A boating accident occurred in Miami’s Biscayne Bay between Northeast 87th Street and Northeast Bayshore Drive Christmas night. Witnesses state that a boat carrying fourteen people flipped over after hitting a wave while trying to enter a canal at the western edge of the bay. An area resident who witnessed the incident stated that everyone was at the front of the boat. Other witnesses stated that they did not see any of the boater wearing life jackets. Another resident, Ron Stamey, attempted to help the group from his kayak. He was able to get four of the fourteen out of the water. Ultimately, Miami Fire Rescue responded to the scene. Unfortunately, a woman was trapped under the boat. By the time the woman was freed, she did not have a pulse and was not breathing. The victim, identified as 80-year-old Lidia Tapanes, was transported to North Shore Medical Center. Her condition is currently unknown.
