FWC investigating fatal boat accident

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are investigating a fatal boat accident off the coast near Anclote Park.

FWC spokesman Gary Morse says that around 3 p.m. Saturday 55-year-old Richard Green of New Port Richey and three others were making their way back from a day of fishing. As the water began to get rough their engine quit.

Investigators say that the boaters attempted to anchor the vessel by throwing the anchor off the bow. Before they could get the boat turned, the boat was hit by a large wave capsizing the vessel.

None of the boaters were wearing life vests. Green was killed and the three other passengers were tossed into the water.

As the boat sank in 20 feet of water, three people waded in the Gulf. They were finally rescued by Blue Fin Charter boat, captained by Vincent Coratella. The Blue Fin rescued three and recovered Green's body.

The charter boat was met by a USCG vessel at Anclote Park. FWC did not release the names or condition of the others on board. Morse says it will be up to the medical examiner to determine Green's cause of death.