ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and West Manatee Fire Rescue (WMFR) reported a 49-year-old man died late Friday afternoon while swimming near Passage Key.
At 7:39 p.m., the sheriff’s office issued a press release that said, “Manatee County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating a drowning that occurred near Passage Key off Anna Maria Island this afternoon. At approximately 4:30 p.m., deputies received a rescue call for a possible drowning. Two adults were swimming just west of Passage Key near their anchored boat when they encountered a rapidly incoming tide. A large wave caused the victim to go underwater and he did not resurface. The other person contacted 911 and multiple agencies responded.
“West Manatee Fire Rescue located the victim. Fire and Manatee County Emergency Medical Services personnel conducted life-saving measures. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The investigation is ongoing and the victim’s name is not being released currently,” the press release says.
The MCSO press release also says, “The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office reminds boaters and beachgoers to exercise extreme caution around rapidly changing tides, strong currents and breaking waves. Conditions can change quickly, particularly around sandbars and inlets.”
According to the WMFR press release issued earlier Friday evening, “WMFR responded at approximately 4:32 p.m. Friday to a reported drowning near Passage Key. WMFR crews reached a 49-year-old man in the waters near Passage Key and immediately began resuscitation efforts. The patient was transferred to Manatee County EMS at Galati Yacht Sales and transported to Blake Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. WMFR responded with Battalion 1, Engine 131, Fire Boat 136 and Rescue Squad 138. The incident was cleared at approximately 5:39 p.m.”
In the press release, WMFR Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the man’s family and loved ones following this tragic incident.”
The press release said, “The identity of the deceased is not being released by WMFR. Any additional information regarding the circumstances of the incident or the official cause of death will be provided by the appropriate investigating agency.”
