Sumter County Commissioner Doug Gilpin said an airboat accident that injured several people Tuesday morning is a serious situation.
“The Coast Guard is looking into the accident and filing a report,” Gilpin said. “It is a serious situation and our hearts go out to the injured. We don’t want this to happen again.”
Sumter County Fire Rescue was called at about 10:40 a.m. Tuesday to the scene of the accident at Lake Panasoffkee, according to Fire Chief Leland Greek.
There were 14 passengers and the boat’s operator aboard the watercraft, operated by Tom and Jerry’s Airboat Rides, when the accident occurred. Villagers were said to be among the passengers. Nine of the passengers were transported to area hospitals. Some refused treatment.
The boat appears to have struck an object in the water.
“Whether it was operator error, equipment malfunctions,” said Officer Chad Weber with Florida Fish and Wildlife. “All different factors that can contribute to a boating accident.