escue crews took two men and two women to the hospital after a boat crashed into a seawall and capsized along the Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale, officials said.
Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue units responded to the scene in a residential area near Northeast 42nd Street, south of the Commercial Boulevard Bridge, just after 7:30 p.m. on Friday.
A source told 7News the boaters were coming back from dinner when a mechanical issue caused the vessel to lose control and slam into the seawall.
All four victims ended up thrown into the water. Investigators said one of the victims nearly drowned.
U.S. Coast Guard officials confirmed they were notified about the capsized boat, but local first responders arrived first and rendered aid to the victims.
Cameras at the scene captured the victims being wheeled into rescue trucks. One of the patients had her head bandaged, and another was seen limping toward an ambulance with a bandage on his right calf. A man seen on a stretcher appeared to be alert and talking to paramedics.
Officials said a woman who was injured in the crash was transported to Broward Health Medical Center as a Level 2 trauma alert with serious injuries.
FLFR crews were seen in the water, as well as USCG crews and commercial salvage vessels, well into the night.
The waterway reopened just before 10 p.m.
Saturday afternoon, a spokesperson with Sea Tow confirmed they recovered the boat and relocated it to a local marina where it will remain secured for inspection by the insurance company.
Pictures from the Sea Tow crew show the boat flipped over and gaping fole on the side of the vessel, showing where it hit the seawall, as well as evidence of the sheer force of impact.
Sources told 7News the two male victims have been released from BHMC, and the victims continue to recover at the hospital.
As for what caused the mechanical failure, that remains under investigation.
How Ovadia Law Group Fights for Boat Accident Victims
At Ovadia Law Group, we believe that victims of boat accidents deserve aggressive legal representation. Our attorneys have a proven track record of holding negligent parties accountable and securing maximum compensation for our clients. From investigating the cause of the accident to negotiating with insurance companies, we handle every aspect of your case with dedication and care. If you’ve suffered injuries in a boat accident, don’t wait call 1-800-674-9396 for a free consultation. We’ll review your case at no cost and explain your legal rights. Our team is committed to providing personalized service and powerful advocacy. We understand how devastating a boating injury can be, and we’re here to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Let Ovadia Law Group be your trusted partner in seeking justice after a boat accident.
Source: wsvn
