On July 21, 2023 at approximately 1200 hours vessel #1 (V1) was Eastbound from the Skyway Bridge on the outside of red marker.  V1 passed a large vessel that was heading in the opposite direction.  V1 hit the large wake from the larger vessel and was unable to slow down in time.  Several occupants in V1 were injured from hitting the large wake. 

   On July 21st 2023 at approximately 1200 hours the operator of (V1) stated they were cruising East towards Apollo Beach when he observed a large vessel approaching them heading West towards the Skyway Bridge in the Shipping Channel.  

Operator1 said before he knew it the wake from the larger vessel was right in front of him and he was unable to slow down and hit a series of wakes before his vessel was able to slow down.  Some of the passengers on the vessel were injured when the vessel hit the wake.  

Operator1 advised that his wife and their friend were injured and he immediately called 911.  Shortly after calling 911, Pinellas and Hillsborough sheriff's office arrived on scene and Pinellas transported three people to shore to be transported to Bayfront Hospital for injuries.  Operator1 also injured his back but was unwilling to be transported to the hospital for evaluation.  

      At approximately 12:45 hours I arrived on scene and observed Hillsborough Sheriffs officer along side of the vessel involved in the boating accident.  The officer advised me that three person on the vessel were transported to Bayfront Hospital and the driver of the vessel was on his boat laying on the floor of the vessel because his back hurt.  

I spoke with the operator Operator1 and he advised they were cruising and a large boat went past them and before he could do anything his vessel slammed into the wake of that vessel injuring his wife and their friend.   

I asked Operator again if he needed medical attention and he said that it was just a strained back.  HIs son was also on the vessel but he was not injured.  I followed them back to Gulf Stream Boat Club and completed the boating accident.  ; OPERATOR1:Burst L1 spinal injury; wife :Low back L1 spinal injury; occupant2:Broken Ribs and injury to foot

Old Tampa Bay
RUSKIN                        