Woman dead, five others ejected from boat in race in Florida Keys
KEY WEST - One person died and five others were ejected from a boat that was involved in a powerboat race in the Florida Keys, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said Friday.
At about 4 p.m. Thursday, FWC officers were notified of a single vessel accident in Monroe County, spokeswoman Arielle Callender said.
The vessel, a 39-foot Deep Impact with operator Reinaldo Aquit, 47, of Miami Beach, and seven passengers was traveling from Miami to Key West.
While navigating in Calda Channel north of Key West, the vessel made a hard right and overturned, causing six aboard to be ejected.
Good Samaritans on nearby vessels assisted those in the water.
The victims, including Aquit, were taken to local hospitals for treatment with one deceased, Callender said. On Friday, the fatal victim was identified as Stephanie Rodriguez, 28, of Hialeah.
On a fundraising platform, Stephanie is described as a "Kind, loving, and playful person whose warmth touched everyone she met."
The post goes on to say, "To know her was to love her. Her sudden departure has left her family and friends heartbroken and struggling to comprehend this immense loss."
CBS News Miami's Larry Seward spoke to the brother of the victim, who said they learned about her death about 9 p.m. Thursday and are seeking details of what happened.
On Thursday, Callender said five people were ejected and the boat struck a sandbar and rolled.
In an update Friday night, Callender said the vessel was involved in a powerboat race.
In August, a Miami man and a 9-year-old boy died after their Yamaha personnel watercraft crashed into a seawall in Marathon.
President and founder of Florida Powerboat Club Stu Jones said in a statement, "On behalf of Florida Powerboat Club members and our extended Florida boating community, we remain in shock over this recent tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go to the families of Ms. Rodriguez and those injured, and we pray for the quick recovery of those currently hospitalized. Meanwhile, we are awaiting news and updated reports from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission who are currently investigating this tragic accident near Key West."
