Three victims identified in Miami Beach vessel accident; FWC investigating

Sept. 26, 2016

 

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Three victims identified in Miami Beach vessel accident; FWC investigating

 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard, Miami-Dade Police Department, Miami Beach Police Department and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department, responded to the scene of a vessel accident that occurred at Miami Beach. Three people have been confirmed dead. The three victims are Jose Fernandez Gomez (DOB 07/31/1992), Eduardo Rivero (DOB 10/27/1990) and Emilio Jesus Macias (DOB 09/22/1989), all from Miami-Dade County.

 

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families during this time,” said FWC Regional Commander Maj. Alfredo Escanio.

 

A boat crew from Coast Guard Station Miami Beach was heading out on a law enforcement patrol at approximately 3:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, when they passed the jetty along Government Cut and discovered an overturned 32-foot SeaVee center console boat on the jetty.

 

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Miami-Dade Police, Miami Beach Police and FWC personnel responded to the scene and located three persons deceased. The FWC is investigating to determine the cause and nature of the boating accident. There is no set timetable for investigations of this nature, and may take several weeks to complete.

 

The exact time of the accident is still under investigation and the operator of the vessel at the time of the accident is undetermined at this time. Preliminary information indicates that the vessel was traveling southbound when it struck the jetty. The medical examiner will establish the cause of death for all of the victims.

 

The registered owner of the vessel is Jose Fernandez. The vessel sustained extensive damage in the accident. It has been towed from the accident scene and is being stored in a secure FWC evidence facility, where investigators will perform a thorough and complete examination of the vessel. A final report will be made available when the investigation is complete.