BOYNTON BEACH (CBS12) — A serious boating crash near the Woolbright Bridge in Boynton Beach has led to felony and misdemeanor charges after investigators say the operator fled the scene, leaving behind an injured passenger and damaged property.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, officers responded to the incident about 7:15 p.m. Sunday after reports of a vessel striking the Woolbright Bridge and nearby private dock pilings. By the time officers arrived, the boat had sunk south of the bridge, and both the operator and a passenger had been airlifted to Delray Medical Center with injuries.
Investigators later identified the operator as Michael Dority Gee. Witness statements, video evidence, and a hospital interview revealed that Gee was operating the vessel when it collided with the bridge, then crashed into dock pilings on the Intracoastal Waterway, authorities said. The impact ejected the passenger from the vessel, causing injuries to the woman’s back, arms, foot and head, authorities said.
FWC officers determined that after the crash, the suspect left the scene without stopping to render aid, notify emergency services, or contact the property owner, despite witnesses attempting to help and even chasing the vessel to offer assistance. Florida law requires boat operators involved in accidents with injuries or property damage to remain at the scene and report the incident as soon as possible.
As a result of the investigation, Gee is charged with leaving the scene of a boating accident involving injury and leaving the scene of a boating accident involving property damage, violations of Florida Statute 327.30, according to the arrest affidavit. The case remains under review.
Gee remained in the Palm Beach County Jail late Tuesday in lieu of $15,000 bond on each count.
WPEC-CBS12 is a news partner of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
