Public Safety

Body of missing kayaker recovered in Okaloosa County

Wessam Bassam Shaer, 32, went missing Saturday after a witness observed his kayak capsize near Lincoln Park in Valparaiso.

Jared Williams

The body of a kayaker who went missing in Boggy Bayou on Saturday was recovered Sunday morning, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office reported.

Wessam Bassam Shaer, 32, was recovered around 9:15 a.m. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is leading the investigation.

Shaer went missing Saturday near Lincoln Park in Valparaiso after a witness observed his kayak capsize, according to an Aqua Alert issued by the Sheriff’s Office. His kayak was located and removed from the water, but Shaer was not with it. His green jacket and beanie were also recovered.

“We are terribly saddened to report Wessam’s body was recovered this morning,” the Sheriff’s Office stated. “Our sincere prayers go out to his family and friends in this tragedy.”

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RMunk commented on Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office tops 380 spring break citations with weeks still to go

“Haha, I've seen them (OCSO) do this. Group of kids at a beach house. Truck bed full of beer, pouring it all out in the front yard. The demoralizing factor...”

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Barbara commented on Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office tops 380 spring break citations with weeks still to go

“There speeding through lights like mad. Racetrack and heading into Shalimar. They need tickets .”

JD Cameron commented on Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office tops 380 spring break citations with weeks still to go

“That’s right! Once they have killed someone while driving drunk they are fair game. Until then they are just goofing off, so leave them alone”

Woods Curle commented on Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office tops 380 spring break citations with weeks still to go

“Leave the spring breakers alone, unless they are drunk, rowdy and causing trouble. It's a spring tradition that helps young people learn to interact with strangers”

John Montesanti commented on City of Fort Walton Beach to begin all-day speed cameras in school zones starting April 1

“Cash cow for all involved”

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Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: March 23, 2026

“49 seconds”

Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: March 19, 2026

“????? plane?????”

Sodamnlucky58 commented on Okaloosa County explores paid parking at beaches, parks and boat ramps for non-county residents

“And every condo on OI with a parking lot will be inundated with “free parkers”. How will the county reimburse us for our enforcement of their laws?”

Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: March 18, 2026

“10 min 49 sec.....”