Search still on for missing boater
On Thursday, May 27, at approximately 7:14 p.m., deputies with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Fort Myers Beach near 6200 Estero Blvd., in reference to two distressed boaters. When deputies arrived on scene, they met with witnesses and one of the two boaters, who managed to swim to shore before receiving assistance from witnesses. Deputies learned the two men had been traveling together in a 20 foot watercraft when they hit a sandbar about a half mile from the shoreline and fell overboard.
Multiple agencies have responded to take part in an extensive search and rescue operation to locate the second individual. He has been identified as a white male in his early to mid 20’s, 6’0″, wearing white shorts. The search currently covers the area north of 6200 Estero Boulevard to Big Carlos Pass. Rescue personnel are combing the area by water, land and air.
The man who swam to shore was conscious and breathing when deputies arrived on scene. He has been transported to a local hospital. His condition is unknown.
The names of the men involved are not being released at this time.
As of Friday morning at 8:30 a.m., there was no new information. Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, the lead agency on the search, and the U.S. Coast Guard resumed the search after sunrise and are still looking for the second boater.