Two Hospitalized After Personal Watercraft Collision Near Key Biscayne

Two men were hospitalized Thursday afternoon after a collision involving two personal watercraft near Key Biscayne, according to Miami Fire Rescue.

The crash occurred in the waters near the Rickenbacker Causeway, prompting an emergency marine response. Both men were transported to a local trauma center with injuries and are expected to survive.

Authorities are investigating what led to the collision.

What We Know About the Crash

According to Miami Fire Rescue, the crash occurred on June 25, 2026, in the waters off Key Biscayne near the Rickenbacker Causeway.

Initial reports indicate:

• Two personal watercraft (commonly referred to as Jet Skis) were involved.
• Two adult men sustained injuries in the collision.
• Both victims were transported to Ryder Trauma Center.
• Officials reported both men were in stable condition.

Authorities have not yet released the identities of those involved or additional details regarding how the crash occurred.

Investigation Underway

At this time, investigators have not determined what caused the collision.

Marine accident investigations often examine several factors, including:

• Excessive speed
• Failure to maintain a proper lookout
• Operator inexperience
• Unsafe passing
• Impairment by alcohol or drugs
• Equipment malfunction
• Waterway traffic conditions
• Weather and visibility

Depending on the circumstances, investigators may also review witness statements, GPS data, photographs, and vessel damage to reconstruct the collision.

Personal Watercraft Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries

Although personal watercraft are popular throughout South Florida, collisions can result in significant injuries because riders have little protection during an impact.

Common injuries include:

• Head and brain injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Lacerations
• Drowning or near-drowning incidents

The use of properly fitted life jackets and compliance with boating safety laws can help reduce the severity of injuries in many watercraft accidents.

Florida Boating Laws

Florida has one of the nation’s busiest recreational boating environments, and personal watercraft operators are required to follow both state boating laws and navigation rules.

Under Florida Statute §327.33, it is unlawful to operate a vessel or personal watercraft in a careless manner that endangers the life, limb, or property of another person.

Additionally, operators are expected to follow the Inland Navigation Rules, including maintaining a proper lookout, operating at a safe speed, and taking appropriate action to avoid collisions.

If investigators determine a violation of Florida’s boating laws occurred, citations or additional enforcement actions may follow.

Potential Legal Rights After a Boating Collision

When injuries occur because another boat or personal watercraft operator acted negligently, injured victims may have the right to pursue compensation through a civil claim.

Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages may include:

• Emergency medical expenses
• Hospitalization and rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage to the watercraft

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system under Florida Statute §768.81, meaning liability may be shared among multiple parties if more than one operator contributed to the collision.

Any determination of fault will depend on the evidence collected during the investigation.

Safety Around Florida Waterways

South Florida’s waterways experience heavy recreational traffic throughout the year, particularly around Key Biscayne and Biscayne Bay.

Boating safety experts encourage personal watercraft operators to:

• Maintain safe speeds.
• Keep a proper lookout for other vessels.
• Avoid distracted operation.
• Wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
• Operate responsibly in congested waterways.

These precautions can significantly reduce the risk of serious boating accidents.

Investigation Continues

Authorities continue investigating the collision near the Rickenbacker Causeway.

Additional information—including the identities of the injured men and the cause of the crash—may be released as investigators complete their review.

Hoping for a Full Recovery

While this collision could have resulted in far more serious consequences, both injured men were reported to be in stable condition after being transported to Ryder Trauma Center.

Our thoughts are with them as they recover, and we hope for their full and speedy recovery.

The investigation into the Key Biscayne personal watercraft crash remains ongoing.