A tragic watercraft accident in Fort Lauderdale's Intracoastal Waterway has claimed the life of a 14-year-old girl visiting from New York.

The deadly crash occurred Tuesday afternoon when two sisters riding a personal watercraft struck a dock near the 2800 block of Northeast 24th Court. According to CBS Miami, both girls were transported to Broward Health Medical Center with life-threatening injuries after the incident was reported just after 3:30 p.m.

The older sister remains hospitalized and underwent surgery Tuesday night following the crash. Sources told the news outlet that the family had rented the watercraft prior to the accident, and both sisters were visiting from New York.

Watercraft Strikes Dock in Afternoon Crash

Fire rescue officials confirmed that the girls were riding in tandem on one watercraft when it collided with a dock structure. Both victims sustained serious injuries that required immediate medical attention and emergency transport to the hospital. The crash sent shockwaves through the local waterfront community.

Renee Beninate, a nearby resident, described hearing multiple emergency vehicles responding to the scene. "I was just hanging out at my house and all of a sudden I start hearing engine, after engine after engine and then police cars," she said. The sound of the emergency response alerted neighbors to the severity of the situation unfolding in their waterway.

The crash occurred during peak summer boating season when the Intracoastal Waterway sees heavy recreational traffic. The location near Northeast 24th Court is a popular area for watercraft activities and boat rentals. Emergency responders worked quickly to extract both victims from the water and provide immediate medical care.

Community Responds to Tragic News

Local residents expressed deep sorrow upon learning of the fatal outcome for the younger sister. Beninate shared her emotional reaction to the news, stating her heart dropped when she heard the update about the girl's death. The tragic turn of events has deeply affected those living in the waterfront community.

"I've been here in South Florida and so many people love spending time on the water," Beninate explained. She emphasized how common and beloved water activities are throughout the region, making the accident particularly heartbreaking for residents. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with recreational watercraft use.

The timing of the accident, occurring during the middle-end of summer, adds to the community's grief. "I'm sure they were having a great day before and to just hear about this... it's just really heartbreaking," Beninate added. Many families visit South Florida specifically to enjoy the waterways and recreational opportunities the area provides.

Investigation Continues into Fatal Accident

Fort Lauderdale police initially responded to the crash scene to begin preliminary investigations. However, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has since taken over the investigation, as is standard protocol for watercraft accidents. Fire rescue officials confirmed the transfer of investigative responsibilities to the state agency.

The FWC specializes in boating accident investigations and will examine all factors that may have contributed to the crash. Investigators will likely review the watercraft's condition, weather conditions at the time, and operator experience levels. They will also examine the dock structure and the surrounding area for any contributing factors.

The investigation process typically includes interviews with witnesses, examination of physical evidence, and reconstruction of the accident sequence. Officials have not yet released preliminary findings about what may have caused the watercraft to strike the dock. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

Lessons to Learn From This Tragedy

While it’s impossible to prevent every tragic event, this incident highlights several safety takeaways that may help reduce risk on Florida waterways:

1. Always receive proper instruction before operating a watercraft. Even though jet skis are marketed as beginner-friendly, they are high-powered vessels that require training and awareness of local waterway conditions. Tourists should ask rental companies about mandatory safety briefings and demonstrate understanding before setting out.

2. Ride cautiously and know the area. Waterways like the Intracoastal are busy and often filled with docks, bridges, and other vessels. Understanding navigation zones and limits is essential to avoid collisions. Unfamiliar riders should consider staying close to shore and away from congested or high-speed areas.

3. Accidents can happen to anyone, and victims should never be blamed. While safety measures help reduce risk, tragic outcomes like this can occur despite careful planning. Each life lost is a profound human story, not just a statistic, and families deserve support—never scrutiny—during such times.

Why This Story Matters

This story is a sobering reminder of the importance of water safety and awareness, especially in regions with high tourist activity like Fort Lauderdale. With waterways open to both locals and visitors, ensuring that all users are educated and prepared can save lives. It also shines light on potential gaps in rental regulations and the need for consistent enforcement of safety protocols. Greater public awareness can lead to more informed choices on the water. Communities benefit when stories such as these are given the attention they deserve—both to honor the victims and to help prevent future tragedies.

Conclusion: The Full Picture of the Day’s Tragedy

On Tuesday afternoon, two sisters visiting from New York suffered a devastating accident while riding a rented jet ski in Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway. Their watercraft collided with a dock around 3:30 p.m. near Northeast 24th Court, leading to the death of the 14-year-old girl and serious injuries to her older sister, who remains hospitalized after surgery. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is now leading the investigation, while the community mourns the unexpected loss and awaits answers that may offer clarity—or caution—for future waterway users.