Two airboats collide at popular Florida tourist attraction, injuring 13, officials say
Two airboats collided on a Florida lake, sending 13 people to a hospital with unspecified injuries, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
On Aug. 14, FWC officials responded to Wild Florida, a popular tourist destination on Cypress Lake in Kenansville known for its airboat charters, FWC told McClatchy News in a statement.
Officials said two chartered boats had collided on the lake.
Between the two boats, there were 28 people on board, FWC said.
Of those, 13 were taken to area hospitals to be treated for injuries, but officials did not provide any specific details about the severity of the injuries.
“Yesterday at Wild Florida, two airboats collided while doing routine tours, resulting in passenger injuries. First, we would like to apologize to all visitors involved and pray for a speedy recovery for all injured parties,” Sam Haught with Wild Florida told McClatchy News in an email Aug. 15.
Both FWC and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash, but the United States Coast Guard will be leading the investigation, officials told McClatchy News.
“We are also conducting our own internal investigation to determine the cause of the incident,” Haught said. “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. “
Wild Florida offers a wide range of airboat tours through the headwaters of the Florida Everglades, according to its website, as well as a safari park where visitors can see exotic animals and native wildlife.
“At this time, all airboat activities at Wild Florida are suspended until further notice,” Haught said.
Wild Florida is in Kenansville, about 40 miles south of Orlando.
This story was originally published August 14, 2023 at 5:37 PM with the headline "Two airboats collide at popular Florida tourist attraction, injuring 13, officials say."
