Full Breakdown
Cape Coral Boat Accident Claims Three Lives
12/2/2025, 12:37:56 AM
Incident Overview
On November 29, 2025, a boating accident on the Caloosahatchee River near the Cape Coral Yacht Club resulted in three fatalities and one individual in critical condition. The incident involved a 39-foot MTI 390 powerboat, which flipped around 5 p.m., ejecting all four occupants into the water. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is leading the investigation into the cause of the accident.
Casualties and Recovery Efforts
The deceased have been identified as Brenna Millett, Rebecca Knight, and Craig Millett, with Craig's body recovered on November 30. Neal Kirby, the fourth occupant, remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition. The FWC confirmed that the boat was traveling on the river when it flipped, and preliminary investigations suggest that high speeds and wind conditions may have contributed to the accident.
Response and Investigation
Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Cape Coral Police Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Bradley Johnson, a public information officer for the FWC, noted that the outboard motors appeared to have detached during the incident. Investigators are currently examining the boat, which has been moved to an evidence facility for further analysis.
Community Reaction
The accident has sparked significant discussion within the local boating community, with many expressing their condolences and concerns about boating safety on social media. Comments highlighted the dangers of high-speed boating, particularly during busy holiday weekends. Local residents have called for increased law enforcement presence on the waterways to enhance safety measures.
Official Statements
Bradley Johnson expressed the FWC's condolences to the families affected by the tragedy, stating, "Our thoughts are with them." He emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation, noting, "There’s a lot of information we have to sift through."
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While initial reports indicated two fatalities, subsequent updates confirmed three deaths. There are also discrepancies regarding the speed of the boat at the time of the accident, with witness accounts suggesting it may have been traveling between 75 and 80 mph, although this has not been officially verified.
What's Next
The FWC continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, focusing on factors such as speed, driver identity, and environmental conditions at the time of the incident. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Sad day on the Caloosahatchee River Yesterday evening, a catamaran boat flipped and ejected its four passengers,” — Lee County Marine Emergency Response Team
- “Our thoughts are with them.” — Bradley Johnson, FWC Public Information Officer
- “There’s a lot of information we have to sift through,” — Bradley Johnson, FWC Public Information Officer
This tragic incident underscores the importance of boating safety and the need for ongoing vigilance in the popular recreational waters of Southwest Florida.
