Florida is one of the top states when it comes to recreational boating. The state boasts numerous lakes, rivers, and coastal areas that are popular with boaters, both commercial and recreational. One key indicator in boating safety is the fatality rate, which is usually reported by individual states to the U.S. Coast Guard. In 2016, it was reported that 4,463 boating accidents resulted in 701 deaths and 2,903 injuries. In cases where the cause of death was known, 80% of fatalities in boating accidents were caused by drowning. Of those who reported life jacket usage, 83% of victims were not wearing personal floatation devices or life jackets.
The Miami Herald reports that a man has died after two boats collided near Star Island.
The accident occurred on Tuesday, May 12th between Star Island and Flagler Monument Island in Miami Beach.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission identified 28-year-old Diego Alejandro Becerra as the man who was killed in the accident after he was ejected from a 32-foot center console boat where he was a passenger.
A fire rescue team pulled Becerra from the water and rushed him to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
26-year-old Francisco Urteaga was operating the center console at the time of the crash. He was not injured.
The crash happened at about 8:45 p.m. The boat that collided with Urteaga’s vessel was operated by 32-year-old Brian Hodges. One of his passengers was treated for minor injuries.
Hodges left the scene of the crash. Authorities located the craft nearby later that night. No charges have been filed yet in the accident.