One of the great benefits of living in Florida is that we’re fortunate enough to enjoy ideal weather for a majority of the year, allowing us to spend considerable time on the water, taking in the refreshing ocean breezes and views of the mainland as seen from our nautical vessels.
While this leisurely pastime is second nature to a lot of us, the grievous events of September 5 remind us that we need to be just as careful on our boats as we would be in our vehicles on the road.
17-year-old Lucy Fernandez was killed after a 28-foot Robalo center console carrying 14 people smashed into a channel marker and capsized on Sunday evening in the Intercoastal Waterway in Biscayne Bay about 10 miles south of Boca Chita. Fernandez and three other people were airlifted to the hospital according to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue; Katerina Puig and Coco Aguilar were among those who were transported. 11 people were injured as a result of the accident.
Fernandez and the other passengers were celebrating Cecilia Lianne Pino’s 18th birthday, as her father George was the captain of the boat.
Our Lady Of Lourdes Academy is mourning the loss of a senior student who was beloved by so many.
“Known for her smile, larger than life personality and signature laugh, Lucy was a joy to all who knew her,” Sister Carmen Fernandez articulated in an email. Via MiamiHerald.com
The shock surrounding Fernandez’s death and the injuries to the other parties on the boat are still being digested by many in the community.
“We honestly haven’t even started to heal. I think we’re just trying to cope,” said Alexandra Diaz, who taught Fernandez theology in her freshman year. Via MiamiHerald.com
Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath express our heartfelt condolences to everyone who knew Lucy.
If you or a loved one was injured in a vehicle accident that occurred on land or at sea, call us at (561) 655-1990.
