Vessel 1 (V1) was traveling Southwest in the intracoastal waterway at approximately 15-20 miles per hour preparing to pass under the Blue Heron Bridge from North to South. Tidal current was pushing V1 South as it prepared to turn left under the bridge. The port side bow of V1 struck the Northwest bridge fender while negotiating the turn.
The operator of V1 complained of pain on his right side torso immediately after the impact, but, said the pain subsided by the time FWC arrived on scene. The operator of V1 refused medical treatment at that time. 
No other persons were involved or injured during the impact. The operator of V1 was traveling too fast for the conditions and was not experienced enough to safely navigate V1 through the turn in the strong tidal current.; OP1 advised he felt pain on the right side of his torso near his rib cage immediately after impact. He further advised he was unsure what he hit to cause the pain and that he had no break in his skin. At the time of our interview OP1 said he no longer felt the pain. He refused medical treatment when asked.

Intracoastal waterway
WEST PALM BEACH               