Boat hits rocks, capsizes off Cape Marco

On Sunday, August 8, at approximately 11:30 a.m., Marco Island Police units responded to a report that a vessel that was sinking approximately 400’ off the beach at 960 S Collier Blvd –  in the vicinity of the rock jetties which are located off-shore from the noted address. Communications personnel advised the vessel was occupied by six people and there were other vessels / good Samaritans on scene attempting to assist.
 
MIPD Marine Officer Steiger arrived on scene along with Marco Island Fire Rescue, CCSO and Isle Capri Fire Rescue personnel and found a capsized vessel and people in the water. All individuals from the capsized vessel were recovered from the water and transported to the Caxambas Park boat ramp. None of the  individuals from the capsized vessel were injured.
 
The Captain of the vessel stated he was anchored by the rocks fishing when the anchor broke loose.  The Captain tried unsuccessfully to start the vessel’s outboard motor to stop from drifting into rock jetty.  The Captain stated he could not start the boat and as a result the vessel drifted onto the southern most rock jetty.  After striking the rock jetty approximately 2-3 times the vessel started to take on water resulting in the vessel capsizing and all six persons on board went into the water. The vessel was a 1985 twenty-two foot Sport-Craft (Fiberglass Hull)
 
Ironically,  roughly three hours prior to the vessel capsizing, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) and Marco Island PD personnel conducted a vessel safety inspection on this vessel and it’s safety equipment, requiring the owner to obtain additional safety equipment before undertaking its voyage.
 
The owner of the boat along with his crew, all of whom reside in Naples, are listed below:
 
Owner (Capt) Antonio Friman
Gerardo Villeda  
Raul Diaz Morales      
Andres R Gamboa  
Domingo Farrat Ruiz                                
Oscar Arcienega

The vessel was removed from the scene by SeaTow. There was no environmental impact from the incident.

From a report received from Captain David Baer, Marco Island Police Department.

Photo by Jim Sousa.