🚨🔥 Boat Fire Near Marco Island Leads to Rescue, Gunshot, and Stolen Tow Boat 🚤
A boat fire near Marco Island on Friday sparked a major emergency response after a chaotic series of events that included a rescue, an alleged assault on a tow boat captain, a gunshot, and the theft of a tow vessel.
According to initial reports, a vessel was discovered fully engulfed in flames in waters near Marco Island. A nearby tow service boat from Sea Tow responded to the scene and located one occupant on the burning boat.
The Sea Tow crew rescued the individual from the burning vessel. However, the situation quickly escalated after the rescue. Authorities say the rescued occupant allegedly threw the Sea Tow captain overboard during a confrontation aboard the tow boat.
During the altercation, the Sea Tow captain—who was reportedly armed—fired a single shot. It is not yet clear if anyone was struck by the gunfire.
The suspect then allegedly took control of the Sea Tow vessel and fled the area.
Law enforcement agencies from across the region responded, including units from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Coast Guard. Authorities later located the stolen Sea Tow boat, but the suspect was no longer onboard.
The Sea Tow captain was subsequently rescued from the water and is reported to be safe. The original burning vessel was extinguished by responding crews.
Officials have not yet released the identity of the suspect, and a search of the surrounding waters and shoreline is ongoing.
Authorities say the investigation remains active as they work to determine exactly what led up to the fire, the altercation, and the theft of the tow boat.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.