Newly released body camera footage shows police attempting to rescue a snorkeler who was struck by a boat in South Florida on Wednesday.
This was one of a series of underwater incidents that occurred Wednesday after the local spiny lobster mini sport season opened in the Florida Keys. according to Local 10 News.
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) body camera footage obtained by Local 10 shows 20-year-old Shawn Steven Bender being treated by responding deputies after being struck by a boat.
MCSO said on Facebook that Bender was “diving to catch lobsters near the Boca Chica Bridge in the Lower Keys” when he was struck by the boat’s propeller. (RELATED: Video shows boat hurtling towards beachgoers, crashing into shore)
The video shows officers rushing in to help the victim, and one officer can be heard repeatedly telling the victim to “stay with me.”
“It’s so awful, so awful,” another man can be heard saying.
The footage then shows a bloody Bender lying at the back of the boat as authorities try to apply a tourniquet.
The video then shows rescuers pulling the man from the boat and placing him on a stretcher.
According to MCSO, he was transported by helicopter to a Miami hospital just after 8 a.m. Wednesday. His condition remained critical as of Thursday afternoon, according to Local 10.
Authorities tried to comfort Bender and his family, who appeared to be in a daze, the media reported.
MCSO said the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will be investigating the incident.
The FWC alleges that the driver of the boat involved in the accident was 36-year-old Mark Johnson, Local 10 reported. The outlet noted that it is unclear whether Johnson will face any charges or citations in connection with the incident.
