Florida authorities maintain a search operation after the capsize of an airboat that occurred on Monday in the Istokpoga Canal, in Highlands County.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported that the incident involved a single vessel.

According to the preliminary report, seven people were traveling on the hovercraft bound for the Kissimmee River when the accident occurred.

Boat began to fill with water before capsizing

The authorities indicated that, upon approaching the river from the Istokpoga channel, the vessel entered a deeper area.

According to official information, the vehicle began to enter water and later overturned, causing all the occupants to fall into the water.

Four people managed to reach the shore on their own.

After the accident, emergency teams began an immediate search to locate three passengers who remained missing.

Two of those people were later found and pronounced dead at the scene.

Work continues to locate the third passenger

The authorities confirmed that the operation continues to locate the third missing person.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Highlands County Sheriff's Office expressed their condolences to the families affected by the accident.

The identities of the victims have not been released so far.

Authorities indicated that the incident remains under investigation to determine the circumstances that caused the rollover.