911 calls released for fatal boating accident in Florida Keys – NBC 6 South Florida

Emergency calls to a boating accident in the Florida Keys that killed a 9-year-old boy and his father reveal moments of terror for several witnesses who reported an “explosion” as the victims crashed into the seawall.

Jose Dominguez, 47, and his son Daniel were riding a 2018 Yamaha personal watercraft when they crashed into a concrete wall near Castaways Waterfront Restaurant in Marathon just before 7 p.m. on Aug. 13.

“There was a jet ski accident across the canal,” explains one caller. “I don't know how many people were on the jet ski, but they crashed into the wall… I think they landed on the bottom. I don't think anyone is in the water.”

Other callers relayed similar details, saying the watercraft was approaching quickly and at least one person appeared to have been thrown to the ground “from impacting the watercraft at 50 mph.”

“There was just a jet ski explosion… I didn't actually see it, just heard it, but I think he ran right into the seawall and then he ran onto shore,” says another caller.

The emergency call center sends ambulances and police, and the calls continue to come in.

“I think there were two people on it… honestly one was thrown onto the concrete. I'm not sure where the second one is, I'm across the canal, we just watched it from the restaurant windows here,” says another caller.

One of the callers appears to be a child screaming in Spanish, “Ayuda por favor!” or “Help please!”

With panicked breath he explains how old the victim is.

“Send the ambulance quickly!” says the caller. “They're outside because they were heading for the bridge and I think my uncle hit the gas… and they hit the bridge.”

Father and son, who were wearing flotation devices, succumbed to their injuries, according to a report by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

In surveillance video released after the accident, the two are seen twice in frame, wearing life jackets, and it appears as though Dominguez has his son in front of him before they round a corner.

The FWC said alcohol was not a factor in the accident and that the investigation was ongoing.