Wild Florida airboat crash caused several rib, shoulder injuries, 911 calls say
KENANSVILLE, Fla. - Several people suffered "a bunch of rib injuries, shoulder injuries and lacerations" after two airboats collided during a tour at Wild Florida on Monday, according to 911 calls obtained by FOX 35 News.
A woman told dispatchers that multiple ambulances were needed to help the 28 visitors onboard the airboat at the time of the crash. Thirteen were transported to local hospitals, but at the time of the call, at least four people were confirmed hurt, the 911 calls show.
"We had two airboat captains collide and they're on the way bringing them off the boat to Lake Cypress," the woman told dispatchers, adding that one of the captains was a firefighter. "We have four confirmed hurt, but possibly more."
Dispatchers told the woman that four ambulances were already en route to Wild Florida. The Coast Guard was notified at around 12:30 p.m. The Osceola Fire Department, Osceola County Sheriff's Office and Saint Cloud Fire Rescue also responded.
Wild Florida said in a statement Wednesday to FOX 35 News that all passengers injured during the accident have been treated and released from HCA Florida Osceola Hospital and Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital.
13 hospitalized after airboats collide
Thirteen people were injured in an airboat crash at Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park on Monday, a spokesperson from the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed to FOX 35 News. There were 30 people onboard the airboat – 28 passengers and two operators, said a spokesperson for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
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Because of the incident, Wild Florida announced it would suspend its airboat activities until further notice, despite the U.S. Coast Guard clearing the attraction to resume activities.
"We are thoroughly reviewing our internal airboat procedures and have engaged an experienced consultant in boating law and safety to conduct a review of our airboat operations. We look forward to implementing any areas of improvement," Wild Florida said in statement.
According to the FWC, there have been at least 10 airboat crashes reported in Florida this year, including this most recent one.