Authorities are searching for a missing man who fell off a pontoon boat into the Peace River in DeSoto County. The man fell overboard around noon on Sunday, and crews have been searching the area since then. According to the Coast Guard, there were six people on the boat at the time of the incident. The search for the missing man involves multiple agencies, including the Coast Guard, local fire departments, and the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office.
Crews Searching for Man Who Fell Off Pontoon Boat into the Peace River
Crews in Florida are currently searching for a man who fell off a pontoon boat into the Peace River on Sunday. The man, who has not been identified, was reportedly with a group of people when he fell off the boat and disappeared beneath the water.
The Accident
According to reports, the group was out on the Peace River in the afternoon when the accident occurred. The man fell off the boat and was not wearing a life jacket at the time. The other people on the boat attempted to rescue him, but were not able to reach him before he disappeared beneath the water.
The Search
Emergency crews were called to the scene and began searching for the man immediately. They utilized boats and dive teams to search the area where the man was last seen. The search effort continued into the evening but was ultimately called off due to darkness.
On Monday, crews continued the search for the man. They utilized side-scan sonar and other technology to scan the riverbed for any signs of the man. However, the search has been complicated by the murky water conditions and fast-moving currents in the river.
The Importance of Life Jackets
This tragic accident serves as a reminder of the importance of wearing a life jacket while out on the water. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 84% of boaters who drowned in 2019 were not wearing a life jacket. It is important to wear a properly fitting life jacket at all times while on a boat or participating in any water-based activity.
Conclusion
As the search for the man continues, our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his loved ones. We would like to remind everyone to always wear a life jacket while on the water and to exercise caution when boating or participating in other water-based activities. We also commend the brave crew members who are working tirelessly to locate the missing man and bring closure to his family and friends.
