A 32-year-old man died on Friday night after two airboats collided in the Everglades of Broward County, Florida, in an incident that is under active investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
The collision occurred around 6:20 p.m. in the wetlands of the Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area, a remote area located south of Interstate 75 and west of US-27, which is often frequented by recreational and tourist vessels.
The two boats were navigating the area when they collided: one was carrying an operator and a passenger, while the other had an operator and two passengers.
Alessandro Borgo, a resident of New Jersey, was the operator of the vessel with two passengers on board. After the collision, he was airlifted to a hospital, where he passed away.
The FWC confirmed that no one else was injured, although initial reports from local media such as WSVN and Local10 mentioned a second critically injured person who was transported to Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood as a level one trauma alert, a fact that was not confirmed in the agency's official statement.
The authorities have not yet determined the cause of the accident. The investigation into the collision remains active, according to reports from the FWC.
The agency issued a statement expressing its condolences: "The FWC extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Borgo during this difficult time."
Airboats are flat-bottomed vessels powered by an aerial propeller, designed to navigate shallow and marshy waters. Their use is widespread in southern Florida, both for recreational activities and tourist tours, but their operation carries considerable risks: they can reach high speeds in areas with poor visibility, dense vegetation, and narrow channels.
Florida has a documented history of accidents involving this type of vessel. According to data from the FWC, between 2007 and 2017, there were 55 recorded accidents involving commercial airboats in the state, resulting in two fatalities and 130 injuries; 65% of these incidents involved collisions with fixed objects or other vessels.
The most significant accident prior to this one occurred in December 2024, when two airboats collided near the Tamiami Trail in the Everglades, resulting in 24 people injured, 16 of whom were hospitalized.
Florida approved new regulations in 2018 requiring commercial airboat operators to complete courses in boating safety, first aid, and specific operation of these vessels, although accidents have continued to occur in both commercial and recreational settings.
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