Coast Guard destroys vessel hazard near Fort Meyers

Coast Guard destroys vessel hazard near Fort Meyers The U.S. Coast Guard Monday demolished a partially sunk fishing vessel in the Caloosahatchee River near Fort Meyers, saying the vessel posed a safety and environmental hazard.
   The 66-foot, wooden-hulled fishing vessel Challenger was discovered by crewmembers from Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach partially sunk and leaking oil in an area near Jack’s Marine, in May 2006. The vessel was purchased by an Ohio man for $1 in an online auction on March 2, and the Coat Guard launched an investigation March 16.
   In April, the Coast Guard had to deploy a boom around the vessel to contain the oil leak. After issuing warning notices and receiving no response, the Coast Guard decided to remove and demolish the vessel.