Three people were rushed to the hospital after two vessels crashed south of the Stickney Point Bridge Sunday afternoon, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The FWC said twelve people were aboard two recreational vessels when they collided. One of the vessels capsized, sending nine passengers into the water. The boat that did not capsize remained at the scene.
News Channel 8′s Gabrielle Shirley spoke to Brandon Paonessa, who works at Siesta Key Watersports in Sarasota. He said he rented a jet ski to a man who helped to pull people from the water.
“One of our jet ski rentals came in today and said that they saw a boat capsized out there. A bunch of people swimming around with no life jackets and they grabbed on to the side of the boat so one of our jet skis stopped over. They tossed him a rope and were able to pull them over to a floating boat where they could hop on,“ Paonessa recalled.
Three people were transported to area hospitals, one of which was seriously injured. The extent of the other injuries is unknown.
The FWC said it’s too early to tell if alcohol was a factor in the crash or if charges are pending.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
