V1 struck V2 causing injuries to three persons on board V2. V1 left scene without notifying law enforcement.

I inspected both vessels where V1 had a gouge mark underneath the bow of the airboat, consistent with the bow damage I found on V2 for impact. V2 did have a white LED bar installed on the bow but was broken from collision. V2 did not have any red or green navigation lights and no all-around white light. 

In conclusion, I found that V1 was operating at night in a northerly direction in a small narrow channel from Evinrude to Sands cut where approximately halfway in between, came to V2 at approximately head on. 

Due to V1 being an airboat and the way they operate, being maneuverable by using air thrust to turn. The only course of action was for V1 to go directly over as to “slide” over V2 to cause as minimal damage as possible. 

At the time V2 was facing east. The vessel, being what is known as a mud boat, is steered at by a pole connected to the engine on a swivel mount. As V1 approached, Operator2 began turning to the starboard to avoid. 

With it being such a short time, the vessels struck bow to bow. All three occupants claimed injuries to their persons and notified law enforcement shortly after. Being stranded due to a broken motor mount, they used two visual signal devices (flares) to signal for help as well. It is unknown at this time if any alcohol or firearms were ever involved at any time. All occupants of V2 were checked out by a doctor to confirm the listed injuries in the report.

Operator had a Back injury - Lower back nerve / muscle damage  Contusion - lower back  spinal injury - lower back // nerve damage  strain - middle of back muscles

Occupant1 :Back injury - strain and bruising  contusion - upper back  dislocation - right shoulder popped back in at hospital 1 day later  head injury - headache migraine  neck injury - soreness  jaw -  soreness;

Occupant2:right shoulder pain / cant turn neck by itself. per hospital will follow up with a pri care.; 

LAKE
MELBOURNE                     