Search for missing boater moves into recovery status
The search and rescue operation for the boater missing off of Fort Myers Beach is now a recovery operation, officials said late Friday morning.
The missing person has been identified as Paul Taefi, 31, of 27200 Lavinka Street, Bonita Springs. The individual who survived has been identified as Carl Michael Wlodyka, 28, of 27400 Matheson Avenue, Bonita Springs.
Contrary to preliminary information, investigators no longer believe a sandbar was responsible for the accident. Investigators now believe alcohol was the primary factor. Their investigation reveals that Taefi was operating the vessel when Wlodyka fell into the water. Taefi then stopped the vessel and jumped into the water to assist Wlodyka and went missing, officials said.
No additional information was available.
Source: Lee County Sheriff’s Office