5 Hospitalized After Boat Collides with Piling in Charlotte Harbor

A serious boating accident in Charlotte Harbor left five people hospitalized on Saturday, July 26, after a 25-foot center console vessel struck a piling near Alligator Creek, according to authorities. The crash prompted a swift response from multiple local and state emergency agencies and has raised concerns about boating safety in Florida’s busy waterways.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the vessel, carrying three adults and two juveniles, was traveling across the water in Charlotte Harbor near Alligator Creek when it collided with a piling, a fixed structure commonly used to support docks or mark navigation hazards.

The crash caused significant injuries to all five occupants onboard.

• Two victims were airlifted to a nearby hospital due to the severity of their injuries.
• The remaining three were treated at the scene and then transported by ambulance for further evaluation and care.

At this time, the FWC is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and the Punta Gorda Police Department.

Florida consistently ranks among the top states for both recreational boating and boating accidents. Collisions like this one highlight the critical importance of safe navigation, especially in areas with fixed hazards like pilings.

Depending on the findings of the investigation, liability may rest with the boat operator if negligence, intoxication, or speeding is determined to have played a role in the crash. Additionally, the condition and visibility of the piling itself may be examined, especially if it lacked proper markings, lighting, or if it was in a poorly charted location.

What to Do After a Boating Accident in Florida

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident like this, it’s crucial to take the following steps to protect your health and your legal rights:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Prioritize safety and health. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
2. Report the Accident – Notify local law enforcement or the FWC as required under Florida law.
3. Document the Scene – If safe to do so, take photos or video of the boat, surrounding area, and any visible injuries.
4. Get Witness Statements – Identify others who may have seen the crash or were involved.
5. Consult a Boating Accident Attorney – Before speaking to insurance companies, speak with a lawyer to understand your rights.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent victims of serious boating accidents across Florida. Whether you were a passenger, operator, or a family member of someone injured, we can help you understand your options under Florida maritime and personal injury law.