Tag Archives: Matanzas Pass Bridge
F/V Capt. Jack II – Matanzas Pass Bridge shrimp boat makes it under on 3rd attempt
FDOT released a statement on Tuesday noting that the shrimp boat had made contact with the bridge sometime that morning; however, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office marine unit, there was no visible damage to the bridge. According to FDOT, the Matanzas Pass Bridge remains open to vehicle traffic. On Monday, the boat, named F/V Captain Jack Two, crashed into the bridge at around 10 a.m. before being dislodged at 1 p.m. The family-owned business just bought the new shrimp boat named Captain Jack Two from Texas and was trying to bring it home, where they have big plans for her. Video, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 13:05
About that shrimp boat that struck the Matanzas Pass Bridge twice
Chris Gala had a plan for the new shrimp boat her crew picked up from Texas last week. While bringing it to dock through Matanzas Pass on Fort Myers Beach, the boat and its long outriggers was to be assisted by another vessel to get under the Matanzas Pass Bridge. The crew, which had been sidelined for four days off the Texas coast as Hurricane Francine swept in, may have “jumped the gun” as they approached shore, Gala said. A couple hours before high tide was to sweep in at noon, the boat attempted to pass under the Matanzas Pass Bridge, but its large steel outriggers got stuck against the bridge. Gala said the crew was experienced but may have gotten overly “excited” as they drew close to home. “We knew the outriggers were extra big,” Gala said. “We had a plan to push it through with a boat during low tide.” Gala said the high tide was exacerbated by a full moon which made the tide extra high. Photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 18:41
Matanzas Pass Bridge hit again by the same shrimp boat
The Florida Department of Transportation has reported that the Matanzas Pass Bridge was hit again by the same passing shrimp boat that struck it a day before. FDOT released a statement on Tuesday noting that the shrimp boat had made contact with the bridge sometime that morning; however, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office marine unit, there was no visible damage to the bridge. more, >>CLICK TO READ<<, >Video here< 10:37
Why Did That Boat Crash Into The Matanzas Pass Bridge?
High tide, a swirling current, and a captain who misread the height of the bridge could have been the causes but until the United States Coast Guard completes its investigation it’s all speculation at this point. What we do know is that a commercial fishing vessel called F/V Capt. Jack II out of Port Arthur, TX got caught under the Matanzas Pass Bridge late Monday morning. Not long after the crash, the Florida Department of Transportation with an assist from the Lee County Sheriff’s Department closed the bridge in both directions while an FDOT engineer traveled from Tampa to Fort Myers Beach to inspect the bridge. Four hours later the bridge was determined to be safe and was reopened. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 06:17
