HIGHLANDS COUNTY, FL – A tragic boating accident on the Istokpoga Canal left two people dead and a third person missing after an airboat carrying seven passengers capsized on Monday.
The Incident
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the incident occurred as the single vessel was traveling down the canal toward the Kissimmee River.
As the airboat approached the river, it entered a deeper section of the waterway and began rapidly taking on water. The vessel then capsized, throwing all seven passengers into the water.
Rescue Operations and Casualties
Four individuals managed to swim safely to the shore, triggering an immediate emergency search and rescue operation for the remaining three passengers.
Highlands County emergency crews later located two of the missing individuals, both of whom were tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims.
Search Continues for Third Passenger
The search remains active and ongoing for the third missing passenger. Both the FWC and the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office are on-site utilizing watercraft to scour the area. Both agencies have extended their deepest condolences to the families impacted by this tragedy.
The exact cause of the vessel taking on water remains under official investigation.
