Current:Home > ContactAirboats collide in Florida, injuring 13 who were on Everglades tours -Elevate Capital Network
Airboats collide in Florida, injuring 13 who were on Everglades tours
View
Date:2025-04-15 09:24:10
Two airboats collided with each other on a lake in Florida, injuring 13 people.
The airboats crashed into one another on Monday at Wild Florida, a nature park that offers gator encounters, a safari and Everglade airboat tours. The park is in Kenansville on Lake Cypress, just south of Orlando.
The cause of the crash is not yet known, and the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit will be leading the investigation. Wild Florida has suspended all airboat activities until further notice in response to the incident.
Here’s what else we know so far:
When did the airboat crash occur?
The crash happened around 12:15 p.m. Monday.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and the Osceola County Sheriff's Office first responded to the scene of the incident. The U.S. Coast Guard investigators arrived on the scene shortly after.
How many people were on the airboats?
According to the Coast Guard, approximately 30 people were involved in the incident, including 28 passengers and two captains.
It's unclear how many people were on each individual boat.
What is known about their injuries?
The extent of the injuries suffered by the 13 people are unknown, though the Coast Guard said there were no life-threatening injuries.
WFTV-TV in Orlando reported that two people were flown to HCA Florida Osceola Hospital and six people were taken there by ambulance. Three people were taken by ambulance to St. Cloud Hospital and 17 people declined treatment.
Four people were taken to an Orlando Health facility and have already been released, WOFL-TV reported.
Crash:'Craziest experience of my life:' Pilot survives crash in waters off Florida Keys
Cold case:Miami police begin pulling cars submerged from a Doral lake. Here's what they found so far.
What is Wild Florida?
Wild Florida is a nature park on Lake Cypress south of Orlando and offers airboat tours, a safari drive-thru and animal encounters, its website says.
Wild Florida is on a mission to "provide an unforgettable Everglades experience that promotes a connection with animals while inspiring education and conservation," according to its website.
What has Wild Florida said about the incident?
The Wild Florida team took to Facebook to apologize to all visitors involved and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.
"We are cooperating fully with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other state and local authorities as they conduct an official investigation of the incident," the Facebook post said. "We are also conducting our own internal investigation to determine the cause of the incident. Wild Florida prides itself on not just having U.S. Coast Guard-approved airboats but also hiring licensed Master Captains who elevate our safety protocols."
veryGood! (7)
Related
- Jay Kanter, veteran Hollywood producer and Marlon Brando agent, dies at 97: Reports
- Another U.S. evacuation attempt from Sudan wouldn't be safe, top U.S. official says
- Sister of slain security officer sues Facebook over killing tied to Boogaloo movement
- Justice Department asks Congress for more authority to give proceeds from seized Russian assets to Ukraine
- USA women's basketball live updates at Olympics: Start time vs Nigeria, how to watch
- Anzac Day message from Australia leader calls for bolstered military with eye on China
- Next Bachelorette Revealed: Find Out the Leading Lady From Zach Shallcross' Bachelor Season
- Vanderpump Rules’ Ariana Madix Turns Up the Heat on Vacation After Tom Sandoval Split
- Paige Bueckers vs. Hannah Hidalgo highlights women's basketball games to watch
- Sleep Week 2023 Deals: Mattresses, Bedding, Furniture and More
Ranking
- North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
- I have a name for what fueled Joe Rogan's new scandal: Bigotry Denial Syndrome
- RHONJ's Melissa Gorga Accuses Luis Ruelas of Manipulating Teresa Giudice
- Another U.S. evacuation attempt from Sudan wouldn't be safe, top U.S. official says
- 3 years after the NFL added a 17th game, the push for an 18th gets stronger
- Fire in Beijing hospital kills at least 21, forces dozens to escape from windows
- Ted Lasso Season 3 Premiere Reveals a New Heartbreak for Jason Sudeikis’ Coach Character
- 1 American dead in Sudan as U.S. readies troops for potential embassy evacuation amid heavy fighting
Recommendation
NCAA hits former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh with suspension, show-cause for recruiting violations
RHONJ's Melissa Gorga Accuses Luis Ruelas of Manipulating Teresa Giudice
U.S. government personnel evacuated from Sudan amid violence, embassy shuttered
These $33 Combat Boots Come In Four Colors and They Have 7,500+ 5-Star Amazon Reviews
Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
California sues Tesla over alleged rampant discrimination against Black employees
Jimmy Kimmel Apologizes for Fake 2023 Oscars Cameo by Banshees of Inisherin's Jenny the Donkey
Vanderpump Rules Star Lala Kent’s Amazon Picks Include a $4 Must-Have With 20,600+ 5-Star Reviews