On 10/01/2023 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was on duty, in uniform. We responded to for a call of a vessel hit and run.
	Once on scene, the reporting party began showing me damage to the vessels involved in the incident. While conducting a boating accident investigation, I was alerted that the operator and occupant of the striking vessel was on scene when we arrived on scene. After a brief search of the area it was determined that neither individuals remained on scene. 
	It was later determined through witness statements and video taken at the time of the incident, there were two individuals on board the striking vessel. The operator was OP1 and the occupant was. OP1 was operating a 24’ Proline and the struck vessels were a 26’ Sportsman (V2) and a 27' Concept (V3) . The struck vessels were unoccupied and docked at the Garrison Bight Marina dock at the time of the incident. 
	The striking vessel suffered no apparent damages. The striking vessel did however have paint/gelcoat transfer on the bow eye and the anchor overhanging from the pulpit. The struck vessehad damage to the port side approximately midship including cracks in the gelcoat and fiberglass. The captain’s chair also suffered a damaged arm, the cushion had been broken off and the metal arm itself was extremely bent. The concept had minimal cosmetic scuffs. 
	On 10/04/2023 at approximately, 1700 hours we went to OP1’s most recent address listed in Driver And Vehicle Information Database (DAVID). The individuals in the residence informed me there was nobody matching that name that lived at the residence. I successfully was able to contact OP1 by phone and arranged to meet at her updated residence. Once I met with OP1, I was able to conclude the boating accident investigation. 
	At the conclusion of the boating accident investigation, I informed OP1 that I was moving forward with a criminal investigation. I read OP1 Miranda warning verbatim from my agency issued card, OP1 consented to answer questions. Post Miranda warning interview revealed OP1 was aware of the boating incident with damage. OP1 stated that the damage was approximately $3000. OP1 did not notify any law enforcement agency to inform them of the incident. Florida State Statute 327.30(2) requires the operator to without delay, by the quickest means available give notice of the accident to one of the following agencies: the Division of Law Enforcement of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; the sheriff of the county within which the accident occurred; or the police chief of the municipality within which the accident occurred, if applicable. 
	On 10/04/2023, I issued OP1 criminal Uniform Boating Citation (UBC) (V764971) for violation of failing to report a boating accident. 
	F.S.S 327.30(5) - It is unlawful for a person operating a vessel involved in an accident or injury to leave the scene of the accident or injury without giving all possible aid to all persons involved and making a reasonable effort to locate the owner or persons affected and subsequently complying with and notifying the appropriate law enforcement official as required under this section. Any person who violates this subsection with respect to an accident resulting in personal injury commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. Any person who violates this subsection with respect to an accident resulting in property damage only commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

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