The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission confirms that one person has died as the result of a boat that capsized a mile off Fort Lauderdale Beach Wednesday evening.
A mile off Fort Lauderdale Beach, Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue units responded with the U.S. Coast Guard to a capsized boat just before 8:30 p.m. Wednesday.
BSO Fire Rescue said air rescue units overhead confirmed the boat had capsized and saw four people on top of the boat. BSO said five people were reportedly on board. All of the people reported missing were rescued. One of those rescued was taken to a local hospital, but later died as a result of their injuries.
“Obviously it’s dark out and with the assistance of Air Rescue 85 and the Fire Boat we were able to locate the boat rather quickly,” said Timothy Heisler, Fort Lauderdale Fire Chief. “Time is always of the essence. At this time of year, the water is cold, the water is rough, you get tired and you can only hold onto a boat for so long.”
Four of the rescued passengers were uninjured and taken to the Fort Lauderdale Coast Guard Station. The group was reportedly out fishing, but authorities haven’t said why the boat capsized.
FWC and the Fort Lauderdale Police are investigating the incident.
