Mark H. Bickel, Stacey Henson and Andrew West, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News
Law enforcement officials from various agencies continued their search today (Nov. 30) for a missing boater on the Caloosahatchee River between Cape Coral and Fort Myers. One person was killed in the crash.
Here's what we know:
WHAT HAPPENED: A boat flipped, sending four people in the waters the Caloosahatchee River off Cape Coral, leaving one dead and one missing Saturday afternoon, Nov. 29.
WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN: Officials report that the crash happened less than an hour before sunset at approximately 5 p.m.
WHERE DID THE CRASH HAPPEN: FWC officials said preliminary information indicates that it was a single vessel. It was traveling on the river near the Cape Coral Yacht Club when the incident occurred.
WHY AND HOW DID THE CRASH HAPPEN: Nothing official on cause yet. It has been reported, but not confirmed, there was a small craft wind advisory posted at the time of the crash. Also, there is speculation on social media posts by witnesses that the boat was traveling at a high speed.
WHO WAS ON THE BOAT? Officials say four people were on the boat. Identities, including where they are from, have not been shared with the media as of this morning. Three of the occupants of the vessel were taken to a hospital where one of them was declared dead, FWC reported.
WHAT TYPE OF BOAT WAS IT: FWC reports it was a 38-foot Nor-Tech, a racing-style vessel. Nor-techs are made in Cape Coral.
WHICH AGENCIES ARE PARTICIPATING IN THE SEARCH: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said they, Cape Coral Police Department, Cape Coral Fire Department, Lee County Sheriff's Office, and Lee County EMS responded.
Cape Coral boat accident: What they are saying
Here are just a few of the hundreds of comments appearing on social media about this incident:
Sandy Yohe Guffey said on Facebook: The river is very dangerous boating on the weekend. We are avid boaters, on the water at least 3 days a week, traveled the river last sat to ft myers beach and there was very little boater courtesy. Our boat is a 26ft with a 300p and get washed out at times, many boats just fly by and no consideration for wakes or you. MM is the worse are with huge wakes from all the boats. Most areas are max speed 25 but very rarely you see anyone going 25. The river needs to be patrolled to prevent these accidents and mandate boaters course for all boaters. Its season so many snowbirds have no clue but just go. Prayers for all involved. Please be safe out there
Jeanne Sweeney said on Facebook: Praying I was with my family boating yesterday and there were some boats going really fast. So sad! Praying for everyone involved and their families.
Deborah Zeis said on Facebook: The water ways aren't even safe on holidays!!!
Alex L. Flor said on Facebook: Thoughts and prayers to anyone hurt. This is the one reason I stay off the water on holiday weekends. Especially now through Easter. Need a little more LE on the waterways to keep order.
Carol Madden said on Facebook: There will be a lot of heartbreak for the loved ones of those involved. Prayers to all this is so sad
This is a breaking story. We will update as information becomes available.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Cape Coral boat crash leaves one person dead, one missing