A deadly boating accident in the Florida Keys during the evening of Dec. 27 claimed the life of a 24-year-old North Carolina woman and left three others critically injured.
The crash involved a motorboat colliding with a sailboat in Florida Bay, and authorities believe alcohol played a significant role.
The collision occurred around 8 p.m. on Dec. 27 near MM 96 in Key Largo, where a 21-foot motorboat carrying four individuals struck a 34-foot sailboat anchored in Buttonwood Sound, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). All four passengers on the motorboat were thrown into the water.
A search and rescue ensued by the FWC, U.S. Coast Guard, National Park Service and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Three were rescued with injuries, including 58-year-old Lillian Cairo of Oakland Park, who was airlifted to a Miami-Dade hospital in critical condition.
Sydney Cole, 24, of Fuquay Varina, North Carolina, was found deceased in the water.
Joseph Mansfield, chief assistant state attorney for Monroe County, described the crash as a tragic and preventable incident.
“The motorboat’s operator appeared severely intoxicated,” Mansfield said. “Alcohol seems to have been a contributing factor in this devastating event.”
The motorboat’s operator, 61-year-old Guy Erdman, also of Oakland Park, was not charged as of Dec. 30. However, his son, 31-year-old Christopher Erdman, was arrested after the crash. According to Mansfield, Christopher Erdman boarded the sailboat after the collision and attacked one of its occupants. The man assaulted 71-year-old William Milner of Yorktown, Virginia, who declined medical treatment for his injuries. Neither Milner nor his wife, 70-year-old Paula Milner, was harmed in the crash itself, according to reports.
“The suspect assaulted a man on the sailboat, leading to charges of felony battery and aggravated assault,” Mansfield explained.
“This tragedy underscores the dangers of boating under the influence,” Mansfield added. “The investigation is ongoing, and we are working diligently to ensure justice is served.”
Authorities are continuing to examine the circumstances leading to the crash and whether additional charges may be filed.
