SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - The boat involved in a crash near Boca Chita that sent a diver to the hospital was a Miami-Dade Police vessel, authorities said.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, they were notified on Wednesday of a boating accident between the police vessel and a diver off Boca Chita Key.
“I have contact with Marine 27 PD. They’re at Boca Chita. They have a confirmed swimmer that was hit and run over by a boat,” a first responder said in radio transmissions.
Investigators said the victim was hoisted onto the Boca Chita Key Police Dock after he was struck.
Officers carefully pulled the diver from the boat and transferred him to a cart. Part of his body were wrapped with a yellow tarp.
“A 40-year-old male with injuries to his right heel, right arm, right shoulder. Patient is stable. They have applied tourniquets,” a first responder said in radio transmissions.
7Skyforce hovered above the scene as first responders treated the diver, placed him on a gurney and drove him over to the rescue chopper.
The patient was airlifted to Jackson South Medical Center for treatment. He was awake and alert during transport.
The incident took place on the first day of Florida’s mini lobster season. It’s an event that makes for a more crowded coastline, and that means more people and patrols on the water.
It’s unknown why the diver was in the water at the time of the crash and whether or not he had his diving flag up in his boat to let others know there were people in the water.
As of Thursday evening, the diver remains in the hospital. Police have not released his name or specified his condition.
FWC officials continue to investigate what led to the crash.
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