SeaWorld Orlando's Mako Is Closed a Day After a Rider Died on a Similar B&M Coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia

Mako, the tallest and fastest roller coaster in Orlando, was closed at SeaWorld Orlando on Tuesday, October 13, a day after a rider was killed on a coaster from the same manufacturer in Georgia. WESH 2 reports SeaWorld shut Mako down as a precaution, while WKMG News 6 says it is unclear whether the closure is related.

On Monday, October 12, a man was ejected from Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia. Cobb County police identified him as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, and said he struck other people before landing below the ride, WKMG News 6 reports. Like Goliath, Mako is a hyper coaster built by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), and WKMG notes the two have "similar-looking restraints."

Mako's track at SeaWorld Orlando. SeaWorld Orlando promotional photo.

What SeaWorld is saying

The two Orlando TV reports describe the closure differently, so here is what each one says.

WESH 2 reports that SeaWorld "has taken extra precautions and shut down Mako." According to WESH, a SeaWorld spokesperson said Mako will stay down until engineers and safety experts have checked its restraints and every other part of the ride. WESH also observed people who looked like safety experts inspecting ride vehicles in Mako's loading area, and said there was no word on when the coaster will reopen.

WKMG News 6 reports that Mako was not operating on Tuesday, but that "it's unclear if the closure is related to the Six Flags Over Georgia incident." WKMG adds that Six Flags temporarily shut down nine similar coasters at six of its parks in the U.S. and Canada, and that "SeaWorld has not indicated it will follow suit."

In its statement to WESH, SeaWorld said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those involved in the tragic incident at Six Flags over Georgia. The safety of our guests and team members is always our number one priority." The statement it gave WKMG said its safety work "includes regular ride inspections and ongoing collaboration with ride manufacturers and other engineering and safety experts."

A Mako train cresting a hill. Riders sit in open rows held by lap-bar restraints. SeaWorld Orlando promotional photo.

Where things stood Tuesday afternoon

At 1:10 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday, the Queue-Times wait-time feed for SeaWorld Orlando showed Mako closed, while Manta, Kraken, Pipeline: The Surf Coaster and Penguin Trek were all running. SeaWorld's Mako page did not carry a closure notice when we checked.

If Mako is on your list this week, check its status in the SeaWorld app before your visit. SeaWorld has not announced a reopening date.

Mako's front-row lap-bar restraints, which WKMG compares with Goliath's. SeaWorld Orlando promotional photo.

About the two coasters

• Mako opened in June 2016. It reaches up to 73 mph and stands 200 feet tall, and WKMG describes it as Orlando's tallest, fastest and longest coaster.
• Goliath opened at Six Flags Over Georgia in 2006, stands 200 feet tall and reaches 70 mph, according to WKMG, citing Six Flags.

The investigation

The incident is under review by Georgia's Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, and a spokesperson described that work as "an in-depth and comprehensive review," WKMG reports. Bolliger & Mabillard's co-owner told WESH: "We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident. Our thoughts are with the family and those affected. We are actively investigating the incident and will not comment further until we have a better understanding of what happened."

WESH reports that Busch Gardens Tampa Bay confirmed all of its B&M rides are open. The station also said it had reached out to Universal Orlando about The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Islands of Adventure, another B&M coaster.

Our thoughts are with Mr. Ibn Kariem's family and with everyone who witnessed Monday's incident. We will update this story when SeaWorld gives Mako a reopening date.

Sources

• WESH 2, "Central Florida roller coasters under scrutiny after death at Six Flags in Georgia" (October 13, 2026)
• WKMG News 6, "Fatal Six Flags incident raises questions about SeaWorld Orlando's Mako coaster" (October 13, 2026)
• Queue-Times, SeaWorld Orlando wait times (checked October 13, 2026, 1:10 p.m. ET)
• SeaWorld Orlando, Mako

Image credits: SeaWorld Orlando.