Boat fire near Marco Island leads to Sea Tow vessel theft as suspect detained

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. —

A person was detained after they were accused of getting into an altercation with a Sea Tow captain near Marco Island and stealing the vessel after they were rescued from their vessel on fire Friday night.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the captain responded to a vessel fire and rescued the person, and when the person was on the Sea Tow, an altercation led to the captain getting ejected into the water.

The person then is accused of fleeing on the Sea Tow and a multi-agency search ensued, officials said.

The Sea Tow captain was rescued from the water later. The suspect was then found by authorities away from the vessel and taken into custody, according to FWC.

The investigation is ongoing.

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