This is a summary of notable incidents that have taken place at various SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment-owned amusement parks, water parks or theme parks. This list is not intended to be a comprehensive list of every such event, but only those that have a significant impact on the parks or park operations, or are otherwise significantly newsworthy.
The term incidents refers to major accidents, injuries, or deaths that occur at a SeaWorld Parks facility. While these incidents were required to be reported to regulatory authorities due to where they occurred, they usually fall into one of the following categories-
1.Caused by negligence on the part of the guest. This can be refusal to follow specific ride safety instructions, or deliberate intent to violate park rules.
2.The result of a guest's known or unknown health issues.
3.Negligence on the part of the park, either by ride operator or maintenance.
4.Act of God or a generic accident (e.g. slipping and falling) that is not a direct result of an action on anybody's part.
Adventure Island Tampa Bay
Main article: Adventure Island (water park)
On September 10, 2011, a 21-year-old lifeguard was killed after being struck by lightning while clearing guests from the Key West Rapids ride tower due to inclement weather. No injuries to the guests were reported. The park installed a system in place to warn of incoming weather.[1]
Aquatica
Main article: Aquatica Florida
On October 4, 2010, a 68-year-old man from Manchester, England was found unresponsive on Roa's Rapids. He was taken to a local hospital but was later pronounced dead on arrival. Preliminary findings found he died of natural causes.[2]
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Main article: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Edge of Africa
On May 12, 2002, a 21-year-old zoo keeper had her arm bitten off at the elbow by one of the park's lions[3] as she was conducting a behind-the-scenes tour for her family.[4] Park operations were not affected.[5]
Gwazi
Main article: Gwazi (roller coaster)
On July 24, 2006, a 52-year-old man from Palm Harbor, Florida died shortly after riding the Gwazi roller coaster. After riding, he had difficulty breathing, then collapsed. Paramedics performed CPR, but the victim was pronounced dead two hours later.[6] The medical examiner's report showed that he suffered from high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries. The ride was closed for an hour after the incident to confirm that it was functioning properly.[7]
Kumba
Main article: Kumba (roller coaster)
On June 10, 1995, a 13-year-old girl from Pinellas Park, Florida, died shortly after riding Kumba due to a rare heart condition she had that triggered a heart attack.[8] Her mother sued the park and won a judgement of $500,000. The jury cited the park for failing to administer CPR in a timely manner and slowing rescue efforts. The jury also cited the mother as 30% responsible for the victim's death, thereby reducing the award amount to $350,000. Reasons given were the mother's previous drug abuse during her pregnancy, possibly contributing to the victim's health problems.[9]
Python
Main article: Python (Busch Gardens Tampa Bay)
A few weeks after the Python roller coaster opened in 1976, a 6-foot-6, 340 pound, 39-year-old heart patient died after riding. The ride's previous tagline, "I challenged the Python and lived!", was subsequently removed.[10]
