Photo: Douglas Sacha / Moment / Getty Images
Merritt Island, FL - A collision during the Merritt Island Christmas Boat Parade resulted in three individuals being hospitalized.
The accident occurred at approximately 8:38 p.m. Saturday night along the 1500 block of Sykes Creek Drive.
Witnesses reported that a jetcar boat was maneuvering erratically around pilings before losing control and colliding with another vessel.
Terry Thorn, a bystander, told WSVN, "He was swerving very quickly around the pilings."
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) confirmed that three people were transported to a hospital following the crash.
Don Wilson, another witness, told WSVN, "It looks like he was getting dangerously close to other boats... within seconds, he hit someone."
Witnesses indicated that the influx of parked cars for the parade hindered first responders' access to the scene.
In response to the accident, parade organizers stated on Facebook that they do not condone reckless boating and are working to prevent future occurrences.
In the post, the parade's organizers wrote "Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in last night's accident. We don't have any information on the driver of the boat as this vessel was not registered in this year's parade and are trusting the situation is in good hands with local law enforcement. We do not condone this type of reckless activity and will work with local law enforcement to make sure this type of activity is immediately rectified in the future. Thank You to the boaters who practiced safe boating and stuck to the route, we will continue working hard to ensure this tradition still remains a safe local favorite!"
The FWC is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding Saturday's crash.
Community members expressed relief that there were no fatalities and hope that Saturday's accident serves as a lesson in boating safety.