 9 Medical Examiner's report, ME case number 23-290.; 

OCCUPANT:     As a result of the boating incident, Occupant sustained non-life threatening injuires.  Occupant advised he hit his head on the vessels console and complained of pain in his face, lower back, right hip and right leg.       Occupant was transported to HCA Florida Osceola Hospital for treatment of sustained injuries.

C-35 CANAL ENTERING CYPRESS LA
POINCIANA PLACE               