Overview
- The airboat carrying seven people capsized after it reportedly entered a deeper channel while approaching the Kissimmee River on Monday, June 15.
- Emergency crews from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Highlands County Sheriff’s Office and Highlands County Fire Rescue responded and four occupants swam safely to shore.
- Responders recovered the bodies of two victims and continue searching for the final missing passenger as recovery operations remain active.
- Preliminary investigators say the boat began taking on water during the turn and quickly capsized, but officials have not yet determined a definitive cause or released victim identities.
- The FWC is leading a formal inquiry and will issue a full report when the investigation concludes while families are being notified and local teams continue search-and-recovery efforts.