MATLACHA — A man in southwest Florida is receiving not one, not two, but three boats donated to him from complete strangers.
This comes after Christian Monzon lost two of his own boats during Tropical Storm Eta. We were filming two weeks ago when Monzon tried to save one of those boats that crashed into the Matlacha Pass Bridge. That boat was also Monzon's home.
Monzon said he’s grateful that several generous individuals across southwest Florida saw that footage too.
“I lost two boats on this whole deal, but I got three that people are giving me, and like I say, they’re actually nicer boats than what I lost," said Monzon.
We met Monzon Tuesday as he picked up one of those boats from a house in Cape Coral. The homeowner, Henry Albrecht, said it belongs to one of his friends who doesn’t use it anymore.
“We saw the report and got his information... We made contact and he was all too happy to come out and take a look. He was happy with what he found, and they’re taking it home to restore a little bit more, and then have another place to live," said Albrecht.
“It was definitely a blessing for me in many ways. So, I’m overwhelmed by it for sure," said Monzon.
Another man, Captain Jack, also offered his time to help Monzon tow the boat out.
“Generosity is something you find in this whole part of Florida. Matlacha especially, we are a close community," said Captain Jack.
As Captain Jack and Monzon towed the Dolphin Dancer to its new home, Monzon said he still couldn't believe things worked out the way they did.
“It couldn’t be any better outcome than what has been," said Monzon.
Monzon said he plans to live on the boat from Albrecht's house, called the Dolphin Dancer. He also plans to sell one of the boats, and use the third one as a charter boat to take customers sailing.
