On May 27th, 2023, at approximately 1853 hours, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was on duty in Monroe County, State of Florida with FWC OFFICER 2. FWC OFFICER 2 and I were at the Everglades National Park, Key Largo Station securing from vessel patrol when we received a call from FWC Lake Worth Dispatch regarding a single vessel boating accident in Grouper Creek, Key Largo. We immediately prepared the patrol vessel and departed the station along with Everglades National Park Ranger.
	We received information through dispatch, that a Sea Tow vessel at the scene, reported that a vessel had struck the mangroves and became lodged. Another vessel had arrived minutes later and had taken 4 people on board (POB) and were leaving the scene after being confronted by the Sea Tow captain. The Sea Tow captain indicated a direction of travel as south towards Buttonwood Sound. We were able to intercept the vessel leaving Grouper Creek at approximately 1900 hrs. As we approached the vessel, we identified ourselves as law enforcement officers. The people on board the vessel informed us that there was an injured female on board, and that she required attention. We directed them to follow us to the Everglades National Park, Key Largo Station. Dispatch was informed to notify EMS of the situation and advised that EMS would be enroute. We arrived back at the Key Largo Station at approximately 1906 hrs. We secured the vessel, and I helped the injured female VICTIM, off the vessel and onto the dock. FWC OFFICER 2 then assisted her, while I collected information regarding the POB the striking vessel. ; VICTIM:On May 27th, 2023, VICTIM was transported to Mariners Hospital in Tavernier, FL by EMS from Everglades National Park, Ket Largo Station following the boating accident. No visibile injuires were initally observed when she was brought to shore, however she complained of pain in her abdomen and trouble breathing. After an assessment at the hospital, she explained that she was released later that night and picked up by friends.   During an interview with VICTIM on June 4th, 2023, she explained that a hospital assessment indicated a CT scan of her abdomen and pelvis were clear. She also indicated that the only injuries she sustained were bruising on her right rib area and various minor scratches on the left side of her body. 

At approximately 0922 hours, I read Miranda Rights verbatim utilizing my agency issued card. OP1 understood his rights and agreed to answer further questions by stating “yeah”. When I asked who was operating the vessel, OP1 answered “I was”. I asked if OP1 had consumed any alcoholic beverages during the day, OP1 claimed that he had 2 beers (Coronitas) at the sand bar. OP1 claims to not recall any specific actions during the accident to avoid a collision.



Intracostal Waterway
KEY LARGO                     