Investigation continues into the July 6 hit and run of scallop diver in Homosassa
Boat similar to the hit and run boat, from Facebook post by the injured scalloper's girlfriend.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) continues to investigate the identity of the vessel operator whose propeller struck a man diving for scallops.
On Thursday, July 6, the FWC received notification of a boating accident. Preliminary information indicates that at approximately 3:45 p.m., a man was struck by a vessel's propeller while diving for scallops at the scallop grounds northwest of St. Martins River in the Crystal River / Homosassa area. The vessel operator has not been identified.
Witnesses describe the vessel as a Robalo or Sea Fox with a top. The body of the vessel is white, beige, or blue. The vessel operator was described as a middle-aged white male with a large build wearing a white shirt. With help from the public, FWC Law Enforcement has received several tips and home video surveillance and is working with the Citrus County Sheriff's Office on possible leads.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922), text 847411 (Tip411) with keyword "FWC" and information about the operator, or submit a tip at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert. Tipsters may be eligible for a reward.
According to Facebook posts and a television interview by the injured scalloper's girlfriend, she and the scalloper and his children, and friends were enjoying a day on the water, visiting Citrus County from the Cocoa Beach, Florida area. She said that the scalloper suffered cuts and broken bones as a result of the incident.