HIGHLANDS COUNTY, Fla. — Three people are dead after an airboat capsized in Highlands County, throwing all seven occupants into the water.
Authorities said the June 15 incident happened as the airboat turned into deeper water from the Istokpoga Canal toward the Kissimmee River and began taking on water. Four passengers reached shore safely while search crews worked to find the remaining three.
All three missing occupants were later recovered deceased. The three deceased were identified as Ricardo Chub, Jesus Manuel Garcia Reyes, and Edwin Ramiro Caal.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is leading the investigation and will release a full report once it is complete.
This is a breaking news story. Stay with Tampa Bay 28 on all platforms for the latest information as it becomes available.
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