On April 6, 2023 at approximately 1640 hours, two personal watercrafts (PWCs) were heading north in Smith Creek, just north of Hammock Dunes Bridge when they encountered a wake, produced by a 38-foot Sea Ray, heading south.

V1 and V2 were heading north at an estimated speed of 40-50mph when they saw a V3 heading south.

At the last minute, V1 and V2, the two PWCs, noticed that the large V3, was throwing a large wake.

V3 was going approximately 15mph.

V1 and V2 tried to slow down before they crossed the wake, but only slowed down to approximately 25 mph before they crossed it. 

Still going 25mph, they failed to slow down enough to safely cross the wake.  V1 and V2 became airborne.

Operator2 was able to remain on V2, but when he landed he had no propulsion.

V1 subjects both got ejected from V1.

V1 landed in the water, unoccupied and continued towards a dock.

V1 Struck a piling and came to rest.

Operator2 complained of extreme hip/leg pain.

A Good Samaritan was nearby working on a barge and helped get the three the shore at 4 River Oaks Place. 

Operator2 was transported to Advent Health, Palm Coast for hip/leg pain.

the operator of V3, was unaware of the incident and continued home.

Paschen was followed by an unknown Good Samaritan and called v3’s location. 
Operator1 Fractured sacrum bone.  Will have to monitor and stay off it for six weeks.V1 occupant:Micro Fracture in his forearm

Smith River
PALM COAST                    