Florida authorities are investigating the death of a female scuba diver following a boat-strike in the Lower Keys on Friday, 8 May.
Jocelyn Brown, 27, had been diving off Little Palm Island near Big Pine Key at around 11am when the vessel hit her, according to statements attributed to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
The boat’s occupants had recovered Brown from the water and brought her ashore, but she was later pronounced dead from her injuries. A FWC representative stated that a diver-down flag had been on display at the time of the collision.
Florida law stipulates that boat-drivers must make a “reasonable effort” to stay at least 90m clear of divers’ flags or SMBs in open water (30m in inland waters). If forced any closer they should restrict speed to the minimum required to maintain headway.
The FWC is leading an investigation into the fatality in co-operation with Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. There has been no indication as to whether charges will be brought. Friends of Brown in the Key West community were setting up an appeal to cover her funeral expenses and help provide for her young son.
The incident occurred the day after a 64-year-old male diver had died from injuries incurred when he was struck in the leg by the propeller of the boat from which he had been spearfishing.
He had been diving north-west of Bimini in the Bahamas and the boat was taking him to Miami, Florida for treatment when he died.
Curious where y’all get the information that it’s 90 and 30 m. One we don’t use meters here and two 300 feet in open ocean and 100 feet in inland Waters
FWC reminds boaters and divers to use and be on the lookout for divers-down flags | FWC https://myfwc.com/news/all-news/divers-down-flag-724/
We’ve snorkeled that area. It’s bouyed, it’s a preserve, no fishing, no taking. Boats tied up to bouys. Big coral heads, huge pufferfish. Used to think safe.
Never attach you buoy to yourself. Hold in hand only. For obvious reasons
Agreed. However the “buoys” I referenced are for designating the parameters of the underwater reserve, the no take zone and the no boating zone. The buoys have tie lines for boats at the reserve. They’re about 3-4′ in diameter, not a trap size buoy with a dive flag on it.
The difference is either the dead woman was snorkeling outside the designated area or the boat driver went through the preserve and killed the snorkeler.
Without knowing, this incident could be a horrible accident or manslaughter. I suspect the case will not be publicized so Keys’ tourism isn’t impacted.