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(Editor’s note: the original press release from FWC stated the incorrect age for the male victim. It has been updated)

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BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – A tragic boating accident on the St. Johns River claimed two lives over the weekend after two vessels collided on the river’s east side Sunday afternoon, Oct. 26.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), each vessel had an operator and one passenger when they collided, ejecting all four individuals into the water. The operator and passenger of one vessel escaped injury. However, the two people aboard the second vessel were not as fortunate.

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A 32-year-old female passenger was pulled unconscious from the water by a good Samaritan and taken to the Lone Cabbage Fish Camp, where first responders transported her to a nearby hospital. She was later pronounced deceased.

The 29-year-old male operator of that same vessel remained missing overnight. FWC dive team members recovered his body from the river on the morning of Monday, Oct. 27. He was also pronounced deceased at the scene.

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FWC officers responded alongside multiple partner agencies, including the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Rockledge Police Department, Cocoa Fire Rescue, Rockledge Fire Rescue, and Brevard Fire Rescue.

“The FWC remains fully unified in support of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and Rockledge Fire Rescue as we work together through this tragic event,” the agency said in a statement. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of those affected.”

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by FWC’s Boating Accident Investigation Section.

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