Marco Island boat fire leads to Sea Tow vessel theft and arrest

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. - A dramatic incident unfolded off the coast of Marco Island when a Sea Tow captain responded to a vessel fire and rescued a person.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), once the rescued individual was aboard the Sea Tow, an altercation ensued, resulting in the captain being ejected into the water.

The person then fled with the Sea Tow vessel, prompting a multi-agency search.

The captain was eventually rescued from the water. Authorities later located the suspect separately from the stolen vessel and took him into custody.

The investigation remains active, and no additional information is available at this time.