On Saturday, 08/05/2023 at approximately 2147 hours I, Officer, with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), was on patrol in a marked patrol vehicle when our dispatch received a call about a vessel striking the jetty in Hillsboro Inlet. Four people were involved in the accident; all suffering varying injuries. All four occupants were transported to Broward Health North for treatment. There were no fatalities, and all occupants were in stable condition. I documented the accident scene and met with the victims at the hospital shortly after.

After completing the investigation and gathering as many facts as possible, I determined that Operator was operating the vessel at the time of the crash. Operator was impaired by alcohol and medication at the time with a B.A.C. almost double the legal limit. 

The vessel was traveling at a high rate of speed in dark, night time conditions into a narrow inlet that is known to be difficult to navigate at night. The operation of the vessel was conducted in a careless manner that endangered the lives of everyone on board and general navigation rules were ignored.  

Operator suffered several fractured ribs, a brain bleed, along with lacerations and bruises.

Occupant2 suffered a broken jaw, a partially severed bottom lip, broken teeth, and lacerations and bruises. 

Occupant4 suffered a spinal fracture along with a broken leg and several lacerations and bruises. ; 
Occupant3 suffered a sprained ankle along with lacerations and bruises.

Ocean/ICW
POMPANO BEACH                 