2 dead and 1 missing after airboat capsizes in Florida river

Two people are dead, and one person remains missing after an airboat capsized on the Istokpoga Canal in Florida on Monday.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), emergency crews responded to a single-vessel incident in Highlands County.

Authorities said seven people were traveling by airboat to the Kissimmee River when the accident occurred.

As the vessel approached the river from the Istokpoga Canal, it entered a deeper section of water and began taking on water. The airboat then capsized, causing the passengers to go overboard.

Four individuals were able to make it safely to shore, while an immediate search was launched for the remaining three passengers.

Officials said two of the missing individuals were later located and pronounced dead at the scene. The search for the third missing passenger is ongoing.

Two dead, 1 missing after airboat capsizes in Florida’s Istokpoga Canal on Monday. Highland County Sheriff

Seven people were aboard the vessel when it took on water and capsized while approaching the Kissimmee River. Universal Images Group via Getty Images

The FWC and the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office offered their deepest condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.

The incident remains under investigation.