Multiple Injuries Reported After Vessel Struck Cape Coral Bridge
Ten people were injured after their vessel hit a bridge support in Southwest Florida. The boat occupants had to be rescued when their vessel began sinking last month. The accident reportedly happened on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at approximately 5:00 pm.
According to The News & Observer, ten people were hurt and had to be rescued when their 37-foot vessel struck a bridge support in Cape Coral. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported on the incident shortly after it occurred. It is unclear why the boat hit the base of the Cape Coral Bridge. The bridge sits approximately 18 feet above the Caloosahatchee River and allows four lanes of traffic beneath it.
All ten people who were injured had to be taken to local hospitals for treatment. Multiple agencies helped in the rescue efforts including local law enforcement and the United States Coast Guard. The FWC continues to investigate the cause of the accident.
How Many Boating Accidents Happen Each Year?
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission estimates that there were 751 reportable accidents in the state during the same year. Collisions with another vessel were the leading cause of accidents. There were 250 collisions (33%) with other vessels. Miami-Dade County had the largest number of recreational boating accidents with 95 total incidents.
How Many Boating Accident Injuries Happen in Florida?
There were a total of 324 injury-related boating accidents resulting in 469 injuries. The injuries ranged in severity from minor to severe.
The most common boating accident injuries were:
- Lacerations
- Contusions
- Broken bones
- Head injury
- Back injury
- Sprains and strains
- Internal injuries
- Burns
- Amputations
Injury-related accidents can be caused by several things including inattention and inexperience. An estimated 42% of the individuals injured in boating accidents are the operator of the boats and 58% are the occupants. Upon investigation, 34% of the people injured in boating accidents could not swim. The leading cause of death in boating accidents continues to be drowning.
Tips for Preventing Boating Accidents and Injuries
Many boating accidents can be prevented by following certain safety tips including taking a boating education course. Other boating safety tips include appointing a proper lookout, always wearing a personal floatation device, and never boating while under the influence. Boaters should also be familiar with the location where they plan to travel and pay attention to adverse weather conditions.
Florida continues to see the highest number of boating accidents in the country. Hundreds of lives are lost each year as a result of these crashes. Taking these safety precautions can save lives and reduce injuries. However, if you are injured in a boating accident you need to seek medical treatment immediately.
Contact Our Office to Speak to an Attorney
At Mase Seitz Briggs, our lawyers can help you understand your legal options if you were injured in a boating accident. Our lawyers represent injured parties in Miami and throughout South Florida. Contact our office at (844) 627-3529 to schedule a free case evaluation. All consultations are provided free of charge and without obligation.