Three people have died and one is in critical but stable condition after a catamaran capsized Saturday, Nov. 29, in the Caloosahatchee River on the Southwest Gulf Coast between Cape Coral and Fort Myers, authorities said.
The MTI 390 powerboat sent all four occupants into the water around 5 pm according to Bradley Johnson, public information officer for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which led the search and rescue mission and the ongoing investigation.
Here’s what we know.
What happened in the Florida boat accident?
Much is still unknown about the accident, Johnson said, including the speed of the boat, what caused the flip or even who was driving. The incident did not appear to involve any other vessels.
“Investigators are working on this,” he said. “They’re still trying to collect all that.”
A witness told Fox 4 that it appears the boat was traveling between 75 and 80 mph, but this has not been substantiated.
Johnson said the outboard motors appear to have come off the vessel at some point. The boat was moved to an evidence facility for investigation.
Wind conditions could have been a factor, he said Saturday, potentially affecting visibility and steering. Winds in Cape Coral that afternoon ranged from 8-15 mph, with gusts up to 22, according to the National Weather Service.
Prayers and questions: Social media reaction to the Cape Coral boat crash
Another boat rushed to help, he said.
Boatman Trenton Zamniak, who was nearby when the boat capsized, told Gulf Coast News Now that the boat “nosed about 90 degrees and slid right on its back.” He and his friends administered CPR to an unconscious man they found floating in the water until first responders arrived.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Department, Cape Coral Police Department, Cape Coral Fire Department, Sanibel Police Department, Matlacha Fire Department, Iona McGregor Fire District and the United States Coast Guard all responded.
Who was killed in the Cape Coral boating accident?
Brenna Millett, Rebecca Knight and Neal Kirby were recovered and taken to a local hospital following the incident. Millett and Knight died Saturday night, Johnson said. Kirby was still in critical but stable condition Sunday afternoon.
Craig Millett, 60, remained missing during an overnight search by dive crews until his submerged body was found about 12:30 pm Sunday in open water near the accident near Redfish Point, Johnson said.
Where was the boat accident in Cape Coral?
The speedboat capsized in the Caloosahatchee River off Cape Coral near the Cape Coral Yacht Club, Johnson said.
He said the incident occurred in the main intercoastal areas, away from restricted areas.
Where is the Caloosahatchee River in Florida?
The 67-mile Caloosahatchee River flows through the southwestern part of the state from Lake Hicpochee in Glades County. It grows into a wide estuary and expands in size until it passes through Fort Myers and Cape Coral to reach the Gulf at San Carlos Bay, near Sanibel Island.
The scenic river is popular for boating and fishing.
What type of boat was involved in the Florida boating accident?
The boat was a 39-foot MTI speedboat, authorities said.
The model has not been released. Marine Technology Inc. currently offers two 39.4 foot models, both catamarans with Twin Mercury 450R outboard motors.
Contributing: Stacey Henson and Mark H. Bickel, Fort Myers News Press
This article originally appeared on the Fort Myers News-Press: Florida boating accident leaves 3 dead, one critical. What we know