FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Four people have been injured but are expected to be OK after a boat crashed into a jetty near Fort Lauderdale.
Broward Sheriff, Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue crews all responded to the scene near South Ocean Lane just after 12 a.m., Tuesday.
7SkyForce HD hovered above the 4-engine, 42-foot center console vessel as it faced upwards along the rocks.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers also responded to the scene and are investigating the crash.
According to FWC, the vessel was attempting to enter the Port Everglades inlet when it struck the south jetty.
Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue officials said two men and two women were involved in the crash.
Investigators said two of the victims were ejected and the two others remained on board.
FLFR officials provided video showing crews inside the vessel moments after they arrived.
“It’s unknown as to what caused it. Was it that they didn’t see the rocks? It’s possible,” BSFR Lt. Andres Hernandez said. “Maybe they weren’t following their guides and their beacon lights to let them know where [the jetty] ends and when it starts.”
Crews were able to remove all of the victims from the vessel nearly 20 minutes after responding to the scene.
Officials said three of the victims suffered minor injuries, while one woman was ejected from the 42-foot boat and suffered a serious bodily injury.
She was airlifted to the hospital.
All four victims are being treated at Broward Health Center and are expected to recover from their injuries.
7News spoke with two witnesses who heard the commotion right after the crash.
“Incredible, incredible speed and incredible impact,” witness Brian Gear said. “Me and Cheryl are boaters as well, and it’s dangerous right there.”
“There were fire engines everywhere over here and police vehicles, fire engines were here, spotlights down on the water, spotlights over here on the beach,” said Cheryl Shea, “but this building was blocking my view [so I] couldn’t see what was going on. Now I do.”
“As you look at it today in the sunlight, it is amazing to see how far that boat actually made it out of the water,” BSFR Battalion Chief Kyle Van Buskirk said.
Witnesses said they were stunned no one was killed.
“That’s luck. That’s pure luck. I mean, the impact on that boat had to be incredible,” Gear said. “It’s just that you’ve got to pay attention out there. It’s no joke.”
Just after 5 p.m., 7News cameras captured a crane next to the boat, as crews wrapped the straps around the hull of the vessel. It has since been removed.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
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