Man found washed up on Beach is identified as missing shrimper
A body discovered washed ashore in Fort Myers Beach has been identified as Michael Hayes, age 42, of 800 San Carlos Drive on San Carlos Island. Hayes was reported missing Monday night after he called and told his girlfriend that his fishing vessel was stuck on a sandbar off Bowditch Point and that he was going to swim ashore.
After driving to Bowditch Point and seeing no sign of Hayes, the girlfriend drove to the U.S. Coast Guard Station located on San Carlos Drive and reported the incident.
The U.S. Coast Guard, Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Fort Myers Beach Fire District participated in a ground and air search for Hayes but were unable to locate him in the darkness.
Hayes was discovered in the Lynn Hall Park area of Fort Myers Beach at approximately 6 a.m. on Tuesday, by a county worker.
The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death.