Fort Myers Beach search and rescue mission following Ian comes to an end

The search and rescue mission is over on Fort Myers Beach.

Crews found hundreds of people, and more than 500 residents were rescued, treated, or taken to the hospital.

There were 540 people that stayed on the island during Ian.

Fort Myers Beach Fire Chief Ron Martin said that 14 people did not survive and they are comparing searching through the debris and rubble to their own version of 9/11.

“So finally the island remains in a much of an unsafe environment. Just yesterday we worked on three trauma calls from recovery injuries that required hospitalization. Please keep safety a priority if you are working to clean up your properties, that includes avoiding contact with potentially hazardous water sources, and practicing safe generator use which includes having a carbon monoxide alarm,” Martin said.