Current:Home > NewsAirboats collide in Florida, injuring 13 who were on Everglades tours -WealthSync Hub
Airboats collide in Florida, injuring 13 who were on Everglades tours
View
Date:2025-04-13 22:36:27
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! (33)
Related
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Zendaya and Tom Holland Hold Hands on Rare Date After His Romeo and Juliet Debut in London
- Man walking his dog shot, killed when he interrupted burglary, police in Austin believe
- Dying ex-doctor leaves Virginia prison 2 years after pardon for killing his dad
- US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
- Sean Kingston's home raided by SWAT, mom arrested for 'fraud and theft'
- NBA great Dwyane Wade launches Translatable, an online community supporting transgender youth
- Inter Miami beats out Super Bowl, Stanley Cup, World Series champs for sports business award
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Cassie Gets Support From Kelly Rowland & More After Speaking Out About Sean Diddy Combs Assault Video
Ranking
- US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
- Singapore Airlines passenger says it was chaos as extreme turbulence hit flight with no warning
- Rod Serling, veteran: 'Twilight Zone' creator's unearthed story examines human cost of war
- See Michael Keaton, Jenna Ortega get their spooky on in 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' trailer
- Why Sean "Diddy" Combs Is Being Given a Laptop in Jail Amid Witness Intimidation Fears
- Tennessee attorney general looking into attempt to sell Graceland in foreclosure auction
- Deaths deemed suspicious after bodies were found in burned home
- City’s red-light camera program was lawful after all, North Carolina justices say
Recommendation
Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look
Fate of Missouri man imprisoned for more than 30 years is now in the hands of a judge
Prosecutors appeal dismissal of some charges against Trump in Georgia election interference case
Yep, Lululemon Has the Best Memorial Day Scores, Including $29 Tank Tops, $34 Bodysuits & More
SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
Vermont governor vetoes bill requiring utilities to source all renewable energy by 2035
Most Jersey Shore beaches are in good shape as summer starts, but serious erosion a problem in spots
2024 French Open draw: 14-time champion Rafael Nadal handed nightmare draw in first round