Search continues for missing boater
Officials are continuing their search for a missing boater who was thrown from his vessel after it hit a sandbar off Fort Myers Beach Thursday night.
Deputies with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office were called to the area of Fort Myers Beach near 6200 Estero Boulevard at approximately 7:14 P.M., after one of two boaters managed to swim to shore before receiving assistance from witnesses.
Deputies learned the two men had been traveling 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. Officials reported that they did not know his condition.
The names of the men involved are not being released at this time.
Source: Lee County Sheriff’s Office