Law enforcement agencies across Lee County spent a second day searching the Caloosahatchee River for a missing boater following a deadly vessel flip near the Cape Coral Yacht Club on Saturday evening. The incident, which involved a 38-foot Nor-Tech performance boat, left one person dead and sent three others to the hospital.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed that the crash occurred shortly before sunset around 5 p.m. on Nov. 29. All four occupants were thrown into the water when the vessel overturned. While three were recovered and transported for medical care, one was later pronounced dead. The identity of the missing individual has not yet been released.
A Dangerous Stretch of Water
The crash happened on a busy stretch of river between Cape Coral and Fort Myers, an area that sees heavy traffic—especially on weekends and during Florida’s winter tourism season. Responding agencies included the Cape Coral Police Department, Cape Coral Fire Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and Lee County EMS.
While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, a small craft wind advisory was reportedly in effect at the time. Witnesses on social media also claimed the vessel may have been traveling at high speed—an unconfirmed but widely discussed possibility.
Boating safety experts note that the Caloosahatchee can become unpredictable as winds, tidal changes, and heavy weekend traffic combine to produce significant wakes. The vessel involved, a high-performance Nor-Tech built locally in Cape Coral, is designed for speed—another factor investigators may evaluate.
Community Reacts With Concern and Frustration
Hundreds of residents took to Facebook over the weekend to voice sadness, frustration, and calls for stronger enforcement.
Sandy Yohe Guffey, a frequent boater, wrote that the river grows increasingly hazardous during peak season, adding that “many boats just fly by… The river needs to be patrolled to prevent these accidents and mandate boaters’ courses for all.”
Another resident, Jeanne Sweeney, said her family witnessed unusually fast boating just one day earlier. “So sad… praying for everyone involved,” she wrote.
Others echoed concerns about holiday-weekend congestion. “This is the one reason I stay off the water on holiday weekends,” Alex L. Flor commented.
The comments reflect a longstanding tension in Southwest Florida: a booming boating culture paired with inconsistent safety practices. According to statewide data, Lee County consistently ranks among Florida’s busiest—and riskier—boating regions, particularly between November and April.
Why This Story Matters
The incident underscores recurring concerns about waterway safety as the region’s population grows and seasonal visitors increase river traffic. Local officials have repeatedly raised awareness about operator training, speed limits, and wake etiquette—factors that residents say are too often ignored.
As agencies continue their search for the missing boater, the community is left grappling with grief and renewed debate over how to prevent future tragedies.
This remains a developing story. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
