- Free Consultation: 305-638-4143 Tap Here to Call Us
One Injured in Boat Collision Near Nixon Beach: Coast Guard Responds to Sunday Afternoon Crash
The U.S. Coast Guard responded to a serious boating collision near Nixon Beach on Sunday afternoon that left one person injured, according to officials. The crash occurred around 4:50 p.m. when two recreational vessels — a 34-foot and a 35-foot boat — collided in the waters off Key Biscayne.
Emergency crews aboard a Coast Guard vessel arrived quickly to render first aid to one of the injured boaters before transferring the victim to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue for transport to a local hospital. The condition of the injured individual has not been publicly released.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash.
While details are still emerging, boating collisions in South Florida waters often involve a combination of high traffic, visibility issues, or operator error. FWC investigators will examine:
- The speed and course of both vessels prior to impact
- Whether alcohol or distraction played a role
- Equipment and navigation lighting conditions
- Weather and visibility at the time of the crash
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether either vessel was operating as a charter or a private recreational boat.
Boating safety experts emphasize that the waters around Nixon Beach and Key Biscayne are particularly congested during weekends, creating higher risks for collisions when operators fail to maintain a proper lookout or follow navigation rules.
South Florida ranks among the top regions in the nation for boating-related injuries and fatalities. According to the FWC’s 2024 Boating Accident Statistical Report, Miami-Dade County consistently leads Florida in the number of reported boating accidents — many caused by inattentive operation, speeding, and alcohol use.
Common causes of boating collisions include:
- Distracted or impaired operation
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Overcrowded waterways
- Equipment failure or poor maintenance
- Poor visibility at dusk or during weather changes
In this case, investigators will determine whether the crash could have been prevented through safer navigation or compliance with boating laws.
Legal Options After a Boating Accident
Victims injured in boating accidents have the right to pursue compensation when negligence or recklessness is involved. Under Florida law, injured parties may recover damages for:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation
- Lost wages or loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage to the vessel
- Wrongful death, if a fatality occurs
If the boats involved were operated commercially or as rentals, additional claims may exist under maritime law or the Jones Act, depending on ownership, purpose, and where the crash occurred.
Because maritime and Florida boating accident laws can overlap, these cases require skilled legal analysis from attorneys familiar with both state and federal regulations.
How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Helps Victims of Boating Accidents
At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we have represented victims of boating and maritime accidents throughout South Florida — including those that occur in Biscayne Bay, the Intracoastal Waterway, and coastal regions of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
Our attorneys handle cases involving:
- Recreational boating collisions
- Charter boat and tour vessel accidents
- Jet ski and personal watercraft crashes
- Drowning and near-drowning incidents
- Negligent operation or alcohol-related boating injuries
We investigate each case thoroughly, working with marine safety experts to determine liability and pursue the full compensation our clients deserve.
What To Do After a Boating Accident
If you or someone you love is injured in a boating collision, take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even minor injuries can worsen due to delayed symptoms like internal bleeding or head trauma.
- Report the incident to authorities. File an official report with the FWC or Coast Guard.
- Document everything. Take photos of the boats, injuries, and location.
- Obtain witness statements. Collect contact information from anyone who saw the crash.
- Avoid giving recorded statements. Speak to an attorney before talking to insurance adjusters.
- Contact a maritime injury lawyer. Legal deadlines for boating and maritime claims can be short, and early investigation is crucial.
Contact a Florida Boating Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a boating accident near Nixon Beach or anywhere in South Florida, the attorneys at Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm are here to help. We have extensive experience handling complex maritime and boating accident cases involving serious injuries and wrongful death.
Call (305) 638-4143 or contact us online for a free consultation. You pay no fees unless we win.
Our firm proudly represents victims across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, helping families rebuild after preventable boating tragedies.
