2 FIU researchers rescued from the Everglades after being thrown from airboat, officials say
FORT LAUDERDALE -- Two researchers from Florida International University were were thrown Wednesday afternoon from an airboat they were on while conducting an assignment in the Everglades, prompting rescue workers to mount an effort to find and save them, authorities said.
A 29-year-old woman was taken by helicopter to a local hospital where she was being treated for a broken leg, according to Broward County officials.
The second researcher who was on the boat was not hurt, officials said.
The incident prompted a massive search to find the pair.
"The Everglades offers rescuers some unique challenges," Battalion Chief Michael Kane said in an email statement. "The terrain and the wildlife can be relentlessly unforgiving and the urgency to quickly locate and transport a lost or injured victim can not be overestimated."
The two airboat passengers, who were not identified, were on the airboat around 12:30 p.m. in the Everglades several miles south of Interstate 75 near Mile Marker 42. when mechanical issues caused the boat to stall, Broward fire department officials said.
As they were trouble shooting the issue, the boat suddenly lurched forward, throwing both passengers into the water.
The airboat resumed traveling in the Everglades without an operator before it eventually stopped.
Broward officials deployed two helicopters and several airboats to search for the two researchers.
The Florida Wildlife Commission is investigating the incident.