CASE SUMMARY
SYNOPSIS	
On September 2nd, 2023, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responded to a boating incident that occurred on the C36 Canal between Lake Cypress and Lake Hatchineha at approximately 0610 hours. There were no injuries so both parties exchanged information and reported the incident after they finished their morning gator hunt. V2 was stopped on the West side of C36 canal when it observed V1 approaching from the North. V2 had it navigational lights on as well as shined a spotlight in the direction of V1 to ensure V1 could see them. V1 struck the rear port side of V2 and traveled approximately halfway down the side of V2 before falling back into the water. There were no injuries or passengers ejected from either vessel, but both vessels sustained damage.
INVESTIGATION
On September 2nd, 2023, at approximately 1130 hours I met with V1 along with all its passengers on Lake Cypress Rd in Osceola County. I conducted an interview with the owner/ operator OP1. OP1 explained that he was traveling southbound on plane in the C36 canal, and he observed a light down the canal. OP1 stated when he approached the area of the light, he unsure of what happened but saw V2 at the last second and tried turning hard to the port side. OP1 stated his starboard side went over V2. OP1 had 5 total occupants on the vessel including himself. Two of the occupants were paid customers for an alligator hunting guide service offered by OP1. OP1 produced all of the required safety equipment but was unable to produce a USCG captain’s license. OP1 stated he did not have a captain’s license. 
OP1 was aware that he hit a stopped vessel and took full responsibility for the incident. 
On September 2nd, 2023, at approximately 1245 hours I met with V2 along with its operator and one passenger at Port Hacthineha in Polk County. The third passenger had already returned home to St. Petersburg. I conducted an interview with the operator of the vessel OP1. OP1 explained that they were hunting alligator in the C36 canal just North of where the canal has a slight bend. OP1 stated the engine was off and the trolling motor was in the water, but the vessel was not moving. OP1 explained that he had his navigational lights on and when he observed a vessel coming from the North he shined his red spot light in the direction of the vessel a few times to ensure the vessel saw him. OP1 stated the vessel maintained a course at him and at the last second heard the operator of V1 say “ohh shit” just prior to striking V2. The two passengers on V2 jumped off just prior to being struck by V1. 
OP1 produced all of the required safety equipment and his boater’s safety card. 
Conclusion
Based on the evidence and information gathered to date, I have concluded that OP1 was in charge of and in command of V1 while upon the waters of the State at the time of the collision and was responsible for its safe operation.  OP1 did not maintain a proper lookout resulting in the collision with V2.
Based on statements gathered, I was able to determine that OP1 was operating a vessel in a manner that endangered the property of other persons outside the vessel. OP1 was issued a Uniform Boating Citation for violation USCG inland navigation rule number 5 Look-out. I am turning this report over to the USCG for investigation of operating a for hire vessel without a captain’s license. 
BWC footage taken.
End of Report.

Lake Hatchineha/ C36 Canal
ST. CLOUD                     