A man was hospitalized after being struck by a boat propeller while swimming in the Florida Keys Wednesday, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
The incident happened shortly after noon in a channel off the ocean side near Windley Key in the Upper Keys. Petty Officer Diana Sherbs said crews from Coast Guard Station Islamorada took him to shore to waiting paramedics.
A crewman was heard on emergency radio traffic saying the 18-year-old jumped off the back of the boat and was cut by the prop on his lower left leg. He also suffered less serious injuries to his upper left leg and right leg, the crew member told a dispatcher.
Monroe County Fire Rescue paramedics airlifted him to Jackson South Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition Wednesday afternoon, said agency spokeswoman Kristen Livengood.
By DAVID GOODHUE/Miami Herald
