Current:Home > ContactAirboats collide in Florida, injuring 13 who were on Everglades tours -ProgressCapital
Airboats collide in Florida, injuring 13 who were on Everglades tours
View
Date:2025-04-15 16:59:57
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! (9)
Related
- New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
- JetBlue passenger sues airline for $1.5 million after she was allegedly burned by hot tea
- Arrest Made in Cold Case Murder of Teenager Elena Lasswell 20 Years Later
- One Tech Tip: What to do if your personal info has been exposed in a data breach
- Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
- Colombian warlord linked to over 1,500 murders and disappearances released from prison
- Marathon Oil agrees to record penalty for oil and gas pollution on North Dakota Indian reservation
- Yosemite Park officials scold visitors about dirty habit that's 'all too familiar'
- House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threat
- Project 2025 would overhaul the U.S. tax system. Here's how it could impact you.
Ranking
- Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
- Pregnant Gypsy Rose Blanchard Addresses Question of Paternity” After Ryan Anderson Divorce
- RHOC: Inside Shannon Beador & Alexis Bellino's Explosive First Confrontation Over John Janssen
- In a boost for consumers, U.S. inflation is cooling faster than expected
- Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
- Owner offers reward after video captures thieves stealing $2 million in baseball cards
- Hawaii's Haleakala fire continues to blaze as memory of 2023 Maui wildfire lingers
- Jury to begin deliberations Friday in bribery trial of New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez
Recommendation
Dick Vitale announces he is cancer free: 'Santa Claus came early'
Are bullets on your grocery list? Ammo vending machines debut in grocery stores
Fast-moving fire destroys Philadelphia apartment building, displacing dozens of residents
You Won't Believe How Many Crystals Adorn Team USA's Gymnastics Uniforms for 2024 Olympics
$73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
Asia’s richest man Mukesh Ambani is set to throw a grand wedding for his son. Here’s what to know
The last Manhattanhenge of 2024 is here: NYC sunset spectacle to draw crowds this weekend
Marathon Oil agrees to record penalty for oil and gas pollution on North Dakota Indian reservation