The body of man believed to be a missing San Carlos Island resident was found washed ashore Tuesday morning north of the Lee County pier by Lynn Hall Park on Fort Myers Beach.
Officials believe the body is that of a man who told his girlfriend he was going to swim to shore after the fishing boat he was on ran aground on a sand bar a half mile off of Bowditch Point Monday night.
The woman notified the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Station.
Local Coast Guard officials had already received the distress call, and a search-and-rescue mission involving the members of the local station, U.S. Coast Guard aviation from Tampa as well as several fire departments, Lee County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit and Aviation Team was conducted Monday evening.
“The body washed up was discovered by a county worker at approximately 6 a.m.,” said Lee County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Tony Schall.
The man’s name has not been released.