What: Boating Accident
Where: Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and Port Everglades Inlet
When: December 29, 2023 at approximately 1100hrs
	On December 29, 2023 at approximately 1100hrs, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, were on routine water patrol in Broward county. As we were entering Port Everglades inlet, we observed two vessels stopped in the inlet, and due to the positioning of the vessels and dialogue taking place between the captains, we realized a boating accident had just occurred. We then approached the two vessels to gather information regarding the accident. Upon approaching the vessels, the captain of each vessel as well as bystanders confirmed that an accident had taken place. 
	Vessel 1 was a 33’ 1988 Blue Nortech. The operator of this vessel OP1. Vessel 2 was a 65’ 2017 White Yacht. The operator of this vessel was OP2. 
	After we collected all of the identifying information for the vessels and the operators, we then separated the two parties and began an investigation into how the two vessels had collided. Based on the description of the event from the two operators and the damage on the vessels, it was concluded that the accident took place as follows: 
Vessel 1 was headed south bound and Vessel 2 was headed north bound on the ICW at Port Everglades Inlet. Vessel 1 intended to exit the inlet, heading east. However, both vessels were approximately parallel when Vessel 1 attempted to head east. Due to its premature turn, Vessel 1 struck Vessel 2 at the rear port side of Vessel 2. Vessel 1 made initial contact on its bow on the port side. Vessel 1 then attempted to straighten its course which caused its port side to drag along the rear port side of Vessel 2. Both vessels were operating at approximately idle speed. There were no injuries.
Based on the conclusion of our investigation, OP1 was issued a Uniform Boating Citation for Violation of Navigation Rules: Failure to avoid a collision. I explained the information on the citation to OP1 and obtained his signature on the court copy of the citation. OP1 received his copy of the citation. 
Both parties left the scene without further incident. Photographs were taken of the damage on both vessels. Body worn camera was used.

Port Everglades Inlet
FT. LAUDERDALE                