``It was a parasailing accident, apparently due to harness failure and deteriorating weather conditions,'' Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission spokesman Gary Morse said late Wednesday of the fatal fall just before 1 p.m.

Television station WBBH, the local NBC affiliate, identified the mother as Hope Straney and her daughter as Taylor Straney, and said they were from the Kentucky town of Vine Grove.

Morse told The Associated press late Wednesday he could not confirm the identities of the victims, but said of the names reported: ``That's pretty close.''

He said he could not yet confirm both victims had died, adding: ``I know other media outlets are reporting that that is the case, but I can't confirm that.''

According to witnesses on the beach, strong winds from an approaching storm appeared to play a part in the accident. The captain of the boat hauling the mother and daughter, the Hang 'Em High, was trying to reel the pair back down to the boat when high winds hit.

Other beachgoers said the pair fell into water only about three feet deep. The mother was rushed to Lee Memorial Hospital, while her daughter was taken to another area hospital, but both died, WBBH and the Fort Myers News-Press both reported.