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Some call for changes after fatal boat crashes near Government Cut

Marlins star Jose Fernandez died in same area in 2016

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – After a fatal boat crash over the weekend, there are renewed calls for safety enhancements to the jetty near Government Cut off the coast of Miami Beach.

Three people were killed and another person was injured Saturday night when their boat slammed into the rocks during high tide.

Eduardo Barreto of Sea Tow Key Biscayne calls it a "high traffic area." It's also the same spot where Marlins ace Jose Fernandez lost his life in a boating crash, along with two other men who were with him. Some now are calling for the addition of lights and other aids to alert boaters.

"It's a risky area and that's happened many times already," Barreto said. 

Saturday's crash killed Christopher Colgan, 56, and his wife Elisaine Colgan, 39, both of Pompano Beach, along with their friend, Jennifer Cadavid, 28, of Fort Lauderdale.

Cadavid's body washed up on the sand near South Pointe Park early Monday.

The 32-foot boat hit the rocks and flipped over. A fourth passenger, Troy Forte, 37, of Juno Beach, was rescued from the water and rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center in critical condition.

"You might be navigating there, thinking you're far from the rocks, but you're not," Barreto said. "If you don't have the right equipment, if you're not experienced navigating the area, it's definitely an area you have to be very, extremely careful."

The boat was towed away from the scene of the crash Monday afternoon, but the investigation into what caused the wreck has only just begun. 


About the Author
Liane Morejon headshot

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard.

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