Rescuers pulled nine people from the water following a boat accident near Sarasota on Sunday afternoon.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said two boats collided just south of the Stickney Point Bridge in Sarasota.
Many of the people who went into the water were not wearing life jackets. One of the boats was still drivable, but the other had to be towed away after flipping over and capsizing.
FWC said one person was seriously injured, and three patients in total were taken to the Sarasota Memorial Hospital. In all, nine people were rescued from the water.
The circumstances surrounding the accident are still unclear. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
There are many reasons boat accidents occur. These can include speeding, errors by operators, insufficient training or knowledge of watercraft operation or equipment, defects in boat components or equipment, improper maintenance, and other issues, such as accidents involving intoxicated boat operators.
Boating accident injuries, which often result after a collision, can be wide ranging, with the most serious being wrongful death. Serious injuries like head and brain injuries, spinal cord trauma, broken bones, fractures, and other injuries can be sustained on small boats and large vessels alike. As the waterways become more congested, boating accidents have certainly been on the rise.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a boating accident in Sarasota or around the Tampa Bay area resulting in injuries, contact our Tampa Bay Boating Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a free consultation about your potential personal injury case.