FWC Helicopter Pilot Prevents Tragedy In Florida Keys

Florida Keys, FL - A helicopter pilot for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) prevented a potential tragedy by stopping a boat that was headed towards a group of swimmers in the Florida Keys.

The incident occurred on Saturday during a charity swim to benefit the Alligator Reef Lighthouse.

Hundreds of swimmers were participating in the event when a boat began heading directly towards them.

Despite repeated warnings from law enforcement, the boat operator continued on his course.

FWC pilot Chris Simons intervened by flying his helicopter directly in front of the boat, blocking its path just seconds away from a potential collision.

"At that point, the captain was maybe 15 to 20 yards away from the swimmers and I knew I had to do something," Simons told NBC 6 Miami .

"I pulled my helicopter right in front of the boat to block him from hitting any swimmers or kayakers."

Other boats joined in to assist in stopping Reichert's vessel.

The FWC released footage of the pilot's heroic actions on Wednesday, along with a statement from Senior Officer David Moss.

"They definitely got very close and if it wasn't for the helicopter and the other boats it definitely could have been bad," Moss said.

The boat's operator was found to be boating under the influence and was also in possession of 12 wrung spiny lobster tails, which is prohibited in state waters.

He was arrested and is scheduled to be arraigned on September 24th.

"All too often, FWC officers respond to incidents where divers and swimmers are struck by vessels," said Major Alberto Maza, FWC South B Regional Commander. "Thankfully, from his unique vantage point in the air, our aviation officer was able to anticipate and prevent a greater tragedy."