KEYS CAPTAIN ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY BOATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE IN CRASH THAT INJURED SEVEN

a truck with a boat on the back of it
A large SeaHunter crashed into a Lower Keys bridge off Big Pine Key on July 8, 2024, sending at least seven people to hospitals. TowBoatUS tows the damaged vehicle to shore. TOWBOAT US Big Pine/Cudjoe

A Florida Keys charter boat captain was arrested by state wildlife officers for allegedly operating a vessel under the influence at the time of a crash that injured seven in the Lower Keys last July. 

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission announced that Laurence Lee Lewis Jr., 42, of Big Pine Key, was arrested and charged with three felony counts of boating under the influence, one felony count of neglect of a child and seven additional misdemeanors. These charges are in relation to a July 8, 2024, crash that seriously injured seven people in Monroe County.

Investigation by FWC determined that Lewis was operating a 35-foot-long vessel with seven occupants on board as a captain for a fishing charter. The group was returning from their fishing trip when Lee collided with the South Pine Channel Bridge at a high rate of speed, ejecting multiple passengers. 

a mug shot of a man with a bald head
Lawrence Lee Lewis Jr. MCSO/Contributed

Monroe County Fire Rescue made it to the crash scene before the vessel started sinking. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers and the Towboat US Big Pine/Cudjoe Key boat towing service also responded to the scene not long after the crash. 

All the passengers were injured and had to be rescued from the water. Two of the victims, a 28-year-old female and an 11-year-old male, had to be airlifted. The victims observed Lewis drinking alcohol throughout the day leading up to the crash; alcohol bottles and drug paraphernalia were found at the scene.

To report dangerous boating activity, the public can submit anonymous tips by texting 847411 (Tip411) with the keyword “FWC” followed by the location and any information about the violation or call 888-404-FWCC (3922).