Story By: Lee Bullen, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency:  Newsflash

This is the moment an unmanned boat circles in the river and then ploughs into two concrete docks after its three occupants fell in the water during a bungled photoshoot.

The incident took place on Saint Lucie River in the county of Martin located in the US state of Florida.

A police helicopter tracked the boat while directing marine units to the passengers in the water.

A police officer in the helicopter filmed the boat hitting the first dock before taking off in the air and subsequently slamming into a second dock where it comes to a stop on the beach.

The Martin County Sheriff’s Office said on Facebook: “Unmanned, out-of-control boat goes airborne after smashing into concrete dock, ending dangerous ordeal.

“Three people reportedly doing a photo shoot aboard a boat somehow fell overboard leaving the 24-foot vessel unmanned and out of control.

“The three male occupants told MCSO Marine Deputies that they were forced to dive underwater numerous times because the boat continued to circle around nearly running them over.

“They said the vessel eventually straightened itself out and then travelled at a high rate of speed hitting a concrete dock near the 1500 block of St. Lucie Boulevard.”

The police added: “It then went airborne and hit a second dock before coming to a stop.”

According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, MCSO Air-1 Pilot Justin Lundsteadt stayed over the vessel to direct marine units to the passengers. Meanwhile, Chief Pilot, Deputy Doug Newsom captured the unbelievable video.

The police said: “The occupants were able to swim to a nearby sailboat. One of the men suffered minor injuries. No other injuries were reported.

“The investigation into the cause of the incident has been turned over to FWC.”

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