PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — A disturbing video of a charter boat captain harassing a young fisherman in Punta Gorda is going viral, and the incident is under investigation by authorities.

The video was posted to Facebook by 22-year-old Gage Towles, showing him fishing alone on his boat near the US-41 bridge. In the video, charter Captain Brock Horner, from Tarpon Coast Fishing Charters, approaches Towles and begins questioning his use of boat lights.

Horner accuses Towles of failing to turn on his boat’s safety lights earlier that day before dawn; Towles argues that he did, stating that another boater nearby was the one without their lights on.

In the nearly five-minute exchange, which escalates in intensity, Horner moves closer to Towles’ boat as they yell back and forth. Horner declares himself ‘the best charter captain you will ever meet’ as he boards Towles’ vessel, accompanied by several others from his boat.

Towles, visibly shaken, responds, ‘I’m just a kid.’

By Thursday night, the video had garnered over 8.5 million views, along with tens of thousands of comments criticizing Horner. Among those reacting was local Jiu-Jitsu instructor Spencer Mumme, who challenged Horner to address his aggressive behavior in the gym instead. Mumme stated, ‘I won’t punch you; I probably won’t need to, but when you tap out or you go to sleep, you’re going to have to apologize to that kid.’

The Punta Gorda Police Department, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the United States Coast Guard have all confirmed they are investigating the incident.

‘We are receiving numerous calls requesting action. Please do not call to report this situation; it is currently being investigated,’ stated the Punta Gorda Police Department.

A spokesperson for the Coast Guard added, ‘The Coast Guard is investigating the incident and can impose penalties, including civil penalties or revocation of credentials for violations.’

Reports indicate that there may have been a city firefighter among those with Horner, while another individual on the boat, who identified himself as a photographer, posted an apology video.

Local charter captain Coby Leahey expressed concern over Horner’s behavior, stating, ‘The whole video is very cringey.’ Additionally, fishing expert Fishin’ Frank commented on the commonality of boat rage, albeit not often highlighted like road rage. He remarked, ‘I wish I could say it’s uncommon, but the circumstances of this one are sending it a little viral.’

Florida Fish and Wildlife, which also investigates the incident, provided the following guidelines for boaters:

• Recreational vessels must display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise, and during reduced visibility.
• Vessels in ‘Idle Speed – No Wake’ zones must operate at minimum speeds.
• In ‘Slow Speed, Minimum Wake’ zones, vessels must remain fully settled in the water.
• Excessive wakes must not create a hazard to other vessels.