Watch CBS News

Three People Rescued After Boat Flips In Biscayne Bay

MIAMI (CBS4) - Playing it safe on the water saved the lives of five people, including several young children, after the boat they were in capsized in Biscayne Bay.

Miami Fire Rescue spokesman Lt. Ignatius Carroll said the driver of the 17-foot boat was attempting to make a turn between the Julia Tuttle and 79th Street causeways when he hit a wave; the impact snapped part of the engine off and partially flipped the boat which sent three people into the water.

Carroll said both of the adults and the three boys, who are eight or nine years old, were all wearing life vests.

One of the adult males broke his arm but otherwise there were no injuries, according to Carroll.

The five were plucked out of the water by a tow boat company and then were were taken to the Pelican Harbor Marina off the 79th Street Causeway.

The upcoming Memorial Day weekend is typically one of the busiest weekends on the water. Thousands boaters will hit the water for some much needed rest and relaxation but officials want to make sure you stay safe while you're out on the water.

The Coast Guard along with the FWC, Miami-Dade Fire and police will patrol South Florida waterways in force this Memorial Day weekend in order to make sure people are having a good time but doing it safely.

The Personal Watercraft Industry Association recommends boaters take the following steps to improve safety on the water and help make sure that a day of boating starts and ends well:

  • Always wear your life jacket
  • Never boat under the influence of alcohol
  • Take a boating safety course
  • Get a free Vessel Safety Check
  • Make sure someone knows where your are and how long you'll be
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.