Florida Charter Captain Investigated After Viral Video

PUNTA GORDA, Florida – A viral video of a fishing charter captain arguing with young men is being investigated by Punta Gorda Police, FWC, and the US Coast Guard.

UPDATE: Florida Charter Boat Captain Brock Horner Arrested After Viral Video

The below video, posted on Facebook and YouTube by one of the young men, Gage Towles, shows Tarpon Coast Fishing Charters Captain Brock Horner complaining about the proper use of maritime lights

“The Punta Gorda Police Department is aware of the incident involving a dispute between two adult boaters under the Barron Collier Bridge on April 1, 2025. A police report has been filed with the department, and the incident is currently under investigation,” Punta Gorda Police posted on Facebook.

“The event has garnered significant attention on social media, and we are receiving numerous calls to dispatch requesting that the department take action. Please do not call to report this situation; it is currently being investigated by both the Punta Gorda Police, FWC, and the US Coast Guard. Additional calls to our dispatch could slow our response to situations that require immediate attention.”

Brock Horner has since issued an apology through his attorney.

The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating whether any mariner regulations were violated.

“The Coast Guard received a report of a dispute between an alleged Coast Guard credentialed mariner and another boater in the U.S. Coast Guard Sector St Petersburg area of operations. The Coast Guard is investigating the incident,” USCG Sector St. Petersburg posted on Facebook.

“The Coast Guard has authority and jurisdiction over merchant mariner credentials. Enforcement actions for violations can range from civil penalties to suspension or revocation of a merchant mariner credential. We also work with our state and local law enforcement partners regarding incidents between U.S. citizens if there is a nexus to non-federal charges.

As a reminder, social media is not an appropriate reporting method for marine incidents or distress. The Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) Tips is a web-based and mobile means to report anonymously to CGIS about criminal incidents. In an emergency, please contact the USCG on VHF radio channel 16 or dial 911.”