MARCO ISLAND, Fla. — UPDATE (11:16 AM)-- The towboat has been removed accord to Marco Island Police. They are continuing to monitor the situation.
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On Dec. 8, a twenty-five-foot commercial towing vessel and forty-two-foot sailboat capsized in the area of Sand Dollar Island on the north side of Marco Island.
Two people were reported to be in the water, battling five to seven-foot waves as they managed to swim to the beach.
Prior to capsizing, the vessel was towing the sailboat. Two other individuals and a dog from that boat were able to board a dingy.
Hazardous items, such as small fuel tanks and other debris were removed from the beach.
A marine towing and salvage company righted and stabilized the capsized vessel.
Overnight, a significant amount of debris washed up. The Marco Island Police Fire-Rescue and Public Works Departments spent the morning clearing the beach. There is no known evidence of environmental impact to the wildlife nesting areas involved.
Officials anticipate the towing vessel will be removed from the beach Dec. 10.
Marco Island Police and the U.S. Coast Guard are jointly investigating the incident.
