Man dies after boat crashes in Intracoastal Waterway

One man died and another was injured when a boat crashed into a seawall along the Intracoastal Waterway in Hallandale Beach, officials said.

A 28-foot NauticStar operated by John Michael Maschenic, 52, of Hallandale Beach, crashed into the wall at 9:13 p.m. Thursday.

Passenger Glenn Matthews, 69, of Staten Island, N.Y., was ejected from the vessel and into the water, according to Carol Lyn Parrish, public information coordinator for the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.

FWC, Hallandale Beach Police, Hallandale Beach Fire Rescue, the U.S. Coast Guard and the rescue business Sea Tow responded to the crash, which happened behind condos along the eastern seawall at 2017 S. Ocean Drive, officials said.

Bystanders were trying to remove Matthews from the water when fire rescue arrived, Hallandale Beach Fire Rescue Division Chief Lori Williams said. It was a dark night and the Coast Guard and towing company helped collect evidence and debris that could cause problems for other mariners, she said.

Firefighters took Maschenic and Matthews to Aventura Hospital, where Matthews died, the FWC said.

Maschenic was still being treated there Williams said.

“All of the members of the FWC want to express our sincere sympathies to the victims and families of the victims involved in this incident,” Parrish said. The FWC is leading the investigation that will include whether the men were wearing life jackets while on the water.

“The FWC would like to take this opportunity to remind all boaters enjoying Florida’s beautiful waterways to do so safely,” Parrish said. “Please wear your life jacket and maintain 360-degree awareness at all times while boating. For boating safety tips, please visit MyFWC.com /boating.” Tuesday,