On January 16, 2023, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), responded to Lock 7 where a man fell off his boat and had a laceration on his leg. At approximately 6:20PM, I arrived on scene and was flagged down by Okeechobee Sheriff’s Deputy. They informed me that the subject was being air lifted from 78 and SW 16 way. When I arrived at the second location, I made contact with Okeechobee Sheriff Deputy who advised me that the information he received was that OP1 was traveling towards Government Cut, when his vessel, took on a wake from a passing vessel, and ejected both OP1 and his passenger.
	After speaking with Officer, I went to get information from fire rescue on the state of Injury. The paramedic informed me that OP1 had an approximate 6x6 avulsion between his knee and ankle, on his left leg. He also advised that because of the blood loss and the depth of the Injury he was being air lifted to Lawnwood Hospital In Ft. Pierce.
	At my conclusion with Fire Rescue, I went back to Lock 7 and met with the wife of OP1. She said that the passenger, took the vessel back to the Air BNB where they all stay and was free to meet with me to discuss what occurred. At approximately 8:00PM, I met with passenger at the residence to get a statement and he advised as follows:
> Explained that while traveling towards Government Cut, OP1 swerved to avoid hitting a stump and over steered causing them to get ejected from the vessel.
>They were ejected on the Port Side of the vessel.
>The vessel was going approximately 25-30 Mile Per Hour.
>Both subjects onboard were not wearing a Personal Flotation Device
>After they both were ejected, a passing boat was able to stop OP1’ vessel. He was able to swim back to the vessel. OP1 was picked up by another passing vessel and was transported back to the boat ramps, where 911 was called. 
	After speaking with PASSENGER 1, I went outside and photographed the vessel. There didn’t appear to be any noticeable gouges or cuts on the vessel and inside, no damages.
	At the conclusion with PASSENGER 1, I notified dispatch to see if there was an officer currently on shift in Ft Pierce to get a statement from OP1 at Lawnwood Hospital. Officer was available and took a body cam video and filled out a Hospital Response Form to send it Via email to me.
After watching Officer Body camera footage, OP1 advised:
>He was traveling towards Governments Cut.
> A passing vessel created a large wake that he didn’t see.
> He was going at a rate of speed 35-40 Miles Per Hour.
> When he tried to adjust from hitting the wake, he over steered his vessel causing both occupants to get ejected.
> He was adjusting his trim tabs when his vessel came upon the wake.
> That the laceration that he received was potentially caused by his leg cutting along the base of his seat when he was ejected.

	In conclusion, the cause of the accident was due to OP1 was, not following Nav Rule 6 Safe Speed. OP1 was not operating at a rate of safe speed, giving him time to make proper and effective action to avoid hitting a wake, over steering causing occupants to get ejected from vessel. 

This conclude my report:


OP1:Avulsion/ Laceration on the left leg calf.

lake
OKEECHOBEE                    