Florida men cling to tree over alligator-infested waters after capsizing boat
Two men were rescued after their boat capsized on the Hillsborough River in Florida, leaving them stranded on a tree branch above waters known to be home to alligators and other wildlife. The incident, which occurred in Morris Bridge Park, highlights the risks posed by Florida's waterways, which local authorities have repeatedly warned residents and visitors to treat with caution given the frequent presence of alligators.
Sheriff's deputies responded to the scene at around 3.30pm on Tuesday after receiving a service call, locating the pair roughly 3,000 feet from where they had launched their boat. Footage released by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office showed the men balanced on a tree limb over the river before being pulled to safety by deputies and a Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission officer; neither man was injured, and the capsized boat was not recovered. The cause of the capsizing and how long the men had been stranded remain unclear.
- Two Florida men rescued after boat capsized on Hillsborough River
- They clung to a tree in alligator-populated waters for safety
- Both rescued unharmed by sheriff's deputies and wildlife officer