03 April 2024 , 13:32
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A relaxing airboat trip along the Florida Everglades turned into a nightmare after it capsized, flinging every passenger into alligator-infested waters.
The incident happened on Friday after the driver reportedly took a sharp turn while attempting to view one of the deadly reptiles. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said it was called out to the waterway near Coopertown The Original Airboat Tour, south of the Tamiami Trail and about five miles west of Krome Avenue.
Nine people on board the tour along with the operator all fell into the water when the boat took a quick turn. According to passengers, the boat operator was trying to get a closer look at the deadly reptiles when the incident happened.
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The capsized airboat in the murky watersMany passengers described the frightening moment the boat flipped over as the driver tried to turn the vessel. “(The) boat just flipped on its side and we’re all in the water,” one person told Local 10 News.
“I was screaming, because the alligator’s right there. Luckily, no one was hurt badly. A couple of scratches here and there — an accident. Things happen," they added.
Jose Maldonado, another passenger, recalled fearing for his wife and family before turning his thoughts to the alligators. “My first thought was panic, I was afraid for my wife and family members, and then I thought about the alligator," he said.
Passengers attempted to turn the airboat back over but it was too heavyThe passengers attempted to turn the airboat back over, which spilled potentially up to 40 gallons of fuel into the water, but it was too heavy. Mr Maldonado explained: "We tried to flip the boat over but it was just too heavy."
They were left stranded for between 10 and 15 minutes until help arrived. Some passengers were seen standing on top of the boat when help arrived in an attempt to stay out of the gator-infested waters.
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More than 200,000 alligators live in the Everglades (Getty Images)Luckily, by the time the three rescue units had arrived all nine passengers and the operator had made their way out of the dangerous waters - one person was treated for injuries at the scene. The boat's operator was arrested after Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said he did not have the proper documents needed to legally use the boat.
Following the accident, FWC officers and US park rangers were seen taking a man - wearing a shirt similar to Coopertown employees outfits - away in handcuffs. It was later confirmed by officials that the man was airboat's operator who was arrested, “for having neither proof of completion of a boating safety course nor a captain’s license issued by the United States Coast Guard.”
There are thought to be more than 200,000 alligators in the Everglades. Mating season begins in early April and runs through to June, a period when FWC says they can be more aggressive than normal.