A South Florida tow boat captain was drunk when he towed two people whose boat had broken down and drove them around in circles for hours, authorities said.
Timothy Pooler, 63, of Boynton Beach, faces a charge of boating under the influence.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers said Pooler was called to help two men whose boat had broken down about 25 miles off Delray Beach on Thursday evening.
The men said Pooler arrived about four hours later, hooked up the boats and then drove them around in circles for hours throughout the night.
By daybreak, Pooler asked one of the men to drive his tow boat, officers said. The tow boat eventually ran out of fuel, and the men provided fuel from their own boat.
The men were able to get the engine working again on the disabled boat, and they towed Pooler's boat until they decided to cut it loose, officers said.
Another tow boat came to take the men to shore, and FWC officers picked up Pooler.
Officers said Pooler admitted to drinking alcohol the day before, saying he shouldn't have reported for duty. Officers said Pooler also admitted to being on several prescription medications.
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