Statement of Condolences
Sarasota Youth Sailing offers our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family of the Green Fleet Sailor who was involved in Saturday’s tragedy. This sailor was one of our new and amazing team members and a beloved member of our program, as is his entire family. This is a tragedy for the entire family, the sailor’s friends, schoolmates, and all those who knew, loved and sailed with him. Sarasota Youth Sailing is supporting all individuals involved as they process yesterday’s event.

UPDATE: The official announcement from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on Friday, November 27, 2020:

The FWC continues to be the lead in the Sarasota Bay fatal boating accident that occurred on Saturday, November 21. This is still an active and ongoing investigation. Based on preliminary information gathered from the scene and witnesses, it appears that the operator of a 20ft. vessel involved in the youth sailing practice was assisting the operator of an 8ft. sailboat who was experiencing issues with his vessel. While assisting the sailboat operator, the operator of the 20ft. vessel lost his footing and fell, resulting in the vessel being activated into gear and the operator being thrown from the vessel. The vessel continued, unmanned, and struck several 8ft. sailboats that were involved in the youth sailing practice before the operator was able to regain control of the vessel. As a result, two juveniles suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Sadly, a third juvenile identified as Ethan Isaacs, age 10, passed away as a result of injuries sustained in this incident. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all who were affected and continue to be impacted by this tragic incident.

The FWC encourages anyone who witnessed this incident or has any information to call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) to report it.

The identity of the two injured juveniles is protected under Marsy’s Law.

The official announcement from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on Saturday, November 21, 2020:

Today, at approximately 11:30 a.m., the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) received a report from the Sarasota Police Department of a boating accident in Sarasota Bay, Sarasota County. The accident involved two vessels operating just north of the Ringling Causeway that were taking part in a youth club sailing practice. The FWC, Sarasota Police
Department and Sarasota County Fire all responded to the scene. One person, a juvenile under the age of 13, sustained serious injuries from the accident and was transported to the hospital. Sadly, the injured juvenile passed away from his injuries. We send our sincerest condolences to the friends and family of those involved in this accident and will continue to keep those impacted by this tragic incident in our thoughts and prayers for the dif icult days ahead. This incident is currently under investigation by the FWC and we will provide additional updates as they become available.