Three dead after airboat capsizes near Kissimmee River in Highlands County, Florida
Three people were found dead after an airboat carrying seven passengers took on water and capsized near the Kissimmee River in Highlands County, Florida, on June 15, 2026, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and local authorities.
Two people are dead and one person remains missing after an airboat capsized on the Istokpoga Canal in Florida. Credit: Highlands County Sheriff's Office
Three people were found dead after an airboat carrying seven passengers capsized near the Kissimmee River in Highlands County, Florida, on Monday, June 15, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
The passengers were traveling toward the Kissimmee River from the Istokpoga Canal when the accident occurred. Preliminary information released by FWC states that the airboat made a turn into a deeper section of water, began taking on water, and then capsized, throwing all seven people aboard into the water.
Four people were able to reach shore safely. Three others were reported missing, prompting an immediate search involving FWC officers, the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, Highlands County Fire Rescue, and other local responders.
The search continued into the afternoon before all three missing passengers were found dead.
FWC said it remains the lead investigative agency. Authorities have not released additional information regarding the identities of the victims or the circumstances surrounding the accident.
“The FWC would like to express its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims,” an FWC spokesperson said.
References:
1 Update on airboat accident investigation – Highlands County Sheriff’s Office – June 16, 2026
I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.
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