High Surf — Coastal Broward County, Florida

2012-11-22 to 2012-11-23 · Coastal Broward County, Florida

Event narrative

A 45-foot commercial diving boat with 23 people aboard capsized and broke apart just outside Hillboro Inlet around 1230 PM EST on Thanksgiving Day, November 22nd. Multiple water rescues were performed. Four people were transported to local hospitals with one fatality reported.

It is not known what caused the boat to capsize but passengers reported rough seas that sent a large wave over the rear of the boat causing it to take on water and roll.

Witnesses also report a large wave causing the incident.

Wider weather episode

Rough seas of 8 to 10 feet behind a cold front along with a building northerly swell led to very rough seas and hazardous marine conditions over the Atlantic waters of Southeast Florida.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 421669. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.