1 Teen Dead, 5 Injured in Ft. Lauderdale Boat Crash

Authorities have reported, that a small boat carrying six teenagers on a late night river trip, crashed into a bridge, killing one and injuring the five others onboard. Investigators are working on learning the cause of the one-vessel crash and to determine whether someone had loaned the teens the boat. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokeswoman Liz Barraco said the 13-foot Boston Whaler was not owned by anyone directly related to them.She identified the teen who died as John M. Baker, 17. A classmate, Prince Hassan described him as “a good fisherman” and “the nicest kid ever.” He said they were about to begin their senior year in high school. “We’re all kids, we’re all going to party, we’re all going to have fun,” Hassan said. “It could have happened to me last night. I could have been on that boat, but I decided not to go.”

Officials said that the teens had apparently set out on the Middle River in Fort Lauderdale around 10:30 pm that evening. In the early hours of the following day, the craft crashed into pilings under a bridge on the south fork of the river, which runs through a residential neighborhood in Fort Lauderdale. Michael Cooper, who lives near the crash site, said he was getting ready for bed when he heard a “tremendous smack” outside. “I feel so bad for them and the family. I’m thinking about them. I hope they are OK,” said Cooper.

According to Barraco, three teens were in critical condition, and two had minor injuries.Their names haven’t been released. Investigators worked through the night to process the scene. By daylight, the boat had been taken away and the scene cleared. A family friend of the deceased teen, Chris Liptak, said he was stunned by Baker’s death. “I’ve known him since he was born. He’s a water baby. I mean they had a Bertram Sport Fisher. They’re always on the water. They’re always in the Bahamas. They had a house down in the Keys. He’s grown up around the water,” said Liptak.

The cause of the crash in this case is still being determined. Though it has not been determined, it is likely that some type of boating safety precautions and regulations were violated, ultimately causing the fatal crash and injuries of the young passengers. Our waterways in West Palm Beach are populated by both locals and tourists, who may be inexperienced, or operate a watercraft in a negligent manner, whether drunk, speeding, or in failing to exercise reasonable care for the safety of others. The outcome is devastating to families, with a loved one who has drowned or suffered severe or permanent injuries. When a passenger is thrown into the water, or hit by another watercraft, the danger of death or permanent brain damage is very high. We urge you to contact a West Palm Beach personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A. at once if you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a boat accident in Florida.

Sources:

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/florida-boat-crash-leaves-one-teen-dead-5-injured/

https://www.caseyshomolaw.com/boating-accidents/