16 hospitalized after 2 airboats collide in Ochopee

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. – Sixteen people were hospitalized following a collision between two airboats in Collier County on Friday afternoon, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Authorities said FWC officers were notified of the crash at approximately 3:15 p.m. near mile marker 74 under a bridge south of U.S. 41 in Ochopee.

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Preliminary reports indicate one airboat was carrying 20 passengers and the other 13 passengers when they collided, injuring multiple individuals, according to investigators.

A total of 16 passengers were transported to local hospitals for treatment, an FWC spokesperson confirmed. The condition of the victims and circumstances surrounding the crash weren’t immediately released.

Video from Sky 10 showed multiple emergency vehicles, including deputies and fire trucks, responding to the scene.

Authorities also confirmed that the FWC is leading the investigation into the crash.


About the Author
Ryan Mackey headshot

Ryan Mackey is a Digital Journalist at WPLG. He was born in Long Island, New York, and has lived in Sunrise, Florida since 1994.

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