Jet Ski–Boat Collision Near Captiva Pass: One Fatality in Lee County
Labor Day weekend turned tragic near Captiva Pass when a Jet Ski with two 17-year-olds collided with a 28-foot vessel in Pine Island Sound. One teen was airlifted; the other died at the scene. Florida leads the nation in boating accidents—underscoring the urgent need for safer waterways and accountability.
Incident Summary
On August 30, 2025, near Captiva Pass in Lee County, a personal watercraft (Jet Ski) carrying two 17-year-old occupants collided with a 28-foot vessel in the Pine Island Sound channel. One teen was airlifted to a hospital; the other was pronounced dead at the scene. Responding agencies include the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Lee County EMS, and the U.S. Coast Guard. The investigation remains active.
Florida & Lee County Boating Trends
Florida leads the nation in boating accidents. In 2023, FWC reported 832 boating incidents, including 65 fatalities, 453 injuries, and over $63 million in property damage. Lee County remains among the state’s most at-risk boating regions.
- Lee County risk: ~1 in every 1,100 registered vessels involved in an accident (2023)
- 2019 Lee County: 9 fatal accidents; 20 injury accidents; 18 non-injury incidents (many near Punta Rassa at the Caloosahatchee River mouth)
- 2019 Collier County: 10 injury accidents; 11 non-injury incidents
Legal Analysis: Liability & Causation
1) Duty of Care & Negligence. All vessel operators owe a duty to operate safely under Florida law and general maritime standards—maintaining a proper lookout, obeying navigation rules, and traveling at safe speeds.
2) Potential Breaches.
- Jet Ski operator: Possible liability for reckless operation, inattention, excessive speed, or failure to yield.
- Boat operator: Potential fault for failing to maintain a proper lookout, executing dangerous maneuvers, or general inattention.
- Comparative negligence (Fla. Stat. § 768.81): Damages may be reduced proportionally to fault. A party found more than 50% at fault may be barred from recovering damages.
3) Causation. The breach must be the actual and proximate cause of the injuries. Key evidence includes marine investigation findings, eyewitness statements, onboard/electronic data (if any), scene photos, and expert reconstruction.
Claims & Potential Damages
Wrongful Death
- Survival action: Pain and suffering the decedent experienced prior to death.
- Wrongful death claim: Loss of support, companionship, guidance, and pecuniary contributions for survivors.
Personal Injury (injured teen)
- Medical expenses (past and future), rehabilitation, and therapy
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring, and loss of enjoyment
Additional Damages & Considerations
- Punitive damages if gross negligence or intentional misconduct is proven
- Funeral costs and loss of consortium
Why Contact a Southwest Florida Boating Accident Attorney Now?
- Preserve critical evidence: Witness statements, vessel data, and scene documentation degrade quickly on the water.
- Maximize compensation: Medical bills, economic loss, funeral expenses, loss of parental support, and emotional suffering.
- Local guidance: A Southwest Florida attorney understands FWC protocols, local waterways, and Florida’s evolving negligence statutes.
If your family was impacted by this tragedy in Lee or Collier County, speak with counsel promptly. Early action helps protect your rights and your claim.
Contact Cardinal Law for a free, confidential consultation.
