On Wednesday 3rd of May 2023 at approximately 1413 Hours. Officers of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission were on water patrol when a call came from Broward Sherriff’s Office reporting a boating accident in the ICW approximately ½ mile North of the Commercial Blvd Bridge. I was advised that a boat crashed into a dock with four people onboard with minor injuries. At approximately 1440 Hours I arrived on scene.

Upon arrival a Broward Sheriff’s Office marine unit vessel was already there. I observed a vessel under a boat lift on the eastern shore of the intracoastal facing northbound behind a private residence. I identified the operator of the vessel by driver’s license number/  The vessel was identified by Florida registration numbers as a 2017 Blue 34’ Sea Ray runabout boat with two outboard engines 300 horsepower per engine. There was extensive damage to the cabin front glass and the roof was almost completely detached. 

 I asked operator what happened and he stated that he was cruising at about 5 mph when he handed his friend/occupant a first aid kit for a laceration sustained before boarding the vessel. He looked to see if his friend was doing OK and he believed the wake of a passing boat pushed his vessel towards the dock. Operator1 completed a written statement that is attached to this report. Ofc. took pictures of the vessel. The injuries included small laceration to the feet of occupants and were all treated by EMS on scene.

Based on the statements and position of the vessel under the Boat Lift I determined that Operator1 failed to maintain a proper lookout and resulted in a collision with the boat lift causing property damage, vessel damage and minor injuries to himself and his occupants.

operator:minor laceration on his legs; occupant:minor laceration on his legs

intracoastal
SEA RANCH LAKES               