V1 a (20' southwinds deckboat) was traveling west in big marco pass at an estimated speed of 10-15 mph.  The operator stated he and his seven passengers were observing the construction work being performed on hideaway beach.  

As v1 continued heading west with numerous vessels in the area the operator advised he observed a large vessel traveling south.  The large vessel passed by v1 at approximately 100 yards according to the operator and headed into the marco river.  

V1 operator's attention returned to the dredging operation on hideaway beach and he was unaware of numerous vessel wakes along with naturally occurring waves in the area due to weather conditions from the impending cold front.  

At this time the vessel hit a wake/wave that caused two people, who were seated in the bow, to rise up off their seats into the air.  Upon landing back onto the seat victim1 received a sharp pain in her back and loss of feeling in both of her legs.  

Victim2 received a sharp pain in her back and a pain in her wrist.  V1 call 911 and immediately headed to rose marina where they were met by emergency services.  At this time victim1 was transported via ambulance for transport via helicopter to gulfcoast medical center.  Victim2 was not transported but later went to physicians regional medical by personal vehicle. 

Operator of v1 was at fault due to operator inattention.  The operator of v1 was not aware of the wake/waves within close proximity to his vessel.  It should be noted that after hurricane ian navigational signage/markers were knocked over or displaced.  The sigh/markers have not been replaced as of this date.  It should also be noted that in speaking with the passengers in reference to the distance the large vessel was from v1.  The distances stated varied from 100 yards to 400 yards.

Victim2 injury (fracture) to right wrist along with minimal compressed fracture to the back

victim1:injury blowout of 11th vertebrae of the spine 

MARCO BAY/CAPRI PASS
MARCO ISLAND                  