A tragic boating accident near Dunedin Causeway, Florida, claimed the life of a 66-year-old man on Wednesday morning. Charles Barnes was fishing with his friend, William Coughenour, on a 17-foot boat when the incident occurred.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Barnes was sitting on a cooler at the front of the boat while Coughenour was steering. Coughenour briefly released the steering wheel to adjust a fishing rod, causing the boat to sharply turn right. Both men were thrown into the water.

While Coughenour managed to swim back to the vessel, Barnes was struck by the boat and his right arm became entangled in the propeller, pulling him underwater. Coughenour sought assistance from nearby boaters, but was unable to free Barnes.

Emergency responders pronounced Barnes dead at the scene. The Sheriff's Office investigation concluded that no foul play or impairment was involved in the accident.