The road to the Miami Beach boardwalk took a terrifying turn Friday morning when a giant wave crashed onto the sidewalk – sending six people to the hospital.
shocking video Captured the moment the wave races across the South Point Park boardwalk, ripping many people off their feet and dragging some of them into the ocean.
The video showed at least two people being thrown over the railing of the boardwalk and into the Government Cut Channel, where water and rock piles on the shore were seriously injured.
A man sitting on a bench was swept over the boardwalk and a bicycle rammed into the railing.
Ocean rescue units jumped into the water, although some themselves were injured in the process.
“The current is pulling out; There’s no way to swim,” a surfer who was rescued Told WSVN. “The lifeguard really saved me and hurt in the process, he did, and I really appreciate it, man.”
Six people were taken to the hospital with injuries.
One eyewitness showed photos of the outlet with cuts on the hands and feet of several victims and another with head injuries.
“I’ve never seen this turbulent water before,” said area resident Williams Schachte.
Following the incident, Miami Beach raised red flags and closed the coast to the public.
“A high surf advisory is in effect tonight at 8 p.m.,” read a social media notice. “Swimming and surfing conditions are dangerous. Please stay out of the water for your own safety and the safety of our Ocean Rescue Lifeguards.”
Nearby Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Similar warnings issued Against king tides, or exceptionally high tides, which may have risen after Hurricane Ian.
The area was closed for the rest of the day. Park rangers said it was unclear when it would reopen.