Seven rescued after vessel hits barge near Fort Myers

Following the successful transfer of the seven individuals, a boat crew from the station towed the damaged vessel back to shore.

The Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are now investigating the accident to determine the cause of the allision and to verify the details leading up to the incident.

Cmdr. Fredrick Pugh, a search and rescue mission coordinator for Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, commended the crews for their swift response and seamless coordination with local emergency services, which he said ensured that all the boaters involved received timely care.