Boat overturned near Cape Coral Yacht Club and sent four people into the water
November 29, 2025 | Lee, FL
A tragic boating accident on the Caloosahatchee River claimed the life of Craig Millett and two others, while leaving one survivor in critical condition.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is leading the investigation into the single-vessel overturning that sent four occupants into the water.
Craig Millett died after the MTI 390 powerboat he was on overturned on the Caloosahatchee River, and his body was later found near Redfish Point.
What Happened in the Boating Accident?
The incident unfolded around 5 p.m. on a Saturday when an MTI 390 powerboat, traveling between Cape Coral and Fort Myers near the Cape Coral Yacht Club, suddenly capsized. Authorities noted that the outboard motors detached during the mishap, contributing to the vessel's instability.
- Location: Caloosahatchee River, near Cape Coral Yacht Club and Redfish Point.
- Date and Time: Approximately 5 p.m. on Nov. 29, 2025.
- Vessel Involved: MTI 390 powerboat with four occupants.
- Immediate Aftermath: All four were ejected into the water, and Craig Millett's body was recovered the following day near Redfish Point.
- Casualties: Millett was pronounced dead at the scene, and two others succumbed at the hospital, and one remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition.
Who Responded to the Scene?
Multiple agencies coordinated a swift response to the emergency:
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
- Lee County Sheriff's Office
- Cape Coral Police Department
- Cape Coral Fire Department
- Sanibel Police Department
- Matlacha Fire Department
- Iona McGregor Fire District
- U.S. Coast Guard
The collaborative effort ensured comprehensive search and rescue operations along the river.
Why Do Boating Accidents Like This Occur?
Boating mishaps often stem from factors such as operator error, mechanical failures, or environmental conditions. In this case, the detachment of outboard motors highlights potential maintenance or design issues. The investigation continues to determine the exact cause.
Boating Accident Statistics
According to the United States Coast Guard's 2023 report, recreational boating incidents remain a significant concern. Here's a summary of key data:
Metric |
2023 Figures |
Change from 2022 |
Notes |
|---|
Total Accidents |
3,844 |
-4.9% decrease |
Overall incidents reduced. |
Fatalities |
564 |
-11.3% decrease (from 636) |
Fatality rate: 4.9 per 100,000 vessels (down from 5.4). |
Non-Fatal Injuries |
2,126 |
-4.3% decrease |
Reflects improved safety measures. |
Leading Cause in Fatalities |
Alcohol (17%) |
Not Available |
Contributed to 79 deaths. |
Source: United States Coast Guard Boating Statistics.
These figures underscore the importance of vigilance on the water, with alcohol impairment consistently ranking as a top contributor.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving boating accidents, thorough investigations are crucial for establishing accountability. National legal analysts Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal provide perspective on navigating these complex scenarios.
“An attorney can collect the proper evidence to help prove negligence, which requires a variety of resources,” said Bond. “In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze evidence from the scene, and obtain records of a potentially liable party. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family during this difficult time, protecting their rights, while ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.”
Key takeaways from analyst insights:
- Evidence gathering, including witness statements and mechanical analyses, is essential for negligence claims.
- Families may pursue compensation for loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
- Legal representation ensures updates on investigations and protects rights amid overwhelming grief.
- “The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” Bond added. “We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital.”
Pending the ongoing investigation, affected families may explore wrongful death claims to seek justice.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).