Two Dead After Boat Collision on St. Johns River in Brevard County

A devastating boating accident on the St. Johns River in Brevard County left two people dead after a violent collision ejected four individuals into the water Sunday afternoon, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Officials say the crash occurred on a stretch of the St. Johns River between State Road 528 and State Road 520. Each vessel involved had one operator and one passenger. The impact of the collision threw all four individuals into the water.

The operator and passenger of one vessel were uninjured, but the two occupants of the other boat — a 23-year-old male operator and his female passenger — suffered fatal injuries.

According to the FWC, the woman was pulled unconscious from the water by a good Samaritan and transported to the Lone Cabbage Fish Camp, then taken to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

The male operator’s body was recovered Monday morning by the FWC dive team, and he was also pronounced deceased.

FWC officials expressed condolences in a statement:

“The FWC remains fully unified in support of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and Rockledge Fire Rescue as we work together through this tragic event. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of those affected.”

Florida leads the nation in boating accidents and fatalities each year, according to FWC data. In 2024 alone, the state recorded nearly 700 boating accidents, many caused by inattention, excessive speed, or operator inexperience.

Under Florida Statute §327.30, boat operators have a legal duty to maintain a proper lookout, operate safely under prevailing conditions, and avoid collisions whenever possible. When an operator fails to uphold this duty — whether through reckless navigation, intoxication, or inexperience — they may be held civilly liable for resulting injuries or deaths.

Determining Fault in a Boat Collision

Investigators will likely examine several key factors to determine what caused this tragic crash, including:

• Speed and visibility conditions at the time of impact
• Whether either vessel was operating recklessly or under the influence
• Compliance with navigation rules and right-of-way laws
• Equipment failures or unsafe vessel conditions

Because maritime and inland waterway accidents often involve complex jurisdictional rules, it’s critical that families seek legal counsel with experience handling boating injury and wrongful death claims under both state and federal maritime law.

Legal Rights for Families After a Fatal Boat Accident

When a fatal boat crash occurs due to negligence, surviving family members may pursue compensation under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (§§768.16–768.26). Recoverable damages can include:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Medical expenses related to rescue and emergency treatment
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship or parental guidance
• Lost future income and financial support

Families should also act quickly to preserve evidence — including FWC reports, witness statements, and vessel inspection results — as these will be critical to proving liability.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, our attorneys have extensive experience representing victims and families affected by boating and maritime accidents across Florida. From the St. Johns River to the Florida Keys, our firm has handled complex cases involving negligence, reckless operation, and equipment failure.

We understand the emotional and financial toll these tragedies create and are dedicated to uncovering the truth, holding negligent parties accountable, and pursuing the justice families deserve.

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a boating accident in Brevard County or anywhere in Florida, our legal team is here to help.

Call 305-638-4143 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation in English or Spanish.