FWC: Body of missing boater found in Myakka River

MYAKKA CITY, Fla. (FOX 13) - A trip along the Myakka River ended in tragedy after a boat carrying a man and his two grandchildren capsized, resulting in the man's death.

Crews from multiple agencies searched for the man's body most of the day Thursday, but Florida Fish and Wildlife officers said his body was recovered Thursday night.

Another boater found the two children on a sandbar, near the Myakka State Forrest close to North Port, around 10:24 a.m., and called 911.

Deputies responded and began searching for the grandfather. As the search started, at least four neighbors, off of Caloosa Drive in North Port, started helping immediately.

Deputies from both Sarasota and Charlotte counties were also assisting.

The part of the Myakka River where the boat capsized is relatively shallow, but the water is typically murky and there are areas that can drop to 15 feet deep, according to neighbors.

Law enforcement officers have not publicly identified the deceased. The children were not harmed in the incident.