Six People Rescued After Boat Takes on Water Near Fort Lauderdale Beach
Six individuals were hospitalized Wednesday night in Broward County after their boat began taking on water off the coast of Fort Lauderdale, according to a report by NBCMiami.
The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. when a distress call was made to 911. The U.S. Coast Guard, Broward Sheriff’s Office, and other rescue agencies responded promptly, deploying air and water units to locate the distressed crew approximately two miles offshore.
Rescue teams successfully pulled all six sailors from the water and transported them to shore. They were then taken to Broward General Hospital by Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue for medical evaluation. Authorities reported that the sailors were in the water for about 20 minutes before being rescued, in an area with depths of less than 100 feet. One of the victims is reportedly in critical condition.
While authorities are investigating the cause of the boat’s malfunction, initial reports suggest that the vessel began taking on water rapidly, leaving the crew no time to repair or stabilize the situation. Weather conditions at the time of the incident are also being reviewed to determine if they played a role.
The incident highlights the importance of proper safety measures when venturing out to sea. Officials remind boaters to ensure their vessels are seaworthy, carry sufficient life-saving equipment, and have communication devices readily available in case of emergencies.
Further updates on the condition of the rescued individuals and the investigation are expected as more details emerge.
