Body found in missing canoeist search

UPDATE: A Coast Guard spokesperson tells WINK News a body of a male matching the description of the missing canoeist has been found by searchers with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. His identity has not been released pending notification to next of kin.

EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK, Fla. – The U.S. Coast Guard is searching for a 70-year-old man, who capsized his canoe near Jewell Key.

The Coast Guard received a call at 12:50 p.m., from a member of the Everglades Park Rangers. The caller said one of the men who capsized contacted them and stated he and his friend had tipped the canoe Friday around 4 p.m. The man said he was able to grab onto debris, but his friend floated away. The man said he was able to stay afloat and made it to Jewell Key, where he slept for the night. In the morning, he flagged down a passing boat and contacted authorities.

Both were wearing life jackets at the time. The U.S. Coast Guard, Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife and the National Park Service are all assisting in the search.

Trust WINK News to bring you updates on this story as they become available.