MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews, along with the U.S. Coast Guard, responded to a boat accident Sunday night in the waters near Biscayne Bay.
“Miami-Dade Fire Rescue was dispatched to a vessel that had an accident,” said MDFR Capt. Juan Garrandes.
Authorities investigating the incident report that a vessel collided with a buoy causing three people to be thrown into the water.
It happened Sunday just after 6:45 p.m. in the water near Boca Chita Key.
The U.S. Coast Guard tells us that good Samaritans were joined by the Ocean Reef Public Safety Team as they rescued the victims out of the water.
Eleven of the 14 people aboard the vessel were injured in the crash. Four people suffered “traumatic” injuries and had to be airlifted to Jackson South Medical Center, officials said.
“Police arrived first and pulled people out of the water,” said Garrandes. “Some of them were critical. They were taken to Eliott Key Island where air rescue landed.”
Tragically, one of those injured in the crash did not survive, according to a South Florida high school.
Monday afternoon, Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, a Catholic all-girls high school in southwest Miami-Dade, released a statement that read, in part:
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I write to you this afternoon to inform you that one of our seniors, Lucy Fernandez, passed away earlier today, following injuries sustained during a boating accident yesterday evening.”
Fernandez was 17 years old, school officials confirmed. She was involved in peer ministry and was a member of the cross country team.
“It’s like losing a sister,” said student Beatrice Nunez. “Everyone here, Lucy touched everyone’s lives one way or another.”
The statement went on to send heartfelt condolences to her family and friends that she leaves behind, and recognized Fernandez for her smile, larger than life personality, and her faith.
“She was known for being a light to others, very much grounded in her faith, very family oriented,” said Alexandra Diaz, Fernandez’s freshman year teacher.
A rosary prayer service was held at the school Monday evening in her honor.
“It’s definitely very difficult,” said Diaz. “I feel like we honestly haven’t even started the process of healing.”
There was a lot of emotion outside of the emergency room entrance. Families were gathered outside, waiting for updates on the conditions of their loved ones.
Authorities have yet to provide any updates on the status of those who were injured in the crash.
“We prayed for the other girls who are currently injured,” said Diaz.