A tragic boating accident in Biscayne Bay has left one woman dead and a man injured, marking the second fatal incident in the area within a week.
Details of the Incident
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the crash occurred around 10:40 a.m. Saturday when a 27-foot vessel carrying two people was operating west of West Point.
Authorities said both occupants were thrown into the water for reasons still under investigation. The unmanned boat then struck them after they were ejected.
Victims Identified
Officials identified the victims as:
- Neil D. Schwabe, 54, who sustained injuries
- Claudia Balmaseda Orellanes, 33, who died at the scene
Emergency crews from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue recovered both individuals from the water. Schwabe was airlifted to a trauma center for treatment, while Orellanes was pronounced dead.
Second Fatal Boating Incident This Week
This marks the second deadly boating accident in Biscayne Bay in recent days. Earlier, on March 25, 55-year-old Davide Veglia was killed when a vessel struck his inflatable dinghy near Indian Creek and fled the scene.
Veglia’s 14-year-old son was seriously injured in that crash. Authorities are still searching for the boat involved in the hit-and-run incident.
Investigation Ongoing
Officials said both cases remain under investigation. Authorities have not yet determined what caused the latest accident.
Safety Concerns Rise
The back-to-back tragedies have raised concerns about boating safety in South Florida waters, especially in high-traffic areas like Biscayne Bay.