Four Hospitalized After Boat Strikes Channel Marker in Florida Keys

Four people were hospitalized after a boating crash in the Florida Keys that ejected multiple passengers from a vessel Friday afternoon, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Monroe County Fire Rescue.

Authorities say the crash occurred off Tavernier and remains under investigation.

The incident happened around 4:45 p.m. Friday in waters off Tavernier, an Upper Florida Keys community located between Key Largo and Islamorada in unincorporated Monroe County.

According to Monroe County Fire Rescue:

• A center-console boat struck a channel marker
• The impact caused the vessel to partially sink
• Six people on board were ejected into the water
• First responders rushed to the scene to rescue victims

Officials confirmed that four people were transported to local hospitals following the crash. Their conditions have not been publicly released.

Vessel Struck Channel Marker Before Partially Sinking

Investigators say the boat hit a fixed navigation channel marker, which is designed to guide vessels safely through marked waterways. The force of the collision was strong enough to eject all six occupants from the vessel.

Images from the scene show the damaged boat partially submerged in the water after the crash.

Authorities have not yet released details about:

• The speed of the vessel at the time of impact
• Who was operating the boat
• Whether weather or visibility played a role
• Whether alcohol or mechanical issues were factors

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation.

Common Causes of Serious Florida Boating Accidents

Florida consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of boating accidents and fatalities. Many serious boating crashes occur due to preventable factors, including:

• Operator inattention
• Excessive speed
• Operator inexperience
• Boating under the influence
• Failure to follow navigation markers
• Mechanical failure
• Poor visibility or hazardous water conditions

Striking fixed objects such as channel markers, docks, or buoys can result in catastrophic injuries, especially when passengers are not wearing life jackets or are thrown from the vessel.

Injuries Frequently Seen in Boat Crash Ejections

When passengers are ejected during a boating collision, they can suffer severe or life-threatening injuries such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Drowning or near-drowning injuries
• Lacerations from debris or propellers

These incidents often require emergency rescue operations and hospitalization.

Liability After a Florida Boating Accident

Victims injured in a boating crash may have the right to pursue compensation if negligence contributed to the incident. Potentially liable parties can include:

• The boat operator
• The vessel owner
• Rental companies
• Manufacturers of defective equipment
• Other negligent boaters

Compensation in a boating injury claim may include medical expenses, lost income, long-term rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering.

Speak With a Florida Boating Accident Attorney

Serious boating accidents can leave victims and their families facing overwhelming medical and financial challenges. Understanding your legal rights is critical after a crash on Florida waters.

The attorneys at Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm handle catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida, including boating and maritime accidents.

Our firm offers free consultations and only collects fees if we successfully recover compensation for you. If you or a loved one were injured in a boating accident, our legal team is available to help you understand your options and pursue justice.