Boat crash on the Intracoastal Waterway leaves two in critical condition

OBA Staff • August 21, 2023

Five Injured as Boat Hits Barge in Orange Beach

Orange Beach Marine Police

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) –  According to Deputy Chief Jeff Smith, a boat approximately 24-foot long was carrying five passengers when it struck a parked barge in the Intracoastal Waterway. The accident has left two individuals in critical condition and three others injured.


The two passengers who were critically injured in the crash were airlifted by helicopters to Sacred Heart Hospital. The nature and extent of their injuries are not known at this time.


Three other passengers were taken by Medstar to South Baldwin Regional Medical Center. Details about their injuries and current condition have not been released.


Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident. It is unclear at this time whether factors such as speed, alcohol, or negligence played a role in the crash. The identity of the boat's operator and the passengers has not been revealed.


We will update this article as soon as we know more. 


Share this article w/ Friends...

Foley Civic Center
By Guy Busby January 23, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — South Baldwin seniors will soon have an opportunity to learn more about services designed to support healthy, independent living. Senior Wellness Week is coming to Foley, offering older adults and caregivers a chance to connect with local resources in one convenient setting. The traveling event...
Orange Beach Middle and High Wins Safe School Award Second Year in a Row
By R. Ken Cooper January 23, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach Middle and High School has again earned statewide recognition for its commitment to student safety and preparedness. The school was named a recipient of the Alabama Attorney General’s Safe Schools Award for the second year in a row. The award honors schools that show...
Orange Beach Police Cruiser
By R. Ken Cooper January 23, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach police officers ended a vehicle pursuit Tuesday evening in East Orange Beach after a brief chase. The incident began with an attempted traffic stop for multiple violations. The driver refused to stop and fled from officers.
Orange Beach Event Center
By OBA Staff January 22, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach officials are encouraging residents to take part in a pair of public meetings designed to help shape the city’s future. City leaders say the events will play a major role in completing the Orange Beach Comprehensive Plan, which will guide long‑term decisions. Organizers hope...
USDA to Drop Oral Rabies Vaccine Baits in Baldwin County and Beyond
By R. Ken Cooper January 22, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Wildlife officials are warning Alabama residents to watch for oral rabies vaccine baits that will be distributed from the air. The effort is part of the United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services program. Low-flying airplanes and helicopters will be used in the vaccination...
Snow at the Orange Beach Post Office on January 23, 2025.
By R. Ken Cooper January 21, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — A major winter storm is taking shape for the southern United States this weekend, but forecasters say the worst conditions are expected to stay north of the immediate Gulf Coast. Even so, residents along the shoreline, including in the Orange Beach, Gulf Shores & Foley areas, are being...
Baldwin Beach Express Plans
By OBA Staff January 21, 2026
Baldwin County leaders have approved a key update to a major north–south highway project that they say will shape traffic and growth for years to come. The Baldwin County Commission has adopted a new access management plan for the Baldwin Beach Express II, a planned multi-lane divided corridor between Interstate 10...
Holk Field Sign Unveiled At Foley Municipal Airport
By Guy Busby January 21, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley honored former Mayor Arthur Holk by officially adding his name to the city airport during a recent dedication ceremony. City leaders, family members, and residents gathered at the Foley Municipal Airport as a new sign was unveiled, reading Holk Field at Foley Municipal Airport. Speakers...
Orange Beach Sidewalk Project on Canal Road Nears Finish Line
By OBA Staff January 21, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Canal Road sidewalk‑widening project in Orange Beach is moving toward completion, bringing relief to residents and motorists who use the route near Caswell and Bear Point. City officials said the expanded sidewalk will be substantially complete by the end of January. All sections are...
Orange Beach Police Cruiser
By R. Ken Cooper January 20, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Late Sunday night, a group of thieves stole eight outboard motors and several lower units from Jones Canvas Storage in Orange Beach, located at 27011 Canal Road, Orange Beach. Investigators say the theft occurred overnight and appeared carefully planned. The suspects worked through the...
Show More