Two-Boat Accident Sends Nine To The Hospital
A two-boat accident in the waters off Biscayne National Park sent nine people to the hospital with injuries varying from minor to serious.
A spokesman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) described the crash as “a violent collision.” He went on to state that it was fortunate that nobody was killed in the Florida boat accident.
FWC reports that the collision occurred in the waters west of Elliot Key and involved a 36-foot Carrera with 16 passengers on board and a 38-foor Wellcraft with just two people on board.
The U.S. Coast Guard was called to the scene in the early evening and reported that they had to pull 11 people out of the water. Nine out of the 11 were injured. The injuries ranged from minor cuts to at least one concussion. The concussion victim had to be airlifted from the scene and flown to the hospital.
Reportedly, the smaller boat ended up sinking completely after the crash.
There are currently no reports as to the current condition of the boaters and investigators are still trying to piece together the cause of the crash.
With summer upon us, more boaters will be going out to enjoy the sunshine and the beauty of Florida. Florida has a very large boating population, which leads to crowding on the water and the need to ramp up vigilance while boating.
In 2011, 67 people lost their lives in boating accidents in Florida.
FWC reports that drowning is the leading cause of death in boating accidents and that boaters colliding with other boats or objects is still the leading type of boating accident in Florida.
The boating accident attorneys at Farah & Farah in Jacksonville Beach ask everybody to boat safely during the summer months. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident caused by a negligent or impaired boater, we are on call to discuss your legal rights. You may be entitled to compensation for damages. Call us today at (800) 533-3555 or simply contact us online for more information
