Vessel 1(V-1), a 20 foot Seapro open console, was operating in the area of Seddon Channel in Tampa Bay, when V-1 came to the aid of two simmers that fell off a PWC.  Swimmer one was attempting to climb into the vessel at the stern when she was injured by the propellar blades, which were not moving, came down and struck swimmer one causing lacerations on the leg.
-The accident occured on May 13, 2023.
-Her and another male, who was operating a personal watercraft(PWC), fell off the PWC during a PWC tour they were on.
-They were swimming back to the PWC, when a vessel(V-1) arrived to assist them back to the PWC.  
-A male was operating V-1
-While attempting to get onto V-1 by the vessel's ladder near the motor, her legs went under the vessel and were struck by the propeller. 
-Once climbing onto the vessel, she realized that she had lacerations on both legs and started bleeding.
-V-1's took her back to the PWC rental location, located at the north end of Harbor Island.
-V-1 left the scene after dropping her off.
-She drove to Tampa General Hospital to receive treatment to her injuries.
-She received lacerations to both legs below the knees.  
-She stated the PWC tour operator documented the FL numbers that were on the side of V-1.

I completed the interview and identified V-1.  The vessel came back to a 20 foot Seapro registered to OP1.

On May 16, 2023, I arrived on scene to attempt to locate V-1 and the registered owner.  While on scene I spoke to OP1 spouse.
-Her husband was the operator of the vessel and she was an occupant.
-Saw two people, a man and woman, in the water that appeared to be in distress near a PWC.
-They were attempting to climb onto V-1 at the ladder.
-He husband stated to be careful of the prop and that the vessel was in neutral.

I completed my interview and took pictures of V-1 that was located at the residence.  V-1 had no damage and looked to be in good working order.  I spoke to the registered owner on the phone and agreed to meet the next day at the residence.

On May 17, 2023, I arrived again to interview the owner/operator. They stated:
-He saw the PWC far from the swimmers and went over to help because there was a lot of vessel traffic.
-The female was near the motor when the male was trying to get into the vessel.
-The female started to panic and kick and she probably struck the prop.
-There was a lot of vessel wake from other vessels in the area.
-After he dropped off the swimmers at the rental place, he left because there was no place to dock and he knew that PWC tour operator took a photo of his vessel.
-The motor was in neutral at the time when the swimmers were trying to get into the vessel.
-The accident occured in Seddon Channel near the dog beach at Davis Island.

I completed my vessel accident investigation and concluded that no charges to should be issued. VICTIM: Lacerations to both legs below the knee.
TAMPA BAY
TAMPA                         