On August 25, 2023, at approximately 1246 hours, a vessel traveling north collided with the starboard side of a vessel traveling south in Grouper Creek, Key Largo. One occupant on vessel 02 received a gash on her foot. The injured occupant refused medical treatment from emergency medical personnel.
I conducted an on-scene interview with the operator of vessel 02. OP2 explained that at approximately 1230 hours he left Tamarind Bay with six occupants on board (listed above). OP2 explained that they were traveling south through Grouper Creek when he spotted a large, gray vessel traveling north. OP2 observed the larger vessel, in the middle of the channel, traveling straight towards his vessel. OP2 explained that he conducted a series of evasive maneuvers beginning by turning to the port, then back to starboard. OP2 explained that every time he attempted to move out of the way of vessel 01, vessel 01 would move to the same direction. Damage to the vessel was consistent with a turn to port before collision.  
	According to the occupants of vessel 02, the collision occurred at approximately 1246 hours. The bow of vessel 01 collided with the starboard side gunwale of vessel 02. Occupants of vessel 02 remained mostly stationary except for victim, who was thrown from the starboard gunwale onto the deck after impact. The damage to vessel 02 was assessed and photographed at the scene as follows: T-top separated from vessel and aluminum poles bent to the port side, approximately 30-inch long hole in fiberglass on starboard gunwale, starboard side aluminum railing bent and separated from starboard gunwale. ; Victim had a deep laceration to her foot from broken glass. Blood from the wound was present on the deck of the vessel. While answering interview questions VICTIM 1 vomited off of the port side of the vessel, into the water. I offered to take VICTIM 1 to the Key Largo Ranger Station to be evaluated by EMS personnel. VICTIM 1 refused treatment and explained that the laceration was minor and the vomiting was from nervousness.

GROUPER CREEK
KEY LARGO                     