A raging charter boat captain has gone viral after he boarded a small boat to harangue a young fisherman who he accused of nearly causing a collision that morning. 

The fiery exchange that took place shows 40-year-old Brock Horner in a fishing boat with two other men as they pull up alongside Gage Towles, who is in a small fishing boat by himself on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

The April 1 confrontation, which sees Horner jump onto Towles’ boat and aggressively challenge him, was recorded by Towles, who posted it to his Facebook page, where it has generated 15 million views.

An animated and fuming Horner, who owns a charter boat company and has since been charged in the incident, asks Towles if he was the person who was “cussing him out” earlier, to which Towles answered no. Horner said the vessel in the near-collision didn’t have safety lights on as required. 

A Florida charter boat captain has gone viral after he aggressively confronted a young fisherman over an alleged near-collision. Horner is seen shouting at Towles. (Gage Towles)

Punta Gorda Police Chief Pam Smith said behavior like Horner’s would not be tolerated on waterways. Entering someone’s boat without permission qualifies as burglary under Florida law when accompanied by threats or aggression.

“This type of behavior will not be tolerated in our waterways—or anywhere else in our city,” Smith said. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of our residents and visitors, both on land and on the water.” 

Horner boards Towles’ boat and berates him. (Gage Towles)

Horner was charged with burglary with assault or battery, non-forced entry.

Horner’s attorney released a statement stating that his client apologizes for what transpired. 

“He is deeply sorry. What began as a moment of frustration and concern escalated in a way it simply should not have,” the statement reads, in part, according to Gulf Coast News Now. “Gage handled the situation with impressive composure and class and that level-headedness helped prevent things from becoming far worse.”

His attorney wrote that Horner’s business has been “destroyed,” his reputation has been damaged while his wife and mother have been harassed and even threatened, he claimed. 

The statement notes that Horner is a decorated combat veteran who was severely injured in Afghanistan. 

“He served honorably, earned multiple medals, and suffered a traumatic brain injury in combat. He is recognized as 100% disabled by the Department of Veterans Affairs. That’s not an excuse — but it is part of his story. He stood up when this country asked him to, and that service deserves to be respected.”