CUDJOE KEY, Fla. (WTXL) - A 13-year-old girl has died after Florida officials say she was severely injured by a boat's propeller.
According to a report obtained by WPLG, the Florida Wildlife Commission reported on August 11, around 5:20 p.m., that they responded to Venture Out Marina in Cudjoe Key to a report of a boating incident.
They say the vessel, a 2017, 31’3 Boston Whaler, was operated by George Smith of Naples.
They say the Harlie Smith, 13, was involved in a propeller incident, and sustained injuries which included a severe laceration to the right leg. She was transported to Lower Keys Medical Center where she later died due to her injuries.
The FWC says the other passengers on the boat were not injured in this incident. The incident is currently under investigation.
The organization expressed their sincere sympathies to the victim and families of the victim involved in this incident.
They are reminding all boaters to be safe, wear your life jackets and maintain 360-degree awareness at all times while boating.
For boating safety tips, click here.
