Law enforcement investigating after scuba diver says she was dragged by boat

VENICE, Fla. (WINK) — At least once a week, Stephanie Holtey dives into the crystal blue waters of the Gulf. It's a ritual that unlocks a world of animals and ancient artifacts.

"It is so peaceful and calm," Holtey said. "So many things to see."

Holtey and her partner Sean Riley boast a collection of shark teeth they found off the Florida coast, including massive Megalodons,. The couple document their adventures on social media under the name, 'Abyss Explorers.'

On Saturday, Holtey was diving off Venice Beach, when suddenly, she felt a tug on her arm.

"It was really scary," Holtey said. "I had no idea what possibly could have snagged the flag."

She quickly found out. Holtey said a boat snagged the dive flag and dragged her about 60 yards from the bottom of the ocean to the surface of the water. Holtey sucked in water as her breathing regulator fell out and she began to scream.

Holtey shared video that shows her calling for help before violently coughing. After she catches her breath, a man in the boat begins to yell at the divers.

"[expletive] You gotta watch out for us!" Riley responds.

The two go back-and-forth for about a minute.

"We were anchored, [expletive]," the man in the boat said.

"Yeah, well, you're dragging us now," Riley said."

State law requires boaters to make a reasonable effort to stay at least 300 feet away from divers-down warning devices in open water at least 100 feet away in rivers, inlets, or navigation channels. Boaters must slow down to idle speed if they get closer.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) told WINK News it is investigating the incident.

The Waves Boat and Social Club in Venice acknowledged that it owns the boat in the video. Members pay a fee to take the company's boats on the water.

A company said one of its members and a guest were on the boat.

"We take this matter extremely seriously," the company said in a statement. "The safety of divers, boaters, and all members of the public is our highest priority, and any situation involving disregard for safety protocols is unacceptable."

The club said it is fully cooperating with the investigation and reviewing it's "education procedures to help ensure a stronger emphasis on water safety and compliance moving forward."

A company spokesperson said the club requires members to attend a three-hour safety orientation and pass the state's boater safety course. It plans to offer a public safety course in the future, a spokesperson said.

Holtey said she shared the video to raise awareness about scuba safety. She wants to make sure rental companies teach new boaters - especially those on vacation - about all of the rules.

"You're supposed to be on the lookout for flags," Holtey said. "There are so many scuba divers that are out in these waters."