Marco Island chaos: Boater pushes captain, steals rescue boat

MARCO ISLAND, Fla.—A shocking incident on the waters of Marco Island unfolded when a rescue mission turned into chaos.

Authorities reported that a boater, initially in need of help due to a boat fire, ended up stealing a rescue boat after pushing the captain overboard.

The Collier County Sheriff's Office identified the man responsible as 40-year-old Ryan Deiter. 

Marco Island, typically described by neighbors as a quiet, family-friendly area, was anything but on Friday night. What started as a rescue mission quickly became a crime scene.

"I was shocked," said local resident William Cook.

"It surprised me. It really surprised me," said Greg Fehring, who was on vacation.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said a boat was engulfed in flames, prompting a Sea Tow crew to respond and rescue Deiter. However, while waiting for law enforcement, the situation took a dramatic turn. Investigators said Deiter allegedly shoved the Sea Tow captain overboard and took off with the vessel.

"At first, I thought it was just somebody made a story up. I couldn't believe something like that would happen, especially on Marco Island," said local Bob Hohn.

Neighbors expressed disbelief over the situation.

"Boating etiquette is always fabulous around here. People help each other all the time, and you don't ever expect something like that to happen, where they command your vessel and take it over," Cook said.

The arrest report revealed that a Collier County Sheriff's Office helicopter spotted Deiter hiding in the mangroves, where he was arrested. FWC reported that he was naked at the time of the arrest and showed signs of impairment.

While the story is shocking, boaters expressed relief that it did not end worse.

"You can always get another boat, but your life's the most important thing," Cook said.

Sea Tow is working on providing a statement regarding the incident. This was not Deiter's first run-in with the law. 

The arrest report indicated that he had two prior DUI convictions in the last two years. He now faces a first-degree felony theft charge for the vessel, along with DUI and resisting arrest without violence.