The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is asking for assistance from the public in its investigation into a commercial boat fire in Everglades City.
On Sunday, Aug. 7, around 7:25 a.m., deputies responded to a report of a boat fire at the Everglades City docks, 395 School Drive W. The 41-foot commercial crab boat “Whatever” caught fire and drifted away from the dock, where it sank in the Barron River.
No one was onboard the vessel and nobody was injured in the fire, deputies said.
Detectives believe the fire was intentionally set.
No arrest has been made and an investigation is ongoing.
The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the fire.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 239-252-9300, or the Florida Advisory Committee on Arson Prevention Arson Tip Line at 1-877-NOARSON (1-877-662-7766).
