SYNOPSIS 
On Wednesday June 14th, 2023, at approximately 14:15 hours, boating accident occurred in Tarpon Springs, Pinellas County, Florida at the south end of Anclote Island.  Vessel two (V2) with one operator and no occupants was performing tight high-speed turns, known as a “doughnut”, to the left.  Vessel one (V1) with one operator and no other occupants was traveling southwest towards V2 at approximately 30 MPH. As V2 exited the doughnut and slowed down coming off plane, V1 struck V2 at approximately the aft port corner ejecting the operator of V2. The operator of V2 sustained injuries and was transported to Bayonet Point Hospital. The operator of V1 received no injuries and received no treatment on scene. 

DETAILED 

PRE-ACCIDENT 

On June 14th, 2023, at approximately 14:15 hours, the operator of V1 was operating a borrowed PWC from his niece.  The operator of V2 was the operator of V2, a borrowed PWC from her finance.  At this time, V2 had just performing tight high-speed turns, known as a “doughnut”.  V2 was slowing down, coming off plane to a drift rotating to the left.  At the same time V1 was operating on plane at approximately 30 mph towards V2. 

ACCIDENT 

V1 continued on plane towards the path of V2.  V1 came off throttle and steered left to avoid V2. Without water-jet propulsion to provide steerage, V1 failed to avoid V2.  V1 collided with V2 aft of midship on the portside approximately a 45-degree angle.  V1 ramped up the footwell of V2 striking the operator of V2 and ejecting her off the starboard side of V2.  V1 slide down the port side of V2 and remained operational.  

POST-ACCIDENT 

V2 became temporally disabled due to the kill-switch lanyard being pulled upon ejection of the operator.  Family members assisted in pulling OP2 from the water and calling 911. Pinellas County Sheriffs Officer (PCSO) Marine Unit was on scene when FWC arrived.  The operator of V2 was on the swim deck of V2 holding onto the handrail with another operator now operating.  The operator of V2 was transferred to the FWC vessel and then transferred to Pinellas County Fire Rescue Vessel who transported her to emergencies services waiting at Anclote Park Boat Ramp.  The operator of V2 was transported to Bayonet Point-Regional Medical Center and treated for a fracture to the 10th rib on her left side.  

CONCLUSIONS 

Based on interviews, evidence and information gathered to date, I find that the accident was caused by off throttle steering, careless operation, and operator inexperience.  The operator of V1 was arrested for boating under the influence based on clues observed and performance on SFST.  The operator of V1 provided a BAC of 0.000 g/210ml.  A urine sample was provided and submitted to FDLE for analysis. The high-speed operation in close proximity combined with boating under the influence, off-throttle steering, and operator inexperience caused V1 to ultimately collide with V2.  The ramping of V1 on V2 caused the operator of V2 to be struck in the locker left back. This impact caused the injury and ejection of the operator of V2. :Subject suffered a broken rib, #10, on the left side due to being struck by Vessel 1. 
Gulf of Mexico
TARPON SPRINGS                