LCSO finds body of missing boater in Caloosahatchee River

Reporter: Anika Henanger
Published: Updated:
Team searches for the missing boater. (WINK News photo)
Team searches for the missing boater. (WINK News photo)

Close to 12:40 a.m. Sunday, it was reported to Lee County Emergency Dispatch Center a boater had gone overboard near the Edison Bridge in Fort Myers.

Multiple law enforcement agencies discovered the boater dead and recovered the body from the Caloosahatchee River close to 7 a.m. Sunday.

“It’s just disheartening to hear something like that happening,” San Schmidt said. “It’s Traumatic to the family the rescuers and anybody involved.”

Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fort Myers Police Department and Lee County Fire Rescue all worked together to search for the missing boater.

“When they stick with it, and they don’t abandon it, I think that’s great,” Schmidt said. “And it’s really a heartwarming feeling.”

Cathy Lee docks in the marina nearby and said she met the boater and their family. The death hits the boating community hard.

“If we have a problem or anything goes on, everybody comes,” Lee said. 

FWC is investigating this incident as a boating accident.

Trust WINK news to update you as more information becomes available. 

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