FWC: Child killed in Sarasota Bay boat crash during youth sailing practice

SARASOTA, Fla. - A child was killed Saturday morning following a boat crash in Sarasota Bay, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC).

FWC says the crash happened around 11:30 a.m. just north of the Ringling Causeway as two boats were taking part in youth sailing practice when the crash occurred.

A child under the age of 13 was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital where they died.

The John Ringling Causeway Bridge in Sarasota was closed Saturday in both directions, so a medical helicopter could take the child to the hospital. However, due to poor weather conditions, the child had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance instead. 

In a statement released Saturday evening, the FWC said, “We send our condolences to the friends and family of those involved in this accident and will continue to keep those impacted in this tragic incident in our thoughts and prayers for the difficult days ahead.”

The FWC is investigating the incident. 

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