Photo by: local10
A boat crashed into a piling near the Card Sound Road Bridge in Key Largo Wednesday night, injuring several passengers, with one requiring an airlift for treatment. authorities confirmed Thursday.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed that a 44-foot luxury Catamaran-style boat crashed into the piling at 8:30 p.m.
Authorities said seven people were onboard, with several suffering injuries; however, none were considered serious. One individual was airlifted for medical evaluation, while the others were treated at the scene, according to FWC officials.
Following the incident, authorities said the boat’s operator had the vessel towed to a marina in Key Largo.
Authorities said the operator declined to speak with law enforcement regarding the incident. Although FWC officials noted the presence of a bloody rag, multiple alcohol bottles, and cans inside the cockpit, they did not observe any signs of impairment with the operator.
Tow Boat US received a call from the boat operator, who was not panicked and stated he needed medical assistance for someone on board. He explained that he hit one of the powerline pilings.
“The guy on the boat wasn’t panicked at all,” said Tow Boat US employee Mike Hutchings. “He said had hit one of the powerline pilings.”
Soon after the crash, authorities confirmed the entire roadway was shut down while air rescue transported one of the individuals on the boat, and two others were taken to the hospital by ground.
“The whole road was lit up with cops and ambulances, and that’s when the helicopter took off,” added Hutchings. “Definitely not a good day to be out on the water.”
Preliminary investigations suggest that the boat was operating at excessive speeds given the conditions, which included darkness, wind, and rain, according to the FWC.
They also said it is possible the operator did not see the bridge piling that was struck. FWC continues to investigate the incident to determine the precise cause of the crash and assess safety measures at the bridge.
No other information about the incident has been released at this time.
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Source: local10
