11 people transported to local hospitals after Monday afternoon airboat accident

  • The view from one of the airboat rides at Wild Florida. Two of the boats collided on Monday. GOOGLE MAPS
    The view from one of the airboat rides at Wild Florida. Two of the boats collided on Monday. GOOGLE MAPS
  • Eleven people have been transported to local hospitals after a airboat crash south of St. Cloud Monday.
    Eleven people have been transported to local hospitals after a airboat crash south of St. Cloud Monday.

    Osceola County officials are reporting that 11 people were transported to area hospitals after an airboat crash involving two crafts occurred on Lake Cypress near Wild Florida early Monday afternoon.

    In a statement from Wild Florida, co-owner Sam Haught confirmed two airboats collided while doing routine tours on Monday, resulting in passenger injuries. At this time, all airboat activities at Wild Florida are suspended until further notice.

    "First, we would like to apologize to all visitors involved and pray for a speedy recovery for all injured parties," he said. "We are cooperating fully with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the U.S. Coast Guard and other state and local authorities as they conduct an official investigation of the incident. We are also conducting our own internal investigation to determine the cause of the incident. 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.  

    We also want to extend our added gratitude to the many Wild Florida staff members and rescue teams from Osceola County EMS, St. Cloud Fire Rescue, and the Osceola County Sheriff's Department for their swift response."

    Osceola County Fire Rescue EMS records show four engines, seven rescues, and two air transports in total responded around 12:10 p.m.

    There were 28 total patients (30 people, including the two captains, were on board the boats), and 17 declined transport to care. Of the others, two were transported by air to HCA Florida Osceola Hospital and six others went there by ground transport. Three others were transported to Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital.

    In addition, St. Cloud Fire Rescue, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office (which has an amphibious unit), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the U.S. Coast Guard and OrlandoHealth Air Care also provided response. A Coast Guard unit from Port Canaveral is involved in the incident because it involves commercial water vehicles.

    There is no indication yet on the extent or type of injuries to those transported. Check back for further updates, as this is a breaking story.