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Deputies Rescue 11 After Pontoon Capsizes Off Fort Myers Beach

Deputies arrived within three minutes, a speed credited with preventing a tragedy.

Overview

  • A pontoon boat carrying 11 people flipped near Fort Myers Beach Tuesday afternoon, sending everyone into the water.
  • The Lee County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit reached the scene in about three minutes after a 2:10 p.m. local call for help.
  • Deputies, the U.S. Coast Guard and nearby boaters pulled people aboard, with video showing crews counting each passenger to confirm all were out of the water.
  • Two people went to a hospital with minor injuries, and the rest were evaluated on scene.
  • Officials said strong wind and a large wave likely caused the rollover, and the same rough conditions later made it hard to right the boat and tow it away.