NICEVILLE, Fla. — A man reported missing after a kayak accident in Boggy Bayou has been found dead, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office said the body of Wessam Bassam Shaer, 32, was recovered around 9:15 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, near Lincoln Park.
According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Shaer went missing late Saturday, Jan. 31, after his kayak reportedly capsized in Boggy Bayou in the area of Lincoln Park.
A witness reportedly observed Mr Shaer capsize his kayak, the sheriff’s office said. The kayak was later located and removed from the water, but he was not with it.
Deputies said a green jacket and beanie believed to belong to Mr Shaer were found at the scene. His clothing description at the time he went missing was otherwise unknown.
An Aqua Alert was issued Saturday night as search efforts continued through the overnight hours.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is now in charge of the investigation.
“Our sincere prayers go out to his family and friends in this tragedy,” the sheriff’s office stated.
