PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – A tragic boating accident near the Dunedin Causeway on Wednesday resulted in the death of a 66-year-old fisherman.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Charles Barnes and William Coughenour were fishing on a 17-foot Key West boat near 3 Rooker Island when the accident occurred. Coughenour, who was driving the boat, momentarily took his hand off the steering wheel to adjust a fishing pole. The boat suddenly veered sharply to the right, ejecting both men into the water.
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While Coughenour was able to swim back to the boat, the vessel tragically ran over Barnes. His arm became entangled in the motor’s propellers, pulling him underwater. Despite Coughenour’s attempts to rescue him, Barnes could not be saved.
Nearby boaters, alerted by Coughenour, called 911. Sadly, Barnes was pronounced dead at the scene.
An investigation by the Sheriff’s Office found no signs of suspicious activity or impairment as contributing factors to the accident.
Previous Report: A person was found deceased near the Dunedin Causeway on Wednesday, November 27th.
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The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) responded to a water rescue call around 11:40 AM. Upon arrival, they discovered the deceased individual.
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