Four people are dead and several more are injured after three boats collided in a late-night accident in Miami over the holiday weekend. And the crash is bringing some new attention to safety on the water.
"The torn up side of this boat is just a fraction of the damage. The rest is too bloody to show on TV."
"It was like mayhem." (Via WSVN)
"Loved ones share a tearful embrace after a horrifying three-boat accident in these waters on the Fourth of July."
"This is probably the worst accident I've ever seen in my 11-year history." (Via WTVJ)
Officials say they're still trying to figure out what caused Friday's deadly collision.
As WTLV pointed out earlier this week, the Coast Guard had recently gone out in Florida, and many other places along the nation's shoreline, urging boaters to stay safe while out on the water ahead of Independence Day.
The Christian Science Monitor reports Friday's deadly accident comes at a time when boating safety is headed in the right direction. It cites Coast Guard data that shows the number of boating deaths dropped 23 percent from 2011 to 2013.
And more states are stepping up regulations. WLS-TV notes Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signed three bills into law Saturday that include making punishments for boating while under the influence of alcohol tougher and requiring boaters to put up an orange flag any time they are towing someone.
And in Texas, anyone taking driver's ed is now required to watch a 10-minute video stressing the importance of safety while out on the water. It includes info on life jacket use and how to work the kill switch in a boat. (Via KSAT)
As for Friday's accident, WSVN reports one of the victims is in a coma while several others remain in the hospital, recovering from their injuries. Their conditions have not been made public.
