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PHOTO RELEASE: Coast Guard crews respond to sinking barge near Wiggins Beach, Fla.

March 18, 2015

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla — The Coast Guard is responding to a sinking construction barge near Wiggins Beach, Florida, Wednesday.

At approximately 12 p.m. watchstanders from Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach, Florida, received a report via Collier County Marine Emergency Response Team activation of a construction barge taking on water near Wiggon’s 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 boatcrew 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.

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