MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A diver was airlifted to Jackson South Medical Center after being hit by a boat off Boca Chita Key Wednesday afternoon.
Miami-Dade police and fire rescue crews were seen loading the diver into a medical helicopter at around 2:25 p.m.
The diver suffered shoulder and ankle injuries, according to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.
Miami-Dade police confirmed that a boat involved in the incident belonged to the department, but did not elaborate further on the circumstances surrounding the crash.
There are also questions regarding whether or not a dive flag was present at the time of the incident.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is investigating and provided a statement to Local 10 News, which read, in part:
“On July 26, 2023, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers were notified of a boating accident between a Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) vessel and a diver offshore of Boca Chita Key. The victim was flown to a local hospital to receive treatment for their injuries. This is an open and active investigation.”
Boca Chita Key is about 10 miles south of Key Biscayne, within Biscayne National Park.
Authorities have not provided an update on the man’s condition.