• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • News

Dad speaks out after life-threatening boat incident during Bahamas vacation

1:59
Texas dad nearly killed in Bahamas boat incident
ABC News
ByGMA Team
July 09, 2025, 1:52 PM

A 42-year-old Texas dad is speaking out from his hospital bed as he recovers from a summer vacation incident that nearly killed him.

Brent Slough, a former Army Ranger, his wife Whitney Slough and their two children were on a dream 10-day vacation in the Bahamas when he they decided to go snorkeling, unaware that a speedboat was barreling toward them.

"I'm about 20 feet from the shore, and suddenly, I feel something hit me, and it's like, I feel a thump, thump," Brent Slough recalled to ABC News. "I immediately knew I was getting hit by a boat."

Brent Slough is speaking out from his hospital bed as he recovers from a summer vacation incident that nearly killed him.
ABC News

"You wouldn't expect a boat to be that close to shore either, you know, so I was completely caught off guard," the father of two added.

The speedboat's propeller nearly took off Brent Slough's legs.

The Sloughs' two children were also in the water at the time, and their teenage daughter grabbed a float to rescue her dad.

Related Articles

Woman says dolphin injury at popular Jamaica attraction felt like a 'car accident'

In video shared with ABC News by Whitney Slough, the speedboat can be seen speeding away from the scene.

"I didn't know for sure what all was going on, but like, it cut right underneath his bottom and his legs where, it was just all open," Whitney Slough said. "Everything was open underneath that."

Whitney Slough talks to ABC News after her husband, Brent Slough, was seriously injured after getting hit by a boat in the Bahamas.
ABC News

Brent Slough was taken to a local clinic and was eventually airlifted to a hospital intensive care unit in Miami where he underwent emergency surgery.

Slough's doctors are concerned his injuries may still be life-threatening as his lacerations could still become infected.

Related Articles

72-year-old who had 4 strokes on cruise ship speaks out after rescue

Despite his harrowing ordeal, Brent Slough and his family say they're focusing on his recovery.

"I'm just so thankful to be alive," he said.

Editor’s Picks

Family speaks out after getting stranded in Alaska mid-cruise

  • Jul 19, 2024

Husband of woman killed while parasailing shares warning to other families

  • Jun 08, 2023

Strangers help boy who was injured horseback riding in Belize

  • Dec 13, 2022

Whitney Slough added, "Brent healing and getting out of [the intensive care unit] is our No. 1 priority. Then, I would say, is really for justice to be served for the people who did this."

The Royal Bahamas Police Force says two men have been arrested in relation to the incident involving Brent Slough.

Editor’s Picks

Family speaks out after getting stranded in Alaska mid-cruise

  • Jul 19, 2024

Husband of woman killed while parasailing shares warning to other families

  • Jun 08, 2023

Strangers help boy who was injured horseback riding in Belize

  • Dec 13, 2022

Up Next in News—

Dad speaks out after life-threatening boat incident during Bahamas vacation

July 9, 2025

Surfer attacked by shark says bite felt like a 'lightning strike,' used leash to stay alive

July 8, 2025

How to help victims of deadly Texas floods

July 7, 2025

How Trump's tax cut and spending megabill would impact SNAP recipients

July 2, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News