Passengers from a boat were rescued last Friday in the Everglades, Florida (United States), after falling into alligator-infested waters. The airboat they were on capsized on a bend, says USA Today. According to one of the victims of this spectacular accident, the captain of the boat was trying to maneuver to get closer to one of the reptiles when he lost control.
“My first thought was panic, I was afraid for my wife and my family members. Then I thought of the alligator,” he declared to Room 10 one of the ten castaways. The passengers and the boat’s pilot remained trapped between ten and fifteen minutes before help arrived. Some American media were able to film the tourists in difficulty while alligators were nearby.
Boat captain arrested
Fortunately, only one person had to be treated by firefighters for their injuries related to their fall. The captain of the hydrofoil was arrested because he did not have the necessary authorizations to use the boat.
Everglades National Park is one of the largest in the United States. Its rivers and swamps are home to dozens of endangered species, such as the American crocodile. Many tourists flock there every year to observe the wild fauna and flora aboard hydrofoils.