Two airboats crashed in Florida on Friday, sending 16 people to the hospital, authorities said.
A spokesperson for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) told the Daily Caller that officials received a call about a “boating accident” in Collier County around 3:15 p.m. .
“According to preliminary information, a 24-foot Alumitech airboat carrying one operator and 13 passengers and a 25-foot Alumitech airboat carrying one operator and 20 passengers collided head-on in Ochopee.” said a spokesperson in a statement. “At least 24 passengers were injured. 16 were taken to local hospitals for treatment.”
“This is a public investigation and no further information is available at this time. The full report will be available upon request once completed,” the spokesperson continued. (Related: 'Stay with Me': Body camera footage of sheriff trying to save snorkeller hit by boat propeller while fishing for lobster)
According to WSVN, news helicopter 7 Skyforce hovered over the crash site and observed some of the casualties. reported.
“[I] “I saw an adult female being carried away on a stretcher and a child,” WSVN Skyforce reporter Ralph Rayburn said as he hovered over the crash site.
“It appears someone is trapped under the boat,” a 911 dispatcher said at the time.
BREAKING: Two airboats collided in Collier County, authorities said. https://t.co/1yroW1yKR2
— WSVN 7 News (@wsvn) December 13, 2024
WSVN reported that the airboat crash site occurred near Wooten's Everglades Airboat Tours. The company offers tours across 259 acres of Florida prairie by airboat. According to Go to their website.
The company confirmed the incident in a press statement on its website. “Wooten's Everglades Airboat Tours regrets that a collision involving two airboats occurred this afternoon. We immediately contacted local emergency authorities and responded quickly to the scene. and took care of the passengers after the accident. We have begun working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Sheriff's Office to assist in the investigation, which continues. From all of us at Wootens, we would like to extend our deepest sympathies to everyone involved. I sincerely pray for your speedy recovery.” said.
