Father Killed In Pelican Harbor Boat Crash
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A boating crash claimed the life of a father of four Sunday afternoon at Pelican Harbor, officials said.
The crash happened at a pier that stretches out into the water. Jose Daniel Napoles' family watched as the boat crashed twice.
Rescue officials said the boat crashed against a pier and then into a sea wall sending Napoles into the water. Napoles was not breathing, said rescuers, when he was pulled from the water.
"He was ferrying family members and friend back from the mainland to a small island located just off the mainland," said Jorge Pino with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Miami Fire Rescue officials said the crash happened around 5 p.m. as the man was on a boat that accommodates about six people.
"We had two of our fire fighters that actually jumped into the water and began searching," said Lt. Ignatius Carroll with City of Miami Fire Rescue.
Two firefighters from the City of Miami were able to find him in 7-feet of water.
Napoles was pronounced dead at Jackson Memorial Hospital. FWC is investigating the crash and is looking into whether speed, alcohol or recklessness played a role in the crash.
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