TRAGEDY AT THE SKYWAY: MISSING BOATER FOUND DEAD IN ST. PETERSBURG

“A Family Outing Ends in Heartbreak: 63-Year-Old Recovered After Falling from Moving Vessel”

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — A “shining light” within a local family has been extinguished following a fatal accident in the waters of Tampa Bay. On Sunday afternoon, April 12, 2026, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) Dive Team recovered the body of 63-year-old Tony Le, who had gone missing the previous day.

The Incident: Saturday, April 11, 2026

The emergency began on Saturday morning during what appeared to be a calm day on the water.

• The Disappearance: At approximately 11:35 AM, deputies responded to a call for service near 6701 Sunshine Skyway Lane South. Reports indicated that Le had fallen into the water from a boat near channel marker 18.

• The Final Moments: Detectives learned that Le was boating with his family and was sitting at the rear of the vessel while it cruised at approximately 10 miles per hour.

• The Rescue Attempt: Upon realizing he had fallen overboard, his family immediately turned the boat around and entered the water to find him. Several nearby boaters also jumped in to assist, but Le never resurfaced.

The Search and Recovery

A massive multi-agency search was launched, involving the U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC), and local Fire Rescue units.

• Safety Equipment: Investigators noted that while Le had been wearing a life jacket when the trip began, evidence suggests he may have removed it shortly before falling into the water.

• The Discovery: After pausing search efforts overnight due to darkness, recovery dives resumed Sunday morning. At 3:27 PM on Sunday, divers located Le’s body at a depth of approximately 19 feet in the channel south of Maximo Park.

• Status: Authorities have characterized the death as an “accidental” drowning. No foul play is suspected, though the investigation remains technically open.

A Community and Family in Mourning

The “unexplained” nature of how a routine cruise could turn deadly in a matter of seconds has left the local boating community in shock. Family members, who were present during the accident, are receiving support as they process the “senseless” loss of their loved one.

Boating Safety Reminders

In light of this tragedy, officials are highlighting several critical safety points:

1. Life Jacket Use: Always keep life jackets securely fastened while the vessel is in motion, regardless of swimming ability or medical history.

2. Seating Safety: Avoid sitting on the edges or rear of a boat while it is cruising at speed, as a sudden wake or shift can easily cause a passenger to lose their balance.

3. Vigilance: Keep a designated “spotter” at all times to monitor passengers, especially those with medical impairments or mobility issues.

How You Can Support

The family has asked for privacy as they begin to make funeral arrangements. Those wishing to honor Tony Le’s memory are encouraged to:

• Support Water Safety: Consider a donation to local maritime rescue units or boating safety education programs.

• Respect the Family: Refrain from speculation on social media as the family navigates this incredibly difficult period.

In Loving Memory: We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Tony Le. May his memory remain a “shining light” for those who knew him, and may his family find peace in the wake of this tragedy.

If you or someone you know has been affected by a water-related tragedy, grief support resources are available through Pinellas County Health and Human Services.