The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:
(FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla.) — The Coast Guard is responding to a sinking construction barge near Wiggins Beach, Fla., on Wednesday.
At approximately noon watch standers from Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach received a report via Collier County Marine Emergency Response Team activation of a construction barge taking on water near Wiggins Beach. It was also reported the two people aboard the tug disconnected the tug before the barge began to sink.
A 45-foot response boat-medium crew from the station was launched and arrived on scene to assess the situation. The owner of the barge is coordinating a salvage plan. Sea Tow crews are currently attempting to dewater the barge, and Coast Guard pollution response crews are on scene to assess any environmental concerns.
The sinking of the barge is currently under investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard.
