4 vessels were traveling in a single file line.

An item (hat) fell off the first vessel (V3).

V2 stopped to pick up item.

An item (speaker) fell inside the third vessel (V1). Operator looked down at item. When operator looked up, he saw V2 was stopped.

Operator of V1 attempted evasive action by turning to the starboard.

V1 struck V2 from behind and ramped.

Operator of V2 was ejected and received a shoulder injury.

One passenger of V2 was struck by V1 resulting in serious injuries to their left leg, buttocks, and back.
There were four vessels traveling in a single file line. They were all friends and were recreationally cruising the Manatee River westbound outside of the Slow Speed Zone. This area is a 25 mph Manatee Zone. All four vessels were traveling approximately 25 mph on plane.

V3 was being operated. At approximately 1000 hours, a straw hat fell off the vessel into the water. Operator3 slowed down and began to turn his vessel around to retrieve the hat.

V2 was being operated. He slowed down his vessel to help retrieve the hat from the water.

V1 was being operated. A portable speaker fell inside the vessel. Operator1 stated that he looked down at the speaker when it fell. When he looked up, he saw V2 was stopped. Operator1 attempted evasive action by turning to the starboard. V1 struck V2 from behind and ramped V2. 

Operator of V2 was ejected and received a shoulder injury.  He was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital by ambulance.  A passenger on V2 and was struck by V1 resulting in serious injuries to his left leg, buttocks, and back consistent with a propeller strike. He was transported via helicopter to Tampa General Hospital. He underwent surgery to his leg including a metal plate and rod. Prognosis is a 2-month stay in the hospital followed by extensive physical therapy.


Manatee River
PARRISH                       